Opening and closing body driving device for vehicle

Abstract

The utility model provides an opening and closing body driving device for a vehicle. The opening and closing body driving device is simple in structure and high in transmission efficiency of driving force of a driving component. A vehicle opening / closing body drive device (1) is provided with: a drive unit (2) having a drive member (2a); a housing (2e) that houses the drive unit (2) and is fixed to the inside of either the opening / closing body (6, 6 ') or the vehicle body (5); and a coupling mechanism (3) for coupling the other of the opening / closing body and the vehicle body (5) to the drive unit (2), the output shaft (21a) of the drive member (2a) and the coupling mechanism (3) being disposed parallel to each other on a vertical plane perpendicular to the plane of the trajectory of rotation of the opening / closing body. The connection mechanism is rotatably supported in the housing (2e) by a pivot shaft in a direction perpendicular to a rotation trajectory surface of the opening / closing body, and the connection mechanism is rotated relative to the housing in accordance with an opening / closing operation of the opening / closing body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a vehicle opening and closing body driving device, in particular to a vehicle opening and closing body driving device with a relatively simple structure and a high transmission efficiency of the driving force of a driving component. Background Art

[0002] In the past, the side door opening and closing device of a vehicle that uses the power of a motor to open and close the side door supported on the vehicle body in a swingable manner uses the power of the motor of the drive unit to open the side door to the fully open position when the door latch device is unlocked. In addition, when the door closing switch is operated in the open state, the motor of the drive unit closes the side door. Sometimes, the side door equipped with the side door opening and closing device is also called a "power hinged door."

[0003] U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018 / 0223583 (Patent Document 1) describes a working mechanism of an electric door, comprising: a housing fixed inside a door of a car; an electric motor housed in the housing; a drive spindle driven by the electric motor; a pinion mounted on the drive spindle; a drive nut assembly having a drive nut driven by the electric motor via the pinion; and a lead screw connected to the vehicle body and meshing with the drive nut, wherein the drive nut assembly is driven by the electric motor to move the lead screw relative to the drive nut, thereby driving the door to open and close. In the working mechanism of Patent Document 1, the spindle axis is fixed relative to the position of the door, and the drive nut assembly is rotatably connected to the drive spindle, and rotates around the rotation center of the drive nut assembly through the swing of the lead screw caused by the opening and closing action of the door.

[0004] In the working mechanism described in Patent Document 1, the lead screw is supported by a drive nut assembly independent of the housing that accommodates the electric motor, and the drive nut assembly is rotated by the swing of the lead screw, so there is a problem of large-scale device. In addition, since the drive nut assembly requires a spur gear for driving the drive nut, the structure is complicated, which also leads to large-scale device.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-17746 (Patent Document 2) describes a side door opening and closing device for a vehicle, comprising a drive unit arranged in a storage space within a side door of the vehicle and a connecting mechanism connecting a vehicle body and the drive unit, wherein the drive unit comprises a motor arranged with a rotating axis facing in an up-and-down direction, a gear box connected to the motor and fixed to the side door, a reduction mechanism built into the gear box, an output gear provided at an output portion of the reduction mechanism, and an engagement retaining unit rotatably connected to the gear box, wherein the connection mechanism is composed of a rack having one end rotatably supported on the vehicle body and the other end meshing with the output gear, and the rack is moved by the rotation of the output gear, thereby driving the door to open and close.

[0006] In the device described in Patent Document 2, since the output direction of the drive unit is orthogonal to the working direction of the connecting mechanism, there is a problem of large-scale device in order to obtain good transmission efficiency. In addition, there is also a problem that the meshing part between the rack and the output gear is easily subjected to vibration from the vehicle body and the door.

[0007] Prior art literature

[0008] Patent Literature

[0009] Patent Document 1: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0223583

[0010] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-17746 Utility Model Content

[0011] Problems to be solved by utility models

[0012] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle opening and closing body driving device having a relatively simple structure and a high transmission efficiency of the driving force of the driving component.

[0013] Solutions for solving problems

[0014] As a result of in-depth research in view of the above-mentioned purpose, the inventors of the present invention found that by setting the following structure, a vehicle opening and closing body driving device with a relatively simple structure and a high transmission efficiency of the driving force of the driving component can be obtained, thereby conceiving of the utility model, the structure comprising: a drive unit, which has a driving component; a shell, which accommodates the drive unit and is fixed to the inside of any one of the opening and closing body and the vehicle body; and a connecting mechanism, which connects the opening and closing body and the other of the vehicle body to the drive unit. The vehicle opening and closing body driving device is configured so that the output shaft of the drive component and the connecting mechanism are parallel on a vertical plane perpendicular to the rotation track surface of the opening and closing body, and the connecting mechanism is supported in the shell so as to be rotatable by using a pivot in a direction perpendicular to the rotation track surface of the opening and closing body, and the connecting mechanism rotates relative to the shell as the opening and closing body is opened and closed.

[0015] That is, the utility model is a vehicle opening and closing body driving device, characterized in that it drives an opening and closing body supported on a vehicle body in a rotatable manner, and the vehicle opening and closing body driving device includes:

[0016] A drive unit, which is arranged inside any one of the opening and closing body and the vehicle body, and has a drive component;

[0017] a housing that accommodates the drive unit, the housing being fixed inside the opening and closing body or the vehicle body on which the drive unit is disposed; and

[0018] A connecting mechanism connects the opening and closing body and the other of the above-mentioned vehicle body to the above-mentioned driving unit, one end of the connecting mechanism protrudes from the above-mentioned opening and closing body or the above-mentioned vehicle body to which the above-mentioned shell is fixed and is supported on the other of the above-mentioned opening and closing body and the above-mentioned vehicle body in a rotatable manner, and the other end of the connecting mechanism is inserted into the inside of the above-mentioned opening and closing body or the above-mentioned vehicle body to which the above-mentioned shell is fixed, and penetrates the above-mentioned shell in a direction parallel to the rotation track surface of the above-mentioned opening and closing body. As a result, the connecting mechanism is pushed toward the above-mentioned one end side relative to the above-mentioned shell and pulled toward the above-mentioned other end side relative to the above-mentioned shell by the driving force of the above-mentioned driving component, thereby driving the above-mentioned opening and closing body to open and close, and the output shaft of the above-mentioned driving component and the above-mentioned connecting mechanism are arranged in parallel on a vertical plane perpendicular to the above-mentioned rotation track surface.

[0019] The connection mechanism is supported by a pivot in a direction perpendicular to the rotation track surface so as to be rotatable within the housing, and rotates relative to the housing along with the opening and closing action of the opening and closing body.

[0020] In a preferred example of the utility model, the vehicle opening and closing body driving device further includes a transmission component, which is arranged in the housing, engages with the output shaft of the driving component and is rotated by the driving component, and transmits the driving force of the driving component to the connecting mechanism, and the output shaft and the transmission component are connected by a joint structure with a variable engagement angle. Therefore, the layout is excellent, and the driving force of the driving component can be reliably transmitted to the connecting mechanism.

[0021] In a more preferred example of the utility model, a plurality of protrusions protruding in the radial direction of the output shaft and extending along the axis of the output shaft are provided on the circumferential surface of the top end portion of the output shaft of the driving component, and a locking hole is provided on the transmission component, the locking hole having a plurality of locking grooves with a U-shaped cross section that are engaged with the respective protrusions of the output shaft, and when the output shaft is inserted into the locking hole, the side surfaces of the respective protrusions in the rotational travel direction contact the side walls of the opposite locking grooves, so that the transmission component rotates.

[0022] The outer edge of each of the protrusions is formed as a curved surface whose protrusion height gradually decreases from the most protruding portion on the top end side of the output shaft toward the base end side of the output shaft when viewed from the side, and the inner peripheral wall of the engagement hole opposite to the outer edge extends along the axial direction of the transmission component, whereby the transmission component can rotate relative to the output shaft in a manner that the engagement angle relative to the output shaft changes. During the rotation, at least a portion of the side surface of the protrusion in the rotational direction also contacts the side wall of the opposite engagement groove, thereby rotating the transmission component.

[0023] Thus, the output shaft and the transmission member are connected by a joint structure with a variable engagement angle, and the transmission member transmits the driving force of the driving member to the connecting mechanism in both the forward and reverse rotation directions of the output shaft while rotating relative to the output shaft.

[0024] In another preferred example of the present invention, the connecting mechanism has a lead screw, which passes through the shell in a direction parallel to the rotation trajectory surface of the opening and closing body, one end of the lead screw protrudes from the opening and closing body or the vehicle body to which the shell is fixed and is rotatably supported on the other of the opening and closing body and the vehicle body, and the other end of the lead screw is inserted into the interior of the opening and closing body or the vehicle body to which the shell is fixed, the lead screw is pushed toward the one end side relative to the shell by the driving force of the driving component, thereby moving the opening and closing body in the opening direction, and is pulled toward the other end side relative to the shell by the driving force of the driving component, thereby moving the opening and closing body in the closing direction.

[0025] The transmission component comprises: a first transmission component, which is engaged with the output shaft of the driving component and is rotated by the driving component; and a second transmission component, which is installed on the lead screw and transmits the rotation of the first transmission component to the lead screw. The first transmission component and the output shaft are connected by the joint structure, whereby the transmission component constitutes a conversion mechanism for converting the direction of the driving force within the range of a direction parallel to the rotation track surface of the opening and closing body when the driving force is transmitted to the connecting mechanism.

[0026] The first transmission member and the second transmission member constituting the conversion mechanism are arranged in a straight line along a pivot axis in a direction perpendicular to the rotation track surface. Therefore, the housing can be arranged close to the mounting surface of the opening and closing body (door), and a vehicle opening and closing body drive device with excellent layout can be provided.

[0027] In another preferred example of the utility model, the conversion mechanism is supported in a rotatable manner by a pivot in a direction perpendicular to the rotation track surface of the opening and closing body, and rotates relative to the housing together with the connection mechanism as the connection mechanism rotates. Therefore, there is no restriction on the installation location, and a vehicle opening and closing body drive device that can obtain reliable operation can be provided.

[0028] In another preferred example of the present invention, the first transmission component and the second transmission component are accommodated in a supporting body, and the supporting body is rotatably supported by a pivot in a direction perpendicular to the rotation track surface of the opening and closing body in the above-mentioned shell, and the first transmission component and the second transmission component are respectively arranged in a straight line along the pivot in the vertical direction in the above-mentioned supporting body and are supported in a rotatable manner, and the above-mentioned lead screw penetrates the above-mentioned supporting body in a direction parallel to the above-mentioned rotation track surface, and is supported by the above-mentioned supporting body via the installed second transmission component.

[0029] In another preferred example of the utility model, on each surface of the shell near one end side and the other end side of the connecting mechanism, an opening portion for the connecting mechanism to pass through and allow it to rotate is provided in a direction orthogonal to the pivot, and the pivot is perpendicular to the direction of the rotation track surface of the opening and closing body. Since the conversion mechanism is supported inside the shell in a manner that it can rotate along a surface parallel to the rotation track surface of the opening and closing body, the size of the opening portion can be set to the minimum required, and the miniaturization of the device can be sought. In addition, the infiltration of water from the opening portion of the surface of the shell on the one end side of the lead screw can be suppressed to a minimum.

[0030] In another preferred example of the utility model, the connecting mechanism has a lead screw, one end of which protrudes from the opening and closing body or the vehicle body to which the housing is fixed and is rotatably supported on the other of the opening and closing body and the vehicle body, and the other end of the lead screw penetrates the housing in a direction parallel to the rotation track surface of the opening and closing body in a manner of being inserted into the inside of the opening and closing body or the vehicle body to which the housing is fixed, the lead screw is pushed out relative to the housing toward the one end by the driving force of the driving member so that the opening and closing body moves in the opening direction, and is pulled relative to the housing toward the other end by the driving force of the driving member so that the opening and closing body moves in the closing direction, and the lead screw is covered by a cylindrical tube from the connecting member connecting the connecting mechanism to the other of the opening and closing body and the vehicle body to the opening of the surface of the housing near the one end of the lead screw. Therefore, regardless of the position of the opening and closing body (door), water infiltration can be reliably prevented, and the performance of the device can be maintained for a long time.

[0031] Effect of utility model

[0032] According to the utility model, since the following structure is adopted, a vehicle opening and closing body driving device having a relatively simple structure and a high transmission efficiency of the driving force of the driving component can be obtained, and the structure includes: a driving unit having a driving component; a shell that accommodates the driving unit and is fixed to the inside of any one of the opening and closing body and the vehicle body; and a connecting mechanism that connects the opening and closing body and the other of the vehicle body to the driving unit. The vehicle opening and closing body driving device is configured so that the output shaft of the driving component and the connecting mechanism are parallel on a vertical plane perpendicular to the rotation track surface of the opening and closing body, and the connecting mechanism is supported in the shell so as to be rotatable by using a pivot in a direction perpendicular to the rotation track surface of the opening and closing body, and the connecting mechanism rotates relative to the shell as the opening and closing body opens and closes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 This is a side view showing a vehicle to which the vehicle opening and closing body driving device of the present invention is applied as a side door opening and closing device.

[0034] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the side door in a state where the inner panel is removed.

[0035] Figure 3 It is a partial top view showing the internal structure of the side door when the side door is in a closed state.

[0036] Figure 4 It is a partial top view showing the internal structure of the side door when the side door is in a fully open state.

[0037] Figure 5It is a perspective view showing the side door opening and closing device viewed from the connecting mechanism side.

[0038] Figure 6 It is a perspective view showing the side door opening and closing device viewed from the drive unit side.

[0039] Figure 7 It is a side view showing the side door opening and closing device.

[0040] Figure 8 It is a side view schematically showing the internal structure of the side door opening and closing device.

[0041] Fig. 9 It is a perspective view showing a conversion mechanism of the side door opening and closing device.

[0042] Fig.10 yes Figure 7 A-A line cross-sectional view.

[0043] Fig.11 It is an exploded perspective view showing the speed reduction mechanism of the side door opening and closing device.

[0044] Fig.12 It is an exploded perspective view showing the conversion mechanism of the side door opening and closing device and its supporting body.

[0045] Fig.13 It is a perspective view showing the side door opening and closing device in a state where the front case is removed.

[0046] FIG. 14( a ) is a side view showing a state where a rotating shaft of a motor is inserted into the first transmission gear, and FIG. 14( b ) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 14( a ).

[0047] FIG. 15( a ) is a perspective view showing the rotating shaft of the motor from the front end side, and FIG. 15( b ) is a perspective view showing a state where the rotating shaft of the motor is engaged with the first transmission gear.

[0048] Figure 16(a) is a partial cross-sectional view showing the state in which the first transmission gear rotates in the clockwise direction when viewed from above while remaining engaged with the output shaft of the motor, Figure 16(b) is a partial cross-sectional view showing the state in which the first transmission gear is vertically engaged with the output shaft of the motor, and Figure 16(c) is a partial cross-sectional view showing the state in which the first transmission gear rotates in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from above while remaining engaged with the output shaft of the motor.

[0049] FIG. 17( a ) is a top view showing the side door opening and closing device when the side door is in a closed state, and FIG. 17( b ) is a top view showing the side door opening and closing device when the side door is in a fully opened state.

[0050] FIG. 18( a ) is a side view showing the rear door opening and closing device when the rear door is in a closed state, and FIG. 18( b ) is a side view showing the rear door opening and closing device when the rear door is in a fully opened state.

[0051] Description of Reference Numerals

[0052] 1. Side door opening and closing device (vehicle opening and closing body driving device); 1', rear door opening and closing device (vehicle opening and closing body driving device); 2, driving unit; 2a, driving component (motor); 20a, rotating shaft; 21a, output shaft; 210a, protrusion; 210a', outer edge; 211a', side surface; 2b, speed reduction mechanism; 2b', 2b", planetary gear mechanism; 20b, 20b', sun gear; 21b, 21b', planetary gear; 22b, 22b', planetary carrier plate; 23b, internal gear; 24b, connecting member; 25b, ball bearing; 26b, cover; 2c, conversion mechanism; 20c, first transmission member (first transmission gear); 200c, engagement hole; 201c, engagement groove; 201c', inner peripheral wall; 201c", side wall; 21c, second transmission member (second transmission gear); 21c', inner teeth; 21c", outer teeth; 22c, third transmission member (third transmission gear); 2d, conversion mechanism support body; 20d, support body body; 200d, 201d, 202d, storage hole; 203d, cylindrical protrusion; 21d, gear joint; 22d, 22d', bushing; 2 3d, 23d', 23d", ball bearing; 24d, shaft; 25d, cover; 2e, housing; 20e, front housing; 200e, opening; 21e, rear housing; 210e, opening; 211e, support; 22e, annular seal; 2f, motor cover; 3, connecting mechanism; 30, lead screw; 31, vehicle body side bracket; 31', connecting link; 32, connecting shaft; 33, connecting member; 34, stopper; 35, pipe; 350, flange; 4, vehicle; 5, vehicle body; 50, door hinge; 50a, fixing member; 50b, Moving component; 50c, hinge axis; 50', hinge axis; 51, top plate; 6, side door (opening and closing body); 6a, outer plate; 6b, inner plate; 6c, interior panel; 6d, front plate; 6e, opening; 6A, outer handle; 6B, angular velocity sensor; 60, front guide rail; 61, rear guide rail; 62, storage space; 6', rear door (opening and closing body); 7, lifting mechanism; 7a, door glass; 8, latch device; P, rotating track surface; L1, axis of driving component (motor); L2, axis of connecting mechanism (lead screw); L3, axis of the pivot of the conversion mechanism support body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] Hereinafter, for one embodiment of the vehicle opening and closing body driving device of the utility model, an example of using the device as a device for opening and closing the side door of the vehicle is described in detail based on the accompanying drawings. However, the following description is not restrictive, and various changes can also be made within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the utility model.

[0054] like Figure 1 to Figure 4 As shown, the side door opening and closing device 1 includes a drive unit 2 disposed in a storage space 62 in an opening and closing body (side door) 6 of a vehicle 4 , and a connection mechanism 3 connecting a vehicle body 5 and the drive unit 2 .

[0055] The side door 6 has a metal outer panel 6a forming the vehicle outer side and a metal inner panel 6b forming the interior side. Preferably, a trim panel 6c is attached to the side of the inner panel 6b facing the interior side.

[0056] The side door 6 includes a door glass 7a which is raised and lowered by a lifting mechanism 7 disposed inside the side door 6 and a latch device 8 which keeps the side door 6 in a closed position, an outside handle 6A disposed on the side of the outer plate 6a, and an inside handle (not shown) disposed on the side of the inner plate 6b. An electrostatic capacitance sensor (not shown) capable of detecting the contact or approach of a user's hand is provided on or near the outside handle 6A. In addition, an angular velocity sensor 6B for detecting the opening angle thereof is provided on the side door 6. Preferably, the angular velocity sensor 6B is disposed at the rotating end (rear end) of the side door 6. The detection signals of the electrostatic capacitance sensor and the angular velocity sensor 6B are sent to a control unit (not shown) disposed at an appropriate position of the vehicle 4. The control unit controls the motor 2a described later of the drive unit 2 based on the received detection signals.

[0057] The door glass 7a is supported by the front and rear edges by the front guide rails 60 and the rear guide rails 61 in a manner that it can slide freely in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and is raised and lowered between the outer plate 6a and the inner plate 6b, and the internal space between the outer plate 6a and the inner plate 6b is roughly divided into two by descending. The storage space 62 in which the side door opening and closing device 1 is arranged is formed in the space divided by the door glass 7a and the inner plate 6b.

[0058] The side door 6 is supported on the vehicle body 5 in a manner that allows free rotation in the left-right direction by a pair of upper and lower door hinges 50. The door hinge 50 is composed of a fixed member 50a fixed to the vehicle body 5 and a movable member 50b, wherein the fixed member 50a is fixed to the vehicle body 5, and the movable member 50b is fixed to the front end surface of the side door 6 and is rotatably connected to the fixed member 50a by a hinge shaft 50c facing the vertical direction of the vehicle.

[0059] A vehicle body side bracket 31 of the connection mechanism 3 of the side door opening and closing device 1 is fixed between a pair of upper and lower door hinges 50, 50 of the vehicle body 5. The vehicle body side bracket 31 is connected to the drive unit 2 via a lead screw 30 constituting the connection mechanism 3.

[0060] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, the lead screw 30 is in the side door 6 along the rotation track surface of the side door 6 (the surface including the rotation track and is in Figure 3 , Figure 4 The plane parallel to the paper and Figure 7 , Figure 8 The lead screw 30 is a surface perpendicular to the paper surface and extending in the horizontal direction as shown by the reference numeral P in the figure. The same below extends in a direction parallel to the paper surface (the horizontal direction of the vehicle in the example shown in the figure), and its front end portion penetrates through the opening portion 6e provided in the front plate 6d of the side door 6 and protrudes forward, and is connected to the vehicle body side bracket 31 in a manner that it can rotate along a surface parallel to the rotation trajectory surface P of the side door 6 (the horizontal plane of the vehicle in the example shown in the figure) by a connecting shaft 32 facing the vertical direction of the vehicle. A stopper 34 formed of an elastic member such as rubber is fixed to the rear end portion of the lead screw 30. The lead screw 30 meshes with the second transmission gear 21c of the conversion mechanism 2c of the drive unit 2 described later.

[0061] like Figure 5 to Figure 13 As shown, the drive unit 2 includes: a motor 2a, which serves as a driving component and is arranged in a manner that the output shaft 21a is oriented in a direction parallel to the rotation trajectory surface P of the side door 6 (in the illustrated example, the horizontal direction of the vehicle); a reduction mechanism 2b, which reduces the rotation of the rotating shaft 20a of the motor 2a; a conversion mechanism 2c, which transmits the driving force of the motor 2a to the connecting mechanism 3; a conversion mechanism support body 2d, which forms a support body for supporting the conversion mechanism 2c; and a housing 2e, which is fixed to the side door 6 and internally supports the conversion mechanism support body 2d in a rotatable manner.

[0062] The rotation of the rotating shaft 20a of the motor 2a is decelerated by the speed reduction mechanism 2b and transmitted to the output shaft 21a. As the speed reduction mechanism 2b, a planetary gear mechanism is preferably used. Fig.10 , Fig.11As shown, a front stage planetary gear mechanism 2b' and a rear stage planetary gear mechanism 2b' are provided, wherein the front stage planetary gear mechanism 2b' comprises: a front stage sun gear 20b, which is fixed to the rotating shaft 20a of the motor 2a; a plurality of front stage planetary gears 21b, which mesh with the front stage sun gear 20b and are axially supported on a front stage planetary carrier plate 22b in a manner that allows rotation around an axis in the horizontal direction of the vehicle; and an internal gear 23b, each of the front stage planetary gears 21b meshes with the internal gear 23b, and the rear stage planetary gear mechanism 2 b" comprises: a rear sun gear 20b', which further decelerates the rotation output from the front planetary carrier plate 22b of the front planetary gear mechanism, and the rear sun gear 20b' is protruding forward and is arranged on the bottom surface of the front planetary carrier plate 22b; a plurality of rear planetary gears 21b', which are axially supported on the rear planetary carrier plate 22b' in a manner capable of rotating around the axis in the horizontal direction of the vehicle and meshing with the rear sun gear 20b'; and an internal gear 23b, and each rear planetary gear 21b' is meshed with the internal gear 23b. More preferably, the rotation axes of the front sun gear 20b and the rear sun gear 20b' are respectively consistent with the rotation axis of the rotating shaft 20a of the motor 2a.

[0063] The output shaft 21a of the motor 2a is connected to the rear stage planetary carrier plate 22b' of the output reduction mechanism 2b by a connecting member 24b so as to be able to rotate integrally with the rear stage planetary carrier plate 22b'. In addition, the output shaft 21a of the motor 2a is supported by the cover 26b by a ball bearing 25b so as to be able to rotate. The output shaft 21a of the motor 2a is arranged concentrically with the rotating shaft 20a of the motor 2a.

[0064] The motor 2a and the speed reduction mechanism 2b are connected in series in the horizontal direction of the vehicle to form an elongated cylindrical shape extending in the horizontal direction of the vehicle, and can be easily accommodated in the accommodation space 62 having a narrow lateral width.

[0065] More preferably, the power transmission path from the rotating shaft 20a of the motor 2a to the output shaft 21a is arranged on the axis L1 in the horizontal direction of the vehicle passing through the center of the rotating shaft 20a (see Figure 7 ). For example, when the reduction mechanism 2b uses a planetary gear, the rotation center of the rotation shaft 20a, the rotation centers of the sun gears 20b and 20b' of the planetary gears, and the rotation center of the output shaft 21a are arranged in a straight line in the horizontal direction of the vehicle. According to this structure, it is possible to set a structure that further suppresses the size in the radial direction centered on the rotation shaft 20a.

[0066] As the motor 2a, a brushless motor is preferably used. When a brushless motor is used, the motor torque is reduced by performing two-phase energization with the energized phase fixed (only the armature coils of the two phases are energized), and a braking resistance can be applied to the opening and closing action of the side door 6, so that the side door 6 can be held with a predetermined holding force without separately providing an electromagnetic brake or the like.

[0067] like Figure 7 to Figure 10 , Fig.12 As shown, the conversion mechanism 2c includes: a first transmission gear 20c as a first transmission member into which the output shaft 21a of the motor 2a is inserted, a second transmission gear 21c as a second transmission member mounted on the lead screw 30, and a third transmission gear 22c as a third transmission member connecting the first transmission gear 20c and the second transmission gear 21c. Figure 8 , Fig.12 , Fig.13 As shown, the first transmission gear 20c, the second transmission gear 21c, and the third transmission gear 22c are arranged in a straight line along the axis L3 of the pivot on the rectangular parallelepiped conversion mechanism support body 2d, the above-mentioned pivot supports the conversion mechanism support body 2d and is in a direction perpendicular to the rotation track surface P of the side door 6 (in the example shown in the figure, it is the up-down direction of the vehicle), and the conversion mechanism support body 2d is provided with holes 200d, 201d, and 202d for respectively accommodating the first transmission gear 20c, the second transmission gear 21c, and the third transmission gear 22c, and the first transmission gear 20c, the second transmission gear 21c, and the third transmission gear 22c are accommodated in a rotatable manner. However, the third transmission gear 22c is not necessary, and the first and second transmission gears 20c and the second transmission gear 21c can also be directly connected.

[0068] like Fig.12 As shown, the conversion mechanism support body 2d includes: a support body main body 20d, which is provided with holes 200d, 201d, and 202d for accommodating the first transmission gear 20c, the second transmission gear 21c, and the third transmission gear 22c; a gear joint 21d, which is used to hold the output shaft 21a of the motor 2a inserted into the top end of the first transmission gear 20c; a bushing 22d and a ball bearing 23d, which are used to support the first transmission gear 20c in a rotatable manner; ball bearings 23d', 23d', and 23d'. d", which is used to support the second transmission gear 21c in a rotatable manner; a shaft 24d, which pivotally supports the third transmission gear 22c; a pair of cylindrical protrusions 203d, 203d, which protrude from the upper surface and the lower surface of the support body main body 20d respectively; bushings 22d', which respectively cover the cylindrical protrusions 203d, 203d, and are used to support the support body main body 20d in a rotatable manner relative to the shell 2e; and a cover portion 25d, which covers the front surface of the support body main body 20d.

[0069] like Figure 5 , Fig.10 As shown, the lead screw 30 passes through the conversion mechanism support body 2d and is supported by the conversion mechanism support body 2d via the second transmission gear 21c. The second transmission gear 21c has internal teeth 21c' that mesh with the lead screw 30 and external teeth 21c that mesh with the third transmission gear 22c (see Fig.12 ).

[0070] The lead screw 30 is covered by a cylindrical tube 35 in the range from the connecting member 33 into which the connecting shaft 32 is inserted together with the vehicle body side bracket 31 to the opening 200e of the housing 2e. In the present embodiment, the tube 35 is formed in a corrugated shape. The tube 35 may also be formed by a cylindrical telescopic structure. A flange portion 350 is provided at the end of the housing 2e side of the tube 35, and the flange portion 350 can cover the opening 200e by clamping the opening 200e of the housing 2e from the outside and inside of the housing 2e. By providing such a tube 35, water infiltration can be reliably prevented regardless of the position of the door 6, and performance can be maintained for a long time. The tube 35 is preferably formed of an elastic raw material such as rubber or a thermoplastic resin, and more preferably formed of rubber or a thermoplastic resin having water resistance. In the case where the tube 35 is formed in a corrugated shape as in the present embodiment, rubber is more suitable, and in the case where the tube 35 is formed by a cylindrical telescopic structure, a thermoplastic resin is more suitable. Examples of the thermoplastic resin include polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyacetal, polyacetal copolymers (eg, copolymers having oxymethylene monomer units and oxyethylene monomer units), polycarbonate, polyetheretherketone, and polyester, but are not limited thereto.

[0071] like Figure 5 As shown, the conversion mechanism support body 2d is housed in a housing 2e fixed to the door 6 and is pivotally supported in the housing 2e (see Fig.10 , Fig.13 ).like Figure 5 to Figure 7 , Fig.10 As shown in FIG. 1 , the housing 2e is composed of a front housing 20e covering the conversion mechanism support body 2d from the front and a rear housing 21e covering the conversion mechanism support body 2d from the rear. The front housing 20e and the rear housing 21e are integrated by sandwiching an annular seal 22e between the flanges of the two (see FIG. 1 ). Fig.10 ).

[0072] like Fig.12 , Fig.13 As shown, the conversion mechanism support body 2d is provided with a pair of cylindrical protrusions 203d, 203d protruding from the upper surface and the lower surface thereof, respectively. The cylindrical protrusions 203d, 203d are supported by a pair of support portions 211e, 211e provided at the upper and lower portions of the front surface of the rear housing 21e, respectively, via bushings 22d', so that the conversion mechanism support body 2d is supported in a manner that allows rotation relative to the housing 2e.

[0073] As will be described later, the conversion mechanism 2c can rotate relative to the housing 2e together with the conversion mechanism support body 2d. Therefore, the connection mechanism 3 can rotate relative to the housing 2e along a plane parallel to the rotation trajectory plane P of the side door 6 (in the example shown in the figure, the vehicle horizontal plane). Figure 6 As shown, openings 200e and 210e are provided on the upper front side of the front housing 20e and the upper rear side of the rear housing 21e in a direction orthogonal to the axis L3 of the pivot in the vehicle vertical direction that supports the conversion mechanism support body 2d, through which the lead screw 30 passes and to allow the lead screw 30 to rotate. Since the conversion mechanism support body 2d is supported inside the housing 2e, the openings 200e and 210e provided in the housing 2e can be set to the minimum necessary, and the device can be miniaturized. In addition, the infiltration of water from the opening 200e provided in the front housing 20e can be suppressed to a minimum.

[0074] like Figure 5 , Figure 7 , Fig.10 As shown, the motor 2a and the speed reduction mechanism 2b are housed in a motor cover 2f provided at the lower rear of the rear housing 21e and integrated with the rear housing 21e. A hole is provided at the rear side of the lower portion of the rear housing 21e for inserting the front end of the speed reduction mechanism 2b.

[0075] like Figure 7 As shown, the configuration is as follows: the axis L1 of the output shaft 21a of the motor 2a and the axis L2 of the connecting mechanism 3 are in a vertical plane relative to the rotation track plane P of the side door 6 (in Figure 7 The output shaft 21a of the motor 2a and the connecting mechanism 3 are parallel on a vertical plane relative to the rotation trajectory plane P of the side door 6 (parallel in the side view of the vehicle), so the transmission efficiency of the driving force of the motor 2a is high.

[0076] As shown in Figure 14(a), Figure 14(b), Figure 15(a), Figure 15(b), Figure 16(a) to Figure 16(c) As shown, a plurality of protrusions 210a protruding in the radial direction of the output shaft 21a and extending along the axis of the output shaft 21a are provided at equal intervals on the circumference of the top end portion of the output shaft 21a of the motor 2a inserted into the first transmission gear 20c. In the example shown in the figure, the four protrusions 210a, which are roughly fan-shaped when viewed from the side, are arranged in a cross shape when viewed from the front. A cross-shaped engaging hole 200c is provided in the first transmission gear 20c, and the engaging hole 200c can accommodate the top end portion of the output shaft 21a of the motor 2a provided with these protrusions 210a and can engage with the top end portion of the output shaft 21a in both the forward and reverse rotation directions of the output shaft 21a.

[0077] The engaging hole 200c is provided with an engaging groove 200c' with a U-shaped cross-section that is the same number as the protrusion 210a and engages with each protrusion 210a. Each protrusion 210a is inserted into the engaging groove 200c' extending along the axial direction of the first transmission gear 20c with clearance in both rotation directions. When the output shaft 21a rotates in either the forward or reverse direction, at least a portion of the side surface 211a' of each protrusion 210a in the rotational direction can also contact the side wall 201c" of the corresponding engaging groove 200c', thereby enabling the first transmission gear 20c to rotate.

[0078] As shown in Figure 16(b), in the side view, the outer edge portion 210a' of the roughly fan-shaped protrusion 210a protrudes to the maximum extent on the top end side of the output shaft 21a, and the inner peripheral wall 201c' of the engaging hole 200c opposite to the outer edge portion 210a' extends along the axial direction of the first transmission gear 20c. When the output shaft 21a is inserted vertically relative to the engaging hole 200c, the most protruding portion of the outer edge portion 210a' of each protrusion 210a is in contact with the inner peripheral wall 201c' of the engaging hole 200c.

[0079] In the side view, the outer edge 210a' of the substantially fan-shaped protrusion 210a is a curved surface (a curved surface with respect to the axial direction of the output shaft 21a) whose protruding height gradually decreases from the most protruding portion on the top end side of the output shaft 21a toward the base end side of the output shaft 21a, and the inner peripheral wall 201c' of the engagement hole 200c opposite to the outer edge 210a' extends along the axial direction of the first transmission gear 20c. In addition, in the side view, the substantially fan-shaped protrusion 210a is formed to be the widest at the most protruding portion, and the two side surface portions 211a', 211a' are inclined in a manner that gradually becomes thinner from the widest portion toward the base end side of the output shaft 21a, and the side walls 201c', 201c' of the engagement hole 200c, which are respectively opposite to the two side surface portions 211a', 211a', extend respectively along the axial direction of the first transmission gear 20c.

[0080] Therefore, if Figure 16(a) to Figure 16(c) As shown, the first transmission gear 20c can rotate relative to the output shaft 21a in a manner that the engagement angle of the first transmission gear 20c relative to the output shaft 21a changes, and during this rotation, the outer edge 210a' of each protrusion 210a also contacts the inner peripheral wall 201c' of the engagement hole 200c. The outer edge 210a' of each protrusion 210a contacts the inner peripheral wall 201c' of the engagement hole 200c, thereby preventing shaking during driving.

[0081] In addition, the engaging groove 200c' of the engaging hole 200c is formed to have a width and length that can engage with each protrusion 210a, so that when the first transmission gear 20c rotates relative to the output shaft 21a as described above, at least a part of the side surface portion 211a' of each protrusion 210a in the rotational direction, mainly the corner of the side surface portion 211a' of the widest part, can also contact the side wall 201c" of the corresponding engaging groove 200c', so that the first transmission gear 20c can rotate.

[0082] Therefore, if Fig.13 As shown in Figures 17(a) and 17(b), the conversion mechanism support body 2d supported on the shell 2e by a pivot in the up and down directions of the vehicle can be rotated relative to the shell 2e along the above-mentioned vehicle horizontal plane together with the conversion mechanism 2c and the connecting mechanism 3, and the driving force of the motor 2a can be transmitted to the connecting mechanism 3 with the help of the conversion mechanism 2c.

[0083] As long as the driving force of the motor 2a can be transmitted to the connecting mechanism 3 when the conversion mechanism support body 2d rotates relative to the housing 2e, the number and shape of the protrusions 210a arranged on the circumferential surface of the top end portion of the output shaft 21a of the motor 2a, and the shape of the corresponding engaging hole 200c of the first transmission gear 20c are not limited to the method shown in the figure.

[0084] The opening and closing of the door 6 realized by the vehicle opening and closing body driving device (side door opening and closing device) 1 of the utility model will be described. As described below, as the side door 6 is opened and closed, the lead screw 30 swings around the connecting shaft 32 as the center, but the rotation center of the side door 6 (the rotation center of the hinge shaft 50c of the door hinge 50) and the rotation center of the lead screw 30 (the rotation center of the connecting shaft 32) are eccentric to each other in the vehicle interior and exterior directions (refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4 ). Therefore, if Figure 16(a) to Figure 16(c) As shown, the engagement angle of the first transmission gear 20c with respect to the output shaft 21a of the motor 2a changes, and the connection mechanism 3 rotates relative to the housing 2e along a plane parallel to the rotation trajectory plane P of the side door 6 (in the example shown in the figure, the vehicle horizontal plane). Figure 3 In the closed state of the side door 6 shown, the lead screw 30 is pulled in to the front end by the drive unit 2 (refer to FIG. 17(a)), and the axis L2 of the lead screw 30 is inclined at an angle of several degrees in the clockwise direction when viewed from above relative to the axis L1 of the output shaft 21a of the motor 2a, and the connecting mechanism 3 is in a state of being slightly rotated in the clockwise direction when viewed from above relative to the housing 2e. From this state, when the lead screw 30 is pushed out from the drive unit 2 toward its front end side (door opening direction) by the positive rotation of the first transmission gear 20c caused by the drive of the motor 2a and thus moves relative to the drive unit 2, the side door 6 swings in the opening direction around the hinge shaft 50c of the door hinge 50, and finally the opening operation is completed. Figure 4 As a result, the lead screw 30 swings in the clockwise direction when viewed from above about the connecting shaft 32, and rotates in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from above relative to the housing 2e.

[0085] When the side door 6 reaches the fully open position, the movable component 50b of the door hinge 50 abuts against the stop portion of the fixed component 50a and / or the stop portion 34 fixed to the lead screw 30 abuts against the rear surface of the rear shell 21e, thereby preventing the side door 6 from moving further in the opening direction.

[0086] exist Figure 4 In the fully open state of the side door 6 shown, the lead screw 30 is pushed out from the drive unit 2 until the stopper 34 roughly contacts the rear surface of the rear housing 21e, and the axis L2 of the lead screw 30 is inclined at an angle of more than ten degrees in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from above relative to the axis L1 of the output shaft 21a of the motor 2a (see Figure 17(b)), and the connecting mechanism 3 is in a state of rotating in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from above relative to the housing 2e. From this state, when the lead screw 30 is pulled toward the drive unit 2 side (door closing direction) by the reverse rotation of the first transmission gear 20c caused by the drive of the motor 2a and thus moves relative to the drive unit 2, the side door 6 swings in the closing direction with the hinge shaft 50c of the door hinge 50 as the center, and finally the closing operation is completed. Figure 3 As a result, the lead screw 30 swings counterclockwise in a plan view about the connecting shaft 32, and rotates clockwise in a plan view relative to the housing 2e.

[0087] When the side door 6 reaches the closed position, the latch device 8 engages with the striker on the vehicle body 5 side, thereby maintaining the side door 6 in the closed position. When a brushless motor is used as the motor 2a, two-phase energization is performed with the energized phase fixed (only the armature coils of the two phases are energized), thereby reducing the motor torque and generating a holding force for the side door 6. Therefore, the brushless motor can make up for the function of the conventional door check link, and the door check link can be omitted.

[0088] When the side door 6 is opened from the closed position, the side door 6 may be unexpectedly opened suddenly due to the front and rear tilt of the vehicle 4, the influence of strong wind, etc. As a countermeasure, it is preferred that when the side door 6 moves to a predetermined half-open position, as described above, the motor 2a composed of a brushless motor is energized in two phases with the energized phase fixed to apply braking resistance to the side door 6, thereby suppressing the side door 6 from suddenly opening beyond the predetermined half-open position. The predetermined half-open position of the side door 6 preferably has an opening angle of about 10 degrees, which is detected by an angular velocity sensor 6B provided on the side door 6.

[0089] Hereinafter, an example of applying the vehicle opening and closing body driving device of the utility model as a device for opening and closing the rear door of a vehicle is described based on the accompanying drawings. In addition, the same reference numerals are marked on the same components as the side door opening and closing device, and the differences from the side door opening and closing device are mainly described, and detailed descriptions of the common points between the two are omitted.

[0090] As shown in Fig. 18(a) and Fig. 18(b), the rear door opening and closing device 1' is different from the side door opening and closing device 1 mainly in that the drive unit 2 is arranged on the inner side of the top plate 51 as a part of the vehicle body 5, and the connecting mechanism 3 connects the rear door 6' as the opening and closing body and the drive unit 2. The rear door 6' is supported by a hinge shaft 50' of a door hinge (not shown) facing the vehicle transverse direction so as to be able to rotate freely in the vertical direction of the vehicle. The rear door opening and closing device 1' is supported on the top plate 51 by a supporting bracket not shown.

[0091] The connection mechanism 3 has a connection link 31' whose front end is rotatably connected to the lead screw 30 instead of the vehicle body side bracket 31, and the rear end of the connection link 31' is fixed to the rear door 6'. The lead screw 30 extends in a direction parallel to the rotation track surface of the rear door 6' (including the rotation track and is a surface parallel to the paper surface in Figures 18 (a) and 18 (b)) on the inner side of the top plate 51, and its rear end penetrates the opening (not shown) provided in the vehicle body 5 and protrudes to the rear, and is connected to the connection link 31' in a rotatable manner along a surface parallel to the rotation track surface of the rear door 6' by a connection shaft 32 facing the vehicle transverse direction.

[0092] The driving unit 2 of the rear door opening and closing device 1' is different from the driving unit 2 of the side door opening and closing device 1 in that the shell 2e is fixed to the top plate 51 which is a part of the vehicle body 5, and the conversion mechanism support body 2d is supported in the shell 2e using a pivot in a direction perpendicular to the rotation track surface of the rear door 6' (in the illustrated example, the lateral direction of the vehicle), so that the connecting mechanism 3 can rotate relative to the shell 2e along a plane parallel to the rotation track surface of the rear door 6' (in the illustrated example, the vertical plane of the vehicle).

[0093] Since the conversion mechanism support body 2d is supported by the pivot in the vehicle transverse direction as described above, the first transmission gear 20c, the second transmission gear 21c, and the third transmission gear 22c are arranged in a straight line along the axis L3 of the pivot in the vehicle transverse direction.

[0094] The axis L1 of the output shaft 21a of the motor 2a and the axis L2 of the connecting mechanism 3 are parallel (in the example shown in the figure, they are parallel in the top view of the vehicle) on a vertical plane (in Figure 18(a) and Figure 18(b), it is a plane perpendicular to the paper surface and extending in the horizontal direction) perpendicular to the rotation trajectory plane of the rear door 6', that is, the output shaft 21a of the motor 2a and the connecting mechanism 3 are arranged in parallel (parallel in the top view of the vehicle) on a vertical plane perpendicular to the rotation trajectory plane of the rear door 6'.

[0095] Preferably, the rear door 6' is provided with an outer handle (not shown), and an electrostatic capacitance sensor capable of detecting the contact or approach of a user's hand is provided on or near the outer handle. In addition, preferably, an angular velocity sensor for detecting the opening angle of the rear door 6' is provided. Preferably, the angular velocity sensor is arranged at the rotating end (lower end) of the rear door 6'. The detection signals of the electrostatic capacitance sensor and the angular velocity sensor are sent to the above-mentioned control unit (not shown). The control unit controls the motor 2a of the drive unit 2 based on the received detection signals.

[0096] The opening and closing of the rear door 6' using the rear door opening and closing device 1' is described. As described below, as the rear door 6' is opened and closed, the lead screw 30 swings around the pivot supporting the conversion mechanism support body 2d, but the rotation center of the rear door 6' (the rotation center of the hinge shaft 50') and the rotation center of the lead screw 30 (the rotation center of the pivot supporting the conversion mechanism support body 2d) are eccentric to each other in the vehicle interior and exterior directions (refer to Figures 18(a) and 18(b)). Therefore, the engagement angle of the first transmission gear 20c relative to the output shaft 21a of the motor 2a changes (refer to Figure 16(a) to Figure 16(c) ), the connecting mechanism 3 rotates relative to the shell 2e along a plane parallel to the rotation trajectory plane of the rear door 6' (in the illustrated example, it is the vertical plane of the vehicle). For example, in the closed state of the rear door 6' shown in Figure 18(a), the lead screw 30 is pulled in to the rear end by the drive unit 2, and the connecting mechanism 3 is in a state of slightly rotating in the clockwise direction relative to the shell 2e when viewed from the side. From this state, when the lead screw 30 is pushed out from the drive unit 2 to its rear end side (door opening direction) by the positive rotation of the first transmission gear 20c caused by the drive of the motor 2a and thus moves relative to the drive unit 2, the rear door 6' swings in the opening direction with the hinge shaft 50' as the center, and finally opens to the fully open position shown in Figure 18(b). Subsequently, the lead screw 30 rotates in the clockwise direction relative to the shell 2e when viewed from the side.

[0097] When the rear door 6' reaches the fully open position, the movable member of the door hinge (not shown) abuts against the stopper of the fixed member and / or the stopper 34 fixed to the lead screw 30 abuts against the front surface of the housing 2e, thereby preventing the rear door 6' from moving further in the opening direction.

[0098] In the fully open state of the rear door 6' shown in FIG18(b), the lead screw 30 is pushed out from the drive unit 2 until the stopper 34 substantially contacts the front surface of the housing 2e, and the connection mechanism 3 is in a state of rotating in the clockwise direction relative to the housing 2e when viewed from the side. From this state, when the lead screw 30 is pulled toward the drive unit 2 side (door closing direction) by the reverse rotation of the first transmission gear 20c caused by the drive of the motor 2a and thus moves relative to the drive unit 2, the rear door 6' swings in the closing direction with the hinge shaft 50' as the center, and finally closes to the closed position shown in FIG18(a). Subsequently, the lead screw 30 rotates in the counterclockwise direction relative to the housing 2e when viewed from the side.

[0099] When the rear door 6' reaches the closed position, the latch device (not shown) provided on the rear door 6' engages with the striker on the vehicle body 5 side, thereby maintaining the rear door 6' in the closed position. When the motor 2a is set as a brushless motor as described above, the holding force for the rear door 6' is generated by performing two-phase energization with the energized phase fixed, so that the brushless motor can compensate for the function of the conventional door check link, and the door check link can be omitted. In addition, it is preferred that, as described above, when the rear door 6' moves to a predetermined half-open position, the motor 2a composed of the brushless motor is energized with the energized phase fixed, and a braking resistance is applied to the rear door 6', thereby suppressing the rear door 6' from suddenly opening beyond the predetermined half-open position.

[0100] Based on the above, the vehicle opening and closing body driving device (side door opening and closing device 1, rear door opening and closing device 1') of the present invention has the following advantages (1) to (7).

[0101] (1) Since the output shaft 21a of the driving member (motor) 2a and the connecting mechanism (lead screw) 3 are always arranged in parallel on a plane perpendicular to the rotation trajectory of the opening and closing bodies (doors) 6, 6' (see Figure 7 ), so the transmission efficiency of the driving force of the driving component 2a is high.

[0102] (2) Since the connection mechanism 3 is supported by a pivot in a direction perpendicular to the rotation trajectory of the opening and closing bodies (doors) 6 and 6' in the housing 2e (see Fig.13 ), it becomes a structure in which only the connecting mechanism 3 can rotate relative to the shell 2e, so the structure can be simplified and a vehicle opening and closing body driving device with excellent layout can be provided.

[0103] (3) Since the transmission component (first transmission gear 20c) that rotates by engaging with the output shaft 21a of the driving component 2a and transmits the driving force of the driving component 2a to the connecting mechanism 3 and the output shaft 21a of the driving component 2a are connected by a joint structure in which the engaging angle can be changed, the driving force of the driving component 2a can be transmitted to the connecting mechanism 3 even when the connecting mechanism 3 rotates relative to the housing 2e. Therefore, the layout is excellent and the driving force of the driving component 2a can be reliably transmitted to the connecting mechanism 3.

[0104] (4) Since the connecting mechanism 3 is composed of a lead screw, the above-mentioned transmission component constitutes a conversion mechanism 2c for converting the direction of the driving force in a direction parallel to the rotation trajectory surface of the opening and closing body (door) 6, 6' when the driving force is transmitted to the connecting mechanism 3. The first transmission component 20c and the second transmission component 21c constituting the conversion mechanism 2c are arranged in a straight line along a pivot axis in a direction perpendicular to the rotation trajectory surface of the opening and closing body (door) 6, 6'. Therefore, the shell 2e can be arranged close to the installation surface of the door 6, and a vehicle opening and closing body drive device with excellent layout can be provided.

[0105] (5) Since the conversion mechanism 2c is supported in a rotatable manner inside the housing 2e by a pivot in a direction perpendicular to the rotation trajectory of the opening and closing bodies (doors) 6, 6' (see Fig.13 ), so there is no restriction on the installation location, and a vehicle opening and closing body driving device that can obtain reliable operation can be provided.

[0106] (6) Since the conversion mechanism 2c is supported inside the housing 2e in a manner that allows it to rotate along a surface parallel to the rotation track surface of the opening and closing body (door) 6, 6', the size of the openings 200e, 210e provided in the housing 2e and allowing the connection mechanism 3 to rotate can be set to the minimum required in the direction orthogonal to the pivot axis in the direction perpendicular to the rotation track surface of the opening and closing body (door) 6, 6', and the device can be miniaturized. In addition, the infiltration of water from the opening 200e provided in the front housing 20e can be suppressed to a minimum.

[0107] (7) Since the lead screw 30 is covered by the cylindrical tube 35 from the connecting member 33 connecting the lead screw 30 to the vehicle body 5 to the opening 200e of the front housing 20e, water penetration can be reliably prevented regardless of the position of the opening and closing body (door) 6, 6', and the performance of the device can be maintained for a long time.

[0108] The above describes an example of applying the vehicle opening and closing body driving device of the utility model as a vehicle side door opening and closing device and a rear door opening and closing device, but the vehicle opening and closing body driving device of the utility model can also be applied as a device for opening and closing a bonnet. In this case, it is preferred that the drive unit 2 is arranged on the vehicle body side in the same manner as the rear door opening and closing device 1'.

Claims

1. A vehicle opening and closing body driving device, characterized in that: The drive is an opening and closing body rotatably supported on the vehicle body. The vehicle opening and closing body driving device comprises: A drive unit, which is arranged inside any one of the opening and closing body and the vehicle body, and has a drive component; a housing that accommodates the drive unit, the housing being fixed inside the opening and closing body or the vehicle body on which the drive unit is disposed; and A connecting mechanism connects the opening and closing body and the other of the vehicle body to the driving unit, one end of the connecting mechanism protrudes from the opening and closing body or the vehicle body to which the shell is fixed and is rotatably supported on the other of the opening and closing body and the vehicle body, and the other end of the connecting mechanism is inserted into the opening and closing body or the vehicle body to which the shell is fixed, and penetrates the shell in a direction parallel to the rotation track surface of the opening and closing body, thereby, the connecting mechanism is pushed toward the one end side relative to the shell and pulled toward the other end side relative to the shell by the driving force of the driving component, thereby driving the opening and closing body to open and close, The output shaft of the driving member and the connecting mechanism are arranged in parallel on a vertical plane perpendicular to the rotation track plane. The connecting mechanism is supported by a pivot in a direction perpendicular to the rotation track surface so as to be rotatable within the housing, and rotates relative to the housing in accordance with the opening and closing operation of the opening and closing body.

2. The vehicle opening and closing body driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vehicle opening and closing body driving device also includes a transmission component, which is arranged in the shell, engages with the output shaft of the driving component and is rotated by the driving component to transmit the driving force of the driving component to the connecting mechanism. The output shaft and the transmission component are connected by a joint structure whose engagement angle can be changed.

3. The vehicle opening and closing body driving device according to claim 2, characterized in that: A plurality of protrusions are provided on the peripheral surface of the top end portion of the output shaft of the driving component, which protrude in the radial direction of the output shaft and extend along the axis of the output shaft. The transmission component is provided with an engagement hole, which has a plurality of engagement grooves with a U-shaped cross section that engage with the protrusions of the output shaft. When the output shaft is inserted into the engagement hole, the side surfaces of the protrusions in the rotational direction contact the side walls of the corresponding engagement grooves, so that the transmission component rotates. The outer edge of each protrusion is formed as a curved surface whose protrusion height gradually decreases from the most protruding portion on the top end side of the output shaft toward the base end side of the output shaft when viewed from the side, and the inner peripheral wall of the engaging hole opposite to the outer edge extends along the axial direction of the transmission component, thereby the transmission component can rotate relative to the output shaft in a manner that the engaging angle relative to the output shaft changes. During this rotation, at least a part of the side surface of the protrusion in the rotational direction also contacts the side wall of the opposite engaging groove, thereby rotating the transmission component. Thus, the output shaft and the transmission member are connected by a joint structure with a variable engagement angle, and the transmission member transmits the driving force of the driving member to the connection mechanism in both the forward and reverse rotation directions of the output shaft while rotating relative to the output shaft.

4. The vehicle opening and closing body driving device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The connecting mechanism includes a lead screw, which passes through the shell in a direction parallel to the rotation track surface of the opening and closing body, one end of the lead screw protrudes from the opening and closing body or the vehicle body to which the shell is fixed and is rotatably supported on the other of the opening and closing body and the vehicle body, and the other end of the lead screw is inserted into the interior of the opening and closing body or the vehicle body to which the shell is fixed, the lead screw is pushed toward the one end side relative to the shell by the driving force of the driving component, thereby moving the opening and closing body in the opening direction, and is pulled into the other end side relative to the shell by the driving force of the driving component, thereby moving the opening and closing body in the closing direction. The transmission component comprises: a first transmission component, which is engaged with the output shaft of the driving component and is rotated by the driving component; and a second transmission component, which is installed on the lead screw and transmits the rotation of the first transmission component to the lead screw. The first transmission component and the output shaft are connected by the joint structure, whereby the transmission component constitutes a conversion mechanism that converts the direction of the driving force within the range of a direction parallel to the rotation track surface of the opening and closing body when the driving force is transmitted to the connecting mechanism. The first transmission member and the second transmission member constituting the conversion mechanism are arranged in a straight line along a pivot axis in a direction perpendicular to the rotation track surface.

5. The vehicle opening and closing body driving device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The conversion mechanism is rotatably supported by a pivot in a direction perpendicular to the rotation track surface of the opening and closing body, and rotates relative to the housing together with the connection mechanism as the connection mechanism rotates.

6. The vehicle opening and closing body driving device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first transmission component and the second transmission component are housed in a supporting body, and the supporting body is rotatably supported by a pivot in a direction perpendicular to the rotation track surface of the opening and closing body in the shell, and the first transmission component and the second transmission component are respectively arranged in a straight line along the pivot in the perpendicular direction in the supporting body and are supported in a rotatable manner, and the lead screw penetrates the supporting body in a direction parallel to the rotation track surface, and is supported by the supporting body via the installed second transmission component.

7. The vehicle opening and closing body driving device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: On each surface of the shell near one end side and the other end side of the connecting mechanism, an opening for the connecting mechanism to pass through and allow it to rotate is arranged in a direction orthogonal to the pivot, and the pivot is perpendicular to the rotation track surface of the opening and closing body.

8. The vehicle opening and closing body driving device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The connecting mechanism includes a lead screw, one end of which protrudes from the opening and closing body or the vehicle body to which the shell is fixed and is rotatably supported on the other of the opening and closing body and the vehicle body, and the other end of the lead screw penetrates the shell in a direction parallel to the rotation track surface of the opening and closing body in a manner of being inserted into the interior of the opening and closing body or the vehicle body to which the shell is fixed, the lead screw is pushed toward the one end side relative to the shell by the driving force of the driving component so as to move the opening and closing body in the opening direction, and is pulled toward the other end side relative to the shell by the driving force of the driving component so as to move the opening and closing body in the closing direction, and the lead screw is covered by a cylindrical tube from a connecting member connecting the connecting mechanism with the opening and closing body and the other of the vehicle body to an opening portion of the surface of the shell close to the one end side of the lead screw.

Images