Cable connection mechanism

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a cable connection mechanism for suppressing buckling of an input cable connected to a pulley. A cable connection mechanism (1) comprises a casing (2), a pulley (3) rotatably attached to the casing (2), an input cable (4) of which one end (4a) is connected to a first engagement part (E1) of the pulley (3), and an output cable (5) of which one end (5a) is connected to a second engagement part (E2) of the pulley (3). When the input cable (4) moves from an initial position to an operation position, the first engagement part (E1) of the pulley (3) engages with the one end (4a) of the input cable (4), and when the input cable (4) moves from the operation position to the initial position, the one end (4a) of the input cable (4) is allowed to move in a direction away from the first engagement part (E1). The casing (2) has a retraction space (SP) into which one end (4a) of the input cable (4) can move when moving in a direction away from the first engagement part (E1).

Description

Cable connection mechanism

[0001] The present invention relates to a cable connection mechanism.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a cable operating mechanism that includes a pulley rotatably provided in a housing and a plurality of cables connected to the pulley.

[0003] The cable operating mechanism of Patent Document 1 is configured so that one input cable attached to a pulley operates two output cables attached to the same pulley, with the cable ends of the input cables fixed to cable end fixing portions provided on the end faces of the pulleys.

[0004] DE 102008034770

[0005] In the cable operation mechanism described above, the input cable is operated by operating the operating unit, causing the pulley to rotate from the initial rotation position to the operating rotation position. The rotation of the pulley operates the output cable connected to the pulley from the cable initial position to the cable operating position, thereby operating the operated unit connected to the output cable. When the input cable is released from the driving operation, the input cable attempts to return to its pre-operation state, for example, due to a biasing member such as a spring provided in the operating unit for operating the input cable. However, when the input cable is released from the operation, for example, the output cable may not return from the cable operating position to the cable initial position due to, for example, being caught on the operated unit, and the pulley may not return from the operating rotation position to the initial rotation position. In addition to being caught on the operated unit, other factors such as being caught on the pulley itself may also prevent the pulley from returning from the operating rotation position to the initial rotation position. If the input cable returns to its pre-operation state without the pulley returning to its initial rotation position, for example, the input cable may be compressed in the axial direction, causing a portion of the input cable adjacent to the cable end to bend, resulting in buckling of the input cable.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a cable connection mechanism that prevents buckling of an input cable connected to a pulley.

[0007] The cable connection mechanism of the present invention comprises a casing, a pulley rotatably mounted on the casing, an input cable having one end connected to a first engagement portion of the pulley, and an output cable having one end connected to a second engagement portion of the pulley and operating in conjunction with the input cable via the pulley, wherein the first engagement portion of the pulley engages with the one end of the input cable when the input cable moves from an initial position to an actuated position, and is configured to allow the one end of the input cable to move in a direction away from the first engagement portion when the input cable moves from the actuated position to the initial position, and the casing has a retraction space into which the one end of the input cable can move when it moves in a direction away from the first engagement portion.

[0008] According to the cable connection mechanism of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the input cable connected to the pulley from buckling.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a cable connection mechanism of one embodiment of the present invention is attached to an attachment object. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a cable connection mechanism of another embodiment of the present invention is attached to an attachment object. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a cable connection mechanism of one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a cable connection mechanism of one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a side view of a pulley used in the cable connection mechanism of one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a top view of the cable connection mechanism when the input cable is in an initial position. FIG. 7 is a top view of the cable connection mechanism when the input cable is in an actuated position. FIG. 8 is a top view of the cable connection mechanism showing a state in which one end of the input cable has moved in a direction away from the first engagement portion when the pulley is in the actuated position. FIG. 9 is a top view of a modified cable connection mechanism.

[0010] Hereinafter, a cable connection mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment described below is merely an example, and the cable connection mechanism of the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below.

[0011] In this specification, expressions such as "perpendicular to A" and similar expressions do not refer only to a direction that is completely perpendicular to A, but also refer to a direction that is approximately perpendicular to A. In this specification, expressions such as "parallel to B" and similar expressions do not refer only to a direction that is completely parallel to B, but also refer to a direction that is approximately parallel to B. In this specification, expressions such as "C-shape" and similar expressions do not refer only to a perfect C-shape, but also refer to a shape that visually resembles a C-shape (approximately a C-shape).

[0012] 1 and 3, the cable connection mechanism 1 of this embodiment includes a casing 2, a pulley 3 rotatably attached to the casing 2, an input cable 4 having one end 4a connected to a first engagement portion E1 of the pulley 3, and an output cable (first output cable) 5 having one end 5a connected to a second engagement portion E2 of the pulley 3 and operating in conjunction with the input cable 4 via the pulley 3. In this embodiment, the cable connection mechanism 1 further includes a second output cable 6 having one end 6a connected to a third engagement portion E3 of the pulley 3 and operating in conjunction with the input cable 4 via the pulley 3, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. The cable connection mechanism 1 may also include a second input cable 7 (see FIG. 2), as described below.

[0013] The cable connection mechanism 1 connects an input cable 4 and an output cable 5 via a pulley 3 inside a casing 2, and moves the output cable 5 in conjunction with the movement of the input cable 4. In this embodiment, the cable connection mechanism 1 connects the input cable 4 to the output cable 5 and a second output cable 6 via the pulley 3 inside the casing 2, and moves the output cable 5 and the second output cable 6 in conjunction with the movement of the input cable 4.

[0014] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 , the input cable 4 is directly or indirectly connected to the operation unit OP1. In this embodiment, the other end 4b of the input cable 4 is connected to the operation unit OP1. The input cable 4 is operated by operating the operation unit OP1. Furthermore, the output cable 5 is directly or indirectly connected to an operation object (first operation object) OP2. In this embodiment, the other end 5b of the output cable 5 is connected to the first operation object OP2. The output cable 5 is operated via the pulley 3 by operating the input cable 4. Furthermore, the second output cable 6 is directly or indirectly connected to an operation object (second operation object) OP3. In this embodiment, the other end 6b of the second output cable 6 is connected to the second operation object OP3. The input cable 4 is operated by operating the output cable 5 and the second output cable 6 via the pulley 3. Specific operations of the cable connection mechanism 1 by operating the input cable 4 will be described later.

[0015] 1, the cable connection mechanism 1 includes one input cable 4 and two output cables (output cable 5 and second output cable 6). However, as shown in FIG. 2, the cable connection mechanism 1 may include a second input cable 7 in addition to the input cable 4. Specifically, the second input cable 7 is directly or indirectly connected to the second operation unit OP4. In this embodiment, one end 7a of the second input cable 7 is connected to the pulley 3, and the other end 7b of the second input cable 7 is connected to the second operation unit OP4. By operating the second operation unit OP4, the second input cable 7 is operated, and the output cable 5 is operated via the pulley 3. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, by operating the second input cable 7, the output cable 5 and the second output cable 6 are operated via the pulley 3. Note that when the second input cable 7 is operated, the input cable 4 is not operated.

[0016] The input cable 4 (second input cable 7), the output cable 5, and the second output cable 6 may each be an inner cable of a known control cable. As shown in FIG. 1 , the input cable 4 includes a cable main body 41, one end (cable end) 4a provided at one end of the cable main body 41 and engaging with the pulley 3, and the other end (cable end) 4b provided at the other end of the cable main body 41 and connected to the operating unit OP1. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 2 , the second input cable 7 includes a cable main body 71, one end (cable end) 7a provided at one end of the cable main body 71 and engaging with the pulley 3, and the other end (cable end) 7b provided at the other end of the cable main body 71 and connected to the second operating unit OP4. Similarly, the output cable 5 includes a cable main body 51, one end (cable end) 5a provided at one end of the cable main body 51 and engaging with the pulley 3, and the other end (cable end) 5b provided at the other end of the cable main body 51 and connected to the first operation object OP2. Similarly, the second output cable 6 includes a cable main body 61, one end (cable end) 6a provided at one end of the cable main body 61 and engaging with the pulley 3, and the other end (cable end) 6b provided at the other end of the cable main body 61 and connected to the second operation object OP3. In this embodiment, the ends (cable ends) 5a, 6a of the input cable 4 (second input cable 7), output cable 5, and second output cable 6 are each spherical (see FIG. 3 ). However, the shapes of the ends 5a, 6a of the input cable 4 (second input cable 7), output cable 5 and second output cable 6 are not particularly limited as long as they can engage with the pulley 3, and may be cylindrical, polygonal prism or other shapes.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the input cable 4 (second input cable 7) is routed along a predetermined routing path connecting the casing 2 and the operation unit OP1 (second operation unit OP4). In this embodiment, the input cable 4 (second input cable 7) is housed in the outer casing OC (see FIG. 3 ) and routed along a predetermined routing path connecting the casing 2 and the operation unit OP1 (second operation unit OP4) by the outer casing OC. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the output cable 5 is routed along a predetermined routing path connecting the casing 2 and the first operation object OP2. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the second output cable 6 is routed along a predetermined routing path connecting the casing 2 and the second operation object OP3. In this embodiment, the output cable 5 and the second output cable 6 are also housed in the outer casing OC.

[0018] The use of the cable connection mechanism 1 is not particularly limited as long as it connects an input cable 4 and an output cable 5 via a pulley 3 inside a casing 2. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, a plurality of operation objects such as a first operation object OP2 and a second operation object OP3 are operated at once (substantially simultaneously) by a plurality of cables such as an output cable 5 and a second output cable 6.

[0019] In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the cable connection mechanism 1 has a first operation object OP2 and a second operation object OP3 provided on both sides of a casing 2 on an attachment object M. In this embodiment, the cable connection mechanism 1 is applied to an operating device for a vehicle seat reclining mechanism. Specifically, locking units (hereinafter referred to as locking units OP2 and OP3) that lock the reclining mechanisms of the seat M, which are the first and second operation objects, are provided on both the left and right sides of the vehicle seat (hereinafter referred to as seat M; in FIG. 1 , only the seat portion of seat M is shown by a two-dot chain line), which is the attachment object. The operation of the cable connection mechanism 1 will be described later. When the operation unit OP1 connected to the input cable 4 is operated, the locked state of the seat M by the locking units OP2 and OP3 is released, allowing the seat M to be reclined. 2, when either the operation unit OP1 connected to the input cable 4 or the second operation unit OP4 connected to the second input cable 7 is operated, the locked state of the seat M by the lock units OP2 and OP3 is released, allowing the seat M to be reclined. Note that the cable connection mechanism 1 is not limited to an operating device for a seat reclining mechanism, and may be applied to other mechanisms, such as a hood opening and closing mechanism.

[0020] The arrangement (routing direction) of the input cable 4, the output cable 5, and the second output cable 6 relative to one another can be changed as appropriate depending on the structure of the attachment object M to which the cable connection mechanism 1 is provided. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the output cable 5 is led out of the casing 2 in a direction opposite to the lead-out direction of the input cable 4, and the second output cable 6 is led out of the casing 2 in the same direction as the lead-out direction of the input cable 4. In this case, by positioning the casing 2 at an equal distance from the first operation object OP2 and the second operation object OP3, the length L1 (not shown) of the output cable 5 extending from the casing 2 to the first operation object OP2 and the length L2 (not shown) of the second output cable 6 extending from the casing 2 to the second operation object OP3 can be made equal, and differences in stroke loss, etc., are unlikely to occur between the output cable 5 and the second output cable 6. 1 (a configuration without the second input cable 7) will be used as an example to describe each part of the cable connection mechanism 1, and a description of the second input cable 7 will be omitted. The second input cable 7 basically has the same configuration as the input cable 4, and its relationship with other components is also substantially the same, so the description of the input cable 4 can be applied to the second input cable 7.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the casing 2 houses the pulley 3. Specifically, the casing 2 rotatably houses the pulley 3 and also houses a portion of the input cable 4, the output cable 5, and a portion of the second output cable 6 connected to the pulley 3. The shape and structure of the casing 2 are not particularly limited as long as it can rotatably house the pulley 3 and has a retreat space SP, which will be described later. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 , the casing 2 includes a first casing 21 and a second casing 22. Specifically, the casing 2 includes the first casing 21, which is provided on one side (the lower side in FIG. 3 ) in the axial direction of the rotation axis X of the pulley 3 and rotatably supports the pulley 3, and the second casing 22, which is provided on the other side (the upper side in FIG. 3 ) in the axial direction of the rotation axis X of the pulley 3. The second casing 22 functions as a lid that closes the first casing 21. In this embodiment, the casing 2 is composed of two members, the first casing 21 and the second casing 22, but the casing 2 may also be composed of a single member, for example, in which the first casing and the second casing are hingedly connected.

[0022] In this embodiment, the casing 2 is formed in a generally rectangular box shape having an internal space of a predetermined size as shown in Figures 3 and 4, but the casing may have other shapes, such as a generally cylindrical shape. In this embodiment, the casing 2 has a bottom wall 211 that rotatably supports the pulley 3 and side walls 212 that stand upright from the bottom wall 211. Specifically, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the casing 2 has a first side wall W1 and a second side wall W2 that face each other with the pulley 3 in between, and a third side wall W3 and a fourth side wall W4 that connect the first side wall W1 and the second side wall W2 and face each other with the pulley 3 in between.

[0023] 3 , the casing 2 has a support portion 213 that rotatably supports the pulley 3. The shape and structure of the support portion 213 are not particularly limited as long as it can support the pulley 3 rotatably around the rotation axis X. In this embodiment, the support portion 213 is configured by a shaft portion that extends approximately perpendicular to the bottom wall 211 of the casing 2.

[0024] The casing 2 also has a first cable lead-out portion 214a through which the input cable 4 is led out from the interior of the casing 2 to the exterior. The casing 2 also has a second cable lead-out portion 214b and a third cable lead-out portion 214c through which the output cable 5 and the second output cable 6 are led out from the interior of the casing 2 to the exterior, respectively. In this embodiment, the casing 2 also has a fourth cable lead-out portion 214d through which the second input cable 7 (see FIG. 2 ) can be led out when the second input cable 7 is provided. In this embodiment, the first side wall W1 is provided with the first cable lead-out portion 214a through which the input cable 4 is led out and the third cable lead-out portion 214c through which the second output cable 6 is led out. The second side wall W2 is also provided with the second cable lead-out portion 214b through which the output cable 5 is led out (and the fourth cable lead-out portion 214d through which the second input cable 7 can be led out). In this embodiment, the first cable lead-out portion 214a to the fourth cable lead-out portion 214d have an outer casing connection portion to which the outer casing OC, through which the input cable 4 (second input cable 7), output cable 5 and second output cable 6 are inserted, is connected.

[0025] 3, 4, and 6 to 9, the casing 2 has a retraction space SP and a guide surface 215. The retraction space SP and the guide surface 215 will be described later.

[0026] The pulley 3 is a rotating member attached to the casing 2 so as to be rotatable around the rotation axis X. The pulley 3 connects the input cable 4 and the output cable 5 via the pulley 3, thereby transmitting an operating force applied to the input cable 4 to the output cable 5 and interlocking the operation of the input cable 4 with the operation of the output cable 5. The pulley 3 also connects the input cable 4 and the second output cable 6 via the pulley 3, thereby transmitting an operating force applied to the input cable 4 to the second output cable 6 and interlocking the operation of the input cable 4 and the second output cable 6. In this embodiment, the pulley 3 transmits the operating force of one input cable 4 (or the second input cable 7) to both the output cable 5 and the second output cable 6, thereby interlocking the operation of one input cable 4 (or the second input cable 7) with the operation of the output cable 5 and the second output cable 6.

[0027] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3 , the pulley 3 includes a bearing portion 31 rotatably supported on the support portion 213 of the casing 2, and a winding groove 32 around which a cable such as the input cable 4 is wound. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4 , the pulley 3 also includes a first engagement portion E1 to which one end 4a of the input cable 4 is connected, a second engagement portion E2 to which one end 5a of the output cable 5 is connected, and a third engagement portion E3 to which one end 6a of the second output cable 6 is connected. In this embodiment, when the second input cable 7 is used, the pulley 3 also includes a fourth engagement portion E4 (see Figs. 2 and 3 ) to which one end 7a of the second input cable 7 (see Fig. 2 ) can be connected.

[0028] In this embodiment, the bearing portion 31 of the pulley 3 is configured so that a support portion 213 protruding from the bottom wall 211 of the casing 2 is inserted therethrough. The winding groove 32 is configured so that cables can be wound around it so that the input cable 4, the output cable 5, and the second output cable 6 can perform predetermined operations. The shape and structure of the winding groove 32 are not particularly limited as long as the cables can be wound around it so that the input cable 4, the output cable 5, and the second output cable 6 can perform predetermined operations. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5 , the pulley 3 has a first winding groove 32a around which the input cable 4 is wound, a second winding groove 32b around which the output cable 5 is wound, and a third winding groove 32c around which the second output cable 6 is wound. Furthermore, when the second input cable 7 is used, the pulley 3 has a fourth winding groove 32d around which the second input cable 7 is wound. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 5 , the first winding groove 32a and the fourth winding groove 32d are located at the same axial position in the axial direction of the pulley 3 (located on the lower side in Fig. 5 ), and the second winding groove 32b and the third winding groove 32c are located at the same axial position in the axial direction of the pulley 3 (located on the upper side in Fig. 5 ). The first winding groove 32a around which the input cable 4 is wound and the second winding groove 32b around which the output cable 5 is wound extend parallel to each other at different positions in the axial direction (thickness direction) of the pulley 3, but at partially the same position in the circumferential direction of the pulley 3. The fourth winding groove 32d around which the second input cable 7 is wound and the third winding groove 32c around which the second output cable 6 is wound extend parallel to each other at different positions in the axial direction of the pulley 3, but at partially the same position in the circumferential direction of the pulley 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the first winding groove 32a around which the input cable 4 is wound has a wall portion 33 that covers the radial outside of the first winding groove 32a in a predetermined circumferential region from the vicinity of the first engagement portion E1, and is configured so that the input cable 4 engaged with the first engagement portion E1 does not come off the first winding groove 32a of the pulley 3.

[0029] The first engagement portion E1 of the pulley 3 is a portion with which one end 4a (cable end) of the input cable 4 engages. Specifically, the first engagement portion E1 is configured to engage with the one end 4a of the input cable 4 when the input cable 4 is pulled toward the operating portion OP1. In this embodiment, a notch N is provided in a portion of the outer periphery of the pulley 3, on the opposite side of the cable main body 41 of the input cable 4 from the first engagement portion E1 in the circumferential direction of the pulley 3, by cutting out a portion of the outer periphery of the pulley 3 radially inward from the outer periphery (maximum diameter portion) of the pulley 3. The provision of the notch N makes it easier to engage the one end 4a of the input cable 4 with the first engagement portion E1. Furthermore, as described below, when the one end 4a of the input cable 4 moves in a direction away from the first engagement portion E1, it is easier to retreat into the retreat space SP of the casing 2, described below. The fourth engagement portion E4 may have a structure similar to that of the first engagement portion E1. A notch N is provided on the fourth engagement portion E4 on the opposite side to the cable main body 71 of the second input cable 7 (when the second input cable 7 is provided).

[0030] The second engagement portion E2 of the pulley 3 engages with one end (cable end) 5a of the output cable 5. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the second engagement portion E2 is configured as an open recess on one end face 3a of the pulley 3 so that the end 5a of the output cable 5 can be inserted from one axial end face 3a of the pulley 3. The second engagement portion E2 engages with the end 5a of the output cable 5 so as to restrict movement of the end 5a of the output cable 5 to both sides in the circumferential direction of the pulley 3. The second engagement portion E2 may have another shape, for example, a shape similar to that of the first engagement portion E1. Note that the third engagement portion E3 has a structure similar to that of the second engagement portion E2, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Note that the axial and circumferential positions of the pulley 3 at which the first to fourth engagement portions E1 to E4 are provided are not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the first engagement portion E1 and the fourth engagement portion E4 are provided on the pulley 3 at positions opposite to each other on a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis X, with the rotation axis X interposed therebetween. The second engagement portion E2 and the third engagement portion E3 are provided on the pulley 3 at positions opposite to each other on a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis X, with the rotation axis X interposed therebetween. The first engagement portion E1 and the fourth engagement portion E4 are provided at positions different from the second engagement portion E2 and the third engagement portion E3 in the axial direction of the rotation axis X. The first engagement portion E1 is provided between the second engagement portion E2 and the third engagement portion E3 in the circumferential direction of the pulley 3. The fourth engagement portion E4 is provided between the second engagement portion E2 and the third engagement portion E3 in the circumferential direction of the pulley 3.

[0031] Next, the operation of the cable connection mechanism 1 will be briefly described. FIG. 6 shows a state in which the input cable 4 is not being operated. The positions of each part of the input cable 4 in the initial state in which no operating force is applied to the input cable 4 are referred to as the initial position of the input cable 4. Furthermore, for other members of the cable connection mechanism 1, such as the output cable 5, the second output cable 6, the first operation object OP2, and the second operation object OP3, the positions corresponding to the initial state of the input cable 4 are also referred to as the initial positions. Furthermore, FIG. 7 shows a state in which the input cable 4 is being operated. The position of the input cable 4 when it is operated a predetermined amount to operate the output cable 5 (and the second output cable 6) is referred to as the actuation position. Furthermore, for other members of the cable connection mechanism 1, such as the output cable 5, the second output cable 6, the first operation object OP2, and the second operation object OP3, the positions corresponding to the actuation position of the input cable 4 are also referred to as the actuation positions.

[0032] From the state shown in FIG. 6 , for example, the input cable 4 is pulled by operating the operating unit OP1 (see FIG. 1 ). When the input cable 4 is pulled, the pulley 3 rotates in a first rotation direction D1 (see FIG. 6 ) around the rotation axis X from the initial position toward the actuated position. When the pulley 3 rotates in the first rotation direction D1, the output cable 5 and the second output cable 6, one end 5 a of which is connected to the pulley 3, are operated. Specifically, in FIG. 6 , when the input cable 4 is pulled in one direction (to the right in FIG. 6 ) along the axial direction of the input cable 4, the pulley 3 rotates in the first rotation direction D1 (clockwise in FIG. 6 ), the output cable 5 is operated in the same direction as the actuated direction of the input cable 4, and the second output cable 6 is operated in the opposite direction to the actuated direction of the input cable 4 (see FIG. 7 ). Note that the input cable 4 may be configured to return from the actuated position to the initial position when the actuating force on the input cable 4 is released. In this embodiment, the input cable 4 is biased from the actuated position to the initial position by a biasing member B such as a spring, as shown in Fig. 1 , but may be configured to return from the actuated position to the initial position by a force other than the biasing member B (for example, gravity acting on the input cable 4). In this embodiment, the input cable 4 is biased to the initial position by a biasing member B provided in the operation unit OP1, as shown in Fig. 1 . Note that the output cable 5 and the second output cable 6 may be biased from the actuated position to the initial position by biasing members (not shown), such as springs, provided in the first operation object OP2 and the second operation object OP3.

[0033] 6 and 7 , in this embodiment, the first engagement portion E1 of the pulley 3 engages with the one end 4 a of the input cable 4 when the input cable 4 moves from the initial position (see FIG. 6 ) to the actuated position (see FIG. 7 ). On the other hand, when the input cable 4 moves from the actuated position to the initial position, the first engagement portion E1 is configured to allow the one end 4 a of the input cable 4 to move in a direction away from the first engagement portion E1 (see FIG. 8 ). Here, "allowing movement in a direction away from the first engagement portion E1" refers to a state in which the movement of the one end 4 a of the input cable 4 is not restricted, so that the one end 4 a of the input cable 4 can move in a direction away from the first engagement portion E1 from a state in which the one end 4 a of the input cable 4 and the first engagement portion E1 are in contact and engaged with each other. More specifically, "allowing movement in a direction away from the first engagement portion E1" means a state in which there is no obstacle on the side of the cable main body 41 opposite the end 4a of the input cable 4, unlike, for example, the second engagement portion E2 with which the end 5a of the output cable 5 engages, where obstacles such as walls are provided on both sides of the end 5a in the extension direction of the cable main body 51. An example of a case in which the end 4a of the input cable 4 moves in a direction away from the first engagement portion E1 of the pulley 3 without the pulley 3 rotating is when a force is applied to the input cable 4 in a direction in which the end 4a of the input cable 4 moves away from the first engagement portion E1 of the pulley 3, without the pulley 3 rotating. For example, after the input cable 4 is operated by the operation unit OP1, the operation of the operation unit OP1 is released, and a force is applied by the biasing member B provided on the operation unit OP1 to return the input cable 4 to its initial position, while the pulley 3 stops in the actuated position for some reason. Another example is when the input cable 4 is pushed in manually during repair, inspection, etc. of the cable connection mechanism 1. In these cases, when one end 4 a of the input cable 4 moves in a direction away from the first engagement portion E1, if one end 4 a of the input cable 4 abuts against a part of the casing 2, such as the inner wall of the casing 2, and then is further pressed against a part of the casing 2, the input cable 4 may buckle.

[0034] In this embodiment, to suppress the above-described buckling, the casing 2 has a retraction space SP into which the one end 4 a of the input cable 4 can move when it moves in a direction away from the first engagement portion E1, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 . The retraction space SP is configured to allow the input cable 4 to move in a state in which buckling of the input cable 4 is suppressed when the one end 4 a of the input cable 4 moves in a direction away from the first engagement portion E1. Note that, to ensure that buckling of the input cable 4 is suppressed, the retraction space SP is provided at a position and with a size that prevents the input cable 4 from being bent beyond its allowable bending radius within the range of movement of the input cable 4 when it moves in a direction away from the first engagement portion E1 (e.g., the range of movement of the input cable 4 when it moves from the actuation position to the initial position). In this embodiment, the retraction space SP is provided so that the curvature of the input cable 4 does not become larger than the curvature of the winding groove 32 of the pulley 3 within the range of movement of the input cable 4 when it moves in a direction away from the first engagement portion E1 (e.g., the range of movement of the input cable 4 when it moves from the actuation position to the initial position). In this embodiment, the retraction space SP is configured to have a size and shape that allows the input cable 4 to move by the stroke length from the initial position of the input cable 4 to the actuation position.

[0035] In this embodiment, the cable connection mechanism 1 has a structure that allows one end 4 a of the input cable 4 to move in a direction away from the first engagement portion E1, and the above-described retreat space SP is provided. As a result, even if a force is applied to the one end 4 a of the input cable 4 in a direction away from the first engagement portion E1 of the pulley 3 without the pulley 3 rotating, the input cable 4 moves into the retreat space SP, as shown in FIG. 8 , thereby suppressing buckling of the input cable 4. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8 , when the input cable 4 moves from the actuated position to the initial position without the pulley 3 returning from the actuated position to the initial position, the one end 4 a of the input cable 4 moves into the retreat space SP, thereby suppressing the application of a compressive force to the cable main 41 of the input cable 4 in the axial direction of the cable main 41. This suppresses buckling of the cable main 41.

[0036] The position where the evacuation space SP is provided is not particularly limited as long as it is provided at a position that can prevent buckling of the input cable 4. For example, unlike the evacuation space SP shown in Figures 6 to 8, the evacuation space may be provided along the outer circumferential portion of the pulley 3 (it may be a space provided on the opposite side of the cable main body 41 in the circumferential direction of the pulley 3 with respect to the first engagement portion E1). In this embodiment, the evacuation space SP is provided radially outward of the pulley 3 with respect to the outer periphery of the pulley 3, as shown in Figure 8. Since the evacuation space SP is located radially outside the pulley 3, the thickness (axial dimension of the pulley 3) and diameter of the pulley 3 can be reduced (if a evacuation space is provided in the pulley 3, the outer diameter of the pulley 3 must be increased because space must be secured within the pulley 3 for the stroke of the input cable 4 returning from the operating position to the initial position. Also, if a evacuation space is provided in the pulley 3, the thickness of the pulley 3 must be increased to prevent the input cable 4 from interfering with one end 5a, 6a of the output cable 5 or the second output cable 6 when it moves through the evacuation space).

[0037] In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 8 , the casing 2 has a guide surface 215 for redirecting the direction of movement of the one end 4a of the input cable 4 toward the evacuation space SP when the input cable 4 moves from the actuated position to the initial position and the one end 4a of the input cable 4 moves in a direction away from the first engagement portion E1. The guide surface 215 guides the one end 4a of the input cable 4 into the evacuation space SP, thereby further suppressing buckling of the input cable 4. In this embodiment, the guide surface 215 is provided on an extension line of the cable main body 41 of the input cable 4 when in the actuated position (a portion of the cable main body 41 adjacent to the one end 4a of the input cable 4), and is inclined with respect to the extending direction of the cable main body 41 of the input cable 4 when in the actuated position (see Fig. 7 ). As a result, when the one end 4 a of the input cable 4 comes into contact with the guide surface 215, the input cable 4 is not compressed in the extension direction of the cable main body 41 but is redirected toward the evacuation space SP as shown in FIG. 8 (for example, when the input cable 4 is in the actuated position and comes into contact with a surface extending perpendicular to the extension direction of the cable main body 41, the input cable 4 is likely to be compressed in the axial direction and buckle). In this embodiment, the guide surface 215 is flat. However, as in a modified example described later (see FIG. 9 ), the guide surface 215 may be curved or may be a combination of flat and curved surfaces. The inclination angle of the guide surface 215 is not particularly limited. For example, it is preferable that the angle θ (see FIG. 7 ) formed between the extension direction of the cable main body 41 of the input cable 4 in the actuated position and the guide surface 215 (or, if the guide surface 215 is curved, the tangent at the portion where the guide surface 215 contacts the one end 4 a) is 135° or more and 165° or less. In this case, the reaction force from the guide surface 215 in the axial direction of the cable main body 41 of the input cable 4 that comes into contact with the guide surface 215 is reduced, further suppressing buckling.

[0038] In this embodiment, a retraction space SP is provided adjacent to the guide surface 215. In this embodiment, the retraction space SP extends from the position of the guide surface 215 in a direction intersecting the axis of the cable main 41 of the input cable 4 when the cable is in the actuated position. As a result, the input cable 4 is slightly bent by the guide surface 215, as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 8 , and then moves in a direction intersecting the axis of the cable main 41 of the input cable 4 when the cable is in the actuated position, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 8 . This configuration eliminates the need to enlarge the casing 2 in the axial direction of the cable main 41 of the input cable 4 when the cable is in the actuated position (the left-right direction in FIG. 8 ). In this embodiment, the retraction space SP extends from the position of the guide surface 215 in a direction approximately perpendicular to the axis of the cable main 41 of the input cable 4 when the cable is in the actuated position. More specifically, the evacuation space SP extends between a side wall (second side wall) W2 that extends substantially perpendicular to the cable body 41 of the input cable 4 when in the actuated position, and the outer periphery of the pulley 3. The width (width in the left-right direction in FIG. 8) of the evacuation space SP between the side wall W2 and the outer periphery of the pulley 3 is preferably set to a size that allows one end 4a of the input cable 4 to move, for example, 1.5 to 3 times the width of one end 4a.

[0039] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the input cable 4 and the output cable 5 extend offset in the axial direction of the pulley 3, and the guide surface 215 is positioned so as not to interfere with the cable main body 51 of the output cable 5. As a result, even if the input cable 4 and the output cable 5 extend in the same straight line (or nearly so) when viewed in the axial direction of the pulley 3, as shown in FIG. 8 , the guide surface 215 does not interfere with the routing of the output cable 5. Therefore, there are no restrictions on the routing method of the input cable 4 and the output cable 5 or the shape of the casing 2. In this embodiment, the guide surface 215 is erected from the bottom wall 211 of the casing 2 at a height so as not to interfere with the output cable 5. More specifically, the guide surface 215 is provided on a substantially triangular protrusion provided at a corner of the casing 2 where the second cable guide portion 214b, from which the output cable 5 is guided, is provided so as to connect the third side wall W3 and the second cable guide portion 214b. In this case, the protrusion including the guide surface 215 also functions as a reinforcing portion against impacts applied to the second cable lead-out portion 214b from the outer casing OC through which the output cable 5 is inserted.

[0040] FIG. 9 illustrates a modified example of the cable connection mechanism 1. In the above embodiment, the guide surface 215 is provided only in a predetermined region extending from the extension of the cable main body 41 of the input cable 4 when the input cable 4 is in the actuated position. However, in the modified example shown in FIG. 9 , the guide surface 215 extends along the evacuation space SP. Specifically, the guide surface 215 is provided from the extension of the cable main body 41 of the input cable 4 when the input cable 4 is in the actuated position to a length corresponding to the stroke of the input cable 4 when it moves from the actuated position to the initial position. As a result, after the end 4 a of the input cable 4 leaves the first engagement portion E1, the guide surface 215 continues to guide the end 4 a of the input cable 4 to its final position (see FIG. 9 ). This prevents the end 4 a of the input cable 4 from getting caught on a part of the casing 2, further suppressing buckling of the input cable 4.

[0041] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Note that the above-described embodiments mainly describe the invention having the following configurations.

[0042] (1) A cable connection mechanism comprising: a casing; a pulley rotatably attached to the casing; an input cable having one end connected to a first engagement portion of the pulley; and an output cable having one end connected to a second engagement portion of the pulley and operating in conjunction with the input cable via the pulley, wherein the first engagement portion of the pulley is configured to engage with the one end of the input cable when the input cable moves from an initial position to an actuation position, and to allow the one end of the input cable to move in a direction away from the first engagement portion when the input cable moves from the actuation position to the initial position; and the casing has a retraction space into which the one end of the input cable can move when it moves in a direction away from the first engagement portion.

[0043] (2) The cable connecting mechanism according to (1), wherein the retraction space is provided radially outward of the pulley with respect to the outer periphery of the pulley.

[0044] (3) The cable connection mechanism according to (1) or (2), wherein the casing has a guide surface for changing the direction of movement of the one end of the input cable toward the evacuation space when the input cable moves from the operating position to the initial position and the one end of the input cable moves in a direction away from the first engagement portion.

[0045] (4) The cable connection mechanism according to any one of (1) to (3), further comprising: a second output cable having one end connected to a third engagement portion of the pulley and operating in conjunction with the input cable via the pulley; the output cable being led out of the casing in a direction opposite to the direction in which the input cable is led out; and the second output cable being led out of the casing in the same direction as the direction in which the input cable is led out.

[0046] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Cable connection mechanism 2 Casing 21 First casing 211 Bottom wall 212 Side wall 213 Support portion 214a First cable guide portion 214b Second cable guide portion 214c Third cable guide portion 214d Fourth cable guide portion 215 Guide surface 22 Second casing 3 Pulley 3a One end face of pulley 31 Bearing portion 32 Winding groove 32a First winding groove 32b Second winding groove 32c Third winding groove 32d Fourth winding groove 33 Wall portion 4 Input cable 4a One end of input cable 4b Other end of input cable 41 Cable main body 5 Output cable 5a One end of output cable 5b Other end of output cable 51 Cable main body 6 Second output cable 6a One end of second output cable 6b Other end of second output cable 61 Cable main body 7 Second input cable 7a One end of the second input cable 7b Other end of the second input cable 71 Cable main body B Urging member D1 First rotation direction E1 First engagement portion E2 Second engagement portion E3 Third engagement portion E4 Fourth engagement portion M Mounting object (seat) N Notch portion OC Outer casing OP1 Operation portion OP2 First operation object (lock portion) OP3 Second operation object (lock portion) OP4 Second operation portion SP Retreat space W1 First side wall W2 Second side wall W3 Third side wall W4 Fourth side wall X Rotation axis of pulley θ Angle formed between the extending direction of the cable main body of the input cable when in the operating position and the guide surface

Claims

1. A cable connection mechanism comprising: a casing; a pulley rotatably attached to the casing; an input cable having one end connected to a first engagement portion of the pulley; and an output cable having one end connected to a second engagement portion of the pulley and operating in conjunction with the input cable via the pulley, wherein the first engagement portion of the pulley engages with the one end of the input cable when the input cable moves from an initial position to an operating position, and is configured to allow the one end of the input cable to move in a direction away from the first engagement portion when the input cable moves from the operating position to the initial position, and the casing has a retraction space into which the one end of the input cable can move when it moves in a direction away from the first engagement portion.

2. The cable connection mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the retraction space is provided radially outward of the pulley relative to the outer periphery of the pulley.

3. A cable connection mechanism as described in claim 1, wherein the casing has a guide surface for changing the direction of movement of the one end of the input cable toward the retraction space when the input cable moves from the operating position to the initial position and the one end of the input cable moves in a direction away from the first engagement portion.

4. A cable connection mechanism as described in claim 1, wherein the cable connection mechanism further comprises: a second output cable having one end connected to a third engagement portion of the pulley and operating in conjunction with the input cable via the pulley; the output cable is led out of the casing in a direction opposite to the direction in which the input cable is led out; and the second output cable is led out of the casing in the same direction as the direction in which the input cable is led out.

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