[0001] The present invention relates to a plug door opening/closing device.
[0002] An entrance of a vehicle is provided with a plug door apparatus that generates an
opening/closing action that opens or closes a door leaf and a plug action that moves
the door leaf in a transverse direction of the vehicle. The plug door apparatus includes
a plug door opening/closing device that opens and closes the door leaf.
[0003] Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No.
10-169298 describes a plug door apparatus that moves a carriage on a support rail to open or
close the door leaf. Guide rollers travel in the guide rail so that a plug action
of the door leaf is generated.
[0004] The plug door apparatus described in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No.
10-169298 requires the guide rail that guides the guide rollers to generate the plug action
of the door leaf. The guide rail extends over the entire entrance of the vehicle in
the widthwise direction of the entrance. This increases the space occupied by the
plug door opening/closing device.
[0005] Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a plug door opening/closing
device that reduces the space occupied by the plug door opening/closing device.
[0006] To achieve the above objective and in accordance with one aspect of the present invention,
a plug door opening/closing device is provided that is configured to move a door leaf
in a widthwise direction of an opening to open or close the opening. The plug door
opening/closing device includes a movable body and a stopper. The movable body is
moved together with the door leaf from a fully closed position via a plug-out position
to a fully open position. The stopper is moved together with the movable body in a
state maintaining relative positions of the movable body and the door leaf as the
door leaf moves from the plug-out position to the fully open position.
[0007] With the above configuration, the door leaf can be moved in the widthwise direction
of the opening as the movable body moves the door leaf from the plug-out position
to the fully open position while the stopper maintains the relative positions of the
movable body and the door leaf. This eliminates the need for a guide rail used to
generate a plug action. Thus, the space occupied by the plug door opening/closing
device can be reduced.
[0008] Preferably, in the plug door opening/closing device described above, the movable
body includes a base moved in the widthwise direction of the opening and a plugging
unit configured to change a relative distance between the base and the door leaf in
a plugging direction that is orthogonal to the widthwise direction of the opening.
Preferably, the stopper restricts movement of the plugging unit.
[0009] With the above configuration, the stopper restricts the movement of the plugging
unit that changes the relative distance between the door leaf and the base. This limits
changes in the relative distance between the base and the door leaf even when the
door leaf is operated in a plug-out state.
[0010] Preferably, in the plug door opening/closing device described above, the plugging
unit includes a link mechanism.
[0011] With the above configuration, the link mechanism changes the relative distance between
the base and the door leaf in the plugging direction. Thus, when the door leaf approaches
the base, the link mechanism folds and reduces the space occupied by the plug door
opening/closing device.
[0012] Preferably, in the plug door opening/closing device described above, the plugging
unit includes a four-joint link.
[0013] With the above configuration, the four-joint link changes the relative distance between
the base and the door leaf in the plugging direction. Thus, when the door leaf approaches
the base, the four-joint link folds and reduces the space occupied by the plug door
opening/closing device. Further, in the four-joint link, the opposing links extending
in the plugging direction may have different lengths so that the front end and rear
end of the door leaf in the widthwise direction of the opening move along different
paths.
[0014] Preferably, the plug door opening/closing device described above includes a lock
mechanism configured to lock the base at the fully closed position by movement of
the plugging unit when the door leaf is moved from the plug-out position to the fully
closed position.
[0015] With the above configuration, the lock mechanism locks the base when the plugging
unit generates a plug-in action, that is, when the plugging unit moves the door leaf
from the plug-out position to the fully closed position. This restricts movement of
the base even when the door leaf is operated in a fully closed state.
[0016] The plug door opening/closing device according to the present invention succeeds
in reducing the space occupied by the plug door opening/closing device.
[0017] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following
description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by
way of example the principles of the invention.
[0018] The invention, together with objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood
by reference to the following description of the presently preferred embodiments together
with the accompanying drawings in which:
Fig. 1(a) is a plan view showing a plug door opening/closing device in accordance
with a first embodiment illustrating a fully closed and locked state;
Fig. 1(b) is a plan view showing part of the plug door opening/closing device in accordance
with the first embodiment;
Fig. 2 is a left view of the plug door opening/closing device in accordance with the
first embodiment;
Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the plug door opening/closing device in accordance
with the first embodiment;
Fig. 4(a) is plan view of the plug door opening/closing device in accordance with
the first embodiment illustrating an opening action;
Fig. 4(b) is a plan view showing part of the plug door opening/closing device in accordance
with the first embodiment;
Fig. 5(a) is a plan view of the plug door opening/closing device in accordance with
the first embodiment illustrating a plug-out action;
Fig. 5(b) is a plan view showing part of the plug door opening/closing device in accordance
with the first embodiment;
Fig. 6(a) is a plan view of the plug door opening/closing device in accordance with
the first embodiment illustrating an opening action;
Fig. 6(b) is a plan view showing part of the plug door opening/closing device in accordance
with the first embodiment;
Fig. 7 is a plan view of the plug door opening/closing device in accordance with the
first embodiment illustrating an opening action;
Figs. 8(a) and 8(b) are plan views of a plug door opening/closing device in accordance
with a second embodiment illustrating a fully closed and locked state;
Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the plug door opening/closing device in accordance
with the second embodiment;
Fig. 10 is a plan view of the plug door opening/closing device in accordance with
the second embodiment;
Fig. 11 is a plan view of the plug door opening/closing device in accordance with
the second embodiment illustrating a plug-out action;
Fig. 12 is a plan view of the plug door opening/closing device in accordance with
the second embodiment illustrating an opening action;
Fig. 13 is a plan view of the plug door opening/closing device in accordance with
the second embodiment illustrating an opening action;
Fig. 14 is a plan view of a plug door opening/closing device in accordance with a
modified example illustrating a fully closed state; and
Fig. 15 is a plan view of the plug door opening/closing device in accordance with
the modified example illustrating a plug-out state.
First Embodiment
[0019] A plug door apparatus including a plug door opening/closing device in accordance
with a first embodiment will now be described with reference to Figs. 1(a) to 7.
[0020] As shown in Fig. 1(a), an entrance 2 of a vehicle, such as a railway vehicle, is
provided with a plug door apparatus 1 that generates an opening/closing action to
open or close a door leaf 3 and a plug action to move the door leaf 3 in a plugging
direction (i.e., vehicle transverse direction) that is orthogonal to the widthwise
direction of the entrance 2. The plug door apparatus 1 includes the door leaf 3 and
a plug door opening/closing device 4 that generates the opening/closing action and
the plug action with the door leaf 3. The entrance 2 corresponds to an opening.
[0021] The plug door opening/closing device 4 includes a door bracket 10 and a movable body
5. The door leaf 3 is mounted on the door bracket 10. The movable body 5 moves in
the widthwise direction of the entrance 2 while holding the door bracket 10. The movable
body 5 includes a main block 20 serving as a base that is movable in the widthwise
direction of the entrance 2. The door leaf 3, the door bracket 10, and the main block
20 are arranged in order in the plugging direction from the side closer to the entrance
2. The main block 20 is supported by a support rail (not shown) so as to be movable
in the widthwise direction of the entrance 2.
[0022] As shown in Figs. 1(a) and 1(b), the movable body 5 includes a plug mechanism 6 serving
as a plugging unit configured to change the relative distance between the main block
20 and the door bracket 10 in the plugging direction. The plug mechanism 6 includes
a front arm 30 and a rear arm 40 coupling the door bracket 10 and the main block 20.
The door bracket 10 and the main block 20 are located at the same height in the vertical
direction. The main block 20 supports the door bracket 10 with the front arm 30 and
the rear arm 40 that construct a four-joint, equal-length link. The front arm 30 has
one end rotationally coupled to the door bracket 10 by a first rotation shaft 11 and
another end rotationally coupled to the main block 20 by a second rotation shaft 21.
The second rotation shaft 21 projects upward from the main block 20. The rear arm
40 has one end rotationally coupled to the door bracket 10 by a third rotation shaft
12. The third rotation shaft 12 projects upward from the door bracket 10. The rear
arm 40 has another end rotationally coupled to the main block 20 by a fourth rotation
shaft 22. When the entrance 2 is in a fully closed state as shown in Fig. 1(a), the
door leaf 3 and the movable body 5 are located at a fully closed position.
[0023] As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the front arm 30 and the rear arm 40 are located in an
open space defined by the door bracket 10 and the main block 20. The first rotation
shaft 11 is fixed to the door bracket 10 and rotatable relative to the front arm 30.
The second rotation shaft 21 is fixed to the main block 20 and rotatable relative
to the front arm 30. A guide bearing 21A is arranged on the second rotation shaft
21. The third rotation shaft 12 is fixed to the door bracket 10 and rotatable relative
to the rear arm 40. The fourth rotation shaft 22 is fixed to the main block 20 and
rotatable relative to the rear arm 40.
[0024] Referring to Fig. 1(a), the plug mechanism 6 rotates the front arm 30 and the rear
arm 40 to change the relative distance between the door bracket 10 and the main block
20 in the plugging direction.
[0025] The plug mechanism 6 includes a guide link 50 supported by the second rotation shaft
21 in a rotatable manner. The guide link 50 is located upward in the vertical direction
from the main block 20 and the door bracket 10. The guide link 50 includes a first
guide groove 51 that guides the third rotation shaft 12. A first guide bearing 12A
is arranged on the third rotation shaft 12. The first guide bearing 12A is in contact
with the first guide groove 51. The first guide groove 51 is a substantially Z-shaped
groove having a depth that is equal to the width of the first guide bearing 12A. The
first guide groove 51 is bent at a left end 51A and a right end 51B. Thus, when the
first guide bearing 12A is fitted in the left end 51A or right end 51B of the first
guide groove 51, the first guide bearing 12A will not be separated from the left end
51A or right end 51B of the first guide groove 51 unless the guide link 50 rotates.
The guide link 50 serves as a swing link that transmits movement of a drive bracket
60 to the rear arm 40. Thus, the rear arm 40 is rotated about the fourth rotation
shaft 22 as the first guide groove 51 of the guide link 50 guides the third rotation
shaft 12. The guide link 50 includes an upwardly projecting fifth rotation shaft 52.
[0026] The plug mechanism 6 includes the drive bracket 60 that is coupled to the fifth rotation
shaft 52. The drive bracket 60 is located upward in the vertical direction from the
guide link 50. The drive bracket 60 includes a second guide groove 61 that guides
the fifth rotation shaft 52 of the guide link 50. A second guide bearing 52A is arranged
on the fifth rotation shaft 52. The second guide bearing 52A is in contact with the
second guide groove 61. The second guide groove 61 extends from the main block 20
toward the door leaf 3, that is, in the plugging direction. The drive bracket 60 is
fixed to a driving device, such as a ball screw, and acts as a drive link moved by
the driving device in the widthwise direction of the entrance 2. The drive bracket
60 includes a mount 62 on which the driving device is mounted. The guide link 50 is
rotated about the second rotation shaft 21 on the main block 20 as the movement of
the drive bracket 60 in the widthwise direction of the entrance 2 guides the fifth
rotation shaft 52 in the second guide groove 61.
[0027] The main block 20 includes an upwardly projecting sixth rotation shaft 23. The plug
door opening/closing device 4 includes a lock link 70 supported by the sixth rotation
shaft 23 in a rotatable manner. The lock link 70 is located upward in the vertical
direction from the door bracket 10 and the main block 20. The sixth rotation shaft
23 is coupled to the middle of the lock link 70. A seventh rotation shaft 71 is arranged
on one end of the lock link 70. The seventh rotation shaft 71 is in contact with the
guide link 50. A third guide bearing 71A is arranged on the seventh rotation shaft
71. The third guide bearing 71A is in contact with the edge of the guide link 50.
A portion of the guide link 50 proximate to the main block 20 includes an engagement
groove 53 that engages the third guide bearing 71A of the lock link 70. Engagement
of the third guide bearing 71A with the engagement groove 53 of the guide link 50
restricts rotation of the guide link 50. The lock link 70 has another end that defines
an engagement portion 72. The engagement portion 72 is a semicircular cutout portion.
The lock link 70 acts as a stopper.
[0028] The plug door opening/closing device 4 includes a lock roller 80 fixed to the entrance
2. The lock roller 80 is rotated about an eighth rotation shaft 81. The engagement
portion 72 of the lock link 70 engages the lock roller 80. A state in which the engagement
portion 72 of the lock link 70 is engaged with the lock roller 80 is referred to as
a lock state in which the main block 20 cannot be moved. Rotation of the lock link
70 disengages the engagement portion 72 of the lock link 70 from the lock roller 80.
The lock roller 80 corresponds to a lock mechanism.
[0029] The operation of the plug door apparatus 1 will now be described with reference to
Figs. 1(a) to 7. The operation for shifting the door leaf 3 from a fully closed and
locked state to an open state will now be described.
[0030] Figs. 1(a) and 2 show the door leaf 3 at a fully closed position in a fully closed
and locked state in which the door leaf 3 cannot be moved even when operated. The
door bracket 10 and the main block 20 are opposed to each other in the plugging direction
with their opposing surfaces in contact with each other. In the lock state, the engagement
portion 72 of the lock link 70 is engaged with the lock roller 80, and the lock link
70 and the lock roller 80 cannot move. More specifically, in the lock state, the main
block 20 cannot be moved relative to the entrance 2. Further, the lock link 70 cannot
be rotated because the third guide bearing 71A of the lock link 70 is in contact with
the side surface of the guide link 50. The fifth rotation shaft 52 of the guide link
50 is located toward the door leaf 3 in the second guide groove 61 of the drive bracket
60. The third rotation shaft 12 of the door bracket 10 is located at the right end
in the first guide groove 51 of the guide link 50 in the widthwise direction of the
entrance 2. The first guide bearing 12A of the third rotation shaft 12 is located
at a position where the first guide groove 51 of the guide link 50 restricts the generation
of a plug-out action that would move the door leaf 3 outward from the entrance 2.
[0031] Then, referring to Figs. 4(a) and 4(b), when the driving device moves the drive bracket
60 rightward as viewed in the drawings, the second guide bearing 52A, which is engaged
with the second guide groove 61 of the drive bracket 60, is moved rightward as viewed
in the drawings. Thus, the guide link 50 is rotated clockwise about the second rotation
shaft 21 in a plan view to an unlocking initiation position where unlocking is initiated.
Then, the first guide bearing 12A of the third rotation shaft 12 is separated from
the right end 51B of the first guide groove 51 in the guide link 50. The third guide
bearing 71A of the lock link 70 is in contact with the side surface of the guide link
50. Thus, the lock link 70 cannot be rotated. In this state, the front arm 30 and
the rear arm 40 are not rotated. Further, the third guide bearing 71A of the lock
link 70 is in contact with the side surface of the guide link 50, and the lock link
70 cannot be rotated. Thus, the door leaf 3 is still in a closed state, and the lock
link 70 is still in the lock state.
[0032] Referring to Figs. 5(a) and Fig. 5(b), when the driving device moves the drive bracket
60 further rightward as viewed in the drawings, the second guide bearing 52A, which
is engaged with the second guide groove 61 of the drive bracket 60, is moved further
rightward as viewed in the drawings. Thus, the guide link 50 is rotated further clockwise
about the second rotation shaft 21 in a plan view. The first guide bearing 12A of
the third rotation shaft 12 is moved along the first guide groove 51 of the guide
link 50 from the right end 51B toward the left end 51A. This rotates the rear arm
40 clockwise about the fourth rotation shaft 22 in a plan view and separates the door
bracket 10 from the main block 20. As the rear arm 40 rotates, the front arm 30 is
rotated about the second rotation shaft 21. Consequently, the door leaf 3 generates
a plug-out action. In this state, the third guide bearing 71A of the lock link 70
is in contact with the side surface of the guide link 50. This maintains the lock
state, and the lock link 70 cannot be rotated.
[0033] Referring to Figs. 6(a) and 6(b), when the driving device moves the drive bracket
60 further rightward as viewed in the drawings, the second guide bearing 52A, which
is engaged with the second guide groove 61 of the drive bracket 60, is moved further
rightward as viewed in the drawings. Thus, the second guide bearing 52A is moved in
the second guide groove 61 toward the main block 20, and the guide link 50 is rotated
further clockwise about the second rotation shaft 21 in a plan view. The first guide
bearing 12A of the third rotation shaft 12 is moved along the first guide groove 51
of the guide link 50 to the right end 51B and fitted in the right end 51B. Consequently,
the rear arm 40 is rotated further clockwise about the fourth rotation shaft 22 in
a plan view, and the door bracket 10 is separated from the main block 20 by the maximum
extent. Thus, the door leaf 3 is in a plug-out state (plug-out position) and projected
out of the entrance 2. In this state, when the guide link 50 rotates to the plug-out
position, the lock link 70 becomes rotatable, and the engagement portion 72 of the
lock link 70 is disengaged from the lock roller 80. The rotation of the guide link
50 engages the third guide bearing 71A of the lock link 70 with the engagement groove
53 of the guide link 50. This restricts rotation of the guide link 50 and maintains
the door leaf 3 in the plug-out state.
[0034] Then, as shown in Fig. 7, the lock link 70, the guide link 50, and the front arm
30 are fixed in this state. The door leaf 3 and the main block 20 are maintained in
the plug-out state (plug-out position) and moved in the widthwise direction of the
entrance 2 in accordance with the movement of the drive bracket 60 to fully open the
entrance 2. When the entrance 2 is fully open, the door leaf 3 and the movable body
5 are located at the fully open position.
[0035] When the door leaf 3 generates a plug-in action, that is, when the door leaf 3 projected
from the entrance 2 is moved inward back to its original position, the driving device
moves the drive bracket 60 leftward. Since rotation of the guide link 50 is restricted,
the door bracket 10 and the main block 20 are moved together leftward and maintained
in the plug-out state. The engagement portion 72 of the lock link 70 contacts and
engages the lock roller 80. This rotates the lock link 70 counterclockwise about the
sixth rotation shaft 23 and disengages the third guide bearing 71A from the engagement
groove 53 of the guide link 50. In a state in which the guide link 50 is rotatable,
when the drive bracket 60 moves leftward, the guide link 50 is rotated counterclockwise
about the second rotation shaft 21. Further, the front arm 30 and the rear arm 40
are rotated counterclockwise, and the door bracket 10 is moved toward the main block
20. This shifts the door leaf 3 to a plug-in state in which the door leaf 3 is not
projected outward from the entrance 2.
[0036] With the plug door opening/closing device 4, movement of the drive bracket 60 in
the widthwise direction of the entrance 2 allows a plug action to be generated to
move the door leaf 3 in the vehicle transverse direction. Further, movement of the
drive bracket 60 in the widthwise direction of the entrance 2 allows the door leaf
3 to be maintained in a plug-out state and also allows an opening/closing action to
be generated with the door leaf 3. Moreover, the plug door opening/closing device
4 uses the guide link 50 to transmit movement of the drive bracket 60 to the rear
arm 40 in order to generate a plug action and opening/closing action with the door
leaf 3. Further, engagement of the lock link 70 with the guide link 50 maintains the
door leaf 3 in a plug-out state. Thus, maintenance related with each function can
be performed with just the rear arm 40.
[0037] As described above, the present embodiment has the advantages described below.
- (1) As the movable body 5 moves the door leaf 3 from a plug-out position to the fully
open position, the door leaf 3 can be moved in the widthwise direction of the entrance
2 while the lock link 70 continuously maintains the relative positions of the movable
body 5 and the door leaf 3. Thus, a plug action can be generated without a guide rail.
This allows for reduction in the space occupied by the plug door opening/closing device
4.
- (2) The lock link 70 restricts movement that changes the relative distance between
the door leaf 3 and the main block 20 of the plug mechanism 6. Thus, even if the door
leaf 3 is operated in a plug-out state, changes are restricted in the relative distance
between the main block 20 and the door leaf 3.
- (3) The link mechanism changes the relative distance between the door leaf 3 and the
main block 20 in the plugging direction. Thus, when the door leaf 3 approaches the
main block 20, the link mechanism folds and reduces the space occupied by the plug
door opening/closing device 4.
- (4) The plug-in action of the plug mechanism 6, that is, movement of the door leaf
3 from the plug-out position to the fully closed position generated by the plug mechanism
6 locks the main block 20 with the lock roller 80. This restricts movement of the
main block 20 even if the door leaf 3 is operated in the fully closed state.
Second Embodiment
[0038] A plug door apparatus including a plug door opening/closing device in accordance
with a second embodiment will now be described with reference to Figs. 8(a) to 13.
The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the drive bracket
is coupled to the rear arm and in that the guide link is engaged with the front arm.
The description hereafter will focus on the differences from the first embodiment.
[0039] As shown in Fig. 8(a), an entrance 102 is provided with a plug door apparatus 101
that generates an opening/closing action to open or close a door leaf 103 and a plug
action to move the door leaf 103 in a plugging direction (i.e., vehicle transverse
direction) that is orthogonal to the widthwise direction of the entrance 102. The
plug door apparatus 101 includes the door leaf 103 and a plug door opening/closing
device 104 that generates the opening/closing action and the plug action with the
door leaf 103. The entrance 102 corresponds to an opening.
[0040] The plug door opening/closing device 104 includes a door bracket 110 and a movable
body 105. The door leaf 103 is mounted on the door bracket 110. The movable body 105
moves in the widthwise direction of the entrance 102 while holding the door bracket
110. The movable body 105 includes a main block 120 serving as a base that is movable
in the widthwise direction of the entrance 102. The door leaf 103, the door bracket
110, and the main block 120 are arranged in order in the plugging direction from the
side closer to the entrance 102. The main block 120 is supported by a support rail
(not shown) so as to be movable in the widthwise direction of the entrance 102.
[0041] The movable body 105 includes a plug mechanism 106 serving as a plugging unit configured
to change the relative distance between the main block 120 and the door bracket 110
in the plugging direction. The plug mechanism 106 includes a front arm 130 and a rear
arm 140 coupling the door bracket 110 and the main block 120. The door bracket 110
and the main block 120 are located at the same height in the vertical direction. The
main block 120 supports the door bracket 110 with the front arm 130 and the rear arm
140 that construct a four-joint, equal-length link. The front arm 130 has one end
rotationally coupled to the door bracket 110 by a first rotation shaft 111 and another
end rotationally coupled to the main block 120 by a third rotation shaft 112. A fifth
rotation shaft 131 projects upward from the upper surface of the front arm 130. A
first guide bearing 131A is arranged on the fifth rotation shaft 131. The rear arm
140 has one end rotationally coupled to the door bracket 110 by a third rotation shaft
112 and another end rotationally coupled to the main block 120 by a fourth rotation
shaft 122. A sixth rotation shaft 141 projects upward from the upper surface of the
rear arm 140. A second guide bearing 141A is arranged on the sixth rotation shaft
141. When the entrance 102 is in a fully closed state as shown in Fig. 8(a), the door
leaf 103 and the movable body 105 are located at a fully closed position.
[0042] The front arm 130 and the rear arm 140 are located in an open space defined by the
door bracket 110 and the main block 120 (refer to Fig. 9). The first rotation shaft
111 is fixed to the door bracket 110 and rotatable relative to the front arm 130.
The second rotation shaft 121 is fixed to the main block 120 and rotatable relative
to the front arm 130. The third rotation shaft 112 is fixed to the door bracket 110
and rotatable relative to the rear arm 140. The fourth rotation shaft 122 is fixed
to the main block 120 and rotatable relative to the rear arm 140.
[0043] The plug mechanism 106 rotates the front arm 130 and the rear arm 140 to change the
relative distance between the door bracket 110 and the main block 120 in the plugging
direction.
[0044] The plug mechanism 106 includes a drive bracket 160 coupled to the sixth rotation
shaft 141 of the rear arm 140. The drive bracket 160 is located upward in the vertical
direction from the main block 120 and the door bracket 110. The drive bracket 160
includes a first guide groove 161 that guides the second guide bearing 141A of the
sixth rotation shaft 141. The first guide groove 161 has a depth that is equal to
the width of the second guide bearing 141A. The drive bracket 160 is fixed to a driving
device, such as a ball screw, and acts as a drive link moved by the driving device
in the widthwise direction of the entrance 102. As the drive bracket 160 moves in
the widthwise direction of the entrance 102, the sixth rotation shaft 141 is guided
in the first guide groove 161 to rotate the rear arm 140 about the fourth rotation
shaft 122 on the main block 120.
[0045] As shown in Fig. 9, the main block 120 includes a mounting plate 125 extending in
parallel to and spaced apart from the upper surface of the main block 120. A seventh
rotation shaft 151 extends downward in the vertical direction from the mounting plate
125. The seventh rotation shaft 151 extending from the mounting plate 125 is arranged
on the main block 120. An eighth rotation shaft 171 extends downward in the vertical
direction from the mounting plate 125. The eighth rotation shaft 171 extending from
the mounting plate 125 is arranged on the main block 120.
[0046] As shown in Figs. 8(a) and 8(b), the plug mechanism 106 includes a guide link 150
supported by the seventh rotation shaft 151 in a rotatable manner. The guide link
150 is located upward in the vertical direction from the main block 120 and the door
bracket 110. Further, the guide link 150 is located upward in the vertical direction
from the drive bracket 160. As shown in Fig. 8(b), the guide link 150 has a right
surface that contacts the first guide bearing 131A on the fifth rotation shaft 131
of the front arm 130. This restricts rotation of the guide link 150 about the seventh
rotation shaft 151. The guide link 150 has a right end defining a first engagement
portion 152 that engages the first guide bearing 131A on the fifth rotation shaft
131 of the front arm 130. The front arm 130 rotates about the second rotation shaft
121 as the first guide bearing 131A of the fifth rotation shaft 131 contacts the right
surface of the guide link 150. When the first guide bearing 131A of the fifth rotation
shaft 131 reaches the first engagement portion 152 at the right end of the guide link
150, counterclockwise rotation of the front arm 130 is restricted. The guide link
150 acts as a swing link.
[0047] The plug door opening/closing device 104 includes a lock link 170 supported by the
eighth rotation shaft 171 in a rotatable manner. The lock link 170 is located upward
in the vertical direction from the door bracket 110 and the main block 120. Further,
the lock link 170 is located upward in the vertical direction from the guide link
150. The eighth rotation shaft 171 is coupled to the middle of the lock link 170.
The lock link 170 engages a ninth rotation shaft 153 arranged on one end of the guide
link 150. A third guide bearing 153A is arranged on the ninth rotation shaft 153.
A portion of the lock link 170 proximate to the guide link 150 defines a second engagement
portion 172 that engages the third guide bearing 153A of the guide link 150. Engagement
of the third guide bearing 153A of the guide link 150 with the second engagement portion
172 of the lock link 170 restricts rotation of the guide link 150. The lock link 170
has another end that defines an engagement portion 173. The engagement portion 173
is a semicircular cutout portion. The lock link 170 serves as a stopper.
[0048] The plug door opening/closing device 104 includes a lock roller 180 fixed to the
entrance 102. The lock roller 180 is rotated about a tenth rotation shaft 181. The
engagement portion 173 of the lock link 170 engages the lock roller 180. A state in
which the engagement portion 173 of the lock link 170 is engaged with the lock roller
180 is referred to as a lock state in which the main block 120 cannot be moved. Rotation
of the lock link 170 disengages the engagement portion 173 of the lock link 170 from
the lock roller 180. The lock roller 180 corresponds to a lock mechanism.
[0049] The operation of the plug door apparatus 101 will now be described with reference
to Figs. 8(a) to 13. The operation for shifting the door leaf 103 from a fully closed
and locked state to an open state will now be described.
[0050] Fig. 8(a) shows the door leaf 103 at the fully closed position in a fully closed
and locked state in which the door leaf 103 cannot be moved even when operated. In
the lock state, the engagement portion 173 of the lock link 170 is engaged with the
lock roller 180, and the lock link 170 and the lock roller 180 cannot move. More specifically,
in the lock state, the main block 120 cannot be moved relative to the entrance 102.
Further, the second engagement portion 172 of the lock link 170 is engaged with the
third guide bearing 153A of the guide link 150. Thus, the lock link 170 cannot be
rotated. The first guide bearing 131A of the front arm 130 is in contact with the
right surface of the guide link 150. The guide link 150 is located between the lock
link 170 and the first guide bearing 131A of the front arm 130 and cannot be moved.
The second guide bearing 141A on the sixth rotation shaft 141 of the rear arm 140
is located in the first guide groove 161 of the drive bracket 160 at the right end
in the widthwise direction of the entrance 102. The left surface of the drive bracket
160 is in contact with the first guide bearing 131A on the fifth rotation shaft 131
of the front arm 130. Thus, the drive bracket 160 restricts rotation of the front
arm 130 and the rear arm 140.
[0051] As shown in Fig. 10, when the driving device moves the drive bracket 160 to an unlocking
initiation position where unlocking is initiated at the right side in Fig. 10, the
second guide bearing 141A is located slightly toward the left from the right end in
the first guide groove 161 of the drive bracket 160. The first guide bearing 131A
of the front arm 130 is separated from the side surface of the drive bracket 160.
The first guide bearing 131A of the front arm 130 is in contact with the right surface
of the guide link 150. Thus, the lock link 170 remains in the lock state and cannot
be rotated. In this state, the front arm 130 and the rear arm 140 are not rotated.
Further, the second engagement portion 172 of the lock link 170 is engaged with the
third guide bearing 153A of the guide link 150. Thus, the lock link 170 cannot be
rotated. Accordingly, the door leaf 103 is still in the closed state, and the lock
link 170 is still in the lock state.
[0052] As shown in Fig. 11, the driving device further moves the drive bracket 160 to the
plug-out position at the right side in Fig. 11, and the second guide bearing 141A
is located at the left end in the first guide groove 161. Thus, the rear arm 140 is
rotated clockwise about the fourth rotation shaft 122 in a plan view and separates
the door bracket 110 from the main block 120. As the rear arm 140 rotates, the front
arm 130 rotates about the second rotation shaft 121. This generates the plug-out action
of the door leaf 103. In this state, the second engagement portion 172 of the lock
link 170 is engaged with the third guide bearing 153A of the guide link 150. Thus,
the lock link 170 cannot be rotated, and the lock state is maintained.
[0053] As shown in Fig. 12, the drive bracket 160, which is moved to the plug-out position
of the door leaf 103, pushes the main block 120 in an opening direction. The lock
link 170 pushes the guide link 150 and rotates to shift to an unlock state. The door
leaf 103, which remains in the plug-out state, moves together with the main block
120. The lock link 170 rotates and is disengaged from the lock roller 180.
[0054] As shown in Fig. 12, as the driving device moves the drive bracket 160 further toward
the right as viewed in the drawing, the second guide bearing 141A, which is located
in the first guide groove 161 at the left end, moves further toward the right as viewed
in the drawing together with the drive bracket 160. Thus, the rear arm 140 is further
rotated clockwise about the fourth rotation shaft 122 in a plan view and separates
the door bracket 110 from the main block 120 by the maximum extent. As the rear arm
140 rotates, the front arm 130 rotates clockwise about the second rotation shaft 121
in a plan view. This projects the door leaf 103 out of the entrance 102 in a plug-out
state. In this state, the front arm 130 is rotated clockwise about the second rotation
shaft 121 to separate the first guide bearing 131A from the right surface of the guide
link 150.
[0055] Movement of the drive bracket 160 toward the right as viewed in Fig. 12 moves the
main block 120 toward the right as viewed in Fig. 12. This rotates the lock link 170
counterclockwise in a plan view. In this state, the second engagement portion 172
of the lock link 170 pushes the third guide bearing 153A of the guide link 150 and
rotates counterclockwise. This disengages the engagement portion 173 of the lock link
170 from the lock roller 180 to shift to an unlock state. The third guide bearing
153A, which is rotated counterclockwise and disengaged from the second engagement
portion 172, engages a third engagement portion 174, which is arranged adjacent to
the second engagement portion 172 of the lock link 170. Further, when the third guide
bearing 153A of the guide link 150 is pushed and the guide link 150 is rotated clockwise,
the first engagement portion 152 of the guide link 150 engages the first guide bearing
131A. Thus, the guide link 150 restricts rotation of the front arm 130 and maintains
the door leaf 103 in the plug-out state.
[0056] The lock link 170, the guide link 150, and the front arm 130 are fixed as shown in
Fig. 13. Thus, the door leaf 103 and the main block 120, which remain in the plug-out
state, are moved in the widthwise direction of the entrance 102 in accordance with
the movement of the drive bracket 160 to fully open the entrance 102. The door leaf
103 and the movable body 105 are located at the fully open position when the entrance
102 is fully open.
[0057] As shown in Fig. 13, when generating a plug-in action with the door leaf 103, that
is, when the door leaf 103 is moved inward from the position projected out of the
entrance 102 to its original position, the driving device moves the drive bracket
160 toward the left and restricts rotation of the front arm 130. This integrally moves
the door bracket 110 and the main block 120 toward the left in the plug-out state.
When the engagement portion 173 of the lock link 170 contacts and engages the lock
roller 180, the lock link 170 is rotated clockwise about the eighth rotation shaft
171 and disengages the first engagement portion 152 of the guide link 150 from the
first guide bearing 131A. In a state in which the front arm 130 is allowed to rotate,
movement of the drive bracket 160 toward the left rotates the rear arm 140 counterclockwise
about the fourth rotation shaft 122. This also rotates the front arm 30 counterclockwise
and moves the door bracket 110 toward the main block 120. Thus, the door leaf 103
is shifted to a plug-in state in which the door leaf 103 is not projected outward
from the entrance 102.
[0058] With the plug door opening/closing device 104, movement of the drive bracket 160
in the widthwise direction of the entrance 102 allows a plug action to be generated
to move the door leaf 103 in the vehicle transverse direction. Further, movement of
the drive bracket 160 in the widthwise direction of the entrance 102 allows the door
leaf 103 to be maintained in a plug-out state and also allows an opening/closing action
to be generated with the door leaf 103. Moreover, the plug door opening/closing device
104 transmits movement of the drive bracket 160 to the rear arm 140 in order to generate
a plug action and opening/closing action with the door leaf 103. Further, engagement
of the guide link 150 with the front arm 130 maintains the door leaf 103 in a plug-out
state. Thus, the front arm 130 and the rear arm 140 share functions so that maintenance
can be performed separately for each function.
[0059] As described above, the present embodiment has the advantages described below.
- (1) As the movable body 105 moves the door leaf 103 from a plug-out position to the
fully open position, the door leaf 103 can be moved in the widthwise direction of
the entrance 102 while the lock link 170 maintains the relative positions of the movable
body 105 and the door leaf 103. Thus, a plug action can be generated without a guide
rail. This allows for reduction in the space occupied by the plug door opening/closing
device 104.
- (2) The lock link 170 restricts movement that changes the relative distance between
the door leaf 103 and the main block 120 of the plug mechanism 106. Thus, even if
the door leaf 103 is operated in a plug-out state, changes are restricted in the relative
distance between the main block 120 and the door leaf 103.
- (3) The link mechanism changes the relative distance between the the door leaf 103
and the main block 120 in the plugging direction. Thus, when the door leaf 103 approaches
the main block 120, the link mechanism folds and reduces the space occupied by the
plug door opening/closing device 104.
- (4) The plug-in action of the plug mechanism 106, that is, movement of the door leaf
103 from the plug-out position to the fully closed position generated by the plug
mechanism 6 locks the main block 120 with the lock roller 180. This restricts movement
of the main block 120 even if the door leaf 103 is operated in a fully closed state.
[0060] The embodiments may be modified as follows.
[0061] In the above embodiments, the front arm 30 (130) and the rear arm 40 (140), which
form a four-joint link, do not have to be equal in length. In such a case, the front
end and rear end of the door leaf 3 (103) in the widthwise direction of the entrance
2 (102) move along different paths. In particular, when the rear arm 40 (140) is longer
than the front arm 30 (130), the distance can be shortened between the front end of
the door leaf 3 (103) and the entrance 2 (102).
[0062] In the above embodiments, the stopper may be a structure that restricts movement
of the second guide bearing 52A (141A) in the second guide groove 61 (first guide
groove 161) of the drive bracket 60 (160). Further, the outer side of the guide link
50 or the front arm 130 may be directly fixed so that rotation of the guide link 50
in the first embodiment or rotation of the front arm 130 in the second embodiment
is restricted in the rotation direction that cancels a plug-out state.
[0063] In the above embodiments, the stopper may be a ratchet that allows for rotation in
the plug-out direction and restricts rotation in the opposite direction.
[0064] The plug door opening/closing device 4 (104) in each of the above embodiments includes
the link mechanism as the plugging unit that generates a plug action with the door
bracket 10 (110). However, a structure other than the link mechanism can be employed.
For example, a stopper arranged on the main block may be used to maintain a door leaf
of a plugging unit in a plug-out state.
[0065] For example, a slider mechanism may be employed as the plugging unit. As shown in
Figs. 14 and 15, a plug door opening/closing device 204 couples a door bracket 210
and a main block 220 with a first slider mechanism 230 and a second slider mechanism
240. The first slider mechanism 230 and the second slider mechanism 240 act as the
plugging unit. The first slider mechanism 230 and the second slider mechanism 240
extend to shift a door leaf 203 to a plug-out state. Further, the plug door opening/closing
device 204 includes an engagement member 250 that serves as a stopper and engages
the extended portion of the first slider mechanism 230. When the first slider mechanism
230 is extended, the engagement member 250 is rotated about a rotation shaft 251 and
inserted into the extended portion of the first slider mechanism 230 to maintain the
door bracket 210 in the plug-out state.
[0066] In the above embodiments, the stopper mechanically restricts movement of the plugging
unit. Instead, the stopper may electrically restrict movement of the plugging unit.
That is, the stopper may be powered on and off to actuate a member restricting movement
of the plugging unit.
[0067] In the above embodiments, the driving device is exemplified as a ball screw. However,
the driving device may be any device that can horizontally move the drive bracket
60 (160) such as a belt.
[0068] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may
be embodied in many other specific forms without departing from the scope of the invention.
For example, one or more of the components may be omitted from the components described
in the embodiments (or one or more aspects thereof). Further, components in different
embodiments may be appropriately combined.
[0069] The present examples and embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not
restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein, but
may be modified within the scope and equivalence of the appended claims.