Electric umbrella

Abstract

An electric umbrella (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a base pole (10); a lifting pole (11); umbrella ribs that open and close as the lifting pole (11) expands and contracts relative to the base pole (10); and a linear motion actuator (1) that expands and contracts the lifting pole (11) relative to the base pole (10). The linear motion actuator (1) comprises: a lead screw (19); a nut (22) that meshes with the lead screw (19) and is integrated with the lifting pole (11); and a motor that rotates the lead screw (19). The base pole (10) is configured so as to be detachably divided in the axial direction, and comprises an intermediate pole (10I) and a lower pole (10L). An intermediate plate (8) is detachably provided between the intermediate pole (10I) and the lower pole (10L). The intermediate plate (8) comprises a bearing part (90) for rotatably supporting the lead screw (19).

Description

Electric umbrella 【0001】 The present invention relates to an electric umbrella. This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-218357 filed in Japan on December 13, 2024, and incorporates the content thereof herein. 【0002】 Conventionally, a hand-held electric umbrella that opens and closes umbrella ribs having a main rib and a receiving rib electrically is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This includes a support column provided with a winch at the tip, a feed screw (screw shaft) housed in the support column and rotatably supported at both ends of the support column, a nut meshed with the feed screw, and a motor (electric motor) housed in a grip integrated with the base end portion of the support column for rotating the feed screw, and umbrella ribs rotatably provided on the winch and the nut. When the feed screw rotates with the drive of the motor, the nut slides along the axial direction of the feed screw. The relative distance between the winch and the nut changes with the forward and reverse rotation of the feed screw. Thereby, the umbrella ribs are opened and closed. 【0003】 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-322622 【0004】 By the way, in recent years, there has been an increasing demand for installing large electric umbrellas in commercial facilities, outdoors, etc. to block sunlight, rain, etc. In a large electric umbrella, the length of the support column is much longer than that of a hand-held electric umbrella. In a large electric umbrella, the diameter of the support column, the weight of the umbrella ribs, etc. are much larger than those of a hand-held electric umbrella. Accordingly, the load on the feed screw and the motor is also large. 【0005】 However, in the above-described conventional technology, since the feed screw is simply rotatably supported at both ends of the support column, in order to rotate this long feed screw smoothly, high accuracy is required in the manufacture of the feed screw and the support column. For this reason, there is a problem that the assemblability is poor. Since the support column and the grip are integrated, there is also a problem that the maintainability is poor. 【0006】 The present invention provides an electric umbrella capable of improving assemblability and maintainability. 【0007】An electric umbrella according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a cylindrical base support having a first end and a second end on both sides in the axial direction, a movable support housed within the base support and provided to be extendable and retractable relative to the base support, umbrella ribs provided at the first end of the base support and the end of the movable support in the same direction as the first end, and a linear actuator housed within the base support, wherein the umbrella ribs open and close in accordance with the extension and retraction movement of the movable support relative to the base support, the linear actuator extends and retracts the movable support relative to the base support, and the linear actuator is housed within the base support and the movable support The system comprises a feed screw to be inserted, a nut that engages with the feed screw and is integrated with the movable support column, and a motor connected to the second end side of the base support column on the feed screw, wherein the motor rotates the feed screw, and the base support column is detachably divided in the axial direction, comprising a first support column including the first end and housing the movable support column, and a second support column including the second end and housing the motor, and comprising an intermediate plate detachably provided between the first support column and the second support column, the intermediate plate comprising a motor-side bearing portion that rotatably supports the feed screw. 【0008】 Thus, the base support is divided axially into a first support and a second support. An intermediate plate is provided between the first and second support to rotatably support the lead screw. Therefore, by adjusting the position of the intermediate plate, manufacturing errors of the lead screw can be absorbed by the intermediate plate. Consequently, even with a long lead screw, it is not necessary to increase the manufacturing precision unnecessarily, and the lead screw can be rotated smoothly. Thus, the assembly of the electric umbrella can be improved. Because the base support is divided and an intermediate plate is provided that can be attached and detached between the first and second support, the condition inside the base support can be easily checked. Thus, the maintainability of the electric umbrella can be improved. 【0009】In the above configuration, the motor-side bearing portion comprises a cylindrical bearing housing that protrudes from the intermediate plate toward the first support column, and a bearing body housed within the bearing housing, the bearing body into which the lead screw is fitted. 【0010】 In the above configuration, the lead screw comprises a shaft portion fitted into the bearing body and connected to the motor, and a threaded portion provided coaxially with the shaft portion at the end of the shaft portion opposite to the motor, the threaded portion being fitted with a nut, and the outer diameter of the threaded portion being larger than the outer diameter of the shaft portion via a stepped surface, the bearing body comprising a flange portion overlapping the end of the bearing housing opposite to the intermediate plate, and an annular bush provided between the stepped surface and the flange portion, the inner diameter of the bush being sized to fit onto the outer surface of the shaft portion, and the outer diameter of the bush being larger than the outer diameter of the flange portion. 【0011】 In the above configuration, the first support column is provided with a cylindrical flange on the second end side, the cylindrical flange comprising a cylindrical portion that fits onto the inner circumferential surface of the first support column and an intermediate outer flange portion provided at the end of the cylindrical portion on the intermediate plate side, the intermediate outer flange portion protruding radially outward from the second end side of the first support column and overlapping the intermediate plate. 【0012】 In the above configuration, the first support column is provided with an umbrella rib-side bearing portion at its first end, the umbrella rib-side bearing portion rotatably supports the lead screw, and the first end side of the first support column is divided in the axial direction and includes a third support column including the first end. 【0013】 In the above configuration, the third support column is provided with guides on the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface of the movable support column at locations facing the third support column in the radial direction. These guides restrict the rotational movement of the movable support column relative to the base support column and allow axial movement of the movable support column relative to the base support column. 【0014】In the above configuration, the third support column is provided on the first end side and has a ferrule having a plurality of hinge parts through which the umbrella ribs are rotatably connected, and an anti-tipping plate is provided on the second end side of the hinge part and extends radially outward from the hinge part. 【0015】 In the above configuration, the prevention plate includes an upper outer flange portion provided at the first end of the third support column, the upper outer flange portion protrudes radially outward, the turntable is provided such that at least the hinge portion is positioned on the upper outer flange portion, and the outer peripheral edge of the upper outer flange portion is located radially outward from the hinge portion. 【0016】 An electric umbrella according to another aspect of the present invention comprises a cylindrical base support having a first end and a second end on both sides in the axial direction; a movable support housed within the base support and provided to be extendable and retractable relative to the base support; umbrella ribs provided at the first end of the base support and the end of the movable support in the same direction as the first end; and a linear actuator housed within the base support, wherein the umbrella ribs open and close in accordance with the extension and retraction movement of the movable support relative to the base support; the linear actuator extends and retracts the movable support relative to the base support; and the linear actuator includes a feed screw inserted into the base support and the movable support, and a mechanism that engages with the feed screw. The system includes a nut integrated with the movable support column and a motor connected to the second end of the base support column on the lead screw, the motor rotating the lead screw, the base support column being detachably divided in the axial direction, the base support column comprising a first support column including the first end and housing the movable support column, a second support column including the second end and housing the motor, and a connecting member detachably provided to the first support column and the second support column, the connecting member connecting the first support column and the second support column, the movable support column being unable to rotate around the axis of the base support column relative to the first support column and being extendable and retractable relative to the first support column. 【0017】In this way, the base support is divided axially into a first support and a second support. These first and second supports are connected by a connecting member. Therefore, even if the base support is made larger compared to the case where there is only one base support, the assembly of the electric umbrella can be improved because the base support is divided. 【0018】 In addition, the connecting member linking the first support column and the second support column is detachable from the first support column and the second support column. Therefore, by removing the connecting member, the first support column can be rotated around its axis relative to the second support column. The first support column is provided with a movable support column that is not rotatable relative to its axis but is extendable and retractable. Therefore, when the first support column is rotated around its axis relative to the second support column, the movable support column extends and retracts relative to the first support column. With this configuration, for example, if a motor malfunction occurs, the connecting member can be removed and the first support column can be rotated relative to the second support column, allowing the umbrella ribs to be opened and closed as the movable support column extends and retracts. In other words, it becomes possible to open and close the umbrella ribs manually. Thus, the maintainability of the electric umbrella can be improved. 【0019】 The aforementioned electric umbrella can improve ease of assembly and maintenance. 【0020】 This is a front view of the electric umbrella in the closed state according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a front view of the electric umbrella in the open state according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic diagram of section III in Figure 2. This is a schematic diagram of section IV in Figure 2. This is a cross-sectional view of section V in Figure 4 along the vertical direction. This is a cross-sectional view of section VI in Figure 3 along the vertical direction. This is a cross-sectional view along the axial direction showing a schematic of the connection point between the intermediate support and the lower support in a modified example of an embodiment of the present invention. This is an explanatory diagram regarding the maintenance of the electric umbrella in a modified example of an embodiment of the present invention. 【0021】 Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 【0022】<Electric Umbrella> Figures 1 and 2 are front views of the electric umbrella (parasol) 100. Figure 1 shows the umbrella ribs (main ribs 14, secondary ribs 15) of the electric umbrella 100 in the closed state. Figure 2 shows the umbrella ribs of the electric umbrella 100 in the open state. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of section III in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of section IV in Figure 2. In Figures 3 and 4, some parts are shown with dashed lines to show the internal structure. As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the electric umbrella 100 is installed on a mounting surface F such as a road or floor in, for example, a commercial facility or outdoors. In the following description, the vertical direction refers to the state in which the electric umbrella 100 is installed on the mounting surface F. 【0023】 The electric umbrella 100 comprises a cylindrical base column 10 fixed to the installation surface F, a cylindrical lifting column (an example of a movable column in the claim) 11 fitted to the inner circumferential surface of the base column 10, and a linear actuator 1 for raising and lowering the lifting column 11. The base column 10 and the lifting column 11 have their axial directions aligned in the vertical direction. The upper part of the lifting column 11 protrudes (extends) upward relative to the base column 10. 【0024】 An annular lower wheel 12 is fixed to the upper end of the base support 10. An annular upper wheel 13 is fixed to the upper end of the lifting support 11. A retractable bellows tube 9 is connected to these lower wheel 12 and upper wheel 13. The bellows tube 9 covers the portion of the lifting support 11 that protrudes upward from the base support 10 from the outside. 【0025】 Multiple male hinges 27 are provided on the outer circumference of the lower potter's wheel 12. The multiple male hinges 27 protrude radially outward from the outer circumference of the lower potter's wheel 12 and are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Each male hinge 27 is rotatably connected to the base end of each of the multiple main ribs 14. More specifically, each base end of each main rib 14 is provided with a female hinge 28. Each of these female hinges 28 is rotatably connected to the corresponding male hinge 27. As a result, the base end of each main rib 14 is rotatably connected to each male hinge 27 of the lower potter's wheel 12. 【0026】Multiple ribs 14 extend radially outward from the lower ferrule 12. The multiple ribs 14 hold umbrella fabric (not shown). A female hinge 16 is attached to the upper side of the center of the longitudinal direction of each rib 14. A male hinge 17, described later, is rotatably connected to the female hinge 16. 【0027】 The base ends of multiple support ribs 15 are rotatably connected to the upper runner 13 at positions corresponding to the main ribs 14. The multiple support ribs 15 extend radially outward from the upper runner 13. A male hinge 17, which is connected to a female hinge 16, is attached to the tip of each support rib 15. Each of these main ribs 14 and support ribs 15 constitutes a link mechanism 18 for opening and closing the umbrella. 【0028】 In the following explanation, the position where the lifting support 11 protrudes sufficiently upward from the base support 10 and the upper wheel 13 is sufficiently far above the lower wheel 12 (see Figure 1) is defined as the raised position of the upper wheel 13. The position where the lifting support 11 hardly protrudes from the base support 10 and the upper wheel 13 is close to the lower wheel 12 (see Figure 2) is defined as the lowered position of the upper wheel 13. 【0029】 The link mechanism 18 closes the multiple ribs 14 upwards when the upper ferrule 13 is in the raised position. In other words, the electric umbrella 100 closes. The link mechanism 18 opens the multiple ribs 14 radially when the upper ferrule 13 is in the lowered position. In other words, the electric umbrella 100 opens. More specifically, the link mechanism 18 closes the ribs 14 upwards by pulling up the longitudinal central part (female hinge 16) of the ribs 14 as the upper ferrule 13 rises. The link mechanism 18 pushes down the female hinge 16 of the ribs 14 as the upper ferrule 13 descends, pushing the ribs 14 radially open. 【0030】Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of section V in Figure 4 along the vertical direction. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of section VI in Figure 3 along the vertical direction. As shown in Figures 3 to 6, the base support column 10 comprises a lower support column (an example of the second support column in the claim) 10L whose lower end is fixed to the installation surface F, an upper support column (an example of the first and third support columns in the claim) 10U to which the lower turn 12 is fixed at the upper end, and an intermediate support column (an example of the first support column in the claim) 10I connecting the lower support column 10L and the upper support column 10U. All of these support columns 10L, 10U, and 10I are formed in a cylindrical shape. 【0031】 An upper flange 75 that protrudes radially outward is integrally molded at the upper end (an example of the first end in the claim) 10Ua of the upper support column 10U. An upper lower flange 76 that protrudes radially outward is integrally molded at the lower end 10Ub of the upper support column 10U. The lower potter's wheel 12 is placed on the upper flange 75. Therefore, the male hinge 27 of the lower potter's wheel 12 overlaps with the upper flange 75. The upper flange 75 and the lower potter's wheel 12 are fixed together by bolts 77a and nuts 78a. The upper support column 10U and the lower potter's wheel 12 are arranged coaxially. The outer diameter of the upper flange 75 is larger than the outer diameter of the lower potter's wheel 12. More specifically, the outer peripheral edge 75a of the upper flange 75 is located radially outward from the male hinge 27. 【0032】 A counterbore 79 is formed around the entire inner circumference of the upper flange 75. A three-pronged support block 81 is provided in the counterbore 79 when viewed from above. A bearing portion 80 is provided in the radial center of the support block 81. The bearing portion 80 includes a base plate 83 fixed to the support block 81 by bolts 82. A through hole 83a is formed in the radial center of the base plate 83. A flanged sliding bearing 84 is fitted into the through hole 83a. The flange portion 84a of the flanged sliding bearing 84 is located on the lower surface of the base plate 83. The upper end of the lead screw 19 is rotatably supported by the support block 81 via the flanged sliding bearing 84 (details will be described later). 【0033】Multiple (for example, six in this embodiment) upper restricting plates 24a are fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the upper support column 10U. Each upper restricting plate 24a is arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The upper restricting plates 24a are formed from rectangular metal plates that extend in the vertical direction. The upper restricting plates 24a work in cooperation with the guide rail 23, which will be described later, to restrict the rotation of the lifting support column 11 relative to the base support column 10. 【0034】 An intermediate upper flange 85 is integrally molded at the upper end 10Ia of the intermediate support column 10I, extending radially outward. The intermediate upper flange 85 and the upper lower flange 76 overlap, and are fixed together by bolts 77b and nuts 78b. The intermediate upper flange 85 and the upper lower flange 76 are arranged coaxially. A cylindrical flange 86 is provided at the lower end 10Ib of the intermediate support column 10I. 【0035】 The cylindrical flange 86 is integrally molded with a cylindrical portion 87 that fits onto the lower end 10Ib of the intermediate support column 10I, and an outer flange portion 88 that protrudes radially outward from the lower end of the cylindrical portion 87. The outer flange portion 88 protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the intermediate support column 10I via the lower end 10Ib of the intermediate support column 10I. 【0036】 Multiple (for example, six in this embodiment) lower restricting plates 24b are fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 87. Each lower restricting plate 24b is arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The lower restricting plates 24b are formed from rectangular metal plates that extend in the vertical direction. The lower restricting plates 24b are arranged in the same straight line in the vertical direction as the upper restricting plates 24a provided on the inner circumferential surface of the upper support column 10U. The lower restricting plates 24b of the cylindrical portion 87 also cooperate with the guide rail 23, which will be described later, to restrict the rotation of the lifting support column 11 relative to the base support column 10. 【0037】The electric umbrella 100 is fixed to the mounting surface F by placing the lower end 10Lb (an example of the second end in the claim) of the lower support column 10L on the mounting surface F. The upper end 10La of the lower support column 10L has an upper lower flange 89 integrally molded to it, which protrudes radially outward. The upper lower flange 89 and the outer flange portion 88 of the cylindrical flange 86 are superimposed with an intermediate plate 8 in between. The upper lower flange 89, the outer flange portion 88 of the cylindrical flange 86, and the intermediate plate 8 are arranged coaxially and are integrally fixed by bolts 89a and nuts 89b. 【0038】 The intermediate plate 8 is formed in a disc shape with the same outer diameter as the lower upper flange 89 and the outer flange portion 88. A bearing portion 90 is provided in the radial center of the intermediate plate 8. The bearing portion 90 comprises a cylindrical bearing housing 91 that protrudes upward from the intermediate plate 8 and a flanged sliding bearing 7 fitted to the inner circumferential surface of the bearing housing 91. The flange portion 7a of the flanged sliding bearing 7 is positioned at the upper end of the bearing housing 91. The outer diameter of the flange portion 7a is smaller than the outer diameter of the bearing housing 91. The lower end of the lead screw 19 is rotatably supported by the intermediate plate 8 via this flanged sliding bearing 7. 【0039】 The lead screw 19 constitutes part of the linear actuator 1. The lead screw 19 is a so-called trapezoidal screw. The lead screw 19 is integrally molded with a male screw shaft 94 positioned on the central axis of the base column 10, an upper bearing shaft 95 protruding upward from the upper end of the male screw shaft 94, and a lower bearing shaft 96 protruding downward from the lower end of the male screw shaft 94. The male screw shaft 94, the upper bearing shaft 95, and the lower bearing shaft 96 are arranged coaxially. 【0040】 The male threaded shaft 94 is inserted into the intermediate support column 10I of the base support column 10 and the lower lifting support column 11L of the lifting support column 11. The outer surface of the male threaded shaft 94 is covered with a male threaded portion 94a. The outer diameter of the male threaded shaft 94 (male threaded portion 94a) is smaller than the outer diameter of the flange portions 7a and 84a of the respective flanged sliding bearings 7 and 84. 【0041】The upper bearing shaft 95 is formed to have a smaller diameter than the male threaded shaft 94 via an upper stepped surface 95a. The upper bearing shaft 95 is rotatably supported by the support block 81 via a flanged sliding bearing 84. An annular upper thrust bush 92 is provided between the upper stepped surface 95a of the upper bearing shaft 95 and the flange portion 84a of the flanged sliding bearing 84. The upper thrust bush 92 is inserted into the upper bearing shaft 95. The inner diameter of the upper thrust bush 92 is sized to fit onto the outer circumferential surface of the upper bearing shaft 95. The outer diameter of the upper thrust bush 92 is larger than the outer diameter of the flange portion 84a. Therefore, the upper thrust bush 92 abuts against the entire surface of the flange portion 84a. 【0042】 The lower bearing shaft 96 is formed to have a smaller diameter than the male threaded shaft 94 via a lower stepped surface 96a. The lower bearing shaft 96 passes through the intermediate plate 8 vertically via a flanged sliding bearing 7. This lower bearing shaft 96 is rotatably supported on the intermediate plate 8 via the flanged sliding bearing 7. An annular lower thrust bush 93 is provided between the lower stepped surface 96a of the lower bearing shaft 96 and the flange portion 7a of the flanged sliding bearing 7. The lower thrust bush 93 is inserted into the lower bearing shaft 96. The inner diameter of the lower thrust bush 93 is sized to fit onto the outer circumferential surface of the lower bearing shaft 96. The outer diameter of the lower thrust bush 93 is larger than the outer diameter of the flange portion 7a. Therefore, the lower thrust bush 93 abuts against the entire surface of the flange portion 7a. 【0043】 A nut 22 is engaged with the male threaded portion 94a of the male threaded shaft 94. The nut 22 has a female threaded portion that engages with the male threaded portion of the lead screw 19. Together with the lead screw 19, the nut 22 constitutes a lead screw mechanism (trapezoidal screw) 2. The lead screw mechanism 2 constitutes part of the linear actuator 1. 【0044】The elevating column 11 includes a lower-side elevating column 11L whose lower region is vertically movably accommodated inside the base column 10, and an upper-side elevating column 11U to which the upper pulley 13 is fixed at the upper end. Each of the elevating columns 11L and 11U is formed in a cylindrical shape. The lower-side elevating column 11L and the upper-side elevating column 11U are coaxially connected with their flange portions 11f abutting against each other. 【0045】 A plurality (for example, three in this embodiment) of guide rails 23 are attached to the outer peripheral surface of the lower-side elevating column 11L. Each of the guide rails 23 is arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Each of the guide rails 23 is formed by a metal plate extending in the vertical direction. A recess 23a with an open outer side in the radial direction is formed on the outer side surface in the radial direction of each guide rail 23. 【0046】 Each of the regulating plates 24a and 24b fixed to the intermediate column 10I and the upper column 10U is vertically slidably fitted into the recess 23a. Thereby, while the rotation of the elevating column 11 with respect to the base column 10 is restricted, the vertical sliding movement of the guide rail 23 (lower-side elevating column 11L) with respect to each of the regulating plates 24a and 24b (intermediate column 10I and upper column 10U) is allowed. The inner surface of the recess 23a in the guide rail 23 and each of the regulating plates 24a and 24b are polished so as to reduce the sliding resistance. 【0047】 An inner flange portion 11if is integrally formed at the lower end of the lower-side elevating column 11L so as to close the lower end. A through hole 11h penetrating vertically is formed at the center in the radial direction of the inner flange portion 11if. The nut 22 of the feed screw mechanism 2 is inserted into the through hole 11h. In this state, the nut 22 and the inner flange portion 11if are fastened and fixed by, for example, bolts not shown. Thereby, the nut 22 and the lower-side elevating column 11L (elevating column 11) are integrated. 【0048】<Linear Actuator> Returning to Fig. 3, the linear actuator 1 includes, in addition to the feed screw mechanism 2, a drive unit 30 housed in the lower column 10L of the base column 10. The drive unit 30 includes a speed reduction mechanism 31 connected to the lower end of the feed screw 19, a transmission mechanism 40 attached to the lower part of the speed reduction mechanism 31, and a motor unit 32 attached to the lower part of the transmission mechanism 40. As the motor unit 32, for example, an electric motor is adopted. 【0049】 For example, an eccentric swing type speed reduction mechanism is used as the speed reduction mechanism 31. That is, the speed reduction mechanism 31 mainly includes a carrier and a swing gear rotatably supported by a cylindrical case, a crankshaft rotatably supported by the carrier (none of which are shown in the figures), etc. This type of speed reduction mechanism 31 inputs the rotation from the outside to the crankshaft and then reduces and outputs the rotation from the outside. The speed reduction mechanism 31 can output either the carrier or the case. In this embodiment, for example, the lower end of the feed screw 19 is connected to the carrier. The transmission mechanism 40 transmits the rotation of the motor unit 32 to the speed reduction mechanism 31. 【0050】 Under such a configuration, when the motor unit 32 is driven, the feed screw 19 is rotated via the transmission mechanism 40 and the speed reduction mechanism 31. The nut 22 meshing with the feed screw 19 is fixed to the lifting column 11 (lower side lifting column 11L). The lifting column 11 is provided on the base column 10 so as not to be rotatable and slidable in the vertical direction by a guide rail 23 provided on the lifting column 11 and regulation plates 24a, 24b provided on the base column 10. Therefore, due to the forward and reverse rotation of the feed screw 19, the nut 22 moves in the axial direction of the feed screw 19. Then, via the nut 22, the lifting column 11 is lifted and lowered with respect to the base column 10. In other words, the lifting column 11 is expanded and contracted with respect to the base column 10. Thereby, the electric umbrella 100 is opened and closed. 【0051】Incidentally, the engagement of the lead screw 19 and the nut 22 may generate wear particles. These wear particles accumulate on the intermediate plate 8. Here, the bearing portion 90 provided on the intermediate plate 8 protrudes upward from the intermediate plate 8. As a result, it becomes difficult for the wear particles accumulated on the intermediate plate 8 to pass over the bearing portion 90. Consequently, the intrusion of wear particles into the bearing portion 90 is suppressed. 【0052】 The lower stepped surface 96a of the lead screw 19 abuts against the lower thrust bush 93, thereby receiving the thrust load of the lead screw 19 on the lower thrust bush 93. The thrust bush 93 abuts against the entire surface of the flange portion 7a of the flanged sliding bearing 7. Therefore, the surface pressure on the flange portion 7a is reduced compared to the case where the lower stepped surface 96a of the lead screw 19 abuts against the flange portion 7a directly. As a result, the generation of wear particles on the flange portion 7a and the lower stepped surface 96a is suppressed. 【0053】 <Regarding the assembly and adjustment of the electric umbrella> Next, we will explain the alignment adjustment of the motor shaft (not shown), the lead screw 19, and the respective regulating plates 24a and 24b of the motor section 32, which are part of the assembly and adjustment of the electric umbrella 100. In the electric umbrella 100, an intermediate plate 8 is provided between the lower support column 10L and the intermediate support column 10I to rotatably support the lead screw 19. Therefore, by finely adjusting the radial position of the intermediate plate 8 with respect to the lower support column 10L and the intermediate support column 10I, it is possible to adjust the alignment of the motor shaft of the motor section 32 and the lead screw 19. 【0054】 In the electric umbrella 100, the base support column 10 is divided vertically (axially) into an upper support column 10U and an intermediate support column 10I. An upper restricting plate 24a is provided on the upper support column 10U, while a lower restricting plate 24b is provided on the intermediate support column 10I (cylindrical flange 86). Therefore, by finely adjusting the radial position of the upper support column 10U relative to the intermediate support column 10I, it is possible to adjust the centering of the restricting plates 24a and 24b, as well as the centering of the feed screw 19 (lifting support column 11) relative to the restricting plates 24a and 24b (base support column 10). 【0055】After assembling the electric umbrella 100, a membrane (not shown) is attached to the main ribs 14. The base end of the main rib 14 is rotatably connected to the lower runner 12, and the upper flange 75 on which the lower runner 12 is supported (placed) has an outer peripheral edge 75a of the upper flange 75 located radially outward from the male hinge 27 of the lower runner 12. Therefore, when the base end of the main rib 14 tries to tilt downward around the male hinge 27, the main rib 14 catches on the upper flange 75. As a result, the main rib 14 is prevented from tilting completely downward. Thus, it becomes possible to easily attach and detach a membrane (not shown) to the main rib 14. 【0056】 As described above, the electric umbrella 100 has a base support column 10 that is divided vertically. The electric umbrella 100 includes an intermediate plate 8 provided between the intermediate support column 10I, which houses the lifting support column 11, and the lower support column 10L, which houses the motor unit 32. The intermediate plate 8 includes a bearing portion 90 that rotatably supports the lead screw 19. Therefore, by adjusting the radial position of the intermediate plate 8, the alignment of the motor shaft of the motor unit 32 and the lead screw 19 can be adjusted. In other words, the intermediate plate 8 can absorb manufacturing errors of the lead screw 19. Therefore, even with a long lead screw 19, it is not necessary to increase the manufacturing precision more than necessary, and the lead screw 19 can be rotated smoothly. Thus, the ease of assembly of the electric umbrella 100 can be improved. 【0057】 In addition, an intermediate plate 8 is provided between the intermediate support column 10I and the lower support column 10L. Therefore, it is possible to separate the intermediate support column 10I, the lower support column 10L, and the intermediate plate 8, and remove the wear particles accumulated on the intermediate plate 8. In other words, the internal condition of the base support column 10 can be easily checked, improving the maintainability of the electric umbrella 100. 【0058】The bearing section 90 provided on the intermediate plate 8 comprises a cylindrical bearing housing 91 that protrudes upward from the intermediate plate 8, and a flanged sliding bearing 7 fitted to the inner circumferential surface of the bearing housing 91. Therefore, even if wear particles generated by using the electric umbrella 100 accumulate on the intermediate plate 8, these wear particles will have difficulty overcoming the bearing housing 91. Consequently, the intrusion of wear particles into the bearing section 90 can be suppressed, and problems such as malfunctions in the rotation of the lead screw 19 due to wear particles can be prevented. This reduces the frequency of maintenance, thereby improving the maintainability of the electric umbrella 100. 【0059】 The flanged sliding bearing 7 that constitutes the bearing section 90 is provided such that the flange section 7a is positioned at the upper end of the bearing housing 91. A lower thrust bush 93 is provided between the lower stepped surface 96a of the lead screw 19 and the flange section 7a. The inner diameter of the lower thrust bush 93 is sized to fit onto the outer circumferential surface of the lower bearing shaft 96. The outer diameter of the lower thrust bush 93 is larger than the outer diameter of the flange section 7a. Therefore, the lower thrust bush 93 abuts against the entire surface of the flange section 7a. As a result, the surface pressure on the flange section 7a can be reduced compared to the case where the lower stepped surface 96a of the lead screw 19 abuts against the flange section 7a directly. This suppresses the generation of wear particles on the flange section 7a and the lower stepped surface 96a. Thus, the maintainability of the electric umbrella 100 can be improved while reducing its weight. 【0060】 A cylindrical flange 86 is provided at the lower end 10Ib of the intermediate support column 10I. The cylindrical flange 86 is provided with an outer flange portion 88 that protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the intermediate support column 10I. Therefore, the intermediate support column 10I can be formed more easily compared to the case where the outer flange portion 88 is integrally molded with the intermediate support column 10I. By providing the outer flange portion 88, the overlapping of the intermediate support column 10I and the intermediate plate 8 can be stabilized. Thus, the assembly of the electric umbrella 100 can be improved. 【0061】The base support column 10 is divided vertically into an upper support column 10U and an intermediate support column 10I. Therefore, manufacturing tolerances of the lead screw 19 can be absorbed not only by the intermediate plate 8 but also by the upper support column 10U. Thus, the ease of assembly of the electric umbrella 100 can be further improved. 【0062】 An upper restricting plate 24a is provided on the upper support column 10U. A lower restricting plate 24b is provided on the intermediate support column 10I (cylindrical flange 86). Therefore, by fine-tuning the radial position of the upper support column 10U relative to the intermediate support column 10I, the alignment of the restricting plates 24a and 24b can be adjusted. The alignment of the feed screw 19 (lifting support column 11) relative to the restricting plates 24a and 24b (base support column 10) can be adjusted. Consequently, there is no need to increase the manufacturing precision of the base support column 10 and the lifting support column 11 more than necessary, and the lifting support column 11 can be smoothly extended and retracted relative to the base support column 10. Thus, the ease of assembly of the electric umbrella 100 can be improved. 【0063】 The electric umbrella 100 includes a lower ferrule 12 to which the umbrella ribs (main ribs 14) are rotatably connected, and an upper flange 75 on which the lower ferrule 12 is mounted. The outer peripheral edge 75a of the upper flange 75 is located radially outward from the male hinge 27 of the lower ferrule 12. Therefore, when the base end of the main rib 14 tries to fall downward around the male hinge 27, the main rib 14 catches on the upper flange 75. As a result, the main rib 14 can be prevented from falling completely downward. Therefore, it becomes possible to easily attach and detach a membrane (not shown) to the main rib 14. Thus, the assembly and maintenance of the electric umbrella 100 can be improved. 【0064】 Incidentally, there is a possibility that a malfunction may occur in the motor unit 32, preventing the linear actuator 1 from operating normally. The maintenance method in such a case will be described in detail below with reference to Figure 6. 【0065】<Regarding maintenance of the electric umbrella> First, remove the bolts 89a and nuts 89b that fix the lower upper flange 89, the outer flange portion 88 of the cylindrical flange 86, and the intermediate plate 8. Then, the outer flange portion 88 (intermediate support column 10I) becomes rotatable around the axis of the lead screw 19 (hereinafter simply referred to as "around the axis") relative to the lower upper flange 89 (lower support column 10L) and the intermediate plate 8. 【0066】 Here, the rotation of the lifting support 11 relative to the base support 10 is restricted by the lower restricting plate 24b of the cylindrical portion 87 and the guide rail 23. With this configuration, when the intermediate support 10I (upper support 10U) and the cylindrical flange 86 are rotated together around the axis with respect to the intermediate plate 8, the lifting support 11 (nut 22) also rotates together around the axis with the intermediate support 10I and the cylindrical flange 86. That is, the lifting support 11 (nut 22) rotates around the axis with respect to the lead screw 19. As a result, the lifting support 11 is raised and lowered relative to the base support 10 by the forward and reverse rotation of the lower support 10L. This causes the electric umbrella 100 to open and close. 【0067】 Thus, if, for example, a malfunction occurs in the motor unit 32 of the electric umbrella 100, the bolt 89a and nut 89b can be removed to allow the electric umbrella 100 to be opened and closed manually. This improves the maintainability of the electric umbrella 100. Moreover, the nut 22 can be rotated without going through the reduction mechanism 31 of the drive unit 30. Therefore, the nut 22 can be rotated more easily compared to when the nut 22 is rotated via the reduction mechanism 31. As a result, the electric umbrella 100 can be rotated manually more easily, and its maintainability is reliably improved. 【0068】[Modified Version] Next, a modified version of the electric umbrella 100 that can be opened and closed manually will be described based on Figures 7 and 8. Figure 7 is an axial cross-sectional view showing the approximate connection point between the intermediate support 10I and the lower support 10L in the modified version of the electric umbrella 100. As shown in Figure 7, in the modified electric umbrella 100, an inner flange 101 is formed on the upper end 10La of the lower support 10L. The inner flange 101 protrudes radially inward from the upper end 10La of the lower support 10L. A reduction mechanism 31 is arranged on the inner flange 101. The reduction mechanism 31 is fixed to the inner flange 101. The motor unit 32 is positioned below via the inner flange 101 and is housed inside the lower support 10L. The lower end 10Ib of the intermediate support 10I is fitted onto the upper end 10La of the lower support 10L. 【0069】 An inner circumferential surface 10Ip is formed at the lower part of the intermediate support column 10I via a stepped portion 10Is. The inner diameter of the inner circumferential surface 10Ip is larger than the inner diameter of the inner circumferential surface 10If of the intermediate support column 10I. The inner circumferential surface 10Ip is formed from the stepped portion 10Is to the lower end 10Ib. The outer circumferential surface of the lower support column 10L is fitted into this inner circumferential surface 10Ip so as to be rotatable around its axis. The upper end 10La of the lower support column 10L abuts against the stepped portion 10Is of the intermediate support column 10I, thereby positioning the intermediate support column 10I and the lower support column 10L in the axial direction. 【0070】 An intermediate pin hole 102 is formed in the area where the inner circumferential surface 10Ip of the intermediate support column 10I is formed, passing through in the radial direction. A lower pin hole 103 is formed in the upper part of the lower support column 10L, passing through in the radial direction. The lower pin hole 103 is positioned coaxially with the intermediate pin hole 102 when the inner circumferential surface 10Ip of the intermediate support column 10I is fitted into the lower support column 10L. Fixing pins 104 are inserted into these intermediate pin holes 102 and lower pin holes 103. This connects the intermediate support column 10I and the lower support column 10L. 【0071】In addition, the modified electric umbrella 100, in order to restrict the rotation of the lifting support 11 relative to the base support 10, includes a guide groove 105 provided on the intermediate support 10I and a guide projection 106 provided on the lifting support 11, instead of the lower restricting plate 24b and guide rail 23. Multiple guide grooves 105 (for example, two in this modified example) are formed along the axial direction on the inner circumferential surface of the intermediate support 10I. Each guide groove 105 is arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. 【0072】 The guide projection 106 protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the lifting column 11. Multiple guide projections 106 are formed (for example, two in this modified example) depending on the number of guide grooves 105. The radial outer end of each guide projection 106 is fitted into the corresponding guide groove 105 so as to be axially slidable. As a result, the lifting column 11 is restricted from rotating relative to the intermediate column 10I, while allowing axial (vertical) movement relative to the intermediate column 10I. 【0073】 <Maintenance of the modified electric umbrella> Next, the maintenance of the modified electric umbrella 100 will be explained based on Figure 8. Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram of the maintenance of the modified electric umbrella 100. Figure 8 corresponds to the perspective view of Figure 7 mentioned above. As shown in Figure 8, for example, if a malfunction occurs in the motor section 32, the fixing pin 104 is removed (see arrow Y1 in Figure 8). Then, the intermediate support column 10I becomes rotatable around its axis relative to the lower support column 10L. 【0074】 In this state, when the intermediate support column 10I is rotated around its axis (see arrow Y2 in Figure 8), the lifting support column 11 (nut 22) also rotates around its axis together with the intermediate support column 10I. Then, the lifting support column 11 is raised and lowered relative to the base support column 10 by the forward and reverse rotation of the intermediate support column 10I. This causes the electric umbrella 100 to open and close. Therefore, the above modification provides the same effects as the embodiment described above. 【0075】 The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but includes various modifications to the embodiments described above, without departing from the spirit of the invention. 【0076】 For example, in the embodiment described above, the electric umbrella 100 was described in a case where the main ribs 14 are connected to the lower ferrule 12 and the secondary ribs 15 are connected to the upper ferrule 13. However, it is not limited to this, and the main ribs 14 may be connected to the upper ferrule 13 and the secondary ribs 15 may be connected to the lower ferrule 12. In this case, the rising of the upper ferrule 13 pulls the longitudinal central part (female hinge 16) of the main rib 14 upward, thereby closing the main rib 14 downward. The descending of the upper ferrule 13 pushes the female hinge 16 of the main rib 14 downward, thereby pushing the main rib 14 outwards radially. 【0077】 In the above-described embodiment, a case was explained in which a lifting support column 11 is housed in a base support column 10 that extends in the vertical direction so as to be able to move up and down. However, the invention is not limited to this, and each support column 10, 11 does not have to be installed on the installation surface F. In other words, the base support column 10 does not have to be fixed. It is sufficient that the lifting support column 11 is provided in a retractable manner relative to the base support column 10. 【0078】 In the above-described embodiment, the case in which an electric motor is used as the motor unit 32 was explained. However, it is not limited to this, and the motor unit 32 can be any motor that can transmit rotational force to the reduction mechanism 31 via the transmission mechanism 40. For example, a hydraulic motor can also be used as the motor unit 32. 【0079】 In the above-described embodiment, the case in which the lead screw 19 of the lead screw mechanism 2 is a so-called trapezoidal screw was explained. However, it is not limited to this, and the lead screw mechanism 2 and the lead screw 19 can be configured to convert rotational motion into linear motion. For example, the lead screw mechanism 2 may be a ball screw. In this case, the nut 22 that engages with the male thread portion of the lead screw 19 has a plurality of balls (not shown) that roll on the engagement portion with the lead screw 19. 【0080】In the above embodiment, a guide that restricts the rotational movement of the lifting support 11 relative to the base support 10 and allows the axial movement of the lifting support 11 relative to the base support 10 was described, consisting of a guide rail 23 and regulating plates 24a and 24b. A case was described in which a recess 23a is formed on the radially outer side surface of each guide rail 23, with the radially outer side opening. A case was described in which the regulating plates 24 fixed to the intermediate support 10I and the upper support 10U are fitted into the recess 23a so as to be slidable in the vertical direction. However, the invention is not limited to this, and the recesses and protrusions of the guide rail 23 and the regulating plates 24 may be reversed. That is, a recess may be formed in the regulating plate 24, and the guide rail 23 may be fitted into this recess. 【0081】 In the above-described embodiment, the case in which the lower rafter 12 is placed on the upper flange 75 was explained. For this reason, the case in which the male hinge 27 of the lower rafter 12 overlaps the upper flange 75 was explained. However, it is not limited to this, and it is sufficient that the male hinge 27 is positioned on the upper flange 75. It is not necessary for the male hinge 27 to completely overlap the upper flange 75. Furthermore, instead of the upper flange 75, a plate (an example of a fall prevention plate in the claim) that protrudes radially outward from the male hinge 27 may be provided at the lower end of the male hinge 27. Even with this configuration, this plate can prevent the main rib 14 from completely collapsing downward. 【0082】 In the above-described embodiment, a male hinge 27 is provided on the lower turntable 12, and a female hinge 28 is provided on the base end of the main rib 14. This describes the case in which the main rib 14 is rotatably connected to the lower turntable 12. However, the invention is not limited to this, and the male hinge 17 and the female hinge 28 may be reversed, thereby rotatably connecting the main rib 14 to the lower turntable 12. 【0083】In the above-described embodiment, a case was explained in which a bolt 89a and a nut 89b were provided as connecting members for connecting the intermediate support 10I and the lower support 10L. In the above-described modification, a case was explained in which a fixing pin 104 was provided as a connecting member for connecting the intermediate support 10I and the lower support 10L. However, the invention is not limited to this, and various connecting members can be used that can connect the intermediate support 10I and the lower support 10L and are detachably attached to the intermediate support 10I and the lower support 10L. 【0084】 For example, in the above embodiment, a pin can be used instead of the bolt 89a and nut 89b. In the above modified example, for example, a female threaded portion can be formed in the lower support column 10L instead of the lower pin hole 103, and a bolt can be used instead of the fixing pin 104. 【0085】 In the above-described modification, we explained a case where two guide grooves 105 and two guide protrusions 106 are provided to restrict the rotation of the lifting support 11 relative to the base support 10. However, the electric umbrella 100 is not limited to this, and it is sufficient to have at least one guide groove 105 and one guide protrusion 106. 【0086】 In the above-described modification, a case was explained in which a guide groove 105 is provided on the intermediate support column 10I and a guide projection 106 is provided on the lifting support column 11. However, the invention is not limited to this, and any configuration that can restrict the rotation of the lifting support column 11 relative to the base support column 10 is acceptable. For example, a guide projection 106 may be provided on the intermediate support column 10I and a guide groove 105 may be provided on the lifting support column 11. 【0087】 Among the embodiments disclosed herein, those composed of multiple objects may be integrated, and conversely, those composed of a single object may be divided into multiple objects. Whether or not they are integrated, the invention can be constructed in a way that achieves its objective. 【0088】The above-mentioned electric umbrella has a base support column that is divided axially into a first column and a second column. An intermediate plate is provided between these first and second columns to rotatably support the lead screw. Therefore, by adjusting the position of the intermediate plate, manufacturing errors of the lead screw can be absorbed by the intermediate plate. Thus, even with a long lead screw, it is not necessary to increase the manufacturing precision more than necessary, and the lead screw can be rotated smoothly. This improves the ease of assembly of the electric umbrella. Because the base support column is divided and an intermediate plate is provided that can be attached and detached between the first and second columns, the condition inside the base support column can be easily checked. This improves the maintainability of the electric umbrella. 【0089】 1... Linear actuator 7... Flanged sliding bearing (bearing body) 8... Intermediate plate 10... Base support 10I... Intermediate support (first support, third support) 10L... Lower support (second support) 10Lb... Lower end (second end) 10U... Upper support (first support) 10Ua... Upper end (first end) 11... Lifting support (movable support) 12... Lower runner (runner) 14... Main ribs (umbrella ribs) 15... Secondary ribs (umbrella ribs) 19... Lead screw 22... Nut 23... Guide rail (guide) 24a... Upper restricting plate (guide) 24b... Lower restricting plate (guide) 27... Male hinge (hinge part) 32... Motor part (motor) 75... Upper upper flange (upper end upper flange part, anti-tipping plate) 75a... Outer edge 84...Flanged sliding bearing (bearing part on the umbrella rib side) 86...Cylindrical flange 87...Cylindrical part 88...Outer flange part (intermediate outer flange part) 89a...Bolt (connecting member) 89b...Nut (connecting member) 90...Bearing part (bearing part on the motor side) 91...Bearing housing 93...Lower thrust bush (bushing) 94...Male threaded shaft (threaded part) 96...Lower bearing shaft (shaft part) 96a...Lower stepped surface (stepped surface) 100...Electric umbrella 104...Fixing pin (connecting member)

Claims

1. A cylindrical base support having a first end and a second end on both sides in the axial direction; a movable support housed within the base support and provided to be extendable and retractable relative to the base support; umbrella ribs provided at the first end of the base support and the end of the movable support in the same direction as the first end; a linear actuator housed within the base support; the umbrella ribs open and close in accordance with the extension and retraction movement of the movable support relative to the base support; the linear actuator extends and retracts the movable support relative to the base support; the linear actuator comprises a feed screw inserted into the base support and the movable support; a nut that engages with the feed screw and is integrated with the movable support; and a motor connected to the second end side of the base support on the feed screw; the motor rotates the feed screw; the base support is detachably divided in the axial direction; the base support is An electric umbrella comprising: a first support column including the first end and housing the movable support column; a second support column including the second end and housing the motor; an intermediate plate detachably provided between the first support column and the second support column; the intermediate plate having a motor-side bearing portion that rotatably supports the lead screw.

2. The motor-side bearing portion comprises a cylindrical bearing housing protruding from the intermediate plate toward the first support column, and a bearing body housed within the bearing housing, wherein the bearing body is fitted with the lead screw, as described in claim 1.

3. The lead screw comprises a shaft portion fitted into the bearing body and connected to the motor, and a threaded portion provided coaxially with the shaft portion at the end of the shaft portion opposite to the motor, wherein the threaded portion is fitted with the nut, and the threaded portion is formed such that its outer diameter is larger than the outer diameter of the shaft portion via a stepped surface, the bearing body comprises a flange portion that overlaps the end of the bearing housing opposite to the intermediate plate, and an annular bush provided between the stepped surface and the flange portion, the inner diameter of the bush is sized to fit onto the outer surface of the shaft portion, and the outer diameter of the bush is larger than the outer diameter of the flange portion, the electric umbrella according to claim 2.

4. An electric umbrella according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a cylindrical flange provided on the second end side of the first support column, wherein the cylindrical flange comprises a cylindrical portion that fits into the inner circumferential surface of the first support column, and an intermediate outer flange portion provided at the end of the cylindrical portion on the intermediate plate side, the intermediate outer flange portion protruding radially outward from the second end side of the first support column and overlapping the intermediate plate.

5. An electric umbrella according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising an umbrella rib-side bearing portion provided at the first end of the first support column, the umbrella rib-side bearing portion rotatably supporting the lead screw, and the first end side of the first support column being divided in the axial direction, comprising a third support column including the first end.

6. The electric umbrella according to claim 5, further comprising guides provided on the inner surface of the third support column and on the outer surface of the movable support column at locations facing the third support column in the radial direction, wherein the guides restrict the rotational movement of the movable support column relative to the base support column and allow the axial movement of the movable support column relative to the base support column.

7. An electric umbrella according to claim 5, comprising: a ferrule provided on the first end side of the third support column and having a plurality of hinge portions through which the umbrella ribs are rotatably connected; and an anti-tipping plate provided on the second end side of the hinge portion and extending radially outward from the hinge portion.

8. The electric umbrella according to claim 7, wherein the protective plate includes an upper outer flange portion provided at the first end of the third support column, the upper outer flange portion protrudes radially outward, the ferrule is provided such that at least the hinge portion is positioned on the upper outer flange portion, and the outer peripheral edge of the upper outer flange portion is located radially outward from the hinge portion.

9. A cylindrical base support having a first end and a second end on both sides in the axial direction; a movable support housed within the base support and provided to be extendable and retractable relative to the base support; umbrella ribs provided at the first end of the base support and the end of the movable support in the same direction as the first end; a linear actuator housed within the base support, wherein the umbrella ribs open and close in accordance with the extension and retraction movement of the movable support relative to the base support; the linear actuator extends and retracts the movable support relative to the base support; the linear actuator comprises a feed screw inserted into the base support and the movable support; a nut that engages with the feed screw and is integrated with the movable support; and a motor connected to the second end side of the base support on the feed screw, wherein the motor rotates the feed screw; the base support is detachably divided in the axial direction; and the base support is An electric umbrella comprising: a first support column including the first end and housing the movable support column; a second support column including the second end and housing the motor; and a connecting member detachably provided to the first support column and the second support column, wherein the connecting member connects the first support column and the second support column, and the movable support column is provided so as to be unable to rotate around the axis of the base support column relative to the first support column and so as to be extendable and retractable relative to the first support column.

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