Cover device

Abstract

The present application provides a cover device capable of inhibiting a user from affecting a door lock component during getting on and off a vehicle. The cover device (40) includes a cover (42) that is displaced between a covering position in which a striker (27F) is covered and a revealing position in which the striker (27F) is exposed upward, and an opening and closing mechanism (50) that displaces the cover (42) to the covering position when an opening action of a sliding door is performed, and displaces the cover (42) to the revealing position when a closing action of the sliding door is performed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

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

[0002] In Patent Literature 1, there is described a vehicle that is provided with a vehicle body in which a door opening portion is formed in a side portion, and a front sliding door and a rear sliding door that open and close the door opening portion. The front sliding door opens a front half of the door opening portion by sliding in a forward direction, and the rear sliding door opens a rear half of the door opening portion by sliding in a rearward direction.

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT LITERATURE

[0005] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-88812

[0006] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] The vehicle provided with the above-described double-opening sliding door cannot provide a striker or the like that is used to constrain the sliding door to a fully closed position (hereinafter also referred to as "door lock member") in the center pillar. That is, the vehicle described above needs to arrange the door lock member at a lower end portion of the door opening portion. However, it is preferable that the user does not be affected by such a door lock member with respect to getting on and off the vehicle. SUMMARY

[0008] MEANS OF SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0009] Hereinafter, a means for solving the above-described problems and an effect thereof will be described. A cover device for solving the above-described problems is applied to a vehicle that is provided with a vehicle body having a door opening portion and a door that opens and closes the door opening portion, and the vehicle body has a door lock member that is provided at a bottom portion of the door opening portion and that constrains the door to a fully closed position by being linked to the door. The device is provided with a cover that is displaced between a covering position in which the door lock member is covered above and a revealing position in which the door lock member is exposed upward, and an opening and closing mechanism that displaces the cover to the covering position when the door performs an opening action and that displaces the cover to the revealing position when the door performs a closing action.

[0010] In the cover device configured as described above, the cover does not cover the upper side of the door lock member in the case where the door performs a closing operation, i.e., in the case where the door is positioned at a fully closed position at which the door opening portion is fully closed. Therefore, the door can be restrained by linking the door positioned at the fully closed position and the door lock member. On the other hand, the cover covers the upper side of the door lock member in the case where the door performs an opening operation, i.e., in the case where the door is positioned at a fully open position at which the door opening portion is fully open. Therefore, the cover device can suppress the user from affecting the door lock member with respect to getting on and off the vehicle.

[0011] Preferably, the door is a sliding door that has a lower rail that defines a moving direction of the door, and that opens and closes the door opening portion that is opened in a side portion of the vehicle body, the vehicle body has a lower hinge unit that supports the door via the lower rail, the lower rail has a first lower rail that extends toward an opening direction of the door, and a second lower rail that extends curvedly toward an outer side in a vehicle width direction as a top end in the opening direction of the first lower rail advances toward the opening direction, the lower hinge unit has a fixed hinge that is fixed to the vehicle body, a movable hinge that is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the fixed hinge, and two guide rollers that are rotatably supported to the movable hinge, and relatively move along the lower rail, and the opening and closing mechanism displaces the cover in conjunction with rotation of the movable hinge when the two guide rollers move along the second lower rail.

[0012] In the cover device configured as described above, the movable hinge rotates relative to the fixed hinge when the guide rollers move along the second lower rail. On the other hand, the movable hinge does not rotate when the guide rollers move along the first lower rail. In other words, the movable hinge rotates at a timing when the sliding door performs an opening and closing operation in the vicinity of the fully closed position. That is, the cover device can displace the cover at a timing when the cover needs to be opened and closed.

[0013] In the cover device configured as described above, preferably, the opening and closing mechanism has a cable that constitutes a part of a power transmission path between the movable hinge and the cover, and that is pulled in conjunction with rotation of the movable hinge when the door performs an opening operation or a closing operation, and a force applying member that applies a force to the cable in a direction opposite to a pulling direction of the cable in conjunction with the rotation of the movable hinge.

[0014] In the cover device configured as described above, if the cable is pulled via the movable hinge at the time of opening and closing operation of the door, the cover is displaced from the position of one of the covered position and the exposed position to the position of the other. On the other hand, if the cable is not pulled via the movable hinge at the time of opening and closing operation of the door, the cover is displaced from the position of the other of the covered position and the exposed position to the position of one by the urging force of the urging member. Thus, the cover device can displace the cover between the covered position and the exposed position in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the door.

[0015] In the cover device described above, it is preferable that the cover be displaced between the covered position and the exposed position by being displaced in a direction intersecting the vehicle width direction.

[0016] The user of the vehicle gets on and off the vehicle easily in the width direction with respect to the vehicle. Therefore, in the case where the displacement direction of the cover is the width direction, the user of the vehicle steps on the cover positioned at the covered position, and thus the cover can be displaced from the covered position to the exposed position. In this regard, the cover device configured as described above can reduce the possibility of the occurrence of the situation described above.

[0017] In the cover device described above, it is preferable that the opening and closing mechanism be a four-bar linkage configured to include a driving link that swings in conjunction with the rotation of the movable hinge, a driven link that swings together with the driving link, and an intermediate link that links the driving link and the driven link, the intermediate link supporting the cover.

[0018] For example, in the case where the cover is configured to slide between the covered position and the exposed position, the cover can not be able to operate smoothly due to the friction of the bottom of the door opening portion with the cover, and in this regard, in the cover device configured as described above, the cover is supported to the intermediate link of the four-bar linkage. Therefore, the cover can be displaced in such a manner as to swing between the covered position and the exposed position. Thus, the cover device can cause the cover to operate smoothly.

[0019] Effects of Invention

[0020] The cover device can suppress the influence of the user getting on and off the vehicle on the door lock member with respect to the vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a vehicle provided with a cover device of one embodiment.

[0022] Figure 2 is a plan view of an upper rail and an upper hinge unit.

[0023] Figure 3 is a plan view of a central rail and a central hinge unit.

[0024] Figure 4is a top view of the lower rail and lower hinge unit.

[0025] Figure 5 is an isometric view of the lower hinge unit and cover arrangement.

[0026] Figure 6 is an enlarged isometric view showing part of the lower hinge unit and cover arrangement.

[0027] Figure 7 is an enlarged isometric view showing part of the lower hinge unit and cover arrangement.

[0028] Figure 8 is an enlarged isometric view showing part of the cover arrangement.

[0029] Figure 9 is an enlarged isometric view showing part of the cover arrangement.

[0030] Figure 10 is a bottom view showing part of the lower hinge unit and cover arrangement with the sliding door in the fully closed position.

[0031] Figure 11 is a bottom view showing part of the cover arrangement with the sliding door in the fully closed position.

[0032] Figure 12 is a side view showing part of the cover arrangement with the sliding door in the fully closed position.

[0033] Figure 13 is a bottom view showing part of the lower hinge unit and cover arrangement with the sliding door in the opening action from the fully closed position.

[0034] Figure 14 is a bottom view showing part of the cover arrangement with the sliding door in the opening action from the fully closed position.

[0035] Figure 15 is a side view showing part of the cover arrangement with the sliding door in the opening action from the fully closed position.

[0036] Figure 16 is an isometric view of the lower hinge unit and cover arrangement with the sliding door in the opening action from the fully closed position.

[0037] Figure 17 is a top view of the central rail and central hinge unit.

[0038] Figure 18 is a top view of the lower rail and lower hinge unit.

[0039] Figure 19 is a top view of the upper rail and upper hinge unit.

[0040] Figure 20is a plan view of the central rail and the central hinge unit.

[0041] Figure 21 is a plan view of the lower rail and the lower hinge unit.

[0042] Symbol explanation

[0043] 10 vehicle

[0044] 20 vehicle body

[0045] 21 door opening portion

[0046] 22F, 22R upper rail

[0047] 23F, 23R central rail

[0048] 24, 24R lower hinge unit

[0049] 241 fixed hinge

[0050] 242 movable hinge

[0051] 243 first guide roller

[0052] 244 second guide roller

[0053] 25F, 25R door drive portion

[0054] 26F front striker

[0055] 26R rear striker

[0056] 27F, 27R lower striker

[0057] 30 (30F, 30R) sliding door (example of a vehicle door)

[0058] 31F, 31R upper hinge unit

[0059] 32F, 32R central hinge unit

[0060] 33, 33R lower rail

[0061] 331 first lower rail

[0062] 332 second lower rail

[0063] 333 third lower rail

[0064] 36F, 36R lower locking device

[0065] 361 hook

[0066] 40 cover device

[0067] 41 protection plate

[0068] 411…Exposed hole

[0069] 42…cover

[0070] 50… Opening and closing mechanism

[0071] 54… cable

[0072] 541… cable

[0073] 57… Torsion coil spring (an example of a force-applying component)

[0074] 59…linkage mechanism

[0075] 591…Drive Link

[0076] 592…Driven Link

[0077] 593…Intermediate Link

[0078] 100 (100F, 100R)... Sliding door support device Detailed Implementation

[0079] The following describes one embodiment of a vehicle equipped with a cover. In the following description, the axis extending along the width direction of the vehicle is referred to as the X-axis, the axis extending along the front-rear direction is referred to as the Y-axis, and the axis extending along the vertical direction of the vehicle is referred to as the Z-axis. In addition, in the following description, "vehicle width direction, vehicle front-rear direction, and vehicle vertical direction" will be referred to as "width direction, front-rear direction, and vertical direction," respectively.

[0080] <Vehicle 10>

[0081] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle 10 includes a body 20, sliding doors 30 (30F, 30R) and a cover device 40.

[0082] <Body 20>

[0083] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle body 20 includes a door opening 21, upper rails 22F and 22R, a central rail 23F and 23R, lower hinge units 24F and 24R, a door drive unit 25F and 25R, a front impact pin 26F, a rear impact pin 26R, and lower impact pins 27F and 27R. Figure 1 As shown, the components of the vehicle body 20 are symmetrically arranged at the front and rear with reference to the center of the door opening 21 in the front-rear direction.

[0084] like Figure 1As shown in FIG. 1, the upper rail 22F is disposed above the door opening portion 21. That is, the upper rail 22F is disposed above the central rail 23F and the lower hinge unit 24F. The upper rail 22F has a substantially constant cross-sectional shape in the longitudinal direction.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 1, the upper rail 22F has a first upper rail 221 extending linearly toward the rear, a second upper rail 222 extending in an arc shape toward the inner side in the width direction as it advances rearward from the rear end of the first upper rail 221, and a third upper rail 223 extending linearly from the top end of the second upper rail 222. That is, the portion of the upper rail 22F that constitutes the second upper rail 222 is curved. The first upper rail 221 is slightly longer than the second upper rail 222. The first upper rail 221 and the second upper rail 222 are longer than the third upper rail 223. In addition, the rear in the upper rail 22F corresponds to the opening direction of the sliding door 30F supported by the upper rail 22F. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1, the upper rail 22F has a first upper rail 221 extending linearly toward the rear, a second upper rail 222 extending in an arc shape toward the inner side in the width direction as it advances rearward from the rear end of the first upper rail 221, and a third upper rail 223 extending linearly from the top end of the second upper rail 222. That is, the portion of the upper rail 22F that constitutes the second upper rail 222 is curved. The first upper rail 221 is slightly longer than the second upper rail 222. The first upper rail 221 and the second upper rail 222 are longer than the third upper rail 223. In addition, the rear in the upper rail 22F corresponds to the opening direction of the sliding door 30F supported by the upper rail 22F.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 1, the upper rail 22F has a first upper rail 221 extending linearly toward the rear, a second upper rail 222 extending in an arc shape toward the inner side in the width direction as it advances rearward from the rear end of the first upper rail 221, and a third upper rail 223 extending linearly from the top end of the second upper rail 222. That is, the portion of the upper rail 22F that constitutes the second upper rail 222 is curved. The first upper rail 221 is slightly longer than the second upper rail 222. The first upper rail 221 and the second upper rail 222 are longer than the third upper rail 223. In addition, the rear in the upper rail 22F corresponds to the opening direction of the sliding door 30F supported by the upper rail 22F. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1, the upper rail 22F has a first upper rail 221 extending linearly toward the rear, a second upper rail 222 extending in an arc shape toward the inner side in the width direction as it advances rearward from the rear end of the first upper rail 221, and a third upper rail 223 extending linearly from the top end of the second upper rail 222. That is, the portion of the upper rail 22F that constitutes the second upper rail 222 is curved. The first upper rail 221 is slightly longer than the second upper rail 222. The first upper rail 221 and the second upper rail 222 are longer than the third upper rail 223. In addition, the rear in the upper rail 22F corresponds to the opening direction of the sliding door 30F supported by the upper rail 22F.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 1, the upper rail 22F has a first upper rail 221 extending linearly toward the rear, a second upper rail 222 extending in an arc shape toward the inner side in the width direction as it advances rearward from the rear end of the first upper rail 221, and a third upper rail 223 extending linearly from the top end of the second upper rail 222. That is, the portion of the upper rail 22F that constitutes the second upper rail 222 is curved. The first upper rail 221 is slightly longer than the second upper rail 222. The first upper rail 221 and the second upper rail 222 are longer than the third upper rail 223. In addition, the rear in the upper rail 22F corresponds to the opening direction of the sliding door 30F supported by the upper rail 22F. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1, the upper rail 22F has a first upper rail 221 extending linearly toward the rear, a second upper rail 222 extending in an arc shape toward the inner side in the width direction as it advances rearward from the rear end of the first upper rail 221, and a third upper rail 223 extending linearly from the top end of the second upper rail 222. That is, the portion of the upper rail 22F that constitutes the second upper rail 222 is curved. The first upper rail 221 is slightly longer than the second upper rail 222. The first upper rail 221 and the second upper rail 222 are longer than the third upper rail 223. In addition, the rear in the upper rail 22F corresponds to the opening direction of the sliding door 30F supported by the upper rail 22F. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1, the upper rail 22F has a first upper rail 221 extending linearly toward the rear, a second upper rail 222 extending in an arc shape toward the inner side in the width direction as it advances rearward from the rear end of the first upper rail 221, and a third upper rail 223 extending linearly from the top end of the second upper rail 222. That is, the portion of the upper rail 22F that constitutes the second upper rail 222 is curved. The first upper rail 221 is slightly longer than the second upper rail 222. The first upper rail 221 and the second upper rail 222 are longer than the third upper rail 223. In addition, the rear in the upper rail 22F corresponds to the opening direction of the sliding door 30F supported by the upper rail 22F. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1, the upper rail 22F has a first upper rail 221 extending linearly toward the rear, a second upper rail 222 extending in an arc shape toward the inner side in the width direction as it advances rearward from the rear end of the first upper rail 221, and a third upper rail 223 extending linearly from the top end of the second upper rail 222. That is, the portion of the upper rail 22F that constitutes the second upper rail 222 is curved. The first upper rail 221 is slightly longer than the second upper rail 222. The first upper rail 221 and the second upper rail 222 are longer than the third upper rail 223. In addition, the rear in the upper rail 22F corresponds to the opening direction of the sliding door 30F supported by the upper rail 22F.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 1, the upper rail 22F has a first upper rail 221 extending linearly toward the rear, a second upper rail 222 extending in an arc shape toward the inner side in the width direction as it advances rearward from the rear end of the first upper rail 221, and a third upper rail 223 extending linearly from the top end of the second upper rail 222. That is, the portion of the upper rail 22F that constitutes the second upper rail 222 is curved. The first upper rail 221 is slightly longer than the second upper rail 222. The first upper rail 221 and the second upper rail 222 are longer than the third upper rail 223. In addition, the rear in the upper rail 22F corresponds to the opening direction of the sliding door 30F supported by the upper rail 22F. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1, the upper rail 22F has a first upper rail 221 extending linearly toward the rear, a second upper rail 222 extending in an arc shape toward the inner side in the width direction as it advances rearward from the rear end of the first upper rail 221, and a third upper rail 223 extending linearly from the top end of the second upper rail 222. That is, the portion of the upper rail 22F that constitutes the second upper rail 222 is curved. The first upper rail 221 is slightly longer than the second upper rail 222. The first upper rail 221 and the second upper rail 222 are longer than the third upper rail 223. In addition, the rear in the upper rail 22F corresponds to the opening direction of the sliding door 30F supported by the upper rail 22F. Figure 4As shown, the lower hinge unit 24F has a fixed hinge 241, a movable hinge 242, a first guide roller 243, and a second guide roller 244.

[0089] The fixed hinge 241 is fixed to the vehicle body 20. The base end of the movable hinge 242 is rotatably supported on the fixed hinge 241, and the top end of the movable hinge 242 supports the first guide roller 243 and the second guide roller 244 so that they can rotate. The rotation axis of the movable hinge 242 and the rotation axis of the first guide roller 243 and the second guide roller 244 extend in the vertical direction.

[0090] Furthermore, the upper track 22R, the central track 23R, and the lower hinge unit 24R are symmetrical about the upper track 22F, the central track 23F, and the lower hinge unit 24F, respectively, with a plane orthogonal to the front-back direction as the reference. Therefore, the description of the upper track 22R, the central track 23R, and the lower hinge unit 24R is omitted.

[0091] Door drive units 25F and 25R drive sliding doors 30F and 30R respectively. Door drive units 25F and 25R are configured, for example, to include a motor and a transmission mechanism that transmits the motor's power to the sliding doors 30F and 30R respectively. The transmission mechanism of door drive units 25F and 25R may also include pulleys and a belt, or it may include rollers and cables.

[0092] like Figure 1 As shown, the front striker 26F is located in front of the door opening 21, and the rear striker 26R is located behind the door opening 21. The lower strikers 27F and 27R are located at the lower end of the door opening 21 and at the center of the door opening 21 in the front-rear direction. The lower strikers 27F and 27R are positioned slightly spaced apart in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, the lower strikers 27F and 27R correspond to an example of a "door lock component".

[0093] <Sliding Door 30>

[0094] like Figure 1 As shown, the sliding door 30 includes sliding doors 30F and 30R for opening and closing the door opening 21. The sliding door 30 is an example of a "car door".

[0095] Sliding door 30F opens and closes the front half of the door opening 21, and sliding door 30R opens and closes the rear half of the door opening 21. The position where sliding doors 30F and 30R fully open the door opening 21 is defined as the "fully open position", and the position where sliding doors 30F and 30R fully close the door opening 21 is defined as the "fully closed position".

[0096] Sliding doors 30F and 30R are powered sliding doors that open and close between a fully closed position and a fully open position via door drive units 25F and 25R. Sliding door 30F opens by moving forward and closes by moving backward. Conversely, sliding door 30R opens by moving backward and closes by moving forward. In other words, sliding doors 30F and 30R open by moving away from each other and close by moving closer to each other.

[0097] The direction of movement of the sliding door 30 when it opens along the front-back direction is called the "opening direction of the sliding door 30". On the other hand, the direction of movement of the sliding door 30 when it closes along the front-back direction is called the "closing direction of the sliding door 30". That is to say, the opening direction and the closing direction are different depending on the sliding doors 30F and 30R.

[0098] <Sliding door 30F>

[0099] like Figure 1 As shown, the sliding door 30F includes: an upper hinge unit 31F, a central hinge unit 32F, a lower track 33F, a door handle 34F, a front locking device 35F, a lower locking device 36F, a front locking drive device 37F, a lower locking drive device 38F, and a remote control 39F.

[0100] like Figure 1 As shown, the upper hinge unit 31F is positioned near the front end and upper part of the sliding door 30F. Figure 2 As shown, the upper hinge unit 31F has: a fixed hinge 311, a movable hinge 312, a first guide roller 313, a second guide roller 314, and a load roller 315.

[0101] A fixed hinge 311 is fixed to the sliding door 30F. The base end of a movable hinge 312 is rotatably supported on the fixed hinge 311, and the top end of the movable hinge 312 supports the first guide roller 313, the second guide roller 314, and the load roller 315 so that they can rotate. The rotation axes of the movable hinge 312, the first guide roller 313, and the second guide roller 314 extend vertically. The rotation axis of the load roller 315 is orthogonal to the rotation axes of the first guide roller 313 and the second guide roller 314.

[0102] The first guide roller 313, the second guide roller 314, and the load roller 315 of the upper hinge unit 31F are engaged with the upper rail 22F. Specifically, the first guide roller 313 and the second guide roller 314 are engaged with the upper rail 22F in the width direction. In this way, the first guide roller 313 and the second guide roller 314 restrict movement of the upper front end portion of the sliding door 30F in the width direction. The load roller 315 is engaged with the upper rail 22F from above. In this way, the load roller 315 supports the weight of the sliding door 30F.

[0103] In a case where the sliding door 30F performs opening and closing operations, the first guide roller 313, the second guide roller 314, and the load roller 315 of the upper hinge unit 31F rotate, whereby the upper hinge unit 31F moves relative to the upper rail 22F. That is, the first guide roller 313, the second guide roller 314, and the load roller 315 relatively move relative to the upper rail 22F in a state of being engaged with the upper rail 22F. In addition, the first guide roller 313 and the second guide roller 314 are arranged in the direction of rotation of the movable hinge 312 at the time of the opening operation of the sliding door 30F.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 6, the central hinge unit 32F is disposed at a position near the rear end of the sliding door 30F and at a position near the center in the vertical direction. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 6, the central hinge unit 32F is disposed at a position near the rear end of the sliding door 30F and at a position near the center in the vertical direction. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 6, the central hinge unit 32F is disposed at a position near the rear end of the sliding door 30F and at a position near the center in the vertical direction.

[0105] The fixed hinge 321 is fixed to the sliding door 30F. The base end portion of the movable hinge 322 is rotatably supported to the fixed hinge 321, and the top end portion of the movable hinge 322 rotatably supports the first guide roller 323, the second guide roller 324, and the load roller 325. The rotation axis of the movable hinge 322, the rotation axis of the first guide roller 323, and the rotation axis of the second guide roller 324 extend in the vertical direction. The rotation axis of the load roller 325 is orthogonal to the rotation axis of the first guide roller 323 and the rotation axis of the second guide roller 324.

[0106] The first guide roller 323, the second guide roller 324, and the load roller 325 of the central hinge unit 32F are engaged with the central rail 23F. Specifically, the first guide roller 323 and the second guide roller 324 are engaged with the central rail 23F in the width direction. In this way, the first guide roller 323 and the second guide roller 324 restrict movement of the rear end portion of the sliding door 30F in the width direction. The load roller 325 is engaged with the central rail 23F from above. In this way, the load roller 325 supports the weight of the sliding door 30F.

[0107] In the case where the sliding door 30F performs the opening / closing operation, the first guide roller 323, the second guide roller 324, and the load roller 325 of the central hinge unit 32F rotate, whereby the central hinge unit 32F moves with respect to the central rail 23F. That is, the first guide roller 323, the second guide roller 324, and the load roller 325 relatively move with respect to the central rail 23F in a state of being engaged with the central rail 23F. In addition, the first guide roller 323 and the second guide roller 324 are arranged in the rotation direction of the movable hinge 322 at the time of the opening operation of the sliding door 30F.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 6, the lower rail 33F is arranged near the lower end of the sliding door 30F. The length in the front-rear direction of the lower rail 33F is equal to the length in the front-rear direction of the sliding door 30F. The lower rail 33F has a substantially constant cross-sectional shape in the length direction. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 6, the lower rail 33F has a first lower rail 331 extending linearly toward the front, a second lower rail 332 extending in a circular arc shape toward the outer side in the width direction as it advances forward from the front end of the first lower rail 331, and a third lower rail 333 extending linearly from the top end of the second lower rail 332. That is, the portion of the lower rail 33F constituting the second lower rail 332 is curved. The first lower rail 331 is longer than the second lower rail 332 and the third lower rail 333. The lengths of the second lower rail 332 and the third lower rail 333 are substantially equal. If the lower rail 33F is compared with the upper rail 22F and the central rail 23F, the third lower rail 333 is located in the front, and the third upper rail 223 and the third central rail 233 are located in the rear. In addition, the radii of curvature of the second lower rail 332 and the second central rail 232 are substantially equal. The lengths of the second lower rail 332 and the third lower rail 333 are equal to the lengths of the second lower rail 332 and the third central rail 233, respectively. In addition, the front in the lower rail 33F corresponds to the opening direction of the sliding door 30F supported by the lower rail 33F.

[0109] Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 6, the lower rail 33F has a first lower rail 331 extending linearly toward the front, a second lower rail 332 extending in a circular arc shape toward the outer side in the width direction as it advances forward from the front end of the first lower rail 331, and a third lower rail 333 extending linearly from the top end of the second lower rail 332. That is, the portion of the lower rail 33F constituting the second lower rail 332 is curved. The first lower rail 331 is longer than the second lower rail 332 and the third lower rail 333. The lengths of the second lower rail 332 and the third lower rail 333 are substantially equal. If the lower rail 33F is compared with the upper rail 22F and the central rail 23F, the third lower rail 333 is located in the front, and the third upper rail 223 and the third central rail 233 are located in the rear. In addition, the radii of curvature of the second lower rail 332 and the second central rail 232 are substantially equal. The lengths of the second lower rail 332 and the third lower rail 333 are equal to the lengths of the second lower rail 332 and the third central rail 233, respectively. In addition, the front in the lower rail 33F corresponds to the opening direction of the sliding door 30F supported by the lower rail 33F.

[0110] The first guide roller 243 and the second guide roller 244 of the lower hinge unit 24F are engaged with the lower rail 33F. In detail, the first guide roller 243 and the second guide roller 244 are engaged with the central rail 23F in the width direction. In this way, the first guide roller 243 and the second guide roller 244 restrict the movement of the lower end portion of the sliding door 30F in the width direction.

[0111] ​When the sliding door 30F is opening or closing, the first guide roller 243 and the second guide roller 244 of the lower hinge unit 24F rotate, thereby moving the lower track 33F relative to the lower hinge unit 24F. That is, the first guide roller 243 and the second guide roller 244 move relative to the lower track 33F while engaged with it. Furthermore, the first guide roller 243 and the second guide roller 244 are arranged in the rotation direction of the movable hinge 242 when the sliding door 30F is opening.

[0112] like Figure 1 As shown, the door handle 34F is an inner door handle disposed on the inner side of the sliding door 30F facing the vehicle 10. The sliding door 30F may also have an outer door handle disposed on the outer side of the sliding door 30F facing the vehicle 10. The door handle 34F is the part operated by the user when the user manually opens the sliding door 30F.

[0113] The front locking device 35F has a latch 351 that engages with the front striker 26F. The front locking device 35F switches between an engaged state where the latch 351 engages with the front striker 26F and an unengaged state where the latch 351 is not engaged with the front striker 26F. By being switched to the engaged state, the front locking device 35F restrains the front end of the sliding door 30F, which is in the fully closed position, to the vehicle body 20.

[0114] The lower locking device 36F has a hook 361 that engages with the lower striker 27F. The lower locking device 36F switches between an engaged state where the hook 361 engages with the lower striker 27F and an unengaged state where the hook 361 is not engaged with the lower striker 27F. By being switched to the engaged state, the lower locking device 36F restrains the lower end of the sliding door 30F, which is in the fully closed position, to the vehicle body 20.

[0115] The front locking drive device 37F drives the front locking device 35F. Specifically, the front locking drive device 37F moves the front locking device 35F from the unlocked state to the locked state, or vice versa. After performing a closing action until the sliding door 30F is near the fully closed position, the front locking drive device 37F moves the sliding door 30F to the fully closed position by moving the front locking device 35F from the unlocked state to the locked state. Conversely, when initiating an opening action from the fully closed position, the front locking drive device 37F releases the constraint on the sliding door 30F caused by the front locking device 35F by moving the front locking device 35F from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0116] The lower lock drive device 38F drives the lower lock device 36F. In detail, the lower lock drive device 38F shifts the lower lock device 36F from the released state to the latched state. The lower lock drive device 38F shifts the lower lock device 36F to the latched state after the front lock drive device 37F shifts the front lock device 35F to the latched state, that is, after the sliding door 30F is positioned at the fully closed position. In this way, the lower lock drive device 38F restricts the lower end portion of the sliding door 30F to the vehicle body 20.

[0117] The remote controller 39F transmits power among the door handle 34F, the front lock device 35F, and the lower lock device 36F. The remote controller 39F is coupled to the door handle 34F, the front lock device 35F, and the lower lock device 36F, for example, via a power transmission member such as a lever and a cable. When the front lock drive device 37F shifts the front lock device 35F from the latched state to the released state, the remote controller 39F shifts the lower lock device 36F from the latched state to the released state. Likewise, when the user performs the opening operation on the door handle 34F, the remote controller 39F shifts the front lock device 35F and the lower lock device 36F from the latched state to the released state.

[0118] <Sliding Door 30R>

[0119] Next, the sliding door 30R will be described.

[0120] The sliding door 30R includes an upper hinge unit 31R, a central hinge unit 32R, a lower rail 33R, a door handle 34R, a rear lock device 35R, a lower lock device 36R, a rear lock drive device 37R, a lower lock drive device 38R, and a remote controller 39R. The sliding door 30R is configured in the same manner as the sliding door 30F except that the opening / closing direction is reversed. Therefore, the description of the sliding door 30R will be omitted.

[0121] In the present embodiment, an example of the "sliding door support device 100F (100)" including the upper rail 22F, the central rail 23F, the lower rail 33F, the upper hinge unit 31F, the central hinge unit 32F, and the lower hinge unit 24F is configured. The sliding door support device 100F is a device that links the sliding door 30F to the vehicle body 20 in a manner that the sliding door 30F is movable between the fully open position and the fully closed position. Likewise, in the present embodiment, an example of the "sliding door support device 100R (100)" including the upper rail 22R, the central rail 23R, the lower rail 33R, the upper hinge unit 31R, the central hinge unit 32R, and the lower hinge unit 24R is configured. The sliding door support device 100R is a device that links the sliding door 30R to the vehicle body 20 in a manner that the sliding door 30R is movable between the fully open position and the fully closed position.

[0122] <Cover Device 40>

[0123] Next, the cover device 40 will be described.

[0124] As shown in Figures 5 to 9 , the cover device 40 is provided with a protection plate 41, a cover 42, and an opening and closing mechanism 50.

[0125] As shown in Figure 5 , the protection plate 41 is rectangular in shape when viewed from above in the up-down direction. The protection plate 41 covers the lower striker 27F at the bottom of the door opening portion 21. In other words, the protection plate 41 constitutes a part of the bottom of the door opening portion 21. The protection plate 41 has an exposure hole 411 that penetrates the plate thickness direction. The exposure hole 411 is located above the lower striker 27F. Thus, the exposure hole 411 exposes the lower striker 27F upward. The protection plate 41 has a bent portion 412 that is bent downward from the opening edge of the exposure hole 411.

[0126] As shown in Figure 5 , the cover 42 is in the shape of a plate. The cover 42 is larger than the exposure hole 411 by one turn when viewed from above in the up-down direction. Thus, in the case where the cover 42 plugs the exposure hole 411, the lower striker 27F is not exposed upward via the exposure hole 411.

[0127] As shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the opening and closing mechanism 50 is provided with a hinge bracket 51, a driving lever 52, a driven lever 53, and a cable 54. As shown in Figure 8 and Figure 9 , the opening and closing mechanism 50 is provided with a cover bracket 55, a turning lever 56, a torsion coil spring 57, a link shaft 58, and a link mechanism 59. As shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the hinge bracket 51, the driving lever 52, and the driven lever 53 are disposed in the vicinity of the lower hinge unit 24F. As shown in Figure 8 and Figure 9 , the cover bracket 55, the turning lever 56, the torsion coil spring 57, the link shaft 58, and the link mechanism 59 are disposed in the vicinity of the lower striker 27F.

[0128] As shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the hinge bracket 51 is fixed to the fixed hinge 241 of the lower hinge unit 24F. That is, the hinge bracket 51 does not move even when the sliding door 30F performs the opening and closing operation, in other words, even when the movable hinge 242 rotates relative to the fixed hinge 241. In this regard, the hinge bracket 51 can be fixed to the vehicle body 20 instead of being fixed to the fixed hinge 241. The hinge bracket 51 extends toward the outer side in the width direction after extending forward from the fixed hinge 241. The hinge bracket 51 can be composed of a plurality of members as illustrated, or can be composed of one member.

[0129] The drive lever 52 is fixed to the movable hinge 242 of the lower hinge unit 24F. The drive lever 52 rotates together with the movable hinge 242 when the movable hinge 242 rotates relative to the fixed hinge 241. That is, the axis of rotation of the drive lever 52 is aligned with the axis of rotation of the movable hinge 242. The drive lever 52 is positioned closer to the base end than to the top end of the movable hinge 242. The drive lever 52 has a cylindrical pin 521 extending downwards.

[0130] The driven lever 53 is rotatably supported on the hinge bracket 51. In this embodiment, the axis of rotation of the driven lever 53 extends in the vertical direction, but in other embodiments, the axis of rotation of the driven lever 53 may extend in a direction intersecting the vertical direction. The driven lever 53 has a first wall 531 and a second wall 532 extending in a direction intersecting the axis of rotation of the driven lever 53. The top end of the first wall 531 is the portion that contacts the pin 521 of the drive lever 52, and the top end of the second wall 532 is the portion that supports the first end of the cable 54.

[0131] The cable 54 has a metal cable 541 and a cylindrical cable protection portion 542. Both ends of the cable 541 protrude from the cable protection portion 542, and the middle portion of the cable 541 is housed within the cable protection portion 542. The first end of the cable 541 is fixed to the top of the second wall 532 of the driven lever 53, and the first end of the cable protection portion 542 is fixed to the hinge bracket 51. Therefore, when the driven lever 53 rotates relative to the hinge bracket 51, the cable 541 moves forward and backward relative to the cable protection portion 542. Furthermore, the cable 54 is preferably positioned below the bottom of the door opening 21 in the vehicle body 20.

[0132] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the cover bracket 55 has: an upper wall 551 fixed to the protective plate 41; and a first side wall 552 and a second side wall 553 extending downward from the upper wall 551. The first side wall 552 includes a locking piece 554 extending toward the second side wall 553. The first side wall 552 supports the second end of the cable protection portion 542.

[0133] The rotating lever 56 is rotatably supported on the upper wall 551 of the cover bracket 55. The axis of rotation of the rotating lever 56 extends vertically. The rotating lever 56 has a third wall 561 and a fourth wall 562 extending in a direction orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the rotating lever 56. The third wall 561 and the fourth wall 562 extend in opposite directions to each other. The second end of the cable 541 is connected to the top end of the third wall 561. At this point, the cable 541 is a member for transmitting power between the driven lever 53 and the rotating lever 56. The fourth wall 562 includes a locking piece 563 that extends toward the third wall 561 after bending along the axis of rotation of the rotating lever 56.

[0134] The torsion spring 57 is an example of a "force-applying member". One end of the torsion spring 57 is engaged with the locking piece 554 of the cover bracket 55, and the other end is engaged with the locking piece 563 of the rotating lever 56. The torsion spring 57 applies a force to the rotating lever 56 in the direction that the rotating lever 56 pulls the cable 541. In other embodiments, the torsion spring 57 can be a spring that applies a force to the cable 541, or a spring that applies a force to the drive lever 52 or the driven lever 53. In this case, the torsion spring 57 can also be other types of springs.

[0135] The connecting shaft 58 is rod-shaped. The connecting shaft 58 has: a long intermediate shaft 581; a first bent shaft 582 extending from one end of the intermediate shaft 581; and a second bent shaft 583 extending from the other end of the intermediate shaft 581. The first bent shaft 582 is connected to the top end of the fourth wall 562 of the rotating lever 56.

[0136] like Figure 9 As shown, the linkage mechanism 59 includes a drive link 591 and a driven link 592 supported on the bent portion 412 of the protective plate 41; and an intermediate link 593 connecting the drive link 591 and the driven link 592. In this embodiment, the bent portion 412 of the protective plate 41 (which is equivalent to a "fixed link"), the drive link 591, the driven link 592, and the intermediate link 593 constitute a four-bar linkage, specifically a crank mechanism.

[0137] The drive link 591 includes: a link body 591a with a substantially the same shape as the driven link 592; and a connecting portion 591b extending from the link body 591a by bending. One end of the link body 591a is rotatably connected to the bend 412 of the protective plate 41, and the other end of the link body 591a is rotatably connected to the intermediate link 593. The second bend 583 of the connecting shaft 58 is connected to the connecting portion 591b. The connecting portion 591b is the part that bears the power for rotating the drive link 591, and is therefore preferably positioned closer to the connecting portion of the link body 591a to the intermediate link 593 than closer to the connecting portion of the link body 591a to the bend 412. One end of the driven link 592 is rotatably connected to the bent portion 412 of the protective plate 41, and the other end of the driven link 592 is rotatably connected to the intermediate link 593.

[0138] The intermediate link 593 includes a link body 593a and a fixed portion 593b bent from the link body 593a. The link body 593a is rectangular in shape when viewed in the width direction. The distance between the link center of the drive link 591 and the link center of the driven link 592 in the link body 593a is equal to the distance between the link center of the drive link 591 and the link center of the driven link 592 in the bent portion 412 of the protection plate 41. The fixed portion 593b is flat. The protection plate 41 is fixed to the fixed portion 593b. Therefore, in the case where the intermediate link 593 operates, the protection plate 41 also operates with the intermediate link 593. In addition, the fixing of the protection plate 41 to the fixed portion 593b can be performed using a fastening member such as a bolt.

[0139] <Effect of the cover device 40>

[0140] The effects of the present embodiment will be described.

[0141] Specifically, the effects of the cover device 40 at the time of opening operation of the sliding door 30F will be described. In the following description, although the sliding door 30F is focused on, the same effects can be obtained in the sliding door 30R.

[0142] Figures 10 to 12 The opening and closing mechanism 50 is shown when the sliding door 30F is located at the fully closed position.

[0143] As shown in Figure 10 , in the case where the sliding door 30F is located at the fully closed position, the movable hinge 242 is turned to the first direction R11 with respect to the fixed hinge 241 to the maximum. Similarly, the drive lever 52 is turned to the first direction R11 with respect to the fixed hinge 241 to the maximum. Therefore, the pin 521 of the drive lever 52 presses the first wall 531 of the driven lever 53, and the driven lever 53 is turned to the second direction R22. As a result, the second wall 532 of the driven lever 53 pulls the cable 541 in the forward direction.

[0144] As shown in Figure 11 and Figure 12 , in the case where the driven lever 53 pulls the cable 541, the third wall 561 of the turning lever 56 is pulled in the forward direction by the force transmitted through the cable 541. Therefore, the turning lever 56 is turned to the second direction R32 against the force of the torsion coil spring 57. Then, the fourth wall 562 of the turning lever 56 presses the drive link 591 via the link shaft 58. In this way, as shown in Figure 12 , the drive link 591 and the driven link 592 are turned to the direction of standing up with respect to the bent portion 412, and the cover 42 is located at the exposed position.

[0145] As described above, as shown in Figure 5As shown, with the sliding door 30F in the fully closed position, the cover 42 is in the exposed position, exposing the lower striking pin 27F upwards. Therefore, as Figure 5 As shown, the hook 361 of the lower locking device 36F can engage with the lower striking pin 27F. In other words, the lower locking device 36F can restrain the lower end of the sliding door 30F in the fully closed position to the vehicle body 20. Figure 12 As shown, when the cover 42 is in the exposed position, a gap is created between the cover 42 and the protective plate 41 in the vertical direction. That is, although the cover 42 floats off the protective plate 41, the cover 42 does not contact the sliding door 30F.

[0146] Figures 13 to 15 The opening and closing mechanism 50 indicates the opening and closing action of the sliding door 30F when it is slightly opened from the fully closed position.

[0147] When the sliding door 30F is opened from the fully closed position, firstly, the front locking device 35F and the lower locking device 36F move from the locked state to the released state. Then, the sliding door 30F, with its constraint relative to the vehicle body 20 released, opens.

[0148] like Figure 13 As shown, when the sliding door 30F is slightly opened from the fully closed position, the movable hinge 242 rotates relative to the fixed hinge 241 in the second direction R12. Similarly, the drive lever 52 rotates relative to the fixed hinge 241 in the second direction R12. Thus, the pin 521 of the drive lever 52 does not press against the first wall 531 of the driven lever 53, thereby the second wall 532 of the driven lever 53 no longer pulls the cable 541 forward.

[0149] like Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, when the driven lever 53 is not pulling the cable 541, no force is applied to the rotating lever 56 to pull the third wall 561 forward. Therefore, the rotating lever 56 rotates in the first direction R31 with the force of the torsion spring 57. In this way, the rotating lever 56 pulls the drive link 591 via the connecting shaft 58. Therefore, as Figure 15 As shown, the drive link 591 and the driven link 592 rotate downwards relative to the bend 412 of the protective plate 41, and the cover 42 is positioned in a covered position that prevents the lower striker 27F from being exposed upwards. Furthermore, the cover 42 moves from the exposed position towards the covered position in an arc-like manner. That is, the direction of displacement of the cover 42 between the exposed and covered positions is a direction intersecting the width direction.

[0150] In addition, such as Figure 14 As shown, when the rotating lever 56 rotates in the first direction R31, the third wall 561 of the rotating lever 56 pulls the cable 541 backward. Therefore, as... Figure 13As shown, the second wall 532 of the driven lever 53 is pulled rearward, so the driven lever 53 is rotated in the first direction R21.

[0151] As described above, as Figure 16 As shown, in the case where the sliding door 30F performs the opening operation from the fully closed position, the cover 42 is located at the covering position that covers the striker. Therefore, after the sliding door 30F reaches the fully open position, the lower striker 27F is not exposed at the bottom of the door opening portion 21, or the exposure hole 411 is not exposed at the bottom of the door opening portion 21.

[0152] <Effects of the Sliding Door Support Device 100F>

[0153] Next, the effects of the sliding door support device 100F at the time of the opening and closing operation of the sliding door 30F will be described.

[0154] As described above, as Figure 1 As shown, in the present embodiment, the sliding door 30F is linked with the vehicle body 20 via three linking points C1, C2, C3.

[0155] The first linking point C1 is a point at which the upper hinge unit 31F is installed in the sliding door 30F. That is, the first linking point C1 is a position near the front end of the sliding door 30F and a position near the upper end of the sliding door 30F.

[0156] The second linking point C2 is a point at which the central hinge unit 32F is installed in the sliding door 30F. That is, the second linking point C2 is a position near the rear end of the sliding door 30F and a position in the middle in the vertical direction of the sliding door 30F.

[0157] The third linking point C3 is a point at which the first guide roller 243 and the second guide roller 244 of the lower hinge unit 24F are engaged in the lower rail 33F of the sliding door 30F. That is, the third linking point C3 is a position near the lower end of the sliding door 30F and a position that moves in the front-rear direction according to the opening degree of the sliding door 30F. For example, in the case where the sliding door 30F is located at the fully closed position, the third linking point C3 is a position near the end portion of the sliding door 30F in the opening direction. On the other hand, in the case where the sliding door 30F is located at the fully open position, the third linking point C3 is a position near the end portion of the sliding door 30F in the closing direction.

[0158] As described above, as Figure 3 As shown, in the case where the sliding door 30F performs the opening operation from the fully closed position toward the fully open position, the engagement targets of the first guide roller 323 and the second guide roller 324 of the central hinge unit 32F change in the order of the third central rail 233, the second central rail 232, and the first central rail 231.

[0159] Since the third central rail 233 is linear, the movable hinge 322 does not rotate relative to the fixed hinge 321 when the central hinge unit 32F moves relative to the third central rail 233. Therefore, the central hinge unit 32F moves along the direction in which the third central rail 233 is formed when the central hinge unit 32F moves relative to the third central rail 233. According to the above, the second connection point C2 of the sliding door 30F moves outward in the width direction as it advances in the opening direction when the central hinge unit 32F moves relative to the third central rail 233.

[0160] Since the second central rail 232 is in the shape of a circular arc, the movable hinge 322 rotates relative to the fixed hinge 321 when the central hinge unit 32F moves relative to the second central rail 232. Therefore, the central hinge unit 32F moves along the direction in which the second central rail 232 is formed and also moves by rotation of the movable hinge 322 when the central hinge unit 32F moves relative to the second central rail 232. According to the above, the second connection point C2 of the sliding door 30F moves greatly outward in the width direction as it advances in the opening direction. In addition, the movable hinge 322 rotates relative to the fixed hinge 321 when the guide roller of at least one of the central hinge units 32F moves along the second central rail 232.

[0161] Since the first central rail 231 is linear, the movable hinge 322 does not rotate relative to the fixed hinge 321 when the central hinge unit 32F moves relative to the first central rail 231. Therefore, the central hinge unit 32F moves along the direction in which the first central rail 231 is formed when the central hinge unit 32F moves relative to the first central rail 231. Therefore, the second connection point C2 of the sliding door 30F moves in the opening direction without moving much in the width direction.

[0162] Here, when the central hinge unit 32F moves along the second central rail 232, the movable hinge 322 rotates, unlike when the central hinge unit 32F moves along the third central rail 233. Therefore, when the central hinge unit 32F moves along the second central rail 232, the amount of movement (hereinafter also referred to as "lift amount") of the second connection point C2 of the sliding door 30F in the width direction changes greatly compared to when the central hinge unit 32F moves along the third central rail 233.

[0163] In addition, when the central hinge unit 32F moves along the first central rail 231, the lift amount of the second connection point C2 of the sliding door 30F does not change much, unlike when the central hinge unit 32F moves along the second central rail 232. In addition, the lift amount is the amount of movement of the sliding door 30F outward in the width direction from the full-closed position.

[0164] Therefore, at the opening operation of the sliding door 30F, when the first guide roller 323 of the central hinge unit 32F crosses the boundary portion of the third central rail 233 and the second central rail 232, the lift amount of the second coupling site C2 of the sliding door 30F discontinuously changes since the movable hinge 322 of the central hinge unit 32F starts to rotate. Similarly, at the opening operation of the sliding door 30F, when the second guide roller 324 of the central hinge unit 32F crosses the boundary portion of the second central rail 232 and the first central rail 231, the lift amount of the second coupling site C2 of the sliding door 30F discontinuously changes since the movable hinge 322 of the central hinge unit 32F no longer rotates. Such a tendency is not limited to the opening operation of the sliding door 30F, but is the same at the closing operation of the sliding door 30F.

[0165] Further, such a tendency is the same at the first coupling site Cl and the third coupling site C3 of the sliding door 30F. That is, at the opening and closing operation of the sliding door 30F, when the first guide roller 313 of the upper hinge unit 31F crosses the boundary portion of the third upper rail 223 and the second upper rail 222, the lift amount of the first coupling site Cl of the sliding door 30F discontinuously changes. In addition, when the second guide roller 314 of the upper hinge unit 31F crosses the boundary portion of the second upper rail 222 and the first upper rail 221, the lift amount of the first coupling site Cl of the sliding door 30F discontinuously changes.

[0166] Similarly, at the opening and closing operation of the sliding door 30F, when the first guide roller 243 of the lower hinge unit 24F crosses the boundary portion of the third lower rail 333 and the second lower rail 332, the lift amount of the third coupling site C3 of the sliding door 30F discontinuously changes. In addition, when the second guide roller 244 of the lower hinge unit 24F crosses the boundary portion of the second lower rail 332 and the first lower rail 331, the lift amount of the third coupling site C3 of the sliding door 30F discontinuously changes.

[0167] Here, in the case where the sliding door 30F is located in the vicinity of the fully open position, the first coupling site Cl, the second coupling site C2, and the third coupling site C3 are located at separate positions in the up-and-down direction and the front-and-rear direction. In this case, since the positions of the vehicle body 20 that support the sliding door 30F are dispersed, the posture of the sliding door 30F is easily stabilized. In this regard, as shown in FIG. 6, in the case where the sliding door 30F is located in the vicinity of the fully closed position, the first coupling site Cl, the second coupling site C2, and the third coupling site C3 are not located at separate positions in the up-and-down direction and the front-and-rear direction. Specifically, the second coupling site C2 and the third coupling site C3 are located at close positions. In this case, since the positions of the vehicle body 20 that support the sliding door 30F are not dispersed, the posture of the sliding door 30F is easily unstable. Figure 1 ​

[0168] Therefore, when the sliding door 30F is positioned in the vicinity of the full-closed position, if the lift amounts of the second coupling point C2 and the third coupling point C3 are different, the posture of the sliding door 30F is likely to change. For example, in the sliding door 30F, if the difference between the lift amount of the second coupling point C2 and the lift amount of the third coupling point C3 is large, the sliding door 30F is likely to tilt. In detail, the sliding door 30F is likely to tilt about the axis of the joint of the upper rail 22F and the load roller 315 of the upper hinge unit 31F and the joint of the center rail 23F and the load roller 325 of the center hinge unit 32F. In this case, the force required for the opening and closing operation of the sliding door 30F is likely to increase in the vicinity of the full-closed position, or the weather strip is likely to be crushed unevenly at the closing operation of the sliding door 30F.

[0169] In this regard, as shown in Figure 17 and Figure 18 , when the first guide roller 323 of the center hinge unit 32F engages with the boundary portion of the second center rail 232 and the third center rail 233, the first guide roller 243 of the lower hinge unit 24F engages with the boundary portion of the second lower rail 332 and the third lower rail 333. At this time, the second guide roller 324 of the center hinge unit 32F engages with the third center rail 233, and the second guide roller 244 of the lower hinge unit 24F engages with the third lower rail 333.

[0170] In addition, as shown in Figure 20 and Figure 21 , when the second guide roller 324 of the center hinge unit 32F engages with the boundary portion of the first center rail 231 and the second center rail 232, the second guide roller 244 of the lower hinge unit 24F engages with the boundary portion of the first lower rail 331 and the second lower rail 332. At this time, the first guide roller 323 of the center hinge unit 32F engages with the first center rail 231, and the first guide roller 243 of the lower hinge unit 24F engages with the first lower rail 331.

[0171] Therefore, when the sliding door 30F performs the opening and closing operation in the vicinity of the full-closed position, the lift amounts of the second coupling point C2 and the third coupling point C3 of the sliding door 30F are unlikely to be different. In addition, as shown in Figure 19 and Figure 20 , in the sliding door support device 100F, when the second guide roller 324 of the center hinge unit 32F engages with the boundary portion of the third center rail 233 and the second center rail 232, the second guide roller 244 of the upper hinge unit 31F engages with the second lower rail 332.

[0172] The effects of the present embodiment will be described.

[0173] (1) In a case where the sliding door 30 performs a closing operation, i.e., in a case where the sliding door 30 is located at a fully closed position at which the door opening portion 21 is fully closed, the cover 42 does not cover the lower striker 27F, 27R and the upper side of the exposure hole 411. Therefore, the cover device 40 can suppress the cover 42 from interfering with the operation of the lower locking device 36F, 36R. On the other hand, in a case where the sliding door 30 performs an opening operation, i.e., in a case where the sliding door 30 is located at a fully open position at which the door opening portion 21 is fully open, the cover 42 covers the lower striker 27F, 27R and the upper side of the exposure hole 411. Therefore, the cover device 40 can suppress the lower striker 27F, 27R and the exposure hole 411 from affecting the user's getting on and off. In addition, the cover device 40 can suppress the user's getting on and off from affecting the lower striker 27F, 27R.

[0174] (2) In a case where the first guide roller 243 and the second guide roller 244 of the lower hinge unit 24F, 24R move along the second lower rail 332, the movable hinge 242 rotates with respect to the fixed hinge 241. On the other hand, in a case where the first guide roller 243 and the second guide roller 244 of the lower hinge unit 24F, 24R move along the first lower rail 331, the movable hinge 242 does not rotate. In other words, at a timing at which the sliding door 30 performs an opening and closing operation in the vicinity of the fully closed position, the movable hinge 242 rotates. In this regard, the cover device 40 switches whether to transmit power to the cover 42 in accordance with the rotation of the movable hinge 242. Therefore, the cover device 40 can displace the cover 42 at a timing at which it is necessary to perform an opening and closing operation of the cover 42.

[0175] (3) At the time of the opening and closing operation of the sliding door 30, if the drive lever 52 pulls the cable 541 via the driven lever 53, the cover 42 is displaced toward the exposure position. On the other hand, at the time of the opening operation of the sliding door 30, if the drive lever 52 no longer pulls the cable 541 via the driven lever 53, the cover is displaced toward the covering position by the urging force of the torsion coil spring 57. In this way, the cover device 40 can displace the cover 42 between the covering position and the exposure position in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the sliding door 30.

[0176] (4) The user of the vehicle 10 easily moves in the width direction with respect to the vehicle 10. Therefore, in a case where the displacement direction of the cover 42 is the width direction, the user of the vehicle 10 steps on the cover 42 located at the covering position, and thus the cover 42 can be displaced from the covering position to the exposure position. In this regard, since the cover device 40 displaces the cover 42 between the covering position and the exposure position in a direction intersecting the width direction, it is possible to reduce the likelihood of the above situation occurring.

[0177] (5) For example, in the case where the cover 42 is configured to slide between the covering position and the exposing position, the cover 42 can rub against the protection plate 41. In this regard, the cover 42 of the cover device 40 is displaced while swinging between the covering position and the exposing position. Thus, the cover device 40 can suppress the rubbing of the cover 42 against the protection plate 41.

[0178] (6) As shown in FIG. 6, the second upper rail 222 is longer than the second central rail 232 and the second lower rail 332. Thus, the radius of curvature of the second upper rail 222 can be increased, and the amount of lift of the first connection point C1 of the sliding door 30 when the sliding door 30 is operated in the vicinity of the fully closed position can be increased. As a result, even in the case where the lower rails 33F, 33R are provided to the sliding door 30, the inclination of the sliding door 30 in the vicinity of the fully closed position can be suppressed as in the present embodiment. As a result, the case where the force required for the operation of the sliding door 30 in the vicinity of the fully closed position is increased is suppressed. For example, the case where the load on the door drive units 25F, 25R is increased is suppressed. Figure 2 (7) When the sliding door 30 is operated in the vicinity of the fully closed position, the amount of lift of the second connection point C2 and the third connection point C3 of the sliding door 30 is less likely to differ. Thus, the sliding door support device 100 can suppress the case where the force required for the operation of the sliding door 30 is increased when the sliding door 30 is operated. As a result, the door drive units 25F, 25R are suppressed from being enlarged, or the threshold value for determining the pinch of the sliding door 30 does not need to be set to a large value.

[0179] (8) The sliding door support device 100 can suppress the inclination of the sliding door 30 in the vicinity of the fully closed position when the sliding door 30 is closed. Thus, the sliding door support device 100 can suppress the uneven collapse of the weather strip due to the above-described inclination of the sliding door 30.

[0180] The present embodiment can be implemented as follows. The present embodiment and the following modified examples can be implemented in combination with each other within a range where there is no technical contradiction.

[0181] The opening and closing mechanism 50 can also include an actuator that drives the cover 42. In this case, it is preferable that the actuator operate the cover 42 in accordance with the position of the sliding door 30.

[0182] The opening and closing mechanism 50 can also operate the cover 42 in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the sliding door 30. For example, the opening and closing mechanism 50 can include a lever that is displaced to the opening direction when the sliding door 30 is operated to open and is displaced to the closing direction when the sliding door 30 is operated to close. In this case, the opening and closing mechanism 50 can transmit the displacement of the lever to the opening and closing direction to the cover 42.

[0183]

[0184] ​The open / close mechanism 50 can be configured in any manner as long as the cover 42 is displaced between the covering position and the exposing position in accordance with the rotation of the movable hinge 242 of the lower hinge unit 24F, 24R. For example, the cable 54 can be replaced with another power transmission member such as a belt or a link.

[0185] The open / close mechanism 50 can also displace the cover 42 to the covering position by pulling the cable 54 with the driven lever 53 at the opening operation of the sliding door 30. On the other hand, the open / close mechanism 50 can also displace the cover 42 to the exposing position by pulling the cable 54 with the torsion coil spring 57 at the closing operation of the sliding door 30.

[0186] The open / close mechanism 50 can displace the cover 42 between the covering position and the exposing position by moving the cover 42 linearly in the front-rear direction and the width direction, for example. Alternatively, the open / close mechanism 50 can displace the cover 42 between the covering position and the exposing position by rotating the cover 42 about an axis extending in the up-down direction. In this case, the open / close mechanism 50 can move the cover 42 along the upper surface of the protection plate 41, or can move the cover 42 along the lower surface of the protection plate 41.

[0187] In the vehicle 10, the lower striker 27F, 27R can be provided to the sliding door 30F, 30R, and the lower lock device 36F, 36R can be provided to the vehicle body 20, respectively. In this case, the lower lock device 36F, 36R corresponds to the "door lock member".

[0188] The lower rail 33F, 33R can be provided to the vehicle body 20. In this case, the lower hinge unit 24F, 24R is preferably provided to the sliding door 30F, 30R, respectively.

[0189] The cover device 40 can be applied to the door opening portion 21 opened at the rear of the vehicle 10. In this case, the cover device 40 can cover or expose the door lock member provided to the bottom of the door opening portion 21 in accordance with the rotation of the rear door.

[0190] The vehicle 10 can be a vehicle provided with a swing-type front door and a sliding door 30R. That is, the vehicle 10 can not be provided with the double-opening sliding doors 30F, 30R.

[0191] The technology ideas described above can be understood from the above embodiments and modified examples.

[0192] A sliding door support device is applied to a vehicle having a vehicle body and a sliding door, the vehicle body having a door opening portion at a side portion, and the sliding door opening and closing the door opening portion. The sliding door support device includes a lower rail provided near a lower end of the sliding door and defining a moving direction of the sliding door, a lower hinge unit provided near a lower end and a rear end of the door opening portion in the vehicle body and engaged with the lower rail, a central rail provided above the lower hinge unit in the vehicle body and defining the moving direction of the sliding door, and a central hinge unit provided above the lower rail in the sliding door and near a rear end and engaged with the central rail. The lower rail includes a first lower rail extending linearly in an opening direction of the sliding door, a second lower rail extending in an arc shape outward in a vehicle width direction as advancing in the opening direction from a top end of the first lower rail in the opening direction, and a third lower rail extending linearly from a top end of the second lower rail. The lower hinge unit includes a fixed hinge fixed to the vehicle body, a movable hinge rotatably supported to the fixed hinge, and two guide rollers rotatably supported to the movable hinge. The central rail includes a first central rail extending linearly in a closing direction of the sliding door, a second central rail extending in an arc shape inward in a vehicle width direction as advancing in the closing direction from a top end of the first central rail in the closing direction, and a third central rail extending linearly from a top end of the second central rail. The central hinge unit includes a fixed hinge fixed to the sliding door, a movable hinge rotatably supported to the fixed hinge, and two guide rollers rotatably supported to the movable hinge. The two guide rollers of the lower hinge unit are engaged with the lower rail in a state of being arranged in a length direction of the lower rail and relatively move with respect to the lower rail at opening and closing of the sliding door. The two guide rollers of the central hinge unit are engaged with the central rail in a state of being arranged in a length direction of the central rail and relatively move with respect to the central rail at opening and closing of the sliding door. When one of the two guide rollers of the lower hinge unit is engaged with the first lower rail and the other guide roller is engaged with a boundary portion between the first lower rail and the second lower rail, one of the two guide rollers of the central hinge unit is engaged with the first central rail and the other guide roller is engaged with a boundary portion between the first central rail and the second central rail.

[0193] Further, in the sliding door support device, it is preferable that, when one of the two guide rollers of the lower hinge unit is engaged with the third lower rail and the other is engaged with the boundary portion of the second lower rail and the third lower rail, one of the two guide rollers of the central hinge unit is engaged with the third central rail and the other is engaged with the boundary portion of the second central rail and the third central rail.

Claims

1. A cover device applied to a vehicle having a body and doors, the body having a door opening, the doors opening and closing the door opening, wherein, The vehicle body has a door lock component located at the bottom of the door opening, which, through connection with the door, secures the door to a fully closed position. The cover device includes: The cover is displaced between a covering position that covers the door lock component and an exposed position that exposes the door lock component upwards; as well as An opening and closing mechanism that displaces the cover towards the covered position when the vehicle door is opened, and displaces the cover towards the exposed position when the vehicle door is closed. The door is a sliding door, which has a lower track that defines the direction of movement of the door and opens and closes the door opening on the side of the vehicle body. The vehicle body has a lower hinge unit that supports the door via the lower rail. The lower track has a first lower track and a second lower track. The first lower track extends toward the opening direction of the door, and the second lower track extends outward in the vehicle width direction as it moves forward from the top of the first lower track in the opening direction. The lower hinge unit has a fixed hinge, a movable hinge, and two guide rollers. The fixed hinge is fixed to the vehicle body, the movable hinge is supported relative to the fixed hinge to allow rotation, and the two guide rollers are supported on the movable hinge in a rotatable manner and move relative to each other along the lower track. The opening and closing mechanism causes the cover to shift as the movable hinge rotates along the second lower track with the two guide rollers moving along it.

2. The cover device according to claim 1, wherein, The opening and closing mechanism has: The cable forms part of the power transmission path between the movable hinge and the cover, and is pulled along with the rotation of the movable hinge when the door is opened or closed. as well as A force-applying member applies force to the cable in a direction opposite to the traction direction of the cable accompanying the rotation of the movable hinge.

3. The cover device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The cover is displaced between the covered position and the exposed position by displacement in a direction intersecting the width direction of the vehicle.

4. The cover device according to claim 3, wherein, The opening and closing mechanism is a four-bar linkage, which is configured to include: a drive link that oscillates with the rotation of the movable hinge, a driven link that oscillates together with the drive link, and an intermediate link connecting the drive link and the driven link. The intermediate connecting rod supports the cover.

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