Friction brake system and vehicle door support member

Abstract

The present invention provides a friction brake device capable of appropriately applying rotational resistance, and a vehicle door support member equipped therewith. [Solution] The brake 40 comprises a rotor pair 43 including a brake rotor 45 connectable to a first rotating element and a slip rotor 44 connectable to a second rotating element, a torsion coil spring 47 having a wound portion 47a wound around the outer circumference of the rotor pair 43, a ring member 48 surrounding the wound portion 47a, a brake case 41 rotatably housing the rotor pair 43, the torsion coil spring 47, and the ring member 48, and a friction generating element 49 non-rotatably housed in the brake case 41. When one rotor is driven to rotate, the wound portion 47a presses against the inner circumferential surface 48a of the ring member 48, and the ring member 48 rotates integrally with the rotor pair 43 and slides against the friction generating element 49. When the other rotor is driven to rotate, the wound portion 47a releases or reduces its pressure against the inner circumferential surface 48a of the ring member 48.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a friction brake device and a door support member for a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a friction brake device applicable to a door support member for a vehicle. The door support member for a vehicle includes a fixed housing that rotatably supports a spindle, and a movable housing to which a spindle nut that is screwed with the spindle and guided to translate in the axial direction is connected. One of these housings is connected to the vehicle body, and the other is connected to the door. When the door is caused to perform an opening operation or a closing operation, the translation of the spindle nut is converted into the rotation of the spindle, and the movable housing moves forward or backward with respect to the fixed housing.

[0003] The friction brake device includes a pair of rotors including a slip rotor that rotates integrally with the spindle and a brake rotor that rotatably supports the slip rotor, a torsion coil spring wound around the pair of rotors, and a brake case that houses the pair of rotors and the torsion coil spring. The winding portion of the torsion coil spring expands or contracts in diameter according to the operation mode of the door, whereby the imparting of rotational resistance to the spindle is mechanically switched.

[0004] In the case of Patent Document 1, in response to the closing operation of the door, the winding portion expands in diameter and rotates together with the pair of rotors while slidingly contacting the brake case. Thereby, rotational resistance is imparted. On the other hand, in response to the opening operation of the door, the winding portion contracts in diameter. Therefore, rotational resistance is not imparted or is reduced as compared with the closing operation.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] It is difficult to configure a friction brake system so that the application of rotational resistance is appropriately switched in accordance with the expansion and contraction of the winding section. For example, if the pressure on the brake case becomes excessive when the diameter of the winding section expands, the slip rotor and brake rotor may not be able to rotate with a reasonable force, meaning that the door may not be able to be operated with a reasonable force.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a friction brake device capable of appropriately applying rotational resistance, and a vehicle door support member equipped therewith. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One aspect of the present invention includes a rotor pair having a first connecting portion enabling connection to an external first rotating element, and a slip rotor having a second connecting portion enabling connection to an external second rotating element and rotatably housed in the brake rotor; a torsion coil spring having a winding portion wound around the outer circumference of the rotor pair and a pair of ends extending from each end of the winding portion and locked to the rotor pair; a ring member surrounding the winding portion; and the rotor pair, the torsion coil spring, and the ring member rotating The present invention provides a friction brake device comprising a brake case that is rotatably housed, and a friction generating element that is non-rotatably housed in the brake case and slidably contacts the outer circumferential surface of the ring member, wherein when one rotor of the rotor pair is rotationally driven, the winding portion presses against the inner circumferential surface of the ring member, causing the ring member to rotate integrally with the rotor pair and slide against the friction generating element, while when the other rotor of the rotor pair is rotationally driven, the winding portion releases or reduces the pressure of the ring member against the inner circumferential surface.

[0009] According to the above configuration, the rotor pair is configured to be able to connect with the first and second rotating elements. Depending on whether one rotor or the other rotor is driven to rotate, the operation of the winding section changes, and the pressure applied by the winding section to the ring member changes. As a result, the ability to apply rotational resistance is mechanically switched depending on whether one rotor or the other rotor is driven to rotate.

[0010] The winding section that performs the switching operation is not the primary source of rotational resistance. The element that performs the switching operation (winding section) is separated from the elements that generate rotational resistance when necessary (ring member and friction-generating element). The winding section only needs to be able to press against the ring member so that it can exert a sufficiently large frictional force to rotate together with the ring member when rotational resistance needs to be applied. The element that performs the switching operation and the element that generates rotational resistance can be optimally designed so that each element can perform the operation required of it. Compared to cases where the winding section is required to generate rotational resistance as well as switch, a friction brake device that can appropriately apply rotational resistance can be realized relatively easily.

[0011] Furthermore, when using a friction brake system, it is not always necessary for both the first and second rotating elements to be connected to the rotor pair. It is sufficient for one rotating element to be connected to the connection point of one rotor, and the connection point of the other rotor does not need to be connected to a rotating element.

[0012] Another aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle door support member comprising the above-described friction brake device, a cylindrical fixed housing having a first end connected to one of the vehicle body and the door and a second end opposite to the first end, a cylindrical movable housing having a third end connected to the other of the vehicle body and the door, the end opposite to the third end housed in the fixed housing from the second end and movable in the axial direction relative to the fixed housing, a spindle rotatably supported in the fixed housing, and a spindle nut screwed onto the spindle and connected to the movable housing, wherein the spindle is one of the first and second rotating elements and is connected to one of the rotor pair.

[0013] According to the above configuration, when one rotor is rotationally driven by the spindle, that is, when the user operates the door manually, appropriate rotational resistance can be applied to the spindle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a friction brake device capable of appropriately applying rotational resistance, and a vehicle door support member equipped therewith. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] A perspective view of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle door support member to which a friction brake device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 2] A longitudinal cross-sectional view of a vehicle door support member according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the vehicle door support member. [Figure 4] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the friction brake system. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the friction brake device, seen from above. [Figure 6] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the friction brake system, seen from below. [Figure 7]Exploded perspective view of the slip rotor, brake rotor, torsion coil spring, ring member, and friction generating element of FIG. 4 as viewed from above. [Figure 8] Exploded perspective view of the slip rotor, brake rotor, torsion coil spring, ring member, and friction generating element of FIG. 4 as viewed from below. [Figure 9] Axial orthogonal cross-sectional view of the friction brake device of FIG. 2. [Figure 10] Exploded perspective view of the friction brake device according to the modified example. [Figure 11] Axial orthogonal cross-sectional view of the brake case, slip rotor, torsion coil spring, ring member, and friction generating element of the friction brake device of FIG. 10. [Figure 12] Longitudinal cross-sectional view of the vehicle door support member according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings, and redundant detailed descriptions are omitted. In the following description, the friction brake device, vehicle door support member, and vehicle door support device according to the embodiments are simply referred to as the brake, support member, and support device, respectively.

[0017] Referring to FIG. 1, the support device 5 and the support member 6 provided therein are applied to the vehicle 1 and support the door 3 with respect to the vehicle body 2. The support member 6 is rod-shaped, one end is connected to the vehicle body 2, and the other end is connected to the door 3. The support member 6 extends in conjunction with the opening operation of the door 3 and contracts in conjunction with the closing operation of the door 3.

[0018] There are two types of support members 6: an active type and a passive type. The active support member 6A can actively expand and contract by the driving force of the built-in motor, thereby operating the door 3. The passive support member 6B does not include a motor and expands and contracts following the operation of the door 3.

[0019] The support device 5 comprises a pair of support members 6. The pair may consist of two active members, two passive members, or one active and one passive member. In the case of one active and one passive member, when the motor is activated, the active support member 6A actively extends and retracts to operate the door 3, and the passive support member 6B extends and retracts in response to the operation of the door 3. When the user operates the door 3 manually, both the active and passive members extend and retract in response to that operation. Even when the support device 5 comprises two active members, the active support member 6A extends and retracts passively when the door is operated manually.

[0020] The brake 40 is applicable to the active support member 6A (see Figure 2). The brake 40 exerts braking force against passive expansion and contraction, while not exerting braking force or reducing it against active expansion and contraction. The brake 40 can mechanically switch between having braking force (or having less or less) depending on whether the expansion and contraction is active or passive.

[0021] The brake 40 can also be applied to the passive support member 6B (see Figure 12). In the passive type, since extension and retraction are always passive, braking force is always applied during extension and retraction. Although the brake 40 does not perform a switching function, it is advantageous that the brake 40 of the support member 6B can be shared with the brake 40 of the support member 6A.

[0022] Hereinafter, an active support member 6A with a brake 40 will be described as the first embodiment. Next, a passive support member 6B equipped with a brake 40 having the same configuration as the first embodiment will be described as the second embodiment.

[0023] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the support member 6A according to the first embodiment comprises a fixed housing 10, a movable housing 20, a spindle 25, a spindle nut 27, a coil spring 28, a motor 30, a reduction gear 35, and a brake 40. These members are arranged coaxially with respect to each other, and a common axis of these members forms the central axis L of the support member 6A.

[0024] The fixed housing 10 and the movable housing 20 are cylindrical, typically cylindrical. The fixed housing 10 has a first end connected to the vehicle body and a second end opposite to the first end. The movable housing 20 has a third end connected to the door. The movable housing 20 is housed in the fixed housing 10 from the second end and is axially movable relative to the fixed housing 10. The spindle 25 is rotatably supported within the fixed housing 10. The spindle nut 27 screws onto the spindle 25 and connects to the movable housing 20. The coil spring 28 biases the movable housing 20 in the direction of extending it out of the fixed housing 10. Figure 2 shows the movable housing 20 in its most extended position.

[0025] In the following description, with respect to the axial direction of the support member 6A, the side approaching the connection partner of the fixed housing 10 is referred to as the "base end," and the side moving away from the connection partner of the fixed housing 10 is referred to as the "end end." In this embodiment, the vehicle body side is the base end. However, the first end may be connected to the door and the third end to the vehicle body, in which case the door side becomes the base end.

[0026] The fixed housing 10 has a cylindrical housing portion 12 and an extension portion 13 that extends from the housing portion 12 toward the end. The extension portion 13 is double-cylindrical and has a cover portion 14 on the outside and a guide portion 15 on the inside.

[0027] The housing portion 12 is open at its base end 12a and its end end 12b. The base end 12a is closed by a connecting member 11 and is pivotably connected to the vehicle body 2 (see Figure 1) via the connecting member 11. The connecting member 11 protrudes from the fixed housing 10 toward the base end. The housing portion 12 has an annular partition plate portion 12c that protrudes from the end of its inner circumferential surface. The housing portion 12 has a retaining portion 12d toward the base end relative to the partition plate portion 12c and a mounting recess 12e toward the end relative to the partition plate portion 12c. The fact that the retaining portion 12d holds the brake 40 will be described later.

[0028] The guide portion 15 is open at its base end 15a and terminal end 15b. The base end 15a is provided with a cylindrical mounting portion 15d that protrudes radially outward. The mounting portion 15d is fitted into the mounting recess 12e and fixed to the housing portion 12, for example, by laser welding.

[0029] The cover portion 14 is open at its base end 14a and its end end 14b. The base end 14a is provided with an annular plate-shaped support portion 14c that protrudes radially inward. The base end surface of the support portion 14c is supported by the mounting portion 15d. The cover portion 14 extends from the housing portion 12 toward the end, such that the outer circumferential surface of the cover portion 14 and the outer circumferential surface of the housing portion 12 are aligned in the axial direction.

[0030] The movable housing 20 is double-cylindrical, with an outer cylinder 22 on the outside and a push rod 23 on the inside. The outer cylinder 22 is open at its base end 22a and end 22b. The end 22b is provided with an annular plate-shaped support portion 22c that protrudes radially inward. The push rod 23 is open at its base end 23a and end 23b. The end 23b is located inside the support portion 22c. The ends 22b, 23b are closed by a connecting member 21 and are pivotably connected to the door 3 (see Figure 1) via the connecting member 21. The connecting member 21 is, for example, a ball socket and protrudes from the movable housing 20 toward the end.

[0031] The base end 12a of the housing section 12 is an example of a first end. The ends 14b and 15b of the cover section 14 and the guide section 15 are examples of a second end. The ends 22b and 23b of the outer cylinder 22 and the push rod 23 are examples of a third end.

[0032] The base end of the movable housing 20 is housed in the fixed housing 10 from its ends 14b and 15b. The outer cylinder 22 is fitted into the cover portion 14, and the push rod 23 is inserted into the guide portion 15. The guide portion 15 has a plurality of guide grooves 15c extending in the axial direction on its inner circumferential surface, while the push rod 23 has a plurality of guide protrusions 23c at its base end 23a. The plurality of guide protrusions 23c are each fitted into the plurality of guide grooves 15c.

[0033] The spindle 25 is rotatably supported about a central axis L by a bearing 26 held in the mounting portion 15d and the partition plate portion 12c, and extends axially inside the guide portion 15 and the push rod 23. The spindle nut 27 is coupled to the base end 23a of the push rod 23 and screws onto the spindle 25 inside the guide portion 15. The spindle nut 27 is supported so as to be immobile and axially movable relative to the guide portion 15 by the engagement of the guide projection 23c and the guide groove 15c. The guide projection may be provided on the spindle nut 27.

[0034] The coil spring 28 is housed in a compressed state inside the cover portion 14 and the outer cylinder 22, and outside the guide portion 15 and the push rod 23. The coil spring 28 extends axially, with its base end supported by the support portion 14c and its end end supported by the support portion 22c. The cover portion 14 is pressed against the housing portion 12 and the mounting portion 15d by spring force.

[0035] The housing section 12 has an internal space defined by a partition plate section 12c and a holding section 12d. The spindle 25 protrudes from the bearing 26 toward the base end, passes through the partition plate section 12c, and enters the interior of the housing section 12. The spindle 25 has a connecting shaft section 25a at its base end, which is housed inside the housing section 12.

[0036] In the housing section 12, particularly its holding section 12d, the motor 30, reduction gear 35, and brake 40 are arranged in this order from the base end to the end end along the axial direction. The motor 30 is a DC motor capable of forward and reverse rotation. The reduction gear 35 consists of two-stage planetary gear mechanisms 36 and 37, each stage comprising internal gears 36a and 37a, sun gears 36b and 37b, planetary gears 36c and 37c, and planetary carriers 36d and 37d. The internal gears 36a and 37a are fixed. The output shaft of the motor 30 is connected to the first-stage sun gear 36b, the first-stage planetary carrier 36d is connected to the second-stage sun gear 37b, and the second-stage planetary carrier 37d is connected to the brake 40 from the base end. The connecting shaft 25a is also connected to the brake 40 from the end end.

[0037] When the user manually opens or closes the housing, the movable housing 20 is pulled out or pushed in relative to the fixed housing 10 in response to this movement. The push rod 23 moves axially together with the spindle nut 27. The linear motion of the spindle nut 27 is converted into rotation of the spindle 25, and this rotation is input to the brake 40. The brake 40 applies rotational resistance to the spindle 25.

[0038] When the motor 30 is activated, its rotation is reduced at each stage of the reduction gear 35. The rotation of the reduction gear 35 is transmitted to the connecting shaft 25a via the brake 40, causing the spindle 25 to rotate. The rotation of the spindle 25 is converted into linear motion of the spindle nut 27. The spindle nut 27, together with the push rod 23, is guided by the guide 15 and moves axially. The movable housing 20 is pushed out or pulled in relative to the fixed housing 10, resulting in an opening or closing operation. The brake 40 provides no or reduced rotational resistance to the spindle 25.

[0039] Referring to Figures 2 and 4, the brake 40 comprises a brake case 41, a brake cover 42, a slip rotor 44, a brake rotor 45, a torsion coil spring 47, a ring member 48, and a second torsion coil spring 49A as a friction generating element 49. These members are arranged coaxially with each other, and the common axis of these members forms the central axis L40 of the brake 40. The central axis L40 coincides with the central axis L of the support member 6A.

[0040] The brake case 41, brake cover 42, slip rotor 44, and brake rotor 45 are made of molded resin. The torsion coil spring 47, ring member 48, and second torsion coil spring 49A are made of metal. The ring member 48 may be made of sintered material to suppress the progression of wear.

[0041] Referring to Figures 4 to 9, the brake case 41 and brake cover 42 are cylindrical with an open base. The brake case 41 has an end wall 41a at the end and a circumferential wall 41b extending from the end wall 41a towards the base. The brake cover 42 also has an end wall 42a at the end and a circumferential wall 42b extending from the end wall 42a towards the base. When the brake case 41 and brake cover 42 are assembled together, the circumferential walls 41b and 42b are aligned axially, and the base of the brake case 41 is closed by the end wall 42a of the brake cover 42.

[0042] The outer surfaces of the peripheral walls 41b and 42b are non-cylindrical surfaces. The brake case 41 and brake cover 42 are fitted onto the base end of the retaining portion 12d and are non-rotatably mounted to the fixed housing 10. The end walls 41a and 42a and the peripheral wall 41b constitute the first housing portion 40a. The first housing portion 40a is adjacent to the base end side of the partition plate portion 12c. The end wall 42a and the peripheral wall 42b constitute the second housing portion 40b. The second housing portion 40b is adjacent to the base end side of the first housing portion 40a via the end wall 42a.

[0043] The first housing section 40a houses the rotor pair 43 (slip rotor 44 and brake rotor 45), the torsion coil spring 47, and the ring member 48 so that they can rotate around the central axis L40. The first housing section 40a houses the friction generating element 49 (second torsion coil spring 49A) so that it cannot rotate. The second housing section 40b houses the reduction gear 35.

[0044] The end wall 41a is provided with a through hole 41c for connecting the brake rotor 45 to the spindle 25. The end wall 42a is provided with a through hole 42c for connecting the slip rotor 44 to the motor 30.

[0045] The slip rotor 44 and the brake rotor 45 are assembled together to form a rotor pair 43. The brake rotor 45 has a first connecting portion 45b that allows connection to a first rotating element outside the brake 40. The slip rotor 44 has a second connecting portion 44b that allows connection to a second rotating element outside the brake 40.

[0046] In this embodiment, the first connecting portion 45b is located at the end of the rotor pair 43, and the second connecting portion 44b is located at the base end of the rotor pair 43. The first rotating element is the spindle 25. The second rotating element is the motor 30 or the reduction gear 35 connected thereto, or more specifically, the output shaft of the reduction gear 35 (i.e., the shaft portion of the planetary carrier 37d).

[0047] The slip rotor 44 comprises a base 44a rotatable around a central axis L40 and a projection 44d projecting radially outward from the base 44a. The base 44a is a bottomed cylindrical shape with an open end. The base 44a defines an axial hole 44c for assembly with the brake rotor 45. The projection 44d is fan-shaped when viewed in the axial direction and projects outward from the outer circumferential surface of the base 44a. The outer circumferential surface of the projection 44d is a partially cylindrical surface.

[0048] The second connecting portion 44b protrudes from the base portion 44a toward the base end and can be connected to a female-type connected portion. In this example, such a connected portion is provided at the end of the output shaft of the reduction gear 35. The second connecting portion 44b and the connected portion have complementary non-circular (e.g., rectangular) cross-sections, thereby enabling the transmission of torque from the motor 30 to the slip rotor 44. However, the second connecting portion 44b and the connected portion may be reversed in terms of male and female orientation.

[0049] The brake rotor 45 comprises a cylindrical rotor body 45a that is open at the base end. The rotor body 45a has an end wall portion at the end and a circumferential wall portion extending from the end wall portion toward the base end. The first connecting portion 45b is a groove or hole open on the end face of the end wall portion of the rotor body 45a and is connectable to a male connected portion. In this example, the connecting shaft portion 25a of the spindle 25 is this connected portion. The first connecting portion 45b and the connecting shaft portion 25a have complementary non-circular (e.g., rectangular) cross-sections, thereby enabling the transmission of torque from the spindle 25 to the brake rotor 45 or in the reverse direction. Knurling may be applied to the connection between the first connecting portion 45b and the connecting shaft portion 25a.

[0050] The rotor body 45a has a housing portion 45c. The housing portion 45c is a space defined by the inner surfaces of the end wall portion and the circumferential wall portion, and is open at the base end. The rotor body 45a is provided with a shaft portion 45d that protrudes from the end wall portion into the housing portion 45c. The rotor body 45a is provided with a regulating groove 45e that opens the housing portion 45c radially outward. The regulating groove 45e is formed by cutting out a portion of the circumferential wall portion from the base end to the end end, and does not reach the end of the circumferential wall portion.

[0051] The housing portion 45c accommodates the base portion 44a. The shaft portion 45d is inserted into the shaft hole 44c, and the slip rotor 44 is rotatably supported relative to the brake rotor 45. The diameter of the housing portion 45c (the inner diameter of the rotor body 45a) is as small as possible while still allowing rotation of the base portion 44a of the slip rotor 44. On the other hand, the protruding portion 44d does not fit into the housing portion 45c and is positioned within the regulating groove 45e. The outer circumferential surface of the protruding portion 44d is exposed radially outward, forming the appearance of the rotor pair 43. The outer diameter of the protruding portion 44d is the same as the outer diameter of the rotor body 45a. The angular range (circumferential width) of the regulating groove 45e is wider than the angular range (circumferential width) of the protruding portion 44d. Therefore, the regulating groove 45e can accommodate the protruding portion 44d, and the slip rotor 44 and brake rotor 45 can rotate relative to each other by the difference in their angular ranges.

[0052] Here, the circumferential (widthwise) end of the protruding portion 44d is referred to as the "side portion 44e". Also, a part of the circumferential wall portion of the rotor body 45a that defines both ends of the regulating groove 45e in the circumferential (widthwise) direction is referred to as the "groove side wall 45f". Due to the difference in the angular range described above, the rotor pair 43 has a pair of gaps between one side portion 44e and the groove side wall 45f facing it, and between the other side portion 44e and the groove side wall 45f facing it.

[0053] When the slip rotor 44 is driven to rotate, one of the pair of side portions 44e comes into contact with the opposing groove side wall 45f, depending on the direction of rotation. Subsequently, the slip rotor 44 rotates together with the brake rotor 45. When the brake rotor 45 is driven to rotate, one of the pair of groove side walls 45f comes into contact with the opposing side portion 44e, depending on the direction of rotation. Subsequently, the brake rotor 45 rotates together with the slip rotor 44.

[0054] The torsion coil spring 47 comprises a winding portion 47a wound around the outer circumference of the rotor pair 43, and a pair of ends 47b extending from each end of the winding portion 47a. The winding portion 47a is helical and wound around the rotor pair 43 in the region where the projection 44d is located in the axial direction. Both ends of the winding portion 47a, and the pair of ends 47b continuous therewith, are separated not only in the axial direction but also in the circumferential direction. The pair of ends 47b extend linearly radially inward from the winding portion 47a and are housed in the aforementioned pair of gaps, thereby locking them to the rotor pair 43. The torsion coil spring 47 is attached to the rotor pair 43 in a compressed state from its natural state.

[0055] When the slip rotor 44 is driven to rotate, its end portion 47b is pressed against the side portion 44e. When the brake rotor 45 is driven to rotate, its end portion 47b is pressed against the groove side wall 45f. The winding portion 47a is wound around the rotor pair 43 in a winding direction in which, when its end portion 47b is pressed against the brake rotor 45, the winding portion 47a exerts a force in the direction of expanding in diameter as it is pushed against the end portion 47b. Conversely, the winding portion 47a is wound around the rotor pair 43 in a winding direction in which, when its end portion 47b is pressed against the slip rotor 44, the winding portion 47a exerts a force in the direction of contracting in diameter as it is pulled against the end portion 47b.

[0056] Each of the pair of side portions 44e is provided with a pair of recesses 46, thereby partially widening the pair of gaps described above. The pair of end portions 47b are not caught between the rotor pair 43 during the integrated rotation of the rotor pair 43, but are received by each of the pair of recesses 46. The pair of recesses 46 are provided at different positions in the axial direction due to the difference in the axial positions of the pair of end portions 47b. One recess 46 extends from the base end to the end of the projection 44d to accommodate the base end portion 47b. The other recess 46 extends from the end of the projection 44d to the base end to accommodate the end portion 47b. The recesses 46 may also be provided on the groove side wall 45f.

[0057] The ring member 48 is cylindrical with open ends. Both the inner circumferential surface 48a and the outer circumferential surface 48b of the ring member 48 are cylindrical surfaces. The inner and outer diameters of the ring member 48 are constant in the axial direction. The ring member 48 is fitted onto the winding portion 47a. The inner circumferential surface of the ring member 48 is in contact with the winding portion 47a.

[0058] The second torsion coil spring 49A comprises a second winding portion 49a wound around the outer circumference of the ring member 48, and a pair of second ends 49b extending from each end of the second winding portion 49a. The second winding portion 49a is helical and in contact with the outer surface 48b of the ring member 48. The ends of the second winding portion 49a are separated in the axial direction, but are approximately at the same position in the circumferential direction. The pair of second ends 49b extend linearly in opposite directions from each other along the tangents at the positions of both ends of the second winding portion 49a in the circumferential direction.

[0059] The rotor pair 43, torsion coil spring 47, ring member 48, and second torsion coil spring 49A are housed in the first housing section 40a through the base end opening of the brake case 41 with the brake cover 42 removed from the brake case 41. Subsequently, the brake cover 42 is assembled to the brake case 41, and the base end opening of the brake case 41 is closed.

[0060] To explain the assembly procedure in detail, first, a friction generating element 49 is attached to the outer circumference of the ring member 48, and a torsion coil spring 47 is attached to the inner circumference of the ring member 48. Next, or simultaneously, the brake rotor 45 is attached to the brake case 41. Then, the ring member 48 with the torsion coil spring 47 and friction generating element 49 is assembled to the brake case 41 with the brake rotor 45. Finally, the slip rotor 44 is assembled to the brake rotor 45, and at the same time, the torsion coil spring 47 and the rotor pair 43 are assembled to each other. This completes the assembly of the brake 40. Note that the exploded views in Figures 4 to 6 are intended to clarify the positional relationship between the rotor pair 43 and the torsion coil spring 47, and the positional relationship between the ring member 48 and the friction generating element 49, and do not necessarily show intermediate steps of the assembly procedure.

[0061] The brake case 41 is a stepped cylindrical shape. The end is a relatively small diameter cylindrical section 41d, and the base is a relatively large diameter cylindrical section 41e. The brake case 41 is provided with a stepped section 41f that connects the small cylindrical section 41d and the large cylindrical section 41e in the radial direction, and the stepped section 41f is annular when viewed in the axial direction. A circular groove 41g is provided on the inner surface of the stepped section 41f. A rectangular regulating recess 41h is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the large cylindrical section 41e. The axial length of the regulating recess 41h is longer than the axial length of the second torsion coil spring 49A.

[0062] The end portion of the brake cover 42 is double-cylindrical. The inner cylinder portion 42d on the inner circumference side protrudes further towards the base end than the outer cylinder portion 42e on the outer circumference side. The end wall 42a protrudes radially inward from the inner circumferential surface near the end of the inner cylinder portion 42d.

[0063] The rotor pair 43 is housed in the brake case 41 with the first connecting portion 45b facing the end and the second connecting portion 44b facing the base end. The rotor body 45a is housed in the small cylindrical portion 41d, and the base portion 44a is housed in the inner cylindrical portion 42d. In this way, the rotor pair 43 is supported so as to be rotatable about the central axis L40 relative to the brake case 41 and the brake cover 42.

[0064] The female first connector 45b is exposed at the end through the through hole 41c. The connecting shaft 25a enters the first housing 40a through the through hole 41c and connects to the first connector 45b. This fixes the spindle 25 coaxially with respect to the rotor pair 43. The male second connector 44b passes through the end wall 42a through the through hole 42c in the end wall 42a and enters the second housing 40b, connecting to the connected portion of the output shaft of the reduction gear 35. This fixes the output shaft of the reduction gear 35 coaxially with respect to the rotor pair 43.

[0065] The end portion of the ring member 48 is located closer to the base end than the end portion of the rotor body 45a and is inserted into the circular groove 41g. The end portion of the ring member 48 is located closer to the base end of the base portion 44a (the base of the second connecting portion 44b) and is fitted onto the inner cylinder portion 42d and into the outer cylinder portion 42e. As a result, the ring member 48 is supported so as to be rotatable about the central axis L40 relative to the brake case 41 and the brake cover 42. Most of the ring member 48 is surrounded by the large cylinder portion 41e.

[0066] The torsion coil spring 47 is wound around and locked to the rotor pair 43, completely covered by the ring member 48, and housed inside the large cylindrical portion 41e. When neither the slip rotor 44 nor the brake rotor 45 is rotated, i.e., when the rotor pair 43 is in the neutral position, the wound portion 47a abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the ring member 48.

[0067] The second winding portion 49a of the second torsion coil spring 49A is positioned between the outer circumferential surface 48b of the ring member 48 and the inner circumferential surface of the large cylindrical portion 41e. The second end portion 49b is housed in the restricting recess 41h. The circumferential displacement of the second torsion coil spring 49A is prevented by the contact between the second end portion 49b and the restricting recess 41h. With the second end portion 49b locked to the brake case 41, the second torsion coil spring 49A is housed in the first housing portion 40a so as not to rotate relative to the brake case 41.

[0068] In the support member 6A equipped with the brake 40 configured as described above, when the user manually initiates a release operation, the spindle 25 rotates in the opening direction in response to the extension of the movable housing 20. Consequently, the brake rotor 45 is rotated in the opening direction by the spindle 25. Before the brake rotor 45 rotates together with the slip rotor 44, the end 47b of the torsion coil spring 47 is pushed by the brake rotor 45, and the winding portion 47a is pushed by the end 47b. The winding portion 47a exerts a force that tends to expand in diameter, and this force causes it to press against the inner circumferential surface 48a of the ring member 48. Due to this pressure, the ring member 48, together with the torsion coil spring 47, rotates together with the rotor pair 43 relative to the brake case 41. At this time, the ring member 48 rotates while its outer circumferential surface slides against the second winding portion 49a of the second torsion coil spring 49A. The second torsion coil spring 49A generates friction with the ring member 48, and this friction is applied to the spindle 25 as rotational resistance via the ring member 48, the torsion coil spring 47, and the rotor pair 43. In this way, the brake 40 exerts a braking force against manual release operation.

[0069] When the user manually initiates the closing operation, the spindle 25 rotates in the closing direction in response to the pushing of the movable housing 20. Consequently, the brake rotor 45 is rotated in the closing direction by the spindle 25. After that, the operation is the same as the manual opening operation. The end portion 47b is pressed by the brake rotor 45, the wound portion 47a is pressed against the ring member 48, the ring member 48 rotates integrally with the rotor pair 43 and slides against the second torsion coil spring 49A, and the second torsion coil spring 49A provides rotational resistance to the spindle 25. In this way, the brake 40 also exerts braking force in response to the manual closing operation.

[0070] Next, when the motor 30 generates an opening operation, the slip rotor 44 is rotated by the motor 30 in the opening direction to push out the movable housing 20. Before the slip rotor 44 rotates together with the brake rotor 45, the end 47b of the torsion coil spring 47 is pushed by the slip rotor 44, and the wound portion 47a is pulled by the end 47b. The wound portion 47a exerts a force that tends to reduce its diameter, thereby eliminating or reducing the pressure on the inner circumferential surface 48a of the ring member 48. Therefore, during the integrated rotation of the rotor pair 43, the rotor pair 43 and the torsion coil spring 47 rotate freely with respect to the ring member 48, or while lightly sliding against the inner circumferential surface 48a of the ring member 48. The ring member 48 remains fixed to the brake case 41. Therefore, the second torsion coil spring 49A does not generate friction with the ring member 48 and does not impart rotational resistance to the spindle 25. Depending on the situation, the friction generated between the torsion coil spring 47 and the ring member 48 can be applied to the spindle 25 as a braking force, but it is small compared to the rotational resistance generated by manual operation.

[0071] When the motor 30 generates a closing operation, the slip rotor 44 is rotated by the motor 30 in the closing direction to pull in the movable housing 20. After that, the operation is the same as the opening operation by the motor 30. The end portion 47b is pressed by the slip rotor 44, the pressure force of the winding portion 47a against the ring member 48 is eliminated or reduced, the ring member 48 does not slide against the second torsion coil spring 49A, and the second torsion coil spring 49A does not impart rotational resistance to the spindle 25.

[0072] In this way, the operation of the winding section 47a changes depending on which of the rotor pair 43 is driven to rotate, and the pressure of the winding section 47a against the ring member 48 changes. This mechanically switches whether or not rotational resistance can be applied. The winding section 47a itself, which performs the switching operation, is not the main source of rotational resistance. The element that performs the switching operation (winding section 47a) is separated from the elements that generate rotational resistance (ring member 48 and friction generating element 49) when necessary. The winding section 47a only needs to be able to press against the ring member 48 so that it exerts a sufficiently large frictional force to rotate together with the ring member 48 when applying rotational resistance. Compared to the case where the winding section 47a performs not only the switching operation but also generates rotational resistance, a brake 40 that can appropriately apply rotational resistance can be realized relatively easily.

[0073] Furthermore, in all four of the above operations, the end portion 47b is received by the recess 46. This reduces the load acting on the end portion 47b from the rotor pair 43. This extends the lifespan of the torsion coil spring 47 and, consequently, the brake 40.

[0074] The friction generating element 49 is a second torsion coil spring 49A surrounding the ring member 48. This allows for adjustment of the contact area and pressure with the ring member 48 with a simple structure, making it easy to apply appropriate rotational resistance.

[0075] The pair of second ends 49b of the second torsion coil spring 49A extend in opposite directions along the tangential direction at a certain position in the circumferential direction of the second winding portion 49a. This reduces the protrusion of the second ends 49b from the second winding portion 49a, thereby enabling miniaturization of the brake 40.

[0076] When the rotor pair 43 is in the neutral position, the torsion coil spring 47 contacts the inner circumferential surface 48a of the ring member 48. This makes it possible to simultaneously generate a pressing force that causes the ring member 48 to rotate along with the winding portion 47a when its diameter expands, and to appropriately reduce the friction between the torsion coil spring 47 and the ring member 48 when the winding portion 47a contracts.

[0077] The outer circumferential surface 48b and inner circumferential surface 48a of the ring member 48 are cylindrical surfaces. This allows the ring member 48 to receive the pressing force for rotation from the winding portion 47a along its entire circumferential direction. When the ring member 48 rotates, the entire circumferential surface 48b can be brought into sliding contact with the friction generating element. Therefore, rotational resistance can be appropriately applied.

[0078] Next, a modified example of the brake 40 will be described with reference to Figures 10 and 11.

[0079] The modified brake 40 includes a tolerance ring 49B as a friction generating element 49. The tolerance ring 49B comprises a cylindrical or drum-shaped ring body 49p and a plurality of elastic protrusions 49q provided on the outer circumferential surface of the ring body 49p. The elastic protrusions 49q are axially extending protrusions and are elastically deformable in the radial direction. The plurality of elastic protrusions 49q are arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the ring body 49p at intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0080] The inner circumferential surface of the tolerance ring 49B contacts the outer circumferential surface 48b of the ring member 48. The multiple elastic protrusions 49q of the tolerance ring 49B are pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the large cylindrical portion 41e of the brake case 41 in a state of elastic deformation radially inward. As a result, the tolerance ring 49B is housed in the brake case 41 in a non-rotatable manner. The inner circumferential surface of the large cylindrical portion 41e of the brake case 41b is a cylindrical surface in order to support the multiple elastic protrusions 49q over the entire circumferential direction. In the modified brake 40, the restrictive recess 41h of the above embodiment is omitted.

[0081] Even when the modified brake 40 is applied to the support member 6A, the brake 40 operates in the same manner as in the above embodiment. That is, during manual operation, the brake 40 applies rotational resistance to the spindle 25, while during operation by the motor 30, the brake 40 does not apply rotational resistance to the spindle 25 or reduces it.

[0082] Next, with reference to Figure 12, the support member 6B according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0083] Support member 6B does not have a motor 30 and a reduction gear 35. Therefore, the housing portion 12 is shorter compared to support member 6A. Due to the shorter housing portion 12, the partition plate portion 12c, mounting portion 15d, and support portion 14c are located towards the base end, and the extension portion 13 is longer. The spindle 25 is longer at the end end relative to the bearing 26, and the coil spring 28 is longer. A brake 40 and a spacer 50 are arranged in the housing portion 12. The spacer 50 is located on the base end side of the brake 40. The spacer 50 is cylindrical and has a reinforcing partition wall 50a on the base end side. The second connection portion 44b of the slip rotor 44 has no connection partner.

[0084] In this embodiment as well, the brake 40 can provide rotational resistance to the spindle 25 when the brake rotor 45 is rotationally driven by the spindle 25. The friction generating element 49 may be a second torsion coil spring 49A or a tolerance ring 49B.

[0085] The configuration of the above embodiment is merely an example and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the present invention.

[0086] The slip rotor 44 may be connected to the spindle 25, and the brake rotor 45 may be connected to the reduction gear 35 and subsequently to the motor 30. In this case, the winding direction of the winding portion 47a will be reversed compared to the above embodiment. This makes it possible to apply rotational resistance during passive expansion and contraction, and to eliminate or reduce rotational resistance during active expansion and contraction.

[0087] The end portion 47b of the torsion coil spring 47 may be provided only at one end of the winding portion 47a. In this case, the recess 46 that accommodates the end portion 47b may be provided on the corresponding side portion 44e of the protruding portion 44d of the slip rotor 44, or on the corresponding groove side wall 45f of the regulating groove 45e of the brake rotor 45.

[0088] The first rotating element is not limited to the spindle 25 of the support member 6A, and the second rotating element is not limited to the motor 30 of the support member 6A. The friction brake device may be applied to equipment other than vehicle door support devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1 vehicle 2 car bodies 3 doors 5 Support device 6, 6A, 6B Support members 10 Fixed Housing 11 Connecting member 12 Storage Unit 12a proximal end 12b end 12c Partition plate section 12d Holding part 12e Mounting recess 13 Extension section 14. Cover section 14a proximal end 14b end 14c Support part 15 Guide section 15a proximal end 15b end 15c guide groove 15d Mounting part 20 Movable Housing 21 Connecting Member 22 Outer cylinder 22a proximal end 22b end 22c Support part 23 Pushrod 23a proximal end 23b end 23c Guide protrusion 25 spindles 25a Connecting shaft 26 bearings 27 Spindle nut 28 Coil Springs 30 motors 35 Reducer 36,37 Planetary gear mechanism 36a, 37a Internal gears 36b, 37b Sun gear 36c, 37c Planetary gear 36d, 37d Planetary Carrier 40 Brake 40a First containment area 40b Second containment area 41 Brake case 41a End wall 41b Surrounding wall 41c through hole 41d Small tube part 41e Large cylinder part 41f Step section 41g circular groove 41h Restriction recess 42 Brake cover 42a End wall 42b Surrounding wall 42c through hole 42d Inner cylinder 42e Outer cylinder 43 rotors 44 Slip Rotor 44a base 44b Second connection section 44c shaft hole 44d Protrusion 44e Side 45 Brake rotor 45a Rotor body 45b First connection section 45c Storage area 45d shaft 45e Regulating groove 45f Ditch side wall 46 recess 47 Torsion coil spring 47a Winding section 47b End 48 Ring member 48a Inner surface 48b Outer surface 49 Friction Generating Elements 49A Second torsion coil spring 49a Volume 2 Part 49b 2nd end 49B Tolerance Ring 49p Ring body 49q Elastic protrusion 50 Spacers 50a Partition wall L,L40 center axis

Claims

1. A rotor pair including a brake rotor having a first connecting portion connectable to an external first rotating element, and a slip rotor having a second connecting portion connectable to an external second rotating element and rotatably housed in the brake rotor, A torsion coil spring having a winding portion wound around the outer circumference of the rotor pair, and a pair of ends extending from each end of the winding portion and locked to the rotor pair, A ring member surrounding the aforementioned winding portion, A brake case that rotatably houses the rotor pair, the torsion coil spring, and the ring member, A friction generating element is housed in the brake case in a manner that prevents rotation and slidably contacts the outer circumferential surface of the ring member, Equipped with, When one of the rotors of the rotor pair is driven to rotate, the winding portion presses against the inner circumferential surface of the ring member, and the ring member rotates integrally with the rotor pair and slides against the friction generating element, When the other rotor of the rotor pair is driven to rotate, the winding portion releases or reduces the pressure contact of the ring member with the inner circumferential surface. Friction brake system.

2. The friction generating element is a second torsion coil spring surrounding the ring member. The friction brake device according to claim 1.

3. The second torsion coil spring has a second winding portion wound around the outer circumferential surface of the ring member, and a pair of second ends extending from each end of the second winding portion and locked to the brake case. The pair of second ends extend in opposite directions along the tangential direction at a certain position in the circumferential direction of the second winding portion. The friction brake device according to claim 2.

4. The friction generating element is a tolerance ring that elastically contacts the ring member and the brake case. The friction brake device according to claim 1.

5. When the rotor pair is in the neutral position, the torsion coil spring contacts the inner circumferential surface of the ring member. A friction brake device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The outer circumferential surface and the inner circumferential surface of the ring member are cylindrical surfaces. A friction brake device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. A friction brake device according to claim 1, A cylindrical fixed housing having a first end connected to one of the vehicle body and the door, and a second end on the opposite side of the first end, A cylindrical movable housing having a third end connected to the other of the vehicle body and the door, the opposite end of which is housed in the fixed housing from the second end, and which is movable in the axial direction relative to the fixed housing, A spindle rotatably supported within the aforementioned fixed housing, A spindle nut is screwed onto the spindle and connected to the movable housing, Equipped with, The spindle is one of the first and second rotating elements and is connected to one of the rotors of the rotor pair. Vehicle door support member.

8. The system further includes a motor for driving the spindle, The motor is the other of the first and second rotating elements and is connected to the other rotor of the rotor pair. The vehicle door support member according to claim 7.

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