Tonneau cover device

Abstract

To suppress the occurence of noise between a winding mechanism and a holder due to rattling.SOLUTION: A tonneau cover device 20 includes: a tonneau cover that covers a cabin of a vehicle; a winding shaft to which a base end portion of the tonneau cover is attached; a winding mechanism 40 that supports both end portions of the winding shaft such that the end portions are rotatable in a state where the winding shaft is biased in a winding direction of the tonneau cover so as to wind up and pull out the tonneau cover; a holder 60 mounted on the exterior of the winding mechanism 40 at at least one end portion thereof to be slidable in the longitudinal direction and biased toward the outer side in the longitudinal direction of the winding mechanism 40; and a biasing member 70 interposed between an inner circumferential surface of the holder 60 and an outer circumferential surface of the at least one end portion of the winding mechanism 40 to bias the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface in a separating direction from each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to a tonneau cover device for covering a trunk of a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a tonneau cover device comprising: a winding shaft for winding up a tonneau cover; a long case that houses the winding shaft; support members provided at one end and the other end of the case and rotatably supporting the winding shaft; a retaining member provided at at least one of the one end and the other end of the case, having an outer wall portion that covers the support member and is held so as to be movable inward in the axial direction of the winding shaft from an assembled position; and a blocking portion provided on the support member and the retaining member, positioned inward relative to the outer wall portion, and abutting against each other at the assembled position to prevent the retaining member from moving outward in the axial direction of the winding shaft from the assembled position.

[0003] As examples of the blocking portion, a side surface of a slot formed in the inner cover as a support member and a hook formed in the outer cover as a holding member are described. In Patent Document 1, the hook is housed in the slot, and the hook abuts against the side surface of the slot, thereby preventing the holding member from moving.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses a device including a support member for a winding shaft, an end cap held on at least one end of the support member so as to be movable in the axial direction of the support member, and a limiting device that limits axial movement of the end cap relative to the support member. It is disclosed that the limiting device comprises a first limiting element provided on the end cap and a second limiting element provided on the support member that interact with each other. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-148614 [Patent Document 2] DE102018209413A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In Patent Document 1, the blocking portion prevents the holding member from moving outward in the axial direction of the winding shaft from the assembled position. In Patent Document 1, the blocking portion does not restrict movement of the holding member in a direction perpendicular to the winding shaft.

[0007] Therefore, in Patent Document 1, if a gap occurs between the holding member and the support member, the holding member may rattle in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the support member, potentially generating abnormal noise due to vibration.

[0008] In Patent Document 2, the limiting device only limits the axial movement of the end cap relative to the support member, and as in Patent Document 1, there is a possibility that abnormal noise may occur due to vibration between the support member and the end cap.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to suppress the generation of abnormal noise caused by rattle between the winding mechanism and the holder. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to solve the above problem, the tonneau cover device comprises a tonneau cover that covers the luggage compartment of a vehicle, a winding shaft to which the base end of the tonneau cover is attached, a winding mechanism that rotatably supports both ends of the winding shaft while biasing the winding shaft in the winding direction of the tonneau cover so that the tonneau cover can be wound up and pulled out, a holder that is slidably attached to at least one end of the winding mechanism along its longitudinal direction and biased toward the longitudinal outward side of the winding mechanism, and a biasing member that is interposed between the inner surface of the holder and the outer surface of at least one end of the winding mechanism and biases the inner surface and the outer surface in directions away from each other. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] This tonneau cover device can suppress the generation of abnormal noise caused by rattle between the winding mechanism and the holder. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the tonneau cover device is installed in a vehicle. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the tonneau cover device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the tonneau cover device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an end portion of the winding support device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the end portion of the winding support device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the biasing member. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a state in which the holder is omitted from the end of the winding support device. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing a state in the middle of attaching the holder to the end of the winding mechanism. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the exterior state of the holder taking into consideration the weight of the winding mechanism. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing an end portion of a winding support device according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, a tonneau cover device according to an embodiment will be described.

[0014] <Application example> An application example of the tonneau cover device will now be described. Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a tonneau cover device 20 is incorporated into a vehicle.

[0015] The tonneau cover device 20 is installed in a vehicle 10 that has a luggage compartment 11 at the rear. The luggage compartment 11 extends behind the backrest portions 14a of the seats 14. The seats 14 are, for example, rear seats in the second or third row from the front. The luggage compartment 11 is located behind the backrest portions 14a on the floor 11a and between both side walls 11b. A window 11w is provided in the side walls 11b. A roof 11c is provided above the luggage compartment. The rear of the luggage compartment 11 is open, and this opening is opened and closed by a back door 12. The back door 12 is also provided with a window.

[0016] The tonneau cover device 20 is incorporated into the luggage compartment 11 as described above. The tonneau cover device 20 is disposed in a position that covers from above items placed on the floor 11a of the luggage compartment 11. For example, the tonneau cover device 20 is disposed in a position above the floor 11a, below the window 11w, and extends horizontally.

[0017] In the example shown in Figure 1, each of the side walls 11b has a receiving recess 18 and a drawing-side receiving recess 19. The receiving recess 18 is provided at an upper rear position of the backrest portion 14a. The drawing-side receiving recess 19 is provided at a position separated rearward from the receiving recess 18. The receiving recess 18 and the drawing-side receiving recess 19 are formed in a concave shape that opens upward and toward the center in the vehicle width direction.

[0018] With the reeling support device 30 of the tonneau cover device 20 extending in the vehicle width direction, both ends of the reeling support device 30 are held in the pair of receiving recesses 18. The tonneau cover 22 is pulled out from the reeling support device 30, and both ends of the pull-out member 28 provided at the tip of the tonneau cover 22 are held in the pair of pull-out-side receiving recesses 19. As a result, the tonneau cover 22 is pulled rearward from the reeling support device 30, and is kept in a state where it covers the luggage compartment 11 from above.

[0019] <Overall structure> The overall configuration of the tonneau cover device 20 will now be described. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the tonneau cover device 20. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the tonneau cover device 20.

[0020] The tonneau cover device 20 includes a tonneau cover 22 and a winding support device 30. The tonneau cover 22 is a member that covers the luggage compartment 11. The winding support device 30 is a device that winds up the tonneau cover 22 so that it can be pulled out.

[0021] Tonneau cover 22 includes sheet-like portion 22a that can be unfolded into a flat surface and can be deformed for rolling up. Sheet-like portion 22a is made of a flexible sheet formed from a resin sheet, a woven cloth, or the like. This sheet-like portion 22a is rolled up by roll-up support device 30.

[0022] The base end of the sheet-shaped portion 22a is connected to the winding support device 30. A pull-out member 28 is fixed to the tip end of the sheet-shaped portion 22a so as to extend along the vehicle width direction. Both ends of the pull-out member 28 protrude outward in the vehicle width direction from the sheet-shaped portion 22a. Both ends of the pull-out member 28 are fitted into and held in the pull-out-side receiving recess 19.

[0023] Tonneau cover 22 includes plate-like portion 22b, which is more rigid than sheet-like portion 22a. Plate-like portion 22b is located closer to the tip than pull-out member 28. Plate-like portion 22b is realized by, for example, layering a resin plate, a metal plate, or a wooden plate on a flexible sheet.

[0024] With both ends of the pull-out member 28 held in the pair of pull-out-side receiving recesses 19, the sheet-like portion 22a is pulled in the front-to-rear direction between the reel-up support device 30 and the pull-out member 28, and is thereby kept unfolded horizontally. The plate-like portion 22b is kept horizontally extending from the pull-out member 28 toward the rear of the vehicle 10 due to its own rigidity.

[0025] The plate-like portion 22b may be omitted.

[0026] The winding support device 30 includes a winding shaft 32, a winding mechanism 40, a holder 60, and a biasing member 70.

[0027] The winding shaft 32 is a long member, and the base end of the pull-out member 28 is attached along the longitudinal direction thereof. Therefore, when the winding shaft 32 rotates, the pull-out member 28 is wound onto the winding shaft 32. The winding shaft 32 is a cylindrical member made of, for example, metal or the like.

[0028] The winding mechanism 40 rotatably supports both ends of the winding shaft 32 while biasing the winding shaft 32 in the winding direction of the tonneau cover 22 so that the tonneau cover 22 can be wound up and pulled out.

[0029] The holder 60 is mounted on at least one end of the winding mechanism 40 so as to be slidable along the longitudinal direction of the winding mechanism 40. The holder 60 is biased outward along the longitudinal direction of the winding mechanism. Therefore, when a force is applied to the holder 60 toward the longitudinal center of the winding mechanism 40, the holder 60 can slide toward the longitudinal center of the winding mechanism 40. In this state, a force is applied to the holder 60 that is directed outward along the longitudinal direction of the winding mechanism.

[0030] By utilizing the outward biasing force of the holder 60, rattle is suppressed when the winding support device 30 is supported by the receiving recesses 18. That is, when the holder 60 is slid toward the longitudinal center of the winding mechanism 40, both end portions of the winding support device 30 are fitted into the pair of receiving recesses. The holder 60 is provided on at least one end of the winding mechanism 40, and the holder 60 is biased outward in the longitudinal direction of the winding mechanism 40. As a result, the winding support device 30 tends to extend in the longitudinal direction between the pair of receiving recesses 18, suppressing the occurrence of gaps between the both longitudinally outward portions of the winding support device 30 and the pair of receiving recesses 18. This suppresses vibration of the winding support device 30, particularly vibration in the longitudinal direction of the winding support device 30.

[0031] In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the holder 60 is mounted on both ends of the winding mechanism 40. The slidable and biased holder 60 may be mounted on only one end of the winding mechanism 40. In this case, the holder may be mounted on the other end of the winding mechanism 40 in a fixed state.

[0032] The biasing member 70 is interposed between the inner peripheral surface of the holder 60 and the outer peripheral surface of at least one end of the winding mechanism 40, and biases the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface in directions away from each other.

[0033] <About the winding mechanism> An example of the winding mechanism 40 will now be described. The winding mechanism 40 includes a casing 42, a pair of side covers 50, and a winding attachment member 46.

[0034] The casing 42 is formed in a cylindrical shape capable of accommodating the winding shaft 32 and the tonneau cover 22 wound around the winding shaft 32. A cover opening 43 that allows the tonneau cover 22 to be pulled out and wound up is formed in the casing 42 along the longitudinal direction of the casing 42. In this embodiment, the casing 42 is formed in a cylindrical shape with rounded corners of a rectangular tube. In other words, the casing 42 includes four wall portions 42a and four connecting portions 42b (see FIG. 5). The wall portions 42a are flat or curved with a larger radius of curvature than the connecting portions 42b. The connecting portions 42b are curved at an angle (e.g., a right angle) or with a smaller radius of curvature than the wall portions 42a. The casing 42 is formed by connecting the four wall portions 42a to form a tube with the connecting portions 42b interposed between them. It is not essential that the casing 42 have the above-described shape. The casing may be in the shape of a rectangular tube with sharper corners, or may be in the shape of a cylinder, an elliptical tube, a triangular tube, or a pentagonal tube.

[0035] A cover opening 43 is formed in one of the four wall portions 42a. In this embodiment, the cover opening 43 is formed in a position offset from the center of the wall portion 42a in the width direction to one side. When the winding support device 30 is supported in the receiving recess 18, the cover opening 43 may be located toward the upper side of the wall portion 42a. Since the cover opening 43 is present between one connecting portion 42b and one wall portion 42a, it may be understood that the three wall portions 42a and one narrow wall portion 42a are connected via the three connecting portions 42b, and the cover opening 43 is present between one narrow wall portion 42a and the adjacent wall portion 42a.

[0036] The casing 42 is made of, for example, a metal such as aluminum, or a resin.

[0037] The side cover 50 is a member that closes the end opening of the casing 42 and rotatably supports the take-up shaft 32. In this embodiment, the side cover 50 includes a cover main body 52 and a rotation support protrusion 56. The side cover 50 is, for example, a molded part made of resin.

[0038] The cover body 52 is attached to a fixed position on the end of the casing 42 by fitting into the end opening of the casing 42. The rotation support protrusion 56 protrudes from the surface of the cover body 52 that faces the longitudinal center of the casing 42. The rotation support protrusion 56 is formed in a cylindrical shape that protrudes along the longitudinal direction of the casing 42 toward the longitudinal center of the casing 42.

[0039] The rotation support protrusions 56 of a pair of side covers 50 provided at both ends of the casing 42 are inserted into openings at both ends of the winding shaft 32, thereby rotatably supporting the winding shaft 32 within the casing 42. In this embodiment, end members 33 are inserted into both ends of the winding shaft 32 in a rotation-stopped state. The end members 33 are cylindrical members made of resin or the like. The rotation support protrusions 56 are rotatably inserted within the end members 33. In other words, the end members 33 are interposed between the rotation support protrusions 56 and the end openings of the winding shaft 32. The rotation of the end members 33 relative to the rotation support protrusions 56 allows the winding shaft 32 to rotate relative to the side covers 50.

[0040] The winding attachment force member 46 biases the winding shaft 32 relative to the side cover 50 in the direction of winding the tonneau cover 22. In this embodiment, the winding attachment force member 46 is a coil spring. The winding attachment force member 46 is disposed within the winding shaft 32 along the longitudinal direction of the winding shaft 32. One end of the winding attachment force member 46 is fixed to one of the rotation support protrusions 56 in a rotation-preventing state. The other end of the winding attachment force member 46 is fixed to the inner periphery of the winding shaft via an inner-shaft fixing portion 47 in a rotation-preventing state. A rubber tube 48 is fitted around the winding attachment force member 46. The rubber tube 48 is disposed between the winding attachment force member 46 and the winding shaft 32, thereby suppressing rattle noise caused by contact between the winding shaft 32 and the winding attachment force member 46. The winding attachment force member does not necessarily have to be a coil spring; it may be a spiral spring or the like.

[0041] In the initial state, the tonneau cover 22 is wound around the winding shaft 32 until the pull-out member 28 contacts the casing 42 around the cover opening 43. In this state, the winding attachment force member 46 is twisted between the winding shaft 32 and one of the side covers 50, and the winding attachment force member 46 urges the winding shaft 32 in the winding direction of the tonneau cover 22 due to a restoring force that attempts to eliminate the twist.

[0042] When the tonneau cover 22 is pulled out from the initial state, the winding attachment force member 46 is further twisted, and a force that urges the winding shaft 32 in the winding direction is stored in the winding attachment force member 46. With the pull-out member 28 held in the pull-out-side receiving recess 19, the tonneau cover 22 is held in a tensioned state between the winding support device 30 and the pull-out member 28.

[0043] When the holding force of the pull-out member 28 by the pull-out-side receiving recess 19 is released, the biasing force of the winding attachment member 46 causes the winding shaft 32 to rotate in the winding direction, and the tonneau cover 22 is wound onto the winding shaft 32.

[0044] <End Configuration of Winding Support Device> The end structure of the winding support device 30 will be described in more detail. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the end of the winding support device 30. Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the end of the winding support device 30. Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the urging member 70. Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the end of the winding support device 30 with the holder 60 omitted. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in Fig. 4. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in Fig. 4.

[0045] An end of the casing 42 opens outward in the longitudinal direction of the casing 42. Locking holes 42ah are formed in a pair of wall portions 42a, 42a of the casing 42 located on both outer sides of the cover opening 43. A first locking protrusion 73a of the biasing member 70 can fit into the locking holes 42ah.

[0046] The cover body 52 of the side cover 50 is formed in a plate shape that closes the opening of the casing 42. In this embodiment, the cover body 52 is formed in a plate shape having an outer peripheral surface shape that corresponds to the inner peripheral surface shape of the opening of the casing 42. A long, thin protrusion 52a protrudes along the outer periphery of the cover body 52. ​​The protrusion 52a protrudes partially from an edge on one side in the thickness direction of the cover body 52. ​​The cover body 52 is attached to the opening of the casing 42 with the outer peripheral surface of the cover body 52 in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the opening of the casing 42 and the protrusion 52a in contact with the outward edge of the opening of the casing 42.

[0047] In the above state, the rotation support projection 56 projects from the cover body 52 into the casing 42 and rotatably supports one end of the winding shaft 32 via the end member 33 .

[0048] The side cover 50 has a biasing member support protrusion 53 on the outward portion of the cover body 52, which supports one end of the longitudinal biasing member 69. In this embodiment, the biasing member support protrusion 53 is formed in an annular shape into which one end of the longitudinal biasing member 69 can be fitted. The biasing member support protrusion 53 may be a protrusion that can be fitted into one end of the longitudinal biasing member 69.

[0049] The holder 60 is a member made of resin or the like, and is configured to be able to be fitted onto the end of the winding mechanism 40. More specifically, the holder 60 is a tubular member with one end open and the other end closed, and has a peripheral wall portion 62 and an outer closing portion 64. The holder 60 is attached to the end of the winding mechanism 40 in a state where it covers the outer peripheral surface of the end of the winding mechanism 40.

[0050] The peripheral wall portion 62 is formed in a cylindrical shape that can cover the outer periphery of the end portion of the winding mechanism 40. In this embodiment, the peripheral wall portion 62 is formed in a shape that has three wall portions 62a and four connecting portions 62b that correspond to the four wall portions 42a and four connecting portions 42b of the casing 42. The four wall portions 62a are connected to form a cylinder with the connecting portions 62b interposed between them, thereby forming the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 62 that fits along the outer periphery of the end portion of the casing 42.

[0051] A slit 62S is formed in one of the four wall portions 62a, extending from the opening edge of the holder 60 toward the front of the outer blocking portion 64. When the holder 60 is attached to the end of the casing 42, the slit 62S is located outside the cover opening 43. In the area where the casing 42 and the holder 60 overlap, the tonneau cover 22 is pulled out through the cover opening 43 and the slit 62S.

[0052] A biasing member support convex portion 65 is protruded from an inward-facing portion of the outer blocking portion 64. The biasing member support convex portion 65 is a portion that supports the other end of the longitudinal biasing member 69. In this embodiment, the biasing member support convex portion 65 is formed in a convex shape that can be fitted into the other end of the longitudinal biasing member 69. The biasing member support convex portion 65 may be formed in an annular shape that can fit one end of the longitudinal biasing member 69.

[0053] The longitudinal biasing member 69 is a member that biases the holder 60 outward in the longitudinal direction of the winding mechanism 40. In this embodiment, the longitudinal biasing member 69 is a coil spring. One end of the longitudinal biasing member 69 is fitted into the biasing member support protrusion 53, and the other end is fitted over the biasing member support protrusion 65 of the holder 60, so that the longitudinal biasing member 69 is disposed between the side cover 50 and the holder 60. The force of the longitudinal biasing member 69 stretching as it attempts to return to its original shape from a compressed state biases the holder 60 outward in the longitudinal direction of the winding mechanism 40.

[0054] An engagement groove 66 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the holder 60. The engagement groove 66 will be described in more detail later in relation to the biasing member 70.

[0055] The holder 60 is a member that is attached to the end of the winding mechanism 40 so as to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the winding mechanism 40. Therefore, it is considered that a gap that facilitates movement of the holder 60 is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the end of the winding mechanism 40 and the inner peripheral surface of the holder 60. Therefore, it is considered that the holder 60 moves relative to the winding mechanism 40 in a direction that intersects with the longitudinal direction of the winding mechanism 40 depending on the size of the gap.

[0056] Here, since the longitudinal biasing member 69 is a member that biases the winding mechanism 40 and the holder 60 in a direction away from each other in the longitudinal direction of the winding mechanism 40, it may be difficult to suppress movement of the holder 60 in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the winding mechanism 40.

[0057] The biasing member 70 is interposed between the inner peripheral surface of the holder 60 and the outer peripheral surface of the end of the winding mechanism 40, and biases the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface in a direction away from each other, thereby suppressing movement of the holder 60 in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the winding mechanism 40.

[0058] The biasing member 70 includes a base portion 72, a first spring portion 76, and a second spring portion 78. The biasing member 70 may be, for example, a member integrally formed from metal, or a member molded from resin using a die. When the biasing member 70 is made of metal, the biasing member 70 may be formed by pressing a metal plate. In this case, the metal plate is preferably made of spring steel.

[0059] The base portion 72 is formed in a shape that surrounds at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the end portion of the winding mechanism 40. In this embodiment, the base portion 72 is formed in a shape that surrounds a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the end portion of the winding mechanism 40, avoiding the cover opening 43, and in this case is formed in a U-shape.

[0060] More specifically, the base portion 72 includes three wall portions 72a, 72b, and 72c and two connecting portions 72d and 72e. The connecting portion 72d exists between the wall portions 72a and 72b, and the connecting portion 72e exists between the wall portions 72b and 72c. The wall portions 72a and 72b are connected by the connecting portion 72d so as to extend in directions that intersect with each other. The wall portions 72b and 72c are connected by the connecting portion 72e so as to extend in directions that intersect with each other. The wall portions 72a and 72c extend in parallel and spaced apart from each other on one main surface of the wall portion 72b. The wall portions 72a and 72c are open on the side opposite to the wall portion 72b.

[0061] With the biasing member 70 attached to the end of the winding mechanism 40, the walls 72a and 72c contact the outer peripheral surface of the wall 42a of the casing 42 on both sides of the cover opening 43, and the wall 72b contacts the outer peripheral surface of the wall 42a of the casing 42 on the opposite side from the cover opening 43. As a result, the base 72 covers the outer peripheral surface of the end of the winding mechanism 40 excluding the wall 42a where the cover opening 43 is formed.

[0062] It is assumed that when the winding support device 30 is supported in the receiving recess 18, the wall portion 72a is positioned on the upper side and the wall portion 72c is positioned on the lower side.

[0063] The walls 72a and 72c are longer than the wall 72b in the longitudinal direction of the winding mechanism 40. In this embodiment, the walls 72a and 72c protrude outward in the longitudinal direction of the winding mechanism 40 from the outer edge of the wall 72b in the longitudinal direction of the winding mechanism 40.

[0064] A first locking protrusion 73a is formed on the edge of wall portions 72a, 72c facing wall portion 72b. The first locking protrusion 73a is a plate-shaped protrusion that extends along the longitudinal direction of winding mechanism 40 and protrudes toward the inner periphery of base portion 72. A second locking protrusion 73b is formed on the edge of wall portions 72a, 72c that is on the outer side in the longitudinal direction of winding mechanism 40. The second locking protrusion 73b is a plate-shaped protrusion that extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of winding mechanism 40 and protrudes toward the inner periphery of base portion 72.

[0065] When the base portion 72 is attached to the end of the winding mechanism 40, the first locking protrusion 73a locks into the locking hole 42ah. This prevents the base portion 72 from coming off the winding mechanism 40. The second locking protrusion 73b contacts the cover main body 52, which closes the opening of the casing 42, from the outside in the longitudinal direction of the winding mechanism 40. The contact of the second locking protrusion 73b with the cover main body 52 and the contact of the wall portion 72b with the wall portion 42a of the casing 42 restricts the tilt of the base portion 72 around the first locking protrusion 73a. As a result, the base portion 72 is attached to the end of the winding mechanism 40 in a fixed position with its position change restricted.

[0066] A first spring portion 76 is formed on the walls 72a, 72c, and a second spring portion 78 is formed on the wall 72b.

[0067] More specifically, a rectangular recess is formed in the widthwise middle of the walls 72a, 72c, opening toward the longitudinal middle of the winding mechanism 40. The first spring portion 76 is an elongated plate-like portion, and the base end of the first spring portion 76 on one longitudinal side is connected to the back edge of the recess. Because the base portion 72 is attached to the end of the winding mechanism 40, the base end of the first spring portion 76 is supported at a fixed position on the outer circumferential surface of the end of the winding mechanism 40.

[0068] The first spring portion 76 is formed in a shape that moves away from the outer peripheral surface of the end of the winding mechanism 40 as it moves from the base end toward the center in the longitudinal direction of the winding mechanism 40. More specifically, the first spring portion 76 is formed in a plate shape that inclines in a direction that moves away from the outer peripheral surface of the winding mechanism 40 as it moves from the base end toward the center in the longitudinal direction of the winding mechanism 40. The first spring portion 76 may be formed, for example, by cutting and raising a part of the plate portion that constitutes the wall portions 72a, 72c.

[0069] As described above, a rectangular recess that opens toward the longitudinal center of the winding mechanism 40 is formed in the widthwise middle of the wall portion 72b. As described above, the base end of the second spring portion 78, which is an elongated plate-like portion, is connected to the rear edge of this recess. The recess and second spring portion 78 formed in the wall portion 72b have the same configuration as the recess and first spring portion 76 formed in the walls 72a and 72c, except for the fact that they are different in length. It is not essential that the first spring portion 76 and the second spring portion 78 be rectangular plate-shaped. For example, the longitudinal middle portion of the first spring portion 76 or the second spring portion 78 may be curved.

[0070] The inner peripheral surface of holder 60 includes a step-forming surface 67 having an abutment surface 67a and a protruding surface 67b (see FIG. 8). Abutment surface 67a is located between the back of holder 60 and the opening, and faces the back side of holder 60. Protruding surface 67b extends further toward the opening of holder 60 than abutment surface 67a, and protrudes further toward the outer peripheral surface of winding mechanism 40 than surface 67c, which extends further toward the back than abutment surface 67a.

[0071] In this embodiment, an engagement groove 66 extending along the longitudinal direction of the winding mechanism 40 is formed on the inner circumferential portion of the holder 60. The engagement groove 66 is recessed into the inner circumferential surface of the holder 60 via a step. The width of the engagement groove 66 is the same as but larger than the width of the first spring portion 76. Therefore, a part of the first spring portion 76 (here, the tip end) fits into the engagement groove 66 and can move along the extension direction of the engagement groove 66 while contacting a bottom surface 67c of the engagement groove 66.

[0072] The surface of the locking groove 66 that is located on the opening side of the holder 60 and faces the back side of the holder 60 is the abutment surface 67a. The abutment surface 67a is located on the opening side of the holder 60 relative to the surface 67c. Therefore, the first spring portion 76, which moves while contacting the surface 67c, comes into contact with the abutment surface 67a on the way to the opening side of the holder 60. This restricts the first spring portion 76 from moving closer to the opening side of the holder 60 than the abutment surface 67a.

[0073] The locking groove 66 may be a groove that reaches the back side of the holder 60. It is not essential that the abutment surface 67a be configured as part of the side surface surrounding the locking groove 66. The portion of the inner periphery of the holder 60 that is closer to the opening may be formed thicker than the back side portion, and the abutment surface 67a that faces the back side of the holder 60 may be formed by a step that forms the thicker portion.

[0074] In this embodiment, the locking groove 66 and the abutment surface 67a are not formed in the portion of the inner circumferential portion of the holder 60 that faces the second spring portion 78 (see FIG. 9). In other words, the portion of the inner circumferential portion of the holder 60 that faces the second spring portion 78 is a flat surface or a gently curved surface that conforms to the outer circumferential surface of the wall portion 42a of the casing 42. The locking groove 66 or the abutment surface 67a may also be formed in the portion of the inner circumferential portion of the holder 60 that faces the second spring portion 78, as described above.

[0075] When the holder 60 is mounted on the end of the winding mechanism 40, the tip of the first spring portion 76 is disposed within the locking groove 66 (see FIG. 8). The tip of the first spring portion 76 is in contact with the surface 67c and is movable along the extension direction of the locking groove 66. When no external force is applied, the holder 60 is biased outward in the longitudinal direction of the winding mechanism 40 by the longitudinal biasing member 69. The tip of the first spring portion 76 contacts the abutment surface 67a, thereby restricting the holder 60 from moving outward along the longitudinal direction of the winding mechanism 40, thereby preventing the holder 60 from coming off the end of the winding mechanism 40. The abutment surface 67a may have a shape that forms a step sufficient to allow the first spring portion 76 to be locked, and the abutment surface 67a, the protruding surface 67b, and the surface 67c do not need to be formed with high precision.

[0076] It is not essential that the first spring portion 76 prevents the holder 60 from coming off. For example, a groove and protrusion fitting structure for preventing the holder 60 from coming off may be provided between the winding mechanism 40 and the holder 60, separate from the first spring portion 76. In this case, the contact surface 67a may be omitted.

[0077] Furthermore, with the holder 60 fitted to the end of the winding mechanism 40, the first spring portion 76 is compressed between the outer circumferential surface of the end of the winding mechanism 40 and the surface 67c of the holder 60 (see FIG. 8). The force of the first spring portion 76 trying to return to its original shape urges the inner circumferential surface of the holder 60 and the outer circumferential surface of the end of the winding mechanism 40 in directions away from each other.

[0078] In this embodiment, the walls 72a and 72c are provided at positions that sandwich the end of the winding mechanism 40, and a first spring portion 76 is provided on each of the walls 72a and 72c. Therefore, at two positions (here, upper and lower positions) that sandwich the end of the winding mechanism 40, the inner circumferential surface of the holder 60 and the outer circumferential surface of the end of the winding mechanism 40 are biased in directions that move them away from each other. This makes it less likely that the holder 60 will rattle relative to the winding mechanism 40 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the winding mechanism 40, particularly in the vertical direction.

[0079] In this embodiment, on the side opposite the cover opening 43, the second spring portion 78 is compressed between the outer peripheral surface of the end of the retraction mechanism 40 and a portion of the inner peripheral portion of the holder 60 that faces the second spring portion 78 (see FIG. 9). The force of the second spring portion 78 attempting to return to its original shape urges the inner peripheral surface of the holder 60 and the outer peripheral surface of the end of the retraction mechanism 40 in directions away from each other, pushing the retraction mechanism 40 toward the cover opening 43. Therefore, the holder 60 is less likely to rattle even in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the retraction mechanism 40, that is, the direction in which the tonneau cover 22 is pulled out and retracted.

[0080] The number of spring portions 76, 78 provided on the biasing member 70 is arbitrary, and the biasing member 70 may have one spring portion or multiple spring portions. For example, the biasing member may have only one first spring portion or only one second spring portion 78. In this embodiment, the first spring portions 76 are provided on the top and bottom to counter vertical vibrations. In addition, the holder 60 is prevented from coming off with as uniform a force as possible on the top and bottom. The second spring portion 78 effectively suppresses rattle when the tonneau cover 22 is pulled out and wound up.

[0081] The operation of attaching the holder 60 to the end of the winding mechanism 40 will now be described.

[0082] Figure 10 shows the state in the middle of attaching holder 60 to the end of winding mechanism 40. The upper part of Figure 10 shows the initial state in which the end of winding mechanism 40 has been inserted into the opening of holder 60, and the lower part of Figure 10 shows the state in which the end of winding mechanism 40 has been further inserted into the back of holder 60.

[0083] Here, the dimension between the bottom surfaces 67c of the opposing locking grooves 66 is defined as D. Furthermore, the dimension between the surfaces of the casing 42 on which the two first spring portions 76 are provided is defined as E, the protruding dimensions of each first spring portion 76 from the surface are defined as F1 and F2, and the dimension between the maximum protruding portions of the two first spring portions 76 is defined as G. The dimensions F1, F2, and G are for the state before the holder 60 is installed, with the first spring portions 76 in a natural protruding state. The dimension G is the sum of the dimensions F1 and F2 and the dimension E. It is preferable that the protruding dimensions F1 and F2 of the first spring portions 76 are set so that the dimension G is equal to or greater than the dimension D, so that the two first spring portions 76 can contact the surfaces 67c of the locking grooves 66 when the holder 60 is installed on the end of the winding mechanism 40.

[0084] As the end of the winding mechanism 40 is inserted into the holder 60, the outward surface of the first spring portion 76 comes into contact with the protruding surface 67b. The outward surface of the first spring portion 76 is inclined in a direction away from the outer peripheral surface of the winding mechanism 40 toward the longitudinal middle portion of the winding mechanism 40. Therefore, as the end of the winding mechanism 40 is inserted deeper into the holder 60, the protruding surface 67b slides on the outward surface of the first spring portion 76 and moves relatively toward the tip of the first spring portion 76, pressing the first spring portion 76 toward the outer peripheral surface of the winding mechanism 40. This reduces the dimension between the maximum protruding portions of the two first spring portions 76, allowing the two first spring portions 76 to enter the holder 60.

[0085] When the first spring portion 76 moves beyond the protruding surface 67b toward the rear of the holder 60 and toward the locking groove 66, the first spring portion 76 attempts to return to its original shape (see FIG. 8). As a result, the tip of the first spring portion 76 contacts the surface 67c of the locking groove 66. The tip of the second spring portion 78 similarly contacts the inner circumferential surface of the holder 60 (see FIG. 9). As a result, the first spring portion 76 and the second spring portion 78 are interposed between the outer circumferential surface of the winding mechanism 40 and the inner circumferential surface of the holder 60. From this state, when the biasing force of the longitudinal biasing member 69 attempts to move the holder 60 outward from the end of the winding mechanism 40, the tip of the first spring portion 76 contacts the abutment surface 67a, preventing the holder 60 from coming off.

[0086] The outwardly inclined surface of the first spring portion 76 comes into contact with the opening of the holder 60, so that the first spring portion 76 is easily elastically deformed, and therefore, a configuration can be easily realized in which the first spring portion 76 is engaged with the holder 60 without having to deform the holder 60 or the winding mechanism 40 or press the holder 60 hard enough to scrape it.

[0087] Figure 11 shows the exterior state of the holder 60 taking into consideration the weight of the winding mechanism 40. The upper side of Figure 11 shows the state before the winding support device 30 is supported in the receiving recess 18, and the lower side of Figure 11 shows the state after the winding support device 30 is supported in the receiving recess 18 and the holder 60 has moved to the middle part of the winding mechanism 40 in the longitudinal direction.

[0088] Before the winding support device 30 is supported in the receiving recess 18, the winding mechanism 40 is positioned downward relative to the holder 60 due to the weight of the winding mechanism 40. Therefore, the dimension H1 between the outer peripheral surface of the winding mechanism 40 and the inner peripheral surface of the holder 60 at the portion where the upper first spring portion 76 is provided is larger than the dimension H2 between the outer peripheral surface of the winding mechanism 40 and the inner peripheral surface of the holder 60 at the portion where the lower first spring portion 76 is provided.

[0089] Even when the winding support device 30 is supported by the receiving recess 18, the winding mechanism 40 is positioned downward relative to the holder 60 due to the weight of the winding mechanism 40.

[0090] In either state, it is assumed that the upper first spring portion 76 protrudes more than the lower first spring portion 76 and contacts the bottom surface 67c of the locking groove 66 because the dimension H1 of the upper gap is larger than the dimension H2 of the lower gap. It is preferable to more reliably establish a state in which the upper first spring portion 76 contacts the bottom surface 67c of the locking groove 66 and also contacts the abutment surface 67a to prevent disengagement. To achieve this, it is preferable to make the protruding dimension F1 of the upper first spring portion 76 larger than the protruding dimension of the lower first spring portion 76. Furthermore, for example, the protruding dimension F1 of the upper first spring portion 76 may be set to be equal to or greater than the sum of the gaps above and below the winding mechanism 40 (the value obtained by subtracting dimension E from the above dimension D).

[0091] <Effects, etc.> In the tonneau cover device 20 configured as described above, the biasing member 70 is interposed between the inner peripheral surface of the holder 60 and the outer peripheral surface of at least one end of the retraction mechanism 40, and biases the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface in directions away from each other. This makes it difficult for the holder 60 to rattle in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the biasing member 70. Furthermore, because the holder 60 is biased outward in the longitudinal direction of the retraction mechanism 40, the holder 60 is also difficult to rattle in the longitudinal direction of the retraction mechanism 40. This reduces the generation of abnormal noise caused by rattle between the retraction mechanism 40 and the holder 60.

[0092] The biasing member 70 includes a first spring portion 76 or a second spring portion 78 as a spring portion having a base end supported at a fixed position on the outer circumferential surface of at least one end of the winding mechanism 40. Therefore, the biasing member 70 having the first spring portion 76 and the second spring portion 78 can be configured to be attached to the outer circumferential surface of at least one end of the winding mechanism 40. This makes it easier to attach the biasing member 70 to the winding mechanism 40 compared to attaching the biasing member to the inner circumferential surface of the holder 60. Furthermore, when the holder 60 is attached to at least one end of the winding mechanism 40, the holder 60 presses the first spring portion 76 and the second spring portion 78, allowing the first spring portion 76 and the second spring portion 78 to deform so as to approach the outer circumferential surface of the winding mechanism 40. When the sheathing of the holder 60 is complete, the first spring portion 76 and the second spring portion 78, which have been deformed to approach the outer peripheral surface of the winding mechanism 40, exert a force to restore their original shape, urging the outer peripheral surface of the holder 60 in a direction away from the outer peripheral surface of the winding mechanism 40. This effectively suppresses the generation of abnormal noise due to rattle between the winding mechanism 40 and the holder 60.

[0093] Furthermore, because the holder 60 has the contact surface 67a and the protruding surface 67b, when the holder 60 is fitted to at least one end of the winding mechanism 40, the first spring portion 76 comes into contact with the protruding surface 67b, and the first spring portion 76 can deform to approach the outer circumferential surface of the winding mechanism 40. When the tip of the first spring portion 76 passes over the protruding surface 67b and is positioned at the rear side of the holder 60, the first spring portion 76 attempts to return to its original shape. Before the first spring portion 76 attempts to completely return to its original shape, the tip of the first spring portion 76 is able to come into contact with the contact surface 67a. The tip of the first spring portion 76 comes into contact with the contact surface 67a from the rear side of the holder 60, thereby preventing the holder 60 from coming off at least one end of the winding mechanism 40. In addition, the tip of the first spring portion 76 contacts a surface 67c on the inner surface of the holder 60 that extends further back than the abutment surface 67a, thereby suppressing the generation of abnormal noise caused by rattle between the winding mechanism 40 and the holder 60.

[0094] Additionally, the biasing member 70 is provided at least at one end of the retraction mechanism 40, avoiding the cover opening 43. Therefore, the biasing member 70 does not block the end of the cover opening 43 at the end of the retraction mechanism 40. This allows the entire cover opening 43 to be used as an opening for pulling out and retracting the tonneau cover 22, and the area over which the tonneau cover 22 can expand relative to the length of the tonneau cover device 20 can be increased.

[0095] {Variation} The biasing member is not limited to being attached to the outer surface of the end of the winding mechanism 40 as described above, but may be interposed between the inner surface of the holder 60 and the outer surface of at least one end of the winding mechanism 40 in various ways.

[0096] 12, a positioning recess 161 may be formed on the inner peripheral surface of a holder 160 corresponding to the holder 60, and a biasing member 170 corresponding to the biasing member 70 may be attached to the inner peripheral side of the holder 160 in a state where the biasing member 170 is fitted into the positioning recess 161. In this case, the biasing member 170 may be movable between the opening side and the back side of the holder 160 in a state where a base portion 172 of the biasing member 170 is fitted into the positioning recess 161.

[0097] Spring portion 178 of biasing member 170 may extend in a direction away from the inner circumferential surface of holder 160 as it moves from base portion 172 toward the back side of holder 160. A locking recess 141 into which the tip end of spring portion 178 locks may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of winding mechanism 140 corresponding to winding mechanism 40.

[0098] According to this modification, the biasing member 170 fits into the positioning recess 161, and the holder 160 can move along the longitudinal direction of the winding mechanism 140 within the range of movement between the opening side and the rear side of the holder 160. The biasing member 170 abuts on the step on the opening side of the positioning recess 161, and the tip of the spring portion 178 engages with the locking recess 141, thereby preventing the holder 160 from coming off. In either state, the spring portion 178 is interposed between the inner circumferential surface of the holder 160 and the outer circumferential surface of the winding mechanism 140, and can bias the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface in directions away from each other. This suppresses rattle of the holder 160, as in the above embodiment.

[0099] The configurations described in the above embodiment and modifications can be combined as appropriate as long as they are not mutually contradictory.

[0100] The present specification and drawings disclose the following aspects.

[0101] The first aspect is a tonneau cover device comprising: a tonneau cover that covers the luggage compartment of a vehicle; a winding shaft to which the base end of the tonneau cover is attached; a winding mechanism that rotatably supports both ends of the winding shaft while biasing the winding shaft in the winding direction of the tonneau cover so that the tonneau cover can be wound up and pulled out; a holder that is slidably attached to at least one end of the winding mechanism along its longitudinal direction and biased toward the outside in the longitudinal direction of the winding mechanism; and a biasing member that is interposed between the inner surface of the holder and the outer surface of at least one end of the winding mechanism and biases the inner surface and the outer surface in directions away from each other.

[0102] In this tonneau cover device, the biasing member is interposed between the inner peripheral surface of the holder and the outer peripheral surface of at least one end of the retraction mechanism, biasing the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface in a direction away from each other. This makes it difficult for the holder to rattle relative to at least one end of the biasing member in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the biasing member. This reduces the generation of abnormal noise due to rattle between the retraction mechanism and the holder.

[0103] The second aspect is a tonneau cover device according to the first aspect, wherein the biasing member includes a spring portion having a base end supported at a fixed position on the outer peripheral surface of at least one end of the winding mechanism, and the spring portion is formed in a shape that moves away from the outer peripheral surface as it moves from the base end toward the longitudinal center of the winding mechanism.

[0104] According to a second aspect, the biasing member includes a spring portion having a base end supported at a fixed position on the outer circumferential surface of at least one end of the winding mechanism. Therefore, the biasing member can be configured to be attached to the outer circumferential surface of at least one end of the winding mechanism. This makes it easier to attach the biasing member to the winding mechanism than if it were attached to the inner circumferential surface of the holder. Furthermore, when the holder is attached to at least one end of the winding mechanism, the spring portion is pressed by the holder, causing the spring portion to deform toward the outer circumferential surface of at least one end of the winding mechanism. Once the holder is attached to at least one end of the winding mechanism, the force of the spring portion, which has deformed toward the outer circumferential surface of at least one end of the winding mechanism, as it attempts to return to its original shape, can bias the outer circumferential surface of the holder in a direction away from the outer circumferential surface of at least one end of the winding mechanism. This suppresses noise due to rattle between the winding mechanism and the holder.

[0105] A third aspect is a tonneau cover device according to the second aspect, wherein the inner surface of the holder includes a step-forming surface having an abutment surface and a protruding surface, the abutment surface is a surface located between the back of the holder and the opening and facing the back side, and the protruding surface is a surface that extends further toward the opening than the abutment surface and protrudes further toward the outer surface than the surface that extends further toward the back side than the abutment surface.

[0106] In this case, the contact of the spring portion with the protruding surface allows the spring portion to deform so as to approach the outer circumferential surface of at least one end of the winding mechanism. When the tip of the spring portion passes beyond the protruding surface and is positioned at the rear side of the holder, the spring portion attempts to restore its original shape. The tip of the spring portion contacts the abutment surface before the spring portion attempts to completely restore its original shape, thereby preventing the holder from coming off the at least one end of the winding mechanism. Furthermore, the contact of the tip of the spring portion with a surface of the inner circumferential surface of the holder that extends further rearward than the abutment surface suppresses the generation of abnormal noise due to rattle between the winding mechanism and the holder.

[0107] A fourth aspect is a tonneau cover device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the winding mechanism includes a cylindrical casing capable of accommodating the winding shaft and the tonneau cover wound around the winding shaft, the casing has a cover opening formed along the longitudinal direction of the casing that allows the tonneau cover to be pulled out and wound up, and the biasing member is arranged on the outer peripheral surface of at least one end of the winding mechanism, avoiding the cover opening.

[0108] According to the fourth aspect, the biasing member does not block the end of the cover opening at the end of the winding mechanism, so the entire cover opening can be used as an opening for pulling out and winding the tonneau cover, increasing the area over which the tonneau cover can expand relative to the length of the tonneau cover device.

[0109] The above description is illustrative in all respects and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It is understood that numerous variations not illustrated can be envisaged without departing from the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 10 vehicles 20 Tonneau cover device 22 Tonneau cover 32 Winding shaft 40, 140 Winding mechanism 42 Casing 43 Cover opening 60, 160 holder 66 Locking groove 67 Step-forming surface 67a Contact surface 67b Projecting surface 67c The inner surface of the contact surface 70, 170 biasing member 72 Base 76 First spring part 78 Second spring part 178 Spring part

Claims

1. A tonneau cover that covers the luggage compartment of the vehicle, a winding shaft to which the base end of the tonneau cover is attached; a winding mechanism that rotatably supports both ends of the winding shaft while biasing the winding shaft in a winding direction of the tonneau cover so that the tonneau cover can be wound up and pulled out; a holder that is attached to at least one end of the winding mechanism in a manner that allows it to slide along the longitudinal direction of the winding mechanism and is biased toward the outside in the longitudinal direction of the winding mechanism; a biasing member interposed between an inner peripheral surface of the holder and an outer peripheral surface of the at least one end of the winding mechanism, and biasing the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface in directions away from each other; A tonneau cover device comprising:

2. 2. The tonneau cover device according to claim 1, the biasing member includes a spring portion having a base end supported at a fixed position on the outer circumferential surface of the at least one end of the winding mechanism, The spring portion is formed in a shape that moves away from the outer peripheral surface as it moves from the base end toward the center of the winding mechanism in the longitudinal direction.

3. 3. The tonneau cover device according to claim 2, the inner circumferential surface of the holder includes a step-forming surface having a contact surface and a protruding surface, the abutment surface is a surface located between the rear of the holder and the opening and facing the rear side, The protruding surface extends further toward the opening than the contact surface and protrudes further toward the outer circumferential surface than the surface extending further toward the rear than the contact surface.

4. The tonneau cover device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the winding mechanism includes a cylindrical casing that can accommodate the winding shaft and the tonneau cover wound around the winding shaft, The casing has a cover opening formed along the longitudinal direction of the casing, which allows the tonneau cover to be pulled out and rolled up. The tonneau cover device, wherein the biasing member is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the at least one end of the winding mechanism, avoiding the cover opening.

5. A tonneau cover device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the winding shaft, the winding mechanism, the holder, and the biasing member constitute a winding support device, a longitudinal biasing member biases the holder outward along the longitudinal direction of the winding mechanism; The winding support device is configured so that both end portions thereof can be held in the pair of receiving recesses on the vehicle side, The tonneau cover device, wherein the longitudinal biasing member biases the holder so as to prevent gaps from being formed between both longitudinally outward portions of the winding support device and the pair of receiving recesses.

6. A tonneau cover device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, A tonneau cover device, wherein the biasing member biases the inner surface and the outer surface in a direction away from each other so as to suppress rattling of the holder relative to the winding mechanism in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the winding mechanism.

Images