Brake module for electric door drive device and electric door drive device containing this module

Abstract

A brake module for an electric door drive device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a worm gear nut arranged on a leadscrew in a coaxial relationship to the leadscrew and configured to rotate with the rotary motion of a worm gear while engaged with the worm gear, which is connected to a motor shaft to linearly move the leadscrew, and a brake configured to exert a predetermined resistance force with respect to the rotary motion of the worm gear nut. The brake is configured to be arranged on the worm gear nut in a coaxial relationship to the worm gear nut.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to a brake module for an electric door drive device and an electric door drive device incorporating this module, and more particularly to a brake module for an electric door drive device with improved durability and an electric door drive device incorporating this module. background

[0002] Generally, an automobile has an access point through which a passenger can enter and exit the vehicle. A door is mounted at the access point. Door hinges and a door stay are used as parts for opening / closing and supporting the door.

[0003] The door hinges are provided in an upper and lower section between the door and the body of the automobile to support the weight of the door itself and to perform a function of opening and closing the door via hinge pins. The door check is arranged approximately midway between the door hinges provided in the upper and lower sections to perform a holding function to keep the door open at a predetermined angle and a stopping function to stop the door from moving when it is fully opened.

[0004] Furthermore, to prepare for safety accidents that may occur when opening or closing the door, the door check is typically set to move through two or three opening / closing stages when the door is opened or closed. This can prevent the passenger from being injured if the door is suddenly closed.

[0005] In recent years, an electric door operator (PDA) has been introduced, which assists the opening / closing of the door with the drive power of an electric motor in addition to manual opening / closing by the passenger. Since the electric door operator operates based on the drive power of the motor, it necessarily requires the motor and an electrically operated mechanism (drive device) that works in conjunction with a motor output shaft.

[0006] Such a drive device is equipped with a brake to ensure that the door can only rotate when a certain minimum force is applied. However, the lifespan of conventional brakes is short. Related art documentPatent document

[0007] Patent Document 1: Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0015633 (filed on February 8, 2022) Brief description of the invention

[0008] The present invention has been developed to solve the above-mentioned problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a brake module for an electric door drive device with improved durability, and the electric door drive device incorporating this module.

[0009] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a brake module used for an electric door drive device may include: a worm gear nut disposed on a lead screw in a coaxial relationship with the lead screw and configured to rotate along with a rotational movement of a worm gear while engaging the worm gear connected to a rotary shaft of a motor to linearly move the lead screw; and a brake configured to exert a predetermined resistive force with respect to the rotational movement of the worm gear nut. The brake may be configured to be disposed on the worm gear nut in a coaxial relationship with the worm gear nut.

[0010] According to one aspect, the worm gear nut may include an annular gear portion having teeth formed along an outer peripheral surface thereof, a cylindrical body portion disposed to be spaced inward from the annular gear portion, and a rib configured to connect the annular gear portion and the cylindrical body portion. A brake seating surface, on which the brake is firmly seated, may be formed on an outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body portion.

[0011] According to one aspect, the brake module may further comprise at least one bearing.

[0012] A bearing seating surface on which the at least one bearing is firmly seated may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body portion.

[0013] According to one aspect, the bearing seat surface can be provided on two sides of the annular gear portion. The brake seat surface can be arranged on a side of the two sides of the bearing seat surface facing away from the annular gear portion.

[0014] According to one aspect, a plurality of locking portions may be formed on the brake seat surface so as to be spaced apart from each other at equal intervals along an outer periphery of the brake seat surface.

[0015] According to one aspect, the brake may include a housing, a rotor, and a coil spring housed in the housing. Locking grooves may be formed in an inner peripheral surface of the rotor, corresponding to the plurality of locking portions of the brake seat surface, so that the rotor is firmly connected to the brake seat surface. The coil spring attached to the housing may be configured to exert a radially inward force while surrounding an outer peripheral surface of the rotor in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the rotor.

[0016] According to one aspect, the at least one bearing comprises an inner ring, an outer ring, and a plurality of rolling elements arranged between the inner ring and the outer ring. The inner ring can be fixedly connected to the bearing seat surface.

[0017] According to one aspect, a stepped portion may be provided between the bearing seat surface and the brake seat surface, which serves as a stop when the brake is inserted into the cylindrical body portion. The outer ring may be connected to an inner surface of a housing of the electric door drive device.

[0018] In one aspect, the brake may include a plurality of brakes mounted on the worm gear nut in a serial form.

[0019] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an electric door drive device may comprise the brake module with at least one of the above-mentioned features.

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to increase the durability of a brake module for an electric door drive device. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress the risk of damage to the brake in a structure consisting of a worm gear with a worm wheel and to facilitate the assembly and disassembly of the brake module. This can facilitate brake replacement. Short description of the drawings Fig. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an electric door drive device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the electric door drive device of Fig. 1 viewed from a different direction; Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a brake module for an electric door drive device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4 is a view showing a worm gear nut according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a state where the worm gear nut is mounted on a lead screw and a bearing or a brake is not mounted; Fig. 5 is a view showing the worm gear nut in a state where the brake is not mounted on one side of the worm gear nut; Fig. 6 shows a side view of the brake according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the brake according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the brake according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from a different angle. Detailed description

[0021] Various modifications may be added to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Specific exemplary embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific exemplary embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or alterations that fall within the scope and technical range of the present invention. In the descriptions of the drawings, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. Although terms such as "first," "second," "A," and the like may be used to explain various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. The above-mentioned terms may be used to distinguish one element from another element.For example, within the scope of the present invention, a first element may be referred to as a second element in another description of the patent specification. Conversely, the second element may be referred to as a first element in another description of the patent specification. The term "and / or" may be used to represent a combination of a plurality of corresponding elements described herein or at least one of the plurality of corresponding elements. When an element is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another element, the element may be directly connected or coupled to the other element, but another element may also be provided between the element and the other element. When an element is referred to as "directly coupled" or "directly connected" to another element, no other element may be provided between the element and the other element.The terms used herein are merely to describe certain exemplary embodiments and are not limiting of the present invention. Singular terms are to be understood as including plural terms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprise," "having," or the like are to be understood as including features, numerical characters, operations, acts, elements, parts, or a combination thereof, and are not to be understood as excluding one or more other features, numerical characters, operations, acts, elements, parts, or a combination thereof, or additional features and the like. The terms "first," "second," and the like are used to distinguish a plurality of elements from one another, and the order or importance of the corresponding elements is not limited by these terms.Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Furthermore, the commonly used predefined terms should be interpreted to be consistent with the meanings of the context in the prior art and should not be interpreted to have ideal or overly formal meanings unless otherwise defined in this application.

[0022] In the description and claims, when an element "comprises or includes" another element, it means that the element may also comprise other elements, rather than excluding other elements, unless otherwise stated. Preferred exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] Fig. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an electric door drive device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the electric door drive device of Fig. 1 viewed from a different direction (so that a worm gear can be seen).

[0024] According to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, an electric door drive device 10 may include a motor 100 configured to be supplied with external power and output a driving force via an output shaft 120 therefrom, a motor holder 600 configured to receive the motor 100, a control unit 400 connected to one side of the motor holder 600 and electrically connected to the motor 100 to receive and transmit various electrical signals from the motor 100 to the motor, a worm gear 500 connected to the output shaft (rotation shaft) 120 of the motor 100, a worm gear nut 200 configured to rotate together with the worm gear 500 while being engaged with the worm gear 500, a lead screw 700 configured to move linearly through the worm gear nut 200, a bearing 800 mounted on the Worm gear nut 200 is mounted and have a brake 900.

[0025] Hereinafter, a structure and operation of the electric door drive device 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described, and a brake module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will also be described.

[0026] In the electric door drive device 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the motor 100 is activated by supplying external power, the output shaft 120 of the motor 100 is rotated, and the worm gear 500 connected to the output shaft 120 of the motor 100 is also rotated. The worm gear nut 200 meshes with the worm gear 500. When the worm gear 500 is rotated, the worm gear nut 200 is also rotated with a relatively high power and a relatively high reduction ratio.

[0027] The lead screw 700 is connected to the worm gear nut 200. The lead screw 700 is a mechanism for converting rotary motion into linear motion based on the principle of screw motion. The lead screw 700 ultimately converts the rotary motion of the output shaft 120 of the motor 100 into linear motion. This conversion opens and closes a door of an automobile.

[0028] The general principle of the electric door drive for opening and closing the door of the automobile by converting the rotary motion generated by the motor into a linear motion will be clear to the person skilled in the art to which the present invention relates, so that a specific description thereof will be omitted.

[0029] Depending on the condition of a vehicle, for example, when the vehicle is on an inclined road surface, a vehicle door may close due to its own weight. To prevent such a situation, a brake is provided in the electric door drive device to eliminate an external force generated by the weight of the vehicle itself due to the inclined road surface or the like.

[0030] As used herein, the term "brake module" refers to an assembly comprising at least one worm gear nut, a lead screw, and a brake, which may also include a bearing. A brake module for an electric door drive device according to the present invention is described below.

[0031] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the brake module for an electric door drive device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a view showing a worm gear nut according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a state where the worm gear nut is mounted on the lead screw and the bearing or the brake is not mounted. Fig. 5 is a view showing the worm gear nut in a state where the brake is not mounted on one side of the worm gear nut.

[0032] According to the Fig. 3 to 5, a brake module 20 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a worm gear nut 200 disposed on a lead screw 700 in a coaxial relationship with the lead screw 700 and configured to rotate along with the rotational movement of a worm gear 500 while engaging the worm gear 500 connected to an output shaft 120 of a motor 100 to linearly move the lead screw 700, and a brake 900 configured to exert a predetermined resistive force with respect to the rotational movement of the worm gear nut 200. The brake module 20 may further include a bearing 800.

[0033] In the present invention, the brake 900 is disposed on the worm gear nut 200 side in a coaxial relationship with the worm gear nut 200. In other words, the brake 900 of the present invention is not disposed on the output shaft 120 side of the motor 100. In the case where the electric door drive device 10 uses a structure consisting of the worm gear 500 and the worm gear nut 200 as in the present invention, the output shaft 120 of the motor 100 rotates at a relatively high speed (revolutions per minute) and a relatively large number of revolutions due to a difference in the gear ratio. Therefore, if the brake is mounted on the output shaft 120 side of the motor 100, a large amount of heat may be generated by the brake, which shortens the service life of the brake.In the present invention, since the brake 900 is arranged on the side of the worm gear nut 200, the brake 900 can have a relatively low rotational speed and a relatively low number of revolutions. This extends the service life of the brake 900.

[0034] To enable the brake 900 to be mounted on the side of the worm gear nut 200, the worm gear nut 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes an annular gear portion 220 having teeth formed along an outer peripheral surface thereof, a cylindrical body portion 240 arranged to be spaced inward from the gear portion 220, and ribs 260 connecting the gear portion 220 and the body portion 240. A brake seating surface 242, on which the brake 900 is firmly seated, is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the body portion 240.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, one or more brakes 900 may be detachably mounted on the worm gear nut 200 in series (i.e., in a coaxial relationship with the worm gear nut 200). When a plurality of brakes 900 are mounted in series on the worm gear nut 200, the load torque can be reduced by the number of brakes 900. Therefore, the load torque acting on each brake can be reduced, thereby reducing fractional force and suppressing heat generation. This increases the service life of the brake 900. Furthermore, the electric door drive device, particularly the worm gear nut side, is structurally further restricted with respect to the structure of the vehicle door (compared to the motor side). As the load torque decreases, a size of the brake, particularly a height dimension of the brake, can be reduced.Thus, despite the structural limitation described above, the brake can be easily mounted on the side of the worm gear nut.

[0036] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the brake module 20 may further include at least one bearing 800. A bearing seating surface 244, on which the bearing 800 is fixedly seated, may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the body portion 240.

[0037] As in Fig. 4, the bearing seat surface 244 may, for example, be formed on both sides of the gear portion 220. The bearing 800 includes an inner ring, an outer ring, and a plurality of rolling elements disposed between the inner ring and the outer ring (all of which are not shown). The inner ring is fixedly connected to the bearing seat surface 244. The inner ring may, for example, be connected to the bearing seat surface 244 by a press fit. The outer ring is fixed in a predetermined position while being connected to an inner surface of a housing (not shown) of the electric door drive device 10.

[0038] With the configuration described above, the worm gear nut 200 can be fixed in the predetermined position, which may be desirable in the structure in which the plurality of brakes 900 are connected in series to the worm gear nut 200 side as in the present invention. That is, in the structure consisting of the worm gear 500 and the worm gear nut 200, the driving force generated by the motor 100 can be partially transmitted to the worm gear nut 200 in the axial and radial directions. Such a partial driving force may be transmitted to the brake 900 connected in series to the worm gear nut 200 side. As a result, an undesirable effect may be exerted on the brake 900. In severe cases, the brake 900 may be damaged.In the present invention, since the outer ring of the bearing 800 is connected to the inner surface of the housing of the electric door drive device, the partial driving force can be absorbed by the bearing 800 and the housing of the electric door drive device. This minimizes the impact on the brake 900.

[0039] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the brake seating surface 242 may be formed on a side facing away from the gear portion 220 below both sides of the bearing seating surface 244. A step portion 246 is provided between the bearing seating surface 244 and the brake seating surface 242. The step portion 246 serves as a stop when the brake 900 is mounted on the body portion 240. Therefore, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the brake module 20 can be easily assembled by first inserting the bearing 800 into the worm gear nut 200, then press-fitting the bearing 800 to the worm gear nut 200, inserting the brake 900 into the worm gear nut 200, and covering these components with the housing.In such a configuration, the brake 900 is axially inwardly attached to the worm gear nut 200 by the step portion 246 and axially outwardly connected and secured to the inner surface of the housing (not shown) of the electric door drive device 10.

[0040] Fig. 6 shows a side view of the brake according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the brake according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the brake according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from a different angle.

[0041] A plurality of locking portions 243 may be formed on the brake seat surface 242 at equal intervals along an outer circumference of the brake seat surface 242. As shown in the Fig.6 to 8, the brake 900 includes a housing 920, a rotor 960, and a coil spring 940 housed in the housing 920. An inner peripheral surface of the rotor 960 has locking grooves 962 formed to correspond to the plurality of locking portions 243 of the brake seat surface 242. Therefore, the rotor 960 is fixedly connected to the brake seat surface 242. The coil spring 940 fixed to the housing 920 is in contact with an outer peripheral surface of the rotor 960 while surrounding the outer peripheral surface and is configured to exert a predetermined load radially inward. In this configuration, the rotor 960 of the brake 900 rotates along with the rotational movement of the worm gear nut 200, and the housing 920 of the brake 900 is fixedly connected to the housing (not shown) of the electric door drive device and no longer moves.Because the coil spring 940 applies the predetermined load to the outer peripheral surface of the rotor 960 radially inward, the worm gear nut 200 does not rotate unless a torque of a predetermined value or higher is applied to the worm gear nut 200. Furthermore, as described above, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of brakes 900 are provided that can be individually mounted on the worm gear nut 200 and individually detached from the worm gear nut 200. In other words, this configuration facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the brake module. Therefore, if some or all of the brakes of the plurality of brakes malfunction, such malfunctioning brake(s) can be easily replaced with a new brake(s). Explanation of reference symbols 10 electric door drive device 20 brake module 100 engine 120 output shaft 200 worm gear nut 400 control unit 500 worm gear 600 engine mounts 700 Lead screw 800 warehouses 900 brake 220 gear section 240 body section 260 rib 242 brake seat surface 244 bearing seat 243 Locking section 920 case 940 coil spring 960 Rotor 962 locking groove QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] KR 10-2022-0015633

[0007]

Claims

[1] A brake module used for an electric door drive device, the brake module comprising: a worm gear nut coaxially disposed on a lead screw and configured to engage with a worm gear connected to a rotary shaft of a motor and rotate when the worm gear rotates, so that a lead screw is moved linearly; and a brake configured to exert a predetermined resistance force with respect to the rotational movement of the worm gear nut, wherein the brake is configured to be disposed on the worm gear nut coaxially with the worm gear nut. [2] Brake module according to claim 1, wherein the worm gear nut comprises: an annular gear portion having teeth formed along an outer peripheral surface thereof; a cylindrical body portion arranged to be spaced inwardly from the annular gear portion; and a rib configured to connect the annular gear portion and the cylindrical body portion, wherein a brake seating surface on which the brake is firmly seated is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body portion. [3] The brake module according to claim 2, further comprising at least one bearing, wherein a bearing seat surface on which the at least one bearing is fixedly seated is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body portion. [4] Brake module according to claim 3, wherein the bearing seat surface is provided on two sides of the annular gear portion. [5] Brake module according to claim 4, wherein the brake seat surface is arranged on a side of the two sides of the bearing seat surface facing away from the annular gear section. [6] The brake module according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of locking portions are formed on the brake seat surface so as to be spaced apart from each other at equal intervals along an outer periphery of the brake seat surface. [7] Brake module according to claim 6, wherein the brake comprises a housing, a rotor and a coil spring received in the housing, wherein locking grooves are formed in an inner peripheral surface of the rotor to correspond to the plurality of locking portions of the brake seat surface so that the rotor is firmly connected to the brake seat surface, and wherein the coil spring attached to the housing is configured to exert a force radially inwardly while surrounding an outer peripheral surface of the rotor in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the rotor. [8] Brake module according to claim 3, wherein the at least one bearing has an inner ring, an outer ring and a plurality of rolling elements arranged between the inner ring and the outer ring, and wherein the inner ring is fixedly connected to the bearing seat surface. [9] A brake module according to claim 3, wherein a step portion is provided between the bearing seat surface and the brake seat surface, which step portion serves as a stopper when the brake is inserted into the cylindrical body portion. [10] The brake module of claim 8, wherein the outer ring is connected to an inner surface of a housing of the electric door drive device. [11] The brake module of claim 1, wherein the brake comprises a plurality of brakes mounted in series on the worm gear nut. [12] Electric door drive device with the brake module according to one of claims 1 to 11.

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