Door support device

Abstract

The invention provides a door supporting device which can prevent a door from greatly extending out of a vehicle body when the door opens and closes a door opening part. A door support device (40) is provided with: a main link (100), the base end of which is rotatably connected to a vehicle body (20) and the tip end of which is rotatably connected to a rear door (30); a sub-link, the base end of which is rotatably connected to the vehicle body (20) and the tip end of which is rotatably connected to the rear door (30), at a position different from that of the main link (100); and a door drive unit (160) that drives the rear door (30). The main link (100) and the sub link together with the vehicle body (20) and the rear door (30) form a four-section link mechanism. The main link (100) has an adjustment mechanism (140) for adjusting the interval between a connection portion with respect to the vehicle body (20) and a connection portion with respect to the rear door (30).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a door supporting device. Background Art

[0002] Patent document 1 describes a vehicle having: a vehicle body having a door opening; a rear door for opening and closing the door opening; and a four-link mechanism connecting the vehicle body and the rear door. The four-link mechanism has: a vehicle body side bracket fixed to the vehicle body; a door side bracket fixed to the rear door; and two swing arms connecting the vehicle body side bracket and the door side bracket. Compared with a case where the rear door is connected to the vehicle body via a hinge, the vehicle described above reduces the amount of rear door extension when opening and closing. In other words, even if there is only a narrow space behind the vehicle, the rear door can be opened and closed.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-195091 Summary of the invention

[0006] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0007] In the above-mentioned vehicle, it is desired to further reduce the amount of rear door protrusion toward the rear when opening and closing.

[0008] Technical means for solving technical problems

[0009] A door support device that solves the above-mentioned technical problems supports a door on a vehicle body having a door opening, and the door opens and closes the door opening. The door support device comprises: a main connecting rod, a base end of which is rotatably connected to the vehicle body, and a top end of which is rotatably connected to the door; a secondary connecting rod, a base end of which is rotatably connected to the vehicle body at a position different from that of the main connecting rod, and a top end of which is rotatably connected to the door; and a door driving unit, which applies a load in at least the opening direction of the door to the door, the main connecting rod and the secondary connecting rod together with the vehicle body and the door constitute a four-section connecting rod mechanism, and the main connecting rod has an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the interval between the connection portion relative to the vehicle body and the connection portion relative to the door.

[0010] Effects of the Invention

[0011] The door support device can suppress the door from being greatly extended from the vehicle body when the door opens and closes the door opening. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1is a perspective view of the rear of the vehicle with the rear door in the fully closed position.

[0013] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the rear of the vehicle with the rear door in the fully open position.

[0014] Figure 3 It is a three-dimensional view of the door support device.

[0015] Figure 4 It is an exploded perspective view of the door support device.

[0016] Figure 5 It is an exploded perspective view of the main connecting rod.

[0017] Figure 6 It is an exploded perspective view of the main connecting rod.

[0018] Figure 7 is a side view of the rear of the vehicle with the rear door in the fully closed position.

[0019] Figure 8 is a side view of the rear of the vehicle with the rear door in the center position.

[0020] Fig. 9 is a side view of the rear of the vehicle with the rear door in the fully open position.

[0021] Fig.10 It is a side view of the door support device when the rear door is in the fully closed position.

[0022] Fig.11 It is a side view of the door support device when the rear door is in the middle position.

[0023] Fig.12 is a side view of the door support device when the rear door is in the fully open position.

[0024] Fig.13 It is a side view of the rear part of the vehicle of the modification example.

[0025] Explanation of symbols

[0026] 10…vehicle, 20…body, 21…roof, 23…rain gutter, 27…door opening, 30…rear door (door), 40, 40A…door support device, 100…main link, 110…base link, 120…sliding link, 121…guide hole, 130…guide pin, 140…adjustment mechanism, 141…driven link, 142…drive gear, 143…driven gear, 150, 150A…auxiliary link, 160…door drive unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a vehicle including a door support device will be described.

[0028] <Structure of this embodiment>

[0029] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle 10 includes a vehicle body 20 , a rear door 30 , two door support devices 40 , an operation unit 50 , and a door control device 60 .

[0030] In the present embodiment, the vehicle 10 is a so-called SUV type vehicle. In other embodiments, the vehicle 10 may be a small truck type vehicle, a sedan type vehicle, or other types of vehicles as long as it has a rear door 30. In addition, in the following description, the width direction of the vehicle 10 is referred to as the width direction, the front-rear direction of the vehicle 10 is referred to as the front-rear direction, and the up-down direction of the vehicle 10 is referred to as the up-down direction.

[0031] <Body 20>

[0032] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle body 20 includes a roof 21, two rear pillars 22, a rain channel 23, an upper striker 24, a lower striker 25, and two elastic members 26. In addition, the vehicle body 20 includes a door opening 27.

[0033] The roof 21 constitutes the ceiling portion of the vehicle body 20. The roof 21 has two grooves 21a extending in the front-rear direction. The two grooves 21a are located on both sides of the width direction of the roof 21. The groove 21a has a depth direction with the bottom as the bottom. A roof molding is usually arranged in the groove 21a. The roof 21 having such a groove 21a is sometimes called a Mohawk roof.

[0034] The two rear pillars 22 are part of the frame constituting the vehicle body 20. The two rear pillars 22 extend upward on both sides in the width direction as they go forward. The two rear pillars 22 are connected to both ends of the roof 21 in the width direction and close to the rear end.

[0035] The rain gutter 23 is located at the upper end and both ends in the width direction of the door opening 27. That is, the rain gutter 23 divides the door opening 27 from the width direction and the top. Since the rain gutter 23 is a part for rainwater to flow, it is preferably moderately inclined relative to the up and down direction. The rain gutter 23 can also be formed integrally with the rear pillar 22 or the like.

[0036] The upper striker 24 is located near the upper end of the door opening 27 and in the center in the width direction. The lower striker 25 is located near the lower end of the door opening 27 and in the center in the width direction. The upper striker 24 and the lower striker 25 are connected to the rear door 30 in the vehicle body 20. The upper striker 24 and the lower striker 25 are formed of metal materials, for example, in a U shape.

[0037] The two elastic members 26 are respectively located at the two side portions in the width direction of the rain shield groove 23. The elastic member 26 is made of an elastic body such as rubber and resin. The elastic member 26 is elastically compressed and deformed between the rear door 30, thereby closing the gap between the vehicle body 20 and the rear door 30. As long as the elastic member 26 can be elastically compressed between the rear door 30, the shape and the setting position are arbitrary. The elastic member 26 may be formed integrally with the wind shield strip, or may be formed separately from the wind shield strip.

[0038] <Backdoor 30>

[0039] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the rear door 30 opens and closes the door opening 27. Figure 1 The fully closed position of the door opening 27 shown in FIG. Figure 2 In the following description, when the rear door 30 is in the fully closed position, the portion covering the upper end of the door opening 27 is referred to as the base end of the rear door 30, and the portion covering the lower end of the door opening 27 is referred to as the top end of the rear door 30. In addition, the direction of the rear door 30 from the fully closed position toward the fully open position is referred to as the opening direction, and the direction of the rear door 30 from the fully open position toward the fully closed position is referred to as the closing direction. Furthermore, the degree of opening of the rear door 30 is referred to as the opening degree of the rear door 30. When the rear door 30 is in the fully closed position, the opening degree of the rear door 30 is the smallest, and when the rear door 30 is in the fully open position, the opening degree of the rear door 30 is the largest.

[0040] The rear door 30 includes a door body 31, an upper locking device 32, a lower locking device 33, and a door lock driving unit 34. The door body 31 has a shape corresponding to the door opening 27.

[0041] The upper locking device 32 is located near the base end of the door body 31 and in the center in the width direction. The lower locking device 33 is located near the top end of the door body 31 and in the center in the width direction. The upper locking device 32 and the lower locking device 33 are the connection parts of the door body 31 with the vehicle body 20. When the rear door 30 is in the fully closed position, the upper locking device 32 contacts the upper striker 24, and the lower locking device 33 contacts the lower striker 25. For example, the upper locking device 32 is configured to include a latch that rotates between a fully latched position that can be latched on the upper striker 24 and a non-latched position that cannot be latched on the upper striker 24. Similarly, the lower locking device 33 is also configured to include a latch that can be latched on the lower striker 25.

[0042] The door lock driving unit 34 drives the upper locking device 32 and the lower locking device 33. Specifically, when the rear door 30 is located near the fully closed position, the door lock driving unit 34 performs a closing operation to rotate the latch of the upper locking device 32 and the latch of the lower locking device 33 toward the fully latched position. In this way, the door lock driving unit 34 locks the latch of the upper locking device 32 and the latch of the lower locking device 33 to the upper striker 24 and the lower striker 25, respectively. When the closing operation is completed, the rear door 30 is restrained by the vehicle body 20 at the fully closed position.

[0043] On the other hand, when the door lock driving unit 34 opens the rear door 30 from the fully closed position, it performs a release operation to rotate the latch of the upper locking device 32 and the latch of the lower locking device 33 toward the unlatched position. In this way, the door lock driving unit 34 releases the latch of the upper locking device 32 from the upper striker 24 and releases the latch of the lower locking device 33 from the lower striker 25. When the release operation is completed, the rear door 30 can be opened toward the fully opened position.

[0044] The rear door 30 may also include two door lock driving units 34 that drive the upper locking device 32 and the lower locking device 33, respectively, or may include one door lock driving unit 34 that drives both the upper locking device 32 and the lower locking device 33. In the latter case, it is preferred that the door lock driving unit 34 is integrally formed with one of the upper locking device 32 and the lower locking device 33, and is connected to the other of the upper locking device 32 and the lower locking device 33 via a power transmission member such as a cable.

[0045] <Door Support Device 40>

[0046] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the two door support devices 40 connect the vehicle body 20 and the rear door 30 on both sides in the width direction. That is, the two door support devices 40 support the rear door 30 on the vehicle body 20. The two door support devices 40 are symmetrical with respect to the width direction. In the following description, the door support device 40 on the left side in the width direction is described, and the description of the door support device 40 on the right side in the width direction is omitted.

[0047] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the door support device 40 includes a main link 100, a sub-link 150, and a door driving unit 160. The door support device 40 also includes a vehicle body side main bracket 210, a door side main bracket 220, a vehicle body side sub-bracket 230, a door side sub-bracket 240, a first ACT bracket 250, and a second ACT bracket 260.

[0048] In the following description, in the main link 100 and the sub-link 150, the end connected to the vehicle body 20 is called a base end, and the end connected to the rear door 30 is called a top end. In addition, in the door drive unit 160, the end connected to the vehicle body 20 is called a base end, and the end on the opposite side of the base end is called a top end.

[0049] <Main connecting rod 100>

[0050] like Figure 4 As shown, the main link 100 includes a base link 110 , a sliding link 120 , a guide pin 130 and an adjustment mechanism 140 .

[0051] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the base link 110 is formed by, for example, stamping a metal plate. The base link 110 has an upper wall 111, a first side wall 112, and a second side wall 113. The upper wall 111, the first side wall 112, and the second side wall 113 are in a plate shape. The first side wall 112 extends from a first end in the width direction of the upper wall 111, and the second side wall 113 extends from a second end in the width direction of the upper wall 111. In the long side direction of the base link 110, the length of the first side wall 112 is equal to the length of the upper wall 111. On the other hand, in the long side direction of the base link 110, the length of the second side wall 113 is much shorter than the length of the upper wall 111. In this regard, it can be said that the second side wall 113 extends from the base end portion of the upper wall 111. The width direction of the first side wall 112 and the second side wall 113 is the plate thickness direction. Therefore, the first side wall 112 and the second side wall 113 are opposite in the width direction.

[0052] like Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the sliding link 120 is in the shape of an elongated plate. The length of the sliding link 120 in the long side direction is longer than the length of the base link 110 in the long side direction. The sliding link 120 has a guide hole 121 that penetrates in the plate thickness direction. The guide hole 121 is a long hole extending in the long side direction of the sliding link 120. The guide hole 121 is provided at a position closer to the top end portion than the base end portion of the sliding link 120.

[0053] The guide pin 130 has a shaft 131 and a top 132. The shaft 131 is cylindrical. The outer diameter of the shaft 131 is slightly smaller than the width of the guide hole 121 of the sliding link 120. The top 132 is disc-shaped. The outer diameter of the top 132 is larger than the width of the guide hole 121 of the sliding link 120. The guide pin 130 is fixed to the top end of the base link 110 in a state of being inserted into the guide hole 121 of the sliding link 120. In this way, the sliding link 120 can move along the long side direction of the guide hole 121 relative to the base link 110 and the guide pin 130, and can rotate around the axis of the guide pin 130. When the sliding link 120 moves or rotates relative to the base link 110, the outer surface of the guide pin 130 slides with the inner surface of the guide hole 121 of the sliding link 120.

[0054] like Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the adjustment mechanism 140 includes a driven link 141, a driving gear 142, and a driven gear 143. The driven link 141 is plate-shaped. The length of the driven link 141 in the long side direction is much shorter than the length of the base link 110 and the sliding link 120 in the long side direction. The top end of the driven link 141 is connected to the base end of the sliding link 120. In this way, the driven link 141 and the sliding link 120 can rotate relative to each other around an axis extending in the width direction.

[0055] The driving gear 142 is fixed to the second side wall 113 of the base connecting rod 110. That is, the driving gear 142 is integrated with the base connecting rod 110. As an example, a spline hole can be provided in the second side wall 113 of the base connecting rod 110, and a spline shaft corresponding to the spline hole can be provided in the driving gear 142. Thus, by inserting the spline shaft of the driving gear 142 into the spline hole of the second side wall 113 of the base connecting rod 110, the base connecting rod 110 and the driving gear 142 can be integrated. The number of teeth of the driven gear 143 is less than the number of teeth of the driving gear 142. The reference circle diameter of the driven gear 143 is smaller than the reference circle diameter of the driving gear 142. The driven gear 143 is fixed to the base end portion of the driven connecting rod 141. That is, the driven gear 143 is integrated with the driven connecting rod 141. The method of fixing the driven gear 143 to the driven link 141 may be the same as the method of fixing the driving gear 142 to the base link 110 described above.

[0056] When the driven link 141 rotates, the base end of the sliding link 120 moves together with the top end of the driven link 141. At this time, the moving direction of the sliding link 120 is restricted by the guide pin 130 passing through the guide hole 121. In detail, the sliding link 120 slides along the long side direction of the base link 110 while swinging around the axis of the guide pin 130. In this regard, it can be said that the driven link 141 causes the sliding link 120 to slide relative to the base link 110.

[0057] <Main brackets 210, 220>

[0058] like Figure 5 As shown, the vehicle body side main bracket 210 is formed, for example, by stamping a metal plate. The vehicle body side main bracket 210 has a bottom wall 211, a first side wall 212, and a second side wall 213. When viewed from the plate thickness direction, the bottom wall 211 is rectangular in shape. The bottom wall 211 has a retreat hole 214 that penetrates in the plate thickness direction. When viewed from the plate thickness direction of the bottom wall 211, the retreat hole 214 is rectangular in shape that is one circle smaller than the bottom wall 211. The first side wall 212 extends from a first end in the width direction of the bottom wall 211, and the second side wall 213 extends from a second end in the width direction of the bottom wall 211. The width direction of the first side wall 212 and the second side wall 213 is the plate thickness direction. Therefore, the first side wall 212 and the second side wall 213 are opposite in the width direction.

[0059] The first side wall 212 of the vehicle body side main bracket 210 is connected to the first side wall 112 of the base link 110 via a connecting member such as a rivet. Similarly, the second side wall 213 of the vehicle body side main bracket 210 is connected to the second side wall 113 of the base link 110 and the drive gear 142 via a connecting member such as a rivet. In this way, the base link 110 can rotate around an axis extending in the width direction relative to the vehicle body side main bracket 210. The rotation axis of the base link 110 coincides with the rotation axis of the drive gear 142. Therefore, when the base link 110 rotates, the drive gear 142 rotates around the same rotation axis as the base link 110.

[0060] The second side wall 213 of the vehicle body side main bracket 210 is connected to the base end of the driven link 141 and the driven gear 143 via a connecting member such as a rivet. In this way, the driven link 141 can rotate around an axis extending in the width direction relative to the vehicle body side main bracket 210. The rotation axis of the driven link 141 coincides with the rotation axis of the driven gear 143. Therefore, when the driven link 141 rotates, the driven gear 143 rotates around the same rotation axis as the driven link 141. The drive gear 142 and the driven gear 143 are meshed with each other. Therefore, when the drive gear 142 rotates, the driven gear 143 also rotates.

[0061] like Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle body side main bracket 210 is fixed near the upper end of the portion extending in the vertical direction of the rain channel 23 of the vehicle body 20. As described above, the base end of the main link 100 is rotatably connected to the rain channel 23 of the vehicle body 20.

[0062] like Figure 3As shown, the door-side main bracket 220 is connected to the top end of the sliding link 120 via a connecting member such as a rivet. In this way, the sliding link 120 can rotate relative to the door-side main bracket 220 around an axis extending in the width direction. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the door-side main bracket 220 is fixed to the middle portion between the base end and the top end of the rear door 30. As described above, the top end portion of the main link 100 is rotatably connected to the rear door 30.

[0063] <Secondary connecting rod 150>

[0064] like Figure 3 As shown, the auxiliary link 150 is in a rod shape. The cross-sectional shape of the auxiliary link 150 perpendicular to the long side direction is T-shaped. The auxiliary link 150 has a main body 151 and a covering part 152. The main body 151 is in a plate shape with the width direction as the plate thickness direction. The covering part 152 is in a plate shape with the direction perpendicular to the width direction as the plate thickness direction. The width of the covering part 152 is slightly shorter than the width of the groove 21a of the roof 21.

[0065] <Sub-brackets 230, 240>

[0066] The vehicle body side sub-bracket 230 is connected to the base end of the sub-link 150 via a connecting member such as a rivet. In this way, the sub-link 150 can rotate relative to the vehicle body side sub-bracket 230 around an axis extending in the width direction. Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle body side sub-bracket 230 is fixed near the rear end of the roof 21 of the vehicle body 20. Specifically, the vehicle body side sub-bracket 230 is fixed to the bottom surface of the groove 21a constituting the roof 21. Therefore, the vehicle body side sub-bracket 230 is not conspicuous on the appearance of the roof 21. In addition, the vehicle body side sub-bracket 230 is located in front and above the vehicle body side main bracket 210. As described above, the base end of the sub-link 150 is connected to the roof 21 of the vehicle body 20 in a rotatable manner.

[0067] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the door side sub-bracket 240 is connected to the top end of the sub-link 150 via a connecting member such as a rivet. In this way, the sub-link 150 can rotate relative to the door side sub-bracket 240 around an axis extending in the width direction. The door side sub-bracket 240 is fixed near the base end of the rear door 30. As described above, the top end of the sub-link 150 is connected to the rear door 30 in a rotatable manner at a position different from the top end of the main link 100.

[0068] <Door drive unit 160>

[0069] like Figure 4As shown, the door drive unit 160 is rod-shaped. The door drive unit 160 includes an outer cylinder 161, an inner cylinder 162, a motor 163, a conversion mechanism 164, a first ball socket 165, and a second ball socket 166.

[0070] The outer cylinder 161 and the inner cylinder 162 are cylindrical. The inner diameter of the outer cylinder 161 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the inner cylinder 162. The inner cylinder 162 is inserted into the outer cylinder 161 in a state where their axial directions are aligned. The inner cylinder 162 can move axially relative to the outer cylinder 161. The motor 163 is housed in the outer cylinder 161. Electric power is supplied to the motor 163 via a wire harness (not shown). The conversion mechanism 164 is housed across the inner cylinder 162 and the outer cylinder 161. The conversion mechanism 164 is a mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the output shaft of the motor 163 into a linear motion of the inner cylinder 162 relative to the outer cylinder 161. As an example, the conversion mechanism 164 may be a feed screw mechanism.

[0071] The first ball socket 165 is fixed to one end of the outer cylinder 161 in the longitudinal direction where the inner cylinder 162 is not inserted. The second ball socket 166 is fixed to one end of the inner cylinder 162 in the longitudinal direction where the inner cylinder 162 is not inserted into the outer cylinder 161. That is, the first ball socket 165 and the second ball socket 166 respectively form both ends of the door drive unit 160 in the longitudinal direction.

[0072] <ACT brackets 250, 260>

[0073] As Figure 4 shown, the first ACT bracket 250 includes a first ball head bolt 251. As Figure 2 shown, the first ACT bracket 250 is fixed near the lower end of the portion of the rain gutter 23 of the vehicle body 20 that extends in the vertical direction. The first ball head bolt 251 is fitted into the first ball socket 165 of the door drive unit 160. The first ball head bolt 251 of the first ACT bracket 250 and the first ball socket 165 of the door drive unit 160 form a ball socket joint. In this way, the base end portion of the door drive unit 160 is rotatably connected to the vehicle body 20.

[0074] As Figure 4 shown, the second ACT bracket 260 includes a second ball head bolt 261. The second ACT bracket 260 is fixed to the main link 100. Specifically, the second ACT bracket 260 is fixed to the base end portion of the upper wall 111 of the base link 110. The second ball head bolt 261 is fitted into the second ball socket 166 of the door drive unit 160. The second ball head bolt 261 of the second ACT bracket 260 and the second ball socket 166 of the door drive unit 160 form a ball socket joint. In this way, the tip end portion of the door drive unit 160 is rotatably connected to the base link 110 of the main link 100.

[0075] <Link mechanism>

[0076] As described above, in this embodiment, the vehicle body 20, the rear door 30, the main link 100 and the secondary link 150 constitute a so-called four-link mechanism. In addition, the base link 110, the sliding link 120, the driven link 141, the driving gear 142, the driven gear 143 and the guide pin 130 constitute a sliding mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the base link 110 into the forward and backward motion of the sliding link 120.

[0077] <Operation Unit 50>

[0078] The operation unit 50 is a part operated by the user when the rear door 30 is to be operated. The operation unit 50 may be provided around the driver's seat of the vehicle 10, or may be provided on the rear door 30, or may be provided on a portable device such as an electronic key and a smart phone. When the operation unit 50 is operated by the user, the operation unit 50 outputs a signal to the door control device 60. The signal output by the operation unit 50 to the door control device 60 includes, for example, an opening operation command signal for opening the rear door 30, a closing operation command signal for closing the rear door 30, and a stop command signal for stopping the rear door 30 in operation.

[0079] <Door control device 60>

[0080] The door control device 60 is an electronic control device having a CPU and a memory. In the door control device 60, the CPU executes a program stored in the memory to control the operation of the rear door 30. The door control device 60 is connected to the operation unit 50 by wire or wireless. In addition, the door control device 60 is connected to the door lock drive unit 34 and the door drive unit 160 via the vehicle network.

[0081] When the door control device 60 receives the opening motion command signal, it controls the door driving unit 160 to extend the door driving unit 160. In this way, the door control device 60 causes the rear door 30 to open toward the fully open position. In addition, when the door control device 60 receives the opening motion command signal when the rear door 30 is in the fully closed position, it controls the door lock driving unit 34 before controlling the door driving unit 160. In detail, the door control device 60 controls the door lock driving unit 34 to cause the door lock driving unit 34 to perform a release motion. In this way, the door control device 60 releases the restrictions on the rear door 30 by the upper locking device 32 and the lower locking device 33.

[0082] On the other hand, when the door control device 60 receives the closing operation command signal, it controls the door driving unit 160 to retract the door driving unit 160. In this way, the door control device 60 closes the rear door 30 toward the fully closed position. After the rear door 30 closes to the vicinity of the fully closed position, the door control device 60 controls the door lock driving unit 34 to make the door lock driving unit 34 perform the closing operation. In this way, the door control device 60 pulls the rear door 30 into the fully closed position and restricts the rear door 30 to the vehicle body 20.

[0083] In addition, when a stop command signal is input during the opening and closing operation of the rear door 30 , the door control device 60 stops the extension and retraction of the door driving unit 160 . In this way, the door control device 60 stops the rear door 30 .

[0084] In addition, the vehicle 10 may also include a touch sensor for determining whether an object is in contact with the rear door 30 during the opening and closing operation. In this case, it is preferred that the touch sensor is provided along the edge of the rear door 30. Furthermore, it is preferred that the door control device 60 stops the rear door 30 or reverses the movement direction of the rear door 30 when the touch sensor detects contact between the rear door 30 and the object during the opening and closing operation of the rear door 30.

[0085] <Function of this embodiment>

[0086] Below, refer to Figure 7 to Figure 12 , the function of the door support device 40 when the rear door 30 is opened will be described. Figure 7 to Figure 9 Indicates the change in the state of the rear portion of the vehicle 10, Figure 10 to Figure 12 The change in the state of the door support device 40 is shown.

[0087] Figure 7 and Fig.10 The state when the rear door 30 is in the fully closed position is shown. When the rear door 30 is in the fully closed position, the door driving unit 160 is most retracted. In addition, the main link 100 is most rotated in the second rotation direction R12 relative to the vehicle body side main bracket 210, and the sub-link 150 is most rotated in the second rotation direction R22 relative to the vehicle body side sub-bracket 230.

[0088] When the rear door 30 is opened, the door drive unit 160 extends. Therefore, as the door drive unit 160 extends, a torque that rotates the main link 100 in the first rotation direction R11 relative to the vehicle body side main bracket 210 acts on the main link 100. In other words, the door drive unit 160 applies a load in the opening direction to the rear door 30 via the main link 100. When the main link 100 rotates in the first rotation direction R11 relative to the vehicle body side main bracket 210, the sub-link 150 rotates in the first rotation direction R21 relative to the vehicle body side sub-bracket 230. As a result, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the door-side main bracket 220 moves forward and upward, and the door-side sub-bracket 240 moves forward and upward. In this way, the rear door 30 moves upward and forward.

[0089] like Fig.10 and Fig.11 As shown, when the rear door 30 is in the fully closed position and the door driving unit 160 is extended, the main link 100 rotates in the first rotation direction R11 together with the driving gear 142 relative to the vehicle body side main bracket 210. Therefore, the driven gear 143 meshing with the driving gear 142 rotates in the second rotation direction R32 together with the driven link 141. As a result, the base end of the sliding link 120 connected to the driven link 141 is stretched toward the base end of the base link 110. However, the guide pin 130 fixed to the base link 110 is inserted into the guide hole 121 of the sliding link 120. Therefore, the sliding link 120 is displaced while being guided by the guide pin 130, so that the protrusion amount of the sliding link 120 relative to the base link 110 is reduced.

[0090] Thus, the distance between the connection portion of the base link 110 with the vehicle body 20 and the connection portion of the slide link 120 with the rear door 30 (hereinafter also referred to as "the length L of the main link 100") is shortened from the first length L1. In other words, the length L of the main link 100 is adjusted by the adjustment mechanism 140 as the opening of the rear door 30 changes.

[0091] Here, the vehicle body side main bracket 210, which is a connection part between the main link 100 and the vehicle body 20, cannot move, while the door side main bracket 220, which is a connection part between the main link 100 and the rear door 30, can move together with the rear door 30. Therefore, when the length L of the main link 100 is shortened, the door side main bracket 220 approaches the vehicle body side main bracket 210. That is, compared with the case where the length L of the main link 100 does not change, the rear door 30 is opened without being separated from the door opening 27.

[0092] Figure 8 and Fig.11 Indicates the state when the rear door 30 is in the middle position between the fully closed position and the fully open position. When the rear door 30 is in the middle position between the fully closed position and the fully open position, the length L of the main connecting rod 100 is the shortest second length L2. That is, when the rear door 30 moves between the fully closed position and the middle position, the larger the opening of the rear door 30, the shorter the length L of the main connecting rod 100. In addition, Fig.11 As shown, when viewed from the side in the width direction, the rotation center of the base link 110 relative to the body side main bracket 210, the rotation center of the sliding link 120 relative to the body side main bracket 210, and the rotation center of the sliding link 120 relative to the door side main bracket 220 are arranged in a straight line.

[0093] When the rear door 30 reaches the middle position, the door driving unit 160 continues to extend, and the main link 100 further rotates in the first rotation direction R11 relative to the vehicle body side main bracket 210. That is, the sub-link 150 also further rotates in the first rotation direction R21 relative to the vehicle body side sub-bracket 230. As a result, Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, the door-side main bracket 220 moves forward and upward, and the door-side sub-bracket 240 moves forward and downward. In this way, the rear door 30 moves forward and upward.

[0094] like Fig.11 and Fig.12 As shown, when the rear door 30 is located at the middle position, when the door driving unit 160 is extended, the main link 100 rotates in the first rotation direction R11 with the driving gear 142 relative to the vehicle body side main bracket 210. Therefore, the driven gear 143 meshing with the driving gear 142 rotates in the second rotation direction R32 with the driven link 141. As a result, the base end of the sliding link 120 connected to the driven link 141 is pressed toward the top end of the base link 110. However, the guide pin 130 fixed to the base link 110 is inserted into the guide hole 121 of the sliding link 120. Therefore, the sliding link 120 is displaced while being guided by the guide pin 130, so that the protrusion amount of the sliding link 120 relative to the base link 110 increases. That is, the length L of the main link 100 is increased from the second length L2. When the length L of the master link 100 increases, the door-side main bracket 220 moves away from the vehicle-side main bracket 210. That is, the rear door 30 opens away from the door opening 27 compared to when the length L of the master link 100 does not change.

[0095] Fig. 9 and Fig.12 Indicates the state when the rear door 30 is in the fully open position. When the rear door 30 is in the fully open position, the door drive unit 160 is most extended. Moreover, the length L of the main connecting rod 100 is the longest as when the rear door 30 is in the fully closed position. In detail, the length L of the main connecting rod 100 is the third length L3 which is equal to the first length L1. That is, when the rear door 30 moves between the intermediate position and the fully open position, the larger the opening of the rear door 30, the longer the length L of the main connecting rod 100.

[0096] Next, the operation of the door support device 40 when the rear door 30 is closed will be briefly described.

[0097] When the rear door 30 is closed from the fully open position, the door drive unit 160 contracts. Therefore, as the door drive unit 160 contracts, a torque that rotates the main link 100 in the second rotation direction R12 acts on the main link 100. In other words, the door drive unit 160 applies a load in the closing direction to the rear door 30 via the main link 100. When the main link 100 rotates in the second rotation direction R12 relative to the vehicle body side main bracket 210, the secondary link 150 rotates in the second rotation direction R22 relative to the vehicle body side secondary bracket 230. As a result, the door side main bracket 220 moves rearward and downward, and the door side secondary bracket 240 moves rearward and downward. In this way, the rear door 30 moves rearward and downward toward the fully closed position. In addition, when the main link 100 rotates in the second rotation direction R12, the driven link 141 rotates in the first rotation direction R31. Therefore, the length L of the main link 100 becomes shorter when the rear door 30 moves from the fully open position toward the intermediate position, and becomes longer when the rear door 30 moves from the intermediate position toward the fully closed position.

[0098] <Effects of the present embodiment>

[0099] (1) The adjustment mechanism 140 of the door support device 40 can adjust the length L of the main link 100 according to the opening degree of the rear door 30. Therefore, the door support device 40 can prevent the rear door 30 from extending significantly from the vehicle body 20 when the rear door 30 opens and closes the door opening 27.

[0100] (2) Specifically, when the rear door 30 opens from the fully closed position to the intermediate position, the length L of the main link 100 becomes shorter. Therefore, the rearward extension amount of the rear door 30 when the rear door 30 opens from the fully closed position is reduced compared to the case where the length L of the main link 100 is not shortened.

[0101] (3) In addition, when the rear door 30 opens from the intermediate position to the fully open position, the length L of the main link 100 increases. Therefore, compared with the case where the length L of the main link 100 does not increase, the top end of the rear door 30 reaches a higher position when the rear door 30 is in the fully open position. Therefore, the door support device 40 can open the door opening 27 more widely in the vertical direction when the rear door 30 is in the fully open position.

[0102] (4) The main link 100 is configured to include the base link 110, the slide link 120, the drive gear 142, and the driven gear 143. Therefore, the main link 100 is linked to the rotation of the base link 110 accompanying the opening and closing operation of the rear door 30, and the protrusion amount of the slide link 120 relative to the base link 110 can be adjusted. Therefore, even if the door support device 40 does not have a drive source such as a motor, the length L of the main link 100 can be appropriately adjusted according to the opening degree of the rear door 30.

[0103] (5) Consider a comparative example in which both ends of the door drive unit 160 are connected to the vehicle body 20 and the rear door 30. In this comparative example, when the rear door 30 is in the fully closed position, the rear door 30 is greatly separated from the vehicle body 20, and it is necessary to adopt a door drive unit that can be extended very long. In contrast, in this embodiment, both ends of the door drive unit 160 are connected to the vehicle body 20 and the main connecting rod 100. Therefore, the door drive unit 160 adopted by the door support device 40 does not need to be a structure that can be extended very long.

[0104] (6) The base end of the sub-link 150 is rotatably connected to the roof 21 of the vehicle body 20. Therefore, compared with the case where the base end of the sub-link 150 is rotatably connected to the roof 23 of the vehicle body 20, the fully opened position of the rear door 30 is located further forward and upward.

[0105] (7) When the length L of the main link 100 changes, the outer surface of the guide pin 130 slides on the inner surface of the guide hole 121 of the slide link 120. Therefore, the door support device 40 can reduce the sliding resistance when the length L of the main link 100 changes.

[0106] (8) Consider a comparative example in which the base end of the rear door 30 is supported on the vehicle body 20 so as to be rotatable about an axis extending in the width direction. Compared with such a comparative example, the door support device 40 of the present embodiment is more capable of moving in a direction intersecting the width direction, and the rear door 30 is more likely to move relative to the vehicle body 20 when the rear door 30 is in the fully closed position. In this regard, in the door support device 40 of the present embodiment, when the rear door 30 is in the fully closed position, the upper lock device 32 and the lower lock device 33 of the rear door 30 are respectively locked to the upper striker 24 and the lower striker 25 of the vehicle body 20. That is, the two door lock devices of the rear door 30 are respectively locked to the two strikers of the vehicle body 20. Therefore, the door support device 40 can suppress the rear door 30 from moving unintentionally relative to the vehicle body 20 even when vibration or strong wind acts on the rear door 30 during the travel of the vehicle 10.

[0107] In addition, the vehicle 10 includes an elastic member 26 that is elastically compressed and deformed between the vehicle body 20 and the rear door 30 in the fully closed position. Therefore, the rear door 30 in the fully closed position is difficult to move relative to the vehicle body 20. Therefore, when the rear door 30 is in the fully closed position, the vehicle 10 can further suppress the rear door 30 from moving unintentionally relative to the vehicle body 20.

[0108] (9) The sub-link 150 has the covering portion 152 having the same width as the groove 21a of the roof 21. Therefore, when the rear door 30 is in the fully closed position, the main body 151 of the sub-link 150 is accommodated in the groove 21a of the roof 21, and the covering portion 152 of the sub-link 150 closes the opening of the groove 21a of the roof 21. Therefore, when the rear door 30 is in the fully closed position, the door support device 40 can suppress the appearance of the roof 21 from being deteriorated.

[0109] (10) The bottom wall 211 of the vehicle body side main bracket 210 has the escape hole 214. Therefore, when the rear door 30 is opened and closed, the sliding link 120 and the driven link 141 can be prevented from interfering with the bottom wall 211 of the vehicle body side main bracket 210. In other words, the door support device 40 can make the base end of the main link 100 compact while avoiding the interference of the sliding link 120 and the driven link 141 with the vehicle body side main bracket 210.

[0110] <Change Example>

[0111] The present embodiment can be implemented by being modified as follows. The present embodiment and the following modified examples can be implemented in combination with each other within the range that there is no technical contradiction.

[0112] The door support device 40 can be changed to Fig.13 When the door support device 40A of the modified example is compared with the door support device 40 of the above embodiment, the structure of the secondary link 150 is different. Therefore, in the following description, the same symbols as those of the above embodiment are marked for the structures common to the above embodiment and the description is omitted. Fig.13 In order to mainly explain the differences from the above-mentioned embodiment, some components such as the door drive unit 160 are omitted.

[0113] like Fig.13 As shown, the door support device 40A is provided with a sub-link 150A as a structure different from the above-mentioned embodiment. The sub-link 150A has a straight portion 153 extending in a straight line and an arc portion 154 extending in an arc shape from the top end of the straight portion 153. The base end of the straight portion 153 of the sub-link 150A is connected to the vehicle body side sub-bracket 230A in a rotatable manner. The vehicle body side sub-bracket 230A is fixed to the surface of the roof 21 facing the vehicle interior, that is, fixed to a position close to the door opening 27. That is, the sub-link 150A is located in the interior of the vehicle 10. At this time, the straight portion 153 of the sub-link 150A has a longitudinal direction in the front-rear direction. On the other hand, the top end of the arc portion 154 of the sub-link 150A is connected to the door side sub-bracket 240A in a rotatable manner.

[0114] When the rear door 30 is opened from the fully closed position, the sub-link 150A protrudes to the outside of the vehicle 10 through the door opening 27. At this time, when viewed from the side in the width direction, the door side sub-bracket 240A moves forward and upward while drawing an arc. Therefore, although the shape of the sub-link 150A is different, the rear door 30 is opened in the same trajectory as the above embodiment.

[0115] The main link 100 may be configured to continuously retract when the rear door 30 is opened from the fully closed position to the fully opened position. This modification example can further significantly achieve the effect (2) of the above-described embodiment.

[0116] The main link 100 may be configured to continue to extend when the rear door 30 is opened from the fully closed position to the fully opened position. This modification example can further significantly achieve the effect (3) of the above-described embodiment.

[0117] In the master link 100, the guide hole 121 and the guide pin 130 of the sliding link 120 are structures for moving the sliding link 120 forward and backward along the long side direction of the base link 110 when the driven link 141 rotates. Therefore, as long as the above functions are satisfied, the guide hole 121 and the guide pin 130 of the sliding link 120 can be omitted in the master link 100. For example, the base link 110 may also include a sheath-shaped member into which the sliding link 120 is inserted.

[0118] The base link 110 may be rotatably connected to the rear door 30. In this case, it is preferable that the slide link 120 is rotatably connected to the vehicle body 20.

[0119] The length L of the main link 100 may not be adjustable. This modification can reduce the amount of rearward extension of the rear door 30 when the rear door 30 is opened or closed.

[0120] The positions of the upper striker 24 and the lower striker 25 can be appropriately changed. For example, the upper striker 24 and the lower striker 25 can be replaced by two side strikers provided on both sides in the width direction of the rain shield channel 23. In this case, in the rear door 30, the configuration of the upper locking device 32 and the lower locking device 33 is also changed.

[0121] The two ends of the door drive unit 160 may be connected to the rear door 30 and the main link 100, respectively. The two ends of the door drive unit 160 may be connected to the vehicle body 20 and the sub-link 150, respectively. The two ends of the door drive unit 160 may be connected to the rear door 30 and the sub-link 150, respectively. The two ends of the door drive unit 160 may be connected to the vehicle body 20 and the rear door 30, respectively.

[0122] The door driving unit 160 may also cause a torque to act on the rotation axis of the main link 100 with respect to the vehicle body-side main bracket 210. For example, the door driving unit 160 may also drive the driving gear 142.

[0123] The door drive unit 160 only needs to apply a load in at least the opening direction of the rear door 30 , of the opening direction and the closing direction of the rear door 30 . Specifically, the door drive unit 160 may be replaced with a gas spring. In this case, the vehicle 10 can omit a structure related to the control of the door drive unit 160 .

[0124] The vehicle 10 may also be an autonomous vehicle without a driver's seat. In this case, the vehicle body 20 may also include a front opening portion that opens forward and a rear opening portion that opens rearward. Furthermore, the vehicle 10 may also include a front door that opens and closes the front opening portion and a rear door that opens and closes the rear opening portion. The door support device 40 may also be used to support the front door and the rear door on the vehicle body 20.

[0125] <Technical Thoughts>

[0126] The technical ideas that can be grasped from the above-mentioned embodiments and modified examples are described.

[0127] [Method 1] A door support device supports a door on a vehicle body having a door opening, and the door opens and closes the door opening, the door support device comprising: a main link, a base end of the main link is rotatably connected to the vehicle body, and a top end of the main link is rotatably connected to the door; a sub-link, a base end of the sub-link is rotatably connected to the vehicle body at a position different from the main link, and a top end of the sub-link is rotatably connected to the door; and a door drive unit, the door drive unit applies a load in at least the opening direction of the door, the main link and the sub-link together with the vehicle body and the door constitute a four-section link mechanism, the main link having an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the distance between the connection portion with respect to the vehicle body and the connection portion with respect to the door.

[0128] [Method 2] According to the door support device described in Method 1, the main connecting rod has a base connecting rod and a sliding connecting rod, the base connecting rod is connected to one of the vehicle body and the door in a rotatable manner, and the sliding connecting rod is connected to the other of the vehicle body and the door in a rotatable manner, the adjusting mechanism has a driving gear, a driven gear and a driven connecting rod, the driving gear rotates integrally with the base connecting rod, the driven gear meshes with the driving gear, the driven gear is fixed to the base end of the driven connecting rod, and the top end of the driven connecting rod is connected to the sliding connecting rod in a relatively rotatable manner, the driven connecting rod rotates integrally with the driven gear, thereby causing the sliding connecting rod to slide relative to the base connecting rod.

[0129] [Method 3] According to the door support device described in Method 1 or Method 2, the door drive part is in the shape of a rod, and applies a load in the opening direction to the door by extending, the base end of the door drive part is rotatably connected to the vehicle body, and the top end of the door drive part is rotatably connected to the main connecting rod.

[0130] [Method 4] According to the door support device described in any one of Methods 1 to 3, the base end of the main connecting rod is rotatably connected to the rain gutter of the vehicle body, and the rain gutter divides the door opening along the width direction, and the base end of the secondary connecting rod is rotatably connected to the roof of the vehicle body.

[0131] [Method 5] According to the door support device described in Method 2, the sliding link has a guide hole extending along the long side direction of the sliding link, and the main link has a guide pin fixed to the base link while passing through the guide hole. When the driven link rotates, the sliding link slides with the guide pin via the guide hole.

[0132] [Method 6] According to the door support device described in any one of Methods 1 to 5, when the position of the door when the door opening is fully closed is set to the fully closed position, and when the position of the door when the door opening is fully opened is set to the fully open position, when the door moves from the fully closed position to the fully open position, the larger the opening of the door, the shorter the interval is made by the adjustment mechanism.

[0133] [Method 7] According to the door support device described in Method 6, when the position of the door between the fully closed position and the fully open position is set to an intermediate position, when the door displaces between the fully closed position and the intermediate position, the larger the opening of the door is, the shorter the interval is made by the adjustment mechanism, and when the door displaces between the intermediate position and the fully open position, the larger the opening of the door is, the longer the interval is made by the adjustment mechanism.

Claims

1. A door support device, which supports a door on a vehicle body having a door opening, wherein the door opens and closes the door opening, have: a main link having a base end portion rotatably connected to the vehicle body and a top end portion rotatably connected to the door; a secondary link, the base end of which is rotatably connected to the vehicle body at a position different from the main link, and the top end of which is rotatably connected to the door; as well as a door driving unit that applies a load in at least the opening direction of the door to the door, The main connecting rod and the auxiliary connecting rod together with the vehicle body and the door form a four-section connecting rod mechanism. The master link has an adjustment mechanism for adjusting a distance between a connection portion with respect to the vehicle body and a connection portion with respect to the door.

2. The door support device according to claim 1, wherein: The main link includes a base link rotatably connected to one of the vehicle body and the door, and a sliding link rotatably connected to the other of the vehicle body and the door. The adjustment mechanism comprises a driving gear, a driven gear and a driven connecting rod, wherein the driving gear rotates integrally with the base connecting rod, the driven gear meshes with the driving gear, the driven gear is fixed to the base end of the driven connecting rod, and the top end of the driven connecting rod is connected to the sliding connecting rod in a relatively rotatable manner. The driven link rotates integrally with the driven gear, thereby causing the sliding link to slide relative to the base link.

3. The door supporting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The door driving unit is in the shape of a rod and applies a load in the opening direction to the door by extending. The base end portion of the door drive portion is rotatably connected to the vehicle body, and the tip end portion of the door drive portion is rotatably connected to the main link.

4. The door supporting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: When the position of the door when the door opening is fully closed is set as the fully closed position, and the position of the door when the door opening is fully opened is set as the fully open position, When the door is displaced from the fully closed position toward the fully open position, the adjustment mechanism shortens the interval as the degree of opening of the door increases.

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