Lid device

Abstract

To improve operability when a lid is opened in a manual lid device.SOLUTION: A lid device 10 includes: a base 11 having an opening 11b; and a lid 14 which is attached to the base 11 so as to allow movement between a fully closed position where the lid 14 closes the opening 11b and a fully opened position where the lid 14 opens the opening 11b. The lid device 10 further includes a holding mechanism 20 which may hold the lid 14 in a half-opened position between the fully opened position and the fully closed position only when the lid 14 is moved from the fully opened position to the fully closed position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a lid device. [Background technology]

[0002] The lid device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a link mechanism that allows the lid to be opened and closed by sliding it in the vehicle length direction. When opening the lid, the lid is opened by moving outward in the vehicle width direction from a fully closed position to a half-open position (pop-up), and then moved in the vehicle length direction to the fully open position by sliding. When closing the lid, the lid is slid by moving in the vehicle length direction from the fully open position to the half-open position, and then moved inward in the vehicle width direction to the fully closed position by pushing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Jitsuhei No. 7-17561 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The lid device of Patent Document 1 requires two motions to open the lid, specifically, a lid opening operation and a sliding operation, which results in poor operability. Therefore, the lid device of Patent Document 1 has room for improvement in terms of operability when opening the lid.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to improve the operability when opening a lid in a lid device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention provides a lid device comprising a base having an opening, and a lid attached to the base so as to be able to move between a fully closed position in which the opening is closed and a fully open position in which the opening is open, the lid device comprising a holding mechanism capable of holding the lid in a half-open position between the fully open position and the fully closed position only when the lid is moved from the fully open position to the fully closed position.

[0007] In this aspect, the device is provided with a holding mechanism that can hold the lid in the half-open position only when the lid is moved from the fully open position to the fully closed position. In other words, the holding mechanism does not hold the lid in the half-open position when the lid is moved from the fully closed position to the fully open position. As a result, when opening the lid, the lid moves to the fully open position with a single opening operation, eliminating the need for a two-motion operation. This improves operability when opening the lid. On the other hand, when closing the lid, the lid is held by the holding mechanism after moving from the fully open position to the half-open position with a closing operation, and then moves to the fully closed position with a further closing operation of the lid. In this way, the holding mechanism temporarily holds the lid in the half-open position when closing the lid, thereby preventing hands or clothing from getting caught between the lid and the base. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, the operability when opening the lid in the lid device can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a lid device in a fully open state according to a first embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from outside a vehicle. [Figure 2] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the lid device in a fully open state as viewed from inside the vehicle. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the lid device in a fully closed state as viewed from outside the vehicle. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a side view of the lid device in a half-open state with the cover of the holding mechanism removed. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the lid device as seen from outside the vehicle. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the lid device as seen from the vehicle interior side. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the holding mechanism as seen from a different direction than in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. [Figure 12] 5 is a time chart showing the movement of the lid device when it is opened and closed. [Figure 13A] FIG. 12 is an enlarged side view of the holding mechanism in the fully closed state shown in FIG. 11 . [Figure 13B] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the holding mechanism in the fully closed state shown in FIG. 11 . [Figure 14A] FIG. 12 is an enlarged side view of the holding mechanism in the opening operation process of FIG. [Figure 14B] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the holding mechanism in the opening operation process of FIG. [Figure 15A] FIG. 12 is an enlarged side view of the holding mechanism in the fully open state of FIG. 11 . [Figure 15B] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the holding mechanism in the fully open state of FIG. [Figure 16A] FIG. 12 is an enlarged side view of the holding mechanism in the half-open state shown in FIG. [Figure 16B] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the holding mechanism in the half-open state of FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a front view of a holding mechanism of a lid device according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] (First embodiment) 1 to 3, a lid device 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is attached to a through-hole 2 in a side panel 1 that constitutes the body of an automobile, which is an example of a vehicle. A power supply connector 3 (shown only in FIG. 1), which is an example of a power receiving portion, is provided on the interior side of the side panel 1 so as to face the through-hole 2. The power receiving portion may be a receptacle for liquid fuels such as gasoline and diesel, or liquid fuels such as liquefied hydrogen and LP gas, as well as for gaseous fuels and solid fuels.

[0012] In the figure, the X direction is the length of the vehicle, with the arrow pointing to the front and the opposite direction to the arrow pointing to the rear. In the figure, the Y direction is the width of the vehicle, with the arrow pointing to the outside of the vehicle and the opposite direction to the arrow pointing to the inside of the vehicle. In the figure, the Z direction is the height of the vehicle, with the arrow pointing to the top and the opposite direction to the arrow pointing to the bottom.

[0013] The lid device 10 includes a base 11, a lid 14, a lock unit 17, and a holding mechanism 20. The lid device 10 is manual, and when a user performs an opening operation, the lid 14 moves from the fully closed position shown in Fig. 3 to the fully open position shown in Fig. 1 due to the biasing force of a kick spring (biasing member) 23 included in the holding mechanism 20. When a user performs a closing operation, the lid 14 moves from the fully open position shown in Fig. 1 to the fully closed position shown in Fig. 3 against the biasing force of the kick spring 23.

[0014] The opening operation of this embodiment is an operation of pushing the lid 14 from the fully closed position shown in FIG. 3 toward the interior of the vehicle (one motion). However, the opening operation can be changed as needed, and may be, for example, an operation of pulling an opening lever inside the vehicle. Referring to FIG. 11, the closing operation is a first closing operation in which the lid 14 from the fully open position (see FIG. 1) slides upward to the half-open position (see FIG. 4), and a second closing operation in which the lid 14 from the half-open position (see FIG. 4) is pushed toward the interior of the vehicle to the fully closed position (see FIG. 3) (two motion). Because it is expected that the closing operation by the user will be temporarily stopped between the first closing operation and the second closing operation, the lid device 10 of this embodiment is configured to hold the lid 14 in the half-open position (see FIG. 4) only when closing the lid 14.

[0015] The configuration of the lid device 10 will be specifically described below.

[0016] 1 and 3, the base 11 is attached to the side panel 1 from the inside of the vehicle so as to close the through-hole 2. The base 11 has a recess 11a that is recessed toward the inside of the vehicle. The recess 11a has an opening 11b on the outside of the vehicle. A window hole 11c is provided in the center of the bottom of the recess 11a so as to face the power supply connector 3 in the vehicle width direction.

[0017] The lid 14 is attached to the base 11 via a separate link member 15. The lid 14 is configured to be movable up and down relative to the base 11, as viewed in the vehicle width direction, between a fully closed position shown in FIG. 3 and a fully open position shown in FIG. 1. When closed, the lid 14 is temporarily held in the half-open position shown in FIG. 4, but when opened, the lid 14 is not held in the half-open position shown in FIG. 4. The half-open position shown in FIG. 4 is set between the fully open position shown in FIG. 1 and the fully closed position shown in FIG. 3, and is located on the vehicle outer side with a gap between it and the opening 11b of the base 11. More specifically, the half-open position shown in FIG. 4 is set within a range of 10% to 15% on the fully closed position side of the movement range of the lid 14 in the vehicle height direction from the fully closed position shown in FIG. 3 to the fully open position shown in FIG. 1.

[0018] The lid 14 in the fully closed position shown in Fig. 3 completely blocks the opening 11b of the base 11. The lid 14 in the fully open position shown in Fig. 1 completely opens the opening 11b of the base 11, allowing access to the power supply connector 3. The lid 14 in the half-open position shown in Fig. 4 slightly opens the opening 11b of the base 11 (pop-up state).

[0019] 1 to 3, the link member 15 is rotatably attached to each of the lid 14 and the base 11. The link member 15 rotates due to the biasing force of the kick spring 23 transmitted from the holding mechanism 20, and moves the lid 14 from the fully closed position shown in Fig. 3 to the fully open position shown in Fig. 1. On the other hand, the link member 15 rotates due to a manual operating force that moves the lid 14 from the fully open position shown in Fig. 1 to the fully closed position shown in Fig. 3.

[0020] 5 and 6, the link member 15 includes a connecting portion 15a extending in the vehicle length direction, a first arm portion 15b extending from one end of the connecting portion 15a, and a second arm portion 15c extending from the other end of the connecting portion 15a.

[0021] The connecting portion 15a is connected to the lid 14 so as to be rotatable about an axis AX1 extending in the vehicle length direction. In other words, the connecting portion 15a is one end portion rotatably attached to the lid 14. Specifically, pins 15d protruding from both ends of the connecting portion 15a are inserted into bearing holes 14a (shown only in FIG. 6) provided in the lid 14.

[0022] The tip of first arm portion 15b is rotatably attached to base 11 at a position spaced downward from axis AX1 and around axis AX2 extending in the vehicle length direction. Specifically, pin 15e protruding from the tip of first arm portion 15b is inserted into bearing hole 14b (shown only in FIG. 5) provided in base 11.

[0023] A non-circular mounting hole 15f is provided at the tip of second arm portion 15c. By inserting a first shaft portion 24b provided on a first rotating member 24 (described in detail later) into mounting hole 15f, the tip of second arm portion 15c can rotate around axis AX2 together with first rotating member 24 relative to base 11. In other words, the tip of second arm portion 15c provided with mounting hole 15f is the other end that is rotatably attached to base 11.

[0024] 1 to 3, the locking unit 17 is configured to lock the lid 14 in the fully closed position shown in FIG. 3 and is attached to the interior side of the vehicle in the recess 11a of the base 11. The locking unit 17 has a locking portion 18 that protrudes from the bottom of the recess 11a toward the exterior side of the vehicle. The locking portion 18 locks the lid 14 so that it cannot be opened by engaging with a locked portion 14c provided on the lid 14. When the lid 14 is opened from the fully closed position shown in FIG. 3, the locking portion 18 is disengaged from the locked portion 14c. This allows the locking unit 17 to move the lid 14 from the fully closed position shown in FIG. 3 to the fully open position shown in FIG. 1.

[0025] Referring to Figure 11, the holding mechanism 20 is configured to hold the lid 14 in a half-open position (see Figure 4) when the lid 14 is closed from the fully open position (see Figure 1) to the fully closed position (see Figure 3), but not to hold the lid 14 in the half-open position (see Figure 4) when the lid 14 is opened from the fully closed position (see Figure 3) to the fully open position (see Figure 1).

[0026] 5 and 6, the holding mechanism 20 includes a kick spring 23, a first rotating member 24, a second rotating member 25, a restricting member 26, and a damper 28, which are all disposed within the case 21. Among these, the first rotating member 24 also functions as a transmission member that transmits the biasing force of the kick spring 23 that moves the lid 14 to the fully open position (see FIG. 1).

[0027] 2, 5, and 6, the case 21 is attached to one end of the base 11 in the vehicle length direction, more specifically to an attachment portion 11d provided adjacent to the side where the second arm portion 15c of the link member 15 is disposed. The case 21 is in the shape of a container with one open end, which is closed by a cover 22.

[0028] 4 to 6, the kick spring 23 is configured to rotate the first rotating member 24 in the direction A1, thereby moving the lid 14 to the fully open position (FIG. 1) via the link member 15. The kick spring 23 is attached to a first shaft portion 24b of the first rotating member 24. One end of the kick spring 23 is engaged with the case 21, and the other end of the kick spring 23 is engaged with the first rotating member 24. The biasing force of the kick spring 23 is transmitted from the first rotating member 24 to the link member 15. This causes the link member 15 to rotate around the axis AX2 toward the outside of the vehicle.

[0029] 4 to 7, the first rotating member 24 includes a disk-shaped base 24a disposed within the case 21, and a first axle 24b protruding from the center of the base 24a rearward in the vehicle length direction toward the link member 15. The first axle 24b has a non-circular cross-sectional shape that corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the mounting hole 15f of the link member 15. The first axle 24b passes through the case 21 and the mounting portion 11d of the base 11 and is inserted into the mounting hole 15f in the recess 11a, whereby the first rotating member 24 is rotatably attached to the base 11 and is non-rotatable relative to the link member 15. This allows the first rotating member 24 and the link member 15 to rotate integrally about the axis AX2.

[0030] 11, when the lid 14 is opened, the first rotating member 24 rotates in a direction A1 due to the biasing force of the kick spring 23, and when the lid 14 is closed, the first rotating member 24 rotates in a direction A2 due to the rotation of the link member 15 caused by the closing operation of the lid 14. Furthermore, when the lid 14 is opened, the first rotating member 24 is not restricted in rotation by the restricting member 26, but when the lid 14 is closed, the first rotating member 24 is restricted in rotation by the restricting member 26 at the half-open position (see FIG. 4). In other words, the first rotating member 24 rotates in conjunction with the lid 14 between the closed rotation position (see FIGS. 13A and 13B) and the open rotation position (see FIGS. 15A and 15B) via the restricted position (see FIGS. 16A and 16B), which is the rotation angle position at the half-open position (see FIG. 4).

[0031] 7 to 9, the first rotating member 24 is further provided with a contact portion 24c, a restriction receiving portion 24d, a second shaft portion 24g, a gear portion 24h, and a protrusion 24i.

[0032] The abutment portion 24c is configured to abut against the second rotating member 25 due to rotation of the first rotating member 24, causing the second rotating member 25 to rotate. The restriction receiving portion 24d is configured to be restricted by the restriction member 26. Both the abutment portion 24c and the restriction receiving portion 24d have a fan shape extending around the axis AX2 and are provided adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. The abutment portion 24c and the restriction receiving portion 24d each protrude forward in the vehicle length direction, which is the opposite side to the first shaft portion 24b (the second rotating member 25 side) with respect to the base 24a. The abutment portion 24c protrudes further forward in the vehicle length direction than the restriction receiving portion 24d. The configurations of the abutment portion 24c and the restriction receiving portion 24d will be described in more detail later.

[0033] The second shaft portion 24g is configured to rotatably mount the second rotating member 25. The second shaft portion 24g is provided coaxially with the first shaft portion 24b and protrudes from the base portion 24a in the opposite direction from the first shaft portion 24b. The gear portion 24h is provided on the outer periphery of the base portion 24a in an angular range that corresponds to the damper 28 when the first rotating member 24 rotates. The protruding portion 24i is provided to reduce the contact area between the case 21 and the first rotating member 24 and to prevent excessive rotation of the first rotating member 24. The protruding portion 24i protrudes from the base portion 24a toward the rear in the vehicle length direction, is in sliding contact with the case 21, and is able to abut against a stopper (not shown) formed on the case 21.

[0034] Referring to Figure 11, the second rotating member 25 rotates with the rotation of the first rotating member 24, and is configured to hold the regulating member 26 in the deregulating position (see Figures 13A and 14A) when the lid 14 is opened, and to allow the regulating member 26 to move to the regulating position (see Figure 16A) when the lid 14 is closed.

[0035] 7 to 9, the second rotating member 25 has an annular base portion 25a and is journaled on the second shaft portion 24g of the first rotating member 24. As a result, the second rotating member 25 is disposed adjacent to the front side of the first rotating member 24 in the vehicle length direction and is rotatable coaxially with the first rotating member 24. The second rotating member 25 is provided with an abutment receiving portion 25b that abuts against the abutment portion 24c of the first rotating member 24, and a holding portion 25e that holds the restricting member 26 in the unrestricted position (see FIGS. 13A and 14A).

[0036] The abutment receiving portion 25b receives contact with the abutment portion 24c of the first rotating member 24, and rotates the second rotating member 25 between the holding position (see FIGS. 13A and 14A) and the non-holding position (see FIGS. 15A and 16A). The abutment receiving portion 25b has a fan shape extending around the axis AX2, and protrudes from the base portion 25a toward the rear in the vehicle length direction, that is, toward the first rotating member 24. The diameter of the abutment receiving portion 25b is the same as the diameter of the abutment portion 24c. The abutment receiving portion 25b is disposed adjacent to the restriction receiving portion 24d of the first rotating member 24 on the front side in the vehicle length direction, and comes into sliding contact with the restriction receiving portion 24d as the first rotating member 24 rotates.

[0037] A first surface 25c, which is one circumferential end of the abutment receiving portion 25b, is abutted by the abutment portion 24c when the first rotating member 24 rotates in the direction A1. As a result, the second rotating member 25 rotates in the same direction B1 as the first rotating member 24. A second surface 25d, which is the other circumferential end of the abutment receiving portion 25b, is abutted by the abutment portion 24c when the first rotating member 24 rotates in the direction A2. As a result, the second rotating member 25 rotates in the same direction B2 as the first rotating member 24.

[0038] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, in the circumferential direction around the axis AX2, the abutment portion 24c is spaced from one end to the other end at an angle θ1, and the abutment-receiving portion 25b is spaced from one end to the other at an angle θ2. The sum of angles θ1 and θ2 is set to be less than 360 degrees (360 > θ1 + θ2). This ensures a gap of angle θ3 between the abutment portion 24c and the abutment-receiving portion 25b. This angle θ3 is the differential angle between the start of rotation of the first rotating member 24 and the start of rotation of the second rotating member 25. This differential angle θ3 is narrower than the maximum rotation angle of the first rotating member 24 when the lid 14 is opened or closed. The angle obtained by subtracting the differential angle θ3 (e.g., 108 degrees) from the maximum rotation angle (e.g., 120 degrees) of the first rotating member 24 corresponds to the rotation angle (e.g., 12 degrees) of the second rotating member 25, that is, the angle from the holding position (see Figures 13A and 14A) to the non-holding position (see Figures 15A and 16B).

[0039] 7 to 9, the holding portion 25e is configured to switch the restricting member 26 between a restricting position (see FIG. 16A) and a non-restricting position (see FIGS. 13A and 14A) by rotation of the second rotating member 25. The holding portion 25e protrudes radially outward from the outer periphery of the abutment receiving portion 25b. The tip of the holding portion 25e has a tapered shape and protrudes radially outward beyond the restricting receiving portion 24d of the first rotating member 24. Of the holding portion 25e, an inclined surface 25f located at the front when the second rotating member 25 rotates in direction B2 also functions as a guide surface that moves the restricting member 26 to the non-restricting position (see FIGS. 13A and 14A).

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 13A and 14A, when second rotating member 25 is rotated to the holding position, holding portion 25e enters inside restricting member 26 in the radial direction of second rotating member 25, and holds restricting member 26 in the unrestricted position.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B , when the second rotating member 25 rotates to the non-retaining position, the holding portion 25e moves in a direction B1 relative to the restricting member 26, allowing the restricting member 26 to move to the restricting position. When the second rotating member 25 rotates to the non-retaining position, the holding portion 25e is positioned rearward of the restricting portion 26b of the restricting member 26, which will be described in detail later, in a direction B2 in which the lid 14 rotates to close. Therefore, when the user moves the lid 14 from the fully open position (see FIG. 1 ) to the half-open position (see FIG. 4 ), the holding portion 25e abuts against the restricting portion 26b. Therefore, because the rotation of the second rotating member 25 in the direction B2 is restricted, the rotation of the first rotating member 24, whose abutting portion 24c abuts against the abutment receiving portion 25b, in the direction A2 is also restricted. As a result, the movement of the lid 14 from the half-open position (see FIG. 4 ) to the fully closed position (see FIG. 3 ) is also restricted.

[0042] 6 to 8, the second rotating member 25 is provided with a protrusion 25g that fits into a groove (not shown) formed in the cover 22 to prevent excessive rotation of the second rotating member 25. The protrusion 25g has a fan shape that extends around the axis AX2, and protrudes radially outward from the outer periphery of the base 25a and protrudes forward in the vehicle length direction from the abutment-receiving portion 25b.

[0043] 11, the restricting member 26 is configured to restrict the rotation of the first rotating member 24 at the half-open position (see FIG. 4) only when the lid 14 moves from the fully open position (see FIG. 1) to the fully closed position (see FIG. 3). Referring to FIGS. 4 and 7 to 9, the restricting member 26 is generally L-shaped and includes a main body portion 26a and a restricting portion 26b.

[0044] Main body 26a is rotatably attached to shaft 21a formed on case 21 so as to be located radially outward of first rotating member 24 and second rotating member 25. This allows restricting member 26 to rotate around shaft 21a between a restricting position (see FIG. 16A) where rotation of first rotating member 24 can be restricted and a first unrestricted position (see FIGS. 13A and 14A) where rotation of first rotating member 24 cannot be restricted, via a second unrestricted position (see FIG. 15A).

[0045] Restriction portion 26b is provided at the tip of main body portion 26a, and protrudes toward first rotation member 24 and second rotation member 25. Restriction portion 26b has a surface facing holding portion 25e that is provided with fitting groove 26c into which the tip of holding portion 25e can fit. When lid 14 moves to the fully closed position (see FIG. 3), holding portion 25e fits into fitting groove 26c, thereby suppressing rotation of second rotation member 25 due to vibrations or the like.

[0046] 16A and 16B, the width of restricting portion 26b in the vehicle length direction is equal to the sum of the width of restricted portion 24d of first rotating member 24 in the vehicle length direction and the width of holding portion 25e of second rotating member 25 in the vehicle length direction. As a result, when restricting member 26 is rotated to the restricted position, restricting portion 26b can be brought into contact with restricted portion 24d of first rotating member 24 and holding portion 25e of second rotating member 25. Furthermore, when restricting member 26 is rotated to the restricted position, restricting portion 26a protrudes by an amount that does not interfere with abutting portion 24c of first rotating member 24 and abutting portion 25b of second rotating member 25.

[0047] 13A, 13B, 14A, and 14B, when the restricting member 26 is rotated to the first unrestricted position by the holding portion 25e of the second rotating member 25, the restricting portion 26b is positioned radially outward of the restricting portion 24d of the first rotating member 24. As a result, the restricting portion 26b cannot come into contact with the restricting portion 26b.

[0048] 11, 15A, and 15B, when the lid 14 moves to the fully open position (see FIG. 1), the first rotating member 24 rotates the second rotating member 25 to the non-retaining position, and the retention of the regulating member 26 by the retaining portion 25e is released. In this state, to prevent the regulating member 26 from rotating to the regulating position (see FIG. 16A), the regulating receiving portion 24d of the first rotating member 24 is configured as follows.

[0049] 15A by means of outer circumferential portion 24e, restriction receiving portion 24d can hold restriction member 26 in the second unrestricted position shown in Fig. 15A. The diameter of restriction receiving portion 24d is smaller than the dimension from axis AX2 to the tip of holding portion 25e of second rotating member 25, and is larger than the diameters of base portion 24a and abutment portion 24c of first rotating member 24 and abutment receiving portion 25b of second rotating member 25.

[0050] One end of the restriction receiving portion 24d is located radially inside the restriction portion 26b when the lid 14 is rotated to the fully open position (see FIG. 1). The angle θ4 (see FIG. 10) from one circumferential end to the other end of the restriction receiving portion 24d is sized to position the restriction receiving portion 24d radially inside the restriction portion 26b until just before (e.g., 12 degrees before) the lid 14 moves from the fully open position (see FIG. 1) to the half-open position (see FIG. 4). As a result, while the lid 14 moves from the fully open position (see FIG. 1) to the half-open position (see FIG. 4), the restriction receiving portion 24d holds the restriction member 26 in the second release position shown in FIG. 15A and prevents the restriction member 26 from moving to the restriction position (see FIG. 16A).

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, when the lid 14 moves from the fully open position (see FIG. 1) to the half-open position (see FIG. 4), the restriction receiving portion 24d releases the restriction member 26 and allows the restriction member 26 to move to the restriction position (see FIG. 16A). In this state, the restriction receiving portion 24d is positioned rearward of the restriction portion 26b in the direction A1 in which the lid 14 rotates when it is opened, and is biased in the direction A1 by the kick spring 23. Therefore, when the user releases the lid 14, the restriction receiving portion 24d abuts against the restriction portion 26b, restricting the rotation of the first rotating member 24 in the direction A1. As a result, the lid 14 is held in the half-open position (see FIG. 4).

[0052] The circumferential end of the restriction receiving portion 24d that abuts against the restriction member 26 is provided with an inclined portion 24f that allows the first rotating member 24 to be forcibly rotated in direction A1 when the lid 14 is opened from the half-open position (see FIG. 4). The inclined portion 24f is inclined radially from the inside to the outside, away from the restriction portion 26b, when the restriction member 26 is rotated to the restriction position shown in FIG. 16A. However, the inclined portion may be provided on the restriction portion 26b of the restriction member 26, or on both the restriction receiving portion 24d and the restriction portion 26b.

[0053] 7 to 9, the restricting member 26 is biased toward the restricting position (see FIG. 16A) by a kick spring (biasing member) 27. One end of the kick spring 27 is engaged with the case 21, and the other end of the kick spring 27 is engaged with a locking portion 26d provided on the main body portion 26a of the restricting member 26.

[0054] The biasing force of kick spring 27 is large enough to prevent first rotating member 24 from rotating in direction A1 due to the biasing force of kick spring 23 when restricting member 26 is rotated to the restricting position (see FIG. 16A). In addition, the biasing force of kick spring 27 is large enough to allow second rotating member 25 to rotate in direction B1 due to the rotation of first rotating member 24 due to the biasing force of kick spring 23 when restricting member 26 is held in the first unrestricted position (see FIG. 14A) by holding portion 25e of second rotating member 25.

[0055] Furthermore, the biasing force of the kick spring 27 is large enough to rotate the restricting member 26 to the second unrestricted position (see FIG. 15A) by the restricted portion 24d of the first rotating member 24 when the lid 14 is manually opened from the half-open position (see FIG. 4) toward the fully-open position (see FIG. 1). Furthermore, the biasing force of the kick spring 27 is large enough to rotate the restricting member 26 to the first unrestricted position (see FIG. 13A) by the holding portion 25e of the second rotating member 25 when the lid 14 is manually pushed from the half-open position (see FIG. 4) toward the fully-closed position (see FIG. 3).

[0056] Damper 28 is configured to suppress vibration of first rotating member 24 and the rotation speed caused by the biasing force of kick spring 23 by meshing with gear portion 24h of first rotating member 24. Referring to Figures 6 to 8, damper 28 is attached inside case 21 so as to be located below first rotating member 24.

[0057] Next, the movement of the lid device 10 when it is opened and closed will be specifically described with reference to FIGS.

[0058] When opening the lid 14 from the fully closed position shown in FIG. 3, the user pushes the lid 14 inward in the vehicle width direction. This causes the lock unit 17 to unlock the lid 14. As a result, the first rotating member 24 in the closed rotation position shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B starts to rotate in direction A1 due to the biasing force of the kick spring 23 (Pb1 in FIG. 12). This causes the link member 15 to rotate integrally with the first rotating member 24, and the lid 14 starts to move from the fully closed position shown in FIG. 3 toward the fully open position shown in FIG. 1 (Pa1 in FIG. 12).

[0059] Until the first rotating member 24 rotates by the differential angle θ3, the abutment portion 24c does not abut against the abutment receiving portion 25b, and therefore the second rotating member 25 does not rotate (Pc1 in FIG. 12). Therefore, the restricting member 26 is held in the first unrestricted position by the second rotating member 25 (Pd1 in FIG. 12). When the first rotating member 24 rotates by the differential angle θ3, the abutment portion 24c abuts against the abutment receiving portion 25b, and therefore the second rotating member 25 starts to rotate in direction B1 (Pc2 in FIG. 12), as shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B.

[0060] When second rotating member 25 rotates in direction B1, holding portion 25e releases the holding of restriction portion 26b, and restriction member 26 rotates due to the biasing force of kick spring 27. In this state, outer circumferential portion 24e of restriction receiving portion 24d of first rotating member 24 holds restriction portion 26b, and therefore, rotation of restriction member 26 stops at the second restriction release position (Pd2 in FIG. 12).

[0061] 15A and 15B, when the first rotating member 24 rotates to the open rotation position, the link member 15 rotates the lid 14 to the fully open position shown in Fig. 1. In addition, the second rotating member 25 rotates to the non-retaining position, and the restricting member 26 is maintained in the second unrestricted position by the restricting receiving portion 24d of the first rotating member 25.

[0062] When closing the lid 14 from the fully open position shown in Fig. 1, the user places his or her hand on the lid 14 and slides it upward. As a result, the lid 14 starts to move from the fully open position shown in Fig. 1 toward the half-open position shown in Fig. 4 (Pa2 in Fig. 12), and the first rotating member 24 starts to rotate in direction A2 by the link member 15 (Pb2 in Fig. 12).

[0063] Until the first rotating member 24 rotates by the differential angle θ3, the abutment portion 24c does not abut against the abutment receiving portion 25b, and the second rotating member 25 does not rotate (Pc3 in FIG. 12). Furthermore, the restricting member 26 is maintained in the second unrestricted position by the restricting receiving portion 24d of the first rotating member 24 (Pd2 in FIG. 12).

[0064] When the lid 14 rotates to near the half-open position shown in FIG. 4 (Pa3 in FIG. 12), the first rotating member 24 rotates just before reaching the differential angle θ3. In this state, the restriction receiving portion 24d of the first rotating member 24 releases the hold of the restriction portion 26b. As a result, the biasing force of the kick spring 27 rotates the restriction member 26 to the restriction position shown in FIG. 16A (Pd3 in FIG. 12). Immediately thereafter, the lid 14 reaches the half-open position shown in FIG. 4 (Pa4 in FIG. 12). Furthermore, the first rotating member 24 is positioned at the restricted position rotated by the differential angle θ3, and the abutting portion 24c abuts against the abutting receiving portion 25b of the second rotating member 25.

[0065] As shown in Figures 16A and 16B, when the lid 14 is rotated to the half-open position shown in Figure 4, the holding portion 25e of the second rotating member 25 is located in front of the regulating portion 26b of the regulating member 26 in direction B2, and the regulating receiving portion 24d of the first rotating member 24 is located behind it in direction A2.

[0066] 3 from the half-open state shown in Figures 16A and 16B, when the lid 14 is to be moved to the fully closed position shown in Figure 3, it is necessary to rotate the first rotating member 24 in direction A2 (towards the closed rotation position) and rotate the second rotating member 25 in direction B2 (towards the holding position). However, in this case, the holding portion 25e abuts against the restricting portion 26b of the restricting member 26, so that the rotation of the second rotating member 25 in direction B2, i.e., the rotation of the first rotating member 24 in direction A2, is prevented.

[0067] 16A and 16B, to move the lid 14 to the fully open position shown in FIG. 1, it is necessary to rotate the first rotating member 24 in the direction A1 (toward the open rotation position). However, in this case, the restriction receiving portion 24d of the first rotating member 24 abuts against the restriction portion 26b of the restriction member 26, preventing the first rotating member 24 from rotating in the direction A1. Furthermore, the biasing force of the kick spring 27 that biases the restriction member 26 is large enough to prevent the first rotating member 24 from rotating in the direction A1 due to the biasing force of the kick spring 23. Therefore, the first rotating member 24 is held in the restricted position (Pb3 in FIG. 12), and the lid 14 is held in the half-open position shown in FIG. 4 (Pa5 in FIG. 12).

[0068] When moving the lid 14 from the half-open position shown in FIG. 4 to the fully closed position shown in FIG. 3, the user places their hand on the lid 14 and pushes it inward in the vehicle width direction. This moves the lid 14 toward the interior of the vehicle (Pa6 in FIG. 12), and the first rotating member 24 rotates in direction A2 (Pb4 in FIG. 12). Furthermore, the abutting portion 24c of the first rotating member 24 presses the abutment receiving portion 25b, causing the second rotating member 25 to rotate in direction B2 (Pc4 in FIG. 12). The user's pushing force on the lid 14 is transmitted to the second rotating member 25 via the link member 15 and the first rotating member 24, causing the holding portion 25e to enter inside the restricting member 26 in the radial direction of the second rotating member 25. As a result, the restricting member 26 rotates toward the first unrestricted position (Pd4 in FIG. 12).

[0069] 3, the lock unit 17 locks the lid 14. As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the first rotating member 24 rotates to the closed rotation position, the second rotating member 25 rotates to the holding position, and the holding portion 25e holds the restricting member 26 in the first unrestricted position.

[0070] On the other hand, when moving the lid 14 from the half-open position shown in FIG. 4 to the fully-open position shown in FIG. 1, the user places his / her hand on the lid 14 and pulls it down. This causes the lid 14 to move downward, and the first rotating member 24 shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B rotates in direction A1. The force of the user's operation to pull down the lid 14 is transmitted from the link member 15 to the first rotating member 24, causing the restriction receiving portion 24d to enter inside the restriction portion 26b in the radial direction of the first rotating member 24, thereby holding the restriction member 26 in the second restriction release position. As a result, the lid 14 is opened by the biasing force of the kick spring 23, similar to when opening the lid 14 from the fully-closed position shown in FIG. 3.

[0071] The lid device 10 configured in this manner has the following features.

[0072] The base 11 includes a holding mechanism 20 that can hold the lid 14 in the half-open position shown in FIG. 4 only when the lid 14 is moved from the fully open position shown in FIG. 1 to the fully closed position shown in FIG. 3. On the other hand, the holding mechanism 20 does not hold the lid 14 in the half-open position shown in FIG. 4 when the lid 14 is moved from the fully closed position shown in FIG. 3 to the fully open position shown in FIG. 1. As a result, when opening the lid 14, the lid 14 moves to the fully open position shown in FIG. 1 with a single opening operation, eliminating the need for a two-motion operation. This improves operability when opening the lid 14. On the other hand, when closing the lid 14, the lid 14 is held by the holding mechanism 20 when it moves from the fully open position shown in FIG. 1 to the half-open position shown in FIG. 4 with a closing operation, and then moves to the fully closed position shown in FIG. 3 with a further closing operation of the lid 14. In this way, when closing the lid 14, the holding mechanism 20 temporarily holds the lid 14 in the half-open position shown in FIG. 4, thereby preventing hands or clothing from getting caught between the lid 14 and the base 11.

[0073] The holding mechanism 20 includes a kick spring 23 for moving the lid 14 to the fully open position shown in Fig. 1, a first rotating member 24 that rotates in conjunction with the lid 14, and a second rotating member 25 that rotates when the first rotating member 24 comes into contact with it. The holding mechanism 20 also includes a restricting member 26 that restricts the rotation of the first rotating member 24 when the lid 14 moves from the fully open position shown in Fig. 1 to the half-open position shown in Fig. 4. This allows the lid 14 to be reliably held in the half-open position shown in Fig. 4 against the biasing force of the kick spring 23.

[0074] The first rotating member 24 has a restriction receiving portion 24d that is restricted by the restricting member 26 when the lid 14 moves from the fully open position shown in Fig. 1 to the half-open position shown in Fig. 4. The restriction receiving portion 24d is also provided with an inclined portion 24f that allows rotation of the first rotating member 24 when the lid 14 moves from the half-open position shown in Fig. 4 to the fully open position shown in Fig. 1. This allows the lid 14, which is held in the half-open position shown in Fig. 4, to be moved back to the fully open position shown in Fig. 1, reopening the opening 11b, improving user convenience.

[0075] The outer peripheral portion 24e of the restriction receiving portion 24d prevents the restriction member 26 from moving to the restriction position while the lid 14 is moving from the fully open position shown in Fig. 1 to the half-open position shown in Fig. 4, and allows the restriction member 26 to move to the restriction position when the lid 14 is moving from the fully open position shown in Fig. 1 to the half-open position shown in Fig. 4. As a result, the restriction member 26 does not interfere with the rotation of the first rotating member 24 caused by the movement of the lid 14 while the lid 14 is moving from the fully open position shown in Fig. 1 to the half-open position shown in Fig. 4. This makes it possible to avoid unintended malfunctions caused by the restriction member 26.

[0076] When the lid 14 is moved to the fully closed position shown in Fig. 3, the second rotating member 25 rotates to a holding position that holds the restricting member 26 in the unrestricted position, thereby realizing a configuration in which the lid 14 is not held in the half-open position shown in Fig. 4 when the lid 14 is moved to the fully open position shown in Fig. 1. On the other hand, when the lid 14 is moved to the fully open position shown in Fig. 1, the second rotating member 25 rotates to a non-holding position that allows the restricting member 26 to move to the restricting position, thereby realizing a configuration in which the lid 14 is held in the half-open position shown in Fig. 4 when the lid 14 is moved to the fully closed position shown in Fig. 3.

[0077] 1, the abutment portion 24c of the first rotating member 24 abuts against the abutment receiving portion 25b, causing the second rotating member 25 to rotate to the non-retaining position. Furthermore, the abutment portion 24c abuts against the abutment receiving portion 25b, causing the second rotating member 25 to rotate to the retaining position, causing the lid 14 to move to the fully closed position shown in FIG. 3. This reliably achieves a configuration in which the lid 14 is not retained in the half-open position shown in FIG. 4 when the lid 14 is moved to the fully open position shown in FIG. 1, and is retained in the half-open position shown in FIG. 4 when the lid 14 is moved to the fully closed position shown in FIG. 3.

[0078] The lid 14 includes a link member 15 having a connecting portion 15a rotatably attached to the lid 14 and an attachment hole 15f for rotatably attaching the lid 14 to the base 11, and a first rotating member 24 includes a first shaft portion 24b attached to the attachment hole 15f. This allows the lid 14 to slide relative to the base 11 by rotation of the link member 15. Therefore, when the lid 14 is opened, the amount of protrusion of the lid 14 from the base 11 can be reduced, thereby preventing the lid 14 from coming into contact with outside people or objects. In addition, the kick spring 23 rotates the first rotating member 24 to move the lid 14 via the link member 15. This allows the lid 14 to be reliably moved to the fully open position shown in FIG. 1 by the biasing force of the kick spring 23.

[0079] The first rotating member 24 and the second rotating member 25 are arranged coaxially. This reduces the space required to arrange the first rotating member 24 and the second rotating member 25, allowing the holding mechanism 20 to be made smaller, and ultimately the lid device 10 to be made smaller.

[0080] The half-open position shown in Fig. 4 is set to a range of 10% to 15% of the movement range of the lid 14 from the fully closed position shown in Fig. 3 to the fully open position shown in Fig. 1 on the fully closed position side shown in Fig. 3. In other words, the half-open position is set to the area just before the fully closed position. This makes it easy to close the lid 14 from the half-open position to the fully closed position.

[0081] (Second embodiment) 17, the holding mechanism 20 of the lid device 10 of the second embodiment differs from the holding mechanism 20 of the first embodiment in the configurations of the second rotating member 25 and the regulating member 26. In FIG. 17, the same elements as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0082] The second rotating member 25 has an inclined portion 25f on one side of the holding portion 25e, and does not have an inclined portion on the other side of the holding portion 25e. The restricting member 26 does not have the fitting groove 26c shown in Figure 8 in the restricting portion 26b. In the second embodiment thus constructed, the operability when opening the lid 14 can be improved, and the same functions and effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0083] The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible.

[0084] For example, the configuration of the holding mechanism 20 can be changed as needed, as long as it is configured to hold the lid 14 in the half-open position shown in Figure 4 only when the lid 14 is manually moved from the fully open position shown in Figure 1 to the fully closed position shown in Figure 3.

[0085] The restricting member 26 may be attached to the case 21 so as to be slidable (linearly movable) in the radial direction of the first rotating member 24 and the second rotating member 25.

[0086] The restriction receiving portion 24d of the first rotating member 24 may not have the inclined portion 24f. The restriction receiving portion 24d may not hold the restriction member 26 in the second restriction release position.

[0087] The structure for rotating the second rotating member 25 by contact with the first rotating member 24 may be other than the fan-shaped contact portion 24c and contact-receiving portion 25b.

[0088] The lid 14 can be changed as needed as long as it can move between a position that closes the opening 11b and a position that opens it. For example, it may be configured to be slidable in the vehicle length direction, or it may be configured to be rotatable relative to the base 11.

[0089] The lid device 10 may be of an automatic opening / closing type in which an actuator operates the holding mechanism 20 to electrically open and close the lid 14. In this case, operability can be improved compared to when the lid 14 must be opened and closed manually, such as when the battery installed in the vehicle is low on power. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 10 Lid device 11. Base 11b opening 14 Lid 15 Link member 15a Connecting part (one end) 15f Mounting hole (other end) 20 Retention mechanism 23 Kick spring (biasing member) 24 First rotating member 24b 1st shaft part 24c Contact part 24d Regulated Department 24e Outer periphery 24f slope part 24g 2nd shaft part 25 Second rotating member 25b Contact receiving part 26 Regulatory components

Claims

1. a base having an opening; a lid attached to the base so as to be movable between a fully closed position where the opening is closed and a fully open position where the opening is opened; In a lid device comprising: The lid device includes a holding mechanism that can hold the lid at a half-open position between the fully open position and the fully closed position only when the lid is moved from the fully open position to the fully closed position.

2. The holding mechanism includes: a biasing member for moving the lid from the fully closed position to the fully open position; a first rotating member that rotates in conjunction with the lid; a second rotating member that rotates by contact with the first rotating member when the first rotating member rotates; a restricting member that is movable between a restricting position where the rotation of the first rotating member can be restricted and a restricting release position where the rotation of the first rotating member cannot be restricted, and that restricts the rotation of the first rotating member when the lid moves from the fully open position to the half open position; The lid assembly according to claim 1 , comprising:

3. the first rotating member has a restriction receiving portion that is restricted by the restricting member at the restricting position when the lid moves from the fully open position to the half open position, The lid device according to claim 2, wherein one of the regulating member and the regulating receiving portion is provided with an inclined portion for allowing rotation of the first rotating member due to movement of the lid from the half-open position toward the fully-open position.

4. The lid device according to claim 3, wherein the regulating portion has an outer peripheral portion that prevents the regulating member from moving to the regulating position while the lid is moving from the fully open position to the half-open position, and allows the regulating member to move to the regulating position when the lid is moving from the fully open position to the half-open position.

5. The second rotating member is rotatable between a holding position that holds the regulating member in the release position and a non-holding position that allows the regulating member to move to the regulating position, and rotates to the holding position by rotation of the first rotating member due to movement of the lid from the fully open position to the fully closed position, and rotates to the non-holding position by rotation of the first rotating member due to movement of the lid from the fully closed position to the fully open position.A lid device as described in any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. the second rotating member has an abutment receiving portion that receives contact with the first rotating member due to rotation of the first rotating member, The lid device described in claim 5, wherein the first rotating member abuts against the abutment receiving portion when the lid moves from the fully closed position to the fully open position, thereby rotating the second rotating member to the non-retaining position, and has an abutment portion that abuts against the abutment receiving portion when the lid moves from the fully open position to the fully closed position, thereby rotating the second rotating member to the retaining position.

7. a link member having one end rotatably attached to the lid and another end for rotatably attaching to the base; the first rotating member is rotatably attached to the base and includes a shaft portion attached to the other end of the link member; The lid device according to claim 2 , wherein the biasing member is attached to the shaft portion of the first rotating member, and moves the lid via the link member by rotating the first rotating member.

8. The lid device according to claim 2 , wherein the first rotating member and the second rotating member are arranged coaxially.

9. The lid device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the half-open position is set within a range of 10% to 15% of the movement range of the lid from the fully closed position to the fully open position on the fully closed position side.

Images