Vehicle door device

The vehicle door device addresses the protrusion issue by using a link arm with a hand rest to support occupant load and integrate with the door trim, enhancing convenience and safety while preventing catching.

JP7600803B2Active Publication Date: 2024-12-17AISIN CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2021046246
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2021-03-19
Publication Date
2024-12-17
Estimated Expiration
2041-03-19

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional vehicle door devices have a link arm that protrudes from the inner surface of the door, which can cause design and safety issues.

Method used

A vehicle door device with first and second link arms that include a hand rest on the first link arm, allowing it to support the load applied by an occupant, and a configuration that integrates the link arm with the door trim to prevent catching and enhance design quality.

Benefits of technology

The solution allows the link arm to be utilized effectively for an armrest and handrail, improving convenience, safety, and design quality by preventing catching and integrating with the door trim.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To use a link arm protruding from an inner surface of a door effectively.SOLUTION: A vehicular door device 20 opens or closes a door 5 based on an operation of a link mechanism 15 formed by a first link arm 11 and a second link arm 12. Further, the first link arm 11 is provided with a handrest part 40 which rotates integrally with the first link arm 11. The vehicular door device 20 is configured so that the first link arm 11 supports a load applied to the handrest part 40.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10
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Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there is a vehicle door device including first and second link arms having a first pivot connection point with respect to the vehicle body and a second pivot connection point with respect to the vehicle door. In such a vehicle door device, a door provided in a door opening opens and closes based on the operation of a link mechanism formed by the first and second link arms. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which, when the door is in a closed state, each link arm forming the link mechanism is stored outside a door opening attached to a terminal portion of a side of the vehicle body and inside a weather strip attached to the inside of the door. For example, Patent Document 2 discloses a configuration in which such a link mechanism formed by each link arm is combined with a structure in which a guide rail on the vehicle body side and a guide roller unit on the door side are engaged with each other. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-90097 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2008-163693 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the vehicle door apparatus as described above, there is a problem in that the link arm forming the link mechanism protrudes from the inner surface of the door. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A vehicle door device that solves the above problem comprises first and second link arms having a first pivot connection point with respect to a vehicle body and a second pivot connection point with respect to a vehicle door, and the door opens and closes based on the operation of a link mechanism formed by the first and second link arms, and the first link arm is provided with a handrest portion that rotates integrally with the first link arm, so that the first link arm is configured to support a load applied to the handrest portion.

[0006] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the first link arm can support the load applied to the hand rest section by an occupant of the vehicle, for example, by placing their hands on the hand rest section, thereby making it possible to effectively utilize the first link arm protruding from the inner surface of the door.

[0007] In a vehicle door device that solves the above problems, it is preferable that the handrest portion forms an armrest extending in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle along the door trim when the door is in a fully closed state, and forms a handrail portion that rotates integrally with the first link arm and extends in the vehicle width direction when the door is opened.

[0008] According to the above configuration, for example, an occupant of a seat located to the side of the door can take a relaxed seating position by leaning on the handrest portion constituting the armrest. Also, an occupant of a vehicle using the door opening can easily get in and out of the vehicle by holding on to the handrest portion as a handrail portion extending in the direction of movement. This improves convenience. Furthermore, by arranging the handrest portion as an armrest along the door trim, it is possible to improve the unity with the door. This improves the design.

[0009] In a vehicle door device that solves the above-mentioned problems, it is preferable that the first link arm has a curved bent shape at its tip portion that is connected to the door so that a gap is formed between the door trim and the first link arm when the door is in a fully closed state.

[0010] According to the above configuration, pinching is less likely to occur between the first link arm and the door trim, the distance between which changes as the door is opened and closed. In particular, the closer to the tip of the first link arm connected to the door, the more likely the distance between the first link arm and the door trim is to become narrow when the door is closed. However, by giving the first link arm a bent shape with a curved tip, pinching at the tip of the first link arm and the door trim can be effectively prevented. This ensures high safety.

[0011] A vehicle door device that solves the above problem preferably includes a first link cover that rotates integrally with the first link arm while covering the first link arm, and the handrest portion is preferably formed integrally with the first link cover.

[0012] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the design can be improved, and the first link arm can be protected. It is preferable that a vehicle door device that solves the above problem includes a flexible connection cover that has a fixed end relative to the vehicle body and a free end that is inserted into the inside of the first link cover through an opening provided in the first link cover, and covers the connection portion of the first link arm relative to the vehicle body.

[0013] According to the above configuration, the connection portion of the first link arm 11 to the vehicle body 2 can be covered in a manner continuous with the first link cover. Furthermore, when the first link arm rotates with the door opening and closing operation, the free end inserted inside the first link cover slides inside the first link cover. This makes it possible to maintain a state in which the connection portion cover covers the connection portion of the first link arm 11 to the vehicle body 2 in a manner continuous with the first link cover with a simple configuration.

[0014] In a vehicle door device that solves the above-mentioned problems, it is preferable that the door is provided with an accommodating recess that accommodates the second link arm inside when the door is closed, and that a cover member is provided that covers an opening of the accommodating recess in conjunction with the closing movement of the door.

[0015] According to the above-mentioned configuration, a high level of design can be ensured, and in addition, the second link arm can be protected. The vehicle door apparatus for solving the above problem preferably includes a second link cover that rotates integrally with the second link arm while covering the second link arm.

[0016] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the design can be improved, and the second link arm can be protected more effectively. Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, the link arm protruding from the inner surface of the door can be effectively utilized. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle door device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle door device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a first and second link arms that form a link mechanism. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a first and second link arms that form a link mechanism. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a first and second link arms that form a link mechanism. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a door and an armrest disposed on the side of a seat in a fully closed state. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the handrail portion deployed to the side of the door and seat in a fully open state. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a passenger using the handrail portion. [Figure 9]FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a first link arm and a first link cover. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the door and the first and second link arms as viewed from the vehicle interior side. [Figure 15] 4 is a perspective view of a connection portion cover that covers a connection portion of the first link arm to the vehicle body. FIG. [Figure 16] 13 is a side view showing an opening provided in the first link cover into which the free end of the connection portion cover is inserted. FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. [Figure 19] 13 is a front view of an accommodating recess that accommodates the second link arm and a lid member that covers an opening of the accommodating recess. FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. [Diagram 23] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a second link cover that covers the second link arm. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a vehicle door device will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 and 2, a vehicle 1 of this embodiment has a door opening 3 provided on a side surface of a vehicle body 2. A first link arm 11 and a second link arm 12 that support a door 5 of the vehicle 1 at the door opening 3 are provided.

[0020] More specifically, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the first and second link arms 11, 12 each have a first rotation connection point X1 with respect to the vehicle body 2 and a second rotation connection point X2 with respect to the door 5. Specifically, the first link arm 11 is connected to the vehicle body 2 while being pivotally supported by a support shaft N1a extending in the vertical direction (vertical direction in each drawing), and is connected to the door 5 while being pivotally supported by a support shaft N1b extending in the vertical direction. The second link arm 12 is also connected to the vehicle body 2 while being pivotally supported by a support shaft N2a extending in the vertical direction, and is connected to the door 5 while being pivotally supported by a support shaft N2b extending in the vertical direction.

[0021] 3 to 5, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the first and second link arms 11, 12 form a link mechanism 15 having a four-joint link configuration. The vehicle 1 of this embodiment is configured so that the door 5 supported at the door opening 3 opens and closes based on the operation of the link mechanism 15.

[0022] More specifically, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the vehicle 1 of this embodiment supports the door 5 at a door opening 3 on the rear side of the vehicle (left side in Figure 1, right side in Figure 2) using the first and second link arms 11, 12. In the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the first and second link arms 11, 12 each have a first rotation connection point X1 that is rotatably connected to the vehicle body 2 at a rear edge 3r of the door opening 3. In the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the first and second link arms 11, 12 are disposed spaced apart in the vertical direction.

[0023] In the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the first link arm 11 is provided above the second link arm 12. The first link arm 11 has a second rotation connection point X2 rotatably connected to the door 5 at approximately the center position of the door 5 in the front-rear direction. Meanwhile, the second link arm 12 has a second rotation connection point X2 connected to the door 5 near a front end portion 5f of the door 5. Thus, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, a vehicle door device 20 is formed in which the door 5 opens and closes based on the operation of the link mechanism 15 formed by the first and second link arms 11, 12.

[0024] 3 to 5, in the vehicle door device 20 of this embodiment, the first and second link arms 11, 12 each rotate counterclockwise in each drawing about the first rotation connection point X1 during an opening operation of the door 5. As a result, the door 5 of the vehicle 1 supported by the first and second link arms 11, 12 opens toward the rear of the vehicle (to the left in each drawing).

[0025] In addition, in the vehicle door device 20 of this embodiment, when the door 5 is closed, the first and second link arms 11 and 12 each rotate clockwise in each drawing about the first rotation connection point X1. As a result, the door 5 of the vehicle 1 supported by the first and second link arms 11 and 12 is configured to close toward the front side of the vehicle (right side in each drawing).

[0026] Furthermore, in the vehicle door device 20 of this embodiment, the opening and closing movement trajectory of the door 5 is defined based on the movement of the link mechanism 15 formed by the first and second link arms 11, 12. That is, as shown in Fig. 4, at the intermediate position where the first and second link arms 11, 12 extend in the vehicle width direction (the up-down direction in Figs. 3 to 5), the movement component in the vehicle front-rear direction becomes large. As shown in Fig. 3, the opening and closing movement position of the door 5 is closer to the fully closed position P0, the first and second link arms 11, 12 extend in the vehicle front-rear direction (the left-right direction in Figs. 3 to 5), and thus the movement component in the vehicle width direction becomes large.

[0027] 1 to 5, in the vehicle door device 20 of this embodiment, the first link arm 11 has a second rotation connection point X2 with respect to the door 5 at a position closer to the center of gravity G than the second link arm 12. That is, in the vehicle door device 20 of this embodiment, the first link arm 11 is thus positioned at the main link 21 that supports a larger door load. And the second link arm 12 is positioned at the sub-link 22 that receives a relatively small door load.

[0028] In the vehicle door device 20 of this embodiment, the first link arm 11 has a larger diameter than the second link arm 12. Thus, the vehicle door device 20 of this embodiment is configured to impart high support rigidity to the first link arm 11 positioned on the main link 21.

[0029] The vehicle door device 20 of this embodiment also includes an actuator 25 that uses the motor 23 as a drive source to rotate the first link arm 11. In the vehicle door device 20 of this embodiment, the actuator 25 is provided below the first link arm 11. More specifically, the actuator 25 is fixed to the vehicle body 2 at a position where its output shaft is substantially coaxial with the first rotation connection point X1. That is, the actuator 25 of this embodiment drives the link mechanism 15 formed by the first link arm 11 and the second link arm 12 by rotating the first link arm 11. Thus, the vehicle door device 20 of this embodiment has a configuration as a power door device 30 that can open and close the door 5 based on the driving force of the actuator 25.

[0030] (Hand rest area) Next, a hand placement portion provided on the first link arm 11 in the vehicle door device 20 of this embodiment will be described.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 6, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the door 5 arranged on the side of the seat 31 is provided with an armrest 33 that extends in the vehicle front-rear direction (left-right direction in Fig. 6) along the door trim 32 when the door 5 is in a fully closed state. That is, the armrest 33 is arranged at a position where an occupant seated in the seat 31 can rest his / her arms or elbows. The vehicle 1 of this embodiment is designed so that the occupant of the seat 31 can take a relaxed seating position by using the armrest 33.

[0032] 7 and 8, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, when the door 5 is opened, the armrest 33 arranged on the side of the seat 31 is transformed into a handrail portion 34 extending in the vehicle width direction (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 6). Note that FIGS. 7 and 8 show the state in which the door 5 is in the fully open position P1, that is, the fully open state. The vehicle 1 of this embodiment is configured so that the occupant 35 can easily get on and off the vehicle by using the handrail portion 34.

[0033] More specifically, as shown in Fig. 9 to Fig. 12, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the first link arm 11 constituting the link mechanism 15 of the vehicle door device 20 is provided with a hand rest portion 40 which rotates integrally with the first link arm. Furthermore, the vehicle door device 20 of this embodiment is configured so that the load applied to the hand rest portion 40 is supported by the first link arm 11 positioned on the main link 21. Thus, in the vehicle door device 20 of this embodiment, the hand rest portion 40 provided on the first link arm 11 is configured to function as the armrest 33 or the handrail portion 34 as described above depending on the opening / closing operation position of the door 5.

[0034] More specifically, the vehicle door device 20 of this embodiment includes a first link cover 41 that rotates integrally with the first link arm 11 while covering the outer periphery of the first link arm 11. The hand rest 40 of this embodiment is provided integrally with the first link cover 41.

[0035] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, in the vehicle door device 20 of this embodiment, the first link cover 41 includes an inner cover 42 fixed to the outer periphery of the first link arm 11 having a substantially rectangular cross section, and an outer cover 43 covering the outside of the inner cover 42. The inner cover 42 and the outer cover 43 are made of soft materials such as resin and sponge. Furthermore, the inner cover 42 and the outer cover 43 are each assembled to the first link arm 11 in a state in which they are divided into a plurality of parts. In the vehicle door device 20 of this embodiment, the upper cover 44 arranged above the first link arm 11, among the components of the outer cover 43, functions as the hand rest portion 40.

[0036] 14, in the vehicle door device 20 of this embodiment, the first link arm 11 is connected to the inner surface 5s of the door 5 through a hole 46 provided in the door trim 32. Furthermore, for the first link cover 41 that covers the first link arm 11, the material of the outer cover 43 that constitutes the outer skin of the handrest portion 40 is selected so as to harmonize with the door trim 32. Thus, in the vehicle door device 20 of this embodiment, the unity between the armrest 33 and the handrail portion 34 arranged on the side of the door 5 and the door trim 32 is improved.

[0037] 9 to 12, in the vehicle door device 20 of this embodiment, the first link arm 11 has a bent shape with a curved tip portion connected to the door 5. Specifically, the first link arm 11 has a bent portion 47 at the tip portion 11b connected to the door 5, which extends in a curved manner toward the outside in the vehicle width direction (upward in FIG. 12) when the door 5 is in a fully closed state. The hand rest portion 40 is provided on a main body portion 48 of the first link arm 11 that extends substantially linearly from the connection portion to the vehicle body 2. Furthermore, in the vehicle door device 20 of this embodiment, the main body portion 48 of the first link arm 11 is disposed substantially parallel to the inner surface 5s of the door 5 when the door 5 is in a fully closed state. The vehicle door device 20 of this embodiment is configured such that, when the door 5 is in a fully closed state, including the armrest 33 formed by the handrest portion 40, a gap α is formed between the door trim 32 and the first link arm 11.

[0038] As shown in Figs. 9 and 10, the vehicle door device 20 of this embodiment includes a connection portion cover 51 that covers a connection portion 50 of the first link arm 11 to the vehicle body 2. Specifically, the vehicle door device 20 of this embodiment includes a connection member 52 fixed to the vehicle body 2 at the rear edge portion 3r of the door opening 3. The connection member 52 is provided with a support shaft N1a extending in the vertical direction. The first link arm 11 is connected at its base end portion 11a to the connection member 52 in a state in which rotation around the support shaft N1a is permitted. The connection portion cover 51 of this embodiment is configured to cover the connection member 52, which constitutes the connection portion 50, and the base end portion 11a of the first link arm 11 on the radial outer side of the support shaft N1a that constitutes the first rotation connection point X1 to the vehicle body 2.

[0039] 15 to 18, the connection portion cover 51 of this embodiment has a sheet-like outer shape made of a soft material having flexibility in the thickness direction, such as resin or leather. The connection portion cover 51 has a fixed end 51a that is fixed to the vehicle body 2 together with the connecting member 52 on the side of the connecting member 52. The connection portion cover 51 of this embodiment has a free end 51b that is inserted into the inside of the first link cover 41 through an opening 54 provided in the first link cover 41 that covers the first link arm 11.

[0040] Specifically, in the vehicle door device 20 of this embodiment, the first link cover 41 has a gap β between its inner cover 42 and outer cover 43. Furthermore, in the first link cover 41, this gap β forms an opening 54 facing the base end 11a side of the first link arm 11. The connection portion cover 51 of this embodiment is configured to be continuous with the first link cover 41 and cover the connection portion 50 to the vehicle body 2 by inserting its free end 51b into the inside of the first link cover 41 through this opening 54.

[0041] That is, in the vehicle door device 20 of this embodiment, the first link arm 11 rotates counterclockwise in Fig. 17 and Fig. 18 around the support shaft N1a constituting the first rotation connection point X1 with respect to the vehicle body 2, thereby opening the door 5. At this time, the free end 51b of the connection portion cover 51 of this embodiment, which is inserted into the inside of the first link cover 41 through the opening 54, slides inside the first link cover 41 toward the base end 11a of the first link arm 11. Thus, the vehicle door device 20 of this embodiment is configured such that the connection portion cover 51 is partially pulled out from the inside of the first link cover 41, thereby maintaining the connection portion cover 51 connected to the first link cover 41.

[0042] In addition, in the vehicle door device 20 of this embodiment, the first link arm 11 rotates clockwise in Fig. 17 and Fig. 18 around the support shaft N1a constituting the first rotation connection point X1 with respect to the vehicle body 2, thereby closing the door 5. In this case, the free end 51b inserted into the inside of the connection part cover 51 through the opening 54 slides inside the connection part cover 51 toward the tip end 11b of the first link arm 11 while being accompanied by deformation in the thickness direction. In this way, the vehicle door device 20 of this embodiment is configured such that the length of the connection part cover 51 inserted into the first link cover 41 increases, and the connection part cover 51 maintains a state of being continuous with the first link cover 41 without loosening.

[0043] 9, 10, 14, and 19, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the door trim 32 is provided with an accommodating recess 60 that accommodates the second link arm 12 therein as the door 5 closes. The vehicle door device 20 of this embodiment includes a cover member 61 that covers an opening 60x of the accommodating recess 60 in conjunction with the closing operation of the door 5.

[0044] Specifically, the accommodating recess 60 of this embodiment has a groove shape extending in the vehicle front-rear direction near the lower end 32b of the door trim 32. A hole 62 for connecting the tip end 12b of the second link arm 12 to the door 5 is provided at the front end 60f of the accommodating recess 60. Furthermore, the second link arm 12 rotates around the second rotation connection point X2 with respect to the door 5, that is, the support shaft N2b supporting the tip end 12b, in association with the opening and closing of the door 5. Thus, the vehicle door device 20 of this embodiment is configured such that the relative position between the base end 12a of the second link arm 12 connected to the vehicle body 2 and the lower end 32b of the door trim 32 in which the accommodating recess 60 is provided changes in the vehicle width direction.

[0045] That is, in the vehicle door device 20 of this embodiment, when the door 5 is in a fully closed state, the second link arm 12 is accommodated in the accommodating recess 60 in a state where it follows the groove shape of the accommodating recess 60 extending in the vehicle front-rear direction. The vehicle door device 20 of this embodiment is configured such that, as the second link arm 12 rotates in conjunction with the opening operation of the door 5, the second link arm 12 gradually moves out of the accommodating recess 60 from the base end portion 12a side.

[0046] In the vehicle door device 20 of this embodiment, the lid member 61 has a generally flat plate-like outer shape that is generally the same as the opening shape of the accommodating recess 60. Furthermore, the lid member 61 has a rotation shaft 61x set above the accommodating recess 60. The lid member 61 of this embodiment is configured to rotate about the rotation shaft 61x to open and close the opening 60x of the accommodating recess 60 facing the inside in the vehicle width direction (the front side of the paper in FIG. 19).

[0047] That is, as shown in Fig. 20 to Fig. 22, in the vehicle door device 20 of this embodiment, when the door 5 opens from the fully closed state, the second link arm 12 accommodated in the accommodation recess 60 presses the lid member 61 covering the opening 60x from the inside. This causes the lid member 61 to rotate about the rotation shaft 61x. The vehicle door device 20 of this embodiment is configured such that the base end portion 12a is pushed up by the second link arm 12 rotating in a direction away from the door trim 32, thereby causing the lid member 61 to perform an opening operation.

[0048] In the vehicle door device 20 of this embodiment, when the door 5 is closed, the second link arm 12 is accommodated in the accommodation recess 60, and the cover member 61 rotates about the rotation axis 61x in a direction in which the tip of the cover member 61 lowers. Thus, the vehicle door device 20 of this embodiment is configured such that, in conjunction with the closing operation of the door 5, when the door 5 is in a fully closed state, the cover member 61 is in a closed state covering the opening 60x of the accommodation recess 60.

[0049] The vehicle door device 20 of this embodiment includes an elastic member 63 that biases the lid member 61 in a direction in which the tip of the lid member 61 moves down around the rotation shaft 61x, that is, in a direction in which the lid member 61 moves to a closed state in which the lid member 61 covers the opening 60x, based on the biasing force of the elastic member 63 in addition to the weight of the lid member 61. The vehicle door device 20 of this embodiment is further configured to suppress flapping of the lid member 61 that rotates around the rotation shaft 61x based on the biasing force of the elastic member 63.

[0050] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. That is, in the vehicle door device 20 of this embodiment, when the door 5 is in a fully closed state, the hand rest portion 40 provided on the first link arm 11 extends in the vehicle front-rear direction along the door trim 32. As a result, the hand rest portion 40 provided on the first link arm 11 protruding from the inner surface 5s of the door 5 constitutes an armrest 33 that can be used by an occupant 35 of the seat 31 located to the side of the door 5.

[0051] In addition, the handrest 40 rotates integrally with the first link arm 11 in conjunction with the opening operation of the door 5, so that the handrest 40 extends in the vehicle width direction. As a result, the handrest 40 forms a handrail 34 that can be used by an occupant 35 of the vehicle 1 getting on and off through the door opening 3 in which the door 5 is provided.

[0052] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) The vehicle door device 20 includes first and second link arms 11, 12 having a first rotation connection point X1 with respect to the vehicle body 2 and a second rotation connection point X2 with respect to the door 5 of the vehicle 1. The vehicle door device 20 opens and closes the door 5 based on the operation of a link mechanism 15 formed by the first and second link arms 11, 12. The first link arm 11 is further provided with a hand rest portion 40 that rotates integrally with the first link arm 11. The vehicle door device 20 is configured such that the first link arm 11 supports a load applied to the hand rest portion 40.

[0053] According to the above configuration, the first link arm 11 can support the load applied to the handrest section 40 by the occupant 35 of the vehicle 1, for example, by placing his / her hands on the handrest section 40. This allows the first link arm 11 protruding from the inner surface 5s of the door 5 to be effectively utilized.

[0054] (2) When the door 5 is in a fully closed state, the handrest portion 40 forms an armrest 33 extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle along the door trim 32. When the door 5 is opened, the handrest portion 40 rotates integrally with the first link arm 11 to form a handrail portion 34 extending in the vehicle width direction.

[0055] According to the above configuration, for example, an occupant 35 of the seat 31 located to the side of the door 5 can take a relaxed seating position by leaning on the handrest portion 40 constituting the armrest 33. Also, an occupant 35 of the vehicle 1 using the door opening 3 can easily get in and out by holding on to the handrest portion 40 as the handrail portion 34 extending in the direction of movement. This improves convenience. Furthermore, by arranging the handrest portion 40 as the armrest 33 along the door trim 32, the unity with the door 5 can be improved. This improves the design.

[0056] (3) The first link arm 11 has a curved, bent tip portion that is connected to the door 5 so that a gap is formed between the door trim 32 and the first link arm 11 when the door 5 is in a fully closed state.

[0057] According to the above configuration, pinching is less likely to occur between the first link arm 11 and the door trim 32, the distance between which changes as the door 5 is opened and closed. In particular, the closer to the tip 11b of the first link arm 11 connected to the door 5, the more likely the distance between the first link arm 11 and the door trim 32 becomes narrower when the door 5 is closed. However, by giving the first link arm 11 a bent shape with a curved tip, pinching at the tip between the first link arm 11 and the door trim 32 can be effectively prevented. This ensures high safety.

[0058] (4) The vehicle door device 20 includes the first link cover 41 that rotates integrally with the first link arm 11 while covering the first link arm. The hand rest 40 is provided integrally with the first link cover 41. This improves the design. In addition, the first link arm 11 can be protected.

[0059] (5) The vehicle door device 20 includes a connection portion cover 51 that covers the connection portion 50 of the first link arm 11 to the vehicle body 2. The connection portion cover 51 is made of a flexible soft material. The connection portion cover 51 includes a fixed end 51a to the vehicle body 2. The connection portion cover 51 includes a free end 51b that is inserted into the inside of the first link cover 41 through an opening 54 provided in the first link cover 41.

[0060] According to the above configuration, the connection portion 50 of the first link arm 11 to the vehicle body 2 can be covered in a manner continuous with the first link cover 41. Furthermore, when the first link arm 11 rotates in conjunction with the opening and closing of the door 5, the free end 51b inserted inside the first link cover 41 slides inside the first link cover 41. This makes it possible to maintain a state in which the connection portion cover 51 covers the connection portion 50 of the first link arm 11 to the vehicle body 2 in a manner continuous with the first link cover 41 with a simple configuration.

[0061] (6) The door trim 32 is provided with an accommodation recess 60 that accommodates the second link arm 12 therein when the door 5 is closed. The vehicle door device 20 includes a cover member 61 that covers the opening 60x of the accommodation recess 60 in conjunction with the closing operation of the door 5. This ensures high design quality. In addition, the second link arm 12 can be protected.

[0062] The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that no technical contradiction occurs.

[0063] In the above embodiment, the handrest 40 constitutes the armrest 33 extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction along the door trim 32 when the door 5 is in a fully closed state, and constitutes the handrail portion 34 extending in the vehicle width direction when the door 5 is opened. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the handrest 40 may have the function of either the armrest 33 or the handrail portion 34. In addition, it is preferable that the first link arm 11 can support the load applied to the handrest 40 at any position of the opening and closing operation of the door 5. Furthermore, the seat 31 does not necessarily have to be disposed on the side of the door 5. And, for example, when the door 5 is in a fully closed state, the form of supporting the load applied to the handrest 40 may be changed arbitrarily, such as forming a handrail portion extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0064] In the above embodiment, the first link cover 41 is provided to rotate integrally with the first link arm 11 while covering the first link arm. The first link cover 41 is provided with an inner cover 42 fixed to the outer periphery of the first link arm 11 and an outer cover 43 covering the outside of the inner cover 42. Among the components of the outer cover 43, an upper cover 44 covering the upper part of the first link arm 11 functions as the hand rest 40. However, this is not limited to this, and the shape of the first link cover 41 covering the first link arm 11 may be changed arbitrarily. The first link cover 41 may be configured to partially cover the first link arm 11. Furthermore, the hand rest 40 may be configured to be fixed to the first link arm 11 separately from the first link arm 11. The present invention may be embodied in a configuration that does not include a cover member that covers the first link arm, such as the first link cover 41.

[0065] In the above embodiment, the first link arm 11 provided with the hand rest portion 40 is configured as the main link 21 capable of supporting a larger door load than the second link arm 12. However, this is not limiting, and the first link arm 11 may be configured as a sub-link 22 that supports a relatively small door load. The arrangement of the first and second link arms 11, 12 may also be changed as desired.

[0066] In the above embodiment, the accommodating recess 60 for the second link arm 12 is provided in the door trim 32. However, the accommodating recess 60 may be provided in the main body of the door 5, for example, by recessing it in the inner surface 5s thereof.

[0067] In addition, the lid member 61 covering the opening 60x of the accommodating recess 60 has a pivot shaft 61x above the accommodating recess 60 and opens and closes, but may have a pivot shaft 61x below the accommodating recess 60 and open and close. Furthermore, the lid member 61 may be made of a soft material. And, the manner in which the lid member 61 covers the opening 60x of the accommodating recess 60 may be changed arbitrarily, for example, by having the second link arm 12 enter and leave the accommodating recess 60 through a slit extending in the longitudinal direction.

[0068] 23, a configuration may be provided in which a second link cover 72 rotates integrally with the second link arm 12 while covering the outer periphery of the second link arm 12. By adopting such a configuration, the design can be further improved. Also, the second link arm 12 can be protected more effectively. The second link cover 72 may also be configured to partially cover the second link arm 12.

[0069] In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to a configuration in which the door 5 of the vehicle 1 opens toward the rear of the vehicle, but the present invention may also be applied to a configuration in which the door 5 opens toward the front of the vehicle. In addition, the present invention may also be applied to a manual door device that does not have a drive source such as the actuator 25. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1. Vehicle 2…Body 5. Door 11…First link arm 12…Second link arm 15...Link mechanism 20...Vehicle door device 40…Hand rest area X1…First pivot point X2: Second pivot point

Claims

1. first and second link arms having a first pivot connection point to a vehicle body and a second pivot connection point to a vehicle door; The door opens and closes based on the operation of a link mechanism formed by the first and second link arms, a hand rest portion that rotates integrally with the first link arm is provided on the first link arm, and the first link arm is configured to support a load applied to the hand rest portion; the handrest portion constitutes an armrest extending in a vehicle front-rear direction along the door trim when the door is in a fully closed state, and also constitutes a handrail portion extending in a vehicle width direction by rotating integrally with the first link arm when the door is opened, The first link arm has a curved, bent tip portion connected to the door so that a gap is formed between the first link arm and the door trim when the door is in a fully closed state.

2. A vehicle door system comprising first and second link arms having a first pivot connection point relative to a vehicle body and a second pivot connection point relative to a vehicle door; The door opens and closes based on the operation of a link mechanism formed by the first and second link arms, a hand rest portion that rotates integrally with the first link arm is provided on the first link arm, and the first link arm is configured to support a load applied to the hand rest portion; a first link cover that rotates integrally with the first link arm while covering the first link arm; The hand rest is integrally formed with the first link cover, A vehicle door device comprising: a flexible connection cover having a fixed end relative to the vehicle body and a free end inserted into the inside of the first link cover through an opening provided in the first link cover, the connection cover covering the connection portion of the first link arm relative to the vehicle body.

3. The vehicle door device according to claim 1 or 2, The door is provided with an accommodation recess that accommodates the second link arm therein when the door is closed, a cover member that covers the opening of the storage recess in conjunction with a closing operation of the door; A vehicle door device comprising:

4. The vehicle door device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, a second link cover that covers the second link arm and rotates integrally with the second link arm.

Citation Information

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