Vehicle door device

Abstract

To enhance the degree of freedom with a simple configuration.SOLUTION: A door device 20 for a vehicle comprises a first link arm 11 and a second link arm 12 which have a first rotatable connection point X1 with respect to a vehicle body 2 and a second rotatable connection point X2 with respect to a door panel 5 of the vehicle. In the door device 20 for a vehicle, the door panel 5 performs opening / closing motions based on motions of a linkage 15 formed by the first link arm 11 and the second link arm 12. The door device 20 of a vehicle includes a connection length changing mechanism 35 which is provided on the second link arm 12 and enables change of the connection length between the first rotatable connection point X1 and the second rotatable connection point X2. The door device 20 for a vehicle is configured in such a way that the opening / closing motion trajectory of the door panel 5 supported by the vehicle body 2 via the linkage 15 formed by the first link arm 11 and the second link arm 12 changes based on the motion of the connection length changing mechanism 35.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 24

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a vehicle door device including first and second link arms having a first pivot connection point to a vehicle body and a second pivot connection point to a door of the vehicle. Such a vehicle door device opens and closes a door provided at a door opening thereof based on an operation of a link mechanism formed by the first and second link arms. Further, for example, Patent Document 1 describes a configuration in which each link arm forming the link mechanism is stored at a position outside a door opening attached to a terminal portion on a vehicle body side and inside a weather strip attached to an inner side of the door when the door is in a closed state. And, for example, Patent Document 2 discloses a configuration in which a link mechanism formed by such link arms 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

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in a configuration in which a door is supported on a vehicle body via the link mechanism as described above, an opening / closing operation locus of the door is defined based on rotations of the first and second link arms constituting the link mechanism. And, in order to increase the degree of freedom of the opening / closing operation, there is a problem that the configuration becomes complicated by combining a guide rail as in the above prior art.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] Each aspect of a vehicle door device for solving the above problems will be described. The vehicle door device of Aspect 1 includes first and second link arms having a first pivot connection point to a vehicle body and a second pivot connection point to a door of the vehicle, and at least one of the first and second link arms is provided with a connection length variable mechanism that can change the connection length between the first and second pivot connection points. Based on the operation of the link mechanism formed by the first and second link arms, the door opens and closes, and based on the operation of the connection length variable mechanism, the opening and closing operation locus of the door is configured to change between an arc-shaped locus and a linear locus.

[0006] According to the above configuration, with a simple configuration, the degree of freedom of the opening and closing operation can be increased. That is, by changing the connection length based on the operation of the connection length variable mechanism, for example, in the vicinity of the fully closed position, the opening and closing operation locus of the door can be changed from an arc-shaped locus to a linear locus. And thereby, when the door opens or closes from the fully closed position, it can be smoothly opened and closed without interfering with the vehicle body.

[0007] The vehicle door device of Aspect 2 is the vehicle door device described in Aspect 1, and it is preferable that the connection length variable mechanism is a joint link mechanism formed by rotatably connecting a vehicle body side link having the first pivot connection point and a door side link having the second pivot connection point.

[0008] According to the above configuration, the base of the triangle with the intermediate connection point of the joint link mechanism formed by the vehicle body side link and the door side link as the vertex becomes the connection length between the first and second pivot connection points. And thereby, based on the relative rotation between the vehicle body side link and the door side link, the connection length can be changed.

[0009] Also, such a joint link mechanism has characteristics such as being less affected by the use environment, such as foreign substances like dust and dirt, or freezing. And thereby, high reliability and durability can be ensured.

[0010] Furthermore, the articulated link mechanism has the advantage that the degrees of freedom in the shape of the vehicle body side link and the door side link are high. For example, the vehicle body side link is formed in a bent shape to avoid interference with the door opening. As a result, a larger door opening amount can be ensured during the full opening operation of the door.

[0011] In the vehicle door device according to Aspect 3, in the vehicle door device according to Aspect 2, the door side link is preferably provided with a pair of clamping portions that are rotatably connected to the vehicle body side link in a state of sandwiching the vehicle body side link and are rotatably connected to the door at positions spaced apart in the vertical direction.

[0012] According to the above configuration, high support rigidity can be ensured for the second rotational connection point formed between the vehicle body side link and the door. Furthermore, the door is less likely to tilt with respect to the rotation axis formed at the second rotational connection point. As a result, the door can be stably supported.

[0013] In the vehicle door device according to Aspect 4, in the vehicle door device according to Aspect 2 or Aspect 3, it is preferable to include a biasing member that generates a biasing force for relatively rotating the vehicle body side link and the door side link.

[0014] According to the above configuration, by utilizing the biasing force of the biasing member, the connection length between the first and second rotational connection points based on the relative rotation of the vehicle body side link and the door side link can be maintained during the opening and closing operations of the door. As a result, the swaying and vibration of the door can be suppressed, and a stable opening and closing operation can be realized.

[0015] In the vehicle door device according to Aspect 5, in the vehicle door device according to Aspect 4, it is preferable that the articulated link mechanism is configured such that, when the door moves from the fully closed position to the open position, the component force of the biasing force along the connection length direction becomes stronger than that in the fully closed position based on the relative rotation of the vehicle body side link and the door side link.

[0016] According to the above configuration, when the door is in the state of opening and closing, the connecting length between the first and second rotation connection points can be stably maintained by the component force of the strong biasing force along the connecting length direction. And thereby, a stable opening and closing operation of the door can be realized.

[0017] Also, when the door is in the fully closed position, the component force of the biasing force along the connecting length direction becomes small. That is, when in the fully closed state, it is possible to stably hold the door regardless of the biasing force of the biasing member. Therefore, in this case, by weakening the component force of the biasing force along the connecting length direction, good door installation property can be ensured.

[0018] The vehicle door device of Aspect 6 is the vehicle door device according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5, and includes an engaging protrusion provided on at least one of the first and second link arms in combination with the connecting length variable mechanism, and a cam groove with which the engaging protrusion engages and a cam member provided on the door or the vehicle body, and it is preferable that the movement locus of the opening and closing operation of the door is defined by the engaging protrusion moving in the cam groove based on the opening and closing operation of the door.

[0019] According to the above configuration, for example, during the opening and closing operation, a desired opening and closing operation locus such as reducing the clearance between the vehicle body and the door can be realized. Further, for example, the variation of the opening and closing operation locus due to an external force or the like can be suppressed. And thereby, interference with the vehicle body can be avoided, and at the same time, a good operation feeling can be ensured.

[0020] The vehicle door device of Aspect 7 is the vehicle door device according to Aspect 6, and it is preferable that the cam groove is configured to define the connecting length based on the engaging position of the engaging protrusion in the cam groove.

[0021] According to the above configuration, the connection length corresponding to the opening and closing operation position of the door can be set. And thereby, the opening and closing operation locus of the door can be freely set. Further, even when an external force is applied to the door, the connection length corresponding to the opening and closing operation position is maintained. And thereby, the swaying and vibration of the door can be suppressed, and the opening and closing operation posture thereof can be stably held.

[0022] The vehicle door device according to Aspect 8 is the vehicle door device according to Aspect 6 or Aspect 7, wherein the cam member is provided on the door, and the cam groove is configured to regulate the rotation of the door around the second rotation connection point according to the engagement position of the engagement protrusion in the cam groove.

[0023] According to the above configuration, even when an external force is applied to the door, the rotation posture around the second rotation connection point corresponding to the opening and closing operation position is maintained. And thereby, the swaying and vibration of the door can be suppressed, and the opening and closing operation posture thereof can be stably held.

[0024] The vehicle door device according to Aspect 9 is the vehicle door device according to any one of Aspects 6 to 8, and includes a stopper mechanism having first and second contact portions that come into contact and separate based on the operation of the connection length variable mechanism. When the first and second contact portions come into contact and the change of the connection length is restricted, the opening and closing operation locus of the door shifts from the linear locus to the arc-shaped locus, and the cam groove includes an arc-shaped portion corresponding to the arc-shaped locus, a linear-shaped portion corresponding to the linear locus, and a curved connection portion having a curved shape that continuously connects between the arc-shaped portion and the linear-shaped portion. When the engagement protrusion in the cam groove moves from the linear-shaped portion to the arc-shaped portion, the movement of the engagement protrusion from the linear-shaped portion toward the arc-shaped portion is guided in a state where the engagement protrusion is in sliding contact with the curved connection portion.

[0025] According to the above configuration, based on the function of the stopper mechanism, the connection length between the first and second rotation connection points is stably maintained. And thereby, a stable opening and closing operation of the door can be realized. Further, the impact when the first and second contact portions constituting the stopper mechanism come into contact can be effectively alleviated. And thereby, the swaying and vibration of the door can be suppressed, and a high quality can be ensured.

[0026] The vehicle door device according to aspect 10 is the vehicle door device according to any one of aspects 1 to 9, and preferably includes a buffer member sandwiched between at least one of the first and second link arms and the vehicle body when the door is in the fully open position.

[0027] According to the above configuration, the swaying and vibration of the door that has reached the fully open position can be suppressed, and it can be stably held in the fully open position. The vehicle door device according to aspect 11 is the vehicle door device according to any one of aspects 1 to 10, and at least one of the rotation connection points on the first and second link arms preferably includes a plate-shaped connection portion, a through hole penetrating the plate-shaped connection portion in the thickness direction, a cylindrical buffer member fitted in the through hole, and a support shaft inserted through the through hole via the cylindrical buffer member.

[0028] According to the above configuration, the rotation of the plate-shaped connection portion is allowed around the support shaft inserted through the through hole via the cylindrical buffer member. Further, by the elastic deformation of the cylindrical buffer member, the displacement of the plate-shaped connection portion is allowed. That is, the vertical displacement of the link arm including the tilting with respect to the support shaft serving as the rotation axis is allowed. And thereby, with a simple configuration, the connection freedom degree of the rotation connection portion can be increased. That is, for example, the movement when using a universal joint such as a ball joint can be pseudo-replicated. As a result, for example, manufacturing and assembly tolerances and the like can be absorbed to improve the assemblability.

[0029] The vehicle door device according to aspect 12 is the vehicle door device according to any one of aspects 1 to 11, wherein at least any one of the pivot connection points on the first and second link arms is provided with first and second pivot connection parts that are relatively pivotally connected, and a friction member that is interposed between the first and second pivot connection parts and imparts sliding resistance by slidingly contacting the first and second pivot connection parts is preferably provided.

[0030] According to the above configuration, around the pivot connection point formed by the first and second pivot connection parts, the operating resistance of the door supported by the link mechanism can be increased. And thereby, by attenuating the sway and vibration generated in the door, the opening and closing operation posture thereof can be stably maintained.

[0031] The vehicle door device according to aspect 13 is the vehicle door device according to any one of aspects 1 to 12, and includes a door-side engaging part provided at the closing-side end of the door that opens and closes the vehicle door opening based on the operation of the link mechanism, and a vehicle-body-side engaging part provided at the closing-side end of the door opening where the closing-side end of the door comes into contact with and separates from based on the opening and closing operation of the door. One side of the door-side engaging part and the vehicle-body-side engaging part is provided with an axially engaging part extending in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and the other side of the door-side engaging part and the vehicle-body-side engaging part has a pair of side wall parts facing each other in the vehicle width direction and is provided with a guide groove extending in the opening and closing operation direction of the door. In the opening and closing operation position near the fully closed position where the door-side engaging part and the vehicle-body-side engaging part engage, it is preferable that the axially engaging part is disposed in the guide groove.

[0032] According to the above configuration, by disposing the axially engaging part in the guide groove, the displacement in the vehicle width direction is restricted. And thereby, even in the opening and closing operation position near the fully closed position where the distance between the first and second link arms tends to approach and be in a linearly arranged state, the door can be stably supported.

[0033] Furthermore, in a state where the door-side engaging portion and the vehicle-body-side engaging portion are engaged, based on the operation of the connection length variable mechanism, the opening / closing operation locus of the door changes from an arc-shaped locus to a linear locus. As a result, the door can be smoothly closed to the fully closed position and opened from the fully closed position.

[0034] The vehicle door device according to Aspect 14 is preferably provided with an actuator that applies a driving force to the link mechanism to open and close the door in the vehicle door device according to any one of Aspects 1 to 13.

[0035] According to the above configuration, convenience can be improved. The vehicle door device according to Aspect 15 is preferably provided with a connection length fixing mechanism that can fix the connection length in the vehicle door device according to any one of Aspects 1 to 14.

[0036] That is, by fixing the connection length between the door and the vehicle body, it is possible to suppress the swaying and vibration of the door during the opening and closing operation of the door and realize a stable opening and closing operation. The vehicle door device according to Aspect 16 is the vehicle door device according to Aspect 15, wherein the connection length variable mechanism is a joint link mechanism that rotatably connects a vehicle-body-side link having the first rotation connection point and a door-side link having the second rotation connection point, and the connection length fixing mechanism includes a first engaging member provided on the door-side link and a second engaging member provided on the door. Based on the opening and closing operation of the door, when the first engaging member and the second engaging member are engaged, the door-side link is fixed to the door to restrict the relative rotation of the door-side link with respect to the door, thereby fixing the connection length. Preferably, when the first engaging member and the second engaging member are disengaged, the fixing of the connection length is released.

[0037] That is, in the configuration in which the articulated link mechanism is used as the variable connection length mechanism, the door-side link is integrated with the door, so that the intermediate connection point between the door-side link and the vehicle body-side link becomes a new second rotation connection point for the door. That is, the connection length becomes a constant value based on the length of the vehicle body-side link. According to the above configuration, by engaging and disengaging the first engaging member on the door-side link side and the second engaging member on the door side based on the opening and closing operation of the door, the connection length between the first and second rotation connection points can be stably fixed and the fixing can be released.

[0038] The vehicle door device according to aspect 17 is the vehicle door device according to aspect 16, wherein the connection length fixing mechanism includes a timing generation unit that generates an engagement and disengagement timing of the first engaging member and the second engaging member based on the opening and closing operation of the door, and an engagement and disengagement driving unit that engages and disengages the first engaging member and the second engaging member based on the generated engagement and disengagement timing. It is preferable to include.

[0039] According to the above configuration, by setting the timing generation unit and the engagement and disengagement driving unit, the engagement and disengagement timing between the first engaging member and the second engaging member can be adjusted. As a result, based on the opening and closing operation of the door, the connection length between the door and the vehicle body can be fixed accurately at an appropriate timing and the fixing can be released.

[0040] The vehicle door device according to aspect 18 is the vehicle door device according to aspect 17, wherein the first engaging member is an engaging protrusion provided on the door-side link, and the second engaging member is a hook lever that rotates around a support shaft provided on the door and engages and disengages with the engaging protrusion. The connection length fixing mechanism includes a pressing protrusion provided on the vehicle body-side link and a hook cam provided on the hook lever, and the timing generation unit and the engagement and disengagement driving unit are configured such that when the vehicle body-side link rotates based on the opening and closing operation of the door, the hook cam and the pressing protrusion are displaced relative to each other, and based on the relative displacement, the hook cam and the pressing protrusion are engaged and disengaged to rotate the hook lever. It is preferable to be configured as follows.

[0041] According to the above configuration, based on the operation of the articulated link mechanism that constitutes the connection length variable mechanism, a timing generation unit and an engagement / disengagement drive unit that operate autonomously can be formed. Furthermore, by adopting a configuration in which a hook lever that rotates around a support shaft engages with an engagement protrusion, the first engagement member on the door side link side and the second engagement member on the door side can be stably engaged and disengaged with a simple configuration. And thereby, based on the opening and closing operation of the door, at an appropriate timing, the connection length between the door and the vehicle body can be fixed and the fixing can be released by the operation of the connection length fixing mechanism.

[0042] The vehicle door device according to Aspect 19 is the vehicle door device according to Aspect 17, wherein the first engagement member is an engagement protrusion provided on the door side link, and the second engagement member is a hook lever that rotates around a support shaft provided on the door and engages and disengages with the engagement protrusion. At the same time, the connection length fixing mechanism includes a door lever provided at the closed side end of the door that opens and closes the door opening of the vehicle based on the operation of the link mechanism, a vehicle body cam provided at the closed side end of the door opening where the closed side end of the door approaches and separates based on the opening and closing operation of the door, and a connecting member that connects the door lever and the hook lever. It is preferable that the timing generation unit is formed by the engagement and disengagement of the door lever and the vehicle body cam based on the opening and closing operation of the door, and the engagement / disengagement drive unit is formed by the operation of the door lever being transmitted to the hook lever via the connecting member.

[0043] According to the above configuration, by adopting a configuration in which a hook lever that rotates around a support shaft engages with an engaging protrusion, the first engaging member on the door side link side and the second engaging member on the door side can be stably engaged and disengaged with a simple configuration. Further, since the timing generation unit has a configuration independent of the engaging protrusion as the first engaging member and the hook lever as the second engaging member, the engagement and disengagement timing can be easily adjusted. Furthermore, by connecting the door lever and the hook lever constituting the timing generation unit via a connecting member, the engagement and disengagement driving unit is formed. As a result, with a simple configuration, the hook lever can be accurately engaged and disengaged with respect to the engaging protrusion, and at the same time, high reliability can be ensured.

[0044] The vehicle door device according to aspect 20 is the vehicle door device according to aspects 15 to 19, and includes a door-side engaging portion provided at a closed-side end portion of the door that opens and closes the door opening of the vehicle based on the operation of the link mechanism, and a vehicle body-side engaging portion provided at a closed-side end portion of the door opening where the closed-side end portion of the door comes into contact with and separates from based on the opening and closing operation of the door. One side of the door-side engaging portion and the vehicle body-side engaging portion includes a guide engaging portion, and the other side of the door-side engaging portion and the vehicle body-side engaging portion includes a guide groove having a pair of side wall portions facing each other and extending in the opening and closing operation direction of the door. In the vicinity of the fully closed position where the door-side engaging portion and the vehicle body-side engaging portion are engaged, the opening and closing operation of the door is guided with the guide engaging portion disposed in the guide groove. The connection length fixing mechanism fixes the connection length at the timing when the engagement between the door-side engaging portion and the vehicle body-side engaging portion is released based on the opening operation of the door moving from the fully closed position, and releases the fixing of the connection length at the timing when the door-side engaging portion and the vehicle body-side engaging portion are engaged based on the closing operation of the door moving to the fully closed position. It is preferably configured as such.

[0045] According to the above configuration, for a door that opens and closes based on the operation of a link mechanism, in the opening and closing operation position near the fully closed position where the door-side engaging portion and the vehicle-body-side engaging portion engage with each other, a change in the opening and closing operation locus based on the operation of the connection length variable mechanism is allowed. Further, in the opening and closing operation position on the open side where the engagement between the door-side engaging portion and the vehicle-body-side engaging portion is released, the connection length between the door and the vehicle body is fixed. And thereby, while ensuring a smooth opening and closing operation of the door near the fully closed position, the door can be stably supported.

Effect of the Invention

[0046] According to the present invention, with a simple configuration, the degree of freedom of the opening and closing operation can be increased.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0047]

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[0048] [First Embodiment] Hereinafter, a first embodiment in which a vehicle door device is embodied will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle 1 of the present embodiment includes a door opening 3 provided on the side surface of the vehicle body 2. And, in the door opening 3, a first link arm 11 and a second link arm 12 for supporting the door 5 of the vehicle 1 are provided.

[0049] Specifically, in the vehicle 1 of the present embodiment, these 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 figure), and is connected to the door 5 while being pivotally supported by a support shaft N1b extending in the vertical direction. And, 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.

[0050] That is, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, in the vehicle 1 of the present embodiment, these first and second link arms 11, 12 form a link mechanism 15 having a configuration as a four-bar link. And, the vehicle 1 of the present embodiment is configured such that the door 5 supported by the door opening 3 opens and closes based on the operation of the link mechanism 15.

[0051] More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle 1 of the present embodiment uses these first and second link arms 11, 12 to support the door 5 at the door opening 3 on the rear side of the vehicle (left side in FIG. 1, right side in FIG. 2). In the vehicle 1 of the present embodiment, these first and second link arms 11, 12 each have a first rotation connection point X1 that is rotatably connected to the vehicle body 2 in the vicinity of the rear edge 3r of the door opening 3. And, in the vehicle 1 of the present embodiment, these first and second link arms 11, 12 are arranged spaced apart in the vertical direction.

[0052] In the vehicle 1 of the present embodiment, the first link arm 11 is provided above the second link arm 12. Further, the first link arm 11 has a second pivot connection point X2 pivotally connected to the door 5 at a substantially central position in the front-rear direction of the door 5. On the other hand, the second link arm 12 has a second pivot connection point X2 connected to the door 5 in the vicinity of the front end portion 5f of the door 5. And in the vehicle 1 of the present 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 and 12.

[0053] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, when the door 5 of the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment is in the open operation, the first and second link arms 11 and 12 rotate counterclockwise in each figure around their first pivot connection point X1. And thereby, the door 5 of the vehicle 1 supported by these first and second link arms 11 and 12 performs an open operation toward the rear side of the vehicle (left side in each figure).

[0054] Also, when the door 5 of the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment is in the closing operation, the first and second link arms 11 and 12 rotate clockwise in each figure around their first pivot connection point X1. And thereby, the door 5 of the vehicle 1 supported by these first and second link arms 11 and 12 is configured to perform a closing operation toward the front side of the vehicle (right side in each figure).

[0055] Furthermore, the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment defines the opening and closing operation locus R of the door 5 so as to draw an arc-shaped guide locus Rg based on the operation of the link mechanism 15 formed by the first and second link arms 11 and 12. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, in the intermediate position where the first and second link arms 11 and 12 extend in the vehicle width direction (the vertical direction in FIGS. 3 to 6), the moving component in the vehicle front-rear direction becomes large. Then, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the closer the opening and closing operation position of the door 5 is to the fully closed position P0, the more the first and second link arms 11 and 12 extend in the vehicle front-rear direction (the left-right direction in FIGS. 3 to 6), and thus the moving component in the vehicle width direction becomes large.

[0056] Also, in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, the first link arm 11 has the 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 the present embodiment, thereby, the first link arm 11 is positioned as the main link 21 that supports a larger door load. And the second link arm 12 is positioned as the sub-link 22 whose acting door load is relatively small.

[0057] In addition, in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, the first link arm 11 has a larger outer shape than the second link arm 12. And the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment is configured to impart high support rigidity to the first link arm 11 positioned as the main link 21 thereby.

[0058] Further, the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment includes an actuator 25 that rotationally drives the first link arm 11 with a motor 25m as a drive source. In the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, this actuator 25 is provided at the proximal end portion of the first link arm 11. That is, the actuator 25 of the present embodiment drives the link mechanism 15 formed by the first link arm 11 and the second link arm 12 in such a manner as to rotate the first link arm 11. And the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment has a configuration as a power door device 30 that can open and close the door 5 based on the driving force of this actuator 25.

[0059] Also, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 7, the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment includes a door-side engaging portion 31 provided at the front end portion 5f of the door 5 and a vehicle-body-side engaging portion 32 provided at the front edge portion 3f of the door opening 3. That is, in the vehicle 1 of the present embodiment, the door-side engaging portion 31 is provided at the closing-side end portion 33 located on the closing operation side of the door 5 that opens and closes the door opening 3 of the vehicle 1 based on the operation of the link mechanism 15 formed by the first and second link arms 11 and 12. Further, the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 32 is provided at the closing-side end portion 34 of the door opening 3 where the closing-side end portion 33 of the door 5 comes into contact with and separates from, that is, approaches or separates from, based on the opening and closing operation of the door 5 that moves in the vehicle front-rear direction. And the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment is configured such that these door-side engaging portion 31 and vehicle-body-side engaging portion 32 engage with each other when the door 5 is in the vicinity of the fully closed position P0.

[0060] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment includes door-side engaging portions 31, 31 provided at the front end portion 5f of the door 5 at two positions spaced apart in the vertical direction. Further, this vehicle door device 20 also includes vehicle-body-side engaging portions 32, 32 provided at the front edge portion 3f of the door opening 3 at two positions spaced apart in the vertical direction. And the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment is configured to hold the door 5 in the fully closed position P0 in a state where these door-side engaging portions 31, 31 and vehicle-body-side engaging portions 32, 32 engage with each other.

[0061] Also, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, the second link arm 12 having the positioning as the sub-link 22 is provided with a connection length variable mechanism 35 that can change the connection length L between the first and second rotation connection points X1 and X2. Further, this connection length variable mechanism 35 is biased in a direction to shorten the length between the first and second rotation connection points X1 and X2, that is, the connection length L of the door 5 by the second link arm 12 provided with this connection length variable mechanism 35. And the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment is configured such that the door 5 opens and closes in a state where the connection length L by the second link arm 12 is shortened.

[0062] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 7, in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, based on the operation of the connection length variable mechanism 35 provided on the second link arm 12, the opening and closing operation of the door 5 in a state where the door-side engaging portion 31 and the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 32 are engaged is permitted. That is, in the vicinity of the fully closed position P0 where the door-side engaging portion 31 and the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 32 are engaged, as the connection length L of the door 5 by the second link arm 12 changes, the attitude of the door 5 supported by the link mechanism 15 formed by the first and second link arms 11 and 12 changes. And the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment is configured such that the front end portion 5f side of the door 5 provided with the door-side engaging portion 31 moves in the vehicle longitudinal direction and the rear end portion 5r side moves in the vehicle width direction, and the door 5 opens and closes in this manner.

[0063] Specifically, for example, during the closing operation of the door 5 toward the fully closed position P0, the door 5 has an inclined posture in which the rear end portion 5r side protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction (upper side in each figure) rather than the front end portion 5f side. At this time, with the door-side engaging portion 31 and the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 32 engaged, a driving force of the actuator 25 or a manual operating force is applied in the direction in which the door 5 closes. Further, based on the force for closing the door 5, the link length variable mechanism 35 provided on the second link arm 12 operates, so that based on the engagement state between the door-side engaging portion 31 and the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 32, the connection length L of the door 5 by the second link arm 12 is extended. And the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment is configured such that the door 5 supported by the link mechanism 15 fully closes in a manner in which the front end portion 5f side draws a linear slide locus Rs while moving the rear end portion 5r side toward the inside in the vehicle width direction.

[0064] Also, during the opening operation of the door 5 from the state where it is in the fully closed position P0, with the door-side engaging portion 31 and the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 32 engaged, a driving force of the actuator 25 or a manual operating force is applied in the direction in which the door 5 opens. Further, based on the force for opening the door 5, the link length variable mechanism 35 operates, so that based on the engagement state between the door-side engaging portion 31 and the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 32, the connection length L of the door 5 by the second link arm 12 is shortened. And the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment is configured such that the door 5 supported by the link mechanism 15 opens in a manner in which the front end portion 5f side draws a linear slide locus Rs while moving the rear end portion 5r side toward the outside in the vehicle width direction.

[0065] (Door-side engaging portion and vehicle-body-side engaging portion) Next, the configurations of the door-side engaging portion 31 and the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 32 in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment will be described.

[0066] As shown in FIGS. 7, 9 to 14, in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, the door-side engaging portion 31 includes a shaft-shaped engaging portion 41 as a guide engaging portion extending in the vertical direction of the vehicle 1 (the direction orthogonal to the paper surface in FIGS. 7 and 12, the vertical direction in FIGS. 11 and 13). Further, the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 32 has a pair of side wall portions 42a, 42b facing each other in the vehicle width direction (the vertical direction in FIGS. 7 and 12, the left-right direction in FIG. 13) and includes a guide groove 42 extending in the opening / closing operation direction of the door 5. And in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, when the door 5 is near the fully closed position P0, the door-side engaging portion 31 and the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 32 are configured to engage with each other with the shaft-shaped engaging portion 41 disposed in the guide groove 42.

[0067] That is, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 12, with the shaft-shaped engaging portion 41 of the door-side engaging portion 31 disposed in the guide groove 42 of the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 32 while being sandwiched between the pair of side wall portions 42a, 42b facing each other in the vehicle width direction, the displacement of the door 5 in the vehicle width direction is restricted. And the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment can thereby stably support the door 5 even at the opening / closing operation position near the fully closed position P0 where the first and second link arms 11, 12 are likely to be aligned (see FIGS. 3 and 4).

[0068] Furthermore, when the door 5 opens and closes in this state, the shaft-shaped engaging portion 41 relatively displaces along the extending direction of the guide groove 42 apparently while accompanying a change in the connection length L based on the operation of the connection length variable mechanism 35. And thereby, the opening / closing operation locus R of the door 5 changes, that is, the arc-shaped guide locus Rg based on the operation of the link mechanism 15 changes to a linear slide locus Rs.

[0069] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 10 to 16, the door-side engaging portion 31 of the present embodiment includes a support bracket 44 fixed to an installation surface 43 (see FIG. 7) set at the closed-side end portion 33 of the door 5. Specifically, this support bracket 44 includes a pair of support walls 45, 45 facing each other in the vertical direction (the vertical direction in FIGS. 15 and 16), and a pair of flange portions 46, 46 provided at the base end portions of these support walls 45, 45. In the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, these support walls 45, 45 and flange portions 46, 46 are integrally formed by bending a metal plate material. Further, the installation surface 43 on the door 5 side to which the support bracket 44 is fixed is set at the front end portion 5f of the door 5 that becomes the closed-side end portion 33 at a position facing the vehicle front side in the direction in which the door 5 closes. And the support bracket 44 of the present embodiment is configured such that the pair of flange portions 46, 46 are fastened to the installation surface 43 on the door 5 side.

[0070] Further, the door-side engaging portion 31 of the present embodiment includes a support shaft 47 spanned between the pair of support walls 45, 45 constituting the support bracket 44. In the support bracket 44 of the present embodiment, this support shaft 47 is provided at the tip portions of the support walls 45, 45 protruding toward the vehicle front side from the installation surface 43 on the door 5 side set at the front end portion 5f. Further, the door-side engaging portion 31 includes a roller 48 rotatably supported by this support shaft 47. And the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment is configured such that this roller 48 functions as a shaft-like engaging portion 41 of the door-side engaging portion 31 rotatably supported thereby.

[0071] On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 10 to 14, in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 32 includes a guide member 50 that forms a guide groove 42. And the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 32 of the present embodiment includes a fixing bracket 53 that fixes this guide member 50 to an installation surface 52 set at the closed-side end portion 34 of the door opening 3.

[0072] Specifically, in the vehicle 1 of the present embodiment, the installation surface 52 on the vehicle body 2 side where these guide members 50 and fixed brackets 53 are fixed is set at the front edge 3f of the door opening 3 at a position facing the outer side in the vehicle width direction (the lower side in FIG. 12, the left side in FIG. 13). And the fixed bracket 53 of the present embodiment is configured to fix the guide member 50 in a state of sandwiching the formation site of the guide groove 42 provided in the guide member 50 between it and the installation surface 52 on the vehicle body 2 side.

[0073] Specifically, the guide member 50 of the present embodiment has a fixing surface 54 with respect to the installation surface 52 on the vehicle body 2 side and a first opposing surface 55 facing the outer side in the vehicle width direction in a state where the guide member 50 is fixed to the installation surface 52. That is, in the guide member 50 of the present embodiment, these fixing surface 54 and first opposing surface 55 face in mutually opposite directions. Further, the guide member 50 includes an engaging piece 57 having a second opposing surface 56 facing the first opposing surface 55. And the guide member 50 of the present embodiment is configured to form the guide groove 42 with a pair of side wall portions 42a, 42b facing each other in the vehicle width direction for these first opposing surface 55 and second opposing surface 56.

[0074] That is, in the guide member 50 of the present embodiment, the engaging piece 57 has a substantially plate-shaped outer shape that protrudes from the front end portion 50f of the guide member 50 arranged on the front side of the vehicle to the rear side of the vehicle (from the left side to the right side in FIG. 12) in a state where the guide member 50 is fixed to the installation surface 52. And the guide member 50 of the present embodiment is thus configured to form a guide groove 42 that opens in the vertical direction and the rear of the vehicle 1.

[0075] Further, the fixing bracket 53 of the present embodiment has a substantially U-shaped cross-sectional outer shape that covers the front end portion 50f of the guide member 50 that forms the guide groove 42. Specifically, the fixing bracket 53 includes a regulating wall 61 that abuts against the engaging piece 57 provided at the front end portion 50f of the guide member 50 from the outside in the vehicle width direction. Further, the fixing bracket 53 includes a pair of side wall portions 62, 62 that cover the vertical direction of the guide member 50 in a state of being continuous with the regulating wall 61. And the fixing bracket 53 includes a pair of flange portions 63, 63 provided at the base end portions of the respective side wall portions 62, 62.

[0076] Note that the fixing bracket 53 of the present embodiment is formed by bending a metal plate material, and the regulating wall 61, the respective side wall portions 62, 62, and the flange portions 63, 63 are integrally formed. Further, the pair of flange portions 63, 63 of the fixing bracket 53 are fastened to the installation surface 52 on the vehicle body 2 side. And the fixing bracket 53 of the present embodiment is configured to sandwich the front end portion 50f side of the guide member 50 including the engaging piece 57, that is, the formation site of the guide groove 42, between the regulating wall 61 and the installation surface 52 on the vehicle body 2 side.

[0077] Also, as shown in FIGS. 9 to 14, FIGS. 17, and FIGS. 18 to 20, in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, differences are provided in the shapes of the guide members 50 that constitute the two vehicle body side engaging portions 32, 32 provided at intervals in the vertical direction.

[0078] Specifically, the guide member 50 of the present embodiment includes a guide surface 65 that is continuous with the guide groove 42. Specifically, this guide surface 65 is provided at the rear end portion 50r of the guide member 50 disposed on the rear side of the vehicle with the guide member 50 fixed to the installation surface 52. Further, this guide surface 65 is continuously provided in a state facing the outside in the vehicle width direction and is continuous with the first opposing surface 55 of the guide member 50, that is, one side wall portion 42a constituting the guide groove 42. That is, the shaft-shaped engaging portion 41 that engages with and disengages from the guide groove 42 of the guide member 50 based on the opening and closing operation of the door 5 is guided in the direction of entering and leaving the guide groove 42 by contacting this guide surface 65. And in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, regarding the formation site of this guide surface 65, a shape difference is set between the first guide member 71 constituting the upper vehicle body side engaging portion 32a and the second guide member 72 constituting the lower vehicle body side engaging portion 32b.

[0079] More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, the first guide member 71 is provided with a guide protrusion 73 that protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction in a state where the first guide member 71 is fixed to the installation surface 52. That is, this guide protrusion 73 is provided so as to protrude in the approaching and separating direction of the shaft-shaped engaging portion 41 based on the opening and closing operation of the door 5. Specifically, this guide protrusion 73 has a substantially triangular plate shape with its protruding amount α gradually increasing from the front end portion 50f side to the rear end portion 50r side as the guide member 50. And the first guide member 71 is configured such that the inclined surface 74 facing the outside in the vehicle width direction formed by this guide protrusion 73 serves as the guide surface 65.

[0080] That is, by using such an inclined surface 74 as the guide surface 65 of the guide member 50, when the shaft-shaped engaging portion 41 of the door side engaging portion 31 comes into contact, the contact angle of the shaft-shaped engaging portion 41 with respect to the guide surface 65 becomes shallow. And the first guide member 71 is configured to relieve the impact acting when the shaft-shaped engaging portion 41 comes into contact therewith.

[0081] In addition, in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, the inclined surface 74 of the guide projection 73 that forms the guide surface 65 has a substantially constant curvature such that the inclination becomes gentler closer to the position near the guide groove 42, forming a curved surface. And with this, the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment can preferably mitigate the impact caused by the contact even when, for example, due to factors such as tolerance, the contact position of the shaft-shaped engagement portion 41 with respect to the first guide member 71 is displaced during the closing operation of the door 5.

[0082] On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 18 to 20, the second guide member 72 that constitutes the lower vehicle body side engagement portion 32b is not provided with a guide projection 73 as described above. And the second guide member 72 thereby has a configuration having a substantially flat guide surface 65.

[0083] That is, the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment supports the door 5 so as to be openable and closable by a link mechanism 15 formed by the first and second link arms 11 and 12. For this reason, in the opening and closing operation positions near the fully closed position P0 where the distances between the first and second link arms 11 and 12 approach and they are arranged linearly, the posture of the door 5 is likely to change. And thereby, there may be a difference in the engagement and disengagement postures of the shaft-shaped engagement portion 41 with respect to the guide groove 42 between the upper vehicle body side engagement portion 32a and the vehicle body side engagement portion 32b.

[0084] In particular, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, the upper vehicle body side engagement portion 32a is provided at a first vertical position Y1 corresponding to the first link arm 11 positioned on the main link 21. Further, the lower vehicle body side engagement portion 32b is provided at a second vertical position Y2 corresponding to the second link arm 12 having a positioning as a sub-link 22. And thereby, there is a tendency for the difference in the engagement and disengagement postures as described above to become prominent.

[0085] Specifically, in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, the first vertical position Y1 corresponding to the first link arm 11 is set to a vertical position closer to the support position of the door 5 by the first link arm 11 than the support position of the door 5 by the second link arm 12. And the second vertical position Y2 corresponding to the second link arm 12 is set to a vertical position closer to the support position of the door 5 by the second link arm 12 than the support position of the door 5 by the first link arm 11.

[0086] That is, as described above, the first link arm 11 has the second rotation connection point X2 with respect to the door 5 at a position closer to the center of gravity G of the door 5 than the second link arm 12. Further, the second link arm 12 is provided with a connection length variable mechanism 35 that enables the connection length L between the first and second rotation connection points X1 and X2 to be changed. For this reason, in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, the lower the door 5 supported by the second link arm 12, the greater the change in the attitude of the door 5. And thereby, the lower body side engaging portion 32b is more likely to change the engaging and disengaging attitude of the shaft-like engaging portion 41 with respect to the guide groove 42 than the upper body side engaging portion 32a.

[0087] Based on this point, in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, for the first guide member 71 constituting the upper body side engaging portion 32a, the engaging and disengaging locus of the shaft-like engaging portion 41 with respect to the first guide member 71 is defined by the guide surface 65 formed by the guide protrusion 73. On the other hand, for the second guide member 72 constituting the lower body side engaging portion 32b, by not providing such a guide protrusion 73, the degree of freedom of engaging and disengaging of the shaft-like engaging portion 41 with respect to the second guide member 72 is increased. And the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment thereby has a configuration in which when the corresponding shaft-like engaging portions 41, 41 are engaged and disengaged with respect to the first and second guide members 71, 72, these shaft-like engaging portions 41, 41 are difficult to get caught.

[0088] However, in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, the phenomenon in which the first and second guide members 71 and 72 provided at a distance in the vertical direction and the shaft-shaped engaging portions 41 and 41 are caught is likely to occur, for example, when the door 5 is opened from the fully closed position P0, etc., and thus the door 5 may swing. However, in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, the swing of the door 5 caused by the occurrence of such catching is suppressed. And the vehicle door device 20 thereby has a configuration for ensuring an excellent operating feeling of the door 5.

[0089] Further, as shown in FIGS. 12, 14, 17, and 21, in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, the first guide member 71 includes a buffer member 80 having elasticity for alleviating the impact when the shaft-shaped engaging portion 41 that relatively moves based on the opening and closing operation of the door 5 abuts.

[0090] Specifically, in the first guide member 71, the buffer member 80 is provided on the guide surface 65 formed by the guide protrusion 73 and the first opposing surface 55 that constitutes the side wall portion 42a of the guide groove 42. That is, the buffer member 80 is provided at a position where the shaft-shaped engaging portion 41 of the door-side engaging portion 31 that relatively moves based on the opening and closing operation of the door 5 abuts against the first guide member 71. Further, the buffer member 80 is provided on the fixing surface 54 with respect to the installation surface 52 on the vehicle body 2 side. That is, in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, based on the opening and closing operation of the door 5, the buffer member 80 and the installation surface 52 are located on the extension line in the direction in which the shaft-shaped engaging portion 41 of the door-side engaging portion 31 comes into contact with and separates from the first guide member 71. Furthermore, the buffer member 80 has a plurality of protrusions 80x that abut against the installation surface 52 on the vehicle body 2 side. And the first guide member 71 is configured to be fixed to the installation surface 52 on the vehicle body 2 side in a state where these protrusions 80x are crushed.

[0091] More specifically, in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, the first guide member 71 includes a base member 81 having a guide groove 42 and a covering body 82 that covers the base member 81. And the first guide member 71 is configured such that the covering body 82 functions as a buffer member 80 thereby.

[0092] Specifically, for the base member 81, a relatively hard material such as fiber-reinforced plastic is used, for example. Also, for the covering body 82, an elastic material such as rubber or elastomer is used, for example. And in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, the base member 81 and the covering body 82 that constitutes the buffer member 80 are integrally formed by insert molding.

[0093] Also, as shown in FIGS. 12, 14, and 17 to 20, the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment includes a connecting shaft 83 that penetrates through the guide member 50 and the fixed bracket 53. Specifically, in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, an insertion hole 84 extending in the vertical direction is provided at the rear end portion 50r of the guide member 50 in a state where the guide member 50 is fixed to the installation surface 52 on the vehicle body 2 side. Also, each side wall portion 62, 62 of the fixed bracket 53 has through holes 85, 85 provided at positions corresponding to the insertion hole 84, respectively. And the connecting shaft 83 of the present embodiment is inserted through these insertion hole 84 and through holes 85, 85, and is configured to connect the guide member 50 and the fixed bracket 53 in a state of penetrating the guide member 50 and the fixed bracket 53 vertically through the vehicle 1.

[0094] More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 20, the connecting shaft 83 penetrates through the guide member 50 and the fixed bracket 53 in a state parallel to the regulating wall 61 of the fixed bracket 53 that sandwiches the guide member 50 between the installation surface 52 on the vehicle body 2 side and the installation surface 52. And the connecting shaft 83 of the present embodiment is configured to extend in a direction intersecting the vehicle front-rear direction in which the guide groove 42 extends thereby.

[0095] That is, when the shaft-shaped engaging portion 41 of the door-side engaging portion 31 abuts against the guide member 50, the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment defines the direction in which the guide member 50 tends to be displaced with the connecting shaft 83 as the support shaft. Specifically, the guide member 50 tends to rotate around the connecting shaft 83 due to the abutment of the shaft-shaped engaging portion 41. Then, the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment is configured such that the movement of the guide member 50 is restricted by the installation surface 52 or the restricting wall 61 of the fixed bracket 53 on the vehicle body 2 side located in the rotation direction.

[0096] For example, when the shaft-shaped engaging portion 41 that attempts to engage with the guide groove 42 abuts against the guide member 50 based on the closing operation of the door 5, the guide member 50 tends to be displaced inward in the vehicle width direction (upper side in each figure) in a manner of rotating around the connecting shaft 83 (clockwise direction in each figure). And in this case, when the front end portion 50f side of the guide member 50 abuts against the installation surface 52 located in the rotation direction, the displacement of the guide member 50 based on the pressing force of the shaft-shaped engaging portion 41 is restricted.

[0097] On the other hand, even when the shaft-shaped engaging portion 41 that attempts to disengage from the guide groove 42 abuts against the guide member 50 based on the opening operation of the door 5, the guide member 50 tends to be displaced outward in the vehicle width direction (lower side in each figure) in a manner of rotating around the connecting shaft 83 (counterclockwise direction in each figure). And in this case, when the front end portion 50f side of the guide member 50 abuts against the restricting wall 61 of the fixed bracket 53 located in the rotation direction, the displacement of the guide member 50 based on the pressing force of the shaft-shaped engaging portion 41 is restricted.

[0098] Also, as shown in FIGS. 12, 14, 17 to 20, the guide member 50 of the present embodiment has a frame-shaped portion 86 disposed at a position that serves as an entrance to the guide groove 42. Specifically, this frame-shaped portion 86 has a substantially rectangular frame-shaped outer shape that opens to the rear side of the vehicle. Further, this frame-shaped portion 86 is provided in a manner that connects the tip 57a of the engaging piece 57, which is the formation site of the guide groove 42, and the rear end portion 50r of the guide member 50. And the guide member 50 of the present embodiment is configured such that the shaft-shaped engaging portion 41 enters the guide groove 42 with this frame-shaped portion 86 as an entrance.

[0099] Furthermore, in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, this frame-shaped portion 86 is disposed at a position that covers the rear end face 53x of the fixed bracket 53, specifically, the rear end portion (the right end portion in each figure) of the substantially U-shaped cross section formed by the regulating wall 61 and the side wall portions 62, 62. And the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment is configured to protect the rear end face 53x of the fixed bracket 53 from coming into contact with, for example, users.

[0100] (Second Link Arm and Link Length Variable Mechanism) Next, the configuration of the second link arm 12 having the configuration as the sub-link 22 and the configuration of the link length variable mechanism 35 provided on the second link arm 12 will be described.

[0101] As shown in FIGS. 22 to 25, in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, the second link arm 12 has a vehicle body side link 91 having a first pivot connection point X1 with respect to the vehicle body 2 and a door side link 92 having a second pivot connection point X2 with respect to the door 5. Specifically, the vehicle body side link 91 is connected to the vehicle body 2 via a vehicle body bracket 93 provided in the vicinity of the rear edge portion 3r of the door opening 3. The door side link 92 is connected to the door 5 via a door bracket 94 fixed to the inner surface 5s of the door 5. Further, the second link arm 12 has a configuration in which these vehicle body side link 91 and door side link 92 are pivotally connected. And in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, the articulated link mechanism 100 formed thereby constitutes its connection length variable mechanism 35.

[0102] More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the door side link 92 of the present embodiment has a configuration as a so-called mini arm having a shorter axial length compared to the vehicle body side link 91. The vehicle body side link 91 has a vehicle body side connection portion 101 with respect to the vehicle body 2 at one end side in its longitudinal direction. Further, the door side link 92 also has a door side connection portion 102 with respect to the door 5 at one end side in its longitudinal direction. And these vehicle body side link 91 and door side link 92 each have intermediate connection portions 103, 104 connected to each other at the other end side in the longitudinal direction.

[0103] That is, in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, these intermediate connection portions 103, 104 form an intermediate connection point X3 of the articulated link mechanism 100 provided in the second link arm 12. The second link arm 12 has the vehicle body side link 91 and the door side link 92 forming a triangle with this intermediate connection point X3 as the apex. And thereby, when these vehicle body side link 91 and door side link 92 relatively rotate, the length of the straight line connecting the first and second pivot connection points X1, X2 that becomes the base of the above triangle, that is, its connection length L changes.

[0104] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 22, 23, 26, and 27, in the present embodiment, the intermediate connection point X3 between the vehicle body side link 91 and the door side link 92 is disposed at a position closer to the inner surface 5s of the door 5 than the second rotation connection point X2 with respect to the door 5. Note that, on the inner surface 5s of the door 5 of the present embodiment, a recess 105 is formed to avoid contact with the intermediate connection portions 103 and 104 of the vehicle body side link 91 and the door side link 92 that constitute the intermediate connection point X3. And, the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment is configured such that, based on the opening and closing operation of the door 5, the connection length L between the vehicle body 2 and the door 5 by the second link arm 12 changes in a manner that the intermediate connection point X3 apparently rotates around the second rotation connection point X2.

[0105] More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 26 to 29, the vehicle body side link 91 of the present embodiment has an outer shape that is long and substantially shaft-like. Further, the vehicle body side link 91 has a crank-shaped bent portion 106. And, the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment is configured to avoid interference between the second link arm 12 and the rear edge portion 3r of the door opening 3, and to secure a larger door opening amount during the full opening operation of the door 5.

[0106] Also, as shown in FIGS. 28 to 30, in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, the door side link 92 has a pair of sandwiching portions 107, 107 that are rotatably connected to the intermediate connection portion 103 while sandwiching the intermediate connection portion 103 of the vehicle body side link 91.

[0107] Specifically, these clamping portions 107, 107 have a door-side connecting portion 102 for the door 5 at one end side in their longitudinal direction, and an intermediate connecting portion 104 for the door-side link 92 at the other end side in their longitudinal direction. Further, the door-side link 92 of the present embodiment has a connecting portion 108 at its intermediate connecting portion 104 by bending a metal plate material, and these clamping portions 107, 107 are integrally formed. Furthermore, in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, the intermediate connecting portion 103 of the vehicle body side link 91 also has a substantially flat outer shape. And the second link arm 12 is configured to sandwich the intermediate connecting portion 103 of the vehicle body side link 91 between the intermediate connecting portions 104, 104 of the door-side link 92 formed by the pair of clamping portions 107, 107 having a bent plate shape.

[0108] Also, in the door-side link 92 of the present embodiment, each of the clamping portions 107, 107 has a cross-sectional shape of a bent plate such that the other end sides in the longitudinal direction constituting the door-side connecting portion 102 are separated from each other. And the door-side link 92 of the present embodiment is configured such that these clamping portions 107, 107 are rotatably connected to the door 5 at positions separated in the vertical direction.

[0109] More specifically, in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, the door bracket 94 fixed to the inner surface 5s of the door 5 has a substantially flat outer shape and includes a pair of connecting walls 110, 110 facing each other in the vertical direction. And the door-side link 92 is connected to each of these connecting walls 110, 110 such that the door-side connecting portions 102, 102 separated in the vertical direction formed by the pair of clamping portions 107, 107 are respectively connected.

[0110] In addition, the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment includes a pair of support shafts 112, 112 provided at the same axial position as the second rotation connection point X2 formed by the door-side connection portions 102, 102 of the door-side links 92 and the connection walls 110, 110 of the door bracket 94. In the door bracket 94 of the present embodiment, one of these support shafts 112, 112 is erected in a state of protruding upward from the upper connection wall 110. The other of each of the support shafts 112, 112 is erected in a state of protruding downward from the lower connection wall 110. Further, torsion coil springs 113, 113 are respectively fitted to these support shafts 112, 112. And the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment is configured such that the door-side link 92 is rotationally biased by using these torsion coil springs 113, 113 as biasing members 115.

[0111] That is, as shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, these torsion coil springs 113, 113 generate a biasing force F that relatively rotates the vehicle body side link 91 and the door side link 92 in a direction in which the connection length L between the first and second rotation connection points X1 and X2 is shortened. Also, thereby, in the second link arm 12, based on the opening operation of the door 5, the connection length L between the first and second rotation connection points X1 and X2 becomes shorter than the fully closed position P0 (see FIGS. 22 and 23). And the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment is configured such that the door 5 opens and closes in a state where the connection length L between the first and second rotation connection points X1 and X2 in the second link arm 12 is shortened (see FIGS. 3 to 6).

[0112] In addition, as shown in FIGS. 28 and 30 to 32, in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, a stopper 116 is provided on the door bracket 94. Specifically, when the door 5 moves from the fully closed position P0 to the open position, the stopper 116 abuts on the connection portion 108 of the door-side link 92 as the intermediate connection point X3 of the vehicle body side link 91 and the door-side link 92 apparently rotates around the second rotation connection point X2. And the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment is configured to ensure a stable opening and closing operation posture of the door 5 supported by the second link arm 12.

[0113] Further, as shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment is configured such that the biasing force F of the biasing member 115 changes based on the relative rotation of the vehicle body side link 91 and the door side link 92 that constitute the articulated link mechanism 100. Specifically, when the door 5 starts to open from the fully closed position P0, the component force F' of the biasing force F along the connecting length direction in the second link arm 12 is configured to be stronger than that in the fully closed position P0. And the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment is configured to ensure good door 5 installation performance by reducing the component force F' of the biasing force F along the connecting length direction when the door 5 is in the fully closed state.

[0114] More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 28 to 34, the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment includes an engaging protrusion 121 provided on the vehicle body side link 91 and a cam groove 122 with which the engaging protrusion 121 engages, and a cam member 123 provided on the door 5.

[0115] Specifically, in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, the vehicle body side link 91 has a support shaft 124 that protrudes upward near the intermediate connection portion 103 with the door side link 92, and a roller 125 rotatably supported by the support shaft 124. And the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment is configured such that this roller 125 functions as the engaging protrusion 121.

[0116] Also, in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, the cam member 123 is provided integrally with the upper connecting wall 110a of the door bracket 94 to which the door side link 92 is connected. That is, this cam member 123 has a substantially flat plate-like outer shape. Further, this cam member 123 is disposed above the vehicle body side link 91 and the door side link 92 in a manner of covering the upper sides of the intermediate connection portions 103 and 104. And the cam member 123 of the present embodiment is provided with a cam groove 122 penetrating the cam member 123 in the vertical direction.

[0117] Specifically, in the cam groove 122 of the present embodiment, an arc-shaped portion 126 that protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction (lower side in FIGS. 31 to 34) is formed integrally with the cam member 123 formed integrally with the door bracket 94 in a state where the cam member 123 is fixed to the inner surface 5s of the door 5. Further, the cam groove 122 has a linear portion 127 that extends continuously to the rear side of the vehicle from the arc-shaped portion 126. Furthermore, in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, a roller 125 serving as the engagement protrusion 121 is disposed in the cam groove 122. And the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment is configured such that the roller 125 moves within the cam groove 122 in a state of being in sliding contact with the cam groove 122 based on the opening and closing operation of the door 5.

[0118] That is, when the door-side engaging portion 31 and the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 32 are engaged, at the opening and closing operation position near the fully closed position P0 where the front end portion 5f of the door 5 draws a linear slide locus Rs, the roller 125 moves within the linear portion 127 of the cam groove 122. Further, when the door-side engaging portion 31 and the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 32 are disengaged, in the range where the front end portion 5f of the door 5 draws an arc-shaped glide locus Rg and performs an opening and closing operation, the roller 125 moves within the arc-shaped portion 126 of the cam groove 122. And the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment is configured such that the opening and closing operation locus R of the door 5 is defined thereby.

[0119] Specifically, in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, the relative rotation of the vehicle-body-side link 91 and the door-side link 92 is restricted according to the engagement position of the roller 125 within the cam groove 122. That is, the connection length L of the first and second rotation connection points X1 and X2 based on the operation of the connection length variable mechanism 35 formed by these vehicle-body-side link 91 and door-side link 92 is defined. Also, based on the engagement position of the roller 125 within the cam groove 122 as well, the rotation of the door 5 around the second rotation connection point X2 formed by the door-side link 92 is restricted. And the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment is configured such that the opening and closing operation locus R of the door 5 is defined thereby.

[0120] Further, as shown in FIG. 35, when the door 5 of the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment is in the fully open position P1, as a stopper, a buffer member 131 is provided between the vehicle body 2 and the second link arm 12.

[0121] Specifically, in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, the buffer member 131 is configured using a relatively soft elastic member such as a rubber material or an elastomer. Further, the buffer member 131 is provided on the vehicle body side link 91 having the first rotation connection point X1 with respect to the vehicle body 2. Specifically, the buffer member 131 is fixed to a crank-shaped bent portion 106 provided on the vehicle body side link 91. And thus, in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, as the second link arm 12 rotates around the first rotation connection point X1 and the door 5 reaches the fully open position P1, the buffer member 131 is configured to be sandwiched between the vehicle body side link 91 and the trailing edge portion 3r of the door opening 3.

[0122] That is, in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, the buffer member 131 supports the door 5 that has reached the fully open position P1 on the vehicle body 2 in a state of being crushed between the vehicle body side link 91 and the trailing edge portion 3r of the door opening 3. And thus, the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment is configured to suppress the sway of the door 5 and stably hold it in the fully open position P1.

[0123] Further, as shown in FIGS. 29, 35, and 36, in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, the vehicle body side connecting portion 101 provided on the vehicle body side link 91 has a substantially flat plate-like outer shape. Further, the vehicle body bracket 93 that supports the vehicle body side link 91 on the vehicle body 2 has a pair of connecting walls 132, 132 that are arranged with the vehicle body side connecting portion 101 interposed therebetween in the vertical direction. And in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, a rotation axis of the vehicle body side link 91 with respect to the vehicle body 2 is formed around a support shaft 133 that penetrates the vehicle body side connecting portion 101 of the vehicle body side link 91 and both connecting walls 132, 132 of the vehicle body bracket 93 in the vertical direction. That is, with the support shaft 133 as the support shaft N2a of the second link arm 12 with respect to the door 5, a first rotation connection point X1 is formed.

[0124] Specifically, in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, the vehicle body bracket 93 is formed by bending a metal plate material including both connecting walls 132, 132. Further, through holes 134, 134 that penetrate the substantially flat plate shape in the thickness direction and through holes 135 are provided in both connecting walls 132, 132 of the vehicle body bracket 93 and the vehicle body side connecting portion 101 of the vehicle body side link 91, respectively. And the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment includes a bush 138 as a cylindrical buffer member 137 fitted into the through hole 135 of the vehicle body side connecting portion 101 having a configuration as the plate-like connecting portion 136.

[0125] Specifically, this bush 138 is configured using a relatively soft elastic member such as a rubber material or an elastomer. Further, the support shaft 133 is inserted into a through hole 135 provided in the vehicle body side connecting portion 101 of the vehicle body side link 91 via this bush 138. And this support shaft 133 is configured to be supported by the vehicle body bracket 93 in a state of extending in the vertical direction by being inserted into through holes 134, 134 provided in both connecting walls 132, 132 of the vehicle body bracket 93 at both axial ends.

[0126] That is, in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, as the vehicle body side link 91 rotates around the support shaft 133, a first rotation connection point X1 of the second link arm 12 with respect to the vehicle body 2 is formed. In the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, a gap is set between the vehicle body side connection portion 101 of the vehicle body side link 91 and both connection walls 132, 132 of the vehicle body bracket 93 that sandwich the vehicle body side connection portion 101 in the vertical direction. Further, in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, when the bush 138 as the cylindrical buffer member 137 elastically deforms, the displacement of the vehicle body side connection portion 101 having a configuration as the plate-shaped connection portion 136 is allowed. That is, the vertical displacement of the second link arm 12 including the tilting with respect to the support shaft N2a is allowed. And the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment is configured to increase the connection freedom degree of the second link arm 12 with respect to the vehicle body 2 thereby.

[0127] In addition, as shown in FIG. 30, in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, the intermediate connection points X3 formed by the intermediate connection portions 103, 104 of the vehicle body side link 91 and the door side link 92 also have a similar connection structure.

[0128] That is, the intermediate connection portion 103 of the vehicle body side link 91 and both intermediate connection portions 104, 104 of the door side link 92 disposed to sandwich the intermediate connection portion 103 in the vertical direction also have a substantially flat plate-shaped outer shape. Further, through holes 143 and 144, 144 that penetrate the substantially flat plate shape in the thickness direction are provided in these intermediate connection portions 103, 104, 104, respectively. And similar to the vehicle body side connection portion 101 of the vehicle body side link 91, a bush 138 as the cylindrical buffer member 137 is fitted in the through hole 143 provided in the intermediate connection portion 103 of the vehicle body side link 91 having a configuration as the plate-shaped connection portion 136.

[0129] In addition, the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment has a support shaft 149 that is inserted through a through hole 143 provided in an intermediate connection portion 103 of the vehicle body side link 91 via this bush 138. Further, both axial end portions of this support shaft 149 are inserted through through holes 144, 144 provided in both intermediate connection portions 104, 104 of the door side link 92. And the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment is configured such that, thereby, the vehicle body side link 91 and the vehicle body side link 91 that constitute the second link arm 12 relatively rotate around this support shaft 149, and an intermediate connection point X3 is formed.

[0130] Furthermore, also at this intermediate connection point X3, when the bush 138 as the cylindrical buffer member 137 elastically deforms, tilting of the intermediate connection portion 103 of the vehicle body side link 91 having the configuration as the plate-shaped connection portion 136 with respect to the support shaft 149 is allowed. And in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, thereby, the connection freedom degree between the vehicle body side link 91 and the door side link 92 at the intermediate connection point X3 is increased.

[0131] (The first link arm) Next, the configuration of the first link arm 11 having the configuration as the main link 21 will be described.

[0132] As shown in FIGS. 24 and 37 to 39, in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, the first link arm 11 includes a pair of pipe frames 151, 151 arranged side by side vertically. And the first link arm 11 includes a base end bracket 153 that connects the base end portions of both these pipe frames 151, 151, and a tip bracket 154 that connects the tip portions of both these pipe frames 151, 151.

[0133] In addition, the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment includes a vehicle body bracket 155 to which a base bracket 153 constituting the first link arm 11 is rotatably connected while being fixed near the trailing edge 3r of the door opening 3. Further, the vehicle door device 20 includes a door bracket 156 to which a tip bracket 154 constituting the first link arm 11 is rotatably connected while being fixed to the inner surface 5s of the door 5. And in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, first and second pivot connection points X1 and X2 in the first link arm 11 are formed thereby.

[0134] Specifically, in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, the base bracket 153 constituting the base end portion 11a of the first link arm 11 includes a base portion 160 that connects the pair of pipe frames 151 and 151 in a state of extending in the vertical direction. Further, the base bracket 153 includes a pair of connecting portions 161 and 161 that extend from the upper end and the lower end of the base portion 160 in a direction opposite to the extending direction of the pair of pipe frames 151 and 151 connected to the base portion 160. Furthermore, the vehicle body bracket 155 is provided with a pair of connecting portions 162 and 162 to which these respective connecting portions 161 and 161 are independently connected. And in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, each of the connecting portions 161 and 161 of the base bracket 153 and each of the connecting portions 162 and 162 of the vehicle body bracket 155 are independently rotatably connected around the support shafts 163 and 163 extending in the vertical direction.

[0135] That is, in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, thereby, the base end portion 11a of the first link arm 11 is rotatably connected to the vehicle body 2 at two positions spaced apart in the vertical direction. And thereby, with the support shafts 163 and 163 as the support shaft N1a of the first link arm 11 with respect to the vehicle body 2, the first pivot connection point X1 is formed.

[0136] Furthermore, in the vehicle door apparatus 20 of the present embodiment, each of these support shafts 163, 163 is also provided so as to penetrate through a bush 138 as a cylindrical buffer member fitted to each of the connecting portions 161, 161 of the base end bracket 153 having a substantially flat plate shape. That is, also with respect to the first rotation connection point X1 in the first link arm 11, as in the case of the second link arm 12, when the bush 138 elastically deforms, displacement of each of the connecting portions 161, 161 of the base end bracket 153 as the plate-shaped connecting portion 136 is allowed. And, the vehicle door apparatus 20 of the present embodiment is configured to increase the connection degree of freedom of the first link arm 11 with respect to the vehicle body 2 by allowing vertical displacement of the first link arm 11 including tilting with respect to the support shaft N1a.

[0137] On the other hand, in the vehicle door apparatus 20 of the present embodiment, the tip bracket 154 constituting the tip portion 11b of the first link arm 11 has a cover-like outer shape that covers the tip sides of the pair of pipe frames 151, 151. Specifically, this tip bracket 154 has a cover portion 164 that covers the tip side while being disposed inside the vehicle width direction with respect to the pipe frames 151, 151. In the vehicle door apparatus 20, for example, by welding or the like, each of the pipe frames 151, 151 is fixed to the back surface of this cover portion 164. And, in the vehicle door apparatus 20 of the present embodiment, the tip portions of the pipe frames 151, 151 constituting the first link arm 11 are thereby configured to be connected by the tip bracket 154.

[0138] In the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, the tip bracket 154 includes a pair of connection flanges 167, 167 facing each other in the vertical direction. Further, the door bracket 156 fixed to the inner surface 5s of the door 5 also includes a pair of connection flanges 168, 168 facing each other in the vertical direction. And by rotatably connecting each connection flange 167, 167 of these tip brackets 154 and each connection flange 168, 168 of the door bracket 156, the second rotation connection point X2 in the first link arm 11 is formed.

[0139] Specifically, the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment includes a support shaft 170 that penetrates each connection flange 167, 167 of these tip brackets 154 and each connection flange 168, 168 of the door bracket 156 in the vertical direction. And around this support shaft 170, each connection flange 167, 167 of the tip bracket 154 and each connection flange 168, 168 of the door bracket 156 are configured to relatively rotate.

[0140] That is, in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, these connection flanges 167, 167 and connection flanges 168, 168 are used as the first and second rotation connection portions 171, 172, and the second rotation connection point X2 is formed. Further, the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment includes a friction member 175 interposed between the first and second rotation connection portions 171, 172 and in sliding contact with these first and second rotation connection portions 171, 172. Specifically, this friction member 175 is formed using a resin material having a relatively large frictional resistance, such as nylon. Further, the friction member 175 is subjected to a surface treatment such that its frictional resistance increases. And thereby, a configuration is provided in which sliding resistance is imparted when the first and second rotation connection portions 171, 172 forming the second rotation connection point X2 relatively rotate.

[0141] Specifically, in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, each connecting flange 168, 168 of the door bracket 156 is arranged inside each connecting flange 167, 167 of the tip bracket 154 spaced apart in the vertical direction.

[0142] That is, as shown in FIG. 40, in the lower connecting flange 167a and the connecting flange 168a, the connecting flange 168a of the door bracket 156 is arranged above the connecting flange 167a of the tip bracket 154. Further, the friction member 175 of the present embodiment has an annular plate shape fitted to the support shaft 170. And in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, this friction member 175 is provided in a state of being sandwiched between the connecting flange 167a of the tip bracket 154 and the connecting flange 168a of the door bracket 156 that overlap in the vertical direction.

[0143] That is, in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, the load of the door 5 is applied to the friction member 175 via the connecting flange 168a of the door bracket 156 located above the friction member 175. Also, thereby, a frictional force is generated between the friction member 175 and the connecting flange 167a of the tip bracket 154 and the connecting flange 168a of the door bracket 156 that sandwich this friction member 175. Further, a sliding resistance is imparted by the relative rotation of the connecting flange 167a of the tip bracket 154 and the connecting flange 168a of the door bracket 156 around the support shaft 170. And the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment is configured to attenuate the sway and vibration generated in this door 5 by increasing the operating resistance of the door 5 that rotates around the second rotation connection point X2 formed by these first and second rotation connection portions 171, 172.

[0144] (Actuator) Next, the configuration of the actuator 25 in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment will be described.

[0145] As described above, in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, the actuator 25 that generates the driving force for opening and closing the door 5 is provided at the base end portion 11a of the first link arm 11. Further, this actuator 25 uses the motor 25m as a drive source to rotationally drive the first link arm 11. And the vehicle door device 20 is configured to open and close the door 5 supported by the vehicle body 2 via the link mechanism 15 based on the operation of the link mechanism 15 formed by the first link arm 11 and the second link arm 12 (see FIGS. 3 to 6).

[0146] More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 37 to 39 and FIG. 41, in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, the actuator 25 is disposed at the formation site 180 of the first rotation connection point X1 of the first link arm 11 with respect to the vehicle body 2.

[0147] Specifically, as described above, the first link arm 11 is rotatably connected to a vehicle body bracket 155 provided on the vehicle body 2 at two positions spaced apart in the vertical direction at its base end portion 11a. And the actuator 25 of the present embodiment is disposed at the vertical position between both connection portions 161, 161 on the first link arm 11 side and both connection portions 162, 162 on the vehicle body bracket 155 side, which are rotatably connected at two positions spaced apart in the vertical direction.

[0148] That is, in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, a base end bracket 153 having a substantially U-shaped outer shape constitutes the base end portion 11a of the first link arm 11. Further, the vehicle body bracket 155 also has a substantially U-shaped portion at the portion having both connection portions 162, 162 spaced apart in the vertical direction. And the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment is configured to dispose the actuator 25 within the formation site 180 of the first rotation connection point X1 formed by relatively rotatably connecting these two U-shaped members.

[0149] In other words, in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, the first rotation connection point X1 of the first link arm 11 to the vehicle body 2 has an upper connection point 181 and a lower connection point 182 that are spaced apart in the vertical direction. And the actuator 25 is provided at a position between the upper connection point 181 and the lower connection point 182 at the formation site 180 of the first rotation connection point X1.

[0150] More specifically, in the actuator 25 of the present embodiment, the motor 25m serving as the drive source has a configuration as a geared motor 183 with a speed reducer. Also, the actuator 25 of the present embodiment includes a speed reduction mechanism 184 that further reduces the rotation of this motor 25m. Further, the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment includes a sector gear 185 that protrudes from the base portion 160 of the base end bracket 153 that constitutes the base end portion 11a of the first link arm 11 and is disposed at a position between both connection portions 161, 161 thereof. And in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, the driving force of the actuator 25 is transmitted to the first link arm 11 by meshing the pinion gear 186 of the speed reduction mechanism 184 with this sector gear 185.

[0151] Incidentally, the actuator 25 of the present embodiment is fixed to the vehicle body bracket 155 using a fixed bracket 187. Also, the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment includes a cover member 188 having an outer shape with a substantially U-shaped cross section. Further, in the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment, flanges 189, 189 provided at both ends of the U-shaped cover portion 188x of this cover member 188 are fixed to both connection portions 162, 162 on the vehicle body bracket 155 side that are spaced apart in the vertical direction. And the vehicle door device 20 of the present embodiment thereby has a configuration in which this cover member 188 covers the side of the actuator 25 disposed within the formation site 180 of the first rotation connection point X1.

[0152] Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. In the second link arm 12, a vehicle body side link 91 having a first pivot connection point X1 to the vehicle body 2 and a door side link 92 having a second pivot connection point X2 to the door 5 are connected so as to be relatively rotatable, thereby forming a connection length variable mechanism 35. That is, by these vehicle body side link 91 and door side link 92 forming a joint link mechanism 100 having an intermediate connection point X3, the connection length L between the first and second pivot connection points X1 and X2 changes based on the relative rotation around the intermediate connection point X3. Then, based on the operation of this connection length variable mechanism 35, the opening and closing operation locus R of the door 5 supported by the vehicle body 2 via the link mechanism 15 formed by the first and second link arms 11 and 12 changes.

[0153] Next, the effects of the present embodiment will be described. (1) According to the above configuration, the degree of freedom of the opening and closing operation can be increased with a simple configuration. That is, the base of the triangle with the intermediate connection point X3 of the joint link mechanism 100 formed by the vehicle body side link 91 and the door side link 92 as the apex is the connection length L between the first and second pivot connection points X1 and X2. Furthermore, based on the operation of the joint link mechanism 100 functioning as the connection length variable mechanism 35, the connection length L changes. For example, in the vicinity of the fully closed position P0, the opening and closing operation locus R of the door 5 can be changed from an arc-shaped guide locus Rg to a linear slide locus Rs. And thereby, when the door 5 moves from the fully closed position P0 to the open operation or closes to the fully closed position P0, it can be smoothly opened and closed without interfering with the vehicle body 2.

[0154] (2) Also, such a joint link mechanism 100 has the characteristic that it is hardly affected by the use environment, such as foreign matters such as dust and dirt, or freezing. And thereby, high reliability and durability can be ensured.

[0155] Furthermore, the articulated link mechanism 100 has the advantage that the degrees of freedom in the shapes of the vehicle body side link 91 and the door side link 92 are high. For example, the vehicle body side link 91 is formed in a bent shape to avoid interference with the door opening 3. As a result, when the door 5 is fully opened, a larger door opening amount can be ensured.

[0156] (3) The door side link 92 includes a pair of clamping portions 107, 107 that are rotatably connected to the vehicle body side link 91 while sandwiching the vehicle body side link 91. Each of these clamping portions 107, 107 is independently rotatably connected to the door 5 at positions spaced apart in the vertical direction.

[0157] According to the above configuration, for the second rotation connection point X2 formed between the vehicle body side link 91 and the door 5, high support rigidity can be ensured. Furthermore, the door 5 becomes difficult to tilt with respect to the rotation axis formed at the second rotation connection point X2. As a result, the door 5 can be stably supported.

[0158] (4) The vehicle door device 20 includes a biasing member 115 that generates a biasing force F for relatively rotating the vehicle body side link 91 and the door side link 92 around the intermediate connection point X3. According to the above configuration, by using the biasing force F generated by the biasing member 115, when the door 5 is opened and closed, the connection length L between the first and second rotation connection points X1 and X2 based on the relative rotation of the vehicle body side link 91 and the door side link 92 can be maintained. As a result, the swaying and vibration of the door 5 can be suppressed, and a stable opening and closing operation can be realized.

[0159] (5) The articulated link mechanism 100 is configured such that when the door 5 moves from the fully closed position P0 to the open position, the component force F' of the biasing force F along the connection length direction becomes stronger than the fully closed position P0 based on the relative rotation of the vehicle body side link 91 and the door side link 92.

[0160] According to the above configuration, when the door 5 is in the state of opening and closing, the connecting length L between the first and second rotation connection points X1 and X2 can be stably maintained by the component force F' of the strong biasing force F along the connecting length direction. And thereby, a stable opening and closing operation of the door 5 can be realized.

[0161] Also, when the door 5 is in the fully closed position P0, the component force F' of the biasing force F along the connecting length direction becomes small. That is, in the fully closed state, it is possible to stably hold the door 5 regardless of the biasing force F of the biasing member 115. Therefore, in this case, by weakening the component force F' of the biasing force F along the connecting length direction, good door installation property of the door 5 can be ensured.

[0162] (6) The vehicle door device 20 includes an engaging protrusion 121 provided on the second link arm 12 in combination with the connecting length variable mechanism 35, and a cam member 123 provided on the door 5 having a cam groove 122 with which the engaging protrusion 121 engages. And thereby, based on the opening and closing operation of the door 5, the engaging protrusion 121 moves in the cam groove 122, and the opening and closing operation locus R of the door 5 is defined.

[0163] According to the above configuration, for example, during the opening and closing operation, a desired opening and closing operation locus R such as reducing the clearance between the vehicle body 2 and the door 5 can be realized. Further, for example, fluctuations in the opening and closing operation locus R due to external forces or the like can be suppressed. And thereby, interference with the vehicle body 2 can be avoided, and at the same time, a good operation feeling can be ensured.

[0164] In addition, the roller 125 provided on the engaging protrusion 121 is in sliding contact with the cam groove 122, so that the engaging protrusion 121 can smoothly move in the cam groove 122. (7) The cam groove 122 is configured to define the connecting length L between the first and second rotation connection points X1 and X2 based on the operation of the connecting length variable mechanism 35 according to the engagement position of the engaging protrusion 121 in the cam groove 122.

[0165] According to the above configuration, the connection length L corresponding to the opening and closing operation position of the door 5 can be set. And thereby, the opening and closing operation locus R of the door 5 can be freely set. Further, even when an external force is applied to the door 5, the connection length L corresponding to the opening and closing operation position is maintained. And thereby, the swaying and vibration of the door 5 can be suppressed, and its opening and closing operation posture can be stably maintained.

[0166] (8) The cam groove 122 is configured to restrict the rotation of the door 5 around the second rotation connection point X2 according to the engagement position of the engagement protrusion 121 in the cam groove 122. According to the above configuration, even when an external force is applied to the door 5, the rotation posture around the second rotation connection point X2 corresponding to the opening and closing operation position is maintained. And thereby, the swaying and vibration of the door 5 can be suppressed, and its opening and closing operation posture can be stably maintained.

[0167] (9) The cam member 123 is provided integrally with the door bracket 94 that forms the second rotation connection point X2 in a state of being fixed to the door 5. Thereby, simplification of the configuration and space saving can be achieved.

[0168] (10) The vehicle door device 20 includes a buffer member 131 that is sandwiched between the second link arm 12 and the vehicle body 2 when the door 5 is in the fully open position P1. According to the above configuration, the swaying and vibration of the door 5 that has reached the fully open position P1 can be suppressed, and it can be stably held at the fully open position P1.

[0169] (11) The vehicle body side connection portion 101 of the vehicle body side link 91 that is the base end portion of the second link arm 12 has a configuration as a plate-like connection portion 136 having a substantially flat plate shape. Further, a through hole 135 that penetrates the vehicle body side connection portion 101 in the thickness direction is provided in the vehicle body side connection portion 101. Further, a bush 138 as a cylindrical buffer member 137 is fitted into the through hole 135. And the first rotation connection point X1 of the second link arm 12 to the vehicle body 2 is configured to include a support shaft 133 that is inserted into the through hole 135 of the vehicle body side connection portion 101 through the bush 138.

[0170] According to the above configuration, rotation of the second link arm 12 around its support shaft 133 is permitted. Further, displacement of the vehicle body side connection portion 101 having a configuration as its plate-shaped connection portion 136 is permitted by elastic deformation of the bush 138 as the cylindrical buffer member 137. That is, vertical displacement of the second link arm 12 including tilting with respect to the support shaft 133 serving as its rotation axis is permitted. And thereby, with a simple configuration, the connection degree of freedom of the second link arm 12 with respect to the vehicle body 2 can be increased. That is, for example, the movement when using a universal joint such as a ball joint can be pseudo-reproduced. As a result, for example, manufacturing and assembly tolerances and the like can be absorbed to improve the assemblability.

[0171] (12) The vehicle door device 20 includes first and second rotation connection portions 171 and 172 that are connected so as to be relatively rotatable and form a second rotation connection point X2 of the first link arm 11 with respect to the door 5. And the vehicle door device 20 includes a friction member 175 that is interposed between the first and second rotation connection portions 171 and 172 and imparts sliding resistance by slidingly contacting these first and second rotation connection portions 171 and 172.

[0172] According to the above configuration, the operating resistance when the door 5 rotates around the second rotation connection point X2 formed by the first and second rotation connection portions 171 and 172 can be increased. And thereby, by attenuating the sway and vibration generated in the door 5, the opening and closing operation posture can be stably held.

[0173] (13) The vehicle door device 20 includes a door-side engaging portion 31 provided at the closing-side end portion 33 of a door 5 that opens and closes a door opening 3 of the vehicle 1 based on the operation of a link mechanism 15 formed by first and second link arms 11 and 12. Further, the vehicle door device 20 includes a vehicle-body-side engaging portion 32 provided at the closing-side end portion 34 of the door opening 3 where the closing-side end portion 33 of the door 5 approaches and separates, that is, approaches or separates, based on the opening and closing operation of the door 5. The door-side engaging portion 31 includes a shaft-shaped engaging portion 41 extending in the vertical direction of the vehicle 1, and the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 32 has a pair of side wall portions 42a and 42b facing each other in the vehicle width direction and includes a guide groove 42 extending in the opening and closing operation direction of the door 5. And at the opening and closing operation position near the fully closed position P0 where the door-side engaging portion 31 and the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 32 engage with each other, the shaft-shaped engaging portion 41 is disposed in the guide groove 42.

[0174] According to the above configuration, by disposing the shaft-shaped engaging portion 41 in the guide groove 42, the displacement of the door 5 in the vehicle width direction is restricted. And thereby, even at the opening and closing operation position near the fully closed position P0 where the distance between the first and second link arms 11 and 12 tends to approach and be in a linearly arranged state, the door 5 can be stably supported.

[0175] Furthermore, in a state where the door-side engaging portion 31 and the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 32 are engaged with each other, based on the operation of a connection length variable mechanism 35, the opening and closing operation locus R of the door 5 changes from an arc-shaped glide locus Rg to a linear slide locus Rs. And thereby, the door 5 can be smoothly closed to the fully closed position P0 and opened from the fully closed position P0.

[0176] (14) The vehicle door device 20 includes an actuator 25 that applies a driving force to a link mechanism 15 formed by first and second link arms 11 and 12 to open and close the door 5. Thereby, convenience can be improved.

[0177] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment in which the vehicle door device is embodied will be described with reference to the drawings. For convenience of explanation, components having the same configuration as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0178] As shown in FIGS. 44 to 46, the vehicle door device 20B of the present embodiment includes a connection length fixing mechanism 300 that can fix the connection length L between the first and second rotation connection points X1 and X2 of the second link arm 12B provided with the connection length variable mechanism 35. In each of these figures, the left side is the front side of the vehicle, and the right side is the rear side of the vehicle.

[0179] More specifically, in the vehicle door device 20B of the present embodiment, a torsion coil spring 113 such as that of the vehicle door device 20 in the first embodiment is not provided for the articulated link mechanism 100 that constitutes the connection length variable mechanism 35 (see FIGS. 30 and 31). And the vehicle door device 20B of the present embodiment does not have a biasing member 115 that replaces this torsion coil spring 113, that is, a biasing member 115 that applies a biasing force F in the direction of relatively rotating the vehicle body side link 91B and the door side link 92B.

[0180] That is, as described above, in the vehicle door device 20 in the first embodiment, based on the elastic force of the torsion coil spring 113, the door 5 opens and closes in a state where the connection length L of the second link arm 12B provided with the connection length variable mechanism 35 is shortened.

[0181] On the other hand, in the vehicle door device 20B of the present embodiment, during the opening and closing operation of the door 5, the connection length L of the second link arm 12B provided with the connection length variable mechanism 35 is fixed by the operation of the connection length fixing mechanism 300. And the vehicle door device 20B of the present embodiment can thereby open and close the door 5 supported by the link mechanism 15 formed by the second link arm 12 more stably.

[0182] Specifically, the connection length fixing mechanism 300 of the present embodiment includes a first engaging member 301 provided on the door side link 92B side and a second engaging member 302 provided on the door 5 side. Further, in the vehicle door device 20B of the present embodiment, based on the opening and closing operation of the door 5, these first engaging member 301 and second engaging member 302 engage with each other. Furthermore, based on the engaging force of these first engaging member 301 and second engaging member 302, the door side link 92B is fixed to the door 5. And the connection length fixing mechanism 300 of the present embodiment is configured such that the relative rotation of the door side link 92B with respect to the door 5 is restricted, thereby fixing the connection length L between the door 5 and the vehicle body 2 by the second link arm 12B provided with the connection length variable mechanism 35.

[0183] That is, in the configuration using the articulated link mechanism 100 having the vehicle body side link 91 and the door side link 92 connected rotatably for the connection length variable mechanism 35, by fixing the door side link 92B to the door 5, the door side link 92B is integrated with the door 5. Further, in this state, the vehicle body side link 91 rotates relatively around the intermediate connection point X3 between the door side link 92B and the vehicle body side link 91, and the door 5 opens and closes. That is, the intermediate connection point X3 between the door side link 92B and the vehicle body side link 91 becomes a new second rotation connection point X2' with respect to the door 5 (see FIG. 46). In other words, the second rotation connection point X2 with respect to the door 5 transitions. And the connection length fixing mechanism 300 of the present embodiment is configured such that the connection length L between the first and second rotation connection points X1, X2 is fixed to a constant value based on the length of the vehicle body side link 91.

[0184] Even in a configuration that utilizes the biasing force F of the biasing member 115 such as the vehicle door device 20 in the first embodiment, by pressing the door-side link 92 against the door 5 with the biasing force F, substantially, the intermediate connection point X3 becomes a new second rotation connection point X2'. However, in this case, due to the input of an external force, the door-side link 92 pressed against the door 5 side may relatively rotate against the biasing force F of the biasing member 115. And, as a result, the connection length L fluctuates, which may cause the door 5 to sway or vibrate.

[0185] Taking this point into consideration, in the vehicle door device 20B of the present embodiment, the operation of the connection length fixing mechanism 300 fixes the connection length L between the door 5 and the vehicle body 2 by the second link arm 12B provided with the connection length variable mechanism 35. And, the vehicle door device 20B of the present embodiment is configured to suppress the sway and vibration of the door 5 and stably hold its opening and closing operation posture thereby.

[0186] More specifically, the vehicle door device 20B of the present embodiment includes a support shaft 310x provided on a door bracket 94B fixedly integrated with the door 5, and a hook lever 310 pivotally supported around this support shaft 310x. Further, this vehicle door device 20B includes an engagement protrusion 311 provided on the door-side link 92B. And, in the vehicle door device 20B of the present embodiment, with this engagement protrusion 311 as the first engagement member 301 and the hook lever 310 as the second engagement member 302 provided on the door 5, the connection length fixing mechanism 300 is formed.

[0187] Specifically, the door bracket 94B of the present embodiment has a support shaft 312 that supports the door-side connection portion 102 of the door-side link 92B. Further, the door-side link 92B of the present embodiment has an extension portion 313 extending toward the opposite side of the intermediate connection portion 104 that forms the intermediate connection point X3 with the vehicle body-side link 91, with the door-side connection portion 102 pivotally connected to this support shaft 312 as a base point. And, the engagement protrusion 311 of the present embodiment is provided at the tip portion of this extension portion 313.

[0188] On the one hand, the hook lever 310 of this embodiment has a hook-shaped engaging portion 315 at its tip. Further, the hook lever 310 of this embodiment is rotationally biased based on the elastic force of the torsion coil spring 316 inserted into its support shaft 310x. And the hook lever 310 of this embodiment is configured such that the engaging portion 315 provided at its tip is disposed on the movement locus Q of the engaging protrusion 311.

[0189] That is, in the vehicle door device 20B of this embodiment, the engaging protrusion 311 moves along an arc-shaped locus centered on the support shaft 312 as the door side link 92B rotates around the support shaft 312 based on the opening and closing operation of the door 5. And the vehicle door device 20B of this embodiment is configured such that the engaging portion 315 of the hook lever 310 is positioned on the movement locus Q of the engaging protrusion 311, and based on the opening and closing operation of the door 5, the hook lever 310 and the engaging protrusion 311 engage with each other.

[0190] Moreover, the vehicle door device 20B of this embodiment includes a hook cam 317 provided on the hook lever 310. Further, similar to the door bracket 94 in the first embodiment, the door bracket 94B of this embodiment is configured as a cam member 123 having a cam groove 122 with which the roller 125 of the engaging protrusion 121 provided on the vehicle body side link 91 engages. And the hook lever 310 of this embodiment is configured such that the hook cam 317 is disposed overlapping the cam groove 122 of the door bracket 94B in a state where the engaging portion 315 is disposed on the movement locus Q of the engaging protrusion 311 as described above.

[0191] In addition, the vehicle door device 20B of the present embodiment has a pressing projection 318 provided integrally with the engaging projection 121 in a manner of extending the roller 125 engaged with the cam groove 122 in the axial direction. Further, in the vehicle door device 20B of the present embodiment, the pressing projection 318 engages and disengages with a hook cam 317 provided on the hook lever 310 based on the opening and closing operation of the door 5. Then, the vehicle door device 20B of the present embodiment is configured such that the hook lever 310 rotates against the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 316 serving as the biasing member.

[0192] That is, the pressing projection 318 provided on the vehicle body side link 91 moves along the cam groove 122 of the door bracket 94B as the vehicle body side link 91 rotates based on the opening and closing operation of the door 5. In the vehicle door device 20B of the present embodiment, the extending portion 313 of the door side link 92B has a three-dimensional shape that does not interfere with the pressing projection 318 moving along the cam groove 122. Further, when the pressing projection 318 of the present embodiment engages with the hook cam 317, the hook cam 317 is pushed back, and the hook lever 310 is rotated (counterclockwise in each figure), and the hook cam 317 passes through a position overlapping the cam groove 122. The hook cam 317 of the present embodiment has a semi-circular cam surface 317s protruding into the cam groove 122. Further, in the vehicle door device 20B of the present embodiment, when the pressing projection 318 disengages from the hook cam 317, the hook lever 310 rotates again based on the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 316 (clockwise in each figure). Then, the vehicle door device 20B of the present embodiment is configured such that the engaging portion 315 of the hook lever 310 returns onto the movement locus Q of the engaging projection 311.

[0193] Furthermore, in the vehicle door device 20B of the present embodiment, at the position on the movement locus Q where the engaging portion 315 of the hook lever 310 is arranged, at the timing when the engaging protrusion 311 moves, as described above, the hook lever 310 is configured to rotate. And the connection length fixing mechanism 300 of the present embodiment is thereby configured such that the hook lever 310 engages with and disengages from the second engaging member 302 provided on the door 5 side with respect to the engaging protrusion 311 as the first engaging member 301 provided on the door side link 92B side smoothly.

[0194] As described above, in the vehicle door device 20B of the present embodiment, when the vehicle body side link 91B rotates based on the opening and closing operation of the door 5, the hook cam 317 and the pressing protrusion 318 are relatively displaced. And in the connection length fixing mechanism 300 of the present embodiment, the timing generation portion 321 and the engagement / disengagement drive portion 322 are formed by the hook cam 317 and the pressing protrusion 318 that engage and disengage based on the relative displacement.

[0195] That is, based on the opening and closing operation of the door 5, when the hook cam 317 and the pressing protrusion 318 engage and disengage, the engagement / disengagement timing of the hook lever 310 as the second engaging member 302 with respect to the engaging protrusion 311 as the first engaging member 301 is generated. And the connection length fixing mechanism 300 of the present embodiment is configured to engage and disengage the hook lever 310 with respect to the engaging protrusion 311 based on the generated engagement / disengagement timing.

[0196] Specifically, in the vehicle door device 20B of the present embodiment, the engagement and disengagement timing of these engagement protrusions 311 and the hook lever 310 is set in accordance with the engagement and disengagement timing of the door-side engagement portion 31 provided on the door 5 and the vehicle-body-side engagement portion 32 provided on the door opening 3. That is, the connection length fixing mechanism 300 of the present embodiment is configured to release the fixing of the connection length L at the opening and closing operation position near the fully closed position P0 where the door-side engagement portion 31 and the vehicle-body-side engagement portion 32 engage with each other (see FIGS. 3 and 4). And the vehicle door device 20B of the present embodiment is configured such that the opening and closing operation locus R of the door 5 supported by the link mechanism 15 changes based on the operation of the connection length variable mechanism 35 provided on the second link arm 12B.

[0197] That is, also in the vehicle door device 20B of the present embodiment, when moving to the fully closed position P0, the door-side engagement portion 31 engages with the vehicle-body-side engagement portion 32, and the opening and closing operation of the door 5 is guided in a state where the shaft-shaped engagement portion 41 as the guide engagement portion is disposed in the guide groove 42. And the vehicle door device 20B of the present embodiment is configured such that the arc-shaped guide locus Rg based on the operation of the link mechanism 15 changes to the linear slide locus Rs along the opening width direction of the door opening 3.

[0198] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 47, in the vehicle door device 20B of the present embodiment, when the door 5 is in the fully closed position P0, the door-side engagement portion 31 and the vehicle-body-side engagement portion 32 constituting the guide mechanism 330 are engaged with each other. And at this time, the connection length fixing mechanism 300 of the present embodiment is in a state where the engagement protrusion 311 as the first engagement member 301 and the hook lever 310 as the second engagement member 302 are disengaged, that is, the fixing of the connection length L is released.

[0199] Also, in the vehicle door device 20B of the present embodiment, based on the opening operation of the door 5 that moves from the fully closed position P0, the engagement between the door-side engaging portion 31 and the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 32 that constitute the guide mechanism 330 is released. That is, the shaft-shaped engaging portion 41 as the guide engaging portion provided on the door-side engaging portion 31 disengages from the guide groove 42 that constitutes the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 32. Further, at this timing, the engaging protrusion 311 as the first engaging member 301 provided on the door-side link 92B engages with the hook lever 310 as the second engaging member 302 provided on the door 5 side. That is, the connection length fixing mechanism 300 of the present embodiment is configured to shift to a state where the connection length L is fixed by this.

[0200] Also, in the vehicle door device 20B of the present embodiment, based on the closing operation of the door 5 that moves to the fully closed position P0, the engagement between the door-side engaging portion 31 and the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 32 engages. That is, the shaft-shaped engaging portion 41 as the guide engaging portion provided on the door-side engaging portion 31 enters the guide groove 42 that constitutes the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 32. Further, at this timing, the engagement between the engaging protrusion 311 as the first engaging member 301 provided on the door-side link 92B and the hook lever 310 as the second engaging member 302 provided on the door 5 side is released. And the connection length fixing mechanism 300 of the present embodiment is configured to shift to a state where the fixing of the connection length L is released by this.

[0201] As described above, also with the configuration of the present embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, it is possible to stably support the door 5 while ensuring a smooth opening and closing operation of the door 5 in the vicinity of the fully closed position P0. In addition, the following characteristic effects can be obtained.

[0202] (1) That is, by fixing the connection length L between the door 5 and the vehicle body 2 through the operation of the connection length fixing mechanism 300, the door 5 can be stably supported during the opening and closing operation of the door 5. And thereby, the swaying and vibration of the door 5 can be suppressed, and a stable opening and closing operation can be realized. As a result, for example, compared with a configuration that holds the connection length L based on the biasing force F of the biasing member 115, better stability can be ensured.

[0203] (2) The connection length fixing mechanism 300 includes an engaging protrusion 311 as a first engaging member 301 provided on the door side link 92B side, and a hook lever 310 as a second engaging member 302 provided on the door 5. And the connection length fixing mechanism 300 fixes the connection length L by the engagement of the engaging protrusion 311 and the hook lever 310 based on the opening and closing operation of the door 5, and releases the fixing of the connection length L by the disengagement of the engaging protrusion 311 and the hook lever 310.

[0204] That is, when the door side link 92B is integrated with the door 5, the intermediate connection point X3 between the door side link 92B and the vehicle body side link 91 becomes a new second rotation connection point X2' with respect to the door 5. That is, the connection length L becomes a constant value based on the length of the vehicle body side link 91. Therefore, according to the above configuration, the connection length L between the first and second rotation connection points X1, X2 can be stably fixed with a simple configuration. And by adopting a configuration in which the hook lever 310 that rotates around the support shaft 310 engages with the engaging protrusion 311, the first engaging member 301 on the door side link 92B side and the second engaging member 302 on the door 5 side can be engaged and disengaged stably with a simple configuration.

[0205] (3) The connection length fixing mechanism 300 includes a timing generation unit 321 that generates the engagement and disengagement timing of the first engaging member 301 and the second engaging member 302 based on the opening and closing operation of the door 5. And the connection length fixing mechanism 300 includes an engagement and disengagement drive unit 322 that engages and disengages the first engaging member 301 and the second engaging member 302 based on the generated engagement and disengagement timing.

[0206] According to the above configuration, the engagement and disengagement timing between the first engagement member 301 and the second engagement member 302 can be adjusted by the settings of the timing generation unit 321 and the engagement and disengagement drive unit 322. And thereby, based on the opening and closing operation of the door 5, the connection length L between the door 5 and the vehicle body 2 can be accurately fixed and the fixation can be released.

[0207] (4) The connection length fixing mechanism 300 includes a pressing protrusion 318 provided on the vehicle body side link 91B and a hook cam 317 provided on the hook lever 310. Further, these pressing protrusion 318 and hook cam 317 are relatively displaced by the rotation of the vehicle body side link 91B based on the opening and closing operation of the door 5. And the timing generation unit 321 and the engagement and disengagement drive unit 322 are configured such that the hook lever 310 rotates when the hook cam 317 and the pressing protrusion 318 are engaged and disengaged based on the relative displacement.

[0208] According to the above configuration, the timing generation unit 321 and the engagement and disengagement drive unit 322 that operate autonomously can be formed based on the operation of the articulated link mechanism 100 that constitutes the connection length variable mechanism 35. And thereby, at an appropriate timing based on the opening and closing operation of the door 5, the connection length L between the door 5 and the vehicle body 2 can be fixed by the operation of the connection length fixing mechanism 300 and the fixation can be released.

[0209] (5) The connection length fixing mechanism 300 fixes the connection length L at the timing when the engagement between the door side engaging portion 31 and the vehicle body side engaging portion 32 is released based on the opening operation of the door 5 that moves from the fully closed position P0. And the connection length fixing mechanism 300 is configured to release the fixation of the connection length L at the timing when the door side engaging portion 31 and the vehicle body side engaging portion 32 are engaged based on the closing operation of the door 5 that moves to the fully closed position P0.

[0210] According to the above configuration, for the door 5 that opens and closes based on the operation of the link mechanism 15, at the opening and closing operation positions near the fully closed position P0 where the door-side engaging portion 31 and the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 32 engage, a change in the opening and closing operation locus R based on the operation of the connection length variable mechanism 35 is allowed. Also, at the opening-side opening and closing operation positions where the engagement between the door-side engaging portion 31 and the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 32 is released, the connection length L between the door 5 and the vehicle body 2 is fixed. And thereby, while ensuring a smooth opening and closing operation of the door 5 near the fully closed position P0, the door 5 can be stably supported.

[0211] [Third Embodiment] Hereinafter, a third embodiment in which the vehicle door device is embodied will be described with reference to the drawings. For convenience of explanation, the same components as those in the first and second embodiments described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0212] As shown in FIGS. 48 to 50, in comparison with the second embodiment described above, the vehicle door device 20C of the present embodiment is different in the configuration of the connection length fixing mechanism 300C, specifically, the configuration of its timing generation unit 321C and engagement / detachment drive unit 322C.

[0213] Specifically, the vehicle door device 20C of the present embodiment is not provided with a hook cam 317 such as the hook lever 310 in the second embodiment for the hook lever 310C constituting the connection length fixing mechanism 300C (see FIGS. 44 to 46). Also, the roller 125 of the engaging protrusion 121 provided on the vehicle-body side link 91 does not function as a pressing protrusion 318 that engages with and disengages from the hook cam 317 by moving along the cam groove 122 of the door bracket 94C as in the second embodiment.

[0214] Also, as shown in FIGS. 51 to 53, the vehicle door device 20C of the present embodiment includes a door lever 341 provided at the closed-side end portion 33 of the door 5 and a vehicle-body cam 342 provided at the closed-side end portion 34 of the door opening 3. In FIGS. 51 to 53, the right side is the front side of the vehicle and the left side is the rear side of the vehicle in each figure.

[0215] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 48 to 53, the vehicle door device 20C of the present embodiment includes a drive cable 345 as a connection member 343 that connects the door lever 341 and the hook lever 310C. Note that the drive cable 345 of the present embodiment has a well-known configuration in which a core material slides inside a flexible resin tube, and the driving force can be transmitted through this core material. In the vehicle door device 20C of the present embodiment, the timing generation unit 321C and the engagement / driving unit 322C are formed by the door lever 341, the vehicle body cam 342, and the drive cable 345.

[0216] More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 51 to 53, in the vehicle door device 20C of the present embodiment, the door lever 341 is pivotally supported around a support shaft 341x provided at the closed-side end portion 33 of the door 5 so as to be rotatable. Further, the door lever 341 has a connection portion 350 with the drive cable 345 at one end side in the longitudinal direction. And the door lever 341 of the present embodiment has a hook-shaped engaging portion 351 provided at the other end side in the longitudinal direction.

[0217] On the other hand, the vehicle body cam 342 of the present embodiment has a cam surface 342s with a substantially arc-shaped cross section protruding from the closed-side end portion 34 of the door opening 3. Also, in the vehicle door device 20C of the present embodiment, based on the opening / closing operation of the door 5, the closed-side end portion 33 of the door 5 approaches and separates from the closed-side end portion 34 of the door opening 3, whereby the engaging portion 351 of the door lever 341 engages with and disengages from the cam surface 342s of the vehicle body cam 342. And the vehicle door device 20C of the present embodiment is configured such that the door lever 341 rotates around the support shaft 341x thereby.

[0218] Specifically, in the vehicle door device 20C of the present embodiment, based on the opening and closing operation of the door 5, the engaging portion 351 of the door lever 341 engages with the cam surface 342s of the vehicle body cam 342 having a substantially arc-shaped cross section in a manner of riding thereon. Note that the door lever 341 of the present embodiment, similar to the hook lever 310C, is rotationally biased in a direction in which its engaging portion 351 is pressed against the cam surface 342s of the vehicle body cam 342 based on the elastic force of the torsion coil spring 352 inserted into the support shaft 341x. And the door lever 341 of the present embodiment is configured to rotate around its support shaft 341x by passing through a position where its engaging portion 351 engages with the cam surface 342s of the vehicle body cam 342.

[0219] That is, when the engaging portion 351 of the door lever 341 of the present embodiment engages with the cam surface 342s of the vehicle body cam 342, it rotates counterclockwise in each figure against the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 352. And when the engaging portion 351 disengages from the cam surface 342s of the vehicle body cam 342, it is configured to rotate clockwise in each figure based on the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 352.

[0220] Further, the vehicle door device 20C of the present embodiment is configured such that when the door 5 is in the fully closed position P0, the cam surface 342s of the engaging portion 351 of the door lever 341 and the vehicle body cam 342 are in a disengaged state. Furthermore, based on the opening operation of the door 5 moving from the fully closed position P0, the door lever 341 and the vehicle body cam 342 engage and disengage. And the vehicle door device 20C of the present embodiment is also configured such that the door lever 341 and the vehicle body cam 342 engage and disengage during the closing operation of the door 5 moving to the fully closed position P0.

[0221] As shown in FIGS. 48 to 53, in the vehicle door device 20C of the present embodiment, the rotation of the door lever 341 accompanying the engagement and disengagement with the vehicle body cam 342 is transmitted to the hook lever 310C via its drive cable 345. Incidentally, the hook lever 310C of the present embodiment has a connection portion 353 of its drive cable 345 at the longitudinal end on the side opposite to the position where its engaging portion 315 is provided. Further, in the vehicle door device 20C of the present embodiment, thereby, when the hook lever 310C rotates, similar to the hook lever 310 in the first embodiment, its engaging portion 315 engages and disengages with the engaging projection 311 provided on the door side link 92C. And also in the vehicle door device 20C of the present embodiment, by the engagement and disengagement between the engaging projection 311 as the first engaging member 301 and the hook lever 310C as the second engaging member 302, the door side link 92C and the door 5 are fixed and the fixing is released. That is, the connection length L between the door 5 and the vehicle body 2 by the second link arm 12C is fixed and the fixing is released.

[0222] Thus, in the vehicle door device 20C of the present embodiment, based on the opening and closing operation of the door 5, the door lever 341 and the vehicle body cam 342 engage and disengage with each other, thereby forming the timing generation unit 321C. And the operation of the door lever 341 is transmitted to the hook lever 310C via its drive cable 345, thereby forming the engagement and disengagement drive unit 322C.

[0223] Incidentally, also in the vehicle door device 20C of the present embodiment, the engagement and disengagement timing of the engaging projection 311 and the hook lever 310C is set in accordance with the engagement and disengagement timing of the door side engaging portion 31 and the vehicle body side engaging portion 32 (see FIG. 47). And also the connection length fixing mechanism 300C of the present embodiment, thereby, in the opening and closing operation position near the fully closed position P0 where the door side engaging portion 31 and the vehicle body side engaging portion 32 engage with each other, is configured to release the fixing of the connection length L.

[0224] As described above, the configuration of the present embodiment can also achieve the same effects as those of the second embodiment. Further, in the vehicle door device 20C of the present embodiment, the timing generation unit 321C has a configuration independent of the engagement protrusion 311 as the first engagement member 301 and the hook lever 310C as the second engagement member 302. Therefore, the engagement and disengagement timing can be easily adjusted. Further, by connecting the door lever 341 and the hook lever 310C constituting the timing generation unit 321C via the drive cable 345 as the connection member 343, the engagement and disengagement drive unit 322C is formed. As a result, with a simple configuration, the hook lever 310C can be accurately engaged with and disengaged from the engagement protrusion 311, and at the same time, high reliability can be ensured.

[0225] [Fourth Embodiment] Hereinafter, a fourth embodiment in which a vehicle door device is embodied will be described with reference to the drawings. For the sake of convenience of explanation, the same components as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0226] As shown in FIGS. 55 to 57, in the vehicle door device 20H of the present embodiment, the configuration of the door bracket 94H to which the second link arm 12H is connected is different from that in the first embodiment.

[0227] More specifically, also in the vehicle door device 20H of the present embodiment, the second link arm 12H is formed by connecting the vehicle body side link 91H and the door side link 92H so as to be relatively rotatable. Further, the door bracket 94H also includes a pair of connecting walls 110H, 110H facing each other in the vertical direction. And the vehicle door device 20H of the present embodiment is configured such that the door side link 92H is rotatably connected to both of these connecting walls 110H, 110H.

[0228] That is, as shown in FIGS. 57 to 59, also in the vehicle door device 20H of the present embodiment, for the second link arm 12H, the connection of the door side link 92H to the door bracket 94H forms the second rotation connection point X2 with respect to the door 5. And, similar to the first embodiment, based on the relative rotation of the vehicle body side link 91H and the door side link 92H, the connection length L of the door 5 by the second link arm 12H changes (see FIGS. 22 and 23). That is, the articulated link mechanism 100 formed by these vehicle body side link 91H and door side link 92H is used for the connection length variable mechanism 35.

[0229] Also, as shown in FIGS. 55 to 57, the door bracket 94H of the present embodiment has a configuration in which a cam member 123H is provided integrally with the lower connection wall 110Hb among the two connection walls 110H, 110H facing in the vertical direction. And correspondingly, the engagement protrusion 121H provided on the vehicle body side link 91H also engages with the cam groove 122H provided on the cam member 123H in a state of protruding below the vehicle body side link 91H.

[0230] Furthermore, in the vehicle door device 20H of the present embodiment, a tension coil spring 400 is used as the biasing member 115 of the door side link 92H. That is, the vehicle door device 20H of the present embodiment rotationally biases the door side link 92H around the rotation axis 401 with respect to the door bracket 94H based on the tensile force of this tension coil spring 400. And the vehicle door device 20H of the present embodiment also, thereby, relatively rotates the vehicle body side link 91H and the door side link 92H that constitute the connection length variable mechanism 35 in a direction in which the connection length L between the first and second rotation connection points X1 and X2 becomes shorter.

[0231] Specifically, the door-side link 92H of the present embodiment has a substantially U-shaped bent plate shape having a pair of connecting portions 407, 407 disposed opposite to the respective connecting walls 110H, 110H of the door bracket 94H, and a connecting portion 408 connecting these both connecting portions 407, 407. And in the door-side link 92H of the present embodiment, each of its connecting portions 407, 407 is configured to be rotatably connected to the respective connecting walls 110H, 110H of the opposing door bracket 94H via the connecting pins 402, 402, respectively.

[0232] Also, the vehicle door device 20H of the present embodiment includes a shaft-like member 409 provided on the door-side link 92H in a manner of being bridged between both connecting portions 407, 407 at a position near the connecting portion 408. Further, in the vehicle door device 20H of the present embodiment, this shaft-like member 409 constitutes the connecting shaft 410 of the vehicle body-side link 91H with respect to the door-side link 92H. And the vehicle door device 20H of the present embodiment is configured such that the vehicle body-side link 91H and the door-side link 92H relatively rotate around this connecting shaft 410 in a state where the vehicle body-side link 91H is sandwiched between both connecting portions 407, 407 of the door-side link 92H.

[0233] In addition, the door-side link 92H of the present embodiment includes a spring locking portion 411 provided at the lower connecting portion 407b among the connecting portions 407, 407 that are rotatably connected to the connecting walls 110H, 110H of the door bracket 94H. Specifically, this spring locking portion 411 is provided on the opposite side of the connecting portion 408 across the rotation axis 401 with respect to the connecting wall 110Hb of the door bracket 94H, in a manner of extending the lower connecting portion 407b in the longitudinal direction, that is, at the position where the connecting pin 402 is provided. Further, a spring locking portion 412 that pairs with the spring locking portion 411 on the door-side link 92H side is also provided on the lower connecting wall 110Hb of the door bracket 94H. In the door bracket 94H of the present embodiment, this spring locking portion 412 is provided at the end on the rear side of the vehicle (left side in FIG. 57), that is, at the end position in the extending direction of the second link arm 12H connected to the door bracket 94H when the door 5 is in the fully closed state. And the vehicle door device 20H of the present embodiment is configured to lock both ends of the tension coil spring 400 to these two spring locking portions 411, 412.

[0234] That is, in the vehicle door device 20H of the present embodiment, when the door 5 is in the fully closed state, the spring locking portion 411 on the door-side link 92H side is disposed on the front side of the vehicle (right side in FIG. 57) with respect to the rotation axis 401 with respect to the door bracket 94H. Further, in the vehicle door device 20H of the present embodiment, based on the elastic force of the tension coil spring 400 locked to the spring locking portion 411, the door-side link 92H is rotationally biased in the clockwise direction in FIG. 57 around the rotation axis 401. And the vehicle door device 20H of the present embodiment thereby makes the angle formed by the vehicle body-side link 91H and the door-side link 92H that constitute the articulated link mechanism 100 narrower. That is, the vehicle body-side link 91H and the door-side link 92H are configured to relatively rotate in a direction in which the connection length L between the first and second rotation connection points X1, X2 becomes shorter.

[0235] Still, in the vehicle door device 20H of the present embodiment, in the door side link 92H, the lower connecting portion 407b having the spring locking portion 411 thereof is disposed below the lower connecting wall 110Hb in the door bracket 94H. Further, the spring locking portion 412 on the door bracket 94H side provided on this connecting wall 110Hb also projects downward from the connecting wall 110Hb. And, the vehicle door device 20H of the present embodiment is configured such that the tension coil spring 400 locked to these both spring locking portions 411 and 412 does not interfere with the door bracket 94H.

[0236] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 57 to 59, when the door 5 of the vehicle door device 20H of the present embodiment also starts to open from the fully closed position P0, based on the operation of the connection length variable mechanism 35, the connection portion 408 of the door side link 92H contacts the stopper 116H on the door bracket 94H side. That is, also in the vehicle door device 20H of the present embodiment, in synchronization with the timing when the engagement between the door side engaging portion 31 and the vehicle body side engaging portion 32 is released, the connection portion 408 of the door side link 92H contacts the stopper 116H on the door bracket 94H side (see FIG. 7). And, the vehicle door device 20H of the present embodiment is configured to ensure a stable opening and closing operation posture of the door 5 supported by the second link arm 12H based on the function of the stopper mechanism 420 formed thereby, similar to the first embodiment.

[0237] That is, also in the vehicle door device 20H of the present embodiment, based on the operation of the connection length variable mechanism 35, the stopper 116H and the connection portion 408 of the door side link 92H located on the opposite side of the spring locking portion 411 across the rotation axis 401 thereof are separated from and approach each other. Further, when the connection portion 408 of the door side link 92H abuts against the stopper 116H on the door bracket 94H side, relative rotation between the door side link 92H and the door bracket 94H in the clockwise direction in each figure is restricted around the rotation axis 401 thereof. And in the vehicle door device 20H of the present embodiment, thereby, a stopper mechanism 420 is formed with the connection portion 408 of these door side links 92H and the stopper 116H on the door bracket 94H side as the first and second abutting portions 421, 422.

[0238] Furthermore, also in the vehicle door device 20H of the present embodiment, based on the biasing force of the biasing member 115, a state where the first and second abutting portions 421, 422 abut against each other is maintained. And thereby, change of the connection length L based on the operation of the connection length variable mechanism 35 is restricted.

[0239] That is, in a configuration where the vehicle body side link 91H and the door side link 92H connected rotatably form the connection length variable mechanism 35, the door side link 92H is pressed against the stopper 116H based on the biasing force of the biasing member 115, so that the door side link 92H is integrated with the door 5. And thereby, with the vehicle body side link 91H rotating relatively around the intermediate connection point X3 between the door side link 92H and the vehicle body side link 91H, the door 5 opens and closes.

[0240] That is, the intermediate connection point X3 becomes a new second rotation connection point X2' with respect to the door 5. In other words, the second rotation connection point X2 with respect to the door 5 transitions. And also in the vehicle door device 20H of the present embodiment, thereby, the connection length L between the first and second rotation connection points X1, X2 is fixed to a constant value based on the length of the vehicle body side link 91H.

[0241] (Shock mitigation structure when the stopper abuts) More specifically, as shown in FIG. 60, also in the vehicle door device 20H of the present embodiment, the cam groove 122H provided in the cam member 123H has an arc-shaped portion 126 and a linear-shaped portion 127 similar to those in the first embodiment. And the cam groove 122H of the present embodiment has a curved connecting portion 430 having a curved shape that continuously connects between these arc-shaped portion 126 and linear-shaped portion 127.

[0242] Furthermore, in the vehicle door device 20H of the present embodiment, when the engaging protrusion 121H in the cam groove 122H moves from the linear-shaped portion 127 to the arc-shaped portion 126, the movement of the engaging protrusion 121H is guided in a state where the engaging protrusion 121H is in sliding contact with the curved connecting portion 430. And the vehicle door device 20H of the present embodiment is configured to mitigate the impact when the first and second abutting portions 421 and 422 constituting the stopper mechanism 420 abut thereby.

[0243] That is, as shown in FIGS. 57 to 59, also in the vehicle door device 20H of the present embodiment, when the door 5 starts to open from the fully closed position P0 as described above, the connecting portion 408 of the door-side link 92H abuts against the stopper 116H on the door bracket 94H side. Further, thereby, the change in the connection length L based on the operation of the connection length variable mechanism 35 is restricted, so that the opening and closing operation locus R of the door 5 changes from a linear slide locus Rs to an arc-shaped guide locus Rg (see FIG. 4). And also in the vehicle door device 20H of the present embodiment, the cam groove 122H provided in the cam member 123H is configured such that the arc-shaped portion 126 corresponds to the guide locus Rg and the linear-shaped portion 127 corresponds to the slide locus Rs.

[0244] That is, based on the operation of the connection length variable mechanism 35, in conjunction with the operation in which the connection portion 408 of the door side link 92H approaches the stopper 116H on the door bracket 94H side, the engaging protrusion 121H within the linear portion 127 moves toward the arc-shaped portion 126 side (right side in each figure). Then, when the connection portion 408 of the door side link 92H abuts against the stopper 116H on the door bracket 94H side, the engaging protrusion 121H moves within the arc-shaped portion 126 in a state where the change in the connection length L based on the operation of the connection length variable mechanism 35 is restricted.

[0245] Here, when switching the opening and closing operation locus R in this way, the connection portion 408 of the door side link 92H may abut forcefully against the stopper 116H on the door bracket 94H side, and due to the impact, there is a possibility that the door 5 may sway or vibrate.

[0246] Taking this point into consideration, the vehicle door device 20H of the present embodiment guides the movement of the engaging protrusion 121H from the linear portion 127 toward the arc-shaped portion 126 by means of the curved connection portion 430 provided between the linear portion 127 and the arc-shaped portion 126 as described above.

[0247] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 60, the side wall 430s of the curved connection portion 430 with which the engaging protrusion 121 moving from the linear portion 127 toward the arc-shaped portion 126 makes sliding contact is provided in a manner of "chamfering" the connection shape between the linear portion 127 and the arc-shaped portion 126 into a gentle arc shape. That is, the two-dot chain line in FIG. 60 shows the connection shape between the linear portion 127 and the arc-shaped portion 126 when such a curved connection portion 430 is not provided. Then, the vehicle door device 20H of the present embodiment is configured to give a large radius of curvature to the side wall 430s of the curved connection portion 430 thereby.

[0248] That is, as shown in FIGS. 58 and 61, when the engaging protrusion 121 extending from the linear portion 127 enters the curved connecting portion 430 toward the arc-shaped portion 126, the connecting portion 408 of the door-side link 92H has not yet contacted the stopper 116H on the door bracket 94H side (see FIG. 61). Further, the engaging protrusion 121 that has entered the curved connecting portion 430 moves within the curved connecting portion 430 while being in sliding contact with the side wall 430s of the curved connecting portion 430. When the engaging protrusion 121 detaches from the curved connecting portion 430, the connecting portion 408 of the door-side link 92H is in contact with the stopper 116H on the door bracket 94H side (see FIG. 58).

[0249] As described above, in the vehicle door device 20H of the present embodiment, the engaging protrusion 121 moving within the cam groove 122H is guided by the curved connecting portion 430, and the connecting portion 408 of the door-side link 92H contacts the stopper 116H on the door bracket 94H side. At this time, in the vehicle door device 20H of the present embodiment, based on the curved shape of the curved connecting portion 430, the stopper 116H on the door bracket 94H side and the connecting portion 408 of the door-side link 92H are configured to gently contact each other.

[0250] As described above, also with the configuration of the present embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. Further, during the opening operation from the fully closed position P0, the impact when the connecting portion 408 of the door-side link 92H contacts the stopper 116H on the door bracket 94H side can be mitigated. As a result, when the first and second contact portions 421 and 422 constituting the stopper mechanism 420 come into contact, the shaking and vibration of the door 5 caused by the impact can be suppressed, and a high-quality feeling can be ensured.

[0251] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments can be implemented with the following modifications. The above-described embodiments and the following modification examples can be implemented in combination with each other within a technically non-conflicting range.

[0252] · In each of the above embodiments, the connection length variable mechanism 35 is configured as a joint link mechanism 100 that rotatably connects a vehicle body side link 91 having a first rotation connection point X1 and a door side link 92 having a second rotation connection point X2. However, the configuration of the connection length variable mechanism 35 is not limited to this, and may be arbitrarily changed.

[0253] For example, a linear expansion and contraction link mechanism 200 as shown in FIGS. 42 and 43 may be provided as the connection length variable mechanism 35 on the second link arm 12D. That is, the second link arm 12D shown in this alternative example includes an outer tube 201 and an inner tube 202 arranged concentrically. Specifically, the outer tube 201 has a first rotation connection point X1 with respect to the vehicle body 2 on the first end portion 201a side and an opening 201x on the second end portion 201b side. The inner tube 202 has a second rotation connection point X2 with respect to the door 5 on the second end portion 202b side and an opening 202x on the first end portion 202a side. Further, the inner diameter of the outer tube 201 is set to a value larger than the outer diameter of the inner tube 202. The second link arm 12D is configured such that the first end portion 202a side of the inner tube 202 is inserted into the cylinder of the outer tube 201 from the second end portion 201b side, so that the outer tube 201 and the inner tube 202 are arranged concentrically.

[0254] That is, in the second link arm 12D shown in this alternative example, the outer tube 201 constitutes the vehicle body side link 91D, and the inner tube 202 constitutes the door side link 92D. When the outer tube 201 and the inner tube 202 are relatively displaced in the axial direction, the connection length L between the first and second rotation connection points X1 and X2 changes.

[0255] Specifically, by relative displacement in the direction in which the inner tube 202 is pulled out from inside the outer tube 201, the connection length L between the first and second pivot connection points X1 and X2 is extended. Then, by relative displacement in the direction in which the inner tube 202 is immersed in the outer tube 201, the connection length L between the first and second pivot connection points X1 and X2 is shortened.

[0256] Also, the second link arm 12D shown in this alternative example is provided with a biasing member 205 that applies a tensile force in the direction of shortening the connection length L between the first and second pivot connection points X1 and X2. Note that, for example, a tension spring 206 or the like can be used for this biasing member 205. And, by utilizing the biasing force F generated by this biasing member 205, during the opening and closing operation of the door 5, the connection length L between the first and second pivot connection points X1 and X2 is maintained. Even if such a configuration is adopted, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiments can be obtained.

[0257] · Also, in this alternative example, the long cylindrical outer tube 201 and inner tube 202 arranged concentrically are used as the vehicle body side link 91D and the door side link 92D, and the telescopic link mechanism 200 is formed. However, it is not limited to this. The vehicle body side link 91D and the door side link 92D do not necessarily have to have a concentric cylindrical shape. As long as these vehicle body side link 91D and door side link 92D are configured to be relatively displaceable along the axial direction, their shapes can be arbitrarily changed.

[0258] · In the above-described embodiments, the first link arm 11 having the configuration as the main link 21 is arranged above the second link arm 12 having the configuration as the sub-link 22. And, the second link arm 12 is arranged at a position closer to the closed side end portion 33 of the door 5 than the first link arm 11. However, it is not limited to this. The arrangements of these first and second link arms 11 and 12 can be arbitrarily changed.

[0259] · In each of the above embodiments, the variable connection length mechanism 35 is provided on the second link arm 12. However, the variable connection length mechanism 35 may be provided on the first link arm 11. Further, the variable connection length mechanism 35 may be provided on both the first and second link arms 11 and 12. And depending on the arrangement of these first and second link arms 11 and 12 and the variable connection length mechanism 35, when the door 5 performs a closing operation to the fully closed position P0, the connection length L between the first and second pivot connection points X1 and X2 may be configured to contract due to the operation of the variable connection length mechanism 35.

[0260] · Further, the biasing members 115 and 205 of the variable connection length mechanism 35 may be arbitrarily changed. For example, other elastic members such as a compression spring or the like, or biasing members such as a gas type or an electromagnetic type may be used. Also, depending on the arrangement of the variable connection length mechanism 35, it may be configured to generate a biasing force in a direction to extend the connection length L between the first and second pivot connection points X1 and X2. And a configuration may be adopted in which no biasing member is provided in the variable connection length mechanism 35.

[0261] · In each of the above embodiments, the actuator 25 is configured to drive the first link arm 11. However, it may be configured to drive the second link arm 12. Also, it may be configured to drive both the first and second link arms 11 and 12. That is, the number and arrangement of the actuators 25 may be arbitrarily changed. Further, for example, the actuator 25 may be provided on the door 5 side. Furthermore, a configuration may be adopted in which the actuator 25 is built in the link arm. And the configuration of the actuator 25 may also be arbitrarily changed.

[0262] · In each of the above embodiments, the configuration is applied to the case where the door 5 of the vehicle 1 performs an opening operation to the rear side of the vehicle. However, it may be applied to a configuration in which the door 5 performs an opening operation to the front side of the vehicle. And it may be applied to a manual door device having no drive source such as the actuator 25.

[0263] · In each of the above embodiments, the axial engagement portion 41 is formed by the roller 48 pivotally supported by the support shaft 47. However, the axial engagement portion 41 does not necessarily have to rotate. And as long as it has a shape that functions as a guide engagement portion for guiding the opening and closing operation of the door 5 while being disposed in the guide groove 42, it does not necessarily have to have an axial shape.

[0264] · In each of the above embodiments, the door-side engagement portion 31 has the axial engagement portion 41, and the vehicle-body-side engagement portion 32 has the guide groove 42. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration in which the door-side engagement portion 31 has the guide groove 42 and the vehicle-body-side engagement portion 32 has the axial engagement portion 41 may also be adopted.

[0265] · Also, the number and arrangement of the door-side engagement portion 31 and the vehicle-body-side engagement portion 32 may be arbitrarily changed. Further, the shape of the guide member 50 forming the guide groove 42 and its fixing structure may be arbitrarily changed. For example, a structure in which the guide member 50 is directly fixed to the installation surface 52 without using the fixing bracket 53 may be adopted. Also, a configuration in which the guide member 50 does not have the buffer member 80 may be adopted. And, for example, the first and second guide members 71 and 72 may have the same configuration.

[0266] · In each of the above embodiments, the vehicle-body-side link 91 and the door-side link 92 constituting the articulated link mechanism 100 as the connection length variable mechanism 35 are configured such that the door-side link 92 is a so-called mini arm shorter than the vehicle-body-side link 91. However, the lengths of the vehicle-body-side link 91 and the door-side link 92 may be arbitrarily changed. For example, a configuration in which the door-side link 92 is longer than the vehicle-body-side link 91 may be adopted.

[0267] · Also, the shapes of the vehicle body side link 91 and the door side link 92 may be arbitrarily changed. For example, in each of the above embodiments, the door side link 92 is connected to the vehicle body side link 91 in a state where the vehicle body side link 91 is sandwiched therebetween, and is provided with a pair of clamping portions 107, 107 that are independently connected to the door 5. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the door side link 92 may also have a shaft-like outer shape similar to the vehicle body side link 91. Regarding the vehicle body side link 91 as well, for example, it does not necessarily have to have the crank-shaped bent portion 106. And the vehicle body side link 91 may have an outer shape such as a plate shape or a frame shape.

[0268] · In each of the above embodiments, the cam member 123 is provided integrally with the door bracket 94 that forms the second rotation connection point X2 when the door side link 92 is connected. However, this cam member 123 may be independently provided on the door 5.

[0269] · In each of the above embodiments, the engagement protrusion 121 provided on the second link arm 12 in combination with the connection length variable mechanism 35 moves within the cam groove 122 of the cam member 123 provided on the door 5, whereby the opening and closing operation locus R of the door 5 is defined. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As in the above alternative example, when the connection length variable mechanism 35 is provided on the first link arm 11, the engagement protrusion 121 may be provided on the first link arm 11. And when the connection length variable mechanism 35 is provided on both the first and second link arms 11, 12, the engagement protrusion 121 may be provided on both of them.

[0270] · In each of the above embodiments, the engagement protrusion 121 is provided with a roller 125 that slidably contacts the cam groove 122. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the shape of the engagement protrusion 121 may be arbitrarily changed, for example, by using a shaft-like member that does not have such a roller 125.

[0271] · Also, in each of the above embodiments, the engaging protrusion 121 is provided on the vehicle body side link 91. However, the engaging protrusion 121 may be provided on the door side link 92. · Also, the cam member 123 may be provided on the vehicle body 2 side. Note that such a configuration may be applied, for example, when the vehicle body side link 91 has a configuration as a so-called mini arm shorter than the door side link 92 as in the above alternative example. And, similarly, in the case where the connection length variable mechanism 35 has a configuration as the telescopic link mechanism 200 as in the above alternative example, such an engaging protrusion 121 and cam member 123 may be provided.

[0272] · In each of the above embodiments, when the door 5 is in the fully open position P1, the buffer member 131 provided on the second link arm 12 is sandwiched between the second link arm 12 and the vehicle body 2. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration in which the buffer member 131 provided on the vehicle body 2 is sandwiched between the second link arm 12 and the vehicle body 2 by the rotation of the second link arm 12 may be adopted. Also, when the door 5 is in the fully open position P1, a buffer member 131 may be provided so as to be sandwiched between the first link arm 11 and the vehicle body 2. Note that also in this case, the buffer member 131 may be provided on the first link arm 11 or on the vehicle body 2. And, for both the first and second link arms 11, 12, a configuration having such a buffer member 131 sandwiched between the vehicle body 2 may be adopted.

[0273] · In each of the above embodiments, the first pivot connection point X1 of the second link arm 12 to the vehicle body 2 is formed by fitting the cylindrical buffer member 137 into the through hole 135 provided in the plate-shaped connection portion 136 and inserting the support shaft 133 through this cylindrical buffer member 137. And for the intermediate connection point X3 of the articulated link mechanism 100 provided on the second link arm 12 and the first pivot connection point X1 on the first link arm 11, it was also assumed to have a similar pivot connection structure. However, not limited to this, for the second pivot connection points X2, X2 of the first and second link arms 11, 12 to the door 5, such a pivot connection structure may also be applied. And the setting position of such a pivot connection structure may be arbitrarily changed. That is, at least any one of the pivot connection points on the first and second link arms 11, 12 may have such a pivot connection structure. And thereby, by increasing the connection freedom degree, manufacturing and assembly tolerances, etc. can be absorbed to improve the assemblability.

[0274] · In each of the above embodiments, a sliding resistance is imparted by interposing a friction member 175 between the first and second pivot connection portions 171, 172 that form the second pivot connection point X2 of the first link arm 11 to the door 5. However, not limited to this, for the second pivot connection point X2 on the second link arm 12, a structure for imparting sliding resistance using such a friction member 175 may be provided. And for the first pivot connection points X1, X1 of the first and second link arms 11, 12 to the vehicle body 2 and the intermediate connection point X3 of the articulated link mechanism 100, a structure for imparting sliding resistance using a similar friction member 175 may also be provided. And the structure for imparting sliding resistance using such a friction member 175 may be set at any pivot connection point. That is, at least any one of the pivot connection points on the first and second link arms 11, 12 may have such a pivot connection structure. And thereby, by damping the sway and vibration generated in the door 5, the opening and closing operation posture can be stably maintained.

[0275] · Also, in each of the above embodiments, the friction member 175 is formed using a resin material, but the material thereof may be arbitrarily changed. For example, it may be formed using a metal material. And the presence or absence of a surface treatment for increasing its frictional resistance is also arbitrary.

[0276] · In each of the above embodiments, the first link arm 11 has a configuration in which the proximal and distal portions of a pair of pipe frames 151, 151 arranged one above the other are connected by a proximal bracket 153 and a distal bracket 154, respectively. However, the configuration of the first link arm 11 is not limited to this and may be arbitrarily changed.

[0277] · In the second and third embodiments above, the engaging protrusions 311 provided on the door side links 92B, 92C constitute the first engaging member 301 on the door side link 92B, 92C side. And the hook levers 310, 310C provided on the door bracket 94B constitute the second engaging member 302 on the door 5 side. However, the configuration of the first engaging member 301 and the second engaging member 302 is not limited to this and may be arbitrarily changed as long as the connection length L can be fixed based on their mutual engaging force. For example, it is not necessarily required to use a rotatable lever member such as the hook lever 310, and a linear motion lever member or the like may be used. Further, for example, the engaging protrusion 311 may be provided on the door 5 side and the hook lever 310 may be provided on the door side link 92B side, etc., and the configurations of the first engaging member 301 and the second engaging member 302 may be interchanged. And the engaging shape of these first engaging member 301 and second engaging member 302, and their engaging and disengaging modes may also be arbitrarily changed.

[0278] · In the above-described second and third embodiments, the connection length fixing mechanisms 300 and 300C fix the door-side links 92B and 92C to the door 5. Then, by restricting the relative rotation of the door-side links 92B and 92C with respect to the door 5, the connection length L is fixed. However, not limited to this, a configuration may be adopted in which the connection length L between the first and second rotation connection points X1 and X2 is fixed by fixing the clamping angle between the vehicle body-side link 91 and the door-side link 92 that are rotatably connected with the intermediate connection point X3.

[0279] · Also, regarding the configuration in which the linear expansion and contraction link mechanism 200 as in the above alternative example is used for the connection length variable mechanism 35, a configuration in which such a connection length fixing mechanism 300 is provided may be adopted. That is, in this case, by restricting the relative displacement in the axial direction of the outer tube 201 and the inner tube 202 that constitute the expansion and contraction link mechanism 200, the connection length L between the first and second rotation connection points X1 and X2 can be fixed. And even if such a configuration is adopted, the same effects as those of the above-described second and third embodiments can be obtained.

[0280] · Further, for example, as in the connection length fixing mechanism 300E shown in FIG. 54, a detachment sensor 371 that detects the engagement and disengagement states of the door-side engagement portion 31 and the vehicle body-side engagement portion 32, and an actuator 372 that has a drive source such as a motor (not shown) and drives the hook lever 310E are provided. Then, the detachment sensor 371 may constitute the timing generation unit 321E, and the actuator 372 may constitute the detachment drive unit 322E. That is, a configuration may be adopted in which the detachment timing generated by the timing generation unit 321E is transmitted to the detachment drive unit 322E as an electrical signal. By adopting such a configuration, the degree of design freedom can be improved.

[0281] Also, in this example, the attachment / detachment detection signal Sd output by the attachment / detachment sensor 371 is input to the control device 375. And based on the attachment / detachment detection signal Sd, the control device 375 outputs a control signal Sx for the actuator 372. However, it is not limited to this, and the actuator 372 may directly operate based on the attachment / detachment detection signal Sd output by the attachment / detachment sensor 371 without going through the control device 375. And regarding the drive source of this actuator 372, it may be arbitrarily changed to a solenoid or the like in addition to the motor.

[0282] ·In the above-described second and third embodiments, the fixing of the connection length L by the operation of the connection length fixing mechanism 300 and the release of the fixing are set according to the attachment / detachment timing of the door-side engaging portion 31 and the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 32 that constitute the guide mechanism 330. However, it is not limited to this, and the timing for fixing the connection length L and the timing for releasing the fixing may be arbitrarily set. And the attachment / detachment timing may not be synchronized with the opening / closing operation of the door 5.

[0283] ·A configuration may be adopted in which a biasing member 115 that biases the vehicle-body-side link 91 and the door-side link 92 to rotate around the intermediate connection point X3 as in the above-described first and fourth embodiments and the connection length fixing mechanisms 300 and 300C as in the above-described second and third embodiments are used in combination.

[0284] ·In the above-described embodiments, the opening / closing operation locus R of the door 5 based on the operation of the connection length variable mechanism 35 is expressed as an "arc-shaped guide locus Rg" and a "linear slide locus Rs", but the names of such arc-shaped and linear loci are arbitrary.

[0285] ·Also, the arc-shaped locus does not necessarily have to be a perfect circular locus, and the linear locus does not necessarily have to be a perfect straight line locus. For example, the slide locus Rs as the linear locus in the above-described embodiments indicates the locus of the door 5 that slides along the opening width direction of the door opening 3 and the vehicle front-rear direction, specifically, the locus of its closed-side end portion 33.

[0286] · In the fourth embodiment described above, the connection portion 408 of the door-side link 92H and the stopper 116H on the door bracket 94H side are used as the first and second abutting portions 421 and 422, and the stopper mechanism 420 is formed. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and the configuration of the stopper mechanism 420 may be arbitrarily changed. For example, the abutting position of the door-side link 92H against the stopper 116H does not necessarily have to be the connection portion 408.

[0287] · Further, if the change in the connection length L can be restricted by the abutment of the first and second abutting portions 421 and 422, the arrangement of the first and second abutting portions 421 and 422 may also be arbitrarily set. For example, a configuration in which the first and second abutting portions 421 and 422 are provided on the vehicle body side link 91H and the door side link 92H may be used. That is, in this case, the change in the clamping angle between the vehicle body side link 91H and the door side link 92H is restricted by the abutment of these first and second abutting portions 421 and 422. And thereby, a configuration in which the connection length L between the first and second rotation connection points X1 and X2 is kept constant may also be used.

[0288] · Also, in the configuration in which the linear expansion and contraction link mechanism 200 as in the above alternative example is used for the connection length variable mechanism 35, it is preferable to adopt a configuration having a curved connection portion 430 in which the cam groove 122H has a curved shape continuously connecting between the arc-shaped portion 126 and the linear-shaped portion 127. And also in this case, the configuration of the stopper mechanism 420 may be arbitrarily changed.

[0289] Next, the technical idea that can be grasped from the above-described embodiments and modified examples will be described. (A) The connection length variable mechanism is a linear expansion and contraction link mechanism in which a door-side link having the first rotation connection point and a vehicle body-side link having the second rotation connection point are arranged so as to be relatively displaceable along the axial direction.

[0290] According to the above configuration, the connection length can be changed based on the relative displacement between the vehicle body side link and the door side link. (b) The cam member is provided integrally with a door bracket that forms the second rotation connection point while being fixed to the door. This enables simplification of the configuration and space saving.

[0291] (c) A stopper mechanism having first and second abutting portions that contact and separate based on the operation of the connection length variable mechanism is provided. When the first and second abutting portions contact each other to restrict the change in the connection length, the opening and closing movement locus of the door shifts from the linear locus to the arc-shaped locus.

[0292] According to the above configuration, based on the function of the stopper mechanism, the connection length between the first and second rotation connection points is stably maintained. As a result, a stable opening and closing operation of the door can be realized.

[0293] (d) The connection length variable mechanism is a joint link mechanism that rotatably connects a vehicle body side link having the first rotation connection point and a door side link having the second rotation connection point. The first and second abutting portions are provided on the door side link and a door bracket that forms the second rotation connection point by rotatably connecting the door side link in a state fixed to the door.

[0294] That is, in the configuration using the joint link mechanism as the connection length variable mechanism, since the door side link is integrated with the door, the intermediate connection point between the door side link and the vehicle body side link becomes a new second rotation connection point with respect to the door. In other words, the connection length becomes a constant value based on the length of the vehicle body side link. According to the above configuration, based on the function of the stopper mechanism, the connection length between the first and second rotation connection points can be stably maintained.

[0295] (e) The cam groove includes an arc-shaped portion corresponding to the arc-shaped locus, a linear-shaped portion corresponding to the linear locus, and a curved connection portion having a curved shape that continuously connects the arc-shaped portion and the linear-shaped portion.

[0296] According to the above configuration, a stable arc-shaped trajectory and a linear trajectory of the door can be defined.

Explanation of Signs

[0297] 1…Vehicle 2…Vehicle body 5…Door 11…First link arm 12…Second link arm 15…Link mechanism 20…Vehicle door device 35…Link length variable mechanism X1…First rotation connection point X2…Second rotation connection point L…Link length R…Opening and closing operation trajectory

Claims

1. First and second link arms having a first pivot connection point to the vehicle body and a second pivot connection point to the vehicle door, a connection length variable mechanism provided on at least one of the first and second link arms to enable changing the connection length between the first and second pivot connection points, and the connection length variable mechanism is a vehicle door device which is a joint link mechanism formed by rotatably connecting a vehicle body side link having the first pivot connection point and a door side link having the second pivot connection point, wherein the door opens and closes based on the operation of the link mechanism formed by the first and second link arms, and a vehicle door device configured such that, based on the operation of the connection length variable mechanism, the opening and closing operation locus of the door changes between an arc-shaped locus and a linear locus.

2. In the vehicle door device according to Claim 1, the door side link is provided with a pair of clamping portions that are rotatably connected to the vehicle body side link in a state of sandwiching the vehicle body side link and are rotatably connected to the door at positions spaced apart in the vertical direction,

3. In the vehicle door device according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, a biasing member that generates a biasing force for relatively rotating the vehicle body side link and the door side link is provided.

4. In the vehicle door device according to Claim 3, the joint link mechanism is configured such that, when the door moves from the fully closed position to the open position, based on the relative rotation of the vehicle body side link and the door side link, the component force of the biasing force along the connection length direction becomes stronger than that in the fully closed position.

5. In the vehicle door device according to Claim 1, an engaging protrusion provided on at least one of the first and second link arms in combination with the connection length variable mechanism, and a cam member provided on the door or the vehicle body having a cam groove with which the engaging protrusion engages, wherein the opening and closing operation locus of the door is defined by the engaging protrusion moving within the cam groove based on the opening and closing operation of the door.

6. In the vehicle door device according to Claim 5, the cam groove is configured to define the connection length based on the engagement position of the engaging protrusion within the cam groove.

7. ​ In the vehicle door device according to claim 5, the cam member is provided on the door, and the cam groove is configured to restrict the rotation of the door around the second rotation connection point according to the engagement position of the engagement protrusion in the cam groove. A vehicle door device characterized by the above.

8. In the vehicle door device according to claim 5, a stopper mechanism having first and second abutting portions that come into contact and separate based on the operation of the connection length variable mechanism is provided, when the first and second abutting portions come into contact and the change in the connection length is restricted, the opening and closing operation locus of the door shifts from the linear locus to the arc-shaped locus, and the cam groove has an arc-shaped portion corresponding to the arc-shaped locus, a linear-shaped portion corresponding to the linear locus, and a curved connection portion having a curved shape that continuously connects between the arc-shaped portion and the linear-shaped portion, when the engagement protrusion in the cam groove moves from the linear-shaped portion to the arc-shaped portion, the movement of the engagement protrusion from the linear-shaped portion to the arc-shaped portion is guided in a state where the engagement protrusion is in sliding contact with the curved connection portion. A vehicle door device characterized by the above.

9. In the vehicle door device according to claim 1, a buffer member is provided that is sandwiched between at least one of the first and second link arms and the vehicle body when the door is in the fully open position. A vehicle door device characterized by the above.

10. In the vehicle door device according to claim 1, at least one of the rotation connection points in the first and second link arms has a plate-shaped connection portion, a through hole that penetrates the plate-shaped connection portion in the thickness direction, a cylindrical buffer member fitted into the through hole, and a support shaft inserted through the through hole via the cylindrical buffer member. A vehicle door device characterized by comprising the above.

11. In the vehicle door device according to claim 1, at least one of the rotation connection points in the first and second link arms comprises first and second rotation connection portions that are relatively rotatably connected, and a friction member is provided that is interposed between the first and second rotation connection portions and slides in contact with the first and second rotation connection portions to impart sliding resistance. A vehicle door device characterized by the above.

12. In the vehicle door device according to claim 1, a door-side engagement portion provided at the closed-side end of the door that opens and closes the vehicle door opening based on the operation of the link mechanism. a vehicle body side engaging portion provided at a closing side end of the door opening where the closing side end of the door approaches and separates based on the opening and closing operation of the door; one side of the door side engaging portion and the vehicle body side engaging portion includes a shaft-like engaging portion extending in the vertical direction of the vehicle; the other side of the door side engaging portion and the vehicle body side engaging portion has a pair of side wall portions facing each other in the vehicle width direction and includes a guide groove extending in the opening and closing operation direction of the door; a vehicle door device in which the shaft-like engaging portion is disposed in the guide groove at an opening and closing operation position near the fully closed position of the door where the door side engaging portion and the vehicle body side engaging portion engage with each other.

13. In the vehicle door device according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes an actuator that applies a driving force to the link mechanism to open and close the door.

14. In the vehicle door device according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes a connection length fixing mechanism capable of fixing the connection length. A vehicle door device characterized by the above.

15. In the vehicle door device according to claim 14, the connection length fixing mechanism includes a first engaging member provided on the door side link, and a second engaging member provided on the door, and based on the opening and closing operation of the door, when the first engaging member and the second engaging member engage with each other, the door side link is fixed to the door and the relative rotation of the door side link with respect to the door is restricted to fix the connection length, and when the first engaging member and the second engaging member disengage from each other, the fixing of the connection length is released. A vehicle door device characterized by the above.

16. In the vehicle door device according to claim 15, the connection length fixing mechanism includes a timing generation unit that generates the engagement and disengagement timing of the first engaging member and the second engaging member based on the opening and closing operation of the door, and an engagement and disengagement driving unit that engages and disengages the first engaging member and the second engaging member based on the generated engagement and disengagement timing. A vehicle door device characterized by the above.

17. In the vehicle door device according to claim 16, the first engaging member is an engaging protrusion provided on the door side link, the second engaging member is a hook lever that rotates around a support shaft provided on the door and engages and disengages with respect to the engaging protrusion, and the connection length fixing mechanism includes a pressing protrusion provided on the vehicle body side link. a hook cam provided on the hook lever; the timing generation unit and the engagement / disengagement drive unit; configured such that when the vehicle body side link rotates based on the opening / closing operation of the door, the hook cam and the pressing projection are displaced relative to each other, and the hook cam and the pressing projection are engaged and disengaged based on the relative displacement, thereby rotating the hook lever; A vehicle door device characterized by the above.

18. In the vehicle door device according to claim 16, the first engaging member is an engaging projection provided on the door side link, the second engaging member is a hook lever that rotates around a support shaft provided on the door and engages and disengages with the engaging projection, and the connection length fixing mechanism; a door lever provided at the closed side end of the door that opens and closes the door opening of the vehicle based on the operation of the link mechanism; a vehicle body cam provided at the closed side end of the door opening where the closed side end of the door approaches and separates based on the opening / closing operation of the door; a connecting member that connects the door lever and the hook lever, and configured such that the timing generation unit is formed by the engagement and disengagement of the door lever and the vehicle body cam based on the opening / closing operation of the door, and the engagement / disengagement drive unit is formed by transmitting the operation of the door lever to the hook lever via the connecting member. A vehicle door device characterized by the above.

19. In the vehicle door device according to any one of claims 14 to 18, a door side engaging portion provided at the closed side end of the door that opens and closes the door opening of the vehicle based on the operation of the link mechanism; a vehicle body side engaging portion provided at the closed side end of the door opening where the closed side end of the door approaches and separates based on the opening / closing operation of the door, and one side of the door side engaging portion and the vehicle body side engaging portion is provided with a guide engaging portion, the other side of the door side engaging portion and the vehicle body side engaging portion has a pair of side wall portions facing each other and is provided with a guide groove extending in the opening / closing operation direction of the door, and in the vicinity of the fully closed position of the door where the door side engaging portion and the vehicle body side engaging portion are engaged, the opening / closing operation of the door is guided with the guide engaging portion disposed in the guide groove, and the connection length fixing mechanism; Based on the opening operation of the door that moves from the fully closed position, the connection length is fixed at the timing when the engagement between the door-side engaging portion and the vehicle-body-side engaging portion is released, and Based on the closing operation of the door that moves to the fully closed position, it is configured to release the fixing of the connection length at the timing when the door-side engaging portion and the vehicle-body-side engaging portion engage with each other, A vehicle door device characterized by the above.

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