Automatic opening and closing device

Abstract

This device allows for a smaller overall size compared to conventional designs and provides an automatic opening and closing mechanism that facilitates the discharge of moisture that has entered the interior. [Solution] The automatic opening and closing device (1) comprises an actuator (2), a screw shaft (4), a connecting rod (6), a first case (7) housing the screw shaft (4) and the connecting rod (6), and a second case (8) housing the actuator (2). The first case (7) has an opening that opens downward, and a part of the second case (8) enters the interior of the first case (7) through the opening. A drainage section (10) for draining water is provided in the part where the first case (7) and the second case (8) overlap in the vertical direction (H).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic opening / closing device.

Background Art

[0002] For example, automatic opening / closing devices are used to automatically open and close a door hinged to a connected body such as the body of an automobile. An example of such an automatic opening / closing device is disclosed in Japanese National Publication of International Patent Application No. 2022-512127 (Patent Document 1).

[0003] The automatic opening / closing device (nut-lead screw type automatic door opening / closing mechanism) of Patent Document 1 includes an actuator (driving device 10), a screw shaft (lead screw 20) driven by the actuator, and a connecting rod (push rod 40) that advances and retracts in the axial direction as the screw shaft rotates. The screw shaft and the connecting rod are accommodated in a first case (housing portion 51), and the actuator is accommodated in a second case.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the automatic opening / closing device of Patent Document 1, the first case that accommodates the screw shaft and the connecting rod and the second case that accommodates the actuator are arranged separately side by side in the vertical direction, which causes a problem that the automatic opening / closing device increases in size in the vertical direction. Further, due to the structure of the automatic opening / closing device, moisture can enter the first case through an insertion hole through which the connecting rod is inserted, but Patent Document 1 does not disclose any description regarding how to discharge moisture that has entered the first case.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for an automatic opening and closing device that can be made smaller overall compared to conventional specifications, and that can easily drain any moisture that has entered the interior. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The automatic opening and closing device related to this disclosure is An automatic door opening and closing device for a door that is hinged to a connected object so as to be able to open and close, The device comprises an actuator, a screw shaft driven by the actuator, a connecting rod that moves axially in conjunction with the rotation of the screw shaft, a first case housing the screw shaft and the connecting rod, and a second case below the first case housing the actuator. The lower part of the first case has an opening that opens downward, and a part of the second case engages with the first case inside the first case through the opening. A drainage section for draining water is provided in the area where the vertical arrangement area of ​​the first case and the vertical arrangement area of ​​the second case overlap.

[0008] With this configuration, a portion of the second case engages with the first case inside the first case through an opening provided at the bottom of the first case. As a result, the first and second cases partially overlap vertically, allowing the entire device to be miniaturized. Furthermore, a drainage section for water removal is provided in the area where the first and second cases overlap vertically, allowing moisture that has entered the first case to be discharged through this drainage section. Therefore, compared to conventional specifications, the entire device can be made smaller, and an automatic opening and closing device that facilitates the discharge of moisture that has entered the interior can be provided.

[0009] Further features and advantages of the technology relating to this disclosure will become clearer from the following description of exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1]Schematic diagram of a vehicle equipped with an automatic opening and closing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Perspective view of an automatic opening and closing device [Figure 3] Cross-sectional view of an automatic opening and closing device [Figure 4] Exploded perspective view of the case [Figure 5] Perspective view of the assembled case 1 and case 2. [Figure 6] Longitudinal cross-sectional view of the assembled case 1 and case 2. [Figure 7] Schematic diagram of the drainage section formed between the first and second cases. [Figure 8] Cross-sectional view of an automatic opening and closing device of a different type. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] An embodiment of the automatic opening and closing device will be described with reference to the drawings. The automatic opening and closing device 1 is a device for automatically opening and closing a door D (also referred to as a "hinged door" or "swing door") that is hinged to a connected body C so as to be able to open and close. In this embodiment, the automatic opening and closing device 1 will be described as an example of its application to a vehicle door automatic opening and closing device that is mounted on a vehicle and hinged to a vehicle body B, which is the connected body C, so as to be able to open and close a door D.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the front end of door D is connected to the vehicle body B via a hinge. Door D is pivotable around the hinge, and this pivoting motion allows it to change between a closed position and an open position. Here, the closed position of door D is the position in which it blocks the entrance to the vehicle body B. The open position of door D is the position in which it leaves the entrance to the vehicle body B open without blocking it. This includes any opening that is even slightly open, but in the following explanation, it may refer in a narrower sense to the position in which it is opened to its maximum extent outward.

[0013] As shown in Figure 2, the automatic opening / closing device 1 is formed in the shape of a narrow rectangular parallelepiped. The automatic opening / closing device 1 is installed inside the door D near the hinge. The automatic opening / closing device 1 automatically opens and closes the door D. The automatic opening / closing device 1 automatically opens the door D from the closed position outwards to the open position, or automatically closes the door D from the open position towards the vehicle body B to the closed position. The automatic opening / closing device 1 operates in response to the occupant's operation of the door opening / closing switch provided on the vehicle body B or the vehicle key.

[0014] As shown in Figure 3, the automatic opening / closing device 1 comprises an actuator 2, a power transmission mechanism 3, a screw shaft 4, a linear motion conversion mechanism 5, and a connecting rod 6. The automatic opening / closing device 1 also comprises a first case 7, a second case 8, and a cover 9 to house these components. The screw shaft 4, the linear motion conversion mechanism 5, and the connecting rod 6 are housed in the first case 7. The actuator 2 is housed in the second case 8. The power transmission mechanism 3 is housed in the space formed between the second case 8 and the cover 9.

[0015] In this embodiment, the actuator 2 is located on the first axis X1. The screw axis 4 is located on the second axis X2, which is different from the first axis X1. The first axis X1 and the second axis X2 are parallel to each other, and the direction parallel to them is referred to as the "axial direction L" in this embodiment. In this embodiment, one side of the axial direction L on which the power transmission mechanism 3 is located (the right side in Figure 3) is referred to as the "first axial direction L1," and the other side of the axial direction L on which the connecting rod 6 is connected to the vehicle body B (the left side in Figure 3) is referred to as the "second axial direction L2." In this embodiment, the view along the axial direction L is referred to as the "axial view."

[0016] Further, in the present embodiment, the first axis X1 and the second axis X2 are arranged vertically when viewed in the axial direction, and the direction connecting these axes is referred to as "vertical direction H". In the present embodiment, the first axis X1 is arranged below the second axis X2 in the vertical direction H. Further, in the present embodiment, the direction orthogonal to the vertical direction H when viewed in the axial direction is referred to as "width direction W". Further, in the present embodiment, a state viewed along the vertical direction H is referred to as "view in the vertical direction", and a state viewed along the width direction W is referred to as "view in the width direction".

[0017] The actuator 2 is a driving force source of the automatic opening / closing device 1. The actuator 2 includes at least an electric motor 21. The electric motor 21 has a stator fixed to a second case 8 that is a non-rotating member, and a rotor rotatably supported radially inward of the stator. When an operation is performed on a door opening / closing switch, the electric motor 21 is supplied with electric power from a battery, and the rotor rotates in the forward direction or the reverse direction in accordance with the mode of posture change.

[0018] The actuator 2 of the present embodiment further includes a speed change mechanism 22, a brake mechanism 23, and an output shaft 24. The electric motor 21 is drivingly connected to the output shaft 24 via the speed change mechanism 22 and the brake mechanism 23. The speed change mechanism 22 changes the speed (for example, reduces the speed) of the rotation of the rotor and transmits the rotation to the output shaft 24 side. The brake mechanism 23 forcibly stops the rotation of the output shaft 24 when necessary (for example, when it is desired to maintain the posture of the door D in a predetermined posture). The output shaft 24 functions as an output member of the actuator 2.

[0019] The output shaft 24 is arranged so as to penetrate through an end wall portion 82 of the second case 8, which will be described later, in the axial direction L. The output shaft 24 is drivingly connected, outside the second case 8, to a first gear 31 that constitutes the power transmission mechanism 3. In the present embodiment, the output shaft 24 is connected to the first gear 31 so as to rotate integrally therewith by, for example, spline engagement, press fitting (interference fitting), or the like.

[0020] The power transmission mechanism 3 transmits power between the actuator 2 and the screw shaft 4. In this embodiment, the power transmission mechanism 3 is composed of a gear mechanism. The power transmission mechanism 3 in this embodiment includes a first gear 31 driven and connected to the actuator 2, a second gear 32 driven and connected to the screw shaft 4, and a third gear 33 that meshes with both the first gear 31 and the second gear 32. In this embodiment, the first gear 31 is located on the first shaft X1, and the second gear 32 is located on the second shaft X2. The third gear 33 is located on a third shaft different from the first shaft X1 and the second shaft X2.

[0021] The screw shaft 4 is positioned above the actuator 2 and parallel to the rotation axis of the actuator 2. In this embodiment, the screw shaft 4 is positioned above the actuator 2 when the automatic opening / closing device 1 is installed on the door D. For example, a spindle screw can be used as the screw shaft 4.

[0022] The screw shaft 4 has a male threaded portion 41 located in the center in the axial direction L, and non-threaded portions 42 located on both sides of the male threaded portion 41 in the axial direction L. The male threaded portion 41 is the part on which screw threads are formed on the outer circumference and is provided over substantially the entire central area in the axial direction L. The non-threaded portion 42 is the part on which screw threads are not formed on the outer circumference and is formed on a cylindrical surface. The screw shaft 4 is rotatably supported by the non-threaded portions 42 on both sides in the axial direction L, respectively, relative to the first case 7.

[0023] The screw shaft 4 is positioned to pass through the end wall portion 82 of the second case 8, which will be described later. The screw shaft 4 is driven and connected to the second gear 32, which constitutes the power transmission mechanism 3, on the outside of the first case 7 (in this example, the non-threaded portion 42 on the axial first side L1). In this embodiment, the screw shaft 4 is connected to the second gear 32 so as to rotate integrally with it, for example, by spline engagement or press-fit (tight fit).

[0024] The screw shaft 4 is driven by the actuator 2 via the power transmission mechanism 3. The rotational driving force of the actuator 2 is transmitted to the screw shaft 4 via a first gear 31 that rotates integrally with the output shaft 24, a third gear 33 that meshes with the first gear 31, and a second gear 32 that meshes with the third gear 33. The rotation direction of the screw shaft 4 is determined according to the rotation direction of the actuator 2 (electric motor 21), and in this embodiment, the screw shaft 4 rotates in the same direction as the actuator 2 (electric motor 21).

[0025] The linear motion conversion mechanism 5 converts the rotational motion of the screw shaft 4 into linear motion in the axial direction L. The linear motion conversion mechanism 5 includes a slide body 51 having a through hole in which a female threaded portion 52 is formed. The male threaded portion 41 of the screw shaft 4 is screwed into the female threaded portion 52 of the slide body 51, and the slide body 51 is positioned inside the first case 7, locked to the first case 7 in the width direction W to prevent rotation. As a result, when the screw shaft 4 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the actuator 2, the slide body 51, which receives the thrust force acting on the male threaded portion 41 at the female threaded portion 52, slides in the axial direction L. For example, a spindle nut can be used as the slide body 51.

[0026] The linear motion conversion mechanism 5 includes a support portion 53 provided on the slide body 51. The support portion 53 supports one end of the connecting rod 6 so that it can swing around an axis substantially parallel to the pivot axis of the door D (in this embodiment, an axis substantially parallel to the vertical direction H).

[0027] The connecting rod 6 is a long, rod-shaped member connected to the linear motion conversion mechanism 5 and having its tip connected to the connected body C. In this embodiment, one end of the connecting rod 6 is connected to the linear motion conversion mechanism 5 and the other end is connected to the connected body C. A first connecting portion 61 is provided at the axial first side L1, which is one end of the connecting rod 6. The first connecting portion 61 has a shaft portion 61A that follows an axis substantially parallel to the pivot axis of the door D (in this embodiment, an axis substantially parallel to the vertical direction H). This shaft portion 61A is engaged and supported by the support portion 53, so that one end of the connecting rod 6 is rotatably connected to the slide body 51 of the linear motion conversion mechanism 5 by the first connecting portion 61.

[0028] The other end of the connecting rod 6, the axial second side L2, is positioned to pass through a mounting member 79 which is fixed to the flange portion 75 of the first case 7, as will be described later. A second connecting portion 62 is provided on the portion of the connecting rod 6 that is located outside the first case 7 (in this example, the axial second side L2). The second connecting portion 62 is connected to the connecting rod 6 via a shaft portion 62A that follows an axis substantially parallel to the pivot axis of the door D (in this embodiment, an axis substantially parallel to the vertical direction H). By fixing the second connecting portion 62 to the connected object C (vehicle body B in this example) with, for example, a bolt or rivet, the other end of the connecting rod 6 is rotatably connected to the connected object C (vehicle body B) by the second connecting portion 62.

[0029] The connecting rod 6 slides in the axial direction L as the actuator 2 rotates, moving forward and backward relative to the first case 7. When the sliding body 51 is at the end of the first axial side L1 within its range of motion, most of the connecting rod 6 is retracted into the first case 7, and in this state the door D is closed. On the other hand, when the sliding body 51 is at the end of the second axial side L2 within its range of motion, most of the connecting rod 6 protrudes outside the first case 7, and in this state the door D is open.

[0030] Unlike the screw shaft 4, the connecting rod 6 is not perfectly straight, but is formed in a gently bent or curved shape when viewed in the vertical direction. Furthermore, although the connecting rod 6, together with the sliding body 51 of the linear motion conversion mechanism 5, can slide along the axial direction L as a whole, due to the hinge connection at both ends, it changes its posture by slightly oscillating in the horizontal plane while sliding, especially on the outside of the first case 7.

[0031] In this embodiment, the connecting rod 6 is positioned between the actuator 2 and the screw shaft 4 in the vertical direction H. The actuator 2, the connecting rod 6, and the screw shaft 4 are arranged in a straight line in the vertical direction H in this order.

[0032] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first case 7 houses the screw shaft 4, the linear motion conversion mechanism 5, and the connecting rod 6. The first case 7 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped peripheral wall portion 71 that surrounds the screw shaft 4, the linear motion conversion mechanism 5, and the connecting rod 6, and a flange portion 75 formed at the end of the peripheral wall portion 71 on the second axial side L2. A mounting member 79 is attached to the flange portion 75 from the second axial side L2. A through hole is formed in the mounting member 79, and the connecting rod 6 is positioned so as to pass through this through hole.

[0033] The peripheral wall portion 71 includes a ceiling wall 71A that covers the upper part of the screw shaft 4, a pair of side walls 71B that cover the sides of the screw shaft 4, the linear motion conversion mechanism 5, and the connecting rod 6, and a bottom wall 71C located below the connecting rod 6. The axial first side L1 end of the peripheral wall portion 71 is covered by an end wall portion 82 of the second case 8, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the bottom wall 71C of the peripheral wall portion 71 located below the first case 7 has an opening 72 that opens downward (see also Figures 5 and 7).

[0034] As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the opening 72 is formed by a notch 73 cut out along the axial direction L. In this embodiment, the notch 73 constituting the opening 72 is formed by cutting out along the axial direction L from the end of the first axial side L1 of the bottom wall 71C of the peripheral wall 71 toward the second axial side L2. The notch 73 extends beyond the actuator 2 in the axial direction L to the second axial side L2. Furthermore, the notch 73 constituting the opening 72 is formed in the center of the width direction W of the bottom wall 71C of the peripheral wall 71. The notch 73 is formed in an elongated rectangular shape along the axial direction L when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0035] As shown in Figures 3 to 6, the second case 8 is located below the first case 7. The second case 8 houses the actuator 2. The second case 8 has a substantially cylindrical peripheral wall portion 81 that surrounds the actuator 2, and an end wall portion 82 that covers the axial first side L1 end of the peripheral wall portion 81. In this embodiment, the end wall portion 82 is formed to extend even further above the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 81. The end wall portion 82 also covers the axial first side L1 end of the peripheral wall portion 71 of the first case 7. Multiple through holes are formed in the end wall portion 82, separated into upper and lower sections, and the output shaft 24 and screw shaft 4 are positioned to pass through these through holes, respectively.

[0036] The second case 8 of this embodiment further has an engaging portion 83 that engages with the first case 7. The engaging portion 83 is located above the peripheral wall portion 81 and on the second axial side L2 of the end wall portion 82. The engaging portion 83 is located at the inner corner between the substantially cylindrical peripheral wall portion 81 along the axial direction L and the flat plate-shaped end wall portion 82 along the vertical direction H. The engaging portion 83, which is part of the second case 8, engages with the first case 7 inside the first case 7 by passing through an opening 72 formed in the lower part of the first case 7. The engaging portion 83 engages with the first case 7 at the open side (first axial side L1 in this example) in the axial direction L of the notch portion 73 that constitutes the opening 72.

[0037] As shown in Figures 4 to 7, the engaging portion 83 has a bottom plate portion 83A extending from the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 81 along the width direction W, which is tangential to the peripheral wall portion 81, and a pair of vertical wall portions 83B extending upward from both ends of the bottom plate portion 83A in the width direction W. The bottom plate portion 83A is positioned above the bottom wall 71C of the peripheral wall portion 71 that constitutes the first case 7. Furthermore, the bottom plate portion 83A is positioned on both sides in the width direction W with respect to the opening 72 (notch portion 73) so as to overlap with the bottom wall 71C when viewed in the vertical direction. In the illustrated example, an example is shown in which the bottom wall 71C and the bottom plate portion 83A are positioned with a small gap in the vertical direction H, but the bottom wall 71C and the bottom plate portion 83A may be positioned in contact with each other in the vertical direction H.

[0038] The vertical wall portion 83B is formed in a rib shape extending from the bottom plate portion 83A to the end wall portion 82. In a widthwise view, the vertical wall portion 83B is formed in a substantially right-angled triangular shape having a side parallel to the bottom plate portion 83A, a side parallel to the end wall portion 82, and a hypotenuse connecting them. The vertical wall portion 83B is arranged along the inner surface of the side wall 71B of the peripheral wall portion 71 that constitutes the first case 7. At least a part of the vertical wall portion 83B is in contact with the inner surface of the side wall 71B. In the illustrated example, a small protrusion formed on the vertical wall portion 83B is in contact with the inner surface of the side wall 71B, and the other part of the vertical wall portion 83B is arranged with a slight gap in the widthwise direction relative to the inner surface of the side wall 71B. However, the vertical wall portion 83B and the side wall 71B may be arranged in full contact. In this embodiment, a pair of vertical wall portions 83B correspond to a "pair of contact walls".

[0039] Furthermore, the second case 8 of this embodiment further has a plate-like portion 85 extending in the axial direction L from the engaging portion 83. The plate-like portion 85 is formed to extend in the axial direction L from a part of the width direction W of the bottom plate portion 83A that constitutes the engaging portion 83 (in this example, the central region in the width direction W). The plate-like portion 85 is formed along the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 81 and continuously from the bottom plate portion 83A in the axial direction L. The plate-like portion 85 is formed in an elongated rectangular shape along the axial direction L when viewed in the vertical direction. The width direction W of the bottom plate portion 83A is larger than the width direction W of the opening 72 (notch portion 73), while the width direction W of the plate-like portion 85 is smaller than the width direction W of the opening 72 (notch portion 73). Also, the axial direction L of the bottom plate portion 83A and the plate-like portion 85 combined is smaller than the axial direction L of the opening 72 (notch portion 73). The plate-like portion 85 is formed to be slightly smaller than the opening 72 (notch 73), and is positioned so that the engaging portion 83 fits into the opening 72 (notch 73) when engaged with the first case 7.

[0040] In this embodiment, the engaging portion 83, which is part of the second case 8, enters the interior of the first case 7 through an opening 72 formed in the first case 7, so that the vertical arrangement area H of the first case 7 and the vertical arrangement area H of the second case 8 overlap. In the automatic opening and closing device 1 of this embodiment, a drainage portion 10 for draining water is provided in the area where the vertical arrangement areas H of the first case 7 and the second case 8 overlap. More specifically, a plate-shaped portion 85, which is part of the second case 8, is positioned so as to fit into an opening 72 (notch 73) formed in the first case 7, so that the notch 73 and the plate-shaped portion 85 overlap in the vertical direction H. Then, in the area where the notch 73 and the plate-shaped portion 85 overlap in the vertical direction H, a drainage portion 10 is provided as a gap 12 between the notch 73 and the plate-shaped portion 85, which is slightly smaller than the notch 73.

[0041] As described above, the combined axial length L of the bottom plate portion 83A and the plate-like portion 85 is shorter than the axial length L of the opening 72 (notch portion 73). Therefore, when the first case 7 and the second case 8 are assembled, as shown in Figure 7, an axial gap 12A is formed between the notch portion 73 and the plate-like portion 85 in the axial direction L. This axial gap 12A constitutes the drainage portion 10 as one aspect of the gap 12 described above. That is, the drainage portion 10 of this embodiment is formed including the axial gap 12A formed between the axial direction L of the notch portion 73 and the plate-like portion 85.

[0042] Furthermore, the length of the plate-shaped portion 85 in the width direction W is shorter than the length of the opening 72 (notch 73) in the width direction W. Therefore, when the first case 7 and the second case 8 are assembled, as shown in Figure 7, a widthwise gap 12B is formed between the notch 73 and the plate-shaped portion 85 in the width direction W. In this embodiment, widthwise gaps 12B are formed on both sides of the plate-shaped portion 85 in the width direction W. These pair of widthwise gaps 12B constitute the drainage section 10 as one form of the gap 12 described above. That is, the drainage section 10 of this embodiment is formed including the widthwise gap 12B formed between the notch 73 and the plate-shaped portion 85 in the width direction W.

[0043] The automatic opening and closing device 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a drainage section 10 for draining water, so even if moisture enters the interior of the first case 7, the moisture that has entered can be discharged from the drainage section 10. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the upper surface of the plate-shaped section 85 is not a flat surface along the horizontal plane, but is formed in a shallow V-shape that slopes gently downwards as it approaches the center of the width direction W. With this configuration, moisture that has entered the interior of the first case 7 can be easily collected at the V-shaped bottom portion of the plate-shaped section 85 and discharged well from the drainage section 10. In this configuration, of the axial gap 12A and the widthwise gap 12B that constitute the drainage section 10, the axial gap 12A plays a mainly important role in draining water.

[0044] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the cover 9 is fixed to the second case 8 from the axial first side L1 and covers the power transmission mechanism 3 between itself and the second case 8. The cover 9 has a substantially rectangular case mounting portion 91 that is attached to the second case 8 (specifically, the end wall portion 82) and a housing portion 92 that forms a housing space for the first gear 31, the second gear 32, and the third gear 33 that constitute the power transmission mechanism 3. The cover 9 may also be further fastened together with the first case 7 via the end wall portion 82 of the second case 8 at its upper portion.

[0045] [Other Embodiments] (1) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the drain section 10 is formed including an axial gap 12A and a widthwise gap 12B was described as an example. However, the drain section 10 is not limited to such a configuration, and may consist only of an axial gap 12A. Alternatively, the drain section 10 may consist only of a widthwise gap 12B. If the drain section 10 consists only of a widthwise gap 12B, the upper surface of the plate-like portion 85 may be formed in a low, mountain-like shape that slopes gently downwards towards both ends in the width direction W. Alternatively, the drain section 10 may be formed including a configuration other than the axial gap 12A and the widthwise gap 12B (for example, a hole).

[0046] (2) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which a pair of widthwise gaps 12B are formed separately in the widthwise direction W was described as an example. However, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration, and a single widthwise gap 12B may be formed on only one side in the widthwise direction W with respect to the plate-like portion 85.

[0047] (3) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the engaging portion 83 of the second case 8 has a pair of vertical wall portions 83B was described as an example. However, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration, and the engaging portion 83 does not necessarily have to have vertical wall portions 83B.

[0048] (4) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the connecting rod 6 is positioned between the actuator 2 and the screw shaft 4 in the vertical direction H was described as an example. However, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration, and for example, as shown in Figure 8, the connecting rod 6 may be positioned above the screw shaft 4, and the screw shaft 4 may be positioned between the actuator 2 and the connecting rod 6 in the vertical direction H. In such a configuration, the actuator 2 and the screw shaft 4 are in a positional relationship close to the vertical direction H, so the power transmission mechanism 3 may consist only of a first gear 31 and a second gear 32 that meshes with the first gear 31.

[0049] (5) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the power transmission mechanism 3 is configured as a gear mechanism. However, the power transmission mechanism 3 is not limited to such a configuration, and as long as it can transmit power between the actuator 2 and the screw shaft 4, various configurations such as a belt drive mechanism or a chain mechanism can be adopted.

[0050] (6) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the actuator 2, screw shaft 4, and connecting rod 6 are arranged in a straight line in an axial view was described as an example. However, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration, and the actuator 2, screw shaft 4, and connecting rod 6 may be arranged in a folded line, for example, in an axial view.

[0051] (7) In the above embodiment, the automatic opening and closing device 1 was described as being installed inside the door D, and the tip of the connecting rod 6 that moves back and forth from the housing case is connected to the vehicle body B as the connected object C. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and the automatic opening and closing device 1 may be installed on the vehicle body B as the connected object C, and the tip of the connecting rod 6 that moves back and forth from the housing case is connected to the door D.

[0052] (8) In the above embodiment, an automatic opening and closing device 1 for a vehicle door D mounted on a vehicle was described as an example. However, the automatic opening and closing device 1 is not limited to such a configuration and can also be used for other purposes, such as for buildings, to automatically open and close a door D that is hinged to a connected body C so as to be able to open and close.

[0053] (9) The configurations disclosed in each of the above-described embodiments (including the above-described embodiments and other embodiments; the same applies hereinafter) can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, insofar as they do not cause a conflict. With respect to other configurations, the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the disclosure.

[0054] [Overview of the Embodiment] In summary, the automatic opening and closing device according to this disclosure preferably comprises the following configurations.

[0055] An automatic opening and closing device (1) for a door (D) that is hinged to a connected body (C) so as to be able to open and close, The device comprises an actuator (2), a screw shaft (4) driven by the actuator (2), a connecting rod (6) that moves back and forth in the axial direction (L) as the screw shaft (4) rotates, a first case (7) housing the screw shaft (4) and the connecting rod (6), and a second case (8) below the first case (7) housing the actuator (2). The lower part of the first case (7) has an opening (72) that opens downward, and a part of the second case (8) engages with the first case (7) inside the first case (7) through the opening (72). A drainage section (10) for draining water is provided in the area where the vertical (H) arrangement area of ​​the first case (7) and the vertical (H) arrangement area of ​​the second case (8) overlap.

[0056] With this configuration, a portion of the second case (8) engages with the first case (7) inside the first case (7) through an opening (72) provided at the bottom of the first case (7). As a result, the first case (7) and the second case (8) partially overlap vertically, allowing the entire device to be miniaturized. Furthermore, a drainage section (10) for draining water is provided in the area where the first case (7) and the second case (8) overlap vertically, allowing moisture that has entered the inside of the first case (7) to be discharged from this drainage section. Therefore, compared to conventional specifications, the entire device can be made smaller, and an automatic opening and closing device (1) that facilitates the discharge of moisture that has entered the inside can be provided.

[0057] As one aspect, The opening (72) is formed by a notch (73) cut out along the axial direction (L), The second case (8) has an engaging portion (83) that engages with the first case (7) on the open side of the notch (73) in the axial direction (L), and a plate-like portion (85) that extends from the engaging portion (83) in the axial direction (L), It is preferable that the drainage portion (10) is formed to include an axial gap (12A) formed between the notch (73) and the plate-shaped portion (85) in the axial direction (L).

[0058] With this configuration, by simply sliding the second case (8) axially (L) from the open side of the notch (73), a structure can be easily realized in which the first case (7) and the second case (8) overlap vertically, and a drain section (10) is provided in the overlapping portion. Furthermore, the size of the drain section (10) can be easily adjusted by simply adjusting the axial length (L) of the plate-shaped portion (85).

[0059] As one aspect, The opening (72) is formed by a notch (73) cut out along the axial direction (L), The second case (8) has an engaging portion (83) that engages with the first case (7) on the open side of the notch (73) in the axial direction (L), and a plate-like portion (85) that extends from the engaging portion (83) in the axial direction (L), It is preferable that the drainage portion (10) is formed to include a widthwise gap (12B) formed between the notched portion (73) and the plate-shaped portion (85) in the widthwise direction (W) perpendicular to the axial direction (L).

[0060] With this configuration, by simply sliding the second case (8) axially (L) from the open side of the notch (73), a structure in which the first case (7) and the second case (8) overlap vertically, and a drain section (10) is provided in the overlapping portion, can be easily realized. Furthermore, the size of the drain section (10) can be easily adjusted by simply adjusting the length in the width direction (W) of the plate-like portion (85).

[0061] As one aspect, The second case (8) has an engaging portion (83) that engages with the first case (7), The first case (7) has a pair of side walls (71B) that cover the sides of the screw shaft (4) and the connecting rod (6), Preferably, the engaging portion (83) has a pair of contact walls (83B) that contact the pair of side walls (71B) from the inside.

[0062] With this configuration, the contact between the pair of side walls (71B) constituting the first case (7) and the pair of contact walls (83B) constituting the engagement portion (83) of the second case (8) allows for proper alignment of the first case (7) and the second case (8) in the width direction (W).

[0063] The automatic opening and closing device relating to this disclosure only needs to achieve at least one of the effects described above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] 1: Automatic opening / closing device, 2: Actuator, 3: Power transmission mechanism, 4: Screw shaft, 5: Linear motion conversion mechanism, 6: Connecting rod, 7: First case, 8: Second case, 9: Cover, 10: Drainage section, 12: Gap, 12A: Axial gap, 12B: Width gap, 21: Electric motor, 22: Speed ​​change mechanism, 23: Brake mechanism, 24: Output shaft, 31: First gear, 32: Second gear, 33: Third gear, 41: Male screw section, 42: Non-screw section, 51: Sliding body, 52: Female screw section, 53: Support section, 61: First connecting section, 6 1A: Shaft section, 62: Second connecting section, 62A: Shaft section, 71: Peripheral wall section, 71A: Top wall, 71B: Side wall, 71C: Bottom wall, 72: Opening, 73: Notch section, 75: Flange section, 79: Mounting member, 81: Peripheral wall section, 82: End wall section, 83: Engaging section, 83A: Bottom plate section, 83B: Vertical wall section (contact wall), 85: Plate-shaped section, 91: Case mounting section, 92: Housing section, B: Vehicle body, C: Connected body, D: Door, H: Vertical direction, L: Axial direction, L1: First axial side, L2: Second axial side, W: Width direction, X1: First axis, X2: Second axis

Claims

1. An automatic door opening and closing device for a door that is hinged to a connected object so as to be able to open and close, The device comprises an actuator, a screw shaft driven by the actuator, a connecting rod that moves axially in conjunction with the rotation of the screw shaft, a first case housing the screw shaft and the connecting rod, and a second case below the first case housing the actuator. The lower part of the first case has an opening that opens downward, and a part of the second case engages with the first case inside the first case through the opening. An automatic opening and closing device is provided with a drainage section for draining water in the area where the vertical arrangement area of ​​the first case and the vertical arrangement area of ​​the second case overlap.

2. The opening is formed by a notch cut out along the axial direction, The second case has an engaging portion that engages with the first case on the open side of the notch in the axial direction, and a plate-like portion that extends in the axial direction from the engaging portion. The automatic opening and closing device according to claim 1, wherein the drainage portion is formed including an axial gap formed between the notch and the plate-shaped portion in the axial direction.

3. The opening is formed by a notch cut out along the axial direction, The second case has an engaging portion that engages with the first case on the open side of the notch in the axial direction, and a plate-like portion that extends in the axial direction from the engaging portion. The automatic opening and closing device according to claim 1, wherein the drainage portion is formed including a widthwise gap formed between the notch and the plate-shaped portion in a widthwise direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

4. The second case has an engaging portion that engages with the first case, The first case has a pair of side walls that cover the sides of the screw shaft and the connecting rod, The automatic opening and closing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the engaging portion has a pair of contact walls that contact the pair of side walls from the inside.

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