Vehicle door device

Abstract

To fully close a door correctly.SOLUTION: A door-side engagement section is provided at the closed-side end section of a door, and a body-side engagement section is provided at the closed-side end section of the door opening section. In the vicinity of the fully closed position, the door-side engagement section engages correctly with the body-side engagement section to guide the opening / closing operation of the door in a state in which a roller is disposed in a guide groove. The door is also provided with a lock device 45 for restraining the door to the fully open position on the basis of the engagement force of a latch mechanism 47 and a striker 46. A door device includes a block lever 75 for restricting these engagements by being disposed on an approach path α of the striker 46 with respect to the latch mechanism 47. The door device also includes an engagement state detection section for detecting that the door is fully closed in a state in which the door-side engagement section engages correctly with the body-side engagement section, and a restriction release section 100 for moving the block lever 75 to a position out of the approach path α.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

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 door device opens and closes a door provided at a door opening based on an operation of a link mechanism formed by the first and second link arms.

[0003] Also, for example, the door device described in Patent Document 1 includes a door-side engaging portion provided at a closed-side end portion of the door and a vehicle-body-side engaging portion provided at a closed-side end portion of the door opening. Further, a guide engaging portion is provided on one side of these door-side engaging portion and vehicle-body-side engaging portion, and a guide groove extending in the door opening / closing operation direction and having a pair of side wall portions facing each other is provided on the other side. And, in the vicinity of the fully closed position where these door-side engaging portion and vehicle-body-side engaging portion engage, the opening / closing operation of the door is guided in a state where the guide engaging portion is disposed in the guide groove.

[0004] That is, in a state where a shaft-shaped engaging portion is disposed in the guide groove, displacement of the door in a direction orthogonal to the door opening / closing operation direction in which the guide groove extends is restricted. And thereby, even at an opening / closing operation position near the fully closed position where the distance between the first and second link arms tends to approach and be linearly arranged, the door can be stably supported.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, in a configuration that uses the link mechanism described above to open and close a vehicle door, rotation of the door is permitted around the second pivot point. Therefore, the door may swing due to the input of external forces, etc. This swinging motion of the door may hinder its smooth operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This document describes various embodiments of a vehicle door device that solve the above problems. The vehicle door device of embodiment 1 comprises first and second link arms having a first pivot connection point to the vehicle body and a second pivot connection point to the vehicle door, the door opens and closes based on the operation of the link mechanism formed by the first and second link arms, and a door-side engaging portion provided at the closed end of the door that opens and closes the door opening of the vehicle based on the operation of the link mechanism, and a vehicle-side engaging portion provided at the closed end of the door opening that moves toward and toward the closed end of the door opening based on the opening and closing operation of the door, one side of the door-side engaging portion and the vehicle-side engaging portion is provided with a guide engaging portion, and the other side of the door-side engaging portion and the vehicle-side engaging portion is provided with a guide groove having a pair of opposing side walls that extend in the direction of the opening and closing operation of the door, and at least one of the first and second link arms is provided with a connection length between the first and second pivot connection points that can be changed. A variable coupling length mechanism is provided, and near the fully closed position of the door, the door-side engaging portion correctly engages with the vehicle-side engaging portion, thereby guiding the opening and closing operation of the door with the guide engaging portion positioned in the guide groove. The door is provided with a locking device that restrains the door, which has moved to the fully closed position based on the engagement force of the latch mechanism and the striker, to the door opening. The door also includes a restricting member that restricts the engagement of the striker with the latch mechanism by being positioned in the entry path of the striker with respect to the latch mechanism based on the fully closed operation of the door toward the fully closed position. An engagement state detection unit detects that the door is fully closed in a state of correct engagement. A restriction release unit moves the restricting member to a position away from the entry path when the door is fully closed in a state of correct engagement.

[0008] According to the above configuration, if the door-side engaging part correctly engages with the vehicle-side engaging part, the locking operation of the locking device is permitted. Furthermore, if a malfunction occurs in the engagement of the door-side engaging part with the vehicle-side engaging part, the engagement of the striker with the latch mechanism is restricted, preventing the locking device from locking. In other words, it is possible to avoid a situation where the door is constrained in the fully closed position due to a disruption in the fully closed position caused by the malfunction. As a result, the fully closed operation can be easily restarted, for example, by a so-called retry drive by the actuator or by user input. This allows the door to be properly fully closed even if oscillation occurs due to external force input during the fully closed operation.

[0009] The vehicle door device of embodiment 2 is the vehicle door device of embodiment 1, wherein the engagement state detection unit comprises a door-side detection member provided at the closed end of the door and a vehicle body-side detection member provided at the closed end of the door opening, and detects that the door is fully closed in the correctly engaged state when the door-side detection member and the vehicle body-side detection member come into contact with each other.

[0010] With the above configuration, it is possible to accurately detect, with a simple configuration, that the door is fully closed while the door-side engaging part is correctly engaged with the vehicle body-side engaging part. The vehicle door device of embodiment 3 is the vehicle door device of embodiment 2, wherein the engagement state detection unit is configured such that the door-side detection member is displaced by contact with the vehicle body-side detection member, and the restriction release unit comprises a drive cable connected to the restricting member and a tension mechanism that pulls the drive cable based on the displacement of the door-side detection member.

[0011] According to the above configuration, with a simple structure, the restriction on the striker's engagement with the latch mechanism by the restricting member can be released with high precision, while the door-side engaging part correctly engages with the vehicle-side engaging part. Furthermore, by employing such a mechanical release mechanism, the door can be properly fully closed even when the vehicle's power supply is lost, such as in the case of a dead battery.

[0012] The vehicle door device of embodiment 4 is the vehicle door device of embodiment 2 or embodiment 3, wherein the door-side detection member is a detection lever provided integrally with the door-side engagement portion having the guide engagement portion, the vehicle body-side detection member is a guide projection that forms the guide surface of the guide groove provided on the vehicle body-side engagement portion, and the engagement state detection portion is configured such that, based on the fully closing operation of the door, the detection lever is displaced by contact with the guide projection when the guide engagement portion enters the guide groove along the guide surface.

[0013] According to the above configuration, the door-side detection member and the vehicle body-side detection member can be positioned close to the guide engagement portion that enters the guide groove based on the door's full closing operation. As a result, with a simple configuration, it is possible to detect with greater accuracy whether the door is fully closed in a state where the door-side engagement portion is correctly engaged with the vehicle body-side engagement portion.

[0014] The vehicle door device of Embodiment 5 is a vehicle door device according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the restricting member is supported by a holding member of the locking device having an opening that forms the entry path, and is configured to move to a position where the interfering part, which is positioned facing the opening, is separated from the opening when driven by the restricting release part.

[0015] According to the above configuration, reliable restriction of the striker's engagement with the latch mechanism by the restricting member, and its release, can be achieved with a simple configuration. The vehicle door device according to Aspect 6 is the vehicle door device according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5, and for the lock device disposed at the open-side end of the door, it includes the restricting member provided so as to be able to restrict the engagement of the striker with the latch mechanism.

[0016] That is, even in a state where the fully closed operation posture of the door is disturbed such that the door-side engaging portion provided at the closed-side end of the door cannot be correctly engaged with the vehicle body-side engaging portion, the lock mechanism disposed at the open-side end of the door may perform a locking operation. Therefore, according to the above configuration, it is possible to more effectively avoid a situation where the door is restrained at the fully closed position in a state where the fully closed operation posture of the door is disturbed due to the occurrence of such an engagement failure.

Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, the door can be correctly fully closed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of the door device. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of the door device. [Figure 3] It is a plan view of the first and second link arms forming the link mechanism. [Figure 4] It is a plan view of the first and second link arms forming the link mechanism. [Figure 5] It is a plan view of the first and second link arms forming the link mechanism. [Figure 6] It is a plan view of the first and second link arms forming the 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 an explanatory view showing the arrangement of the door-side engaging portion, the vehicle body-side engaging portion, and the lock device. [Figure 9] It is a perspective view of the door and the door opening showing the arrangement of the door-side engaging portion and the vehicle body-side engaging portion. [Figure 10]It is a plan view of a joint link mechanism constituting a link length variable mechanism. [Figure 11] It is a plan view of a joint link mechanism constituting a link length variable mechanism. [Figure 12] It is a schematic diagram when the door side engaging portion is correctly engaged with the vehicle body side engaging portion. [Figure 13] It is a schematic diagram when an engagement failure of the door side engaging portion with respect to the vehicle body side engaging portion occurs. [Figure 14] It is a side view of a lock regulation mechanism provided on the door. [Figure 15] It is a perspective view of a block lever arranged on the entry path of a striker with respect to a latch mechanism. [Figure 16] It is a view showing a state where the block lever is arranged on the entry path of a striker with respect to a latch mechanism. [Figure 17] It is a view showing a state where the block lever has moved to a position out of the entry path of a striker with respect to a latch mechanism. [Figure 18] It is a side view of an engagement state detection unit, a tension mechanism, and a door side engaging portion. [Figure 19] It is a side view of an engagement state detection unit, a tension mechanism, a door side engaging portion, and a vehicle body side engaging portion. [Figure 20] It is a perspective view of an engagement state detection unit, a tension mechanism, a door side engaging portion, and a vehicle body side engaging portion. [Figure 21] It is an exploded perspective view of an engagement state detection unit and a tension mechanism. [Figure 22] It is an operation explanatory view of an engagement state detection unit and a tension mechanism. [Figure 23] It is an operation explanatory view of an engagement state detection unit and a tension mechanism.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a vehicle door device will be described according 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.

[0020] (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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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).

[0025] 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).

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] (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.

[0030] (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.

[0031] More specifically, the door-side engaging portion 31 of this embodiment includes an axial engaging portion 40 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 40 as the guide engaging portion has a configuration as a roller 41 that rotates around a pivot shaft 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 40 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.

[0032] In other words, the axial engaging portion 40 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 that face 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.

[0033] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the door device 20 of this embodiment is equipped with door-side engaging portions 31, 31 provided on the front end portion 5f of the door 5 at two positions spaced apart in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the door device 20 is equipped with vehicle-side engaging portions 32, 32 provided on the front edge portion 3f of the door opening 3 at two positions also spaced apart in the vertical direction. The door device 20 of this embodiment is configured to hold the door 5 in the fully closed position P0 when these door-side engaging portions 31, 31 and vehicle-side engaging portions 32, 32 are engaged with each other.

[0034] (Locking device) Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the door device 20 of this embodiment is equipped with a locking device 45 that holds the door 5 in a fully closed position. Specifically, the door device 20 is equipped with a rear lock 45R provided at the rear end 5r of the door 5 and a front lock 45F provided at the front end 5f of the door 5 as the locking device 45. In addition, each of these locking devices 45 is equipped with a latch mechanism 47 that engages with a striker 46 provided on the vehicle body 2 side when the door 5 moves to the fully closed position P0. Based on the engagement force of each latch mechanism 47 and each striker 46, each locking device 45 restrains its door 5 in the fully closed position P0.

[0035] Specifically, the front latch 47F, which constitutes the latch mechanism 47 of the front lock 45F, restrains the front end 5f of the door 5 on which the front latch 47F is provided, that is, the closed end 33 of the door 5, to the front edge 3f of the door opening 3, which is the closed end 34 of the door opening 3. Furthermore, the rear latch 47R, which constitutes the latch mechanism 47 of the rear lock 45R, restrains the rear end 5r of the door 5 on which the rear latch 47R is provided, that is, the open end 48 of the door 5, to the rear edge 3r of the door opening 3, which is the open end 49 of the door opening 3. As a result, the door device 20 of this embodiment is configured to stably hold the door 5, which has moved to the fully closed position P0, in its fully closed state.

[0036] (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.

[0037] 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 link 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 40 is displaced relative to the guide groove 42 along the extending direction, accompanied by a change in the link length L based on the operation of the variable link length mechanism 50. As a result, the door device 20 of this embodiment changes the opening and closing trajectory R of the door 5.

[0038] 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 40 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] More specifically, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, 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. That is, 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 joint link mechanism 60 formed thereby functions as a variable connection length mechanism 50.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] (Malfunction of door guide engagement) Here, as described above, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, when the door 5 is near the fully closed position P0, the door-side engaging portion 31 provided on the closed end 33 of the door 5 engages with the vehicle body-side engaging portion 32 provided on the closed end 34 of the door opening 3 (see Figure 7).

[0045] Specifically, as shown in Figure 12, when the door 5 moves to the fully closed position P0, the door-side engaging portion 31, which is the opening / closing body-side engaging portion, correctly engages with the vehicle body-side engaging portion 32, thereby positioning the axial engaging portion 40, which is the guide engaging portion, within the guide groove 42 of the vehicle body-side engaging portion 32. In this embodiment, the door device 20 is configured such that the opening and closing operation of the door 5 is guided by the door guide 70 formed by these door-side engaging portion 31 and vehicle body-side engaging portion 32 (see Figure 7).

[0046] However, as shown in Figure 13, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, rotation of the door 5 is permitted around the second pivot connection point X2 of the first and second link arms 11 and 12 that constitute the link mechanism 15 with respect to the door 5. For this reason, if an external force is applied to the door 5 as it moves toward its fully closed position P0, the door 5 may swing. As a result, when the door 5 is fully closed, the door-side engaging portion 31 cannot properly engage with the vehicle body-side engaging portion 32. In other words, there is a risk of engagement failure where the axial engaging portion 40 of the door-side engaging portion 31, which acts as a guide engaging portion, is not positioned within the guide groove 42 of the vehicle body-side engaging portion 32.

[0047] In particular, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, the door 5 is given a high degree of freedom in opening and closing by making it possible to change the connection length L between the first and second pivot connection points X1 and X2 based on the operation of the connection length variable mechanism 50 provided on the second link arm 12. However, on the other hand, when an external force is input as described above, the swing of the door 5 also tends to become large. And as a result, there is a tendency for the door guide 70 to malfunction as described above.

[0048] Furthermore, if such a malfunction of the door guide 70 occurs, the fully closed operating position of the door 5 may be disrupted, and the locking device 45 (see Figure 8) provided on the door 5 may lock. Specifically, in the opening and closing direction of the door 5, the latch mechanism 47 of the locking device 45, which is provided on the opening end 48 opposite to the closing end 33 where the door-side engaging portion 31 is provided, engages with the striker 46 provided on the opening end 49 of the door opening 3. In other words, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, the rear latch 47R, which is provided on the rear end 5r of the door 5 and constitutes the rear lock 45R, may engage with the rear striker 46R provided on the rear edge 3r of the door opening 3. Moreover, in such a case, the disruption of the fully closed operating position of the door 5 may cause the mutually engaged striker 46 and latch mechanism 47 to become what is known as "jammed." In other words, it becomes impossible to release these engagements even by unlatching. As a result, the disruption of the fully closed position may prevent the door 5 from being opened, as only the open end 48 of the door 5 remains constrained to the open end 49 of the door opening 3.

[0049] (Lock restriction mechanism in case of door guide engagement failure) In light of this, as shown in Figure 14, the door device 20 of this embodiment is equipped with a lock restricting mechanism 71 that restricts the locking operation of the locking device 45 based on the fully closing movement of the door 5 toward its fully closed position P0 when a malfunction of the door guide 70 occurs.

[0050] More specifically, the lock restricting mechanism 71 of this embodiment is configured to restrict the engagement of the rear latch 47R with the rear striker 46R based on the fully closed operation of the door 5, with respect to the rear lock 45R located at the open end 48 of the door 5. Thus, the door device 20 of this embodiment is configured to avoid a situation in which the rear striker 46R and rear latch 47R become jammed together due to engagement failure of the door guide 70.

[0051] (Regulatory member) Specifically, as shown in Figures 14 to 16, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, the rear lock 45R is held by a bracket 73 having a roughly L-shaped bent plate-shaped vertical wall portion 72, and is supported at the rear end portion 5r of the door 5, which is the opening end portion 48. Furthermore, an opening 74 is provided in the vertical wall portion 72 of this bracket 73 in such a manner that the corner portion 72x of the L shape is cut out. When the door 5 is fully closed, the door device 20 of this embodiment is configured such that the rear striker 46R provided at the rear edge portion 3r of the door opening 3 engages with the rear latch 47R that constitutes the rear lock 45R through this opening 74.

[0052] In other words, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, the opening 74 provided in the bracket 73 which constitutes the retaining member of the locking device 45 forms the entry path α of the striker 46 to the latch mechanism 47 based on the fully closed operation of the door 5.

[0053] Furthermore, the door device 20 of this embodiment includes a block lever 75 that is pivotally supported around a pivot shaft 75x provided on the bracket 73. Specifically, the block lever 75 has a substantially flat outer shape that extends along the vertical wall portion 72 of the bracket 73. The base end 75a of the block lever 75 is connected to the vertical wall portion 72 of the bracket 73 via its pivot shaft 75x. Moreover, the block lever 75 has an interference portion 76 provided at its tip 75b in a manner that forms a substantially L-shaped planar shape. In this embodiment, the block lever 75 is supported on the vertical wall portion 72 of the bracket 73 with this interference portion 76 facing its opening 74.

[0054] In other words, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, the interference portion 76 of the block lever 75 is positioned in the entry path α of the rear striker 46R to the rear latch 47R of the rear lock 45R held by its bracket 73. The lock restricting mechanism 71 of this embodiment is configured to use the block lever 75 as a restricting member to restrict the engagement of the rear striker 46R to the rear latch 47R when a malfunction of the door guide 70 occurs.

[0055] More specifically, the locking mechanism 71 of this embodiment biases the block lever 75 around its pivot axis 75x based on the elastic force of a coil spring 77 provided on the vertical wall portion 72 of the bracket 73 together with the block lever 75. Based on this biasing force, the block lever 75 of this embodiment is held in a position facing the opening 74 of the bracket 73 with the interference portion 76 provided on its tip 75b protruding downward.

[0056] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 16 and 17, the door device 20 of this embodiment is equipped with a drive cable 78 connected to the block lever 75. In the door device 20 of this embodiment, the drive cable 78 has a configuration as a well-known wire cable in which a metal core slides inside a tube made of resin or the like to transmit a driving force in the tensile direction. Moreover, the lock regulating mechanism 71 of this embodiment is capable of rotationally driving the block lever 75 via this drive cable 78. That is, in the lock regulating mechanism 71 of this embodiment, the drive cable 78 is connected in a position in each figure that allows the block lever 75 to be rotationally driven against the elastic force of a coil spring 77 that applies a biasing force in the counterclockwise direction. As a result, the lock regulating mechanism 71 of this embodiment causes the block lever 75 to rotate based on the driving force transmitted via this drive cable 78, so that its interfering portion 76 moves to a position away from the opening 74 of the bracket 73. In other words, the configuration allows the block lever 75, which acts as a restricting member, to be moved to a position outside the entry path α of the rear striker 46R relative to the rear latch 47R.

[0057] That is, as shown in Figure 16, when the interference portion 76 of the block lever 75 is positioned facing the opening 74 of the bracket 73, the rear striker 46R interferes with the block lever 75 located in the entry path α when the door 5 is fully closed. The lock restricting mechanism 71 of this embodiment is configured to restrict the engagement between the rear striker 46R and the rear latch 47R as a result.

[0058] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 17, in the lock restriction mechanism 71 of this embodiment, the block lever 75 is pulled via the drive cable 78, causing the block lever 75 to rotate in such a manner that its interfering portion 76 moves upward. Moreover, this rotation causes the interfering portion 76 to disengage from the opening 74 of the bracket 73, so that when the door 5 is fully closed, the block lever 75 does not interfere with the rear striker 46R which moves relative to it along the entry path α. Thus, the lock restriction mechanism 71 of this embodiment is configured to allow engagement between the rear striker 46R and the rear latch 47R.

[0059] (Engagement state detection unit) Furthermore, as shown in Figure 14, the locking mechanism 71 of this embodiment includes an engagement state detection unit 80 provided at the position that becomes the closed end 33 of the door 5, i.e., at the front end 5f of the door 5. In the door device 20 of this embodiment, the engagement state detection unit 80 has the function of detecting that the door 5 is in a fully closed state when the door-side engagement part 31 and the vehicle body-side engagement part 32 that form the door guide 70 are properly engaged. Moreover, in the locking mechanism 71 of this embodiment, when the engagement state detection unit 80 detects that the door-side engagement part 31 is properly engaged with the vehicle body-side engagement part 32, the block lever 75 is driven via the drive cable 78. In other words, when the door-side engagement part 31 is properly engaged with the vehicle body-side engagement part 32, the system transitions to a state that allows engagement between the rear striker 46R and the rear latch 47R (see Figure 17). Furthermore, the lock restriction mechanism 71 of this embodiment is configured to restrict the engagement of the rear striker 46R with the rear latch 47R when a malfunction occurs in the door guide 70.

[0060] As shown in Figures 18 to 20, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, the detection member of the engagement state detection unit 80 is provided integrally with the door-side engagement portion 31. Specifically, the door device 20 of this embodiment includes a fixing plate 81 for fixing the door-side engagement portion 31 to the front end portion 5f of the door 5, which is the closed end portion 33. The door-side engagement portion 31 of this embodiment also includes a support bracket 82 that supports the axial engagement portion 40 that constitutes the guide engagement portion, while fixed to the fixing plate 81. Furthermore, the engagement state detection unit 80 also includes a support bracket 83 that is fixed to the fixing plate 81, sandwiching the fixing plate 81 between itself and the support bracket 82 of the door-side engagement portion 31. As a result, the engagement state detection unit 80 of this embodiment is configured such that the detection member is positioned integrally with the door-side engagement portion 31 at the closed end portion 33 of the door 5, as the fixing plate 81 is fixed to the front end portion 5f of the door 5.

[0061] More specifically, as shown in Figures 18 to 21, the engagement state detection unit 80 of this embodiment includes a detection lever 84 as a detection member that is pivotally supported around a support shaft 84x provided on its support bracket 83.

[0062] As shown in Figures 18 to 22, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, the support bracket 82 of the door-side engaging portion 31 is fixed to the fixing plate 81 and positioned at the front end 5f of the door 5, protruding to the outside of the door 5 (right side in Figure 18). The support bracket 83 of the engaging state detection portion 80 is fixed to the fixing plate 81 and positioned at the front end 5f of the door 5, protruding to the inside of the door 5 (left side in Figure 18). Furthermore, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, the fixing plate 81 is provided with a communication hole 85 that connects the inside and outside sides of the door 5. The engaging state detection portion 80 of this embodiment is configured such that one longitudinal end of the detection lever 84, which is pivotally supported on the support bracket 83, protrudes to the outside of the door 5 through this communication hole 85.

[0063] Specifically, the detection lever 84 of this embodiment has a substantially flat outer shape. Furthermore, in the engagement state detection unit 80 of this embodiment, the pivot shaft 84x of the detection lever 84 is arranged substantially parallel to the pivot shaft 41x of the roller 41 that constitutes the axial engagement unit 40 of the door-side engagement unit 31. As a result, the detection lever 84 of this embodiment has a detection surface 86 at its longitudinal first end 84a that protrudes to the outside of the door 5, facing the closed end 34 side (lower side in Figure 22) of the door opening 3 when the door 5 is near the fully closed position P0.

[0064] More specifically, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, the support bracket 82 of the door-side engaging portion 31 has a pair of side wall portions 87, 87 over which the support shaft 41x of the roller 41 constituting the axial engaging portion 40 as the guide engaging portion is spanned. Specifically, each of these side wall portions 87, 87 supports the roller 41 at the tip portion of the support bracket 82 that protrudes in the closing direction of the door 5 from the fixed surface 33s set on the closing end portion 33. Furthermore, the detection lever 84 of this embodiment has a longitudinal first end portion 84a having a detection surface 86 positioned between these side wall portions 87, 87, and protrudes to the outside of the door 5. Thus, the engagement state detection unit 80 of this embodiment is configured such that the detection surface 86 of the detection lever 84 is positioned close to the roller 41 constituting the guide engaging portion and is integrally positioned with the door-side engaging portion 31.

[0065] Furthermore, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, the vehicle body side engaging portion 32 includes a guide member 88 having a guide groove 42, and a fixing bracket 89 that fixes the guide member 88 to the closed end 34 of the door opening 3. Moreover, the guide member 88 of this embodiment has a guide surface 90 that guides the roller 41, which is a guide engaging portion, into the guide groove 42 when the door side engaging portion 31 engages with the vehicle body side engaging portion 32 based on the fully closing operation of the door 5 toward the fully closed position P0. Specifically, the guide member 88 of this embodiment has a guide projection 91 that protrudes in a direction away from the fixing surface 34s when the vehicle body side engaging portion 32 is fixed to the fixing surface 34s set on the closed end 34 of the door opening 3. Furthermore, the guide projection 91 has a roughly triangular flat plate shape such that the amount of protrusion gradually increases from the back side to the entrance side (from the right side to the left side in Figure 22) of the guide groove 42 formed by the guide member 88. In this embodiment, the vehicle body-side engaging portion 32 is configured such that the inclined surface 91s of the guide projection 91 forms its guide surface 90.

[0066] Furthermore, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, when the roller 41 of the door-side engaging portion 31 enters the guide groove 42 of the vehicle body-side engaging portion 32, the guide projection 91 enters between the side walls 87, 87 of the support bracket 82 that supports the roller 41. As a result, the engagement state detection unit 80 of this embodiment is configured to contact the guide projection 91 of the vehicle body-side engaging portion 32 with the detection surface 86 of the detection lever 84 which is positioned between the side walls 87, 87 of the support bracket 82.

[0067] In other words, in this embodiment, the door device 20 enters the guide groove 42 into which the roller 41, acting as a guide engaging portion, enters, thereby ensuring that the door-side engaging portion 31 and the vehicle body-side engaging portion 32 are properly engaged. Only when the door 5 is fully closed with the door-side engaging portion 31 properly engaged with the vehicle body-side engaging portion 32 does the guide projection 91 of the vehicle body-side engaging portion 32 come into contact with the detection lever 84 positioned between the side walls 87, 87 of the support bracket 82.

[0068] In this embodiment, the engagement state detection unit 80 utilizes the detection lever 84, which is provided integrally with the door-side engagement portion 31 at the closed end 33 of the door 5, to serve as the door-side detection member 93. Furthermore, the guide projection 91 of the vehicle body-side engagement portion 32, provided at the closed end 34 of the door opening 3, is designated as the vehicle body-side detection member 94. The engagement state detection unit 80 in this embodiment is configured to detect when the door 5 is fully closed in a state where the door-side engagement portion 31 is correctly engaged with the vehicle body-side engagement portion 32, by having these door-side detection member 93 and vehicle body-side detection member 94 come into contact with each other.

[0069] Specifically, as shown in Figures 22 and 23, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, as described above, the guide projection 91 that contacts the detection lever 84 based on the fully closing operation of the door 5 presses the first end 84a side of the detection lever 84, which has its detection surface 86. In the engagement state detection unit 80 of this embodiment, the rotational position of the detection lever 84 when the guide projection 91 is not in contact is maintained based on the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 95 fitted on the pivot shaft 84x of the detection lever 84 (see Figures 18 and 22). Thus, the engagement state detection unit 80 of this embodiment is configured such that when the door 5 is fully closed with the door-side engagement part 31 correctly engaged with the vehicle body-side engagement part 32, the detection lever 84 rotates around its pivot shaft 84x.

[0070] (Drive cable tensioning mechanism) Furthermore, as shown in Figures 18 to 23, the locking mechanism 71 of this embodiment includes a tensioning mechanism 96 that pulls its drive cable 78 based on the rotation of the detection lever 84, which functions as the door-side detection member 93 of the engagement state detection unit 80 as described above.

[0071] More specifically, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, the tension mechanism 96 includes a tension lever 98 having a connecting portion 97 to which one end of a drive cable 78 is connected. In the door device 20 of this embodiment, the tension lever 98 is pivotally supported together with the detection lever 84 around a support shaft 98x provided on its support bracket 83. Furthermore, the tension mechanism 96 of this embodiment includes a pair of intermediate links 99, 99 that are rotatably connected to the tension lever 98 and the detection lever 84, respectively. Specifically, each of these intermediate links 99, 99 is rotatably connected to the second end 84b of the detection lever 84, which is the longitudinal end opposite to the first end 84a that forms the detection surface 86. Moreover, each of these intermediate links 99, 99 is rotatably connected to the second end 98b of the tension lever 98, which is the longitudinal end opposite to the first end 98a to which the connecting portion 97 of the drive cable 78 is provided. In this embodiment, the tensioning mechanism 96 generates the tensile force of the drive cable 78 by converting the rotation of the detection lever 84 into the rotation of the tensioning lever 98.

[0072] Specifically, as shown in Figures 22 and 23, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, when the door-side engaging portion 31 engages with the vehicle-side engaging portion 32, the guide projection 91 presses against the detection surface 86 of the detection lever 84, causing the detection lever 84 to rotate counterclockwise in each figure. Furthermore, this rotation of the detection lever 84 is transmitted to the tension lever 98 via the intermediate links 99, 99, causing the tension lever 98 to rotate clockwise in each figure. The tension mechanism 96 of this embodiment is configured to pull the drive cable 78 connected to the tension lever 98 in this manner.

[0073] Furthermore, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, as described above, the detection lever 84 rotates around its pivot shaft 84x only when the door 5 is fully closed with the door-side engaging portion 31 correctly engaged with the vehicle body-side engaging portion 32. In other words, the tension mechanism 96 of this embodiment does not generate tension on the drive cable 78 if there is a malfunction in the engagement of the door guide 70. In the door device 20 of this embodiment, a restriction release portion 100 is formed that moves the block lever 75, which acts as a restricting member, to a position away from the entry path α of the striker 46 to the latch mechanism 47 when the door guide 70 is correctly engaged.

[0074] (action) In other words, in the lock regulating mechanism 71 of this embodiment, when the door 5 is fully closed, if the door guide 70 is correctly engaged, the detection lever 84 that constitutes the engagement state detection unit 80 rotates. In conjunction with the rotation of this detection lever 84, the tension lever 98 that constitutes the tension mechanism 96 rotates, thereby driving the block lever 75, which acts as a regulating member, via the drive cable 78. As a result, the block lever 75 moves to a position away from the entry path α of the rear striker 46R relative to the rear latch 47R, allowing the rear striker 46R to engage with the rear latch 47R. In other words, the locking operation of the rear lock 45R is permitted.

[0075] On the other hand, if a malfunction occurs in the door guide 70 during the fully closed operation of the door 5, the detection lever 84 will not rotate, preventing the drive cable 78 from generating tensile force, thereby maintaining the position of the block lever 75. In other words, the block lever 75 remains positioned in the entry path α of the rear striker 46R relative to the rear latch 47R, causing the block lever 75 to interfere with the rear striker 46R as it moves relative to the rear striker 46R along this entry path α. As a result, the rear striker 46R's movement relative to the rear latch 47R is restricted, thereby restricting the locking operation of the rear lock 45R.

[0076] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) A door-side engaging portion 31 is provided at the closed end 33 of the door 5, and a vehicle body-side engaging portion 32 is provided at the closed end 34 of the door opening 3. The door 5 opens and closes based on the operation of a link mechanism 15 formed by first and second link arms 11 and 12, which have 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. The second link arm 12 is also provided with a variable connection length mechanism 50 that allows the connection length L between the first and second pivot connection points X1 and X2 to be changed. Near the fully closed position P0, the door-side engaging portion 31 correctly engages with the vehicle body-side engaging portion 32, and the opening and closing operation of the door 5 is guided with the roller 41, which is an axial engaging portion 40 constituting the guide engaging portion, positioned within the guide groove 42.

[0077] Furthermore, the door 5 is provided with a locking device 45 that restrains the door 5, which has moved to the fully closed position P0, in the door opening 3 based on the engagement force of the latch mechanism 47 and the striker 46. The door device 20 is positioned in the entry path α of the striker 46 to the latch mechanism 47 based on the fully closing operation of the door 5 toward the fully closed position P0, and includes a block lever 75 as a restricting member that restricts the engagement of the striker 46 to the latch mechanism 47. In addition, the door device 20 includes an engagement state detection unit 80 that detects when the door 5 is fully closed with the door-side engagement part 31 correctly engaged with the vehicle-side engagement part 32. The door device 20 also includes a restriction release unit 100 that moves the block lever 75 to a position away from the entry path α of the striker 46 toward the latch mechanism 47 when the door 5 is fully closed with the door-side engagement part 31 correctly engaged with the vehicle-side engagement part 32.

[0078] With the above configuration, if the door-side engaging portion 31 correctly engages with the vehicle-side engaging portion 32, the locking operation of the locking device 45 is permitted. Furthermore, if a malfunction occurs in the engagement of the door-side engaging portion 31 with the vehicle-side engaging portion 32, the engagement of the striker 46 with the latch mechanism 47 is restricted, preventing the locking device 45 from locking. In other words, it is possible to avoid a situation where the door 5 is constrained in the fully closed position P0 due to a disruption in the fully closed position of the door 5 caused by the malfunction. As a result, the fully closed operation can be easily restarted by so-called retry drive by the actuator 25 or by user input. Consequently, even if oscillation occurs due to external force input during the fully closed operation of the door 5, the door 5 can be properly fully closed.

[0079] (2) The engagement state detection unit 80 includes a door-side detection member 93 provided on the closed end 33 of the door 5 and a vehicle body-side detection member 94 provided on the closed end 34 of the door opening 3. The engagement state detection unit 80 detects that the door 5 is fully closed when the door-side engagement part 31 is properly engaged with the vehicle body-side engagement part 32 by the contact between the door-side detection member 93 and the vehicle body-side detection member 94. This makes it possible to detect with accuracy that the door 5 is fully closed when the door-side engagement part 31 is properly engaged with the vehicle body-side engagement part 32 with a simple configuration.

[0080] (3) The engagement state detection unit 80 is configured such that the detection lever 84, which is the door side detection member 93, rotates when it comes into contact with the vehicle body side detection member 94. The restriction release unit 100 includes a drive cable 78 connected to the block lever 75 and a tension mechanism 96 that pulls the drive cable 78 based on the rotation of the detection lever 84.

[0081] According to the above configuration, with a simple configuration, the restriction on the striker 46's engagement with the latch mechanism 47 by the block lever 75 can be released with high precision, while the door-side engaging portion 31 correctly engages with the vehicle-side engaging portion 32. Furthermore, by employing such a mechanical release mechanism, the door 5 can be properly fully closed even when the power supply to the vehicle 1 is lost, for example, due to a dead battery.

[0082] (4) The detection lever 84, which serves as the door-side detection member 93, is provided integrally with the door-side engagement portion 31, which has a roller 41 that serves as a guide engagement portion. The vehicle body-side detection member 94 is composed of a guide projection 91 that forms the guide surface 90 of the guide groove 42 provided in the vehicle body-side engagement portion 32. The engagement state detection portion 80 is configured such that, based on the fully closing operation of the door 5, when the roller 41 enters the guide groove 42 along the guide surface 90, the detection lever 84 rotates upon contact with the guide projection 91.

[0083] With the above configuration, the door-side detection member 93 and the vehicle body-side detection member 94 can be positioned close to the roller 41 that enters the guide groove 42 based on the full closing operation of the door 5. As a result, with a simple configuration, it is possible to detect with greater accuracy that the door 5 is fully closed in a state where the door-side engaging portion 31 is correctly engaged with the vehicle body-side engaging portion 32.

[0084] (5) The block lever 75 is supported by a bracket 73 which is a holding member of the locking device 45 having an opening 74 that forms an entry path α for the striker 46 into the latch mechanism 47. The block lever 75 is driven by the release unit 100 so that the interference unit 76, which is positioned facing the opening 74 of the bracket 73, moves to a position away from the opening 74. This makes it possible to reliably restrict the engagement of the striker 46 with the latch mechanism 47 by the block lever 75 and to release the restriction with a simple configuration.

[0085] (6) The block lever 75 restricts the engagement of the rear striker 46R with the rear latch 47R for the rear lock 45R located at the open end 48 of the door 5. In other words, even when the fully closed position of the door 5 is disrupted because the door-side engaging portion 31 provided on the closed end 33 of the door 5 cannot properly engage with the vehicle body-side engaging portion 32, the rear lock 45R located on the open end 48 of the door 5 may still engage. Therefore, with the above configuration, it is possible to more effectively avoid a situation in which the door 5 is constrained in the fully closed position P0 when the fully closed position of the door 5 is disrupted due to a malfunction in engagement.

[0086] 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.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the block lever 75, as a restricting member, has a substantially flat outer shape and is supported by the bracket 73 of the locking device 45. However, it is not limited to this, and the configuration of the restricting member, including its shape and arrangement, can be arbitrarily changed. That is, it is sufficient that it can be positioned in the entry path α of the striker 46 to the latch mechanism 47, thereby restricting their engagement, and that it can be moved to a position outside of that entry path α.

[0088] The detection lever 84, which constitutes the detection member of the engagement state detection unit 80, may also be arbitrarily modified in terms of its shape. Furthermore, the structure that converts the rotation of this detection lever 84 into the rotation of the tension lever 98, which constitutes the tension mechanism 96, may also be arbitrarily modified.

[0089] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the block lever 75 is configured as a rotating lever that rotates around its pivot shaft 75x. However, this is not limited to this configuration, and the form in which the regulating member is displaced may be arbitrarily changed, for example, by using a so-called slide lever. Similarly, the form in which the detection lever 84 and the tension lever 98 are displaced may also be arbitrarily changed, for example, by using a slide lever.

[0090] In the above embodiment, the block lever 75 is driven via the drive cable 78. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and the restricting member may be driven by an actuator having a drive source, such as a motor or solenoid.

[0091] The configuration of the engagement state detection unit 80 may also be changed as desired. For example, if the door 5 is fully closed with the door-side engagement portion 31 correctly engaged with the vehicle-side engagement portion 32, the door-side detection member 93 and the vehicle-side detection member 94 may come into contact with each other, including their arrangement. That is, the vehicle-side detection member 94 does not necessarily have to be the guide projection 91 of the vehicle-side engagement portion 32, and the detection lever 84 does not necessarily have to be arranged integrally with the door-side engagement portion 31. Furthermore, the engagement state detection unit 80 may be formed using a contact-type or non-contact-type sensor.

[0092] In the above embodiment, the lock restricting mechanism 71 of this embodiment is provided with a block lever 75 that restricts the engagement of the rear latch 47R with the rear striker 46R of the rear lock 45R located at the open end 48 of the door 5. However, it is not limited to this, and for example, such a block lever 75 may also be provided with a locking device 45 located at the closed end 33 of the door 5. Furthermore, such a block lever 75 may be provided with each locking device 45 located at the closed end 33 and the open end 48 of the door 5, respectively.

[0093] In the above embodiment, the door-side engaging portion 31 has an axial engaging portion 40, and the vehicle body-side engaging portion 32 has a guide groove 42. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and the door-side engaging portion 31 may have a guide groove 42, and the vehicle body-side engaging portion 32 may have an axial engaging portion 40.

[0094] In the above embodiment, the axial engagement portion 40 is formed by a roller 41 pivotally supported on the support shaft 41x, but the axial engagement portion 40 does not necessarily have to rotate. Furthermore, as long as it functions as a guide engagement portion that guides the opening and closing operation of the door 5 when positioned within the guide groove 42, it does not necessarily have to have an axial shape.

[0095] The number of door guides 70 formed by the door-side engaging portion 31 and the vehicle body-side engaging portion 32 may also be changed as desired. There may be one, or three or more. Their arrangement may also be changed as desired.

[0096] In the above embodiment, the link length variable mechanism 50 is provided on the second link arm 12. However, the invention is not limited to this, and may also be applied to a configuration in which the link length variable mechanism 50 is provided on the first link arm 11. Furthermore, it may also be applied to a configuration in which the link length variable mechanism 50 is provided on both the first and second link arms 11 and 12.

[0097] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the variable-length connecting mechanism 50 is configured as an articulated link mechanism 60, which rotatably connects a vehicle-side link 51 having a first pivoting connection point X1 and a door-side link 52 having a second pivoting connection point X2. However, the configuration of the variable-length connecting mechanism 50 is not limited to this, and can be arbitrarily changed, such as by using a linear-acting telescopic link mechanism. Moreover, as long as the door-side engaging portion 31 correctly engages with the vehicle-side engaging portion 32, and the opening and closing operation of the door 5 is guided with the guide engaging portion positioned within the guide groove 42, this configuration may also be applied to configurations that do not have such a variable-length connecting mechanism 50.

[0098] ·In the above-described embodiment, the door 5 of the vehicle 1 is applied to a configuration in which it opens rearward of the vehicle, but it may also be applied to a configuration in which the door 5 opens forward of the vehicle. Further, it may be applied to a manual door device that does not have a drive source such as the actuator 25.

Explanation of Signs

[0099] 1…Vehicle 2…Vehicle body 3…Door opening 5…Door 11…First link arm 12…Second link arm 15…Link mechanism 31…Door-side engagement portion 32…Vehicle body-side engagement portion 33…Closed-side end portion 34…Closed-side end portion 41…Roller (guide engagement portion) 42…Guide groove 45…Locking device 46…Striker 47…Latch mechanism 50…Link length variable mechanism 75…Block lever (restricting member) 80…Engagement state detection portion 100…Restriction release portion X1…First rotational connection point X2…Second rotational connection point L…Link length P0…Full closed position α…Entry path

Claims

1. It comprises first and second link arms having a first pivot connection point to the vehicle body and a second pivot connection point to the vehicle door, The door opens and closes based on the operation of the link mechanism formed by the first and second link arms, A door-side engaging portion provided at the closed end of the door that opens and closes the door opening of the vehicle based on the operation of the link mechanism, The system includes a vehicle body-side engaging portion provided at the closed end of the door opening, which moves toward and away from the closed end of the door based on the opening and closing operation of the door, One side of the door-side engaging portion and the vehicle body-side engaging portion is provided with a guide engaging portion. The other side of the door-side engaging portion and the vehicle body-side engaging portion is provided with a guide groove that extends in the opening and closing direction of the door and has a pair of opposing side walls. At least one of the first and second link arms is provided with a variable link length mechanism that allows the link length between the first and second pivot link points to be changed. Near the fully closed position of the door, the door-side engaging portion correctly engages with the vehicle-side engaging portion, thereby guiding the opening and closing operation of the door with the guide engaging portion positioned within the guide groove. The door is provided with a locking device that restrains the door in the door opening when it moves to the fully closed position based on the engagement force of the latch mechanism and striker, A restricting member is positioned in the entry path of the striker to the latch mechanism based on the fully closing operation of the door toward the fully closed position, thereby restricting the engagement of the striker with the latch mechanism. An engagement state detection unit that detects that the door is fully closed in the state in which it is correctly engaged, A vehicle door device comprising: a restriction release unit that moves the restricting member to a position away from the entry path when the door is fully closed in the state in which it is properly engaged.

2. In the vehicle door device according to claim 1, The engagement state detection unit, A door-side detection member provided at the closed end of the door, The door opening is provided with a vehicle body side detection member at the closed end, The door-side detection member and the vehicle body-side detection member come into contact with each other to detect that the door is fully closed in the correctly engaged state. A vehicle door device characterized by the following.

3. In the vehicle door device according to claim 2, The engagement state detection unit is configured such that the door-side detection member is displaced by contact with the vehicle body-side detection member, The aforementioned deregulation unit is, A drive cable connected to the regulating member, A tensioning mechanism that pulls the drive cable based on the displacement of the door-side detection member, A vehicle door device characterized by having the following features.

4. In the vehicle door device according to claim 3, The door-side detection member is a detection lever provided integrally with the door-side engagement portion having the guide engagement portion. The vehicle body side detection member is a guide projection that forms the guide surface of the guide groove provided in the vehicle body side engagement portion, A vehicle door device characterized in that the engagement state detection unit is configured such that, based on the fully closing operation of the door, when the guide engagement unit enters the guide groove along the guide surface, the detection lever is displaced by contact with the guide projection.

5. In a vehicle door device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The restricting member is supported by a holding member of the locking device having an opening that forms the entry path, and is configured to move, when driven by the release mechanism, to a position where the interfering part facing the opening is separated from the opening. A vehicle door device characterized by the following.

6. In a vehicle door device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The locking device, which is positioned at the open end of the door, is provided with a restricting member that is capable of restricting the engagement of the striker with the latch mechanism. A vehicle door device characterized by the following.

Images