Vehicle door support device

Abstract

To provide a vehicle door support device that allows for easy adjustment of the door's position relative to the vehicle body. [Solution] The door support device 40 comprises a first link arm 41, a first vehicle body side bracket that rotatably supports one end of the first link arm 41 in the longitudinal direction, and a first door side bracket 44 that rotatably supports the other end of the first link arm 41 in the longitudinal direction. The first door side bracket 44 has adjustment bolts 91 and 92 for adjusting the position of the door relative to the vehicle body.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a vehicle door support device for supporting a door on a vehicle body. The vehicle door support device includes a first link arm and a second link arm, one end of which is rotatably connected to the vehicle body and the other end of which is rotatably connected to the door. The first link arm is located above the second link arm. The direction in which the rotation axes of the first link arm and the second link arm extend with respect to the vehicle body is the vertical direction, and the direction in which the rotation axes of the first link arm and the second link arm extend with respect to the door is the vertical direction. The vehicle body, the door, the first link arm, and the second link arm constitute a four-bar link mechanism.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When connecting the vehicle body and the door via the vehicle door support device as described above, the weight of the door acts on the first link arm and the second link arm. Therefore, it is preferable that the vehicle body and the door be connected in consideration of the deflection of the first link arm and the second link arm caused by the weight of the door.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A vehicle door support device for solving the above problems is a vehicle door support device for supporting a door that opens and closes a door opening on a vehicle body having a door opening, and comprises a link arm, a vehicle body side bracket fixed to the vehicle body and supporting one end of the link arm in the longitudinal direction so as to be rotatable around an axis extending in the vertical direction of the vehicle body, and a door side bracket fixed to the door and supporting the other end of the link arm in the longitudinal direction so as to be rotatable around the axis extending in the vertical direction, wherein the door side bracket has an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the attitude of the door relative to the vehicle body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] The vehicle door support device allows for easy adjustment of the door's position relative to the vehicle body. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the general configuration of the vehicle. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the vehicle in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a side view showing the schematic configuration of the vehicle in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the first door side bracket of the vehicle shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the first door side bracket of the vehicle shown in Figure 1. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a side view of the first door side bracket of the vehicle shown in Figure 1. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in Figure 6. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in Figure 6. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in Figure 6 after the adjustment process has been completed. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in Figure 6 after the adjustment process has been completed. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in Figure 6 after other adjustment processes have been performed. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in Figure 6 after other adjustment processes have been performed. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] An embodiment of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle door support device (hereinafter referred to as "door support device") will be described below. <Configuration of this embodiment> As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the vehicle 10 comprises a body 20, a door 30, a door support device 40, a door drive device 100, and a door control device 110.

[0009] In the following explanation, the width direction, the longitudinal direction, and the vertical direction of the vehicle 10 will be referred to as the width direction, the longitudinal direction, and the vertical direction, respectively. In the diagram, the width direction is the direction in which the X-axis extends, the longitudinal direction is the direction in which the Y-axis extends, and the vertical direction is the direction in which the Z-axis extends. Furthermore, in the width direction, the direction toward the center of the vehicle 10 is called the inward direction, and the direction away from the center of the vehicle 10 is called the outward direction.

[0010] <Body 20> The vehicle body 20 has a door opening 21. The door opening 21 opens on the side of the vehicle body 20 in the width direction. The door opening 21 is the part through which a user passes when getting in and out of the rear seats of the vehicle 10. Although not shown in the figures, it is preferable that the vehicle body 20 has a striker that restrains the door 30.

[0011] <Door 30> The door 30 has a door body 31. Hereafter, the front end of the door 30 will be referred to as the "front end 30F" and the rear end of the door 30 as the "rear end 30R". The door body 31 has an inner panel 32 and an outer panel 33. Also, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the door body 31 has a plurality of fixing nuts 34, 35.

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the inner panel 32 and the outer panel 33 are panels corresponding to the shape of the door opening 21. The inner panel 32 is a part of the door body 31 facing the inner side of the vehicle 10, and the outer panel 33 is a part of the door body 31 facing the outer side of the vehicle 10. The inner panel 32 and the outer panel 33 are joined by welding or the like.

[0013] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the plurality of fixing nuts 34, 35 are nuts for fixing the door support device 40 to the door 30. The two fixing nuts 34 are positioned at intervals in the front-rear direction, and the two fixing nuts 35 are positioned at intervals in the front-rear direction. The two fixing nuts 34 are positioned below the two fixing nuts 35. For example, the plurality of fixing nuts 34, 35 are joined by welding or the like to the outer-facing surface in the width direction of the inner panel 32.

[0014] The door 30 is configured to be movable between a fully closed position where the door opening 21 is fully closed and a fully open position where the door opening 21 is fully open. Although not shown, the door 30 preferably has a latch mechanism that locks to the striker of the vehicle body 20 when disposed in the fully closed position.

[0015] <Door support device 40> As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the door support device 40 includes a first link arm 41, a second link arm 42, a first vehicle body side bracket 43, a first door side bracket 44, a second vehicle body side bracket 45, and a second door side bracket 46. The door support device 40 also includes two first support shafts 51, 52 and two second support shafts 53, 54. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the door support device 40 includes a plurality of fixing bolts 55, 56. Hereinafter, the door support device 40 will be described using the direction when the door support device 40 is assembled to the vehicle 10 and the door 30 is disposed in the fully closed position.

[0016] <First link arm 41> As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the first link arm 41 is rod-shaped. The first link arm 41 defines the opening and closing trajectory of the door 30 and supports the weight of the door 30. For this reason, the bending rigidity of the first link arm 41 is higher than that of the second link arm 42. One end of the first link arm 41 in the longitudinal direction is the base end, and the other end of the first link arm 41 in the longitudinal direction is the tip end. The first link arm 41 corresponds to a "link arm".

[0017] <Second link arm 42> The second link arm 42 is rod-shaped. The second link arm 42 is an arm that defines the opening and closing trajectory of the door 30. One end of the second link arm 42 in the longitudinal direction is the base end, and the other end of the second link arm 42 in the longitudinal direction is the tip end. Preferably, the second link arm 42 is configured so that its length in the longitudinal direction can be adjusted. In this case, it is preferable that the second link arm 42 is biased in the contracting direction by a coil spring or the like.

[0018] <First vehicle body side bracket 43> The first vehicle body bracket 43 supports the first support shaft 51. The axis of the first support shaft 51 extends in the vertical direction. The first vehicle body bracket 43 rotatably supports the base end of the first link arm 41 via the first support shaft 51. As a result, the first link arm 41 is rotatable around the axis of the first support shaft 51 relative to the first vehicle body bracket 43. The first vehicle body bracket 43 is fixed to the vehicle body 20 by fastening members such as bolts (not shown). The first vehicle body bracket 43 corresponds to the "vehicle body bracket".

[0019] <First door side bracket 44> As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the first door-side bracket 44 comprises a main bracket 60, a first sub-bracket 70 and a second sub-bracket 80, and a first adjustment bolt 91 and a second adjustment bolt 92. The first door-side bracket 44 corresponds to the "door-side bracket".

[0020] <Main bracket 60> The main bracket 60 includes a base 61, two support flanges 62 and 63, a first connecting flange 64 and a second connecting flange 65, and a regulating shaft 66. The main bracket 60 is constructed, for example, by press-forming a metal plate.

[0021] The base 61 is plate-shaped. Preferably, the base 61 has a shape that corresponds to the inner panel 32 of the door 30. The base 61 includes a first base 611 that constitutes the lower part of the base 61, a second base 612 that constitutes the upper part of the base 61, and a third base 613 that connects the first base 611 and the second base 612. The thickness direction of the first base 611, the second base 612, and the third base 613 is generally the width direction. The first base 611 has two fixing holes 614 through which two fixing bolts 55 are inserted, respectively. The two fixing holes 614 are spaced apart in the front-rear direction. The second base 612 has two fixing holes 615 through which two fixing bolts 56 are inserted, respectively. The two fixing holes 615 are spaced apart in the front-rear direction. The inner diameters of the multiple fixing holes 614 and 615 are larger than the shaft diameters of the multiple fixing bolts 55 and 56. In this embodiment, the multiple fixing holes 614 and 615 are round holes, but in other embodiments, the multiple fixing holes 614 and 615 may be elongated holes. In this case, the length of the multiple fixing holes 614 and 615 in the vertical direction should be longer than the shaft diameters of the multiple fixing bolts 55 and 56, and the length of the multiple fixing holes 614 and 615 in the front-to-back direction should be slightly longer than the shaft diameters of the multiple fixing bolts 55 and 56. In other words, the main bracket 60 only needs to be movable in the vertical direction relative to the multiple fixing bolts 55 and 56.

[0022] Support flange 62 extends inward in the width direction from the upper end of the first base 611. Support flange 62 is bent relative to the first base 611. Support flange 63 extends inward in the width direction from the lower end of the second base 612. Support flange 63 is bent relative to the second base 612. The thickness direction of the two support flanges 62 and 63 is vertical. The two support flanges 62 and 63 face each other vertically. The two support flanges 62 and 63 support the first support shaft 52 and the regulating shaft 66. The axes of the first support shaft 52 and the regulating shaft 66 extend vertically. Thus, the first door-side bracket 44 rotatably supports the tip of the first link arm 41 via the first support shaft 52. As a result, the first link arm 41 is rotatable relative to the first door-side bracket 44 about the axis of the first support shaft 52. Furthermore, the rotational range of the first link arm 41 relative to the first door-side bracket 44 is defined by the regulating shaft 66.

[0023] The first connecting flange 64 and the second connecting flange 65 extend inward in the width direction from the upper end of the second base 612. The first connecting flange 64 and the second connecting flange 65 are bent relative to the second base 612. The first connecting flange 64 and the second connecting flange 65 are spaced apart in the front-rear direction. Specifically, the first connecting flange 64 is located behind the second connecting flange 65. The thickness direction of the first connecting flange 64 and the second connecting flange 65 is vertical. The first connecting flange 64 has a first through hole 641 through which a first adjustment bolt 91 is inserted. Similarly, the second connecting flange 65 has a second through hole 651 through which a second adjustment bolt 92 is inserted. The first through hole 641 penetrates the tip of the first connecting flange 64, and the second through hole 651 penetrates the tip of the second connecting flange 65. In this embodiment, the first through hole 641 and the second through hole 651 are elongated holes. The longitudinal direction of the first through hole 641 and the second through hole 651 is the width direction. Therefore, the main bracket 60 can move relative to the first adjustment bolt 91 and the second adjustment bolt 92 in the width direction. In other embodiments, the first through hole 641 and the second through hole 651 may be round holes. The first through hole 641 corresponds to a "through hole".

[0024] <Sub-brackets 70, 80 and adjustment bolts 91, 92> The sub-brackets 70 and 80 are L-shaped when viewed from the front and rear directions. The first sub-bracket 70 has a fixing plate 71, a connecting plate 72, and a nut 73. Similarly, the second sub-bracket 80 has a fixing plate 81, a connecting plate 82, and a nut 83. The parts of the sub-brackets 70 and 80, excluding the nuts 73 and 83, are constructed, for example, by press-forming a metal plate.

[0025] In the first sub-bracket 70, the fixing plate 71 and the connecting plate 72 are plate-shaped. The thickness direction of the fixing plate 71 is the width direction, and the thickness direction of the connecting plate 72 is the vertical direction. The fixing plate 71 has fixing holes 711 through which fixing bolts 55 are inserted. The fixing holes 711 penetrate the fixing plate 71 in the thickness direction. The inner diameter of the fixing holes 711 is slightly larger than the shaft diameter of the fixing bolts 55. The inner diameter of the fixing holes 711 of the fixing plate 71 is smaller than the inner diameters of the multiple fixing holes 615 of the first door-side bracket 44. The connecting plate 72 is bent from the fixing plate 71. The connecting plate 72 has through holes 721. The through holes 721 penetrate the connecting plate 72 in the thickness direction. The inner diameter of the through holes 721 of the first sub-bracket 70 is slightly larger than the shaft diameter of the first adjustment bolt 91. The nut 73 is joined to the underside of the connecting plate 72 by welding or other means. The axis of the nut 73 coincides with the axis of the insertion hole 721 of the connecting plate 72. The first threaded hole 731 of the nut 73 corresponds to the threaded shaft of the first adjustment bolt 91. The first sub-bracket 70 corresponds to the "sub-bracket," and the first threaded hole 731 corresponds to the "threaded hole."

[0026] The second sub-bracket 80 has substantially the same configuration as the first sub-bracket 70. Therefore, the fixing holes 711 of the fixing plate 71 in the first sub-bracket 70 correspond to the fixing holes 811 of the fixing plate 81 in the second sub-bracket 80. In other words, the inner diameter of the fixing holes 811 of the fixing plate 81 is smaller than the inner diameter of the multiple fixing holes 615 of the first door-side bracket 44. The insertion holes 721 of the connecting plate 72 in the first sub-bracket 70 correspond to the insertion holes 821 of the connecting plate 82 in the second sub-bracket 80. The first screw hole 731 of the nut 73 in the first sub-bracket 70 corresponds to the second screw hole 831 of the nut 83 in the second sub-bracket 80. The second screw hole 831 of the nut 83 corresponds to the screw shaft of the second adjustment bolt 92.

[0027] As shown in Figure 6, the first adjustment bolt 91 connects the main bracket 60 and the first sub-bracket 70 in the vertical direction. More specifically, the first adjustment bolt 91 fastens the first connecting flange 64 of the main bracket 60 and the connecting plate 72 of the first sub-bracket 70. At this time, the first adjustment bolt 91 is screwed into the nut 73 of the first sub-bracket 70 after passing through the first through hole 641 of the main bracket 60 and the insertion hole 721 of the first sub-bracket 70. Similarly, the second adjustment bolt 92 connects the main bracket 60 and the second sub-bracket 80 in the vertical direction. More specifically, the second adjustment bolt 92 fastens the second connecting flange 65 of the main bracket 60 and the connecting plate 82 of the second sub-bracket 80. At this time, the second adjustment bolt 92 is screwed into the nut 83 of the second sub-bracket 80 after passing through the second through hole 651 of the main bracket 60 and the insertion hole 821 of the second sub-bracket 80. The first adjustment bolt 91 and the second adjustment bolt 92 constitute the "adjustment mechanism".

[0028] In the following explanation, the distance between the first connecting flange 64 of the main bracket 60 and the connecting plate 72 of the first sub-bracket 70 will be referred to as "first interval G1". Also, the distance between the second connecting flange 65 of the main bracket 60 and the connecting plate 82 of the second sub-bracket 80 will be referred to as "second interval G2".

[0029] <Fixing bolts 55, 56> As shown in Figures 4 and 5, two fixing bolts 55 fasten the main bracket 60 to the inner panel 32 of the door 30. At this time, the two fixing bolts 55 are screwed into the two fixing nuts 34 of the inner panel 32, respectively. On the other hand, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, two fixing bolts 56 fasten the main bracket 60 and sub-brackets 70 and 80 to the inner panel 32 of the door 30. At this time, the fixing bolt 56 located at the rear is inserted sequentially through the fixing hole 711 of the first sub-bracket 70 and the fixing hole 615 of the main bracket 60 before being screwed into the fixing nut 35 of the inner panel 32. Similarly, the fixing bolt 56 located at the front is inserted sequentially through the fixing hole 811 of the second sub-bracket 80 and the fixing hole 615 of the main bracket 60 before being screwed into the fixing nut 35 of the inner panel 32.

[0030] In this respect, the sub-brackets 70 and 80 are fastened to the door 30, sandwiching the main bracket 60 in the width direction along with the door 30. Also, in the vertical direction, the gap between the fixing bolt 56 and the sub-brackets 70 and 80 is very small, while the gap between the fixing bolt 56 and the main bracket 60 is large. In this respect, the fixing bolt 56 is movable in the vertical direction together with the sub-brackets 70 and 80, but is not movable in the vertical direction together with the main bracket 60. In other words, the fixing bolt 56 is not movable in the vertical direction relative to the sub-brackets 70 and 80, but is movable in the vertical direction relative to the main bracket 60.

[0031] <Second vehicle body side bracket 45> As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the second vehicle body bracket 45 supports the second support shaft 53. The axis of the second support shaft 53 extends in the vertical direction. The second vehicle body bracket 45 rotatably supports the base end of the second link arm 42 via the second support shaft 53. As a result, the second link arm 42 is rotatable around the axis of the second support shaft 53 relative to the second vehicle body bracket 45. The second vehicle body bracket 45 is fixed to the vehicle body 20 by fastening members such as bolts (not shown). The fixing position of the second vehicle body bracket 45 relative to the vehicle body 20 is located lower than the fixing position of the first vehicle body bracket 43 relative to the vehicle body 20.

[0032] <Second door side bracket 46> The second door-side bracket 46 supports the second support shaft 54. The axis of the second support shaft 54 ​​extends in the vertical direction. The second door-side bracket 46 rotatably supports the tip of the second link arm 42 via the second support shaft 54. As a result, the second link arm 42 is rotatable around the axis of the second support shaft 54 ​​relative to the second door-side bracket 46. The second door-side bracket 46 is fixed to the door 30 by fastening members such as bolts (not shown). The fixing position of the second door-side bracket 46 relative to the vehicle body 20 is located lower than the fixing position of the first door-side bracket 44 relative to the vehicle body 20.

[0033] <Relationship between body 20 and door 30> As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the vehicle body 20 and the door 30 are connected via a first link arm 41 and a second link arm 42. The base end of the first link arm 41 is rotatable relative to the vehicle body 20 around the axis of the first support shaft 51, while the tip of the first link arm 41 is rotatable relative to the door 30 around the axis of the first support shaft 52. Similarly, the base end of the second link arm 42 is rotatable relative to the vehicle body 20 around the axis of the second support shaft 53, while the tip of the second link arm 42 is rotatable relative to the door 30 around the axis of the second support shaft 54. Furthermore, all axes extend in the vertical direction. In this respect, the vehicle body 20, the door 30, the first link arm 41 and the second link arm 42 constitute a so-called four-bar linkage mechanism.

[0034] Therefore, when the first link arm 41 rotates around the axis of the first support shaft 51, the second link arm 42 also rotates around the axis of the second support shaft 53. As a result, the door 30, which corresponds to an intermediate link, moves in the opening and closing direction relative to the vehicle body 20, which corresponds to a fixed link. Furthermore, when viewed from the width direction, the center of gravity of the door 30 is preferably located in front of the axis of the first adjustment bolt 91 and behind the axis of the second adjustment bolt 92.

[0035] <Door drive device 100> The door drive unit 100 is configured to include, for example, an electric motor and a transmission mechanism that transmits the power of the electric motor to the first link arm 41. The door drive unit 100 is assembled to, for example, the vehicle body 20. The door drive unit 100 applies torque to the first link arm 41 that causes the first link arm 41 to rotate around the axis of the first support shaft 51. As shown in Figure 1, when the door drive unit 100 applies torque to the first link arm 41 in the direction of the first rotational direction R1, the door 30 opens toward the fully open position. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 2, when the door drive unit 100 applies torque to the first link arm 41 in the direction of the second rotational direction R2, the door 30 closes toward the fully closed position.

[0036] <Door control device 110> The door control device 110 is a processing circuit having a CPU and ROM. The door control device 110 opens or closes the door 30 by controlling the door drive device 100. For example, the door control device 110 receives a request to open or close the door 30 when a user operates a portable device or the door handle. When an open request is received, the door control device 110 controls the door drive device 100 so that the door 30 opens. On the other hand, when a close request is received, the door control device 110 controls the door drive device 100 so that the door 30 closes.

[0037] <Operation of this embodiment> The process of attaching the door 30 to the vehicle body 20 will be explained. The assembly method for the door 30 comprises a first fixing step, a trial assembly step, an inspection step, an adjustment step, and a second fixing step.

[0038] The first fixing step is the step of fixing the door support device 40 to the vehicle body 20 with multiple fastening members. Specifically, in the first fixing step, the first vehicle body side bracket 43 of the door support device 40 is fixed to the vehicle body 20 with multiple fastening members. Also in the first fixing step, the second vehicle body side bracket 45 of the door support device 40 is fixed to the vehicle body 20 with multiple fastening members.

[0039] The trial assembly process involves fixing the door 30 to the door support device 40 using multiple fixing bolts 55 and 56. In the trial assembly process, it is preferable that the door 30 is fixed to the first door-side bracket 44 of the door support device 40, but not to the second door-side bracket 46 of the door support device 40. The trial assembly process is also performed with the weight of the door 30 supported by a jig. Once the fixing of the door 30 to the door support device 40 is complete in the trial assembly process, the jig is removed. At this point, the weight of the door 30 that was supported by the jig acts on the first link arm 41 of the door support device 40. As a result, the posture of the door 30 relative to the vehicle body 20 changes before and after the removal of the jig. Specifically, the door 30 may tilt around an axis extending in the width direction relative to the ideal assembly position (hereinafter referred to as "shifted in the pitch direction"). In addition, the door 30 may be shifted vertically relative to the ideal assembly position.

[0040] In the following explanation, the state of the first door-side bracket 44 after the preliminary assembly process will be as shown in Figures 7 and 8. In other words, the first interval G1 and the second interval G2 after the preliminary assembly process will be as shown in Figures 7 and 8.

[0041] The inspection process measures how much the position of the door 30 after the trial assembly process deviates from the ideal position. It is preferable to measure multiple points on the door 30 during the inspection process. For example, as shown in Figure 3, if the height of measurement point PR, set at the rear end 30R of the door 30, is lower than during ideal assembly, and the height of measurement point PF, set at the front end 30F of the door 30, is higher, it means that the door 30 is positioned at an angle in the pitch direction compared to the ideal position. Furthermore, if the height of measurement point PR, set at the rear end 30R of the door 30, is lower than during ideal assembly, and the height of measurement point PF, set at the front end 30F of the door 30, is lower than during ideal assembly, it means that the door 30 is positioned lower than the ideal position. Additionally, depending on the heights of both measurement points PR and PF, the door 30 may be positioned at an angle in the pitch direction and lower than the ideal position. This relationship between multiple measurement points PR and PF and the position of the door 30 is just one example. This relationship between multiple measurement points PR and PF and the position of the door 30 changes depending on factors such as the distance from measurement points PR and PF to the center of gravity of the door 30.

[0042] The adjustment process is a subsequent process to the inspection process. The adjustment process is performed based on the results of the inspection process. In the adjustment process, first, several fixing bolts 55 and 56 are loosened to the extent that the door 30 can move up and down relative to the first door-side bracket 44. Then, the load of the door 30 acts not only on the several fixing bolts 55 and 56, but also on the first adjustment bolt 91 and the second adjustment bolt 92. Subsequently, at least one of the first adjustment bolt 91 and the second adjustment bolt 92 is adjusted according to the results of the inspection process. Two adjustment examples are described below.

[0043] The following describes the case where the position of the door 30 is adjusted in the pitch direction indicated by arrow D1 in Figure 3, based on the results of the inspection process. In this case, as shown in Figure 9, the worker rotates the first adjustment bolt 91 so that the first gap G1 between the main bracket 60 and the first sub-bracket 70 narrows. At this time, in the cross-section shown in Figure 9, the first sub-bracket 70, the fixing bolt 56, and the door 30 move upward relative to the main bracket 60 and the first link arm 41. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 10, the worker does not adjust the second gap G2 between the main bracket 60 and the second sub-bracket 80. At this time, in the cross-section shown in Figure 10, the second sub-bracket 80, the fixing bolt 56, and the door 30 do not move substantially vertically relative to the main bracket 60 and the first link arm 41. Then, as shown by arrow D1 in Figure 3, the rear end 30R of the door 30 rises relative to the vehicle body 20, and the front end 30F of the door 30 descends relative to the vehicle body 20. As a result, the position of the door 30 is adjusted in the pitch direction indicated by arrow D1 relative to the vehicle body 20.

[0044] The following describes the case where the position of the door 30 is adjusted upward, as indicated by arrow D2 in Figure 3, based on the results of the inspection process. In this case, as shown in Figure 11, the worker rotates the first adjustment bolt 91 so that the first gap G1 between the main bracket 60 and the first sub-bracket 70 narrows. At this time, in the cross-section shown in Figure 11, the first sub-bracket 70, the fixing bolt 56, and the door 30 move upward relative to the main bracket 60 and the first link arm 41. Similarly, as shown in Figure 12, the worker rotates the second adjustment bolt 92 so that the second gap G2 between the main bracket 60 and the second sub-bracket 80 narrows. At this time, in the cross-section shown in Figure 12, the second sub-bracket 80, the fixing bolt 56, and the door 30 move upward relative to the main bracket 60 and the first link arm 41. As a result, as indicated by arrow D2 in Figure 3, the rear end 30R of the door 30 rises relative to the vehicle body 20, and the front end 30F of the door 30 rises relative to the vehicle body 20. As a result, the position of the door 30 is adjusted upward relative to the vehicle body 20, as indicated by arrow D2.

[0045] The second fixing step involves tightening the multiple fixing bolts 55 and 56 that were loosened in the adjustment step. In other words, the first fixing bracket of the door support device 40 is fixed to the door 30 again. Also, in the second fixing step, the second door-side bracket 46 of the door support device 40 is fixed to the vehicle body 20 by the multiple fixing bolts 55 and 56. In this way, the load of the door 30 does not act much on the first adjustment bolt 91 and the second adjustment bolt 92.

[0046] <Effects of this embodiment> (1) In the door support device 40, the first door-side bracket 44 has a first adjustment bolt 91 and a second adjustment bolt 92 for adjusting the posture of the door 30 relative to the vehicle body 20. Therefore, if the position of the door 30 relative to the vehicle body 20 deviates from the ideal position due to the load of the door 30 acting on the link arm, this deviation can be corrected by the first adjustment bolt 91 and the second adjustment bolt 92.

[0047] (2) The first adjustment bolt 91 connects the main bracket 60 and the first sub-bracket 70 in the vertical direction. The first adjustment bolt 91 passes through the first through hole 641 of the main bracket 60 and is then screwed into the nut 73 of the first sub-bracket 70. Therefore, by rotating the first adjustment bolt 91, the first spacing G1 between the main bracket 60 and the first sub-bracket 70 is adjusted. In this way, the door support device 40 can adjust the vertical position of the first sub-bracket 70 relative to the main bracket 60 with a simple configuration. Similarly, the door support device 40 can adjust the vertical position of the second sub-bracket 80 relative to the main bracket 60 with a simple configuration. As a result, the door support device 40 can adjust the vertical position of the door 30 relative to the main bracket 60. Furthermore, after adjusting the first spacing G1 and the second spacing G2, the door support device 40 can maintain the adjusted position of the door 30 by fastening the sub-brackets 70 and 80 to the door 30.

[0048] (3) The first adjustment bolt 91 can adjust the first spacing G1 between the main bracket 60 and the first sub-bracket 70. The second adjustment bolt 92 is located at a position offset in the front-rear direction from the first adjustment bolt 91 and can adjust the second spacing G2 between the main bracket 60 and the second sub-bracket 80. Therefore, by making the adjustment amount by the first adjustment bolt 91 and the adjustment amount by the second adjustment bolt 92 different, the door 30 can be tilted in the pitch direction. In this way, the door support device 40 can adjust the position of the door 30 in the pitch direction relative to the main bracket 60 with a simple configuration.

[0049] (4) The inner diameter of the fixing hole 615 of the main bracket 60 is larger than the inner diameter of the fixing holes 711 and 811 of the sub-brackets 70 and 80. Therefore, even when the fixing bolts 56 are passed through these fixing holes 615, 711 and 811, the door 30 and the sub-brackets 70 and 80 can be moved vertically simply by loosening the fixing bolts 55 and 56. Therefore, the door support device 40 can easily adjust the position of the door 30.

[0050] <Example of changes> This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0051] The door support device 40 does not necessarily have to include the second link arm 42, the second vehicle body side bracket 45, and the second door side bracket 46. In this case, it is preferable that the door support device 40 defines the trajectory of the door 30 during opening and closing operation by a different configuration.

[0052] In the door support device 40, the portion of the first link arm 41 supported by the first vehicle body bracket 43 may be positioned slightly offset from the base end of the first link arm 41 to the tip of the first link arm 41. In other words, the first vehicle body bracket 43 only needs to support one end of the first link arm 41. Similarly, the portion of the first link arm 41 supported by the first door side bracket 44 may be positioned slightly offset from the tip of the first link arm 41 to the base end of the first link arm 41. In other words, the first door side bracket 44 only needs to support the other end of the first link arm 41. The same applies to the second link arm 42.

[0053] In the first door-side bracket 44, the first through-hole 641 and the second through-hole 651 of the main bracket 60 may be threaded holes, and the threaded holes 731 and 831 of the sub-brackets 70 and 80 may be through-holes. In this case, it is preferable that the first adjustment bolt 91 and the second adjustment bolt 92 pass through the through-holes of the sub-brackets 70 and 80 before being screwed into the threaded holes of the main bracket 60.

[0054] In the first door-side bracket 44, the main bracket 60 only needs to include one of the first connecting flange 64 and the second connecting flange 65. In this case, the first door-side bracket 44 only needs to include the corresponding bracket from among the sub-brackets 70 and 80. This modification example can obtain the effects (1) and (2) of the above embodiment.

[0055] In the first door-side bracket 44, the two fixing bolts 56 do not necessarily have to pass through the fixing holes 615 of the main bracket 60. In other words, the main bracket 60 may be positioned relative to the door 30 by being sandwiched between the sub-brackets 70, 80 and the inner panel 32.

[0056] • In the above embodiment, the door 30 is configured to move backward when it is opened. A modified example may be configured so that the door 30 moves forward when it is opened.

[0057] The door drive unit 100 may transmit the power necessary to open and close the door 30 to the second link arm 42, or to other parts. The vehicle 10 does not need to be equipped with a door drive device 100. In other words, the door 30 may be a manually operated door, rather than a so-called power door.

[0058] <Summary of this embodiment> The vehicle door support device is a vehicle door support device that supports a door for opening and closing a door opening on a vehicle body having a door opening, and comprises a link arm, a vehicle body side bracket fixed to the vehicle body and supporting one end of the link arm in the longitudinal direction so as to be rotatable around an axis extending in the vertical direction of the vehicle body, and a door side bracket fixed to the door and supporting the other end of the link arm in the longitudinal direction so as to be rotatable around the axis extending in the vertical direction, wherein the door side bracket has an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the attitude of the door relative to the vehicle body.

[0059] In a vehicle door support device, the door-side bracket has an adjustment mechanism to adjust the door's position relative to the vehicle body. Therefore, if the door's load acts on the link arm and causes the door's position relative to the vehicle body to deviate from its ideal position, this deviation can be reduced by the adjustment mechanism.

[0060] In a vehicle door support device, the door-side bracket includes a main bracket that rotatably supports the other end of the link arm around an axis extending in the vertical direction, and a sub-bracket that is fastened to the door while sandwiching the main bracket together with the door in the width direction of the vehicle body. The adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment bolt that connects the main bracket and the sub-bracket in the vertical direction. Preferably, one of the main bracket and the sub-bracket has a through hole through which the adjustment bolt passes, and the other of the main bracket and the sub-bracket has a screw hole into which the adjustment bolt, which passes through the through hole, is screwed.

[0061] The adjustment bolt, acting as an adjustment mechanism, connects the main bracket and the sub-bracket in the vertical direction. The adjustment bolt passes through a through-hole in one of the main bracket and the sub-bracket, and then screws into the threaded hole in the other of the main bracket and the sub-bracket. Therefore, by rotating the adjustment bolt, the vertical distance between the main bracket and the sub-bracket is adjusted. In this way, the vehicle door support device can adjust the vertical position of the sub-bracket relative to the main bracket with a simple configuration. In other words, the vehicle door support device can adjust the vertical position of the door relative to the main bracket with a simple configuration. Furthermore, after adjusting the distance between the main bracket and the sub-bracket, the vehicle door support device can maintain the adjusted door position by fastening the sub-bracket to the door.

[0062] In a vehicle door support device, the sub-bracket is a first sub-bracket, the adjustment bolt is a first adjustment bolt, the through-hole is a first through-hole, the screw hole is a first screw hole, the door-side bracket has a second sub-bracket that is fastened to the door at a position offset from the first sub-bracket in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, sandwiching the main bracket together with the door in the width direction, the adjustment mechanism has a second adjustment bolt that connects the main bracket and the second sub-bracket in the vertical direction, one of the main bracket and the second sub-bracket has a second through-hole through which the second adjustment bolt passes, and the other of the main bracket and the second sub-bracket preferably has a second screw hole into which the second adjustment bolt passing through the second through-hole is screwed.

[0063] The first adjustment bolt can adjust the vertical distance between the main bracket and the first sub-bracket. The second adjustment bolt, located at a position offset from the first adjustment bolt in the front-rear direction, can also adjust the vertical distance between the main bracket and the second sub-bracket. Therefore, by making the adjustment amounts of the first and second adjustment bolts different, the door can be tilted in the direction around the axis extending in the width direction (hereinafter referred to as the "pitch direction"). In this way, the vehicle door support device can adjust the position of the door in the pitch direction relative to the main bracket with a simple configuration.

[0064] The vehicle door support device includes fixing bolts for fastening the sub-bracket to the door, and the main bracket and the sub-bracket have fixing holes through which the fixing bolts pass, and it is preferable that the inner diameter of the fixing hole in the main bracket is larger than the inner diameter of the fixing hole in the sub-bracket.

[0065] Even with the fixing bolts inserted through the fixing holes in the main bracket and the sub-bracket, the door and sub-bracket can move vertically relative to the main bracket simply by loosening the fixing bolts. Therefore, the vehicle door support device allows for easy adjustment of the door's position. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0066] 10...Vehicle, 20...Body, 21...Door opening, 30...Door, 40...Door support device, 41...First link arm (link arm), 42...Second link arm, 43...First body-side bracket (body-side bracket), 44...First door-side bracket (door-side bracket), 45...Second body-side bracket, 46...Second door-side bracket, 60...Main bracket, 61...Base, 614, 615...Fixing holes, 64...First connecting bracket 641...First through hole (through hole), 65...Second connecting flange, 651...Second through hole, 66...Regulating shaft, 70...First sub-bracket (sub-bracket), 71...Fixing plate, 711...Fixing hole, 73...Nut, 731...First threaded hole (threaded hole), 80...Second sub-bracket, 81...Fixing plate, 811...Fixing hole, 83...Nut, 831...Second threaded hole, 91...First adjustment bolt (adjustment bolt), 92...Second adjustment bolt

Claims

1. A vehicle door support device for supporting a door that opens and closes a door opening on a vehicle body having a door opening, Link arm and, A vehicle-side bracket fixed to the vehicle body, which supports one end of the link arm in the longitudinal direction so as to be rotatable around an axis extending vertically along the vehicle body, The system includes a door-side bracket fixed to the door, which rotatably supports the other end of the link arm in the longitudinal direction around an axis extending in the vertical direction, The door-side bracket has an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the orientation of the door relative to the vehicle body. Vehicle door support device.

2. The aforementioned door-side bracket is A main bracket that supports the other end of the link arm so as to be rotatable around the axis extending in the vertical direction, The system includes a sub-bracket that is fastened to the door while sandwiching the main bracket in the width direction of the vehicle body together with the door, The adjustment mechanism has an adjustment bolt that connects the main bracket and the sub-bracket in the vertical direction. One of the main bracket and the sub-bracket has a through hole through which the adjustment bolt passes. The main bracket and the other sub-bracket have threaded holes into which the adjustment bolt, which passes through the through hole, is screwed. The vehicle door support device according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned sub-bracket is the first sub-bracket, the adjustment bolt is the first adjustment bolt, the through hole is the first through hole, and the threaded hole is the first threaded hole. The door-side bracket has a second sub-bracket that is fastened to the door at a position offset from the first sub-bracket in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, sandwiching the main bracket in the width direction together with the door. The adjustment mechanism has a second adjustment bolt that connects the main bracket and the second sub-bracket in the vertical direction. One of the main bracket and the second sub-bracket has a second through-hole through which the second adjustment bolt passes. The other of the main bracket and the second sub-bracket has a second threaded hole into which the second adjustment bolt, which passes through the second through-hole, is screwed. The vehicle door support device according to claim 2.

4. The sub-bracket is equipped with fixing bolts for fastening it to the door, The main bracket and the sub-bracket have fixing holes through which the fixing bolts pass. The inner diameter of the fixing hole in the main bracket is larger than the inner diameter of the fixing hole in the sub-bracket. The vehicle door support device according to claim 2.

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