Vehicle door opening and closing device

Abstract

To provide a vehicle door opening / closing device capable of widening a door opening even in a narrow parking space. [Solution] A vehicle door opening and closing device 11 includes a link arm 12 and a slide mechanism 13. The link arm 12 has a vehicle body-side pivot connection point 251 pivotally connected to a vehicle body 19, and a door-side pivot connection point 261 pivotally connected to a door 21. The link arm 12 opens and closes the door 21 by pivoting. The slide mechanism 13 is provided between the link arm 12 and the door 21, and slides the door 21 in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle relative to the link arm 12.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle door opening and closing device, and more particularly to a vehicle door opening and closing device including a link arm and a slide mechanism. [Background technology]

[0002] Various structures have been known for devices for opening and closing vehicle doors. Swing doors, which are pivotally supported on a vehicle body via hinges, are widely used as typical vehicle doors. Swing doors are designed to open by pivoting outward in the vehicle width direction around hinges provided at the front or rear end of the door. Such swing doors have the advantages of a simple structure and low manufacturing costs. Swing doors also have the advantage of being easy for occupants to operate because of their simple opening and closing operations. Meanwhile, vehicles such as minivans and minivans employ sliding doors that slide in the fore-and-aft direction along the side of the vehicle body. Sliding doors have a structure in which the door slides along guide rails provided on the vehicle body. Sliding doors have the advantage of facilitating passenger entry and exit, even in narrow parking spaces, because the door does not protrude significantly outward in the vehicle width direction when opened. However, sliding doors require guide rails on the side of the vehicle body, which imposes limitations on the vehicle's exterior design.

[0003] Another known vehicle door is a link-type power door system that uses multiple pivot links and a drive mechanism to operate them to open and close a door body relative to a vehicle opening (see Non-Patent Document 1). This system includes a vehicle-side pivot linkage pivotally mounted on the vehicle body, multiple link arms connected to the vehicle-side pivot linkage, and door-side pivot links mounted at the ends of each link arm. When the door is opened, the rear portion of the door body first pivots outward from the vehicle body. Next, the front portion of the door body moves outward due to the coordinated movement of the link arms. The entire door body then moves toward the rear of the vehicle body while maintaining its orientation along the side of the vehicle body, thereby reaching the open position. This allows the door body to be retracted to a predetermined position outside the vehicle body without significantly protruding to the side of the vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0004] [Non-Patent Document 1] https: / / kuruma-News.JP / Post / 739143 (searched on November 29, 2020) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the conventional link-type power door system described above leaves room for improvement when it comes to opening and closing the door in a narrow parking space.

[0006] Specifically, because the pivot link rotates outward in the vehicle width direction, the door juts outward significantly when opening. This can lead to the door coming into contact with obstacles, such as adjacent vehicles or walls, in narrow parking spaces, making it difficult to open the door properly. Furthermore, conventional sliding doors require guide rails on the side of the vehicle, making them difficult to apply to vehicles such as sports cars and sedans.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of these problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle door opening and closing device that can open the door opening wide without the door protruding significantly outward in the vehicle width direction, even in a narrow parking space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A vehicle door opening and closing device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a device for opening and closing a vehicle door, and includes a link arm and a slide mechanism, wherein the link arm is rotatable relative to the vehicle body via a vehicle body-side pivot connection point and rotatable relative to the door via a door-side pivot connection point, and is configured to open and close the door by pivoting, and the slide mechanism is provided between the link arm and the door, and is configured to slide the door in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle relative to the link arm. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, the movement in the vehicle width direction due to the rotational movement of the link arm and the sliding movement in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction due to the slide mechanism can be separated, making it possible to open the door opening wide even in a narrow parking space without the door protruding significantly outward in the vehicle width direction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1A] 1 is a side view showing a vehicle equipped with a vehicle door opening and closing device according to an embodiment of the present invention in a door closed state; [Figure 1B] 1 is a side view showing a door open state of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle door opening and closing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is an exploded side view showing a configuration of a vehicle door opening and closing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a vehicle door opening and closing device according to an embodiment of the present invention in a door closed state; [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a nesting structure of a vehicle door opening and closing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a guide groove and a guide member of the vehicle door opening and closing device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 6] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state after a link arm of the vehicle door opening and closing device according to the embodiment of the present invention has been rotated. FIG. [Figure 7] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state after a sliding movement of the vehicle door opening and closing device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 8] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state after sliding movement by a nesting structure of the vehicle door opening and closing device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 9] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state after sliding movement by a guide groove and a guide member of the vehicle door opening and closing device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a vehicle door opening and closing device according to another embodiment of the present invention in a door closed state. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. In the following description, the same components are generally designated by the same reference numerals, and repeated description will be omitted. In addition, in this embodiment, left and right refer to the left and right when the vehicle 10 is viewed from the front.

[0012] A vehicle door opening and closing device 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention is a device that opens and closes a door 21 of a vehicle 10. As will be described later, by including the vehicle door opening and closing device 11, the vehicle 10 can widely open a vehicle body opening 20 even in a narrow parking space without the door 21 significantly protruding outward in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, since the vehicle 10 is a so-called sports car with a low vehicle height, as will be described later, the vehicle body opening 20 is opened by sliding the door 21 rearward, allowing occupants to smoothly get in and out of the vehicle through the vehicle body opening 20.

[0013] 1A and 1B, the overall configuration of vehicle 10 will be described. Vehicle 10 mainly includes a vehicle body 19, a door 21, and a vehicle door opening and closing device 11. Vehicle body 19 is a member that forms the framework of vehicle 10. As shown in FIG. 1B, vehicle body 19 is formed with a vehicle body opening 20 for passengers to get in and out of the vehicle. Vehicle body opening 20 is an opening formed in the side of vehicle body 19. In this embodiment, vehicle body opening 20 and door 21 are formed on both the left and right sides of vehicle 10, respectively.

[0014] The door 21 is a member for opening and closing the vehicle body opening 20. The door 21 has a door body 211, an outer door handle 22, and a window 23. The door body 211 is a member that constitutes the main part of the door 21. The outer door handle 22 is an operating member that an occupant operates to open and close the door 21. The window 23 is a transparent member provided in the door 21, and allows the occupant to see outside the vehicle.

[0015] 1A shows vehicle 10 with door 21 in a closed state. When door 21 is in a closed state, door 21 closes vehicle body opening 20. In this state, door 21 is arranged along the side of vehicle body 19, and the appearance of vehicle 10 is similar to that of a normal swing-door vehicle.

[0016] 1B shows the vehicle 10 with the door 21 in an open state. When the door 21 is in an open state, the vehicle body opening 20 is open, and passengers can get in and out of the vehicle through the vehicle body opening 20. In this embodiment, the door 21 moves outward in the vehicle width direction, and then slides toward the rear of the vehicle. This allows the vehicle body opening 20 to be opened widely without the door 21 protruding significantly outward in the vehicle width direction.

[0017] In this embodiment, the vehicle 10 is equipped with a first vehicle door opening / closing device 111 and a second vehicle door opening / closing device 112 as the vehicle door opening / closing devices 11. The first vehicle door opening / closing device 111 and the second vehicle door opening / closing device 112 are arranged spaced apart in the up-down direction. Specifically, the second vehicle door opening / closing device 112 is arranged below the first vehicle door opening / closing device 111. Furthermore, the first vehicle door opening / closing device 111 and the second vehicle door opening / closing device 112 are arranged spaced apart in the front-rear direction. Specifically, the first vehicle door opening / closing device 111 is arranged rearward of the second vehicle door opening / closing device 112. With this configuration, the door 21 is firmly fixed to the vehicle body 19 in an openable and closable manner by the first vehicle door opening / closing device 111 and the second vehicle door opening / closing device 112. The first vehicle door opening / closing device 111 and the second vehicle door opening / closing device 112 have substantially the same configuration. In the following description, the configuration of the first vehicle door opening / closing device 111 will be described in detail. The second vehicle door opening / closing device 112 has a configuration symmetrical to that of the first vehicle door opening / closing device 111, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0018] A detailed configuration of the vehicle door opening and closing device 11 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The vehicle door opening and closing device 11 mainly includes a link arm 12 and a slide mechanism 13. The link arm 12 has a vehicle body-side rotation connection point that is rotatably connected to a vehicle body 19 and a door-side rotation connection point that is rotatably connected to a door 21. The link arm 12 is configured to open and close the door 21 by rotating. The slide mechanism 13 is provided between the link arm 12 and the door 21. The slide mechanism 13 is configured to slide the door 21 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle relative to the link arm 12. The movement in the vehicle width direction by the rotating operation of the link arm 12 and the slide movement in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle by the slide mechanism 13 can be separated.

[0019] The link arm 12 is a member provided between the vehicle body 19 and the door 21, and supports the door 21 relative to the vehicle body 19. The link arm 12 is rotatably connected to the vehicle body 19. The link arm 12 is configured to move the door 21 in the vehicle width direction by its rotational movement.

[0020] The link arm 12 has a first link arm 121 and a second link arm 122 that are arranged spaced apart in the vertical direction. The first link arm 121 is a member that supports the upper side of the door 21. The second link arm 122 is a member that supports the lower side of the door 21. The first link arm 121 and the second link arm 122 form a parallel link mechanism. This allows the door 21 to move in the vehicle width direction while maintaining its posture during a pivoting operation. Supporting the door 21 by the first link arm 121 and the second link arm 122 that are arranged spaced apart in the vertical direction can increase the support rigidity of the door 21.

[0021] The first link arm 121 is configured to be rotatable via a first vehicle-body-side pivot connection point 251 and a first door-side pivot connection point 261. The first vehicle-body-side pivot connection point 251 is a point at which the first link arm 121 is rotatably connected to the vehicle body 19. The first door-side pivot connection point 261 is a point at which the first link arm 121 is rotatably connected to the door 21. Both the first vehicle-body-side pivot connection point 251 and the first door-side pivot connection point 261 are configured to be rotatable about pivot axes that extend in the up-down direction. The first link arm 121 rotates in the vehicle width direction about the first vehicle-body-side pivot connection point 251, thereby moving the door 21 in the vehicle width direction. The first vehicle-body side pivot connection point 251 may be configured, for example, to have a pair of upper and lower support flanges provided on the vehicle body side and a hinge pin rotatably supported between these flanges, supporting the first link arm 121 in a double-supported beam state. This improves the support rigidity against moment loads due to the door weight. This configuration is also applicable to the other pivot connection points.

[0022] The second link arm 122 is configured to be rotatable via a second vehicle-body side pivot connection point 252 and a second door-side pivot connection point 262. The second vehicle-body side pivot connection point 252 is a point at which the second link arm 122 is rotatably connected to the vehicle body 19. The second door-side pivot connection point 262 is a point at which the second link arm 122 is rotatably connected to the door 21. Both the second vehicle-body side pivot connection point 252 and the second door-side pivot connection point 262 are configured to be rotatable about pivot axes extending in the vertical direction. The second link arm 122 is configured to rotate in synchronization with the first link arm 121. Here, the second link arm 122 is disposed below the first link arm 121. The second link arm 122 is also disposed forward of the first link arm 121. That is, the second link arm 122 is disposed below and in front of the first link arm 121. In other words, when the vehicle 10 is viewed from the side, the first link arm 121 and the second link arm 122 are disposed at an incline. With this configuration, the first link arm 121 and the second link arm 122 can firmly support the rotatable and slidable door 21 relative to the vehicle body 19.

[0023] The slide mechanism 13 is a mechanism provided between the link arm 12 and the door 21. The slide mechanism 13 is configured to slide the door 21 relative to the link arm 12 in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The slide mechanism 13 has a first slide mechanism 131 and a second slide mechanism 132. The first slide mechanism 131 is provided between the first link arm 121 and the door 21. The second slide mechanism 132 is provided between the second link arm 122 and the door 21. The first slide mechanism 131 and the second slide mechanism 132 have the same configuration. By providing a slide mechanism between each link arm and the door 21, the door 21 can be stably supported even during sliding movement. This makes it possible to achieve a stable sliding operation with reduced shaking even for a heavy door 21.

[0024] Here, the specific configuration of the first slide mechanism 131 in this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to several examples. As described above, the first slide mechanism 131 mechanically connects the first door-side pivot connection point 261 and the door 21 and has the function of displacing (moving closer to or further away from) the door 21 relative to the first door-side pivot connection point 261. More specifically, the first slide mechanism 131 slidably connects the first door-side pivot connection point 261 and the door 21. That is, the front end of the first slide mechanism 131 is connected to the first door-side pivot connection point 261, and the rear end of the first slide mechanism 131 is connected to the door 21. In this configuration, when the first slide mechanism 131 extends, the door 21 moves rearward. Conversely, when the first slide mechanism 131 retracts, the door 21 moves forward.

[0025] As a first configuration example of the first slide mechanism 131, the first slide mechanism 131 can be configured by an electric linear actuator equipped with an electric motor and a motion conversion mechanism (e.g., a ball screw mechanism or a feed screw mechanism). Specifically, the first slide mechanism 131 has a cylindrical housing portion rotatably connected to the first door-side rotation connection point 261 and a rod portion (movable portion) supported so as to be movable forward and backward relative to the housing portion. The housing portion accommodates an electric motor serving as a drive source and a male-threaded shaft connected to the output shaft of the electric motor. Meanwhile, the rod portion has a nut member that screws onto the male-threaded shaft, and its tip end is firmly fixed to an internal structural material of the door 21 (e.g., an impact beam or a reinforcing bracket). In this configuration, when the electric motor of the first slide mechanism 131 is driven forward or reverse, the rod portion extends or retracts from the housing portion due to a screw feed action. As a result, the door 21 fixed to the rod portion is physically pushed out or pulled toward the first door side pivot connection point 261 (i.e., the tip of the first link arm 121) that supports the housing portion, thereby sliding in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle.

[0026] As a second configuration example of the first slide mechanism 131, the first slide mechanism 131 can be configured as a fluid pressure cylinder that expands and contracts using fluid pressure such as hydraulic or pneumatic pressure. In this case, the first slide mechanism 131 includes a cylinder tube and a piston rod connected to a piston that slides within the cylinder tube. The base end of the cylinder tube is rotatably connected to the first door-side pivot joint 261 via a clevis joint or the like, and the tip end of the piston rod is fixed to the door 21. Working fluid supplied from a fluid pressure supply source (such as a hydraulic pump or an air compressor) mounted on the vehicle body 19 passes through the internal space of the hollow first link arm 121 or piping routed along the arm, and is supplied to a pressure chamber of the first slide mechanism 131 through a rotary joint or the like near the first door-side pivot joint 261. The piston rod expands and contracts under this fluid pressure control, thereby achieving the sliding opening and closing of the door 21.

[0027] As a third configuration example of the first sliding mechanism 131, the first sliding mechanism 131 can be configured by cooperation of a track member installed on the door 21 side and a drive unit provided on the first door-side pivotal connection point 261 side. Specifically, a guide rail and a rack gear extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction are fixed to the interior side or inside of the door 21. Meanwhile, a drive unit supported on the first door-side pivotal connection point 261 so as to be pivotable relative to the tip of the first link arm 121 is provided. This drive unit has an electric motor and a pinion gear that is rotationally driven by the motor and meshes with the rack gear. With this configuration, when the pinion gear on the drive unit side rotates, the resulting reaction force causes the drive unit (i.e., the first door-side pivotal connection point 261) to move relatively along the rack gear on the door 21 side. When viewed from the vehicle body perspective, the door 21 side slides relative to the tip of the first link arm 121 depending on the rotational position of the first link arm 121.

[0028] The same applies to the second slide mechanism 132.

[0029] The vehicle door opening and closing device 11 also has a first vehicle door opening and closing device 111 and a second vehicle door opening and closing device 112. Therefore, the first vehicle door opening and closing device 111 has the above-mentioned first link arm 121, first slide mechanism 131, first vehicle body side pivot connection point 251, and first door side pivot connection point 261. The second vehicle door opening and closing device 112 also has the above-mentioned second link arm 122, second slide mechanism 132, second vehicle body side pivot connection point 252, and second door side pivot connection point 262.

[0030] The detailed configuration and operation of the first vehicle door opening and closing device 111 as the vehicle door opening and closing device 11 will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 9. Figures 3 to 9 are cross-sectional views taken along the line AA in Figure 2. The AA cross-section is a cross section that includes the front-rear and left-right directions.

[0031] FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of the vehicle door opening and closing device 11 in a plan view with the door 21 in a closed state. When the door 21 is in a closed state, the link arm 12 is disposed along the vehicle longitudinal direction. At this time, the first slide mechanism 131 is in a contracted state, and the door 21 is positioned on the vehicle front side relative to the link arm 12. The front surface of the vehicle body 19 facing the vehicle body opening 20 is a vehicle body-side inclined surface 191 that slopes rearward toward the right, i.e., the outer side in the vehicle width direction. The rear surface of the door 21 is a door-side inclined surface 212 that slopes rearward toward the right, i.e., the outer side in the vehicle width direction. The inclination angle of the vehicle body-side inclined surface 191 toward the rear and the inclination angle of the door-side inclined surface 212 toward the rear are substantially equal. When the door 21 is in a closed state, the vehicle body-side inclined surface 191 of the vehicle body 19 and the door-side inclined surface 212 of the door 21 are in substantially close contact with each other. By providing the vehicle body side inclined surface 191 and the door side inclined surface 212 at the boundary between the vehicle body 19 and the door 21, interference between the front surface of the vehicle body 19 and the rear surface of the door 21 is suppressed when the door 21 rotates, and the door side inclined surface 212 rotates smoothly outward in the vehicle width direction.

[0032] Here, the rear end of the first link arm 121 is connected to the vehicle body 19 via a first vehicle-body-side pivotal connection point 251. Furthermore, the front end of the first link arm 121 is connected to the door 21 via a first door-side pivotal connection point 261 and a first slide mechanism 131. At the first vehicle-body-side pivotal connection point 251, a first driving device 181 pivotally drives the first link arm 121. At the first door-side pivotal connection point 261, a second driving device 182 pivotally drives the first link arm 121. Here, the first door-side pivotal connection point 261 is configured to rotatably connect the first link arm 121 and the door 21. Alternatively, the first door-side pivotal connection point 261 is configured to rotatably connect the first link arm 121 and the first slide mechanism 131. As described above, the front end of the first slide mechanism 131 is connected to the first door-side rotation connection point 261 , and the rear end of the first slide mechanism 131 is connected to the door 21 .

[0033] FIG. 4 shows a nested structure 27 as the first slide mechanism 131. The first slide mechanism 131 is configured to be relatively movable by the nested structure 27. The nested structure 27 is configured such that one member is inserted inside the other. The nested structure 27 allows the first slide mechanism 131 to be configured compactly. Furthermore, the nested structure 27 restricts displacement in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction, thereby achieving stable sliding movement. The nested structure 27 may be, for example, a telescopic structure consisting of an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder. The extension and contraction movements of the nested structure 27 are driven by the second drive unit 182. In other words, the first slide mechanism 131 having the nested structure 27 has a front end connected to the first door-side rotation connection point 261 and a rear end connected to the door 21.

[0034] FIG. 5 shows the guide groove 16 and guide member 17 of the first slide mechanism 131. The first slide mechanism 131 has a guide groove 16 extending in the sliding direction and provided on one of the link arm 12 side and the door 21 side, and a guide member 17 that engages with the guide groove 16 and provided on the other of the link arm 12 side and the door 21 side. In this embodiment, the guide groove 16 is provided on the door 21 side, and the guide member 17 is provided on the link arm 12 side, i.e., at the first door-side pivot connection point 261. The engagement between the guide groove 16 and the guide member 17 guides the sliding movement, thereby enabling the first slide mechanism 131 to be realized with a simple structure. The sliding movement of the guide groove 16 and the guide member 17 is driven by a second drive unit 182.

[0035] The guide groove 16 is a groove that extends in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle. The guide groove 16 is formed on the inner surface of the door 21. The guide member 17 is a member that engages with the guide groove 16. The guide member 17 is provided near the link arm 12 or the first door-side rotation connection point 261. The guide member 17 is configured to be able to slide within the guide groove 16. Because the sliding direction is determined by the guide groove 16, a stable sliding operation can be achieved. Furthermore, because the guide groove 16 does not appear on the outer surface of the vehicle body 19, the exterior design of the vehicle body 19 can be improved.

[0036] As described above, the first drive device 181 is a device that rotates the link arm 12. The first drive device 181 can be configured, for example, by combining an electric motor and a reduction mechanism. The first drive device 181 is fixed to the vehicle body 19. The first drive device 181 rotates the link arm 12 around the vehicle body side rotation connection point of the link arm 12. The door 21 moves in the vehicle width direction as a result of the driving of the first drive device 181. The first drive device 181 operates based on a control signal from the control device.

[0037] As described above, the second drive device 182 is a device that drives the first slide mechanism 131. The second drive device 182 can be configured, for example, by combining an electric motor or the like. The second drive device 182 is provided on the first door-side rotation connection point 261, the first link arm 121, or the door 21. The second drive device 182 slides the door 21 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle relative to the first link arm 121. The drive of the second drive device 182 causes the door 21 to slide in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The second drive device 182 operates based on a control signal from the control device. Furthermore, the second drive device 182 is configured to rotate the door 21 relative to the first link arm 121. Here, the second drive device 182 that drives the first slide mechanism 131 and the second drive device 182 that rotates the door 21 relative to the first link arm 121 may be separate devices.

[0038] By separately providing the first drive unit 181 that rotates the first link arm 121 and the second drive unit 182 that drives the first slide mechanism 131, the rotational movement of the first link arm 121 and the movement of the first slide mechanism 131 can be controlled independently. This enables automatic opening and closing as a power door, improving convenience. Furthermore, each drive unit can be individually and optimally designed, improving drive efficiency and miniaturization. Note that it is also possible to omit the first drive unit 181 and the second drive unit 182 and configure the door 21 to be opened and closed manually.

[0039] 6 and 7, the opening operation of the door 21 will be described. During the opening operation of the door 21, after the first drive device 181 has completed the rotational drive of the first link arm 121, the second drive device 182 starts driving the first slide mechanism 131.

[0040] 6 shows a state in which the rotational drive of the first link arm 121 is completed. The driving force of the first drive unit 181 causes the first link arm 121 to rotate approximately 90 degrees counterclockwise when viewed from above, and the door 21 moves to the right, which is the outer side in the vehicle width direction. In addition, the driving force of the second drive unit 182 causes the door 21 to rotate clockwise relative to the first link arm 121, thereby maintaining the door 21 in a state parallel to the side surface of the link arm 12. At this time, the door 21 is positioned at a distance from the outer surface of the vehicle body 19. In addition, the first slide mechanism 131 is still in a contracted state.

[0041] FIG. 7 shows a state in which the sliding of the first slide mechanism 131 is completed. The first slide mechanism 131 slides in the front-to-rear direction due to the driving force of the second drive unit 182, causing the door 21 to slide toward the rear of the vehicle. Specifically, the door 21 is connected to the first door-side rotation connection point 261 via the first slide mechanism 131. Therefore, as the first slide mechanism 131 extends, the door 21 slides toward the rear. When the rearward movement of the door 21 due to the extension of the first slide mechanism 131 is completed, the vehicle body opening 20 is wide open, allowing occupants to easily get in and out of the vehicle. During the opening operation, the door 21 is first moved outward in the vehicle width direction, thereby separating the door 21 from the side surface of the vehicle body 19, and then can slide toward the rear of the vehicle. This prevents the door 21 from interfering with the side surface of the vehicle body 19 during the sliding movement.

[0042] 8 shows the state after sliding movement by the nested structure 27. In the nested structure 27, the outer tube and the inner tube slide relative to each other due to the driving force of the second drive device 182, thereby extending the first sliding mechanism 131. The nested structure 27 restricts displacement in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction, thereby achieving stable sliding movement. Furthermore, the nested structure 27 allows the first sliding mechanism 131 to be configured compactly, so space can be used effectively even in the contracted state.

[0043] 9 shows the state after the door 21 has been slid by the guide groove 16 and the guide member 17. The drive force of the second drive device 182 causes the guide groove 16 to move toward the rear of the vehicle relative to the guide member 17, causing the door 21 to slide toward the rear of the vehicle by the second drive device 182. The engagement between the guide groove 16 and the guide member 17 defines the sliding direction and restricts displacement in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction. This achieves a stable sliding operation.

[0044] Another embodiment for protecting the vehicle door opening and closing device 11 will be described with reference to the cross-sectional view of FIG.

[0045] Here, a recessed portion 28 is formed on the inner surface of the door 21. The recessed portion 28 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped-shaped area having a longitudinal direction along the front-rear direction, formed by recessing the interior of the door 21, and is large enough to accommodate at least a portion of the first vehicle door opening and closing device 111. Here, the first link arm 121, the first slide mechanism 131, the first vehicle body-side pivot connection point 251, the first drive unit 181, the first door-side pivot connection point 261, the second drive unit 182, and other components of the first vehicle door opening and closing device 111 are accommodated in the recessed portion 28. This configuration prevents the first link arm 121 and the first slide mechanism 131 from protruding toward the vehicle interior space. This prevents a reduction in the effective volume of the vehicle interior space and prevents the presence of the first link arm 121 and the first slide mechanism 131 from impairing the comfort of the occupants.

[0046] The recessed portion 28 configured as described above is covered by a lid portion 29. The lid portion 29 is a generally plate-shaped member that is generally the same size as the recessed portion 28 when viewed from the left. The lid portion 29 covers the recessed portion 28, thereby protecting the first link arm 121 and the first slide mechanism 131 housed in the recessed portion 28. This improves the design of the inner surface of the door 21 and prevents an occupant from accidentally coming into contact with the first link arm 121 and the first slide mechanism 131. When the door 21 is opened or closed, the lid portion 29 can also slide so as not to cover the recessed portion 28. This allows the first vehicle door opening and closing device 111 to perform a smooth opening and closing operation even when the lid portion 29 is present.

[0047] Now, with reference to Figures 5 and 6, the closing operation of the door 21 will be described. During the closing operation of the door 21, after the second drive device 182 has completed driving the first slide mechanism 131, the first drive device 181 starts to rotate the first link arm 121. First, with reference to Figure 6, the second drive device 182 drives the first slide mechanism 131, causing the door 21 to slide toward the front of the vehicle. Once the driving of the first slide mechanism 131 is completed, the door 21 returns to a position toward the front of the vehicle with respect to the first link arm 121. Next, the first drive device 181 rotates the first link arm 121 clockwise as viewed from above, causing the door 21 to move inward in the vehicle width direction.

[0048] 5, when the rotational drive of the first link arm 121 is completed, the door 21 returns to a position that closes the vehicle body opening 20. During the closing operation, by performing sequence control such that the rotational drive of the first link arm 121 begins after the drive of the first slide mechanism 131 is completed, it is possible to achieve smooth opening and closing of the door 21 without interference between the respective operations. Furthermore, by performing the respective operations sequentially, the posture of the door 21 during the opening and closing operation is stabilized, and shaking and abnormal noise of the door 21 can be suppressed. The door 21 can be appropriately brought into close contact with the vehicle body 19 in the fully closed position.

[0049] Here, we will explain the sequence control in which, during an opening operation, the drive of the first slide mechanism 131 starts after the rotational drive of the first link arm 121 is completed, and, during a closing operation, the drive of the first link arm 121 starts after the drive of the first slide mechanism 131 is completed. This sequence control enables the door 21 to be opened and closed efficiently and safely.

[0050] During an opening operation, the first link arm 121 rotates to move the door 21 away from the vehicle body 19. This prevents the door 21 from interfering with the vehicle body 19 during the subsequent sliding movement of the first slide mechanism 131. During a closing operation, the first slide mechanism 131 moves the door 21 toward the front of the vehicle. This allows the door 21 to approach the vehicle body 19 at an appropriate position during the subsequent rotation of the first link arm 121. This sequence control is automatically performed by a control device, such as a CPU. The control device monitors the operations of the first drive device 181 and the second drive device 182, and starts the other operation after detecting that one operation has been completed. This allows the occupant to automatically perform the opening and closing operation of the door 21 in the appropriate sequence simply by performing an opening or closing operation on the outer door handle 22 shown in FIG. 1.

[0051] The effects of the vehicle door opening and closing device 11 according to this embodiment are further summarized below. The vehicle door opening and closing device 11 can separate the movement in the vehicle width direction caused by the pivoting action of the link arm 12 from the sliding movement in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle caused by the slide mechanism 13. This allows the vehicle body opening 20 to be opened widely even in a narrow parking space without the door 21 protruding significantly outward in the vehicle width direction. The pivoting action of the link arm 12 can move the door 21 away from the side of the vehicle body 19.

[0052] The sliding movement of the slide mechanism 13 moves the door 21 in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, thereby opening the vehicle body opening 20. By reducing the amount of rotation of the link arm 12, it is possible to prevent the door 21 from protruding in the vehicle width direction. By increasing the amount of sliding of the slide mechanism 13, it is possible to widely open the vehicle body opening 20. As a result, even in a narrow parking space, the door 21 will not come into contact with obstacles such as adjacent vehicles or walls, ensuring sufficient space for getting in and out.

[0053] Supporting the door 21 with the first link arm 121 and the second link arm 122, which are spaced apart in the vertical direction, increases the support rigidity of the door 21. Furthermore, providing the first slide mechanism 131 and the second slide mechanism 132 between each link arm and the door 21, respectively, allows the door 21 to be stably supported even during sliding movement. This allows for stable sliding movement with reduced shaking even with a heavy door 21.

[0054] By allowing relative movement using the nesting structure 27, the slide mechanism 13 can be configured compactly. Furthermore, since the nesting structure 27 restricts displacement in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction, stable sliding operation can be achieved. By configuring the slide operation to be guided by engagement between the guide groove 16 and the guide member 17, the slide mechanism 13 can be realized with a simple structure. Since the sliding direction is determined by the guide groove 16, stable sliding operation can be achieved.

[0055] Furthermore, the simple structure reduces manufacturing costs and improves maintainability. By providing the first drive unit 181 and the second drive unit 182 separately, the rotational movement of the link arm 12 and the movement of the slide mechanism 13 can be controlled independently. This enables automatic opening and closing as a power door, improving convenience. Furthermore, each drive unit can be individually and optimally designed, improving drive efficiency and miniaturization.

[0056] The present invention can be modified and implemented as follows.

[0057] As a first modified example, a configuration in which the link arm 12 is a single link arm will be described. In this embodiment, the link arm 12 is composed of two link arms, a first link arm 121 and a second link arm 122, but it is also possible to use a single link arm. When using a single link arm, the link arm is positioned to support the center of the door 21 in the vertical direction. This configuration reduces the number of parts and reduces manufacturing costs. However, since the support rigidity of the door 21 is lower than when two link arms are used, this configuration is suitable for lightweight doors.

[0058] As a second modified example, a configuration in which the door 21 is opened and closed by manual operation will be described. In this embodiment, the door 21 is automatically opened and closed by the first drive device 181 and the second drive device 182, but it is also possible to omit these drive devices and open and close the door 21 manually. In the case of manual operation, the occupant directly operates the door 21, causing the link arm 12 to rotate and the slide mechanism 13 to slide. This configuration can reduce manufacturing costs and ensures that the door 21 can be opened and closed reliably even in the event of a failure in the electrical system.

[0059] As a third modified example, a configuration will be described in which the rotational movement of the link arm 12 and the sliding movement of the slide mechanism 13 are performed simultaneously. In this embodiment, during the opening operation, the sequence is controlled so that the operation of the slide mechanism 13 starts after the rotational movement of the link arm 12 is completed, but it is also possible to configure the two to occur simultaneously. This configuration can shorten the time it takes to open and close the door 21. However, when performing the two simultaneously, the speed and range of each movement must be appropriately set so that the door 21 does not interfere with the vehicle body 19.

[0060] As a fourth modified example, a configuration in which the positions of the guide groove 16 and the guide member 17 are reversed will be described. In this embodiment, the guide groove 16 is provided on the door 21 side, and the guide member 17 is provided on the link arm 12 side, but these positions can also be reversed. By providing the guide groove 16 on the link arm 12 side and the guide member 17 on the door 21 side, the degree of freedom in design can be increased. Even in this configuration, the engagement between the guide groove 16 and the guide member 17 can achieve stable sliding operation.

[0061] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these and can be modified within the scope of the present invention. In addition, the above-described embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0062] The invention that can be understood from the above-described embodiment will be described below together with its effects.

[0063] A vehicle door opening and closing device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a device for opening and closing a vehicle door, and includes a link arm and a slide mechanism, wherein the link arm is rotatable relative to the vehicle body via a vehicle-body pivot connection point and rotatable relative to the door via a door-side pivot connection point, and is configured to open and close the door by pivoting, and the slide mechanism is provided between the link arm and the door and is configured to slide the door in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle relative to the link arm. According to the vehicle door opening and closing device of the present invention, the movement in the vehicle width direction caused by the pivoting movement of the link arm can be separated from the sliding movement in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle caused by the slide mechanism. This allows the door opening to be opened wide even in a narrow parking space without the door protruding outward significantly in the width direction.

[0064] In addition, in the vehicle door opening and closing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, during the door opening operation, the link arm pivots to move the door outward in the vehicle width direction, and then the slide mechanism operates to slide the door toward the rear of the vehicle. According to the vehicle door opening and closing device of the present invention, during the opening operation, the door is first moved outward in the vehicle width direction, thereby separating the door from the side of the vehicle body, and then sliding toward the rear of the vehicle. This prevents the door from interfering with the side of the vehicle body during the sliding movement. Furthermore, during the closing operation, the operation is performed in the reverse order, allowing the door to be properly in close contact with the vehicle body in the fully closed position.

[0065] In the vehicle door opening and closing device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the slide mechanism is configured to be relatively movable by a nested structure. According to the vehicle door opening and closing device of the present invention, the slide mechanism can be configured compactly by making the nested structure relatively movable. Furthermore, the nested structure restricts displacement in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction, thereby achieving stable sliding operation.

[0066] In addition, in the vehicle door opening and closing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the slide mechanism includes a guide groove extending in the slide direction provided on one of the link arm side and the door side, and a guide member engaged with the guide groove provided on the other of the link arm side and the door side. According to the vehicle door opening and closing device of the present invention, the slide mechanism can be realized with a simple structure by guiding the slide movement by engagement between the guide groove and the guide member. Furthermore, since the slide direction is determined by the guide groove, stable slide movement can be achieved. Furthermore, the simple structure allows for reduced manufacturing costs and improved maintainability.

[0067] In addition, in the vehicle door opening and closing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the slide mechanism includes a guide groove provided on the door side extending in the slide direction, and a guide member provided on the link arm that engages with the guide groove. According to the vehicle door opening and closing device of the present invention, the slide mechanism can be realized with a simple structure by guiding the slide movement by engaging the guide groove provided on the door side with the guide member provided on the link arm. Furthermore, since the slide direction is determined by the guide groove, stable slide movement can be achieved. Furthermore, the simple structure allows for reduced manufacturing costs and improved maintainability.

[0068] In a vehicle door opening and closing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the link arm includes a first link arm and a second link arm spaced apart in the vertical direction, and the slide mechanism includes a first slide mechanism disposed between the first link arm and the door and a second slide mechanism disposed between the second link arm and the door. According to the vehicle door opening and closing device of the present invention, the door is supported by the first link arm and the second link arm spaced apart in the vertical direction, thereby increasing the support rigidity of the door. Furthermore, by providing slide mechanisms between each link arm and the door, the door can be stably supported even during sliding movement. This allows for stable sliding with reduced shaking, even for heavy doors.

[0069] Furthermore, a vehicle door opening and closing device according to an embodiment of the present invention is characterized by including a first drive device that rotates the link arm and a second drive device that drives the slide mechanism. According to the vehicle door opening and closing device of the present invention, by separately providing the first drive device that rotates the link arm and the second drive device that drives the slide mechanism, the rotational movement of the link arm and the movement of the slide mechanism can be controlled independently. This enables automatic opening and closing as a power door, improving convenience. Furthermore, because each drive device can be individually and optimally designed, improved drive efficiency and compactness can be achieved.

[0070] In addition, in the vehicle door opening and closing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, during the door opening operation, the second drive device starts driving the slide mechanism after the first drive device has completed driving the link arm to rotate, and during the door closing operation, the first drive device starts driving the link arm to rotate after the second drive device has completed driving the slide mechanism. According to the vehicle door opening and closing device of the present invention, by performing sequential control such that during the opening operation, the slide mechanism starts driving after the link arm has completed driving the slide mechanism, and during the closing operation, the link arm starts driving to rotate after the slide mechanism has completed driving, smooth door opening and closing operations can be achieved without interference between the respective operations. Furthermore, by performing the respective operations sequentially, the door posture during the opening and closing operations can be stabilized, thereby suppressing door shaking and noise.

[0071] In addition, in the vehicle door opening and closing device according to the embodiment of the present invention, a recessed portion is formed by making the interior of the door recessed, and at least a portion of the link arm and the slide mechanism are housed in the recessed portion. The vehicle door opening and closing device of the present invention can prevent the link arm and the slide mechanism from protruding into the vehicle interior space. Therefore, a reduction in the effective volume of the vehicle interior space can be prevented, and the presence of the link arm and the slide mechanism can be prevented from impeding the comfort of the occupants.

[0072] The vehicle door opening and closing device according to the embodiment of the present invention is further characterized by including a lid configured to close the recess. According to the vehicle door opening and closing device of the present invention, the lid closes the recess, thereby protecting the link arm and slide mechanism housed in the recess. This improves the design of the inner surface of the door and prevents an occupant from accidentally coming into contact with the link arm and slide mechanism. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 10 vehicles 11 Vehicle door opening and closing device 111 Door opening and closing device for first vehicle 112 Door opening and closing device for second vehicle 12 Link arm 121 First link arm 122 Second link arm 13 Slide mechanism 131 First slide mechanism 132 Second slide mechanism 16 Guide groove 17 Guide member 181 First Drive Unit 182 Second Drive Unit 19 Body 191 Body side inclined surface 20 Body opening 21 Doors 211 Door body 212 Door side inclined surface 22 Outer door handle 23 Window 251 First car body side pivot joint 252 Second body side pivot joint 261 First door side pivot connection point 262 Second door side pivot connection point 27 Nested Structure 28 Concave part 29 Lid

Claims

1. A device for opening and closing a vehicle door, A link arm and a slide mechanism are provided. the link arm is configured to be rotatable relative to the vehicle body via a vehicle body-side rotation connection point and to be rotatable relative to the door via a door-side rotation connection point, and to open and close the door by a rotational movement; the slide mechanism is provided between the link arm and the door and is configured to slide the door in the vehicle front-rear direction relative to the link arm; The vehicle door opening and closing device is characterized in that the slide mechanism is configured to be relatively movable by a nesting structure.

2. A device for opening and closing a vehicle door, comprising: A link arm and a slide mechanism are provided. the link arm is configured to be rotatable relative to the vehicle body via a vehicle body-side rotation connection point and to be rotatable relative to the door via a door-side rotation connection point, and to open and close the door by a rotational movement; the slide mechanism is provided between the link arm and the door and is configured to slide the door in the vehicle front-rear direction relative to the link arm; The link arm includes a first link arm and a second link arm that are spaced apart in the vertical direction, The vehicle door opening and closing device is characterized in that the slide mechanism includes a first slide mechanism disposed between the first link arm and the door, and a second slide mechanism disposed between the second link arm and the door.

3. A vehicle door opening and closing device as described in Claim 2, characterized in that the first link arm and the second link arm are arranged at a distance in the fore-and-aft direction.

4. A vehicle door opening and closing device as described in Claim 2, characterized in that when the vehicle is viewed from the side, the first link arm and the second link arm are arranged at an incline.

5. A device for opening and closing a vehicle door, comprising: A link arm and a slide mechanism are provided. the link arm is configured to be rotatable relative to the vehicle body via a vehicle body-side rotation connection point and to be rotatable relative to the door via a door-side rotation connection point, and to open and close the door by a rotational movement; the slide mechanism is provided between the link arm and the door and is configured to slide the door in the vehicle front-rear direction relative to the link arm; The interior of the door is recessed to form a recessed portion, The vehicle door opening and closing device further comprises a lid portion configured to close the recessed portion, and at least a portion of the link arm and the slide mechanism are housed in the recessed portion.

6. A vehicle door opening and closing device as described in Claim 5, characterized in that the lid portion opens the recessed portion when the door is opened.

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