Vehicle door device

Abstract

To secure high adaptability to the front door of a vehicle.SOLUTION: A vehicular door device 30 includes first and second link arms 71, 72 having a first turn connection point X1 to a vehicle body 2 and a second turn connection point X2 to a front door 31 of a vehicle 1. In the vehicular door device 30, the front door 31 operates to be opened to the vehicle front side on the basis of the operation of a first link mechanism 51 formed by the first and second link arms 71, 72. The first link arm 71 has the first turn connection point X1 to the vehicle body 2 inside a dash panel 210 provided on a front part 200f of a vehicle compartment 200.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there is a vehicle door device that includes first and second link arms having a first pivot connection point relative to the vehicle body and a second pivot connection point relative to the vehicle door. In such a vehicle door device, a door provided in the door opening opens and closes based on the operation of a link mechanism formed by the first and second link arms. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a configuration in which, when the door is closed, each link arm forming the link mechanism is stored outside a door opening attached to a terminal portion of the side of the vehicle body and inside a weatherstrip attached to the interior side of the door. By employing a configuration that uses such a link mechanism to open and close a vehicle door, it is possible to ensure a larger door opening amount while suppressing displacement of the door in the vehicle width direction when the door is opened. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-90097 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the door device of the above-mentioned prior art is intended to be applied to the rear door of a vehicle, and therefore has problems such as low compatibility with the front door of a vehicle in terms of, for example, ease of mounting on the vehicle and ease of passenger entry and exit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A vehicle door device that solves the above problem includes first and second link arms having a first pivot connection point with respect to the vehicle body and a second pivot connection point with respect to the front door of the vehicle, and the front door opens toward the front of the vehicle based on the operation of a link mechanism formed by the first and second link arms, and the first link arm has the first pivot connection point inside a dash panel provided at the front of the passenger compartment.

[0006] That is, the base end of the first link arm that supports the front door, which opens toward the front of the vehicle, on the vehicle body is located at the front of the vehicle cabin, and has a first pivot connection point relative to the vehicle body. This has the characteristic of being easily visible to passengers inside the vehicle cabin. However, with the above configuration, the base end of the first link arm that has the first pivot connection point can be hidden from passengers inside the vehicle cabin. This ensures a high level of design that is compatible with the vehicle's front door.

[0007] Furthermore, vehicle doors, including front doors, often have their center of gravity near the beltline below the window. Typically, the upper end portion of the dash panel, i.e., the dashboard, is also located at a height near the beltline. Therefore, with the above-described configuration, the first link arm, which has a first pivot connection point with the vehicle body on the inside of the dash panel, can stably support the weight of the front door. Furthermore, high support rigidity of the front door can be ensured without requiring special reinforcement on the vehicle body side. This ensures high compatibility with the vehicle's front door.

[0008] The vehicle door device that solves the above problem preferably includes a link cover that rotates integrally with the first link arm while covering the first link arm. According to the above configuration, it is possible to ensure a high level of design that is well suited to the front door of the vehicle.

[0009] The vehicle door device for solving the above problem is a door device for a vehicle, in which, when the front door is in a fully closed state, the link cover is in contact with the inner surface of the front door and the dash panel. consecutively It is preferable to place

[0010] According to the above configuration, it is possible to ensure a high level of design that is more suitably suited to the front door of the vehicle. The vehicle door device for solving the above problem preferably includes a cover member provided in a gap formed between the link cover and the dash panel when the front door is opened.

[0011] With the above configuration, the base end of the first link arm, which faces the passenger compartment through the gap between the link cover and the dash panel, can be hidden by the cover member, thereby ensuring a high level of design that is well suited to the front door of the vehicle.

[0012] In a vehicle door device that solves the above problem, it is preferable that the second link arm has the first pivot connection point inside an interior member that is located outside in the vehicle width direction of a foot space provided below the dash panel.

[0013] According to the above configuration, the base end of the second link arm having the first pivot connection point with respect to the vehicle body can be disposed in a position that is difficult for occupants to see inside the vehicle, thereby ensuring a high level of design that matches the front door of the vehicle.

[0014] In addition, when the front door is in the fully open position, the second link arm supporting the front door can be positioned out of the path of movement of passengers getting in and out of the vehicle. Furthermore, it is possible to set a large door opening amount for the front door. This ensures good ingress and egress compatibility with the front door.

[0015] In addition, a large distance can be set between the first and second link arms in the vertical direction of the vehicle. Therefore, with the above configuration, the first link mechanism formed by these first and second link arms can stably support the load of the front door. Furthermore, high support rigidity of the front door can be ensured without requiring special reinforcement on the vehicle body side. This ensures high compatibility with the front door of the vehicle.

[0016] In a vehicle door device that solves the above problem, it is preferable that the front door is provided with an accommodating recess that accommodates the second link arm inside when the front door is in a fully closed state, and a cover member that covers the opening of the accommodating recess when the second link arm is accommodated in the accommodating recess.

[0017] According to the above configuration, when the front door is fully closed, it is difficult for passengers inside the vehicle to see the second link arm, thereby ensuring a high level of design that matches the front door of the vehicle.

[0018] In the vehicle door device that solves the above-described problems, it is preferable that the second link arm has the first rotation connection point at a lower edge of a door opening in which the front door is provided. According to the above configuration, the base end of the second link arm having the first pivot connection point relative to the vehicle body can be positioned in a location that is difficult for occupants in the vehicle interior to see. Furthermore, when the front door is in the fully open position, the second link arm that supports the front door can be positioned out of the path of movement of occupants getting in and out of the vehicle. Furthermore, a large door opening amount can be set for the front door. This ensures a high level of design and easy ingress and egress that is compatible with the front door of the vehicle.

[0019] Furthermore, by setting a large distance between the first and second link arms that form the first link mechanism, the weight of the front door can be stably supported, and high supporting rigidity of the front door can be ensured without requiring special reinforcement on the vehicle body side.

[0020] In the vehicle door device that solves the above problem, it is preferable that a recess be provided in a lower edge of the door opening, into which the second link arm is housed when the front door is in a fully closed state.

[0021] According to the above configuration, when the front door is in a fully closed state, it is possible to prevent interference between the front door and the second link arm. The vehicle door device that solves the above problem preferably includes an actuator that applies a driving force to the link mechanism to open and close the front door, and the actuator is preferably provided inside the dash panel.

[0022] According to the above configuration, the first link arm constituting the first link mechanism can be rotated around the first rotation connection point based on the driving force of the first actuator, thereby enabling the front door supported by the first link mechanism to be opened and closed stably.

[0023] Furthermore, the first actuator, which is located at the front of the vehicle cabin together with the base end of the first link arm having the first pivot connection point, can be hidden from occupants in the vehicle cabin. This ensures a high level of design that matches the front door of the vehicle. Another advantage is that the wiring to the first actuator can be simplified. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] According to the present invention, high compatibility with the front door of the vehicle can be ensured. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a front view of a front door and a rear door provided in a door opening of a vehicle. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of a front door and a rear door provided in a door opening of a vehicle. [Figure 3] 1 is a top view of a door device that opens and closes the front and rear doors of a vehicle; [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view of a door device that opens and closes a front door and a rear door of a vehicle. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a joint link mechanism that constitutes the variable connection length mechanism. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a joint link mechanism that constitutes the variable connection length mechanism. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the trajectories of the opening and closing operations of the front door and the rear door near the fully closed position. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a door-side engaging portion and a vehicle-body-side engaging portion. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a door lock system that locks the front and rear doors in a fully closed position. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is an external view of the interior of the vehicle near a front door supported by a link mechanism formed by first and second link arms and a dash panel disposed at the front of the vehicle. [Figure 12] An external view of the front door and dash panel area. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is an external view of the vicinity of the front door and dash panel, with a partial cross section showing the arrangement of the first and second link arms. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is an exterior view of the interior of the vehicle, showing the relative positions of the front door, link cover, and dash panel when they are in a fully closed state. [Figure 15] An external view of the foot space provided below the dash panel. [Figure 16] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the ease of getting in and out of a front door that opens toward the front of the vehicle. FIG. [Figure 17] 10 is an external view of the vicinity of a recessed portion for accommodating a second link arm provided in a front door and a cover member that covers the opening of the recessed portion. FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of a second link arm in another example. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of a second link arm in another example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] An embodiment of a vehicle door device will be described below with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, a vehicle 1 of this embodiment has a door opening 3 provided in a side surface 2s of a vehicle body 2. In the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the door opening 3 does not have a pillar structure in the center portion in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (the left-right direction in each drawing), and has a so-called pillarless structure in which a front opening 4 and a rear opening 5 are integrated. The vehicle 1 of this embodiment also has a pair of doors 10, 10 provided in the door opening 3. In the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the doors 10, 10 are provided side by side in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, i.e., in the opening width direction of the door opening 3. Furthermore, the doors 10, 10 are supported by the vehicle body 2 via link mechanisms 20, 20 provided independently. Thus, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, a vehicle door apparatus 30 is formed that can independently open and close the pair of doors 10, 10 provided in the door opening 3 in opposite directions based on the operation of the link mechanisms 20, 20.

[0027] That is, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the door 10 arranged in the front opening 4 that constitutes the front portion (left side in each drawing) of the door opening 3 constitutes the front door 31 of the vehicle 1. Also, the door 10 arranged in the rear opening 5 that constitutes the rear portion (right side in each drawing) of the door opening 3 constitutes the front door 31 of the vehicle 1. Furthermore, in the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment, the front door 31 is the first door 41, and the link mechanism 20 that supports this first door 41 constitutes the first link mechanism 51. And the rear door 32 is the second door 42, and the link mechanism 20 that supports this second door 42 constitutes the second link mechanism 52.

[0028] More specifically, in the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment, each link mechanism 20 includes a first and second link arm 61, 62 that are independent of each other. Furthermore, each of the first and second link arms 61, 62 has 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 10 of the vehicle 1. As a result, in the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment, the link mechanisms 20, 20 that constitute the first and second link mechanisms 51, 52 are configured as four-bar link mechanisms that are independent of each other.

[0029] Specifically, the first and second link arms 71 and 72 forming the first link mechanism 51 each have a first pivot connection point X1 pivotally connected to the vehicle body 2 near a front edge 3f of the door opening 3. Furthermore, the first and second link arms 71 and 72 each have a second pivot connection point X2 pivotally connected to the first door 41 constituting the front door 31 of the vehicle 1. Furthermore, the first and second link arms 81 and 82 forming the second link mechanism 52 each have a first pivot connection point X1 pivotally connected to the vehicle body 2 near a rear edge 3r of the door opening 3. Furthermore, the first and second link arms 81 and 82 each have a second pivot connection point X2 pivotally connected to the second door 42 constituting the rear door 32 of the vehicle 1.

[0030] In the first and second link mechanisms 51, 52, each first link arm 71, 81 is disposed above its corresponding second link arm 72, 82. Specifically, each first link arm 71, 81 is disposed below the window portions 91, 92 of the vehicle 1 formed by the front door 31 and the rear door 32, respectively, at a height near the so-called belt line. Each second link arm 72, 82 is disposed at a height near the lower end portions 31b, 32b of the front door 31 and the rear door 32, respectively.

[0031] That is, in the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment, the first link arms 71, 81 have the second rotation connection point X2 at a position closer to the center of gravity of the front door 31 and the rear door 32 than the second link arms 72, 82. As a result, in the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment, in both the first and second link mechanisms 51, 52, the first link arms 71, 81 are configured to support a greater door load than the second link arms 72, 82.

[0032] Specifically, in the vehicle door apparatus 30 of this embodiment, each of the second link arms 72, 82 positioned as the sub-links 94 is formed using a single shaft-shaped member. In contrast, each of the first link arms 71, 81 positioned as the main link 95 is formed by connecting two parallel shaft-shaped members. Thus, the vehicle door apparatus 30 of this embodiment is configured to impart high support rigidity to each of the first link arms 71, 81.

[0033] 3, in the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment, when the front door 31 is opened, the first and second link arms 71, 72 of the first link mechanism 51 each rotate clockwise in FIG. 3 around the first rotation connection point X1. As a result, in the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment, the front door 31 supported by the first and second link arms 71, 72 opens toward the front of the vehicle.

[0034] In addition, in the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment, when the front door 31 is closed, the first and second link arms 71, 72 each rotate counterclockwise in Fig. 3 around the first rotation connection point X1, and as a result, the front door 31 supported by the first and second link arms 71, 72 in the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment closes toward the rear of the vehicle.

[0035] Meanwhile, in the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment, when the rear door 32 is opened, the first and second link arms 81, 82 of the second link mechanism 52 each rotate counterclockwise in FIG. 3 around the first rotation connection point X1. As a result, in the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment, the rear door 32 supported by the first and second link arms 81, 82 opens toward the rear of the vehicle.

[0036] Furthermore, in the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment, when the rear door 32 is opened, the first and second link arms 81, 82 each rotate clockwise in Fig. 3 around the first rotation connection point X1. As a result, the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment is configured so that the rear door 32 supported by the first and second link arms 81, 82 closes toward the front of the vehicle.

[0037] That is, in the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment, the opening / closing movement locus R1 of the front door 31 is defined so as to describe an arc-shaped locus Rg based on the movement of the first link mechanism 51 formed by the first and second link arms 71, 72. Similarly, the opening / closing movement locus R2 of the rear door 32 is defined so as to describe an arc-shaped locus Rg based on the movement of the second link mechanism 52 formed by the first and second link arms 81, 82.

[0038] That is, in the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment, when the doors 10, 10 supported by the link mechanisms 20, 20 approach the fully closed position P0, the first and second link arms 61, 62 extend in the vehicle longitudinal direction. As a result, the movement component of each of the doors 10, 10 constituting the front door 31 and the rear door 32 of the vehicle 1 in the vehicle width direction becomes large.

[0039] Furthermore, at an intermediate opening / closing operation position where the first and second link arms 61, 62 forming each link mechanism 20, 20 extend in the vehicle width direction, the movement component of each door 10, 10 in the vehicle longitudinal direction becomes large. As a result, the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment is configured to suppress the amount of displacement in the vehicle width direction during opening / closing operations of the front door 31 and the rear door 32 of the vehicle 1, thereby avoiding interference with obstacles and ensuring a larger door opening amount.

[0040] 4 to 6, the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment includes a variable connection length mechanism 100 provided on the second link arm 82 of the second link mechanism 52 that supports the rear door 32. In the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment, the operation of the variable connection length mechanism 100 makes it possible to change the connection length L between the first and second rotation connection points X1, X2 of the second link arm 82 on the second link mechanism 52 side.

[0041] 5 and 6, in the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment, the second link arm 82 on the second link mechanism 52 side is configured to include a vehicle body side link 101 and a door side link 102. That is, the vehicle body side link 101 has a first rotation connection point X1 with respect to the vehicle body 2. Furthermore, the door side link 102 has a second rotation connection point X2 with respect to the rear door 32 of the vehicle 1. Furthermore, the second link arm 82 on the second link mechanism 52 side is configured such that the vehicle body side link 101 and the door side link 102 are rotatably connected to each other. The vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment is configured such that a joint link mechanism 110 formed thereby functions as the variable connection length mechanism 100.

[0042] Specifically, the door-side link 102 of this embodiment has a so-called mini-arm configuration with a shorter axial length than the vehicle-body-side link 101. The vehicle-body-side link 101 has a vehicle-body-side coupling portion 111 for the vehicle body 2 at one end in the longitudinal direction. The door-side link 102 also has a door-side coupling portion 112 for the door 10 at one end in the longitudinal direction. The vehicle-body-side link 101 and the door-side link 102 each have intermediate coupling portions 113, 114 at the other end in the longitudinal direction, which couple them to each other.

[0043] That is, in the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment, these intermediate connectors 113, 114 form an intermediate connection point X3 of the articulated link mechanism 110 provided on the second link arm 82 on the second link mechanism 52 side. In addition, the second link arm 82 forms a triangle with the vehicle body-side link 101 and the door-side link 102, with the intermediate connection point X3 as the apex. As a result, when the vehicle body-side link 101 and the door-side link 102 rotate relative to each other, the length of the straight line connecting the first and second rotation connection points X1, X2, which form the base of the triangle, i.e., the connection length L, changes.

[0044] In the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment, a biasing force is applied to the joint link mechanism 110 constituting the variable connection length mechanism 100 by a biasing member (not shown) so as to rotate the vehicle body-side link 101 and the door-side link 102 relative to each other about the intermediate connection point X3. That is, the variable connection length mechanism 100 of this embodiment is biased in a direction to shorten the connection length L of the rear door 32 by the second link arm 82 on the side of the second link mechanism 52 to which the variable connection length mechanism 100 is provided. As a result, the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment is configured so that the rear door 32 opens and closes with the connection length L by the second link arm 82 shortened except when the rear door 32 is in the vicinity of the fully closed position P0, which will be described in detail below.

[0045] 4 to 7, in the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment, the opening / closing movement locus R2 of the rear door 32 changes based on the operation of the variable connection length mechanism 100 provided on the second link arm 82 on the second link mechanism 52 side. Specifically, when the rear door 32 is near the fully closed position P0, the opening / closing movement locus R2 of the rear door 32 changes to a linear locus Rs. Thus, the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment is configured so that the front door 31 and the rear door 32, which independently open and close based on the operations of the first and second link mechanisms 51, 52, do not interfere with each other.

[0046] More specifically, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the front door 31 closes toward the rear of the vehicle with its rear end 31r acting as a closing end 131. The rear door 32 closes toward the front of the vehicle with its front end 32f acting as a closing end 132. The front door 31 and the rear door 32 are disposed at a fully closed position P0 with the closing end tips 131x, 132x of the front and rear doors overlapping in the vehicle width direction.

[0047] Specifically, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the closing-side end tip 132x of the rear door 32 located at the front end 32f of the rear door 32 is positioned on the inner side in the vehicle width direction (upper side in FIG. 7). Also, the closing-side end tip 131x of the front door 31 located at the rear end 31r of the front door 31 is positioned on the outer side in the vehicle width direction (lower side in FIG. 7) with respect to the closing-side end tip 132x of the rear door 32. Therefore, assuming that both the front door 31 and the rear door 32 perform opening and closing operations along an arc-shaped locus Rg based on the rotation of the first and second link arms 61, 62, even near the fully closed position P0, these doors 10, 10 will interfere with each other.

[0048] That is, under this assumption, when the rear door 32 in the fully closed position P0 is opened, the front door 31, which has a closing-side end tip 131x that is positioned further outward in the vehicle width direction than the closing-side end tip 132x of the rear door 32, must first be opened from the fully closed position P0. Also, when the front door 31 is fully closed, the rear door 32 must be fully closed before the front door 31.

[0049] In consideration of this, in the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment, when the rear door 32 is located near the fully closed position P0, as described above, the opening / closing movement locus R2 of the rear door 32 changes based on the operation of the variable connection length mechanism 100. Specifically, in the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment, during a fully closing movement of the rear door 32, the rear door 32 moves to the fully closed position P0 in a manner such that the front end 132x of the closing side of the rear door 32 describes a linear locus Rs from the rear side of the vehicle to the front side (from right to left in FIG. 7 ). Furthermore, during an opening movement from the fully closed state, the rear door 32 moves from the fully closed position P0 in a manner such that the front end 132x of the closing side of the rear door 32 describes a linear locus Rs from the front side of the vehicle to the rear side (from left to right in FIG. 7 ). The vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment is thus able to open and close the front door 31 and rear door 32 of the vehicle 1 independently of each other, without the order constraints that would arise if both doors were assumed to open and close along the arc-shaped trajectory Rg as described above.

[0050] 4, 8, and 9, the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment includes a door-side engaging portion 133 provided at a closing-side end portion 132 of the rear door 32. The vehicle door device 30 also includes a vehicle-body-side engaging portion 134 provided at a position that corresponds to the front end 5f of the rear opening 5 that constitutes the door opening 3 of the vehicle 1, that is, at a substantially central position in the opening width direction of the door opening 3 extending in the vehicle front-rear direction. The vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment is configured so that the door-side engaging portion 133 and the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 134 engage with each other when the rear door 32 is in the vicinity of the fully closed position P0.

[0051] 4 and 9, the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment includes a pair of door-side engaging portions 133, 133 provided at an upper end 32fa and a lower end 32fb of the front end 32f of the rear door 32, which is the closing-side end 132 of the rear door 32. The vehicle door device 30 also includes a pair of vehicle-body-side engaging portions 134, 134 provided at an upper edge 3a and a lower edge 3b of the door opening 3 at approximately the center in the opening width direction.

[0052] That is, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the approximate center position in the opening width direction of the door opening 3 extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction is the rear end 4r of the front opening 4 and the front end 5f of the rear opening 5. The vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment is configured so that this position is the closed-side end portions 135, 136 of the door opening 3 in which the front door 31 and the rear door 32 are arranged side by side in the opening width direction.

[0053] That is, the door opening 3 of this embodiment has the so-called pillarless structure as described above. Therefore, the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment is configured to have vehicle body side engaging portions 134, 134 on the upper edge portion 3a and the lower edge portion 3b of the door opening 3.

[0054] 8 and 10, in the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment, the door-side engaging portion 133 includes a shaft-shaped engaging portion 151 extending in the vertical direction of the vehicle 1 (a direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in FIG. 8). Furthermore, the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 134 includes a guide groove 152 having a pair of side walls 152a, 152b facing each other in the vehicle width direction (the vertical direction in FIG. 8) and extending in the opening and closing direction of the rear door 32. The vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment is configured so that, when the rear door 32 is in the vicinity of the fully closed position P0, the door-side engaging portion 133 and the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 134 engage with each other with the shaft-shaped engaging portion 151 disposed in the guide groove 152.

[0055] That is, the shaft-shaped engaging portion 151 of the door-side engaging portion 133 is disposed in the guide groove 152 of the vehicle body-side engaging portion 134 while being sandwiched between a pair of side wall portions 152a, 152b facing each other in the vehicle width direction, thereby restricting displacement of the rear door 32 in the vehicle width direction. This enables the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment to stably support the rear door 32 even near the fully closed position P0 where the first and second link arms 81, 82 forming the second link mechanism 52 are likely to be aligned.

[0056] Furthermore, in the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment, the rear door 32 is permitted to open and close in a state in which the door-side engaging portion 133 and the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 134 are engaged with each other based on the operation of the connecting length variable mechanism 100 provided on the second link arm 82. Specifically, when the rear door 32 opens and closes in a state in which the door-side engaging portion 133 and the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 134 are engaged with each other, the shaft-shaped engaging portion 151 is relatively displaced along the extending direction of the guide groove 152 while the connecting length L is changed based on the operation of the connecting length variable mechanism 100. As a result, the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment changes the opening and closing operation locus R2 of the rear door 32. In other words, the arc-shaped locus Rg based on the operation of the second link mechanism 52 is changed into a linear locus Rs along the opening width direction of the door opening 3.

[0057] Furthermore, in the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment, the first link mechanism 51 supporting the front door 31 of the vehicle 1 is not provided with the variable connection length mechanism 100 on either the first or second link arm 71, 72. That is, the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment is configured so that even when the front door 31 is located near the fully closed position P0, the front door 31 opens and closes along an arc-shaped locus Rg based on the rotation of the first and second link arms 71, 72. As a result, the vehicle 1 of this embodiment is configured so that the front door 31 located near the fully closed position P0 opens and closes by displacing in the vehicle width direction.

[0058] That is, when the front door 31 is opened from the fully closed position P0, the rear end 31r, which is the closing side end 131, is displaced outward in the vehicle width direction while being displaced toward the front of the vehicle. Conversely, when the front door 31 is closed to the fully closed position P0, the rear end 31r, which is the closing side end 131, is displaced inward in the vehicle width direction while being displaced toward the rear of the vehicle. Thus, the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment can open the front door 31 of the vehicle 1 from the fully closed position P0 and close it to the fully closed position P0 with an operation feel similar to that of a typical swing door.

[0059] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment has a configuration as a so-called power door device that can open and close the front door 31 and the rear door 32 of the vehicle 1 based on the driving force of the actuator 160.

[0060] Specifically, the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment includes a first actuator 161 that applies a driving force to a first link mechanism 51 to open or close the first door 41 supported by the first link mechanism 51. Furthermore, the vehicle door device 30 includes a second actuator 162 that applies a driving force to a second link mechanism 52 to open or close the second door 42 supported by the second link mechanism 52. The vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment is configured so that the front door 31 serving as the first door 41 and the rear door 32 serving as the second door 42 are opened or closed independently by the operation of the first and second actuators 161, 162.

[0061] More specifically, the first and second actuators 161 and 162 each have a motor as a drive source, and are provided at the first rotation connection points X1 and X1 of the first link arms 71 and 81 of the corresponding first and second link mechanisms 51 and 52, respectively.

[0062] Specifically, the first actuator 161 is fixed to the vehicle body 2 and is provided at a base end 71x of a first link arm 71 having a first rotation connection point X1 with respect to the vehicle body 2. More specifically, the first actuator 161 is provided at a position where the base end 71x of the first link arm 71 is connected to a connecting bracket 163 that allows the base end 71x to be rotatable with respect to the vehicle body 2. The first actuator 161 is configured to apply a driving force that rotates the first link arm 71 on the first link mechanism 51 side around the first rotation connection point X1 with respect to the vehicle body 2.

[0063] Similarly, the second actuator 162 is also fixed to the vehicle body 2 and provided at the base end 81x of the first link arm 81, which has a first rotation connection point X1 with respect to the vehicle body 2. More specifically, the second actuator 162 is provided at a position where the base end 81x of the first link arm 81 is connected to a connecting bracket 164 that enables the base end 81x to be rotatable with respect to the vehicle body 2. The second actuator 162 is configured to apply a driving force that rotates the first link arm 81 on the second link mechanism 52 side around the first rotation connection point X1 with respect to the vehicle body 2.

[0064] Furthermore, in the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment, independent control signals are input to the first and second actuators 161, 162. As a result, the vehicle 1 of this embodiment is configured so that the front door 31 supported by the first link mechanism 51 and the rear door 32 serving as the second door 42 supported by the second link mechanism 52 open and close independently of each other.

[0065] (Door lock system) Next, a door lock system for the vehicle 1 formed by the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment will be described.

[0066] As shown in FIGS. 4, 9, and 10, the vehicle door apparatus 30 of this embodiment includes strikers 171, 172 provided at the front edge 3f and rear edge 3r of the door opening 3. The vehicle door apparatus 30 also includes a pair of upper and lower strikers 173, 174 provided at the upper edge 3a and lower edge 3b of the door opening 3 at approximately the center in the width direction of the door opening 3. More specifically, each of these strikers 173, 174 is provided at the closing end 135 of the door opening 3 where the front door 31 is located. The vehicle door apparatus 30 also includes a striker 175 provided at the front end 32f of the rear door 32. The vehicle door apparatus 30 of this embodiment also includes a plurality of locking devices 180 that engage with the strikers 171 to 175 to restrain the front door 31 and the rear door 32 provided in the door opening 3 at the fully closed position P0.

[0067] 9, the vehicle door apparatus 30 of this embodiment includes a front lock 181 provided at the front end 31f of the front door 31 as its locking device 180. The vehicle door apparatus 30 also includes a rear lock 182 provided at the rear end 32r of the rear door 32 as its locking device 180. The vehicle door apparatus 30 also includes an upper lock 183 provided at the upper end 31ra of the rear end 31r of the front door 31 and a lower lock 184 provided at the lower end 31rb of the rear end 31r of the front door 31 as its locking device 180. The vehicle door apparatus 30 of this embodiment also includes a center lock 185 provided at the rear end 31r of the front door 31 at a vertical position between the upper lock 183 and the lower lock 184.

[0068] That is, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, when the front door 31 closes to the fully closed position P0, each locking device 180 provided on the front door 31 engages with its corresponding striker 171, 173, 174. More specifically, a front lock 181 provided on a front end 31f of the front door 31 engages with a striker 171 provided at a position that corresponds to the front edge 3f of the door opening 3, that is, the front end 4f of the front opening 4. Furthermore, an upper lock 183 and a lower lock 184 provided on a rear end 31r of the front door 31 engage with upper and lower strikers 173, 174 provided on the upper edge 3a and lower edge 3b of the door opening 3, respectively, at positions that correspond to the rear end 4r of the front opening 4. In the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, these strikers 173, 174 are similarly disposed on the vehicle front side of the vehicle body side engaging portions 134, 134 provided on the upper edge portion 3a and the lower edge portion 3b of the door opening 3. The vehicle 1 of this embodiment is configured so that the front door 31 is held in a fully closed state based on the engaging forces between the strikers 171, 173, 174 and the front lock 181, upper lock 183, and lower lock 184.

[0069] Furthermore, when the rear door 32 closes to the fully closed position P0, a rear lock 182 provided at the rear end 32r of the rear door 32 engages with a striker 172 provided at a position corresponding to the rear edge 3r of the door opening 3, i.e., the rear end 5r of the rear opening 5. The vehicle 1 of this embodiment is configured so that the rear door 32 is held in a fully closed state based on the engaging forces of the rear lock 182 and the striker 172, as well as the engaging forces of the door-side engaging portions 133, 133 and the vehicle-body-side engaging portions 134, 134.

[0070] Furthermore, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, when the front door 31 and the rear door 32 are both fully closed, the center lock 185 provided on the front door 31 engages with the striker 175 provided on the rear door 32. In other words, the locking device 180 provided on the closing end 131 of the front door 31 engages with the striker 175 provided on the closing end 132 of the rear door 32. As a result, the vehicle 1 of this embodiment is configured so that the front door 31 and the rear door 32 are restrained in the fully closed position P0 based on the engaging force of the center lock 185 and the striker 175.

[0071] More specifically, in the vehicle door system 30 of this embodiment, each of the locking devices 180 includes a latch mechanism (not shown) that has two engagement states: a half-latched state and a fully-latched state. Each of the locking devices 180, except for the upper lock 183, includes a motor 190 as a drive source. That is, each of the locking devices 180 has a function of transitioning its latch mechanism from the half-latched state to the fully-latched state and from the fully-latched state to the unlatched state, i.e., disengaged state, by driving the motor. Furthermore, the vehicle door system 30 of this embodiment is configured such that the lower lock 184 and the upper lock 183, each having a drive source, are linked together by a cable connection via a remote control 191f. The vehicle door system 30 of this embodiment is configured such that, when the front door 31 and the rear door 32 are opened from the fully-closed position P0, the front door 31 and the rear door 32 are released from the restraint by the operation of each of the locking devices 180 in response to the opening operation request.

[0072] Specifically, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, control signals for each lock device 180 having a motor 190 as a drive source are input individually via an in-vehicle network (not shown).

[0073] For example, when a request to open the rear door 32 is made based on an operation input to an operation switch provided on the vehicle 1 or a portable device held by the user, an unlock signal is input to the lock device 180 provided on the rear door 32, i.e., the rear lock 182. At this time, an unlock signal is also input to the lock device 180 provided on the rear end 31r of the front door 31 that engages with the striker 175 provided on the front end 32f of the rear door 32, i.e., the center lock 185. The vehicle door system 30 of this embodiment is configured so that the rear lock 182 and the center lock 185 perform an unlocking operation, thereby allowing the rear door 32, which is in a fully closed state, to be opened.

[0074] On the other hand, when there is a request to open the front door 31, an unlock signal is input to each lock device 180 with a drive source provided on the front door 31, that is, the front lock 181, the lower lock 184, and the center lock 185. In this way, the vehicle door system 30 of this embodiment is configured so that these three lock devices 180 perform an unlocking operation, and the upper lock 183 also performs an unlocking operation in conjunction with each other, thereby allowing the front door 31, which is in a fully closed state, to be opened.

[0075] Furthermore, in the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment, in addition to the upper lock 183 and lower lock 184, the front lock 181 and the center lock 185 are also connected to a remote control 191f provided on the front door 31 via a transmission cable 193. Furthermore, the rear lock 182 on the rear door 32 side is also connected to a remote control 191r provided on the rear door 32 via the transmission cable 193. Thus, in the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment, each of these lock devices 180 is configured to perform an unlocking operation based on the operation of the remote controls 191f, 191r connected via the transmission cable 193, without relying on motor drive.

[0076] Specifically, the vehicle 1 of this embodiment is equipped with emergency levers (not shown) provided on the front door 31 and the rear door 32. In the vehicle door system 30 of this embodiment, an operation input for each of these emergency levers is input to a remote control 191f on the front door 31 side and a remote control 191r on the rear door 32 side, on which the emergency lever is provided. That is, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, each of these emergency levers is operated upon a power loss, such as a dead battery. Furthermore, the operation input for each of these emergency levers is transmitted to each of the locking devices 180 provided on the front door 31 and the rear door 32 via the corresponding remote controls 191f, 191r. This allows the vehicle door system 30 of this embodiment to manually release the restraint of the front door 31 and the rear door 32, which are held in a fully closed state.

[0077] (Front door and first link mechanism) Next, the first link mechanism 51 that supports the front door 31 of the vehicle 1 will be described. 4 and 11 to 13, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, a first door 41 constituting a front door 31 of this vehicle 1 is disposed in the front opening 4 of the door opening 3 while being supported by a first link mechanism 51. The vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment is configured so that the front door 31 opens and closes on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of a front seat 201 provided in a vehicle compartment 200 based on the operation of the first link mechanism 51.

[0078] That is, as described above, the first and second link arms 71, 72 forming the first link mechanism 51 each have a first pivot connection point X1 that is rotatably connected to the vehicle body 2 near the front edge 3f of the door opening 3.

[0079] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 11 to 14 , the vehicle 1 of this embodiment includes a dash panel 210 provided in a front portion 200f of the passenger compartment 200, in front of a front seat 201. Furthermore, in the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment, the first link arm 71 constituting the main link 95 of the first link mechanism 51 has a first rotation connection point X1 with respect to the vehicle body 2 inside the dash panel 210. More specifically, in the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment, the base end portion 71x of the first link arm 71 and the connection bracket 163, which form the first rotation connection point X1 with respect to the vehicle body 2, are disposed inside the dash panel 210. As a result, in the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment, the first link arm 71 rotates with the first rotation connection point X1 and the first actuator 161 provided at the first rotation connection point X1 hidden within the dash panel 210. In other words, the front door 31 of the vehicle 1 connected to the first link arm 71 is configured to open and close.

[0080] The vehicle door apparatus 30 of this embodiment also includes a link cover 220 that rotates integrally with the first link arm 71 while covering the first link arm 71 that constitutes the first link mechanism 51. In the vehicle door apparatus 30 of this embodiment, the link cover 220 is made of a soft material, such as resin or sponge, similar to the door trim that constitutes the inner surface 31s of the front door 31. The link cover 220 of this embodiment is configured to cover the outer periphery of the first link arm 71 over the entire length of the first link arm 71, from the first pivot connection point X1 with respect to the vehicle body 2 to the second pivot connection point X2 with respect to the front door 31. The vehicle door apparatus 30 of this embodiment is configured so that the link cover 220 is disposed integrally and continuously with the inner surface 31s of the front door 31 and the dash panel 210 when the front door 31 is in a fully closed state.

[0081] 13 and 14, in the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment, the first link mechanism 51 supporting the front door 31 is in a state in which the first and second link arms 71 extend in the front-rear direction of the vehicle when the front door 31 is in a fully closed state. As a result, the link cover 220 covering the first link arm 71 is disposed along the inner surface 31s of the front door 31. The link cover 220 of this embodiment is designed to be integrated with the inner surface 31s of the front door 31 in this state.

[0082] Furthermore, the link cover 220 of this embodiment has a curved, substantially L-shaped portion that covers the base end portion 71x of the first link arm 71 that has the first rotation connection point X1 with respect to the vehicle body 2. As a result, the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment is configured such that, when the front door 31 is in a fully closed state, the base end portion 221 of the link cover 220 is disposed contiguous with the design surface 210s of the dash panel 210 that extends in the vehicle width direction.

[0083] As shown in Figures 12 and 14, the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment is provided with a cover member 240 provided in a gap 230 formed between the link cover 220 and the dash panel 210 when the front door 31 is opened.

[0084] That is, in the vehicle door apparatus 30 of this embodiment, when the front door 31 opens, the first and second link arms 71, 72 of the first link mechanism 51 extend in the vehicle width direction. As a result, the base end 221 of the link cover 220, which has a generally L-shaped curve and is continuous with the design surface 210s of the dash panel 210, faces toward the rear of the vehicle. As a result, the gap 230 between the link cover 220 and the dash panel 210 expands.

[0085] In consideration of this, in the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment, the cover member 240 disposed in the gap 230 covers the base end portion 71x of the first link arm 71 and the first actuator 161 disposed in the dash panel 210. In other words, the cover member 240 is configured to hide the base end portion 71x of the first link arm 71 and the first actuator 161 facing the vehicle interior 200 through the gap 230 between the link cover 220 and the dash panel 210. This allows the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment to be configured to ensure high design quality.

[0086] 11 to 13 and 15, in vehicle 1 of this embodiment, a foot space 250 for an occupant seated in the front seat 201 is provided below dash panel 210. Furthermore, an interior member 251 that covers the inner surface (not shown) of vehicle body 2 that constitutes a wall surface of the passenger compartment 200 is provided to the side of foot space 250 provided below dash panel 210, at a position outside in the vehicle width direction. Note that this interior member 251 may be referred to as, for example, a "foot scuff." In vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment, second link arm 72 that constitutes sub-link 94 of first link mechanism 51 has a first rotation connection point X1 with respect to vehicle body 2 inside interior member 251 arranged to the side of foot space 250. More specifically, in the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment, the base end portion 72x of the second link arm 72 and the connecting bracket 252, which form the first rotation connecting point X1, are disposed inside the dash panel 210.

[0087] That is, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, due to this arrangement, the base end portion 72x of the second link arm 72 having the first rotation connection point X1 with respect to the vehicle body 2 is difficult to see from the occupants of the vehicle 1. This allows the vehicle door device 30 to be configured to ensure high design quality.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 16, in the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment, the positioning of the first pivot connection point X1 relative to the vehicle body 2 makes it possible for the front door 31 supported by the second link arm 72 to be less likely to interfere with passengers getting in and out of the vehicle through the door opening 3.

[0089] That is, the second link arm 72 supporting the lower end 31b of the front door 31 operates at a height overlapping the foot movement path of an occupant in the front seat 201 when getting in and out of the vehicle. In FIG. 16 , the dashed-dotted line α indicates the foot movement path, specifically, the heel movement path, of an occupant seated in the front seat 201 when getting in and out of the vehicle. However, in the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment, when the front door 31 is in the fully open position P1, the second link arm 72 supporting the front door 31 is positioned at a position outside the movement path of an occupant getting in and out of the vehicle 1. Furthermore, the door opening amount of the front door 31 in the fully open state is also ensured to be approximately the same as that of a typical swing door, as shown by the imaginary line in FIG. 16 . The vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment therefore ensures good ease of ingress and egress at the front opening 4 of the door opening 3 where the front door 31 is provided.

[0090] 13, 15, and 17, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, an accommodating recess 253 is provided on the inner surface 31s of the front door 31, which accommodates the second link arm 72 therein as the front door 31 closes. The vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment includes a cover member 254 that covers the opening 253x of the accommodating recess 253 when the second link arm 72 is accommodated in the accommodating recess 253.

[0091] Specifically, the accommodating recess 253 of this embodiment has a groove shape extending in the vehicle front-rear direction near the lower end 31b of the front door 31. Furthermore, the lid member 254 has a rotation shaft (not shown) located above the accommodating recess 253. That is, in the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment, when the front door 31 is opened, the second link arm 72 pushes the lid member 254 upward and is released from the accommodating recess 253 (see FIG. 15 ). When the front door 31 is closed, the lid member 254 rotates under its own weight and returns to a position covering the opening 253x of the accommodating recess 253 that accommodates the second link arm 72 therein. Thus, the vehicle door device 30 of this embodiment is configured so that when the front door 31 is in a fully closed state, it is difficult for an occupant in the vehicle compartment 200 to see the second link arm 72 that forms the first link mechanism 51.

[0092] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. That is, the first and second link arms 71, 72 constituting the first link mechanism 51 each have a first rotation connection point X1 that is rotatably connected to the vehicle body 2 near the front edge 3f of the door opening 3. Furthermore, the first and second link arms 71, 72 each have a second rotation connection point X2 that is rotatably connected to the first door 41 that constitutes the front door 31 of the vehicle 1. When the first and second link arms 71, 72 each rotate around the first rotation connection point X1, the front door 31 supported by the first and second link arms 71, 72 opens toward the front of the vehicle.

[0093] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) The first door 41 constituting the front door 31 of the vehicle 1 is supported by a first link mechanism 51, and opens toward the front of the vehicle based on the operation of the first link mechanism 51. The first link arm 71 constituting the first link mechanism 51 has a first pivot connection point X1 with respect to the vehicle body 2 inside a dash panel 210 provided in the front part 200f of the passenger compartment 200.

[0094] That is, the first link arm 71 that supports the front door 31, which opens toward the front of the vehicle, on the vehicle body 2 has a base end 71x side having a first rotation connection point X1 with respect to the vehicle body 2, disposed on the front 200f side of the vehicle interior 200. This has the characteristic that it is easily visible to occupants inside the vehicle interior 200. However, with the above configuration, it is possible to hide the base end 71x side of the first link arm 71 having the first rotation connection point X1 from occupants inside the vehicle interior 200. This ensures a high level of design that is suited to the front door 31 of the vehicle 1.

[0095] Furthermore, vehicle doors, including the front door 31, often have a center of gravity near the beltline below the window. Typically, the upper end portion of the dash panel 210, i.e., the dashboard, is also positioned at a height near the beltline. Therefore, with the above-described configuration, the first link arm 71, which has the first pivot connection point X1 with respect to the vehicle body 2 provided inside the dash panel 210, can stably support the weight of the front door 31. Furthermore, high support rigidity of the front door 31 can be ensured without requiring special reinforcement on the vehicle body 2 side. This ensures high compatibility with the front door 31 of the vehicle 1.

[0096] (2) The vehicle door device 30 includes the link cover 220 that rotates integrally with the first link arm 71 while covering the first link arm 71. This ensures a high level of design that is well suited to the front door 31 of the vehicle 1.

[0097] (3) When the front door 31 is in a fully closed state, the link cover 220 is disposed integrally and continuously with the inner surface 31s of the front door 31 and the dash panel 210. This ensures a high level of design that is more suitably adapted to the front door 31 of the vehicle 1.

[0098] (4) The vehicle door device 30 includes the cover member 240 provided in the gap 230 formed between the link cover 220 and the dash panel 210 when the front door 31 opens.

[0099] According to the above configuration, the base end portion 71x of the first link arm 71, which faces the vehicle interior 200 through the gap 230 between the link cover 220 and the dash panel 210, can be hidden by the cover member 240. This ensures a high level of design that is well suited to the front door 31 of the vehicle 1.

[0100] (5) The second link arm 72, which supports the front door 31 together with the first link arm 71, has a first pivot connection point X1 with respect to the vehicle body 2 inside an interior member 251 located on the vehicle width outer side of the foot space 250 provided below the dash panel 210.

[0101] According to the above configuration, the base end portion 72x of the second link arm 72 having the first rotation connection point X1 with respect to the vehicle body 2 can be disposed at a position that is difficult to see from the occupants in the vehicle compartment 200. This ensures a high level of design that matches the front door 31 of the vehicle 1.

[0102] Furthermore, when the front door 31 is in the fully open position P1, the second link arm 72 supporting the front door 31 can be positioned out of the path of movement of passengers getting on and off the vehicle 1. Furthermore, it becomes possible to set a large door opening amount for the front door 31. This ensures good ease of getting on and off that is suited to the front door 31.

[0103] In addition, a large distance can be set between the first and second link arms 71, 72 in the vertical direction of the vehicle 1. Therefore, with the above configuration, the first link mechanism 51 formed by the first and second link arms 71, 72 can stably support the load of the front door 31. Furthermore, high support rigidity of the front door 31 can be ensured without requiring special reinforcement on the vehicle body 2 side. This ensures high compatibility with the front door 31 of the vehicle 1.

[0104] (6) An accommodation recess 253 is provided on the inner surface 31s of the front door 31 to accommodate the second link arm 72 therein when the front door 31 is in a fully closed state. The vehicle door device 30 includes a cover member 254 that covers the opening 253x when the second link arm 72 is accommodated in the accommodation recess 253.

[0105] According to the above configuration, when the front door 31 is in a fully closed state, it is difficult for an occupant in the vehicle compartment 200 to see the second link arm 72. This ensures a high level of design that matches the front door 31 of the vehicle 1.

[0106] (7) The vehicle door device 30 includes a first actuator 161 that applies a driving force to the first link mechanism 51 that supports the front door 31 to open or close the front door 31. The first actuator 161 is provided inside the dash panel 210.

[0107] According to the above configuration, the first link arm 71 constituting the first link mechanism 51 can be rotated around the first rotation connection point X1 based on the driving force of the first actuator 161. This allows the front door 31 supported by the first link mechanism 51 to be opened and closed stably.

[0108] Furthermore, the first actuator 161, which is arranged on the front 200f side of the passenger compartment 200 together with the base end 71x of the first link arm 71 having the first rotation connection point X1, can be hidden from the passengers in the passenger compartment 200. This ensures a high level of design that matches the front door 31 of the vehicle 1. Another advantage is that wiring to the first actuator 161 can be simplified.

[0109] The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0110] In the above embodiment, the second link arm 72 supporting the front door 31 has the first pivot connection point X1 with respect to the vehicle body 2 inside the interior member 251 located outside in the vehicle width direction of the foot space 250 provided below the dash panel 210. However, this is not limiting, and the second link arm 72 may have the first pivot connection point X1 with respect to the vehicle body 2 at the lower edge 3b of the door opening 3 in which the front door 31 is provided.

[0111] 18 and 19, a groove-shaped recess 260 is provided in a lower edge 3b of a door opening 3 in which a front door 31B is provided, the groove-shaped recess 260 extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction and opening outward in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, a second link arm 72B, which forms a first link mechanism 51B together with a first link arm 71 (not shown) to support the front door 31B of the vehicle 1 to the vehicle body 2, has a first rotation connection point X1 provided in a front end 260f of the recess 260. Thus, in the vehicle door device 30B of this alternative example, the second link arm 72B is accommodated inside the recess 260 when the front door 31B is in a fully closed state.

[0112] That is, even when such a configuration is adopted, the base end portion 72x of the second link arm 72B having the first rotation connection point X1 with respect to the vehicle body 2 can be disposed in a position that is difficult for occupants in the vehicle compartment 200 to see. Moreover, when the front door 31B is in the fully open position P1, the second link arm 72B that supports the front door 31B can be disposed in a position that is out of the path of movement of occupants getting in and out of the vehicle 1. Furthermore, it becomes possible to set a large door opening amount for the front door 31. This ensures high design quality and good ease of getting in and out that are suited to the front door 31B of the vehicle 1.

[0113] Furthermore, a large distance is set between the first and second link arms 71, 72B forming the first link mechanism 51B, so that the weight of the front door 31B can be stably supported. This ensures high support rigidity for the front door 31B without requiring special reinforcement on the vehicle body 2 side.

[0114] In the above embodiment, the link cover 220 is provided, which rotates integrally with the first link arm 71 while covering the first link arm 71. When the front door 31 is in a fully closed state, the link cover 220 is arranged to be continuous and integral with the inner surface 31s of the front door 31 and the dash panel 210. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the shape and arrangement of the link cover 220, as well as the so-called concealing and protective structures of the first link arm 71, which forms the first link mechanism 51 together with the second link arm 72 and supports the front door 31 on the vehicle body 2, may be changed as desired. For example, when the front door 31 is in a fully closed state, the link cover 220 may be configured to be integrated with the inner surface 31s of the front door 31 with a gap therebetween. In other words, the link cover 220 does not necessarily have to be strictly continuous, as long as it is designed to be integrated. The concealing and protective structures of the second link arm 72 may also be changed as desired.

[0115] In the above embodiment, the vehicle is provided with a first actuator 161 that opens and closes the front door 31 and a second actuator 162 that opens and closes the rear door 32. The first and second actuators 161, 162 are provided at the first rotational connection points X1, X1 of the first link arms 71, 81 of the corresponding first and second link mechanisms 51, respectively. The first actuator 161 applies a driving force that rotates the first link arm 71 of the first link mechanism 51 about the first rotational connection point X1 relative to the vehicle body 2. The second actuator 162 also applies a driving force that rotates the first link arm 81 of the second link mechanism 52 about the first rotational connection point X1 relative to the vehicle body 2. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the arrangement of the actuators 160 and the driving force transmission structure may be changed as desired. However, it is preferable that the first actuator 161, together with the base end portion 71x of the first link arm 71 having the first rotation connection point X1 with respect to the vehicle body 2, be disposed inside the dash panel 210 located in the front portion 200f of the vehicle interior 200. This ensures a high level of design.

[0116] The present invention may also be applied to a configuration in which one or both of the front door 31 and the rear door 32 are manually opened and closed. Furthermore, the type of the rear door 32 may be changed as desired. That is, it does not necessarily have to be one that opens and closes based on the operation of the link mechanism 20, and may be, for example, a swing door or a rail-type sliding door.

[0117] In the above embodiment, the door opening 3 does not have a pillar structure in the center portion in the vehicle longitudinal direction, but has a so-called pillarless structure in which the front opening 4 and the rear opening 5 are integrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be applied to a door opening 3 having a pillar structure in the center portion in the opening width direction, for example, a door opening 3 in which the front opening 4 and the rear opening 5 are separated by a "B pillar." If such a "B pillar" is present, for example, a striker 175 that engages with a center lock 185 provided at the rear end 31r of the front door 31 may be disposed therein.

[0118] In the above embodiment, the rear door 32 is provided with a pair of door-side engaging portions 133, 133 at the closing end 132 thereof, and a pair of vehicle-body-side engaging portions 134, 134 at the upper edge 3a and lower edge 3b of the door opening 3. However, this is not limiting, and such door-side engaging portions 133 and vehicle-body-side engaging portions 134 may also be provided on the front door 31. Furthermore, for example, if the door opening 3 has a structure extending in the vertical direction, such as a "B-pillar," the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 134 may be provided on that structure. The number of these door-side engaging portions 133 and vehicle-body-side engaging portions 134 may also be one, three, or more.

[0119] In the above embodiment, the door-side engaging portion 133 has the shaft-shaped engaging portion 151, and the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 134 has the guide groove 152. However, this is not limiting, and the door-side engaging portion 133 may have the guide groove 152, and the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 134 may have the shaft-shaped engaging portion 151. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 1...Vehicle 2...Body 30...Vehicle door device 31...Front door 51...First link mechanism 71...First link arm 72...Second link arm 200…Vehicle compartment 200f…Front 210...Dash panel X1...first pivot point X2: Second pivot point

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 front door of the vehicle; The front door is opened toward the front of the vehicle based on the operation of the link mechanism formed by the first and second link arms, the first link arm has the first pivot connection point on the inside of a dash panel provided at the front of the vehicle compartment, a link cover that rotates integrally with the first link arm while covering the first link arm; a link cover that is disposed continuously with an inner surface of the front door and the dash panel when the front door is in a fully closed state;

2. first and second link arms having a first pivot connection point to the vehicle body and a second pivot connection point to the front door of the vehicle; The front door is opened toward the front of the vehicle based on the operation of the link mechanism formed by the first and second link arms, the first link arm has the first pivot connection point on the inside of a dash panel provided at the front of the vehicle compartment, the second link arm has the first pivot connection point on an inner side of an interior member located on an outer side in a vehicle width direction of a foot space provided below the dash panel, a front door having a recess for accommodating the second link arm therein when the front door is in a fully closed state, and a cover member for covering an opening of the recess when the second link arm is accommodated in the recess.

3. first and second link arms having a first pivot connection point to the vehicle body and a second pivot connection point to the front door of the vehicle; The front door is opened toward the front of the vehicle based on the operation of the link mechanism formed by the first and second link arms, the first link arm has the first pivot connection point on the inside of a dash panel provided at the front of the vehicle compartment, the second link arm has the first pivot connection point at a lower edge of a door opening in which the front door is provided, a recess provided at a lower edge of the door opening for receiving the second link arm when the front door is in a fully closed state;

4. The vehicle door device according to claim 2 or 3, a link cover that covers the first link arm and rotates integrally with the first link arm;

5. The vehicle door device according to claim 4, a link cover that is disposed continuously with an inner surface of the front door and the dash panel when the front door is in a fully closed state;

6. The vehicle door device according to claim 1 or 5, a cover member provided in a gap formed between the link cover and the dash panel when the front door is opened;

7. The vehicle door device according to claim 1, the second link arm has the first pivot connection point on the inner side of an interior member located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of a foot space provided below the dash panel; A vehicle door device comprising:

8. The vehicle door device according to claim 7, a front door having a recess for accommodating the second link arm therein when the front door is in a fully closed state, and a cover member for covering an opening of the recess when the second link arm is accommodated in the recess.

9. The vehicle door device according to claim 1, The vehicle door apparatus, wherein the second link arm has the first pivot connection point at a lower edge of a door opening in which the front door is provided.

10. The vehicle door device according to claim 9, a recess provided at a lower edge of the door opening for receiving the second link arm when the front door is in a fully closed state;

11. The vehicle door device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, an actuator that applies a driving force to the link mechanism to open and close the front door, the actuator being provided inside the dash panel; A vehicle door device comprising:

Images