Vehicle door device

Abstract

To secure high functionality and reliability.SOLUTION: A door device 20 supports a door 5 of a vehicle in an openable and closable manner by constituting a link mechanism 15 using a cover link 210 covered with a link cover 200. In addition, the door device 20 includes a base end cover 230 that covers the coupling member 220 of the cover link 210 with respect to the vehicle body 2. Further, the door device 20 includes a guide rail extending around the first rotation coupling point X1 with respect to the vehicle body 2 configured by the coupling member 220, and a shutter member 240 having an engagement portion with respect to the guide rail. The shutter member 240 slides along the guide rail in conjunction with the cover link 210 that rotates around the first rotation connection point X1 based on the opening and closing operation of the door 5. As a result, the shutter member 240 is disposed in the gap α between the link cover 200 and the base end cover 230 generated by the rotation of the cover link 200.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there is a vehicle door device that includes first and second link arms having a first pivot connection point with respect to the vehicle body and a second pivot connection point with respect to the vehicle door. In such a vehicle door device, a door provided in the door opening opens and closes based on the operation of a link mechanism formed by the first and second link arms. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a configuration that includes a link cover that covers the link arms. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-145006 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, ensuring high functionality and reliability is an important issue in vehicles, and further improvements are also required in door devices using the above-mentioned link mechanisms. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The vehicle door device of the present invention comprises first and second link arms having a first pivotal connection point relative to the vehicle body and a second pivotal connection point relative to the vehicle door, and the door opens and closes based on the operation of a link mechanism formed by the first and second link arms, and at least one of the first and second link arms is a cover link covered by a link cover, and comprises: a base end cover that covers the connecting member of the cover link to the vehicle body, a guide rail extending around the first pivotal connection point formed by the connecting member, and a shutter member having an engagement portion for the guide rail, and the shutter member slides along the guide rail in conjunction with the cover link that rotates around the first pivotal connection point based on the opening and closing operation of the door, and the shutter member is positioned in the gap between the link cover and the base end cover created by the rotation of the cover link.

[0006] According to the above configuration, even when the door is opened, the shutter member disposed in the gap between the link cover and the base end cover acts as a screening member, making it difficult to see inside the base end cover. This ensures excellent design and also effectively protects the connecting member disposed inside the base end cover and the first pivot connection point with the vehicle body formed by this connecting member.

[0007] Furthermore, the shutter member slides along the guide rail, ensuring stable operation of the shutter member in conjunction with the rotation of the cover link. Furthermore, the shutter member has an engagement portion for the guide rail, so that the shutter member can be stably supported based on the engagement force. This ensures high functionality and reliability. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, high functionality and reliability can be ensured. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a door device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the door device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the first and second link arms that constitute the link mechanism. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the first and second link arms that constitute the link mechanism. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the first and second link arms that constitute the link mechanism. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the first and second link arms that constitute the link mechanism. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the door-side engaging portion and the vehicle-body-side engaging portion. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the door-side engaging portion, the vehicle-body-side engaging portion, the door, and the door opening. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a system configuration diagram of the door device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the vicinity of the door opening where the door device is provided. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a side view of the door device. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the door device. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a plan view of the door device. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a plan view of the vicinity of the drive unit. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the drive unit and the vehicle body bracket. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the vicinity of the cover link on which the shutter device is provided. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the vicinity of the cover link on which the shutter device is provided. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the vicinity of the cover link on which the shutter device is provided. [Figure 19]FIG. 19 is a side view of a door device equipped with a shutter device. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a door device equipped with a shutter device. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a door device equipped with a shutter device. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of a door device equipped with a shutter device. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a door device equipped with a shutter device. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of a door device equipped with a shutter device. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of a door device equipped with a shutter device. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of a door device equipped with a shutter device. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a side view of the shutter member. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the shutter device showing the state in which the shutter member is engaged with the guide rail. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a top view of the shutter device in the vicinity of the upper rail configured as a variable rail. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 is a top view of the shutter device in the vicinity of the upper rail configured as a variable rail. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is a bottom view of the shutter device in the vicinity of the upper rail configured as a variable rail. [Figure 32] FIG. 32 is a bottom view of the shutter device in the vicinity of the upper rail configured as a variable rail. [Figure 33] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the vicinity of the inner cover member provided inside the base end cover. [Figure 34] FIG. 34 is a top view of the inner cover member and its vicinity during the door opening operation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a vehicle door device will be described with reference to the drawings. <Link mechanism> 1 and 2, a vehicle 1 of this embodiment has a door opening 3 provided in a side surface 2s of a vehicle body 2. A first link arm 11 and a second link arm 12 that support a door 5 of the vehicle 1 at the door opening 3 are provided in the door opening 3.

[0011] More specifically, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the first and second link arms 11, 12 each have a first rotation connection point X1 with respect to the vehicle body 2 and a second rotation connection point X2 with respect to the door 5. Specifically, the first link arm 11 is connected to the vehicle body 2 while being journaled on a spindle N1a extending in the vertical direction (vertical direction in each drawing), and is connected to the door 5 while being journaled on a spindle N1b extending in the vertical direction. The second link arm 12 is also connected to the vehicle body 2 while being journaled on a spindle N2a extending in the vertical direction, and is connected to the door 5 while being journaled on a spindle N2b extending in the vertical direction.

[0012] 3 to 6, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the first and second link arms 11, 12 form a link mechanism 15 configured as a four-bar link. The vehicle 1 of this embodiment is configured so that the door 5 supported in the door opening 3 opens and closes based on the operation of the link mechanism 15.

[0013] 1 and 2, the vehicle 1 of this embodiment uses these first and second link arms 11, 12 to support the door 5 at the door opening 3 on the rear side of the vehicle (left side in FIG. 1, right side in FIG. 2). In the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, these first and second link arms 11, 12 each have a first pivot connection point X1 that is pivotally connected to the vehicle body 2 near a rear edge 3r of the door opening 3. In the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, these first and second link arms 11, 12 are arranged spaced apart in the vertical direction.

[0014] In the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the first link arm 11 is provided higher than the second link arm 12. The first link arm 11 has a second rotation connection point X2 that is rotatably connected to the door 5 at approximately the center of the door 5 in the front-to-rear direction. On the other hand, the second link arm 12 has a second rotation connection point X2 that is connected to the door 5 near the front end 5f of the door 5. As a result, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, a door device 20 is formed in which the door 5 opens and closes based on the operation of the link mechanism 15 formed by the first and second link arms 11, 12.

[0015] <Operation of the link mechanism> 3 to 6, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, the first and second link arms 11 and 12 each rotate counterclockwise in the drawings about the first rotation connection point X1 during the opening operation of the door 5. As a result, the door 5 of the vehicle 1 supported by the first and second link arms 11 and 12 opens toward the rear of the vehicle (to the left in the drawings).

[0016] In the door device 20 of this embodiment, when the door 5 is closed, the first and second link arms 11 and 12 each rotate clockwise in the drawings around the first rotation connection point X1, thereby causing the door 5 of the vehicle 1 supported by the first and second link arms 11 and 12 to close toward the front of the vehicle (to the right in the drawings).

[0017] Furthermore, in the door apparatus 20 of this embodiment, the opening / closing movement locus R of the door 5 is defined so as to describe an arc-shaped glide locus Rg based on the movement of the link mechanism 15 formed by the first and second link arms 11 and 12. That is, as shown in Fig. 5, at an intermediate position where the first and second link arms 11 and 12 extend in the vehicle width direction (the up-down direction in Figs. 3 to 6), the movement component in the vehicle front-rear direction becomes large. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the opening / closing movement position of the door 5 approaches the fully closed position P0, where the first and second link arms 11 and 12 extend in the vehicle front-rear direction (the left-right direction in Figs. 3 to 6), and thus the movement component in the vehicle width direction becomes large.

[0018] In the door device 20 of this embodiment, the first link arm 11 has the second pivot connection point X2 with respect to the door 5 at a position closer to the center of gravity G than the second link arm 12. That is, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, the first link arm 11 is therefore positioned as the main link 21 that supports a larger door load. The second link arm 12 is positioned as the sub-link 22 that receives a relatively small door load.

[0019] In the door device 20 of this embodiment, the first link arm 11 has a larger outer shape than the second link arm 12. As a result, the door device 20 of this embodiment is configured to impart high support rigidity to the first link arm 11 positioned on the main link 21.

[0020] <Door-side engagement portion and vehicle-body-side engagement portion> 3 to 7, the door device 20 of this embodiment includes a door-side engaging portion 31 provided at the front end 5f of the door 5 and a vehicle-body-side engaging portion 32 provided at the front edge 3f of the door opening 3. That is, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the door-side engaging portion 31 is provided at a closing-side end 33 located on the closing operation side of the door 5, which opens and closes the door opening 3 of the vehicle 1 based on the operation of the link mechanism 15 formed by the first and second link arms 11 and 12. Furthermore, the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 32 is provided at a closing-side end 34 of the door opening 3 to which the closing-side end 33 of the door 5 moves toward or away from the door 5 based on the opening and closing operation of the door 5 moving in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle. The door device 20 of this embodiment is configured so that the door-side engaging portion 31 and the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 32 engage with each other when the door 5 is in the vicinity of the fully closed position P0.

[0021] More specifically, the door-side engaging portion 31 of this embodiment includes, as its guide engaging portion, a shaft-shaped engaging portion 41 extending in the vertical direction of the vehicle 1 (a direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in FIG. 7). In the door device 20 of this embodiment, the shaft-shaped engaging portion 41 serving as the guide engaging portion is configured as a roller 41x rotatably supported around a support shaft (not shown) extending in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 32 includes a guide groove 42 having a pair of side walls 42a, 42b facing each other in the vehicle width direction (the vertical direction in FIG. 7) and extending in the opening and closing direction of the door 5. When the door device 20 of this embodiment is located near the fully closed position P0, the shaft-shaped engaging portion 41 constituting the guide engaging portion is disposed in the guide groove 42, and the door-side engaging portion 31 and the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 32 engage with each other.

[0022] That is, the shaft-shaped engaging portion 41 of the door-side engaging portion 31 is disposed in the guide groove 42 of the vehicle body-side engaging portion 32 while being sandwiched between a pair of side wall portions 42a, 42b facing each other in the vehicle width direction, thereby restricting displacement of the door 5 in the vehicle width direction. This enables the door device 20 of this embodiment to stably support the door 5 even near the fully closed position P0 where the first and second link arms 11, 12 forming the link mechanism 15 tend to be aligned.

[0023] 8 and 9, the door device 20 of this embodiment has door-side engaging portions 31, 31 provided at the front end portion 5f of the door 5 at two positions spaced apart in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the door device 20 has vehicle-body-side engaging portions 32, 32 provided at the front edge portion 3f of the door opening 3 at two positions similarly spaced apart in the vertical direction. The door device 20 of this embodiment is configured to hold the door 5 in the fully closed position P0 with the door-side engaging portions 31, 31 and the vehicle-body-side engaging portions 32, 32 engaged with each other.

[0024] Specifically, the door 5 supported by this link mechanism 15 is configured as a rear door. Furthermore, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, a door opening 3F at the front of the vehicle and a door opening 3R at the rear of the vehicle are separated by a B-pillar 44. In the door device 20 of this embodiment, the B-pillar 44 is provided with the vehicle body side engaging portions 32, 32.

[0025] <Locking device> 9, the door apparatus 20 of this embodiment is equipped with a locking device 45 that holds the door 5 in a fully closed state. Specifically, the door apparatus 20 is equipped with a rear lock 45R provided at the rear end 5r of the door 5 and a front lock 45F provided at the front end 5f of the door 5 as the locking devices 45. Furthermore, each of these locking devices 45 is equipped with a latch mechanism 47 that engages with a striker 46 provided on the vehicle body 2 when the door 5 moves to the fully closed position P0. Each locking device 45 restrains the door 5 in the fully closed position P0 based on the engaging force of each latch mechanism 47 and each striker 46.

[0026] That is, the front latch 47F constituting the latch mechanism 47 of the front lock 45F restrains the front end 5f of the door 5 on which the front latch 47F is provided, i.e., the closing side end 33 of the door 5, to the front edge 3f of the door opening 3, which corresponds to the closing side end 34 of the door opening 3. In the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the striker 46 that engages with the front latch 47F is also provided on the B-pillar 44. Furthermore, the rear latch 47R constituting the latch mechanism 47 of the rear lock 45R restrains the rear end 5r of the door 5 on which the rear latch 47R is provided, i.e., the opening side end 48 of the door 5, to the rear edge 3r of the door opening 3, which corresponds to the opening side end 49 of the door opening 3. Thus, the door device 20 of this embodiment is configured to stably maintain the door 5, which has been moved to the fully closed position P0, in the fully closed state.

[0027] <Variable connection length mechanism> 3 to 6, in the door apparatus 20 of this embodiment, the second link arm 12 positioned as the sub-link 22 is provided with a variable connection length mechanism 50 that can change the connection length L between the first and second rotational connection points X1, X2. Furthermore, the variable connection length mechanism 50 is biased in a direction that shortens the length between the first and second rotational connection points X1, X2, that is, the connection length L of the door 5 by the second link arm 12 to which the variable connection length mechanism 50 is provided. Thus, the door apparatus 20 of this embodiment is configured so that the door 5 opens and closes with the connection length L by the second link arm 12 shortened.

[0028] 3, 4, and 7, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, the door 5 is allowed to open and close with the door-side engaging portion 31 and the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 32 engaged based on the operation of the variable coupling length mechanism 50 provided on the second link arm 12. Specifically, when the door 5 opens and closes with the door-side engaging portion 31 and the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 32 engaged, the shaft-shaped engaging portion 41 is relatively displaced along the extending direction of the guide groove 42 while the coupling length L is changed based on the operation of the variable coupling length mechanism 50. As a result, the opening and closing movement locus R of the door 5 changes in the door device 20 of this embodiment.

[0029] That is, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, when the door 5 moves to the fully closed position P0, the door-side engaging portion 31 engages with the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 32, and the opening and closing operation of the door 5 is guided with the shaft-shaped engaging portion 41 disposed within the guide groove 42. As a result, the door device 20 of this embodiment is configured so that the glide locus Rg based on the operation of the link mechanism 15 changes into a linear slide locus Rs along the opening width direction of the door opening 3.

[0030] In the case of the door opening 3 provided on the side surface 2s of the vehicle body 2, as in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the "opening width direction" is the front-rear direction of the vehicle. In this case, the "opening direction" of the door opening 3 that connects the interior of the vehicle (not shown) with the outside of the vehicle is the vehicle width direction.

[0031] Specifically, in the door apparatus 20 of this embodiment, when the door 5 is fully closed, an operating force in the closing direction is applied to the door 5 with the door-side engaging portion 31 and the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 32 engaged. In the door apparatus 20 of this embodiment, the operating force for opening or closing the door 5 is assumed to be a driving force of a drive device (described later) or a manual operation by a user. Furthermore, in this case, the operating force in the closing direction operates the variable connection length mechanism 50 provided on the second link arm 12, thereby extending the connection length L of the door 5 by the second link arm 12 based on the engagement state between the door-side engaging portion 31 and the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 32. Thus, the door apparatus 20 of this embodiment is configured such that the door 5 supported by the link mechanism 15 performs a closing operation toward the fully closed position P0 in a manner that describes the linear sliding path Rs as described above.

[0032] Furthermore, when the door 5 is opened from the fully closed position P0, an operating force in the opening direction is applied to the door 5 with the door-side engaging portion 31 and the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 32 engaged. Furthermore, in this case, the variable connection length mechanism 50 operates based on the operating force in the opening direction, thereby shortening the connection length L of the door 5 by the second link arm 12 based on the engagement state between the door-side engaging portion 31 and the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 32. Thus, the door device 20 of this embodiment is configured so that the door 5 supported by the link mechanism 15 performs an opening operation from the fully closed position P0 in a manner that also describes a linear sliding path Rs.

[0033] <Drive unit> As shown in Fig. 10, the door apparatus 20 of this embodiment includes a drive unit 51 that drives to open and close the door 5 of the vehicle 1 supported by the link mechanism 15 formed by the first and second link arms 11 and 12. In the door apparatus 20 of this embodiment, the drive unit 51 applies drive torque to the first link arm 11, which is positioned on the main link 21, using the first link arm 11 as a drive link 55. The drive unit 51 of this embodiment thereby rotates the first link arm 11 about a first rotation connection point X1 with respect to the vehicle body 2, thereby opening and closing the door 5 supported by the first link arm 11.

[0034] More specifically, in the door apparatus 20 of this embodiment, the first link arm 11 includes an arm body 60 having a long, generally rod-shaped external shape. The first link arm 11 of this embodiment also includes a base end bracket 61 and a tip end bracket 62 connected to longitudinal ends of the arm body 60. The door apparatus 20 of this embodiment also includes a vehicle body bracket 63 to which the base end bracket 61 of the first link arm 11 is rotatably connected while being fixed near the rear edge 3r of the door opening 3. The door apparatus 20 of this embodiment also includes a door bracket 64 to which the tip end bracket 62 of the first link arm 11 is rotatably connected while being fixed to the door 5.

[0035] That is, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, the base end bracket 61 and the vehicle body bracket 63, which are connected so as to be rotatable relative to each other, form a first rotation connection point X1 of the first link arm 11. Furthermore, the tip end bracket 62 and the door bracket 64, which are also connected so as to be rotatable relative to each other, form a second rotation connection point X2 of the first link arm 11. Thus, the drive unit 51 of this embodiment is configured to input its drive torque to the base end portion 11b of the first link arm 11, which is rotatably supported with respect to the vehicle body 2.

[0036] Specifically, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, the base end bracket 61 constituting the base end portion 11b of the first link arm 11 and the vehicle body bracket 63 are connected at two positions spaced apart in the vertical direction by using a pair of connecting pins 76, 76. As a result, the door device 20 of this embodiment is configured so that the rotation axis 11x of the first link arm 11 relative to the vehicle body 2, that is, the first rotation connection point X1, is formed at a position passing through the axes of the connecting pins 76, 76.

[0037] More specifically, the drive unit 51 of this embodiment includes an actuator 65 that outputs a drive torque, and a torque input unit 80 that inputs the drive torque of the actuator 65 to a base end bracket 61 that constitutes the base end 11b of the first link arm 11. Furthermore, in the door apparatus 20 of this embodiment, the drive unit 51 is provided at an axial position between the pair of connecting pins 76, 76, while being supported by a vehicle body bracket 63. Thus, the door apparatus 20 of this embodiment is configured to rotationally drive the first link arm 11 at a position coaxial with the rotation axis 11x of the first link arm 11 that forms the first rotation connection point X1 with respect to the vehicle body 2.

[0038] <System configuration> 3 to 6 and 9, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, the operation of the drive device 51 configured as described above is controlled by a control device 90. Specifically, the control device 90 of this embodiment supplies drive power to the actuator 65 of the drive device 51, more specifically, to the motor 65m that serves as the drive source thereof. The control device 90 of this embodiment controls the operation of the drive device 51 based on the rotation of the motor 65m through the supply of drive power to the motor 65m. In other words, the control device 90 is configured to control the opening and closing operation of the door 5 supported by the link mechanism 15 formed by the first link arm 11 and the second link arm 12 that serve as the drive link 55.

[0039] More specifically, a user's operation input to an operation input unit 91 provided on a door 5 of the vehicle 1, in the vehicle interior, or on a portable device or the like is input as an operation input signal S1 to the control device 90 of this embodiment. Specifically, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, a door switch 93 is provided near the rear of the window frame of the door 5 on which the door device 20 is provided as the operation input unit 91. Note that this door switch 93 is sometimes referred to as a "C-pillar switch," etc. Furthermore, a capacitance sensor 94 capable of contactlessly detecting a user's operation input is provided near the front of the window frame. The control device 90 of this embodiment detects a user's request to operate the door 5 based on the operation input signal S1 output by the operation input unit 91.

[0040] Furthermore, various control signals S2 indicating the operation state of the door 5 and the vehicle state are input to the control device 90 of this embodiment. For example, the opening / closing operation position and speed of the door 5 are input to the control device 90 of this embodiment as the control signals S2. The control device 90 of this embodiment controls the opening / closing operation of the door 5 based on the driving force of the drive device 51 based on these control signals S2 in addition to the operation input signal S1.

[0041] In the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, a touch sensor 95 is provided at the front end 5f of the door 5 to detect the occurrence of pinching when the door 5 is closing. The touch sensor 95 may be a contact-type or capacitance-type pressure-sensitive sensor, or a non-contact sensor. When the control device 90 of this embodiment detects the occurrence of pinching based on the output signal of the touch sensor 95, the control device 90 executes control to eliminate the pinching, such as by driving the door 5 in the reverse direction during the closing operation.

[0042] In the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the operation input signals S1 output by each of the operation input units 91 and the control signals S2 output by the various sensor devices 96 are input to the control device 90 via an in-vehicle network 97 such as a CAN (Control Area Network). Alternatively, a LAN (Local Area Network) or the like can be used as the in-vehicle network 97. The in-vehicle network 97 can be configured using a wired system using a signal line or wireless communication.

[0043] In addition, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the control device 90 controls the operation of a closer device 98 provided in the door 5. That is, the closer device 98 has a closing function that drives the latch mechanism 47 of each locking device 45 to transition to a fully latched state when the latch mechanism 47 is in a half-latched state. The closer device 98 also has a release function that drives the latch mechanism 47 to transition to an unlatched state. The control device 90 of this embodiment controls the engaged and disengaged states of the latch mechanisms 47 constituting each locking device 45 through the operation of the closer device 98, that is, it restrains the door 5 at the fully closed position P0 and releases the restraint.

[0044] Specifically, the closer device 98 of this embodiment is provided integrally with the rear lock 45R. Furthermore, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, the driving force of this closer device 98 is transmitted to the front lock 45F via a drive cable (not shown). This allows the control device 90 of this embodiment to control the operation of the rear lock 45R and the front lock 45F while the rear latch 47R and the front latch 47F are interlocked.

[0045] The type and location of the closer device 98 can be changed as desired. For example, the closer device 98 can be configured to be integrated with the front lock 45F. Alternatively, an independent closer device 98 can be provided for each of the locking devices 45. Furthermore, the closer device 98 can be located away from each of the locking devices 45. A release device for releasing each of the locking devices 45 can be provided separately from the closer device 98 for closing each of the locking devices 45.

[0046] That is, the control device 90 of this embodiment controls the operation of the closer device 98 together with the drive device 51 based on the input of an operation input signal S1 indicating an operation request from a user. For example, the control device 90 executes release control of each lock device 45 by operation of the closer device 98 prior to controlling the opening drive of the door 5 by operation of the drive device 51. Furthermore, after controlling the closing drive of the door 5 by operation of the drive device 51, the control device 90 subsequently executes close control of each lock device 45 by operation of the closer device 98. Thus, the door device 20 of this embodiment is configured so that the opening operation of the door 5 supported by the link mechanism 15 formed by the first and second link arms 11, 12 from a fully closed state and the closing operation of the door 5 to the fully closed state can be smoothly performed.

[0047] In addition, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the door 5 is provided with an emergency release lever 99. Furthermore, this emergency release lever 99 is connected to each locking device 45 via a drive cable (not shown). Thus, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, in the event of an emergency such as a power loss, for example, the emergency release lever 99 can be operated to release the restraint of the door 5 by each locking device 45.

[0048] <Actuator and torque input section> 11 to 14, the actuator 65 of this embodiment has a configuration as a so-called geared motor in which a reducer is integrated with a motor 65m serving as a drive source. The torque input unit 80 of this embodiment includes a first gear 131 that meshes with a pinion gear 130 that serves as the output unit of the actuator 65, and a second gear 132 that rotates coaxially with the first gear 131. The torque input unit 80 of this embodiment also includes a drive lever 135 that has a sector gear 134 that meshes with the second gear 132 and is rotatably supported.

[0049] Furthermore, in the torque input portion 80 of this embodiment, the first gear 131 is set to have a larger number of teeth than the pinion gear 130. As a result, the drive device 51 of this embodiment is configured so that the torque input portion 80 functions as a speed reduction mechanism.

[0050] More specifically, the drive unit 51 of this embodiment includes an upper bracket 141 and a lower bracket 143 between which a support shaft 138 for the first gear 131 and the second gear 132 is suspended. The drive unit 51 also includes a middle bracket 145 that has a through hole 144 inside which the second gear 132 is disposed and is disposed between the upper bracket 141 and the lower bracket 143. The drive unit 51 of this embodiment is configured so that a drive lever 135 that is formed integrally with the sector gear 134 is supported by a support shaft 146 that is suspended between the middle bracket 145 and the lower bracket 143.

[0051] In the drive device 51 of this embodiment, the actuator 65 is fixed to the upper surface of the upper bracket 141. In the drive device 51 of this embodiment, the pinion gear 130, which serves as the output portion of the actuator 65, is inserted into the through-hole 147 formed in the upper bracket 141. In this manner, the drive device 51 of this embodiment is configured such that the pinion gear 130 is disposed between the upper bracket 141 and the middle bracket 145, and the pinion gear 130 meshes with the first gear 131.

[0052] More specifically, in the drive unit 51 of this embodiment, a support shaft 146 of the drive lever 135 having the sector gear 134 that constitutes the torque input portion 80 is disposed at a position that is approximately coaxial with the rotation shaft 11x of the first link arm 11. The drive lever 135 of this embodiment also has an engagement protrusion 151 provided at an end opposite to the sector gear 134 that constitutes the gear train, across the support shaft 146. Furthermore, in the door apparatus 20 of this embodiment, an engagement member 152 for the engagement protrusion 151 is provided at the base end 11b of the first link arm 11 that constitutes the drive link 55. The drive unit 51 of this embodiment is configured so that the drive torque of the actuator 65 transmitted via the torque input portion 80 is input to the first link arm 11 in a state in which the engagement protrusion 151 and the engagement member 152 are engaged with each other.

[0053] 13 and 14, in the drive device 51 of this embodiment, the first link arm 11 rotates integrally with the drive lever 135 of the torque input portion 80 around the first rotation connection point X1 with respect to the vehicle body 2 based on the drive torque of the actuator 65. This enables the drive device 51 of this embodiment to open and close the door 5 supported by the link mechanism 15 formed by the first link arm 11.

[0054] Specifically, in the drive unit 51 of this embodiment, the door 5 supported by the first link arm 11 is opened by rotating the first link arm 11 counterclockwise in Figures 13 and 14. The drive unit 51 of this embodiment is configured so that the door 5 supported by the first link arm 11 is closed by rotating the first link arm 11 clockwise in Figures 13 and 14.

[0055] <Driver fixing structure> 11 and 15, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, the drive unit 51 has a plurality of fastening portions 160 provided on the lower bracket 143. The drive unit 51 of this embodiment is configured to be fixed to the vehicle body bracket 63 that forms the first rotation connection point X1 of the first link arm 11, which serves as the drive link 55, with respect to the vehicle body 2, by fastening using these fastening portions 160.

[0056] More specifically, the drive unit 51 of this embodiment is fastened to the vehicle body bracket 63 by a first fastening portion 161 provided on the lower end portion 143b of the lower bracket 143 near the lower connecting pin 76 that forms the first rotation connection point X1. In the drive unit 51, the lower bracket 143 has an extending portion 143x that extends upward from its rear end portion 143r. The drive unit 51 of this embodiment also has a second fastening portion 162 and a third fastening portion 163 provided on this extending portion 143x. The drive unit 51 of this embodiment is configured to be fastened to the vehicle body bracket 63 from two different directions using the second fastening portion 162 and the third fastening portion 163.

[0057] Specifically, the drive unit 51 of this embodiment is fastened to the vehicle body bracket 63 from the outer side in the vehicle width direction (the front side of the paper in FIG. 11) using a first fastening portion 161 and a second fastening portion 162. Furthermore, the drive unit 51 is fastened to the vehicle body bracket 63 from the rear side of the vehicle (the right side in FIG. 11) using a third fastening portion 163. The door device 20 of this embodiment is configured so that the drive unit 51 is stably supported by the vehicle body bracket 63 by being fastened at these three locations.

[0058] <Link cover and base end cover> 16 to 18, the door device 20 of this embodiment is provided with link covers 200, 200 that respectively cover the first link arm 11 positioned on the main link 21 and the second link arm 12 positioned on the sub-link 22. In the door device 20 of this embodiment, therefore, each of the first and second link arms 11, 12 that constitute the link mechanism 15 has a configuration as a cover link 210 covered by the link cover 200.

[0059] The door device 20 of this embodiment also includes a connecting member 220 that rotatably connects the first link arm 11 configured as a cover link 210 to the vehicle body 2, that is, a base end cover 230 that covers the vehicle body bracket 63. The door device 20 of this embodiment also includes a second link arm 12 configured as a cover link 210, and the connecting member 220 to the vehicle body 2 is also covered by a similar base end cover 230.

[0060] In the door device 20 of this embodiment, the second link arm 12 constituting the sub-link 22 is also connected to the vehicle body 2 via a vehicle body bracket 121, and is connected to the door 5 via a door bracket 122 (see FIG. 10). The door device 20 of this embodiment is configured such that the vehicle body bracket 121 serves as a connecting member 220 for the second link arm 12 to the vehicle body 2, and the vehicle body bracket 121 is covered by a base end cover 230 on the second link arm 12 side.

[0061] In the door device 20 of this embodiment, the link covers 200 and the base end covers 230 are each provided with skins 200s, 230s made of the same material as the interior components of the vehicle 1, such as door trim. These skins 200s, 230s may be made of a soft material, such as resin or sponge. This allows the door device 20 of this embodiment to be easily integrated with the interior components of the vehicle 1, with the cover links 210 covered by the link cover 200 and the connecting members 220 covered by the base end covers 230.

[0062] In the door device 20 of this embodiment, a switch panel 215 is provided at the front end portion of the door trim. The door device 20 of this embodiment is configured so that various switches provided on this switch panel 215 serve as an operation input unit 91, allowing a passenger of the vehicle 1 to issue a request for operation of the door 5, such as opening or closing the door 5 by operating the drive device 51.

[0063] <Shutter device> In the door device 20 of this embodiment, the first and second link arms 11, 12 configured as cover links 210 each rotate around a first rotation connection point X1 formed by a connecting member 220 to the vehicle body 2 based on the opening and closing operation of the door 5. Furthermore, when the door 5 is opened, each of these cover links 210 rotates around the first rotation connection point X1, causing the base end portion 200b of the link cover 200 to move away from the base end cover 230. The door device 20 of this embodiment is provided with a shutter device 250 that places a shutter member 240 having a screening function in a gap α between the link cover 200 and the base end cover 230 that is generated as a result of this.

[0064] In the door device 20 of this embodiment, the shutter devices 250 provided on the first and second link arms 11, 12 have approximately the same configuration. Therefore, for the sake of convenience, only the shutter device 250 on the first link arm 11 side constituting the main link 21 will be described below with reference to the drawings, and the description of the shutter device 250 on the second link arm 12 side positioned on the sub-link 22 will be omitted.

[0065] 16 to 19, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, when the door 5 is in the fully closed state as described above, the first link arm 11 extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (left-right direction in FIG. 19). In addition, in this state, the first link arm 11 configured as the cover link 210 has a base end 200b of its link cover 200 open toward the rear of the vehicle (left side in FIG. 19), that is, toward the first rotation connection point X1 with respect to the vehicle body 2. Furthermore, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, in this state, the base end cover 230 covering the vehicle body bracket 63 as the connecting member 220 that forms the first rotation connection point X1 opens toward the front of the vehicle (right side in FIG. 19). As a result, the door device 20 of this embodiment is configured so that the link cover 200 and the base end cover 230 cover the first link arm 11 and the vehicle body bracket 63 with almost no gaps, with the openings 200x, 230x facing each other.

[0066] In the door device 20 of this embodiment, when the door 5 is opened, the first link arm 11 rotates, exposing the opening 230x of the base end cover 230, and a gap α is formed between the link cover 200 and the base end cover 230. Furthermore, the shutter device 250 of this embodiment has a shutter member 240 disposed in the opening 230x of the base end cover 230 facing the front side of the vehicle. As a result, the door device 20 of this embodiment is configured such that the inside of the base end cover 230 is difficult to see even when the door 5 is opened.

[0067] 19 to 22, in the shutter device 250 of this embodiment, the shutter member 240 has a flexible, generally sheet-like outer shape. The shutter device 250 of this embodiment also includes a guide rail 260 that extends around a first rotation connection point X1 with respect to the vehicle body 2, which is formed by the vehicle body bracket 63 serving as the connecting member 220. In other words, this guide rail 260 extends along the circumferential direction of the rotation axis 11x of the first link arm 11, which is formed by the vehicle body bracket 63, in the radial direction outside thereof. Furthermore, the shutter member 240 of this embodiment also includes an engagement portion 270 for engaging with this guide rail 260. This allows the shutter device 250 of this embodiment to slide along the guide rail 260.

[0068] Specifically, the shutter device 250 of this embodiment has, as its guide rails 260, upper rails 261 and lower rails 262 that are arranged spaced apart in the vertical direction. Also, the shutter member 240 of this embodiment has a plurality of engagement portions 271, 272 for the upper rail 261 and the lower rail 262 at positions that are both ends in the width direction of the sheet shape that extends in a band shape with a substantially constant sheet width. Thus, the shutter device 250 of this embodiment is configured so that the shutter member 240 that is arranged along the upper rail 261 and the lower rail 262 can slide along the extension direction thereof.

[0069] More specifically, the shutter device 250 of this embodiment includes an upper guide member 263 that has a generally flat plate-like outer shape and is fixed to the upper wall portion 63a of the vehicle body bracket 63 to form an upper rail 261 that opens downward. The shutter device 250 also includes a lower guide member 264 that is fixed to the lower end portion 63b of the vehicle body bracket 63 at a position below the first link arm 11 supported by the vehicle body bracket 63. The shutter device 250 of this embodiment is configured so that the upper end portion of the lower guide member 264 forms a lower rail 262 that faces the upper rail 261, with the upper end portion opening upward.

[0070] Furthermore, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, the upper guide member 263 and the lower guide member 264 are each fixed to the vehicle body bracket 63, and their front end portions 263f, 264f are disposed in the opening 230x of the base end cover 230 that opens toward the front of the vehicle. Furthermore, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, the upper guide member 263 and the lower guide member 264 function as a front cover 280 that covers the front of the vehicle body bracket 63 at the upper and lower end portions of the opening 230x, respectively. Thus, the shutter device 250 of this embodiment is configured so that the shutter member 240 disposed in the opening 230x of the base end cover 230 in a state of engaging with the upper rail 261 and the lower rail 262 effectively functions as a screening member.

[0071] Furthermore, the shutter device 250 of this embodiment is provided with a connecting member 265 that connects the upper guide member 263 and the lower guide member 264 that are spaced apart in the vertical direction. That is, this connecting member 265 is coupled to the upper guide member 263 and the lower guide member 264. The shutter device 250 of this embodiment is thereby configured to maintain a constant vertical separation distance between the upper rail 261 and the lower rail 262 formed by the upper guide member 263 and the lower guide member 264.

[0072] 23 and 24, the lower rail 262 of this embodiment includes a first rail portion 262a extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction on the vehicle widthwise inner side (lower side in each drawing) of a first rotational connection point X1 formed by the vehicle body bracket 63. The lower rail 262 also includes a substantially arc-shaped second rail portion 262b extending around the first rotational connection point X1 on the vehicle front side (right side in each drawing) of the first rotational connection point X1. The lower rail 262 has a rail shape in which the second rail portion 262b and the first rail portion 262a are connected.

[0073] 25 and 26, the upper rail 261 also has a first rail portion 261a extending in the vehicle front-rear direction, on the vehicle widthwise inner side (lower side in each drawing) of a first rotational connection point X1 formed by the vehicle body bracket 63. Furthermore, the upper rail 261 also has a substantially arc-shaped second rail portion 261b extending around the first rotational connection point X1, on the vehicle front side (right side in each drawing) of the first rotational connection point X1. The upper rail 261 also has a rail shape in which the second rail portion 261b and the first rail portion 261a are connected.

[0074] 23 to 26, in the shutter device 250 of this embodiment, the second rail portion 261b of the upper rail 261 and the second rail portion 261b of the lower rail 262 are disposed at the front end portion 230f of the base end cover 230. Furthermore, in the shutter device 250 of this embodiment, the shutter member 240 slides along the upper rail 261 and the lower rail 262 in conjunction with the first link arm 11 which rotates about the first rotation connection point X1 based on the opening and closing operation of the door 5. As a result, the shutter member 240 of this embodiment is configured so that the engagement portions 271 and 272 for the upper rail 261 and the lower rail 262 move between the first rail portions 261a and 262a and the second rail portions 261b and 262b, respectively.

[0075] Specifically, based on the opening operation of the door 5, the first link arm 11 rotates counterclockwise in each drawing, and the engagement portions 271, 272 of the shutter member 240 move from the first rail portions 261a, 262a to the second rail portions 261b, 262b, respectively. As a result, the shutter device 250 of this embodiment places the shutter member 240 in the opening 230x of the base end cover 230 that opens toward the front side of the vehicle. In other words, in conjunction with the rotation of the first link arm 11 configured as the cover link 210, the shutter member 240 is deployed in the gap α formed between the link cover 200 and the base end cover 230.

[0076] Furthermore, based on the closing operation of the door 5, the first link arm 11 rotates in the clockwise direction in each drawing, and the engagement portions 271, 272 of the shutter member 240 move from the second rail portions 261b, 262b to the first rail portions 261a, 262a. As a result, the shutter device 250 of this embodiment positions the shutter member 240 at a position inside the base end cover 230. In other words, the shutter member 240 is stored inside the base end cover 230 in conjunction with the rotation of the first link arm 11.

[0077] In the door device 20 of this embodiment, the opening 230x of the base end cover 230 also opens outward in the vehicle width direction (upper side in each drawing) near the front end 230f. As a result, the door device 20 of this embodiment is configured so that the base end cover 230 covering the vehicle body bracket 63 does not interfere with the rotation of the first link arm 11 that moves the door 5 to the fully open position P1.

[0078] <Shutter member> As shown in FIG. 27, the shutter member 240 of this embodiment is formed by fixing a plurality of base materials 310 having a shaft-like outer shape to a flexible sheet material 300.

[0079] More specifically, a flexible material such as a resin material such as elastomer or a rubber material is used as the material for the sheet material 300 that forms the main body of the shutter member 240. The base material 310 is made of a resin material that is harder than the sheet material 300, such as an engineering plastic.

[0080] Furthermore, in the shutter member 240 of this embodiment, each base material 310 is fixed to the back surface 300sb of the sheet material 300 facing the inside of the base end cover 230 in a state in which it extends in the sheet width direction (the up-down direction in FIG. 27). Furthermore, each of these base materials 310 is arranged side by side at approximately equal intervals along the longitudinal direction of the sheet material 300 (the left-right direction in the figure). This allows the shutter member 240 of this embodiment to bend in its thickness direction (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in the figure) in a manner in which the sheet material 300 bends at positions between each of these base materials 310.

[0081] As a structure for fixing each base material 310 to the rear surface 300sb of the sheet material 300, for example, each base material 310 fits into an uneven shape formed on the rear surface 300sb of the sheet material 300. Alternatively, adhesion or so-called two-color molding can be used. In the shutter member 240 of this embodiment, each shaft end portion 330, 330 located on both sides in the axial direction of each base material 310 respectively constitutes an engagement portion 271 for the upper rail 261 and an engagement portion 272 for the lower rail 262.

[0082] That is, the shutter member 240 of this embodiment is arranged such that its longitudinal direction is along the extension direction of the upper rail 261 and the lower rail 262. In the shutter member 240 of this embodiment, the base materials 310 fixed to the back surface 300sb of the sheet material 300 are thereby arranged side by side along the extension direction of the upper rail 261 and the lower rail 262.

[0083] In addition, in this shutter member 240, each base material 310 engages with the upper rail 261 at one widthwise side of the sheet material 300, with one shaft end portion 330 serving as an upper end 331. Furthermore, each base material 310 engages with the lower rail 262 at the other widthwise side of the sheet material 300, with the other shaft end portion 330 serving as a lower end 332. Thus, the shutter device 250 of this embodiment is configured to stably support the shutter member 240 engaged with the guide rail 260, and, based on its flexibility, the shutter member 240 slides smoothly along the extension direction of the guide rail 260.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 28, in the shutter member 240 of this embodiment, each of the engagement portions 270 for the guide rail 260 configured as described above has a curved sliding surface 270s.

[0085] More specifically, the shutter member 240 of this embodiment has an arc-shaped protrusion 325 and an arc-shaped protrusion 335. Furthermore, in each engagement portion 270 for the guide rail 260, the arc-shaped protrusion 325 has an arch-shaped protrusion shape that is convex toward the front surface 300sa side of the sheet material 300 in a cross-sectional view. Similarly, in each engagement portion 270 for the guide rail 260, the arc-shaped protrusion 335 has a substantially semicircular protrusion shape that is convex toward the back surface 300sb side of the sheet material 300 in a cross-sectional view. Thus, the shutter member 240 of this embodiment is configured to reduce the sliding resistance of each engagement portion 270 that engages with the guide rail 260.

[0086] Furthermore, in the shutter member 240 of this embodiment, elastic deformation of the arc-shaped protrusion 325 having an arch-shaped protrusion shape is permitted. As a result, the shutter member 240 of this embodiment is configured to ensure a stable engagement state of each engagement portion 270 with the guide rail 260.

[0087] <Shutter member connection structure> More specifically, as shown in Figures 19 and 25 to 27, the shutter member 240 of this embodiment has one longitudinal end as a fixed end 241, and is connected to a first link arm 11 configured as a cover link 210.

[0088] Specifically, the shutter device 250 of this embodiment includes a connecting bracket 340 provided at the base end 11b of the first link arm 11 at a position inside the link cover 200 that covers the first link arm 11. The shutter member 240 of this embodiment also includes a pair of through holes 350, 350 that penetrate one end side in the longitudinal direction, which is the fixed end 241 of the shutter member 240. The connecting bracket 340 also includes a pair of through holes 355, 355 that penetrate a connecting portion 345 provided at an end in the longitudinal direction (see FIG. 22 ). The shutter device 250 of this embodiment is configured to connect the fixed end 241 of the shutter member 240 to the connecting bracket 340 on the first link arm 11 side using a clip 360 having a shaft portion 360x that is inserted into each of the through holes 350, 355.

[0089] In the shutter device 250 of this embodiment, the other end side of the shutter member 240 in the longitudinal direction is a free end 242, and this free end 242 side is disposed on an inner extending portion 370 of a guide rail 260 extending at an inner position of the base end cover 230. That is, in the shutter device 250 of this embodiment, the first rail portions 261a, 262a of the upper rail 261 and the lower rail 262 which extend in the vehicle front-rear direction and are disposed at an inner position of the base end cover 230 constitute the inner extending portion 370 of the guide rail 260. As a result, the shutter device 250 of this embodiment is configured so that the shutter member 240 slides along the guide rail 260 in conjunction with the first link arm 11 which rotates based on the opening and closing operation of the door 5.

[0090] That is, the shutter member 240 of this embodiment moves from its fixed end 241 side into the gap α generated between the base end cover 230 and the cover link 210 in a manner that it is pulled by the cover link 210 that rotates based on the opening operation of the door 5. Then, during the closing operation of the door 5, the fixed end 241 is pushed back by the cover link 210, and the shutter member 240 moves from its free end 242 side to the inner extension portion 370 of the guide rail 260 that extends to a position inside the base end cover 230.

[0091] 27, in the shutter device 250 of this embodiment, each through-hole 350 provided in the fixed end 241 of the shutter member 240 has a diameter larger than the shaft portion 360x of each clip 360 used in the fixing member. That is, the diameter D1 of each through-hole 350 is larger than the diameter D2 of the shaft portion 360x (D1>D2). Thus, the shutter device 250 of this embodiment is configured to absorb positional deviations between the shutter member 240 and the guide rail 260 and the cover link 210 that occur due to tolerances, assembly errors, etc.

[0092] <Adjustable rail> As shown in Figures 25 and 26, in the shutter device 250 of this embodiment, the upper rail 261 is configured as a variable rail 400 whose rail length Q1 expands and contracts in conjunction with the cover link 210 which rotates based on the opening and closing operation of the door 5.

[0093] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 23 to 26, in the shutter device 250 of the present embodiment, the rail length Q1 of the upper rail 261 is the sum of the rail length Q1a of the first rail portion 261a and the rail length Q1b of the second rail portion 261b (Q1 = Q1a + Q1b). Similarly, the rail length Q2 of the lower rail 262 is also the sum of the rail length Q2a of the first rail portion 262a and the rail length Q2b of the second rail portion 262b (Q2 = Q2a + Q2b). And, the upper rail 261 of the present embodiment is configured such that the rail length Q1 expands and contracts as the rail length Q1b of the second rail portion 261b changes based on the rotation of the first link arm 11 as the cover link 210.

[0094] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, in the shutter device 250 of the present embodiment, the lower rail 262 has a constant rail length Q2 regardless of the rotation of the first link arm 11 based on the opening and closing operation of the door 5. Further, in the lower rail 262, the extended end portion 262bx of the substantially arc-shaped second rail portion 262b disposed at the front end portion 230f of the base end cover 230 that opens to the front side of the vehicle is located outside the vehicle with respect to the side surface portion 235 on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the base end cover 230. And, in the shutter device 250 of the present embodiment, thereby, until the opened door 5 reaches the fully opened position P1, each engaging portion 272 provided on the lower side of the shutter member 240 is maintained in a state of engaging with this lower rail 262.

[0095] On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, in the shutter device 250 of the present embodiment, when the door 5 is in the fully closed position P0, substantially the entire second rail portion 261b having a substantially arc shape of the upper rail 261 is disposed at the front end portion 230f of the base end cover 230. And, the shutter device 250 of the present embodiment thereby has a configuration in which the rail length Q1b of the second rail portion 261b in this upper rail 261 is shorter than the rail length Q2b of the second rail portion 262b in the lower rail 262 (Q1b < Q2b). That is, the rail length Q1 of this upper rail 261 is configured to be shorter than the rail length Q2 of the lower rail 262. (Q1 < Q2).

[0096] However, in the apparel 261 of the present embodiment, when the first link arm 11 rotates based on the opening operation of the door 5, the rail length Q1b of the second rail portion 261b disposed at the front end portion 230f of the base end cover 230 becomes longer (Q1b < Q1b'). Specifically, in FIGS. 25 and 26, in conjunction with the first link arm 11 that rotates counterclockwise, the extended end portion 261bx of the second rail portion 261b having a substantially arc shape moves outside the vehicle beyond the side surface portion 235 on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the base end cover 230. And the apparel 261 of the present embodiment is configured such that the rail length Q1 becomes longer due to the rotation of the cover link 210 based on the opening operation of the door 5 (Q1 < Q1').

[0097] More specifically, in the apparel 261 of the present embodiment, when the door 5 is in the fully open position P1, the extended end portion 261bx of the second rail portion 261b is disposed at a position outside the vehicle substantially equal to the extended end portion 262bx of the second rail portion 262b in the lower rail 262. And the shutter device 250 of the present embodiment is configured to maintain the state in which each engaging portion 271 provided above the shutter member 240 engages with the apparel 261 until the opened door 5 reaches the fully open position P1.

[0098] 21 and 22, 25 and 26, and 29 to 32, the shutter device 250 of this embodiment is provided with a movable rail member 410 that is provided separately from the upper guide member 263 that is fixed to the upper wall portion 63a of the vehicle body bracket 63. In the shutter device 250 of this embodiment, the movable rail member 410 is supported by the vehicle body bracket 63 in a state where it is engaged with the upper guide member 263 that serves as the fixed rail member 420. Furthermore, in the shutter device 250 of this embodiment, the movable rail member 410 rotates around a first rotation connection point X1 formed by the vehicle body bracket 63 as the connection member 220, in conjunction with the first link arm 11 that rotates based on the opening and closing operation of the door 5. As a result, the shutter device 250 of this embodiment is configured so that the upper guide member 263, which serves as the movable rail member 410 and the fixed rail member 420, forms an upper rail 261 that functions as the variable rail 400.

[0099] More specifically, in the shutter device 250 of this embodiment, the upper wall portion 63a of the vehicle body bracket 63 is provided with a plurality of grooves 430 extending around a first rotation connection point formed by the vehicle body bracket 63 with respect to the vehicle body 2. Specifically, the vehicle body bracket 63 has an engagement groove 431 extending circumferentially by cutting out the upper wall portion 63a in a substantially arc shape, radially outward of the connecting pin 76 that constitutes the rotation shaft 11x of the first link arm 11. Furthermore, the movable rail member 410 of this embodiment has an engagement shaft 411 erected on its upper surface 410s. Furthermore, in the shutter device 250 of this embodiment, the movable rail member 410 is assembled to a position below the upper wall portion 63a of the vehicle body bracket 63. The movable rail member 410 of this embodiment is configured so that the engagement shaft 411 is disposed in the engagement groove 431 provided in the upper wall portion 63a of the vehicle body bracket 63.

[0100] Furthermore, the movable rail member 410 of this embodiment has, at the tip portion of its engagement shaft 411, a flange portion 411x whose diameter is larger than the groove width of the engagement groove 431. The shutter device 250 of this embodiment is thus configured to support the movable rail member 410 below the upper wall portion 63a of the vehicle body bracket 63 with the flange portion 411x engaged with the upper wall portion 63a.

[0101] Furthermore, in the shutter device 250 of this embodiment, the upper guide member 263 serving as the fixed rail member 420 has a substantially arc-shaped engagement groove 425 extending around the first rotation connection point X1 at a position disposed at the front end 230f of the base end cover 230. Specifically, this engagement groove 425 opens downward of the upper guide member 263 at a position where the second rail portion 261b of the upper rail 261 is formed, and is provided continuously with the first rail portion 261a formed by the upper guide member 263. Furthermore, the movable rail member 410 of this embodiment has an engagement protrusion 415 for the engagement groove 425 of the fixed rail member 420. In the movable rail member 410 of this embodiment, the engagement protrusion 415 has a substantially arc-shaped ridge shape extending along the substantially arc-shaped engagement groove 425. Furthermore, the movable rail member 410 of this embodiment has a rail groove 416 that has a generally arc-shaped groove shape and opens downward, formed in a position below the engaging protrusion 415. In the shutter device 250 of this embodiment, the rail groove 416 of this movable rail member 410 forms the second rail portion 261b of the upper rail 261 that has the configuration as the variable rail 400.

[0102] Furthermore, the movable rail member 410 of this embodiment has a first engagement piece 417 and a second engagement piece 418 that are arranged at two positions sandwiching the base end portion 11b of the first link arm 11 around the first pivotal connection point X1 formed by the vehicle body bracket 63 as the connecting member 220.

[0103] In the shutter device 250 of this embodiment, the first engagement piece 417 is disposed at a position where it engages with the base end portion 11b of the first link arm 11 that has rotated clockwise in Figures 31 and 32 based on the opening operation of the door 5. Moreover, the second engagement piece 418 is disposed at a position where it engages with the base end portion 11b of the first link arm 11 that has rotated counterclockwise in Figures 31 and 32 based on the closing operation of the door 5. In other words, in the shutter device 250 of this embodiment, the first engagement piece 417 and the second engagement piece 418 each serve as an engagement portion of the movable rail member 410 with which the cover link 210 engages, depending on the rotation direction of the cover link 210. Furthermore, in the shutter device 250 of this embodiment, the base end portion 11b of the first link arm 11 further rotates while engaged with the first engagement piece 417 or the second engagement piece 418, causing the movable rail member 410 to rotate about the first rotation connection point X1. As a result, the shutter device 250 of this embodiment is configured so that the rail length Q1 of the upper rail 261 serving as the variable rail 400 formed by the movable rail member 410 can be expanded or contracted.

[0104] Specifically, when the door 5 is opened, the movable rail member 410 is pressed by the first link arm 11 engaged with the first engagement piece 417, causing the movable rail member 410 to rotate clockwise in FIGS. 31 and 32 together with the first link arm 11. Furthermore, due to the rotation of the movable rail member 410, the engaging protrusion 415 disposed in the engaging groove 425 of the fixed rail member 420, i.e., the portion where the rail groove 416 is formed, is pulled out to the exterior of the vehicle beyond the side surface portion 235 on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the base end cover 230. In the shutter device 250 of this embodiment, this increases the rail length Q1b of the second rail portion 261b formed by the engaging groove 425 of the fixed rail member 420 and the rail groove 416 of the movable rail member 410. In other words, the rail length Q1 of the upper rail 261 is increased.

[0105] Furthermore, during the closing operation of the door 5, the movable rail member 410 is pressed by the first link arm 11 engaged with the second engagement piece 418, causing the movable rail member 410 to rotate counterclockwise in Figures 31 and 32 together with the first link arm 11. Furthermore, due to the rotation of the movable rail member 410, the engagement protrusion 415, which is disposed on the vehicle exterior side and extends beyond the vehicle width direction outer side surface portion 235 of the base end cover 230, is pulled back into the engagement groove 425 of the fixed rail member 420. As a result, in the shutter device 250 of this embodiment, the rail length Q1b of the second rail portion 261b formed by the engagement groove 425 of the fixed rail member 420 and the rail groove 416 of the movable rail member 410 is shortened. In other words, the rail length Q1 of the upper rail 261 is shortened.

[0106] That is, by using the upper rail 261 as the variable rail 400, it is possible to avoid interference with the door 5 when the door 5 is fully closed. Then, when the door 5 is opened, the engaging portions 271 of the shutter member 240 can be maintained in an engaged state with the upper rail 261 until the door 5 reaches the fully open position P1 after the opening operation.

[0107] Furthermore, when the door 5 is opened, the portion of the movable rail member 410 that has moved beyond the side surface portion 235 on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the base end cover 230 toward the vehicle exterior is positioned to cover the upper side of the shutter member 240. Thus, the shutter device 250 of this embodiment is configured to be able to suitably protect the shutter member 240.

[0108] <Inner cover material> 22, 33, and 34, the door device 20 of this embodiment is provided with an inner cover member 500 that covers the drive unit 51, more specifically, the actuator 65 and torque input portion 80, supported by the vehicle body bracket 63 at a position inside the base end cover 230. Specifically, the inner cover member 500 has an upper wall portion 501 that covers the top of the drive unit 51, and a side wall portion 502 that covers the side of the drive unit 51 while being disposed outside the drive unit 51 in the vehicle width direction (the front side of the paper in FIG. 33, the lower side in FIG. 34). The inner cover member 500 of this embodiment is configured to be fixed to the vehicle body bracket 63 with the upper wall portion 501 disposed below the upper wall portion 63a of the vehicle body bracket 63.

[0109] That is, by providing such an inner cover member 500, even when the door 5 is in an open state, the drive unit 51 arranged at an inner position of the base end cover 230 is difficult to see through the gap between the door 5 and the vehicle body 2. The door 20 device of this embodiment is configured so that the inner cover member 500 can suitably protect the drive unit 51 even if rainwater enters the base end cover 230 from outside the vehicle.

[0110] <Operation of this embodiment> In the door device 20 of this embodiment, the shutter member 240 slides along the guide rail 260 extending around the first rotation connection point X1 in conjunction with the cover link 210, which rotates around the first rotation connection point X1 relative to the vehicle body 2 based on the opening and closing operation of the door 5. As a result, the shutter member 240 is disposed in the gap α between the link cover 200 and the base end cover 230, which is generated by the rotation of the cover link 210.

[0111] <Effects of this embodiment> Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) The door device 20 supports the door 5 of the vehicle 1 so as to be capable of opening and closing by configuring a link mechanism 15 using a cover link 210 covered by a link cover 200. The door device 20 also includes a base end cover 230 that covers a connecting member 220 of the cover link 210 to the vehicle body 2. The door device 20 further includes a guide rail 260 that extends around a first rotation connecting point X1 to the vehicle body 2 that is configured by the connecting member 220, and a shutter member 240 that has an engaging portion 270 for engaging with the guide rail 260. As described above, the shutter member 240 is disposed in the gap α between the link cover 200 and the base end cover 230 in conjunction with the rotation of the cover link 210 based on the opening and closing operation of the door 5.

[0112] That is, by employing such a configuration, even when the door 5 is opened, the shutter member 240 arranged in the gap α between the link cover 200 and the base end cover 230 can act as a screening member, making it difficult to see the inside of the base end cover 230. This not only ensures excellent design, but also makes it possible to suitably protect the connecting member 220 arranged inside the base end cover 230 and the first rotational connection point X1 with respect to the vehicle body 2 formed by the connecting member 220.

[0113] Furthermore, by the shutter member 240 sliding along the guide rail 260, it is possible to ensure stable operation of the shutter member 240 in conjunction with the rotation of the cover link 210. Furthermore, by the shutter member 240 having an engagement portion 270 for the guide rail 260, it is possible to stably support the shutter member 240 based on the engagement force. This makes it possible to ensure high functionality and reliability.

[0114] (2) The shutter member 240 has a fixed end 241 fixed to the cover link 210 at an inner position of the link cover 200, and a free end 242 arranged on the inner extension portion 370 of the guide rail 260 extending to an inner position of the base end cover 230.

[0115] According to the above configuration, when the door 5 is opened, the cover link 210 rotates, pulling the fixed end 241 fixed to the cover link 210, and the shutter member 240 is pulled out from within the base end cover 230. Furthermore, when the door 5 is closed, the cover link 210 rotates, pushing the fixed end 241 into the cover link 210, and the shutter member 240 is pushed back into the base end cover 230 from the free end 242. Therefore, with the simple configuration, it is possible to ensure stable operation of the shutter member 240 in conjunction with the rotation of the cover link 210 based on the opening and closing operation of the door 5. Furthermore, when the door 5 is in the fully closed position P0, the shutter member 240 can be stored within the base end cover 230. This ensures high design quality.

[0116] (3) The shutter member 240 is fixed to the cover link 210 using a clip 360 as a fixing member having a shaft 360x inserted into a through-hole 350 provided in the fixed end 241 of the shutter member 240. The diameter D1 of each through-hole 350 is larger than the diameter D2 of the shaft 360x (D1>D2).

[0117] According to the above-described configuration, with a simple configuration, it is possible to absorb positional deviations between the shutter member 240 and the guide rail 260 and the cover link 210 that occur due to tolerances, assembly errors, etc. This makes it possible to ensure stable operation of the shutter member 240 in conjunction with the rotation of the cover link 210 based on the opening and closing operation of the door 5.

[0118] (4) The guide rail 260 includes an upper rail 261 and a lower rail 262 that are spaced apart in the vertical direction. The shutter member 240 also includes a flexible sheet material 300 and a plurality of base materials 310 that are fixed to the sheet material 300 in a state of extending in the vertical direction and are thereby arranged side by side along the extension direction of the upper rail 261 and the lower rail 262. An upper end 331 of each base material 310 engages with the upper rail 261, and a lower end 332 of each base material 310 engages with the lower rail 262.

[0119] According to the above configuration, the flexibility of the shutter member 240 is ensured by the sheet material 300, while the strength of the shutter member 240 can be increased by the multiple base materials 310 fixed to the sheet material 300. Furthermore, the upper end 331 and the lower end 332 of each of these base materials 310 are supported by the upper rail 261 and the lower rail 262, thereby increasing the support rigidity of the shutter member 240. This ensures smooth sliding of the shutter member 240 along the extension direction of the guide rail 260.

[0120] (5) The upper rail 261 is configured as a variable rail 400 whose rail length Q1 expands and contracts in conjunction with the cover link 210 that rotates based on the opening and closing operation of the door 5. According to the above configuration, when the door 5 is fully closed, the rail length Q1 of the upper rail 261 is shortened, thereby making it possible to avoid interference with the door 5. Furthermore, when the door 5 is opened, the rail length Q1 of the upper rail 261 is lengthened, thereby making it possible to maintain the engagement state with the engagement portion 271 of the shutter member 240 until the door 5 reaches the fully open position P1, for example. This ensures stable operation of the shutter member 240 and improves reliability.

[0121] Furthermore, when the door 5 is in the fully closed position P0, the rail length Q1 can be shortened, allowing the upper rail 261 to be stored inside the base end cover 230. This ensures a high level of design.

[0122] (6) The shutter member 240 is disposed in the opening 230x of the base end cover 230 that is exposed by the rotation of the cover link 210. According to the above configuration, the shutter member 240 can be made to function as a screening member more effectively.

[0123] (7) In the shutter member 240, the engaging portions 270 for engaging with the guide rails 260 each have a curved sliding surface 270s. According to the above configuration, it is possible to reduce the sliding resistance of the engaging portion 270 relative to the guide rail 260. This makes it possible to ensure smooth sliding of the shutter member 240 along the extension direction of the guide rail 260.

[0124] (8) The variable rail 400 comprises a fixed rail member 420 fixed to the connecting member 220, and a movable rail member 410 having a first engagement piece 417 and a second engagement piece 418 as engagement portions for the cover link 210 and rotating around a first rotation connection point X1.

[0125] According to the above configuration, the movable rail member 410 and the fixed rail member 420 are relatively displaced around the first rotation connection point X1 in conjunction with the cover link 210, which rotates based on the opening and closing operation of the door 5. This allows the rail length Q1 extending around the first rotation connection point X1 to be configured to be extendable and contractable in conjunction with the rotation of the cover link 210, with a simple configuration.

[0126] (9) When the door 5 is opened, the movable rail member 410 is disposed at a position outside the base end cover 230 so as to cover the upper part of the shutter member 240 . According to the above configuration, when the door 5 is opened, the movable rail member 410 serves as a cover member to suitably protect the shutter member 240 drawn out from within the base end cover 230 thereof.

[0127] (10) The door device 20 includes the drive device 51 located inside the base end cover 230 to rotate the cover link 210 . The above configuration makes it possible to suitably protect the drive unit 51 arranged inside the base end cover 230. In addition, since the drive unit 51 is difficult to see, a high level of design can be ensured.

[0128] The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0129] The fixing structure of the shutter member 240 to the cover link 210 may be changed arbitrarily. Furthermore, the position at which the shutter member 240, which slides in conjunction with the rotation of the cover link 210 based on the opening and closing operation of the door 5, is disposed is not necessarily limited to the opening 230x of the base end cover 230 exposed by the rotation of the cover link 210. In other words, it is sufficient that the shutter member 240 is disposed in the gap α between the link cover 200 and the base end cover 230, which is generated by the rotation of the cover link 210, and the position may be changed as desired.

[0130] In the above embodiment, the shutter member 240 has a fixed end 241 relative to the cover link 210, and thereby slides along the guide rail 260 in conjunction with the cover link 210, which rotates based on the opening and closing operation of the door 5. However, this is not limiting, and the shutter member 240 may be configured not to have such a fixed end 241 relative to the cover link 210. That is, the shutter member 240 slides along the guide rail 260 in conjunction with the cover link 210, which rotates about the first rotation connection point X1 based on the opening and closing operation of the door 5. As a result, as long as the shutter member 240 is configured to be disposed in the gap α between the link cover 200 and the base end cover 230, the method of driving the shutter member 240 may be changed as desired, for example, by using a motor, a solenoid, or the like as a driving source.

[0131] In the above embodiment, the shutter member 240 is formed by fixing a plurality of base materials 310 to a flexible sheet material 300. However, this is not limiting, and the configuration of the shutter member 240 may be changed as desired. For example, the arrangement intervals between the base materials 310 may be changed as desired. Furthermore, it is not necessary to use base materials 310 having an axial outer shape as in the above embodiment. For example, a member that serves as an engagement portion 270 for the guide rail 260 may be fixed to the width direction end of a sheet material 300 having a simple sheet shape. Furthermore, the material of the shutter member 240 may be changed as desired. Furthermore, the engagement portion 270 for the guide rail 260 may not necessarily have a curved sliding surface 270s.

[0132] In the above embodiment, the guide rail 260 includes an upper rail 261 and a lower rail 262 that are spaced apart in the vertical direction. However, this is not limiting, and the number and arrangement of the guide rails 260 may be changed as desired. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which one guide rail 260 is provided above the shutter member 240, corresponding to the upper rail 261. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which one guide rail 260 is provided below the shutter member 240, corresponding to the lower rail 262. Furthermore, a configuration may be adopted in which the guide rail 260 is provided at an intermediate position in the vertical direction of the shutter member 240. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which three or more guide rails 260 are provided.

[0133] In the above embodiment, the upper rail 261 is the variable rail 400. However, this is not limiting, and the lower rail 262 may be the variable rail 400. Furthermore, both the upper rail 261 and the lower rail 262 may be variable rails 400. Furthermore, none of the guide rails 260 may be configured as such variable rails 400.

[0134] In the above embodiment, the variable rail 400 is configured by the fixed rail member 420 fixed to the connecting member 220 and the movable rail member 410 that has an engaging portion with the cover link 210 and rotates around the first rotation connection point X1. However, the configuration of the variable rail 400 is not limited to this, and may be changed as desired. For example, the shapes of the movable rail member 410 and the fixed rail member 420 may be changed as desired. The variable rail 400 may also be configured to have multiple movable rail members 410. For example, the movable rail member 410 and the fixed rail member 420 may be configured to be displaced relative to each other using a motor, solenoid, or the like as a driving source.

[0135] In the above embodiment, the first link arm 11 positioned on the main link 21 and the second link arm 12 positioned on the sub-link 22 each have a configuration as a cover link 210 covered with a link cover 200. The first and second link arms 11, 12 are each provided with a shutter device 250. However, this is not limiting, and the shutter device 250 may be provided only on the first link arm 11. Alternatively, the shutter device 250 may be provided only on the second link arm 12. When at least one of the first and second link arms 11, 12 is a cover link 210, the shutter device 250 may be provided only on the cover link 210 on that side, regardless of whether the other side is a cover link 210.

[0136] In the above embodiment, the second link arm 12 has the variable coupling length mechanism 50. However, this is not limited to this, and the first link arm 11 may have the variable coupling length mechanism 50. Furthermore, both the first and second link arms 11, 12 may have the variable coupling length mechanism 50. Furthermore, both the first and second link arms 11, 12 may be configured not to have such a variable coupling length mechanism 50.

[0137] In the above embodiment, the first link arm 11 is configured as the driving link 55, and the first link arm 11 is rotationally driven by the driving device 51. However, this is not limiting, and the second link arm 12 may be configured as the driving link 55. Furthermore, both the first and second link arms 11, 12 may be configured as driving links 55. The number and arrangement of the driving devices 51 may also be changed as desired.

[0138] In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to a configuration in which the door 5 of the vehicle 1 opens toward the rear of the vehicle, but it may also be applied to a configuration in which the door 5 opens toward the front of the vehicle. Furthermore, it may also be applied to a manual vehicle door device that does not have a drive device 51.

[0139] <Additional Notes> Next, the technical ideas that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described. (i) The shutter member has a fixed end fixed to the cover link at an inner position of the link cover, and a free end arranged on an inner extension portion of the guide rail extending to an inner position of the base end cover.

[0140] According to the above configuration, when the door is opened, the cover link rotates, pulling the fixed end fixed to the cover link and pulling the shutter member out from within the base end cover. Furthermore, when the door is closed, the cover link rotates, pushing the fixed end into the cover link and pushing the shutter member back into the base end cover from its free end. Therefore, with this simple configuration, stable operation of the shutter member linked to the rotation of the cover link based on the door opening and closing operation can be ensured. Furthermore, when the door is in the fully closed position, the shutter member can be stored within the base end cover. This ensures a high level of design.

[0141] (b) The shutter member is fixed to the cover link using a fixing member having an axial portion that is inserted into a through hole provided at the fixed end, and the diameter of the through hole is larger than the diameter of the axial portion.

[0142] According to the above-mentioned configuration, with a simple configuration, it is possible to absorb positional deviations between the shutter member and the guide rail and the cover link that occur due to tolerances, assembly errors, etc. This ensures stable operation of the shutter member in conjunction with the rotation of the cover link based on the opening and closing operation of the door.

[0143] (c) The guide rail has an upper rail and a lower rail spaced apart in the vertical direction, and the shutter member has a flexible sheet material and a plurality of base materials that are fixed to the sheet material in a state extending in the vertical direction and are arranged side by side along the extension direction of the upper rail and the lower rail, and the upper end of each base material engages with the upper rail and the lower end of each base material engages with the lower rail.

[0144] According to the above configuration, the flexibility of the shutter member is ensured by the sheet material, while the strength of the shutter member can be increased by the multiple base materials fixed to the sheet material. Furthermore, the upper and lower rails support the upper and lower ends of each base material, thereby increasing the support rigidity of the shutter member. This ensures smooth sliding of the shutter member along the extension direction of the guide rails.

[0145] (d) The guide rail is a variable rail whose rail length expands and contracts in conjunction with the cover link which rotates based on the opening and closing operation of the door. According to the above configuration, for example, when the door is fully closed, the rail length of the guide rail is shortened, thereby making it possible to avoid interference with the door. Also, when the door is opened, the rail length of the guide rail is lengthened, thereby making it possible to maintain the engagement with the engagement portion of the shutter member until the door reaches the fully open position. This ensures stable operation of the shutter member and improves reliability.

[0146] Furthermore, when the door is in the fully closed position, the guide rail can be stored inside the base end cover by shortening the rail length, thereby ensuring high design quality.

[0147] (e) The shutter member is disposed in the opening of the base end cover that is exposed by the rotation of the cover link. According to the above configuration, the shutter member can be made to function more effectively as a screen member.

[0148] (f) The engaging portion of the shutter member with respect to the guide rail has a curved sliding surface. According to the above configuration, the sliding resistance of the engaging portion relative to the guide rail can be reduced, thereby ensuring smooth sliding of the shutter member along the extending direction of the guide rail.

[0149] (g) The variable rail includes a fixed rail member fixed to the connecting member, and a movable rail member having an engaging portion for engaging with the cover link and rotating around the first rotational connecting point.

[0150] According to the above configuration, the movable rail member and the fixed rail member are displaced relative to each other around the first pivot point in conjunction with the cover link that rotates based on the opening and closing operation of the door. This allows the rail length extending around the first pivot point to be extended or contracted in conjunction with the rotation of the cover link with a simple configuration.

[0151] (h) Upon opening of the door, the movable rail member is disposed at a position outside the base end cover so as to cover the upper part of the shutter member. According to the above configuration, when the door is opened, the movable rail member serves as a cover member to suitably protect the shutter member that is pulled out from within the base end cover.

[0152] (i) A drive device is provided at an inner position of the base end cover to rotate the cover link. According to the above-described configuration, the drive unit disposed inside the base end cover can be protected in an appropriate manner. In addition, the drive unit is made less visible, ensuring a high level of design. [Explanation of symbols]

[0153] 1...vehicle, 2...vehicle body, 5...door, 11...first link arm, 12...second link arm, 15...link mechanism, 20...door device, 200...link cover, 210...cover link, 220...connecting member, 230...base end cover, 240...shutter member, 260...guide rail, 270...engagement portion, X1...first pivot connection point, X2...second pivot connection point, α...gap.

Claims

1. first and second link arms having a first pivot connection point to the vehicle body and a second pivot connection point to the vehicle door; The door opens and closes based on the operation of a link mechanism formed by the first and second link arms, At least one of the first and second link arms is a cover link covered by a link cover, a base end cover that covers a connecting member of the cover link to the vehicle body; a guide rail extending around the first pivot connection point formed by the connecting member; a shutter member having an engagement portion for engaging with the guide rail, The shutter member slides along the guide rail in conjunction with the cover link, which rotates around the first pivot connection point based on the opening and closing operation of the door, thereby positioning the shutter member in the gap between the link cover and the base end cover created by the rotation of the cover link.

2. 2. The vehicle door device according to claim 1, wherein the shutter member has a fixed end fixed to the cover link at an inner position of the link cover, and a free end disposed on an inner extension portion of the guide rail extending at an inner position of the base end cover.

3. 3. The vehicle door device according to claim 2, wherein the shutter member is fixed to the cover link using a fixing member having a shaft portion that is inserted into a through hole provided at the fixed end, and the diameter of the through hole is larger than the diameter of the shaft portion.

4. The guide rail includes an upper rail and a lower rail spaced apart in the vertical direction, the shutter member includes a flexible sheet material and a plurality of base materials that are fixed to the sheet material in a state of extending in a vertical direction and are arranged side by side along an extension direction of the upper rail and the lower rail, 4. The vehicle door apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an upper end of each of the base members engages with the upper rail, and a lower end of each of the base members engages with the lower rail.

5. The guide rail is a variable rail whose rail length expands and contracts in conjunction with the cover link that rotates based on the opening and closing operation of the door. The vehicle door device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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