Electric sliding door actuator

Abstract

The electric sliding door actuator of the present invention includes: an actuator unit having a motor, a gear, a drum, and a wire, the gear increasing torque generated by the motor, the drum being rotatable by the gear, the wire opening and closing a door while moving with rotation of the drum; a tensioner unit providing a restoring force to the actuator unit; and a housing unit providing a path of movement of the actuator unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to electric sliding door actuators, and more specifically, to electric sliding door actuators that are modularized for easy manufacture, installation, and management. Background Technology

[0002] Various methods can be used to open and close doors. In the case of sliding doors, the space required for opening and closing the door can be minimized, thus expanding the usable space.

[0003] In particular, in the case of car sliding doors, multiple passengers can get on and off the vehicle. However, in order to meet the usage environment or various requirements, such as the difficulty in opening and closing the door manually in certain environments, electric sliding doors have been developed.

[0004] However, existing electric sliding doors have a large number of components, which makes assembly difficult and increases manufacturing costs. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The problem to be solved

[0006] The present invention is proposed to solve the problems of the prior art described above, and is used to provide a modular electric sliding door actuator.

[0007] The subject matter of this invention is not limited to those mentioned above, and other subjects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0008] Problem-solving methods

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the electric sliding door actuator of the present invention may include: an actuator unit having a motor, a gear, a drum, and a cable, wherein the gear increases the torque generated by the motor, the drum is rotatable by the gear, and the cable moves with the rotation of the drum while opening and closing the door; a tensioner unit providing a restoring force to the actuator unit; and a housing unit providing a path for the actuator unit to move.

[0010] At this time, the actuator unit may include a cover disposed on the outside of the drum to prevent foreign objects from entering the drum.

[0011] At this time, the cover may include: a first cover spaced at a predetermined distance from the circumference of the drum; and a second cover protruding outward from the first cover toward the outer side of the outer casing unit.

[0012] At this time, the second cover may include a packaging component disposed inside the second cover to prevent foreign objects from entering due to movement of the thread.

[0013] The drum can then rotate at the same angular velocity as the gear.

[0014] Alternatively, the drum may be formed with grooves to prevent the wire from detaching.

[0015] Alternatively, the actuator unit may include a rotating support to guide the drum to rotate.

[0016] Alternatively, a portion of the tensioner unit may be fixed to the housing unit.

[0017] Alternatively, the housing unit may include a guide section.

[0018] The guide unit, in conjunction with the actuator unit, provides a path, enabling the actuator unit to reciprocate in a predetermined direction.

[0019] At this time, the guide portion may include: a first guide member disposed on one side of the housing unit; and a second guide member facing the first guide member.

[0020] The housing unit may then include fastening members that are formed outwards for easy assembly.

[0021] The effects of the invention

[0022] The electric sliding door actuator of the present invention, which solves the above-mentioned problems, has the following effects:

[0023] First, it enables the modularization and miniaturization of electric sliding door actuators, making them easier to manufacture, install, and manage.

[0024] Secondly, the simple structure allows for the maintenance of line tension and ensures that the door opening and closing performance remains unchanged.

[0025] The effects of this invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description in the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a front perspective view of the electric sliding door actuator of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a rear perspective view of the electric sliding door actuator of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the electric sliding door actuator of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 5 The driving sequence of the electric sliding door actuator of the present invention is shown above;

[0030] Figure 6 The driving sequence of the electric sliding door actuator of the present invention is shown from the rear.

[0031] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0032] 10: Line 100: Actuator Unit

[0033] 110: Motor; 130: Gear

[0034] 150: Drum 151: Groove

[0035] 170: Cover section 171: First cover

[0036] 172: First protruding component; 173: Second cover

[0037] 174: Second protruding component; 175: Packaging component

[0038] 190: Rotary support section; 300: Tensioner unit

[0039] 500: Housing unit; 510: Guide section

[0040] 511: First guide component; 513: Second guide component

[0041] 530: Fastening components Detailed Implementation

[0042] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention, which specifically achieve the objectives of the present invention, will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of these embodiments, the same names and reference numerals are used for the same structures, and additional descriptions are omitted.

[0043] Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments of the present invention, components with the same function are referred to by the same name and the same reference numerals, which is completely different from the past.

[0044] Furthermore, the terminology used in the embodiments of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0045] Furthermore, in embodiments of the present invention, terms such as "comprising" or "having" should be understood to specify the presence of features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof as described in the specification, without precluding the presence or additional possibilities of one or more other features or numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0046] The following description of the electric sliding door actuator of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only and focuses on automotive-related content, without limiting its application. The electric sliding door actuator of the present invention can also be applied to various sliding doors that require automatic opening and closing, such as doors installed in buildings, in addition to automobiles. This will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0047] Reference Figures 1 to 4 This invention describes the electric sliding door actuator. Figure 1 This is a front perspective view of the electric sliding door actuator of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a rear perspective view of the electric sliding door actuator of the present invention; Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the electric sliding door actuator of the present invention.

[0048] The electric sliding door actuator of the present invention may include: actuator unit 100, tensioner unit 300 and housing unit 500.

[0049] The actuator unit 100 may include: a motor 110; a gear 130 to increase the torque generated by the motor 110; a drum 150 that can be rotated by the gear 130; and a line 10 that moves as the drum 150 rotates while opening and closing the door.

[0050] The motor 110, as the structure for generating driving force, is preferably a BLDC (brushless DC) motor 110, but it is not limited to this, and various motors 110 can certainly be used.

[0051] The gear 130 is used to increase the torque generated by the motor 110, and a common gear 130 is preferably used. However, it is not limited to this, and various gears 130 can certainly be used.

[0052] The drum 150 surrounds at least a portion of the circumference of the motor 110 or the gear 130 and is rotatable via the gear 130.

[0053] At this time, the drum 150 may have the characteristic of rotating at the same angular velocity as the gear 130. Specifically, a portion protrudes outward from the gear 130, and a groove or hole may be formed in the drum 150 so that the protruding portion of the gear 130 can be inserted into the drum 150. Alternatively, a portion protrudes inward from the drum 150, and a groove or hole may be formed in the gear 130 so that the protruding portion of the drum 150 can be inserted.

[0054] A portion of the wire 10 is wound around the drum 150, and one or both ends are connected to the door, enabling the door to be opened and closed in the direction of rotation of the drum 150. A groove 151 may be formed in the drum 150 to allow the door to be opened and closed smoothly in the direction of rotation of the drum 150 without the wire 10 detaching from the drum 150.

[0055] The actuator unit 100 may then include a cover 170 and a rotary support 190.

[0056] To prevent foreign objects from entering the drum 150 and causing malfunctions, the cover 170 may be disposed on the outside of the drum 150.

[0057] At this time, the cover 170 may include a first cover 171 and a second cover 173, wherein the first cover 171 is configured at a predetermined circumferential distance from the drum 150, and the second cover 173 extends from the first cover 171 and protrudes outward from the outer side of the housing unit 500.

[0058] Specifically, the first cover 171 provides a predetermined space for placing the drum 150, and the first cover 171, coupled to the outer casing unit 500, can reciprocate within a predetermined distance. The first cover 171 may form a first protruding member 172 and a second protruding member 174. The first protruding member 172 protrudes from the upper end of the first cover 171 along the axial direction of the drum 150, and the second protruding member 174 protrudes from the lower end of the first cover 171, thereby enabling the first cover 171 to be coupled to the outer casing unit 500. However, the protruding member is only one example, and various structures can be formed to be coupled to the outer casing unit 500.

[0059] That is, while the first cover 171 prevents foreign objects from entering the drum 150, the drum 150 can rotate and run linearly as the door is opened and closed. The related mechanism will be explained below.

[0060] The second cover 173 may be configured such that one end communicates with the first cover 171, while the other end extends outward in a predetermined direction toward the outer side of the outer casing unit 500.

[0061] At this time, the second cover 173 may include a packaging component 175 disposed on the inside to prevent foreign objects from entering due to movement of the line 10.

[0062] The packaging component 175 can be configured to remove foreign matter formed on the surface of the line 10 by the operation of the line 10. Specifically, the packaging component 175 is formed in a cylindrical shape to cover a portion of the outer side of the line 10. Alternatively, the packaging component 175 may be made of a material such as rubber, which covers a portion of the outer side of the line 10 in an inward direction at the end of the second cover 173. However, the shape, material, position, etc., of the packaging component 175 are not limited to the above, but can be formed in various ways.

[0063] Then, the rotating support 190, as a structure that guides the rotation of the drum 150, may be composed of bearings or bushings, and is disposed at the lower end of the motor 110, which can help align the position of the drum 150 within the first cover 171 and smoothly rotate the drum 150.

[0064] The tensioner unit 300 can provide restoring force to the actuator unit 100.

[0065] The tensioner unit 300 is preferably made of an elastic body such as a belt or spring, and can be made of various structures as long as it provides restoring force or elastic force to the actuator unit 100.

[0066] At this time, the tensioner unit 300 may have a portion fixed to the outer housing unit 500. Specifically, the tensioner unit 300, while fixed to the outer housing unit 500, wraps around the first cover 171 to provide a restoring force during the reciprocating movement of the first cover 171 within the outer housing unit 500.

[0067] Then, the housing unit 500, in which the actuator unit 100 is incorporated, provides a path for the actuator unit 100 to move in a predetermined direction.

[0068] At this time, the housing unit 500 may include a guide portion 510 and a fastening component 530.

[0069] The guide portion 510 may include a first guide 511 and a second guide 513, which, in conjunction with the actuator unit 100, provide a path through which the actuator unit 100 can reciprocate in a predetermined direction.

[0070] The first guide 511 has a hole on one side of the housing unit 500, and the second guide 513 forms a hole facing the first guide 511. Specifically, the first protrusion 172 and the second protrusion 174 formed on the first cover 171 are respectively attached to the first guide 511 and the second guide 513, and can reciprocate along the first guide 511 and the second guide 513. However, it is obvious that the first guide 511 and the second guide 513 can be formed into various shapes or structures as long as a path can be provided for the first cover 171 to reciprocate.

[0071] Then, the fastening member 530, formed outward for easy engagement, can be configured as a hook or hole, etc. Specifically, the fastening member 530 is formed to be easily engaged with structures other than doors, so that the electric sliding door actuator of the present invention is stably positioned in a specific location.

[0072] Based on the above-described connection relationships between the structures of the electric sliding door actuator of the present invention, such as... Figure 4 As shown in (b) and (c), the motor 110 is coupled to the gear 130, which is coupled to the drum 150, and both are capable of rotating at the same angular velocity. Then, in order to smoothly rotate the drum 150, a rotating support 190 may be provided at the lower end of the motor 110.

[0073] like Figure 4 As shown in (a), the drum 150 is covered by a first cover 171, which allows a first protrusion 172 or a second protrusion 174 formed on the first cover 171 to be coupled to a first guide 511 or a second guide 513 of the housing unit 500.

[0074] Thus, the electric sliding door actuator of the present invention can be modularized, making it easy to set up, and the module itself can be replaced in case of failure, thereby enabling rapid maintenance.

[0075] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 The mechanism of the electric sliding door actuator of the present invention will be explained. Figure 5 The driving sequence of the electric sliding door actuator of the present invention is shown above. Then, Figure 6 The driving sequence of the electric sliding door actuator of the present invention is shown from the rear.

[0076] In a neutral state where the door is not open or closed, the first cover 171 is located in a specific portion of the guide portion 510.

[0077] Then, during the opening and closing of the door, by pulling the door, the first cover 171 moves to a position where the first protruding member 172 or the second protruding member 174 contacts one end of the first guide member 511 or the second guide member 513. Then, if the opening and closing of the door is completed, the first cover 171 moves back to its initial neutral position by the restoring force provided by the tensioner unit 300.

[0078] Through the tensioner unit 300, the actuator unit 100 can be configured in a specific position in a neutral state, thus maintaining tension on the line 10. This ensures that the performance of opening and closing the door remains unchanged.

[0079] As described above, preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that, in addition to the embodiments described above, other specific forms may be embodied without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments described above are not restrictive but exemplary, and the invention is not limited to the foregoing description, but rather modified within the scope of the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An electric sliding door actuator, characterized in that, include: An actuator unit has a motor, a gear, a drum, and a wire. The gear increases the torque generated by the motor. The drum surrounds at least a portion of the circumference of the motor or the gear and is rotatable by the gear. A portion of the wire is wound around the drum and connected to a door at one or both ends, thereby enabling the door to be opened and closed in the direction of rotation of the drum. The tensioner unit provides a restoring force to the actuator unit; and The housing unit provides a path for the actuator unit to move. The actuator unit includes a cover, which includes: A first cover, spaced at a predetermined interval from the circumference of the drum, wherein the first cover provides a predetermined space for placing the drum, and the first cover is coupled to the housing unit to reciprocate within a predetermined distance; and The second cover, extending from the first cover and projecting outward from the outer side of the housing unit, allows the line to extend outward. A portion of the tensioner unit is fixed to the outer shell unit, and the tensioner unit, while fixed to the outer shell unit, wraps around the first cover to provide restoring force during the reciprocating motion of the first cover.

2. The electric sliding door actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second cover includes packaging components. The packaging component is positioned inside the second cover to prevent foreign objects from entering due to movement of the thread.

3. The electric sliding door actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drum rotates at the same angular velocity as the gear.

4. The electric sliding door actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drum is formed with grooves to prevent the wire from detaching.

5. The electric sliding door actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The actuator unit includes a rotating support to guide the drum to rotate.

6. The electric sliding door actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer casing unit includes a guide section. The guide unit, in conjunction with the actuator unit, provides a path, enabling the actuator unit to reciprocate in a predetermined direction.

7. The electric sliding door actuator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The guide section includes: A first guide is disposed on one side of the housing unit; The second guide member faces the first guide member.

8. The electric sliding door actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing unit includes fastening components. The fastening components are formed outwards for easy engagement.

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