Ventilator structure of an actuator

Abstract

The actuator's ventilator structure (60) includes: a breather hole (61) that allows the rear housing (22) to pass through the inside and outside; a filter (71) that inhibits the flow of liquids and solids through the breather hole (61) and allows the flow of gas; and a blocking part (81). The blocking part (81) blocks a portion of the path from the opening on the outside space (57) side of the breather hole (61), i.e., the outer opening (63), to the filter (71), thereby inhibiting the arrival of liquids and solids from the outside space (57) to the filter (71).

Description

[0001] Cross-referencing of related applications

[0002] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-049205, filed on March 19, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to the ventilator structure of an actuator. Background Technology

[0004] Conventionally, waterproof actuators have included a ventilator for pressure adjustment. In the actuator disclosed in Patent Document 1, a breathing passage is formed in the housing, and a filter unit is mounted on the outside of the breathing passage. The filter unit includes a cylindrical retaining member pressed into the outer wall of the housing, a membrane filter disposed at the end of the retaining member, and a bottomed cylindrical cover disposed on the outside of the retaining member to cover the filter.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 4560743 Summary of the Invention

[0008] If, as in Patent Document 1, the filter unit is protruded from the housing, and a protective wall is formed on the housing to protect the filter unit from high-pressure liquids, then to ensure clearance with the mounted component, a recess needs to be provided at the corresponding location on the mounting component, separating the actuator from the mounting component. Therefore, the actuator's mounting capability decreases. To avoid protruding the filter unit from the housing, it is possible to mount the filter directly onto the housing; however, this could cause the filter to peel off or be damaged when directly impacted by high-pressure liquid.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide a ventilator structure that can protect the filter and improve the mounting compatibility of the actuator.

[0010] The ventilator structure of the present invention is a ventilator structure disposed in the housing of an actuator, comprising a breather hole, a filter, and a blocking portion. The breather hole penetrates the inside and outside of the housing. The filter inhibits the flow of liquids and solids through the breather hole between the inside and outside of the housing, while allowing the flow of gas. The blocking portion blocks a portion of the path from the opening on the outer side of the breather hole (i.e., the outer opening) to the filter, inhibiting the arrival of liquids and solids from the outer space into the filter.

[0011] According to the present invention, the filter is positioned at least inside the housing than the outer opening of the breather hole, thus preventing the filter from protruding outside the housing and improving actuator mounting stability. Furthermore, since the blocking portion reduces the pressure of the liquid when high-pressure liquid flows into the breather hole, the filter is protected. Attached Figure Description

[0012] The above-mentioned and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a shift-by-wire system using the actuator of the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the actuator according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 It is Figure 2 The diagram shows the rear housing and ventilator structure as viewed from the direction of arrow III.

[0016] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Part III, an enlarged view, is a cross-sectional view showing the periphery of the ventilator structure.

[0017] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 The enlarged view of section V shows the periphery of the ventilator structure.

[0018] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A sectional view of the filter and the blockage section along line VI-VI.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view showing the ventilator structure of the second embodiment, which is different from that of the first embodiment. Figure 4 The corresponding diagram.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the periphery of the ventilator structure in the third embodiment, which is different from that in the first embodiment. Figure 5 The corresponding diagram.

[0021] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the filter and the blockage section along line IX-IX.

[0022] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the periphery of the ventilator structure in the fourth embodiment, which is different from that in the first embodiment. Figure 5 The corresponding diagram.

[0023] Figure 11 yes Figure 10A sectional view of the filter and the blockage section along line XI-XI.

[0024] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of the blocking part along line XII-XII.

[0025] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the periphery of the ventilator structure in the fifth embodiment, which is different from that in the first embodiment. Figure 5 The corresponding diagram.

[0026] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 A cross-sectional view of the filter and the blockage section along line XIV-XIV. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the actuator are described based on the accompanying drawings. Structures that are substantially the same in each embodiment are given the same reference numerals and are omitted from description.

[0028] [First Embodiment]

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, the actuator 10 of the first embodiment is fixed to the outer wall of the housing 12 of the vehicle transmission 11 and is used as the drive unit of the shift-by-wire system 13. The actuator 10 is driven and controlled by the controlled device 15 according to the command signal from the shift operation device 14, thereby actuating the shift gear switching mechanism 16 of the transmission 11 to switch the shift gear.

[0030] (Actuator)

[0031] First, refer to Figure 2 The overall structure of the actuator 10 will be described. The actuator 10 includes a housing 20, a motor 30, and a reducer 40.

[0032] The housing 20 has a cup-shaped front housing 21 and a rear housing 22. The front housing 21 and the rear housing 22 are joined together by bolts 23. A bottomed cylindrical metal plate 24 is embedded in the front housing 21. The rear housing 22 has a cylindrical protrusion 28 protruding from the opposite side of the front housing 21. A bracket 29 is fixed to the outer wall of the rear housing 22. The actuator 10 is mounted on the gearbox housing 12 of the gearbox 11 using the bracket 29 (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[0033] The motor 30 has a stator 31, a rotor 34, and a shaft 37. The stator 31 has an annular stator core 32 fixed to a metal plate 24, for example, by pressing, and coils 33 disposed on the stator core 32. The rotor 34 is rotatably disposed inside the stator 31. The shaft 37 is rotatably supported about a rotation axis AX1 by a motor-side bearing 35 and a reducer-side bearing 36, and rotates together with the rotor 34 to output the torque of the motor 30. The motor-side bearing 35 is disposed on the metal plate 24. The reducer-side bearing 36 is disposed on the output component 44, which will be described later.

[0034] The reducer 40 includes an eccentric shaft 41, a gear ring 42, an eccentric gear 43, an output component 44, and a transmission mechanism 45. The eccentric shaft 41 is mounted on an eccentric shaft AX2, which is eccentric to the rotational axis AX1, and is integrally formed with the shaft 37. The gear ring 42 is mounted on the same shaft as the rotational axis AX1 and is fixed to the rear housing 22. The eccentric gear 43 has external teeth 47 that mesh with the internal teeth 46 of the gear ring 42, and is supported by bearings 48 on the eccentric shaft 41 in a planetary motion configuration. Planetary motion is a motion in which the gear rotates on its own axis AX2 and revolves around the rotational axis AX1. During planetary motion, the rotational speed of the eccentric gear 43 is reduced relative to the rotational speed of the shaft 37.

[0035] The output component 44 is mounted on the same shaft as the rotation axis AX1 and is rotatably supported by a bearing 49 mounted on the rear housing 22. The output component 44 is an output part that outputs the torque of the motor 30 to the control shaft 18, which is the "driving object". The transmission mechanism 45 includes an engagement protrusion 51 formed on the eccentric gear 43 and an engagement hole 52 formed on the output component 44 into which the engagement protrusion 51 is inserted, transmitting the rotation of the eccentric gear 43 about the eccentric axis AX2 to the output component 44.

[0036] In actuator 10, a rotating magnetic field is generated by switching the energization phase of coil 33. The rotor 34 rotates due to the magnetic attraction or repulsion generated by this rotating magnetic field. If eccentric shaft 41 rotates together with rotor 34 around the rotation axis AX1, eccentric gear 43 performs planetary motion. The rotation of eccentric gear 43, which is slowed down relative to the rotation of rotor 34, is output to the outside from output component 44.

[0037] (Ventilator construction)

[0038] Next, refer to Figures 2-6 The venting structure of the actuator 10 will be described. The housing 20 has a housing space 56 for accommodating the motor 30 and the reducer 40. The housing space 56 includes the interior spaces of the front housing 21 and the rear housing 22. The actuator 10 has a venting structure 60 for reducing the pressure difference between the space inside the housing 20 (hereinafter referred to as the housing space) 56 and the space outside the housing 20 (hereinafter referred to as the external space) 57.

[0039] The ventilator structure 60 includes a breather hole 61, a filter 71, and a block portion 81. The breather hole 61 is a through hole that extends through the inside and outside of the housing 20, allowing the receiving space 56 to communicate with the external space 57. In the first embodiment, when the actuator 10 is mounted in a vehicle, the breather hole 61 is located at the upper part of the bottom of the rear housing 22 and is connected to the upper part of the receiving space 56. The breather hole 61 is stepped and has a small-diameter portion 64 that includes an opening 62 on the receiving space 56 side (hereinafter referred to as the inner opening) and a large-diameter portion 65 that includes an opening 63 on the external space 57 side (hereinafter referred to as the outer opening).

[0040] The filter 71 inhibits the flow of liquids and solids inside and outside the housing 20 through the vent 61 and allows the flow of gas. In the first embodiment, the filter 71 is a membrane with waterproof and breathable functions, fixed to the stepped surface 66 of the vent 61 (i.e., the end on the side of the small diameter portion 64 in the large diameter portion 65).

[0041] The blocking part 81 blocks a portion of the path from the outer opening 63 of the vent 61 to the filter 71, inhibiting the arrival of liquids and solids from the external space 57 into the filter 71. In the first embodiment, the blocking part 81 is separate from the housing 20 and is fixed to the large-diameter part 65. The filter 71 is disposed between the stepped surface 66 and the blocking part 81.

[0042] The blocking portion 81 has a cylindrical portion 82 that is pressed into the large-diameter portion 65, and a first blocking portion 84 and a second blocking portion 85 formed in the through hole 83 of the cylindrical portion 82. The first blocking portion 84 and the second blocking portion 85 are protruding obstacles arranged in a zigzag shape when viewed from a direction that is approximately orthogonal to the through direction of the through hole 83.

[0043] The first blocking portion 84 is disposed midway along the path from the outer opening 63 to the filter 71. In the first embodiment, the first blocking portion 84 is formed to extend from one side of the inner wall of the through hole 83 in a direction substantially orthogonal to the through direction to the other side at the center of the end on the outer space 57 side of the through hole 83.

[0044] The second blocking portion 85 is configured to be located between the first blocking portion 84 and the filter 71, and to completely overlap with the opening other than the first blocking portion 84 when the filter 71 side is viewed from the outer opening 63. The aforementioned "opening other than the first blocking portion 84" is, in the first embodiment, the space defined by the inner wall of the through hole 83 and the first blocking portion 84. One second blocking portion 85 is provided on each side of the first blocking portion 84 when the filter 71 side is viewed from the outer opening 63. The first blocking portion 84 and the second blocking portion 85 are configured such that the filter 71 is not visible from the outer opening 63.

[0045] The first blocking portion 84 and the second blocking portion 85 are formed to extend in the vertical direction when the actuator 10 is mounted in a vehicle. The space divided by the inner wall of the through hole 83 and the first blocking portion 84 and the second blocking portion 85 also becomes a space that extends in the vertical direction when mounted in a vehicle.

[0046] The ventilator structure 60 also includes a wall portion 91 formed in the rear housing 22 that protrudes towards the external space 57 from the outer opening 63 of the vent 61 and extends around the outer opening 63. The wall portion 91 surrounds more than half of the periphery of the outer opening 63. Furthermore, in the vehicle-mounted state of the actuator 10, the wall portion 91 has a notch 92 on the ground side in the vertical direction. The notch 92 is a groove extending from the vent 61 towards the ground side in the vertical direction.

[0047] (Effect)

[0048] As explained above, in the first embodiment, the ventilator structure 60 includes a breather hole 61 that extends through the inside and outside of the housing 20, a filter 71 that inhibits the flow of liquids and solids through the breather hole 61 to the inside and outside of the housing 20 while allowing the flow of gas, and a blocking portion 81. The blocking portion 81 blocks a portion of the path from the outer opening 63 of the breather hole 61 to the filter 71, inhibiting the arrival of solids and liquids from the external space 57 into the filter 71. According to this ventilator structure 60, since the filter 71 can be prevented from protruding outside the housing 20, the mounting capability of the actuator 10 is improved. Furthermore, since the blocking portion 81 reduces the pressure of the liquid when high-pressure liquid flows into the breather hole 61, the filter 71 can be protected.

[0049] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the blocking portion 81 includes: a first blocking portion 84 disposed midway along the path from the outer opening 63 to the filter 71; and a second blocking portion 85 located between the first blocking portion 84 and the filter 71, which completely overlaps with the opening other than the first blocking portion 84 when the filter 71 is viewed from the outer opening 63. Thus, since the first and second blocking portions 85 are configured so that the filter 71 is not visible from the outer opening 63, it is possible to prevent liquid from the external space 57 from directly impacting the filter 71.

[0050] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the blocking portion 81 is formed to extend in the vertical direction when the actuator 10 is mounted. As a result, liquid entering the vent 61 can easily flow out, and the accumulation of liquid in the vent 61 can be suppressed.

[0051] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the blocking part 81 and the housing 20 are separate. Therefore, the direction of the blocking part 81 can be adjusted according to the mounting direction of the actuator 10.

[0052] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the ventilator structure 60 also includes a wall portion 91 formed in the rear housing 22 that protrudes towards the external space 57 from the outer opening 63 and extends around the outer opening 63. Therefore, the wall portion 91 acts as a barrier, preventing the inflow of liquid into the breathing hole 61.

[0053] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the wall portion 91 surrounds more than half of the periphery of the outer opening 63. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the inflow of liquid into the vent 61.

[0054] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the wall portion 91 has a notch 92 on the ground side in the vertical direction when the actuator 10 is mounted. Therefore, it is possible to prevent liquid from flowing into the vent 61 from the upper side. In addition, if liquid flows into the vent 61, the liquid can also flow out along the notch 92 in the ground direction.

[0055] [Second Embodiment]

[0056] In the second embodiment, such as Figure 7 As shown, the filter 71 is fixed to the inner wall of the rear housing 22 to block the inner opening 62. That is, the filter 71 is disposed at the edge of the inner opening 62. Although the configuration of the filter 71 is different, according to the second embodiment, it achieves the same effect as the first embodiment.

[0057] [Third Implementation]

[0058] In the third embodiment, such as Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, one first blocking portion 843 and one second blocking portion 853 are each provided. The first blocking portion 843 is formed to block one side of the through hole 83 in a direction substantially orthogonal to the through direction. The second blocking portion 853 is formed to block the other side of the through hole 83 in a direction substantially orthogonal to the through direction. Although the shapes and arrangements of the first blocking portion 843 and the second blocking portion 853 are different, since the filter 71 is configured to be invisible from the outer opening 63 through the first blocking portion 843 and the second blocking portion 853, the third embodiment achieves the same effect as the first embodiment.

[0059] [Fourth Embodiment]

[0060] In the fourth embodiment, such as Figures 10-12As shown, the first blocking portion 844 is cross-shaped and extends outwards from the center of the through hole 83. The second blocking portion 854 forms four protrusions protruding from the inner wall of the through hole 83 toward the center, dividing the space between the filter 71 and the inner wall of the through hole 83 into a cross-shaped opening that overlaps with the first blocking portion 844 when viewed from the outer opening 63 side. Although the shapes and arrangements of the first blocking portion 844 and the second blocking portion 854 are different, the filter 71 is configured to be invisible from the outer opening 63 through the first blocking portion 844 and the second blocking portion 854, thus achieving the same effect as the first embodiment according to the fourth embodiment.

[0061] [Fifth Embodiment]

[0062] In the fifth embodiment, such as Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the first blocking portion 845 and the second blocking portion 855 are different components. The first blocking portion 845 has a plurality of first through holes 831. The second blocking portion 855 has a plurality of second through holes 832 located at a different position from the first through holes 831 when the filter 71 side is viewed from the outer opening 63. Although the shapes and arrangements of the first blocking portion 845 and the second blocking portion 855 are different, since the filter 71 is configured to be invisible from the outer opening 63 through the first blocking portion 845 and the second blocking portion 855, the fifth embodiment achieves the same effect as the first embodiment. Furthermore, by making the first blocking portion 845 and the second blocking portion 855 different components, it is possible to manufacture even when the blocking portion 81 has a complex shape.

[0063] [Other Implementation Methods]

[0064] In other embodiments, the vent can simply extend through the inside and outside of the housing and can be located anywhere on the housing. The vent does not necessarily have to be stepped. Multiple vents can also be provided.

[0065] In other embodiments, the blocking portion may be integrally formed with the housing. That is, the blocking portion and the housing may be the same component. Furthermore, the blocking portion may consist of three or more components. Additionally, the blocking portion does not necessarily need to be configured so that the filter is not visible from the external opening. As long as the blocking portion is provided to block at least a portion of the path from the external opening to the filter, the filter can be protected.

[0066] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from its spirit.

[0067] The present invention has been described according to embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and constructions. The present invention also includes various modifications and equivalent variations. Furthermore, various combinations and forms, and even combinations and forms that include only one element or more thereof, also fall within the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A ventilator structure for an actuator, comprising a ventilator structure disposed within the housing of an actuator used as a drive unit in a vehicle's shift-by-wire system, characterized in that, have: A breathing hole connects the inside and outside of the aforementioned shell. The filter suppresses the flow of liquids and solids through the aforementioned vent and allows the flow of gases; and The blocking section blocks a portion of the path from the external opening (outer opening) of the vent hole to the filter, thereby inhibiting the arrival of liquids and solids from the external space into the filter. The aforementioned blocking part and the aforementioned housing are composed of the same component. The aforementioned blocking part has: A first blocking portion, located midway along the path from the outer opening to the filter, is provided on the inner wall of the through hole between the inner and outer ends of the through hole forming the outer opening; and The second blocking section is located between the first blocking section and the filter, and when viewed from the outer opening, it completely overlaps with the openings other than the first blocking section. The first blocking portion and the second blocking portion are formed such that, when the actuator is mounted, they extend upward from the bottom of the inner wall of the through hole in the direction of heaven and earth, and an opening extending along the bottom of the inner wall of the through hole is formed between the first blocking portion and the second blocking portion.

2. The ventilator structure of the actuator as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned ventilator structure also includes a portion of the wall of the housing that protrudes toward the external space from the aforementioned outer opening and extends around the aforementioned outer opening.

3. The ventilator structure of the actuator as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The aforementioned wall portion surrounds more than half of the periphery of the aforementioned outer opening.

4. The ventilator structure of the actuator as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The aforementioned wall portion has a notch on the ground side in the direction of the sky when the aforementioned actuator is mounted.

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