Patent Description:
In the conventional art, a known plug door device actuates a door in a plugging manner, 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.

<CIT> describes a plug door system for vehicles with drive devices which serve to move the door leaf, these drive devices comprising a locking shaft which engages at least at one end with a locking lever in order to be able to rotate the latter about the longitudinal axis of the locking shaft, the locking lever being guided at one end in a guide slot which is to be firmly connected to the vehicle and which permits only rectilinear movement, for example by having a straight slot for guiding the locking lever.

A locking device for plug doors of vehicles is known from <CIT>. Said known device has a base plate on which a locking plate with a locking recess is rotatably mounted. A locking element fixed to the vehicle engages in the locking recess at least in the closed position of the locking device, the locking plate in the closed position being such that the locking element blocks a movement of the locking plate transversely to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

In the plug door known from <CIT>, an electric motor is arranged in the region of one end of a carrier guide. The motor housing, rotatably mounted on the carrier guide, is connected via a bevel gear directly to a first spreading lever, which is connected via a coupling rod to a second spreading lever in the region of the other end of the carrier guide. Associated with the first spreader lever is a first carrier part which is designed as a straight guide, while a carrier part associated with the second spreader lever is designed as a section of a guide rail attached to the door frame.

For example, <CIT> discloses a plug door device including a door leaf, a rotatable pillar connected to the door leaf and being rotatable, a support oriented in a direction in which the door leaf is slidable, a first locking mechanism provided on a top portion of the door leaf, and a second locking mechanism provided on a bottom portion of the door leaf. In such a plug door device, the door leaf becomes slidable by moving the support and the rotatable pillar with a driving force from a motor or other drive source. The door leaf is locked by the first and second locking mechanisms when fully closed. Another known plug door device includes a stationary base fixedly attached to a vehicle body, a slidable base having a door attached thereto and being slidable in a width direction of the vehicle relative to the stationary base when acted upon by a driving force from a drive source, and a lock mechanism configured to lock the door. The lock mechanism includes a locking roller rotatable around an axis extending in a height direction of the vehicle. When the door is fully closed and the lock mechanism is in a locked state, an external force is applied to move the locking roller, so that the locking roller touches a block of a door hunger. In this manner, the door is locked by the locking roller when fully closed. When such a plug door device is used, a pressure difference may occur between the inside and the outside of the vehicle, creating a negative pressure outside the vehicle. If such is the case, the slidable base may rotate around the locking roller depending on where the locking roller is placed.

If the slidable base rotates around the locking roller, the door attached to the slidable base also rotates. This may result in a gap between the outer surface of the door and the outer surface of the vehicle body side wall, which may compromise the airtightness.

The present invention is intended to overcome the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a plug door device that is capable of preventing compromised airtightness caused by rotation of the slidable base.

According to the present invention, this object is achieved by the provision of a plug door device having the features specified in independent claim <NUM>. Further advantageous features of the present invention are evident from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

More specifically, the present invention provides a plug door device comprising a stationary base fixedly attached to a body of a vehicle, a slidable base having a door attached thereto to open or close a doorway of the vehicle, the slidable base being movable in a width direction of the vehicle relative to the stationary base when acted upon by a driving force from a drive source, and a restricting mechanism for restricting the slidable base from moving in the width direction when the door is fully closed. The restricting mechanism includes two stationary members fixedly attached to the stationary base, where the stationary members each have a restricting part, two movable members attached to two portions of the slidable base that are separate from each other in a front-rear direction of the vehicle, the two movable members respectively pairing up with the two stationary members, and a connecting shaft connecting together the two movable members. When the door is fully closed, the two movable members connected together via the connecting shaft touch the restricting parts, so that an external force causes the movable members to unitedly move toward restriction areas where the slidable base is restricted from moving in the width direction. The restricting parts are recesses formed in the stationary members and depressed toward one of sides in the front-rear direction, wherein the two movable members each have a projecting part configured to, when the door is fully closed, fit in the recess under influence of the external force, wherein each stationary member has an opening extending through the stationary member in a height direction of the vehicle, wherein the opening is divided into a restriction area, corresponding to the recess, and a non-restriction area where the slidable base is allowed to move in the width direction, and wherein the opening is shaped like an L when seen in the height direction.

Here, the term "external force" includes at least one of an elastic force produced by an elastic member such as a spring, or a driving force produced by a drive source such as a motor and an actuator. Here, the term "unitedly" means that the parts move perfectly unitedly and also allows a difference as long as the difference does not adversely affect the capability of restricting the slidable base from moving in the width direction.

With the above-described arrangement, when the door is fully closed, the two movable members, which are connected together via the connecting shaft, unitedly move toward the restriction areas. This makes it possible to reliably restrict the slidable base from moving in the width direction. This can prevent compromised airtightness, which may be caused by the rotation of the slidable base. In addition, since the connecting shaft is connected to the two movable members, the two portions of the slidable base that are separate from each other in the front-rear direction can move in the width direction in synchronization. This makes it possible to allow the two portions of the door that are separate from each other in the front-rear direction to move in the width direction in synchronization. In addition, when the door is fully closed, the two movable members unitedly move toward the restriction areas under the influence of the external force. This can result in restricting the two portions of the slidable base that are separate from each other in the front-rear direction from moving in the width direction when the door is fully closed. In this way, when the door is fully closed, the two portions of the door that are separate from each other in the front-rear direction can be restricted from moving in the width direction. Accordingly, while the two portions of the door that are separate from each other in the front-rear direction can be controlled to move in the width direction in synchronization, the two portions of the door that are separate from each other in the front-rear direction can be restricted from moving in the width direction when the door is fully closed.

The two movable members may be provided at ends of the slidable base in the front-rear direction.

Each of the stationary members may further have a guide wall for guiding a corresponding one of the movable members as the movable member moves in the width direction, and the projecting part of the movable member may be fitted onto the guide wall when the movable member is positioned in a non-restriction area where the slidable base is allowed to move in the width direction.

The two movable members may each include a contact part configured to touch the restricting part when the door is fully closed, and a coupling arm coupled to the contact part such that the coupling arm is rotatable around a rotational shaft extending in a height direction of the vehicle. The two coupling arms may be connected to the connecting shaft while each coupling arm may be connected to the rotational shaft and to the connecting shaft at different positions when seen in the height direction. When the door is about to be fully closed, the external force may cause the coupling arms to rotate around the rotational shafts, so that the contact parts of the two movable members may unitedly move toward the restriction areas.

The two coupling arms may constitute a parallelogram linkage when seen in the height direction.

The connecting shaft may extend parallel to the front-rear direction when seen in the height direction.

The connecting shaft connecting together the two coupling arms may have a connecting-side adjusting mechanism for adjusting a length of the connecting shaft.

A torsion spring may
be attached to at least one of the rotational shafts of the two coupling arms, and the torsion spring may be configured to rotate the coupling arms by applying the external force to the coupling arms.

The plug door device may further include a transmission mechanism for transmitting, to a locking mechanism for locking the door, an output from the drive source, so that the locking mechanism is activated. The transmission mechanism may have an unlocking shaft connecting one of the coupling arms to the transmission mechanism. When the transmission mechanism is acted upon by the output from the drive source and moves in a direction to release the door from being locked, the movement of the transmission mechanism may cause, via the unlocking shaft, the one of the coupling arms to rotate, so that the contact parts may move from the restriction areas toward non-restriction areas where the slidable base is allowed to move in the width direction.

The unlocking shaft may have an unlocking-side adjusting mechanism for adjusting a length of the unlocking shaft.

The transmission mechanism may have an elastic member for applying the external force in a form of an elastic force.

The restricting mechanism may further include a stationary shaft connecting together the two stationary members.

The plug door device may further include two rail bases respectively fixedly attached to two portions of the stationary base that are separate from each other in the front-rear direction, where the rail bases support the two portions of the slidable base that are separate from each other in the front-rear direction such that the two portions of the slidable base are movable in the width direction. The two stationary members may be respectively fixedly attached to the two rail bases.

The present invention can provide a plug door device capable of preventing compromised airtightness caused by rotation of a slidable base.

Embodiments of the present disclosure 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 single-leaf door 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, the parts are shown to different scales into recognizable sizes.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a plug door device relating to an embodiment. <FIG> is a perspective view showing a restricting mechanism relating to the embodiment. As shown in <FIG>, a plug door device <NUM> includes a door <NUM>, a stationary base <NUM>, a slidable base <NUM>, and a restricting mechanism <NUM>. In <FIG>, the door <NUM> is shown by the chain double-dashed line. <FIG> and <FIG> show the restricting mechanism <NUM> with the door <NUM> being fully closed.

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 is orthogonal to the X and Y directions and indicates the height direction (gravitational direction) of the vehicle. 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 respectively indicating the positive (+) side and the negative (-) side. 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.

When fully closed, the door <NUM> of the plug door device <NUM> is supported such that the external surface of the door <NUM> is flush with the external surface of the vehicle body side wall. The door <NUM> includes a door leaf <NUM> and a door hunger <NUM> coupled to the door leaf <NUM>. The door <NUM> is attached to the slidable base <NUM>. The door hunger <NUM> is supported by the slidable base <NUM> such that the door hunger <NUM> is movable in the front-rear direction relative to the slidable base <NUM>.

The stationary base <NUM> is fixedly attached 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 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> (mentioned here as an example of two portions of a stationary base that are separate from each other in the front-rear direction).

The slidable base <NUM> is slidable in the width direction relative to the stationary base <NUM> with a driving force from a drive source <NUM>, thereby moving the door <NUM> in the width direction. 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 drive source <NUM> is configured to output the driving force to move the door <NUM>. For example, the drive source <NUM> is a motor. The output shaft of the motor is rotatable about an axis extending along the height direction. For example, the output shaft of the motor is rotatable in two opposite directions (in positive and negative directions) around the axis extending along the height direction. The drive source <NUM> is connected to a movable power source cable <NUM> or, a cableveyor (registered trademark). The drive source <NUM> is housed within a rectangular casing <NUM> having a length in the X direction when viewed from below. The drive source <NUM> is interposed between the slidable base <NUM> and a power transmission mechanism <NUM>. The drive source <NUM> is provided on the +X-side portion of the slidable base <NUM>. The drive source <NUM> is movable in the width direction as the slidable base <NUM> moves in the width direction.

The power transmission mechanism <NUM> includes a power conversion mechanism <NUM> for changing the direction of the driving force from the drive source <NUM>, and an endless belt <NUM> extending along the front-rear direction. The power conversion mechanism <NUM> converts the rotation of the output shaft of the motor around the axis extending along the height direction into circulation of the belt <NUM>. The power conversion mechanism <NUM> includes a gear <NUM> rotatable around an axis extending along the height direction. The center of rotation of the gear <NUM> is aligned with the output shaft of the motor. A pulley <NUM> is provided at a position away in the front-rear direction from the gear <NUM>. 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> bridges the gear <NUM> and the pulley <NUM>. The belt <NUM> is moved by the rotation of the gear <NUM> and is configured to move around the gear <NUM> and the pulley <NUM> (circulate). The belt <NUM> is connected to the door hunger <NUM>. The door hunger <NUM> moves in the front-rear direction as the belt <NUM> moves.

A coupling member (not shown) is attached to the belt <NUM> and movable as the belt <NUM> moves. The coupling member supports a roller (not shown) that is rollable along the opening/closing path (not shown) of the door <NUM> while being guided along a guide rail (not shown), when the door <NUM> is opened or closed. In <FIG>, the reference number <NUM> indicates a locking mechanism for locking the door <NUM> when the door <NUM> is fully closed. The following describes the example manner of how the door is actuated in a plugging manner, or how the door is moved in the width direction while being moved in the front-rear direction.

The door <NUM> is connected, via the door hunger <NUM>, to the +Y-side portion of the belt <NUM>. As described above, the belt <NUM> bridges the gear <NUM> and the pulley <NUM>, which are spaced away from each other in the front-rear direction. The +Y-side portion of the belt <NUM> is thus movable in the front-rear direction. As the belt <NUM> moves, the door <NUM> moves in the front-rear direction.

The door <NUM> moves 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 door <NUM>) to the fully opened position, as the driving force from the drive source <NUM> is transmitted to the belt <NUM> and then the door hunger <NUM> connected to the belt <NUM> moves. When fully opened, the door <NUM> opens (fully opens) the doorway <NUM> and is positioned outside the vehicle. According to the example shown in <FIG>, the door <NUM> first moves from the fully closed position outward in the width direction (specifically, obliquely relative to the width direction) and then moves linearly toward one side in the front-rear direction (for example, toward the +X side), to reach the fully opened position.

Although not shown, the opening/closing path provided by the guide rail is divided into a linear portion extending along the front-rear direction and an inclined portion inclined relative to the linear portion. When the door is closed from the fully opened position, the roller first moves linearly along the linear portion and then moves inwardly in the width direction (specifically, obliquely relative to the width direction) along the inclined portion. As described above, the roller is supported on the slidable base <NUM> via the coupling member, the belt <NUM> and the like. With such a design, as the roller moves along the inclined portion, the slidable base <NUM> moves in the width direction. The door leaf <NUM> is supported by the slidable base <NUM> via the door hunger <NUM> and the like. With such a design, the door leaf <NUM> moves in the width direction when the slidable base <NUM> moves in the width direction.

In the above description, the door is driven using the power transmission 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.

The restricting mechanism <NUM> is configured to restrict the slidable base <NUM> from moving in the width direction when the door <NUM> is fully closed. The restricting mechanism <NUM> includes two stationary members <NUM>, two movable members <NUM> , and a connecting shaft <NUM> connecting the two movable members <NUM>. The two stationary members <NUM> are fixedly attached to the stationary base <NUM> and each have a recess <NUM> (an example of a restricting part). The two movable members <NUM> are provided at the front and rear ends of the slidable base <NUM> (an example of two portions of the slidable base <NUM> that are separate from each other in the front-rear direction). In the drawings, the symbol "A" is appended to the reference numerals of the constituent elements at one (the -X-side one) of the front and rear ends of the restricting 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 stationary members <NUM> are fixedly attached to the stationary base <NUM>. The stationary members <NUM> are fixedly attached to the rail bases <NUM> using fasteners such as bolts. Each stationary member <NUM> is provided below the corresponding rail base <NUM> using a plurality of (for example, two, in the present embodiment) first bolts <NUM> that are next to each other in the width direction and a plurality of (for example, two, in the present embodiment) second bolts <NUM> that are next to each other in the width direction with the two first bolts <NUM> being sandwiched therebetween.

As shown in <FIG>, each stationary member <NUM> has an opening <NUM> extending through the stationary member <NUM> in the height direction. The opening <NUM> is positioned inside the rail base <NUM> in the front-rear direction. The opening <NUM> is a through hole shaped like an L when seen in the height direction. The opening <NUM> is divided into a restriction area <NUM> and a non-restriction area <NUM>. The restriction area <NUM> is designed to restrict the slidable base <NUM> from moving in the width direction when the door is fully closed. The non-restriction area <NUM> is designed to allow the slidable base <NUM> to move in the width direction.

The restriction area <NUM> is the +X-side portion of the opening <NUM>. The restriction area <NUM> is curved following the contour of a roller <NUM> when seen in the height direction. The non-restriction area <NUM> is the -X-side portion of the opening <NUM>. The non-restriction area <NUM> is long in the width direction as viewed in the height direction. The non-restriction area <NUM> is curved, at each side in the width direction, following the contour of the roller <NUM> when seen in the height direction.

The recess <NUM> is depressed from the vicinity of the -Y-side end of the non-restriction area <NUM> toward the +X side (mentioned as an example of toward one side in the front-rear direction), when seen in the height direction. The restriction area <NUM> corresponds to the recess <NUM>.

Each stationary member <NUM> has guide walls <NUM> for guiding the corresponding movable member <NUM> as the movable member <NUM> moves in the width direction. The guide walls <NUM> extend in the width direction when seen in the height direction. The guide walls <NUM> are a pair of inner walls facing each other in the front-rear direction and delineating the opening <NUM>. When viewed in the height direction, the guide walls <NUM> are aligned with the no-restriction area <NUM>. The guide walls <NUM> extend in the width direction parallel to each other, when seen in the height direction. The length of one of the guide walls <NUM> in the width direction is greater than that of the other guide wall <NUM> (the guide wall <NUM> closer to the recess <NUM> in the front-rear direction) in the width direction. The length of the guide walls <NUM> in the width direction is greater than the outer diameter of the roller <NUM>.

The opening <NUM> is not necessarily a through hole extending through the stationary member <NUM> in the height direction and shaped like an L when seen in the height direction. For example, the opening <NUM> may be a groove shaped like an L when seen in the height direction.

As shown in <FIG>, the two movable members <NUM> are attached to the front and rear ends of the slidable base <NUM>. The two movable members <NUM> respectively pair up with the two stationary members <NUM>. The two movable members <NUM> each include a roller <NUM> (an example of a contact part) and a coupling arm <NUM>. The roller <NUM> is configured to touch the recess <NUM> when the door <NUM> is fully closed. The coupling arm <NUM> is coupled to the roller <NUM> such that it is rotatable around a rotational shaft <NUM> extending in the height direction.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing one of the portions of the restricting mechanism <NUM> relating to the embodiment. <FIG> is a perspective view showing the other of the portions of the restricting mechanism <NUM> relating to the embodiment. <FIG> is a bottom view showing the restricting mechanism <NUM> relating to the embodiment. <FIG> show the restricting mechanism <NUM> when the door is fully closed. As shown in <FIG>, the coupling arm <NUM> includes an arm base <NUM>, a first arm <NUM>, and a second arm <NUM>. The arm base <NUM> is coaxial with the rotational shaft <NUM> extending in the height direction. The first arm <NUM> extends from the arm base <NUM> toward the opening <NUM>. The second arm <NUM> has a transmission shaft <NUM> spaced away from the rotational shaft <NUM>. For example, the arm base <NUM>, the first arm <NUM> and the second arm <NUM> may be formed as a single unit piece and made of the same material.

The arm base <NUM> is shaped like a tube extending in the height direction along the rotational shaft <NUM>. The arm base <NUM> is positioned above the stationary member <NUM>. The arm base <NUM> surrounds the rotational shaft <NUM>. For example, a bearing may be provided between the inner periphery of the arm base <NUM> and the rotational shaft <NUM> for supporting the rotational shaft <NUM> rotatably.

The first arm <NUM> extends radially outward (outward in the direction orthogonal to the arm base <NUM>) from the arm base <NUM>. The first arm <NUM> extends radially outward from the arm base <NUM>, then bends downward and finally extend radially outward. As shown in <FIG>, when the door is fully closed, the first arm <NUM> extends from the arm base <NUM> toward the +Y side until it overlaps the opening <NUM>, when seen in the height direction.

As shown in <FIG>, the roller <NUM> is positioned below the first arm <NUM>. The roller <NUM> is coupled to the tip end (the most distant portion from the arm base <NUM>) of the first arm <NUM> such that the roller <NUM> is rotatable around an axis extending in the height direction. As shown in <FIG>, the roller <NUM> is shaped like a circle when seen in the height direction. The roller <NUM> has a projecting part 60a that fits into the recess <NUM> when the door is fully closed. The projecting part 60a of the roller <NUM> is arc-shaped following the inner wall of the recess <NUM> when viewed in the height direction. The projecting part 60a of the roller <NUM> touches the inner wall of the recess <NUM> when the door is fully closed.

The second arm <NUM> extends radially outward from the arm base <NUM> but originates from a different portion than the first arm <NUM> does. The second arm <NUM> extends in an opposite direction to the direction in which the first arm <NUM> extends (from the arm base <NUM> toward the -Y side), when seen in the height direction. The second arm <NUM> extends at an angle toward the -X side relative to the extension of the first arm <NUM>, when seen in the height direction.

The first and second arms <NUM> and <NUM> extend in intersecting directions when seen in the height direction. For example, when seen in the height direction, the angle Aa formed between the first and second arms <NUM> and <NUM> is approximately <NUM> degrees. Here, the angle Aa refers to the angle formed, when seen in the height direction, between (i) an imaginary straight line running through the central axis of the rotational shaft <NUM> and the center of rotation of the roller <NUM> (the center of the tip end of the first arm <NUM>) and (ii) an imaginary straight line running through the central axis of the rotational shaft <NUM> and the central axis of the transmission shaft <NUM>. For example, since the angle Aa formed between the first arm <NUM> and the second arm <NUM> is approximately <NUM> degrees when seen in the height direction, the connecting shaft <NUM> can be accommodated within a limited space of a vehicle.

When seen in the height direction, the angle Aa formed between the first and second arms <NUM> and <NUM> is not necessarily approximately <NUM> degrees. For example, when seen in the height direction, the angle Aa formed between the first and second arms <NUM> and <NUM> may be from <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees, or from <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees. For example, when seen in the height direction, the angle Aa formed between the first and second arms <NUM> and <NUM> may not exceed <NUM> degrees. For example, when seen in the height direction, the angle Aa formed between the first and second arms <NUM> and <NUM> may be <NUM> degrees. For example, when seen in the height direction, the angle Aa formed between the first and second arms <NUM> and <NUM> can be adjusted in accordance with required specifications as long as the restricting mechanism <NUM> can produce the above-described advantageous effects.

As shown in <FIG>, sliders <NUM>, which are movable in the width direction along the rail bases <NUM>, are fixedly attached to the front and rear ends of the slidable base <NUM>. The sliders <NUM> extend in the width direction along the rail bases <NUM>. A stay <NUM> is fixedly attached to each slider <NUM>. The stay <NUM> extends from the slider <NUM> inward in the front-rear direction.

A first one of the stays (21A) is longer than a second one of the stays (21B) in the front-rear direction. The tip end of the first stay 21A (the most distant portion from the slider <NUM>) is positioned above the tip end of the second stay 21B (the most distant portion from the slider <NUM>). As shown in <FIG>, the distance in the height direction between (i) the tip end of the first stay 21A and (ii) the coupling arm <NUM> of a first one of the movable members (43A) is greater than the distance in the height direction between (i) the tip end of the second stay 21B and (ii) the coupling arm <NUM> of a second one of the movable members (43B) (see <FIG>).

As shown in <FIG>, the rotational shaft <NUM> extends in the height direction. The upper end of the rotational shaft <NUM> is coupled to the tip end of the stay <NUM> (the most distant portion from the slider <NUM>). The rotational shaft <NUM> is connected to each of the front and rear ends of the slidable base <NUM> via the corresponding stay <NUM> and slider <NUM>.

The transmission shaft <NUM> extends parallel to the rotational shaft <NUM> (in the height direction). The upper end of the transmission shaft <NUM> is coupled to the tip end of the second arm <NUM> (the most distant portion from the arm base <NUM>).

As shown in <FIG>, the two coupling arms <NUM> constitute a parallelogram linkage when seen in the height direction. In other words, when seen in the height direction, an imaginary straight line extending along the longitudinal direction of the second arm <NUM> of the coupling arm <NUM> of the first movable member 43A is parallel to an imaginary straight line extending along the longitudinal direction of the second arm <NUM> of the coupling arm <NUM> of the second movable member 43B. Here, the imaginary straight line extending along the longitudinal direction of the second arm <NUM> of the coupling arm <NUM> of the first movable member 43A indicates an imaginary straight line running through, when seen in the height direction, the central axis of the transmission shaft <NUM> and the central axis of the rotational shaft <NUM> of the coupling arm <NUM> of the first movable member 43A. The imaginary straight line extending along the longitudinal direction of the second arm <NUM> of the coupling arm <NUM> of the second movable member 43B indicates an imaginary straight line running through, when seen in the height direction, the central axis of the transmission shaft <NUM> and the central axis of the rotational shaft <NUM> of the coupling arm <NUM> of the second movable member 43B.

The front and rear ends of the connecting shaft <NUM> are connected to the transmission shafts <NUM> of the two coupling arms <NUM>. The connecting shaft <NUM> extends linearly to bridge the transmission shafts <NUM> of the two coupling arms <NUM>. The connecting shaft <NUM> extends parallel to the front-rear direction when seen in the height direction. The ends of the connecting shaft <NUM> are rotatable around the transmission shafts <NUM>.

The connecting shaft <NUM> is rigid enough to satisfactorily transmit the rotational force exerted by one of the two coupling arms <NUM> to the other coupling arm <NUM>. For example, the connecting shaft <NUM> can be a metal shaft member. For example, the connecting shaft <NUM> is preferably a member that can be ideally deemed to be rigid. The connecting shaft <NUM> may not be a member that is never deformed by a force of any level but a member that may experience some deformation when acted upon by a force of a predetermined level or more. For example, the connecting member connecting together the two movable members <NUM> may include a flexible member such as a rope (for example, a wire rope). For example, the connecting member may include two ropes one of which connects the transmission shafts <NUM> and the other of which connects the rollers <NUM>.

The connecting shaft <NUM> connecting together the two coupling arms <NUM> has a connecting-side adjusting mechanism <NUM> for adjusting the length of the connecting shaft <NUM>. The connecting-side adjusting mechanism <NUM> is configured to adjust the distance between the transmission shafts <NUM> of the two coupling arms <NUM>. The connecting-side adjusting mechanism <NUM> includes a bolt <NUM> and nuts <NUM>. The bolt <NUM> is coaxial with the connecting shaft <NUM>, and configured to be screwed into the nuts <NUM>. The nuts <NUM> constituting the connecting-side adjusting mechanism <NUM> are provided at the front and rear ends of the connecting shaft <NUM>.

For example, when the bolt <NUM> is rotated clockwise around the connecting shaft <NUM>, the heads of the bolt <NUM> (in other words, the main body of the connecting shaft <NUM>) approach the nuts <NUM>. As a result, the connecting shaft <NUM> can become shorter (in other words, the distance is decreased between the transmission shafts <NUM> of the two coupling arms <NUM>). When the bolt <NUM> is rotated counterclockwise around the connecting shaft <NUM>, on the other hand, the heads of the bolt <NUM> move away from the nuts <NUM>. As a result, the connecting shaft <NUM> can become longer (in other words, the distance is increased between the transmission shafts <NUM> of the two coupling arms <NUM>).

The connecting-side adjusting mechanism <NUM> does not necessarily include the bolt <NUM> coaxial with the connecting shaft <NUM> and the nuts <NUM> into which the bolt <NUM> is screwed. For example, the connecting-side adjusting mechanism <NUM> may include nuts provided on the connecting shaft <NUM> and also include bolts configured to be screwed into the nuts. For example, the connecting-side adjusting mechanism <NUM> can be configured in various manners in accordance with required specifications.

The two coupling arms <NUM> are connected to the connecting shaft <NUM> while each coupling arm <NUM> is connected to the corresponding rotational shaft <NUM> and to the connecting shaft <NUM> at different positions, when seen in the height direction. The rotational shafts <NUM> of the two coupling arms <NUM> are aligned with each other in the front-rear direction when seen in the height direction. The transmission shafts <NUM> of the two coupling arms <NUM> are aligned with each other in the front-rear direction when seen in the height direction.

The connecting shaft <NUM> constitutes, together with the two coupling arms <NUM>, a parallelogram linkage when seen in the height direction. More specifically, as seen in the height direction, the imaginary straight line extending along the connecting shaft <NUM> is parallel to the imaginary straight line running through the central axes of the rotational shafts <NUM> of the two coupling arms <NUM>. The imaginary straight line extending along the connecting shaft <NUM> indicates the imaginary straight line running through the central axes of the transmission shafts <NUM> of the two coupling arms <NUM>.

When the door is fully closed, the rollers <NUM> of the two movable members <NUM> are positioned on the +Y side of the rotational shafts <NUM> as seen in the height direction. When the door is fully closed, the roller <NUM> of each movable member <NUM> is aligned with the corresponding rotational shaft <NUM> in the width direction (stated differently, on an imaginary straight line running through the central axis of the rotational shaft <NUM> and parallel to the width direction), when viewed in the height direction.

As shown in <FIG>, when the door is fully opened, the rollers <NUM> of the two movable members <NUM> are positioned on the +Y side of the rotational shafts <NUM> as seen in the height direction. When the door is fully opened, the roller <NUM> of each movable member <NUM> is differently positioned from the corresponding rotational shaft <NUM> in the front-rear direction (specifically, on the -X side of the imaginary straight line running through the central axis of the rotational shafts <NUM> and parallel to the width direction), as seen in the height direction.

As shown in <FIG>, a torsion spring <NUM> (an example of an elastic member) is attached to the rotational shaft <NUM> of the coupling arm <NUM> of the first movable member 43A. The torsion spring <NUM> exerts an elastic force (an example of an external force) on the coupling arm <NUM>, causing it to rotate. The torsion spring <NUM> is wound around the rotational shaft <NUM> of the coupling arm <NUM> of the first movable member 43A. The torsion spring <NUM> is positioned between the tip end of a first one of the stays (21A) and the arm base <NUM> of the first movable member 43A. No torsion spring <NUM> is provided on the rotational shaft <NUM> of the coupling arm <NUM> of the second movable member 43B (see <FIG>).

The elastic force from the torsion spring <NUM> is constantly applied to the coupling arm <NUM> of the first movable member 43A. As shown in <FIG>, the torsion spring <NUM> exerts an elastic force counterclockwise (in the direction indicated by the arrow Ra) around the rotational shaft <NUM> when seen from below. The torsion spring <NUM> applies an elastic force to the coupling arm <NUM> so that the roller <NUM> remains in contact with the recess <NUM> when the door is fully closed. The torsion spring <NUM> applies an elastic force to the coupling arm <NUM> so that the roller <NUM> remains in contact with the guide walls <NUM> when the roller <NUM> is in the non-restriction area <NUM> (see <FIG>).

<FIG> is a bottom view showing the other of the portions of the restricting mechanism <NUM> relating to the embodiment and surrounding parts. <FIG> shows how the restricting mechanism <NUM> works when the door is fully closed. As shown in <FIG>, the coupling arm <NUM> of the second movable member 43B is differently shaped than the coupling arm <NUM> of the first movable member 43A (see <FIG>). The coupling arm <NUM> of the second movable member 43B includes the arm base <NUM>, first arm <NUM> and second arm <NUM>, and also has a third arm <NUM> including an unlocking rod <NUM> that is spaced away from the rotational shaft <NUM>. For example, the arm base <NUM>, the first arm <NUM>, the second arm <NUM> and the third arm <NUM> constituting the second movable member 43B may be formed as a single unit piece and made of the same material.

The third arm <NUM> extends radially outward from the arm base <NUM> but originates from a different portion than the first and second arms <NUM> and <NUM> do. The third arm <NUM> extends toward the -X side from the arm base <NUM>, when seen in the height direction.

The first and third arms <NUM> and <NUM> extend in orthogonal directions when seen in the height direction. For example, when seen in the height direction, the angle Ba formed between the first and third arms <NUM> and <NUM> is approximately <NUM> degrees. Here, the angle Ba refers to the angle formed, when seen in the height direction, between (i) an imaginary straight line running through the central axis of the rotational shaft <NUM> of the coupling arm <NUM> of the second movable member 43B and the center of rotation of the roller <NUM> (the center of the tip end of the first arm <NUM>) and (ii) an imaginary straight line running through the central axis of the rotational shaft <NUM> of the coupling arm <NUM> of the second movable member 43B and the central axis of the unlocking rod <NUM> (the center of the tip end of the third arm <NUM>).

The first and third arms <NUM> and <NUM> do not necessarily extend in orthogonal directions when seen in the height direction. For example, the first and third arms <NUM> and <NUM> may extend in obliquely intersecting directions when seen in the height direction. For example, when seen in the height direction, the angle Ba formed between the first and third arms <NUM> and <NUM> may be from <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees, or from <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees. For example, when seen in the height direction, the angle Ba formed between the first and third arms <NUM> and <NUM> may not exceed <NUM> degrees. For example, the angle Ba formed between the first and third arms <NUM> and <NUM> when seen in the height direction can be adjusted in accordance with required specifications as long as the restricting mechanism <NUM> can produce the above-described advantageous effects.

As shown in <FIG>, the unlocking rod <NUM> extends parallel to the rotational shaft <NUM> (in the height direction). The lower end of the unlocking rod <NUM> is coupled to the tip end of the third arm <NUM> (the most distant portion from the arm base <NUM>). As shown in <FIG>, the distance between the central axis of the rotational shaft <NUM> of the coupling arm <NUM> of the second movable member 43B and the central axis of the unlocking rod <NUM> is greater than the distance between the central axis of the rotational shaft <NUM> of the coupling arm <NUM> of the second movable member 43B and the center of rotation of the roller <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the plug door device <NUM> includes a transmission mechanism <NUM> for transmitting, to the locking mechanism <NUM> for locking the door <NUM>, an output from the drive source <NUM>, so that the locking mechanism <NUM> is activated.

The transmission mechanism <NUM> is not necessarily configured to transmit the output from the drive source <NUM>, which is placed between the power transmission mechanism <NUM> and the slidable base <NUM>, in order to activate the lock mechanism <NUM>. For example, the transmission mechanism <NUM> may be configured to transmit an output from a different drive source than the drive source <NUM> to activate the locking mechanism <NUM>. For example, the drive source for producing an output to be transmitted to the locking mechanism <NUM> can be configured in various manners in accordance with required specifications.

The transmission mechanism <NUM> includes an unlocking shaft <NUM>, a first transmission member <NUM>, and a second transmission member <NUM>. The unlocking shaft <NUM> connects together the transmission mechanism <NUM> and the coupling arm <NUM> of the second movable member 43B (an example of a first one of coupling arms). The first transmission member <NUM> transmits a first force (an example of an external force) to the unlocking shaft <NUM>. The second transmission member <NUM> transmits a second force (an example of an external force) to the unlocking shaft <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the front and rear ends of the unlocking shaft <NUM> are connected to the unlocking rod <NUM> of the coupling arm <NUM> of the second movable member 43B and to an unlocking-side transmission rod <NUM> of the first transmission member <NUM>. The unlocking shaft <NUM> extends linearly to bridge the unlocking rod <NUM> and the unlocking-side transmission rod <NUM>. The unlocking shaft <NUM> extends at an angle relative to the front-rear direction when seen in the height direction. The ends of the unlocking shaft <NUM> are rotatable respectively around the unlocking rod <NUM> and the unlocking-side transmission rod <NUM>.

The unlocking shaft <NUM> is rigid enough to satisfactorily transmit one of (i) the rotational force produced by the second coupling arm <NUM> and (ii) the moving force produced by the first transmission member <NUM> to the other. For example, the unlocking shaft <NUM> can be a metal shaft member. For example, the unlocking shaft <NUM> is preferably a member that can be ideally deemed to be rigid. The unlocking shaft <NUM> may not be a member that is never deformed by a force of any level but a member that may experience some deformation when acted upon by a force of a predetermined level or more.

The unlocking shaft <NUM> connecting together the unlocking rod <NUM> and the unlocking-side transmission rod <NUM> has an unlocking-side adjusting mechanism <NUM> for adjusting the length of the unlocking shaft <NUM>. The unlocking-side adjusting mechanism <NUM> is configured to adjust the distance between the unlocking rod <NUM> and the unlocking-side transmission rod <NUM>. The unlocking-side adjusting mechanism <NUM> includes a bolt <NUM> and nuts <NUM>. The bolt <NUM> is coaxial with the unlocking shaft <NUM>, and configured to be screwed into the nuts <NUM>. The nuts <NUM> constituting the unlocking-side adjusting mechanism <NUM> are provided at the front and rear ends of the unlocking shaft <NUM>.

For example, when the bolt <NUM> is rotated clockwise around the unlocking shaft <NUM>, the heads of the bolt <NUM> (in other words, the main body of the unlocking shaft <NUM>) approach the nuts <NUM>. As a result, the unlocking shaft <NUM> can become shorter (in other words, the distance is decreased between the unlocking rod <NUM> and the unlocking-side transmission rod <NUM>). When the bolt <NUM> is rotated counterclockwise around the unlocking shaft <NUM>, on the other hand, the heads of the bolt <NUM> move away from the nuts <NUM>. As a result, the unlocking shaft <NUM> can become longer (in other words, the distance is increased between the unlocking rod <NUM> and the unlocking-side transmission rod <NUM>).

The unlocking-side adjusting mechanism <NUM> does not necessarily include the bolt <NUM> coaxial with the unlocking shaft <NUM> and the nuts <NUM> into which the bolt <NUM> is screwed. For example, the unlocking-side adjusting mechanism <NUM> may include nuts provided on the unlocking shaft <NUM> and also include bolts configured to be screwed into the nuts. For example, the unlocking-side adjusting mechanism <NUM> can be configured in various manners in accordance with required specifications.

As shown in <FIG>, the first transmission member <NUM> includes a support member <NUM> and a guide member <NUM>. The support member <NUM> has the unlocking-side transmission rod <NUM>, and the guide member <NUM> is configured to guide the support member <NUM> in the front-rear direction. The support member <NUM> has a support body <NUM> extending parallel to the front-rear direction, and a manipulation member <NUM> for manipulating the support body <NUM>. The upper end of the unlocking-side transmission rod <NUM> is coupled to the +X-side end of the support body <NUM>. The manipulation member <NUM> is a rod member extending parallel to the front-rear direction. The +X-side end of the manipulation member <NUM> is coupled to the -X-side end of the support body <NUM> through a through hole extending through the guide member <NUM> in the X direction.

The guide member <NUM> extends in the front-rear direction and is longer than the support member <NUM>. The guide member <NUM> has an elongated hole <NUM> that penetrates through the guide member <NUM> in the height direction and that is long in the front-rear direction. The support member <NUM> is attached, via the elongated hole <NUM>, to the guide member <NUM> by a plurality of bolts <NUM> (for example, two bolts spaced away from each other in the front-rear direction in the present embodiment).

The relative positions of the support and guide members <NUM> and <NUM> can be adjusted in the front-back direction. For example, the support member <NUM> can be moved toward the +X side relative to the guide member <NUM> by pushing the manipulation member <NUM> toward the +X side with the bolts <NUM>, which are tightened onto the support member <NUM> via the elongated hole <NUM>, being loosened, If the manipulation member <NUM> is pulled toward the -X side, on the other hand, the support member <NUM> can be moved toward the -X side relative to the guide member <NUM>. After the positions of the support and guide members <NUM> and <NUM> are adjusted in the front-rear direction, the loosened bolts <NUM> are tightened. This can fix the positions of the support and guide members <NUM> and <NUM> in the front-rear direction.

The -X-side portion of the guide member <NUM> is coupled to a linear guide (not shown) of the locking mechanism <NUM> using a fastener such as a bolt. The guide member <NUM> is movable in the front-rear direction as the linear guide moves in the front-rear direction.

The -X-side portion of the guide member <NUM> may have a coil spring <NUM> (see <FIG>, an example of an elastic member) attached thereto via a bracket using a fastener such as a bolt. The coil spring <NUM> exerts an elastic force (an example of an external force) on the first transmission member <NUM>, so that the first transmission member <NUM> is pulled toward the -X side. The unlocking shaft <NUM> is acted upon, via the first transmission member <NUM>, by the elastic force exerted by the coil spring <NUM>, so that the unlocking shaft <NUM> is pulled toward the -X side.

As shown in <FIG>, the second transmission member <NUM> has a first coupling member <NUM> and a second coupling member <NUM>. The first coupling member <NUM> has a first shaft <NUM> extending parallel to the front-rear direction, and the second coupling member <NUM> has a second shaft <NUM> extending parallel to the first shaft <NUM>.

The first coupling member <NUM> is provided on the -Y-side portion of the casing <NUM>. The second coupling member <NUM> is provided on the +X- and +Y-side portions of the guide member <NUM> of the first transmission member <NUM>. The first and second coupling members <NUM> and <NUM> are coupled together via a coupling shaft <NUM> extending in the width direction.

On the first coupling member <NUM>, a first coil spring <NUM> (an example of an elastic member) is provided. The first coil spring <NUM> extends along the +X-side portion of the first shaft <NUM>. The first coil spring <NUM> exerts an elastic force (an example of an external force) on the first coupling member <NUM>, so that the first coupling member <NUM> is pushed toward the -X side. The unlocking shaft <NUM> is acted upon by the elastic force produced by the first coil spring <NUM> via the first coupling member <NUM>, the coupling shaft <NUM>, the second coupling member <NUM> and the first transmission member <NUM>, so that the unlocking shaft <NUM> is pushed toward the -X side.

On the second coupling member <NUM>, a second coil spring <NUM> (an example of an elastic member) is provided. The second coil spring <NUM> extends along the second shaft <NUM>. The second coil spring <NUM> exerts an elastic force (an example of an external force) on the second coupling member <NUM>, so that the second coupling member <NUM> is pushed toward the -X side. The unlocking shaft <NUM> is acted upon by the elastic force produced by the second coil spring <NUM> via the second coupling member <NUM> and the first transmission member <NUM>, so that the unlocking shaft <NUM> is pushed toward the -X side.

As shown in <FIG>, the restricting mechanism <NUM> includes a stationary shaft <NUM> connecting the two stationary members <NUM>. The front and rear ends of the stationary shaft <NUM> are connected to the two stationary members <NUM>. The stationary shaft <NUM> extends linearly to bridge the inner edges of the two stationary members <NUM> in the front-rear direction. The stationary shaft <NUM> extends parallel to the front-rear direction when seen in the height direction. The ends of the stationary shaft <NUM> are fixedly attached to the inner edges of the two stationary members <NUM> in the front-rear direction.

The stationary shaft <NUM> is rigid enough to be capable of supporting the two stationary members <NUM> at a certain position. For example, the stationary shaft <NUM> can be a metal shaft member. For example, the stationary shaft <NUM> is preferably a member that can be ideally deemed to be rigid. The stationary shaft <NUM> may not be a member that is never deformed by a force of any level but a member that may experience some deformation when acted upon by a force of a predetermined level or more.

The stationary shaft <NUM> connecting together the two stationary members <NUM> has a stationary-side adjusting mechanism <NUM> for adjusting the length of the stationary shaft <NUM>. The stationary-side adjusting mechanism <NUM> is configured to adjust the distance between the two stationary members <NUM> in the front-rear direction. The stationary-side adjusting mechanism <NUM> includes a bolt <NUM> and female screws <NUM>. The bolt <NUM> is coaxial with the stationary shaft <NUM>, and configured to be screwed into the female screws <NUM>. The female screws <NUM> constituting the stationary-side adjusting mechanism <NUM> are provided at the inner edges of the two stationary members <NUM> in the front-rear direction.

For example, when the bolt <NUM> is rotated clockwise around the stationary shaft <NUM>, the heads of the bolt <NUM> (in other words, the main body of the stationary shaft <NUM>) approach the female screws <NUM> (in other words, the inner edges of the stationary members <NUM> in the front-rear direction). As a result, the stationary shaft <NUM> can become shorter (in other words, the two stationary members <NUM> are closer to each other in the front-rear direction). When the bolt <NUM> is rotated counterclockwise around the stationary shaft <NUM>, on the other hand, the heads of the bolt <NUM> move away from the female screws <NUM>. As a result, the stationary shaft <NUM> can become longer (in other words, the two stationary members <NUM> are more distant from each other in the front-rear direction).

The stationary-side adjusting mechanism <NUM> does not necessarily include the bolt <NUM> coaxial with the stationary shaft <NUM>, and the female screws <NUM> into which the bolt <NUM> is screwed. For example, the stationary-side adjusting mechanism <NUM> may include nuts provided on the stationary shaft <NUM> and also include bolts configured to be screwed into the nuts. For example, the stationary-side adjusting mechanism <NUM> can be configured in various manners in accordance with required specifications.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate how the restricting mechanism <NUM> relating to the embodiment works. <FIG> is a bottom view showing the restricting mechanism <NUM> when the door of the plug door device <NUM> relating to the embodiment is fully opened. <FIG> is a bottom view showing the restricting mechanism <NUM> when the door of the plug door device <NUM> relating to the embodiment is fully closed. In <FIG> and <FIG>, the stationary shaft <NUM> is not shown. <FIG> shows an example case where the slidable base <NUM> moves inward in the width direction (in the plug-in direction) (move as indicated by the arrow Wi shown in <FIG>) as the door is closed from the fully opened state. For example, <FIG> shows how the door moves inward in the width direction from the fully opened position so that the door is positioned inside the vehicle.

As shown in <FIG>, when the door is fully opened, the rollers <NUM> of the two movable members <NUM> are positioned in the non-restriction areas <NUM>. When the slidable base <NUM> moves inward in the width direction while the door is fully opened, the two movable members <NUM> are guided inward in the width direction by the guide walls <NUM>.

The elastic force from the torsion spring <NUM> pushes the coupling arm <NUM> of the first movable member 43A counterclockwise (as indicated by the arrow Ra) around the rotational shaft <NUM> when seen from below. The elastic force produced by the torsion spring <NUM> and acting on the coupling arm <NUM> of the first movable member 43A also acts on the coupling arm <NUM> of the second movable member 43B through the connecting shaft <NUM>. The rollers <NUM> coupled to the two coupling arms <NUM> are each pressed against the +X-side one of the guide walls <NUM>. Accordingly, when the slidable base <NUM> moves inward in the width direction, the rollers <NUM> of the two movable members <NUM> are guided inward in the width direction while rolling along the +X-side guide walls <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, when the door is about to be fully closed, the elastic force produced by the torsion spring <NUM> causes the coupling arms <NUM> to rotate around the rotational shafts <NUM>, as a result of which the rollers <NUM> of the two movable members <NUM> unitedly move into the restriction areas <NUM>. During this, the transmission mechanism <NUM> is allowed to move in the front-rear direction such that it does not interfere with the movement of the second movable member 43B.

The elastic force produced by the torsion spring <NUM> causes the two movable members <NUM>, which are connected together by the connecting shaft <NUM>, to rotate around the respective rotational shafts <NUM> in the same direction. The two movable members <NUM> connected together via the connecting shaft <NUM> touch the recesses <NUM> in the stationary members <NUM> when the door is fully closed. Under the influence of the elastic force produced by the torsion spring <NUM>, the two movable members <NUM> unitedly move toward the restriction areas <NUM>.

The rollers <NUM> of the two movable members <NUM> have the respective projecting parts 60a that are configured to, when the door is fully closed, fit into the recess <NUM> under the influence of the elastic force produced by the torsion spring <NUM>. The projecting parts 60a of the rollers <NUM> of the two movable members <NUM> touch the inner walls of the recesses <NUM> under the influence of the elastic force produced by the torsion spring <NUM>, when the door is fully closed. This can restrict the slidable base <NUM> from moving in the width direction when the door is fully closed.

In the present embodiment, when the restricting mechanism <NUM> works, the elastic force produced by the coil springs <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> as well as the elastic force produced by the torsion spring <NUM> play a role. The elastic force exerted by the coil spring <NUM> pulls the first transmission member <NUM> toward the - X side, when seen from below. The elastic force exerted by the coil springs <NUM> and <NUM> pushes the second transmission member <NUM> toward the -X side, when seen from below. Accordingly, the coupling arm <NUM> of the second movable member 43B is pushed by the elastic force produced by the coil springs <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> counterclockwise (as indicated by the arrow Rb) around the rotational shaft <NUM> when seen from below. The elastic force produced by the coil springs <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> and acting on the coupling arm <NUM> of the second movable member 43B also acts on the coupling arm <NUM> of the first movable member 43A through the connecting shaft <NUM>.

When the door is about to be fully closed, the elastic force produced by the coil springs <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> causes the coupling arms <NUM> to rotate around the rotational shafts <NUM>, as a result of which the rollers <NUM> of the two movable members <NUM> unitedly move into the restriction areas <NUM>. The two movable members <NUM> connected together via the connecting shaft <NUM> touch the recesses <NUM> in the stationary members <NUM> when the door is fully closed. Under the influence of the elastic force produced by the coil springs <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, the two movable members <NUM> unitedly move toward the restriction areas <NUM>.

The rollers <NUM> of the two movable members <NUM> have the respective projecting parts 60a that are configured to, when the door is fully closed, fit into the recesses <NUM> under the influence of the elastic force produced by the coil springs <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>. The projecting parts 60a of the rollers <NUM> of the two movable members <NUM> touch the inner walls of the recesses <NUM> under the influence of the elastic force produced by the coil springs <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, when the door is fully closed. This can restrict the slidable base <NUM> from moving in the width direction when the door is fully closed.

The following describes an example of how to actuate the door in a plugging manner in a reverse direction when compared with the example where the door moves from the state shown in <FIG> to the state shown in <FIG>, or an example case where the slidable base <NUM> moves outward in the width direction (in the plug-out direction) (moves from the state shown in <FIG> to the state shown in <FIG>, moves in the opposite direction to the direction indicated by the arrow Wi shown in <FIG>) as the door is opened from the fully closed state. For example, the case shown in <FIG> corresponds to a case where the door moves outward in the width direction from the fully closed position so that the door is positioned outside the vehicle.

As shown in <FIG>, when the door is fully closed, the rollers <NUM> of the two movable members <NUM> are positioned in the restriction areas <NUM>. The transmission mechanism <NUM> moves toward the +X side (in the direction of releasing the door from being locked) when acted upon by the output from the drive source <NUM>. The transmission mechanism <NUM> overcomes the elastic force produced by the torsion spring <NUM> and the coil springs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and moves toward the +X side.

When the transmission mechanism <NUM> moves toward the +X side, the coupling arm <NUM> of the second movable member 43B rotates via the unlocking shaft <NUM> as a result of the movement of the transmission mechanism <NUM>. When the transmission mechanism <NUM> moves toward the +X side, the coupling arm <NUM> of the second movable member 43B rotates clockwise around the rotational shaft <NUM> as seen from below (in the direction opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow Rb in <FIG>).

When the transmission mechanism <NUM> moves toward the +X side, the rollers <NUM> of the two movable members <NUM> unitedly move into the non-restriction areas <NUM> as the coupling arms <NUM> overcome the above-mentioned elastic force and rotate around the rotational shafts <NUM>. When the transmission mechanism <NUM> moves toward the +X-side, the two movable members <NUM>, which are connected together via the connecting shaft <NUM> move away from the recesses <NUM> in the stationary members <NUM> and unitedly move into the non-restriction areas <NUM> against the above-mentioned elastic force.

As shown in <FIG>, as the rollers <NUM> of the two movable members <NUM> move into the non-restriction areas <NUM>, the slidable base <NUM> is now allowed to move in the width direction. Thus, the door can be opened.

As described above, the plug door device <NUM> relating to the present embodiment includes the stationary base <NUM> fixedly attached to the vehicle body of the vehicle, the slidable base <NUM> having the door <NUM> configured to open or close the doorway <NUM> of the vehicle attached thereto, where the slidable base <NUM> is movable in the width direction of the vehicle relative to the stationary base <NUM> by the driving force from the drive source <NUM>, and the restricting mechanism <NUM> for restricting the slidable base <NUM> from moving in the width direction when the door <NUM> is fully closed. The restricting mechanism <NUM> includes the two stationary members <NUM> fixedly attached to the stationary base <NUM> and having the restricting parts <NUM>, the two movable members <NUM> provided at the two portions of the slidable base <NUM> that are separate from each other in the front-rear direction of the vehicle and respectively pairing up with the two stationary members <NUM>, and the connecting shaft <NUM> connecting the two movable members <NUM>. The two movable members <NUM>, which are connected together via the connecting shaft <NUM>, touch the restricting parts <NUM> when the door <NUM> is fully closed. Under the influence of an external force, the two movable members <NUM> unitedly move toward the restriction areas <NUM> where the slidable base <NUM> is restricted from moving in the width direction. The two movable members <NUM> are attached to the front and rear ends of the slidable base <NUM>. The restricting parts <NUM> are the recesses <NUM> formed in the stationary members <NUM> and depressed toward one of the sides in the front-rear direction. The two movable members <NUM> have the respective projecting parts 60a that are configured to fit into the recesses <NUM> under the influence of the external force, when the door <NUM> is fully closed. The stationary members <NUM> each have the guide walls <NUM> for guiding the corresponding movable member <NUM> as the movable member <NUM> moves in the width direction, and the projecting part 60a of the movable member <NUM> is fitted onto the guide walls <NUM> when the movable member <NUM> is positioned in the non-restriction area <NUM> where the slidable base <NUM> is allowed to move in the width direction. The two movable members <NUM> each include the roller <NUM> configured to touch the recess <NUM> when the door <NUM> is fully closed, and also include the coupling arm <NUM> coupled to the roller <NUM> such that the coupling arm <NUM> is rotatable around the rotational shaft <NUM> extending in the height direction of the vehicle. The two coupling arms <NUM> are connected to the connecting shaft <NUM> while each coupling arm <NUM> is connected to the corresponding rotational shaft <NUM> and to the connecting shaft <NUM> at different portions, when seen in the height direction. When the door <NUM> is about to be fully closed, the external force causes the coupling arms <NUM> to rotate around the rotational shafts <NUM>, as a result of which the rollers <NUM> of the two movable members <NUM> unitedly move into the restriction areas <NUM>. The two coupling arms <NUM> constitute a parallelogram linkage when seen in the height direction. The connecting shaft <NUM> extends parallel to the front-rear direction when seen in the height direction. The connecting shaft <NUM> connecting together the two coupling arms <NUM> has the connecting-side adjusting mechanism <NUM> for adjusting the length of the connecting shaft <NUM>. The torsion spring <NUM> is attached to one of the rotational shafts <NUM> of the two coupling arms <NUM>. The torsion spring <NUM> is configured to rotate the coupling arms <NUM> by exerting the external force on the coupling arms <NUM>. The plug door device <NUM> includes the transmission mechanism <NUM> for transmitting, to the locking mechanism <NUM> for locking the door <NUM>, the output from the drive source <NUM>, so that the locking mechanism <NUM> is activated. The transmission mechanism <NUM> includes the unlocking shaft <NUM> connecting together the transmission mechanism <NUM> and the coupling arm <NUM> of the second movable member 43B. When the transmission mechanism <NUM> moves in a direction to release the door <NUM> from being locked under the influence of the output from the drive source <NUM>, the movement of the transmission mechanism <NUM> causes, via the unlocking shaft <NUM>, the coupling arm <NUM> of the second movable member 43B to rotate, so that the rollers <NUM> move out of the restriction areas <NUM> and toward the non-restriction areas <NUM> where the slidable base <NUM> is allowed to move in the width direction. The unlocking shaft <NUM> includes the unlocking-side adjusting mechanism <NUM> for adjusting the length of the unlocking shaft <NUM>. The transmission mechanism <NUM> has the coil springs <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> for applying the external force in the form of an elastic force. The restricting mechanism <NUM> includes the stationary shaft <NUM> connecting together the two stationary members <NUM>. The plug door device <NUM> includes the two rail bases <NUM> fixedly attached to the two portions of the stationary base <NUM> that are separate from each other in the front-rear direction. The rail bases <NUM> support the two portions of the slidable base <NUM> that are separate from each other in the front-rear direction such that the two portions are movable in the width direction. The two stationary members <NUM> are fixedly attached to the two rail bases <NUM>.

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, as defined by the claims.

According to the foregoing embodiment, the two movable members are respectively provided on the front and rear ends of the slidable base, but the present invention is not limited to such. As an alternative example, the two movable members may be provided on the slidable base between the front and rear ends thereof. For example, the two movable members can be provided anywhere as long as they are attached to the two portions of the slidable base that are separate from each other in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and the two movable members respectively pair up with the two stationary members. For example, the two movable members can be provided in various manners in accordance with required specifications.

According to the above-described embodiment, the stationary members each have the guide walls for guiding the corresponding movable member as the movable member moves in the width direction, and the projecting part of the movable member is fitted onto the guide walls when the movable member is positioned in the non-restriction area where the slidable base is allowed to move in the width direction. The present invention, however, is not limited to such. For example, the stationary members may be practiced without the guide walls. For example, the stationary members may only have the recesses. For example, the stationary members can be configured in various manners in accordance with required specifications.

According to the above-described embodiment, the two movable members each include the roller configured to touch the recess when the door is fully closed, and also include the coupling arm coupled to the roller such that the coupling arm is rotatable around the rotational shaft extending in the height direction of the vehicle. The present invention, however, is not limited to such. For example, the two movable members may be practiced without the coupling arms. For example, the movable members can be configured in various manners in accordance with required specifications.

According to the above-described embodiment, the contact parts configured to touch the restricting parts when the door is fully closed are the rollers provided on the tip ends of the first arms and rotatable around the rotational shafts extending in the height direction of the vehicle. The present invention, however, is not limited to such. For example, the contact parts may not be the rollers. For example, the contact parts may be pins fixedly and non-rotatably attached at the tip ends of the first arms. For example, the contact parts may be formed by the tip ends of the first arms. For example, the contact parts can be configured in various manners in accordance with required specifications.

According to the above-described embodiment, the two coupling arms constitute a parallelogram linkage when seen in the height direction. The present invention, however, is not limited to such. For example, the two coupling arms may not constitute a parallelogram linkage when seen in the height direction. For example, the two coupling arms may not be parallel to each other when seen in the height direction. For example, the two coupling arms can be arranged in various manners in accordance with required specifications.

According to the above-described embodiment, the connecting shaft extends parallel to the front-rear direction when seen in the height direction. The present invention, however, is not limited to such. For example, the connecting shaft may extend in the direction intersecting the front-rear direction when seen in the height direction. For example, the connecting shaft can be arranged in various manners in accordance with required specifications.

According to the above-described embodiment, the connecting shaft, which connects together the two coupling arms, has the connecting-side adjusting mechanism for adjusting the length of the connecting shaft. The present invention, however, is not limited to such. For example, the connecting shaft may be practiced without the connecting-side adjusting mechanism. For example, the connecting shaft can be configured in various manners in accordance with required specifications.

According to the above-described embodiment, the torsion spring is attached to one of the rotational shafts of the two coupling arms, and the torsion spring is configured to apply the external force to the coupling arms to rotate the coupling arms. The present invention, however, is not limited to such. For example, the torsion spring may be attached to the other of the rotational shafts of the two coupling arms. For example, the torsion spring may be attached to at least one of the rotational shafts of the two coupling arms. For example, no torsion spring may be attached to the rotational shafts of the two coupling arms. For example, an elastic member other than the torsion spring, for example, a leaf or compressed spring may be attached to at least one of the rotational shafts of the two coupling arms, in order to apply the external force to the coupling arm and rotate the coupling arm. For example, no elastic members may be provided on the rotational shafts of the two coupling arms to apply the external force in the form of an elastic force. For example, a drive source such as a motor and an actuator may be provided on the rotational shafts of the two coupling arms to apply the external force. For example, the external force can be applied in various manners in accordance with required specifications.

According to the above-described embodiment, the plug door device includes the transmission mechanism for transmitting, to the locking mechanism for locking the door, an output from the drive source, so that the locking mechanism is activated. The present invention, however, is not limited to such. For example, the plug door device may be practiced without the transmission mechanism. For example, the plug door device can be configured in various manners in accordance with required specifications.

According to the above-described embodiment, the transmission mechanism includes the unlocking shaft connecting together the transmission mechanism and the coupling arm of the second movable member (an example of one of the coupling arms). The present invention, however, is not limited to such. For example, the unlocking shaft may connect together the transmission mechanism and the coupling arm of the first movable member. For example, the transmission mechanism may be practiced without the unlocking shaft. For example, the transmission mechanism can be configured in various manners in accordance with required specifications.

According to the above-described embodiment, the unlocking shaft has the unlocking-side adjusting mechanism for adjusting the length of the unlocking shaft. The present invention, however, is not limited to such. For example, the unlocking shaft may be practiced without the unlocking-side adjusting mechanism. For example, the unlocking shaft can be configured in various manners in accordance with required specifications.

According to the above-described embodiment, the transmission mechanism has the coil springs for applying the external force in the form of an elastic force. The present invention, however, is not limited to such. For example, the transmission mechanism may be practiced without the coil springs. For example, the transmission mechanism may have an elastic member other than a coil spring such as a leaf spring and a torsion spring, for applying the external force in the form of an elastic force. For example, the transmission mechanism may be practiced without an elastic member configured to apply an external force in the form of an elastic force. For example, the transmission mechanism may have a drive source such as a motor and an actuator to apply an external force in the form of a drive force. For example, the external force can be applied in various manners in accordance with required specifications.

According to the above-described embodiment, the restricting mechanism includes the stationary shaft connecting together the two stationary members. The present invention, however, is not limited to such. For example, the restricting mechanism may be practiced without the stationary shaft. For example, the two stationary members may be spaced away from each other in the front-rear direction without the stationary shaft. For example, the two stationary members may extend in the front-rear direction to be coupled to each other. For example, the two stationary members can be connected to each other in various manners in accordance with required specifications.

According to the above-described embodiment, the plug door device includes the two rail bases fixedly attached to the two portions of the stationary base that are separate from each other in the front-rear direction. The rail bases support the two portions of the slidable base that are separate from each other in the front-rear direction such that the two portions of the slidable base are movable in the width direction. The present invention, however, is not limited to such. For example, the plug door device may be practiced without the two rail bases. For example, the slidable base may be movable in the width direction of the vehicle relative to the stationary base without using the two rail bases. For example, the plug door device can be configured in various manners in accordance with required specifications.

According to the above-described embodiment, the two stationary members are respectively fixedly attached onto the two rail bases, but the present invention is not limited to such. For example, the two stationary members may be fixedly attached to other members than the rail bases. For example, the two stationary members can be fixed in various manners in accordance with required specifications.

Claim 1:
A plug door device (<NUM>) comprising:
a stationary base (<NUM>) fixedly attached to a body of a vehicle;
a slidable base (<NUM>) having a door (<NUM>) attached thereto to open or close a doorway (<NUM>) of the vehicle, the slidable base (<NUM>) being movable in a width direction of the vehicle relative to the stationary base (<NUM>) when acted upon by a driving force from a drive source (<NUM>); and
a restricting mechanism (<NUM>) for restricting the slidable base (<NUM>) from moving in the width direction when the door (<NUM>) is fully closed,
wherein the restricting mechanism (<NUM>) includes:
two stationary members (<NUM>) fixedly attached to the stationary base (<NUM>), the stationary members (<NUM>) each having a restricting part (<NUM>);
two movable members (<NUM>) attached to two portions of the slidable base (<NUM>) that are separate from each other in a front-rear direction of the vehicle, the two movable members (<NUM>) respectively pairing up with the two stationary members (<NUM>); and
a connecting shaft (<NUM>) connecting together the two movable members (<NUM>),
wherein, when the door (<NUM>) is fully closed, the two movable members (<NUM>) connected together via the connecting shaft (<NUM>) touch the restricting parts (<NUM>), so that an external force causes the movable members (<NUM>) to unitedly move toward restriction areas (<NUM>) where the slidable base (<NUM>) is restricted from moving in the width direction,
wherein the restricting parts (<NUM>) are recesses formed in the stationary members (<NUM>) and depressed toward one of the sides in the front-rear direction,
wherein the two movable members (<NUM>) each have a projecting part (60A) configured to, when the door (<NUM>) is fully closed, fit in the recess under influence of the external force,
wherein each stationary member (<NUM>) has an opening (<NUM>) extending through the stationary member (<NUM>) in a height direction of the vehicle,
characterized in that the opening (<NUM>) is divided into a restriction area (<NUM>), corresponding to the recess (<NUM>), and a non-restriction area (<NUM>) where the slidable base (<NUM>) is allowed to move in the width direction, and
wherein the opening (<NUM>) is shaped like an L when seen in the height direction.