Sliding door moving device and sliding door moving system

Abstract

To provide a sliding door moving device and a sliding door moving system supply driving force to move a sliding door and power force to switch transmission states of the driving force to each other with a single power force source.SOLUTION: A sliding door moving device configured to be fixed on a sliding door is provided with a motor and a driving force transmission part. The motor generates driving force to rotate a first gear. When no driving force is received from the first gear, it is configured to become a first state, and when the driving force is received from the first gear, it is configured to become a second state. The first state is a state the driving force transmission part is apart from a rail arranged on a structural body and the second state is a state the driving force transmission part abuts the rail to apply moving force to move the sliding door in an open direction to the rail.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a sliding door moving device and a sliding door moving system.

Background Art

[0002] There is a semi-automatic sliding door that moves in two directions, a closing direction and an opening direction, and includes a mechanism for moving the sliding door in the closing direction. A sliding door moving device configured to move a semi-automatic sliding door in the opening direction using the power of a motor is known (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the above-described sliding door moving device includes a motor that generates a driving force for moving the sliding door and an actuator that displaces a gear for transmitting the driving force. The actuator is configured to displace the gear so as to switch between a state in which the gear transmits the driving force and a state in which the gear does not transmit the driving force.

[0005] That is, the above-described sliding door moving device includes an actuator in addition to a motor as a power source, and has a complicated structure because it includes a plurality of power sources. Therefore, an aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a sliding door moving device that supplies a driving force for moving a sliding door and a power for switching a transmission state of the driving force with a single power source, and a sliding door moving system including such a sliding door moving device. It is desirable to be able to provide.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is a sliding door moving device, which includes a motor and a driving force transmission unit. The sliding door moving device is configured to be fixed to the sliding door. The sliding door is supported by a structure so as to move in two directions, a closing direction and an opening direction.

[0007] The motor is configured to rotate the first gear by generating a driving force. The driving force transmission unit is fixed to the sliding door. The driving force transmission unit is configured to be in a first state when it does not receive a driving force from the first gear, and to be in a second state when it receives a driving force from the first gear. The first state is a state in which the driving force transmission unit is separated from a rail provided on the structure. The second state is a state in which the driving force transmission unit abuts on the rail and the driving force transmission unit acts a moving force on the rail. The moving force is a force for the sliding door to move in the opening direction.

[0008] In this sliding door moving device, the driving force transmission unit is configured to switch between the first state and the second state according to whether it receives a driving force from the motor via the first gear. That is, the sliding door moving device is configured to switch the state of the driving force transmission unit by using the driving force of the motor. Further, the sliding door moving device is configured to move the sliding door in the opening direction by using the driving force of the motor when the driving force transmission unit is in the second state.

[0009] Therefore, the sliding door moving device can supply a driving force for moving the sliding door and a power for switching the transmission state of the driving force with a single motor. Also, the sliding door moving device can suppress the driving force transmission unit from inhibiting the movement of the sliding door in the closing direction when the driving force transmission unit is in the first state. That is, when the driving force transmission unit is in the first state, the sliding door can be moved in the closing direction by the power of a person or other equipment.

[0010] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the driving force transmission unit may include a second gear, a third gear, a first moving part, and a second moving part. The second gear may be a cylindrical gear having a first end face and a second end face. The second gear may be configured to receive a driving force from the first gear and rotate about the central axis of the cylindrical shape as the rotation axis. The third gear may be a cylindrical gear having a third end face and a fourth end face. The third gear may be configured to rotate on the same axis as the central axis of the second gear with the third end face facing the second end face and move in the axial direction of the rotation axis. The first moving part may be configured to move the third gear in the axial direction of the rotation axis. The first moving part may be configured to move the third gear to a first position away from the rail. The second moving part may be configured to move the third gear in the axial direction of the rotation axis. The second moving part may be configured to move the third gear to a second position in contact with the rail and transmit the rotational force of the second gear to the third gear arranged at the second position.

[0011] According to such a driving force transmission part, by moving the position of the third gear to the first position or the second position, the driving force transmission part can be changed to the first state or the second state. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the first moving part may include an elastic biasing part. The elastic biasing part may be configured to apply a biasing force in the direction toward the second gear to the third gear by elastically deforming.

[0012] The second moving part may include a first cam, a first contact part, a second cam, a second contact part, a first restricting part, and a second restricting part. The first cam may be formed integrally with the second gear. The first cam may face the third gear and may be formed to be inclined so that the distance from the third gear changes along the circumferential direction centered on the central axis of the second gear. The first contact part may be formed integrally with the second gear. The first contact part may be connected to an end of the first cam closer to the second end face. The first contact part may include a surface facing the circumferential direction centered on the central axis of the second gear.

[0013] The second cam may be integrally formed with the third gear. The second cam may be formed to face the first cam and be inclined such that the distance from the second gear changes along the circumferential direction centered on the central axis of the third gear. The second contact portion may be integrally formed with the third gear. The second contact portion may be connected to an end portion of the second cam that is close to the third end face among the end portions of the second cam. The second contact portion may include a surface facing the circumferential direction centered on the central axis of the third gear. The second contact portion may be formed to contact the first contact portion when the third gear is disposed at the second position.

[0014] The first restricting portion may be configured to restrict the rotation of the third gear at the first position while allowing the axial movement of the third gear. Further, the first restricting portion may be configured to allow the rotation of the third gear at the second position and transmit the rotational force of the third gear to the rail 90. The second restricting portion may be configured to restrict the movement range of the third gear in the axial direction such that the position where the third gear is farthest from the second gear in the axial direction is the second position.

[0015] The first cam may be shaped such that when the second gear rotates upon receiving the driving force from the first gear, the second cam in contact with the first cam is moved in a direction away from the second gear. In such a driving force transmission portion, the third gear disposed at the first position can change the relative position between the first cam and the second cam by the rotation of the second gear by the driving force of the motor while the rotation of the third gear is restricted by the first restricting portion. According to this driving force transmission portion, by changing the relative position with the second cam, the third gear can be moved in a direction away from the second gear, and the third gear can be moved toward the second position.

[0016] Then, the third gear is arranged at the second position by restricting the axial movement by the second restricting portion. The third gear arranged at the second position rotates against the restriction of rotation by the first restricting portion when the first abutting portion and the second abutting portion abut against each other and the rotational force is transmitted from the second gear. By transmitting the rotation of this third gear to the rail, the sliding door moving device can move the sliding door.

[0017] Note that this driving force transmission portion is configured to switch to the first state or the second state depending on whether the driving force of the motor is transmitted to the second gear. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the second moving portion may include a space forming portion and a protruding portion. The space forming portion may be integrally formed with the second gear so as to be in contact with the internal space of the second gear. The internal space may have an opening leading to the outside of the second gear. The opening may be formed in an arc shape centered on the rotation axis at the second end face of the second gear. The protruding portion may be integrally formed with the third gear in a form protruding from the third end face toward the second gear. The protruding portion may be configured to be movable in the circumferential direction within the internal space of the second gear. The first cam may be formed in the space forming portion. The first abutting portion may be formed in the space forming portion. The second cam may be formed in the protruding portion. The second abutting portion may be formed in the protruding portion.

[0018] By providing the second moving portion configured in this way, the driving force transmission portion can move the third gear in the axial direction of the rotation axis. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the sliding door moving device may include a motor control portion. The motor control portion may drive the motor to rotate the first gear for a predetermined driving time in response to the establishment of the sliding door moving condition for moving the sliding door. The motor control portion may be configured to stop the motor when the driving time has elapsed.

[0019] By providing such a motor control unit, the sliding door moving device can move the sliding door in response to the establishment of the sliding door moving condition. The sliding door moving condition may be predetermined to be established, for example, by receiving a movement command from a user. The driving time may be set in advance to any value within a range where the moving distance of the sliding door corresponding to the driving time does not exceed the moving distance from the fully closed state to the fully open state of the sliding door. Thereby, the sliding door moving device can suppress the sliding door from moving beyond the maximum movable distance, and can suppress damage to the motor.

[0020] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the sliding door may be provided with a locking device. The locking device may be configured to lock the sliding door when a locking operation is performed and unlock the sliding door when an unlocking operation is performed. The sliding door moving condition may be predetermined to be established by performing an unlocking operation with the locking device.

[0021] Such a sliding door moving device can move the sliding door in response to the unlocking of the locking device. Thereby, the unlocking operation and the sliding door moving operation can be linked, and the convenience for the user of the sliding door is improved. For example, the convenience of sliding doors in hospitals, elderly housing, etc. is enhanced. The locking device may be configured to lock and unlock using an electronic key, or may be configured to lock and unlock using a physical key.

[0022] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the locking device may be provided with a power source. The motor may be configured to be driven by the power supplied from the power source of the locking device. Such a sliding door moving device can move the sliding door using the power supplied from the locking device without providing a power source such as a battery.

[0023] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a sliding door moving system, comprising the above-described sliding door moving device and a locking device. The locking device is fixed to the sliding door and is configured to lock the sliding door when a locking operation is performed and unlock the sliding door when an unlocking operation is performed. Such a sliding door moving system has the same effect as the above-described sliding door moving device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and it goes without saying that various forms can be adopted as long as they belong to the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0026] [1. First Embodiment] [1-1. Overall Configuration] As a first embodiment, a sliding door moving system 1 will be described.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the sliding door moving system 1 is attached to the sliding door 11. The sliding door moving system 1 includes an electronic locking device 21 and a sliding door moving device 31. The sliding door 11 is provided in a structure including a first vertical column 13, a second vertical column 15, a third vertical column 16, a wall 17, and an opening 18. The structure constitutes a part of a building such as a general house, an office building, a hospital, a factory, etc. The sliding door 11 is supported by the structure so as to move in two directions, a closing direction and an opening direction. In other words, the sliding door 11 is configured to reciprocate between the first vertical column 13 and the second vertical column 15. Among the moving directions of the sliding door 11, the direction in which the sliding door 11 approaches the first vertical column 13 is the closing direction, and the direction in which the sliding door 11 approaches the second vertical column 15 is the opening direction.

[0028] The wall 17 includes a first wall 17a and a second wall 17b. The first wall 17a is provided between the first vertical column 13 and the second vertical column 15. The second wall 17b is provided between the second vertical column 15 and the third vertical column 16. The first wall 17a is provided in an area above the second wall 17b.

[0029] The opening 18 is a portion surrounded by the first vertical pillar 13, the third vertical pillar 16, and the first wall 17a. The state where the sliding door 11 abuts against the first vertical pillar 13 is the fully closed state of the sliding door 11. The sliding door 11 is configured to close the opening 18 when in the fully closed state. The state where the sliding door 11 is closest to the second vertical pillar 15 is the fully open state of the sliding door 11. The sliding door 11 is configured to open the opening 18 when in the fully open state.

[0030] A rail 19 is provided on the indoor side of the first wall 17a. The rail 19 is arranged such that the longitudinal direction of the rail 19 is along the reciprocating movement direction of the sliding door 11. The rail 19 is arranged in a sloped state (in other words, an inclined state) such that the end closer to the first vertical pillar 13 is lower than the end closer to the second vertical pillar 15. The rail 19 includes a stopper 19a and a rack gear portion 19b. The stopper 19a is configured to fix the sliding door 11 by engaging with a part of the sliding door 11 in the fully open state. The rack gear portion 19b is provided along the longitudinal direction of the rail 19.

[0031] The sliding door 11 includes a handle 11a, a first pulley 11b, and a second pulley 11c. The handle 11a includes a first handle 11a1 provided on the indoor side of the sliding door 11 and a second handle 11a2 provided on the outdoor side of the sliding door 11. The first pulley 11b and the second pulley 11c are respectively provided at the upper part of the sliding door 11. The first pulley 11b and the second pulley 11c are respectively configured to move along the rail 19 in a state of being suspended from the rail 19. As described above, since the rail 19 is arranged in an inclined state, when the sliding door 11 is in a free state where its movement is not restricted by an external force, it automatically moves in the closing direction approaching the first vertical pillar 13 due to gravity. That is, the sliding door 11 is a so-called semi-automatic sliding door.

[0032] The second pulley 11c is provided with an engaging portion 11c1. By engaging with the stopper 19a, the engaging portion 11c1 fixes the position of the second pulley 11c on the rail 19. That is, when the engaging portion 11c1 engages with the stopper 19a, the position of the sliding door 11 is fixed. At this time, the sliding door 11 is in the fully open state. Note that the engaging portion 11c1 and the stopper 19a are configured such that when a user applies an external force in the closing direction to the sliding door 11, the engagement between the engaging portion 11c1 and the stopper 19a is released. Therefore, the user can easily move the fully open sliding door 11 in the closing direction.

[0033] [1-2. Sliding Door Movement System] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the sliding door movement system 1 includes an electronic locking device 21 and a sliding door movement device 31. The electronic locking device 21 is attached to a portion of the sliding door 11 close to the first vertical post 13. The sliding door movement device 31 is attached to the upper part of the sliding door 11. The electronic locking device 21 and the sliding door movement device 31 are electrically connected to each other via a wired cable 32.

[0034] The wired cable 32 includes a power cable for supplying power. The wired cable 32 is configured to electrically connect the electronic locking device 21 and the sliding door movement device 31 and supply power from the electronic locking device 21 to the sliding door movement device 31. The wired cable 32 is arranged to connect the electronic locking device 21 and the sliding door movement device 31 while being embedded inside the sliding door 11. Note that the wired cable 32 is not limited to being embedded inside the sliding door 11, and may be arranged in an exposed state on the indoor side of the sliding door 11.

[0035] [1-3. Electronic Locking Device] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the electronic locking device 21 includes an indoor unit 22, a thumb turn 23, an outdoor multi-reader 24, a key cylinder 25, a fully closed detection unit 26, and a detected unit 27.

[0036] The indoor unit 22 is attached to the indoor side of the sliding door 11. The indoor unit 22 includes a control unit 22a and a battery 22b. The control unit 22a includes an arithmetic unit (not shown), a storage unit (e.g., a flash memory, etc.) (not shown), and a communication unit (not shown). The arithmetic unit is configured around a central processing unit (CPU) (not shown). The storage unit is configured to store various programs and data. The arithmetic unit reads out various programs and data from the storage unit and executes various processes based on the programs and data. Thereby, the control unit 22a is configured to execute various processes. The various processes include a motor control process for controlling the motor 33. The communication unit is configured to communicate with the outdoor multi-reader 24.

[0037] The battery 22b is configured to supply power to each part including the indoor unit 22 and the outdoor multi-reader 24 in the electronic locking device 21. The battery 22b may be, for example, a dry battery or a secondary battery. Further, the battery 22b is configured to supply power to the sliding door moving device 31 via the wired cable 32.

[0038] The thumb turn 23 is configured to switch the sliding door 11 between the locked state and the unlocked state by being rotated clockwise or counterclockwise by the user. The electronic locking device 21 includes a sliding door lock (not shown). The sliding door 11 is in the locked state when the sliding door lock engages with the first vertical column 13, and is in the unlocked state when the sliding door lock separates from the first vertical column 13. The thumb turn 23 is configured to be interlocked with the sliding door lock.

[0039] When an electronic card key (not shown) approaches, the outdoor multi-reader 24 transmits an unlocking signal S1 to the indoor unit 22. The outdoor multi-reader 24 is configured to detect the approach of the electronic card key by near-field communication (NFC: Near Field Communication). The indoor unit 22 is provided with an actuator (not shown) for operating the sliding door lock. When the indoor unit 22 receives the unlocking signal S1, it controls the actuator to operate the sliding door lock, thereby switching the sliding door 11 to the unlocked state.

[0040] The key cylinder 25 is configured to switch the sliding door 11 between the locked state and the unlocked state when a physical key is inserted by the user and rotated clockwise or counterclockwise. The key cylinder 25 is configured to be interlocked with the sliding door lock.

[0041] The fully closed detection unit 26 is attached to the sliding door 11. The detected unit 27 is attached to the first vertical column 13 at a position close to the fully closed detection unit 26 when the sliding door 11 is in the fully closed state. When the detected unit 27 approaches, the fully closed detection unit 26 transmits a fully closed detection signal S2 to the indoor unit 22. By receiving the fully closed detection signal S2, the indoor unit 22 can determine that the sliding door 11 is in the fully closed state.

[0042] The electronic locking device 21 is configured to switch the sliding door 11 to the locked state in response to the locking operation of the sliding door 11 being performed by any one of the thumb turn 23, the outdoor multi-reader 24, and the key cylinder 25. Also, the electronic locking device 21 is configured to switch the sliding door 11 to the unlocked state in response to the unlocking operation of the sliding door 11 being performed by any one of the thumb turn 23, the outdoor multi-reader 24, and the key cylinder 25.

[0043] When the sliding door 11 is in the fully closed state, the indoor unit 22 determines that the sliding door movement condition is satisfied in response to the unlocking operation of the sliding door 11 being performed by any one of the thumb turn 23, the outdoor multi-reader 24, and the key cylinder 25. When the indoor unit 22 determines that the sliding door movement condition is satisfied, it supplies motor driving power to the sliding door moving device 31 for a predetermined driving time T1. After that, when the driving time T1 has elapsed, the indoor unit 22 stops supplying the motor driving power to the sliding door moving device 31.

[0044] The driving time T1 may be set in advance to any value within a range where the moving distance of the sliding door 11 corresponding to the driving time T1 does not exceed the moving distance from the fully closed state to the fully open state of the sliding door 11 (hereinafter also referred to as the maximum movable distance). Thereby, the sliding door moving device 31 can be suppressed from moving the sliding door 11 beyond the maximum movable distance, and damage to the motor 33 can be suppressed.

[0045] Note that various arithmetic processes such as the determination process of whether the sliding door movement condition is satisfied, the measurement process of the driving time T1, and the control process of the motor 33 in the indoor unit 22 are executed by the control unit 22a.

[0046] [1-4. Sliding Door Moving Device] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the sliding door moving device 31 is fixed to the upper part of the sliding door 11. The sliding door moving device 31 is arranged adjacent to the rail 19. The sliding door moving device 31 is configured to generate a driving force using the electric power received via the wired cable 32 from the electronic locking device 21 and move the sliding door 11.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the sliding door moving device 31 includes a motor 33 and a driving force transmission unit 34. The motor 33 is electrically connected to the electronic locking device 21 via the wired cable 32. The motor 33 is configured to generate a driving force by rotating the output shaft in response to receiving electric power supply from the electronic locking device 21 via the wired cable 32.

[0048] The driving force transmission unit 34 includes a first plate 35, a second plate 37, a plurality of support columns 39, a first gear 41, a second gear 45, a first cylindrical portion 47, a first retaining ring 49, a third gear 53, a first rotating shaft 55, a first moving portion 57, and a second moving portion 58.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 17, the second moving portion 58 includes two space forming portions 58a, two protruding portions 58b, and a first restricting portion 60. The first restricting portion 60 includes a fourth gear 61, a second rotating shaft 63, a rotation suppressing portion 65, a second cylindrical portion 67, and a second retaining ring 69.

[0050] The first plate 35 is a plate-shaped member having an opening 35a for arranging the motor 33. The second plate 37 is a plate-shaped member smaller than the first plate 35. The first plate 35 and the second plate 37 are configured to be assembled to each other via four support columns 39, a first rotating shaft 55, and a second rotating shaft 63. The support column 39 is formed as a polygonal column with a hexagonal cross section. The first rotating shaft 55 is formed as a cylinder with a circular cross section. The first rotating shaft 55 has a groove 55a formed in the circumferential direction in a region close to the first plate 35. The second rotating shaft 63 is formed as a cylinder with a circular cross section. The second rotating shaft 63 has a groove 63a formed in the circumferential direction in a region close to the first plate 35.

[0051] The driving force transmission unit 34 is configured to be fixed to the sliding door 11 using a fixing member (not shown). As a method for fixing the driving force transmission unit 34 to the sliding door 11, for example, a method in which the first plate 35 is fixed to the sliding door 11 using a fixing member can be adopted. Examples of the fixing member include wood screws, double-sided tapes, adhesives, etc. By fixing the driving force transmission unit 34 to the sliding door 11, the sliding door moving device 31 is in a state of being fixed to the sliding door 11.

[0052] The first gear 41 is fixed to the output shaft (not shown) of the motor 33. The motor 33 is configured to rotate the output shaft and the first gear 41 by generating a driving force.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 9 and FIGS. 15 to 17, the second gear 45 is pivotally supported by the first rotating shaft 55 so as to rotate about the first rotating shaft 55 in a state of being in contact with the first gear 41. Specifically, the second gear 45 is formed in a cylindrical shape having a first end face 45a and a second end face 45b. The second gear 45 includes a tooth forming portion 45c having a plurality of teeth in a region of the cylindrical side surface close to the first end face 45a in the axial direction. The second gear 45 includes a cylindrical portion 45d in a region of the cylindrical shape close to the second end face 45b in the axial direction. The cylindrical portion 45d is formed with a smaller diameter dimension than the tooth forming portion 45c.

[0054] The second gear 45 includes a space portion 45e as an internal space. The space portion 45e has an opening 45e1 that leads to the outside of the second gear 45. The opening 45e1 is formed in an arc shape centered on the rotation axis of the second gear 45 at the second end face 45b of the second gear 45. The second gear 45 includes two space portions 45e.

[0055] The second gear 45 includes a first through hole 45f that penetrates along the central axis of the cylindrical shape. The second gear 45 is pivotally supported by the first rotating shaft 55 so as to rotate about the first through hole 45f through which the first rotating shaft 55 is inserted as a rotation axis. The second gear 45 rotates by meshing with the first gear 41 and receiving a driving force from the first gear 41.

[0056] The first cylindrical portion 47 is a cylindrical member through which the first rotating shaft 55 can be inserted. The first cylindrical portion 47 is a member for adjusting the distance between the first plate 35 and the second gear 45. By adopting a cylindrical member having different dimensions in the axial direction as the first cylindrical portion 47, the distance between the first plate 35 and the second gear 45 can be changed. The dimension in the axial direction of the first cylindrical portion 47 is determined so that the second gear 45 is disposed at a position where it meshes with the first gear 41.

[0057] The first retaining ring 49 is configured to be fitted into the groove 55a of the first rotating shaft 55. The second retaining ring 69 is configured to be fitted into the groove 63a of the second rotating shaft 63. The first retaining ring 49 and the second retaining ring 69 may each be a so-called E-ring. The first retaining ring 49 and the second retaining ring 69 are respectively fitted into the grooves 55a and 63a after the first rotating shaft 55 and the second rotating shaft 63 are inserted through the first plate 35. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the first rotating shaft 55 and the second rotating shaft 63 from falling off from the first plate 35.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 5 and FIGS. 10 to 17, the third gear 53 is arranged on the same axis as the central axis of the second gear 45 and is pivotally supported by the first rotating shaft 55 so as to rotate about the first rotating shaft 55. Specifically, the third gear 53 is formed in a cylindrical shape having a third end face 53a and a fourth end face 53b. The third gear 53 includes a tooth forming portion 53c having a plurality of teeth on the side surface of the cylindrical shape. The third gear 53 includes an inclined portion 53d in a region adjacent to the fourth end face 53b among the tooth forming portions 53c (see FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, 11, 12, and 13). The inclined portion 53d is formed as an inclined surface inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to the fourth end face 53b. The inclined portion 53d can be formed by chamfering the corner portion of the tooth forming portion 53c.

[0059] The third gear 53 includes a second through hole 53e penetrating along the central axis of the cylindrical shape. The third gear 53 is pivotally supported by the first rotating shaft 55 so as to rotate about the second through hole 53e through which the first rotating shaft 55 is inserted. The third gear 53 is pivotally supported by the first rotating shaft 55 in a state where it can move along the first rotating shaft 55 between the second plate 37 and the second gear 45. The third gear 53 rotates by receiving a driving force from the second gear 45 via the second moving portion 58. The third gear 53 is configured to be movable within a range including a first position P1 and a second position P2 with respect to the moving direction along the first rotating shaft 55. The first position P1 of the third gear 53 means a position where the third gear 53 is separated from the rail 19 (see FIG. 15). The second position P2 of the third gear 53 means a position where the third gear 53 is in contact with the rail 19 (see FIG. 17).

[0060] The first moving part 57 is configured using a coil spring 57a. The first moving part 57 is disposed between the second plate 37 and the third gear 53 with the first rotating shaft 55 inserted inside the coil spring 57a. The first moving part 57 is configured to apply a biasing force in the direction toward the second gear 45 to the third gear 53 by elastically deforming.

[0061] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 17, the second moving part 58 is configured to move the third gear 53 in the axial direction of the rotating shaft. As described above, the second moving part 58 includes two space forming parts 58a, two protruding parts 58b, and a first restricting part 60.

[0062] The space forming part 58a is integrally formed with the second gear 45 so as to be in contact with the space part 45e. The space forming part 58a includes a first cam 58a1, a first abutting part 58a2, and a first end part 58a3.

[0063] The first cam 58a1 is an inclined surface integrally formed with the second gear 45. The first cam 58a1 is formed so as to face the third gear 53. The first cam 58a1 is inclined so that the distance from the third gear 53 changes along the circumferential direction centered on the first through hole 45f of the second gear 45 (in other words, the central axis of the second gear 45). The first cam 58a1 is formed in each of the two space parts 45e.

[0064] The first abutting part 58a2 is integrally formed with the second gear 45. The first abutting part 58a2 is connected to an end part near the second end surface 45b of the first cam 58a1. The first abutting part 58a2 includes a surface facing the circumferential direction centered on the first through hole 45f of the second gear 45 (in other words, the central axis of the second gear 45). The first abutting part 58a2 is formed in each of the two space parts 45e.

[0065] The first end part 58a3 is an end part of the first cam 58a1 that contacts the first end surface 45a. The protruding portion 58b is integrally formed with the third gear 53. The protruding portion 58b is formed so as to protrude from the third end face 53a of the third gear 53 toward the second gear 45 (see FIGS. 10B, 10C, 10D, 11, and 14). The protruding portion 58b is configured in a shape that can move in the circumferential direction in the space portion 45e of the second gear 45. The protruding portion 58b includes a second cam 58b1 and a second abutting portion 58b2.

[0066] The second cam 58b1 is integrally formed with the third gear 53 together with the protruding portion 58b. The second cam 58b1 is an inclined surface formed in the protruding portion 58b so as to face the first cam 58a1. The second cam 58b1 is inclined so that the distance from the second gear 45 changes along the circumferential direction centered on the second through hole 53e of the third gear 53 (in other words, the central axis of the third gear 53). The second cam 58b1 is formed on each of the two protruding portions 58b.

[0067] The second abutting portion 58b2 is integrally formed with the third gear 53 together with the protruding portion 58b. The second abutting portion 58b2 is connected to an end portion of the second cam 58b1 close to the third end face 53a. The second abutting portion 58b2 includes a surface facing the circumferential direction centered on the central axis of the third gear 53. The second abutting portion 58b2 is formed so as to abut against the first abutting portion 58a2 when the second gear 45 rotates by receiving the driving force from the first gear 41.

[0068] In the second moving portion 58, when the second gear 45 rotates by receiving the driving force from the first gear 41, the first cam 58a1 is shaped to move the second cam 58b1, which is in contact with the first cam 58a1, away from the second gear 45. When the second gear 45 receives the driving force from the first gear 41, it rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the second end face 45b (see FIGS. 7 to 8, etc.). The first cam 58a1 is formed in an inclined shape while rotating clockwise in the second gear 45 from the first end face 45a toward the second end face 45b (in other words, from the first end portion 58a3 toward the first abutting portion 58a2).

[0069] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 5 and FIGS. 15 to 17, the first restricting portion 60 is configured to restrict the rotation of the third gear 53 at the first position P1. As described above, the first restricting portion 60 includes a fourth gear 61, a second rotating shaft 63, a rotation suppressing portion 65, a second cylindrical portion 67, and a second retaining ring 69.

[0070] The fourth gear 61 is arranged to rotate about the second rotating shaft 63. Specifically, the fourth gear 61 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The fourth gear 61 includes a tooth forming portion 61a having a plurality of teeth on the side surface of the cylindrical shape. The fourth gear 61 includes a cylindrical portion 61b adjacent to the tooth forming portion 61a.

[0071] The rotation suppressing portion 65 is configured to generate a biasing force set to a predetermined magnitude. The magnitude of the biasing force is such that when the second gear 45 and the third gear 53 are in the third state, the third gear 53 does not rotate even if the second gear 45 rotates, and when the second gear 45 and the third gear 53 are in the fourth state, the third gear 53 can rotate by the transmission of the rotational force from the second gear 45. The third state means a state in which the first cam 58a1 and the second cam 58b1 are in contact with each other, and the first contact portion 58a2 and the second contact portion 58b2 are not in contact with each other with respect to the second gear 45 and the third gear 53. The fourth state means a state in which the first cam 58a1 and the second cam 58b1 are in contact with each other with respect to the second gear 45 and the third gear 53. In the present embodiment, the rotation suppressing portion 65 is configured using a coil spring. The rotation suppressing portion 65 is disposed between the second plate 37 and the fourth gear 61 with the second rotating shaft 63 inserted into the inside of the coil spring. The rotation suppressing portion 65 is configured to apply a biasing force for suppressing rotation to the fourth gear 61 by elastically deforming. The rotation suppressing portion 65 applies a biasing force toward the first plate 35 to the third gear 53, and generates a frictional force between each of the third gear 53, the second cylindrical portion 67, and the first plate 35, thereby suppressing the rotation of the third gear 53.

[0072] The second cylindrical portion 67 is a cylindrical member through which the second rotating shaft 63 can be inserted. The second cylindrical portion 67 is a member for adjusting the distance between the first plate 35 and the fourth gear 61. By adopting cylindrical members with different axial dimensions as the second cylindrical portion 67, the distance between the first plate 35 and the fourth gear 61 can be changed. The axial dimension of the second cylindrical portion 67 is determined so that the fourth gear 61 is disposed at a position where it meshes with the third gear 53 disposed at the first position. The third gear 53 disposed at the first position is away from the rail 19.

[0073] The first restricting portion 60 configured as described above is configured to allow the axial movement of the third gear 53 while restricting the rotation of the third gear 53 at the first position P1 (see FIGS. 15 to 17). Further, the first restricting portion 60 is configured to allow the rotation of the third gear 53 at the second position P2 and transmit the rotational force of the third gear 53 to the rail 90 (see FIG. 17).

[0074] [1-5. State change of the sliding door moving device] The state change of the sliding door moving device 31 will be described. The sliding door moving device 31 is configured to switch to the first state or the second state. The first state is a state where the sliding door moving device 31 is away from the rail 19. The second state is a state where the sliding door moving device 31 abuts on the rail 19 and applies a moving force to the rail 19. The moving force is a force for moving the sliding door 11 in the opening direction.

[0075] Such a state change in the sliding door moving device 31 can be rephrased as a state change in the driving force transmission portion 34. The first state and the second state in the sliding door moving device 31 also correspond to the first state and the second state in the driving force transmission portion 34.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 15, when the motor 33 is stopped, the driving force transmission unit 34 is pushed by the biasing force from the first moving unit 57 so that the third gear 53 is pushed toward the second gear 45, and the third gear 53 is disposed at the first position P1. Note that the third gear 53 is in mesh with the fourth gear 61 (in other words, the first restricting unit 60) in both the first position P1 and the second position P2.

[0077] Next, as shown in FIG. 16, when the motor 33 generates a driving force, the driving force transmission unit 34 receives the driving force from the first gear 41 and the second gear 45 rotates, and the driving force is transmitted from the second gear 45 to the third gear 53 via the second moving unit 58. At this time, when the first abutting portion 58a2 and the second abutting portion 58b2 are not in contact with each other, the rotation of the third gear 53 is restricted by the first restricting unit 60 (in other words, the fourth gear 61), so the third gear 53 cannot rotate. At this time, the driving force transmitted from the second gear 45 is used as the power for the second moving unit 58 to move the third gear 53 in the axial direction.

[0078] Specifically, in the second moving unit 58, as the second gear 45 rotates, the first cam 58a1 (see FIGS. 6 to 9) rotates, but the protruding portion 58b (specifically, the second cam 58b1) does not rotate because its rotation is restricted by the first restricting unit 60. Instead, the protruding portion 58b moves along the surface of the first cam 58a1, and the relative position between the first cam 58a1 and the protruding portion 58b changes, so that the first cam 58a1 pushes the protruding portion 58b toward the second plate 37. As a result, the third gear 53 is pushed toward the second plate 37 together with the protruding portion 58b without rotating. In other words, the third gear 53 moves toward the second plate 37 along the first rotation axis 55 (see FIG. 16).

[0079] With such movement of the third gear 53, the third gear 53 moves to the second position P2 where it meshes with the rail 19 (specifically, the rack gear portion 19b) (see FIG. 17). Since the third gear 53 is provided with the inclined portion 53d in the tooth forming portion 53c, it can smoothly mesh with the rail 19 when moving in the axial direction.

[0080] When the third gear 53 moves in a direction away from the second gear 45 in the axial direction, it moves to a position where the second contact portion 58b2 and the first contact portion 58a2 come into contact with each other (in other words, the second position P2). When the second contact portion 58b2 and the first contact portion 58a2 come into contact with each other, the third gear 53 rotates by the rotational force transmitted from the second gear 45. Note that the second plate 37 is configured to limit the movement range of the third gear 53 in the axial direction such that the position where the third gear 53 is farthest from the second gear 45 in the axial direction is the second position P2. Thereby, the second plate 37 can suppress the third gear 53 from deviating from the second position and the third gear 53 and the rail 19 moving away from each other and the third gear 53 idling. The second plate 37 corresponds to an example of the second limiting portion in the present disclosure.

[0081] When the second contact portion 58b2 and the first contact portion 58a2 are not in contact with each other, the third gear 53 does not rotate even if the second gear rotates. Therefore, when the second contact portion 58b2 and the first contact portion 58a2 are not in contact with each other, even if the third gear 53 moves to a position where it meshes with the rail 19, the third gear 53 does not apply a moving force to the rail 19.

[0082] Next, as shown in FIG. 17, when the third gear 53 moves to a position where the second contact portion 58b2 and the first contact portion 58a2 come into contact with each other, even when the third gear 53 is in contact with the first limiting portion 60 (in other words, the fourth gear 61), the rotational force of the second gear 45 is transmitted to the third gear 53, and the third gear 53 rotates against the limitation by the first limiting portion 60. Then, as the third gear 53 rotates, it applies a moving force to the rail 19. That is, due to the rotation of the third gear 53, the relative position between the sliding door moving device 31 and the rail 19 changes. In FIG. 17, when the sliding door moving device 31 is used as a reference, the rail 19 moves relatively from right to left in the figure. Thereby, the relative position between the sliding door 11 and the rail 19 changes, and the sliding door 11 moves in the opening direction in FIG. 1.

[0083] When the motor 33 is stopped, the sliding door moving device 31 configured as described above assumes a first state in which it is separated from the rail 19 (see FIG. 15). At this time, since the sliding door moving device 31 does not restrict the movement of the sliding door 11, the sliding door 11 moves in the closing direction by its own weight along the sloped rail 19.

[0084] Further, when the motor 33 is generating a driving force, the sliding door moving device 31 assumes a second state in which it is in contact with (meshed with) the rail 19 (see FIG. 17). At this time, since the sliding door moving device 31 applies a moving force to the rail 19, the sliding door 11 moves in the opening direction along the rail by the moving force of the sliding door moving device 31.

[0085] [1-6. Effect] As described above, the sliding door moving system 1 is configured to be able to switch between a first state in which the sliding door moving device 31 is separated from the rail 19 and a second state in which the sliding door moving device 31 applies a moving force to the rail 19 according to whether the motor 33 is generating a driving force. The sliding door moving device 31 in the second state can move the sliding door 11 using the driving force of the motor s 33.

[0086] Therefore, the sliding door moving system 1 can supply a driving force for moving the sliding door 11 and a power for switching the state of the driving force transmission unit 34 (in other words, switching the driving force transmission state) with a single motor 33.

[0087] Also, the indoor unit 22 (specifically, the control unit 22a) moves the sliding door 11 by supplying power to the motor 33 for a driving time T1 in response to the establishment of the sliding door moving condition. In this way, by restricting the power supply time to the motor 33, it is possible to suppress the sliding door 11 from moving beyond the maximum movable distance and to suppress damage to the motor 33.

[0088] [1-7. Corresponding relationships of expressions] Here, the corresponding relationships of expressions will be described. The electronic locking device 21 corresponds to an example of the locking device in the present disclosure, and the second plate 37 corresponds to an example of the second restricting portion in the present disclosure. The indoor unit 22 (specifically, the control unit 22a) corresponds to an example of the motor control unit in the present disclosure, and the battery 22b corresponds to an example of the power supply in the present disclosure.

[0089] [2. Other Embodiments] As described above, the embodiments of the present disclosure have been explained. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0090] (a) In the above embodiment, the sliding door moving system 1 including the electronic locking device 21 has been described. However, the sliding door moving system of the present disclosure may include a locking device that does not include the outdoor multi-reader 24 instead of the electronic locking device 21. This locking device may be configured such that the indoor unit 22 supplies power to the motor 33 in response to the sliding door 11 being switched from the locked state to the unlocked state by the thumb turn 23 or the key cylinder 25. The sliding door moving system including such a locking device can move the sliding door 11 in the opening direction in response to the unlocking operation of the sliding door 11 using the thumb turn 23 or the key cylinder 25 being executed by the user.

[0091] (b) In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the electronic locking device 21 performs the unlocking operation of the sliding door 11 by any one of the thumb turn 23, the key cylinder 25, and the outdoor multi-reader 24 has been described. However, a wireless communication unit may be further provided. The wireless communication unit may be configured to receive an unlocking command signal or a locking command signal by wireless communication at a distance farther than short-range wireless communication. The indoor unit 22 may determine that the sliding door movement condition is satisfied in response to the wireless communication unit receiving the unlocking command signal. Thereby, by using a command transmitter configured to output an unlocking command signal or a locking command signal, the user can perform the unlocking operation and the locking operation of the sliding door from a remote distance. In particular, when the unlocking command signal is received, the sliding door movement system may move the sliding door in the opening direction. The command transmitter may be configured by, for example, a remote control, a portable terminal device, a smartphone, a mobile phone, or the like.

[0092] (c) In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the motor control unit of the present disclosure is provided as the indoor unit 22 of the electronic locking device 21 has been described. However, the motor control unit of the present disclosure may be provided separately from the locking device. For example, a motor control device fixed to the sliding door may be provided separately from the locking device, and this motor control device may control the motor 33. The motor control device may include an operation unit (for example, a push button or the like) that receives a sliding door movement command from the user. The motor control device may be configured to determine that the sliding door movement condition is satisfied in response to receiving a sliding door movement command from the user at the operation unit and supply power to the motor. In this case, by additionally installing the motor control device and the sliding door movement device without replacing or modifying the existing locking device, it becomes possible to move the sliding door in the opening direction by the driving force of the motor. Such a sliding door movement system can reduce the burden of installation work on the existing sliding door.

[0093] (d) The sliding door moving device and the sliding door moving system of the present disclosure may be configured such that the motor control unit is provided not only in the locking device but also in a motor control device provided separately from the locking device. By providing the motor control unit at a plurality of locations in this way, the sliding door can be moved in more ways, making it easier for the user to use and improving the usability.

[0094] (e) The sliding door moving device and the sliding door moving system of the present disclosure may include a switching operation unit (for example, a changeover switch, etc.) for switching between a movable state in which the door opening operation is performed by the unlocking operation of the user and a movement prohibited state in which the door opening operation is not performed even when the unlocking operation is performed. By providing such a switching operation unit, in a situation where there is an obstacle to the movement of the sliding door, the movement of the sliding door by the sliding door moving device can be suppressed by switching to the movement prohibited state.

[0095] (f) The functions of one component in the above embodiment may be distributed among a plurality of components, or the functions of a plurality of components may be integrated into one component. Also, at least a part of the configuration of the above embodiment may be replaced with a known configuration having a similar function. Also, a part of the configuration of the above embodiment may be omitted. Also, at least a part of the configuration of the above embodiment may be added to or replaced with the configuration of another of the above embodiments. Note that all aspects included in the technical idea specified only by the language described in the claims are embodiments of the present disclosure.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0096] 1…Sliding door movement system, 11…Sliding door, 19…Rail, 21…Electronic locking device, 22…Indoor unit, 22a…Control unit, 22b…Battery, 23…Thumb turn, 24…Outdoor multi-reader, 25…Key cylinder, 31…Sliding door movement device, 32…Wired cable, 33…Motor, 34…Driving force transmission part, 35…First plate, 37…Second plate, 41…First gear, 45…Second gear, 45a…First end face, 45b…Second end face, 45e…Space part, 45e1…Opening, 53…Third gear, 53a…Third end face, 53b…Fourth end face, 53e…Second through hole, 55…First rotating shaft, 57…First moving part, 57a…Coil spring, 58…Second moving part, 58a…Space forming part, 58a1…First cam, 58a2…First contact part, 58a3…First end part, 58b…Protrusion, 58b1…Second cam, 58b2…Second contact part, 60…First limiting part, 61…Fourth gear, 63…Second rotating shaft, 65…Rotation restraining part.

Claims

1. A sliding door moving device configured to be fixed to a sliding door supported by a structure so as to move in two directions, a closing direction and an opening direction, a motor configured to rotate a first gear by generating a driving force, a driving force transmission unit fixed to the sliding door, which is configured to be in a first state when not receiving the driving force from the first gear and in a second state when receiving the driving force from the first gear. The first state is a state where the driving force transmission unit is separated from a rail provided on the structure, and the second state is a state where the driving force transmission unit abuts on the rail and the driving force transmission unit acts a moving force on the rail. The moving force is a force for the sliding door to move in the opening direction. A driving force transmission unit, A sliding door moving device comprising the above.

2. The sliding door moving device according to claim 1, wherein the driving force transmission unit is a cylindrical second gear having a first end face and a second end face, and is configured to rotate by receiving the driving force from the first gear with the central axis of the cylindrical shape as a rotation axis. A second gear, is a cylindrical third gear having a third end face and a fourth end face, and rotates on the same axis as the central axis of the second gear with the third end face facing the second end face, and is configured to move in the axial direction of the rotation axis. A third gear, is a first moving unit configured to move the third gear in the axial direction of the rotation axis, and is configured to move the third gear to a first position separated from the rail. A first moving unit, is a second moving unit configured to move the third gear in the axial direction of the rotation axis, and is configured to move the third gear to a second position where it abuts on the rail and transmit the rotational force of the second gear to the third gear arranged at the second position. A second moving unit, A sliding door moving device comprising the above.

3. The sliding door moving device according to claim 2, wherein the first moving unit includes an elastic biasing unit configured to apply a biasing force in a direction toward the second gear to the third gear by elastic deformation, wherein the second moving unit is a first cam integrally formed with the second gear, which faces the third gear and is inclined so that the distance from the third gear changes along the circumferential direction centered on the central axis of the second gear. A first cam, A first contact portion integrally formed with the second gear, the first contact portion being connected to an end portion of the first cam that is close to the second end face among the end portions of the first cam, and having a face facing the circumferential direction centered on the central axis of the second gear. A second cam integrally formed with the third gear, the second cam facing the first cam and being inclined so that the distance from the second gear changes along the circumferential direction centered on the central axis of the third gear. A second contact portion integrally formed with the third gear, the second contact portion being connected to an end portion of the second cam that is close to the third end face among the end portions of the second cam, having a face facing the circumferential direction centered on the central axis of the third gear, and being formed so as to contact the first contact portion when the third gear is disposed at the second position. A first restricting portion configured to restrict rotation of the third gear at the first position while allowing axial movement of the third gear. A second restricting portion configured to restrict the movement range of the third gear in the axial direction such that the position where the third gear is farthest from the second gear in the axial direction is the second position. Comprising The first cam has a shape that, when the second gear rotates upon receiving the driving force from the first gear, moves the second cam in contact with the first cam in a direction away from the second gear. Sliding door moving device.

4. The sliding door moving device according to claim 3, wherein the second moving portion is a space forming portion integrally formed with the second gear so as to be in contact with the internal space of the second gear, the internal space having an opening connected to the outside of the second gear, and the opening being formed in an arc shape centered on the rotation axis at the second end face of the second gear. is a protruding portion integrally formed with the third gear in a form protruding from the third end face toward the second gear, and the protruding portion is configured to be movable in the circumferential direction within the internal space of the second gear. Comprising The first cam is formed in the space forming portion. The first contact portion is formed in the space forming portion. The second cam is formed in the protruding portion. The second contact portion is formed in the protruding portion. Sliding door moving device.

5. The sliding door moving device according to claim 4, In response to the sliding door movement condition being satisfied to move the sliding door, the motor is driven to rotate the first gear over a predetermined driving time, and the motor is stopped when the driving time has elapsed, and the motor control unit is configured. Sliding door moving device.

6. The sliding door moving device according to claim 5, The sliding door is provided with a locking device configured to lock the sliding door when a locking operation is performed and unlock the sliding door when an unlocking operation is performed. The sliding door movement condition is predetermined to be satisfied by performing an unlocking operation with the locking device. Sliding door moving device.

7. The sliding door moving device according to claim 6, The locking device is provided with a power source, The motor is configured to be driven by electric power supplied from the power source of the locking device. Sliding door moving device.

8. The sliding door moving device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, A locking device fixed to the sliding door, the locking device being configured to lock the sliding door when a locking operation is performed and unlock the sliding door when an unlocking operation is performed, A sliding door moving system comprising.

Images