Patent Description:
Conventionally, for example, a glove box of an automobile, and the like have a structure such that when the glove box opens, the glove box slowly opens by its own weight, and when the glove box is closed, the glove box smoothly closes. In order to provide such structure, a one-way damper mechanism is provided in the glove box.

For example, in a damper device described in the following Patent Document <NUM>, a base member and a rack relatively move through a first gear attached to the base member. In the base member, there is formed a long hole, and a shaft of a first gear is disposed in the long hole. Also, in the base member, a second gear is attached together with the damper. In the long hole, the shaft of the first gear moves, so that the damper device changes between a state wherein the first gear and the second gear are engaged and a state wherein the first gear and the second gear are separated.

On the other hand, in a damper mechanism described in the following Patent Document <NUM>, a support member and a rack member relatively move through a rotary damper member attached to the support member. The rotary damper member is formed by incorporating a first part where an engagement portion which is an internal gear is formed with a second part where a pinion portion is provided, and the first part and the second part relatively rotate. In the support member, there is formed a support hole which is a long hole, and there is formed the engagement portion around the support hole. A shaft of the internal gear is disposed in the support hole, and the shaft moves in the support hole, so that the damper mechanism changes between a state wherein the engagement portion of the first part and the engagement portion around the support hole are engaged, and a state wherein the engagement portion of the first part and the engagement portion around the support hole are separated.

Furthermore, in a unidirectional damper mechanism described in the following Patent Document <NUM>, a plate and a rack relatively move through a moving gear attached to the plate. In the plate, there is formed a long hole, and a shaft of the damper is disposed in the long hole. Also, a sliding contact portion is formed in the plate, and the plate is in contact with the rack. The shaft of the damper moves in the long hole, so that the unidirectional damper mechanism changes between a state wherein the damper and the moving gear are engaged, and a state wherein the damper and the moving gear are separated.

According to the aforementioned conventional respective technologies, the gear or the damper (hereinafter, described as "the gear and the like") respectively moves in the long hole of the respective support members so as to change the state. However, when a gap between the shaft of the gear and the like and the long hole is too wide, there is a case wherein the gear and the like become decentered, or a case wherein a wobbling increases. On the other hand, when the gap between the shaft of the gear and the like and the long hole is too narrow, there is a case wherein the gear and the like do not move so as to run idle. Namely, in the conventional respective technologies, since the movement of the gear and the like is unstable, an engagement between the gears, or an engagement between the gear and the damper becomes inappropriate so as to have a case wherein the damper does not operate properly.

The present invention is made in view of the aforementioned conditions. Namely, an object of the present invention is to provide a one-way damper mechanism which can properly operate a damper by appropriately engaging the gear and the rotary damper, thereby reducing the wobbling.

In order to obtain the aforementioned object, a one-way damper mechanism according to the present invention comprises a gear-holding member provided with a gear engaging with a rack, and moving relatively to the rack; and a damper-holding member provided with a rotary damper, and moving relatively to the rack, wherein the one-way damper mechanism changes between a braking state where the gear and the rotary damper are engaged, and a release state where the gear and the rotary damper are separated, wherein a rack-main member portion passes through a damper-holding-member hole portion of the damper-holding member and a gear-holding-member hole portion of the gear-holding member, respectively.

In the one-way damper mechanism according to the present invention, on one of either the gear-holding member or the damper-holding member, there is provided a locking portion allowing the other of either the gear-holding member or the damper-holding member to follow in the release state.

In the one-way damper mechanism according to the present invention, a sliding resistance portion is provided between one of either the gear-holding member or the damper-holding member and the rack.

In the one-way damper mechanism according to the present invention, the sliding resistance portion is an elastic piece integrally molded with one of either the gear-holding member or the damper-holding member.

In the one-way damper mechanism according to the present invention, the rack inclines to a side engaging with the gear or a side opposite to the side engaging with the gear relative to the gear-holding member or the damper-holding member.

In the one-way damper mechanism according to the present invention, in a contact portion between the gear-holding member and the damper-holding member in the braking state, one of either the gear-holding member or the damper-holding member is formed smaller than the other of either the gear-holding member or the damper-holding member.

In the one-way damper mechanism according to the present invention, the rack is supported by an oscillating member, and one of either the gear-holding member or the damper-holding member is supported by a support member for supporting and housing the oscillating member.

The one-way damper mechanism according to the present invention has the aforementioned structure. Namely, since the damper-holding member is attached to the rack, the rotary damper stably moves along the rack. Likewise, since the gear-holding member is attached to the rack, the gear stably moves along the rack as well. Since the respective holding members move stably, when the release state changes to the braking state, the gear and the rotary damper provided in the respective holding members appropriately engage so as to operate the rotary damper properly, thereby reducing wobbling.

In the one-way damper mechanism according to the present invention, on one of either the gear-holding member or the damper-holding member, there is provided the locking portion allowing the other of either the gear-holding member or the damper-holding member to follow in the release state. Namely, the other of either the gear-holding member or the damper-holding member is locked in the locking portion provided in one of either the gear-holding member or the damper-holding member, so that in the release state, a state wherein the gear-holding member and the damper-holding member are separated at a predetermined interval according to the locking portion is maintained. In other words, in a state wherein the gear and the rotary damper are separated, the other of either the gear or the rotary damper follows one of either the gear or the rotary damper. Therefore, the predetermined interval can be easily provided. Also, in the predetermined interval, the respective holding members move stably, so that when the release state changes to the braking state, the gear and the rotary damper appropriately engage so as to operate the damper properly, thereby reducing the wobbling.

In the one-way damper mechanism according to the present invention, the sliding resistance portion is provided between one of either the gear-holding member or the damper-holding member and the rack. Namely, a frictional force by the sliding resistance portion acts between the gear-holding member or the damper-holding member and the rack, so that one of either the gear-holding member or the damper-holding member is suppressed from moving relative to the rack by its own weight. Therefore, the gear and the rotary damper appropriately engage so as to operate the rotary damper properly.

Incidentally, if, in a case of a structure without the sliding resistance portion, and wherein the gear and the like move in the long hole in a conventional manner, only one of either the gear-holding member or the damper-holding member moves along the rack by its own weight, and is separated from the other of either the gear-holding member or the damper-holding member, so that there is a case wherein the gear and the damper do not engage.

In the one-way damper mechanism according to the present invention, the sliding resistance portion is the elastic piece integrally molded with one of either the gear-holding member or the damper-holding member. Therefore, an increase of number of components is suppressed, and a structure having the sliding resistance portion can be provided.

In the one-way damper mechanism according to the present invention, the rack inclines to the side engaging with the gear or the side opposite to the side engaging with the gear relative to the gear-holding member or the damper-holding member. According to the structure, the rack inclines relative to one of either the gear-holding member or the damper-holding member, so that a size of the one-way damper mechanism changes. Therefore, even in a case wherein there is an error in a size of an object to which the one-way damper mechanism is attached, the one-way damper mechanism can flexibly correspond to various sizes.

In the one-way damper mechanism according to the present invention, in the contact portion between the gear-holding member and the damper-holding member in the braking state, one of either the gear-holding member or the damper-holding member is formed smaller than the other of either the gear-holding member or the damper-holding member. Namely, a contact area in the contact portion is small. According to the structure, in the braking state, and in a state wherein the gear-holding member and the damper-holding member are in contact with each other, when the rack inclines relative to only one of either the gear-holding member or the damper-holding member, the other of either the gear-holding member or the damper-holding member inclines relative to one of either the gear-holding member or the damper-holding member together with the rack as well. In the contact portion, the contact area is small, so that the other of either the gear-holding member or the damper-holding member easily inclines relative to one of either the gear-holding member or the damper-holding member. Therefore, the rack can easily incline relative to one of either the respective holding members. Thereby, the size of the one-way damper mechanism easily changes, and even in a case wherein there is an error in the size of the object to which the one-way damper mechanism is attached, the one-way damper mechanism can flexibly correspond to the various sizes.

Incidentally, if, in a case wherein the contact area in the contact portion is large, when the rack inclines relative to one of either the respective holding members, the other of either the respective holding members is in contact with one of either the respective holding members in a wide range, so that the other of either the respective holding members is difficult to incline relative to one of either the respective holding members, and there is a case wherein the rack is prevented from smoothly inclining.

In the one-way damper mechanism according to the present invention, the rack is supported by the oscillating member, and one of either the gear-holding member or the damper-holding member is supported by the support member for supporting and housing the oscillating member. Namely, the gear-holding member or the damper-holding member moves stably, so that when the oscillating member housed in the support member is pulled out, the gear and the rotary damper provided in the respective holding members engage appropriately so as to operate the rotary damper properly. Thereby, in the braking state, the oscillating member can be braked reliably and pulled out.

Hereinafter, a one-way damper mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention will be explained based on the drawings. <FIG> and <FIG> show an external appearance of a one-way damper mechanism <NUM>. <FIG> show a state of an operation of the one-way damper mechanism <NUM>. <FIG> show a schematic drawing in a state wherein the one-way damper mechanism <NUM> is attached to a glove box <NUM> of an automobile (omitted in the drawings).

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the one-way damper mechanism <NUM> according to the present embodiment comprises a long rack <NUM> wherein teeth are formed; a gear <NUM> engaged with the rack <NUM>; a gear-holding member <NUM> comprising the gear <NUM> and relatively moving to the rack <NUM>; a rotary damper <NUM> filled with a viscous fluid (omitted in the drawings) and the like; and a damper-holding member <NUM> comprising the rotary damper <NUM> and relatively moving to the rack <NUM>. In the one-way damper mechanism <NUM>, the rack <NUM> and the respective holding members <NUM> and <NUM> relatively move, so that as shown in <FIG>, the one-way damper mechanism <NUM> changes between a braking state (see <FIG>) wherein the gear <NUM> and the rotary damper <NUM> are engaged, and a release state (see <FIG>) wherein the gear <NUM> and the rotary damper <NUM> are separated.

As shown in <FIG>, in the one-way damper mechanism <NUM>, for example, in an instrumental panel (omitted in the drawings), the rack <NUM> is supported by a glove box <NUM> as an oscillating member, and the damper-holding member <NUM> is supported by a support member <NUM> wherein the glove box <NUM> is supported and housed. The one-way damper mechanism <NUM> comes to the braking state when the glove box <NUM> opens (see <FIG>), and comes to the release state when the glove box <NUM> is closed (see <FIG>). Therefore, the glove box <NUM> opens slowly, and closes smoothly.

Incidentally, in the following explanation, a direction is defined as the standard of a case wherein the one-way damper mechanism <NUM> is used for the glove box <NUM>. Namely, an opening portion side of the glove box <NUM> is upward; a bottom portion side of the glove box <NUM> is downward; a direction where the glove box <NUM> opens is frontward; a direction where the glove box <NUM> closes is backward; an inward direction of the glove box <NUM> is inward; and an outward direction is outward (see <FIG> and <FIG>).

Here, structural members of the one-way damper mechanism <NUM> will be explained based on the drawings. <FIG> show the rack <NUM>; <FIG> show the gear <NUM>; <FIG> show the gear-holding member <NUM>; <FIG> show the rotary damper <NUM>; and <FIG>, and <FIG> show the damper-holding member <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the rack <NUM> has a rod shape long in a front-back direction, and is formed in a flat plate shape. The rack <NUM> is formed by a rack-main member portion <NUM> which is a backward side, and a rack-support main member portion <NUM> which is a frontward side. In the rack-main member portion <NUM>, there is formed a stopper <NUM> projecting outward from a backward end. Also, the rack-main member portion <NUM> is divided into two upper and lower stages. The upper stage (the lower side in <FIG>) is a sliding surface portion <NUM> formed flatly. On the other hand, the lower stage (the upper side in <FIG>) is a tooth surface portion <NUM> wherein teeth are formed. On upper and lower surfaces and an inner surface of the rack-main member portion <NUM>, there are respectively formed rack rail portions 14a, 14b, and 14c which are grooves continuing in the front-back direction. Incidentally, the rack-main member portion <NUM> may be a so-called angle rack or a round rack provided that the rack-main member portion <NUM> can form the sliding surface portion <NUM> or the rack rail portions 14a, 14b, and 14c.

In the rack-support main member portion <NUM>, an oscillating-member support portion <NUM> approximately having a disk shape is formed inward.

As shown in <FIG>, the gear <NUM> has a disk shape, and there are formed teeth on a circumferential edge. In the gear <NUM>, there is projected a gear-shaft portion <NUM> from a center.

As shown in <FIG>, the gear-holding member <NUM> is formed by a gear-holding-member rail portion <NUM> through which the rack-main member portion <NUM> passes; a pair of gear-support portions <NUM> projecting outward from the gear-holding-member rail portion <NUM>, and facing each other; and an elastic piece <NUM> as a sliding resistance portion projecting frontward from a boundary portion between the gear-holding-member rail portion <NUM> and the gear-support portion <NUM>, and the respective portions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are integrally molded.

The gear-holding-member rail portion <NUM> is formed by a gear-holding-member inner surface portion <NUM>; a gear-holding-member outer surface portion <NUM>; a gear-holding-member upper surface portion <NUM>; and a gear-holding-member lower surface portion <NUM>, which are connected to each other in such a way so as to surround an outer surface of the rack-main member portion <NUM>. Specifically explained, an upper end of the gear-holding-member inner surface portion <NUM> and the gear-holding-member upper surface portion <NUM> are connected at right angles; the gear-holding-member upper surface portion <NUM> and the gear-holding-member outer surface portion <NUM> are connected at right angles; a lower end of the gear-holding-member inner surface portion <NUM> and the gear-holding-member lower surface portion <NUM> are connected at right angles; and a gear-holding-member hole portion <NUM> which is a space surrounded by the respective surface portions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> opens in the front-back direction. Since the gear-holding-member outer surface portion <NUM> is formed shorter than the gear-holding-member inner surface portion <NUM>, there is an opening between the gear-holding-member outer surface portion <NUM> and the gear-holding-member lower surface portion <NUM>. In the respective surface portions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, there are respectively formed gear-holding-member projecting portions 37a, 37b, and 37c toward the gear-holding-member hole portion <NUM>. Also, in the gear-holding-member outer surface portion <NUM>, the elastic piece <NUM> projects frontward from an end of a frontward side. The elastic piece <NUM> inclines inward toward a gear-holding-member-hole-portion <NUM> side.

The gear-support portion <NUM> is formed by a gear-holding-member upper facing portion <NUM> and a gear-holding-member lower facing portion <NUM>, and gear-support holes <NUM> supporting the gear <NUM> are respectively formed. The gear-holding-member upper facing portion <NUM> is connected to a lower end of the gear-holding-member outer surface portion <NUM> at right angles, and a cylindrical shaft-supporting projecting portion <NUM>, which is coaxial with the gear-support hole <NUM>, projects. The gear-holding-member lower facing portion <NUM> is connected to the gear-holding-member lower surface portion <NUM> on the same one surface. In the gear-holding-member lower facing portion <NUM>, a gear-holding-member contact portion <NUM> as a contact portion with the damper-holding member <NUM> is formed at a front end. The gear-holding-member contact portion <NUM> curves in an arc shape forward, and a foremost end portion <NUM>, which is a small portion at the front end, is formed flatly. Incidentally, the foremost end portion <NUM> may be curved. Also, in the gear-holding-member contact portion <NUM>, there is formed a flange portion <NUM>. The flange portion <NUM> is formed in a peripheral edge over an outward side from the frontward side in the gear-holding-member lower facing portion <NUM>, and projects downwardly. Also, in the gear-holding-member lower facing portion <NUM>, there is formed a notch portion <NUM> close to a rear side of the outward side.

As shown in <FIG>, the rotary damper <NUM> is formed by a case having an approximately cylindrical shape and filled with the viscous fluid; a rotor (omitted in the drawings) formed in a diameter approximately same as that of the case <NUM> and including a rotor shaft portion <NUM>; a case lid <NUM> through which the rotor shaft portion <NUM> passes for covering the case <NUM>; and a damper gear <NUM> attached to the rotor shaft portion <NUM>. In the case <NUM>, there is housed the rotor, and in a state wherein the rotor shaft portion <NUM> is exposed to an outside of the case <NUM>, the case <NUM> is closed by the case lid <NUM>. In the rotor shaft portion <NUM>, there is attached the damper gear <NUM> on the same shaft as the rotor.

As shown in <FIG>, and <FIG>, the damper-holding member <NUM> is formed by a damper-holding-member inner surface portion <NUM>; a damper-holding-member outer surface portion <NUM>; a damper-holding-member upper surface portion <NUM>; and a damper-holding-member lower surface portion <NUM>, and the respective surface portions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are integrally molded, and are formed in a cylinder shape approximately with a square pole. A damper-holding-member hole portion <NUM>, which is a space surrounded by the respective surface portions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, opens in the front-back direction. In the damper-holding-member outer surface portion <NUM>, there is formed a support-member support portion <NUM> on the outward side. In the damper-holding-member upper surface portion <NUM>, there are formed a damper-housing hole <NUM> where the rotary damper <NUM> is housed, and damper-engagement pieces <NUM> formed around the damper-housing hole <NUM>, where the rotary damper <NUM> engages. Also, in the damper-holding-member upper surface portion <NUM>, a long-hole frame portion <NUM> projects backward from a back end. In a space surrounded by the locking portion <NUM> and a back end of the damper-holding-member lower surface portion <NUM>, and a space of the long-hole frame portion <NUM>, there are formed movable areas 71a and 71b where the gear-holding member <NUM> is housed. In the movable areas 71a and 71b, damper-holding-member contact portions 72a and 72b as the contact portion with the gear-holding member <NUM> are respectively formed in the back end of the damper-holding-member lower surface portion <NUM> and a front end of the long-hole frame portion <NUM>.

In the damper-holding-member inner surface portion <NUM>, there is formed a damper-holding-member projecting portion <NUM> toward the damper-holding-member hole portion <NUM>. Also, in the damper-holding-member upper surface portion <NUM> and the damper-holding-member lower surface portion <NUM>, there are formed inclined projecting portions 74a and 74b toward the damper-holding-member hole portion <NUM>. In the inclined projecting portions 74a and 74b, a width of a front end thereof is formed narrower than a width of a back end thereof. Namely, the widths of the inclined projecting portions 74a and 74b are formed in such a way so as to become gradually narrow toward the front end from the back end, thereby a width of an inclined groove portion <NUM>, which is a groove between the inclined projecting portions 74a and 74b and the damper-holding-member inner surface portion <NUM>, is formed gradually wide toward the front end from the back end (see <FIG>).

Next, assembling procedures of the aforementioned respective members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> will be explained.

As shown in <FIG>, the rotary damper <NUM> is attached to the damper-holding-member upper surface portion <NUM> of the damper-holding member <NUM>. Specifically explained, the damper gear <NUM> of the rotary damper <NUM> is housed in the damper-housing hole <NUM> of the damper-holding-member upper surface portion <NUM>, and the case <NUM> of the rotary damper <NUM> engages the damper-engagement pieces <NUM> of the damper-holding-member upper surface portion <NUM>. The damper gear <NUM> is disposed in the damper-holding-member hole portion <NUM>. Incidentally, the damper-holding member <NUM> and the rotary damper <NUM> may be integrally molded as well.

Next, the gear-holding member <NUM> is attached to the damper-holding member <NUM>. Specifically explained, the shaft-supporting projecting portion <NUM> of the gear-holding member <NUM> is attached to the long-hole frame portion <NUM> of the damper-holding member <NUM>, and the gear-holding-member contact portion <NUM> of the gear-holding member <NUM> is attached to the locking portion <NUM> of the damper-holding member <NUM>. Thus, the gear-holding member <NUM> is disposed in the movable areas 71a and 71b of the damper-holding member <NUM>.

Next, the rack <NUM> passes through the gear-holding member <NUM> and the damper-holding member <NUM>. Specifically explained, the rack-main member portion <NUM> passes through the damper-holding-member hole portion <NUM> of the damper-holding member <NUM> and a gear-holding-member hole portion <NUM> of the gear-holding member <NUM>, respectively. The damper-holding-member projecting portion <NUM> of the damper-holding-member hole portion <NUM>, the inclined projecting portions 74a and 74b, and the gear-holding-member projecting portions 37a, 37b, and 37c in the gear-holding-member hole portion <NUM> are respectively disposed in the rack rail portions 14a, 14b, and 14c. The elastic piece <NUM> of the gear-holding member <NUM> is pressed against the sliding surface portion <NUM> of the rack-main member portion <NUM>. Incidentally, since a diameter of the damper gear <NUM> is small compared to that of the gear <NUM>, when the rack <NUM> passes through the damper-holding member <NUM>, the damper gear <NUM> does not interfere with the stopper <NUM> of the rack-main member portion <NUM>, and the damper gear <NUM> does not engage the tooth surface portion <NUM> of the rack-main member portion <NUM>.

Next, the gear <NUM> is attached to the gear-support portions <NUM> of the gear-holding member <NUM>. Specifically explained, the gear <NUM> is disposed between the gear-support portions <NUM> from a backward side, and the gear-shaft portion <NUM> of the gear <NUM> is attached to the gear-support holes <NUM> of the gear-support portions <NUM>. The gear <NUM> engages the tooth surface portion <NUM> of the rack-main member portion <NUM>.

An operating state of the respective members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> in the one-way damper mechanism <NUM> assembled in the aforementioned manner will be explained based on <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> as follows. <FIG> show a state wherein the rack <NUM> inclines relative to the damper-holding member <NUM> in the braking state, and <FIG> show the contact portion between the gear-holding member <NUM> and the damper-holding member <NUM> in the braking state.

As shown in <FIG>, the respective holding members <NUM> and <NUM>, and the rack <NUM> can move relatively in the front-back direction. In the braking state, the gear <NUM> and the damper gear <NUM> engage, so that the rotary damper <NUM> operates (see <FIG>). On the other hand, in the release state, the gear-holding member <NUM> is locked in the locking portion <NUM> of the notch portion <NUM>, so that in the movable areas 71a and 71b of the damper-holding member <NUM>, the gear-holding member <NUM> moves by following the damper-holding member <NUM> so as to control a movable range (see <FIG>).

Here, as shown in <FIG>, the rack <NUM> has a structure of inclining to the outward side which is a side wherein the tooth surface portion <NUM> is engaged with the gear <NUM>, and inclining to an inward side which is a side opposite to the side wherein the tooth surface portion <NUM> is engaged with the gear <NUM>, relative to the damper-holding member <NUM>. Specifically explained, since the width of the inclined groove portion <NUM> of the damper-holding member <NUM> is formed gradually wide toward the front end from the back end, the rack <NUM> inclines at a support point on a back end side where the width is narrow in the inclined groove portion <NUM>. On the basis of a position of the rack <NUM> shown in <FIG>, in the rack <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, the rack-support main member portion <NUM> inclines toward the outward side relative to the damper-holding member <NUM>, and as shown in <FIG>, the rack-support main member portion <NUM> inclines toward the inward side relative to the damper-holding member <NUM>. An angle of the rack <NUM> relative to the damper-holding member <NUM> becomes θ<NUM> > θ<NUM> > θ<NUM>, and a pitch X between the oscillating-member support portion <NUM> and the support-member support portion <NUM> becomes X<NUM> > X<NUM> > X<NUM>. Therefore, the one-way damper mechanism <NUM> changes according to a size between the glove box <NUM> and the support member <NUM>, or an error of respective attachment holes within a range wherein sizes in the inward and outward sides are between X<NUM> and X<NUM> (see <FIG>).

Thus, the rack <NUM> inclines relative to the damper-holding member <NUM>, so that the gear-holding member <NUM> inclines together with the rack <NUM> relative to the damper-holding member <NUM> as well. Since the gear-holding member <NUM> is stably attached relative to the rack <NUM>, when the rack <NUM> inclines, the gear-holding member <NUM> and the damper-holding member <NUM> interfere in the respective gear-holding-member contact portion <NUM> and the damper-holding-member contact portions 72a and 72b, however, since a contact area is small, a degree of interferences is low.

Specifically explained, as shown in <FIG>, in the contact portion between the gear-holding member <NUM> and the damper-holding member <NUM> in the braking state, the gear-holding member <NUM> is formed smaller than the damper-holding member <NUM>. Namely, while the damper-holding-member contact portion 72a of the damper-holding member <NUM> is flat, the gear-holding-member contact portion <NUM> of the gear-holding member <NUM> curves in the arc shape, so that an area of the foremost end portion <NUM> is formed smaller than that of the damper-holding-member contact portion 72a. In the movable area 71a, since the contact area is small, the gear-holding member <NUM> smoothly inclines relative to the damper-holding member <NUM> (see <FIG>). Furthermore, since the damper gear <NUM> and the gear <NUM> are disposed in a position approximately the same as that of the respective contact portions <NUM> and 72a (see <FIG>), when the gear-holding member <NUM> inclines relative to the damper-holding member <NUM>, a state wherein both respective gears <NUM> and <NUM> engage is maintained. Incidentally, while the damper-holding-member contact portion 72b is flat (see <FIG>), the shaft-supporting projecting portion <NUM> of the gear-holding member <NUM> is cylindrical (see <FIG>), so that the contact area is small in the movable area 71b as well.

Next, effects of the one-way damper mechanism <NUM> will be explained.

As described above, the one-way damper mechanism <NUM> comprises the gear <NUM> engaged with the rack <NUM> in the gear-holding member <NUM> which relatively moves to the rack <NUM>; and the damper-holding member <NUM> wherein the rotary damper <NUM> is provided, which relatively moves to the rack <NUM>. Namely, since the respective holding members <NUM> and <NUM> move stably along the rack <NUM>, when the one-way damper mechanism <NUM> changes from the release state to the braking state, the gear <NUM> provided in the respective holding members <NUM> and <NUM>, and the damper gear <NUM> of the rotary damper <NUM> appropriately engage so as to operate the rotary damper <NUM> properly, thereby reducing wobbling.

According to the one-way damper mechanism <NUM>, in the damper-holding member <NUM>, the locking portion <NUM> projects from a side close to the damper-holding-member outer surface portion <NUM> in the back end of the damper-holding-member lower surface portion <NUM>. The locking portion <NUM> extends backward, and a tip bends toward the inward side at a right angle to form a hook shape. Namely, the notch portion <NUM> of the gear-holding member <NUM> is locked in the locking portion <NUM>, so that in the release state, a state wherein the gear-holding member <NUM> and the damper-holding member <NUM> are separated at a predetermined interval in the movable area 71a formed by the locking portion <NUM> is maintained. In other words, in a state wherein the gear <NUM> and the damper gear <NUM> are separated, the gear-holding member <NUM> follows the damper-holding member <NUM>. Therefore, the predetermined interval can be easily formed between the gear <NUM> and the damper gear <NUM>.

According to the one-way damper mechanism <NUM>, in the gear-holding member <NUM>, the elastic piece <NUM> projects frontward from a border portion between the gear-holding-member rail portion <NUM> and the gear-support portion <NUM>, and the elastic piece <NUM> inclines inward toward the gear-holding-member-hole-portion <NUM> side. The elastic piece <NUM> is pressed against the sliding surface portion <NUM> of the rack-main member portion <NUM>. Namely, the elastic piece <NUM> is pressed against the rack <NUM> so as to suppress the gear-holding member <NUM> from moving relative to the rack <NUM> by its own weight. Therefore, the gear <NUM> and the damper gear <NUM> appropriately engage so as to operate the rotary damper <NUM> properly.

According to the one-way damper mechanism <NUM>, in the gear-holding member <NUM>, the gear-holding-member rail portion <NUM>, the gear-support portion <NUM>, and the elastic piece <NUM> are integrally molded. Therefore, an increase of number of the components is suppressed, and a structure including the elastic piece <NUM> can be provided.

According to the one-way damper mechanism <NUM>, the width of the inclined groove portion <NUM> of the damper-holding member <NUM> is formed gradually wider toward the front end from the back end so as to have a structure such that the rack <NUM> inclines outward or inward relative to the damper-holding member <NUM>. According to the structure, a size of the one-way damper mechanism <NUM> in the inward-outward side changes. Therefore, even in a case wherein there is an error in the size between the glove box <NUM> and the support member <NUM>, or in the respective attachment holes, the one-way damper mechanism <NUM> can flexibly correspond to various sizes.

In the one-way damper mechanism <NUM>, in the contact portion between the gear-holding member <NUM> and the damper-holding member <NUM> in the braking state, the gear-holding member <NUM> is formed smaller than the damper-holding member <NUM>. Namely, while the damper-holding-member contact portion 72a of the damper-holding member <NUM> is flat, the gear-holding-member contact portion <NUM> of the gear-holding member <NUM> curves in the arc shape, so that the area of the foremost end portion <NUM> is formed smaller than that of the damper-holding-member contact portion 72a. In the movable area 71a, since the contact area is small, the gear-holding member <NUM> smoothly inclines relative to the damper-holding member <NUM>. Therefore, the size of the one-way damper mechanism <NUM> in the inward side and the outward side easily changes, and even in the case wherein there is the error in the size between the glove box <NUM> and the support member <NUM>, or in the respective attachment holes, the one-way damper mechanism <NUM> can flexibly correspond to the various sizes. Also, since the damper gear <NUM> and the gear <NUM> are disposed in the position approximately the same as that of the respective contact portions <NUM> and 72a, even in a case wherein the gear-holding member <NUM> inclines relative to the damper-holding member <NUM>, a state wherein respective gears <NUM> and <NUM> engage reliably can be maintained.

In the one-way damper mechanism <NUM>, the rack <NUM> is supported by the glove box <NUM>, and the damper-holding member <NUM> is supported by the support member <NUM>. According to the structure, when the glove box <NUM> housed in the support member <NUM> is pulled out, the gear <NUM> and the damper gear <NUM> provided in the respective holding members <NUM> and <NUM> engage appropriately so as to operate the rotary damper <NUM> properly. Thereby, the glove box <NUM> is reliably braked in the braking state so as to be pulled out.

In the one-way damper mechanism <NUM>, the stopper <NUM> is formed at the backward end of the rack-main member portion <NUM>. Therefore, the rack <NUM> can be prevented from slipping out of the gear-holding member <NUM> and the damper-holding member <NUM>. For example, at a time of maintenance of an air conditioner filter (omitted in the drawings) disposed at a back of the support member <NUM>, in a case wherein the stopper for controlling the movable range of the glove box <NUM> is removed, and the glove box <NUM> is opened wide, the rack <NUM> is controlled by the stopper <NUM> so as not to slip out of the gear-holding member <NUM> and the damper-holding member <NUM>.

Incidentally, as another embodiment, it is possible to have a structure such that the locking portion is formed in the gear-holding member; the elastic piece is integrally molded with the damper-holding member; in place of the elastic piece, a soft material such as rubber or the like is sandwiched between the gear-holding member or the damper-holding member and the rack; an adhesive grease is coated; the stopper can be detachable relative to the rack; the rack inclines outward or inward relative to the gear-holding member; or in the contact portion, an area of the damper-holding-member contact portion is formed smaller than that of the gear-holding-member contact portion. Also, there may be provided a structure such that the damper-holding member <NUM> is supported by the glove box <NUM>, and the rack <NUM> is supported by the support member <NUM>.

According to the aforementioned one-way damper mechanism <NUM>, in the damper gear <NUM>, only one side of a rotation shaft is supported by the rotor shaft portion <NUM>, so that in the braking state, when an external force from the gear <NUM> acts on the damper gear <NUM>, there is a possibility of a case wherein the damper gear <NUM> becomes decentered relative to the rotor shaft portion <NUM> and inclines. In that case, an engagement between the gear <NUM> and the damper gear <NUM> becomes inappropriate, so that there is a possibility of a case wherein abnormal noise occurs, or a case wherein the one-way damper mechanism <NUM> does not operate smoothly. Accordingly, the one-way damper mechanism according to a modified example of the present embodiment which solves the aforementioned problem will be explained based on the drawings. <FIG> show an external appearance of a one-way damper mechanism <NUM>, and a cross section of essential parts. <FIG> show a rotary damper <NUM> of the one-way damper mechanism <NUM>, and <FIG> show a damper-holding member <NUM> of the one-way damper mechanism <NUM>. Incidentally, in the following, structures same as those in the one-way damper mechanism <NUM> are designated by the same reference symbols, explanations thereof are omitted, and only structures different from the one-way damper mechanism <NUM> will be explained.

As shown in <FIG>, the one-way damper mechanism <NUM> differs from the one-way damper mechanism <NUM> with regard to a structure of a damper gear <NUM> of the rotary damper <NUM>, and a structure of a damper-holding-member lower surface portion <NUM> of the damper-holding member <NUM>. Specifically explained, as shown in <FIG>, in the damper gear <NUM>, there is formed a gear rib <NUM>. The gear rib <NUM> has approximately a "C" shape or an annular shape, is formed around a central axis of the damper gear <NUM>, and projects in an axial direction. On the other hand, as shown in <FIG>, in the damper-holding-member lower surface portion <NUM>, there is formed a holding-member rib <NUM>. The holding-member rib <NUM> has an arc shape curved forward, faces the damper-housing hole <NUM> approximately on the same axis, and projects toward the damper-holding-member hole portion <NUM>. Incidentally, the holding-member rib <NUM> may have approximately the "C" shape or the annular shape provided that a condition that the holding-member rib <NUM> does not interfere with the gear <NUM> is satisfied.

As shown in <FIG>, in a state wherein the one-way damper mechanism <NUM> is assembled, the gear rib <NUM> engages an inside of the holding-member rib <NUM>.

In the aforementioned one-way damper mechanism <NUM>, the damper gear <NUM> is supported by the rotor shaft portion <NUM>, and engages the holding-member rib <NUM>, so that the damper gear <NUM> is supported on both sides in the rotation shaft. According to the structure, in the braking state, when the gear <NUM> and the damper gear <NUM> engage, and the external force from the gear <NUM> acts on the damper gear <NUM>, the damper gear <NUM> stably rotates. Therefore, an engagement between the gear <NUM> and the damper gear <NUM> becomes appropriate, and the one-way damper mechanism <NUM> operates smoothly without the abnormal noise.

Furthermore, as another modified example, provided that tooth surface portions of the damper gear, the gear, and the rack are a helical tooth (omitted in the drawings), an engagement between the tooth surface portions of the damper gear, the gear, and the rack becomes appropriate further so as to provide a further smooth operation with low noise.

Claim 1:
A one-way damper mechanism (<NUM>), comprising:
a gear-holding member (<NUM>) provided with a gear (<NUM>) engaging with a rack (<NUM>), and moving relatively to the rack (<NUM>); and
a damper-holding member (<NUM>) provided with a rotary damper (<NUM>), and moving relatively to the rack (<NUM>),
wherein the one-way damper mechanism (<NUM>) changes between a braking state where the gear (<NUM>) and the rotary damper (<NUM>) are engaged, and a release state where the gear (<NUM>) and the rotary damper (<NUM>) are separated, characterized in that a rack-main member portion (<NUM>) passes through a damper-holding-member hole portion (<NUM>) of the damper-holding member (<NUM>) and a gear-holding-member hole portion (<NUM>) of the gear-holding member (<NUM>), respectively.