EP4067610A1

EP4067610A1 - Door opening-closing device

Info

Publication number: EP4067610A1
Application number: EP22153174.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Genta Sakaki
Original assignee: Nabtesco Corp
Current assignee: Nabtesco Corp
Priority date: 2021-04-01
Filing date: 2022-01-25
Publication date: 2022-10-05
Anticipated expiration: 2042-01-25
Also published as: EP4067610B1; CN115195795A; JP2022158215A

Abstract

A door opening-closing device in one embodiment of the invention includes: a reducer (31) with an output shaft (30) that outputs a rotational force; a drive pulley (33) with a drive shaft 33a that receives the rotational force of the output shaft (30) to move a door to open and close; a rod (62) coupled to a latch for unlocking the door; and a transmission mechanism (100) transmitting the output of the output shaft (30) to the rod (62) and the drive pulley (33). The transmission mechanism (100) includes: a female screw (101) that is rotatable about the output shaft (30) and coupled to the output shaft (30) such that it is movable in an axial direction along the output shaft (30); a male screw (102) coupled to the drive shaft (33a) such that it is rotatable about the drive shaft (33a); and a transmission member (103) transmits, to the rod (62), a forward movement force of the female screw (101) that receives the rotational force of the output shaft (30) while meshing with the male screw (102) to operate the latch (9) when the door (2) is in a fully close position.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a door opening-closing device.

BACKGROUND

Conventionally door opening-closing devices for moving doors to open and close are known. For example, Patent Literature 1 describes a configuration including a fixed beam fixed to a frame, a movable beam to which a door is connected and that is movable horizontally with respect to the fixed beam, and a motor fixed to the movable beam for moving the door. The motor extends in the horizontal direction. A housing of the motor (drive cam) has a slot into which a pin fixed to the fixed beam fits. The slot is formed in a spiral along the periphery of the housing. When the door is locked, the pin fixed to the fixed beam is held in place in the slot by an elastic force of a spring.

RELEVANT REFERENCES

LIST OF RELEVANT PATENT LITERATURE

Patent Literature 1: International Publication No. WO 2014/154964 .

SUMMARY

However, this configuration where the pin that fits into the slot is provided and the motor itself rotates to lock the door by the pin fitting into the slot limits the degree of freedom in selecting and placing the motor. There is room for improvement in increasing the degree of freedom in selecting and placing the motor (drive source).
The present invention is intended to overcome the above drawback, and one object thereof is to provide a door opening-closing device in which the degree of freedom in selecting and arranging the drive source can be increased.

(1) A door opening-closing device according to one aspect of the invention includes: a drive body having an output shaft that outputs a rotational force transmitted from a drive source; a rotating body having a rotary shaft for receiving the rotational force of the output shaft to move the door to open and close; a coupling member coupled to an unlocking portion for unlocking the door; and a transmission mechanism capable of transmitting the output of the output shaft to the coupling member and the rotating body. The transmission mechanism includes two screw members, which are male and female screws. One of the two screw members is rotatable about the output shaft and coupled to the output shaft such that it is movable in the axial direction along the output shaft, and the other of the two screw members coupled to the rotary shaft such that it is rotatable on the rotary shaft. The transmission mechanism further includes a transmission member that transmits, to the coupling member, the forward movement force of the one of the two screw members that is moved by receiving the rotational force of the output shaft while meshing with the other of the two screw members, to operate the unlocking portion when the door is in the fully close position. The transmission mechanism transmits the rotation of the output shaft to the rotary shaft via the one and the other of the two screw members to open the door after the door is unlocked by the unlocking portion.
In this configuration, the forward moving force of the one of the two screw members is transmitted to the unlocking portion via the transmission member and the coupling member to unlock the door. After the door is unlocked by the unlocking portion, the rotation of the output shaft is transmitted to the rotary shaft via the one and the other of the two screw members. In this way, the door can be moved to open, and it is not necessary to contrive something for the drive source. Therefore, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in selecting the drive source and where to dispose the drive source.
(2) In the door opening-closing device described in the above (1), the transmission member may convert a force of the one of the two screw members moving in the axial direction into a force in a rotational direction about the output shaft and transmits the force in the rotational direction to the coupling member.
(3) In the door opening-closing device described in the above (2), the transmission mechanism may further include a fixing pin immovably fixed. The transmission member may be coupled to the one of the two screw members such that it is rotatable on the output shaft relative to the one of the two screw members. The transmission member may have an opening that extends in and is inclined with respect to the axial direction. The fixing pin may be fitted in the opening. The one of the two screw members may move forward in the axial direction to push the transmission member and the transmission member may rotate relative to the one of the two screw members, thereby the force of the one of the two screw members moving in the axial direction is converted into the force in the rotational direction about the output shaft.
(4) In the door opening-closing device of any one of the above (1) to (3), the transmission member may be coupled to the one of the two screw members via a bearing such that it is rotatable relative to the one of the two screw members. The one of the two screw members may have a pressing portion that pushes the bearing when the one of the two screw members moves forward in the axial direction.
(5) In the door opening-closing device of any one of the above (1) to (4), the rotary shaft may be a drive shaft of a drive pulley that drives a belt to move the door to open and close. After the door is unlocked, when the one of the two screw members contacts the drive pulley and becomes unable to move forward anymore, the rotation of the output shaft may be transmitted to the drive shaft via the one and the other of the two screw members and rotation of the drive shaft is transmitted to the belt to move the door to open.
(6) In the door opening-closing device of any one of the above (1) to (5), the coupling member may include a cylinder coupled to the unlocking portion and a piston coupled to the transmission member. The piston may be connected to an elastic member that applies an elastic force to the piston. The piston may move against the elastic force and contacts the cylinder, and the cylinder and the piston may then move together by a predetermined amount or more to unlock the door.
(7) In the door opening-closing device of any one of the above (1) to (6), the rotary shaft may be a drive shaft of a drive pulley that drives a belt to move the door to open and close. The output shaft may rotate reversely from when the door is moved to open, once the one of the two screw members may move in a direction opposite to the forward movement direction and contacts the drive body, the reverse rotation of the output shaft may be transmitted to the drive shaft via the one and the other of the two screw members, thereby the rotation of the drive shaft in the direction opposite to that of when the door is moved to open is transmitted to the belt, and thus the door is moved to close.
(8) In the door opening-closing device of any one of the above (1) to (7), the rotary shaft may rotate coaxially with the output shaft. The one of the two screw members may the female screw that rotates coaxially with the output shaft. The other of the two screw members may be the male screw that rotates coaxially with the output shaft.
(9) A door opening-closing device according to another aspect of the invention includes: a drive body having an output shaft that outputs a rotational force transmitted from a drive source; a rotating body having a rotary shaft for receiving the rotational force of the output shaft to move the door to open and close; a coupling member coupled to an unlocking portion for unlocking the door; and a transmission mechanism transmitting the output of the output shaft to the coupling member and the rotating body. The transmission mechanism includes two screw members, which are male and female screws. One of the screw members is rotatable about the output shaft and coupled to the output shaft, and the other of the two screw members is rotatable about the rotary shaft and coupled to the rotary shaft such that it is movable in the axial direction along the rotary shaft. The transmission mechanism further includes a transmission member that transmits, to the coupling member, the forward movement force of the other of the two screw members that is moved by receiving the rotational force of the output shaft while meshing with the one of the two screw members, to operate the unlocking portion when the door is in the fully close position. The transmission mechanism is configured to transmit the rotation of the output shaft to the rotary shaft via the one and the other of the two screw members to open the door after the door is unlocked by the unlocking portion.

In this configuration, the forward moving force of the other of the screw members is transmitted to the unlocking portion via the transmission member and the coupling member to unlock the door. After the door is unlocked by the unlocking portion, the rotation of the output shaft is transmitted to the rotary shaft via the one and the other of the two screw members, and thereby the door is moved to open. Thus, it is not necessary to contrive something for the drive source. Therefore, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in selecting the drive source and where to dispose the drive source.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS

According to the aspects of the invention, it is possible to provide a door opening-closing device in which the degree of freedom in selecting and arranging the drive source can be increased.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a door opening-closing device according to a first embodiment.
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a locking mechanism and other components therearound according to the first embodiment.
Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing an area including a rotating member and a supporting member of the first embodiment.
Fig. 4 illustrates an operation of a restraining member of the first embodiment.
Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a transmission mechanism and other components therearound according to the first embodiment, including a section of the transmission mechanism cut in the YZ plane.
Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the transmission mechanism and other components therearound according to the first embodiment, including a section of the transmission mechanism cut in the XY plane.
Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a fixing pin and other components therearound according to the first embodiment.
Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a rod and other components therearound according to the first embodiment.
Fig. 9 a perspective view to illustrate operation of the transmission mechanism according to the first embodiment.
Fig. 10 another perspective view to illustrate the operation of the transmission mechanism according to the first embodiment.
Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the transmission mechanism and other components therearound according to a second embodiment, including a section of the transmission mechanism cut in the XY plane.
Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a fixing pin and other components therearound according to the second embodiment.
Fig. 13 illustrates the arrangement of an output shaft and rotary shaft shaft of a modification example of the embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the attached drawings. The following description of the embodiments will be based on an example of a door opening-closing device including a pair of door leaves of a double door for opening and closing a doorway of a railway vehicle (vehicle). In the following description, terms such as "parallel," "orthogonal," "center" and "coaxial" describe relative or absolute positions. These terms are not only strictly used but also allow some tolerances and relative differences in angle and distance as long as the same effects can be still produced. In the drawings used for the following description, members are shown to different scales into recognizable sizes.

First Embodiment

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a door opening-closing device according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, a door opening-closing device 1 includes a pair of doors 2, a stationary base 3, a slidable base 4, a guide rail 5 (see Fig. 2), a drive source 6, and a restraining member 7, and a locking mechanism 8. In Fig. 1, the doors 2 are indicated by the two-dot chain line. Fig. 1 shows a state where the doors 2 are fully closed.
In the following description, an orthogonal coordinate system having X, Y, and Z axes will be used as necessary. The X direction coincides with the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The Y direction coincides with the width direction of the vehicle. The Z direction is orthogonal to the X and Y directions and indicates the height direction (gravitational direction) of the vehicle. The following description is made with the arrows shown in the drawings indicating the X, Y and Z directions and the head side and the tail side respectively indicating the positive (+) side and the negative (-) side. Accordingly, the outside and the inside in the width direction are respectively denoted as the +Y side and the -Y side. The upper side and the lower side in the gravitational direction are respectively denoted as the +Z side and the -Z side.
The door opening-closing device 1 supports the doors 2 such that the external surface of the doors 2 are flush with the external surface of the vehicle side wall when the doors 2 are fully closed. The doors 2 each include a door leaf 10 and a door hunger 11 coupled to the door leaf 10. The doors 2 are attached to the slidable base 4. The door hungers 11 are supported by the slidable base 4 such that the door hungers 11 are movable in the front-rear direction (X direction) relative to the slidable base 4.
The stationary base 3 is fixedly attached to the body of the vehicle. The body forms the framework of the vehicle. The stationary base 3 is positioned above a doorway 15 of the vehicle. The stationary base 3 extends in the front-rear direction crossing over the upper edge of the entrance/exit 15. Rail bases 9 extending in the width direction are coupled to the front and rear ends of the stationary base 3.
The slidable base 4 is slidable in the width direction relative to the stationary base 3 with the driving force from the drive source 6, thereby moving the doors 2 in the width direction. The slidable base 4 is positioned below the stationary base 3. The slidable base 4 extends in the front-rear direction along the upper edge of the entrance/exit 15. The front and rear ends of the slidable base 4 are movable in the width direction along the rail bases 9.
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a locking mechanism and other components therearound according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing an area including a rotating member and a supporting member of the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the guide rail 5 defines an opening-closing path 20 of the doors 2 for opening and closing the vehicle's entrance/exit 15 (see Fig. 1). The guide rail 5 is provided above the entrance/exit 15. The guide rail 5 is supported by the fixed base 3 (see Fig. 1). The guide rail 5 is attached to the fixed base 3 with a plurality of bolts or other fastening members.
The opening-closing path 20 is divided into a linear portion 21 extending along the front-rear direction and an inclined portion 22 inclined relative to the linear portion 21. A connecting portion 23 between the linear portion 21 and the inclined portion 22 is curved into an arc shape. In Fig. 2, a part of the linear portion 21 is shown in the chain double-dashed line.
The drive source 6 is configured to output the driving force to move the doors 2. For example, the drive source 6 is a motor. The output shaft of the motor rotates around an axis extending along the front-rear direction. For example, the output shaft of the motor is rotatable in two opposite directions (in positive and negative directions) around the axis extending along the front-rear direction. The drive source 6 is connected to a movable power source cable 29 or, a cableveyor (registered trademark). The drive source 6 is supported by the slidable base 4 via a transmission mechanism or the like. The drive source 6 is movable in the width direction as the slidable base 4 moves in the width direction.
Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a transmission mechanism and other components therearound according to the first embodiment, including a section of the transmission mechanism cut in the YZ plane. As shown in Fig. 5, the door opening-closing device 1 includes: a reducer 31 (an example of a drive body) with an output shaft 30 that outputs a rotational force transmitted from the drive source 6 (see Fig. 1); a drive pulley 33 (an example of a rotating body) with a drive shaft 33a (an example of a rotary shaft) that receives the rotational force of the output shaft 30 to open and close the door; a rod 62 (an example of a coupling member, see Fig. 1) coupled to a latch 9 (an example of an unlocking portion, see Fig. 2) for unlocking the door 2; and a transmission mechanism 100 transmitting the output of the output shaft 30 to the rod 62 and the drive pulley 33.
As shown in Fig. 1, the reducer 31 decelerates the drive power from the drive source 6 and outputs it. The reducer 31 also serves as a power conversion mechanism that changes the direction of the drive power from the drive source 6. The reducer 31 converts the rotation of the output shaft of the motor around the axis extending along the front-rear direction into rotation around the axis extending along the width direction. As shown in Fig. 5, the reducer 31 is connected to the slidable base 4 via a bracket 80.
The drive shaft 33a rotates on the same axis as the output shaft 30. The drive pulley 33 is rotatable on an axis line extending in the width direction coaxially with the output shaft 30. The drive pulley 33 is provided in a -X side portion of the slide base 4. The drive pulley 33 is rotatably coupled to the slide base 4 via a bearing 82 and a bracket 83 such that it rotates on the axis extending in the width direction coaxially with the output shaft 30.
As shown in Fig. 1, a driven pulley 34 is provided on the slide base 4 opposite to the drive pulley 33 in the front-rear direction (i.e., in a +X side portion of the slide base). The driven pulley 34 is rotatable on an axis parallel to the drive axis of the drive pulley 33 (an axis extending in the width direction).
The drive pulley 33 and the driven pulley 34 are coupled to each other by a belt 32 for opening and closing the door 2. The belt 32 moves (rotates) around the drive pulley 33 and the driven pulley 34 in conjunction with the rotation of drive pulley 33. The belt 32 is connected to the door hungers 11. Thus, the door hungers 11 move in the front-rear direction as the belt 32 moves. A coupling member 35 is attached to the belt 32 and movable as the belt 32 moves. As shown in Fig. 3, the rotating member 36 and the supporting member 37 are supported by the coupling member 35.
For example, the rotating member 36 is a roller that rolls along the opening-closing path 20. The rotating member 36 moves along with the door 2 (see Fig. 1) with the driving force from the drive source 6 (see Fig. 1). The rotating member 36 rolls along the opening-closing path (not shown) of the doors 2 while being guided along a guide rail (not shown), when the doors 2 open and close. The rotating member 36 is rotatably connected to the coupling member 35 about an axis extending in the height direction. The shape of the rotating member 36 is circular when viewed from the height direction.
As shown in Fig. 1, from among the doors 2, the door 2 on the -X side is connected, via the door hunger 11, to the upper portion of the belt 32 together with the coupling member 35. The door 2 on the +X side is connected, via the door hunger 11, to the lower portion of the belt 32. As described above, the belt 32 goes around the drive pulley 33 and the driven pulley 34, which are spaced away from each other in the front-rear direction. Thus, the upper and lower portions of the belt 32 move oppositely in the front-rear direction. Accordingly, as the belt 32 moves, the -X-side door 2 and the coupling member 35 move oppositely to the +X-side door 2 in the front-rear direction.
The doors 2 move from the fully close position shown in Fig. 1 (where the external surface of the vehicle body side wall is flush with the external surface of the doors 2) to the fully open position, as the driving force from the drive source 6 is transmitted to the belt 32 and then the door hunger 11 and the coupling member 35 coupled by the belt 32 move. At the fully open position, the doors 2 open (fully open) the entrance/exit 15 and are positioned outside the vehicle. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the -X-side door 2 first moves from the fully close position outwardly in the width direction (specifically, including moving obliquely with respect to the width direction) and subsequently moves linearly in the -X direction, to reach the fully open position. The +X-side door 2 first moves from the fully close position outwardly in the width direction (specifically, including moving obliquely with respect to the width direction) and subsequently moves linearly in the +X direction, to reach the fully open position.
In the above description, the door opening-closing device includes the belt 32 as described above. However, the present invention is not limited to such a belt type device. For example, the door drive system may be a so-called screw system or a so-called rack and pinion system, and may be changed as needed to meet required specifications. In the screw system, a motor rotates a screw shaft which corresponds to a bolt to open and close a door attached to a ball nut which corresponds to a nut. In the rack and pinion system, a motor rotates a pinion of the rack and pinion mechanism to open and close a door attached to a rack rail.
As shown in Fig. 3, the supporting member 37 extends in the upper direction from the coupling member 35. For example, the supporting member 37 is a pin that extends in the height direction. The supporting member 37 moves along with the door 2 (see Fig. 1) with the driving force from the drive source 6 (see Fig. 1). The supporting member 37 is disposed separately from the rotating member 36 such that it does not contact the guide rail 5 when the doors 2 are opened and closed.
The restraining member 7 restrains the rotating member 36 in the fully close position of the doors 2 (see Fig. 1). The restraining member 7 is displaced in the height direction relative to the guide rail 5. The restraining member 7 is provided below the guide rail 5. The restraining member 7 is rotatable about a shaft 39 extending in the height direction.
An upper portion of the shaft 39 is fixed to the guide rail 5. As shown in Fig. 2, a torsion spring 40 (elastic member) is wound around the shaft 39. The position where the door is not restrained is hereinafter referred to as an "unrestraining position" and the position where the rotating member 36 is restrained in the fully close position of the door is referred to as the "restraining position". The restraining position coincides with the fully close position of the doors 2. The position of the restraining member 7 shown in Figs. 1 to 3 and the position of the restraining member 7 shown in the solid line in Fig. 4 are in the restraining position. The restraining member 7 shown in the chain double-dashed line in Fig. 4 is in the unrestraining position. The torsion spring 40 applies an elastic force to the restraining member 7 such that the restraining member 7 is held in the unrestraining position (the position shown in the chain double-dashed line in Fig. 4).
The restraining member 7 is held in the unrestraining position (the position shown in the chain double-dashed line in Fig. 4) with the elastic force from the torsion spring 40 when no external force is applied. The direction in which the door 2 closes is hereinafter referred to as the "closing direction".
The closing direction herein refers to a direction in which the door 2 moves from the fully open position to the fully close position. When the door 2 moves from the fully open position to be closed, it initially moves straight along the front-rear direction and subsequently moves inward in the width direction (more specifically, the move includes moving obliquely in the width direction). The direction in which the door 2 moves changes between the beginning and the end of the door movement in the closing direction. In the accompanying drawings, the direction in which the -X side-door among the pair of doors 2 is closed is shown in the arrow Vc direction (specifically, the component along the front-rear direction of the closing direction) as the closing direction.
The restraining member 7 is pushed by the rotating member 36 that moves in the closing direction Vc along the opening-closing path 20, and is moved from the unrestraining position (the position shown in the chain double-dashed line in Fig. 4) to the restraining position (the position shown in the solid line in Fig. 4).
As shown in Fig. 2, the restraining member 7 has a first arm 41 and a second arm 42 arranged in the closing direction Vc. The first arm 41 and the second arm 42 are connected such that they together form a U-shape when viewed from the height direction. When the restraining member 7 is in the unrestraining position (the position shown in the chain double-dashed line in Fig. 4), the first arm 41 does not cross the opening-closing path 20 but the second arm 42 crosses the opening-closing path 20. When the restraining member 7 is in the restraining position (the position shown in the solid line in Fig. 4), the first arm 41 and second arm 42 cross the opening-closing path 20.
As shown in Fig. 4, when the restraining member 7 is situated in the unrestraining position, the first arm 41 is disposed in a position avoiding the opening-closing path 20 (the position shown in the chain double-dashed line in Fig. 4). When the restraining member 7 is in the unrestraining position, the +Y end of the first arm 41 is disposed on the -Y side such that it does not overlap the opening-closing path 20. The first arm 41 has the restraining wall 41 that inclines toward the closing direction Vc as viewed from the height direction when the restraining member 7 is in the unrestraining position. The restraining wall 43 restrains the supporting member 37 (see Fig. 3) in the position where the door 2 is fully closed. The restraining wall 43 forms an internal surface of the groove 44 formed in the first arm 41.
The second arm 42 is disposed away from the first arm 41 in the closing direction Vc. The second arm 42 has a first surface 45 arranged orthogonal to the inclined portion 22 when the restraining member 7 is in the unrestraining position (the position shown in the chain double-dashed line in Fig. 4), and a second surface 46 arranged orthogonal to the inclined portion 22 when the restraining member 7 is in the restraining position (the position shown in the solid line in Fig. 4).
The first surface 45 is connected to the second surface 46 such that it inclines toward the +X side when viewed from the height direction. The first surface 45 crosses the +Y side of the inclined portion 22 (the portion where the second surface 46 does not cross) when the restraining member 7 is in the unrestrained position (the position shown in the chain double-dashed line in Fig. 4). The first surface 45 does not intersect the inclined portion 22 when the restraining member 7 is in the restraining position (the position shown in the solid line in Fig. 4). When the restraining member 7 is situated in the restraining position, the first surface 45 is disposed such that it does not overlap the inclined portion 22 on the +X side.
The second surface 46 defines an inner surface of a U-shaped opening 47 formed in the restraining member 7. The second surface 46 crosses the -Y side of the inclined portion 22 (the portion that the first surface 45 does not cross) when the restraining member 7 is in the unrestraining position (the position shown in the chain double-dashed line in Fig. 4). The second surface 46 crosses the entire inclined portion 22 when the restraining member 7 is in the restraining position (the position shown in the solid line in Fig. 4).
The restraining member 7 includes a retained portion 48 that is retained by the locking mechanism 8. The retained portion 48 is provided on the opposite side of the shaft 39 to the restraining portion that restrains the rotating member 36 (e.g., the portion where the second arm 42 is provided). The restrained portion 48 extends along a direction orthogonal to the shaft 39 as viewed from the height direction. The retained portion 48 extends from a portion closer to the shaft 39 toward the -X side when the restraining member 7 is in the restraining position (the position shown in the solid line in Fig. 4). The retained portion 48 is formed as a part of the restraining member 7 such that they together form a single body.
The restraining member 7 has a pushing member 50 that pushes a switch 51 when the restraining member 7 is in the restraining position. For example, the switch 51 is provided for detecting that the door 2 is locked in the fully close position. The pushing member 50 is provided on the closing direction Vc side of the shaft 39. The pushing member 50 is provided on the opposite side to the retained portion 48 with respect to the shaft 39.
The pushing member 50 is detachably attached to the restraining member 7. The pushing member 50 has an elongate hole 52 along the rotational direction of the restraining member 7 (the circumferential direction of the shaft 39). The pushing member 50 is attached to the restraining member 7 by two or more bolts 53 (for example, two bolts in this embodiment) arranged along the elongate hole 52.
The locking mechanism 8 retains the restraining member 7 in the restraining position (the position shown in the solid line in Fig. 4). As shown in Fig. 2, the locking mechanism 8 has a lever 59 that pivots with the driving force from the drive source 6 (see Fig. 1). The lever 59 is connected to the drive source 6 via a link mechanism 60 that includes the arm 61 and rod 62 (see Fig. 1).
When the restraining member 7 moves to the restraining position, the lever 59 is pushed by the retained portion 48 of the restraining member 7 (specifically, the portion extending upward from the tip of the retained portion 48). The lever 59 is moved in the direction indicated by the arrow Lm in Fig. 2. Then, a latch 9 disposed in the locking mechanism 8 is locked, and the retained portion 48 of the restraining member 7 is supported by the lever 59. As a result, the rotating member 36 and the supporting member 37 are restrained by the restraining member 7. Thus, the door is locked (locked state).
When the arm 61 is pulled with the driving force from the drive source 6, the latch 9 in the locking mechanism 8 is unlocked, and the lever 59 moves in the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow Lm in Fig. 2. Consequently, the retained portion 48 of the restraining member 7 is released from the support by the lever 59. Then, the elastic force (restoring force) of the torsion spring 40 causes the restraining member 7 to return to the unrestraining position (the position shown in the chain double-dashed line in Fig. 4). Thus, the rotating member 36 and the supporting member 37 are released from the restraint by the restraining member 7, and the door 2 is unlocked (unlocked state).
Fig. 4 illustrates an operation of the restraining member 7 of the first embodiment. In Fig. 4, the restraining member 7 in the restraining position is shown with the solid line, and the restraining member 7 in the unrestraining position is shown with the chain double-dashed line. The elastic force by the torsion spring 40 is constantly applied to the restraining member 7. Therefore, when no external force is applied to the restraining member 7, the restraining member is held in the unrestraining position (the position shown in the chain double-dashed line in Fig. 4). When the restraining member 7 is in the unrestraining position, the rotating member 36 and the supporting member 37 are configured to be movable together with the door 2 with the driving force from the drive source 6 (see Fig. 1).
The rotating member 36 (see Fig. 3) rolls along the opening-closing path (not shown) of the door 2 while being guided along the guide rail 5 when the door 2 opens or closes. Specifically, when the door 2 closes from the fully open position, the rotating member 36 first moves linearly along the linear portion 21 (see Fig. 2) and then moves inwardly in the width direction (specifically, the move includes obliquely moving in the width direction) along the inclined portion 22. The direction in which the rotating member 36 moves changes between the beginning and the end of the door movement in the closing direction. Whereas the supporting member 37 (see Fig. 3) moves along a path that is situated apart from and below the opening-closing path 20 such that the supporting member 37 does not contact the guide rail 5 when the door opens and closes.
When the rotating member 36 moves in the closing direction Vc along the opening-closing path 20, the rotating member 36 first contacts the second arm 42 (the second arm 42 shown in the chain double-dashed line in Fig. 4) that crosses the opening-closing path 20. When the rotating member 36 moves further in the closing direction Vc along the opening-closing path 20, the rotating member 36 pushes the second arm 42 in the closing direction Vc against the elastic force of the torsion spring 40. As the second arm 42 is pushed to the closing direction Vc by the rotating member 36, the restraining member 7 moves (rotates) from the unrestraining position (the position shown in the chain double-dashed line in Fig. 4) to the restraining position (the position shown in the solid line in Fig. 4).
The restraining member 7 moves to the restraining position (the position shown in the solid line in Fig. 4), and then the retained portion 48 of the restraining member 7 pushes the lever 59. The lever 59 is moved in the direction indicated by the arrow Lm in Fig. 2. This causes the latch 9 to be locked in the locking mechanism 8. When the latch 9 is locked, the locking mechanism 8 keeps the retained portion 48 of the restraining member 7 to be retained is in the fully close position (restraining position) of the door 2 by using the lever 59 (see Fig. 2).
When the restraining member 7 is in the restraining position, the first arm 41 and the second arm 42 each cross the opening-closing path 20. As shown in Fig. 3, the first arm 41 restricts the rotating member 36 and the supporting member 37 from moving in the direction opposite to the closing direction Vc along the opening-closing path 20 when the restraining member 7 is in the restraining position. The second arm 42 restricts the rotating member 36 from moving further in the closing direction Vc along the opening-closing path 20 when the restraining member 7 is in the restraining position. The restraining wall 43 of the first arm 41 restricts the supporting member 37 from moving in the direction opposite to the direction Vc when the restraining member 7 is in the restraining position.
In this way, the rotating member 36 and the supporting member 37 are restrained by the restraining member 7 at the position where the door 2 is fully closed. Since the rotating member 36 and the supporting member 37 are restrained by the restraining member 7, the door 2 is locked (in the locked state). When the restraining member 7 is in the restraining position, the switch 51 is pressed by the pushing member 50 (see Fig. 4). In this way, it is possible to detect that the door 2 is locked in the fully close position.
Whereas when unlocking the door 2 from the locked state, the arm 61 (see Fig. 2) is pulled with the driving force from the drive source 6. Then, the latch in the locking mechanism 8 is unlocked, and the lever 59 moves in the direction opposite to the arrow Lm in Fig. 2. Consequently, the retained portion 48 of the restraining member 7 is released from the support by the lever 59. Then, the elastic force (restoring force) of the torsion spring 40 causes the restraining member 7 to return to the unrestraining position (the position shown in the chain double-dashed line in Fig. 4). The rotating member 36 and the supporting member 37 (see Fig. 3) is able to move in the direction opposite to the closing direction Vc along the opening-closing path 20 as they are released from the restraint by the restraining member 7. As described above, the door 2 is unlocked (unlocked state).
Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the transmission mechanism 100 and other components therearound according to the first embodiment, including a section of the transmission mechanism cut in the XY plane. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a fixing pin 107 and other components therearound according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6, the transmission mechanism 100 includes a female screw 101 (an example of one of a male or female screw) and a male screw 102 (an example of the other of the male or female screw), and a transmission member 103.
The female screw 101 rotates on the same axis as the output shaft 30. The female screw 101 is coupled with the output shaft 30 such that it is rotatable about the output shaft 30 and movable in the axial direction extending along the output shaft 30. The female screw 101 is formed in a cylindrical shape that extends in the axial direction along the output shaft 30. The +Y-side inner circumference of the female screw 101 has a threaded portion 101a that meshes with the male screw 102.
A boss 104 extending in the axial direction along the output shaft 30 is fixed to the output shaft 30. The boss 104 includes a boss body 104a that extends in the axial direction along the output shaft 30, and a flange 104b that extends from the -Y side of the boss body 104a to radially outward (outward in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction).
The outer circumference of the boss 104 and the inner circumference of the female screw 101 are fitted to each other with a spline with balls 105 interposed therebetween. In the outer circumference of the boss 104, a portion situated on the +Y side of the flange 104b has a plurality of grooves 104c (hereinafter referred to as "boss-side grooves 104c") that extend parallel to the axial direction along the output shaft 30 and are aligned in the circumferential direction. In the outer circumference of the boss 101, a portion situated on the -Y side of the threaded portion 101b has a plurality of grooves 101c (hereinafter referred to as "female-screw-side grooves 101c") that extend parallel to the axial direction along the output shaft 30 and are aligned in the circumferential direction.
The balls 105 are fitted in in the boss-side grooves 104c and the female-screw-side grooves 101c. The balls 105 (two balls aligned in the axial direction in each groove in the example of Fig. 6) are provided between the outer circumference of the boss 104 and the inner circumference of the female screw 101. A portion of the ball 105 situated closer to the output shaft 30 side is fitted in the boss groove 104c. A portion of the ball 105 situated away from the output shaft 30 is fitted in the female screw groove 101c. The balls 105 roll in the respective grooves when the female screw 101 rotates about the output shaft 30 or when the female screw 101 moves in the axial direction along the output shaft 30.
Note that the outer circumference of the boss 104 and the inner circumference of the female screw 101 may be fitted to each other in any other way in addition to using the spline with the balls 105 interposed therebetween. For example, the outer circumference of the boss 104 and the inner circumference of the female screw 101 may be fitted to each other with the spline without the balls 105. For example, the boss 104 may not be fixed to the output shaft 30. For example, the female screw 101 is coupled with the output shaft 30 such that it is rotatable about the output shaft 30 and movable in the axial direction extending along the output shaft 30.
The male screw 102 rotates on the same axis as the output shaft 30. The male screw 102 is coupled to the drive shaft 33a such that it is rotatable about the drive shaft 33a of the drive pulley 33. The male screw 102 is disposed coaxially with the drive shaft 33a. The outer circumference of the male screw 102 has a threaded portion 102a that meshes with the female screw 101.
The transmission member 103 converts a force of the female screw 101 that moves in the axial direction along the output shaft 30 into a force in the rotational direction around the output shaft 30 and transmits the force to the rod 62. The transmission member 103 is coupled to the female screw 101 such that it is rotatable about the output shaft 30 relative to the female screw 101. The transmission member 103 includes a main body 103a that extends in the axial direction along the output shaft 30, and a transmission arm 103b that extends radially outward (outward in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction) from the main body 103a.
The main body 103a of the transmission member is disposed between the reducer 31 and the drive pulley 33 in the axial direction along the output shaft 30. The main body 103a is disposed at some interval from the reducer 31 and the drive pulley 33 in the axial direction along the output shaft 30. The main body 103a of the transmission member is formed in a cylindrical shape having an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the flange 104b of the boss 104.
The transmission arm 103b extends radially outward from a -Y-side portion of the transmission member main body 103a. In the state of Fig. 6, the transmission arm 103b extends and inclined toward the +X side as it extends to the +Z side from the +Z side portion of the transmission member main body 103a. The -Y-side portion of the transmission shaft 106 that extends in the Y direction is coupled to the tip end of the transmission arm 103b (the portion most distant from the transmission portion main body 103a in the radial outward direction).
As shown in Fig. 7, the transmission member 103 has an opening 103c that extends and is inclined with respect to the axial direction along the output shaft 30. The opening 103c is a through hole that penetrates the transmission member main body 103a in the radial direction (direction orthogonal to the axial direction). In the state of Fig. 7, the opening 103c is inclined (curved) toward the -X side of the outer circumference of the transmission member main body 103a as it extends from the +Y end of the transmission member main body 103a to the -Y side.
As shown in Fig. 5, the transmission mechanism 100 includes the fixing pin 107 that is immovably fixed to the slide base 4. The fixing pin 107 extends in the Z direction. The +Y-side portion of a stay 110 extending in the Y direction is connected to the slide base 4. A lower portion of the fixing pin 107 is coupled to a -Y-side portion of the stay 110. As shown in Fig. 7, an upper portion of the fixing pin 107 is fitted in the opening 103c of the transmission member 103.
As shown in Fig. 6, the transmission member 103 is coupled to the female screw 101 via bearing 108 such that it is rotatable relative to the female screw 101. The bearing 108 is disposed between the outer circumference of the female screw 101 and the inner circumference of the transmission portion main body 103a. The female screw 101 includes a pressing portion 101b that pushes the bearing 108 when it moves forward in the axial direction along the output shaft 30. "Moving forward in the axial direction along the output shaft 30" herein means the movement of the female screw 101 toward the drive pulley 33 (movement toward the +Y side in the present embodiment) in the axial direction along the output shaft 30.
The pressing portion 101b projects radially outward (outward in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction) from the -Y end of the female screw 101. The pressing portion 101b has an outer diameter same as the outer diameter of the flange 104b of the boss 104. In the state of Fig. 6, the -Y-side surface of the pressing portion 101b is in contact with the +Y-side surface of the flange 104b.
Both ends of the rod 62 in the front-rear direction are connected to the transmission shaft 106 of the transmission member 103 and to the arm shaft 65 (see Fig. 2) of the arm 61. The rod 62 extends linearly such that it bridges between the transmission shaft 106 and the arm shaft 65. The -X end of the rod 62 is rotatable around the transmission shaft 106. The +X end of the rod 62 is rotatable around the arm shaft 65. For example, the rod 62 may be provided with an adjusting member capable of adjusting the distance between the transmission shaft 106 and the arm shaft 65.
The rod 62 preferably has a rigidity for sufficiently transmitting the rotational force of one of the transmission member 103 or the arm 61 to the other. For example, the rod 62 can be a metal shaft member. For example, the rod 62 is preferably a member that can be ideally deemed to be rigid. The rod 62 may not be a member that is never deformed by a force of any level but a member that may experience some deformation when acted upon by a force of a predetermined level or more.
Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the rod 62 and other components therearound according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 8, the rod 62 includes a cylinder 120 connected to the latch 9 (see Fig. 2) via the arm shaft 65 or the like, and a piston 121 connected to the transmission member 103 (see Fig. 6). The piston 121 is connected to a spring pin 122 (an example of an elastic member) that applies an elastic force to the piston 121. A lid 123 is attached to a portion of the cylinder 120 where the piston 121 is inserted.
The cylinder 120 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending along the longitudinal direction of the rod 62. The lid 123 has a convex portion 123a (hereinafter, also referred to as "cylinder-side convex portion 123a") that extends along the inner circumference of the cylinder 120 and protrudes inward in the radial direction (inward in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the rod 62).
The piston 121 extends along the longitudinal direction of the rod 62. The piston 121 has a convex portion 121a (hereinafter also referred to as "piston-side convex portion 121a") that protrudes radially outward (outside in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the rod 62) from the outer periphery of the tip end portion (the portion closest to a bottom portion 120a of the cylinder 120) of the piston 121. The piston-side convex portion 121a is disposed in the cylinder chamber 120.
The tip of the piston 121 is connected to the cylinder 120 via the spring pin 122. In the state of Fig. 8, the piston-side convex portion 121a is arranged at a distance from the bottom portion 120a of the cylinder 120 and the cylinder-side convex portion 123a in the longitudinal direction of the rod 62.
Fig. 9 is a perspective view to illustrate operation of the transmission mechanism according to the first embodiment. Fig. 10 is another perspective view to illustrate the operation of the transmission mechanism according to the first embodiment. Figs. 9 and 10 show a state where the door 2 is locked in the fully close state.
As shown in Fig. 9, in the fully close position of the door 2, the pressing portion 101b of the female screw 101 is in contact with the flange 104b of the boss 104. When the output shaft 30 rotates when the door 2 is in the fully close position, the female screw 101 rotates via the boss 104. The female screw 101 receives the rotational force of the output shaft 30 and moves to the +Y side while meshing with the male screw 102 (an example of forward movement). When the female screw 101 moves to the + Y side, the male screw 102 and the drive pulley 33 do not rotate because the door 2 is locked.
In the present embodiment, the female screw 101 moves to the +Y side to push the transmission member 103, and the transmission member 103 rotates relative to the female screw 101. In this way, the force of the female screw 101 moving to the +Y side is converted into the force in the rotational direction about the output shaft 30.
Specifically, when the female screw 101 moves to the +Y side, the transmission member 103 also moves to the +Y side via the bearing 108. In the embodiment, as shown in Fig. 10, the transmission member 103 has the opening 103c that extends and is inclined in the axial direction of the output shaft 30, and the fixing pin 107 is fitted in the opening 103c. Therefore, the transmission member 103 rotates by a predetermined angle due to the movement of the female screw 101 to the +Y side. The "predetermined angle" refers to an angle determined by the degree of tilting of the opening 103c in the transmission member 103 with respect to the axial direction of the output shaft 30. For example, the predetermined angle may be an angle at which the latch 9 (see Fig. 2) can be unlocked by turning the transmission member 103. In the example of Fig. 10, the transmission member 103 rotates clockwise (in the direction indicated by the arrow R1 in Fig. 10) when viewed from the +Y side as the female screw 101 (see Fig. 9) moves toward the +Y side.
When the door 2 is in the fully close position, the transmission member 103 transmits, to the rod 52, a force (an example of forward movement force) of the female screw 101 that receives a rotational force of the output shaft 30 and moves toward the +Y side while the female screw 101 and the male screw 102 mesh with each other. The latch 9 is operated by the force transmitted to the rod 62. In the embodiment, as shown in Fig. 8, the piston 121 moves against the elastic force of the spring pin 122 and contacts the cylinder 120, and the cylinder 120 and the piston 121 then move together by a predetermined amount or more to release the lock of the door 2.
Specifically, as shown in Fig. 10, when the transmission member 103 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow R1, the rod 62 is pulled in the direction of arrow M1 via the transmission arm 103b and the transmission shaft 106. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 8, the rod 62 includes the cylinder 120 connected to the latch 9 (see Fig. 2), and the piston 121 connected to the transmission member 103 (see Fig. 10). The piston 121 is coupled with the spring pin 122. Thus, when the rod 62 is pulled in the direction indicated by the arrow M1 in Fig. 10, the piston 121 moves in the direction indicated by the arrow M2 in Fig. 8 against the elastic force of the spring pin 122. The piston 121 moves against the elastic force of the spring pin 122 and contacts the cylinder 120 via the lid 123, the cylinder 120 moves together with the piston 121 in the direction of the arrow M2 in Fig. 8. The cylinder 120 moves together with the piston 121, the arm 61 (see Fig. 4) is pulled, and the latch 9 is unlocked, thereby unlocking the door 2.
As shown in Fig. 8, the piston-side convex portion 121a is spaced apart from the cylinder-side convex part 123a. In the longitudinal direction of the rod 62 in the longitudinal direction of the rod 62. This spacing provides a margin for the cylinder 120 to move in the direction indicated by the arrow M2 in Fig. 8. Therefore, it is possible to prevent unintentional unlocking of the door 2.
Furthermore, in the longitudinal direction of the rod 62, the piston-side convex portion 121a is spaced apart from the bottom portion 120a of the cylinder 120. Thus, when unlocking the door 2 by an emergency unlocking device (not shown), the piston 121 does not move but the cylinder 120 moves in the direction of the arrow M2 in Fig. 8. As the cylinder moves in the direction of the arrow M2 in Fig. 8, the latch 9 is unlocked and the door is unlocked. Note that the distance between the piston-side convex 121a and the bottom portion 120a of the cylinder 120a in the longitudinal direction of the rod 62 is larger than the distance for unlocking the door 2. Therefore, even when the cylinder 120 moves the unlocking distance of the door 2, the movement is not inhibited by the piston 121.
As shown in Fig. 9, the transmission mechanism 100 transmits the rotation of the output shaft 30 to the drive shaft 33a via the female screw 101 and the male screw 102 to open the door 2 after the door 2 is unlocked by the latch 9. In the embodiment, when the female screw 101 contacts the drive pulley 33 and cannot move forward anymore after the door 2 is unlocked, the rotation of the output shaft 30 is transmitted to the drive shaft 33a via the female screw 101 and the male screw 102. As a result, the rotation of the drive shaft 33a is transmitted to the belt 32 to move the door 2 to open.
As described above, once the door 2 is unlocked, the male screw 102 and the drive pulley 33 are allowed to rotate. The female screw 101 receives the rotational force of the output shaft 30 and moves to the +Y side while meshing with the male screw 102. The female screw 101 then contacts the drive pulley 33 (the state of the female screw 101 shown in the chain double-dashed line in Fig. 9). Once the female screw 101 contacts the drive pulley 33, the female screw is unable to move further to the +Y side. Then, the rotational force of the output shaft 30 is transmitted to the drive shaft 33a via the female screw 101 and the male screw 102. The rotation of the drive shaft 33a is then transmitted to the belt 32 so that the door 2 is moved to open.
The closing movement of the door 2 from the unlocked state of the door 2 at the fully open position of the door 2 will be now described. The movement of the door 2 when it is closing is the inverse movement when the door 2 is opening. In the embodiment, the rotation direction of the output shaft 30 is opposite to that when the door 2 opens, and the female screw 101 moves in the direction opposite to the forward movement direction to contact the reducer 31. As a result, the rotation of the output shaft 30 in the reverse direction is transmitted to the drive shaft 33a via the female screw 101 and the male screw 102. Consequently, the rotation of the drive shaft 33a in the direction opposite to the opening operation of the door 2 is transmitted to the belt 32 so that the door 2 is moved to close.
Specifically, as shown in Fig. 9, when the door 2 is in the fully open position, the +Y end of the female screw 101 is in contact with the drive pulley 33 (the state of the female screw 101 shown in the chain double-dashed line in Fig. 9). When the door 2 is in the fully open position and the output shaft 30 starts to rotate in the reverse direction to the opening movement of the door 2, the female screw 101 rotates via the boss 104. The female screw 101 receives the rotational force of the output shaft 30 and moves to the -Y side (an example of the opposite direction to the forward movement) while meshing with the male screw 102.
When the female screw 101 receives the rotational force of the output shaft 30 and moves to the -Y side while meshing with the male screw 102, the female screw 101 contacts the reducer 31 via the boss 104. Once the female screw 101 contacts the speed reducer 31, the female screw 101 is unable to further move to the -Y side (the state of the female screw 101 shown in the solid line in Fig. 9). Then, the rotational force of the output shaft 30 is transmitted to the drive shaft 33a via the female screw 101 and the male screw 102. Consequently, the rotation of the drive shaft 33a in the direction opposite to the opening operation of the door 2 is transmitted to the belt 32 so that the door 2 is moved to close.
As described above, the door opening-closing device 1 according to the embodiment includes: the reducer 31 with the output shaft 30 that outputs the rotational force transmitted from the drive source 6; the drive pulley 33 with the drive shaft 33a (rotary shaft) that receives the rotational force of the output shaft 30 to move the door to open and close; the rod 62 coupled to the latch 9 for unlocking the door 2; and the transmission mechanism 100 transmitting the output of the output shaft 30 to the rod 62 and the drive pulley 33. The transmission mechanism 100 includes: the female screw 101 (one of the screw members) that is rotatable about the output shaft 30 and coupled to the output shaft 30 such that it is movable in the axial direction along the output shaft 30; the male screw 102 (the other of the screw members) coupled to the drive shaft 33a such that it is rotatable about the drive shaft 33a; and, when the door 2 is in the fully close position, the transmission member 103 transmits, to the rod 62, the forward movement force of the female screw 101 that receives the rotational force of the output shaft 30 while meshing with the male screw 102 to operate the latch 9. The transmission mechanism 100 transmits the rotation of the output shaft 30 to the drive shaft 33a via the female screw 101 and the male screw 102 to open the door 2 after the door 2 is unlocked by the latch 9. The transmission member 103 converts a force of the female screw 101 that moves in the axial direction into the force in the rotational direction around the output shaft 30 and transmits the force to the rod 62. The transmission mechanism 100 includes the fixing pin 107 that is immovably fixed. The transmission member 103 is coupled to the female screw 101 such that it is rotatable about the output shaft 30 relative to the female screw 101. The transmission member 103 has the opening 103c that extends and is inclined with respect to the axial direction. The fixing pin 107 is fitted in the opening 103c. The female screw 101 moves forward in the axial direction to push the transmission member 103, and the transmission member 103 rotates relative to the female screw 101. In this way, the force of the female screw 101 moving in the axial direction is converted into the force in the rotational direction about the output shaft 30. The transmission member 103 is coupled to the female screw 101 via the bearing 108 such that it is rotatable relative to the female screw 101. The female screw 101 includes the pressing portion 101b that pushes the bearing 108 when it moves forward in the axial direction. The rotary shaft 33a is the drive shaft 33a of the drive pulley 33 that drives the belt 32 for moving the door 2 to open and close. When the female screw 101 contacts the drive pulley 33 and cannot move forward anymore after the door 2 is unlocked, the rotation of the output shaft 30 is transmitted to the drive shaft 33a via the female screw 101 and the male screw 102. As a result, the rotation of the drive shaft 33a is transmitted to the belt 32 to move the door 2 to open. The rod 62 includes the cylinder 120 connected to the latch 9, and the piston 121 connected to the transmission member 103. The piston 121 is connected to the spring pin 122 that applies the elastic force to the piston 121. The piston 121 moves against the elastic force and contacts the cylinder 120, and the cylinder 120 and the piston 121 then move together by a predetermined amount or more to release the lock of the door 2. The output shaft 30 rotates in the direction inverse to that of when moving the door 2 to open, and the female screw 101 moves in the direction opposite to the forward movement direction and contacts the reducer 31. Thus, the inverse rotation of the output shaft 30 is transmitted to the drive shaft 33a via the female screw 101 and the male screw 102. Consequently, the rotation of the drive shaft 33a in the direction opposite to the opening operation of the door 2 is transmitted to the belt 32 so that the door 2 is moved to close. The drive shaft 33a rotates on the same axis as the output shaft 30. One screw member is the female screw 101 that rotates coaxially with the output shaft 30. The other screw member is the male screw 102 that rotates coaxially with the output shaft 30.
In this configuration, the force of the female screw 101 moving forward is transmitted to the latch 9 via the transmission member 103 and the rod 62. In this way, the door 2 is unlocked by the latch 9 and thereafter the transmission mechanism 2 transmits the rotation of the output shaft 30 to the drive shaft 33a via the female screw 101 and the male screw 102 to move the door 2 to open. It can be understood from the above-description, it is not necessary to contrive something for the drive source 6. Therefore, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in selecting the drive source 6 and where to dispose the drive source 6. The transmission member 103 converts the force of the female screw 101 that moves in the axial direction into the force in the rotational direction around the output shaft 30 and transmits the force to the rod 62. Therefore, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in arranging each component as compared with the case where the force of the female screw 101 moving in the axial direction is transmitted to the rod 62 as it is without the conversion. Moreover, the transmission mechanism 100 includes the fixing pin 107 that is immovably fixed. The transmission member 103 is coupled to the female screw 101 such that it is rotatable about the output shaft 30 relative to the female screw 101. The transmission member 103 has the opening 103c that extends and is inclined with respect to the axial direction. The fixing pin 107 is fitted in the opening 103c. The female screw 101 moves forward in the axial direction to push the transmission member 103, and the transmission member 103 rotates relative to the female screw 101. In this way, the force of the female screw 101 moving in the axial direction is converted into the force in the rotational direction around the output shaft 30. For example, if a power conversion mechanism having a plurality of gear trains is provided and the force moving in the axial direction along the output shaft 30 is converted into the force in the rotational direction, the number of components increases and the configuration may become complicated. Whereas in the configuration of the embodiment, it is possible to realize the transmission mechanism 100 with a simple configuration including the transmission member 103 that has the opening 103c and the fixing pin 107. Furthermore, the transmission member 103 is coupled to the female screw 101 via the bearing 108 such that it is rotatable relative to the female screw 101. The female screw 101 includes the pressing portion 101b that pushes the bearing 108 when the female screw moves forward in the axial direction. For example, if the female screw 101 and the transmission member 103 contacts directly with each other, the rotation of the transmission member 103 may slow down due to an increase in friction between the female screw 101 and the transmission member 103. Wherein in the configuration of the embodiment, the pressing portion 101b pushes the bearing 108 while the female screw 101 moves forward in the axial direction, which helps the transmission member 103 to smoothly rotate. Moreover, the rotary shaft 33a is the drive shaft 33a of the drive pulley 33 that drives the belt 32 for moving the door 2 to open or close. When the female screw 101 contacts the drive pulley 33 and cannot move forward anymore after the door 2 is unlocked, the rotation of the output shaft 30 is transmitted to the drive shaft 33a via the female screw 101 and the male screw 102. As a result, the rotation of the drive shaft 33a is transmitted to the belt 32 to move the door 2 to open. Among the belt drive type devices, the configuration of the embodiment can move the door 2 to open with a relatively simple configuration as compared with the case where the power conversion mechanism having a plurality of gear trains is used. The rod 62 includes the cylinder 120 connected to the latch 9, and the piston 121 connected to the transmission member 103. The piston 121 is connected to the spring pin 122 that applies the elastic force to the piston 121. The piston 121 moves against the elastic force and contacts the cylinder 120, and the cylinder 120 and the piston 121 then move together by a predetermined amount or more to release the lock of the door 2. In this configuration, the door 2 can be unlocked by moving the cylinder 120 together with the piston 121 by a predetermined amount or more against the elastic force of the spring pin 122. For example, by pulling the piston 121 by hand, the lock can be manually unlocked without moving the transmission mechanism 100. The output shaft 30 rotates in the direction inverse to that of when moving the door 2 to open, and the female screw 101 moves in the direction opposite to the forward movement direction and contacts the reducer 31. Thus, the inverse rotation of the output shaft 30 is transmitted to the drive shaft 33a via the female screw 101 and the male screw 102. Consequently, the rotation of the drive shaft 33a in the direction opposite to the opening operation of the door 2 is transmitted to the belt 32 so that the door 2 is moved to close. Among the belt drive type devices, the configuration of the embodiment can move the door 2 to close with a relatively simple configuration as compared with the case where the power conversion mechanism having a plurality of gear trains is used. The drive shaft 33a rotates on the same axis as the output shaft 30. One screw member is the female screw 101 that rotates coaxially with the output shaft 30. The other screw member is the male screw 102 that rotates coaxially with the output shaft 30. In this configuration, it is not necessary to contrive many things for the drive shaft 33a as compared with the case where one screw member is a male screw and the other screw member is a female screw (only the male screw 102 is needed to be provide on the drive shaft 33a). Therefore, the transmission mechanism 100 can be realized with a simple configuration.

Second Embodiment

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a transmission mechanism 200 and other components therearound according to a second embodiment, including a section of the transmission mechanism cut in the XY plane. Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a fixing pin 107 and other components therearound according to the second embodiment. In the first embodiment described above, the example in which the transmission shaft 106 included in the transmission member 103 is coupled to the rod 62 (see Fig. 9) has been described. However, the invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 11, the transmission shaft 106 included in the transmission member 103 may be coupled to the rod 62 via a link mechanism 230. In Figs. 11 and 12, the same elements as in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.
As shown in Fig. 11, the transmission mechanism 200 includes the link mechanism 230 that connects the transmission shaft 106 of the transmission member and the rod 62. The link mechanism 230 includes a link shaft 231 and a link member 232.
Both ends of the link shaft 231 in the front-rear direction are coupled to the transmission shaft 106 of the transmission member 103 and a first link shaft 233 of the link member 232 respectively. The link shaft 231 extends linearly such that it bridges between the transmission shaft 106 and the first link shaft 233. The -X-side end of the link shaft 231 is rotatable about the transmission shaft 106 as the center of rotation. The +X-side end of the link shaft 231 is rotatable about the first link shaft 233 as the center of rotation. For example, the link shaft 231 may be provided with an adjusting member capable of adjusting the distance between the transmission shaft 106 and the first link shaft 233.
The link member 232 is formed in a V-shape when viewed from the Z direction. The link member 232 is rotatable about a fixed shaft 235 extending in the Z direction as the rotation center. The lower portion of the fixed shaft 235 is fixed to a bracket 240 connected to the slide base 4. The link member 232 includes a first link shaft 233 and a second link shaft 234 which are arranged apart from the fixed shaft 235 and extend in the Z direction in parallel with the fixed shaft 235. The first link shaft 233 and the second link shaft 234 are arranged at different positions in the circumferential direction around the fixed shaft 235.
Both ends of the rod 62 in the front-rear direction are connected to the second link shaft 234 of the link member 232 and to the arm shaft 65 of the arm 61. The -X end of the rod 62 is rotatable about the second link shaft 234 as the center of rotation. The +X end of the rod 62 is rotatable about the arm shaft 65 as the center of rotation.
As shown in Fig. 12, the transmission member 103 has the opening 103c that extends and is inclined with respect to the axial direction along the output shaft 30. The fixing pin 107 is fitted in the opening 103c so that the transmission member 103 rotates by a predetermined angle due to the movement of the female screw 101 to the +Y side. When the transmission member 103 rotates in the direction of the arrow R1 in Fig. 12, the link shaft 231 is pulled in the direction of arrow M21 via the transmission arm 103b and the transmission shaft 106. As a result, the rotational force of the link shaft 231 is transmitted to the link member 232 via the first link shaft 233. Thus, the link member 232 rotates in the direction of arrow R21 in Fig. 12 with the fixed shaft 235 as the center of rotation. The rod 62 is pulled in the direction of the arrow M22 in Fig. 12 via the second link shaft 234 as the link member 232 rotates. When the rod 62 is pulled in the direction of the arrow M22 in Fig. 12, the arm 61 is pulled as described above, and the latch 9 is unlocked and the door 2 is unlocked. After the door 2 is unlocked, the door 2 is moved to open as described above. The movement of the door 2 when it is closing is the inverse movement to that of the door 2 opening.
The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above but is susceptible of various modification within the purport of the present invention.
In the above embodiment, the transmission member 103 converts the force of the female screw 101 moving in the axial direction into the force in the rotational direction around the output shaft 30 and transmits the force to the rod. However, the invention is not limited to this. For example, the transmission member may simply transmit the force of the female screw moving in the axial direction as it is to the rod. How to transmit the force of the transmission member may be changed according to required specifications.
In the above embodiment, the transmission mechanism includes the fixing pin immovably fixed. The transmission member is coupled to the female screw such that it is rotatable about the output shaft relative to the female screw. The transmission member has the opening that extends and is inclined with respect to the axial direction. The fixing pin is fitted in the opening. The female screw moves forward in the axial direction to push the transmission member, and the transmission member rotates relative to the female screw. In this way, the force of the female screw moving in the axial direction is converted into the force in the rotational direction about the output shaft. The invention is not limited to the examples described in the above embodiments. For example, the transmission mechanism may not necessarily have the fixing pin. Instead, the transmission mechanism may include, for example, a fixing member having a fixing hole formed at a fixed position, and the transmission member may have a convex portion that fits into the fixing hole. For example, a power conversion mechanism having a plurality of gear trains may be provided, and a force of movement in the axial direction along the output shaft may be converted into a force in the rotational direction. For example, the configuration of the transmission mechanism may be changed according to required specifications.
In the above-described embodiment, the transmission member is coupled to the female screw such that it is rotatable relative to the female screw via the bearing, and the female screw includes the pressing portion that pushes the bearing when the female screw moves forward in the axial direction. However, the the invention is not limited to this. For example, the transmission member may be in direct contact with the female screw without the bearing. For example, the female screw may include a pressing portion that pushes the transmission member without the bearing when the female screw moves forward in the axial direction. The way the transmission member is coupled to the female screw may be changed according to required specifications.
In the above embodiment, the rotary shaft is the drive shaft 33a of the drive pulley that drives the belt for moving the door to open or close. When the female screw contacts the drive pulley and cannot move forward anymore after the door is unlocked, the rotation of the output shaft is transmitted to the drive shaft via the female screw and the male screw. As a result, the rotation of the drive shaft is transmitted to the belt to move the door to open. The invention is not limited to the examples described in the above embodiments. For example, a power conversion mechanism having a plurality of gear trains may be provided, and the rotation of the drive shaft may be transmitted to the belt via the gear trains. As an alternative example, the doors may be driven using the screw system instead of the above-described belt-driven system. In the screw system, a motor rotates a screw shaft that corresponds to the belt and the door coupled to a ball nut that corresponds to the nut is moved to open and close. In this case, the rotary shaft may be a screw shaft. As another example, the door may be driven using a rack and pinion system. In the rack and pinion system, a motor rotates a pinion of the rack and pinion mechanism to open and close the door attached to a rack rail. In this case, the rotating member that has the rotary shaft may be the pinion. For example, the configuration of the rotary shaft and the rotating member may be changed depending on the door driving system and required specifications.
In the above-described embodiment, the rod (an example of the coupling member) includes the cylinder coupled to the unlocking portion and the piston coupled to the transmission member. The piston is connected to the spring pin (an example of the elastic member) that applies the elastic force to the piston. The piston moves against the elastic force and contacts the cylinder, and the cylinder and the piston then move together by a predetermined amount or more to unlock the door. The invention is not limited to the examples described in the above embodiments. For example, the rod may not include the cylinder and the piston. For example, the coupling member may not be the rod. For example, the coupling member may be a wire, a sprocket, or a shaft. For example, the piston does not have to be connected to the spring pin. Instead, the piston may be connected to other elastic member such as a coil spring, leaf spring, and torsion spring, for example. For example, the configuration of the coupling member can be changed in accordance with required specifications.
In the above-described embodiment, the output shaft rotates reversely from when the door is moved to open. Once the female screw moves in the direction opposite to the forward movement direction and contacts the reducer, the reverse rotation of the output shaft is transmitted to the drive shaft via the female screw and the male screw. The rotation of the drive shaft in the direction opposite to that of when the door is moved to open is transmitted to the belt, and thus the door is moved to close. The invention is not limited to the examples described in the above embodiments. For example, a power conversion mechanism having a plurality of gear trains may be provided, and the rotation of the drive shaft in the direction reverse to that of when the door is moved to open may be transmitted to the belt via the gear trains. How to transmit the rotation of the transmission member may be changed according to required specifications.
In the embodiment described above, one screw member is the female screw and the other screw member is the male screw. However, this is not the only example. For example, the one screw member may be the male screw and the other screw member may be the female screw. For example, the configuration of the transmission mechanism can be changed according to required specifications.
In the above embodiment, the drive shaft rotates on the same axis as the output shaft. The one screw member is the female screw that rotates coaxially with the output shaft. The other screw member is the male screw that rotates coaxially with the output shaft. However, the invention is not limited to the examples described in the above embodiments. For example, the drive shaft may rotate on a different axis from the axis on which the output shaft rotate. The one screw member may be a female screw that rotates on the same axis as the output shaft, and the other screw member may be the male screw that rotates on a different axis from the axis on which the output shaft rotates. For example, as shown in Fig. 13, an output shaft 330 of the reducer 331 and a rotary shaft 333a of a drive pulley 333 may be disposed on a different axis from each other. For example, the rotary shaft 333a may rotate on an axis parallel to the output shaft 330. For example, an output-side tooth 330b provided on the outer periphery of the output shaft 330 and a rotation-side tooth 333b provided on the outer periphery of the rotary shaft 333a may mesh with each other. For example, two or more output-side teeth 330b (three in the example of Fig. 13) may be provided at intervals along the output shaft 330. For example, two or more rotation-side teeth 333b (three in the example of Fig. 13) may be provided at intervals along the rotary shaft 333a. For example, the arrangements of the output shaft and the rotary shaft may be changed according to required specifications.
In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the output shaft is the output shaft of the speed reducer has been described. However the invention is not limited to this. For example, the output shaft may be an output shaft of the motor. That is, the drive body having an output shaft is not limited to the speed reducer, but may be a motor. For example, the configuration of the drive body having the output shaft may be changed in accordance with required specifications. For example, the unlocking portion is not limited to the latch, and may be other mechanism or member for unlocking the door lock. For example, the door opening-closing device may include a drive body having an output shaft that outputs a rotational force transmitted from a drive source; a rotating body having a rotary shaft for receiving the rotational force of the output shaft to move the door to open and close; a coupling member coupled to an unlocking portion for unlocking the door; and a transmission mechanism transmitting the output of the output shaft to the coupling member and the rotating body. The transmission mechanism includes two screw members, which are male and female screws. One of the two screw members is rotatable about the output shaft and coupled to the output shaft such that it is movable in the axial direction along the output shaft, and the other of the two screw members coupled to the rotary shaft such that it is rotatable about the rotary shaft. The transmission mechanism further includes a transmission member that transmits, to the coupling member, the forward movement force of the one of the two screw members that is moved by receiving the rotational force of the output shaft while meshing with the other of the two screw members, to operate the unlocking portion when the door is in the fully close position. The transmission mechanism may be configured to transmit the rotation of the output shaft to the rotary shaft via the one and the other of the two screw members to open the door after the door is unlocked by the unlocking portion. In this configuration, the forward moving force of the one of the two screw members is transmitted to the unlocking portion via the transmission member and the coupling member to unlock the door. After the door is unlocked by the unlocking portion, the rotation of the output shaft is transmitted to the rotary shaft via the one and the other of the two screw members. In this way, the door can be moved to open, and it is not necessary to contrive something for the drive source. Therefore, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in selecting the drive source and where to dispose the drive source.
In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the female screw disposed on the reducer side is configured to move forward has been described, however the invention is not limited to this. For example, the female screw disposed on the drive pulley side may be configured to be movable forward. For example, the door opening-closing device includes a drive body having an output shaft that outputs a rotational force transmitted from a drive source; a rotating body having a rotary shaft for receiving the rotational force of the output shaft to move the door to open and close; a coupling member coupled to an unlocking portion for unlocking the door; and a transmission mechanism transmitting the output of the output shaft to the coupling member and the rotating body. The transmission mechanism includes two screw members, which are male and female screws. One of the screw members is rotatable about the output shaft and coupled to the output shaft, and the other of the two screw members is rotatable about the rotary shaft and coupled to the rotary shaft such that it is movable in the axial direction along the rotary shaft. The transmission mechanism further includes a transmission member that transmits, to the coupling member, the forward movement force of the other of the two screw members that is moved by receiving the rotational force of the output shaft while meshing with the one of the two screw members, to operate the unlocking portion when the door is in the fully close position. The transmission mechanism may transmit the rotation of the output shaft to the rotary shaft via the one and the other of the two screw members to open the door after the door is unlocked by the unlocking portion. In this configuration, the forward moving force of the other of the screw members is transmitted to the unlocking portion via the transmission member and the coupling member to unlock the door. After the door is unlocked by the unlocking portion, the rotation of the output shaft is transmitted to the rotary shaft via the one and the other of the female or male screws. In this way, the door can be moved to open, and it is not necessary to contrive something for the drive source. Therefore, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in selecting the drive source and where to dispose the drive source.
The above embodiments are described with reference to the example in which the door opening-closing device includes the pair of doors separately slidable to open and close the entrance/exit of the railway vehicle. However, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the door opening-closing device may be provided on vehicles other than railway vehicles. For example, the door opening-closing device may include a single leaf sliding door.
The elements of the embodiments described above may be replaced with known elements within the purport of the present invention. Further, the modifications described above may be combined. The foregoing embodiments disclosed herein describe a plurality of physically separate constituent parts. They may be combined into a single part, and any one of them may be divided into a plurality of physically separate constituent parts. Irrespective of whether or not the constituent parts are integrated, they are acceptable as long as they are configured to solve the problems.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1: door opening-closing device
2: door
6: drive source
9: latch (unlocking portion)
30, 330: output shaft
31, 331: speed reducer (drive body)
32: belt
33, 333: drive pulley (rotating body)
33a, 333a: drive shaft (rotary shaft)
62: rod (coupling member)
100, 200: transmission mechanism
101: female screw (one of screw members which are male and female screws)
101b: pressing portion
102: male screw (the other of screw members which are male and female screws)
103: transmission member
103c: opening
107: fixing pin
108: bearing
120: cylinder
121: piston
122: spring pin (elastic member)

Claims

A door opening-closing device (1), comprising:
a drive body (31) having an output shaft (30) that outputs a rotational force transmitted from a drive source (6);

a rotating body (33) having a rotary shaft (33a) for receiving the rotational force of the output shaft (30) to move a door to open and close;

a coupling member (62) coupled to an unlocking portion (9) for unlocking the door; and

a transmission mechanism (100) being capable of transmit output of the output shaft (30) to the coupling member (62) and the rotating body (33),

wherein the transmission mechanism (100) includes:
two screw members, which are male and female screws, one (101) of the two screw members being rotatable about the output shaft (30) and coupled to the output shaft (30) such that it is movable in an axial direction along the output shaft (30), the other (102) of the two screw members being coupled to the rotary shaft (33a) such that it is rotatable about the rotary shaft (33a); and

a transmission member (103) transmitting, to the coupling member (62), a forward movement force of the one (101) of the two screw members that is moved by receiving the rotational force of the output shaft (30) while meshing with the other (102) of the screw members, to operate the unlocking portion (9) when the door is in a fully close position,

wherein the transmission mechanism (100) transmits the rotation of the output shaft (30) to the rotary shaft (33a) via the one (101) and the other (102) of the two screw members to open the door after the door is unlocked by the unlocking portion (9).
The door opening-closing device (1) of claim 1, wherein the transmission member converts a force of the one (101) of the two screw members moving in the axial direction into a force in a rotational direction about the output shaft (30) and transmits the force in the rotational direction to the coupling member (62).
The door opening-closing device (1) of claim 2, wherein the transmission mechanism (100) includes a fixing pin (107) immovably fixed,
wherein the transmission member is coupled to the one (101) of the two screw members such that it is rotatable about the output shaft (30) relative to the one (101) of the two screw members,

wherein the transmission member has an opening that extends in and is inclined with respect to the axial direction,

wherein the fixing pin is fitted in the opening, and

wherein the one (101) of the two screw members moves forward in the axial direction to push the transmission member and the transmission member rotates relative to the one (101) of the two screw members, thereby the force of the one (101) of the two screw members moving in the axial direction is converted into the force in the rotational direction about the output shaft (30).
The door opening-closing device (1) of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the transmission member is coupled to the one (101) of the two screw members via a bearing (108) such that it is rotatable relative to the one (101) of the two screw members, and
wherein the one (101) of the two screw members has a pressing portion (101b) that pushes the bearing (108) when the one (101) of the two screw members moves forward in the axial direction.
The door opening-closing device (1) of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the rotary shaft (33a) is a drive shaft of a drive pulley (33) that drives a belt (32) to move the door to open and close,
wherein after the door is unlocked, when the one (101) of the two screw members contacts the drive pulley and becomes unable to move forward anymore, the rotation of the output shaft (30) is transmitted to the drive shaft via the one (101) and the other (102) of the two screw members and rotation of the drive shaft is transmitted to the belt to move the door to open.
The door opening-closing device (1) of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the coupling member (62) includes:
a cylinder (120) coupled to the unlocking portion (9); and

a piston (121) coupled to the transmission member,

wherein the piston (121) is connected to an elastic member (122) that applies an elastic force to the piston (121), and

wherein the piston (121) moves against the elastic force and contacts the cylinder (120), and the cylinder (120) and the piston (121) then move together by a predetermined amount or more to unlock the door.
The door opening-closing device (1) of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the rotary shaft (33a) is a drive shaft of a drive pulley (33) that drives a belt (32) to move the door to open and close, and
wherein the output shaft (30) rotates reversely from when the door is moved to open, once the one (101) of the two screw members moves in a direction opposite to the forward movement direction and contacts the drive body (31), the reverse rotation of the output shaft (30) is transmitted to the drive shaft via the one (101) and the other (102) of the two screw members, thereby the rotation of the drive shaft in the direction opposite to that of when the door is moved to open is transmitted to the belt, and thus the door is moved to close.
The door opening-closing device (1) of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the rotary shaft (33a) rotates coaxially with the output shaft (30),
wherein the one (101) of the two screw members is the female screw that rotates coaxially with the output shaft (30), and

wherein the other (102) of the two screw members is the male screw that rotates coaxially with the output shaft (30).
A door opening-closing device (1), comprising:
a drive body (331) having an output shaft (330) that outputs a rotational force transmitted from a drive source (6);

a rotating body (333) having a rotary shaft (333a) for receiving the rotational force of the output shaft (330) to move a door to open and close;

a coupling member (62) coupled to an unlocking portion (9) for unlocking the door; and

a transmission mechanism (200) being capable of transmitting output of the output shaft (330) to the coupling member (62) and the rotating body (333),

wherein the transmission mechanism (200) includes:
two screw members, which are male and female screws, one (101) of the two screw members being coupled to the output shaft (330) such that it is rotatable about the output shaft (330), the other (102) of the two screw members being rotatable about the rotary shaft (333a) and coupled to the rotary shaft (333a) such that it is movable in an axial direction along the rotary shaft (333a); and

a transmission member (103) transmitting, to the coupling member (62), a forward movement force of the other (102) of the two screw members that is moved by receiving the rotational force of the output shaft (330) while meshing with the one (101) of the two screw members, to operate the unlocking portion (9) when the door is in a fully close position,

wherein the transmission mechanism (200) transmits the rotation of the output shaft (330) to the rotary shaft (333a) via the one (101) and the other (102) of the two screw members to open the door after the door is unlocked by the unlocking portion (9).