JP6176200B2 - Actuator - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an actuator that is operated by a working gas generated from a gas generator during operation, and is mounted on a vehicle such as a hood flip-up device that lifts a hood panel when receiving a pedestrian as a protection target. The present invention relates to an actuator suitably used for an automobile safety device.

  Conventional actuators of this type include those used in hood jumping devices that lift the hood panel, and are configured as a piston cylinder type that uses combustion gas generated by igniting the gas generator as the working gas. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1). In this actuator, the cylinder has a gas side portion on which a gas generator is disposed, and a piston rod on the non-gas side portion extends from the piston portion that can slide in the cylinder during operation, and the cylinder ceiling. And a rod portion that penetrates the wall and protrudes out of the cylinder. The rod part of the piston rod protrudes greatly from the cylinder when the actuator is operated, and supports the hood panel as a receiving material for receiving a pedestrian as a protection object by moving it upward to the pedestrian receiving position. It was configured to push up. The hood panel is supported at the raised position by using a lock ring of a lock mechanism that prevents the piston rod from moving backward after protruding.

  And this actuator was comprised so that a piston rod may not protrude except the time of an action | operation with the latching mechanism using an E ring. The E-ring was engaged with a concave groove provided on the outer peripheral surface of the rod portion in the vicinity of the ceiling wall in the cylinder. That is, even if the piston rod tries to protrude unnecessarily, the E-ring engaged with the concave groove is in contact with the ceiling wall of the cylinder and restricts the protruding movement (forward movement) of the piston rod. Of course, during operation, the peripheral edge of the groove is pushed so as to bend or expand the diameter of the E-ring due to the strong pressing force of the piston rod that tries to move forward in response to the pressure of the working gas of the gas generator. When the ring was unlocked, the piston rod could protrude greatly.

JP 2011-208738 A

  However, in the conventional actuator, there is room for improvement because the locking mechanism uses an E-ring assembled in the concave groove of the piston rod, which increases the number of parts.

  The present invention solves the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an actuator that can be simply configured even if a locking mechanism for restricting movement before operation is provided.

The first actuator according to the present invention is:
A gas generator for generating working gas during operation;
A gas side that houses and holds the gas generator;
A non-gas side part that moves forward relatively away from the gas side part while sliding with the gas side part by the pressure of the working gas generated from the gas generator;
Configured with
In operation, the non-gas side portion moves forward so as to be relatively away from the gas side portion, thereby ensuring an operation stroke,
An actuator comprising a locking mechanism for preventing relative forward movement of the non-gas side portion from the gas side portion before operation;
The locking mechanism is
An engagement concave portion and an engagement convex portion that are engaged with each other so as to be disengageable at the time of operation are arranged at positions facing each other before the operation on the gas side portion and the non-gas side portion. And
The engaging projection is
Arranged on one of the gas side or the non-gas side,
When the operation is completed after releasing the engagement with the engagement recess during operation, the lock recess provided on the other of the gas side portion or the non-gas side portion where the engagement recess is disposed is engaged. It is stopped, and it is used also as the convex part for a lock | rock which can prevent the relative backward movement of the said non-gas side part, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  In the first actuator according to the present invention, the engagement convex portion and the engagement convex portion of the locking mechanism are engaged with each other, and the relative advance away from the gas side portion of the non-gas side portion before operation is performed. Movement is prevented. At the time of operation, the engaging convex portion of the locking mechanism is pressed against the peripheral edge of the engaging concave portion or the peripheral edge of the engaging convex portion by the relative forward movement of the non-gas side portion, and is engaged with the engaging concave portion. Since the combination is released, the non-gas side portion moves forward so as to be relatively away from the gas side portion. Further, when the operation is completed, the engaging convex portion is engaged as a locking convex portion with a locking concave portion provided on the other of the gas side portion where the engaging concave portion is disposed or the non-gas side portion, and the non-gas side The relative backward movement of the parts is prevented.

  That is, in the first actuator according to the present invention, the engaging convex portion of the locking mechanism can be used as the locking convex portion for preventing backward movement when the operation is completed, and the E-ring cannot be used for preventing backward movement. The number of parts can be reduced as much as is not used.

  And of course, with this type of actuator, it is also necessary to prevent the backward movement after completion of the operation. With the first actuator of the present invention, the locking mechanism of the necessary function before the operation and the function necessary at the completion of the operation are required. Since the engagement convex portion can also be used for the lock mechanism, it is possible to reduce the number of parts of the entire actuator and contribute to the simple configuration of the entire actuator.

  Therefore, the first actuator according to the present invention can be simply configured even if a locking mechanism for restricting movement before operation is provided.

  Note that the engagement state between the locking projection and the locking recess of the locking mechanism is a range in which locking can be released at the time of operation, and counteracts a load that can regulate the relative forward movement of the non-gas side portion before operation. What is necessary is just to set suitably so that it can do.

In this case, as a locking mechanism,
A C-ring shaped lock ring that is elastically deformable so as to expand or contract in diameter along a direction orthogonal to the forward movement direction during operation;
A storage groove disposed on one of the gas side portion or the non-gas side portion that elastically deforms in the diameter expansion direction or the diameter reduction direction and stores the lock ring before operation,
Arranged on the other side of the gas side or the non-gas side for accommodating a part of the lock ring by restoring the elastic deformation of the lock ring accommodated in the accommodation groove at the position for preventing retreat when the forward movement is completed A receiving groove,
A restoration regulating surface disposed on the bottom surface of the housing groove so as to regulate restoration from the housing groove of the lock ring during restoration;
A pair of clamping surfaces, which are respectively arranged on inner peripheral edges of the storage groove and the storage groove and can clamp the lock ring regulated by the restoration regulating surface along the forward movement direction;
The restoration of the lock ring elastically deformed and stored in the storage groove before operation is restricted, and is arranged on the other of the gas side portion or the non-gas side portion so as to be slidable with the lock ring during operation. Ring sliding surface to be
Configured with
The ring sliding surface includes a temporary holding recess as the engagement recess for storing the lock ring stored in the storage groove before operation so as to be disengaged,
The engaging convex portion serving also as the locking convex portion of the locking mechanism is constituted by the lock ring,
It is desirable that the locking recess is constituted by the receiving groove.

  In such a configuration, before the operation, the lock ring that is elastically deformed and stored in the storage groove is engaged with the temporary holding recess, and the forward movement is restricted. During operation, the lock ring is released from the temporary holding recess by the forward movement of the non-gas side relative to the gas side and is pressed against the peripheral edge of the temporary holding recess or the storage groove, and the ring sliding surface is removed. Sliding and the non-gas side further moves forward relative to the gas side to complete the operation. After that, when the non-gas side portion tries to move backward relative to the gas side portion, the lock ring restores elastic deformation at the retreat prevention position, that is, the lock position, and contacts the restoration regulating surface. If it is accommodated in the accommodation groove from the accommodation groove so as to come into contact and then moves backward, it is sandwiched between a pair of clamping surfaces provided at the periphery of the storage groove and the periphery of the accommodation groove. At this time, since the pair of clamping surfaces clamp the lock ring regulated by the restoration regulating surface along the forward movement direction, the relative backward movement of the non-gas side portion with respect to the gas side portion is regulated, that is, The relative backward movement of the non-gas side relative to the gas side is locked. For example, the actuator can support the hood panel in a state where the hood panel is pushed up.

  In such a configuration, the actuator can be simply configured by simply providing the temporary holding recess at the position of the ring sliding surface on which the lock ring stored in the storage groove before operation slides.

  In this case, the engagement state between the locking convex portion and the locking concave portion of the locking mechanism is within a range in which the locking can be released during operation, and the engagement state is maintained against a load that causes unnecessary forward movement. The depth and shape of the temporary holding recess with respect to the lock ring (for example, the shape including the inclination angle on the forward movement direction side) may be set as appropriate.

In the second actuator according to the present invention,
A gas generator for generating working gas during operation;
A gas side that houses and holds the gas generator;
A non-gas side part that moves forward relatively away from the gas side part while sliding with the gas side part by the pressure of the working gas generated from the gas generator;
Configured with
In operation, the non-gas side portion moves forward so as to be relatively away from the gas side portion, thereby ensuring an operation stroke,
An actuator comprising a locking mechanism for preventing relative forward movement of the non-gas side portion from the gas side portion before operation;
The locking mechanism is
An engagement concave portion and an engagement convex portion that are engaged with each other so as to be disengageable at the time of operation are arranged at positions facing each other before the operation on the gas side portion and the non-gas side portion. And
The engaging projection is
From one constituent member of the gas side portion or the non-gas side portion is integrally projected and disposed,
Immediately after the operation, it is disposed at a position where it disengages from the engaging recess and also disengages from the other sliding portion of the gas side portion or the non-gas side portion provided with the engaging recess. Features.

  In the second actuator according to the present invention, the engaging convex portion is integrally provided and protruded from one of the constituent members of the gas side portion or the non-gas side portion, and is assembled separately. The locking mechanism can be configured without using the E-ring.

  That is, in the second actuator according to the present invention, even if a locking mechanism for restricting the movement before the operation is provided, the second actuator can be configured simply because the E-ring is not used.

  Further, in the second actuator according to the present invention, the engaging convex portion is separated from the engaging concave portion immediately after the operation of the actuator, and the other of the gas side portion or the non-gas side portion provided with the engaging concave portion. Unlike the conventional E-ring that keeps sliding with the rod part during operation, the sliding resistance at the time of operation can be reduced quickly. The non-gas side can be reached to a relative advance completion position.

In the case of the above configuration, the engaging recess and the engaging protrusion are arranged on the entire circumference in the circumferential direction of the axis of the actuator along the forward movement direction during operation,
The engaging recess is preferably formed in a divided body divided in the circumferential direction of the axis.

  In such a configuration, since the engaging convex portion is disposed on the entire circumference of the actuator shaft center, the non-gas side portion or the gas side portion that moves forward is supported before operation without rattling. it can.

  Further, in such a configuration, the engaging convex portion formed integrally with one of the constituent members of the gas side portion or the non-gas side portion is disposed on the entire circumference in the circumferential direction of the axis of the actuator. However, since the engaging recess is formed in the divided body divided in the circumferential direction of the shaft center, the non-gas side portion and the gas side portion are moved along the shaft center during assembly. Engaging the engaging protrusions and the engaging recesses around the engaging protrusions without forcibly engaging the engaging protrusions and the engaging recesses, by connecting the divided bodies in the axial direction. And the locking mechanism can be easily assembled.

1 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle showing a mounted state of a hood flip-up device using an actuator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the vehicle carrying a hood flip-up apparatus. It is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the vehicle which shows the time of the action | operation of the actuator of 1st Embodiment. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the actuator of 1st Embodiment. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the time of the action | operation of the actuator of 1st Embodiment. It is the expansion partial longitudinal cross-sectional view and cross-sectional view of the actuator of 1st Embodiment, and shows the lock ring vicinity before an action | operation. FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial longitudinal sectional view of the actuator of the first embodiment, showing the vicinity of the lock ring before and after the completion of operation. It is the top view and perspective view of the lock ring of the actuator of 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the vehicle which shows the time of the action | operation of the actuator of 2nd Embodiment. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the actuator of 2nd Embodiment. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the time of the action | operation of the actuator of 2nd Embodiment. It is the expansion partial longitudinal cross-sectional view and cross-sectional view of the actuator of 2nd Embodiment, and shows the engagement convex part vicinity before an action | operation. It is an expansion partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the actuator of 2nd Embodiment, and shows the lock ring vicinity before and after completion | finish of operation | movement. It is an expansion partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the lock ring vicinity of the modification of 2nd Embodiment. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the actuator of 3rd Embodiment. FIG. 16 is an enlarged partial longitudinal sectional view illustrating a state before the operation of the engagement convex portion of the actuator illustrated in FIG. 15 and a state after the operation is completed.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the actuator 21 according to the first embodiment is a hood flip-up device (hereinafter referred to as “ (Abbreviated as “bounce-up device”) U1 and disposed in the hinge mechanism 11 on the rear end 10c side of the hood panel 10 in the vehicle V.

  In this specification, unless otherwise specified, the front-rear and up-and-down directions coincide with the front-and-rear and up-and-down directions of the vehicle V (see FIG. 1), respectively. The left and right directions are matched.

  In the case of the first embodiment, the front bumper 5 of the vehicle V is provided with a sensor 6 capable of detecting or predicting a collision with a pedestrian as shown in FIG. When a control circuit (not shown) to which a signal is input detects a collision between the vehicle V and a pedestrian based on a signal from the sensor 6, the gun 21 (not shown) of the gas generator 70 of the actuator 21 is ignited and activated. By generating the working gas G, the actuator 21 is operated to operate the flip-up device U1 (see FIGS. 3 and 5).

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the hood panel 10 is disposed so as to cover the upper part of the engine room ER in the vehicle V, and is disposed in the vicinity of the rear end 10 c on both the left and right edges 10 d and 10 e. The hinge mechanism 11 is connected to the vehicle body (body) 1 side of the vehicle V so as to be openable and closable with a front opening. The hood panel 10 is made of a sheet metal made of an aluminum alloy or the like, and includes an outer panel 10a on the upper surface side and an inner panel 10b that is positioned on the lower surface side and has improved strength than the outer panel 10a. The food panel 10 is configured to be plastically deformable so that it can absorb the kinetic energy of the pedestrian when receiving the pedestrian. In the embodiment, when the vehicle V collides with the pedestrian, the actuator 21 is operated, and, as shown in FIG. 3, between the rear end 10c of the raised hood panel 10 and the engine room ER, Since the deformation space S can be formed, the amount of plastic deformation during bending plastic deformation can be increased, and the hood panel 10 can absorb much kinetic energy of the pedestrian.

  The hinge mechanism 11 is disposed on the rear edge 10c side of the left edge 10d and the right edge 10e of the hood panel 10, respectively. The hinge mechanism 11 includes a hinge base 12 fixed to the body 1 side below the rear end 10c of the hood panel 10, a mounting plate 15 disposed on the lower surface side of the rear end 10c of the hood panel 10, and a hinge base. 12 and a hinge arm 14 pivotally supported by the mounting plate 15. Specifically, the hinge base 12 is fixed to a mounting flange 2a connected to the hood ridge rein hose 2 on the body 1 side. The hinge mechanism 11 is configured to open around the pivotal support portion on the base end 14a side, which is the hinge base 12 side of the hinge arm 14, when the hood panel 10 is normally used (see the two points in FIG. 2). (See chain line).

  In addition, this hinge arm 14 is arrange | positioned so that the front-end | tip 14b may extend ahead from the base part end 14a, and the base part end 14a is connected with the rear-end side of the hinge base 12 using the support shaft 13, The support shaft 13 can be rotated about the rotation center, and the tip 14b side is also connected to the front end side of the mounting plate 15 using the support shaft 16, and the support shaft 16 is rotated about the rotation shaft. Is possible. The left and right support shafts 13 and 16 are arranged so that the axial direction thereof follows the left and right direction of the vehicle V, respectively. However, during normal use, in the case of the embodiment, the actuator 21 connected to each connecting portion 14c, 15a between the hinge arm 14 and the mounting plate 15 is an extension preventing locking mechanism (extension preventing locking mechanism) FR ( The hinge arm 14 does not rotate with respect to the mounting plate 15 because it does not extend by FR1). Therefore, the hood panel 10 is opened and closed with the portion of the support shaft 13 as the center of rotation when opening and closing in normal use. That is, when the hood panel 10 is opened, as shown by a two-dot chain line from a solid line in FIG. 2, the front end 10 f of the hood panel 10 along with the distal end 14 b side of each hinge arm 14 with the left and right support shafts 13 as the rotation center. As the side rises, the hood panel 10 can be opened by the front opening, and when the front end 10f side is lowered, the hood panel 10 is closed by rotating around the support shaft 13 as a rotation center.

  Further, the left and right hinge mechanisms 11 are arranged in a bilaterally symmetric shape, and both ends (connecting portions 25) of the actuator 21 are respectively connected to the connecting portions 14c and 15a on the surface of the hinge arm 14 and the mounting plate 15 on the engine room ER side. , 65) are connected. The connecting portion 14c of the hinge arm 14 to the actuator 21 is disposed closer to the tip 14b side than the intermediate portion between the base end 14a and the tip 14b, and the connecting portion 15a of the mounting plate 15 to the actuator 21 is Further, it is arranged behind the support shaft 16.

  A known hood lock mechanism 8 is disposed on the front end 10 f side of the hood panel 10. The hood lock mechanism 8 includes a lock striker 8a that is fixed to the lower surface of the front end 10f of the hood panel 10, and a latch 8b that is disposed on the body 1 side and engages the lock striker 8a. The latch 8b is configured so that the locked lock striker 8a cannot be released unless the lever (not shown) is operated. Even when the rear end 10c of the hood panel 10 is raised, the front end 10f of the hood panel 10 is The latch 8b that locks the lock striker 8a does not rise away from the body 1 side.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a cowl 7 comprising a highly rigid cowl panel 7a on the body 1 side and a synthetic resin cowl louver 7b above the cowl panel 7a is provided behind the hood panel 10. Arranged. The cowl louver 7b is disposed so that the rear end side is connected to the lower portion 3a side of the front windshield 3. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, front pillars 4 and 4 are disposed on the left and right sides of the front windshield 3.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the actuator 21 according to the first embodiment includes a gas generator 70 that generates a working gas G during operation, a gas side portion 22 that houses and holds the gas generator 70, and a gas A non-gas side portion 52 that is pressed by the working gas G generated from the generator 70 and relatively moves forward away from the gas side portion 22 to extend the actuator 21 is provided. The actuator 21 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. When the gas generator 70 generates the working gas G during operation, the non-gas side portion 52 as the moving side portion is formed in the substantially cylindrical shape of the actuator 21. With the central axis as an axial center (which is also a moving central axis) C, the actuator moves forward along the axial center C by a predetermined operating stroke SL (see FIG. 5) away from the gas side portion 22.

  In the vehicle-mounted state, when the actuator 21 is activated, the non-gas side portion 52 moves forward and rearward obliquely upward and backward with respect to the gas side portion 22 for a predetermined operating stroke SL (see FIGS. 2 and 3). The connecting portions 14c and 15a between the hinge arm 14 and the mounting plate 15 are separated from each other. At this time, the crossing angle θ0 between the hinge arm 14 and the mounting plate 15 increases, and the hood panel 10 raises the rear end 10c without raising the front end 10f locked to the latch 8b. .

  The actuator 21 includes the above-described extension prevention locking mechanism (extension prevention lock mechanism) FR (FR1) so that the non-gas side part 52 as the movement side part before operation does not move forward. In addition, a lock mechanism BR (BR1) for preventing reverse movement is provided to prevent the non-gas side portion 52 from moving backward after the forward movement so as not to lower the rear end 10c of the supported hood panel 10 after operation. .

  In the case of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the locking mechanism FR <b> 1 includes a lock ring 63 that constitutes a locking convex portion as an engaging convex portion that is housed and held in the housing groove 57 of the non-gas side portion 52. And a temporary holding recess 35 as an engaging recess provided in the gas side portion 22 that engages with the lock ring 63. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the lock mechanism BR1 includes a lock ring 63 as a locking convex portion, a storage groove 30 having a restoration restricting surface 32, a storage groove 57 to store the lock ring 63, which will be described later, and a storage A pair of clamping surfaces 31 and 58 provided on the periphery of the groove 30 and the periphery of the storage groove 57 are provided.

  The gas generator 70 ignites a predetermined explosive (not shown) during operation, and generates a working gas G by burning the explosive itself or by further burning a gas generating agent ignited by the explosive. A micro gas generator or the like is used, and a lead wire 70c for inputting an ignition electric signal from a control circuit (not shown) is connected to the base side away from the tip 70a for discharging the working gas G. And, when the gas generator 70 inputs an ignition electric signal from a control circuit (not shown), the built-in explosive is ignited and burned, and the gas generating agent is also burned appropriately to generate combustion gas, The combustion gas is discharged as a working gas G from the tip 70 a and supplied to the ceiling wall portion 53 of the non-gas side portion 52. In the case of the first embodiment, the gas generator 70 is a resin made of synthetic resin made of polyamide or the like so as to be accommodated in the inner case 27 of the gas side portion 22 with the lead wire 70c protruding. It is configured as an assembly 75 integrally formed with the portion 72, and is configured to be housed in the inner case 27 as the assembly 75.

  The assembly 75 is inserted from the opening 27c on the base end 24a side of the inner case 27 (gas side portion 22), and the flange portion 70b of the gas generator 70 is applied to a step 38 described later of the inner case 27. And, the oval tubular stopper 44 is fitted into a through-hole 72a provided in the resin portion 72 to prevent it from being detached, and is stored and held in the gas side portion 22 (inner case 27). The stopper 44 is fitted and fixed in the assembly hole 40 opened in the inner case 27.

  And the gas side part 22 is formed from the metal inner case (tubular member) 27 which consists of substantially cylindrical steel etc., and the operating gas G is supplied to the front end side (upper end side shown to FIG. 4, 5). In order to make it flow out, it has an opening end 23 opened in a circular shape, and a gas generator 70 is disposed on the side of the base portion 24 away from the opening end 23 and the side of the base portion end 24a is connected to the hinge arm 14 side. ing. The connecting portion 25 connected to the hinge arm 14 side includes a connecting hole portion 25a, and the hinge arm 14 is utilized using a shaft support (shaft support pin) 18 inserted into the connecting hole portion 25a. The connecting portion 14c is rotatably connected. The shaft support 18 passes through the connecting hole 25a and is rotatably connected to the connecting portion 14c of the hinge arm 14. In the case of the first embodiment, the connecting hole portion 25a penetrates the inner peripheral side of the stopper 44 fixed to the assembly hole 40 of the inner case 27 for storing and holding (preventing the assembly) 75. Utilizes holes.

  The inner case 27 constituting the gas side portion 22 projects the flange portion 28 toward the tip (opening end 23) side of the outer peripheral surface 27a, toward the base portion 24 side of the inner peripheral surface 27b, toward the opening end 23 side. A step 38 for narrowing the inner diameter is provided. As described above, the flange portion 70 b of the gas generator 70 covered with the resin portion 72 is in contact with the step 38. In addition, between the inner peripheral surface 27b of the inner case 27 and the assembly body 75, a rubber annular packing 47 is provided to ensure airtightness on the gas generator 70 side.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, an annular groove 29 is formed in the flange portion 28 on the outer peripheral surface 27 a side, and the annular groove 29 ensures gas sealing performance when the non-gas side portion 52 moves forward. An annular sealing material (packing / O-ring) 46 made of rubber is inserted.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, in the vicinity of the flange portion 28 on the outer peripheral surface 27 a side, when the operation of the actuator 21 is completed, a retraction prevention lock mechanism BR (for preventing retraction of the non-gas side portion 52). An accommodation groove 30 having a clamping surface 31 and a restoration regulating surface 32 constituting BR1) is formed. The accommodation groove 30 has a bottom surface as a restoration regulating surface 32 and a stepped surface rising from the restoration regulating surface 32 on the side away from the flange portion 28 as one clamping surface (locking regulating surface) 31 that clamps the lock ring 63. .

  In addition, the depth dimension to the restoration restricting surface 32 of the housing groove 30, in other words, the width dimension B1 along the direction perpendicular to the axis C of the locking restricting surface 31 is larger than the diameter dimension D1 of the cross section of the lock ring 63. It is set small.

  Further, the stepped surface on the housing groove 30 side of the flange portion 28 becomes a regulating surface 28 a for preventing the non-gas side portion 52 from coming off when the actuator 21 is actuated and stops the tip end portion 54 a side of the non-gas side portion 52. The maximum extension (maximum operating stroke) is limited. Therefore, the flange portion 28 functions as a stopper when the non-gas side portion 52 moves forward.

  And the temporary holding recessed part 35 as an engaging recessed part is formed in the position of the outer peripheral surface 27a of the inner case 27 at the base part end 24a side from the gas generator 70 (refer FIG.5, 6). In the temporary holding recess 35, a lock ring 63 serving as a locking protrusion as an engaging protrusion that is elastically deformed is disposed so as to be partially fitted.

  In the case of the embodiment, the temporary holding recess 35 is not provided on the outer circumferential surface 27a of the inner case 27 on the entire circumference in the circumferential direction of the axis C, and is approximately 1/3 to 1/2 in the circumferential direction. It is configured as a V-shaped groove provided with inclined surfaces 35a and 35b intersecting at 90 degrees.

  The lock ring 63 is composed of a C-ring made of spring steel or the like having a circular cross section that can be elastically deformed (see FIG. 8), and a part of the inner peripheral side portion 63a in the circumferential direction of the axis C can be reduced. While being accommodated in the temporary holding recess 35, the gas side portion 22 is disposed in a diameter-expanded state in contact with the outer peripheral surface 27a and the inclined surfaces 35a and 35b. The relationship between the diameter dimension D1 of the lock ring 63 as the engagement convex portion and the V-shaped groove of the temporary holding concave portion 35 is as follows when the lock ring 63 is housed in the V-shaped groove of the temporary holding concave portion 35 in the embodiment. In a state in which about half of the diameter dimension D1 protrudes from the outer peripheral surface 27a, in other words, at the most deeply stored position in the temporary holding recess 35, the cross-sectional center RC of the lock ring 63 is the same as the outer peripheral surface 27a of the gas side portion 22. It is comprised so that it may be arrange | positioned in the position which substantially corresponds.

  When the hood panel 10 is normally opened and closed, the lock ring 63 as the locking mechanism FR1 is engaged with the temporary holding recess 35 and is brought into contact with the inclined surface 35a. Is brought into contact with the step surface 60 at the periphery of the storage groove 57 on the non-gas side portion 52 side, and the forward movement of the non-gas side portion 52 is restricted. When the gas generator 70 generates the working gas G, the step surface 60 strongly pushes the lock ring 63 as the non-gas side portion 52 moves forward. Using the inclined surface 35a on the moving side, the lock ring 63 expands in the direction orthogonal to the axis C and is detached from the temporary holding recess 35 so as to be stored in the storage groove 57, and the non-gas side portion The locked state that restricts the forward movement of 52 is released. Therefore, the non-gas side portion 52 receives the pressure of the working gas G, and moves forward while sliding the lock ring 63 stored in the storage groove 57 on the outer peripheral surface 27 a of the gas side portion 22. .

  In addition, in this locking mechanism FR1 for preventing extension, the lock ring 63 as an engaging convex portion (locking convex portion) is deformed so that its diameter is increased so as to be released from the temporary holding concave portion 35 by being pressed by the step surface 60. The stress can sufficiently counteract the moment that the connecting portions 14c and 15a of the hinge arm 14 and the mounting plate 15 that are applied during opening and closing of the hood panel 10 during normal use are separated, and when the gas generator 70 is operated, the step surface 60 It is set so that the diameter can be increased by being pressed.

  Further, as described above, the inner case 27 is provided with the assembly hole 40 orthogonal to the axis C of the actuator 21 on the base end 24a side so that the stopper 44 can be fitted and fixed. ing.

  Further, the outer peripheral surface 27 a of the inner case 27 is pressed against the inner periphery of the edge 54 ae of the tip end portion 54 a of the non-gas side portion 52 to prevent waterproofing and prevention of dust from entering the inner side of the non-gas side portion 52. A packing 48 made of an annular rubber or the like is disposed.

  And the non-gas side part (moving side part) 52 of the actuator 21 is made of a metal such as steel, from the ceiling wall part 53 covering the opening end 23 side of the gas side part 22 and the outer peripheral edge of the ceiling wall part 53, A substantially cylinder extending to the retreat side of the non-gas side portion 52, that is, the lower side of FIGS. 4 and 5 so as to cover at least the outer periphery of the gas side portion 22 up to the base portion 24 side of the arrangement position of the gas generator 70. And a peripheral wall portion 54 having a shape.

  In the ceiling wall portion 53, a connection portion 65 having a circular hole-shaped connection hole portion 65 a and connected to the mounting plate 15 is disposed on the upper surface side away from the opening end 23. The connecting portion 65 is rotatably connected to the connecting portion 15a of the mounting plate 15 by using a shaft support (shaft support pin) 19 inserted into the connecting hole portion 65a. The shaft support 19 penetrates through the connecting hole 65a and is rotatably connected to the connecting portion 15a of the mounting plate 15.

  The peripheral wall portion 54 is configured such that the inner peripheral surface 54 b up to the ring holder 55 provided on the inner peripheral surface side of the tip portion 54 a that is separated from the ceiling wall portion 53 can slide with the sealing material 46 on the outer peripheral surface side of the gas side portion 22. In order to ensure a gas sealing property and move forward, the actuator 21 is configured in a smooth circular arc surface concentric with the axis C of the actuator 21 (that is, the movement center axis C of the non-gas side portion 52). Yes.

  In other words, the gas side portion 22 and the non-gas side portion 52 are related to the portions that slide relative to each other, and the sliding portion 22a on the gas side portion 22 side becomes a portion of the sealing material 46, and the non-gas side portion 52 side. In the actuator 21 of the first embodiment, the gas side portion 22 moves the sliding portion 22a to the moving central axis C. As the inner sliding part 22a of the inner part approached, the inner member 21a is configured, and the non-gas side portion 52 serves as an outer sliding part as an outer part surrounding the sliding part 52a around the inner sliding part 22a. 52a constitutes an outer member 21b surrounding the inner member 21a.

  The ring holder 55 is caulked and fixed as a substantially cylindrical member made of metal such as steel to the inner peripheral side of the distal end portion 54a of the peripheral wall portion 54, and from the forward movement side (upper side) of the non-gas side portion 52. The front end side flange portion 56, a storage groove 57 that stores the lock ring 63 on the inner peripheral side, and a smooth circular arcuate guide surface 61 that is concentric with the axis C are configured in this order. .

  The distal end side flange portion 56 is configured to have an inner diameter dimension slightly larger than the outer diameter dimension of the outer peripheral surface 27a of the inner case 27. When the forward movement is completed during the operation of the actuator 21, a flange portion serving as a stopper for the gas side section 22 is formed. It is set so as to abut against the regulation surface 28a of 28 (see B in FIG. 7).

  The guide surface 61 is slidable on the outer peripheral surface 27 a of the gas side portion 22 and guides the forward movement of the non-gas side portion 52 along the axis C.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the storage groove 57 stores a lock ring 63 constituting a lock mechanism BR <b> 1 for preventing retraction for restricting the reverse movement of the non-gas side portion 52 after the operation of the actuator 21 is completed. It is. The storage groove 57 is substantially parallel to the axis C of the actuator 21 from the taper regulating surface 58 whose diameter is enlarged from the distal end side flange portion 56 side and the edge of the taper regulating surface 58 on the receding side (lower side in FIGS. 6 and 7). (Or as a substantially arcuate surface shape), comprising a bottom surface 59 extending to the retreat side, and a step surface 60 extending from the retreat side edge of the bottom surface 59 to the axis C side.

  The taper regulating surface 58 constitutes the other clamping surface corresponding to the one clamping surface (locking regulating surface) 31 provided in the accommodation groove 30 of the gas side portion 22, and advances from the bottom surface 59 (see FIG. 4, 6, and 7).

  In the storage groove 57, the lock ring 63 is fitted on the outer peripheral surface 27 a of the gas side portion 22 so that the diameter can be reduced while the lock ring 63 is partially fitted in the temporary holding recess 35 before the actuator 21 is operated. It is housed in the expanded state of contact. Then, when the forward movement of the non-gas side portion 52 is completed, when the lock ring 63 reaches the retreat prevention position (lock position) RP where the accommodation groove 30 is disposed, the gas side portion 22 is restored to be reduced in diameter. Is housed in the housing groove 30. The lock ring 63 has a cross-sectional diameter dimension D1 that is the width dimension of the locking regulation surface 31 of the accommodation groove 30 of the gas side portion 22 (the width dimension between the restoration regulation surface 32 and the outer peripheral surface 27a. The depth dimension of the groove 30) is larger than B1 and half (radius dimension) R1 of the diameter dimension D1 is set to be approximately equal to or slightly larger than the width dimension B1 of the locking regulating surface 31 (see FIG. 7). ).

  Therefore, when the lock ring 63 is stored in the storage groove 30, the lock ring 63 comes into contact with the restoration regulating surface 32 of the storage groove 30, and the outer peripheral portion 63 b protrudes from the outer peripheral surface 27 a of the gas side portion 22. When the lock ring 63 is stored in the storage groove 30 and the non-gas side portion 52 is about to move backward after the forward movement is completed, the taper regulating surface 58 of the storage groove 57 of the non-gas side portion 52 is in the storage groove 30. Since the lock ring 63 is in contact with the stored lock ring 63 and the lock ring 63 is in contact with the locking restriction surface 31, the state in which the lock ring 63 is restored in the reduced diameter direction is restricted by the restoration restriction surface 32. The pair of sandwiching surfaces are sandwiched between the taper regulating surface 58 and the locking regulating surface 31 and locked.

  Therefore, even if the non-gas side portion 52 after the completion of the forward movement is about to move backward, the taper regulating surface 58 of the storage groove 57 of the non-gas side portion 52 is stored in the storage groove 30 at the lock position RP of the storage groove 30. Since the inner peripheral side portion 63a of the lock ring 63 abuts on the outer peripheral side portion 63b of the lock ring 63 and is locked so as not to be disengaged from the locking regulation surface 31, the non-gas side portion 52 is moved backward. Prevented (locked).

  In the first embodiment, the lead wires 70c and 70c of the actuator 21 are connected to a control circuit (not shown), and the connecting portions 25 and 65 are connected to the left and right hinge mechanisms of the hood panel 10 using the shaft supports 18 and 19, respectively. 11, the actuator 21 can be disposed in the hinge mechanism 11 and the flip-up device U1 can be mounted on the vehicle V. it can.

  In the flip-up device U1 of the first embodiment after being mounted on the vehicle V, when the actuator 21 is activated, the gas generator 70 generates the working gas G, and the pressing force of the working gas G causes the FIG. As indicated by the solid line from the two-dot chain line, or as shown in FIGS. 4 to 5, the non-gas side portion 52 of the actuator 21 is separated from the gas side portion 22 and the actuator 21 extends. And since the extending actuator 21 widens the intersection angle θ0 between the mounting plate 15 and the hinge arm 14, the rear end 10c side of the hood panel 10 rises, and the hood panel 10 can secure a wide deformation space S, By plastic deformation with a large amount of deformation, the impact can be reduced and a pedestrian can be received.

  In the case of the first embodiment, the actuator 21 can raise the rear end 10c of the hood panel 10 by about 80 mm by setting the operation stroke SL to about 40 mm.

  As described above, in the actuator 21 of the first embodiment, the lock ring 63 as the engaging convex portion of the locking mechanism FR1 and the temporary holding concave portion 35 as the engaging convex portion are engaged with each other, before the operation. The relative forward movement away from the gas side 22 of the non-gas side 52 is prevented. During operation, the lock ring 63 of the locking mechanism FR1 is pressed against the step surface 60 of the storage groove 57 at the periphery of the lock ring 63 with the forward movement of the non-gas side portion 52, so Since the engagement is released, the non-gas side portion 52 is further moved forward so as to be further away from the gas side portion. When the operation is completed, the lock ring 63 of the locking convex portion as the engaging convex portion is in contact with the taper regulating surface 58 and the restoration regulating surface 32 as a locking concave portion provided on the gas side portion 22. The non-gas side portion 52 is prevented from moving backward relatively by being locked to the locking restriction surface 31 of the housing groove 30.

  That is, in the actuator 21 of the first embodiment, the lock ring 63 as the engaging convex portion of the locking mechanism FR1 can be used as the locking convex portion when the operation is completed, and cannot be used for the backward prevention. Since the ring is not used, the number of parts can be reduced.

  Of course, in this type of actuator 21, since the locking mechanism FR1 having a function necessary before the operation and the lock mechanism BR1 having a function necessary upon completion of the operation can be used as the lock ring 63 as the engagement convex portion, the actuator 21 The number of parts of the entire actuator 21 can be reduced, and the entire actuator 21 can be configured easily.

  Therefore, the actuator 21 of the first embodiment can be simply configured even if the locking mechanism FR1 that restricts the movement before the operation is provided.

  Furthermore, in the actuator 21 of the first embodiment, the lock mechanism BR1 includes the lock ring 63, the storage groove 57, the storage groove 30, and the ring slide that constitute the engagement convex part that also functions as the lock convex part of the locking mechanism FR1. The moving surface 27a is provided. The lock ring 63 has a C-ring shape that can be elastically deformed so as to expand or contract in diameter along a direction orthogonal to the forward movement direction during operation. The storage groove 57 is disposed in the non-gas side portion 52 and stores the lock ring 63 by being elastically deformed in the diameter increasing direction before operation. The accommodation groove 30 is disposed at the lock position RP in the gas side portion 22 to restore the deformation of the lock ring 63 accommodated in the accommodation groove 57 in the expanded state, and accommodates the inner peripheral side portion 63 a of the lock ring 63. To do. In the housing groove 30, a restoration regulating surface 32 is arranged on the bottom surface so as to regulate the restoration from the housing groove 57 of the lock ring 63 during restoration. A pair of clamping surfaces 58 and 31 capable of clamping the lock ring 63 regulated by the restoration regulating surface 32 along the forward movement direction are disposed on the inner peripheral edges of the accommodation groove 57 and the accommodation groove 30, respectively. Has been. The ring sliding surface 27a restricts the restoration of the lock ring 63 that is elastically deformed and accommodated in the storage groove 57 before operation, and is slidable with the lock ring 63 during operation. 22 is arranged.

  In the first embodiment, the ring sliding surface 27a is configured to include a temporary holding recess 35 as an engagement recess that stores the lock ring 63 stored in the storage groove 57 before operation so as to be disengageable. ing.

  Therefore, in the first embodiment, before the operation, the lock ring 63 that is elastically deformed in the diameter-expanded state and is stored in the storage groove 57 is engaged with the temporary holding recess 35, so that the non-gas side portion 52 moves forward. Even if the step surface 60 of the storage groove 57 presses the lock ring 63 in the forward direction, the lock ring 63 comes into contact with the inclined surface 35a of the temporary holding recess 35 and is prevented from being detached from the temporary holding recess 35. The forward movement of the gas side portion 52 is restricted. In operation, the non-gas side portion 52 receives the pressure of the working gas G and strongly presses the step surface 60 on the periphery of the storage groove 57 against the lock ring 63. The non-gas side portion 52 moves forward with respect to the gas side portion 22 while leaving the inclined surface 35a of the temporary holding recess 35 and sliding on the ring sliding surface 27a, thereby completing the operation. Thereafter, when the non-gas side portion 52 attempts to move backward with respect to the gas side portion 22, the lock ring 63 restores the elastic deformation in the diameter-expanded state at the retraction prevention position, that is, the lock position RP. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, it is accommodated in the accommodating groove 39 from the accommodating groove 57 so as to be brought into diameter and brought into contact with the restoration regulating surface 32. If the lock ring 63 is to move backward, as shown in FIG. 7C, the lock ring 63 is clamped between a pair of clamping surfaces 58 and 31 provided at the periphery of the storage groove 57 and the periphery of the storage groove 30. Is done. At this time, the pair of clamping surfaces 58 and 31 clamps the lock ring 63 regulated by the restoration regulating surface 32 along the axis C in the forward movement direction. Thus, the backward movement of the non-gas side portion 52 is locked, and the actuator 21 can support the hood panel 10 in a state where the hood panel 10 is pushed up.

  In such a configuration, the temporary holding recess 35 is simply provided at the position of the ring sliding surface 27a on which the lock ring 63 stored in the storage groove 57 before operation slides. It can be simply configured.

  In this case, the engagement state of the lock ring 63 and the temporary holding recess 35 of the locking mechanism FR1 is within a range in which the lock can be released during operation, in opposition to a load that causes unnecessary forward movement (in the embodiment, The depth and shape of the temporary holding recess 35 with respect to the lock ring 63 (for example, the inclination in the forward movement direction side) so that the engaged state can be maintained against the load during normal use (normal opening and closing) of the hood panel 10. The shape including the angle and the like may be set as appropriate.

  Moreover, in the actuator 21 of 1st Embodiment, the gas generator 70 approaches the movement center axis C side rather than the sliding part 52a of the non-gas side part 52, and the non-gas side part 52 of the arrangement | positioning state before an operation | movement is carried out. It is housed and held in the gas side portion 22 so as to overlap with the portion 52b (in the embodiment, near the middle between the front end portion 54a of the peripheral wall portion 54 and the ceiling wall portion 53), and the gas generator 70 and the non-gas side Although the portion 52 is disposed in series along the movement center axis C of the non-gas side portion 52, the portion 52 is disposed so as to overlap in the direction orthogonal to the movement center axis C. For this reason, the gas generator 70 and the non-gas side portion 52 overlap each other (in the first embodiment, the main body 71 containing the unillustrated explosive or ignition device of the gas generator 70 and a part of the lead wire 70c are The length L1 of the actuator 21 is larger than that of the conventional gas generator and the non-gas side portion that do not overlap each other because the portion 52b of the non-gas side portion 52 is long. Can be shortened.

  That is, in the actuator 21 of the first embodiment, even if the gas generator 70 that generates the working gas G during operation is used, the length can be made short and compact, and the actuator 21 can be made compact. When mounted on the vehicle V using the hood flip-up device U1 or the like as an automobile safety device, the degree of freedom in mounting can be improved.

  Further, in the actuator 21 of the first embodiment, the gas side portion 22 is provided with the opening end 23 through which the working gas G flows out at the distal end side to store and hold the gas generator 70, and as the inner portion on the outer peripheral side. A sliding part (inner sliding part) 22a is arranged to constitute the inner member 21a. Further, the non-gas side portion 52 includes a ceiling wall portion 53 that covers the opening end 23 side of the gas side portion 22, and the gas side portion 22 from the outer peripheral edge of the ceiling wall portion 53 to at least the vicinity of the position where the gas generator 70 is disposed. A peripheral wall portion 54 that covers the outer periphery and has an inner peripheral surface 54b side as an inner sliding portion 22a of the gas side portion 22 and a sliding portion (outer sliding portion) 52a as an outer portion that slides. It is comprised as the outer side member 21b surrounding the circumference | surroundings of the gas side part 22 as the member 21a.

  Therefore, in 1st Embodiment, the gas generator 70 arrange | positioned at the gas side part 22 as the inner member 21a generate | occur | produces the working gas G at the time of operation | movement, and the working gas G is the opening end 23 of the gas side part 22. Since the non-gas side portion 52 as the outer member 21b slides on the outer peripheral surface 27a of the gas side portion 22 while flowing so as to press the ceiling wall portion 53 of the non-gas side portion 52, The front end portion 54a of the peripheral wall portion 54 can be moved from the base portion 24 side where the gas generator 70 of the gas side portion 22 is disposed to the vicinity of the opening end 23, and is connected to the gas side portion 22. The connecting portion 14c of the hinge arm 14 as a storage side connecting portion of V and the connecting portion 15a of the mounting plate 15 as a pressing side connecting portion of the vehicle V connected to the non-gas side portion 52 are separated from each other. The actuator 1 and is extended, operation is complete.

  That is, in the actuator 21 of the first embodiment, the portion that directly receives the pressing force of the working gas G during operation covers the open end 23 of the gas side portion 22 as the inner member 21a in which the gas generator 70 is disposed. Thus, if the outer diameter dimension of the gas generator 70 is equal to the ceiling wall portion 53 of the non-gas side portion 52 as the outer member 21b having a larger outer diameter than the opening end 23, the pressure receiving area thereof is The cylinder inner diameter of the cylinder type actuator is larger than the pressure receiving area of the piston portion. And when using the gas generator 70 which burns gunpowder and generates the working gas G of a high pressure instantaneously, it is easy to ensure a large output even if the actuator 21 has a small diameter because the pressure receiving area is large.

  Therefore, in the above configuration, even if the actuator is shortened, a long operation stroke SL can be secured, and a large output can be secured without increasing the thickness of the actuator 21. Conversely, the actuator 21 can be configured compactly. The mounting space is small, for example, the hood flip-up device U1 mounted near the hinge mechanism 11 of the hood panel 10 of the vehicle V can be suitably used.

  Further, in the actuator 21 of the first embodiment, a sealing material 46 that ensures gas sealing performance is disposed at the sliding portions 22 a and 52 a of the non-gas side portion 52 and the gas side portion 22.

  Therefore, in the above configuration, when the non-gas side portion 52 moves forward, the storage portion of the discharged working gas G includes the ceiling wall portion 53, the peripheral wall portion 54, and the opening end 23 of the non-gas side portion 52. It is comprised by the site | part enclosed by the gas side part 22 of the side, is arrange | positioned at the outer peripheral surface 27a side of the opening end 23 of the gas side part 22, and slides on the inner peripheral surface 54b (sliding site | part 52a) of the surrounding wall part 54. The sealing material 46 ensures a gas sealing property. Then, the sealing material 46 is disposed not on the inner peripheral side of the gas side portion 22 in which the gas generator 70 is accommodated but on the outer peripheral side of the opening end 23, so that it is exposed to the high temperature working gas G. It is difficult to suppress a decrease in performance, maintain good gas sealing performance, the non-gas side portion 52 can move forward with a stable pressing force, and the actuator 21 can ensure a stable output.

  Furthermore, in the actuator 21 according to the first embodiment, the inner peripheral surface 54 b side of the end edge 54 ae of the distal end portion 54 a of the peripheral wall portion 54 away from the ceiling wall portion 53 in the non-gas side portion 52 and the open end 23 of the gas side portion 22. A packing 48 is interposed between the outer peripheral surface 27a on the side of the base portion 24 away from the outer periphery.

  Therefore, in the first embodiment, the inner peripheral surface 54b side of the peripheral wall portion 54 of the non-gas side portion 52 as the outer member 21b can secure water tightness and air tightness by the packing 48, and the sliding portion 52a (inner peripheral surface) 54b) can prevent dust from entering, and also can prevent the sliding portion 52a from generating rust, etc., so that the non-gas side portion 52 can smoothly move forward during operation even if it is not operated for a long time. It can be secured.

  Further, in the actuator 21 of the first embodiment, between the distal end 70a of the gas generator 70 and the open end 23, that is, between the distal end 70a of the gas generator 70 and the ceiling wall portion 53 of the non-gas side portion 52. Further, a storage chamber 80 capable of storing the working gas G is provided before the non-gas side portion 52 moves forward, and the tip 70a of the gas generator 70 is connected to the non-gas so as to adjust the volume of the storage chamber 80. The initial pressing force of the actuator 21 can be adjusted by making the side portion 52 approach or separate from the ceiling wall portion 53 side (opening end 23 side). For example, if the storage chamber 80 has a small volume, the working gas G generated from the gas generator 70 during operation fills the small volume storage chamber 80 and the pressure increases, and the non-gas side portion 52 has a strong force. To move forward. On the contrary, if the storage chamber 80 has a large volume, the working gas G generated from the gas generator 70 during operation fills the large-volume storage chamber 80, compared to the case of the small-volume storage chamber 80. Thus, the pressure decreases, and the non-gas side portion 52 moves forward with a weak force.

  In the first embodiment, the connecting portion 25 of the gas side portion 22 of the actuator 21 is connected to the hinge arm 14 side, and the connecting portion 65 of the non-gas side portion 52 is connected to the mounting plate 15 side. As an alternative, the connecting portion 25 of the gas side portion 22 may be connected to the connecting portion 15a of the mounting plate 15, and the connecting portion 65 of the non-gas side portion 52 may be connected to the connecting portion 14c of the hinge arm 14.

  Next, the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 to 13 will be described. The actuator 21A of the second embodiment is also used in the hood flip-up device U2, and the non-gas side portion (moving side) as the outer member 21b. Part) A connecting portion 65A made of a bolt is fixed to the outer peripheral surface 54c of the peripheral wall portion 54 of the 52A. The connecting portion 65A is inserted into a connecting hole 15b as a connecting portion 15a of the mounting plate 15 of the hinge mechanism 11, is fastened with a nut 15c, and is rotatably connected to the mounting plate 15.

  The connecting portion 25A of the gas side portion 22A as the inner member 21a includes a connecting hole portion 25a having a hexagonal hole shape. The shaft support 18A is inserted into the connecting hole portion 25a, and the male screw portion 18a of the shaft support 18A is inserted. The nut 18e is fastened and connected to the shaft support 18A.

  The shaft support 18A includes male screw portions 18a and 18b at both ends, a deformed portion 18c inserted into the connecting hole portion 25a, a cylindrical large-diameter portion 18d, and a portion between the male screw portions 18a and 18b. It is configured with. The deformed portion 18c has a hexagonal column shape so as to be fitted into the hexagonal hole-shaped connecting hole portion 25a. The male screw portion 18b is inserted into the connecting hole 14d in the connecting portion 14c of the hinge arm 14, and is fastened to the hinge arm 14 by being fastened with a nut 14e.

  Therefore, in the actuator 21A of the second embodiment, the shaft support 18A and the nuts 18e and 14e are used to be rotatably connected to the connecting portion 14c of the hinge arm 14, and the nut 15c is used to It will be connected with the connection part 15a of the attachment plate 15 so that rotation is possible.

  In addition, in this actuator 21A, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the site | part and member similar to the actuator 21 of 1st Embodiment unless there is particular notice, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Similarly to the actuator 21 of the first embodiment, the actuator 21A of the second embodiment has the gas side portion 22A provided with an opening end 23 through which the working gas G flows out on the tip side, and stores and holds the gas generator 70. Further, a sliding part (inner sliding part) 22a as an inner part is arranged on the outer peripheral side to constitute an inner member 21a. Further, the non-gas side portion 52A has a ceiling wall portion 53 that covers the opening end 23 side of the gas side portion 22A, and the gas side portion 22A from the outer peripheral edge of the ceiling wall portion 53 to at least the vicinity of the arrangement position of the gas generator 70. A peripheral wall portion 54 that covers an outer periphery and has an inner peripheral surface 54b side as an inner sliding portion 22a of the gas side portion 22A and a sliding portion (outer sliding portion) 52a as an outer portion that slides. It is comprised as the outer side member 21b surrounding the circumference | surroundings of the gas side part 22A as the member 21a.

  In this actuator 21A, of course, the gas generator 70 similar to that of the first embodiment approaches the moving center axis C side from the sliding portion 52a (sliding surface / inner peripheral surface 54b) of the non-gas side portion 52A. The gas side portion 22A is housed and held so as to overlap a portion 52b of the non-gas side portion 52A in the arrangement state before the operation in the direction orthogonal to the movement center axis C.

  In addition, the actuator 21A is provided with a locking mechanism FR2 for preventing extension, as in the first embodiment. However, the engaging mechanism FR2 is provided with an engagement convex portion 37 having a mountain-shaped cross section on the outer peripheral surface 27a side of the gas side portion 22A at the arrangement position of the ring holder 55A before operation, and the inner periphery of the ring holder 55A. On the surface (sliding surface) 61 side, a concave groove-like engaging concave portion 62 that engages with the engaging convex portion 37 is disposed. The engaging convex portion 37 and the engaging concave portion 62 are configured such that when the non-gas side portion 52A during operation moves forward, the engaging concave portion 62 is disengaged from the engaging convex portion 37 to release the engagement. It has an uneven shape. Of course, when the hood panel 10 before operation is normally opened and closed, it has a concavo-convex shape that cannot be disengaged.

  The engaging convex portion 37 is disposed such that the inner case 27, which is a constituent member of the gas side portion 22A, projects the metal material integrally. Furthermore, the arrangement position of the engaging convex portion 37 is separated from the engaging concave portion 62 of the ring holder 55A immediately after the operation of the actuator 21A, and the sliding portion 61 of the non-gas side portion 52A provided with the engaging concave portion 62. It is arranged at a position where it can be disengaged.

  In addition, the engagement recessed part 62 and the engagement convex part 37 are each arrange | positioned in the perimeter of the circumferential direction of the axial center C of the actuator 21A along the forward movement direction at the time of an action | operation (refer FIG. 12).

  In the second embodiment, the ring holder 55 </ b> A provided with the engagement recess 62 is formed in the divided parts 55 a and 55 a divided in the circumferential direction of the axis C. In the embodiment, the ring holder 55A is formed of two divided bodies 55a.

  Further, the actuator 21A is provided with a reverse prevention lock mechanism BR2 for restricting the backward movement of the non-gas side portion 52A after the completion of the operation, as in the first embodiment. However, unlike the first embodiment, the lock ring 63A made of a C-ring made of elastically deformable spring steel or the like having a circular cross section has a storage groove provided in the flange portion 28A of the gas side portion 22A so that the diameter can be increased. An accommodation groove 67 is provided on the non-gas side portion 52A side so as to accommodate the lock ring 63A when the diameter is increased.

  The storage groove 49 is disposed in the flange portion 28A that functions as a stopper with respect to the ring holder 55A disposed in the distal end portion 54a of the peripheral wall portion 54 of the non-gas side portion 52A in the gas side portion 22A. The storage groove 49 is disposed between the retaining surface 28a that functions as a stopper and the annular groove 29 in which the sealing material 46 is stored. The storage groove 49 has a step surface 49c extending in the direction orthogonal to the axis C from the edge on the annular groove 29 side of the bottom surface 49b on the axis C side, and approximately 45 from the edge on the regulation surface 28a side of the bottom surface 49b to the backward movement side. And a taper regulating surface 49a that expands at an inclination angle of ° (see FIG. 13).

  The accommodation groove 67 is formed adjacent to the ring holder 55 </ b> A on the inner peripheral surface 54 b side of the non-gas side portion 52 </ b> A, and is a restoration regulating surface 69 that is an arc surface parallel to the axis C serving as the bottom surface of the accommodation groove 67. And a taper-shaped locking restriction surface 68 that is reduced in diameter from the edge on the forward movement side to the forward movement side of the restoration restriction surface 69 and that continues to the inner peripheral surface 54b.

  The taper regulating surface 49a and the locking regulating surface 68 at the peripheral edges of the housing groove 49 and the housing groove 67 are arranged on the outer circumferential side of the restoration regulating surface 69 when preventing the non-gas side portion 52A from moving backward after the forward movement. A pair of clamping surfaces that clamp the part 63b of the restricted lock ring 63A are configured. The depth dimension of the accommodation groove 67 to the restoration regulating surface 69, in other words, the width dimension B2 of the locking regulating surface 68 in the direction orthogonal to the axis C is smaller than the diameter dimension D2 of the lock ring 63A. It is set larger than the radial dimension R2 of the ring 63A (see FIG. 13).

  In the retraction prevention lock mechanism BR2, the lock ring 63A is housed in the housing groove 49 in a reduced diameter state in contact with the inner peripheral surface 54b of the non-gas side portion 52A so that the diameter can be increased, and the non-gas side portion 52A. When the forward movement is completed, as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the diameter is expanded and stored in the storage groove 67 of the non-gas side portion 52 </ b> A. The lock ring 63A has a cross-sectional diameter dimension D2 larger than the width dimension (width dimension between the restoration regulating surface 69 and the inner circumferential surface 54b) B2 of the locking regulating surface 68 of the housing groove 67, and A half (radial dimension) of the diameter dimension D2 is set to be approximately equal to or slightly smaller than the width dimension B4 of the locking regulating surface 68.

  Therefore, when the lock ring 63A is stored in the storage groove 67, the lock ring 63A (inner peripheral portion 63a) protrudes from the inner peripheral surface 54b of the non-gas side portion 52A when it hits the restoration regulating surface 69 of the storage groove 67. Further, when the lock ring 63A is housed in the housing groove 67 and the non-gas side portion 52A attempts to move backward after completion of the forward movement, the locking regulating surface 68 of the non-gas side portion 52A comes into contact with the lock ring 63A. However, the lock ring 63A does not move in contact with the taper regulating surface 49a, and the lock ring 63A is locked between the locking regulating surface 68 and the taper regulating surface 49a (see C in FIG. 13). .

  As a result, even if the non-gas side portion 52A after completion of the forward movement is going to move backward, the lock ring 49 in which the taper regulating surface 49a of the gas side portion 22A is housed in the housing groove 67 at the lock position RP of the non-gas side portion 52A. 63A hits the inner peripheral side portion 63a of the lock ring 63A, and the outer peripheral side portion 63b of the lock ring 63A is not expanded by the restoration restricting surface 69. Thus, the backward movement of the non-gas side portion 52A is prevented.

  Of course, in the hood flip-up device U2, when the actuator 21A is operated, the gas generator 70 generates the operating gas G, and the pressing force of the operating gas G causes the pressing force of the operating gas G to be as shown in FIGS. The engagement concave portion 62 gets over the engagement convex portion 37 to release the engagement with the engagement convex portion 37, the non-gas side portion 52A of the actuator 21A is separated from the gas side portion 22A, and the actuator 21A extends. Then, as shown by the solid line from the two-dot chain line in FIG. 9, the extending actuator 21A widens the intersection angle θ0 between the mounting plate 15 and the hinge arm 14, so that the rear end 10c side of the hood panel 10 rises and the hood The panel 10 can secure a wide deformation space S and can relieve the impact and receive a pedestrian by plastic deformation with a large amount of deformation.

  Of course, before the actuator 21A is actuated, the engaging convex portion 37 and the engaging concave portion 62 are engaged with each other to prevent the forward movement of the non-gas side portion 52A from the gas side portion 22A. The crossing angle θ0 between the plate 15 and the hinge arm 14 is prevented from widening, and the hood panel 10 can be opened / closed without any trouble when the hood panel 10 is opened / closed.

  In the actuator 21A of the second embodiment, the engaging convex portion 37 is integrally projected from the inner case 27 as a constituent member of the gas side portion 22A, and is assembled separately. The locking mechanism FR2 can be configured without using a special E-ring.

  That is, in the actuator 21A of the second embodiment, even if the locking mechanism FR1 for restricting the movement before the operation is provided, the actuator 21A can be configured simply because the E ring is not used.

  Further, in this actuator 21A, the engaging convex portion 37 is separated from the engaging concave portion 62 and provided with the engaging convex portion 37 immediately after the operation of the actuator 21A, as shown in FIG. Unlike the conventional E-ring that keeps sliding with the rod part during operation, the sliding resistance at the time of operation can be reduced quickly because it is arranged at a position where it can also be disengaged from the sliding part 61 of 52A. In addition, the non-gas side portion 52A can reach the forward completion position.

  Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the engagement concave portion 62 and the engagement convex portion 37 are arranged on the entire circumference in the circumferential direction of the axis C of the actuator 21A along the forward movement direction during operation. The joint recess 62 is formed in the divided bodies 55a and 55a divided in the circumferential direction of the axis C.

  For this reason, in this actuator 21A, since the engaging convex portion 37 is disposed on the entire circumference in the circumferential direction of the axis C of the actuator 21A, the non-gas side portion or gas that moves forward before operation without backlash. Can support the side.

  Further, in such a configuration, even if the engaging convex portion 37 formed integrally with the inner case 27 is disposed on the entire circumference in the circumferential direction of the axis C of the actuator 21A, the engaging concave portion 62 is provided. Is formed in the divided body 55a divided in the circumferential direction of the shaft center C, so that the non-gas side portion 52A and the gas side portion 22A are moved along the shaft center C during assembly. If the divided members 55a are connected in the circumferential direction of the axis C around the engaging convex portion 37 without forcibly engaging the convex portion 37 and the engaging concave portion 62, the engaging convex portion can be easily obtained. The portion 37 and the engaging recess 62 can be engaged, and the locking mechanism FR2 can be easily assembled.

  In the embodiment, the divided bodies 55a and 55a are arranged around the engagement convex portion 37 so that the ring holder 55A can be formed, and then the peripheral wall portion 54 of the non-gas side portion 52A in a state before caulking. The ring holder 55A is assembled to the non-gas side part 52A while the tip 54a side is crimped to connect the divided bodies 55a and 55a to form the ring holder 55A.

  Incidentally, if the above points are not taken into consideration, the engagement convex portion 37 may be formed intermittently or partially in the circumferential direction of the axis C.

  Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the connecting portion 65A is provided so as to project from the movement center axis C in the orthogonal direction, the length L2 can be configured compactly, and the hinge mechanism of the hood panel 10 of the vehicle V with a small mounting space. 11 can be suitably used for the hood flip-up device U2 mounted in the vicinity of 11.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 14, the engagement convex part 37 and the engagement concave part 62 are not provided, and the sliding surface 54b of the non-gas side part 52A facing the storage groove 49 in which the lock ring 63A is stored is provided. Alternatively, a temporary holding recess 35A as an engagement recess that engages with the lock ring 63A so as to be disengageable may be formed to form a forward movement preventing locking mechanism FR2 ′.

  In the second embodiment, the engagement convex portion 37 is formed in the inner case 27 of the gas side portion 22A, and the engagement concave portion 62 is formed in the ring holder 55 of the non-gas side portion 52. If the engagement state before the operation can be maintained so that the engagement can be released, as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 14, the engagement concave portion 62C is provided on the outer peripheral side of the flange portion 28A of the gas side portion 22A and the engagement convex portion 37C is provided. You may provide in the inner peripheral side of the surrounding wall part 54 vicinity of the ceiling wall part 53 of 52 A of non-gas side parts.

  Further, similar to the configuration of FIG. 14, as in the actuator 21 </ b> B of the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the lock ring has a C-ring shape with a trapezoidal cross section instead of a C-ring shape with a circular cross section. An engaging convex portion (lock ring) 63B that also serves as a locking convex portion may be used. The lock ring 63B is housed in the housing groove 49B in a reduced diameter state so that the diameter can be increased in a direction orthogonal to the axis C of the actuator 21B.

  At the position of the sliding surface 54b of the non-gas side portion 52A that faces the storage groove 49B that stores the lock ring 63B, a temporary holding recess 35B is formed as an engagement recess that engages with the lock ring 63A so as to be disengageable. Has been. The engagement surface 35c on the peripheral edge of the non-gas side portion 52C of the temporary holding recess 35B in the retraction direction and the engagement surface 63c of the lock ring 63B that contacts the engagement surface 35c are the non-gas side portion 52B as in operation. If the engagement surface 35c of the first member moves forward with a strong force, the mutual engagement can be released, and in the state before the operation, the mutual engagement state can be maintained. Is formed. The storage groove 49B allows elastic deformation in the diameter-enlarged state or the diameter-reduced state of the axis C of the lock ring 63B in the orthogonal direction, but is disposed so as to restrict movement of the lock ring 63B along the axis C. Further, the depth dimension of the storage groove 49B is set such that the lock ring 63B can be stored so as not to protrude from the flange portion 28A.

  Further, the locking surface 63d on the forward movement side of the lock ring 63B is formed along a direction orthogonal to the axis C.

  Then, at the lock position RP where the non-gas side portion 52B has completed the forward movement, a part of the lock ring 63B whose diameter is expanded so as to protrude in the direction orthogonal to the axis C is provided at a position facing the storage groove 49B. A housing groove 67B for housing is formed, and the periphery of the housing groove 67B engaged with the locking surface 63d on the forward movement side is a locking surface 67a perpendicular to the axis C, and the locking surfaces 67a and 63d are engaged with each other. If stopped, the non-gas side portion 52B is configured to be prevented from moving backward.

  Like the actuator 21B, the locking mechanism FR3 may be configured by a lock ring 63B as an engaging convex portion also serving as a locking convex portion and a temporary holding concave portion 35B as an engaging concave portion. In this case, the lock mechanism BR3 includes a lock ring 63B having a locking surface 63d and a receiving groove 67B having a locking surface 67a.

  Then, the lock ring 63B simply includes an engagement surface 63c as the locking mechanism FR3 and a locking surface 63d as the lock mechanism BR3, and advances and retracts from the storage groove 49B in the direction orthogonal to the axis C. The engaging surface 35c of the corresponding locking mechanism FR3 and the locking surface 67a of the lock mechanism BR3 are engaged, disengaged, and locked. In the third embodiment, the actuator 21B can be simply used. Can be configured.

  Incidentally, as such an engaging convex part, even if it is not the lock ring 63B, an engaging surface similar to the engaging surface 63c and the engaging surface 63d described above can be configured simply as an engaging mechanism and a locking mechanism. Alternatively, it may be formed from a rod-like body or plate-like body made of spring steel or the like that is provided with a locking surface and can be moved back and forth in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the actuator. Furthermore, in this case, an urging means such as a spring may be used in combination so that the engagement can be shifted to the engaged state.

  In the first to third embodiments, the gas side portions 22, 22A, 22B and the non-gas side portions 52, 52A, 52B are provided with predetermined connecting portions 25, 25A, and the storage side connecting portion 14c or the pressing side is provided. Although the case where it was connected with respect to the connection part 15a before the operation was shown, at least one of the gas side parts 22, 22A, 22B and the non-gas side parts 52, 52A, 52B is connected on the fixed side. The movable side connecting part (the fixed side connecting part) is connected and fixed, and the other of the gas side parts 22, 22A, 22B and the non-gas side parts 52, 52A, 52B is separated from the fixed side connecting part before operation ( It may be arranged so as to be separated from the connection part) and to contact (connect / connect) the movable side connection part during operation to support or move the movable side connection part. In such a configuration, since it is necessary to provide the lead wire 70c for inputting the ignition electric signal to the gas generator 70, the gas side portions 22 and 22A are considered in consideration of the space for movement and operation. The non-gas side portions 52, 52A, 52B are disposed away from the movable connection portion and contact the movable connection portion during operation (connection / connection). It is desirable to have a configuration that allows connection.

  Furthermore, in the actuators 21, 21 </ b> A, and 21 </ b> B of each embodiment, the case where the hood panel 10 is used for the flip-up devices U <b> 1 and U <b> 2 is illustrated. The present invention may be used as an actuator that connects a gas side portion and a non-gas side portion to a phosphorus hose and moves the knee support panel backward at the time of a frontal collision of the vehicle. Furthermore, the actuator of the present invention is not limited to the embodiment as long as the gas generator is operated to move the non-gas side portion forward at a predetermined time, and can be used for various automobile safety devices.

21, 21A, 21B ... Actuator, 22, 22A, 22B ... Gas side, 27a ... Ring sliding surface, 30, 67, 67B ... (recess for locking) receiving groove, 31 ..., 68 (locking mechanism) clamping surface Locking restricting surface, 32, 69 ... (bottom surface) restoration restricting surface, 35 ... (locking mechanism) (engagement recess) temporary holding recess, 37, 37C ... engagement protrusion, 49, 49B, 57 ... storage groove, 49a, 58 ... clamping surface / taper regulating surface, 52, 52A, 52B ... non-gas side portion, 62, 62C ... engaging recess, 63, 63A, 63B ... (engaging projection / locking projection) lock ring, 70: Gas generator,
FR (FR1, FR2, FR2 ', FR3) ... locking mechanism, BR (BR1, BR2, BR3) ... lock mechanism, C ... (actuator) axis / moving center axis, SL ... working stroke, RP ... (reverse) Prevention position) Lock position.

Claims (4)

A gas generator for generating working gas during operation;
A gas side that houses and holds the gas generator;
A non-gas side part that moves forward relatively away from the gas side part while sliding with the gas side part by the pressure of the working gas generated from the gas generator;
Configured with
In operation, the non-gas side portion moves forward so as to be relatively away from the gas side portion, thereby ensuring an operation stroke,
An actuator comprising a locking mechanism for preventing relative forward movement of the non-gas side portion from the gas side portion before operation;
The locking mechanism is
An engagement concave portion and an engagement convex portion that are engaged with each other so as to be disengageable at the time of operation are arranged at positions facing each other before the operation on the gas side portion and the non-gas side portion. And
The engaging projection is
Arranged on one of the gas side or the non-gas side,
When the operation is completed after releasing the engagement with the engagement recess during operation, the lock recess provided on the other of the gas side portion or the non-gas side portion where the engagement recess is disposed is engaged. An actuator that is stopped and is also used as a locking projection capable of preventing a relative backward movement of the non-gas side portion. A lock mechanism for preventing the relative back movement of the non-gas side after completion of operation;
The locking mechanism is
A C-ring shaped lock ring that is elastically deformable so as to expand or contract in diameter along a direction orthogonal to the forward movement direction during operation;
A storage groove disposed on one of the gas side portion or the non-gas side portion that elastically deforms in the diameter expansion direction or the diameter reduction direction and stores the lock ring before operation,
Arranged on the other side of the gas side or the non-gas side for accommodating a part of the lock ring by restoring the elastic deformation of the lock ring accommodated in the accommodation groove at the position for preventing retreat when the forward movement is completed. A receiving groove,
A restoration regulating surface disposed on the bottom surface of the housing groove so as to regulate restoration from the housing groove of the lock ring during restoration;
A pair of clamping surfaces, which are respectively arranged on inner peripheral edges of the storage groove and the storage groove and can clamp the lock ring regulated by the restoration regulating surface along the forward movement direction;
The restoration of the lock ring elastically deformed and stored in the storage groove before operation is restricted, and is arranged on the other of the gas side portion or the non-gas side portion so as to be slidable with the lock ring during operation. Ring sliding surface to be
Configured with
The ring sliding surface includes a temporary holding recess as the engagement recess for storing the lock ring stored in the storage groove before operation so as to be disengaged,
The engaging convex portion serving also as the locking convex portion of the locking mechanism is constituted by the lock ring,
The actuator according to claim 1, wherein the locking recess is configured by the receiving groove. A gas generator for generating working gas during operation;
A gas side that houses and holds the gas generator;
A non-gas side part that moves forward relatively away from the gas side part while sliding with the gas side part by the pressure of the working gas generated from the gas generator;
Configured with
In operation, the non-gas side portion moves forward so as to be relatively away from the gas side portion, thereby ensuring an operation stroke,
An actuator comprising a locking mechanism for preventing relative forward movement of the non-gas side portion from the gas side portion before operation;
The locking mechanism is
An engagement concave portion and an engagement convex portion that are engaged with each other so as to be disengageable at the time of operation are arranged at positions facing each other before the operation on the gas side portion and the non-gas side portion. And
The engaging projection is
From one constituent member of the gas side portion or the non-gas side portion is integrally projected and disposed,
Immediately after the operation, it is disposed at a position where it disengages from the engaging recess and also disengages from the other sliding portion of the gas side portion or the non-gas side portion provided with the engaging recess. Characteristic actuator. The engaging concave portion and the engaging convex portion are respectively disposed on the entire circumference in the circumferential direction of the axis of the actuator along the forward movement direction during operation,
The actuator according to claim 3, wherein the engaging recess is formed in a divided body divided in a circumferential direction of the shaft center.

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