Vehicle Gate

Abstract

A gate (1) for a vehicle of this disclosure is formed hollow and covered by an inner panel (2) and an outer panel (3) that face each other, and is provided so as to be able to open the passenger compartment to the outside of the vehicle and maintain a closed state. The gate (1) for a vehicle comprises: a bracket (10) that is provided in the hollow interior and that extends in the thickness direction of the gate (1) for a vehicle toward the outer panel (3) on the outside of the vehicle; and an input device (9) that has a switch (7) operated to release the closed state, that is disposed near an opening part (6) bored in any one of the upper, lower, left, and right end surfaces surrounding the gate (1) for a vehicle, and that is fixed to the bracket (10). The bracket (10) has a first inclined surface part (11) that is formed in a surface form inclined in a direction away from the end surface toward the outer panel (3) side in the thickness direction, and that faces the opening part (6). The input device (9) is fixed to the first inclined surface part (11) when the switch (7) has been oriented toward the end surface side.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle gate (door) provided on a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, among vehicle gates provided on vehicles, those equipped with an input device (open switch) for electrically controlling the open / closed state are known. The input device is a device that transmits an open door signal to an electronic control device when a predetermined input operation (pressing operation, touch operation, proximity operation) is performed, and examples thereof include a push switch, a touch sensor, a proximity sensor, etc. The electronic control device receives this open door signal and releases the engagement state of the latch device and the locked state of the lock device.

[0003] The mounting position of the input device can be set relatively freely, and for example, it is set at a position where a hand can be placed when opening the door (a handle portion that is easy to touch with fingertips when opening the door). With such a layout, it becomes easy to continuously perform the input operation on the input device and the door opening operation of the vehicle gate in one operation, and the operability and convenience of the vehicle gate can be improved (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, when an external force acts due to a collision of some object from outside the vehicle on the vehicle gate, the mounting locations of the vehicle gate and the input device may be deformed, and the operation surface of the input device may come into contact with the surrounding vehicle body. In such a case, an unintended door opening signal may be output from the input device, and there is a risk that the vehicle gate may be inadvertently opened. In particular, when the input device (open switch) is fixed to the inner panel that constitutes the vehicle gate (lift gate) as in the structure described in Patent Document 1, the orientation of the input device is likely to change with the deformation of the inner panel, and contact with the vehicle body is likely to be induced. Therefore, there is room for improvement in enhancing the protection performance of the vehicle interior and the occupants.

[0006] In addition, when the input device is arranged at the lower edge of the upward-opening vehicle gate as in the structure described in Patent Document 1, an external force due to a rear-end collision of a following vehicle is likely to act on the mounting location of the input device, and the above-mentioned problems are likely to become apparent. On the other hand, the external force input from outside the vehicle does not necessarily act only on the lower edge of the vehicle gate. Therefore, the above-mentioned problems can occur regardless of the type (upward-opening type, side-opening type, sliding type, etc.) of the vehicle gate, the installation position (rear, side, front, upper, etc.), or the mounting position of the input device (lower edge, upper edge, central part, etc.).

[0007] One of the objects of the present case is to provide a vehicle gate that was devised in view of the above problems and can improve the protection performance of the vehicle interior and the occupants with a simple configuration. Note that, not limited to this object, the effects derived from each configuration shown in the "Mode for Carrying Out the Invention" described later and not achievable by the conventional technology are also positioned as other objects of the present case.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The disclosed vehicle gate can be realized as the aspects or application examples disclosed below and solves at least part of the above problems. The disclosed vehicle gate is a vehicle gate formed in a hollow covered by opposing inner panels and outer panels, and is provided so as to be openable to the outside of the vehicle compartment and maintain a closed state. The vehicle gate includes an opening formed in any one of the upper, lower, left, and right end faces surrounding the vehicle gate constituted by the inner panel, a bracket attached to the end face inside the hollow and extending in the thickness direction of the vehicle gate toward the outer panel on the outside of the vehicle, a switch operated when releasing the closed state, and an input device disposed near the opening and fixed to the bracket. The bracket is formed in a planar shape inclined in a direction away from the end face toward the outer panel side in the thickness direction and has a first inclined surface portion facing the opening. The input device is fixed to the first inclined surface portion with the switch facing the end face side.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the disclosed vehicle gate, by fixing the input device to the bracket, the position and posture (orientation) of the input device can be set regardless of the shape and structure of the panel, and the usability can be improved while stabilizing the mounting state of the input device. Further, by inclining the first inclined surface portion of the bracket to which the input device is fixed in a direction away from the end face toward the outer panel side, when an external force acts on the vehicle gate, the first inclined surface portion can be moved in a direction in which its gradient increases, and malfunction of the vehicle gate due to contact between the switch and the vehicle body can be prevented. Therefore, the protection performance of the vehicle compartment and the occupants can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] The disclosed vehicle gate can be implemented by the following embodiments. Regarding the definition of directions in the following embodiments, the front-rear direction is defined based on the forward and backward directions of the vehicle, and the left-right direction (vehicle width direction) is defined based on the front-rear direction. The up-down direction is defined based on the state where the vehicle is stopped on a flat road surface. The inside-outside direction of the vehicle is such that the direction from outside the vehicle to the passenger compartment (including the luggage compartment) is the inside direction of the vehicle, and the direction from the passenger compartment to outside the vehicle is the outside direction of the vehicle. On the other hand, for the inside-outside direction of the vehicle gate, the direction from the hollow interior surrounded by the panel (for example, the inner panel and the outer panel), which is a structural member forming the outer shell of the vehicle gate, to the outside of the vehicle gate is the outside direction, and the direction from the outside of the vehicle gate to the hollow interior is the inside direction. Note that, unless otherwise specified, the directions of the components and parts constituting the vehicle gate mean the directions based on the closed state of the vehicle gate.

Embodiment

[0012] [1. Vehicle Gate] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the vehicle gate 1 as an embodiment in an exploded manner, and FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the internal structure when the vehicle gate 1 is closed. The vehicle gate 1 is an upward-opening rear door (tailgate) attached to the rear part of the vehicle, and is provided so as to be able to open the passenger compartment (including the luggage compartment) to the outside of the vehicle and to hold the closed state. A rear glass is attached to the upper part of the vehicle gate 1, and tail lamps are attached near both left and right ends. In addition, a known hinge mechanism or link mechanism is provided at the upper end of the vehicle gate 1. Through these mechanisms, the vehicle gate 1 is supported so as to be rotatable upward with respect to the vehicle body.

[0013] The vehicle gate 1 is formed to be hollow by being covered with the opposing inner panel 2 and outer panel 3. The inner panel 2 is a planar member that mainly forms the inner surface of the vehicle gate 1, and the outer panel 3 is a planar member that mainly forms the exterior (outer surface) of the vehicle gate 1. The inner panel 2 is provided on the inner side of the vehicle, and the outer panel 3 is provided on the outer side of the vehicle. The inner panel 2 and the outer panel 3 are arranged at intervals in the thickness direction of the vehicle gate 1 and are fixed in a state where their respective peripheral edges overlap. As a result, the inside of the vehicle gate 1 covered by the inner panel 2 and the outer panel 3 becomes hollow.

[0014] The outer panel 3 shown in FIG. 1 constitutes only the rear surface among the surfaces of the vehicle gate 1. On the other hand, the inner panel 2 constitutes the front surface and the other end surfaces (any of the upper, lower, left, and right end surfaces surrounding the vehicle gate 1, for example, the left and right side surfaces and the upper and lower surfaces) among the surfaces of the vehicle gate 1. A decorative door trim (interior trim, interior member) can be attached to the portion of the surface of the inner panel 2 facing the passenger compartment. The inner panel 2 and the outer panel 3 are formed of, for example, a metal plate (steel plate, aluminum plate, etc.) or a resin (plastic, engineering plastic, super engineering plastic, etc.).

[0015] In the vicinity of the end surface (lower surface 4 in this embodiment) of the vehicle gate 1 that is located on the side far from the rotation axis among the end surfaces of the vehicle gate 1, a latch device 30 for holding the closed state of the vehicle gate 1 and an input device 9 for releasing the closed state of the vehicle gate 1 are provided. These latch device 30 and input device 9 are provided inside the hollow of the vehicle gate 1. Further, a latch opening 5 and a switch opening 6 are provided in the portion of the inner panel 2 that forms the lower surface 4 of the vehicle gate 1. The latch device 30 is fixed in the vicinity of the switch opening 6 on the end surface (lower surface 4 in this embodiment) of the vehicle gate 1 and functions to hold the closed state of the vehicle gate 1.

[0016] The latch device 30 incorporates, for example, a latch 31 formed in a hook shape (see FIG. 2) and an electric actuator for driving the latch 31. The latch device 30 is fixed inside the vehicle gate 1 such that the latch 31 projects downward from the lower surface 4 through the inside of the latch opening 5. Further, on the vehicle body side, a striker 32 (see FIG. 2) is fixed so as to correspond to the position of the latch 31 when the vehicle gate 1 is closed. The striker 32 is, for example, a metal fitting formed by bending a shaft member that can engage with the hook-shaped latch 31 into a U shape.

[0017] The closed state of the vehicle gate 1 is maintained by the engagement between the latch 31 and the striker 32. The electric actuator incorporated in the latch device 30 is a driving device for moving the latch 31 when opening the vehicle gate 1. By operating the electric actuator, the hook-shaped latch 31 moves in a direction away from the striker 32, and the engagement between the latch 31 and the striker 32 is released.

[0018] The input device 9 is a device operated by an occupant when operating the electric actuator. The input device 9 outputs a door opening signal when a predetermined input operation (pressing operation, touch operation, proximity operation) is performed. The door opening signal is transmitted to an electronic control device that controls the operating state of the above-described electric actuator. The electronic control device outputs a control signal for operating the electric actuator in response to the door opening signal. As a result, the electric actuator operates and the engagement state of the latch device 30 is released, and the vehicle gate 1 can be freely opened. The input device 9 is disposed in the vicinity of the switch opening 6 and fixed to the bracket 10.

[0019] The input device 9 includes an open switch 7 and a switch garnish 8. The open switch 7 is the part (switch) where the above input operation is performed. The open switch 7 is provided with a button operation unit 26 for detecting an input operation. The button operation unit 26 is, for example, a push switch, a touch sensor, a proximity sensor, etc. The open switch 7 is arranged such that the button operation unit 26 faces the end face side (the lower surface 4 side in this embodiment), and is provided so that the button operation unit 26 protrudes downward from the lower surface 4 through the inside of the switch opening 6 (see FIG. 2). Preferably, the posture (orientation) of the open switch 7 is set such that the surface of the button operation unit 26 is substantially orthogonal to the rotation direction when the vehicle gate 1 is opened (see the black arrow in FIG. 2). For example, in this embodiment, the button operation unit 26 is set to face obliquely downward on the inner side (front side) of the vehicle, which is the inner panel 2 side in the thickness direction of the vehicle gate 1. As a result, it becomes easier to touch with a fingertip when opening the door, and in addition, it becomes possible to rotate the vehicle gate 1 as it is after the input operation, improving the operability. The switch garnish 8 is a member that functions as a cover for the open switch 7, and is arranged to surround the periphery of the open switch 7 in a state of being engaged with the open switch 7. The switch garnish 8 is provided so as to close the gap between the open switch 7 and the switch opening 6 (see FIG. 2).

[0020] Inside the hollow interior of the vehicle gate 1, a bracket 10 is provided. The bracket 10 is a member that supports and fixes at least the input device 9, and is formed of, for example, a metal plate (steel plate, aluminum plate) or resin (plastic, engineering plastic, super engineering plastic, etc.). The bracket 10 of this embodiment also has a function of reinforcing the location where the latch device 30 is disposed (around the latch opening 5). Further, the bracket 10 is fixed to at least a part of the panels (inner panel 2, outer panel 3) that constitute the vehicle gate 1. The bracket 10 of this embodiment is fixed to the inner panel 2, but it may be fixed to the outer panel 3 or may be fixed to both the inner panel 2 and the outer panel 3. The shape of the bracket 10 is a shape that extends in the thickness direction of the vehicle gate 1 toward the outer panel 3 on the outside of the vehicle.

[0021] [2. Bracket] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the bracket 10 fixed inside the hollow interior of the vehicle gate 1. The bracket 10 has a first inclined surface portion 11, a second inclined surface portion 12, a latch reinforcing surface portion 13, a wall portion 14, and an extended flat surface portion 15. A first bead 21 is formed on the first inclined surface portion 11, and a second bead 22 is formed on the second inclined surface portion 12. Further, a harness hole 24 and a bolt hole 25 are drilled in the first inclined surface portion 11.

[0022] The first inclined surface portion 11 is the surface to which the switch garnish 8 of the input device 9 is fixed. The first inclined surface portion 11 is formed in a surface shape that is inclined in a direction away from the lower surface 4 of the vehicle gate 1 toward the outside of the vehicle (the outer panel 3 side in the thickness direction of the vehicle gate 1) when attached to the vehicle gate 1. Here, paying attention to the relationship between the surface on which the switch opening 6 is formed in the inner panel 2 and the first inclined surface portion 11. As shown in FIG. 2, the first inclined surface portion 11 is provided so as to face the switch opening 6 and is formed in a surface shape that is inclined so as to be separated from the surface on which the switch opening 6 is formed as it goes toward the outside of the vehicle.

[0023] Further, the switch garnish 8 is fixed to the surface of the first inclined surface portion 11 on the side of the lower surface 4 (the surface facing the switch opening 6). As shown in FIG. 2, the first inclined surface portion 11 of the present embodiment is in the shape of a surface inclined upward toward the rear of the vehicle, and the input device 9 is attached to the lower portion thereof. The first inclined surface portion 11 extends so as to form a plane substantially parallel to the rotation direction when the vehicle gate 1 is opened. The input device 9 is fixed to the first inclined surface portion 11 with the open switch 7 facing the end face side (the lower surface 4 side in the present embodiment).

[0024] The second inclined surface portion 12 is a planar portion extending from the end edge on the inner panel 2 side (inside the vehicle) in the thickness direction of the vehicle gate 1 in the first inclined surface portion 11 toward the inner panel 2 side (inside the vehicle). As shown in FIG. 2, the second inclined surface portion 12 extends in a direction away from the end face of the vehicle gate 1 and forms a V-shaped cross section together with the first inclined surface portion 11. The boundary portion between the first inclined surface portion 11 and the second inclined surface portion 12 has a valley-fold shape (valley shape). The valley portion 17 forming the boundary between the first inclined surface portion 11 and the second inclined surface portion 12 is arranged substantially linearly.

[0025] The valley portion 17 of the present embodiment is formed to extend in the vehicle left-right direction. Further, the second inclined surface portion 12 of the present embodiment is formed in the shape of a surface inclined upward toward the front of the vehicle from the front end edge (lower end edge) of the first inclined surface portion 11. The second inclined surface portion 12 extends so as to form a plane substantially orthogonal to the rotation direction when the vehicle gate 1 is opened. The surface on the lower surface 4 side of the surface of the second inclined surface portion 12 is provided so as to contact the inner panel 2, for example. As shown in FIG. 2, the inner panel 2 may be bent below the valley portion 17 so that the inner panel 2 can easily contact the second inclined surface portion 12.

[0026] The latch reinforcing surface portion 13 is a portion that reinforces the portion where the latch device 30 that holds the closed state of the vehicle gate 1 is fixed. The latch reinforcing surface portion 13 is a planar portion that extends inward from the inner edge of the second inclined surface portion 12 toward the vehicle interior. A latch hole 18 corresponding to the latch opening 5 is drilled in the latch reinforcing surface portion 13. The latch reinforcing surface portion 13 of this embodiment is formed in a planar shape that is inclined upward slightly (close to horizontal) from the front edge (upper edge) of the second inclined surface portion 12 toward the vehicle front. Further, a flange portion 19 having a shape in which the plate surface of the latch reinforcing surface portion 13 is bent in a flange shape is provided at the inner edge (front edge) of the latch reinforcing surface portion 13 on the vehicle interior side. Thereby, the rigidity of the latch reinforcing surface portion 13 is enhanced.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, the boundary portion between the second inclined surface portion 12 and the latch reinforcing surface portion 13 has a mountain-fold shape (peak shape) and is arranged substantially linearly so as to extend in the vehicle left-right direction. Further, the latch reinforcing surface portion 13 is formed in a planar shape along the inner panel 2 that is developed around the latch opening 5, and is attached so as to be in surface contact with the inner panel 2 that is developed around the latch opening 5. Similarly, the latch device 30 is also provided so as to be in surface contact with the latch reinforcing surface portion 13. Thereby, the engagement state between the latch 31 and the striker 32 and the operation of the latch 31 are stabilized.

[0028] The wall portion 14 is a vertical wall-shaped portion arranged in a pair at one end and the other end (both ends in the vehicle width direction) of the first inclined surface portion 11. As shown in FIG. 3, the wall portion 14 extends from the left and right end sides of the first inclined surface portion 11 toward the lower surface 4, and stands between the first inclined surface portion 11 and the end surface of the vehicle gate 1 (the lower surface 4 in this embodiment, which is the inner panel 2 located around the switch opening 6). At the lower end of the wall portion 14, a leg portion 16 is provided which is formed in a planar shape along the inner panel 2 developed around the switch opening 6, and is attached so as to be in surface contact with the inner panel 2 developed around the switch opening 6. Thereby, the mounting state of the input device 9 fixed to the first inclined surface portion 11 is stabilized. Further, since the wall portion 14 functions as a support member that supports the first inclined surface portion 11 with respect to the lower surface 4 (inner panel 2), downward movement and rotation of the first inclined surface portion 11 are prevented.

[0029] The extended planar portion 15 is a planar portion that is bent at the end side on the outer panel 3 side (outside the vehicle) in the thickness direction of the vehicle gate 1 in the first inclined surface portion 11 and extends outward of the vehicle toward the vicinity of the outer panel 3. The extended planar portion 15 of this embodiment is formed in a planar shape that extends rearward of the vehicle from the rear end side (upper end side) of the first inclined surface portion 11. The outer end side (rear end side) of the extended planar portion 15 on the outside of the vehicle is preferably set at a position close to (or in contact with) the outer panel 3. If possible, it is preferable to extend the extended planar portion 15 longer so as to protrude outside the vehicle more than the input device 9 in a top view.

[0030] The first bead 21 and the second bead 22 are reinforcing structures formed in a shape in which depressions (or protrusions) obtained by deforming the plate surface in the plate thickness direction are connected in a groove shape (or a peak shape). The extending directions of the first bead 21 and the second bead 22 are both in the vehicle front-rear direction in a top view, and are perpendicular to the extending direction of the valley portion 17. These first bead 21 and second bead 22 can be easily formed, for example, when manufacturing the bracket 10 from a metal plate, by previously performing a pressing process called a beading process on the metal plate. When manufacturing the bracket 10 from resin, it may be molded so as to obtain an uneven shape imitating the beading process.

[0031] The first bead 21 extends in the thickness direction of the vehicle gate 1 and is formed to have a length such that the end portion on the outer side of the vehicle (the upper end portion, one end in the thickness direction of the vehicle gate 1) reaches the extended flat surface portion 15. On the other hand, the end portion on the inner side of the vehicle (the lower end portion, the other end in the thickness direction of the vehicle gate 1) of the first bead 21 is formed to have a length that does not reach the valley portion 17 (the boundary between the first inclined surface portion 11 and the second inclined surface portion 12) (a length that stops in front of the valley portion 17). On the other hand, the second bead 22 may be formed to have a length such that the end portion on the inner side of the vehicle (the upper end portion) reaches the latch reinforcing surface portion 13, or may be formed to have a length that does not reach the latch reinforcing surface portion 13. The same applies to the end portion on the outer side of the vehicle (the lower end portion) of the second bead 22, and it may be formed to have a length that reaches the valley portion 17, or may be formed to have a length that does not reach the valley portion 17.

[0032] The recessed directions of the first bead 21 and the second bead 22 are set in a direction that bulges outward from the V-shaped cross-section formed by the first inclined surface portion 11 and the second inclined surface portion 12, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, for example. As a result, the outer portion of the V-shaped cross-section is reinforced, and for example, deformation in the direction in which the angle of the V-shaped cross-section widens when an external force acts is likely to be suppressed. On the other hand, by protruding the first bead 21 outward from the V-shaped cross-section, there is a possibility that the input device 9 fixed to the first inclined surface portion 11 and the first bead 21 are likely to interfere with each other. Also, by protruding the second bead 22 outward from the V-shaped cross-section, there is a possibility that it becomes difficult to secure the contact area between the second inclined surface portion 12 and the inner panel 2. Therefore, the recessed directions of the first bead 21 and the second bead 22 may be set in a direction that bulges inward from the V-shaped cross-section.

[0033] The harness hole 24 is a hole for drawing out a signal line extending from the open switch 7 of the input device 9 fixed to the first inclined surface portion 11 to the inside of the vehicle gate 1. The bolt hole 25 is a hole through which a fixture (such as a bolt, rivet, clip, etc.) for fixing the switch garnish 8 to the first inclined surface portion 11 is inserted. The switch garnish 8 fixed to the first inclined surface portion 11 is also formed with holes and depressions similar to the bolt hole 25.

[0034] [3. Function] Figure 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the deformed state when an external force acts on the vehicle gate 1. Here, it is assumed that some object 33 collides with the vehicle gate 1 from outside the vehicle, and the external force indicated by the white arrow acts on the vehicle gate 1. When the outer panel 3 is pushed forward into the vehicle by the external force, the rear end edge of the extended plane portion 15 contacts the outer panel 3, and an external force in the vehicle forward direction acts on the extended plane portion 15 and the first inclined surface portion 11.

[0035] At this time, with the trough portion 17 forming the boundary between the first inclined surface portion 11 and the second inclined surface portion 12 as the fulcrum, the extended plane portion 15 and the first inclined surface portion 11 rotate in the direction of the black arrow. That is, the extended plane portion 15 and the first inclined surface portion 11 move upward away from the lower surface 4 (inner panel 2) of the vehicle gate 1. Therefore, the input device 9 fixed to the first inclined surface portion 11 also moves upward, preventing contact between the vehicle body below the vehicle gate 1 and the input device 9. Note that Figure 4 shows that the input device 9 and the bracket 10 have moved upward compared to the state before the external force acts (shown by the dashed line in Figure 4).

[0036] [4. Effect] (1) The vehicle gate 1 of this embodiment is formed in a hollow shape covered by the opposing inner panel 2 and outer panel 3, and is provided so that the vehicle compartment can be opened to the outside of the vehicle and the closed state can be maintained. This vehicle gate 1 is provided inside the hollow thereof, and includes a bracket 10 formed in a shape extending in the thickness direction of the vehicle gate 1 toward the outer panel 3 outside the vehicle, and an open switch 7 that is operated when releasing the closed state of the vehicle gate 1. The vehicle gate 1 is provided with an input device 9 disposed near a switch opening 6 perforated in any one of the upper, lower, left, and right end faces (for example, the lower face 4) surrounding the vehicle gate 1 and fixed to the bracket 10. Further, the bracket 10 is formed in a planar shape inclined in a direction away from the end face of the vehicle gate 1 toward the outer panel 3 side in the thickness direction of the vehicle gate 1, and has a first inclined surface portion 11 facing the switch opening 6. The input device 9 is fixed to the first inclined surface portion 11 with the open switch 7 facing the end face side of the vehicle gate 1.

[0037] Thus, by fixing the input device 9 to the bracket 10, the position and posture (orientation) of the input device 9 can be set regardless of the shape and structure of the inner panel 2. Therefore, it is possible to enhance the usability while stabilizing the mounting state of the input device 9 with a simple configuration. Further, compared with the existing structure of fixing the input device 9 to the inner panel 2, part or all of the input device 9 can be easily buried inside the vehicle gate 1. Therefore, it becomes easy to set the mounting position and mounting angle at which the open switch 7 is easy to operate, and the convenience and design can be enhanced with a simple configuration.

[0038] Further, the first inclined surface portion 11 of the bracket 10 to which the input device 9 is fixed is inclined in a direction away from the end surface (for example, the lower surface 4) toward the outside of the vehicle (the outer panel 3 side in the thickness direction of the vehicle gate 1). (For example, as shown in FIG. 2, it is inclined upward toward the outside of the vehicle.) By doing so, when an external force acts on the vehicle gate 1, the first inclined surface portion 11 can be easily rotated in the direction in which its gradient increases. That is, since the input device 9 is likely to move in a direction away from the end surface (for example, the lower surface 4) when an external force acts, malfunction (the closed state not being maintained) due to contact between the open switch 7 and the vehicle body can be suppressed. Therefore, the protection performance of the passenger compartment and the occupant can be improved with a simple configuration.

[0039] (2) The above-mentioned bracket 10 has a wall portion 14 erected between the first inclined surface portion 11 and the end surface of the vehicle gate 1. In a front view of the switch opening 6, a pair of these wall portions 14 are arranged at both ends (one end and the other end) in the vehicle width direction of the first inclined surface portion 11 with the switch opening 6 interposed therebetween. By providing the wall portions 14 at both ends of the first inclined surface portion 11 in this way, the rigidity of the first inclined surface portion 11 can be increased, and the mounting state of the input device 9 fixed to the first inclined surface portion 11 can be stabilized.

[0040] Further, since the wall portion 14 functions as a support member that supports the first inclined surface portion 11 with respect to the lower surface 4 (inner panel 2), the mounting state of the input device 9 can be stabilized. Furthermore, when an external force acts on the vehicle gate 1, the downward movement and rotation of the first inclined surface portion 11 are blocked by the wall portion 14, so that the input device 9 can be more reliably moved in a direction away from the lower surface 4. Therefore, the protection performance of the passenger compartment and the occupant can be improved with a simple configuration.

[0041] (3) The above-mentioned vehicle gate 1 is provided with a latch device 30 that is fixed near the switch opening 6 on the end face of the vehicle gate 1 and holds the vehicle gate 1 in a closed state. Further, the above-mentioned bracket 10 has a latch reinforcement surface portion 13 that reinforces the portion where the latch device 30 is fixed. In this way, by adding the function of reinforcing the latch device 30 to the bracket 10 for fixing the input device 9, the number of parts and costs can be reduced. Also, since the latch reinforcement surface portion 13 is fixed around the latch opening 5 of the inner panel 2, the mounting state of the bracket 10 can be stabilized. Thereby, when an external force acts, the first inclined surface portion 11 can be more reliably rotated in the direction of increasing the gradient. Therefore, the effect of preventing contact between the open switch 7 and the vehicle body can be enhanced, and the protection performance of the passenger compartment and the occupants can be improved.

[0042] (4) The above-mentioned bracket 10 has a planar second inclined surface portion 12 that extends in a direction away from the end face of the vehicle gate 1 from the end edge on the inner panel 2 side in the thickness direction of the vehicle gate 1 in the first inclined surface portion 11 toward the inner panel 2 side. The first inclined surface portion 11 and the second inclined surface portion 12 are provided so as to form a V-shaped cross section. With such a V-shaped cross section, when an external force acts, the boundary (valley portion 17) between the first inclined surface portion 11 and the second inclined surface portion 12 is easily bent, and the first inclined surface portion 11 can be more reliably rotated in the direction of increasing the gradient. Therefore, the effect of preventing contact between the open switch 7 and the vehicle body can be enhanced, and the protection performance of the passenger compartment and the occupants can be improved.

[0043] Also, by providing the second inclined surface portion 12, the position of the first inclined surface portion 11 inside the vehicle can be brought closer to the lower surface 4. For example, compared with a structure in which the first inclined surface portion 11 is connected to the outer-vehicle-side end edge of the latch reinforcement surface portion 13 without providing the second inclined surface portion 12, the position of the input device 9 can be set lower. Therefore, the operability and convenience of the open switch 7 can be improved.

[0044] (5) The above bracket 10 has a planar extension plane portion 15 that is bent at the edge on the outer panel 3 side in the thickness direction of the vehicle gate 1 on the first inclined surface portion 11 and extends to the vicinity of the outer panel 3. With such a configuration, when an external force acts, the outer panel 3 can be brought into contact with the extension plane portion 15 at an early stage, and the rotation of the first inclined surface portion 11 in the direction of increasing gradient can be promoted. Also, compared with the case where the first inclined surface portion 11 is directly extended without providing the extension plane portion 15, buckling of the first inclined surface portion 11 can be suppressed. As a result, the first inclined surface portion 11 can be rotated more reliably in the direction of increasing gradient, the effect of preventing contact between the open switch 7 and the vehicle body can be enhanced, and the protection performance of the passenger compartment and the occupants can be improved.

[0045] (6) On the first inclined surface portion 11, a first bead 21 for reinforcement, which is formed by bending the plate surface into a groove shape, extends in the thickness direction of the vehicle gate 1. Thereby, the rigidity of the first inclined surface portion 11 can be increased, and the shape stability of the first inclined surface portion 11 when an external force acts can be improved. As a result, the first inclined surface portion 11 can be rotated more reliably in the direction of increasing gradient. Therefore, the effect of preventing contact between the open switch 7 and the vehicle body can be enhanced, and the protection performance of the passenger compartment and the occupants can be improved.

[0046] Also, on the second inclined surface portion 12, a second bead 22 for reinforcement, which is formed by bending the plate surface into a groove shape, is provided. Thereby, the rigidity of the second inclined surface portion 12 can be increased, and the position of the valley portion 17 when an external force acts can be stably maintained. As a result, the rotation center of the first inclined surface portion 11 is less likely to shift, and the first inclined surface portion 11 can be rotated more reliably in the direction of increasing gradient. Therefore, the effect of preventing contact between the open switch 7 and the vehicle body can be enhanced, and the protection performance of the passenger compartment and the occupants can be improved.

[0047] (7) The above-described first bead 21 is formed to have a length such that one end in the thickness direction of the vehicle gate 1 reaches the extended flat surface portion 15. Thereby, the rigidity of the first inclined surface portion 11 and the extended flat surface portion 15 can be enhanced, and the shape stability during the action of an external force can be improved. On the other hand, the end portion (the other end) of the first bead 21 on the vehicle inner side is formed to have a length that does not reach the boundary (valley portion 17) between the first inclined surface portion 11 and the second inclined surface portion 12. Thereby, buckling at the valley portion 17 during the action of an external force can be promoted, and the first inclined surface portion 11 can be more reliably rotated in the gradient increasing direction. Therefore, the effect of preventing contact between the open switch 7 and the vehicle body can be enhanced, and the protection performance of the passenger compartment and the occupants can be improved.

[0048] [5. Others] The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative, and there is no intention to exclude various modifications and applications of technologies not explicitly shown in the present embodiments. Each configuration of the present embodiments can be variously modified and implemented without departing from their gist. Also, each configuration of the present embodiments can be selected as appropriate, or can be combined as appropriate. In the above-described embodiments, the structure of the vehicle gate 1 formed to be hollow by joining the inner panel 2 and the outer panel 3 is shown, but the type and number of panels forming the outer shell of the vehicle gate 1 are not limited. For example, the object to be fixed by the bracket 10 and the arrangement positions of the latch opening 5 and the switch opening 6 may be the inner panel 2 or the outer panel 3. Also, it may be a panel in which the inner panel 2 and the outer panel 3 are integrated, or it may be a panel provided separately from the inner panel 2 or the outer panel 3.

[0049] In addition, the structure of the vehicle gate 1 in the above embodiment merely exemplifies a structure corresponding to the best mode of the invention, and various elements included in the structure can be appropriately omitted. For example, among the structures included in the bracket 10, all structures except the first inclined surface portion 11 can be omitted. In other words, the bracket 10 only needs to have at least the first inclined surface portion 11. By providing at least the first inclined surface portion 11 on the bracket 10 and fixing the input device 9 to the first inclined surface portion 11, it is possible to stabilize the mounting state of the input device 9 with a simple configuration, enhance its convenience and design, and suppress malfunction due to the contact between the open switch 7 and the vehicle body. Therefore, the protection performance of the passenger compartment and the occupant can be improved with a simple configuration.

[0050] In the above embodiment, the vehicle gate 1 as an upward-opening rear door (tailgate) attached to the rear of the vehicle is exemplified. However, the same structure may be applied to a side-opening rear door, an upward-opening side door, a side-opening side door, etc. The structure of the above embodiment can be applied regardless of the type (upward-opening type, side-opening type, sliding type, etc.) of the vehicle gate 1, the installation position (rear, side, front, top, etc.), or the mounting position of the input device 9 (lower edge, upper edge, central part, etc.).

Industrial Applicability

[0051] This case is applicable to the manufacturing industry of vehicle gates and also to the manufacturing industry of vehicles equipped with vehicle gates.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0052] 1 Vehicle gate 2 Inner panel (panel) 3 Outer panel (panel) 4 Lower surface (end surface) 5 Latch opening 6 Switch opening (opening) 7 Open switch (switch) 8 Switch garnish 9 Input device 10 Bracket 11 First inclined surface 12 Second inclined surface 13 Latch reinforcing surface 14 Wall portion 15 Extended flat surface 16 Leg portion 17 Valley portion (boundary) 18 Latch hole 19 Flange portion 21 First bead (bead) 22 Second bead 24 Harness hole 25 Bolt hole 26 Button operation portion 30 Latch device 31 Latch 32 Striker 33 Object

Claims

1. A vehicle gate formed in a hollow shape and covered by opposing inner and outer panels, provided so that the passenger compartment can be opened to the outside of the vehicle and can be held in a closed state, an opening formed in any one of the upper, lower, left, or right end faces surrounding the vehicle gate constituted by the inner panel, a bracket attached to the end face inside the hollow and extending in the thickness direction of the vehicle gate toward the outer panel on the outside of the vehicle, an input device having a switch operated when releasing the closed state and disposed near the opening and fixed to the bracket, the bracket is formed in a planar shape inclined in a direction away from the end face toward the outer panel side in the thickness direction and has a first inclined surface portion facing the opening, the input device is fixed to the first inclined surface portion with the switch facing the end face side A vehicle gate characterized by the above.

2. The bracket has wall portions erected between the first inclined surface portion and the end face and arranged in a pair at both ends in the vehicle width direction of the first inclined surface portion with the opening interposed therebetween in a front view of the opening. The vehicle gate according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. A latch device fixed near the opening of the end face and for holding the closed state of the vehicle gate is provided, the bracket has a latch reinforcing surface portion for reinforcing the portion to which the latch device is fixed. The vehicle gate according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

4. The bracket has a planar second inclined surface portion extending in a direction away from the end face toward the inner panel side from the end edge on the inner panel side in the thickness direction of the first inclined surface portion, the first inclined surface portion and the second inclined surface portion form a V-shaped cross section. The vehicle gate according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

5. The bracket has a planar extended plane portion bent at the end edge on the outer panel side in the thickness direction of the first inclined surface portion and extending to the vicinity of the outer panel. The vehicle gate according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

6. A reinforcing bead formed by bending the plate surface into a groove shape is extended in the thickness direction on the first inclined surface portion. The vehicle gate according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

7. The bead is formed to have a length such that one end in the thickness direction reaches the extended plane portion, and the other end in the thickness direction is formed to have a length that does not reach the boundary between the first inclined surface portion and the second inclined surface portion. A vehicle gate citing all of the descriptions of claims 4, 5, and 6, characterized in that.

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