Cap opening and closing device

Abstract

A lid is stably locked while suppressing cost increase. In a lid opening and closing device (10), a rotating body (50) in an initial position is rotated to one side in a rotating direction, and thereby engagement of a locking member (60) to a first link (32R) is released. In addition, a differential link mechanism (70) is provided to the first link (32R) and the rotating body (50), and when the engagement of the locking member (60) to the first link (32R) is released at the time of rotation of the rotating body (50), the differential link mechanism (70) links the rotating body (50) and the first link (32R) to operate a link mechanism (30) in a storage position. Thus, a time difference is given to two operations of the rotating body (50) by the differential link mechanism (70). Therefore, the locking member (60) and the link mechanism (30) can be operated by rotating the rotating body (50) by a single actuator (40).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a cover opening and closing device. BACKGROUND

[0002] The energy receiving port device (cover opening and closing device) described in the following Patent Document 1 has a cover that opens and closes an opening portion of a receiving port of a vehicle, and an opening and closing device that opens and closes the cover. In addition, the opening and closing device is configured to include a link mechanism that links a vehicle body and the cover, and a motor (driving portion) that drives the link mechanism. Furthermore, when a driving force of the motor is transmitted to the link mechanism, the link mechanism operates, and the cover shifts from a state in which the receiving port is closed to a state in which the receiving port is opened. Thus, the cover can be automatically opened and closed.

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT DOCUMENT

[0005] Patent Document 1: JP Patent No. 2014-210473 SUMMARY

[0006] (PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION)

[0007] In this case, the energy receiving port device does not have a locking mechanism that prevents the operation of the cover in the closed state. Therefore, by providing the locking mechanism, the safety of the energy receiving port device can be improved. For example, by separately providing a locking member that locks the cover in the closed state and a driving portion that drives the locking member, the operation of the cover in the closed state can be prevented. However, in this case, since the driving portion for driving the locking member needs to be separately provided, there is a problem that the cost of the energy receiving port device increases.

[0008] On the other hand, in the energy receiving port device described above, the cover in the closed state is held by the motor that opens and closes the cover, so that the operation of the cover in the closed state can be prevented without separately providing the driving portion. However, in this case, the holding force for holding the cover in the locked state is low. Therefore, it can not be possible to stably lock the cover.

[0009] The present application is made in view of the above facts, and aims to provide a cover opening and closing device that can stably lock a cover while suppressing an increase in cost.

[0010] (Technical Solution for Solving the Problem)

[0011] One or more embodiments of the present application provide a lid opening and closing device including: a lid provided to a receiving recess of a vehicle having a receiving portion inside, and configured to be movable between a closed position that closes an opening portion of the receiving recess and an open position that opens the opening portion; a link mechanism that links the lid and the receiving recess, and configured to be disposed at a storage position that stores the link mechanism inside the receiving recess when the lid is in the closed position, and to move the lid to the open position by being operated from the storage position; a drive portion as a drive source for operating the link mechanism; a lock member that engages with the link mechanism at the storage position to prevent operation of the link mechanism; a rotating body that is rotationally driven by the drive portion, and releases the engagement of the lock member with the link mechanism by being rotated from an initial position to one side of a rotation direction; and a differential link mechanism provided to the link mechanism and the rotating body, and configured to link the rotating body and the link mechanism to operate the link mechanism at the storage position when the engagement of the lock member with the link mechanism is released when the rotating body is rotated from the initial position to one side of the rotation direction.

[0012] In one or more embodiments of the present application, the differential link mechanism includes a differential groove provided to one of the rotating body and the link mechanism, and extending in the rotation direction of the rotating body, and a differential link shaft provided to the other of the rotating body and the link mechanism, and disposed at one end portion or the other end portion of the differential groove.

[0013] In one or more embodiments of the present application, the drive portion has a drive shaft, the link mechanism has a drive link member that is engaged by the lock member, one end portion of the drive link member is rotatably supported by the drive shaft, and the rotating body is integrally rotatable linked to the drive shaft.

[0014] In one or more embodiments of the present application, the lock member is disposed radially outward of the rotating body, and is configured to be movable between a locked position that engages with the drive link member and an unlocked position that releases the engagement with the drive link member, a cam surface is formed at an outer peripheral portion of the rotating body, the cam surface is abutted by the lock member and moves the lock member between the locked position and the unlocked position.

[0015] In one or more embodiments of the present application, the rotating body and the drive link member are arranged in the axial direction of the drive shaft, the lock member is disposed across the rotating body and the drive link member, an engagement recess is formed at the drive link member, the engagement recess is open to the radially outward of the drive shaft, and is configured to be engaged with the lock member.

[0016] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the cover is provided with a reset portion protruding toward the receiving recess, and the rotating body is provided with a pressable portion, the pressable portion being configured to be pressed by the reset portion. When the rotating body is positioned from its initial position to one side of the rotation direction, the cover in the closed position is moved toward the receiving recess, thereby the reset portion presses the pressable portion to return the rotating body to its initial position.

[0017] (Invention Effects)

[0018] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the cap can be stably locked while suppressing cost increases. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the cover opening and closing device according to this embodiment.

[0020] Figure 2 It means Figure 1 The diagram shows the cover in the open position.

[0021] Figure 3 From Figure 1 Top sectional view of the cover opening and closing device shown (viewed from the top side) Figure 1 (3-3 line section view).

[0022] Figure 4 It means Figure 1 The side view of the linkage mechanism on the right side within the receiving recess, as seen from the left.

[0023] Figure 5 It means Figure 4 The front view shows the connection state of the actuator's drive shaft, the hinge portion of the first link, and the rotating body.

[0024] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of the actuator, first link, and rotating body as seen from the right front.

[0025] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of the actuator, first link, and rotating body as seen from the left oblique front.

[0026] Figure 8 It is used to explain from Figure 1 The diagram illustrates the movement of the cover from the closed position to the open position.

[0027] Figure 9 It is used to explain from Figure 2The diagram illustrates the movement of the lid from the open position to the closed position.

[0028] Figure 10 This is an illustration to show the action of manually moving the lid from the open position to the closed position. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Hereinafter, the lid opening and closing device 10 according to this embodiment will be described using the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the arrows UP, FR, and RH shown in the drawings indicate the upper side, front side, and right side of the lid opening and closing device 10, respectively. In the following description, when using the directions of up / down, front / back, and left / right, unless specifically specified, the directions of up / down, front / back, and left / right of the lid opening and closing device 10 will be indicated.

[0030] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the cover opening and closing device 10 is configured to be mounted on a vehicle (automobile) to open and close the opening of the receiving recess 82 of the vehicle. In the vehicle, a rectangular hole 80A is formed in the body panel 80 constituting the vehicle body, exposing the receiving recess 82. The receiving recess 82 is formed as a recess that opens to the front and is generally rectangular when viewed from the front. Moreover, the receiving recess 82 is connected to the body panel 80 at the rear side and is exposed from the hole 80A. In the opening of the receiving recess 82, a step portion 82A is formed that descends one layer to the rear, and the step portion 82A extends throughout the entire circumference of the receiving recess 82. An elastic sealing member 84 is provided in the step portion 82A. The sealing member 84 is formed as a generally rectangular ring with a circular cross-section and extends throughout the entire circumference of the opening of the receiving recess 82. In addition, a receiving part 86 for receiving energy from the vehicle is provided in the receiving recess 82. In addition, energy sources for vehicles include electricity, gasoline, gas, hydrogen, and other substances that can be used as energy sources.

[0031] The cover opening and closing device 10 is configured to include a cover 20 for opening and closing the opening of the receiving recess 82, a linkage mechanism 30, an actuator 40 as a "drive unit", a rotating body 50, a locking member 60, and a differential connection mechanism 70.

[0032] (Regarding Gaius 20)

[0033] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the cover 20 is formed as a generally rectangular plate with its thickness along its rear-to-rear direction. The cover 20 is connected to the receiving recess 82 via a linkage mechanism 30 (described later), and is configured such that the opening of the receiving recess 82 is opened and closed by the operation of the linkage mechanism 30. Specifically, the cover 20 is configured to be in a closed position that blocks the opening of the receiving recess 82. Figure 1between the closed position (the position shown in FIG. 1) and an open position in which the opening of the receiving recess 82 is open. Figure 2 In addition, when the lid 20 is in the closed position, the outer peripheral edge portion of the lid 20 is disposed adjacent to the front side of the seal member 84, and the lid 20 and the step portion 82A are sealed by the seal member 84. Further, in the following description, the lid 20 is described as being disposed in the closed position.

[0034] In addition, on the rear surface of the lid 20, a pair of lid link pieces 22 for linking the later-described link mechanism 30 are provided. The lid link pieces 22 are formed in a substantially long plate shape extending in the up-down direction with the left-right direction as the plate thickness direction, and protrude toward the rear side from the upper portion of the lid 20. In addition, on the rear surface of the lid 20, a press piece 24 as a "reset portion" is provided on the lower side of the right lid link piece 22. The press piece 24 is formed in a substantially triangular plate shape with the left-right direction as the plate thickness direction. Specifically, one side of the outer peripheral portion of the press piece 24 is formed as a press inclined portion 24A that is inclined upward more toward the rear side as viewed in the left-right direction.

[0035] (Regarding the Link Mechanism 30)

[0036] The link mechanism 30 links the lid 20 and the receiving recess 82, and is configured as a mechanism that opens and closes the lid 20 between the closed position and the open position. Specifically, when the lid 20 is in the closed position, the link mechanism 30 is disposed in a storage position that is a position in which the link mechanism 30 is stored in the receiving recess 82, and when the lid 20 is in the open position, the link mechanism 30 is disposed in an unfolded unfolded position. The link mechanism 30 is configured to include a pair of first links 32L, 32R and a pair of second links 34L, 34R. Furthermore, the right first link 32R corresponds to the "drive link member" of the present application.

[0037] The first links 32L, 32R are formed in a substantially long block shape with the left-right direction as the thickness direction, and extend in the substantially up-down direction on the rear side of the lid 20. One end portion (lower end portion) of the first links 32L, 32R is configured as a hinge portion 32A, and the outer peripheral portion of the hinge portion 32A is formed in a circular shape as viewed in the left-right direction. The hinge portion 32A of the right first link 32R is rotatably supported at the central portion by a drive shaft 44 of the later-described actuator 40, and the hinge portion 32A of the left first link 32L is rotatably supported at the central portion by a support shaft 36 provided to the receiving recess 82 (see FIG. 2). Figure 3The drive shaft 44 and the support shaft 36 are arranged axially in the left-right direction and are coaxially mounted. Furthermore, the other ends (upper ends) of the first connecting rods 32L and 32R are located on the outer side of the cover connecting piece 22 in the left-right direction, and are rotatably supported by the support shaft 37 provided on the cover connecting piece 22 in the left-right direction. Additionally, during the operation of the linkage mechanism 30 from the stored position to the unfolded position, the first connecting rods 32L and 32R rotate about the drive shaft 44 and the support shaft 36 in the rotation direction. Figure 4 (Arrow A direction side).

[0038] like Figures 5 to 7 As shown, a locking recess 32B, serving as an "engaging recess," is formed on the outer periphery of the hinge portion 32A in the first link 32R on the right side. The locking recess 32B opens radially outward and to the left of the hinge portion 32A. Specifically, viewed from the left, the locking recess 32B is configured to include a first locking surface 32B1 extending radially along the hinge portion 32A, and a second locking surface 32B2 extending rearward from the upper end of the first locking surface 32B1.

[0039] Furthermore, on the outer periphery of the hinge portion 32A in the first link 32R on the right side, a differential groove 32C constituting the differential connection mechanism 70 described later is formed on the side opposite to the rotational direction relative to the locking recess 32B. The differential groove 32C opens radially outward and to the left of the hinge portion 32A. The differential groove 32C extends circumferentially in the hinge portion 32A (the rotational direction of the rotating body 50 described later). Thus, the differential groove 32C has a first engaging surface 32C1, which forms the surface on the rotational direction side of the first link 32R in the differential groove 32C (see reference). Figure 5 ); and the second engaging surface 32C2, which forms the surface on the other side of the rotation direction of the first connecting rod 32R in the differential groove 32C (refer to Figure 5 ).

[0040] Furthermore, in the hinge portion 32A of the first link 32R on the right side, a cover portion 32D is integrally formed, extending radially outward and projecting to the left from the hinge portion 32A. The cover portion 32D extends circumferentially along the hinge portion 32A with the thickness of the plate in the radial direction of the hinge portion 32A, and is disposed on the rotational direction side of the first link 32R relative to the locking recess 32B. In addition, the portion on the other side of the rotational direction of the first link 32R relative to the locking recess 32B in the hinge portion 32A is configured as a link-side cam surface 32F (see reference). Figure 5 The connecting rod side cam surface 32F is formed into a circular arc shape along the circumferential direction of the drive shaft 44, as described later.

[0041] like Figure 4As shown, a stop portion 32E is formed in the middle of the long side of the first connecting rods 32L and 32R, and the stop portion 32E protrudes forward from the first connecting rods 32L and 32R. When viewed from the left and right direction, the stop portion 32E is roughly triangular in shape.

[0042] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the second connecting rods 34L and 34R are formed as approximately elongated blocks with their thickness along the left-right direction. The second connecting rods 34L and 34R are respectively positioned above the first connecting rods 32L and 32R, and extend approximately vertically when viewed from the left-right direction, tilting slightly forward towards the upper side. One end (lower end) of the second connecting rods 34L and 34R is rotatably supported by a support shaft 38 in the receiving recess 82 with its axial direction along the left-right direction. The other end (upper end) of the second connecting rods 34L and 34R is adjacent to the outer side of the cover connecting piece 22 of the cover 20 in the left-right direction, and is rotatably supported by a support shaft 39 in the left-right direction at the upper end of the cover connecting piece 22.

[0043] Furthermore, the linkage mechanism 30 for the storage position is activated, causing the cover 20 to move from the closed position to the open position, and the linkage mechanism 30 is positioned in the unfolded position. Specifically, the first linkages 32L and 32R rotate about the drive shaft 44 and the support shaft 36 in the rotational direction, and the second linkages 34L and 34R rotate about the support shaft 38 in the rotational direction. As a result, the cover 20 swings forward and downward from the closed position, and the opening of the receiving recess 82 becomes open.

[0044] (Regarding actuator 40)

[0045] like Figure 3 , Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the actuator 40 is configured as the drive source of the linkage mechanism 30. The actuator 40 is configured to include an actuator body 42 and a drive shaft 44. The actuator body 42 is positioned close to the right side of the receiving recess 82 and is fixed to the receiving recess 82 by a retainer (not shown). The drive shaft 44 extends axially from the lower end of the actuator body 42 to the left in the left-right direction and is disposed in the lower right part of the receiving recess 82. Moreover, the hinge portion 32A of the aforementioned first link 32R on the right side is rotatably supported by the drive shaft 44. The actuator 40 is electrically connected to the vehicle's control unit 46, and the control unit 46 operates the actuator 40, thereby causing the drive shaft 44 to rotate around itself. In addition, the cross-section of the front end of the drive shaft 44 is formed in a D-shape.

[0046] Furthermore, an emergency control lever 48 is integrally rotatably mounted at the base end of the drive shaft 44 of the actuator 40. One end of a long cable (not shown) is connected to the emergency control lever 48, and the other end of the cable is operably disposed in the vehicle's interior. Moreover, the configuration is such that, in an emergency such as a malfunction of the actuator 40, a passenger pulls the other end of the cable, thereby causing the drive shaft 44 to rotate in the direction of rotation.

[0047] (Regarding the body of revolution 50)

[0048] like Figures 3 to 7 As shown, the rotating body 50 is configured to allow the locking member 60 (described later) to move back and forth between a locked position and an unlocked position. The rotating body 50 is formed as a generally circular plate with its thickness in the left-right direction. The radius of the rotating body 50 is the same as the radius of the connecting rod side cam surface 32F of the first connecting rod 32R. A cylindrical shaft portion 51 protruding to the left is formed in the center of the rotating body 50. In addition, a connecting hole 52 is formed through the center of the rotating body 50, which corresponds to the front end portion of the drive shaft 44 and has a D-shaped cross-section. Moreover, the front end of the drive shaft 44 is inserted into the connecting hole 52 from the right side, and the rotating body 50 and the drive shaft 44 are rotatably connected together, and are arranged adjacent to the left side of the hinge portion 32A of the first connecting rod 32R on the right side. Furthermore, in the connected state where the rotating body 50 is connected to the drive shaft 44, the rotating body 50 is disposed radially inside the cover portion 32D of the first connecting rod 32R, and the shaft portion 51 of the rotating body 50 is rotatably supported by the receiving recess 82. Moreover, when the connecting rod mechanism 30 is in the stored position, the rotating body 50 is disposed in the initial position.

[0049] The outer periphery of the rotating body 50 is configured as a cam surface 53. A downwardly opening cam recess 54 is formed on the cam surface 53, extending through in the left-right direction and positioned to the left of the locking recess 32B of the first connecting rod 32R. Thus, the cam surface 53 is configured to include: a first cam surface 53A, which forms the bottom surface of the cam recess 54; a second cam surface 53B, which is raised radially outward from the first cam surface 53A compared to the rotating body 50; and an inclined cam surface 53C, which is positioned between the first cam surface 53A and the second cam surface 53B, and positioned on the opposite side of the rotation direction of the rotating body 50 relative to the first cam surface 53A. The inclined cam surface 53C is inclined further outward from the radial direction of the rotating body 50 towards the opposite side of the rotation direction of the rotating body 50. Furthermore, when the rotating body 50 is in its initial position, the inclined cam surface 53C is positioned on the opposite side of the rotation direction than the first locking surface 32B1 of the first connecting rod 32R. Viewed from the left, the locking recess 32B of the first connecting rod 32R is located inside the cam recess 54 (see reference). Figure 5 Additionally, the first cam surface 53A is positioned radially inward of the rotating body 50 compared to the second locking surface 32B2 of the first connecting rod 32R.

[0050] On the right surface of the rotating body 50, on the side opposite to the rotational direction of the rotating body 50 relative to the cam recess 54, a differential connecting shaft 55 constituting the differential connecting mechanism 70 described later is provided. The differential connecting shaft 55 is formed into a generally rectangular column and extends to the right from the outer periphery of the rotating body 50. Specifically, the differential connecting shaft 55 has two sides orthogonal to the circumference of the rotating body 50 and two sides orthogonal to the radial direction of rotation. The differential connecting shaft 55 is disposed at the other end of the differential groove 32C in the first connecting rod 32R, and is disposed adjacent to the second engaging surface 32C2 of the differential groove 32C on the rotational direction side.

[0051] A return pin 56, serving as a "pressed portion," is provided on the rotating body 50. The return pin 56 is formed into a generally cylindrical shape with the left-right direction as its axis, and extends from the rotating body 50 to the left. Furthermore, the return pin 56 is positioned close to the rear side of the pressing tilt portion 24A in the pressing plate 24 of the cover 20. As will be described in detail later, when the cover 20 is manually moved from the open position to the closed position, the rotating body 50 is returned to its initial position by pressing the return pin 56 with the pressing plate 24.

[0052] (Regarding locking component 60)

[0053] like Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the locking member 60 is formed as a generally rectangular plate with the thickness direction in the rear-to-rear direction. It is supported by the receiving recess 82 on the hinge portion 32A of the first connecting rod 32R on the right side and on the underside of the rotating body 50, allowing relative movement in the vertical direction. Specifically, the locking member 60 is configured to be able to be in the locked position ( Figure 5 The position shown) and the unlock position (moved from the locked position to the lower side) Figure 8 It moves between the positions shown in (b) to (d). Additionally, the locking member 60 is subjected to an upward force by a spring (not shown).

[0054] Furthermore, when the linkage mechanism 30 is in the stored position, the locking member 60 is positioned in the locked position, and the upper end of the locking member 60 is disposed within the locking recess 32B of the first link 32R and the cam recess 54 of the rotating body 50. Specifically, the upper end of the locking member 60 is disposed adjacent to the first locking surface 32B1 of the locking recess 32B on the rotational direction side of the first link 32R and the rotating body 50. Thus, when the linkage mechanism 30 is in the stored position, the rotation of the first link 32R in the rotational direction is restricted by the locking member 60, thus preventing the operation of the linkage mechanism 30. Furthermore, when the locking member 60 is in the locked position, based on the spring force, the upper end of the locking member 60 abuts against the second locking surface 32B2 of the locking recess 32B.

[0055] Furthermore, a lower inclined surface 60A is formed on the lower end face of the locking member 60. When viewed from the left and right direction, the lower inclined surface 60A is more inclined downward towards the front. Moreover, although the details will be described later, the rotating body 50 rotates from the initial position to the rotation direction, so that the locking member 60 is pressed by the inclined cam surface 53C of the rotating body 50 and moves from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0056] Furthermore, a detection switch 62 is provided on the lower side of the locking member 60. The detection switch 62 is fixed to the receiving recess 82 and electrically connected to the control unit 46. The detection switch 62 has a switch portion 62A configured to be pressed rearward. Moreover, when the locking member 60 is in the locked position, the switch portion 62A is positioned on the lower side of the locking member 60. On the other hand, when the locking member 60 is in the unlocked position, the switch portion 62A is pressed rearward by the lower inclined surface 60A of the locking member 60, and the detection switch 62 outputs an ON signal to the control unit 46. Thus, the unlocked position of the locking member 60 is detected by the control unit 46.

[0057] (Regarding differential connection mechanism 70)

[0058] The differential connection mechanism 70 is configured to include a differential groove 32C of the aforementioned first link 32R and a differential connection shaft 55 of the rotating body 50. Furthermore, when the link mechanism 30 is in the stored position, as described above, the differential connection shaft 55 is disposed at the other end of the differential groove 32C. That is, the differential connection shaft 55 is disposed separately from the first engaging surface 32C1 of the differential groove 32C on the other side of the rotation direction, and is disposed adjacent to the second engaging surface 32C2 of the differential groove 32C on one side of the rotation direction. Therefore, when the differential connection shaft 55 moves between one end and the other end of the differential groove 32C, the rotating body 50 is configured to rotate relative to the first link 32R.

[0059] Furthermore, when the rotating body 50 rotates from its initial position toward the direction of rotation, and the differential connecting shaft 55 is positioned at one end of the differential groove 32C, the locking member 60 moves from the locked position to the unlocked position based on the inclined cam surface 53C of the rotating body 50, setting the upper end of the locking member 60 to abut against one end of the second cam surface 53B. In this state, if the rotating body 50 rotates further toward the direction of rotation, the differential connecting shaft 55 presses against the first engaging surface 32C1 of the differential groove 32C, causing the rotating body 50 and the first connecting rod 32R to rotate toward the direction of rotation. That is, when the rotating body 50 rotates from its initial position toward the direction of rotation, after the locking member 60 moves from the locked position to the unlocked position, the differential connecting mechanism 70 connects the rotating body 50 to the linkage mechanism 30, forming a mechanism that enables the linkage mechanism 30 to operate.

[0060] (Effects)

[0061] Next, the operation of the cover opening and closing device 10 will be explained, along with the function and effect of this embodiment.

[0062] (Regarding the movement of cover 20 from the closed position to the open position caused by the actuation of actuator 40)

[0063] like Figure 8 As shown in (a), when the cover 20 is in the closed position, the linkage mechanism 30 is positioned for storing the linkage mechanism 30 within the receiving recess 82. Additionally, in this state, the rotating body 50 is positioned in its initial position. Furthermore, the locking member 60 is positioned in the locked position, with its upper end positioned within the cam recess 54 of the rotating body 50 and the locking recess 32B of the first link 32R. Moreover, the upper end of the locking member 60 engages with the first locking surface 32B1 of the first link 32R, restricting the rotation of the first link 32R in the rotational direction. Therefore, the operation of the linkage mechanism 30 is prevented, and the rotation of the cover 20 from the closed position to the open position is restricted. On the other hand, in the differential connection mechanism 70, the differential connection shaft 55 of the rotating body 50 is positioned at the other end of the differential groove 32C of the first link 32R. That is, for rotation of the rotating body 50 in the rotational direction, the rotating body 50 and the first link 32R are in a non-connected state.

[0064] In this state, the actuator 40 is activated by the control unit 46. When the drive shaft 44 rotates in the rotation direction, the rotating body 50 rotates together with the drive shaft 44 from the initial position in the rotation direction. If the rotating body 50 rotates, the upper end of the locking member 60 is pressed downward by the inclined cam surface 53C of the rotating body 50, and the locking member 60 moves downward from the locked position. Furthermore, if the upper end of the locking member 60 reaches one end of the second cam surface 53B of the rotating body 50, the locking member 60 is positioned in the unlocked position, and the switch portion 62A of the detection switch 62 is pressed backward by the locking member 60 (see reference). Figure 8 (b) state). Therefore, the engagement between the locking member 60 and the first locking surface 32B1 is released, and rotation of the first link 32R in the rotation direction becomes permitted. That is, operation of the linkage mechanism 30 becomes permitted. Furthermore, a valid signal is output from the detection switch 62 to the control unit 46, which detects the permitted operation state of the linkage mechanism 30.

[0065] On the other hand, when the rotating body 50 begins to rotate in the direction of rotation from its initial position, it becomes disconnected from the first link 32R due to the differential connection mechanism 70. Therefore, the differential connection shaft 55 of the differential connection mechanism 70 moves the differential groove 32C from one end to the other, and the rotating body 50 rotates relative to the first link 32R. Furthermore, when the locking member 60 reaches the unlocked position, the differential connection shaft 55 reaches one end of the differential groove 32C and is positioned adjacent to the first engaging surface 32C1 of the differential groove 32C on the other side of the rotation direction. Thus, after the locking member 60 reaches the unlocked position, the rotating body 50 becomes connected to the first link 32R.

[0066] In this state, if the drive shaft 44 rotates further in the rotation direction, the differential connecting shaft 55 presses against the first engaging surface 32C1 of the differential groove 32C, and the rotating body 50 and the first connecting rod 32R rotate in the rotation direction. Thus, the linkage mechanism 30 begins operation from its stored position. Specifically, the first connecting rods 32L and 32R rotate to the side of the drive shaft 44 and support shaft 36 around their axes, the second connecting rods 34L and 34R rotate to the side of the support shaft 38 around its axis, and the cover 20 moves forward from the closed position (see reference). Figure 8 (c) state).

[0067] If drive shaft 44 from Figure 8 If state (c) is rotated further in the direction of rotation, then linkage 30 is positioned in the unfolded position and cover 20 is positioned in the open position (see reference). Figure 8 (d) state). Specifically, cover 20 from Figure 8 The (c) state is shifted rearward and downward, and positioned in the open position. As a result, the opening of the receiving recess 82 opens forward, exposing the receiving portion 86. Furthermore, after the cover 20 reaches the open position, the control unit 46 stops the drive of the actuator 40. Additionally, when the linkage mechanism 30 is in the unfolded position, the stop portion 32E of the first linkages 32L and 32R abuts against the lower part of the sealing member 84. Thus, the sealing member 84 functions as a cushioning material. Furthermore, when the first linkage 32R and the rotating body 50 rotate in the rotation direction (from... Figure 8 When rotating from state (b) to state (d), the connecting rod side cam surface 32F of the first connecting rod 32R and the second cam surface 53B of the rotating body 50 slide at the upper end of the locking member 60, and the unlocked position of the locking member 60 is maintained.

[0068] (Regarding the movement of cover 20 from the open position to the closed position caused by the actuation of actuator 40)

[0069] like Figure 9As shown in (d), when the cover 20 is in the open position, the linkage mechanism 30 is positioned in the unfolded position. In this state, the upper end of the locking member 60 abuts against the link-side cam surface 32F of the first link 32R and the second cam surface 53B of the rotating body 50, and the locking member 60 is positioned in the unlocked position. Furthermore, in the differential connection mechanism 70, the differential connection shaft 55 of the rotating body 50 is located at one end of the differential groove 32C of the first link 32R.

[0070] In this state, if the control unit 46 operates the actuator 40 to rotate the drive shaft 44 to the other side of the rotation direction, the rotating body 50 rotates together with the drive shaft 44 to the other side of the rotation direction. Here, as described above, the differential connecting shaft 55 of the rotating body 50 is disposed at one end of the differential groove 32C of the first link 32R. Therefore, for the rotation of the rotating body 50 to the other side of the rotation direction, the rotating body 50 and the first link 32R are in a non-connected state. Thus, when the rotating body 50 rotates to the other side of the rotation direction, the differential connecting shaft 55 moves toward the other end of the differential groove 32C, and the rotating body 50 rotates relative to the first link 32R. Moreover, the differential connecting shaft 55 reaches the other end of the differential groove 32C, so that the differential connecting shaft 55 is disposed adjacent to the second engaging surface 32C2 of the differential groove 32C on one side of the rotation direction, and for the rotation of the rotating body 50 to the other side of the rotation direction, the rotating body 50 and the first link 32R are in a connected state (see reference). Figure 9 (the state of (a)).

[0071] If drive shaft 44 from Figure 9 If state (a) is further rotated to the other side of the rotation direction, the differential connecting shaft 55 presses the second engaged surface 32C2 of the differential groove 32C to the other side of the rotation direction, and the rotating body 50 and the first connecting rod 32R rotate to the other side of the rotation direction. Specifically, while the connecting rod side cam surface 32F of the first connecting rod 32R and the second cam surface 53B of the rotating body 50 slide at the upper end of the locking member 60, the first connecting rod 32R and the rotating body 50 rotate to the other side of the rotation direction. Thus, the operation of the linkage mechanism 30 from the unfolded position to the stored position begins. If the operation of the linkage mechanism 30 begins from the unfolded position, the first connecting rods 32L and 32R rotate to the other side of the drive shaft 44 and the support shaft 36 around the axis, the second connecting rods 34L and 34R rotate to the other side of the support shaft 38 around the axis, and the cover 20 moves upward from the closed position. Furthermore, if the rotating body 50 and the first connecting rod 32R rotate until one end of the connecting rod side cam surface 32F of the first connecting rod 32R and one end of the second cam surface 53B of the rotating body 50 reach the position of the upper end of the locking member 60, then the cover 20 is positioned in front of the opening of the receiving recess 82 (see reference). Figure 9(in state (b)). In this state, the locking recess 32B of the first link 32R is positioned on the rotational side relative to the locking member 60.

[0072] If drive shaft 44 from Figure 9 If state (b) is rotated further to the other side of the rotation direction, cover 20 will shift rearward and be positioned in the closed position (see reference). Figure 9 (c) state). Additionally, at this time, the rotating body 50 is positioned in its initial position. Furthermore, at this time, while the connecting rod-side cam surface 32F of the first connecting rod 32R slides on the upper end of the locking member 60, the first connecting rod 32R rotates, and the locking member 60 is positioned below the locking recess 32B of the first connecting rod 32R. Thus, based on the force of a spring (not shown), the locking member 60... Figure 8 The state of (c) is shifted upwards and positioned in the locked position. That is, the upper end of the locking member 60 abuts against the second locking surface 32B2 of the locking recess 32B and engages with the first locking surface 32B1 of the locking recess 32B, thereby restricting the rotation of the first link 32R in the rotation direction. Therefore, the operation of the linkage mechanism 30 in the storage position is prevented, and the rotation of the cover 20 from the closed position to the open position is restricted.

[0073] Furthermore, at this time, the pressing of the locking member 60 against the switch portion 62A of the detection switch 62 is released. As a result, an invalid (OFF) signal is output from the detection switch 62 to the control unit 46. Therefore, the control unit 46 detects that the locking member 60 is in the locked position. In other words, the control unit 46 detects that the linkage mechanism 30 is in a state of operational obstruction.

[0074] (Regarding the movement of the cover 20 from the open position to the closed position based on manual operation)

[0075] like Figure 10As shown in (d), when the cover 20 is in the open position, as described above, the linkage mechanism 30 is positioned in the unfolded position, and the differential connecting shaft 55 of the rotating body 50 is positioned at one end of the differential groove 32C of the first connecting rod 32R. In other words, the differential connecting shaft 55 is positioned adjacent to the first engaging surface 32C1 of the differential groove 32C on the other side of the rotation direction. In this state, if the cover 20 is manually moved towards the closed position, the cover 20 shifts forward and upward, and the linkage mechanism 30 operates from the unfolded position. That is, the first connecting rods 32L and 32R rotate in the other side of the rotation direction. At this time, since the differential connecting shaft 55 is positioned adjacent to the first engaging surface 32C1 of the differential groove 32C on the other side of the rotation direction, the first engaging surface 32C1 of the differential groove 32C presses against the differential connecting shaft 55, and the rotating body 50 and the drive shaft 44 rotate together with the first connecting rod 32R in the other side of the rotation direction. That is, when the actuator 40 moves the cover 20 from the open position to the closed position, after the rotating body 50 rotates relative to the first link 32R to the other side of the rotation direction, the rotating body 50 and the first link 32R begin to rotate in the other side of the rotation direction. In contrast, when the cover 20 is moved from the open position to the closed position by manual operation, the rotating body 50 does not rotate relative to the first link 32R in the other side of the rotation direction, but the rotation of the rotating body 50 and the first link 32R in the other side of the rotation direction begins.

[0076] Moreover, such as Figure 10 As shown in (a), when the cover 20 is moved to the closed position, the linkage mechanism 30 is positioned in the storage position. In this state, since the differential connecting shaft 55 of the rotating body 50 is located at one end of the differential groove 32C of the first link 32R, the rotating body 50 is positioned in a position rotated further in the rotation direction than its initial position. That is, the first link 32R returns to its normal storage position, while the rotating body 50 does not return to its initial position. Therefore, the upper end of the locking member 60 abuts against one end of the second cam surface 53B of the rotating body 50, and the locking member 60 is maintained in the unlocked position. That is, the cover 20 is in the unlocked state. Furthermore, in this state, the locking member 60 is positioned below the locking recess 32B of the first link 32R. Furthermore, in this state, since the rotating body 50 is positioned after rotating to a position further in the direction of rotation than the initial position, the return pin 56 of the rotating body 50 is disposed adjacent to the rear side of the pressing tilt portion 24A of the pressing piece 24 of the cover 20.

[0077] In this state, if the cover 20 is pressed backward, the sealing member 84 is compressed and deformed, and the cover 20 shifts backward. As a result, the pressing tilt portion 24A of the pressing piece 24 of the cover 20 presses the return pin 56, and the rotating body 50 rotates to the other side of the rotation direction and is positioned in the initial position (see reference). Figure 10(in state (b)). Specifically, when the differential connecting shaft 55 of the rotating body 50 moves from one end of the differential groove 32C of the first link 32R to the other end, the rotating body 50 rotates relative to the first link 32R to the other side of the rotation direction. Additionally, at this time, the upper end of the locking member 60 slides on the inclined cam surface 53C of the rotating body 50, shifts upward, and is positioned in the locked position. As a result, the locking member 60 is positioned within the locking recess 32B of the first link 32R and engages with the first locking surface 32B1, restricting the rotation of the first link 32R in the rotation direction.

[0078] Furthermore, by releasing the pressure on the rearward side of the cover 20, the sealing member 84 elastically deforms, the cover 20 shifts forward, and is positioned in the closed position (see reference). ​ (c) state). Thus, even if the cover 20 is moved from the open position to the closed position by manual operation, the rotating body 50 can be returned to the initial position.

[0079] As explained above, in the cover opening and closing device 10 of this embodiment, the cover 20 is connected to the receiving recess 82 via a linkage mechanism 30. Furthermore, the hinge portion 32A of the first link 32R of the linkage mechanism 30 is rotatably supported on the drive shaft 44 of the actuator 40, and the rotating body 50 is integrally rotatably mounted on the drive shaft 44. Furthermore, when the cover 20 is in the closed position, the locking member 60 engages with the first link 32R of the linkage mechanism 30, preventing the linkage mechanism 30 from operating from the stored position. Therefore, by using the locking member 60 to lock the cover 20 in the closed position, the operation of the cover 20 from the closed position to the open position can be restricted.

[0080] Here, the rotating body 50, initially in its rotating position, rotates in the direction of rotation, thereby releasing the locking member 60 from engaging the first link 32R. Furthermore, a differential connection mechanism 70 is provided between the first link 32R (linkage mechanism 30) and the rotating body 50. Specifically, a differential groove 32C constituting the differential connection mechanism 70 is provided in the first link 32R, and a differential connection shaft 55 constituting the differential connection mechanism 70 is provided in the rotating body 50. When the rotating body 50 rotates from its initial position in the direction of rotation, after the locking member 60 releases its engagement with the first link 32R, the differential connection mechanism 70 connects the rotating body 50 to the first link 32R, thereby activating the linkage mechanism 30 in its stored position. That is, the rotating body 50, driven by the actuator 40, performs two actions: releasing the locking member 60 from engaging the first link 32R, and transmitting the driving force of the actuator 40 to the linkage mechanism 30. Furthermore, the differential linkage mechanism 70 imparts a time difference to the two actions of the rotating body 50. Therefore, by using a single actuator 40 to drive the rotating body 50, both the locking member 60 and the linkage mechanism 30 can be activated. In other words, without the need for a separate drive unit for releasing the locking member 60 from the first linkage 32R, the actuator 40 used to activate the linkage mechanism 30 can be used flexibly to release the locked state of the cover 20. Thus, the cover 20 can be stably locked while suppressing cost increases.

[0081] Furthermore, as described above, the differential connection mechanism 70 is configured to include: a differential groove 32C disposed in the first link 32R of the linkage mechanism 30; and a differential connection shaft 55 disposed in the rotating body 50. The differential groove 32C extends along the rotation direction of the rotating body 50, and the differential connection shaft 55 is disposed at the other end of the differential groove 32C. Thus, during the movement of the differential connection shaft 55 within the differential groove 32C, the rotating body 50 and the first link 32R can be in a non-connected state, allowing the rotating body 50 to rotate relative to the first link 32R. Thus, with this simple configuration, after the locking member 60 releases the engagement of the first link 32R, the rotating body 50 and the first link 32R can be connected to operate the linkage mechanism 30 in its storage position.

[0082] Furthermore, the actuator 40 has a drive shaft 44, and the hinge portion 32A of the first link 32R of the linkage mechanism 30 is rotatably supported by the drive shaft 44. Additionally, the rotating body 50 is integrally rotatably mounted on the drive shaft 44. Thus, the hinge portion 32A and the rotating body 50 are arranged coaxially. Therefore, space-saving measures can be achieved at the connection between the rotating body 50 and the first link 32R.

[0083] Furthermore, the locking member 60 is disposed radially outward (lower side) of the rotating body 50 and is supported by the receiving recess 82 in a manner that allows it to move between a locked position and an unlocked position. Moreover, a cam surface 53 is formed on the outer periphery of the rotating body 50 for the upper end of the locking member 60 to abut against, thereby moving the locking member 60 between the locked and unlocked positions. Therefore, with this simple configuration, the locking member 60 can move between the locked and unlocked positions during the rotation of the rotating body 50.

[0084] Furthermore, the first link 32R and the rotating body 50 are arranged axially along the drive shaft 44, and the locking member 60 is positioned across the first link 32R and the rotating body 50. Additionally, a locking recess 32B is formed in the first link 32R, configured to engage with the locking member 60. Thus, the rotating body 50, the first link 32R, and the locking member 60 can be compactly arranged.

[0085] Furthermore, the cover 20 is provided with a rearward-protruding pressing piece 24, and the rotating body 50 is provided with a return pin 56 configured to be pressed by the pressing piece 24. Moreover, when the cover 20 is manually moved from the open position to the closed position, the rotating body 50 is positioned on the rotation direction side from its initial position, and the return pin 56 of the rotating body 50 is positioned adjacent to the rear side of the pressing piece 24 of the cover 20. Furthermore, when the cover 20 is in the closed position, it shifts rearward, causing the pressing piece 24 to press the return pin 56, and the rotating body 50 is positioned in its initial position. Therefore, when the cover 20 is manually moved to the closed position, even if the rotating body 50 does not return to its initial position, it can be returned to its initial position by pressing the cover 20 rearward.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the differential connection mechanism 70, the differential slot 32C is formed in the first link 32R, and the differential connection shaft 55 is formed in the rotating body 50. Alternatively, the differential slot can be formed in the rotating body 50, and the differential connection shaft can be formed in the first link 32R. In this case, when the link mechanism 30 is in the stored position and the rotating body 50 is in the initial position, the differential connection shaft is positioned at one end of the rotating body 50 in the differential slot in the rotational direction.

[0087] In this embodiment, the differential groove 32C opens radially outward toward the hinge portion 32A of the first connecting rod 32R and toward the rotating body 50, and extends along the rotation direction of the rotating body 50. Alternatively, the differential groove 32C can be formed as an elongated hole that opens toward the rotating body 50 and extends along the rotation direction of the rotating body 50.

[0088] (Label Explanation)

[0089] 10. Cover opening and closing device

[0090] 20 caps

[0091] 24-Press pad (reset section)

[0092] 30-bar linkage

[0093] 32R First Link (Drive Link Component)

[0094] 32B locking recess (engagement recess)

[0095] 32C Differential Slot

[0096] 40 Actuators (Drive Units)

[0097] 44 drive shafts

[0098] 50 revolutions

[0099] 53 Cam Surface

[0100] 55 Differential connecting shaft

[0101] 56 Return pins (pressed part)

[0102] 60 locking components

[0103] 70 Differential Connection Mechanism

[0104] 82 Receiving Recess

[0105] 86 Receiving Department.

Claims

1. A cover opening and closing device, comprising: A cover is provided in a receiving recess of a vehicle having a receiving part inside, and is configured to move between a closed position that closes the opening of the receiving recess and an open position that opens the opening. A linkage mechanism connects the cover to the receiving recess. When the cover is in the closed position, the linkage mechanism is positioned in a storage position and moves the cover to an open position by operating from the storage position. This storage position is where the linkage mechanism is stored inside the receiving recess. The drive unit, which serves as the driving source, is used to make the linkage mechanism work; A locking component engages with the linkage mechanism in its storage position to prevent the linkage mechanism from operating; A rotating body, driven to rotate by the drive unit, and its engagement with the linkage mechanism by the locking member is released by rotating it from its initial position to one side of the rotation direction; and A differential connection mechanism is provided between the linkage mechanism and the rotating body. When the rotating body rotates from its initial position to one side of the rotation direction, after the locking member releases its engagement with the linkage mechanism, the differential connection mechanism connects the rotating body and the linkage mechanism to enable the linkage mechanism in its storage position to operate.

2. The cover opening and closing device according to claim 1, wherein, The differential connection mechanism is configured to include: A differential slot, disposed in one of the rotating body and the linkage mechanism, and extending along the rotational direction of the rotating body; and A differential connecting shaft is disposed in the other of the rotating body and the linkage mechanism, and is located at one end or the other end of the differential slot.

3. The cover opening and closing device according to claim 2, wherein, The drive unit has a drive shaft. The linkage mechanism has a drive linkage member for engaging with the locking member, one end of which is rotatably supported by the drive shaft. The rotating body and the drive shaft can be rotatably connected together.

4. The cover opening and closing device according to claim 3, wherein, The locking member is disposed radially outward of the rotating body and is configured to move between a locked position engaged with the drive linkage member and an unlocked position to release engagement with the drive linkage member. A cam surface is formed on the outer periphery of the rotating body, the cam surface being abutted by the locking member and causing the locking member to move between a locked position and an unlocked position.

5. The cover opening and closing device according to claim 4, wherein, The rotating body and the driving linkage are arranged axially along the drive shaft. The locking member is configured across the rotating body and the drive linkage member. The drive link member has an engagement recess that opens radially outward toward the drive shaft and is configured to engage with the locking member.

6. The cover opening and closing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The cover is provided with a reset part that protrudes toward the receiving recess. The rotating body is provided with a pressing part, which is configured to be pressed by the reset part. When the rotating body is positioned from its initial position to one side of the rotation direction, the cover in the closed position moves toward the receiving recess, thereby pressing the pressed part with the reset part to return the rotating body to its initial position.

Images