Patent Description:
In the conventional art, a known plug door device actuates a door for a plug operation, in other words, moves the door in the width direction of a railway vehicle while moving the door in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. For example, Patent Literature <NUM> discloses a swing arm mechanism that moves the upper portion of the door and the lower portion of the door in an interlocking manner. Also, <CIT> discloses this kind of swing arm mechanism. Another known swing arm mechanism additionally has a height adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of a pillar included in the swing arm mechanism. For example, in the height adjustment mechanism, a part of the pillar has a male thread and is provided with a double nut.

However, a swing arm mechanism additionally having a height adjustment mechanism has a larger number of parts. This arrangement allows of improvement in reduction of the number of parts.

The present invention is intended to overcome the above problem, and one object thereof is to provide a plug door device and a swing arm mechanism formed of a smaller number of parts.

To overcome the above problems, aspects of the present invention are configured as set forth in claims <NUM> and <NUM>.

With this configuration, the meshing position of the support portion on the fixing portion can be varied to adjust the position of the pillar portion in the height direction of the vehicle (the height of the pillar portion). Therefore, there is no need of providing the pillar portion with a separate adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of the pillar portion. In other words, no parts other than the support portion are necessary for adjusting the height of the pillar portion. Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced.

(<NUM>) In the plug door device described in (<NUM>) above, it is also possible that the support portion has a tubular shape, and the meshing portion is provided in an outer peripheral surface of the support portion that is parallel with the longitudinal direction.

(<NUM>) In the plug door device described in (<NUM>) above, it is also possible that the support portion includes: a bearing having an inner race, an outer race, and rolling elements configured to roll between the inner race and the outer race; and a holder having the tubular shape and supporting the bearing, the pillar portion is fixed to the inner race, an inner periphery of the holder is fixed to the outer race, and the meshing portion is provided in an outer peripheral surface of the holder.

(<NUM>) In the plug door device described in (<NUM>) or (<NUM>) above, it is also possible that the support portion has an adjustment groove formed at a position different from the meshing portion in the outer peripheral surface of the support portion, and the adjustment groove is capable of receiving a tool fitted therein to rotate the support portion.

(<NUM>) In the plug door device described in (<NUM>) above, it is also possible that the fixing portion has a tubular shape covering the support portion, the support portion includes a projecting portion projecting from one end or the other end of the fixing portion, and the adjustment groove is provided at least in the projecting portion.

(<NUM>) In the plug door device described in any one of (<NUM>) to (<NUM>) above, it is also possible that the support portion has an adjustment groove formed at a position different from the meshing portion in the outer peripheral surface of the support portion, and the adjustment groove is capable of receiving a tool fitted therein to rotate the support portion, the fixing portion has a through hole formed therein, and the support portion further has a positioning member fitted in the adjustment groove through the through hole to set the meshing positions.

(<NUM>) In the plug door device described in any one of (<NUM>) to (<NUM>) above, it is also possible that the pillar portion includes an inner tube portion and an outer tube portion housing the inner tube portion, each of the inner tube portion and the outer tube portion has one of a protuberance extending in the longitudinal direction of the pillar portion and a recess into which the protuberance is fitted, and both the protuberance and the recess are formed in a region in which the inner tube portion and the outer tube portion overlap with each other.

(<NUM>) In the plug door device described in any one of (<NUM>) to (<NUM>) above, it is also possible that the plug door device further comprises a link portion liking the lower portion of the door and the pillar portion, the link portion includes: a first arm extending to link the lower portion of the door and a first shaft portion parallel to the longitudinal direction of the pillar portion, the first arm being rotatable around the first shaft portion; a second arm extending to link the first shaft portion and a second shaft portion parallel to the first shaft portion, the second arm being rotatable around the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion; and a third arm extending to link the second shaft portion and the pillar portion, the third arm being rotatable around the second shaft portion and the pillar portion, the third arm is capable of moving to a dead point where the door is restrained from moving in the width direction, the link portion is configured to transmit to the pillar portion an external force acting on the door when the third arm is at the dead point, and the support portion includes: a bearing supporting the pillar portion rotatably; and a holder supporting the bearing and capable of receiving the external force.

(<NUM>) In the plug door device described in any one of (<NUM>) to (<NUM>) above, it is also possible that the pillar portion has a joint portion disposed at a position vertically below an upper link portion linking the upper portion of the door and the pillar portion and vertically above a lower link portion linking the lower portion of the door and the pillar portion, and the joint portion is capable of rotating around a connection point with the pillar portion.

(<NUM>) In the plug door device described in any one of (<NUM>) to (<NUM>) above, it is also possible that the meshing portion is one threaded portion, the one threaded portion is either one of a male thread or a female thread, the fixing portion has another threaded portion, the other threaded portion is the other of the female thread or the male thread, and the one threaded portion is capable of meshing with the other threaded portion at different meshing positions in the longitudinal direction of the pillar portion.

(<NUM>) A swing arm mechanism according to an aspect of the invention is configured to guide a door for opening and closing a doorway of a vehicle as the door moves in a width direction of the vehicle and a front-rear direction of the vehicle, and configured to move an upper portion of the door and a lower portion of the door in an interlocking manner, and the swing arm mechanism comprises: a pillar portion extending in a height direction of the vehicle; a support portion supporting the pillar portion so as to be rotatable around a longitudinal direction of the pillar portion; and a fixing portion meshing with the support portion to fix the pillar portion to a body of the vehicle, wherein the support portion includes a meshing portion capable of meshing with the fixing portion at different meshing positions in the longitudinal direction.

The present invention provides a plug door device and a swing arm mechanism formed of a smaller number of parts.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the attached drawings. The following embodiments are described with reference to an example plug door device including a pair of doors separately slidable to open or close the doorway of a railway vehicle (vehicle). In the following description, terms such as "parallel," "orthogonal," "around" and "coaxial" describe relative or absolute positions. These terms are not only strictly used but also allow some tolerances and relative differences in angle and distance as long as the same effects can be still produced. In the drawings used for the following description, members are shown to different scales into recognizable sizes.

<FIG> is a front view showing a plug door device relating to an embodiment. <FIG> is a perspective view showing the upper portion of a swing arm mechanism of the embodiment and surrounding parts. As shown in <FIG>, a plug door device <NUM> includes a pair of doors <NUM>, a stationary base <NUM>, a slidable base <NUM>, a door drive mechanism <NUM>, and a swing arm mechanism <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> show that the doors <NUM> are located at the fully closed position.

In the following description, an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system is used as required. The X direction coincides with the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The Y direction coincides with the width direction of the vehicle. The Z direction indicates the height direction of the vehicle (the gravitational direction), which is orthogonal to the X and Y directions. The following description is made with the arrows shown in the drawings indicating the X, Y and Z directions, and the head side and the tail side of each arrow indicate the positive (+) side and the negative (-) side, respectively. The outside and the inside in the width direction are respectively denoted as the +Y side and the -Y side. The upper side and the lower side in the gravitational direction are respectively denoted as the +Z side and the - Z side.

In the plug door device <NUM>, the doors <NUM> are supported such that the external surfaces of the doors <NUM> are flush with the external surface of the vehicle side wall when the doors <NUM> are fully closed. The doors <NUM> each include a door leaf <NUM> and a door hanger <NUM> coupled to the door leaf <NUM>. The doors <NUM> are attached to the slidable base <NUM>. The door hangers <NUM> are supported by the slidable base <NUM> such that the door hangers <NUM> are movable in the front-rear direction (X direction) relative to the slidable base <NUM>.

The stationary base <NUM> is fixed to the body of the vehicle. The body forms the framework of the vehicle. The stationary base <NUM> is positioned above a doorway <NUM> of the vehicle. The stationary base <NUM> extends in the front-rear direction crossing over the upper edge of the doorway <NUM>. Rail bases <NUM> extending in the width direction are coupled to the front and rear ends of the stationary base <NUM>.

The slidable base <NUM> is provided on the stationary base <NUM>. The slidable base <NUM> is slidable in the width direction relative to the stationary base <NUM> with a driving force from a drive source (e.g., a motor, not shown), thereby moving the door <NUM> in the width direction. For example, the output shaft of the motor is rotatable in two opposite directions (in positive and negative directions) around the output shaft. The slidable base <NUM> is positioned below the stationary base <NUM>. The slidable base <NUM> extends in the front-rear direction along the upper edge of the doorway <NUM>. The front and rear ends of the slidable base <NUM> are movable in the width direction along the rail bases <NUM>.

The door drive mechanism <NUM> is provided on the slidable base <NUM>. The door drive mechanism <NUM> moves the doors <NUM> for opening and closing the doorway <NUM> of the vehicle in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. As shown in <FIG>, the door drive mechanism <NUM> includes: a motor output shaft <NUM> for transmitting a driving force from a drive source (not shown); and an endless belt <NUM> extending along the front-rear direction. The motor output shaft <NUM> includes a gear <NUM> that is rotatable about an axis extending along the height direction. A pulley <NUM> is provided at a position distant from the gear <NUM> in the front-rear direction. The pulley <NUM> is rotatable around an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the gear <NUM> (extending along the height direction).

The belt <NUM> is stretched between the gear <NUM> and the pulley <NUM>. The belt <NUM> runs (rotates) around the gear <NUM> and the pulley <NUM> as the gear <NUM> rotates. The belt <NUM> is connected to the door hangers <NUM>. The door hangers <NUM> move in the front-rear direction as the belt <NUM> moves. The following describes an example of a plug operation, that is, an operation of moving the door in the width direction while moving the door in the front-rear direction.

From among the doors <NUM>, the door <NUM> on the -X side is connected, via the door hanger <NUM>, to the -Y side portion of the belt <NUM>. The door <NUM> on the +X side is connected, via the door hanger <NUM>, to the +Y side portion of the belt <NUM>. As described above, the belt <NUM> is stretched between the gear <NUM> and the pulley <NUM>, which are spaced away from each other in the front-rear direction. The -Y side portion and the +Y side portion of the belt <NUM> are thus movable oppositely in the front-rear direction. Accordingly, as the belt <NUM> moves, the -X side door <NUM> and the +X side door <NUM> move oppositely in the front-rear direction.

The doors <NUM> move from the fully closed position shown in <FIG> (where the external surface of the vehicle body side wall is flush with the external surface of the doors <NUM>) to the fully open position, as the driving force from the drive source (not shown) is transmitted to the belt <NUM> to move the door hangers <NUM> connected to the belt <NUM>. According to the example shown in <FIG>, the -X side door <NUM> first moves from the fully closed position outward in the width direction (specifically, in an oblique direction including the width direction) and then moves linearly toward the -X direction, to reach the fully open position. On the other hand, the +X side door <NUM> first moves outward in the width direction from the fully closed position (specifically, in an oblique direction including the width direction) and then moves linearly toward the +X direction, to reach the fully open position.

In the above description, the doors are driven using the door drive mechanism <NUM> including the belt <NUM>, or using the belt system. The present invention, however, is not limited to such. As an alternative example, the door may be driven using the screw system. Specifically, a motor rotates a screw shaft corresponding to a bolt, so that a door attached to a ball nut corresponding to a nut is opened or closed. As a yet another alternative example, the door may be driven using the rack and pinion system. Specifically, a motor rotates a pinion of a rack and pinion mechanism, so that a door attached to a rack rail is opened or closed. For example, the door driving system may be changed in accordance with required specifications.

<FIG> is a front view showing a swing arm mechanism <NUM> of the embodiment and surrounding parts. <FIG> is a perspective view showing the upper portion of the swing arm mechanism <NUM> of the embodiment and surrounding parts. <FIG> is a perspective view showing the lower portion of the swing arm mechanism <NUM> of the embodiment and surrounding parts. <FIG> is a perspective view showing one of the portions of the swing arm mechanism <NUM> of the embodiment in a front-rear direction. In the drawings, the symbol "A" is appended to the reference numerals of the constituent elements at one of the front and rear ends (the -X side end) of the swing arm mechanism <NUM>, and the symbol "B" is appended to the reference numerals of the constituent elements at the other end (the +X side end). The symbols "A" and "B", however, are omitted unless they are particularly distinguished.

The swing arm mechanism <NUM> guides the door <NUM> for opening and closing the doorway <NUM> of the vehicle as the door <NUM> moves in the width direction of the vehicle and the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and the swing arm mechanism <NUM> moves the upper portion of the door <NUM> and the lower portion of the door <NUM> in an interlocking manner. As shown in <FIG>, the swing arm mechanism <NUM> includes a pillar portion <NUM> extending in the height direction of the vehicle, a support portion that supports the pillar portion <NUM> so as to be rotatable around the longitudinal direction of the pillar portion <NUM>, and a fixing portion <NUM> that meshes with the support portion <NUM> to fix the pillar portion <NUM> to the vehicle body.

As shown in <FIG>, the pillar portion <NUM> extends linearly along the height direction. There are two pillar portions <NUM> spaced apart in the front-rear direction. The pillar portions <NUM> are positioned outside the doorway <NUM> in the front-rear direction.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing the lower link portion <NUM> of the swing arm mechanism <NUM> of the embodiment and surrounding parts. <FIG> is a perspective view showing the lower link portion <NUM> of the embodiment and surrounding parts, including a section of the lower link portion <NUM> cut along the XZ plane. As shown in <FIG>, the support portion <NUM> has a tubular shape that is parallel with the longitudinal direction of the pillar portion <NUM>. The pillar portion <NUM> and the support portion <NUM> are positioned coaxially with each other. As shown in <FIG>, the support portion <NUM> includes a bearing <NUM> and a holder <NUM> having a tubular shape and supporting the bearing <NUM>. The bearing <NUM> includes an inner race <NUM>, an outer race <NUM>, and rolling elements <NUM> that roll between the inner race <NUM> and the outer race <NUM>. The lower portion of the pillar portion <NUM> is fixed to the inner race <NUM>. The inner periphery of the holder <NUM> is fixed to the outer race <NUM>. The outer race <NUM> is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the upper portion of the holder <NUM>.

The support portion <NUM> includes a meshing portion <NUM> that can mesh with the fixing portion <NUM> at different meshing positions in the longitudinal direction of the pillar portion <NUM>. The fixing portion <NUM> has a tubular shape that covers the support portion <NUM>. The meshing portion <NUM> is provided in the outer peripheral surface of the support portion <NUM> that is parallel with the longitudinal direction. The meshing portion <NUM> is provided in the outer peripheral surface of the holder <NUM>. The meshing portion <NUM> is a male thread <NUM> (an example of one threaded portion) formed in the outer peripheral surface of the holder <NUM>. The fixing portion <NUM> includes a female thread <NUM> (an example of another threaded portion) meshing with the male thread <NUM>. The female thread <NUM> is formed in the inner peripheral surface of the fixing portion <NUM>. The male thread <NUM> formed in the outer peripheral surface of the holder <NUM> can mesh with the female thread <NUM> formed in the inner peripheral surface of the fixing portion <NUM> at different meshing positions in the longitudinal direction of the pillar portion <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view including sections of the support portion <NUM> and the fixing portion <NUM> of the embodiment cut along the XY plane. As shown in <FIG>, the holder <NUM> included in the support portion <NUM> has adjustment grooves <NUM> formed at positions different from the meshing portion <NUM> in the outer peripheral surface of the holder <NUM>. A tool can be fitted in the adjustment grooves <NUM> to rotate the holder <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the support portion <NUM> includes a projecting portion <NUM> projecting from the lower end of the fixing portion <NUM> (an example of one end of the fixing portion <NUM>). The adjustment grooves <NUM> are provided at least in the projecting portion <NUM>. The adjustment grooves <NUM> extend in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the support portion <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, a plurality (e.g., six in the embodiment) of adjustment grooves <NUM> are provided in the outer peripheral surface of the holder <NUM>. In the sectional view of <FIG>, the adjustment grooves <NUM> are arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface of the holder <NUM>. In the sectional view of <FIG>, the male thread <NUM> formed in the outer peripheral surface of the holder <NUM> corresponds to the portion between two adjustment screws <NUM> adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface of the holder <NUM>.

A through hole <NUM> is formed in the fixing portion <NUM>. The through hole <NUM> is open in the radial direction of the fixing portion <NUM> having a tubular shape. The support portion <NUM> has a positioning member <NUM> fitted in an adjustment groove <NUM> through the through hole <NUM> to set the meshing positions. For example, the positioning member <NUM> is a bolt that can be fitted in the adjustment groove <NUM> through the through hole <NUM>. For example, in the state in which the positioning member <NUM> is fitted in the adjustment groove <NUM>, the position of the support portion <NUM> relative to the fixing portion <NUM> (the rotation of the holder <NUM> around the longitudinal direction of the pillar portion <NUM>) is restrained. This arrangement sets the meshing position of the male thread <NUM> formed in the outer peripheral surface of the holder <NUM> relative to the female thread <NUM> formed in the inner peripheral surface of the fixing portion <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view including sections of an inner tube portion <NUM> and an outer tube portion <NUM> of the pillar portion <NUM> of the embodiment cut along the XZ plane. As shown in <FIG>, the pillar portion <NUM> includes the inner tube portion <NUM> and the outer tube portion <NUM> housing the inner tube portion <NUM>. Each of the inner tube portion <NUM> and the outer tube portion <NUM> has one of a protuberance <NUM> extending in the longitudinal direction of the pillar portion <NUM> and a recess <NUM> into which the protuberance <NUM> is fitted, and both the protuberance <NUM> and the recess <NUM> are formed in the region in which the inner tube portion <NUM> and the outer tube portion <NUM> overlap with each other.

The inner tube portion <NUM> includes an inner column portion 80a having a columnar shape and extending in the longitudinal direction of the pillar portion <NUM>. The protuberance <NUM> extending in the longitudinal direction of the pillar portion <NUM> is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the inner column portion 80a. The outer tube portion <NUM> includes an outer cylindrical portion 81a having a cylindrical shape and housing the inner column portion 80a. The recess <NUM> into which the protuberance <NUM> is fitted is formed at the upper end side of the outer cylindrical portion 81a. The recess <NUM> extends in the longitudinal direction of the pillar portion <NUM>. The length of the recess <NUM> in the longitudinal direction is larger than the length of the protuberance <NUM> in the longitudinal direction.

In the state in which the protuberance <NUM> of the inner tube portion <NUM> is fitted in the recess <NUM> of the outer tube portion <NUM>, the inner tube portion <NUM> and the outer tube portion <NUM> are restrained from moving in the circumferential direction relative to each other (rotating around the longitudinal direction of the pillar portion <NUM>) but allowed to move in the axial direction relative to each other (move in the longitudinal direction of the pillar portion <NUM>). The lower portion of the outer tube portion <NUM> is supported by the support portion <NUM> (see <FIG>). For example, as the support portion <NUM> meshes with the fixing portion <NUM> at different meshing positions in the longitudinal direction, the outer tube portion <NUM> is displaced between different positions in the longitudinal direction relative to the inner tube portion <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the upper end of each pillar portion <NUM> is attached to the upper portion of the vehicle body via an upper bracket <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the lower end of each pillar portion <NUM> is attached to the lower portion of the vehicle body via a lower bracket <NUM>. The pillar portions <NUM> are supported on the brackets <NUM> and <NUM> so as to be rotatable around an axis extending in the height direction. The fixing portion <NUM> corresponds to the portion of the lower bracket <NUM> meshing with the support portion <NUM> (the cylindrical portion covering the support portion <NUM>).

As shown in <FIG>, the lower bracket <NUM> has bolt holes <NUM> through which bolts are inserted to fix the lower bracket <NUM> to the lower portion of the vehicle body. A plurality (e.g., three in the embodiment) of bolt holes <NUM> are arranged at intervals in the height direction of the vehicle. For example, the bolt holes <NUM> may have an elongated shape with longitudinal direction thereof extending in the width direction of the vehicle. Thus, the lower bracket <NUM> can be positioned in the width direction of the vehicle relative to the lower portion of the vehicle body.

The plug door device includes an upper link portion <NUM> and a lower link portion <NUM>. The upper link portion <NUM> links the upper portion of the door <NUM> and the upper portion of the pillar portion <NUM> (see <FIG>), and the lower link portion <NUM> links the lower portion of the door <NUM> and the lower portion of the pillar portion <NUM> (see <FIG>, an example of a link portion that links the lower portion of the door and the pillar portion <NUM>).

As shown in <FIG>, the upper link portion <NUM> is attached to the upper portion of the pillar portion <NUM> such that it is not allowed to rotate relative to the upper portion of the pillar portion <NUM>. The upper link portion <NUM> supports the upper portion of the door <NUM> and rotates around the pillar portion <NUM> integrally with pillar portion <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the upper link portion <NUM> includes: an arm base portion <NUM> positioned coaxially with the pillar portion <NUM>; and an upper arm <NUM> extending from the arm base portion <NUM> toward the upper end of the door <NUM>. For example, the arm base portion <NUM> and the upper arm <NUM> may be integrally formed of the same material.

The arm base portion <NUM> is an annular member positioned coaxially with the pillar portion <NUM>. The arm base portion <NUM> is arranged near and below a portion of the upper bracket <NUM> that is connected to the pillar portion <NUM>. The arm base portion <NUM> surrounds the pillar portion <NUM>. For example, a bearing may be provided between the inner periphery of the arm base portion <NUM> and the pillar portion <NUM> for supporting the pillar portion <NUM> rotatably.

The upper arm <NUM> extends radially outward (outward in the direction orthogonal to the central axis of the arm base portion <NUM>) from the arm base portion <NUM>. The upper arm <NUM> includes a first extension portion <NUM>, a second extension portion <NUM>, and a third extension portion <NUM>. The first extension portion <NUM> has a uniform width and extends radially outward from the arm base portion <NUM>. The second extension portion <NUM> extends upward from the distal end of the first extension portion <NUM>. The third extension portion <NUM> is tapered radially outward from the distal end of the second extension portion <NUM> (specifically, radially outward in the direction of the extension line following the first extension portion <NUM>, when seen in the height direction). As shown in <FIG>, the slidable base <NUM> is provided with a guide member <NUM> for guiding the upper arm <NUM> as the upper arm <NUM> moves in the front-rear direction. As shown in <FIG>, the third extension portion <NUM> may include a rotating member <NUM> that rolls along the rail of the guide member <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the lower link portion <NUM> includes: a first arm <NUM> that extends to link the lower portion of the door <NUM> and a first shaft portion <NUM> parallel to the longitudinal direction of the pillar portion <NUM>, the first arm <NUM> being rotatable around the first shaft portion <NUM>; a second arm <NUM> that extends to link the first shaft portion <NUM> and a second shaft portion <NUM> parallel to the first shaft portion <NUM>, the second arm <NUM> being rotatable around the first shaft portion <NUM> and the second shaft portion <NUM>; and a third arm <NUM> that extends to link the second shaft portion <NUM> and the pillar portion <NUM>, the third arm <NUM> being rotatable around the second shaft portion <NUM> and the pillar portion <NUM>.

The first arm <NUM> curves and extends to link the lower portion of the door <NUM> and the first shaft portion <NUM>. In the example shown in <FIG>, the first arm <NUM> extends inward in the width direction from the lower portion of the door <NUM> and then curves toward one side in the front-rear direction (+X side). The portion of the first arm <NUM> opposite to the door <NUM> is rotatably coupled to the first shaft portion <NUM>.

The portion of the first arm <NUM> opposite to the door <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to another shaft portion <NUM> that is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the pillar portion <NUM>. For example, the other shaft portion <NUM> may be provided in the distal end side of a shaft support portion <NUM> extending outward in the width direction from the lower bracket <NUM> beyond the pillar portion <NUM>.

The second arm <NUM> curves and extends to link the first shaft portion <NUM> and the second shaft portion <NUM>. In the example shown in <FIG>, the second arm <NUM> has a curved shape curving outward in the radial direction of the pillar portion <NUM>. The portion of the second arm <NUM> on the first shaft portion <NUM> side is sandwiched by the first arm <NUM> on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the pillar portion <NUM>. The first arm <NUM> and the second arm <NUM> are coupled to each other so as to be rotatable around the first shaft portion <NUM>.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the second arm <NUM> has a protrusion 122a that protrudes in the height direction. The protrusion 122a has a cavity 122b for weight reduction. The protrusion 122a may not have the cavity 122b. Also, the second arm <NUM> may not have the protrusion 122a.

The third arm <NUM> is attached to the lower portion of the pillar portion <NUM> so as not to be rotatable around the longitudinal direction of the pillar portion <NUM>. The third arm <NUM> is arranged near and above the portion of the lower bracket <NUM> to which the pillar portion <NUM> is connected (the fixing portion <NUM>).

The third arm <NUM> extends radially outward (outward in the direction orthogonal to the central axis of the pillar portion <NUM>) from the pillar portion <NUM>. The distal end side of the third arm <NUM> is rotatably coupled to the second shaft portion <NUM>. The portion of the second arm <NUM> on the second shaft portion <NUM> side is sandwiched by the third arm <NUM> on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the pillar portion <NUM>. The second arm <NUM> and the third arm <NUM> are coupled to each other so as to be rotatable around the second shaft portion <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the lower end-side portion of each door <NUM> is provided with a lower guide rail <NUM> for guiding the first arm <NUM> as the first arm <NUM> moves in the front-rear direction. The lower guide rails <NUM> extend in the front-rear direction.

As shown in <FIG>, the first arm <NUM> includes the rollers <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> rollable along the lower guide rail <NUM>. A plurality (for example, three in the embodiment) of rollers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are mounted on the portion of the first arm <NUM> on the door <NUM> side. The rollers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are mounted on the portion of the first arm <NUM> on the door <NUM> side so as to be rotatable around respective axes extending in the height direction. The rollers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are positioned above the portion of the first arm <NUM> on the door <NUM> side. One of the three rollers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> (the roller <NUM>) is the outside roller <NUM> positioned outside the lower guide rail <NUM> in the width direction. The remaining two of the three rollers <NUM>,<NUM>, <NUM> (the rollers <NUM>, <NUM>) are the inside rollers <NUM>, <NUM> positioned inside the lower guide rail <NUM> in the width direction.

The lower guide rail <NUM> is interposed between one outside roller <NUM> and two inside rollers <NUM>, <NUM>. The lower guide rail <NUM> has a first guide surface <NUM> (the outer wall surface on the +Y side) for guiding the outside roller <NUM> and a second guide surface <NUM> (the inner wall surface on the -Y side) for guiding the inside rollers <NUM>, <NUM>.

The rollers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are movable along the guide surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> (the outer wall surface on the +Y side or the inner wall surface on the -Y side) of the lower guide rail <NUM> during the plug operation of the door <NUM>. For example, as the door <NUM> moves outward in the width direction (specifically, in an oblique direction including the width direction) from the fully closed position, the outside roller <NUM> is pushed toward the +Y side by the first guide surface <NUM> (the outer wall surface on the +Y side) of the lower guide rail <NUM>. In the lower link portion 120A, the first arm <NUM> is pulled toward the +Y side, and the second arm <NUM> is also pulled toward the +Y side. The third arm <NUM> is pulled by the second arm <NUM> and rotates clockwise (in the direction of the arrow E1 in <FIG>) around the pillar portion 51A in the bottom view. At this time, in the lower link portion 120B, the first arm <NUM> is pulled toward the +Y side, and the second arm <NUM> is also pulled toward the +Y side. The third arm <NUM> is pulled by the second arm <NUM> and rotates counterclockwise (in the direction of the arrow E2 in <FIG>) around the pillar portion 51B in the bottom view. Following this, the doors <NUM> move linearly outward in the front-rear direction, where the rollers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the two first arms <NUM> roll along the guide surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the lower guide rails <NUM>. As a result, the doors <NUM> move outward in the front-rear direction relative to the rollers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the first arms <NUM> to reach the fully open position.

For example, when the doors <NUM> move linearly inward in the front-rear direction from the fully open position, the rollers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the two first arms <NUM> roll along the guide surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the lower guide rails <NUM>. Following this, as the doors <NUM> move inward in the width direction (specifically, in an oblique direction including the width direction), the inside rollers <NUM>, <NUM> are pushed toward the -Y side by the second guide surfaces <NUM> (the inner wall surfaces on the -Y side) of the lower guide rails <NUM>. The third arm <NUM> in the lower link portion 120A is pushed by the second arm <NUM> and rotates counterclockwise (in the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow E1 in <FIG>) around the pillar portion 51A in the bottom view. At this time, the third arm <NUM> in the lower link portion 120B is pushed by the second arm <NUM> and rotates clockwise (in the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow E2 in <FIG>) around the pillar portion 51B in the bottom view. As a result, the doors <NUM> move toward the -Y side as the third arms <NUM> rotate, to reach the fully closed position.

The third arm <NUM> can move to a dead point where the door <NUM> can be restrained from moving in the width direction. The dead point refers to the position (shown in <FIG>) where the lower link portion <NUM> (what is called a link mechanism) including the first arm <NUM>, the second arm <NUM>, and the third arm <NUM> is bent fully. The lower link portion <NUM> is configured to transmit to the pillar portion <NUM> an external force acting on the door <NUM> when the third arm <NUM> is at the dead point. When the third arm <NUM> is at the dead point, the first shaft portion <NUM> and the second shaft portion <NUM> are on the opposite sides of the pillar portion <NUM>. When the third arm <NUM> is at the dead point, the door <NUM> is in a locked state. As shown in <FIG>, the support portion <NUM> includes: the bearing <NUM> rotatably supporting the pillar portion <NUM>; and the holder <NUM> supporting the bearing <NUM>. The holder <NUM> can receive the external force acting on the door <NUM> when the third arm <NUM> is at the dead point.

For example, the external force acting on the door <NUM> when the third arm <NUM> is at the dead point (e.g., an external force from one side in the width direction or from an oblique direction including the width direction) is transmitted through the first arm <NUM>, the second arm <NUM>, and the third arm <NUM> to the pillar portion <NUM>. The external force transmitted to the pillar portion <NUM> is transmitted through the inner race <NUM>, the rolling elements <NUM>, and the outer race <NUM> of the bearing <NUM> to the holder <NUM>. The holder <NUM> thus receives the external force acting on the door <NUM> when the third arm <NUM> is at the dead point. The external force transmitted to the holder <NUM> is transmitted through the fixing portion <NUM> to the vehicle body side.

As shown in <FIG>, the pillar portion <NUM> has a joint portion <NUM> disposed at a position vertically below the upper link portion <NUM> that links the upper portion of the door <NUM> and the pillar portion <NUM> and vertically above the lower link portion <NUM> that links the lower portion of the door <NUM> and the pillar portion <NUM>. The joint portion <NUM> can rotate around a connection point with the pillar portion <NUM>. The joint portion <NUM> has two pins <NUM>, <NUM> that intersect with each other at a point in the axis of the pillar portion <NUM>. For example, the joint portion <NUM> is a universal joint.

The joint portion <NUM> is not limited to a universal joint but may be a spherical bearing. For example, the joint portion <NUM> may include at least one of a universal joint and a spherical bearing. For example, the joint portion <NUM> can be configured in various manners in accordance with required specifications.

The following describes an example of a method of adjusting the height of the pillar portion <NUM> included in the swing arm mechanism <NUM>. For example, the first step is to fit a tool into an adjustment groove <NUM>. Specifically, a tool (e.g., a J-spanner) is fitted into an adjustment groove <NUM> provided in the projecting portion <NUM> that projects downward from the lower end of the fixing portion <NUM>. The next step is to rotate the projecting portion <NUM> (the holder <NUM>) using the tool. When the holder <NUM> is rotated, the holder <NUM> meshes with the fixing portion <NUM> at different meshing positions in the longitudinal direction of the pillar portion <NUM>.

The tool for rotating the holder <NUM> is not limited to a J-spanner as an example. For example, a hook wrench may be fitted into an adjustment groove <NUM> to rotate the holder <NUM>. For example, an adjustable wrench may be fitted onto the holder <NUM> (e.g., a portion other than the meshing portion <NUM>) to rotate the holder <NUM>. For example, if the holder <NUM> has a hole, a driver may be fitted into the hole to rotate the holder <NUM>. For example, if the holder <NUM> has a hexagon socket, a hexagon wrench may be fitted into the hexagon socket to rotate the holder <NUM>. For example, the tool for rotating the holder <NUM> can be configured in various manners in accordance with required specifications.

For example, when the holder <NUM> is rotated in the direction of the arrow R shown in <FIG>, the holder <NUM> moves toward one side in the longitudinal direction of the pillar portion <NUM> and meshes with the fixing portion <NUM> at a first meshing position. The lower portion of the pillar portion <NUM>, which is supported by the holder <NUM> via the bearing <NUM>, moves toward one side in the longitudinal direction of the pillar portion <NUM> (one side in the height direction of the vehicle) as the holder <NUM> moves. Conversely, when the holder <NUM> is rotated in the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow R shown in <FIG>, the holder <NUM> moves toward the other side in the longitudinal direction of the pillar portion <NUM> and meshes with the fixing portion <NUM> at a second meshing position different from the first meshing position. The lower portion of the pillar portion <NUM> moves toward the other side in the longitudinal direction of the pillar portion <NUM> (the other side in the height direction of the vehicle) as the holder <NUM> moves. In this way, the holder <NUM> can be rotated to adjust the height of the pillar portion <NUM>.

As described above, the plug door device <NUM> according to the embodiment includes: a stationary base <NUM> fixed to a body of a vehicle; a slidable base <NUM> provided on the stationary base <NUM> so as to be movable in a width direction of the vehicle relative to the stationary base <NUM>; a door drive mechanism <NUM> provided on the slidable base <NUM> and configured to move a door <NUM> for opening and closing a doorway <NUM> of the vehicle in a front-rear direction of the vehicle; and a swing arm mechanism <NUM> configured to guide the door <NUM> as the door <NUM> moves in the width direction of the vehicle and the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and configured to move an upper portion of the door <NUM> and a lower portion of the door <NUM> in an interlocking manner. The swing arm mechanism <NUM> includes: a pillar portion <NUM> extending in a height direction of the vehicle; a support portion <NUM> supporting the pillar portion <NUM> so as to be rotatable around a longitudinal direction of the pillar portion <NUM>; and a fixing portion <NUM> meshing with the support portion <NUM> to fix the pillar portion <NUM> to the body of the vehicle. The support portion <NUM> includes a meshing portion <NUM> that can mesh with the fixing portion <NUM> at different meshing positions in the longitudinal direction of the pillar portion <NUM>.

With this configuration, the meshing position of the support portion <NUM> on the fixing portion <NUM> can be varied to adjust the position of the pillar portion <NUM> in the height direction of the vehicle (the height of the pillar portion <NUM>). Therefore, there is no need of providing the pillar portion <NUM> with a separate adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of the pillar portion <NUM>. In other words, no parts other than the support portion <NUM> are necessary for adjusting the height of the pillar portion <NUM>. Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced.

The support portion <NUM> according to the embodiment has a tubular shape. The meshing portion <NUM> is provided in the outer peripheral surface of the support portion <NUM> that is parallel with the longitudinal direction. With this configuration, the vehicle can be downsized in the height direction as compared to the case where the meshing portion <NUM> is provided at the end portion of the support portion <NUM> in the longitudinal direction. In addition, since the meshing portion <NUM> is provided in the outer peripheral surface of the support portion <NUM> that is parallel with the longitudinal direction, the function of the inner peripheral surface side of the support portion <NUM> (the side that rotatably supports the pillar portion <NUM>) is less prone to be damaged.

The support portion <NUM> according to the embodiment includes: a bearing <NUM> having an inner race <NUM>, an outer race <NUM>, and rolling elements <NUM> configured to roll between the inner race <NUM> and the outer race <NUM>; and a holder <NUM> having the tubular shape and supporting the bearing <NUM>. The pillar portion <NUM> is fixed to the inner race <NUM>. The inner periphery of the holder <NUM> is fixed to the outer race <NUM>. The meshing portion <NUM> is provided in the outer peripheral surface of the holder <NUM>. With this configuration, since the meshing portion <NUM> is provided in the outer peripheral surface of the holder <NUM>, there is no need of providing the meshing portion <NUM> in the bearing <NUM>. Therefore, the function of the bearing <NUM> is less prone to be damaged. In addition, the load of processing the bearing <NUM> can be reduced.

The support portion <NUM> according to the embodiment has an adjustment groove <NUM> formed at a position different from the meshing portion <NUM> in the outer peripheral surface of the support portion <NUM>, and the adjustment groove <NUM> is capable of receiving a tool fitted therein to rotate the support portion <NUM>. With this configuration, since the tool can be fitted into the adjustment groove <NUM> to adjust the height of the pillar portion <NUM>, there is no need of applying the tool to the meshing portion <NUM>. Therefore, it can be avoided that the meshing portion <NUM> is flattened through the adjustment.

The fixing portion <NUM> according to the embodiment has a tubular shape covering the support portion <NUM>. The support portion <NUM> includes a projecting portion <NUM> projecting from one end of the fixing portion <NUM>. The adjustment groove <NUM> is provided at least in the projecting portion <NUM>. With this configuration, the tool can be easily fitted into the adjustment groove <NUM>, and thus the height of pillar portion <NUM> can be easily adjusted, as compared to the case where the support portion <NUM> does not project from one end or the other end of the fixing portion <NUM>.

The fixing portion <NUM> according to the embodiment has a through hole <NUM> formed therein. The support portion <NUM> has a positioning member <NUM> fitted in an adjustment groove <NUM> through the through hole <NUM> to set the meshing positions. With this configuration, there is no need of providing a positioning structure separately from the adjustment groove <NUM>, and thus the load of processing can be reduced.

The pillar portion <NUM> according to the embodiment includes the inner tube portion <NUM> and the outer tube portion <NUM> housing the inner tube portion <NUM>. Each of the inner tube portion <NUM> and the outer tube portion <NUM> has one of a protuberance <NUM> extending in the longitudinal direction of the pillar portion <NUM> and a recess <NUM> into which the protuberance <NUM> is fitted, and both the protuberance <NUM> and the recess <NUM> are formed in the region in which the inner tube portion <NUM> and the outer tube portion <NUM> overlap with each other. With this configuration, the height of the pillar portion <NUM> can be adjusted without varying the link positions of the pillar portion <NUM> to the upper portion and the lower portion of the door <NUM>, and thus the load of adjustment can be reduced.

The plug door device <NUM> according to the embodiment includes a lower link portion <NUM> liking the lower portion of the door <NUM> and the pillar portion <NUM>. The lower link portion <NUM> includes: a first arm <NUM> that extends to link the lower portion of the door <NUM> and a first shaft portion <NUM> parallel to the longitudinal direction of the pillar portion <NUM>, the first arm <NUM> being rotatable around the first shaft portion <NUM>; a second arm <NUM> that extends to link the first shaft portion <NUM> and a second shaft portion <NUM> parallel to the first shaft portion <NUM>, the second arm <NUM> being rotatable around the first shaft portion <NUM> and the second shaft portion <NUM>; and a third arm <NUM> that extends to link the second shaft portion <NUM> and the pillar portion <NUM>, the third arm <NUM> being rotatable around the second shaft portion <NUM> and the pillar portion <NUM>. The third arm <NUM> can move to a dead point where the door <NUM> can be restrained from moving in the width direction. The lower link portion <NUM> is configured to transmit to the pillar portion <NUM> an external force acting on the door <NUM> when the third arm <NUM> is at the dead point. The support portion <NUM> includes: a bearing <NUM> supporting the pillar portion <NUM> rotatably; and a holder <NUM> supporting the bearing <NUM> and capable of receiving the external force. With this configuration, when an external force acts on the door <NUM> while the third arm <NUM> is at the dead point, the load transmitted through the lower link portion <NUM> and the pillar portion <NUM> and imparted to the bearing <NUM> can be received not only by the bearing <NUM> but also by the holder <NUM>. This configuration improves the rigidity of the support portion <NUM>.

The pillar portion <NUM> according to the embodiment has a joint portion <NUM> disposed at a position vertically below the upper link portion <NUM> that links the upper portion of the door <NUM> and the pillar portion <NUM> and vertically above the lower link portion <NUM> that links the lower portion of the door <NUM> and the pillar portion <NUM>. The joint portion <NUM> can rotate around a connection point with the pillar portion <NUM>. With this configuration, the joint portion <NUM> absorbs the displacement of the pillar portion <NUM> relative to the upper portion and the lower portion of the door <NUM>, and in addition, the joint portion <NUM> inhibits the link portions from being obliquely misaligned to impede force transmission between the pillar portion <NUM> and the upper portion or the lower portion of the door <NUM>.

The meshing portion <NUM> according to the embodiment is a male thread <NUM>. The fixing portion <NUM> includes a female thread <NUM>. The male thread <NUM> can mesh with the female thread <NUM> at different meshing positions in the longitudinal direction of the pillar portion <NUM>. With this configuration, the height adjustment of the pillar portion <NUM> can be accomplished by the structure with male and female threads.

The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above but is susceptible of various modification within the purport of the present invention.

The foregoing description of the embodiments is based on an example in which the meshing portion is provided in the outer peripheral surface of the support portion that is parallel with the longitudinal direction, but this is not limitative. For example, the meshing portion may be provided in the inner peripheral surface of the support portion that is parallel with the longitudinal direction. For example, the meshing portion can be provided in various manners in accordance with required specifications.

The foregoing description of the embodiments is based on an example in which the support portion includes: a bearing having an inner race, an outer race, and rolling elements configured to roll between the inner race and the outer race; and a holder having the tubular shape and supporting the bearing, but this is not limitative. For example, the support portion may not include the holder. For example, the support portion can be configured in various manners in accordance with required specifications.

The foregoing description of the embodiments is based on an example in which the meshing portion is provided in the outer peripheral surface of the holder, but this is not limitative. For example, if the support portion does not include the holder, the meshing portion may be provided in the outer peripheral surface of the outer race of the bearing. For example, the meshing portion can be provided in various manners in accordance with required specifications.

The foregoing description of the embodiments is based on an example in which the support portion has an adjustment groove formed at a position different from the meshing portion in the outer peripheral surface of the support portion, and the adjustment groove is capable of receiving a tool fitted therein to rotate the support portion, but this is not limitative. For example, the support portion may not include the adjustment groove. For example, the support portion may be nipped by a tool and rotated. For example, if the support portion has a hole, a driver may be inserted into the hole to rotate the support portion. For example, the support portion can be rotated in various manners in accordance with required specifications.

The foregoing description of the embodiments is based on an example in which the support portion includes a projecting portion projecting from one end of the fixing portion, but this is not limitative. For example, the support portion may include another projecting portion projecting from the other end of the fixing portion. For example, the support portion may include a projecting portion projecting from one end or the other end of the fixing portion. For example, the projecting portion can be configured in various manners in accordance with required specifications.

The foregoing description of the embodiments is based on an example in which the adjustment groove is provided at least in the projecting portion, but this is not limitative. For example, the adjustment groove may not be provided in the projecting portion. For example, the adjustment groove may be provided in the bottom surface of the support portion. For example, if the bottom surface of the support portion has a hexagon socket as the adjustment groove, a hexagon wrench may be fitted into the hexagon socket to rotate the support portion. For example, the adjustment groove can be provided in various manners in accordance with required specifications.

The foregoing description of the embodiments is based on an example in which the fixing portion has a through hole formed therein, and the support portion has a positioning member fitted in an adjustment groove through the through hole to set the meshing positions, but this is not limitative. For example, the fixing portion may not have a through hole formed therein. For example, the support portion may not have a positioning member fitted in an adjustment groove through the through hole to set the meshing positions. For example, a structure for positioning may be provided separately from the adjustment groove. For example, the meshing positions can be set in various manners in accordance with required specifications.

The foregoing description of the embodiments is based on an example in which the pillar portion includes an inner tube portion and an outer tube portion housing the inner tube portion, but this is not limitative. For example, the pillar portion may not include an inner tube portion and an outer tube portion housing the inner tube portion. For example, the pillar portion may be a single member extending in the height direction of the vehicle. For example, the pillar portion can be configured in various manners in accordance with required specifications.

The foregoing description of the embodiments is based on an example in which each of the inner tube portion and the outer tube portion has one of a protuberance extending in the longitudinal direction of the pillar portion and a recess into which the protuberance is fitted, and both the protuberance and the recess are formed in the region in which the inner tube portion and the outer tube portion overlap with each other, but this is not limitative. For example, each of the inner tube portion and the outer tube portion may not have one of a protuberance extending in the longitudinal direction of the pillar portion and a recess into which the protuberance is fitted, both the protuberance and the recess being formed in the region in which the inner tube portion and the outer tube portion overlap with each other. For example, each of the inner tube portion and the outer tube portion has either multiple protuberances arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the pillar portion or a recess into which the multiple protuberances are fitted, and both the multiple protuberances and the recess are formed in the region in which the inner tube portion and the outer tube portion overlap with each other. For example, the protuberance and the recess into which the protuberance is fitted can be configured in various manners in accordance with required specifications.

The foregoing description of the embodiments is based on an example in which a lower link portion linking the lower portion of the door and the pillar portion is provided, and the lower link portion is a link mechanism including a first arm, a second arm, and a third arm, but this is not limitative. For example, the lower link portion may be a link mechanism including two arms or four or more arms. For example, the lower link portion may not be a link mechanism. For example, the lower link portion may be formed of a single arm. For example, the lower link portion can be configured in various manners in accordance with required specifications.

The foregoing description of the embodiments is based on an example in which the lower link portion is a link mechanism including a first arm, a second arm, and a third arm, but this is not limitative. For example, an upper link portion linking the upper portion of the door and the pillar portion may be a link mechanism including a first arm, a second arm, and a third arm. For example, the link portions can be configured in various manners in accordance with required specifications.

The foregoing description of the embodiments is based on an example in which the pillar portion has a joint portion disposed at a position vertically below the upper link portion that links the upper portion of the door and the pillar portion and vertically above the lower link portion that links the lower portion of the door and the pillar portion, and the joint portion can rotate around a connection point with the pillar portion, but this is not limitative. For example, the pillar portion may not have the joint portion. For example, the pillar portion may be a single member extending between the upper link portion and the lower link portion in the height direction of the vehicle. For example, the pillar portion can be configured in various manners in accordance with required specifications.

The foregoing description of the embodiments is based on an example in which the meshing portion is a male thread, and the fixing portion has a female thread formed therein, but this is not limitative. For example, the meshing portion may be a female thread, and the fixing portion may have a male thread formed therein. For example, the meshing portion may be one threaded portion with one of a male thread or a female thread, the fixing portion may have another threaded portion with the other of the female thread or the male thread, and the one threaded portion may be capable of meshing with the other threaded portion at different meshing positions in the longitudinal direction of the pillar portion. For example, the meshing portion and the fixing portion can be configured (the male thread or the female thread can be provided) in various manners in accordance with required specifications.

For example, the foregoing embodiments are described with reference to an example plug door device including a double leaf sliding door to open or close the doorway of a railway vehicle. The present invention, however, is not limited to such. For example, the plug door device may be provided on vehicles other than railway vehicles. For example, the plug door device may include a single leaf sliding door.

Claim 1:
A plug door device (<NUM>) comprising:
a stationary base (<NUM>) fixed to a body of a vehicle;
a slidable base (<NUM>) provided on the stationary base (<NUM>) so as to be movable in a width direction of the vehicle relative to the stationary base (<NUM>);
a door drive mechanism (<NUM>) provided on the slidable base (<NUM>) and configured to move a door (<NUM>) for opening and closing a doorway (<NUM>) of the vehicle in a front-rear direction of the vehicle; and
a swing arm mechanism according to claim <NUM>.