lid opening and closing structure

Abstract

The lid opening and closing mechanism includes: a lid that can open and close relative to a substrate between a fully closed position and a fully open position to ensure opening and closing even in the event of a malfunction in the electric actuator or other mechanism used for opening and closing the lid; a first power supply mechanism that supplies a first power to the lid to cause it to open and close relative to the substrate; and a second power supply mechanism that supplies a second power, different from the first power, to the lid to cause it to open and close relative to the substrate by external force. The second power supply mechanism includes an engaging portion and a engaged portion that can engage with the engaging portion. When the lid is opened and closed between the fully closed and fully open positions using the first power, the engaging portion and the engaged portion do not engage with each other. However, when an external force is applied, the engaging portion and the engaged portion engage with each other such that the second power is applied to the lid to cause it to open and close.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cover opening and closing structure, for example, capable of opening and closing a cover that closes an opening in a vehicle body substrate. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, cover opening and closing structures are known for opening and closing covers that close openings in a vehicle body substrate containing charging ports, fuel inlets, etc. (e.g., Patent Document 1). The cover opening and closing structure described in Patent Document 1 includes: a locking member capable of locking the cover in a fully closed position; and an electric actuator that moves the locking member forward and backward between a restricted position and a restricted release position. Furthermore, the aforementioned cover opening and closing structure includes an emergency operation member capable of retracting the locking member from the restricted position to the restricted release position in emergency situations such as a malfunction of the electric actuator.

[0003] Regarding the aforementioned cover opening and closing mechanism, when the cover is locked in the fully closed position by the locking member, if the operator operates the emergency operating member, the locking member will retract to the released position, releasing the cover and allowing it to open. Therefore, even if the electric actuator malfunctions, the cover will still be released from its lock and opened.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-111903 Summary of the Invention

[0005] However, the electric actuator described in Patent Document 1 is a device that causes a locking member that locks the cover in the fully closed position to move forward and backward between a restricted position and a restricted release position, and is by no means a device that causes the cover itself to open or close.

[0006] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a cover opening and closing structure that can ensure the opening and closing of the cover even when the electric actuator or the like that that performs the opening and closing of the cover malfunctions.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a cover opening and closing structure comprising: a cover capable of opening and closing relative to a substrate between a fully closed position and a fully open position; a first power supply mechanism that supplies the cover with a first power to cause the cover to open and close relative to the substrate; and a second power supply mechanism that supplies the cover with a second power, different from the first power, to cause the cover to open and close relative to the substrate by an external force operation. The second power supply mechanism has an engaging portion and a engaged portion capable of engaging with the engaging portion. The engaging portion and the engaged portion do not engage with each other when the cover is opened and closed between the fully closed and fully open positions using the first power. On the other hand, when the external force operation is performed, the engaging portion and the engaged portion engage with each other in such a way that the cover is opened and closed by applying the second power.

[0008] According to this structure, if an external force is applied using the second power-applying mechanism, the engaging part and the engaged part engage with each other, applying a second power based on this external force to the cover, causing the cover to open and close. Therefore, even if the first power of the first power-applying mechanism cannot be used to open and close the cover, the second power of the second power-applying mechanism can be used to open and close the cover. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a front view of the lid in the fully closed position of the lid opening and closing structure according to the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a front view of the lid in the fully opened position of the lid opening and closing structure of the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the main part of the cover opening and closing structure of the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a front view of the main part of the cover opening and closing structure of the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 5 Therefore Figure 4 The cross-sectional view shown is a VV section.

[0014] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the key parts of the cover opening and closing structure of the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the positional relationship of the key parts during the opening and closing operation of the cover opening and closing structure of the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the main part of the cover opening and closing structure according to the second embodiment.

[0017] Figure 9 This is a front view of the main part of the cover opening and closing structure of the second embodiment.

[0018] Figure 10 Therefore Figure 9 The cross-sectional view shown is a section of XX.

[0019] Figure 11 Therefore Figure 9 The cross-sectional view shown is a XI-XI section.

[0020] Figure 12 This is an exploded view of the key parts of the cover opening and closing structure of the second embodiment.

[0021] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the main part of the cover opening and closing structure according to the third embodiment.

[0022] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of the wire used in the cover opening and closing structure of the third embodiment.

[0023] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the cover opening and closing structure of the third embodiment.

[0024] Figure 16 This is a diagram showing the positional relationship of the key parts during the opening and closing operation of the cover opening and closing structure of the third embodiment.

[0025] Figure 17 This is a perspective view of the main part of the cover opening and closing structure according to the fourth embodiment.

[0026] Figure 18 This is a front view of the main part of the cover opening and closing structure of the fourth embodiment.

[0027] Figure 19 Therefore Figure 18 The cross-sectional view shown is a cross-sectional view of XIX-XIX section.

[0028] Figure 20 This is an exploded view of the key parts of the cover opening and closing structure of the fourth embodiment.

[0029] Figure 21 It is a perspective view of the key part of the cover opening and closing structure involved in the first deformation mode.

[0030] Figure 22 This is a cross-sectional view of the key parts of the cover opening and closing structure in the first deformation mode.

[0031] Figure 23 This is a perspective view of the key part of the cover opening and closing structure involved in the second deformation method.

[0032] Figure 24 This is a cross-sectional view of the key part of the cover opening and closing structure in the second deformation mode. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Below, using Figures 1-24 The specific embodiments of the cover opening and closing structure involved in the present invention will be described.

[0034] [First Implementation Method]

[0035] The lid opening and closing structure 1 of the first embodiment is a structure that enables the lid 20, which closes the opening, to open and close. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the cover opening and closing structure 1 includes a base material 10, a cover 20, and a drive device 30. The cover opening and closing structure 1 can rotate the cover 20 relative to the base material 10 using the drive device 30, thereby causing the cover 20 to open and close between a fully closed position and a fully open position.

[0036] The substrate 10 is a component formed in the shape of a container or box. Specifically, the substrate 10 is a cylindrical, bottomed component with a bottom wall 11 formed on one end side (i.e., the inner side) and an opening 12 formed on the other end side (i.e., the near-front side). The substrate 10 is formed in the shape of a square cylinder or a cylindrical body. The substrate 10 is mounted, for example, in mounting holes provided in the side wall of a vehicle body, engine hood, etc. These mounting holes are provided, for example, for vehicle charging ports, fuel inlets, etc. The substrate 10 is an injection-molded body formed using resin or the like.

[0037] A predetermined outlet 13 is provided on the bottom wall 11 of the substrate 10. The outlet 13 communicates with the aforementioned fuel supply port and charging port. One end of the piping or cable connected to the fuel tank, battery, etc., is exposed at the outlet 13. One end of the piping or cable is hidden inside the opening of the substrate 10 in the closed position of the cover 20, including the fully closed position, and is exposed externally in the open position of the cover 20, including the fully open position, in a manner that allows for fuel supply and charging.

[0038] The cover 20 is a plate-shaped component that closes the opening 12 of the substrate 10. The cover 20 is rotatably supported on the substrate 10. The cover 20 is rotatable relative to the substrate 10 in the vertical direction about a horizontally extending axis. The cover 20 is capable of closing the opening 12 and opening the opening 12, switching between a fully closed position and a fully open position. The cover 20 is, for example, an injection-molded body made of resin.

[0039] The drive device 30 is a device that provides power to the cover 20 to cause it to open and close relative to the substrate 10. For example... Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the drive unit 30 has two power-generating mechanisms 40 and 50 that generate power respectively. Hereinafter, power-generating mechanism 40 will be referred to as the first power-generating mechanism 40, and power-generating mechanism 50 will be referred to as the second power-generating mechanism 50. In addition, the power generated by the first power-generating mechanism 40 will be referred to as the first power, and the power generated by the second power-generating mechanism 50 will be referred to as the second power.

[0040] The first power supply mechanism 40 includes an electric actuator 41 and a rotating shaft 42. The electric actuator 41 is a rotatable electric motor that generates the first power. The electric actuator 41 is capable of rotating in both forward and reverse directions. When the operator performs a switch-on operation, the electric actuator 41 is driven to rotate in the forward direction according to the open command from the control device. Conversely, when the operator performs a switch-off operation, the electric actuator 41 is driven to rotate in the reverse direction according to the close command from the control device.

[0041] The electric actuator 41 is housed within the housing component 31 of the drive unit 30. The housing component 31 consists of a lower housing 31a and an upper housing 31b. The electric actuator 41 is covered by the lower housing 31a and the upper housing 31b and is housed within the housing component 31 by fastening the lower housing 31a and the upper housing 31b together.

[0042] The rotating shaft 42 is a rotatable shaft component that provides the first power to the electric actuator 41 from the cover 20. The rotating shaft 42 is capable of rotating about the shaft center C. The rotating shaft 42 is located between the electric actuator 41 and the cover 20. The rotating shaft 42 is engaged with the electric actuator 41 at one axial end and rotates integrally with the electric actuator 41 as it rotates.

[0043] The other axial end of the rotating shaft 42 protrudes axially outward from the through hole 31c of the lower housing 31a of the housing component 31. The through hole 31c of the housing component 31 is sealed by an O-ring 43. The other axial end of the rotating shaft 42 engages with the cover 20, and the rotation imparts a first force generated by the electric actuator 41 to the cover 20. If the first force generated by the electric actuator 41 is imparted to the cover 20, the cover 20 is opened and closed using this first force.

[0044] The second power supply mechanism 50 includes an emergency operation component 51, a wire 52, and a transmission component 53. The emergency operation component 51 is an operation component operated by external force. The emergency operation component 51 is a rotatable disc-shaped arm component. A groove opening radially outward is formed on the outer edge of the emergency operation component 51. The emergency operation component 51 is rotatably housed in a receiving portion 31d provided in the upper housing 31b. The emergency operation component 51 is capable of rotating about a center C on the same axis as the rotation axis 42. The emergency operation component 51 has a shaft 51a provided at the rotation center and extending axially.

[0045] The wire 52 is an external force-applying part that applies external force to the emergency operating component 51. The wire 52 is wound along a groove on the outer edge of the emergency operating component 51. One end of the wire 52 is fixed at a predetermined position on the outer periphery of the emergency operating component 51, and the other end of the wire 52 is connected to an operating part (not shown) such as a lever for pulling operation by the operator. If the wire 52 is pulled by the operator's external force, the wire 52 is pulled in the tangential direction at the outer end of the emergency operating component 51. This external force is applied to the emergency operating component 51 as a force that causes the emergency operating component 51 to rotate, thereby rotating the emergency operating component 51 around the axis center C.

[0046] The transmission component 53 is a shaft component that transmits the external force based on the rotational operation of the emergency operating component 51 as a second force, different from the first force, to the cover 20 via the rotating shaft 42. The transmission component 53 is capable of rotating about the shaft center C on the same shaft as the rotating shaft 42 and the shaft body 51a of the emergency operating component 51. The shaft portion of the transmission component 53 is inserted into the housing component 31 through a through hole in the upper housing 31b of the housing component 31. The through hole of the housing component 31 is sealed by an O-ring seal 56. The transmission component 53 is engaged with the electric actuator 41 at one axial end and connected to the rotating shaft 42. The transmission component 53 rotates integrally with the rotation of the electric actuator 41 and the emergency operating component 51. The transmission component 53 has a shaft hole 53a located at the rotation center and extending axially. The shaft body 51a of the emergency operating component 51 is inserted into the shaft hole 53a.

[0047] Furthermore, the second power supply mechanism 50 has an engaging portion 54 and a engaged portion 55 capable of engaging with the engaging portion 54. The engaging portion 54 is provided on the emergency operation member 51. The engaged portion 55 is provided on the transmission member 53. The emergency operation member 51 and the transmission member 53 are formed such that the engaging portion 54 and the engaged portion 55 engage with each other only at a predetermined time, and do not engage with each other at other times.

[0048] That is, when the engaging part 54 and the engaged part 55 use the first power from the electric actuator 41 to open and close the cover 20 between the fully closed and fully open positions, i.e., when the rotating shaft 42 is rotated using the first power, they are not engaged with each other. On the other hand, when the emergency operating member 51 is rotated using external force from the wire 52, the engaging part 54 and the engaged part 55 engage with each other in such a way that the cover 20 is opened and closed by applying a second power based on the external force to the cover 20 via the electric actuator 41, i.e., the rotating shaft 42 is rotated using the second power.

[0049] The engaging portion 54 is formed on the shaft 51a of the emergency operating component 51. The engaging portion 54 is formed in a convex shape, protruding radially outward from the outer surface of the shaft 51a. The engaging portion 54 is provided only in a portion of the angular range (e.g., 150°) of the entire circumferential range of the shaft 51a. Alternatively, the engaging portion 54 may be provided to protrude over the entire range of the aforementioned portion of the angular range, but it is sufficient that it protrudes at least at both ends of the aforementioned portion of the angular range.

[0050] The engaging portion 55 is formed in the shaft hole 53a of the transmission member 53. The engaging portion 55 is formed in a convex shape, protruding from the inner surface of the wall forming the shaft hole 53a toward the shaft center C. The engaging portion 55 is provided only in a portion of the angular range (e.g., 90°) of the entire circumferential range of the shaft hole 53a. The sum of the angular range of the engaging portion 54 and the angular range of the engaging portion 55 is set to be less than 360°. Furthermore, the engaging portion 55 may be configured to protrude throughout the entire portion of the aforementioned angular range of the entire circumferential range, but it is sufficient that it protrudes at least at both ends of its portion of the angular range.

[0051] The engaging portion 54 and the engaged portion 55 are respectively formed such that the circumferential side facing the convex portion faces circumferentially. The engaging portion 54 and the engaged portion 55 engage with each other by abutting against each other through their side surfaces.

[0052] The emergency operating component 51 and the transmission component 53 are configured such that, when the shaft 51a of the emergency operating component 51 is inserted into the shaft hole 53a of the transmission component 53, they have: an idle interval section that allows relative rotation because the engaging part 54 and the engaged part 55 are not engaged with each other; and a synchronization interval section that allows integral rotation because the engaging part 54 and the engaged part 55 are engaged with each other. The idle interval section is configured such that, during the opening operation of the cover 20 from the fully closed position to the fully open position using the first power of the electric actuator 41, the engaging part 54 of the emergency operating component 51 and the engaged part 55 of the transmission component 53 are not engaged with each other. Furthermore, the synchronization interval section is configured such that, during the opening operation of the cover 20 from the fully closed position to the fully open position using the second power of the emergency operating component 51, the engaging part 54 and the engaged part 55 are engaged with each other.

[0053] Next, refer to Figure 7 The operation of the cover opening and closing mechanism 1 will be explained.

[0054] Regarding the cover opening and closing mechanism 1, when the electric actuator 41 is not rotated and the wire 52 is not stretched, the cover 20 is locked in an opening / closing stop state due to friction and other forces. Furthermore, in the fully closed position of the cover 20, the engaging portion 54 of the emergency operation member 51 and the engaged portion 55 of the transmission member 53 are maintained in a closed position. Figure 7 The positional relationship is shown.

[0055] If an operator opens the cover 20 from its fully closed position, the electric actuator 41 generates a first force to open the cover 20. This first force, generated by the electric actuator 41, causes the rotating shaft 42 to rotate along with the actuator 41, thereby applying the first force to the cover 20 via the rotating shaft 42. This first force then causes the cover 20 to open. The opening of the cover 20 continues until it is fully open.

[0056] Furthermore, if the electric actuator 41 generates the first power as described above, the transmission component 53 rotates integrally with the rotation of the electric actuator 41. Figure 7 (The direction of rotation is to the left). At this time, during the process of automatically opening the cover 20 from the fully closed position to the fully open position using the first power, the transmission component 53 rotates while the engaging part 54 and the engaged part 55 remain in a state of non-engaging with each other.

[0057] Furthermore, similar to the case where the operator performs the switch-off operation when the cover 20 is in the fully open position, the rotation of the transmission component 53 is performed in such a way that the cover 20 is closed until it is in the fully closed position by the first power of the electric actuator 41, and during this process, the engaging part 54 and the engaged part 55 remain in a state where they are not engaged with each other.

[0058] Therefore, when the cover 20 is automatically opened and closed between the fully closed and fully open positions using the first power of the electric actuator 41, the engaging part 54 of the emergency operating component 51 and the engaging part 55 of the transmission component 53 do not engage with each other, so that the rotation of the transmission component 53 will not exert a force on the emergency operating component 51 to rotate the emergency operating component 51.

[0059] On the other hand, if the wire 52 is stretched by the operator's external force when the cover 20 is in the fully closed position, the emergency operating part 51 is rotated. Figure 7 (The direction of rotation is to the left). If the emergency operating component 51 is rotated, the engaging portion 54 of the emergency operating component 51 engages with the engaged portion 55 of the transmission component 53, thereby causing the transmission component 53 to rotate integrally with the rotation of the emergency operating component 51. The rotation of the transmission component 53 continues until the cover 20 reaches the fully open position. If the transmission component 53 rotates integrally with the rotation of the emergency operating component 51, the operator's external force is applied to the cover 20 as a second power via the electric actuator 41 and the rotating shaft 42. If the second power is applied to the cover 20, the cover 20 is opened until it reaches the fully open position.

[0060] Therefore, when the operator applies external force to stretch the wire 52 in the fully closed position of the cover 20, the engaging portion 54 of the emergency operating component 51 and the engaged portion 55 of the transmission component 53 engage with each other. This external force is then applied to the cover 20 as a second power source, traveling from the emergency operating component 51 through the transmission component 53 → electric actuator 41 → rotating shaft 42, to open the cover 20. In this case, the second power source from the emergency operating component 51 causes the cover 20 to open from the fully closed position to the fully open position.

[0061] Thus, when the electric actuator 41 is functioning correctly, the cover 20 can be opened and closed using the first force generated by the electric actuator 41. Furthermore, in the event of a malfunction of the electric actuator 41, the cover 20 can be opened and closed using a second force accompanying the operation of the external force on the wire 52 and the emergency operating member 51. Therefore, even in an emergency situation where the electric actuator 41 malfunctions, the opening and closing of the cover 20 can be ensured, thereby enabling fuel supply and charging.

[0062] Furthermore, when the cover automatically opens and closes without malfunctioning in the electric actuator 41, during the opening and closing action of the cover 20 between the fully closed and fully open positions using the first power, the engaging part 54 and the engaged part 55 do not engage with each other. Therefore, there is no situation where the operating member 51 is not rotating and the wire 52 is operated in an emergency. Thus, it is possible to avoid the wire 52 from becoming loose due to the automatic opening and closing of the cover, thereby suppressing the deterioration of the wire 52. Moreover, there is no need to provide space for suppressing interference with other components that may occur due to the loosening of the wire 52, and the drive device 30 can be miniaturized.

[0063] [Second Implementation]

[0064] The lid opening and closing structure 100 of the second embodiment is implemented by replacing the drive device 30 with a drive device 110 based on the lid opening and closing structure 1 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, regarding the lid opening and closing structure 100, the same reference numerals are used for structures that are the same as those in the lid opening and closing structure 1 of the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0065] The drive device 110 is implemented based on the drive device 30 of the first embodiment by replacing the second power supply mechanism 50 with a second power supply mechanism 120. That is, as... Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the drive unit 110 has a second power supply mechanism 120 for generating power.

[0066] The second power supply mechanism 120 includes an emergency operating component 121, a wire 122, and a transmission component 123. The emergency operating component 121 is an operating component operated by external force. The emergency operating component 121 is a rotatable, radially extending rod-shaped arm component. The emergency operating component 121 is rotatably supported on the transmission component 123 via a screw 126. The emergency operating component 121 is capable of rotating about a center C on the same axis as the rotation axis 42. The emergency operating component 121 has a shaft hole 121a located at the rotation center and extending axially.

[0067] The cable 122 is an external force-applying part that applies external force to the emergency operating component 121. One end of the cable 122 is supported on the radially outer end of the emergency operating component 121 in a rotatable manner. The other end of the cable 122 is connected to an operating part (not shown), such as a lever, for which the operator performs a stretching operation. When the operator applies external force to the cable 122, the cable 122 is pulled in the tangential direction at the outer end of the emergency operating component 121. This external force is applied to the emergency operating component 121 as a force that causes it to rotate, thereby rotating the emergency operating component 121 around its axis center C.

[0068] The transmission member 123 is a shaft member that transmits the external force of the rotational operation of the emergency operating member 121 as a second force, different from the first force, to the cover 20 via the rotating shaft 42. The transmission member 123 is capable of rotating about the shaft center C on the same shaft as the rotating shaft 42 and the shaft portion of the emergency operating member 121. The shaft portion of the transmission member 123 is inserted into the housing member 31 through a through hole in the upper housing 31b of the housing member 31. The transmission member 123 is fitted with the electric actuator 41 at one axial end and connected to the rotating shaft 42. The transmission member 123 rotates integrally with the rotation of the electric actuator 41 and the emergency operating member 121. The transmission member 123 has a shaft body 123a provided at the rotation center and extending axially. The shaft body 123a is inserted into the shaft hole 121a of the emergency operating member 121.

[0069] Furthermore, the second power supply mechanism 120 has an engaging portion 124 and a engaged portion 125 capable of engaging with the engaging portion 124. The engaging portion 124 is provided on the emergency operation member 121. The engaged portion 125 is provided on the transmission member 123. The emergency operation member 121 and the transmission member 123 are formed such that the engaging portion 124 and the engaged portion 125 engage with each other only at a predetermined time, and do not engage with each other at other times.

[0070] That is, when the engaging part 124 and the engaged part 125 are opened and closed between the fully closed and fully open positions using the first power of the electric actuator 41, that is, when the rotating shaft 42 is rotated using the first power, they do not engage with each other. On the other hand, when the emergency operating member 121 is rotated using the external force from the wire 122, the engaging part 124 and the engaged part 125 are engaged with each other in such a way that the cover 20 is opened and closed using the second power of the electric actuator 41, that is, when the rotating shaft 42 is rotated using the second power.

[0071] The engaging portion 124 is formed in the shaft hole 121a of the emergency operating component 121. The engaging portion 124 is formed in a convex shape, protruding from the inner surface of the wall forming the shaft hole 121a toward the shaft center C. The engaging portion 124 is provided only in a portion of the angular range (e.g., 90°) of the entire circumferential range of the shaft hole 121a. Alternatively, the engaging portion 124 may be provided to protrude throughout the entire portion of the aforementioned angular range of the entire circumferential range, but it is sufficient that it protrudes at least at both ends of the portion of the angular range.

[0072] The engaging portion 125 is formed on the shaft 123a of the transmission member 123. The engaging portion 125 is formed in a convex shape, protruding radially outward from the outer surface of the shaft 123a. The engaging portion 125 is provided only in a portion of the angular range (e.g., 150°) of the entire circumferential range of the shaft 123a. The combined angular range of the engaging portion 124 and the angular range of the engaging portion 125 is set to be less than 360°. Furthermore, the engaging portion 125 may be configured to protrude throughout the entire portion of the aforementioned angular range of the entire circumferential range, but it is sufficient that it protrudes at least at both ends of its portion of the angular range.

[0073] The engaging portion 124 and the engaged portion 125 are respectively formed such that the circumferential side facing the convex portion faces circumferentially. The engaging portion 124 and the engaged portion 125 engage with each other by abutting against each other through their side surfaces.

[0074] The emergency operating component 121 and the transmission component 123 are formed such that, when the shaft 123a of the transmission component 123 is inserted into the shaft hole 121a of the emergency operating component 121, they have: an idle interval section that can rotate relative to each other because the engaging part 124 and the engaged part 125 are not engaged; and a synchronization interval section that can rotate integrally because the engaging part 124 and the engaged part 125 are engaged. This idle interval section is configured such that, during the opening operation of the cover 20 from a fully closed position to a fully open position using the first power of the electric actuator 41, the engaging part 124 of the emergency operating component 121 and the engaged part 125 of the transmission component 123 are not engaged. Furthermore, the aforementioned synchronization interval is configured such that, during the process of opening the cover 20 from the fully closed position to the fully open position using the second power of the emergency operation component 121, the engaging part 124 and the engaged part 125 engage with each other.

[0075] The operation of the cover opening and closing mechanism 100 will be explained below.

[0076] Regarding the cover opening and closing mechanism 100, when the cover 20 is automatically opened and closed between the fully closed position and the fully open position using the first power of the electric actuator 41, the engaging part 124 of the emergency operating component 121 and the engaged part 125 of the transmission component 123 do not engage with each other, so that the rotation of the transmission component 123 will not exert a force on the emergency operating component 121 to cause the emergency operating component 121 to rotate.

[0077] On the other hand, if the operator applies external force to stretch the wire 122 while the cover 20 is in the fully closed position, the emergency operating component 121 is rotated. When the emergency operating component 121 is rotated, its engaging portion 124 engages with the engaged portion 125 of the transmission component 123, causing the transmission component 123 to rotate integrally with the rotation of the emergency operating component 121. This rotation continues until the cover 20 reaches the fully open position. If the transmission component 123 rotates integrally with the rotation of the emergency operating component 121, the operator's external force is applied to the cover 20 as a second power source via the electric actuator 41 and the rotating shaft 42. This second power is then used to open the cover 20 until it reaches the fully open position.

[0078] Therefore, when the operator applies external force to stretch the wire 122 in the fully closed position of the cover 20, the engaging portion 124 of the emergency operating component 121 and the engaged portion 125 of the transmission component 123 engage with each other. This provides a second force to the cover 20 for opening, transmitted from the emergency operating component 121 through the transmission component 123 → electric actuator 41 → rotating shaft 42. In this case, the second force from the emergency operating component 121 causes the cover 20 to open from the fully closed position to the fully open position.

[0079] Thus, in the cover opening and closing mechanism 100, even if the electric actuator 41 malfunctions, the cover 20 can be opened and closed using a second force accompanying the operation of the external force on the wire 122 and the emergency operating component 121. Therefore, even in the emergency situation of a malfunction of the electric actuator 41, the opening and closing of the cover 20 can be ensured, thereby enabling fuel supply and charging.

[0080] Furthermore, when the cover automatically opens and closes without malfunctioning in the electric actuator 41, during the opening and closing action of the cover 20 between the fully closed and fully open positions using the first power, the engaging part 124 and the engaged part 125 do not engage with each other. Therefore, there is no situation where the operating member 121 is not rotated in an emergency, and the wire 122 is operated. Thus, it is possible to avoid the wire 122 from becoming loose due to the automatic opening and closing of the cover, thereby suppressing the deterioration of the wire 122. Moreover, there is no need to provide interference with other components to suppress the loosening of the wire 122, and the drive device 110 can be miniaturized.

[0081] [Third Implementation Method]

[0082] The lid opening and closing structure 200 of the third embodiment is implemented by replacing the drive device 30 with a drive device 210, based on the lid opening and closing structure 1 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, regarding the lid opening and closing structure 200, the same reference numerals are used for structures identical to those in the lid opening and closing structure 1 of the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0083] The drive device 210 is implemented by replacing the second power supply mechanism 50 with a second power supply mechanism 220, based on the drive device 30 of the first embodiment. That is, as... Figure 13 , Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, the drive unit 210 has a second power-generating mechanism 220.

[0084] The second power supply mechanism 220 includes an emergency operation component 221 and a transmission component 223. The emergency operation component 221 is an operation component operated by external force. The emergency operation component 221 is a wire that can be stretched by an operator via an operating part (not shown) such as a lever.

[0085] The transmission component 223 is a disc component that transmits the external force based on the stretching operation of the emergency operating component 221 as a second power to the cover 20 via the rotating shaft 42. A groove with a radially outward opening is formed on the outer edge of the transmission component 223. The emergency operating component 221 is wound around the groove along the outer edge of the transmission component 223. The transmission component 223 is capable of rotating about the axis center C on the same axis as the rotating shaft 42. The shaft portion of the transmission component 223 is inserted into the housing component 31 through a through hole in the upper housing 31b of the housing component 31. The transmission component 223 is engaged with the electric actuator 41 at one axial end and connected to the rotating shaft 42. The transmission component 223 rotates integrally with the rotation of the electric actuator 41 and also rotates with the movement of the emergency operating component 221.

[0086] Furthermore, the second power supply mechanism 220 has an engaging portion 224 and a engaged portion 225 that can engage with the engaging portion 224. The engaging portion 224 is provided on the emergency operation member 221. The engaged portion 225 is provided on the transmission member 223. The emergency operation member 221 and the transmission member 223 are formed such that the engaging portion 224 and the engaged portion 225 engage with each other only at a predetermined time, and do not engage with each other at other times.

[0087] That is, when the engaging part 224 and the engaged part 225 are opened and closed between the fully closed and fully open positions using the first power of the electric actuator 41, that is, when the rotating shaft 42 is rotated using the first power, they do not engage with each other. On the other hand, when the emergency operating member 221 is stretched using an external force, the engaging part 224 and the engaged part 225 engage with each other in such a way that the cover 20 is opened and closed by applying a second power based on the external force to the cover 20 via the electric actuator 41, that is, in such a way that the rotating shaft 42 is rotated using the second power.

[0088] The engaging portion 224 is formed as a plate with a width greater than that of the main body of the emergency operating component 221. The engaging portion 224 is provided at one end of the emergency operating component 221. The engaged portion 225 is a hole that allows the engaging portion 224 to engage in a manner that enables circumferential movement. The engaged portions 225 are respectively provided on the axial end faces of the grooves on the outer edges of the emergency operating component 221 that engage with the transmission component 223. The engaged portions 225 are formed to extend axially through the radially outer end and in a strip shape in the circumferential direction. The engaged portions 225 are only provided in a portion of the angular range (e.g., 90°) of the entire circumferential direction.

[0089] The engaging portion 224 engages with the engaged portion 225 in a manner that allows it to move in the circumferential direction. The engaging portion 224 abuts against the inner surface of the circumferential end forming the engaged portion 225, thereby engaging the engaging portion 224 with the engaged portion 225.

[0090] The emergency operating component 221 and the transmission component 223 are formed in such a way that they have: an idle interval section, which allows relative rotation because the engaging part 224 and the engaged part 225 are not engaged with each other; and a synchronization interval section, which allows integral rotation because the engaging part 224 and the engaged part 225 are engaged with each other. The idle interval section is configured such that, during the opening operation of the cover 20 from a fully closed position to a fully open position using the first power of the electric actuator 41, the engaging part 224 of the emergency operating component 221 and the engaged part 225 of the transmission component 223 are not engaged with each other. Furthermore, the synchronization interval section is configured such that, during the opening operation of the cover 20 from a fully closed position to a fully open position using the second power of the emergency operating component 221, the engaging part 224 and the engaged part 225 are engaged with each other.

[0091] Next, refer to Figure 16 The operation of the cover opening and closing mechanism 200 is explained.

[0092] In this cover opening and closing mechanism 200, when the cover 20 is automatically opened and closed between the fully closed position and the fully open position by the first power of the electric actuator 41, the engaging part 224 of the emergency operating component 221 and the engaged part 225 of the transmission component 223 do not engage with each other, so that the rotation of the transmission component 223 will not exert a force on the emergency operating component 221 to make it rotate.

[0093] On the other hand, if the emergency operating component 221 is stretched by the operator's external force when the cover 20 is in the fully closed position, the engaging portion 224 of the emergency operating component 221 and the engaged portion 225 of the transmission component 223 engage with each other, so that the transmission component 223 rotates integrally with the rotation of the emergency operating component 221. Figure 16 (The direction of rotation is to the left). The rotation of the transmission member 223 continues until the cover 20 reaches the fully open position. If the transmission member 223 rotates integrally with the rotation of the emergency operation member 221, then as a second force, an external force is applied to the cover 20 by the operator via the electric actuator 41 and the rotating shaft 42. If a second force is applied to the cover 20, the cover 20 is opened until it reaches the fully open position.

[0094] Therefore, when the emergency operating component 221 is stretched by the operator in the fully closed position of the cover 20, the engaging portion 224 of the emergency operating component 221 engages with the engaged portion 225 of the transmission component 223. This external force is then applied to the cover 20 as a second force to open it, traveling from the emergency operating component 221 through the transmission component 223 → electric actuator 41 → rotating shaft 42. In this case, the second force from the emergency operating component 221 causes the cover 20 to open from the fully closed position to the fully open position.

[0095] Thus, in the cover opening and closing mechanism 200, even if the electric actuator 41 malfunctions, the cover 20 can be opened and closed using a second power accompanying the operation of the emergency operating component 221. Therefore, even in an emergency where the electric actuator 41 malfunctions, the opening and closing of the cover 20 can be ensured, thereby enabling fuel supply and charging.

[0096] Furthermore, when the cover automatically opens and closes without malfunctioning in the electric actuator 41, during the opening and closing action of the cover 20 between the fully closed and fully open positions using the first power, the engaging part 224 and the engaged part 225 do not engage with each other, so the emergency operating member 221 does not rotate. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the emergency operating member 221 from becoming loose during the automatic opening and closing of the cover, thereby suppressing the deterioration of the emergency operating member 221 and eliminating the need for space to suppress interference with other components due to the loosening of the emergency operating member 221, thus enabling miniaturization of the drive device 210.

[0097] [Fourth Implementation Method]

[0098] The lid opening and closing structure 300 of the fourth embodiment is implemented by replacing the drive device 30 with a drive device 310, based on the lid opening and closing structure 1 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, regarding the lid opening and closing structure 300, the same reference numerals are used for structures that are the same as those in the lid opening and closing structure 1 of the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0099] The drive device 310 is implemented by replacing the second power supply mechanism 50 with a second power supply mechanism 320, based on the drive device 30 of the first embodiment. That is, as... Figure 17 , Figure 18 , Figure 19 and Figure 20 As shown, the drive unit 310 has a second power supply mechanism 320 for generating power.

[0100] In this embodiment, the electric actuator 41 is housed within the housing component 311 of the drive device 310. The housing component 311 is composed of a lower housing 311a and an upper housing 311b. The electric actuator 41 is covered by the lower housing 311a and the upper housing 311b, and is housed within the housing component 311 by fastening the lower housing 311a and the upper housing 311b together.

[0101] A plate-shaped cover component 312 is installed on the housing component 311. The cover component 312 is a component that forms a receiving space 313 on the axial outer side of the upper housing 311b.

[0102] The second power supply mechanism 320 includes an emergency operation component 321, a wire 322, and a transmission component 323. The emergency operation component 321 is an operation component operated by external force. The emergency operation component 321 is a pressing component that can move in the tangential direction at the outer end of the transmission component 323. The emergency operation component 321 is housed within a housing space 313. The emergency operation component 321 is movably engaged with a guide hole 311b-1 formed on the axial end face of the upper housing 311b and a guide hole 312a formed on the axial end face of the cover component 312.

[0103] The cable 322 is an external force-applying part that applies external force to the emergency operating component 321. One end of the cable 322 is fixed to a protrusion extending from the guide hole 312a of the emergency operating component 321. The emergency operating component 321 moves along the guide holes 311b-1, 312a by stretching the cable 322. The other end of the cable 322 is connected to an operating part (not shown), such as a rod, which is stretched by the operator. If the operator applies external force to the cable 322, the cable 322 is pulled in the tangential direction at the outer end of the transmission component 323, and the external force is applied to the emergency operating component 321, thereby moving the emergency operating component 321 along the guide holes 311b-1, 312a in the tangential direction at the outer end of the transmission component 323.

[0104] The transmission member 323 is a shaft member that transmits the external force based on the movement operation of the emergency operation member 321 as a second force, different from the first force, to the cover 20 via the rotating shaft 42. The transmission member 323 is capable of rotating about the shaft center C on the same shaft as the rotating shaft 42. The shaft portion of the transmission member 323 is inserted into the housing member 311 through a through hole in the upper housing 311b of the housing member 311. The transmission member 323 is engaged with the electric actuator 41 at one axial end and connected to the rotating shaft 42. The transmission member 323 rotates integrally with the rotation of the electric actuator 41 and rotates with the movement of the emergency operation member 321.

[0105] The transmission member 323 has a rod portion 323a extending radially from the shaft center C. The rod portion 323a is capable of rotating integrally with the main body of the transmission member 323 about the shaft center C. The aforementioned emergency operation member 321 is disposed on the rear side of the rod portion 323a. As described above, the rod portion 323a rotates with the rotation of the electric actuator 41, and abuts against and is pressed by the emergency operation member 321 as the emergency operation member 321 moves, thereby rotating about the shaft center C.

[0106] Furthermore, the second power supply mechanism 320 has an engaging portion 324 and a engaged portion 325 that can engage with the engaging portion 324. The engaging portion 324 is provided on the emergency operating member 321 and abuts against the lever portion 323a. The engaged portion 325 is provided on the lever portion 323a of the transmission member 323. The emergency operating member 321 and the transmission member 323 are formed such that the engaging portion 324 and the engaged portion 325 engage with each other only at a predetermined time, and do not engage with each other at other times.

[0107] That is, when the engaging part 324 and the engaged part 325 are used to open and close the cover 20 between the fully closed and fully open positions using the first power of the electric actuator 41, that is, when the rotating shaft 42 is rotated using the first power, they are not engaged. On the other hand, when the emergency operating member 321 is stretched using an external force, the engaging part 324 and the engaged part 325 are engaged with each other in such a way that a second power based on the external force is applied to the cover 20 via the electric actuator 41, thereby causing the cover 20 to open and close, that is, in a way that the rotating shaft 42 is rotated using the second power.

[0108] The emergency operating component 321 and the transmission component 323 are configured such that they include: an idle interval section, which allows relative rotation because the engaging portion 324 and the engaged portion 325 are not engaged; and a synchronization interval section, which allows integral rotation because the engaging portion 324 and the engaged portion 325 are engaged. The idle interval section is configured such that, during the opening operation of the cover 20 from a fully closed position to a fully open position using the first power of the electric actuator 41, the engaging portion 324 of the emergency operating component 321 and the engaged portion 325 of the transmission component 323 are not engaged. Furthermore, the synchronization interval section is configured such that, during the opening operation of the cover 20 from a fully closed position to a fully open position using the second power of the emergency operating component 321, the engaging portion 324 and the engaged portion 325 are engaged.

[0109] Next, the operation of the cover opening and closing mechanism 300 will be explained.

[0110] Regarding the cover opening and closing mechanism 300, when the cover 20 is automatically opened and closed between the fully closed position and the fully open position using the first power of the electric actuator 41, the engaging part 324 of the emergency operating component 321 and the engaged part 325 of the transmission component 323 do not engage with each other, so that the rotation of the transmission component 323 will not exert a force on the emergency operating component 321 that would cause the emergency operating component 321 to move.

[0111] On the other hand, if the emergency operating component 321 is stretched by the operator's external force when the cover 20 is in the fully closed position, the engaging portion 324 of the emergency operating component 321 engages with the engaged portion 325 of the transmission component 323, causing the transmission component 323 to rotate as the emergency operating component 321 moves. This rotation of the transmission component 323 continues until the cover 20 reaches the fully open position. If the transmission component 323 rotates as the emergency operating component 321 moves, the operator's external force is applied to the cover 20 as a second power source via the electric actuator 41 and the rotating shaft 42. If this second power source is applied to the cover 20, it is used to open the cover 20 until it is fully open.

[0112] Therefore, when the emergency operating component 321 is stretched by the operator in the fully closed position of the cover 20, the engaging portion 324 of the emergency operating component 321 and the engaged portion 325 of the transmission component 323 engage with each other. Thus, the external force is applied to the cover 20 as a second power source from the emergency operating component 321 via the transmission component 323 → electric actuator 41 → rotating shaft 42 to open the cover 20. In this case, the second power source of the emergency operating component 321 causes the cover 20 to open from the fully closed position to the fully open position.

[0113] Thus, in the cover opening and closing mechanism 300, even if the electric actuator 41 malfunctions, the cover 20 can still be opened and closed using a second power source operated by the external force applied to the emergency operation component 321. Therefore, even in an emergency where the electric actuator 41 malfunctions, the opening and closing of the cover 20 can be ensured, thereby enabling fuel supply and charging.

[0114] Furthermore, when the cover automatically opens and closes without malfunctioning in the electric actuator 41, during the opening and closing action of the cover 20 between the fully closed and fully open positions using the first power, the engaging part 324 and the engaged part 325 do not engage with each other, so the emergency operating member 321 does not move. Therefore, it is possible to avoid loosening of the emergency operating member 321 due to the automatic opening and closing of the cover, thereby suppressing the deterioration of the emergency operating member 321 and eliminating the need for space to suppress interference with other components caused by the loosening of the emergency operating member 321, thus enabling miniaturization of the drive device 310.

[0115] [Transformation Method]

[0116] However, in the first to fourth embodiments described above, the rotating shaft 42 of the first power-applying mechanism 40 and the transmission components 53, 123, 223, and 323 of the second power-applying mechanisms 50, 120, 220, and 320 are formed separately. However, the present invention is not limited to this; the rotating shaft 42 and the transmission components 53, 123, 223, and 323 can also be formed integrally with each other. Furthermore, in... Figure 21 and Figure 22 The rotating shaft 42 and the transmission component 53 of the first embodiment are integrally formed together.

[0117] Furthermore, in the first to fourth embodiments described above, the rotating shaft 42 of the first power-applying mechanism 40, the transmission components 53, 123, 223, and 323 of the second power-applying mechanisms 50, 120, 220, and 320, and the electric actuator 41 are formed separately. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the rotating shaft 42, the transmission components 53, 123, 223, and 323, and the electric actuator 41 can be formed integrally with each other. Moreover, in Figure 23 and Figure 24 The rotating shaft 42, the transmission component 53, and the electric actuator 41 of the first embodiment are shown to be integrally formed.

[0118] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0119] Furthermore, this application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-006764 filed on January 19, 2021, and quotes all the contents of that Japanese application.

[0120] Explanation of the label

[0121] 1, 100, 200, 300: Cover opening and closing mechanism; 20: Cover; 30, 110, 210, 310: Drive device; 40: First power supply mechanism; 41: Electric actuator; 42: Rotary shaft; 50, 120, 220, 320: Second power supply mechanism; 51, 121, 221, 321: Emergency operation component; 52, 122, 322: Wire; 53, 123, 223, 323: Transmission component; 54, 124, 224, 324: Engaging part; 55, 125, 225, 325: Engaged part.

Claims

1. A cover opening and closing structure, comprising: The cover is capable of opening and closing relative to the substrate between a fully closed position and a fully open position; A first power-applying mechanism comprising an electric actuator that generates a first power to cause the cover to open and close relative to the substrate, and applies the first power to the cover; and The second power-applying mechanism provides a second power, different from the first power, to the cover, which, through external force, causes the cover to open and close relative to the substrate. The second power supply mechanism has an engaging portion and an engaging portion that can engage with the engaging portion. When the first force is used to open and close the cover between the fully closed and fully open positions, the engaging part and the locked part do not engage with each other. On the other hand, when the external force is applied, the engaging part and the locked part engage with each other in such a way that the second force is applied to the cover to open and close the cover.

2. The cover opening and closing structure according to claim 1, wherein, The first power-applying mechanism has a rotatable shaft located between the electric actuator and the cover, and applies the first power to the cover. The second power supply mechanism includes: an emergency operating component operated by an external force; and a transmission component that transmits the second power generated based on the operation of the emergency operating component to the cover via the rotating shaft. The engaging part is provided on the emergency operating component. The engaging portion is disposed on the transmission component. The engaging part and the engaged part do not engage with each other when the rotating shaft is rotated using the first power. On the other hand, when the emergency operating component is operated, the engaging part and the engaged part engage with each other in such a way that the rotating shaft is rotated using the second power.

3. The cover opening and closing structure according to claim 2, wherein, The transmission component imparts a second power to the rotating shaft via the electric actuator, based on the operation of the emergency operating component.

4. The cover opening and closing structure according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The rotating shaft is connected to or integrated with the transmission component. When the transmission component rotates the rotating shaft using the first power, it rotates within the idle angle range where the engaging part and the engaged part are not engaged with each other. On the other hand, when the emergency operation component is operated, it rotates in the state where the engaging part and the engaged part are engaged with each other.

5. The cover opening and closing structure according to claim 4, wherein, The rotating shaft, the electric actuator, and the transmission component are integrated together.

6. The cover opening and closing structure according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The emergency operation component is operated by applying external force through an external force-applying unit.

Images