Lid opening and closing device

Abstract

To prevent wrong opening of a lid to prevent unintended entry of water into the lid.SOLUTION: A lid opening and closing device 10 comprises: a base 20 mounted with a receiving part 15; a lid 25 that can move between a closing position and an opening position; a driving mechanism 40 including a driving source 41 that makes the lid 25 open; a first operation receiving part 55 that receives an opening operation and outputs a first signal; a water detecting part 57 that, when detecting water outside a vehicle 1, outputs a second signal; and a control part 65 that controls the driving mechanism 40 on the basis of input states of the first signal and of the second signal. When the second signal is not inputted, the control part 65 makes the driving mechanism 40 execute the operation of opening a lid 25 when the first signal is inputted thereto, and when the second signal is inputted, does not make the driving mechanism 40 execute the operation of opening the lid 25 even if the first signal is inputted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a lid opening and closing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a lid opening and closing device for use in an electric vehicle. This lid opening and closing device includes a power supply connector to which a charging plug is connected and a drive mechanism including a drive source for opening and closing the lid. The drive mechanism automatically opens and closes the lid when an operating unit provided on a remote key is operated. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-210473 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the lid opening / closing device of Patent Document 1, if the lid is opened by mistake during rain or a car wash, water that seeps into the lid may adhere to the power supply connector, potentially leading to a malfunction. Even in a receiving section that replenishes liquid or gaseous fuels other than electricity, water intrusion is undesirable. Therefore, the lid opening / closing device of Patent Document 1 has room for improvement in terms of preventing the lid from being opened accidentally.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a lid opening and closing device that can prevent the lid from being opened accidentally and prevent water from unintentionally entering the lid. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention provides a vehicle control system including a base disposed inside an opening in a panel and having a receiving section attached thereto so as to be positioned within the opening; a lid attached to the base so as to be movable between a closed position that blocks the opening and an open position that opens the opening; a drive mechanism including a drive source capable of performing an opening operation to move the lid from the closed position to the open position; a first operation receiving section that receives an opening operation to perform the opening operation of the lid and outputs a first signal; and a water detecting section that outputs a second signal when water outside the vehicle is detected. a second operation receiving unit that receives an opening operation for performing the opening operation of the lid and outputs a third signal; The first signal 、 The second signal , and the third signal and a control unit that controls the drive mechanism based on an input state of the second signal, and when the first signal is input while the second signal is not input, the control unit executes the opening operation of the lid by the drive mechanism. death When the second signal is in the input state, even if the first signal is input, the opening operation of the lid is not performed by the drive mechanism. Without , When the third signal is input, the opening operation of the lid is performed by the drive mechanism regardless of the input state of the second signal. A lid opening and closing device is provided.

[0007] When the control unit receives the first signal from the first operation receiving unit while the second signal from the water detection unit has not yet been received, the control unit executes the lid opening operation using the drive mechanism. In other words, when the user performs the opening operation when there is no water outside the vehicle, the drive mechanism can automatically open the lid. This improves convenience when refueling the vehicle.

[0008] When the second signal from the water detection unit is in an input state, the control unit does not execute the drive mechanism to open the lid even if the first signal is received from the first operation receiving unit. In other words, even if an opening operation is performed accidentally when there is water outside the vehicle, the drive mechanism will not open the lid. This prevents the lid from being opened accidentally and water from unintentionally entering the lid. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The present invention can prevent the lid from being accidentally opened and prevent water from unintentionally entering the lid. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view of an automobile equipped with a lid opening and closing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view of a lid opening and closing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the lid opening and closing device of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] Cross-sectional view of line IV-IV in Figure 2. [Figure 5] 5 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 4 of the lid opening and closing device with the lid closed. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the lid opening / closing device excluding the receiving portion, as viewed from the inside of the vehicle. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of part VII of FIG. 4. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of part VIII in FIG. 5 . [Figure 9] Cross-sectional view of line IX-IX in Figure 5. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI in FIG. 9. [Figure 12] 12 is a partial cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 11 with the lid open. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG. 9. [Figure 14A] 6 is a graph showing the movement of the arm and the locking member when the lid is opened. [Figure 14B] 6 is a graph showing the movement of the arm and the locking member when the lid is closed. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart of a lid opening / closing process performed by a control unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] 1 and 2 show a lid opening / closing device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention mounted on an automobile 1. Referring to FIG. 2, the lid opening / closing device 10 is provided with a power supply connector 15 to which a charging plug (not shown) is connected, and is attached to a side panel (panel) 2 of the automobile. The power supply connector 15 is a receiving unit for refilling electricity. However, the receiving unit may be configured to receive either a liquid fuel such as gasoline or diesel, or a gas fuel such as hydrogen or LP gas, instead of the power supply connector 15.

[0013] The X direction shown in each drawing cited in the following description is the length direction of the automobile 1, the Y direction is the width direction of the automobile 1, and the Z direction is the height direction of the automobile 1. In each drawing, the direction indicated by the X arrow is the front side, and the direction opposite to the arrow is the rear side. The direction indicated by the Y arrow is the inside of the vehicle (inner side), and the direction opposite to the arrow is the outside of the vehicle (outer side). The direction indicated by the Z arrow is the upper side, and the direction opposite to the arrow is the lower side.

[0014] 4 and 5, the side panel 2 is provided with a recess 3 recessed inward in the vehicle width direction Y. The outer end of the recess 3 in the vehicle width direction Y is an opening 4. A mounting opening 5 for mounting the lid opening / closing device 10 is provided at the bottom of the recess 3. In this embodiment, the shapes of the opening 4 and the mounting opening 5 are generally elliptical when viewed from the vehicle width direction Y, but can be changed as needed.

[0015] 2 and 3, the lid opening and closing device 10 includes a base 20 attached to the side panel 2, a lid 25 that releasably closes the opening 4, and a drive mechanism 40 including a motor 41 that opens and closes the lid 25. The lid opening and closing device 10 also includes a switch (operation receiving unit) 55 that receives an operation to open and close the lid 25 using the drive mechanism 40, a water detection unit 57 that detects water outside the automobile 1, and a control unit 65 that controls the drive mechanism 40.

[0016] The motor 41 provided in the drive mechanism 40 rotates forward or reverse in response to a command from an electrically connected control unit 65. When the motor 41 rotates forward, the drive mechanism 40 rotates the lid 25 from the closed position shown in Fig. 5 to the open position shown in Fig. 4 (opening operation). When the motor 41 rotates reverse, the drive mechanism 40 rotates the lid 25 from the open position shown in Fig. 4 to the closed position shown in Fig. 5 (closing operation).

[0017] The control unit 65 is electrically connected to the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 7 of the automobile 1, and controls the motor 41 (drive mechanism 40) based on the input state of signals from the switch 55 and the water detection unit 57. Specifically, if an opening operation is performed when there is no water outside the automobile 1, the control unit 65 causes the drive mechanism 40 to open the lid 25. Furthermore, if an opening operation is performed by mistake when there is water outside the automobile 1, the control unit 65 does not cause the drive mechanism 40 to open the lid 25. Furthermore, if an intentional opening operation is performed even when there is water outside the automobile 1, the control unit 65 causes the drive mechanism 40 to open the lid 25. Furthermore, regardless of the presence or absence of water outside the automobile 1, if a closing operation is performed, the control unit 65 causes the drive mechanism 40 to close the lid 25.

[0018] 2 and 3, the switch 55 for automatically opening and closing the lid 25, the water detection unit 57, and the control unit 65 will be specifically described below. The lid opening and closing device 10 of this embodiment also includes a lid detection unit 60 that detects the open / closed state of the lid 25 as another component.

[0019] The switch 55 has an operating part 56 that can resiliently advance and retreat, is disposed on the inner surface side of the base 20 in the vehicle width direction Y, and is electrically connected to the control unit 65. The switch 55 is a normally open push switch whose contacts are shorted when the operating part 56 is operated inward in the vehicle width direction Y. Since the contacts remain shorted while the operating part 56 is being operated, the switch 55 continues to output an operation signal indicating that it has been operated. When the operation of the operating part 56 is stopped and the electrical connection of the contacts is interrupted, the switch 55 does not output an operation signal.

[0020] The operating unit 56 is disposed in the window hole 21b of the base 20 and can be operated inward in the vehicle width direction Y of the base body 21. When the lid 25 is in the open state shown in FIG. 4, the operating unit 56 can be directly operated through the opening 4. When the lid 25 is in the closed state shown in FIG. 5, the operating unit 56 can be operated by pressing the lid 25 itself inward in the vehicle width direction Y using the pressing unit 27 shown in FIG. 2.

[0021] In this embodiment, one switch 55 accepts three different types of operations. One of them is a first operation that opens the lid 25 when the water detection unit 57 does not detect water (first operation acceptance unit). The other is a second operation that opens the lid 25 regardless of the water detection state of the water detection unit 57 (second operation acceptance unit). The remaining one is a third operation that closes the lid 25 regardless of the water detection state of the water detection unit 57 (third operation acceptance unit). The control unit 65 determines (judges) which operation is to be performed based on the open / closed state of the lid 25 and the operation time of the switch 55. However, the three types of operations may be accepted by different switches.

[0022] 1 and 2, the water detection unit 57 is attached to the interior side of the windshield 6 of the automobile 1, and detects the presence or absence of water outside the automobile 1 through the windshield 6. The water detection unit 57 is electrically connected to the control unit 65, and outputs a water detection signal (second signal) when it detects water outside the automobile 1, and does not output the water detection signal if it does not detect water outside the automobile 1.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 3, the water detection unit 57 of this embodiment includes an imaging device 58 and a recognition device 59.

[0024] The imaging device 58 includes an imaging element such as a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor). The imaging device 58 is disposed on the windshield 6 with its optical axis facing the traveling direction of the automobile 1, and can capture images of the glass surface of the windshield 6 and the outside of the automobile 1 through the windshield 6. The imaging device 58 captures images of objects present in the imaging area and continuously generates luminance images containing at least luminance information for each frame. The main object captured by the imaging device 58 is water adhering to the windshield 6. However, the object may also be bubbles from water droplets adhering to the windshield 6.

[0025] The recognition device 59 is electrically connected to the imaging device 58, and receives as input a plurality of luminance images captured by the imaging device 58. The recognition device 59 recognizes water adhering to the windshield 6 based on the plurality of luminance images captured at different times by the imaging device 58, and outputs the recognition result (water detection state) to the control unit 65 to which it is electrically connected.

[0026] The lid detection unit 60 detects whether the lid 25 is in the closed position shown in Fig. 5 or the open position shown in Fig. 4. The lid detection unit 60 includes a magnet 61 attached to the lid 25 as shown in Fig. 2, and a Hall IC 62 (see Fig. 3) disposed opposite the magnet 61 in the closed position shown in Fig. 5. However, the lid detection unit 60 can be applied as needed as long as it is configured to detect the open / closed state of the lid 25.

[0027] 3, the Hall IC 62 is electrically connected to the control unit 65, and outputs a close detection signal (fourth signal) when it detects the magnetic field of the magnet 61. In other words, the Hall IC 62 outputs the close detection signal when the lid 25 is in the closed position, and does not output the close detection signal when the lid 25 is in the open position.

[0028] The control unit 65 is configured with one or more microcomputers and other electronic devices, and is communicatively connected to the ECU 7. The control unit 65 controls the motor 41 (drive mechanism 40) based on the input states of signals from the switch 55, recognition device 59, and Hall IC 62, which are electrically connected to the control unit 65.

[0029] Specifically, when the lid 25 is in the closed position, the control unit 65 makes a determination based on the operation time of the switch 55 and the detection result of the water detection unit 57, and decides whether or not to execute the opening operation of the lid 25 by the drive mechanism 40. On the other hand, when the lid 25 is in the open position, if an operation signal is input from the switch 55, the control unit 65 executes the closing operation of the lid 25 by the drive mechanism 40, regardless of the input state of the water detection signal from the water detection unit 57.

[0030] Specifically, when an operation signal is input from the switch 55, the control unit 65 checks the input state of the close detection signal from the lid detection unit 60. Thereafter, if the control unit 65 determines that the lid 25 is in the closed position based on the input state of the close detection signal from the lid detection unit 60, the control unit 65 determines whether or not to cause the drive mechanism 40 to open the lid 25, based on the input states of the signals from the switch 55 and the water detection unit 57. On the other hand, if the control unit 65 determines that the lid 25 is in the open position based on the input state of the close detection signal from the lid detection unit 60, the control unit 65 reverses the rotation of the motor 41, causing the drive mechanism 40 to close the lid 25.

[0031] The control unit 65 determines whether to perform the opening operation of the lid 25 as follows.

[0032] When an operation signal is input from the switch 55 and a water detection signal is not input from the water detection unit 57, the control unit 65 rotates the motor 41 in the forward direction and performs the opening operation of the lid 25 using the drive mechanism 40.

[0033] On the other hand, in an input state in which an operation signal is input from the switch 55 and a water detection signal is input from the water detection unit 57, the control unit 65 further determines whether or not to execute the opening operation of the lid 25 by the drive mechanism 40, based on the input time of the continuous operation signal (i.e., the operation time of the operation unit 56). A set time T (e.g., 5 seconds) serving as a threshold is stored in the memory unit 66 provided in the control unit 65. When an operation signal (first signal) shorter than the set time T is input from the switch 55, the control unit 65 does not execute the opening operation of the lid 25 by the drive mechanism 40. On the other hand, when an operation signal (third signal) longer than the set time T is input from the switch 55, the control unit 65 rotates the motor 41 in the forward direction to execute the opening operation of the lid 25. In other words, when a third signal different from the first signal is input, the control unit 65 executes the opening operation of the lid 25, even in an input state in which a water detection signal is input from the water detection unit 57.

[0034] Next, the configurations of the base 20, the lid 25, and the drive mechanism 40 will be described in detail.

[0035] As another configuration, the lid opening / closing device 10 of this embodiment further includes a locking member 35 that is operated by a motor 41 provided in the drive mechanism 40 to lock the lid 25 in the closed position. The lid 25 also includes an arm 30 for attachment to the base 20. The drive mechanism 40 also includes a differential mechanism 50 for ensuring a time difference between when the arm 30 starts to rotate and when the locking member 35 starts to move.

[0036] 4 to 6, the base 20 is disposed inside the opening 4 of the side panel 2, and includes a base body 21 that closes the mounting opening 5, and a bearing portion 24 that supports the arm 30.

[0037] The base body 21 is provided with a mounting portion 22 for mounting the power supply connector 15, and is also provided with a seal member 23 for sealing between the lid 25 and the base body 21 in the closed position.

[0038] 5, the mounting portion 22 has a recess 22a recessed inward in the vehicle width direction Y, and an attachment opening 22b is formed at the bottom of the recess 22a. The power supply connector 15 is attached to the attachment opening 22b from the inside in the vehicle width direction Y. As a result, as shown in FIG. 2, the connection portion 15a of the power supply connector 15 is located within the opening 4 and is exposed to the outside of the vehicle through the opening 4 when the lid 25 is opened.

[0039] 4 and 5, the seal member 23 is ring-shaped and attached to the outside of the base body 21 in the vehicle width direction Y along the outer periphery of the base body 21, protruding from the bottom side of the recess 3 toward the opening 4. The seal member 23 is pressed against the lid 25 in the closed position shown in Fig. 5, and provides a watertight seal between the base body 21 and the lid 25. The seal member 23 is not pressed against the lid 25 in the open position shown in Fig. 4.

[0040] 2 and 6, the base body 21 is provided with an insertion hole 21a, a window hole 21b, and a recess 21c so as to be positioned within the opening 4.

[0041] The insertion hole 21a is a rectangular hole with a longer dimension in the vehicle height direction Z, and is provided so as to be located on the front side of the mounting portion 22 in the vehicle length direction X and within the bearing portion 24. An arm 30 is inserted through the insertion hole 21a so as to be able to advance and retreat.

[0042] The window hole 21b is a circular hole and is provided on the rear side of the mounting portion 22 in the vehicle length direction X. An operating portion 56 of the switch 55 is arranged in the window hole 21b from the inside of the base body 21 in the vehicle width direction Y.

[0043] The recess 21c is a rectangular depression extending inward in the vehicle width direction Y, and is provided below the window hole 21b. With reference to Figures 7 and 8, a lock piece 26, which will be described later, is inserted into the recess 21c so that it can advance and retreat. An insertion hole 21d, in which a lock member 35 is disposed so that it can advance and retreat, is provided in the wall that defines the recess 21c. The insertion hole 21d is provided in the wall located on the rear side in the vehicle length direction X. A cylindrical holding portion 21e that holds the lock member 35 is provided around the insertion hole 21d.

[0044] 6, a mounting piece 21f is provided on the rear side of the recess 21c in the vehicle length direction of the base body 21, to which one end of a cable 45 (described later) provided in the drive mechanism 40 is attached. In addition, a Hall IC 62 (see FIG. 3) constituting the water detection unit 60 is disposed between the window hole 21b and the recess 21c.

[0045] 6 and 9, the bearing portion 24 is integral with the base body 21, is adjacent to the front side of the mounting portion 22 in the vehicle length direction X, and protrudes outward from the base body 21. The bearing portion 24 includes a pair of end plates 24a and a connecting plate 24b connecting the end plates 24a. The pair of end plates 24a are spaced apart in the vehicle height direction Z so as to be positioned above and below the insertion hole 21a, and both extend along the XY plane. The connecting plate 24b is connected to the front ends of the pair of end plates 24a in the vehicle length direction X and the outer ends in the vehicle width direction Y, respectively, and leaves the other ends of the end plates 24a open.

[0046] A shaft hole 24c is provided in the lower end plate 24a, and a shaft hole 24d is provided in the upper end plate 24a at a position opposite to the shaft hole 24c. The shaft hole 24c is a circular recess, and the shaft hole 24d is a circular through-hole with the same diameter as the shaft hole 24c. The center line in the vehicle height direction Z that passes through the shaft holes 24c and 24d is the rotation axis A of the bearing portion 24.

[0047] The upper end plate 24a is further provided with a guide recess 24e, a holding recess 24f, and an attachment recess 24g, all of which are recessed downward from the upper surface of the upper end plate 24a.

[0048] 6, 9, and 11, guide recess 24e is provided in a region including shaft hole 24d and holds cam follower 49 (described later) provided in drive mechanism 40 so that it can move in the vehicle length direction X. When viewed from the vehicle height direction Z, guide recess 24e has a semi-elliptical shape including a rectangular first portion 24e1 and a semi-circular second portion 24e2. Second portion 24e2 is connected to the rear side of first portion 24e1 in the vehicle length direction X.

[0049] 6, 9, and 13, the holding recess 24f is provided at the bottom of the guide recess 24e so as to be adjacent to the upper side of the shaft hole 24d. The holding recess 24f has a circular shape with a larger diameter than the shaft hole 24d, and is spatially connected to both the lower shaft hole 24d and the upper guide recess 24e.

[0050] 6, mounting recess 24g has a semicircular cross section, and one end of cable 45 of drive mechanism 40 is attached to mounting recess 24g. Mounting recess 24g is provided with holding piece 24h having a C-shaped cross section that holds cable 45. A communication groove 24i is provided between mounting recess 24g and guide recess 24e to spatially communicate them.

[0051] 2, 4, and 5, the lid 25 is in the shape of a plate that is smaller than the opening 4 and larger than the seal member 23, and releasably closes the opening 4. The arm 30 is pivotally supported by the bearing portion 24, so that the lid 25 is allowed to move between a closed position where the opening 4 is closed and an open position where the opening 4 is open.

[0052] 2 and 8, the lid 25 is provided with a lock piece (engagement portion) 26 that is inserted into the recess 21c of the base 20 when the lid 25 is rotated to the closed position shown in Fig. 5. The lock piece 26 includes a lock piece main body 26a and an inclined portion 26b.

[0053] When the lid 25 is in a closed state, the lock piece main body 26a protrudes perpendicularly from the lid 25 toward the inside of the vehicle width direction Y. A rectangular lock hole 26c with which the lock member 35 engages is formed in the lock piece main body 26a.

[0054] The inclined portion 26b is connected to the inner end of the lock piece main body 26a in the vehicle width direction Y, and is inclined in a direction away from the lock member 35 as it goes from the outer side to the inner side in the vehicle width direction Y.

[0055] The lid 25 has a pressing portion 27 that faces the operating portion 56 (window hole 21b) when rotated to the closed position. The pressing portion 27 protrudes perpendicularly from the lid 25 toward the inside of the vehicle width direction Y. When the lid 25 in the closed position is further pressed toward the inside of the vehicle width direction Y, the pressing portion 27 pushes in the operating portion 56, allowing the switch 55 to be operated.

[0056] A magnet 61 constituting the lid detection portion 60 is disposed between the lock piece 26 and the pressing portion 27. A portion of the magnet 61 may be exposed from the inner surface of the lid 25. If the lid 25 is made of resin, the magnet 61 may be embedded in the lid 25 by insert molding.

[0057] 2, 4, and 5, the arm 30 is disposed through the insertion hole 21a, spanning from the inside to the outside of the base 20 in the vehicle width direction Y. The arm 30 includes a plate-shaped first arm portion 31 pivotally supported by the bearing portion 24, and an arc-shaped second arm portion 33 connected to the lid 25.

[0058] A pivotal attachment portion 31a that is journaled to the bearing portion 24 is provided at the base end of the first arm portion 31 (one end side of the arm 30). In other words, the first arm portion 31 protrudes outward from the pivotal attachment portion 31a. Referring to Figures 9 and 10, the pivotal attachment portion 31a has a mounting hole 31b that has a square cross section (non-circular) to which a shaft member 32 is attached. The pivotal attachment portion 31a is disposed between a pair of end plates 24a of the bearing portion 24, and is rotatable about the rotation axis A via the shaft member 32.

[0059] 9 and 10, the shaft member 32 is a rod with a square cross section that passes through the mounting hole 31b of the first arm portion 31 and rotates integrally with the pivot portion 31a. In other words, the shaft member 32 is unable to rotate relative to the pivot portion 31a. The shaft member 32 passes through the shaft hole 24d from the upper side of the bearing portion 24, with its tip disposed in the shaft hole 24c and supported rotatably by the inner circumferential walls of the shaft holes 24c and 24d.

[0060] 6 and 9, the shaft member 32 includes a flange portion 32a rotatably held within the holding recess 24f, and a shaft portion 32b protruding upward from the flange portion 32a. The thickness of the flange portion 32a is approximately the same as the depth of the holding recess 24f in the vehicle height direction Z. The shaft portion 32b has an axis that coincides with the rotation axis A, and protrudes upward from the guide recess 24e when attached to the bearing portion 24.

[0061] 2, 4, and 5, the second arm portion 33 is mechanically connected to the tip of the first arm portion 31 opposite the pivot portion 31a. The second arm portion 33 has an arc shape centered on the rotation axis A. A connection portion (tip portion) 33a that is mechanically connected to the lid 25 is provided at the tip of the second arm portion 33 (the other end side of the arm 30).

[0062] 6 to 8, the locking member 35 is arranged in the insertion hole 21d of the base 20 so as to be able to advance and retreat. The locking member 35 is attached to a wire 47 of a cable 45, and the rotational force of a rotor 42 (described later) is transmitted via a cam 43 and the wire 47, causing the locking member 35 to move linearly between the locked position shown in FIG. 8 and the unlocked position shown in FIG. 7. The locking member 35 is elastically biased toward the locked position (the front side in the vehicle length direction X, which is the lock piece 26 side) by a spring 36, one end of which is supported by the cable 45. Specifically, the locking member 35 includes a locking portion 35a and a flange portion 35b.

[0063] The locking portion 35a is rod-shaped with a diameter smaller than that of the insertion hole 21d, and has a hemispherically chamfered tip. When in the locked position, the locking portion 35a protrudes into the recess 21c and engages with the locking hole 26c when the locking piece 26 is in the recess 21c, preventing (locking) the locking piece 26 from moving outward in the vehicle width direction Y. When in the unlocked position, the locking portion 35a retracts into the retaining portion 21e, disengaging the locking piece 26 from the locking hole 26c and allowing (unlocking) the locking piece 26 to move outward in the vehicle width direction Y.

[0064] The flange portion 35b is disk-shaped and has a diameter larger than the diameters of the insertion hole 21d and the spring 36. Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the flange portion 35b is located outside the holding portion 21e in both the locked position and the unlocked position. When the locking member 35 moves to the locked position, the flange portion 35b abuts against the holding portion 21e, restricting further movement of the locking member 35. The flange portion 35b is provided with a cylindrical attachment portion 35c that is attached to the wire 47.

[0065] 2 and 6, the drive mechanism 40 includes a motor 41, a rotor 42, a cam 43, and a cable 45, and is disposed on the upper portion of the base 20. The cable 45 includes a cam follower 49 that follows the rotation of the cam 43.

[0066] The motor 41 is a drive source capable of rotating forward and reverse, and performs both the opening and closing of the lid 25 and the movement of the locking member 35. By rotating forward, the motor 41 moves the arm 30 from the retracted position to the advanced position, operates the lid 25 from the closed position to the open position, and operates the locking member 35 from the locked position to the unlocked position. By rotating reverse, the motor 41 moves the arm 30 from the advanced position to the retracted position, operates the lid 25 from the open position to the closed position, and operates the locking member 35 from the unlocked position to the locked position.

[0067] The rotating body 42 is disk-shaped and is disposed on the bearing portion 24 side of the base 20. The rotating body 42 transmits the driving force received from the motor 41 to the pivot portion 31a to rotate the arm 30, and also transmits the driving force to the locking member 35 to move the locking member 35. Specifically, the rotating body 42 has an attachment portion 42a that is attached to the motor 41, and is directly rotated by the motor 41. Referring to FIG. 6, the rotating body 42 rotates in the direction indicated by R1 when the motor 41 rotates forward to open the lid 25, and rotates in the direction indicated by R2 when the motor 41 rotates reverse to close the lid 25.

[0068] 9 and 10, the rotating body 42 is disposed on the guide recess 24e of the base 20 so as to be coaxial with the pivotal connection 31a of the arm 30. In other words, the rotation axis of the rotating body 42, the rotation axis of the pivotal connection 31a, and the rotation axis A of the bearing 24 are all coincident. The rotating body 42 is connected to the pivotal connection 31a via a differential mechanism 50. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the pivotal connection 31a (arm 30) rotates in the same directions R1 and R2 as the rotating body 42 in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating body 42.

[0069] 9 and 10, the cam 43 is integral with the rotating body 42 and rotates in the directions R1 and R2 in conjunction with the rotating body 42. Specifically, the cam 43 protrudes from the lower surface of the rotating body 42 that faces the pivot point 31a, and is disposed in the guide recess 24e of the base 20 so as to be adjacent to the pivot point 31a. The amount of protrusion of the cam 43 in the vehicle height direction Z is the same as the depth of the guide recess 24e.

[0070] 10 and 11, the cam 43 has a rotation axis that coincides with the rotation axis A of the bearing 24, and a non-circular outer circumferential portion 43a. In other words, the cam 43 and the bearing 24 have the same rotation axis A. The outer circumferential portion 43a has a first straight portion 43b, a first arcuate portion 43c, a second arcuate portion 43d, and a second straight portion 43e.

[0071] The first straight portion 43b transmits the rotational force of the rotating body 42 to the locking member 35 via the cable 45, moving the locking member 35 between the locked position and the unlocked position. Specifically, the first straight portion 43b extends linearly between a position at a distance D1 from the rotation axis A and a position at a distance D2 from the rotation axis A. The angular positions around the rotation axis A are different between one end on the distance D1 side and the other end on the distance D2 side. The distance D2 is shorter than the distance D1, and the dimensional difference (D1-D2) between the distances D1 and D2 corresponds to the movement stroke of the locking member 35. In other words, the angle range β from one end to the other end of the first straight portion 43b corresponds to the rotation angle of the cam 43 for moving the locking member 35 between the locked position and the unlocked position.

[0072] One end of the first straight portion 43b on the distance D1 side forms a pressing portion 43f that presses the cam follower 49. When the cam 43 rotates in direction R1 during the lid-opening operation, the pressing portion 43f moves from the position shown in FIG. 11 to the front side in the vehicle length direction X, which is the left side, and presses and moves the cam follower 49 in the same direction (see FIG. 12). When the cam 43 rotates in direction R2 during the lid-closing operation, the pressing portion 43f moves from the position shown in FIG. 12 to the rear side in the vehicle length direction X, which is the right side, and allows the cam follower 49 to move in the same direction (see FIG. 11).

[0073] 10 and 12, the first arc portion 43c holds the locking member 35 in the unlocked position via the cable 45. The first arc portion 43c is arc-shaped about the rotation axis A and is connected to the pressing portion 43f of the first straight portion 43b. The radius of the first arc portion 43c is the same as the distance D1 of the pressing portion 43f. The angular range forming the first arc portion 43c is preferably 180 degrees or more, and is 210 degrees in this embodiment.

[0074] 10 and 11, the second arc portion 43d holds the locking member 35 in the locked position via the cable 45. The second arc portion 43d has an arc shape centered on the rotation axis A and is connected to the end of the first straight portion 43b on the distance D2 side. The radius of the second arc portion 43d is the same dimension as the distance D2.

[0075] The second straight portion 43e is not involved in the movement of the locking member 35 via the cable 45. The second straight portion 43e is connected to an end of the first arc portion 43c that is not connected to the first straight portion 43b and to an end of the second arc portion 43d that is not connected to the first straight portion 43b, and extends in the radial direction of the first arc portion 43c. In other words, the angular position around the rotation axis A is the same at the inner end and the outer end of the second straight portion 43e.

[0076] 6, cable 45 is a transmission member that transmits the rotational force of cam 43 to locking member 35 to move it, and includes a flexible tube 46, a wire 47 that can move back and forth within tube 46, and cam follower 49. Locking member 35 is attached to the rear end of wire 47 in vehicle length direction X, which is opposite bearing 24, and cam follower 49 is attached to the front end of wire 47 in vehicle length direction X, which is on the bearing 24 side.

[0077] A cable end 48A is attached to the end of the tube 46 on the locking member 35 side, and a cable end 48B is attached to the end on the cam follower 49 side. Cable end 48A is attached to the mounting piece 21f of the base 20, and cable end 48B is attached to the mounting recess 24g of the base 20. With reference to Figures 7 and 8, a spring 36 is arranged in a compressed state between the cable end 48A and the locking member 35.

[0078] 6, 10, and 11, the cam follower 49 is annular and surrounds the outer circumferential portion 43a of the cam 43, and is disposed within the guide recess 24e of the base 20. As the cam 43 rotates, the cam follower 49 is movable between a first operating position where it has moved forward within the guide recess 24e in the vehicle length direction X as shown in Fig. 12, and a second operating position where it has moved rearward within the guide recess 24e in the vehicle length direction X as shown in Fig. 11.

[0079] The thickness of the cam follower 49 in the vehicle height direction Z is approximately the same as the protrusion amount of the cam 43 and the depth of the guide recess 24e. The cam follower 49 has a semi-elliptical shape when viewed from the vehicle height direction Z, and includes a pair of side portions 49a, a pressure-receiving portion 49b, an arc portion 49c, and an attachment portion 49d.

[0080] The pair of side portions 49a each extend linearly in the vehicle length direction X and are disposed adjacent to a pair of side walls of the first portion 24e1 of the guide recess 24e that extend in the vehicle length direction X. The length L1 of the side portions 49a in the vehicle length direction X is shorter than the length L2 of the first portion 24e1 of the guide recess 24e in the vehicle length direction X. The dimensional difference (L2 - L1) between the length L1 of the side portions 49a and the length L2 of the first portion 24e1 is greater than the dimensional difference (D1 - D2) between the distances D1, D2 of the first straight portion 43b, i.e., the movement stroke of the locking member 35 between the locked position and the unlocked position.

[0081] The pressure receiving portion 49b is connected to the front end of each of the pair of side portions 49a in the vehicle length direction X, and extends linearly in the vehicle width direction Y.

[0082] Arc portion 49c is connected to the rear end of each of the pair of side portions 49a in the vehicle length direction X, and has a semicircular arc shape that protrudes rearward in the vehicle length direction X. Arc portion 49c has a curvature that follows the inner wall of second portion 24e2 of guide recess 24e, and functions as a stopper that prevents cam follower 49 from moving further rearward in the vehicle length direction X by abutting against second portion 24e2.

[0083] The attachment portion 49d is provided at the rear apex of the arc portion 49c in the vehicle length direction X, and is attached to an end of the wire 47. In the first operation position shown in FIG. 12, a part of the attachment portion 49d is positioned within the communication groove 24i of the base 20. In the second operation position shown in FIG. 11, the entire attachment portion 49d is positioned within the communication groove 24i of the base 20.

[0084] When the lid 25 in the closed state shown in Fig. 5 is opened and the cam 43 rotates in the direction R1, the pressing portion 43f presses the pressure receiving portion 49b, and the cam follower 49 moves from the second operating position shown in Fig. 11 to the first operating position shown in Fig. 12. This causes the wire 47 to move in conjunction with the opening, and the locking member 35 in the locked position shown in Fig. 8 moves to the unlocked position shown in Fig. 7.

[0085] When the lid 25 in the open state shown in FIG. 4 is closed and the cam 43 rotates in the direction R2, the pressing portion 43f shown in FIG. 12 moves forward in the vehicle length direction X and then gradually moves rearward (see FIG. 11). When the lid 25 moves rearward in the vehicle length direction X, the position at which the pressing portion 43f holds the pressure receiving portion 49b is displaced, so the locking member 35, which is biased by the spring 36, moves from the unlocked position shown in FIG. 7 toward the locked position shown in FIG. 8, and the wire 47 also moves in conjunction with the movement. As a result, the cam follower 49 moves from the first operating position shown in FIG. 12 toward the second operating position shown in FIG. 11 in response to the movement of the pressing portion 43f.

[0086] 9 and 10, the differential mechanism 50 is provided on the rotating body 42 and the pivotal connection 31a of the arm 30, and starts rotating the pivotal connection 31a with a delay after the rotating body 42 starts rotating. Specifically, the differential mechanism 50 is composed of a protrusion 51 provided on the rotating body 42 and a recess 52 provided on the shaft member 32 (pivot connection 31a). However, the protrusion 51 may be provided on the shaft member 32, and the recess 52 may be provided on the rotating body 42.

[0087] The protrusion 51 is provided to protrude from the lower surface of the cam 43 that is integrally formed with the rotating body 42. Referring to Fig. 13, the protrusion 51 is fan-shaped when viewed from the vehicle height direction Z, and is provided at a distance radially outward from the rotation axis A.

[0088] 10 and 13, the recess 52 is formed in the flange portion 32a of the shaft member 32 provided in the pivot portion 31a, and is a notch recessed in the radial direction. When viewed from the vehicle height direction Z, the recess 52 has a fan shape that is larger than the protrusion 51, and the protrusion 51 is disposed inside the recess 52.

[0089] The angular range r1 of the convex portion 51 around the rotation axis A is smaller than the angular range r2 of the concave portion 52 around the rotation axis A. As a result, a gap 53 having a size equal to the difference between the angular ranges r1 and r2 is formed between the convex portion 51 and the concave portion 52 in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis A. As the rotor 42 rotates, the opposing surfaces of the convex portion 51 and the concave portion 52 in the circumferential direction come into contact and press against each other, causing the pivot-mounting portion 31a to rotate. The angular range (r2-r1) of the gap 53 is the differential angular range α, which rotates the shaft member 32 (pivot-mounting portion 31a) with a delay after the rotor 42 starts to rotate.

[0090] 11, the differential angle range α is larger than the angle range β of the first straight portion 43b of the cam 43. As a result, after the locking member 35 moves from the locked position to the unlocked position, the opposing surfaces of the convex portion 51 and the concave portion 52 come into contact with each other, allowing the rotational force of the rotating body 42 to be transmitted to the pivot-mounting portion 31a. The difference (α-β) between the differential angle range α and the angle range β is the delay angle range γ that starts rotation of the pivot-mounting portion 31a (arm 30) after the locking member 35 has completed moving.

[0091] Figures 14A and 14B are graphs showing the movement of the arm 30 and the locking member 35 according to the rotational angle position of the motor 41 (rotating body 42), where Figure 14A shows the lid opening operation in which the lid 25 in the closed position is rotated to the open position, and Figure 14B shows the lid closing operation in which the lid 25 in the open position is rotated to the closed position.

[0092] The angle ranges α, β, and γ shown in FIG. 11 are set so that the lid opening operation shown in FIG. 14A is realized.

[0093] 14A, when the lid 25 is opened, the motor 41 rotates forward from the initial rotation angle position (0) toward the maximum rotation angle position (max). As a result, the rotor 42 starts to rotate in direction R1 from the closed rotation angle position toward the open rotation angle position. The cam 43 also starts to rotate in direction R1 together with the rotor 42, and the cam follower 49 starts to move from the second operating position shown in FIG. 11 toward the first operating position shown in FIG. 12. As a result, the wire 47 is pulled, and the locking member 35, which is in the locked position, starts to move toward the unlocked position, as indicated by Sa1 in FIG. 14A. At this time, due to the presence of the gap 53 in the differential mechanism 50, the rotational force of the rotor 42 is not transmitted to the pivot portion 31a, and therefore the arm 30 does not rotate, as indicated by Sb1 in FIG. 14A. The aforementioned closed rotation angle position refers to the posture of the rotating body 42 when the arm 30 is moved to the retracted position as shown in FIG. 5, and the open rotation angle position refers to the posture of the rotating body 42 when the arm 30 is moved to the advanced position as shown in FIG. 4.

[0094] 14A, the rotor 42 rotates from the closed rotation angle position by an angle equal to or greater than the angle corresponding to the angular range β of the first straight portion 43b of the cam 43. As a result, the cam follower 49 moves from the second actuation position to the first actuation position, and changes from a state in which it is pressed by the pressing portion 43f of the cam 43 to a state in which it is held by the first arc portion 43c. As a result, the locking member 35 is held in the unlock position (see Sa2 in FIG. 14A).

[0095] 14A, the rotor 42 rotates from the closed rotation angle position by an angle equal to or greater than the angle corresponding to the differential angle range α. As a result, the rotational force of the rotor 42 is transmitted to the pivot 31a via the differential mechanism 50, and the arm 30, which is in the retracted position, starts to move toward the advanced position (see Sb2 in FIG. 14A).

[0096] Thereafter, when the motor 41 rotates to the maximum rotation angle position (max), the rotor 42 rotates to the open rotation angle position. As a result, the arm 30 rotates to the advanced position shown in Figure 4, and the lid 25 opens the opening 4. In addition, the locking member 35 continues to be held in the unlocked position by the first arc portion 43c of the cam 43 (see Figure 7).

[0097] 14B, when the lid 25 is closed, the motor 41 rotates in the reverse direction from the maximum rotation angle position (max) to the initial rotation angle position (0). As a result, the rotating body 42 starts to rotate from the open rotation angle position to the closed rotation angle position. The cam 43 also starts to rotate in the direction R2 together with the rotating body 42. However, because the cam follower 49 is held by the first arc portion 43c of the cam 43, the locking member 35 is also held in the unlocked position as shown by Sa3 in FIG. 14B (see FIG. 7). Furthermore, because the gap 53 in the differential mechanism 50 prevents rotational force from being transmitted to the pivot portion 31a, the arm 30 does not rotate as shown by Sb3 in FIG. 14B.

[0098] 14B, the rotor 42 rotates from the open rotation angle position by an angle equal to or greater than the angle corresponding to the differential angle range α. As a result, the rotational force of the rotor 42 is transmitted to the pivot portion 31a, and the arm 30, which is in the advanced position, begins to move toward the retracted position (see Sb4 in FIG. 14B). At this time, the cam follower 49 is held by the first arc portion 43c of the cam 43, and therefore the locking member 35 is also held in the unlocked position (see Sa3 in FIG. 14B).

[0099] Next, when the motor 41 rotates beyond the angular position indicated by P4 in FIG. 14B, the cam follower 49 changes from being held by the first arcuate portion 43c of the cam 43 to being held by the first straight portion 43b. The position at which the cam follower 49 is held by the first straight portion 43b is displaced rearward in the vehicle length direction X as the cam 43 rotates. Therefore, as indicated by Sa4 in FIG. 14B, the biasing force of the spring 36 causes the lock member 35, which is in the unlocked position, to start moving toward the locked position. As a result, the cam follower 49 also starts moving from the first actuated position toward the second actuated position via the wire 47.

[0100] 14B, the rotation of the rotor 42 moves the arm 30 to the retracted position via the operating mechanism 50, and the lid 25 closes the opening 4 (see FIG. 5). Furthermore, the rotation of the cam 43 moves the locking member 35 to the locked position via the cam follower 49 and the wire 47, and the locking member 35 engages with the locking piece 26 of the lid 25 (see FIG. 8).

[0101] Here, the lid 25 may complete movement to the closed position and the locking member 35 may complete movement to the locked position simultaneously, or either may occur first. If they do so simultaneously, or if the lid 25 completes movement before the locking member 35, the locking portion 35a enters and engages with the locking hole 26c located ahead of the locking member 35 in the movement direction. If the locking member 35 completes movement before the lid 25, the inclined portion 26b of the locking piece 26 presses the locking portion 35a in the locked position, causing the locking member 35 to retreat toward the unlocked position. After the lid 25 has completed movement, the biasing force of the spring 36 moves the locking member 35 to the locked position, allowing the locking portion 35a to engage with the locking hole 26c.

[0102] As described above, by setting the angle ranges α, β, and γ so that the lid opening operation shown in FIG. 14A is achieved, the lid 25 can be locked and unlocked by the locking member 35 using a single motor 41 without interfering with the movement of the arm 30 between the advanced position shown in FIG. 4 and the retracted position shown in FIG. 5.

[0103] Next, an example of the process of opening and closing the lid 25 by the control unit 65 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0104] The lid opening / closing process shown in FIG. 15 is executed by the control unit 65 when the engine of the automobile 1 is stopped.

[0105] First, in step S1, the control unit 65 waits until an operation signal is input from the switch 55. Then, when an operation signal is input, in step S2, it checks whether or not a close detection signal is input from the lid detection unit 60. If a close detection signal is input, that is, when the lid 25 is in the closed position, the control unit 65 executes steps S3 to S7, and if a close detection signal is not input, that is, when the lid 25 is in the open position, the control unit 65 executes steps S8 to S10.

[0106] In step S3, it is confirmed whether the input time of the operation signal from switch 55 is equal to or longer than the set time T. If the input time is shorter than the set time T, that is, if the first signal is being input from switch 55, the process proceeds to step S4, and if the input time is equal to or longer than the set time T, that is, if the third signal is being input from switch 55, the process proceeds to step S5.

[0107] In step S4, it is confirmed whether or not a water detection signal has been input from the water detection unit 57. If a water detection signal has been input, the process returns to step S1 without executing steps S5 to S7. On the other hand, if a water detection signal has not been input, the process proceeds to step S5.

[0108] In step S5, the motor 41 starts rotating in the forward direction to open the lid 25. Subsequently, in step S6, the process waits until the motor 41 rotates to the maximum rotation angle position (see FIG. 14A), and when the motor 41 rotates to the maximum rotation angle position, in step S7, the motor 41 is stopped and the process returns to step S1.

[0109] If it is determined in step S2 that the lid 25 is in the open position, then in step S8, the motor 41 starts to rotate in the reverse direction, thereby performing the closing operation of the lid 25. Next, in step S9, the process waits until the motor 41 rotates to the initial rotation angle position (see FIG. 14B), and once the motor 41 has rotated to the initial rotation angle position, then in step S10, the motor 41 is stopped and the process returns to step S1. In other words, the lid closing operation of steps S8 to S10 is performed regardless of whether the first signal or the second signal is input from the switch 55 or the input state of the second signal from the water detection unit 57.

[0110] The lid opening and closing device 10 configured in this manner has the following features.

[0111] When the control unit 65 receives the first signal from the switch 55 while the second signal from the water detection unit 57 has not yet been received, the control unit 65 causes the drive mechanism 40 to open the lid 25. In other words, if the user performs an opening operation when there is no water outside the automobile 1, the drive mechanism 40 can automatically open the lid 25. This improves convenience when refueling the automobile 1.

[0112] When the second signal from the water detection unit 57 is in an input state, the control unit 65 does not execute the opening operation of the lid 25 by the drive mechanism 40 even if the first signal is received from the switch 55. In other words, even if an opening operation is performed by mistake when there is water outside the automobile 1, the lid 25 will not be opened by the drive mechanism 40. This prevents the lid 25 from being opened by mistake and prevents water from entering the lid 25 unintentionally.

[0113] Regardless of the input state of the second signal from the water detection unit 57, when the third signal is input from the switch 55, the control unit 65 executes the opening operation of the lid 25 by the drive mechanism 40. In other words, even if there is water outside the automobile 1, if the user performs an opening operation to forcibly open the lid 25, the drive mechanism 40 can automatically open the lid 25. In this way, since the user can intentionally open the lid 25 automatically, it is possible to improve convenience when refueling in rainy weather or after washing the car.

[0114] The drive mechanism 40 includes a rotor 42 that transmits the drive force of the motor 41 to the pivot portion 31a of the arm 30 provided on the lid 25 to open or close the lid 25, thereby ensuring automatic opening and closing of the lid 25. The drive mechanism 40 also includes a cam 43 that rotates in conjunction with the rotor 42, a cable 45 that is movable by the cam 43, and a locking member 35 that locks the lid 25 when the rotational force of the rotor 42 is transmitted via the cam 43 and the cable 45, thereby locking the lid 25 so that it cannot be opened when it is in the closed position. In this way, automatic opening, closing, and locking of the lid 25 can be achieved with a single motor 41, which improves security while preventing the lid opening and closing device 10 from becoming larger and more expensive than when two motors 41 are installed.

[0115] The differential mechanism 50 has a convex portion 51 provided on one of the pivot portion 31a and the rotor 42 and a concave portion 52 provided on the other, with a gap 53 of a predetermined differential angle range α between the convex portion 51 and the concave portion 52 in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the lid 25 can be automatically opened, closed, and locked by a single motor 41 without being hindered by the locking member 35 from opening or closing the lid 25.

[0116] The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible.

[0117] For example, the lid opening / closing process by the control unit 65 can be modified as needed as long as it is configured to be able to execute or not execute the opening operation of the lid 25 based on the input status of signals from the switch 55 and the water detection unit 57, and to execute the closing operation of the lid 25.

[0118] It is not necessary to provide a function for forcibly opening the lid 25 (long press of the switch 55) when a water detection signal (second signal) is input from the water detector 57.

[0119] When a water detection signal (second signal) is input from the water detection unit 57, even if an operation signal (first signal) is input by operating the switch 55, the drive mechanism 40 may not perform the closing operation of the lid 25.

[0120] The switch 55 may be provided on an electronic key carried by the user, or may be provided on the automobile 1. The first operation reception unit, the second operation reception unit, and the third operation reception unit may be human body detection sensors using capacitance sensors, and may be configured to output an operation signal when the approach of a finger is detected.

[0121] Two or more distance measuring sensors may be used as the operation acceptance unit, and when a predetermined movement by the user (an operation to open or close the lid 25) is detected, the drive mechanism 40 may open or close the lid 25. In other words, the first operation acceptance unit, the second operation acceptance unit, and the third operation acceptance unit may have any configuration as long as they can detect the user's opening or closing operation and output a signal. Furthermore, the first operation acceptance unit, the second operation acceptance unit, and the third operation acceptance unit may each be separate switches, sensors, or the like.

[0122] The opening operation for forcibly opening the lid 25 even when there is water outside the automobile 1 may be performed by operating the switch 55 multiple times within a predetermined time T, and when an operation signal is input multiple times within the predetermined time T, this may be used as a third signal to forcibly open the lid 25.

[0123] The water detection unit 57 may have any configuration as long as it can detect water outside the automobile 1 and output a signal.

[0124] The lid detector 60 may have any configuration as long as it can detect the open / closed state of the lid 25 and output a signal.

[0125] The lid 25 (arm 30) may be rotatable in the vertical direction around a rotation axis extending in the vehicle length direction X. The lid 25 may also be configured to open and close the opening 4 by sliding along the side panel 2.

[0126] The differential mechanism 50 can be modified as needed as long as it has a configuration (structure) that allows the pivotal portion 31a (arm 30) to start rotating after the locking member 35 is moved from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0127] The rotor 42 and the cam 43 may be formed as separate bodies, and the cam 43 may be rotated in conjunction with the rotor 42 via a transmission member such as a gear.

[0128] The transmission member that can be moved by the cam 43 may be a rod. In this case, the lock member 35 is disposed on the left side of the recess 21c of the base 20 shown in Fig. 7. Alternatively, the right side in Fig. 11 may be the first operating position and the left side may be the second operating position, and the direction in which the cam follower 49 is moved by the cam 43 may be reversed left and right in Figs. 11 and 12.

[0129] As long as the cam follower 49 is configured to be able to follow the rotation of the cam 43, it may have a shape other than a semi-elliptical shape or a shape other than an annular shape, and may be modified as necessary. [Explanation of symbols]

[0130] 1. Automobiles 2 Side Panels (Panels) 3 recess 4 Openings 5 Mounting port 6. Windshield 7 ECU 10 Lid opening and closing device 15 Power supply connector (receiving part) 15a Connection 20 base 21 Base body 21a Insertion hole 21b Window hole 21c Recess 21d Insertion hole 21e Holding part 21f Mounting piece 22 Mounting part 22a Recess 22b Mounting port 23 Sealing material 24 Bearing section 24a end plate 24b Connecting plate 24c shaft hole 24d shaft hole 24e Guide recess 24e1 Part 1 24e2 2nd part 24f Retaining recess 24g Mounting recess 24h holding piece 24i communication groove 25 Lid 26 Lock piece (engagement part) 26a Lock piece body 26b Slope 26c Lock hole 27 Pressing section 30 Arm 31 First arm 31a Pivot joint 31b Mounting hole 32 Shaft member 32a Flange 32b Shaft 33 Second arm 33a Connection part (tip) 35 Locking member 35a Lock section 35b flange 35c connection 36 Spring (biasing member) 40 Drive mechanism 41 Motor (drive source) 42 Rotating body 42a Mounting part 43 Cam 43a Outer periphery 43b 1st straight section 43c First arc 43d Second arc 43e 2nd straight section 43f Pressing part 45 Cable (transmission component) 46 tubes 47 Wire (transmission component) 48A, 48B cable end 49 Cam follower 49a Side 49b Pressure receiving part 49c Arc section 49d Connection 50 Differential mechanism 51 Convex part 52 recess 53 Gap 55 Switch (first operation reception unit, second operation reception unit) 56 Operation section 57 Water detection unit 58 Imaging device 59 Recognition device 60 Lid detection unit 61 Magnet 62 Hall IC 65 Control Unit 66 Memory section

Claims

1. a base disposed inside the opening of the panel and having a receiving portion attached thereto so as to be positioned within the opening; a lid attached to the base so as to be movable between a closed position in which the opening is closed and an open position in which the opening is open; a drive mechanism including a drive source capable of performing an opening operation to move the lid from the closed position to the open position; a first operation receiving unit that receives an opening operation for performing the opening operation of the lid and outputs a first signal; a water detection unit that outputs a second signal when water outside the vehicle is detected; a second operation receiving unit that receives an opening operation for performing the opening operation of the lid and outputs a third signal; a control unit that controls the drive mechanism based on input states of the first signal, the second signal, and the third signal; Equipped with The control unit When the second signal is not input, if the first signal is input, the opening operation of the lid is performed by the drive mechanism; When the second signal is in an input state, the opening operation of the lid by the drive mechanism is not performed even if the first signal is input, When the third signal is input, the opening operation of the lid is performed by the drive mechanism regardless of the input state of the second signal. Lid opening and closing device.

2. a locking member movable between a locked position where the locking member engages with the lid in the closed position and an unlocked position where the locking member is released from engagement with the lid; the lid has a pivot portion pivotally supported on the base, and is provided with an arm that is movable between a retracted position where the lid is retracted into the panel to place the lid in the closed position and an advanced position where the lid is protruded outside the panel to place the lid in the open position; The drive mechanism includes: a rotating body that transmits a driving force received from the driving source to the pivot portion to move the arm between the retracted position and the advanced position; a cam that rotates in conjunction with the rotating body; a transmission member movable by the cam, which transmits the rotational force of the rotating body transmitted via the cam to the locking member, thereby moving the locking member between the locked position and the unlocked position; a differential mechanism for starting rotation of the pivotal portion with a delay after the rotation of the rotating body starts when the lid, which is in the closed position, is moved to the open position; The lid opening and closing device according to claim 1 .

3. The pivotal connection portion and the rotating body have the same rotation axis, The differential mechanism includes: a protrusion provided on one of the pivot portion and the rotating body; a recess provided on the other of the pivotal attachment portion and the rotating body, the recess having the protrusion disposed therein; and an angular range of the convex portion around the rotation axis of the pivot connection portion is smaller than an angular range of the concave portion around the rotation axis; a gap having a predetermined differential angle range is provided between the protruding portion and the recessed portion in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis, When the rotating body rotates, opposing surfaces of the convex portion and the concave portion in the circumferential direction come into contact with each other and press against each other, thereby rotating the pivot-mounting portion. The lid opening and closing device according to claim 2.

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