JP2017176675A - Driving device - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a driving device that can make a toilet seat or a toilet lid stand alone at a desired position. According to one embodiment, a driving device includes a shaft portion, a plurality of worm gears, and a spring member. The shaft is rotated by the drive source to rotate at least one of the toilet seat and the toilet lid. The plurality of worm gears are provided between the drive source and the shaft, and transmit torque from the drive source to the shaft. The spring member biases the shaft in a direction to open the toilet seat or the lid. In addition, among the plurality of worm gears, at least two worm gears have different rotation axis directions. [Selection diagram] FIG.

Description

  The present invention relates to a drive device.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a technique related to a mechanism for allowing a toilet seat or toilet lid that automatically opens and closes to stand independently at a predetermined position is known. For example, a technique is known in which a toilet seat and a toilet lid are self-supported by a self-supporting holding mechanism having a fixed roller (sliding portion) and a rotating roller 21 and a coil spring (cylindrical elastic body) (for example, Patent Document 1). ). The coil spring temporarily stops rotation of the toilet seat or the like by urging the fixed roller that contacts the coil spring toward the rotation roller when the rotation roller slides with the fixed roller.

JP 2009-005813 A

  However, in the above prior art, since the rotating roller slides with the fixed roller, when the rotating roller gets over the fixed roller, the fixed roller is displaced radially outward, so the rotating roller gets over the fixed roller. There is a problem that it is difficult to adjust the driving force for smoothly rotating the toilet seat and the toilet lid smoothly in the front-rear direction, and it is difficult to make the toilet seat and the toilet lid independent at a desired position.

  This invention is made | formed in view of the above, Comprising: It aims at providing the drive device which can make a toilet seat and a toilet lid stand independently in a desired position.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a drive device according to one aspect of the present invention is configured to rotate by a drive source and rotate at least one of a toilet seat and a toilet lid, and the drive source. A plurality of worm gears provided between the shaft portion and transmitting torque from the drive source to the shaft portion; and a spring member for biasing the shaft portion in a direction to open the toilet seat or the toilet lid. And at least two worm gears of the plurality of worm gears have different directions of rotation axes.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, the toilet seat and the toilet lid can be made independent at a desired position.

FIG. 1 is a side view showing an open state of a toilet seat and a toilet lid of a toilet bowl provided with the drive device according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view showing a closed state of a toilet seat and a toilet lid of a toilet equipped with the driving device according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the driving apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the driving apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the driving apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a main part of the driving device according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the clutch unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the clutch unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing the clutch unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 10A is a plan view showing a second worm wheel according to the embodiment. FIG. 10B is a plan view of the first friction plate according to the embodiment. FIG. 10C is a plan view of the second friction plate according to the embodiment. FIG. 10D is a bottom view of the first gear according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a bottom view illustrating the first housing unit according to the embodiment.

  Hereinafter, a driving apparatus according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The drive device 1 in the embodiment is disposed in the casing 3 of the toilet 2 and drives the toilet seat 4 and the toilet lid 5 to open and close. It should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the relationship between the dimensions of each element, the ratio of each element, and the like may differ from the actual situation. Even between the drawings, there are cases in which portions having different dimensional relationships and ratios are included.

(Embodiment)
First, the outline | summary of a structure of the toilet bowl 2 provided with the drive device 1 is demonstrated using FIG.1 and FIG.2. FIG. 1 is a side view showing an open state of a toilet seat and a toilet lid of a toilet bowl provided with the drive device according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view showing a closed state of a toilet seat and a toilet lid of a toilet equipped with the driving device according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the toilet 2 includes two driving devices 1 in a casing 3 provided at one end on the upper surface side of the base 6. The two drive devices 1 each automatically open and close either the toilet seat 4 or the toilet lid 5.

  For example, one drive device 1 is provided on one end side of both ends of the rotation shaft of the toilet seat 4 attached to the casing 3, and automatically drives the toilet seat 4 by driving a motor 10 (see FIG. 3) described later. Open and close. Further, for example, the other driving device 1 is provided on one end side of both ends of the rotation shaft of the toilet lid 5 attached to the casing 3, and automatically opens and closes the toilet lid 5 by driving the motor 10. In addition, although the example shown in FIG. 1 shows the case where the two drive devices 1 are provided with their orientations aligned, the two drive devices 1 may be provided at opposite end portions, respectively.

  In the following, the state where the toilet seat 4 shown in FIG. 1 is opened may be referred to as the opened state of the toilet seat 4, and the state where the toilet seat 4 shown in FIG. 2 is closed may be referred to as the closed state of the toilet seat 4. In the following, the state in which the toilet lid 5 shown in FIG. 1 is opened may be referred to as the opened state of the toilet lid 5, and the state in which the toilet lid 5 shown in FIG. Details of the opened state of the toilet lid 5 shown in FIG. 1 will be described later.

  From here, the outline | summary of a structure of the drive device 1 is demonstrated using FIGS. 3 to 6 are perspective views illustrating the driving apparatus according to the embodiment. Moreover, FIG. 6 is a principal part perspective view which shows the drive device 1 which concerns on embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the driving device 1 including a housing portion. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the driving device 1 excluding the housing portion when viewed from the viewpoint in FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view when the driving device 1 is viewed from the back side of the viewpoint in FIG.

  The drive device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a first housing part 7, a second housing part 8, and a third housing part 9 as housing parts. In addition, the first housing unit 7, the second housing unit 8, and the third housing unit 9 communicate with each other in the internal space, and the driving device 1 includes the first housing unit 7 and the second housing unit. 8 and various configurations are housed in the third housing 9. Note that the first casing unit 7, the second casing unit 8, and the third casing unit 9 may be collectively referred to as a casing.

  The drive device 1 includes a motor 10, a shaft conversion unit 20, a clutch unit 30, a second gear unit 40, a shaft unit 50, and a spring member 60. For example, the drive device 1 causes the output shaft 53 of the shaft portion 50 to protrude from the first housing portion 7, and the shaft conversion portion 20, the clutch portion 30, the second gear portion 40, the shaft portion 50, and the spring member 60 are moved. Store in the housing.

  The motor 10 functions as a drive source / power source for rotating the toilet seat 4 and the toilet lid 5 to which the drive device 1 is attached. A drive signal is supplied to the motor 10 via a lead wire (not shown). Further, the output rotation shaft of the motor 10 is rotated by the supply of the drive signal. The motor 10 is not particularly limited, such as a DC motor, a DC brushless motor, or a stepping motor.

  A first worm 11 is attached to the tip of the output rotation shaft of the motor 10. That is, the first worm 11 rotates around the rotation axis of the motor 10 that is a drive source. For example, the first worm 11 is a worm in a worm gear. The first worm 11 is a screw-shaped gear formed in a cylindrical shape. For example, three worms are used for the first worm 11. For example, the first worm 11 may be formed of metal, resin, or the like. Note that any material may be used for the first worm 11 as long as a predetermined condition such as strength is satisfied.

  The shaft conversion unit 20 includes a first worm wheel 21 and a second worm 22. The first worm wheel 21 and the second worm 22 rotate with their axes aligned around the shaft rod 23. As shown in FIG. 6, the first worm wheel 21 of the shaft conversion unit 20 meshes with the first worm 11. That is, the first worm wheel 21 of the shaft conversion unit 20 functions as a worm wheel for the first worm 11. A combination of the first worm 11 and the first worm wheel 21 may be a first worm gear.

  For example, in FIG. 4, the output rotation shaft of the motor 10 extends in the vertical direction. On the other hand, the shaft rod 23 of the shaft conversion unit 20 is along a plane orthogonal to the output rotation axis of the motor 10. Hereinafter, a plane orthogonal to the rotation axis may be referred to as an axial plane. For example, the axis plane of the output rotation axis of the motor 10 is orthogonal to the axis plane of the rotation axis of the axis conversion unit 20. As described above, the first worm gear converts the rotation shaft that transmits the driving force of the motor 10 from the output rotation shaft of the motor 10 to the rotation shaft of the shaft conversion unit 20.

  Further, for example, the second worm 22 is a worm in a worm gear. The second worm 22 is a screw-shaped gear formed in a cylindrical shape. For example, 5 or 6 worms are used for the second worm 22. For example, the second worm 22 may be formed of metal, resin, or the like. It should be noted that any material may be used for the second worm 22 as long as a predetermined condition such as strength is satisfied.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 to 9, the clutch unit 30 includes a shaft 31, a second worm wheel 32, a first friction plate 33, a second friction plate 34, a first gear 35, and a washer 36. And a spring 37 and a nut 38. A washer (not shown) exists between the spring 37 and the nut 38. The shaft 31 is formed of metal, resin, or the like, and serves as the rotation center of the clutch unit 30. Note that the clutch unit 30 suppresses the transmission of torque to the drive source side when torque greater than a predetermined threshold is applied by an external force from the shaft unit 50 side, but details of the function of suppressing the torque transmission Will be described later.

  The second worm wheel 32 of the clutch unit 30 is a rotating body that is fixed to the shaft 31 and driven by the motor 10. As shown in FIG. 6, the second worm wheel 32 is engaged with the second worm 22 by the gear portion 324. That is, the second worm wheel 32 of the clutch unit 30 functions as a worm wheel for the second worm 22. A combination of the second worm 22 and the second worm wheel 32 may be a second worm gear.

  Here, the axis plane of the rotation axis of the second worm 22 (axis conversion unit 20) is orthogonal to the axis plane of the rotation axis of the second worm wheel 32 (clutch unit 30). As described above, the second worm gear converts the rotating shaft that transmits the driving force of the motor 10 from the rotating shaft of the shaft converting unit 20 to the rotating shaft of the clutch unit 30. For example, in FIG. 4, the rotation shaft of the clutch unit 30 extends in the vertical direction. That is, the rotating shaft of the clutch unit 30 is along the output rotating shaft of the motor 10. As described above, the rotation shaft that transmits the driving force of the motor 10 to the toilet seat 4 and the toilet lid 5 by the output shaft 53 is converted by the first worm gear and the second worm gear so that the output of the motor 10 is output. The direction is along the rotation axis. The first gear 35 of the clutch unit 30 includes a gear unit 351 and rotates with the second worm wheel 32 aligned with the shaft. Thus, the drive device 1 can suppress the sound generated by the drive device 1 by arranging the first worm gear and the second worm gear on the side of the motor 10 that is the drive source. That is, the drive device 1 can be silenced by disposing the first worm gear and the second worm gear on the motor 10 side where the number of rotations is larger than that on the output shaft 50 side. Details of the configuration of the clutch unit 30 will be described later.

  The second gear unit 40 is a member for transmitting torque transmitted from the motor 10 via the clutch unit 30 to the shaft unit 50. The second gear portion 40 is formed of metal, resin, or the like, and includes a large diameter gear 41 and a small diameter gear 42 that is coaxially fixed to the large diameter gear 41. The large diameter gear 41 meshes with the first gear 35 of the clutch unit 30. The small diameter gear 42 is formed with a smaller diameter than the large diameter gear 41, rotates with the large diameter gear 41 aligned with the shaft, and transmits the torque transmitted from the motor 10 to the shaft portion 50 to the output shaft 50. Note that the large-diameter gear 41 and the large-diameter gear 41 of the second gear portion 40 may be integrally formed.

  For example, the rotation angle of the small diameter gear 42 is detected by the angle detection unit 65 by the detection gear 652 that meshes with the small diameter gear 42. For example, the angle detection unit 65 includes a potentiometer (not shown) and the like, and detects the rotation angle of the small diameter gear 42. In addition, the angle detection unit 65 transmits the rotation angle of the small diameter gear 42 detected by the harness 651 or the like to a predetermined control unit such as a controller. The control unit that has received the rotation angle of the small-diameter gear 42 controls the motor 10. For example, the control unit controls the output of the motor 10 so that the toilet seat 4 rotates in the closed state from the open state of the toilet seat 4. Further, for example, the control unit controls the output of the motor 10 so that the toilet lid 5 rotates in the closed state from the opened state of the toilet lid 5.

  The shaft portion 50 is a member for transmitting torque transmitted from the motor 10 to the toilet seat 4 and the toilet lid 5. For example, the shaft portion 50 is rotated by the motor 10 that is a driving source to rotate the toilet lid 5 in a predetermined direction. The shaft part 50 includes a base part 51, a gear part 52, an output shaft 53, a locking part 54, and a protruding part 55. The base 51 is formed in an elongated cylindrical shape, a gear portion 52 is formed at one end in the axial direction, and an output shaft 53 is formed at the other end in the axial direction. The gear portion 52 is provided in a part of the base portion 51 in the circumferential direction and meshes with the small diameter gear 42. As a result, torque is transmitted from the second gear portion 40 to the shaft portion 50. In the example shown in FIG. 4, a peripheral surface portion 521 having no gear structure is formed at a portion other than the gear portion 52 at one end where the gear portion 52 is provided. Therefore, torque from the second gear portion 40 to the shaft portion 50 is transmitted within a range (angle) where the gear portion 52 is provided. Further, the output shaft 53 is formed in a shape in which a tip portion is partially cut away. Further, when the output shaft 53 is attached to the toilet seat 4 or the toilet lid 5 by the mechanism for attaching the distal end portion of the output shaft 53 provided on the toilet seat 4 or the toilet lid 5, the torque from the motor 10 is applied to the toilet seat 4 or the toilet lid. The toilet seat 4 and the toilet lid 5 are rotated. The details of the urging direction of the shaft portion 50 and the rotation angle of the shaft portion 50 by the locking portion 54 and the projection portion 55 will be described later.

  The spring member 60 is formed in a coil shape and is disposed at a position where the base portion 51 of the shaft portion 50 is inserted. For example, the spring member 60 is a so-called assist spring, and a torsion spring (torsion spring) is used. The spring member 60 urges the shaft portion 50 in one direction of rotation by engagement with the first housing portion 7 and the shaft portion 50, details of which will be described later.

  From here, the structure and function of the clutch part 30 are demonstrated in detail using FIGS. 7-10D.

  The second worm wheel 32 is a rotating body fixed to the shaft 31 and driven by the motor 10. The second worm wheel 32 is made of metal, resin, or the like, and has a disk-shaped bottom plate 321, and an outer cylindrical portion 322 and an inner cylindrical portion 323 that are integrally formed on the bottom plate 321 as shown in FIG. 8. . Note that any material may be used for the second worm wheel 32 as long as a predetermined condition such as strength is satisfied.

  As shown in FIG. 10A, notches (engaged portions) 325 that engage with projections 33a (described later) of the first friction plate 33 are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylindrical portion 322 in a 120 ° rotational symmetry. Has been. 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D, alternate long and short dash lines L1 and L2 indicate the outer diameter of the inner cylindrical portion 323, and alternate long and short dashed lines L3 and L4 indicate the inner diameter of the outer cylindrical portion 322.

  The inner cylindrical portion 323 is erected integrally with the center portion of the bottom plate 321, and a shaft hole 326 into which the shaft 31 is inserted is formed.

  The first friction plate 33 is formed of a metal plate, a resin plate, or the like, and has an annular shape as shown in FIG. 10B. The outer diameter of the first friction plate 33 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the outer cylindrical portion 322 of the second worm wheel 32, and the inner diameter is the outer diameter (one point) of a standing portion 353 formed in the first gear 35 described later. It is formed slightly larger than those indicated by chain lines L5 and L6. On the outer peripheral edge of the first friction plate 33, projections (engagement portions) 33 a that engage with the three notches 325 formed in the outer cylindrical portion 322 of the second worm wheel 32 are formed.

  The second friction plate 34 is formed of a metal plate, a resin plate, or the like, and has an annular shape as shown in FIG. 10C. In order to avoid an insufficient contact area between the friction plates, such as burrs at the edges of the friction plates, each edge when the first friction plate 33 and the second friction plate 34 are laminated. You may design the dimension of the internal diameter of the 1st friction board 33 and the 2nd friction board 34, and an outer diameter so that a part may not overlap. On the inner peripheral edge of the second friction plate 34, convex portions (engagement portions) 34 a that engage with the gaps 354 between the standing portions 353 formed on the first gear 35 are formed in 120 ° rotational symmetry. .

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the first friction plate 33 and the second friction plate 34 are alternately stacked, and are housed in the hollow portion 327 of the second worm wheel 32. At this time, the protrusion 33 a of the first friction plate 33 is inserted into a notch 325 formed in the outer cylindrical portion 322 of the second worm wheel 32. Note that the friction plate formed of a metal plate rather than the resin plate has less warpage of the friction plate itself and higher strength, so that higher reliability can be obtained.

  The first gear 35 is a rotating body that is rotatably supported by the shaft 31. The first gear 35 is made of resin or the like, and includes a gear part 351, a disk part 352, and a standing part 353. The first gear 35 is formed with a smaller diameter than the second worm wheel 32, is erected at the center of the disk portion 352, has a gear formed on its outer peripheral surface, and meshes with the large-diameter gear 41 of the second gear portion 40. Yes.

  As shown in FIG. 10D, the outer periphery of the disk portion 352 is formed to be smaller than the inner diameter of the outer cylindrical portion 322 of the second worm wheel 32 (shown by alternate long and short dash lines L3 and L4). It has a function as a lid which presses down the 1st friction board 33 and the 2nd friction board 34 which are stored in. A through hole 355 having a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the shaft 31 is provided at the rotation center of the first gear 35 and the disk portion 352.

  The standing portion 353 is provided on the surface opposite to the surface on which the gear portion 351 of the disk portion 352 is formed, extending in the rotation axis direction. As shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 </ b> D, the standing portion 353 is formed to be 120 ° rotationally symmetric and forms a substantially cylindrical shape as a whole. The cylindrical outer diameter formed by the standing portion 353 is smaller than the inner diameters of the first friction plate 33 and the second friction plate 34, and the inner diameter is the outer diameter of the inner cylindrical portion 323 of the second worm wheel 32 ( It is formed slightly larger than those indicated by alternate long and short dash lines L1 and L2.

  In addition, the three convex portions 34 a of the second friction plate 34 are engaged with the three gaps (engaged portions) 354 between the standing portions 353. Thereby, the 1st gear 35 and the 2nd friction board 34 rotate integrally. The gear part 351, the disk part 352, and the standing part 353 are integrally formed of, for example, metal or resin. Note that any material may be used for the gear portion 351, the disk portion 352, and the standing portion 353 as long as a predetermined condition such as strength is satisfied.

  The washer 36 is made of metal or resin, and the shaft 31 is inserted and placed on the first gear 35 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The spring 37 is made of metal or resin, and as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the shaft 31 is inserted to urge the first gear 35 toward the second worm wheel 32. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the nut 38 is screwed into a screw 31 a formed at the tip of the shaft 31 to fix the spring 37 to the shaft 31 and to apply a compressive force to the spring 37. The force with which the spring 37 presses the first friction plate 33 and the second friction plate 34 to the second worm wheel 32 via the first gear 35 is adjusted by the degree of tightening of the nut 38.

  Next, a method for assembling the clutch portion 30 having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIG. First, the shaft 31 is fitted into the shaft hole 326 of the inner cylindrical portion 323 of the second worm wheel 32. As a result, the second worm wheel 32 is pivotally supported by the shaft 31 and fixed, and rotates integrally.

  Next, five first friction plates 33 and second friction plates 34 are alternately aligned and stacked on the first gear 35, and the second worm wheel 32 through the shaft 31 is inserted and the bottom plate is inserted. It is housed in a housing part (hollow part 327) composed of 321, an outer cylindrical part 322 and an inner cylindrical part 323. At this time, the protrusion 33 a of the first friction plate 33 is engaged with the notch 325 of the outer cylindrical portion 322 of the second worm wheel 32, and the three protrusions 34 a of the second friction plate 34 are the first gear 35. Are fitted so as to be engaged with the gap 354 of the three standing portions 353. Moreover, it fills with grease as needed. In order to obtain a stable frictional force, a resin sheet or the like may be sandwiched between the first friction plate 33 and the second friction plate 34 in addition to the grease.

  Next, the washer 36, the spring 37, and the nut 38 are fitted into the shaft 31 in this order. By adjusting the tightening degree of the nut 38, the pressing force that the spring 37 applies to the first friction plate 33 and the second friction plate 34 is adjusted.

  As described above, the torque generated by the motor 10 is transmitted to the second gear portion 40 due to the friction between the first friction plate 33 and the second friction plate 34. On the other hand, when an excessive overload is applied from the outside, When one of the first friction plate 33 and the second friction plate 34 slips with respect to the other, the clutch portion 30 that suppresses the torque applied to the motor 10 is completed. The following description is based on driving of the toilet lid 5 by the driving device 1.

  Next, the operation of the driving apparatus 1 having the above configuration will be described. When opening the toilet lid 5, a controller (not shown) supplies a drive signal to rotate the motor 10 in one direction. The rotation of the motor 10 rotates the first worm 11 fitted to the output rotation shaft, and the first worm wheel 21 meshed with the first worm 11 rotates. Further, the second worm 22 rotates as the first worm wheel 21 rotates, and the second worm wheel 32 engaged with the second worm 22 rotates.

  As the second worm wheel 32 rotates, the first friction plate 33 having the projection 33a that engages with the notch 325 of the second worm wheel 32 also rotates. The rotational force of the first friction plate 33 is transmitted to the second friction plate 34 by the static friction force between the first friction plate 33 and the second friction plate 34, and the second friction plate 34 rotates. . The upright portion 353 engaged with the second friction plate 34 is rotated by the rotation of the second friction plate 34, and the second upright portion 353 is formed integrally with the upright portion 353 by the rotation of the upright portion 353. The 1 gear 35 also rotates. The rotation of the first gear 35 causes the large-diameter gear 41 of the second gear portion 40 to rotate, and the small-diameter gear 42 formed integrally with the rotation of the large-diameter gear 41 rotates. The rotation of the small-diameter gear 42 is transmitted to the rotation shaft of the toilet lid 5, and the toilet lid 5 opens. On the other hand, when closing the toilet lid 5, the controller rotates the motor 10 in the reverse direction. In this case, the rotational force reverse to that described above is transmitted to the pivot shaft of the toilet lid 5, and the toilet lid 5 is closed.

  Here, when the user closes or opens the toilet lid 5 by hand and applies an overload to the toilet lid 5, the second gear portion is rotated along with the rotation of the rotation shaft of the toilet lid 5. 40 rotates, and the gear portion 351 engaged with the second gear portion 40 rotates. Furthermore, the standing portion 353 formed integrally with the gear portion 351 rotates, and the second friction plate 34 engaged with the standing portion 353 rotates.

  For example, when a torque equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value (hereinafter also referred to as “slip torque value”) is applied in one direction in a predetermined direction by an external force from the shaft portion 50 side, the driving device 1 causes the clutch unit 30 to The transmission of torque to the motor 10 side that is the drive source is suppressed. For example, when the user pushes the toilet lid 5 in the direction in which the toilet lid 5 is opened, a force of 0.25 N · m or more is applied to the clutch portion 30 and a force of 1.9 N · m or more is applied to the output shaft 53. The second friction plate 34 slips with respect to the first friction plate 33, and transmission of torque to the motor 10 side is suppressed. On the other hand, in the conventional ratchet mechanism, for example, when a force of 7.2 N · m or more is applied to the output shaft, a threshold value higher than that of the present embodiment is set such that torque transmission is suppressed.

  Further, for example, when a torque equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold is applied in the other direction in the predetermined direction by the external force from the shaft portion 50 side, the driving device 1 causes the clutch portion 30 to drive the motor 10 that is the driving source. Suppresses torque transmission. For example, when the user pushes the toilet lid 5 in the direction to close the toilet lid 5 and a force of 1.9 N · m or more is applied to the clutch portion 30, the second friction is applied to the first friction plate 33. The plate 34 slips, and transmission of torque to the motor 10 side is suppressed. The slip torque value is not limited to 1.9 N · m, and may be set to various numerical values according to the size, weight, etc. of the toilet lid 5. For example, the slip torque value may be set to 3 N · m.

  As described above, when the overload applied to the toilet lid 5 exceeds the limit torque, that is, when the maximum static friction force between the first friction plate 33 and the second friction plate 34 is exceeded, The second friction plate 34 slips with respect to the first friction plate 33, and the rotation of the first gear 35 is not transmitted to the second worm wheel 32 and the motor 10 after the first friction plate 33. In this way, when the overload applied to the toilet lid 5 exceeds the maximum static frictional force between the first friction plate 33 and the second friction plate 34, the motor 10, the second worm 22, The second worm wheel 32 can be protected. Here, “the overload applied to the toilet lid 5 exceeds the limit torque” corresponds to, for example, that a torque greater than or equal to the slip torque value is applied to the clutch portion 30 of the motor 10.

  If for some reason an overload exceeding the limit torque is transmitted from the motor 10 side to the second worm wheel 32, the first friction plate 33 slips against the second friction plate 34, The overload is not transmitted to the first gear 35, and the first gear 35, the second gear portion 40, and the like can be protected.

  Note that the maximum static friction force between the first friction plate 33 and the second friction plate 34 can be adjusted by adjusting the pressing force of the spring 37. Therefore, the maximum static frictional force between the first friction plate 33 and the second friction plate 34 is larger than the rotational force necessary for opening and closing the toilet lid 5 by the motor 10, while the user is using his / her hand or the like. The tightening degree of the nut 38 is adjusted so as to be smaller than the rotational force applied between the first friction plate 33 and the second friction plate 34 when a force is applied to the toilet lid 5.

  Thus, by adjusting the tightening degree of the nut 38 functioning as the pressing portion, the driving device 1 can adjust the force for pressing the first friction plate 33 and the second friction plate 34. Accordingly, the slip torque value can be adjusted to an appropriate value by adjusting the tightening degree of the nut 38 according to the weight of the toilet seat 4 and the toilet lid 5. Moreover, since it is easy to set the drive device 1 to a torque value lower than before, it is possible to reduce the load on the drive device 1 itself, the toilet seat 4, the toilet lid 5, and the like. Further, the drive device 1 can adjust the force for pressing the first friction plate 33 and the second friction plate 34 by exchanging the spring 37.

  Further, as a substitute for the nut 38, another fixing tool such as a U bolt may be used. If the pressing force due to the length of the spring 37 in the rotation axis direction is known in advance, adjustment by the nut 38 is unnecessary, and the spring 37 is fixed by E-RING or a bush so that the spring 37 has a specified length. May be. In addition, since the length of the spring 37 in the rotation axis direction is regulated by a nut, E-RING, bush, or the like, the variation in pressing force can be reduced, and as a result, the variation in limit torque can also be suppressed. Become. In addition, even when the first friction plate 33 and the second friction plate 34 are worn due to long-term use, the first friction plate 33 and the second friction plate with respect to the length of the spring 37 in the rotation axis direction. Since the change in the thickness of the plate 34 is very small, it can be expected that the change in the pressing force is small and the variation amount of the limit torque is small.

  According to the above configuration, for the mechanism that interrupts transmission of overload torque (for example, torque equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold) by generating slip between the first friction plate 33 and the second friction plate 34. The machine noise is not generated unlike the ratchet, and the noise can be reduced.

  Furthermore, the predetermined torque can be set freely without worrying about the generation of mechanical noise. Therefore, if the predetermined torque is set to a low value, the strength of each part can be kept low, and the metal part can be replaced with a resin part, or a part composed of a plurality of metal parts can be integrated. It can be expected to reduce the number of parts and cost by replacing the resin parts.

  Further, since the second worm wheel 32 and the first gear 35 are pivotally supported on the same shaft 31, there is one shaft, and the second worm wheel 32 and the first gear 35 are pivotally supported on separate shafts. Compared with the case where it was made, manufacturing cost can be suppressed. Further, since the spring 37 biases the second worm wheel 32 and the first gear 35 in the same direction, the first friction plate 33 and the second friction plate 34 are moved to the other gear portion via one gear portion. Can be pressed.

  Further, since the nut 38 adjusts the force by which the spring 37 urges the second worm wheel 32 and the first gear 35 in the same direction, the frictional force between the first friction plate 33 and the second friction plate 34 is adjusted. Can be adjusted. Further, since the first friction plate 33 and the second friction plate 34 are accommodated in the outer cylindrical portion 322 of the second worm wheel 32, the size is smaller than the case where these friction plates are not accommodated in the outer cylindrical portion 322. Can be reduced. Further, since the laminated body of the first friction plate 33 and the second friction plate 34 is pressed by the first gear 35, the rotation of either the second worm wheel 32 or the first gear 35 causes the first A frictional force is generated between the first friction plate 33 and the second friction plate 34.

  Further, since the protrusion 33a is engaged with the notch 325, the first friction plate 33 and the second worm wheel 32 can rotate together. Further, since the convex portion 34a is engaged with the gap 354, the second friction plate 34 and the first gear 35 can rotate together. Further, since the first friction plate 33 and the second friction plate 34 are disposed so as to overlap each other, a friction force can be applied to the other friction plate by the rotation of one friction plate. Furthermore, the frictional force between the first friction plate 33 and the second friction plate 34 can be adjusted by the number of friction plates.

  Further, since the gears (second worm wheel 32 and first gear 35) are used as the rotating body, slippage is reduced as compared with the case where no gear is used, such as using a roller chain. Furthermore, by using a gear as the rotating body, the degree of freedom of arrangement of the motor 10 and the second gear portion 40 in the driving device 1 is improved as compared with the case where no gear is used. Thereby, adjustment of each position of the output rotating shaft of the motor 10 and the rotating shaft of the 2nd gear part 40 becomes easy. Further, since the plate-like friction bodies (the first friction plate 33 and the second friction plate 34) are used as the friction bodies, the size can be reduced as compared with the case where no plate-like friction bodies are used. Since the size can be reduced in this way, the arrangement space of the clutch unit 30 in the drive device 1 may be small, and the degree of freedom of arrangement is improved compared to the case where a large size torque limiter is used.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various deformation | transformation and application are possible.

  For example, the second worm wheel 32 of the clutch unit 30 and the second worm 22 of the shaft conversion unit 20 are engaged with each other, but the first gear 35 and the second worm 22 are engaged with each other. Can be transmitted to the clutch unit 30 in any manner. When the first gear 35 and the second worm 22 mesh with each other, the second worm wheel 32 meshes with the large diameter gear 41.

  In addition, in order to apply a frictional force between the first friction plate 33 and the second friction plate 34, a configuration in which the first gear 35 is urged toward the second worm wheel 32 by a spring 37 is employed. In order to apply the urging force, any elastic body such as rubber can be used. If a predetermined frictional force can be obtained, it is not necessary to use an elastic body.

  Moreover, although the example which engages the 1st friction board 33 and the 2nd worm wheel 32 in three places was shown, the number of engagement locations is arbitrary. Similarly, although the example which engages the 2nd friction board 34 and the 1st gear 35 in three places was shown, the number of engagement locations is arbitrary. Furthermore, the first friction plate 33 and the first gear 35 are engaged, the second friction plate 34 and the second worm wheel 32 are engaged, and so on, from one gear (rotary body) to the other gear ( If the rotational force can be transmitted to the rotating body via the frictional force, the engagement method and the number of engagements are arbitrary.

  Further, the first friction plate 33 and the second friction plate 34 are each five, but the number is arbitrary. The frictional force generated between the first friction plate 33 and the second friction plate 34 can be adjusted by the number of friction plates, and the pressing force by the elastic body is increased by the amount of increase of the friction plates. Since it can be lowered, the spring 37 is reduced in size.

  In addition, torque is transmitted by friction between the first friction plate 33 and the second friction plate 34. If torque can be transmitted by friction, the first friction plate 33 and the second friction plate 34 are Instead of a plate-like friction body, for example, a friction body having an arbitrary shape such as a cylindrical friction body may be used.

  Further, the shaft portion 50 is urged in one direction of rotation by the spring member 60. For example, the shaft portion 50 is biased by the spring member 60 in a direction in which the toilet seat 4 or the toilet lid 5 is opened. That is, the shaft portion 50 is biased by the spring member 60 in a direction in which the toilet seat 4 or the toilet lid 5 is moved from the closed state (closed state) to the open state (open state). Thereby, the motor 10 can suppress the driving force for opening the toilet seat 4 or the toilet lid 5. Hereinafter, the structure which urges | biases the axial part 50 to one direction of a rotation direction with the spring member 60 is demonstrated concretely.

  As described above, the spring member 60 is disposed at a position where the base portion 51 of the shaft portion 50 is inserted. The spring member 60 is formed in a coil shape, and both end portions (one end portion 61 and the other end portion 62) extend along the axial direction of the coil. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the spring member 60 is arranged with one end portion 61 facing the gear portion 52 side of the shaft portion 50 and the other end portion 62 facing the output shaft 53 side of the shaft portion 50. Further, the one end portion 61 of the spring member 60 is fixed to the shaft portion 50 by a predetermined mechanism of the locking portion 54. For example, the one end portion 61 of the spring member 60 is fixed in position with respect to the shaft portion 50 by being fitted into an insertion hole (not shown) of the locking portion 54.

  Further, the other end 62 of the spring member 60 is fixed in position with respect to the first casing 7 by a predetermined mechanism provided in the first casing 7. This point will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a bottom view illustrating the first housing unit according to the embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 11 is a view of the first housing part 7 as viewed from the side connected to the second housing part 8.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the first housing portion 7 houses various configurations such as the shaft portion 50 in the body portion 70. The body portion 70 of the first housing portion 7 is provided with a through hole 71 through which the shaft portion 50 is inserted, and the output shaft 53 of the shaft portion 50 projects from the through hole 71 to the outside of the housing. In addition, an insertion portion 72 and a notch portion 73 are provided on the periphery of the through hole 71 of the body portion 70. For example, the insertion portion 72 and the cutout portion 73 are formed thinner in the thickness direction than other portions of the peripheral edge of the through hole 71 of the body portion 70. Thus, side walls 721 and 722 are formed at both ends in the circumferential direction of the through hole 71 of the insertion portion 72, and side walls 731 and 732 are formed at both ends in the circumferential direction of the through hole 71 of the notch portion 73.

  The insertion portion 72 is formed in a shape in which the other end portion 62 of the spring member 60 is inserted, and the other end portion 62 of the spring member 60 is inserted. When the other end 62 of the spring member 60 inserted into the insertion portion 72 is restricted from moving in the circumferential direction of the through hole 71 by the side walls 721 and 722 of the insertion portion 72, the other end 62 of the spring member 60 is The position is fixed with respect to the first housing part 7. Thereby, the spring member 60 urges | biases the axial part 50 to one direction of a rotation direction.

  The notch 73 is formed by notching the periphery of the through hole 71 by a predetermined length along the circumferential direction. For example, the protruding portion 55 of the shaft portion 50 is formed in an elongated cylindrical shape and protrudes from the base portion 51 to the peripheral surface of the base portion 51. In the notch 73, the protrusion 55 of the shaft part 50 is located. Accordingly, the protrusion 55 of the shaft portion 50 can move between the side walls 731 and 732 in the circumferential direction of the notch 73. As a result, the rotation angle of the shaft portion 50 is regulated within a range in which the projection portion 55 can move in the cutout portion 73.

  For example, in the toilet bowl 2 using the drive device 1, the positions of the toilet seat 4 and the toilet lid 5 in the open state can be set to desired positions. For example, in the toilet seat 4, the position of the center of gravity G <b> 1 (center of gravity position) in the open state (self-standing state) is positioned forward (leftward in FIG. 1) from the position of the rotation shaft of the driving device 1. In FIG. 1, an imaginary line IL2 (also referred to as “centroid line IL2”) connecting the center of the driving device 1 of the toilet seat 4 and the center of gravity G1 is referred to as a horizontal line IL1 in the driving device 1 of the toilet seat 4 and a vertical line IL3 orthogonal to the horizontal line IL1. Located between and. As described above, the toilet seat 4 has an angle θ1 formed by the horizontal line IL1 and the barycentric line IL2 (hereinafter also referred to as “detent torque”) by the torque (hereinafter also referred to as “detent torque”) by the first worm gear, the second worm gear, and the spring member 60 of the drive device 1. A position at which the “center of gravity angle θ1” is less than 90 ° can be set as a self-standing position (also referred to as a “self-standing position”). In the example of FIG. 1, the toilet seat 4 in the open state (self-standing state) has a bottom surface 411 positioned parallel to the contact surface 610 of the base 6 in FIG. The opening angle of 4 is 90 °. For example, when the toilet seat 4 is in the closed state, the bottom surface 411 is positioned along the horizontal line IL1, and in the open state, the bottom surface 411 is positioned along the vertical line IL3, so the opening angle of the toilet seat 4 is 90 °. Thus, the barycentric angle and the opening angle may be different. For example, the opening angle may be 90 ° and the center of gravity angle may be 88 °. Further, the opening angle may be less than 90 °. As described above, the toilet seat 4 can stand on its own in a forward leaning posture.

  The example shown in FIG. 1 shows a case where the centroid angle and the opening angle are different, but the centroid angle and the opening angle may coincide with each other. Further, the toilet lid 5 is positioned such that the position of the center of gravity G2 (the center of gravity position) in the open state (self-standing state) is ahead (leftward in FIG. 1) than the position of the rotation shaft of the drive device 1. As a result, the toilet lid 5 can stand by itself at a position on the closed state side by an angle θ11 with respect to the axis IL11 perpendicular to the installation surface of the toilet 2 on the plane 511. As described above, the driving device 1 uses the first worm gear, the second worm gear, and the spring member 60 to smoothly rotate the toilet seat 4 and the toilet lid 5 so that the toilet seat 4 and the toilet lid 5 can stand independently at a desired position. Can be made. That is, the drive device 1 can stand the toilet seat 4 and the toilet lid 5 independently with a center-of-gravity angle or an opening angle of less than 90 ° without using a self-supporting holding mechanism as in the past.

  Further, as described above, since the drive device 1 can freely set the self-supporting positions of the toilet seat 4 and the toilet lid 5, the degree of freedom in designing the toilet 2 using the drive device 1 is increased. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, in the toilet bowl 2 using the drive device 1, the position of the center of gravity G2 of the toilet lid 5 in the open state (self-standing state) can be positioned forward, so that the open state (self-standing state) The plane 511 of the toilet lid 5 can be positioned closer to the closed state than the position along the axis IL11. Therefore, in the toilet bowl 2 using the drive device 1 shown in FIG. 1, the facing surface 611 of the mounting portion 601 of the base 6 facing the flat surface 511 of the toilet lid 5 can be along the axis IL11. On the other hand, when the center of gravity G2 of the toilet lid 5 can stand by itself at a position (rightward in FIG. 1) beyond the drive device 1 of the toilet lid 5, that is, the toilet lid 5 exceeds the axis IL11, 611 is inclined backward (rightward in FIG. 1) from the axis IL11 in accordance with the rotation angle of the toilet lid 5. For this reason, when the toilet lid 5 can be self-supporting at a position beyond the axis IL11, the degree of freedom in designing the toilet bowl 2 is reduced. On the other hand, since the toilet lid 5 can stand by itself in the position on the opposite side to the attachment part 601 from the axis | shaft IL11, the freedom degree of the design of the toilet bowl 2 using the drive device 1 increases.

  As described above, according to the embodiment, even when a torque equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value (for example, 1.9 N · m) is applied in any direction of the rotation direction due to the external force from the shaft portion 50 side, By the clutch unit 30 that suppresses transmission of torque to the motor 10 side, the driving device 1 appropriately suppresses the influence of external force in both directions in which the toilet seat 4 or the toilet lid 5 is rotated. Damage can be suppressed.

  Further, as described above, according to the embodiment, the use of the first friction plate 33 and the second friction plate 34 for the clutch portion 30 can prevent the clutch portion 30 from being damaged.

  Further, according to the embodiment, the clutch portion 30 is a multi-plate type in which a plurality of first friction plates 33 and a plurality of second friction plates 34 are alternately stacked, so that the slip torque value is appropriately set. It is possible to prevent the clutch portion 30 from being damaged. Further, according to the embodiment, the clutch unit 30 includes a plurality of first friction plates 33, the number of first friction plates based on the thickness of the first friction plate 33, and the thickness of the second friction plate 34. By having 33 and the 2nd friction board 34, a slip torque value can be adjusted appropriately and it can suppress that the clutch part 30 is damaged. For example, by reducing the thickness of the first friction plate 33 and the second friction plate 34 and increasing the number of the first friction plates 33 and the second friction plates 34, a predetermined threshold value (slip torque value) is obtained. May be increased. Further, for example, by increasing the thickness of the first friction plate 33 or the second friction plate 34 and decreasing the number of the first friction plates 33 or the second friction plates 34, a predetermined threshold (slip torque) is obtained. (Value) may be reduced.

  The characteristics of the spring member 60 described above may be set as appropriate based on the configuration of the toilet bowl 2 and the like. For example, the characteristics of the spring member 60 may be appropriately set based on the output torque of the driving device 1, the weight of the toilet seat 4 and the toilet lid 5, the opening angle and the center of gravity angle of the toilet seat 4 and the toilet lid 5. For example, in a situation where the toilet seat 4 and the toilet lid 5 must be closed, when the torque of the spring member 60 is larger than the torque due to the weight of the toilet seat 4 and the toilet lid 5, the toilet seat 4 and the toilet lid 5 are automatically opened, that is, automatically closed. The toilet seat 4 and the toilet lid 5 move from the open state to the open state. On the other hand, if the torque of the spring member 60 is larger than the torque obtained by combining the torque due to the weight of the toilet seat 4 or the toilet lid 5 and the output torque of the driving device 1 during the electric closing operation, the closing operation cannot be performed, that is, the open state The toilet seat 4 and the toilet lid 5 cannot be moved from the closed position to the closed position. Therefore, the characteristics of the spring member 60 satisfy the following conditions (conditions 1 to 4).

In addition, each value of torque etc. on the following conditions is prescribed | regulated as follows.
・ Torque due to dead weight of drive target (toilet seat 4 or toilet lid 5): A (N · m)
-Torque of assist spring (spring member 60): B (N · m)
・ Output torque of motor (drive device 1): C (N · m)
-Opening angle (center of gravity angle) of driving object (toilet seat 4 or toilet lid 5): θ (°)

(Condition 1) When θ = 0, A> B
(Condition 2) 0 + θ ≦ 90 and when moving in the − direction (closed state), A + C> B
(Condition 3) 0 + θ ≦ 90 and B + C> A when moving in the + direction (open state)
(Condition 4) When moving in the direction of θ> 90 and − (closed state), A + B <C

  When the opening angle (center of gravity angle) of the drive target (the toilet seat 4 or the toilet lid 5) does not exceed 90 °, the condition 4 may not be included in the condition of the characteristics of the spring member 60. Further, when the toilet seat 4 and the toilet lid 5 are driven by one driving device 1, the driving target is the toilet seat 4 and the toilet lid 5, and the weight of the driving target is a combination of the weight of the toilet seat 4 and the weight of the toilet lid 5. .

  Further, the present invention is not limited by the above embodiment. What comprised suitably combining each component mentioned above is also contained in this invention. Further effects and modifications can be easily derived by those skilled in the art. Therefore, the broader aspect of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made.

  For example, in the embodiment, a rotational force is transmitted from the second worm wheel 32 to the first gear 35, and an overload torque (for example, a torque greater than a slip torque value) is transmitted from the first gear 35 to the second worm wheel 32. The clutch part 30 which suppresses was illustrated. The present invention is not limited to these, and a rotational force is transmitted from an arbitrary first rotating body to an arbitrary second rotating body, and when an excessive torque is applied to any one of the rotating bodies, transmission to the other is performed. It is widely applicable to the structure which prevents this. For example, the present invention can be applied to a configuration in which excessive torque transmission is prevented while transmitting the rotational force of the pulley to other pulleys or shafts.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Drive apparatus 2 Toilet bowl 3 Casing 4 Toilet seat 5 Toilet lid 6 Base 10 Motor 11 1st worm 20 Shaft conversion part 21 1st worm wheel 22 2nd worm 30 Clutch part 31 Shaft 32 2nd worm wheel 33 1st friction board 34 Second friction plate 35 First gear 36 Washer 37 Spring 38 Nut 40 Second gear portion 41 Large diameter gear 42 Small diameter gear 50 Shaft portion 51 Base portion 52 Gear portion 53 Output shaft 54 Locking portion 55 Projection portion 60 Spring member 61 One end Part 62 other end part 7 first housing part 70 body part 71 through-hole 72 insertion part 73 notch part

Claims (6)

A shaft that rotates by a drive source and rotates at least one of the toilet seat and the toilet lid;
A plurality of worm gears provided between the drive source and the shaft portion and transmitting torque from the drive source to the shaft portion;
A spring member for biasing the shaft portion in a direction to open the toilet seat or the toilet lid;
With
A drive device in which directions of rotation axes of at least two worm gears among the plurality of worm gears are different.   The drive device according to claim 1, wherein a rotation shaft of the shaft portion is along a rotation shaft of the drive source.   3. The drive device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of worm gears include a first worm gear and a second worm gear, and directions of rotation axes of the first worm gear and the second worm gear are different by 90 degrees. The first worm gear includes a first worm that is attached to the drive source and rotates about a rotation axis of the drive source, and a first worm wheel that meshes with the first worm,
4. The drive device according to claim 3, wherein the second worm gear includes a second worm that rotates in alignment with the first worm wheel, and a second worm wheel that meshes with the second worm. 5. A first gear that rotates in alignment with the second worm wheel; and
A second gear that meshes with the first gear and rotates about an axis along the rotation axis of the first gear, and transmits torque from the drive source to the shaft portion;
The drive device according to claim 4, further comprising:   The second gear includes a large-diameter gear that meshes with the first gear, and a small-diameter gear that is formed to have a smaller diameter than the large-diameter gear and rotates with the large-diameter gear aligned with a shaft. The driving device according to claim 5, wherein the driving device meshes with a gear mechanism provided in the shaft portion.

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