Vehicle door device

Abstract

To make a connecting portion of a link arm relative to a door less likely to be seen from a vehicle cabin side.SOLUTION: In a vehicle door device 20, a vehicle door 5 is opened / closed based on an operation of a link mechanism 15 formed by a link arm 70 having a first turning connection point relative to a vehicle body and a second turning connection point X2 relative to the door 5. In the link arm 70, a distal-end part 70b thereof is connected to a shaft portion 85 of a connecting member 84 as a connecting portion provided in a door panel 83 via a hole portion 86 provided in a door trim 71, thereby forming the second turning connection point X2 relative to the door 5. Further, the vehicle door device 20 includes a distal-end cover 90 having a connecting portion 90a relative to the door trim 71 and a sliding contact portion 90b relative to the link arm 70. The vehicle door device 20 is configured such that the distal-end cover 90 follows the link arm 70 that turns about the second turning connection point X2 and covers the distal-end part 70b of the link arm 70 from a vehicle cabin side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is a vehicle door device including first and second link arms having a first rotation connection point to a vehicle body and a second rotation connection point to a door of the vehicle. Such a vehicle door device opens and closes a door provided at a door opening portion based on an operation of a link mechanism formed by the first and second link arms. And, for example, in Patent Document 1, when the door is in a closed state, each link arm forming the link mechanism is stored outside a door opening attached to a terminal portion on a side portion of the vehicle body and inside a weather strip attached to the inside of the vehicle of the door.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the vehicle door device as described above, the link arms forming the link mechanism are arranged in the vehicle interior in a state of protruding from a door trim. Therefore, there is a problem that a connection portion of the link arm to the door is easily visible from the vehicle interior side.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] Each aspect of the vehicle door device that solves the above problems will be described. The vehicle door device of embodiment 1 opens and closes based on the operation of a link mechanism formed by a link arm having a first pivot connection point with respect to the vehicle body and a second pivot connection point with respect to the vehicle door. The link arm forms the second pivot connection point by having its tip connected to a connecting portion provided on the door panel via a hole provided in the door trim. The device includes a tip cover that covers the tip of the link arm from the passenger compartment side, following the link arm as it rotates around the second pivot connection point in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the door, by having a connecting portion with respect to the door trim and a sliding contact portion with respect to the link arm.

[0006] With the above configuration, the tip of the link arm can be covered from the passenger compartment side, regardless of the door's opening and closing position. This makes the connection point of the link arm to the door less visible from the passenger compartment side.

[0007] Furthermore, because the connection point is less visible to the occupants of the vehicle located on the passenger compartment side, the design constraints on the tip of the link arm and the connection point on the door panel side, such as dimensions and shape, are reduced. As a result, it is possible to ensure high connection strength of the link arm to the door while maintaining excellent design, thereby guaranteeing stable opening and closing operation of the door.

[0008] Furthermore, by covering the tip of the link arm from the passenger compartment side, it becomes more difficult for foreign objects such as dirt and dust to enter the connection point of the link arm to the door. This ensures stable operation and high reliability of the link arm.

[0009] The vehicle door device of embodiment 2 is the vehicle door device of embodiment 1, wherein the front cover comprises a flap member rotatably connected to the door trim and a biasing member that biases the flap member to rotate and bring it into sliding contact with the link arm.

[0010] With the above configuration, a simple structure can effectively follow the movement of the link arm around its second pivot point, and cover the tip of the link arm from the vehicle interior side. The vehicle door device of embodiment 3 is the vehicle door device of embodiment 2, wherein the flap member comprises a vertical plate portion that slides against the side surface of the link arm, and a flange portion that extends upward of the link arm, continuous with the vertical plate portion.

[0011] With the above configuration, when the link arm is viewed from the side, its vertical plate portion can conceal the tip of the link arm. Furthermore, when the link arm is viewed from above, its flange portion can also conceal the tip of the link arm. As a result, with a simple configuration, the connection point of the link arm to the door can be effectively made less visible from the passenger compartment side.

[0012] The vehicle door device of Embodiment 4 is a vehicle door device described in any one of Embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the tip cover is configured to cover and conceal the tip of the link arm when the link arm is viewed from the side in the closing direction of the door.

[0013] In other words, the tip of the link arm that forms the second pivot connection point with respect to the door moves in the direction of the door opening operation as the link arm rotates around the first pivot connection point with respect to the vehicle body during the door opening operation. As a result, the viewpoint of the occupant located inside the vehicle is displaced relatively towards the direction of the door closing operation relative to the link arm. Therefore, with the above configuration, the connection point of the link arm with respect to the door can be effectively made less visible from the inside of the vehicle.

[0014] The vehicle door device of Embodiment 5 is a vehicle door device described in any one of Embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the tip cover is configured to form a storage space inside the tip cover and to be able to open the storage space by separating the sliding contact portion from the link arm.

[0015] According to the above configuration, the gap formed between the tip of the link arm covered by the tip cover and the tip of the link arm can be effectively utilized. The vehicle door device of embodiment 6 is a vehicle door device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5, further comprising a link cover that extends in the extending direction of the link arm and covers the link arm and rotates integrally with the link arm, wherein the tip cover is configured such that the sliding contact portion slides against the side surface of the link arm formed by the link cover.

[0016] According to the above configuration, the connection point of the link arm to the door can be more effectively made less visible from the passenger compartment. Furthermore, it has the advantage of making it easier to ensure the sliding surface of the tip cover relative to the link arm. As a result, the smooth rotation of the link arm can be ensured, and the door can be opened and closed stably.

[0017] The vehicle door device of embodiment 7 is a vehicle door device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6, and is further equipped with an actuator that applies driving force to the link mechanism to open and close the door.

[0018] The above configuration improves convenience. Furthermore, by making the connection point of the link arm to the door less visible from the passenger compartment, a high level of quality can be ensured. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, the connection point of the link arm to the door can be made less visible from the passenger compartment side. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the door mechanism. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the door mechanism. [Figure 3] This is a plan view of the first and second link arms that form the link mechanism. [Figure 4]It is a plan view of the first and second link arms forming a link mechanism. [Figure 5] It is a plan view of the first and second link arms forming a link mechanism. [Figure 6] It is a plan view of the first and second link arms forming a link mechanism. [Figure 7] It is a schematic configuration diagram of the door-side engaging portion and the vehicle-body-side engaging portion. [Figure 8] It is a plan view of the articulated link mechanism constituting the link length variable mechanism. [Figure 9] It is a plan view of the articulated link mechanism constituting the link length variable mechanism. [Figure 10] It is an external view of the door and the link arm in the fully closed state as seen from the passenger compartment side. [Figure 11] It is an external view of the door and the link arm in the fully open state as seen from the passenger compartment side. [Figure 12] It is a side view of the door and the link arm in the fully closed state. [Figure 13] It is a cross-sectional view of the door and the link arm in the fully closed state. [Figure 14] It is an exploded perspective view of the door device. [Figure 15] It is a perspective view near the tip cover covering the tip of the link arm. [Figure 16] It is a perspective view near the tip cover. [Figure 17] It is a cross-sectional view near the tip cover. [Figure 18] It is a cross-sectional view near the tip cover. [Figure 19] It is a cross-sectional view near the tip cover. [Figure 20] It is a perspective view near the tip cover. [Figure 21] It is a perspective view near the tip cover. [Figure 22] It is a perspective view of the state where the tip cover is in the open operation state. [Figure 23] It is a perspective view near the biasing member that pivotally biases the tip cover.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, one embodiment of a vehicle door device will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the vehicle 1 of this embodiment is provided with a door opening 3 on the side 2s of the vehicle body 2. The door opening 3 is provided with a first link arm 11 and a second link arm 12 that support the door 5 of the vehicle 1.

[0022] (Link mechanism) More specifically, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the first and second link arms 11 and 12 each have a first pivot connection point X1 to the vehicle body 2 and a second pivot connection point X2 to the door 5. Specifically, the first link arm 11 is connected to the vehicle body 2 while being pivotally supported on a support shaft N1a extending in the vertical direction (vertical direction in each figure), and is connected to the door 5 while being pivotally supported on a support shaft N1b extending in the vertical direction. Similarly, the second link arm 12 is connected to the vehicle body 2 while being pivotally supported on a support shaft N2a extending in the vertical direction, and is connected to the door 5 while being pivotally supported on a support shaft N2b extending in the vertical direction.

[0023] Specifically, as shown in Figures 3 to 6, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the first and second link arms 11 and 12 form a link mechanism 15 having a four-bar link configuration. The vehicle 1 of this embodiment is configured such that the door 5 supported in the door opening 3 opens and closes based on the operation of this link mechanism 15.

[0024] More specifically, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the vehicle 1 of this embodiment uses these first and second link arms 11 and 12 to support its door 5 in the door opening 3 on the rear side of the vehicle (left side in Figure 1, right side in Figure 2). In the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, these first and second link arms 11 and 12 each have a first pivot connection point X1 that is rotatably connected to the vehicle body 2 near the rear edge 3r of the door opening 3. Furthermore, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, these first and second link arms 11 and 12 are spaced apart in the vertical direction.

[0025] In the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the first link arm 11 is positioned above the second link arm 12. The first link arm 11 has a second pivot connection point X2 that is rotatably connected to the door 5 at approximately the center of the door 5 in the front-rear direction. On the other hand, the second link arm 12 has a second pivot connection point X2 that is connected to the door 5 near the front end 5f of the door 5. In the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, a door device 20 is formed in which the door 5 opens and closes based on the operation of the link mechanism 15 formed by the first and second link arms 11 and 12.

[0026] Specifically, as shown in Figures 3 to 6, in this embodiment, when the door 5 is opened, the first and second link arms 11 and 12 of the door device 20 rotate counterclockwise around their first pivot point X1 in each figure. As a result, the door 5 of the vehicle 1, supported by these first and second link arms 11 and 12, opens towards the rear of the vehicle (to the left in each figure).

[0027] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the door 5 is closed, the first and second link arms 11 and 12 of the door device 20 rotate clockwise around their first pivot point X1 in each figure. As a result, the door 5 of the vehicle 1, supported by these first and second link arms 11 and 12, closes toward the front of the vehicle (to the right in each figure).

[0028] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the door device 20 defines the opening and closing trajectory R of the door 5 so as to trace an arc-shaped trajectory Rg based on the operation of the link mechanism 15 formed by the first and second link arms 11 and 12. That is, as shown in Figure 5, at the intermediate position where the first and second link arms 11 and 12 extend in the vehicle width direction (vertical direction in Figures 3 to 6), the component of movement in the vehicle longitudinal direction becomes larger. And, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the closer the opening and closing position of the door 5 is to the fully closed position P0, the more the first and second link arms 11 and 12 extend in the vehicle longitudinal direction (left and right direction in Figures 3 to 6), and the larger the component of movement in the vehicle width direction becomes.

[0029] Furthermore, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, the first link arm 11 has a second pivot connection point X2 with respect to the door 5 that is closer to the center of gravity G than the second link arm 12. That is, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, the first link arm 11 is positioned as the main link 21 that supports a larger door load. The second link arm 12 is positioned as the sub-link 22, which is subjected to a relatively smaller door load.

[0030] Furthermore, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, the first link arm 11 has a larger outer diameter than the second link arm 12. As a result, the door device 20 of this embodiment is configured to provide high support rigidity to the first link arm 11 positioned on the main link 21.

[0031] (Actuator) Furthermore, the door device 20 of this embodiment is equipped with an actuator 25 that uses a motor 23 as a driving source to rotationally drive its first link arm 11. In the door device 20 of this embodiment, this actuator 25 is provided at the base end portion of the first link arm 11. That is, the actuator 25 of this embodiment drives the link mechanism 15 formed by the first link arm 11 and the second link arm 12 by rotating the first link arm 11. As a result, the door device 20 of this embodiment is able to open and close its door 5 based on the driving force of this actuator 25.

[0032] (Door-side engagement part and vehicle body-side engagement part) As shown in Figures 3 to 7, the door device 20 of this embodiment includes a door-side engaging portion 31 provided on the front end 5f of the door 5 and a vehicle-side engaging portion 32 provided on the front edge 3f of the door opening 3. That is, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the door-side engaging portion 31 is provided on the closing end 33 of the door 5, which opens and closes the door opening 3 of the vehicle 1 based on the operation of the link mechanism 15 formed by the first and second link arms 11 and 12. Furthermore, the vehicle-side engaging portion 32 is provided on the closing end 34 of the door opening 3, which moves toward or toward the closing end 33 of the door 5, i.e., moves toward or away from each other, based on the opening and closing operation of the door 5 which moves in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The door device 20 of this embodiment is configured such that the door-side engaging portion 31 and the vehicle-side engaging portion 32 engage with each other when the door 5 is near the fully closed position P0.

[0033] More specifically, the door-side engaging portion 31 of this embodiment includes an axial engaging portion 41 that extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle 1 (in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in Figure 7) as its guide engaging portion. In the door device 20 of this embodiment, this axial engaging portion 41 as the guide engaging portion has the configuration of a roller 41x that is pivotally supported around a pivot shaft (not shown) that extends in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the vehicle body-side engaging portion 32 has a pair of side wall portions 42a, 42b that face each other in the vehicle width direction (vertical direction in Figure 7) and includes a guide groove 42 that extends in the opening and closing direction of the door 5. When the door 5 is near the fully closed position P0, the door device 20 of this embodiment is configured such that the axial engaging portion 41 constituting the guide engaging portion is positioned within the guide groove 42, and these door-side engaging portion 31 and vehicle body-side engaging portion 32 engage with each other.

[0034] In other words, the axial engaging portion 41 of the door-side engaging portion 31 is positioned within the guide groove 42 of the vehicle-side engaging portion 32, sandwiched between a pair of side wall portions 42a and 42b facing each other in the vehicle width direction, thereby restricting the displacement of the door 5 in the vehicle width direction. As a result, the door device 20 of this embodiment is able to stably support the door 5 even near the fully closed position P0, where the first and second link arms 11 and 12 forming the link mechanism 15 tend to be aligned.

[0035] (Adjustable link length mechanism) Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 to 6, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, the second link arm 12, which is positioned as a sub-link 22, is provided with a variable link length mechanism 50 that can change the link length L between its first and second pivot connection points X1 and X2. Moreover, this variable link length mechanism 50 is biased in a direction that shortens the length between its first and second pivot connection points X1 and X2, that is, the link length L of the door 5 by the second link arm 12 to which this variable link length mechanism 50 is provided. As a result, the door device 20 of this embodiment is configured so that the door 5 opens and closes with the link length L of the second link arm 12 shortened.

[0036] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3, 4, and 7, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, the door 5 is allowed to open and close while the door-side engaging portion 31 and the vehicle body-side engaging portion 32 are engaged, based on the operation of the variable linkage length mechanism 50 provided on the second link arm 12. Specifically, when the door 5 is opened and closed while the door-side engaging portion 31 and the vehicle body-side engaging portion 32 are engaged, the axial engaging portion 41 is displaced relative to the guide groove 42 along the extending direction, accompanied by a change in the linkage length L based on the operation of the variable linkage length mechanism 50. As a result, the door device 20 of this embodiment changes the opening and closing trajectory R of the door 5.

[0037] In other words, in this embodiment, when the door 5 moves to the fully closed position P0, the door-side engaging portion 31 correctly engages with the vehicle body-side engaging portion 32, thereby guiding the opening and closing operation of the door 5 with the axial engaging portion 41 positioned within the guide groove 42. As a result, the door device 20 in this embodiment is configured such that the arc-shaped trajectory Rg based on the operation of the link mechanism 15 changes to a linear trajectory Rs along the opening width direction of the door opening 3.

[0038] Specifically, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, when the door 5 is fully closed, the door-side engaging portion 31 and the vehicle body-side engaging portion 32 are engaged, and an operating force in the closing direction is applied to the door 5. In the door device 20 of this embodiment, the operating force for opening and closing the door 5 is assumed to be the driving force of the actuator 25 or manual operation by the user. Furthermore, in this case, based on the operating force in the closing direction, the link length variable mechanism 50 provided on the second link arm 12 operates, and the link length L of the door 5 by the second link arm 12 is extended based on the engagement state of the door-side engaging portion 31 and the vehicle body-side engaging portion 32. As a result, the door device 20 of this embodiment is configured so that the door 5 supported by the link mechanism 15 closes toward the fully closed position P0 in a manner that traces the linear trajectory Rs described above.

[0039] Furthermore, when the door 5 is opened from the fully closed position P0, the door-side engaging portion 31 and the vehicle-side engaging portion 32 are engaged, and an operating force in the opening direction is applied to the door 5. In addition, in this case, the variable link length mechanism 50 operates based on the operating force in the opening direction, and the link length L of the door 5 by the second link arm 12 is shortened based on the engagement state of the door-side engaging portion 31 and the vehicle-side engaging portion 32. Thus, the door device 20 of this embodiment is configured so that the door 5 supported by the link mechanism 15 opens from the fully closed position P0 in a manner that also traces a linear trajectory Rs.

[0040] To elaborate further, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, the second link arm 12 is configured to include a vehicle body-side link 51 and a door-side link 52. Specifically, the vehicle body-side link 51 has a first pivot connection point X1 with respect to the vehicle body 2. The door-side link 52 has a second pivot connection point X2 with respect to the door 5 of the vehicle 1. Furthermore, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, the second link arm 12 is configured to rotatably connect these vehicle body-side link 51 and door-side link 52. The door device 20 of this embodiment is configured such that the articulated link mechanism 60 functions as a variable-length link mechanism 50.

[0041] Specifically, the door-side link 52 in this embodiment has a shorter axial length compared to the vehicle body-side link 51, and is configured as a so-called mini-arm. The vehicle body-side link 51 has a vehicle body-side connecting portion 61 to the vehicle body 2 at one end in its longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the door-side link 52 also has a door-side connecting portion 62 to the door 5 at one end in its longitudinal direction. These vehicle body-side link 51 and door-side link 52 each have intermediate connecting portions 63 and 64 at their other ends in the longitudinal direction, which connect them to each other.

[0042] In other words, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, these intermediate connecting parts 63 and 64 form an intermediate connecting point X3 of the articulated link mechanism 60 provided on the second link arm 12. The second link arm 12 has a triangle formed with the vehicle body side link 51 and the door side link 52, with this intermediate connecting point X3 as its vertex. As a result, the relative rotation of these vehicle body side link 51 and door side link 52 changes the length of the straight line connecting the first and second rotational connecting points X1 and X2, which form the base of the triangle, that is, the connecting length L.

[0043] (Link arm cover structure) Next, the cover structure of the link arm implemented in the door device 20 of this embodiment will be described.

[0044] As shown in Figure 10, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, the link arm 70, which constitutes the first link arm 11, i.e., the main link 21, in the link mechanism 15, is positioned in the passenger compartment 72 so as to protrude from the door trim 71 that constitutes the interior member of the door 5. Specifically, when the door 5 is in the fully closed position, the link arm 70 of this embodiment is positioned to extend along the door trim 71 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction (left-right direction in Figure 10). Furthermore, in this state, the vehicle 1 of this embodiment is configured so that an occupant of the seat 73 located to the side of the door 5 can rest their arm or elbow on this link arm 70. Thus, the door device 20 of this embodiment is configured so that this link arm 70 functions as an armrest 74.

[0045] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, in this embodiment, when the door 5 moves to the fully open position P1, the link arm 70 constituting the main link 21 of the door device 20 extends in the vehicle width direction (the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in Figure 11). In this embodiment, the vehicle 1 utilizes the link arm 70 in this state as a handrail 75, allowing its occupants to easily get on and off.

[0046] More specifically, as shown in Figures 12 to 14, the door device 20 of this embodiment is equipped with a link cover 76 that covers the link arm 70 along the extension direction of the link arm 70. In the door device 20 of this embodiment, the link arm 70 has a skeletal structure 80 in which the longitudinal ends of two parallel pipe members 77, 77 are connected by a substantially U-shaped end connecting member 78 and a base end connecting member 79, respectively. The link cover 76 also has a substantially U-shaped cross-section. The link cover 76 of this embodiment is configured to extend in the extension direction of the link arm 70, rotate integrally with the link arm 70, and cover the outer circumference of the skeletal structure 80, more specifically the passenger compartment 72 side (lower side in Figure 13).

[0047] Furthermore, the door device 20 of this embodiment includes an upper cover 81 and a lower cover 82 fixed to the link cover 76. In the door device 20 of this embodiment, these upper cover 81 and lower cover 82 are made of a relatively soft resin material. As a result, the link arm 70 of this embodiment is configured so that the upper cover 81 that covers the top of the link arm 70 can be used as its armrest 74 and handrail portion 75 (see Figures 10 and 11).

[0048] Furthermore, the door device 20 of this embodiment includes a connecting member 84 provided on the door panel 83 that forms the frame of the door 5. Moreover, this connecting member 84 has a shaft portion 85 that extends in the vertical direction. The link arm 70 of this embodiment is configured such that the tip connecting member 78 that constitutes the tip portion 70b of the link arm 70 is rotatably connected to the shaft portion 85 of the connecting member 84 via a hole 86 provided in the door trim 71.

[0049] In other words, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, the connecting member 84 is provided as a connecting part on the door panel 83, and its shaft portion 85 forms the pivot axis N1b of the link arm 70 that constitutes the main link 21 (see Figure 1). As a result, the door device 20 of this embodiment is configured such that the link arm 70 rotates around this pivot axis N1b, thereby forming a second pivot connection point X2 with respect to the door 5.

[0050] Furthermore, the door trim 71 of this embodiment has a groove-shaped recess 87 that extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The hole 86 is formed on the bottom surface 87b of this recess 87. In addition, the link arm 70 that constitutes the main link 21 of the link mechanism 15 is positioned along the extending direction of the recess 87 that extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle when the door 5 is in the fully closed position. In the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, this configuration enhances the integration between the door trim 71 and the link arm 70 that functions as an armrest 74.

[0051] Furthermore, in the door trim 71 of this embodiment, the recess 87 extends further forward (to the right in Figure 13) than the position where the hole 86 is formed, that is, towards the front end 5f located in the closing direction of the door 5. Specifically, the forward extension 87f of the recess 87 forms a tapered surface 88 in which the groove depth gradually decreases toward the front of the vehicle. In the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, this configuration ensures that when the door 5 moves to the fully open position P1, the link arm 70 that rotates around its second pivot point X2 does not interfere with the door trim 71.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the base end connecting member 79 of the link arm 70 is rotatably connected to a pivot shaft N1a provided on the vehicle body 2 (see Figure 1). That is, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, the link arm 70 rotates around this pivot shaft N1a, thereby forming a first pivot connection point X1 with respect to the vehicle body 2. The door device 20 of this embodiment is also equipped with a base end cover 89 that covers the connection portion of the link arm 70 with respect to the vehicle body 2 formed by the base end connecting member 79.

[0053] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 15 to 21, the door device 20 of this embodiment includes a tip cover 90 that covers the tip portion 70b of the link arm 70, which is connected to the connecting member 84 via the hole 86 of the door trim 71, as described above.

[0054] More specifically, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, the tip cover 90 has a connection portion 90a to the door trim 71 and a sliding contact portion 90b to the link arm 70. Specifically, the tip cover 90 has its connection portion 90a at a position on the front end 5f side of the door 5, that is, on the closing direction side, relative to the hole 86 provided in the door trim 71. Furthermore, the sliding contact portion 90b of the tip cover 90 slides against the side surface 70s of the link arm 70 facing the passenger compartment 72 side. As a result, the tip cover 90 of this embodiment follows the link arm 70 as it rotates around the second pivot connection point X2 in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the door 5, and covers the tip portion 70b of the link arm 70 that forms the second pivot connection point X2 from the passenger compartment 72 side. More specifically, when viewing the link arm 70 from the front end 5f side located in the closing direction of the door 5, the tip portion 70b of the link arm 70 is covered.

[0055] More specifically, as shown in Figures 15, 22, and 23, the door device 20 of this embodiment includes a flap member 91 that is rotatably connected to the door trim 71. In the door device 20 of this embodiment, the flap member 91 has a substantially rectangular plate-like outer shape. Furthermore, the door device 20 of this embodiment includes a support member 93 that forms a pivot shaft 92 for the flap member 91 when fixed to the door trim 71. In the door device 20, the tip cover 90 is formed by the flap member 91.

[0056] Specifically, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the support member 93 is fixed to the bottom surface 87b of a recess 87 provided in the door trim 71. Furthermore, the support member 93 of this embodiment has a support shaft 92 that extends vertically at a position on the front end 5f side of the door 5, that is, on the closing direction side, relative to the hole 86 provided in the bottom surface 87b of the recess 87. More specifically, this support shaft 92 is formed near the tapered surface 88 formed by the forward extension 87f of the recess 87. The flap member 91 of this embodiment is pivotally supported around this support shaft 92, with its base end 91a side rotatably supported.

[0057] Furthermore, the door device 20 of this embodiment is equipped with torsion coil springs 95, 95 as biasing members 94 that bias the flap member 91 to rotate around its pivot shaft 92. Specifically, these torsion coil springs 95, 95 are supported by a support member 93 while fitted onto the pivot shaft 92. Moreover, these torsion coil springs 95, 95 bias the flap member 91, whose base end 91a is pivotally supported on the pivot shaft 92, in a direction in which its tip 91b is displaced toward the rear end 5r, which is the direction in which the door 5 opens, that is, in the direction in which the link arm 70 is located (left side in Figure 22). As a result, the door device 20 of this embodiment causes the tip 91b of the flap member 91 to contact the link arm 70 from the passenger compartment 72 side (front side of the page in Figure 22).

[0058] In other words, the flap member 91 of this embodiment has its base end portion 91a as a connection portion 90a to the door trim 71. Furthermore, the tip portion 91b of the flap member 91 has its tip portion 90b as a sliding contact portion 90b to the link arm 70. As a result, the door device 20 of this embodiment is configured such that the flap member 91 follows the link arm 70 which rotates around its second pivot connection point X2, forming a tip cover 90 that covers the tip portion 70b of the link arm 70 from the passenger compartment 72 side.

[0059] Specifically, as shown in Figures 17 to 21, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, the tip portion 91b of the flap member 91 slides against the link cover 76, which rotates integrally with the link arm 70 while extending in the extension direction of the link arm 70. More specifically, by facing the passenger compartment 72 side, it slides against the side surface 76s of the link cover 76 that forms the side surface 70s of the link arm 70. As a result, the tip cover 90 of this embodiment is able to follow the link arm 70, which rotates around the second pivot connection point X2 in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the door 5, and cover its tip portion 70b from the passenger compartment 72 side.

[0060] In other words, in this embodiment, when the door 5 is opened, the link arm 70 rotates counterclockwise around the pivot shaft N1b, which appears to form a second pivot connection point X2 with respect to the door 5, as shown in Figures 17 to 19. Furthermore, this rotation around the second pivot connection point X2 presses the tip portion 91b of the flap member 91 that abuts against the link arm 70. Based on this pressing force, the flap member 91 rotates counterclockwise around the pivot shaft 92 provided on the door trim 71, as shown in Figures 17 to 19, against the biasing force of the torsion coil springs 95, 95. As a result, the door device 20 in this embodiment maintains a state in which the flap member 91 constituting the tip cover 90 covers the tip portion 70b of the link arm 70 from the passenger compartment 72 side, while moving the sliding contact position of the tip portion 91b with respect to the link arm 70.

[0061] Furthermore, when the door 5 is closed, the link arm 70 of this embodiment rotates clockwise around the pivot axis N1b, which appears to form a second pivot connection point X2 with respect to the door 5, as shown in Figures 17 to 19. Moreover, at this time, the flap member 91 rotates clockwise in Figures 17 to 19, following the movement of the link arm 70, which is displaced by the rotation around the second pivot connection point X2, based on the biasing force of the torsion coil springs 95, 95. As a result, the door device 20 of this embodiment maintains a state in which the tip portion 91b of the flap member 91 slides against the link arm 70. In other words, just as when the door 5 is opened, when the door 5 is closed, the flap member 91 constituting the tip cover 90 maintains a state in which it covers the tip portion 70b of the link arm 70 from the passenger compartment 72 side, while moving its sliding contact position.

[0062] To elaborate further, the flap member 91 of this embodiment has a main body portion 91x with a roughly rectangular flat outer shape, which serves as a vertical plate portion 97, with one end of this vertical plate portion 97 sliding in contact with the link arm 70. More specifically, it forms the side surface 70s of the link arm 70 and slides in contact with the side surface 76s of the link cover 76 facing the vehicle compartment 72. As a result, this vertical plate portion 97 effectively covers and conceals the tip portion 70b of the link arm 70 from the side.

[0063] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 22 and 23, the flap member 91 of this embodiment includes a flange portion 98 provided at the upper end of the vertical plate portion 97. As shown in Figures 15 and 20 to 23, the flange portion 98 is configured to extend upward from the link arm 70, in a state where its vertical plate portion 97 covers the side of the link arm 70. Thus, the flap member 91 of this embodiment is configured to effectively cover the tip portion 70b of the link arm 70, even when the link arm 70 is viewed from above.

[0064] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 17 to 19 and Figure 22, the flap member 91 of this embodiment forms a housing space 100 inside the flap member 91 when its tip portion 91b is in sliding contact with the link arm 70. That is, this housing space 100 has a triangular cross-section surrounded by the vertical plate portion 97 of the flap member 91, the side surface 76s of the link cover 76 which one end of the vertical plate portion 97 abuts against, and the door trim 71, more specifically the bottom surface 87b of the recess 87 in which the support shaft 92 of the flap member 91 is provided. Moreover, this housing space 100 is opened to the outside by separating the tip portion 91b of the flap member 91, which constitutes the sliding contact portion 90b with respect to the link arm 70, from the link arm 70. In other words, the door device 20 of this embodiment allows the user to access the storage space 100 formed inside the flap member 91 by rotating the flap member 91 against the biasing force of the torsion coil springs 95, 95. Furthermore, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to utilize this to place, for example, an emergency lock release switch 101 or the like within the storage space 100.

[0065] (action) Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. In other words, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, the tip portion 70b of the flap member 91 constituting the tip cover 90 comes into contact with the link arm 70 from the passenger compartment 72 side based on the biasing force of the torsion coil springs 95, 95 acting as biasing members 94. As a result, even when the link arm 70 rotates around its second pivot point X2 based on the opening and closing operation of the door 5, the flap member 91 follows the link arm 70 and is maintained in a state that covers the tip portion 70b of the link arm 70.

[0066] (effect) Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) The door 5 of the door device 20 opens and closes based on the operation of a link mechanism 15 formed by a link arm 70 having a first pivot connection point X1 with respect to the vehicle body 2 and a second pivot connection point X2 with respect to the door 5 of the vehicle 1. The link arm 70 forms the second pivot connection point X2 with respect to the door 5 by having its tip portion 70b connected to the shaft portion 85 of a connecting member 84, which is a connecting portion provided on the door panel 83, via a hole 86 provided in the door trim 71. The door device 20 also includes a tip cover 90 having a connecting portion 90a with respect to the door trim 71 and a sliding contact portion 90b with respect to the link arm 70. The door device 20 is configured such that the tip cover 90 follows the link arm 70 as it rotates around the second pivot connection point X2 in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the door 5, and covers the tip portion 70b of the link arm 70 from the passenger compartment 72 side.

[0067] With the above configuration, the tip 70b of the link arm 70 can be covered from the passenger compartment 72 side, regardless of the opening and closing position of the door 5. This makes the connection point of the link arm 70 to the door 5 less visible from the passenger compartment 72 side.

[0068] Furthermore, because it becomes difficult for the occupants of vehicle 1 located on the passenger compartment side 72 to see it, the design constraints, such as dimensions and shape, are reduced when designing the tip 70b of the link arm 70 that forms the connecting part and the connecting member 84 that serves as a connecting part provided on the door panel 83. As a result, it is possible to ensure high connection strength of the link arm 70 to the door 5 while maintaining excellent design, thereby ensuring stable opening and closing operation of the door 5.

[0069] Furthermore, by covering the tip 70b of the link arm 70 from the passenger compartment 72 side, it becomes more difficult for foreign objects such as dirt and dust to enter the connection point of the link arm 70 to the door 5. This ensures stable operation and high reliability of the link arm 70.

[0070] (2) The front cover 90 is comprised of a flap member 91 that is rotatably connected to the door trim 71, and torsion coil springs 95, 95 which serve as biasing members 94 that bias the flap member 91 to rotate and bring it into sliding contact with the link arm 70.

[0071] With the above configuration, a simple structure can effectively follow the movement of the link arm 70 as it rotates around its second pivot point X2, and cover the tip 70b of the link arm 70 from the vehicle compartment 72 side.

[0072] (3) The flap member 91 comprises a vertical plate portion 97 that slides against the side surface 70s of the link arm 70, and a flange portion 98 that extends upward from the link arm 70, continuous with the vertical plate portion 97.

[0073] With the above configuration, when the link arm 70 is viewed from the side, its vertical plate portion 97 can cover the tip portion 70b of the link arm 70. Furthermore, when the link arm 70 is viewed from above, its flange portion 98 can also cover the tip portion 70b of the link arm 70. As a result, with a simple configuration, the connection point of the link arm 70 to the door 5 can be effectively made less visible from the passenger compartment 72 side.

[0074] (4) Furthermore, the flap member 91 is configured to cover the tip portion 70b of the link arm 70 when viewed from the front end portion 5f side located in the closing direction of the door 5. In other words, the tip 70b of the link arm 70, which forms the second pivot connection point X2 with respect to the door 5, moves in the direction of the door 5's opening operation as the link arm 70 rotates around the first pivot connection point X1 with respect to the vehicle body 2 during the opening operation of the door 5. As a result, the viewpoint of the occupant located inside the passenger compartment 72 is displaced relatively towards the direction of the door 5's closing operation relative to the link arm 70. Therefore, with the above configuration, the connection point of the link arm 70 with respect to the door 5 can be effectively made less visible from the passenger compartment 72 side.

[0075] (5) The flap member 91 forms a storage space 100 inside the flap member 91 when its tip portion 91b is in sliding contact with the link arm 70. The flap member 91 is configured to be able to open the storage space 100 by separating its tip portion 91b, which is the sliding contact portion 90b, from the link arm 70.

[0076] According to the above configuration, the gap formed between the flap member 91 and the tip portion 70b of the link arm 70 that is covered by it can be effectively utilized. In particular, in the case of the flap member 91 which is rotationally biased by torsion coil springs 95, 95, the tip portion 91b, which serves as the sliding contact portion 90b, can be easily separated from the link arm 70 by rotating it against the biasing force. Furthermore, when rotating the flap member 91, the flange portion 98 provided at the upper end of its vertical plate portion 97 can be used as a so-called "operating knob." This facilitates access to the housing space 100 formed inside the flap member 91, which serves as the tip cover 90, thereby ensuring high convenience.

[0077] (6) The door device 20 includes a link cover 76 that extends in the direction of extension of the link arm 70 and rotates integrally with the link arm 70 while covering it. The flap member 91 is configured such that its tip portion 91b, which forms its sliding contact portion 90b, slides against the side surface 70s of the link arm 70 formed by the link cover 76.

[0078] According to the above configuration, the connection point of the link arm 70 to the door 5 can be more effectively made less visible from the passenger compartment 72 side. Furthermore, there is the advantage that the sliding properties of the flap member 91 relative to the link arm 70 can be easily ensured. As a result, the smooth rotation of the link arm 70 can be guaranteed, and the door 5 can be opened and closed stably.

[0079] (7) The door device 20 includes an actuator 25 that applies driving force to the link mechanism to open and close the door 5. The above configuration improves convenience. Furthermore, by making the connection point of the link arm 70 to the door 5 less visible from the passenger compartment 72 side, a high level of quality can be ensured.

[0080] The above embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0081] In the above embodiment, torsion coil springs 95, 95 were used as the biasing member 94 that biases the flap member 91 to rotate. However, the configuration of the biasing member 94 may be arbitrarily changed to, for example, a leaf spring, a compression spring, or a tension spring.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the flap member 91 has a roughly rectangular, flat plate shape. Its main body portion 91x forms a vertical plate portion 97, and a flange portion 98 is provided at the upper end of this vertical plate portion 97, extending upward above the link arm 70. However, the shape of the flap member 91 is not limited to this, and can be arbitrarily changed. For example, it may not have a flange portion 98.

[0083] Furthermore, the tip cover 90 does not necessarily have to be configured such that its base end 91a is pivotally supported and its tip 91b slides against the link arm 70, as is the case with the flap member 91. That is, as long as it has a connecting portion 90a to the door trim 71 and a sliding contact portion 90b to the link arm 70, and can cover the tip 70b of the link arm 70 in accordance with the rotation of the link arm 70, the configuration of the tip cover 90 may be arbitrarily changed. For example, the tip cover 90 may be formed using a flexible material that can be easily deformed. Furthermore, it may also be configured to cover the tip 70b of the link arm 70 by flexibly deforming in accordance with the rotation of the link arm 70, without having a pivot point, as is the case with well known cover members such as so-called "boots". And it is not necessarily the case that the inside of the tip cover 90 can be actively used as a storage space 100. However, when the inside of the tip cover 90 is used as the storage space 100, it is preferable that the tip cover 90 is configured in such a way as the flap member 91 described above, so that the storage space 100 can be easily opened.

[0084] In the above embodiment, as an example, a configuration in which an emergency lock release switch 101 is placed in a storage space 100 formed inside the flap member 91 is illustrated. However, the storage space 100 is not limited to this and may be used as desired. For example, switches or levers other than the lock release switch 101 may be provided. For example, a speaker volume control switch may be provided. Furthermore, a small hammer or the like used in emergency escape may be stored there. The size and shape of the storage space 100 formed inside the tip cover 90 may also be arbitrarily changed according to how it is used.

[0085] In the above embodiment, the tip portion 91b of the flap member 91 constituting the sliding contact portion 90b of the tip cover 90 is in sliding contact with the side surface 70s of the link arm 70 formed by the side surface 76s of the link cover 76. However, this is not the only option, and for example, if the skeletal structure 80 of the link arm 70 itself has high design appeal, the sliding contact portion 90b of the tip cover 90 may be in sliding contact with the main body portion of the link arm 70.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the tip cover 90 was applied to the link arm 70 that constitutes the main link 21, but the tip cover 90 may also be applied to the link arm 70 that constitutes the sub-link 22.

[0087] • In the above embodiment, the configuration was applied to a vehicle 1 where the door 5 opens towards the rear of the vehicle, but it may also be applied to a configuration where the door 5 opens towards the front of the vehicle. Furthermore, it may be applied to a manual configuration that does not have a drive source such as an actuator 25. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1…Vehicle 2… Vehicle body 5... Doors 15…Link mechanism 20... Door device 70... Link Arm 70b…Tip 71... Door trim 72…Vehicle compartment 83... Door panel 84…Connecting member (connecting part) 85... Shaft 86...hole 90... Tip cover 90a...Connection part 90b…Sliding contact part X1...First pivoting connection point X2...Second pivoting connection point

Claims

1. The door opens and closes based on the operation of a link mechanism formed by a link arm having a first pivot connection point to the vehicle body and a second pivot connection point to the vehicle door, The link arm is connected at its tip to a connecting portion provided on the door panel via a hole provided in the door trim, thereby forming the second pivoting connection point. The door trim has a connecting portion and the link arm has a sliding contact portion, and the tip cover covers the tip of the link arm from the passenger compartment side, following the link arm which rotates around the second pivoting connection point in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the door. The link arm is provided with a link cover that extends in the extension direction of the link arm and covers the link arm, and rotates integrally with the link arm. The sliding contact portion of the tip cover is configured to slide against the side surface of the link cover without separating from it during the opening and closing operation of the door. Vehicle door device.

2. In the vehicle door device according to claim 1, The aforementioned tip cover is A flap member is rotatably connected to the door trim, A biasing member that rotates the flap member to bring it into sliding contact with the link arm, A vehicle door device characterized by having the following features.

3. The door opens and closes based on the operation of a link mechanism formed by a link arm having a first pivot connection point to the vehicle body and a second pivot connection point to the vehicle door, The link arm is connected at its tip to a connecting portion provided on the door panel via a hole provided in the door trim, thereby forming the second pivoting connection point. The door trim has a connecting portion and the link arm has a sliding contact portion, and the tip cover covers the tip of the link arm from the passenger compartment side, following the link arm which rotates around the second pivoting connection point in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the door. The aforementioned tip cover is A flap member is rotatably connected to the door trim, A biasing member that rotates the flap member to bring it into sliding contact with the link arm, Equipped with, The aforementioned flap member is A vertical plate portion that slides against the side surface of the link arm, A flange portion extending upward from the link arm, continuous with the vertical plate portion, Equipped with, Vehicle door device.

4. In a vehicle door device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A vehicle door device characterized in that the tip cover is configured to cover and conceal the tip of the link arm when the link arm is viewed from the side in the closing direction of the door.

5. In a vehicle door device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A vehicle door device characterized in that the tip cover forms a storage space inside the tip cover, and the storage space can be opened by separating the sliding contact portion from the link arm.

6. In a vehicle door device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A vehicle door device characterized by comprising an actuator that applies driving force to the link mechanism to open and close the door.

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