Vehicle door support device

Abstract

This design ensures the manufacturability of the pair of support members while simplifying the setting of the door's holding force. [Solution] The support members 6A and 6B constituting the vehicle door support device 5 include a cylindrical fixed housing 10, a movable housing 20, a spindle 25, a spindle nut 27, and a coil spring 28. The fixed housing 10 includes a housing portion 12, a cover portion 14, and a guide portion 15. The length La1 of the fixed housing 10A of support member 6A is the same as the length La2 of the fixed housing 10B of support member 6B, the length Lb1 of the housing portion 12A of support member 6A is different from the length Lb2 of the housing portion 12B of support member 6B, the length Lc1 of the cover portion 14A of support member 6A is different from the length Lc2 of the cover portion 14B of support member 6B, and the length Le1 of the coil spring 28A of support member 6A is different from the length Le2 of the coil spring 28B of support member 6B.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle door support device interposed between a vehicle body and a back door of a vehicle and supporting the door so as to be openable and closable with respect to the vehicle body. The vehicle door support device includes an active support member attached to one side in the width direction of the back door and a passive support member attached to the other side in the width direction. These support members include a fixed housing, a movable housing, and a coil spring for advancing the movable housing from the fixed housing. Further, the support member includes a spindle attached to the fixed housing and a spindle nut attached to the movable housing. In Patent Document 1, these components are made common between the active type and the passive type to simplify parts management.

[0003] The active support member includes a motor for rotating the spindle, and the movable housing moves actively forward and backward with respect to the fixed housing. The passive support member includes a brake (magnet brake) that applies rotational resistance to the spindle instead of the motor, and the movable housing moves passively forward and backward with respect to the fixed housing due to the rotation of the spindle accompanying the opening and closing of the door. The motor and the brake are housed in a housing having the same configuration, and in the passive support member, a spacer is disposed in the gap between the brake and the housing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In a back door, the load on one side in the width direction does not necessarily coincide with the load on the other side in the width direction. In the door support device of Patent Document 1, since the components of a pair of support members are common, it is not easy to individually and appropriately set the holding force by the coil spring on one side and the other side in the width direction of the door.

[0006] The present invention aims to facilitate the setting of the door's holding force while ensuring the manufacturability of a pair of support members. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention comprises a first support member and a second support member for supporting a door in the open position relative to a vehicle body, the first support member and the second support member each comprising: a cylindrical fixed housing having a first end connected to one of the vehicle body and the door, and a second end opposite to the first end; a cylindrical movable housing having a third end connected to the other of the vehicle body and the door, the end opposite to the third end being housed in the fixed housing from the second end, and movable relative to the fixed housing in the axial direction; a spindle rotatably supported in the fixed housing; a spindle nut screwed onto the spindle and connected to the movable housing; and a coil spring biasing the movable housing in a direction toward advancing from the fixed housing, wherein the fixed housing is a cylindrical housing having the first end, comprising a first housing that constitutes the first support member and a second housing that constitutes the second support member, and a cylindrical cover having the second end, coaxially connected to the end opposite to the first end relative to the housing, and surrounding the coil spring The present invention provides a vehicle door support device comprising a first cover portion constituting the first support member and a second cover portion constituting the second support member, and a guide portion common to the first and second support members, which is separate from the cover portion, is arranged within the coil spring, and houses a part of the spindle and the spindle nut inside, guiding the spindle nut so that it is relatively immobile and can move back and forth, the first fixed housing constituting the first support member and the second fixed housing constituting the second support member have different configurations, the coil spring comprises a first coil spring constituting the first support member and a second coil spring constituting the second support member, the axial length of the first fixed housing is the same as the axial length of the second fixed housing, the axial length of the first housing portion is different from the axial length of the second housing portion, the axial length of the first cover portion is different from the axial length of the second cover portion, and the axial length of the first coil spring is different from the axial length of the second coil spring.

[0008] The fixed housing comprises a housing section, a cover section, and a guide section. Although the cover section and the guide section could each be molded as an extension consisting of a double cylinder, they are deliberately molded separately as individual cylinders, thereby simplifying the structure and ensuring manufacturability.

[0009] The first and second support members are individual components of different lengths, comprising a housing section, a cover section, and a coil spring. On the other hand, since the length of the first fixed housing is the same as the length of the second fixed housing, the forward and backward stroke of the movable housing accompanying the opening and closing of the door is also the same. Therefore, stability of the door opening and closing operation can be ensured by the first and second support members, which have different configurations. Furthermore, by changing the lengths of the housing section and the cover section, the total length of the coil spring can be varied, thereby widening the adjustment range of the biasing force of the coil spring. Therefore, the holding force by the coil spring can be easily set individually and appropriately according to the load on the door. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] This invention makes it possible to easily set the door's holding force while ensuring the manufacturability of a pair of support members. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] A perspective view of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle door support device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A longitudinal cross-sectional view of a passive support member according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the support member. [Figure 4] Enlarged cross-sectional view of section IV in Figure 2. [Figure 5] A longitudinal cross-sectional view of an active support member according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 5 shows an exploded perspective view of the support member. [Figure 7] Enlarged cross-sectional view of section VII in Figure 5. [Figure 8] A longitudinal cross-sectional view of a passive support member according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] Enlarged cross-sectional view of section IX in Figure 8. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0013] The vehicle 1 shown in Figure 1 is equipped with a vehicle door support device 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle door support device 5 may use vehicle door support members 6A, 6B, and 6C (see Figures 2, 5, and 8), which will be described in detail later. In the following description, reference numeral 6 may be used to comprehensively refer to the vehicle door support members, including all of the vehicle door support members 6A, 6B, and 6C. Also, in the following description, the vehicle door support members will be simply referred to as support members, and the vehicle door support device will be simply referred to as a support device.

[0014] Continuing to refer to Figure 1, the support device 5 comprises a pair of support members 6. Each support member 6 has one end connected to the vehicle body 2 and the other end connected to the back door (door) 3. In the passive type, each support member 6 extends and retracts in accordance with the opening and closing of the back door 3, and in the active type, it extends and retracts driven by a motor. In a typical support device 5, one of the pair of support members 6 is a passive support member 6A or 6C (see Figures 2 and 8), and the other is an active support member 6B (see Figure 5). However, both of the pair of support members 6 may be passive support members 6A and 6C (see Figures 2 and 8). Alternatively, both of the pair of support members 6 may be active support members 6B (see Figure 5).

[0015] In the following description, the terms "base end" and "base end side" may be used with respect to the end of the support member 6 that is connected to the vehicle body 2. Also, the terms "tip end" and "tip end side" may be used with respect to the end of the support member 6 that is connected to the back door 3. Further, in the following description, when individually referring to the components included in the support member 6A (see FIG. 2), reference numerals with "A" added may be used; when individually referring to the components included in the support member 6B (see FIG. 5), reference numerals with "B" added may be used; and when individually referring to the components included in the support member 6C (see FIG. 8), reference numerals with "C" added may be used.

[0016] (First Embodiment) Hereinafter, the configuration of the support device 5 according to the first embodiment will be specifically described.

[0017] In the first embodiment, the support device 5 shown in FIG. 1 includes a passive support member (first support member) 6A shown in FIG. 2 and an active support member (second support member) 6B shown in FIG. 5, and supports the back door 3 in the open position with respect to the vehicle body 2.

[0018] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 and FIGS. 5 and 6, the support member 6 is generally elongated and rod-shaped. The support member 6 includes a cylindrical fixed housing 10 and a cylindrical movable housing 20 that is thinner than the fixed housing 10. The movable housing 20 moves forward and backward with respect to the fixed housing 10. FIGS. 2 and 5 show a state in which the movable housing 20 protrudes most with respect to the fixed housing 10.

[0019] The support member 6 includes a spindle 25, a spindle nut 27, and a coil spring 28. The total length of the coil spring 28A that constitutes the support member 6A is different from the total length of the coil spring 28B that constitutes the active support member 6B. Thereby, the holding force of the hatchback door 3 (see FIG. 1) by the coil springs 28A and 28B can be set individually and appropriately.

[0020] Specifically, the fixed housing 10 is connected to the vehicle body 2 (see Figure 1) via a connecting member 11. The connecting member 11 is made up of a ball socket that can be connected in such a way that it is allowed to swing relative to the vehicle body 2 (see Figure 1). The fixed housing 10 may also be connected to the back door 3 (see Figure 1) via the connecting member 11.

[0021] The fixed housing 10 comprises a cylindrical housing portion 12 and a cylindrical extension portion 13 coaxially connected to the end 12b of the housing portion 12. The extension portion 13 is composed of a cover portion 14 and a guide portion 15, both of which are cylindrical with openings at both ends.

[0022] The fixed housing (first fixed housing) 10A that constitutes the passive support member 6A and the fixed housing (second fixed housing) 10B that constitutes the active support member 6B differ in the configuration of the housing section 12 and the cover section 14, but the configuration of the guide section 15 is the same (common). This makes it possible to change the overall length (holding force) of the coil springs 28A and 28B.

[0023] The axial total length La1 of the fixed housing 10A is the same as the axial total length La2 of the fixed housing 10B. The total length La1 of the fixed housing 10A refers to the distance from the base end (first end) 12a of the housing section (first housing section) 12A to the end (second end) 14b of the cover section (first cover section) 14A. The total length La2 of the fixed housing 10B refers to the distance from the base end 12a of the housing section (second housing section) 12B to the end 14b of the cover section (second cover section) 14B.

[0024] The housing section 12 is configured to house components including the brake 30. The housing section 12A of the support member 6A and the housing section 12B of the support member 6B differ in that their axial total lengths Lb1 and Lb2 from the base end 12a to the end end 12b are different. Specifically, the total length Lb1 of the housing section 12A is shorter than the total length Lb2 of the housing section 12B.

[0025] The base end 12a of the housing section 12 is closed by fixing the connecting member 11. The end end 12b of the housing section 12 is open. Referring to Figures 4 and 7, an annular partition plate portion 12c is provided on the end end 12b side of the housing section 12 (between both ends 12a and 12b), spaced apart from the end end 12b and projecting radially inward. Of the housing section 12, the part closer to the base end 12a than the partition plate portion 12c constitutes a holding portion 12d, and the part closer to the end end 12b than the partition plate portion 12c constitutes a mounting recess 12e. The holding portion 12d of the housing section 12A holds the brake 30 and spacer 35, which will be described later. The holding portion 12d of the housing section 12B holds the brake 30, gear mechanism 37, and motor 36, which will be described later. The mounting recess 12e of the housing sections 12A and 12B is fitted with the mounting portion 15d of the guide portion 15, which will be described later.

[0026] Referring to Figures 2, 3 and 5, 6, the cover portion 14 is configured to house the base end of the coil spring 28. The cover portion 14A of the support member 6A and the cover portion 14B of the support member 6B differ in that their axial total lengths Lc1 and Lc2 from the base end 14a to the end end 14b are different. Specifically, the total length Lb1 of the housing portion 12A is shorter than the total length Lb2 of the housing portion 12B, and therefore, due to the difference in dimensions, the total length Lc1 of the cover portion 14A is longer than the total length Lc2 of the cover portion 14B.

[0027] The cover portion 14 is coaxially connected to the end 12b of the housing portion 12 and surrounds the outer circumference of the base end of the coil spring 28. The base end 14a and the end 14b of the cover portion 14 are open. Referring to Figures 4 and 7, the base end 14a of the cover portion 14 is provided with an annular support portion 14c that protrudes radially inward to support the base end of the coil spring 28. The biasing force of the coil spring 28 presses the support portion 14c against the end 12b of the housing portion 12 and the mounting portion 15d of the guide portion 15, which will be described later.

[0028] Referring to Figures 2, 4, 5, and 6, the guide portion 15 is configured to guide the spindle nut 27. The guide portion 15 is a common part for support members 6A and 6B. That is, the total axial length Ld1 of the guide portion 15 of support member 6A and the total axial length Ld2 of the guide portion 15 of support member 6B are the same. The guide portion 15 could be molded as a double cylinder with the cover portion 14 as an integral structure, but it is deliberately molded separately as a single cylinder.

[0029] The guide portion 15 is cylindrical with its base end 15a and end end 15b open, and is positioned within the coil spring 28 inside the cover portion 14. The guide portion 15 houses most (partially) of the end end of the spindle 25 and the spindle nut 27. Multiple guide grooves 15c extending in the axial direction are provided on the inner circumference of the guide portion 15 at intervals in the circumferential direction. The guide grooves 15c prevent relative rotation of the spindle nut 27 with respect to the guide portion 15, and guide the spindle nut 27 to move axially forward and backward relative to the guide portion 15.

[0030] The base end 15a of the guide portion 15 is provided with a mounting portion 15d that protrudes radially outward. The mounting portion 15d can be fitted into the mounting recess 12e of the housing portion 12 and is attached irremovably, for example, by laser welding. The mounting portion 15d is provided with a recess 15e for arranging a bearing 26 that rotatably supports the spindle 25. The recess 15e is recessed from the base end 15a of the guide portion 15 towards the end 15b.

[0031] Continuing to refer to Figures 2, 3 and 5, 6, the movable housing 20 is connected to the back door 3 (see Figure 1) via a connecting member 21. The connecting member 21 is made up of a ball socket that can be connected to allow swinging relative to the back door 3 (see Figure 1). The movable housing 20 may also be connected to the vehicle body 2 (see Figure 1) via the connecting member 21. The movable housing 20 is axially relative to the extension 13 of the fixed housing 10.

[0032] Each movable housing 20 comprises a cylindrical outer cylinder 22 with openings at both ends and a push rod 23. The movable housing 20A that constitutes the support member 6A and the movable housing 20B that constitutes the support member 6B have the same (common) outer cylinder 22 configuration, but differ in the configuration of the push rod 23.

[0033] The outer cylinder 22 is configured to house the end of the coil spring 28. The base end 22a of the outer cylinder 22 is open and housed inside the cover portion 14. The end (third end) 22b of the outer cylinder 22 is closed by fixing the connecting member 21. The end 22b of the outer cylinder 22 is provided with an annular support portion 22c that protrudes radially inward to support the end of the coil spring 28.

[0034] The push rod 23 is configured to connect the spindle nut 27 to the movable housing 20. The push rod 23A of the support member 6A and the push rod 23B of the support member 6B differ in that their axial total lengths from the base end 23a to the end end 23b are different. Specifically, because the total length Lb1 of the housing part 12A is shorter than the total length Lb2 of the housing part 12B, the total length of the push rod 23A is longer than the total length of the push rod 23B.

[0035] The base end 23a of the push rod 23 is housed within the guide portion 15 and positioned between the guide portion 15 and the spindle 25. The base end 23a of the push rod 23 is provided with a guide projection 23c that can be fitted into the guide groove 15c of the guide portion 15. The engagement of the guide projection 23c and the guide groove 15c prevents the spindle nut 27 attached to the push rod 23 from rotating relative to the guide portion 15. The end 23b of the push rod 23 is closed by the fixing of the connecting member 21.

[0036] The spindle 25 is rotatably supported within the extension portion 13 by a bearing 26 located in the recess 15e of the guide portion 15. The spindle 25A, which constitutes the support member 6A, and the spindle 25B, which constitutes the support member 6B, differ in that their axial total lengths from the base end to the end end are different. Specifically, the total length Lb1 of the housing portion 12A is shorter than the total length Lb2 of the housing portion 12B, so the total length of the spindle 25A is longer than the total length of the spindle 25B.

[0037] Referring to Figures 4 and 7, the base end of the spindle 25 is provided with a connecting shaft portion 25a that extends so as to protrude into the housing portion 12. As will be described in detail later, the connecting shaft portion 25a of spindle 25A is connected to the brake 30. The connecting shaft portion 25a of spindle 25B passes through the brake 30 and is connected to the gear mechanism 37.

[0038] Referring to Figures 2, 3 and 5, 6, the spindle nut 27 is connected to the base end 23a of the push rod 23 and screwed onto the spindle 25. The spindle nut 27 is also engaged with the guide groove 15c of the guide portion 15 via the push rod 23. Alternatively, a guide projection 23c may be provided on the spindle nut 27 to directly engage with the guide groove 15c.

[0039] In the passive support member 6A, when the back door 3 (see Figure 1) is opened and closed, the spindle nut 27 moves linearly toward the end 15b or base 15a of the guide portion 15, causing the spindle 25A to rotate in a rotational direction corresponding to the linear direction. In the active support member 6B, when the spindle 25B is rotated by the motor 36, the spindle nut 27 moves linearly toward the end 15b or base 15a of the guide portion 15, depending on the direction of rotation.

[0040] The coil spring 28 is configured to elastically bias the movable housing 20 in the direction of advancing from the cover portion 14 of the fixed housing 10. The coil spring 28A constituting the support member 6A and the coil spring 28B constituting the support member 6B differ in that their axial total lengths from the base end to the end end are different. Specifically, the total length Lb1 of the housing portion 12A is shorter than the total length Lb2 of the housing portion 12B, so the total length of the coil spring 28A is longer than the total length of the coil spring 28B. This widens the range of adjustment of the biasing force of the coil spring 28 by changing the spring multiplier, etc., and makes it possible to individually and appropriately set the holding force of the hatchback door 3 (see Figure 1) by the coil springs 28A and 28B.

[0041] The coil spring 28 is positioned between the cover portion 14 and the guide portion 15 of the fixed housing 10, and between the outer cylinder 22 and the push rod 23 of the movable housing 20. The base end of the coil spring 28 is supported by the support portion 14c of the cover portion 14, and the end end is supported by the support portion 22c of the outer cylinder 22, with the coil spring 28 compressed between them. The coil spring 28 presses the cover portion 14 of the fixed housing 10 against the mounting portion 15d of the housing portion 12 and the guide portion 15.

[0042] Next, we will describe the components housed within the housing section 12 of the fixed housing 10.

[0043] Referring to Figures 4 and 7, the housing section 12A of the passive support member 6A houses the brake 30 and the spacer 35. The housing section 12B of the active support member 6B houses the brake 30, but instead of the spacer 35, it houses an electric mechanism. The electric mechanism consists of a motor 36 and a gear mechanism 37.

[0044] The brake 30 is configured to apply rotational resistance to the spindle 25 when the outer cylinder 22 is housed in the cover portion 14 and the push rod 23 is housed in the guide portion 15. The brake 30 is located within the holding portion 12d of the housing portion 12. The brake 30 is a common part for support members 6A and 6B. However, the braking torque provided by the brake 30 can be set to be different for support members 6A and 6B.

[0045] In support member 6A, the brake 30 is sandwiched between the partition plate portion 12c and the connecting member 11 via a spacer 35. In support member 6B, the brake 30 is sandwiched between the partition plate portion 12c and the connecting member 11 via a motor 36 and a gear mechanism 37. The brake 30 includes a rotating member 33 and a coil spring 34. The rotating member 33 and the coil spring 34 are housed in the brake case 31.

[0046] The brake case 31 is cylindrical in shape with a diameter that allows it to be fitted into the inner surface of the retaining portion 12d of the housing portion 12. The end of the brake case 31 is provided with an end wall in which a through hole is formed for the connecting shaft portion 25a of the spindle 25 to pass through. When fitted into the retaining portion 12d, the end of the brake case 31 abuts against the partition plate portion 12c. The open base end of the brake case 31 is closed by a cover 32. The cover 32 has a housing portion 32a that protrudes toward the base end. Inside the housing portion 32a, a spacer 35 is housed in the support member 6A, and a gear mechanism 37 is housed in the support member 6B.

[0047] The rotating member 33 has a non-circular through-hole 33a that penetrates in the axial direction. The connecting shaft portion 25a of the spindle 25 is fixed to the through-hole 33a by press-fitting. As a result, the rotating member 33 is connected to the connecting shaft portion 25a in a way that prevents relative rotation around the axis L, and can rotate integrally with the spindle 25.

[0048] The coil spring 34 is positioned to surround the outer circumference of the rotating member 33, elastically tightening it. Both ends of the coil spring 34 are locked to the brake case 31. When the rotating member 33 rotates around the axis L together with the spindle 25, the rotating member 33 slides against the coil spring 34. The frictional resistance of the rotating member 33 sliding against the elastically tightening coil spring 34 becomes the rotational resistance against the spindle 25. The brake torque can be set by changing the number of turns in the winding portion of the coil spring 34.

[0049] The brake 30 can be modified as needed, provided that it can provide rotational resistance to the spindle 25 when the movable housing 20 moves into the fixed housing 10. For example, by locking both ends of a coil spring to a double rotating body, the helical winding portion may be expanded when the movable housing 20 moves out of the fixed housing 10, thereby reducing or eliminating rotational resistance to the spindle 25.

[0050] The spacer 35 is used only in the housing portion 12A of the support member 6A, and immovably supports the brake 30 between the partition plate portion 12c and the connecting member 11. The spacer 35 is cylindrical and has a reinforcing partition wall 35a on its base end. When installed inside the housing portion 12A, the base end of the spacer 35 abuts against the connecting member 11, and the end of the spacer 35 abuts against the brake 30.

[0051] In the support member 6A configured in this way, as shown in Figure 1, when the open back door 3 moves in the closing direction, the movable housing 20A moves linearly in the axial direction so that it is stored inside the cover portion 14A of the fixed housing 10A. As the movable housing 20A moves linearly, the spindle nut 27 also moves linearly in the axial direction, causing the spindle 25A to rotate. The spindle 25A receives rotational resistance from the brake 30 as described above. Therefore, the brake 30 applies a braking force to the closing operation of the back door 3.

[0052] Within the housing portion 12B of the active support member 6B, the motor 36, gear mechanism 37, and brake 30 are arranged adjacent to each other in order from the base end 12a to the end end 12b.

[0053] Motor 36 is a DC motor capable of forward and reverse rotation. The output shaft of motor 36 is connected to the gear mechanism 37. When mounted within the housing 12B, the base end of motor 36 abuts against the connecting member 11, and the end of motor 36 abuts against the gear mechanism 37.

[0054] The gear mechanism 37 is configured to reduce the rotation of the output shaft of the motor 36 and transmit it to the spindle 25B. The gear mechanism 37 is housed in the housing 32a of the cover 32. The gear mechanism 37 comprises two-stage planetary gear units 39 and 40. With the motor 36 as the reference, the input side is planetary gear unit 39 and the output side is planetary gear unit 40. Each of the planetary gear units 39 and 40 comprises a casing 39a and 40a with internal teeth, sun gears 39b and 40b, multiple planetary gears 39c and 40c, and planetary carriers 39d and 40d, respectively.

[0055] The output shaft of the motor 36 is connected to the sun gear 39b of the input planetary gear unit 39. In other words, the sun gear 39b constitutes the input section of the gear mechanism 37. Furthermore, the planetary carrier 39d of the input planetary gear unit 39 is connected to the sun gear 40b of the output planetary gear unit 40. In addition, the connecting shaft portion 25a of the spindle 25B is connected to the planetary carrier 40d of the output planetary gear unit 40. In other words, the planetary carrier 40d constitutes the output section of the gear mechanism 37. The rotation of the output shaft of the motor 36 is reduced by the gear mechanism 37 and transmitted to the spindle 25B.

[0056] The brake 30 is positioned adjacent to the gear mechanism 37 by housing the gear mechanism 37 within the housing portion 32a of the cover 32. The base end of the brake 30 is in contact with the gear mechanism 37 via the cover 32. On the other hand, the end end of the brake 30 is in contact with the partition plate portion 12c of the housing portion 12B. As a result, the brake 30 of the support member 6B is sandwiched between the partition plate portion 12c and the connecting member 11 via the motor 36 and the gear mechanism 37.

[0057] In this configuration, the support member 6B, which has the brake 30 via the motor 36 and gear mechanism 37, rotates the spindle 25B via the gear mechanism 37 by the motor 36. As a result, the spindle nut 27 moves linearly toward the end 15b or base 15a of the guide portion 15, depending on the direction of rotation of the spindle 25B. When the back door 3 moves in the closing direction, the load of the back door 3 is transmitted to the spindle 25B via the spindle nut 27, causing the spindle 25B to over-rotate. However, as described above, the spindle 25B in this embodiment receives rotational resistance from the brake 30. Therefore, the brake 30 applies a braking force to the closing operation of the back door 3.

[0058] The support device 5 configured in this way has the following features.

[0059] The cover portion 14 and the guide portion 15 could each be molded as an extension consisting of a double cylinder, but they are deliberately molded separately as single cylinders. This simplifies the structure and ensures manufacturability.

[0060] Support members 6A and 6B are individual components of different lengths, comprising housing sections 12A and 12B, cover sections 14A and 14B, and coil springs 28A and 28B. On the other hand, the length La1 of the fixed housing 10A is the same as the length La2 of the fixed housing 10B. Therefore, the forward and backward stroke of the movable housing 20 accompanying the opening and closing of the back door 3 is the same. Thus, the stability of the opening and closing operation of the back door 3 can be ensured by the support members 6A and 6B, which have different configurations. In addition, by changing the lengths of the housing sections 12A and 12B and the cover sections 14A and 14B, the total length of the coil springs 28A and 28B can be changed, thereby widening the adjustment range of the biasing force of the coil springs 28A and 28B. Thus, the holding force by the coil springs 28 can be easily set individually and appropriately according to the load of the back door 3.

[0061] The movable housing 20 is attached to the fixed housing 10 in a way that prevents it from being detached and allows it to move back and forth by screwing a spindle nut 27 onto the spindle 25. On the other hand, the mounting portion 15d of the guide portion 15 is attached to the housing portion 12, and the support portion 14c of the cover portion 14 that supports one end of the coil spring 28 is pressed against the mounting portion 15d by the biasing force of the coil spring 28. In this way, the cover portion 14 can be assembled to the housing portion 12 without providing a special mounting structure between the cover portion 14 and the housing portion 12, thereby improving the manufacturability of the support member 6.

[0062] In the support member 6A, a brake 30 that applies rotational resistance to the spindle 25 is housed between the base end 12a and the partition plate portion 12c within the housing portion 12A. Therefore, the support member 6A is configured as a passive type in which the movable housing 20 passively moves forward and backward relative to the fixed housing 10 due to the rotation of the spindle 25 accompanying the opening and closing of the back door 3. On the other hand, in the support member 6B, an electric mechanism including a motor 36 that rotates the spindle 25 is housed between the base end 12a and the partition plate portion 12c within the housing portion 12B. Therefore, the support member 6B is configured as an active type in which the movable housing 20 actively moves forward and backward relative to the fixed housing 10. Furthermore, since the total lengths of the coil springs 28A and 28B of the support members 6A and 6B are different, and their biasing forces can be set individually, the holding force of the back door 3 can be set to a stable state when the rotational resistance values ​​that can be applied to the spindle 25 differ between the brake 30 and the electric mechanism including the motor 36, or when the loads on both sides of the back door 3 in the width direction are different.

[0063] A spacer 35 is housed between the base end 12a of the support member 6A within the housing portion 12A and the brake 30. In other words, the inclusion of the spacer 35 within the housing portion 12A allows for flexibility in setting the length Lb1 of the housing portion 12A. As a result, it becomes easier to set the holding force of the back door 3 corresponding to the biasing force of the coil spring 28.

[0064] Other embodiments and various modifications of the present invention will be described below, but unless otherwise specified, they will be the same as in the first embodiment. In the drawings referred to below, the same elements as in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0065] (Second Embodiment) In the second embodiment, the support device 5 shown in Figure 1 comprises a passive support member (first support member) 6A shown in Figure 2 and a passive support member (second support member) 6C shown in Figure 8. However, the support device 5 may also consist of a passive support member (first support member) 6C shown in Figure 8 and an active support member (second support member) 6B shown in Figure 5.

[0066] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the support member 6C, like the support member 6A, comprises a fixed housing 10C consisting of a housing portion 12C, a cover portion 14C, and a guide portion 15, and a movable housing 20C consisting of an outer cylinder 22 and a push rod 23C. Inside the support member 6C are a spindle 25C, a spindle nut 27, and a coil spring 28C. The brake 30 is housed in the housing portion 12C, and a spacer 35 (see Figures 2 and 4) is not used.

[0067] Referring to Figures 2 and 8, the total length La3 of the fixed housing 10C from the base end 12a of the housing 12C to the end 14b of the cover 32C is the same as the total length La1 of the fixed housing 10A of the support member 6A.

[0068] The axial total length Lb3 of the housing portion 12C is shorter than the total length Lb1 of the housing portion 12A of the support member 6A. The axial total length Lc3 of the cover portion 14C is longer than the total length Lc3 of the cover portion 14A of the support member 6A. The guide portion 15 of the support member 6C is the same as (common to) the guide portion 15A of the support member 6A.

[0069] The outer cylinder 22 of support member 6C is the same as (common to) the outer cylinder 22 of support member 6A. The axial length of push rod 23C is longer than that of push rod 23A of support member 6A.

[0070] The axial length of spindle 25C is longer than that of spindle 25A of support member 6A. The configuration of the spindle nut 27 of support member 6C is the same as that of the spindle nut 27 of support member 6A. The axial length Le3 of coil spring 28C is longer than the total length Le1 of coil spring 28A of support member 6A.

[0071] Referring to Figure 9, the housing section 12C has a partition plate section 12c between its base end 12a and its end end 12b, and the base end 12a of the housing section 12C is closed by a connecting member 11. The total length Lb3 (see Figure 8) of the housing section 12C is set so that the distance from the partition plate section 12c to the end of the connecting member 11 is equal to the axial dimension of the brake 30. As a result, the support member 6C holds the brake 30 by sandwiching it between the partition plate section 12c and the connecting member 11.

[0072] With the support member 6C configured in this way, the overall length of the coil spring 28C can be made the longest compared to the other support members 6A and 6B. Therefore, the range of adjustment for the biasing force of the coil spring 28 can be widened.

[0073] As described above, in the support device 5 of the present invention, by changing the overall length of the housing portion 12 and the cover portion 14 of the pair of support members 6, and by changing the overall length of the spacer 35 (including the option of not mounting it), it is possible to individually use coil springs 28 with appropriate holding force. Therefore, even if the load on both sides in the width direction is different, the back door 3 can be held in a stable state.

[0074] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible.

[0075] For example, even in the active support member 6B, a spacer may be used within the housing portion 12B to change the overall length of the housing portion 12B and the cover portion 14B, thereby allowing the overall length of the coil spring 28B to be changed.

[0076] The assembly structure of the extension 13 to the housing 12, and in particular the assembly structure of the cover 14 to the housing 12, can be changed as needed.

[0077] The housing section 12 may be provided without a partition plate section 12c, and the components including the brake 30 may be sandwiched between the base end of the extension section 13 and the end of the connecting member 11. In this case, the connecting member 11 and the housing section 12 may be molded as a single unit.

[0078] The brake 30 is not limited to a mechanical brake using a rotating member 33 and a coil spring 34, but may also be a magnetic brake using a magnet. When using a magnetic brake, the braking torque is lower compared to a mechanical brake, so it is preferable to mount it together with a mechanism similar to the gear mechanism 37 of the active support member 6B. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0079] 1 vehicle 2 car bodies 3. Back door (door) 5. Vehicle door support device 6, 6A, 6B, 6C Vehicle door support members 10, 10A, 10B, 10C Fixed Housing 11 Connecting member 12, 12A, 12B, 12C Storage section 12a Base end (first end) 12b end 12c Partition plate section 12d Holding part 12e Mounting recess 13 Extension section 14, 14A, 14B, 14C Cover section 14a proximal end 14b End (second end) 14c Support part 15 Guide section 15a proximal end 15b end 15c guide groove 15d Mounting part 15e recess 20, 20A, 20B, 20C Movable Housing 21 Connecting Member 22 Outer cylinder 22a proximal end 22b End (3rd end) 22c Support part 23, 23A, 23B, 23C Pushrods 23a proximal end 23b end 23c Guide protrusion 25, 25A, 25B, 25C spindles 25a Connecting shaft 26 Bearings 27 Spindle nut 28, 28A, 28B, 28C Coil Springs 30 Brake 31 Brake case 32 Cover 32a Storage area 33 Rotating member 33a Through hole 34 Coil Springs 35 Spacers 35a Partition wall 36 Motors 37 Gear mechanism 39,40 Planetary gear unit 39a, 40a casing 39b,40b sun gear 39c, 40c planetary gear 39d, 40d Planetary Carrier La1, La2, La3 Total length of fixed housing Lb1, Lb2, Lb3 Total length of storage section Lc1, Lc2, Lc3 Total length of cover section Ld1, Ld2, Ld3 Total length of guide section Le1, Le2, Le3: Total length of the coil springs

Claims

1. It comprises a first support member and a second support member that support the door in the open position relative to the vehicle body, The first support member and the second support member are, A cylindrical fixed housing having a first end connected to one of the vehicle body and the door, and a second end on the opposite side of the first end, A cylindrical movable housing having a third end connected to the other of the vehicle body and the door, the opposite end of which is housed in the fixed housing from the second end, and which is movable relative to the fixed housing in the axial direction, A spindle rotatably supported within the aforementioned fixed housing, A spindle nut is screwed onto the spindle and connected to the movable housing, A coil spring biases the movable housing in a direction that extends it outward from the fixed housing. Equipped with, The aforementioned fixed housing is A cylindrical housing having the first end, comprising a first housing that constitutes the first support member and a second housing that constitutes the second support member, A cylindrical cover portion having the second end, coaxially connected to the end opposite to the first end with respect to the housing portion, and surrounding the coil spring, comprising a first cover portion constituting the first support member and a second cover portion constituting the second support member, A guide portion common to the first and second support members is provided, separate from the cover portion, and positioned within the coil spring, housing a part of the spindle and the spindle nut inside, and guiding the spindle nut so that it is relatively immobile and can move back and forth. The first fixed housing constituting the first support member and the second fixed housing constituting the second support member have different configurations, The coil spring comprises a first coil spring that constitutes the first support member and a second coil spring that constitutes the second support member. The axial length of the first fixed housing is the same as the axial length of the second fixed housing. The axial length of the first housing is different from the axial length of the second housing, The axial length of the first cover portion is different from the axial length of the second cover portion. A vehicle door support device wherein the axial length of the first coil spring is different from the axial length of the second coil spring.

2. The axial length of the first housing is shorter than the axial length of the second housing. The axial length of the first cover portion is longer than the axial length of the second cover portion. The vehicle door support device according to claim 1, wherein the axial length of the first coil spring is longer than the axial length of the second coil spring.

3. The guide portion has a mounting portion attached to the end opposite to the first end with respect to the housing portion. The cover portion has a support portion that supports one end of the coil spring, The vehicle door support device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support portion is pressed against the mounting portion by the biasing force of the coil spring.

4. A partition plate is provided between both ends of the aforementioned storage section. Between the first end and the partition plate portion within the first housing, a brake is housed that applies rotational resistance to the spindle when the movable housing moves within the first fixed housing. A vehicle door support device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an electric mechanism including a motor for rotating the spindle is housed between the first end and the partition plate portion within the second housing portion.

5. A spacer is housed between the first end and the brake within the first housing portion, as described in claim 4.

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