Connecting device

Abstract

A coupling device is provided, which can realize at least one of the following power control methods: power control of generating an operating torque of a rotating body even in a power transmission cut-off state and power control of cutting off the power transmission according to the magnitude of the torque acting, by using a relatively simple structure. The coupling device of the present invention has a first rotating body and a second rotating body coaxially arranged in a manner capable of relative rotation, and also has a spacer and a pressing member, the spacer is arranged between the first rotating body and the second rotating body, the pressing member presses at least one of the first rotating body and the second rotating body toward the spacer, the spacer is formed by an elastic member, and generates friction between the spacer and the rotating body by the pressing of the pressing member, and the rotating body and the spacer are formed so that when a torque larger than the friction force acts between the rotating body and the spacer, the rotating body or the spacer can idle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a coupling device including a first rotating body and a second rotating body which are coaxially arranged so as to be relatively rotatable. Background Art

[0002] As a connection device for connecting two different parts or components, there is a structure having two rotating bodies. As one of the connection devices having two rotating bodies, for example, there is a known power transmission device in which two rotating bodies are respectively formed by gears and power (rotational force) is transmitted from one gear to another gear. In addition, as an example of a power transmission device, for example, in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-169911 (Patent Document 1), a clutch for transmitting the torque of a first gear to a second gear is recorded. The clutch of the patent document 1 is formed to cut off the torque transmission from the second gear to the first gear.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-169911. Summary of the invention

[0006] As described above, the power transmission device of Patent Document 1 transmits the rotational force from the first gear to the second gear and cuts off the power from the second gear to the first gear, so it has a complicated structure.

[0007] However, in a power transmission device that transmits power between a first gear and a second gear, the following power control is sometimes required depending on how it is used. For example, sometimes power control is required to generate a torque (operating torque) for rotating the first gear or the second gear even when no rotational force is transmitted between the first gear and the second gear. In addition, for example, sometimes power control is required to cut off the transmission of power at a time point when the torque acting between the first gear and the second gear exceeds a specified range.

[0008] The present invention has been completed in view of the above-mentioned previous problems, and its purpose is to provide a connection device that includes a power transmission device and has two rotating bodies, which can use a relatively simple structure to achieve at least one of the power control of generating an operating torque of the rotating body even when the power transmission is cut off and the power control of cutting off the power transmission according to the size of the torque acting.

[0009] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the connection device provided by the present invention has a first rotating body and a second rotating body arranged on the same axis in a manner that can rotate relative to each other, and the connection device also has a spacer and an extrusion component. The spacer is arranged between the first rotating body and the second rotating body, and the extrusion component presses at least one of the first rotating body and the second rotating body toward the spacer. The spacer is formed by an elastic component, and a friction force is generated between the spacer and the one rotating body through the extrusion of the extrusion component. The one rotating body and the spacer are formed so that when a torque greater than the friction force acts between the one rotating body and the spacer, the one rotating body or the spacer can idle relative to the spacer or the one rotating body.

[0010] In the coupling device of the present invention, it is preferred that the first rotating body is formed by a first gear having a plurality of teeth provided on an outer edge portion, and the second rotating body is formed by a second gear having a plurality of teeth provided on an outer edge portion.

[0011] In addition, in the present invention, it is preferred that the spacer has an annular shape, and a circular or arc-shaped recessed portion or convex portion is provided at a contact portion of the spacer that contacts the one rotating body, and a circular or arc-shaped convex portion or recessed portion corresponding to the recessed portion or convex portion of the spacer is provided at a contact portion of the one rotating body that contacts the spacer.

[0012] Furthermore, it is preferable that the spacer is provided so as to be non-rotatable relative to the other of the first rotating body and the second rotating body.

[0013] In addition, it is preferable that power can be transmitted between the first rotating body and the second rotating body.

[0014] (Effects of the Invention)

[0015] According to the coupling device of the present invention, at least one of power control for generating operating torque of the rotating body even in a power transmission cut-off state and power control for cutting off power transmission according to the magnitude of the acting torque can be realized with a relatively simple structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 It is a perspective view schematically showing a coupling device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 It is schematically indicated Figure 1 A perspective view showing an exploded state of the connecting device.

[0018] Figure 3 It is a schematic representation of the radial truncation Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the cross section of the connecting device shown.

[0019] Figure 4 It is a perspective view schematically showing a modified example of a spacer used in the connection device.

[0020] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing another modified example of the spacer used in the connection device.

[0021] Figure 6 It is a perspective view schematically showing a modified example of the first rotating body and the spacer used in the coupling device.

[0022] Figure 7 It is a schematic representation of the application Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of the wind direction adjustment device of the connecting device shown.

[0023] Figure 8 It is schematically indicated Figure 7 A three-dimensional view of the main parts of the wind direction adjustment device shown.

[0024] Fig. 9 It is a schematic representation of the application Figure 1 A perspective view of a cup holder device of the illustrated linkage device.

[0025] Fig.10 It is schematically indicated Fig. 9 A perspective view of the main parts of the cup holder device is shown.

[0026] Fig.11 It is a perspective view and a partially enlarged view showing a control box of a coupling device according to a modified example of the present invention.

[0027] Fig.12 It is schematically indicated Fig.11 A cross-sectional view of the hinge portion of the control box is shown.

[0028] (Explanation of Reference Numerals)

[0029] 1. Connecting device (power transmission device)

[0030] 1a Connecting device (first connecting device)

[0031] 1b Connecting device (second connecting device)

[0032] 1c Connecting device (third connecting device)

[0033] 2 Connection device

[0034] 10 First gear (first rotating body)

[0035] 11 First base

[0036] 12 First tooth

[0037] 13 convex part

[0038] 13a Raised stripe

[0039] 14 Receiving groove

[0040] 20 Second gear (second rotating body)

[0041] 21 Second base

[0042] 22 Second tooth

[0043] 23 Cylinder

[0044] 24 Ribs

[0045] 30 Support

[0046] 31 Shaft

[0047] 32 Flange

[0048] 33 Engagement claw

[0049] 40, 40a Spacer

[0050] 40b, 40c Spacers

[0051] 41 recess

[0052] 41a Groove portion

[0053] 42 engagement recess

[0054] 43 groove part

[0055] 44 Non-contact part

[0056] 45, 46 groove part

[0057] 47 Groove

[0058] 50, 50a Extruded parts

[0059] 51 Coil spring

[0060] 60, 60a Pressing portion

[0061] 61 Insertion hole

[0062] 70 Gear parts

[0063] 71 Second gear unit

[0064] 72 Spacer

[0065] 72a Column

[0066] 72b Ring

[0067] 72c Contact part

[0068] 80 First rotating ring

[0069] 90 Second rotating ring

[0070] 91 convex part

[0071] 100 Wind direction adjustment device

[0072] 101 Housing

[0073] 102 First Fin

[0074] 103 Second fin

[0075] 104 Connecting parts

[0076] 104a Connecting shaft

[0077] 104b Sector gear

[0078] 105 Drive unit

[0079] 106 External gear

[0080] 110 cup holder

[0081] 111 Cage body

[0082] 112 First adjustment piece

[0083] 113 Sector gear

[0084] 114 Second adjustment piece

[0085] 116 Third adjustment piece

[0086] 117 External gear

[0087] 120 Control Box

[0088] 121 bracket body

[0089] 122 Cover (arm)

[0090] 123 Hinge

[0091] 124 Shaft

[0092] 125 Hood DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0093] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, and various modifications can be made as long as the structure is substantially the same as that of the present invention and the same effects are achieved. For example, several application examples of the connection device of the present invention are described below, but the connection device of the present invention can also be applied to various other products.

[0094] (Example)

[0095] Figure 1 It is a perspective view schematically showing the connection device of this embodiment. Figure 2 It is schematically indicated Figure 1 A perspective view showing an exploded state of the connecting device. Figure 3 It is a schematic representation of the radial truncation Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the cross section of the connecting device shown.

[0096] In the following description, the direction along the rotation axes of the two rotating bodies is defined as the up-down direction. In this case, for convenience, the direction on the side where the pressing member is arranged with respect to the rotating body is defined as the up direction, and the direction on the opposite side is defined as the down direction.

[0097] The connecting device 1 of this embodiment has a supporting portion 30, a first gear (first rotating body) 10 rotatably supported on the upper side of the supporting portion 30 and a second gear (second rotating body) 20 on the lower side, a spacer 40 arranged between the first gear 10 and the second gear 20, an extrusion component 50 arranged on the first gear 10, and a pressing portion 60 engaged with the lower end portion of the supporting portion 30, and each component and part is formed independently (formed separately from other components and parts).

[0098] The coupling device 1 is formed as a power transmission device (clutch mechanism) that transmits power (rotational force) between the first gear 10 and the second gear 20. That is, when power (rotational force) is input to the first gear 10, power can be output from the second gear 20, and power can also be input and output in the opposite direction.

[0099] The support portion 30 includes a shaft portion 31 extending in the vertical direction and a flange portion 32 integrally provided at the upper end of the shaft portion 31. The first gear 10, the second gear 20 and the spacer 40 are rotatably mounted on the shaft portion 31 of the support portion 30, and the pressing member 50 is elastically deformably mounted.

[0100] A plurality of engaging claws 33 are provided at the lower end of the shaft portion 31 to engage and fix the pressing portion 60. The pressing portion 60 has an annular (ring-shaped) shape with an insertion hole 61 provided at the center portion to allow the shaft portion 31 to be inserted. In addition, in the present embodiment, the method and means for engaging or fixing the pressing portion 60 to the shaft portion 31 of the support portion 30 are not particularly limited, and conventionally known methods and means can be adopted.

[0101] The pressing member 50, the first gear 10, the spacer 40 and the second gear 20 are sandwiched in the vertical direction in an overlapping order between the flange portion 32 of the support portion 30 and the pressing portion 60 fixed to the lower end of the shaft portion 31. In this case, the second gear 20 is rotatably in contact with the pressing portion 60.

[0102] The first gear 10 includes an annular first base portion 11 having an insertion hole at the center, a first tooth portion 12 integrally provided on the outer periphery of the first base portion 11, and a convex portion 13 protruding downward from the first base portion 11 (see Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 ). On the upper surface of the first base portion 11 , a receiving groove portion 14 is provided along the circumferential direction of the first gear 10 , and the receiving groove portion 14 is provided to carry and receive a part of the pressing member 50 .

[0103] The first tooth portion 12 is provided with a plurality of teeth protruding radially outward from the first gear 10. The convex portion 13 of the first gear 10 is formed by a convex strip portion 13a protruding downward from the lower surface of the first base portion 11. The convex strip portion 13a is formed as a contact portion with the spacer 40 on the first gear 10, and is provided in a circumferential shape that is continuous throughout the entire circumference of the first gear 10 when the first gear 10 is viewed from above (not shown). In addition, in the present invention, the shape of the convex portion 13 provided on the first gear 10 is not limited to the convex strip portion 13a, and other shapes and structures can also be adopted.

[0104] The second gear 20 includes an annular second base portion 21 having an insertion hole at the center, a second tooth portion 22 integrally provided on the outer periphery of the second base portion 21, a cylindrical portion 23 protruding downward from the second base portion 21 in a cylindrical shape, and four ribs 24 protruding from the upper surface of the second base portion 21 (see FIG. Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 The second tooth portion 22 is provided with a plurality of teeth protruding radially outward of the second gear 20. The four ribs 24 of the second gear 20 are provided in a straight line along the radial direction of the second gear 20 and are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the second gear 20.

[0105] The spacer 40 of the present embodiment is formed of a material and / or shape that generates friction between the first gear 10 and the spacer 40 so that the first gear 10 and the spacer 40 can rotate as a whole (or together) when a rotational force is input to the first gear 10 or the second gear 20 when the first gear 10 is squeezed to the spacer 40 by the extrusion component 50.

[0106] The spacer 40 is described in more detail. The spacer 40 is formed of an elastic member. The elastic member is a member having elasticity. The elastic member includes, for example, a member formed of a material capable of elastic deformation and a member having a shape that exerts elasticity. In addition, the elastic member may also be formed of a soft synthetic resin.

[0107] The spacer 40 has a circular or annular shape. A recess 41 is provided on the circumferential upper surface of the spacer 40. The recess 41 of the spacer 40 is formed by a groove portion 41a, which receives and contacts the convex strip portion 13a of the first gear 10. In addition, in the present invention, the shape of the recess 41 provided in the spacer 40 is not limited to the groove portion 41a, and other shapes and structures can also be adopted.

[0108] The groove portion 41a is provided in a continuous circumferential shape throughout the entire circumference of the spacer 40 when the spacer 40 is viewed from above (not shown). The convex stripe portion 13a of the first gear 10 is received and brought into contact with the groove portion 41a of the spacer 40, thereby suppressing the relative positional displacement between the first gear 10 and the spacer 40. In addition, an appropriate friction force can be stably generated between the first gear 10 and the spacer 40.

[0109] Four engaging recesses 42 are provided at the lower end of the spacer 40, and the convex ribs 24 provided on the second gear 20 are inserted into and engaged with the four engaging recesses 42. When the spacer 40 is overlapped on the second gear 20, the convex ribs 24 of the second gear 20 are engaged with the engaging recesses 42 of the spacer 40, so that the spacer 40 is placed in a manner that cannot rotate relative to the second gear 20.

[0110] The pressing member 50 of this embodiment is formed by a coil spring 51. The coil spring 51 can apply force to the first gear 10, and the first gear 10 can be pressed toward the spacer 40. As a result, the state in which the convex stripe portion 13a of the first gear 10 is accommodated in and in contact with the concave groove portion 41a of the spacer 40 can be stably maintained. In addition, the spacer 40 can be pressed toward the second gear 20 by the coil spring 51 (in other words, the second gear 20 can be pressed toward the spacer 40), thereby stably maintaining the state in which the convex rib 24 of the second gear 20 and the engaging recess 42 of the spacer 40 are engaged.

[0111] In addition, in the present embodiment, the pressing member 50 is formed by the coil spring 51, but the pressing member 50 may be formed by a member having elasticity other than the coil spring 51 as long as it can press the first gear 10 toward the spacer 40. In addition, the pressing member 50 of the present embodiment is arranged on the upper side of the first gear 10 (the side of the first gear 10 opposite to the spacer 40 side), but in the present invention, the pressing member 50 may be arranged on the lower side of the second gear 20 (the side of the second gear 20 opposite to the spacer 40 side), or may be arranged on both sides of the upper side of the first gear 10 and the lower side of the second gear 20.

[0112] The coupling device (power transmission device) 1 of this embodiment is formed by a simple structure that can be assembled relatively easily. That is, the coupling device 1 is easy to assemble by mounting the coil spring 51, the first gear 10, the spacer 40, and the second gear 20 on the shaft portion 31 of the support portion 30 in sequence, and then inserting the shaft portion 31 of the support portion 30 through the insertion hole 61 of the pressing portion 60, and fixing the pressing portion 60 to the lower end of the shaft portion 31.

[0113] According to the coupling device 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to smoothly perform power transmission in which the rotational force input to the first gear 10 is output from the second gear 20 and power transmission in the opposite direction.

[0114] In addition, in the coupling device 1 of the present embodiment, for example, when an operation is performed to rotate the other gear of the first gear 10 and the second gear 20 while one of the first gear 10 and the second gear 20 is held in a non-rotatable state, it is necessary to input a torque greater than the friction force generated between the first gear 10 and the spacer 40 to the other gear. Thus, when the other gear is rotated, the torque (operation torque) can be easily and stably generated. Therefore, the operator can be provided with a sense of operation or use of the coupling device 1.

[0115] In addition, in this case, in the connection device 1 of this embodiment, the magnitude of the operating torque can be easily changed or adjusted by changing the material of the spacer 40, changing the shape of the spacer 40, and changing the reaction force of the extrusion component 50 (the elastic force of the coil spring 51).

[0116] Furthermore, according to the coupling device 1 of the present embodiment, the following power control can be performed: when a rotational force is input to one of the first gear 10 and the second gear 20, for example, when the torque acting between the first gear 10 and the second gear 20 is greater than the friction force generated between the first gear 10 and the spacer 40, the integrated rotation of the first gear 10 and the spacer 40 based on the friction force cannot be maintained, and power control is performed to cause the first gear 10 to idle (rotate independently) relative to the spacer 40 (or the spacer 40 to rotate relative to the first gear 10).

[0117] The coupling device 1 of the present embodiment that performs such power control can cut off the transmission of power between the first gear 10 and the spacer 40 when the torque acting between the first gear 10 and the second gear 20 exceeds the set value set according to the friction force, thereby being able to exert a counteracting function of counteracting the input torque. In this case, in the coupling device 1 of the present embodiment, the set value of the counteracting function set according to the friction force can be easily changed or adjusted by changing the material of the spacer 40, the shape of the spacer 40, and the reaction force of the pressing member 50 (the elastic force of the coil spring 51).

[0118] In addition, if Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the spacer 40 of this embodiment is formed by providing a circumferentially continuous circumferential groove portion 41a on the upper surface portion of the annular spacer 40, and providing a convex stripe portion 13a on the first gear 10, and the convex stripe portion 13a is received in and contacts the groove portion 41a of the spacer 40. However, the spacer used in the coupling device (power transmission device) of the present invention is not limited to this, for example, a convex portion (convex stripe portion) may be provided on the upper surface portion of the spacer, and a concave portion (concave stripe portion) that receives and contacts the convex portion may be provided in the first gear.

[0119] Furthermore, in the present invention, the spacer 40 of the above-mentioned embodiment can be replaced by, for example, Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 The spacers 40a and 40b shown as a modified example in the figure are used to form a connection device (power transmission device).

[0120] For example Figure 4 The spacer 40a of the modified example shown is formed so that four grooves 43 that receive and contact the convex stripe 13a of the first gear 10 and four non-contact portions 44 that do not contact the convex stripe 13a of the first gear 10 are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction of the spacer 40. On the other hand, Figure 5 The spacer 40 b of the illustrated modification example is formed such that two circumferential groove portions 45 and 46 are provided on the upper surface portion of the spacer 40 so as to be aligned in the radial direction.

[0121] Even if this is used Figure 4 The spacer 40a shown or Figure 5 The coupling device formed by the spacer 40b shown can also obtain the same effect as the coupling device 1 of the above-mentioned embodiment. In this case, the magnitude of the operating torque and the setting value of the offset function can be set differently from the coupling device 1 of the embodiment.

[0122] In the coupling device 1 of the above-mentioned embodiment, the second gear 20 and the spacer 40 are formed separately, but in the present invention, for example, Figure 6 As shown, the coupling device is formed by using a gear member 70 having a shape such that the second gear 20 and the spacer 40 are integrated. In this case, Figure 6 The gear member 70 includes a second gear portion 71 and a spacer portion 72 .

[0123] The second gear portion 71 of the gear member 70 has substantially the same shape as the second gear 20 of the embodiment except that the convex rib 24 is not provided. The spacer portion 72 has: four column portions 72a, which stand upright from the second gear portion 71; a ring portion 72b, which connects the upper ends of the column portions 72a; and four contact portions 72c, which protrude from the upper surface of the ring portion 72b and contact the first gear 10. The contact portion 72c is arranged at a middle position between two adjacent column portions 72a in the circumferential direction of the ring portion 72b. The spacer portion 72 can be elastically deformed in a manner that bends the ring portion 72b when the contact portion 72c is brought into contact with the first gear 10.

[0124] Even if you use Figure 6 The coupling device formed by the gear member 70 shown in the figure can also obtain the same effect as the coupling device 1 of the above-mentioned embodiment. In this case, the magnitude of the operating torque and the setting value of the offset function can be set differently from those of the coupling device 1 of the embodiment.

[0125] Furthermore, in the present invention, reference is made to Fig.12 As described later, instead of the first gear 10 and the second gear 20 of the above-mentioned embodiment, an annular first rotating ring 80 and a second rotating ring 90, which do not have a tooth portion, may be provided as the first rotating body and the second rotating body in the coupling device 2. Even in such a coupling device 2 having the first rotating ring 80 and the second rotating ring 90, it is possible to easily and stably perform power control to generate an operating torque when performing an operation to rotate one of the first rotating ring 80 and the second rotating ring 90. As a result, it is possible to provide the operator with a sense of operation or a sense of use of the coupling device 2.

[0126] Next, as a specific embodiment of the coupling device (power transmission device) 1 to which the above-mentioned embodiment is applied, refer to Figure 7 as well as Figure 8, a case where the coupling device 1 is applied to the wind direction adjusting device 100 (first application example) is described.

[0127] Figure 7 The wind direction adjusting device 100 shown has: a housing 101, in which a space for air circulation is provided; a plurality of first fins 102, which are provided at a downstream opening of the housing 101; and a plurality of second fins 103, which are provided adjacent to the upstream side of the first fins 102. In this case, the upstream side and the downstream side mean the upstream side and the downstream side in the air circulation direction.

[0128] The plurality of first fins 102 are arranged along the width direction of the housing 101 and are held by the housing 101 so as to be rotatable in the height direction of the housing 101. The plurality of first fins 102 are connected to each other by a first link member (not shown) so that the rotation of each first fin 102 is linked.

[0129] The plurality of second fins 103 are arranged along the height direction of the housing 101 and are held by the housing 101 so as to be rotatable in the width direction of the housing 101. The plurality of second fins 103 are connected to each other by a second link member (not shown) so that the second fins 103 rotate in conjunction with each other.

[0130] The connecting member 104 is connected to one of the second fins 103. The connecting member 104 has a connecting shaft 104a connected to the second fin 103 and a sector gear 104b formed integrally with the upper end of the connecting shaft 104a. The sector gear 104b of the connecting member 104 meshes with the second gear 20 of the coupling device 1 of the embodiment, and the rotational force is transmitted from the second gear 20 to the sector gear 104b, so that the plurality of second fins 103 can be rotated in conjunction.

[0131] In the wind direction adjustment device 100, a driving unit 105 having a built-in motor (not shown), an external gear 106 mounted on the rotating shaft of the driving unit 105, and a coupling device 1 of the embodiment connected to the external gear 106 are provided. The external gear 106 meshes with the first gear 10 of the coupling device 1, and the driving force (rotational force) of the driving unit 105 is input to the first gear 10 of the coupling device 1 via the external gear 106. In addition, when the driving unit 105 stops, the first gear 10 is also maintained in a non-rotating stopped state.

[0132] In such an air direction adjustment device 100, when the second fins 103 are rotated by the driving force of the driving unit 105, the driving force of the driving unit 105 is input to the first gear 10 of the connecting device 1, so that the first gear 10 can be rotated in the connecting device 1, and the friction force generated between the first gear 10 and the spacer 40 is used to rotate the spacer 40 and the second gear 20 together with the first gear 10. As a result, the rotational force of the second gear 20 is transmitted to the fan-shaped gear 104b of the connecting member 104, so that the plurality of second fins 103 can be rotated in the width direction (left and right) in a linked manner by the driving of the driving unit 105.

[0133] On the other hand, in the wind direction adjustment device 100, when the driving unit 105 is stopped (the first gear 10 is not rotating), the unillustrated operating unit connected to the second fin 103 is manually operated, so that the plurality of second fins 103 can also be rotated in the width direction in a linked manner. Specifically, when the second fin 103 is manually operated, as described above, the first gear 10 is maintained in a non-rotating state, but through manual operation, the rotational force (operating torque) is input to the second gear 20 of the connection device 1 via the connecting member 104. At this time, the operating torque input to the second gear 20 is greater than the friction force generated between the first gear 10 and the spacer 40, so that the second gear 20 and the spacer 40 can be idling relative to the first gear 10, so that even when the driving unit 105 is stopped, the second fin 103 can be easily rotated manually.

[0134] In addition, when the second wing 103 is manually rotated in the stopped state of the driving part 105, since the spacer 40 is formed by an elastic component, the change in friction force from the static friction force of the spacer 40 relative to the first gear 10 to the dynamic friction force can be relatively small. Therefore, it is not easy for the operator to feel a sense of disharmony when starting to manually rotate the second wing 103. In addition, in order to manually rotate the second wing 103, an operating torque greater than the friction force is required, so the operator can be appropriately provided with the operating feel of the second wing 103. Furthermore, when the rotation of the second wing 103 is stopped in the desired direction (angle), the friction force between the first gear 10 and the spacer 40 can be used to stably maintain the stopped state of the second wing 103 (the direction of the second wing 103).

[0135] Next, refer to Fig. 9 as well as Fig.10 , a case where the coupling device (power transmission device) 1 of the embodiment is applied to a cup holder device 110 (a second application example) will be described.

[0136] Fig. 9The cup holder device 110 shown has a holder body 111 into which a container (not shown) such as a cup is inserted and held, and an upper first adjustment member 112, a middle second adjustment member 114, and a lower third adjustment member 116 for pressing from the side the container inserted into the holder body 111. In addition, a sector gear 113 is integrally provided on each of the first to third adjustment members 112 to 116.

[0137] In the cup holder device 110, the first to third adjustment members 112 to 116 are respectively rotated on planes perpendicular to the height direction of the holder body 111, so that a container (not shown) inserted into the holder body 111 can be pressed from the side to be held, and the holding state of the container based on the first to third adjustment members 112 to 116 can be released.

[0138] In the cup holder device 110, a driving unit (not shown), an external gear 117 mounted on the rotating shaft of the driving unit, and a connecting device 1 of the embodiment connected to the external gear 117 are provided for the first to third adjusting members 112 to 116, respectively. In this case, for convenience, the connecting devices 1 provided for the first adjusting member 112, the second adjusting member 114, and the third adjusting member 116 are respectively referred to as the first connecting device 1a, the second connecting device 1b, and the third connecting device 1c. In addition, the first connecting device 1a, the second connecting device 1b, and the third connecting device 1c are provided in the cup holder device 110 so as to be placed oppositely in the up-down direction.

[0139] In the cup holder device 110, each sector gear 113 of the first adjustment member 112 to the third adjustment member 116 meshes with each second gear 20 of the first connection device 1a to the third connection device 1c. Each first gear 10 of the first connection device 1a to the third connection device 1c meshes with the external gear 117, and the driving force (rotational force) of each driving unit (not shown) is input to each first gear 10 of the first connection device 1a to the third connection device 1c via the external gear 117. In addition, when each driving unit stops, the corresponding first gear 10 is also maintained in a non-rotating stopped state.

[0140] In such a cup holder device 110, when the container is inserted into the holder body 111, each driving part is driven, so that the first adjustment member 112 to the third adjustment member 116 can be rotated in a direction close to the container or away from the container via the first connection device 1a to the third connection device 1c. Therefore, when the container is inserted into the holder body 111, the first adjustment member 112 to the third adjustment member 116 are rotated in a direction close to the container, so that the container can be automatically and stably pressed by the first adjustment member 112 to the third adjustment member 116, so that the container does not move (or is difficult to move) in the holder body 111.

[0141] In addition, for example, when the first adjustment member 112 to the third adjustment member 116 are in contact with the container, when the rotational force in the direction of approaching the container is input from each driving unit to the first adjustment member 112 to the third adjustment member 116 via the first connection device 1a to the third connection device 1c, the above-mentioned offset functions of each of the first connection device 1a to the third connection device 1c can be used to cut off the transmission of power between the first gear 10 and the spacer 40. As a result, it is possible to prevent a large load from being applied to each of the first connection device 1a to the third connection device 1c, and it is possible to suppress the first connection device 1a to the third connection device 1c from being damaged.

[0142] Furthermore, for example, when the driving of each driving unit stops while the first to third adjusting members 112 to 116 are pressing the container, the friction between the first gears 10 of the first to third connecting devices 1a to 1c and the spacer 40 can be used to stably maintain the positions of the first to third adjusting members 112 to 116. Therefore, the state in which the first to third adjusting members 112 to 116 are pressing the container can be stably maintained.

[0143] On the other hand, when the container is pressed by the first to third adjusting members 112 to 116 in the holder body 111, the first to third adjusting members 112 to 116 are rotated in a direction away from the container by driving each driving unit, so that the state in which the container is suppressed can be automatically released. Thus, the container can be easily taken out of the holder body 111.

[0144] In addition, in the cup holder device 110, even in a state where each driving unit is stopped, the second gear 20 and the spacer 40 can be made to idle relative to the first gear 10 by manually operating the first to third adjustment members 112 to 116, so that the first to third adjustment members 112 to 116 can be easily rotated. In particular, in this case, in order to rotate the first to third adjustment members 112 to 116, an operating torque greater than the friction force between the first gear 10 and the spacer 40 is required, so that the operator can be provided with an appropriate operating feel.

[0145] Next, refer to Fig.11 as well as Fig.12 , a case where a connection device 2 of a modified example in which a first annular rotating ring 80 and a second rotating ring 90 without teeth are provided instead of the first gear 10 and the second gear 20 in the connection device 1 of the embodiment is applied to a control box 120 (third application example) is described.

[0146] Fig.11The control box 120 shown has a bracket body 121 having a storage portion, a cover (arm) 122 which is disposed on the bracket body 121 so as to be openable and closable, and a hinge 123 which connects the bracket body 121 and the cover 122. The hinge 123 has a shaft 124 which is fixed to the bracket body 121, a connection device 2 of a modified example which is fixed to the shaft 124, and a cover 125 which covers the connection device 2. In addition, the cover 125 is fixed to the cover 122 and is formed to rotate together with the cover 122.

[0147] The connection device 2 of the modified example includes: a support portion 30; a first rotating ring 80 and a second rotating ring 90, which are rotatably supported on the support portion 30; a spacer 40c, which is arranged between the first rotating ring 80 and the second rotating ring 90; a pressing member (coil spring) 50a; and a pressing portion 60a, which is engaged with the front end portion of the support portion 30. In addition, in the control box 120, instead of the connection device 2 having the first rotating ring 80 and the second rotating ring 90, the connection device 1 of the embodiment having the first gear 10 and the second gear 20 can be used.

[0148] In the connection device 2, the first rotating ring 80 may be pressed by a holding portion (not shown) so as not to rotate. The second rotating ring 90 is fixed to the pressing portion 60a, and the pressing portion 60a is formed integrally with the cover portion 125. In addition, for example, when the connection device 2 is not used and the connection device 1 of the embodiment is used, the cover portion 125 may be connected to the second gear 20 of the connection device 1 via a gear (not shown) provided on the cover portion 125.

[0149] The spacer 40c of the connection device 2 is arranged so as not to rotate relative to the first rotating ring 80. A circumferential groove portion 47 is provided at a contact portion of the spacer 40c with the second rotating ring 90. A circumferential convex strip portion 91 is provided on the second rotating ring 90, and the circumferential convex strip portion 91 is received in and in contact with the groove portion 47 of the spacer 40c.

[0150] In the coupling device 2 of the modified example, the second rotating ring 90 is pressed toward the spacer 40c by the pressing member 50a, so that the convex stripe portion 91 of the second rotating ring 90 can be stably maintained in a state of being accommodated in and in contact with the concave groove portion 47 of the spacer 40c. In addition, a friction force is generated between the second rotating ring 90 and the spacer 40c. In the coupling device 2 of the modified example, when the torque acting on the second rotating ring 90 is larger than the friction force, the second rotating ring 90 can be made to rotate idly relative to the spacer 40c.

[0151] According to such a control box 120, when the cover 122 is opened and closed, the second rotating ring 90 can be rotated idly relative to the partition 40c, so the cover 122 can be easily opened and closed. In addition, when the cover 122 is opened and closed in this way, an operating torque greater than the friction force is required, so the operator can be given an appropriate operating feeling. Furthermore, when the opening and closing operation of the cover 122 is stopped, the cover 122 can be kept at its stopped position by using the friction force between the second rotating ring 90 and the partition 40c.

Claims

1. A connecting device, characterized in that: The invention comprises a first rotating body and a second rotating body which are coaxially arranged so as to be relatively rotatable, and The coupling device further comprises a spacer and a pressing member, wherein the spacer is arranged between the first rotating body and the second rotating body, and the pressing member presses at least one of the first rotating body and the second rotating body toward the spacer. The spacer is formed of an elastic member and generates frictional force between the spacer and the one rotating body by being pressed by the pressing member. The one rotating body and the spacer are formed so that when a torque larger than the friction force acts between the one rotating body and the spacer, the one rotating body or the spacer can rotate idly relative to the spacer or the one rotating body. The spacer has a circular ring shape, A contact portion of the separator that contacts the one rotating body is provided with a concave portion formed in a circumferential shape or an arc shape along the circumferential direction of the separator, or a convex portion formed in a circumferential shape throughout the entire circumferential direction of the separator, A contact portion in the one rotating body that contacts the spacer is provided with a convex portion that corresponds to the concave portion of the spacer and is formed in a circumferential shape throughout the entire circumference of the one rotating body, or a concave portion that corresponds to the convex portion of the spacer and is formed in a circumferential shape or an arc shape along the circumference of the one rotating body, The recessed portion provided in the spacer or the one rotating body is a recessed portion whose groove width gradually decreases toward the insertion direction of the protruding portion into the recessed portion. The convex portion provided on the one rotating body or the spacer is accommodated in the concave groove portion, and the convex portion contacts the inner wall surface of the concave groove portion at two points spaced apart from each other in a cross section perpendicular to the circumferential direction.

2. The connection device according to claim 1, wherein: The first rotating body is formed by a first gear having a plurality of teeth provided on an outer edge portion. The second rotating body is formed by a second gear having a plurality of teeth provided on an outer edge portion.

3. The connection device according to claim 1, wherein: The spacer is provided in a non-rotatable manner relative to the other of the first rotating body and the second rotating body.

4. The connection device according to claim 1, wherein: Power can be transmitted between the first rotating body and the second rotating body.

Images