Pulley device

Abstract

To provide a pulley device that allows for extended maintenance intervals. [Solution] The front pulley device 30 changes the direction of movement of the closed-side cable 22 driven by a drive source, and comprises a pulley case 31 fixed to the body panel 11a, first and second pulley housings provided inside the pulley case 31, first and second pulley shafts PS1 and PS2 provided in the first and second pulley housings respectively, first and second pulleys rotatably supported on the first and second pulley shafts PS1 and PS2, respectively, around which the closed-side cable 22 is wound, and first and second cable entry / exit holes HL1 and HL2 provided in the pulley case 31 that connect the inside and outside of the pulley case 31.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pulley device for changing the moving direction of a cable.

Background Art

[0002] On the side of a one-box vehicle or the like, a slide door is provided that moves in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle to open and close an opening. The slide door is moved along a guide rail by a vehicle opening / closing device. Such a vehicle opening / closing device is described in, for example, Patent Document 1.

[0003] The vehicle opening / closing device described in Patent Document 1 is a cable-type vehicle opening / closing device, and the slide door is opened and closed by driving a cable with a driving device. Further, the vehicle opening / closing device described in Patent Document 1 includes a pulley unit for changing the moving direction of the cable in order to guide the cable along the guide rail.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the pulley unit described in Patent Document 1, a pulley and a guide plate are used to change the moving direction of the cable, and the cable is moved while rubbing against the guide plate. Therefore, there is a risk that the resin film covering the surface of the cable will wear out early, resulting in a problem of a short maintenance cycle.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a pulley device capable of extending the maintenance cycle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In one aspect of the present invention, a pulley device for changing the direction of movement of a cable driven by a drive source comprises a pulley case fixed to an object to be attached, a plurality of pulley housings provided inside the pulley case, pulley shafts provided in each of the plurality of pulley housings, a plurality of pulleys rotatably supported on each of the plurality of pulley shafts and around which the cable is wound, and a pair of cable entry / exit holes provided in the pulley case that connect the inside and outside of the pulley case. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, a pulley device that can extend the maintenance cycle can be realized. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle equipped with a power sliding door system. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the power sliding door device. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view illustrating the mounting structure of the front pulley device to the body panel. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the front pulley assembly, seen from the left and rear. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of the front pulley assembly, seen from the right and rear. [Figure 6] This is a view of the front pulley assembly from above. [Figure 7] This is a view of the front pulley assembly from the rear. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view showing the details of the inside of the base member. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view showing the details of the inside of the cover component. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view illustrating the cable routing inside the pulley case. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a vehicle equipped with a power sliding door device. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the power sliding door device of FIG. 1.

[0012] <Overview of the sliding door> The vehicle 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a one-box vehicle. A relatively large opening 12 for passengers to get on and off and for loading and unloading luggage is provided on the side portion of the vehicle body 11 forming the vehicle 10. The opening 12 is opened and closed by a sliding door 13 that moves in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body 11. Here, the sliding door 13 is movable along a guide rail 14 fixed to the side portion of the vehicle body 11.

[0013] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the guide rail 14 is fixed at a substantially central portion along the vertical direction of the vehicle body 11 and on the rear side of the opening 12. The guide rail 14 includes a straight portion 14a extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body 11 and a curved portion 14b curved from the front side of the straight portion 14a toward the inside of the vehicle compartment (left side).

[0014] A roller assembly 15 is provided on the rear side of the sliding door 13. The roller assembly 15 is movably mounted on the guide rail 14. When the roller assembly 15 moves along the guide rail 14 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body 11, the sliding door 13 opens and closes the opening 12.

[0015] Specifically, when the roller assembly 15 is moved to the rear side of the straight portion 14a of the guide rail 14, the sliding door 13 is in an open state (see the solid line in FIG. 1). Also, when the roller assembly 15 is moved to the front side of the curved portion 14b of the guide rail 14, the sliding door 13 is drawn into the vehicle compartment and is in a closed state (see the two-dot chain line in FIG. 1).

[0016] Furthermore, the vehicle body 11 is equipped with a power slide door device 20 for automatically opening and closing the slide door 13.

[0017] Here, the side where the driver's seat DR of the vehicle body 11 is arranged is defined as the "right side", and the side where the front passenger seat AS is arranged is defined as the "left side". Also, the side where the driver's seat DR and the front passenger seat AS of the vehicle body 11 are arranged is defined as the "front side", and the side where the rear seat RS is arranged is defined as the "rear side". Furthermore, the side where the floor surface FL of the vehicle body 11 is arranged is defined as the "lower side", and the side where the ceiling (not shown) is arranged is defined as the "upper side".

[0018] <Power slide door device> The power slide door device 20 includes an opening side cable 21 connected to the rear side of the roller assembly 15 and a closing side cable 22 connected to the front side of the roller assembly 15. That is, the power slide door device 20 is a cable-type automatic opening and closing device. Also, the power slide door device 20 has a drive source 23 for driving the opening side cable 21 and the closing side cable 22. The drive source 23 is disposed at a substantially central portion along the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 14 and on the vehicle interior side. Therefore, the drive source 23 is not exposed to wind and rain.

[0019] The opening side cable 21 drawn out from the drive source 23 to the rear side is converted in its moving direction to the front side by a rear side pulley device 24 provided on the rear side of the guide rail 14. The tip of the opening side cable 21 is connected to the roller assembly 15 from the rear side of the guide rail 14. Also, the closing side cable 22 drawn out from the drive source 23 to the front side is converted in its moving direction to the rear side by a front side pulley device 30 provided on the front side of the guide rail 14. The tip of the closing side cable 22 is connected to the roller assembly 15 from the front side of the guide rail 14.

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, the drive source 23 comprises a motor unit 23a and a drive unit 23b that drives the open-side cable 21 and the closed-side cable 22 by the drive of the motor unit 23a. The motor unit 23a can rotate in both forward and reverse directions by switching the energized state, which allows its rotation axis (not shown) to rotate in both directions.

[0021] Furthermore, the drive unit 23b includes a drum 23c with grooves around which the opening cable 21 and the closing cable 22 are wound. Specifically, the base ends of the opening cable 21 and the closing cable 22 are fixed to the drum 23c, and the opening cable 21 and the closing cable 22 are wound in opposite directions around the grooves of the drum 23c.

[0022] As a result, when the drum 23c rotates forward, the opening cable 21 is wound around the drum 23c and the closing cable 22 is fed out from the drum 23c. Therefore, the sliding door 13 is pulled to the rear and opens. Conversely, when the drum 23c rotates in the reverse direction, the closing cable 22 is wound around the drum 23c and the opening cable 21 is fed out from the drum 23c. Therefore, the sliding door 13 is pulled to the front and closes.

[0023] Here, outer casings 23d are provided between the drive unit 23b and the rear pulley device 24 and the front pulley device 30, respectively, to guide the movement of the opening cable 21 and the closing cable 22. A lubricant such as grease (not shown) is applied to the inside of these outer casings 23d. Therefore, the opening cable 21 and the closing cable 22 can move smoothly.

[0024] Furthermore, the drive unit 23b is equipped with tensioner mechanisms 23e corresponding to the opening cable 21 and the closing cable 22, respectively. These tensioner mechanisms 23e have the function of applying a constant tension to the opening cable 21 and the closing cable 22. This eliminates slack even if the opening cable 21 and the closing cable 22 stretch due to changes over time.

[0025] <Front pulley device> Next, the detailed structure of the front pulley device 30 to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the front pulley device 30, but can also be applied to the rear pulley device 24. The front pulley device 30 corresponds to the pulley device in the present invention.

[0026] Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating the mounting structure of the front pulley device to the body panel. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the front pulley device from the left and rear. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the front pulley device from the right and rear. Figure 6 is a view of the front pulley device from above. Figure 7 is a view of the front pulley device from the rear. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the details of the inside of the base member. Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the details of the inside of the cover member. Figure 10 is a perspective view illustrating the cable routing inside the pulley case.

[0027] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the front pulley device 30 includes a pulley case 31 that forms its outer casing. The pulley case 31 is a part that is fixed to the body panel 11a that forms the vehicle body 11 (see Figure 1), and specifically, it is fixed to the interior side of the body panel 11a. The pulley case 31 employs a segmented structure and includes a base member 32 and a cover member 33. Both the base member 32 and the cover member 33 are injection molded products made of a resin material such as plastic. The body panel 11a corresponds to the mounting object in this invention.

[0028] With the front pulley device 30 fixed to the body panel 11a, the base member 32 is positioned on the interior side of the vehicle, and the cover member 33 is positioned on the exterior side (right side) of the vehicle. Specifically, the body panel 11a is provided with a through hole (not shown) that penetrates from the interior side to the exterior side of the vehicle, and the pulley case 31 is provided across the body panel 11a through this through hole (see Figures 6 and 7).

[0029] Furthermore, the pulley case 31 has a protruding portion on the cover member 33 side, but the rest of it is roughly thin-walled and has a roughly box-like shape. Therefore, the size of the front pulley device 30 is kept to a minimum. In addition, the protruding portion of the cover member 33 is located in the dead space DS (see Figures 3, 6, and 7) on the outside of the vehicle interior of the body panel 11a.

[0030] Note that in Figure 3, the illustration of the drive source 23 is simplified. Also, in Figures 3 through 7 and Figure 10, the illustration of the outer casing 23d is omitted.

[0031] <Base component> As shown in Figures 4 and 8, the base member 32 has a base-side bottom wall portion 32a that extends in the vertical and front-rear directions and is formed in a plate shape. A base-side inner surface SF1 is provided on the inside (right side) of the base-side bottom wall portion 32a, and a base-side outer surface SF2 is provided on the outside (left side) of the base-side bottom wall portion 32a. In addition, a base-side side wall portion 32b is integrally provided on the outer edge of the base-side bottom wall portion 32a, projecting from the base-side bottom wall portion 32a to the outside of the vehicle interior (right side) at a predetermined height.

[0032] Furthermore, the base side wall portion 32b is integrally provided with a total of four engaging claw portions 32c, each of which hooks onto the engaging projection 33c (see Figure 9) of the cover member 33. As a result, the base member 32 and the cover member 33 are butted against each other in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction) of the vehicle body 11 and are connected in such a way that they do not rattle with each other.

[0033] Furthermore, a base-side fixing recess 32d is provided on the base-side inner surface SF1 side of the base-side bottom wall portion 32a, to which the end of the outer casing 23d (see Figure 2) is fixed. In addition, a pair of fixing portions 32e are integrally provided on the base-side side wall portion 32b, which are fixed to the body panel 11a.

[0034] The pair of fixing parts 32e provided on the base member 32 are arranged facing each other in the vertical direction of the base member 32. Specifically, one (upper) fixing part 32e protrudes upward from the base-side wall portion 32b of the base member 32 by a predetermined height. The other (lower) fixing part 32e protrudes downward from the base-side wall portion 32b of the base member 32 by a predetermined height. Furthermore, the pair of fixing parts 32e are arranged on the right side of the base-side wall portion 32b (the front side in Figure 8, on the outside of the vehicle interior) in the left-right direction of the base member 32.

[0035] Furthermore, each of the pair of fixing portions 32e is provided with bolt insertion holes 32f that penetrate in the left-right direction. Fixing bolts (not shown) for fixing the front pulley device 30 to the body panel 11a are inserted through these bolt insertion holes 32f.

[0036] <First Pulley Storage Compartment> Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, a first pulley housing portion 32g is provided inside the base member 32, between a pair of fixing portions 32e that are aligned vertically. The first pulley housing portion 32g is a portion that rotatably houses the first pulley PR1 around which the closed-side cable 22 is wound, and a base-side shaft fixing hole 32h is provided approximately in the center of the first pulley housing portion 32g. One end (left end) of the first pulley shaft PS1 is fixed to this base-side shaft fixing hole 32h. The other end (right end) of the first pulley shaft PS1 is fixed to a cover-side shaft fixing hole 33f (see Figure 9) provided in the cover member 33. In this way, the first pulley housing portion 32g is provided with the first pulley shaft PS1.

[0037] Here, both the base-side shaft fixing hole 32h and the cover-side shaft fixing hole 33f extend in the left-right direction of the front-side pulley device 30. That is, the axis C1 of the first pulley shaft PS1 fixed to these base-side shaft fixing hole 32h and cover-side shaft fixing hole 33f extends in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction) of the vehicle body 11.

[0038] The first pulley housing 32g is located inside the pulley case 31 and corresponds to the pulley housing in this invention. The first pulley shaft PS1 corresponds to the pulley shaft in this invention. Furthermore, the first pulley PR1 corresponds to the pulley in this invention.

[0039] <Second Pulley Storage Compartment> Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, a pair of shaft support protrusions 32k are provided on the rear side of the first pulley housing 32g to support both ends of the second pulley shaft PS2. These shaft support protrusions 32k are arranged at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction of the front pulley device 30 and protrude from the base side inner surface SF1 to the outside of the vehicle interior (right side) at a predetermined height. Specifically, the protruding height of the pair of shaft support protrusions 32k is higher than the base side wall portion 32b. Therefore, the tips of the pair of shaft support protrusions 32k are positioned further out of the vehicle interior than the pair of fixing portions 32e.

[0040] Furthermore, shaft fixing holes 32m are provided near the tips of the pair of shaft support protrusions 32k, for fixing both axial sides of the second pulley shaft PS2. As a result, the second pulley PR2, around which the closed-side cable 22 is wound and which is rotatably supported on the second pulley shaft PS2, is rotatably housed between the pair of shaft support protrusions 32k. That is, a second pulley housing section 32n is provided between the pair of shaft support protrusions 32k, and the second pulley shaft PS2 is provided in the second pulley housing section 32n.

[0041] The second pulley housing portion 32n is provided inside the pulley case 31 and corresponds to the pulley housing portion in the present invention. The second pulley shaft PS2 corresponds to the pulley shaft in the present invention. Furthermore, the second pulley PR2 corresponds to the pulley in the present invention.

[0042] Here, each of the shaft fixing holes 32m extends in the vertical direction of the front pulley device 30. In other words, the axis C2 of the second pulley shaft PS2 fixed to the pair of shaft fixing holes 32m extends in the vertical direction of the front pulley device 30.

[0043] Therefore, when viewing the first pulley shaft PS1 and the second pulley shaft PS2 from the front-to-back direction of the front pulley device 30, the angle between them is 90 degrees (right angle) (see Figure 7). In this way, the first pulley shaft PS1, which is positioned on axis C1, and the second pulley shaft PS2, which is positioned on axis C2, extend in different directions from each other. Specifically, the first pulley shaft PS1 and the second pulley shaft PS2 are in a "torsional position" and are neither parallel nor intersecting with each other.

[0044] By arranging the first and second pulley shafts PS1 and PS2 in this manner, as shown in Figures 5, 6, and 10, the first and second pulleys PR1 and PR2 can be placed close together, while the closing cable 22 can be wrapped around the first and second pulleys PR1 and PR2 without being forced to bend. Furthermore, in the left-right direction (vehicle width direction) of the front pulley device 30, the first cable entry / exit hole HL1 and the second cable entry / exit hole HL2 can be placed close to each other, and the second cable entry / exit hole HL2 on the side where the sliding door 13 is located can be brought closer to the body panel 11a. Therefore, the space required for the front pulley device 30 can be reduced (space saving).

[0045] If, hypothetically, the first pulley PR1 were eliminated and only the second pulley PR2 were used, the second cable entry / exit hole HL2 would be located near the tip of the pair of shaft support protrusions 32k (see Figure 8). Consequently, the closed-side cable 22 would be routed as shown by the dashed line in Figure 6, and this routing of the closed-side cable 22 would increase the space required for the front-side pulley device 30. Note that the closed-side cable 22 corresponds to the cable in this invention.

[0046] Furthermore, the pulley case 31 is formed from a base member 32 fixed to the body panel 11a and a cover member 33 covering the base member 32, and the base member 32 is provided with a first pulley housing portion 32g and a second pulley housing portion 32n.

[0047] This makes it possible to improve the positional accuracy of the first pulley housing 32g and the second pulley housing 32n compared to the case where the first pulley housing 32g and the second pulley housing 32n are provided on separate members. In other words, it is possible to improve the positional accuracy of the first pulley shaft PS1 (first pulley PR1) and the second pulley shaft PS2 (second pulley PR2). As a result, the generation of abnormal noise during the operation of the front pulley device 30 is suppressed, and consequently, quietness is improved.

[0048] <Cover component> As shown in Figures 5 and 9, the cover member 33 covers the base-side inner surface SF1 of the base member 32 and has a cover-side flat plate portion 33a that extends in the vertical and front-rear directions and is formed in a plate shape. The inside (left side) of the cover-side flat plate portion 33a is provided with a cover-side inner surface SF3, and the outside (right side) of the cover-side flat plate portion 33a is provided with a cover-side outer surface SF4.

[0049] Here, the cover-side flat plate portion 33a is thicker than the base-side bottom wall portion 32a of the base member 32 (see Figure 8), and a total of four engaging protrusions 33c are integrally provided on the outer edge portion 33b of the cover-side flat plate portion 33a. A total of four engaging claw portions 32c provided on the base-side side wall portion 32b are designed to hook onto these engaging protrusions 33c.

[0050] Furthermore, on the inner surface SF3 side of the cover-side flat plate portion 33a, a cover-side fixing recess 33d is provided, which faces the base-side fixing recess 32d (see Figure 8) and to which the end of the outer casing 23d (see Figure 2) is fixed.

[0051] Here, the base-side fixing recess 32d and the cover-side fixing recess 33d, to which the end of the outer casing 23d is fixed, are located on the drive source 23 side of the front-side pulley device 30 and form a first cable entry / exit hole HL1 through which the closed-side cable 22 enters and exits the pulley case 31.

[0052] <First pulley cover section> Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, a first pulley cover portion 33e is provided on the inside and front side of the cover member 33. The first pulley cover portion 33e is the part that covers the first pulley housing portion 32g (see Figure 8) from the right side of the front pulley device 30. A cover-side shaft fixing hole 33f is provided approximately in the center of the first pulley cover portion 33e, to which the other end (right end) of the first pulley shaft PS1 is fixed. In this way, both axial sides of the first pulley shaft PS1 are fixed to the base member 32 and the cover member 33 of the pulley case 31, respectively.

[0053] <Second pulley cover section> Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, a second pulley cover portion 33g is provided on the rear side of the first pulley cover portion 33e. The second pulley cover portion 33g is the part that covers the second pulley housing portion 32n (see Figure 8) from the right side of the front pulley device 30. Specifically, the second pulley cover portion 33g protrudes from the outer surface SF4 on the cover side of the cover-side flat plate portion 33a to the right side of the front pulley device 30 at a predetermined height in order to cover the pair of shaft support protrusions 32k (see Figure 8) provided on the base member 32. As a result, the pair of shaft support protrusions 32k, the second pulley shaft PS2, and the second pulley PR2 are covered by the second pulley cover portion 33g.

[0054] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the second pulley cover portion 33g is provided with a second cable entry / exit hole HL2. The second cable entry / exit hole HL2 is located on the roller assembly 15 (see Figure 2) side of the front pulley device 30 and is an opening through which the closed cable 22 enters and exits the pulley case 31.

[0055] As described above, the front pulley device 30 is provided with a first cable entry / exit hole HL1 and a second cable entry / exit hole HL2 that connect the inside and outside of the pulley case 31. The first cable entry / exit hole HL1 and the second cable entry / exit hole HL2 connect the inside and outside of the pulley case 31, respectively, and correspond to the cable entry / exit holes in the present invention.

[0056] Here, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, with the front pulley device 30 fixed to the body panel 11a, the first pulley shaft PS1 is positioned on one side of the body panel 11a (left side in the vehicle width direction and on the interior side) and the second pulley shaft PS2 is positioned on the other side of the body panel 11a (right side in the vehicle width direction and on the exterior side).

[0057] This allows the second pulley PR2 side (protrusion amount P1) of the front pulley device 30 to be positioned in the dead space DS on the exterior (right) side of the body panel 11a. On the other hand, the first pulley PR1 side (protrusion amount P2) of the front pulley device 30 is positioned on the interior (left) side of the body panel 11a, but since the protrusion amount P2 is approximately half that of the protrusion amount P1 (P2 ≈ P1 / 2), the interior of the vehicle is not made too narrow.

[0058] <Pulley structure> As shown in Figure 8, the first pulley PR1 and the second pulley PR2 are identical. The first pulley PR1 is rotatably supported on the first pulley shaft PS1, and the second pulley PR2 is rotatably supported on the second pulley shaft PS2. These first and second pulleys PR1 and PR2 are each formed in a substantially disc shape, and a cable groove G is provided on their outer circumference. The closed-side cable 22 is inserted into the cable groove G of the first and second pulleys PR1 and PR2 in a curved state.

[0059] Furthermore, the inner circumferences of the first and second pulleys PR1 and PR2 are provided with a number of grease-retaining recesses R, which face the outer circumferences of the first and second pulley shafts PS1 and PS2. These grease-retaining recesses R contain a predetermined amount of lubricant such as grease (not shown). In other words, the grease-retaining recesses R function as so-called "grease reservoirs." As a result, the first and second pulleys PR1 and PR2 can rotate smoothly relative to the first and second pulley shafts PS1 and PS2 for a long period of time.

[0060] <Cable Structure> Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the closing cable 22, which is wound around the first and second pulleys PR1 and PR2, is formed by twisting together multiple thin metal wires (not shown), and its surface is covered with a protective resin coating (not shown). This prevents the thin metal wires from rusting. A cylindrical closing cable end portion 22a, also known as a "drum," is integrally provided on the sliding door 13 side (roller assembly 15 side) in the longitudinal direction of the closing cable 22. This closing cable end portion 22a is attached to the front side of the roller assembly 15 (see Figure 2).

[0061] As shown in Figure 2, the opening cable 21, like the closing cable 22, also has an opening cable end portion 21a integrally provided on the sliding door 13 side (roller assembly 15 side). This opening cable end portion 21a is attached to the rear side of the roller assembly 15 (see Figure 2).

[0062] <Assembly Instructions> Next, the assembly procedure for the front pulley device 30, formed as described above, will be explained in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the assembly procedure shown below is just one example, and it can also be assembled using other procedures.

[0063] First, as shown in Figure 8, one end of the first pulley shaft PS1 is inserted into the base-side shaft fixing hole 32h and fixed. Next, as shown by arrows M1 and M2 in Figure 10, the closing cable 22 is wrapped around the cable groove G of the first pulley PR1, and the first pulley PR1 is mounted on the first pulley shaft PS1. At this time, a predetermined amount of grease is applied to the grease-retaining recess R. Also, as shown by arrow M3 in Figure 10, the closing cable 22 is positioned between the pair of shaft support protrusions 32k.

[0064] Subsequently, the second pulley PR2 is inserted between the pair of shaft support protrusions 32k, and the closed-side cable 22 is wrapped around the cable groove G of the second pulley PR2. The axis of the second pulley PR2 and the axes of the pair of shaft fixing holes 32m are also aligned coaxially. Then, the second pulley shaft PS2 is mounted in the pair of shaft fixing holes 32m, which include the inner circumference of the second pulley PR2.

[0065] Next, prepare the cover member 33 (see Figures 5 and 9). Then, as shown by arrow M4 in Figure 10, pull the closed-side cable 22 (closed-side cable end portion 22a) and insert the closed-side cable 22 into the second cable entry / exit hole HL2 of the cover member 33 from the inner side surface SF3 of the cover to the outer side surface SF4 of the cover.

[0066] Next, the base-side inner surface SF1 of the base member 32 and the cover-side inner surface SF3 of the cover member 33 are aligned, and the cover-side shaft fixing hole 33f (see Figure 9) of the cover member 33 is positioned on the axis of the first pulley shaft PS1. Then, the other end of the first pulley shaft PS1 is inserted into the cover-side shaft fixing hole 33f and fixed in place. Furthermore, the four engaging claw portions 32c are hooked onto the four engaging protrusions 33c.

[0067] This completes the assembly of the front pulley device 30.

[0068] As described in detail above, according to this embodiment, the front pulley device 30 for changing the direction of movement of the closed-side cable 22 driven by the drive source 23 comprises a pulley case 31 fixed to the body panel 11a, first and second pulley housings 32g and 32n provided inside the pulley case 31, first and second pulley shafts PS1 and PS2 provided in the first and second pulley housings 32g and 32n respectively, first and second pulleys PR1 and PR2 rotatably supported on the first and second pulley shafts PS1 and PS2 respectively, around which the closed-side cable 22 is wound, and first and second cable entry / exit holes HL1 and HL2 provided in the pulley case 31 that connect the inside and outside of the pulley case 31.

[0069] As a result, the first and second pulleys PR1 and PR2, which rotate in conjunction with the movement of the closing cable 22, can change the direction of movement of the closing cable 22. Therefore, friction on the closing cable 22 is eliminated, preventing wear on the surface of the closing cable 22. Thus, the front pulley device 30 can operate smoothly for a long period of time, and the maintenance cycle of the front pulley device 30 (power sliding door device 20) can be extended.

[0070] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the first pulley shaft PS1 and the second pulley shaft PS2 are in a twisted position relative to each other.

[0071] This allows the first and second pulleys PR1 and PR2 to be placed close together, and the closed-side cable 22 to be wound around the first and second pulleys PR1 and PR2 without being forcibly bent (see Figure 10). In addition, the first cable entry / exit hole HL1 and the second cable entry / exit hole HL2 can be placed close together in the left-right direction of the front pulley device 30 (see Figure 6). Thus, while ensuring smooth operation of the front pulley device 30, the required space can be reduced, resulting in space savings.

[0072] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the pulley case 31 is provided straddling the body panel 11a, the first pulley shaft PS1 is located on one side (left side) of the body panel 11a, and the second pulley shaft PS2 is located on the other side (right side) of the body panel 11a.

[0073] This allows the second pulley PR2 side (protrusion amount P1) of the front pulley device 30 to be positioned in the dead space DS on the exterior (right side) of the body panel 11a. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount P2 of the front pulley device 30 protruding into the interior of the vehicle, thereby preventing the interior of the vehicle from becoming narrower.

[0074] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the pulley case 31 comprises a base member 32 fixed to the body panel 11a and a cover member 33 covering the base member 32, and the base member 32 is provided with a first pulley housing portion 32g and a second pulley housing portion 32n.

[0075] This improves the positioning accuracy of the first and second pulley housings 32g and 32n, and consequently improves the positioning accuracy of the first pulley PR1 including the first pulley shaft PS1 and the second pulley PR2 including the second pulley shaft PS2. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the generation of abnormal noise during the operation of the front pulley device 30, and consequently improve quietness.

[0076] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the maintenance cycle of the front pulley device 30 can be extended, making it possible to conserve energy required for disassembly and reassembly work. Consequently, it becomes possible to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 7 (Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all) and Goal 13 (Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts).

[0077] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and it goes without saying that various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the above embodiment shows a pulley case 31 having first and second pulley housings 32g and 32n inside, that is, equipped with first and second pulleys PR1 and PR2, but the present invention is not limited to this and can also be applied to pulley cases having three or more pulleys inside.

[0078] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows that the drive source 23 is the front pulley device 30 of the power sliding door device 20 fixed to the vehicle body 11, the present invention is not limited to this and can also be applied to the pulley device of a power sliding door device in which the drive source is fixed inside the sliding door 13.

[0079] Furthermore, the material, shape, dimensions, number, and installation location of each component in the above embodiments are arbitrary as long as they can achieve the present invention, and are not limited to the above embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 10: Vehicle, 11: Body, 11a: Body panel (object to be attached), 12: Opening, 13: Sliding door, 14: Guide rail, 14a: Straight section, 14b: Curved section, 15: Roller assembly, 20: Power sliding door device, 21: Opening side cable, 21a: Opening side cable end, 22: Closing side cable (cable), 22a: Closing side cable end, 23: Drive source, 23a: Motor section, 23b: Drive unit, 23 c: Drum, 23d: Outer casing, 23e: Tensioner mechanism, 24: Rear pulley device, 30: Front pulley device (pulley device), 31: Pulley case, 32: Base member, 32a: Base bottom wall, 32b: Base side wall, 32c: Engaging claw, 32d: Base fixing recess, 32e: Fixing part, 32f: Bolt insertion hole, 32g: First pulley housing (pulley housing), 32h: Base shaft fixing hole, 32k: Shaft support projection, 32m: Shaft fixing hole, 32n: Second pulley housing (pulley housing), 33: Cover member, 33a: Cover side flat plate portion, 33b: Outer edge portion, 33c: Engaging projection, 33d: Cover side fixing recess, 33e: First pulley cover portion, 33f: Cover side shaft fixing hole, 33g: Second pulley cover portion, AS: Passenger seat, C1, C2: Axle line, DR: Driver's seat, DS: Dead space, FL: Floor surface, G: Cable groove, HL1 : First cable entry / exit hole (cable entry / exit hole), HL2: Second cable entry / exit hole (cable entry / exit hole), P1, P2: Overhang amount, PR1: First pulley (pulley), PR2: Second pulley (pulley), PS1: First pulley shaft (pulley shaft), PS2: Second pulley shaft (pulley shaft), R: Grease storage recess, RS: Rear seat, SF1: Base side inner surface, SF2: Base side outer surface, SF3: Cover side inner surface, SF4: Cover side outer surface

Claims

1. A pulley device for changing the direction of movement of a cable driven by a drive source, A pulley case that is fixed to the object to be attached, Multiple pulley housings are provided inside the pulley case, A pulley shaft provided in each of the multiple pulley housings, Multiple pulleys are rotatably supported on each of the multiple pulley shafts, and the cable is wound around each of the multiple pulleys, The pulley case is provided with a pair of cable entry / exit holes that connect the inside and outside of the pulley case, Equipped with, Pulley device.

2. In the pulley device according to claim 1, The aforementioned pulley case is A first pulley housing portion on which the first pulley shaft is provided, A second pulley housing portion on which the second pulley shaft is provided, It has, The first pulley shaft and the second pulley shaft are in a torsional position relative to each other. Pulley device.

3. In the pulley device according to claim 2, The pulley case is provided spanning the object to be mounted, The first pulley shaft is positioned on one side of the object to be mounted, The second pulley shaft is positioned on the other side of the object to be mounted. Pulley device.

4. In the pulley device according to claim 2 or claim 3, The aforementioned pulley case is A base member fixed to the object to be attached, A cover member that covers the base member, Equipped with, The base member is provided with the first pulley housing and the second pulley housing. Pulley device.

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