Vehicle door device

Abstract

To expand a vehicle indoor space near a driving device so as to be efficiently used.SOLUTION: A door device 20 includes a driving device 51 comprising an actuator which outputs driving torque, and a transmission mechanism 70 which transmits the driving torque to a driving link 55. The transmission mechanism 70 includes: a link driving gear 90 having a rotation center M located in a coaxial position with a joint shaft 77 of the driving link 55 with respect to a vehicle body 2 and fixed to the driving link 55; and a torque input gear 100 which receives driving torque input thereto, the torque input gear being engaged with the link driving gear 90. The link driving gear 90 further includes a configuration as a sector gear 91 having gear teeth 91a partially in a peripheral direction. The link driving gear 90 is configured so that the gear teeth 91a of the sector gear 91 are turned toward the outside of the vehicle when the door supported by the driving link 55 is in a completely closed position P0.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, as shown in Patent Document 1, 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 vehicle door. Such a door device opens and closes a door provided at the door opening based on the operation of a link mechanism formed by the first and second link arms. And, an actuator for driving the link mechanism is provided in the door device of the above conventional example.

[0003] Specifically, in the door device of this conventional example, the actuator is disposed below a bracket constituting the first rotation connection point to the vehicle body with the first link arm as a driving link. Further, a driving arm that rotates by the driving torque is connected to the output shaft of the actuator. And, this conventional example of the door device has a configuration having a connection point of the driving arm at a position between the first rotation connection point and the second rotation connection point in the first link arm.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, in vehicles where electrification is progressing, not only efficiency improvement but also excellent mountability to the vehicle is required. For this reason, also for door devices using the above link mechanism, an optimal design including the arrangement of its components is being sought. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] 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 with respect to the vehicle body and a second pivot connection point with respect to the door of the vehicle, and a drive device that opens and closes the door based on the operation of a link mechanism formed by the first and second link arms by rotating the drive link, with at least one of the first and second link arms being a drive link, wherein the drive device comprises an actuator that outputs a drive torque and a transmission mechanism that transmits the drive torque to the drive link, wherein the transmission mechanism comprises a link drive gear fixed to the drive link having a pivot center coaxial with the connection axis of the drive link to the vehicle body, and a torque input gear to which the drive torque is input in a state that meshes with the link drive gear, wherein the link drive gear is configured as a sector gear having gear teeth on a portion of its circumferential direction, and is configured such that the gear teeth of the sector gear face outwards when the door supported by the drive link is in the fully closed position.

[0007] According to the above configuration, when the door is in the fully closed position, the amount of protrusion of the link drive gear, which rotates integrally with the drive link around the connecting axis to the vehicle body, into the vehicle interior can be kept to a minimum. Furthermore, it becomes more difficult for foreign objects to interfere with the gear teeth. As a result, the protective structure on the vehicle interior side of this link drive gear can be simplified. This allows for a reduction in the amount of protrusion into the vehicle interior, including protective structures such as cover members, thereby expanding the usable interior space near the drive unit.

[0008] The vehicle door device of embodiment 2 is the vehicle door device of embodiment 1, wherein the connecting shaft of the drive link to the vehicle body is rotatably connected to first and second link-side connecting portions and first and second vehicle body-side connecting portions at first and second positions spaced apart in the axial direction of the connecting shaft, and the transmission mechanism is arranged between the first position where the first link-side connecting portion and the first vehicle body-side connecting portion are connected and the second position where the second link-side connecting portion and the second vehicle body-side connecting portion are connected in the axial direction of the connecting shaft.

[0009] According to the above configuration, the drive system's transmission mechanism can be compactly arranged relative to the drive link. As a result, high mountability on the vehicle can be ensured. Furthermore, the first and second vehicle body-side connecting parts function as protective members for the transmission mechanism. This expands the usable interior space near the drive system.

[0010] The vehicle door device of embodiment 3 is a vehicle door device according to embodiment 1 or embodiment 2, wherein the torque input gear has a configuration as a two-stage gear having a first gear portion and a second gear portion that rotate integrally on the same axis, the second gear portion to which the drive torque is input has a larger diameter than the first gear portion that meshes with the link drive gear, and is configured so that the link drive gear does not protrude further inward than the second gear portion when the door is in the fully closed position.

[0011] In other words, by using a two-stage gear for the torque input gear, a compact reduction mechanism can be formed with a simple configuration. Furthermore, by reducing the amount of protrusion of the link drive gear into the vehicle interior based on the second gear section of this torque input gear, the vehicle interior space near the drive unit can be expanded to be used more effectively.

[0012] The vehicle door device of Embodiment 4 is a vehicle door device according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the link drive gear has a notch formed by cutting radially into the link drive gear at a circumferential position where there are no gear teeth, and is configured such that the notch faces the inside of the vehicle when the door is in the fully closed position.

[0013] According to the above configuration, the amount of protrusion of the link drive gear into the vehicle interior can be further reduced. As a result, the usable space in the vehicle interior near the drive unit can be expanded more effectively.

[0014] The vehicle door device of embodiment 5 is a vehicle door device of embodiment 4, further comprising an engaging recess provided in the notch portion and extending in the circumferential direction of the link drive gear, and an engaging projection positioned within the engaging recess in a fixed state relative to the vehicle body, and a stopper mechanism that restricts the rotation of the link drive gear within a range in which the relative displacement of the engaging projection in the extending direction of the engaging recess is permissible.

[0015] According to the above configuration, it is possible to restrict excessive closing of the drive link beyond the fully closed position of the door, and excessive opening of the drive link beyond the fully open position of the door, with a simple configuration. Furthermore, by utilizing the notch in the link drive gear, the stopper mechanism can be formed compactly.

[0016] The vehicle door device of embodiment 6 is a vehicle door device described in any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein an interior member of the vehicle is positioned on the interior side of the link drive gear, and the gear teeth of the sector gear facing the interior side based on the opening operation of the door are positioned inside a recess provided in the interior member.

[0017] According to the above configuration, the interior components of the vehicle can be positioned closer to the transmission mechanism that constitutes its drive system. This, in turn, expands the usable interior space of the vehicle.

[0018] Furthermore, an interior member disposed on the vehicle interior side of the link drive gear functions as a protective member for the link drive gear. As a result, it is possible to protect the link drive gear during the door opening operation, ensuring high reliability.

Advantages of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, it is possible to expand the cabin space near the drive device that can be effectively utilized.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [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 a perspective view of the first link arm positioned on the drive link and the drive device. [Figure 9] It is a front view of the first link arm positioned on the drive link and the drive device. [Figure 10] It is a rear view of the first link arm positioned on the drive link and the drive device. [Figure 11] It is an exploded perspective view of the first link arm positioned on the drive link and the drive device. [Figure 12] It is an exploded perspective view of the drive transmission unit forming the transmission mechanism. [Figure 13] It is a plan view of the drive device. [Figure 14] This is a plan view of the drive unit. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0021] Hereinafter, one embodiment of a vehicle door device will be described with reference to the drawings. (Link mechanism) 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] 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] (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 portion 5f of the door 5 and a vehicle body-side engaging portion 32 provided on the front edge portion 3f of the door opening 3.

[0032] In other words, 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 body-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 toward the closing end 33, 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 body-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 a axial engaging portion 41 as its guide engaging portion 40, which extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle 1 (in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in Figure 7). In the door device 20 of this embodiment, the axial engaging portion 41 as the guide engaging portion 40 has a configuration as a roller 42 that rotates around a pivot shaft extending in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the vehicle body-side engaging portion 32 has a pair of side wall portions 43a, 43b facing each other in the vehicle width direction (vertical direction in Figure 7) and includes a guide groove 43 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 40 is positioned within the guide groove 43, 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 43 of the vehicle-side engaging portion 32, sandwiched between a pair of side wall portions 43a and 43b 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 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 guide engaging portion 40 is displaced relative to the guide groove 43 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.

[0037] In other words, in this embodiment, when the door 5 moves to the fully closed position P0, the door-side engaging portion 31 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 40 positioned within the guide groove 43. 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 drive device 51, which will be described in detail below, 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] (Drive system) As shown in Figures 8 to 11, the door device 20 of this embodiment includes a drive device 51 that drives the opening and closing of the door 5 of the vehicle 1, which is supported by a link mechanism 15 formed by the first and second link arms 11 and 12. In the door device 20 of this embodiment, the drive device 51 applies a driving torque to the first link arm 11, which is positioned on the main link 21, using the first link arm 11 as a drive link 55. The drive device 51 of this embodiment is configured to rotate the first link arm 11 around a first pivot connection point X1 with respect to the vehicle body 2, thereby opening and closing the door 5 supported by the first link arm 11.

[0041] More specifically, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, the first link arm 11 comprises an arm body 60 having a long, roughly rod-shaped outer form. The first link arm 11 of this embodiment also comprises a base bracket 61 and a tip bracket 62 connected to the longitudinal end of the arm body 60. Furthermore, the door device 20 of this embodiment includes a vehicle body bracket 63 to which the base bracket 61 of the first link arm 11 is rotatably connected, while fixed near the rear edge 3r of the door opening 3. The door device 20 of this embodiment also includes a door bracket 64 to which the tip bracket 62 of the first link arm 11 is rotatably connected, while fixed to the inner surface 5s of the door 5.

[0042] In other words, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, the base bracket 61 and the vehicle body bracket 63, which are connected in a relative rotatable manner, form a first pivot connection point X1 on the first link arm 11. Furthermore, the tip bracket 62 and the door bracket 64, which are also connected in a relative rotatable manner, form a second pivot connection point X2 on the first link arm 11. The drive device 51 of this embodiment is configured to input its drive torque to the base end portion 11b of the first link arm 11, which is rotatably supported with respect to the vehicle body 2.

[0043] Furthermore, the drive device 51 of this embodiment includes an actuator 65 that outputs drive torque using a motor 65m as a drive source, and a transmission mechanism 70 that transmits the drive torque to the first link arm 11, which serves as a drive link 55. The door device 20 of this embodiment is configured such that the transmission mechanism 70 is positioned at a location where the base bracket 61 and the vehicle body bracket 63 form the first pivot connection point X1 on the first link arm 11.

[0044] Specifically, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, the base bracket 61 constituting the base end 11b of the first link arm 11 includes a base portion 72 that extends vertically and is fixed to the base end 60b of the arm body 60. The base bracket 61 also includes first and second link-side connecting portions 73a and 73b that extend from the lower and upper ends of the base portion 72 in a direction that extends the arm body 60, respectively. The vehicle body bracket 63, which is fixed to the vehicle body 2 at the rear edge 3r of the door opening 3, also includes first and second vehicle body-side connecting portions 75a and 75b that face each other at positions spaced apart in the vertical direction.

[0045] Furthermore, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, the first and second link-side connecting portions 73a, 73b and the first and second vehicle body-side connecting portions 75a, 75b are rotatably connected via connecting pins 76, 76 at two positions separated vertically. As a result, the door device 20 of this embodiment is configured to form a connecting shaft 77 of the drive link 55 to the vehicle body 2, which becomes the first rotatable connection point X1.

[0046] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 9 to 12, the transmission mechanism 70 of this embodiment is formed by fixing a drive transmission unit 80 having a support bracket 78 to the vehicle body bracket 63.

[0047] Specifically, the drive transmission unit 80 is fixed to the first body-side connecting portion 75a, which is located lower than the first and second body-side connecting portions 75a and 75b that constitute the body bracket 63, and is positioned above the first body-side connecting portion 75a. Furthermore, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, the actuator 65 is fixed to the upper bracket 81 that forms the upper end surface 80s of the drive transmission unit 80. As a result, the door device 20 of this embodiment is positioned at the location where the first pivot connection point X1 is formed on the first link arm 11, with the actuator 65 and the drive transmission unit 80 integrated. More specifically, the drive transmission unit 80 is positioned between a first position Y1 where the first link-side connecting portion 73a and the first body-side connecting portion 75a are connected, and a second position Y2 where the second link-side connecting portion 73b and the second body-side connecting portion 75b are connected.

[0048] (Transmission mechanism) More specifically, as shown in Figures 9 to 14, the door device 20 of this embodiment includes a link drive gear 90 fixed to the first link arm 11, which is the drive link 55, with a pivot center M located coaxially with the connecting shaft 77 of the drive link 55 to the vehicle body 2. In the door device 20 of this embodiment, the link drive gear 90 is configured as a sector gear 91 having gear teeth 91a on a portion of its circumferential direction. The link drive gear 90 also includes a connecting projection 92 that protrudes radially. Furthermore, in the link drive gear 90 of this embodiment, this connecting projection 92 is fixed to a base bracket 61 that constitutes the base end portion 11b of the first link arm 11. Specifically, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, the connecting projection 92 of the link drive gear 90 is fixed with its tip portion 92a inserted into an attachment hole 93 provided in the base portion 72 of the base bracket 61 via a substantially cylindrical bush 94. In this embodiment, the link drive gear 90 is configured to rotate integrally with the drive link 55 around the connecting shaft 77, with its pivot shaft 90x, which serves as its pivot center M, positioned coaxially with the connecting shaft 77 of the drive link 55 relative to the vehicle body 2.

[0049] Furthermore, the door device 20 of this embodiment is equipped with a torque input gear 100 that meshes with the link drive gear 90. In the door device 20 of this embodiment, the torque input gear 100 has a configuration as a two-stage gear 103, comprising a first gear section 101 and a second gear section 102 that rotate integrally on the same axis. Moreover, the torque input gear 100 is rotatably supported around a pivot shaft 100x shared by the first gear section 101 and the second gear section 102, with the first gear section 101 positioned above the second gear section 102. In this configuration, the torque input gear 100 of this embodiment is configured such that its first gear section 101 meshes with the link drive gear 90, which has a sector gear configuration 91.

[0050] Furthermore, the door device 20 of this embodiment includes a pinion gear 104 that meshes with the second gear portion 102 of the torque input gear 100. The door device 20 of this embodiment also includes a pulley device 110 that transmits the driving torque of the actuator 65 to the support shaft 104x, which rotates integrally with the pinion gear 104.

[0051] Specifically, the pulley device 110 of this embodiment includes a drive pulley 111 that rotates integrally with the output shaft 65x of the actuator 65 while fixed to it, and a driven pulley 112 that rotates integrally with the pivot shaft 104x of the pinion gear 104 while fixed to it. The pulley device 110 also includes a drive belt 113 wrapped around these drive pulleys 111 and driven pulleys 112. Furthermore, the pulley device 110 includes an auxiliary pulley 114 that applies preload to the annular shape of the drive belt 113, and a plurality of guide rollers 115 that sandwich the drive belt 113 between the drive pulley 111 and driven pulleys 112. As a result, the pulley device 110 of this embodiment is configured to stably transmit the drive torque of the actuator 65 to a position spaced apart from the output shaft 65x of the actuator 65.

[0052] In other words, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, the drive torque output by the actuator 65 is transmitted to the pinion gear 104 via the pulley device 110. Furthermore, the rotation of the pinion gear 104 is transmitted to the link drive gear 90 via a torque input gear 100 having a second gear portion 102 that meshes with the pinion gear 104 and a first gear portion 101 that meshes with the link drive gear 90. As a result, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, the first link arm 11, which is positioned on the drive link 55 and is integrated with the link drive gear 90, rotates around the connecting shaft 77 to the vehicle body 2. In short, a transmission mechanism 70 is formed that transmits the drive torque of the actuator 65 to the drive link 55.

[0053] (Drive transmission unit) To elaborate further, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, the drive transmission unit 80 is formed in such a state that it integrally holds the link drive gear 90, torque input gear 100, pinion gear 104, and pulley device 110 that constitute the transmission mechanism 70 as described above.

[0054] Specifically, the drive transmission unit 80 of this embodiment includes a lower bracket 121 and an upper bracket 81 that serve as its support bracket 78, as well as a middle bracket 122 positioned between the lower bracket 121 and the upper bracket 81. In the drive transmission unit 80 of this embodiment, the pivot shaft 90x of the link drive gear 90 is formed by a support pin 123 that spans between the middle bracket 122 and the lower bracket 121. Similarly, the torque input gear 100 also has a configuration in which its pivot shaft 100x is spanned between the middle bracket 122 and the lower bracket 121. The pivot shaft 104x of the pinion gear 104 that meshes with the second gear portion 102 of the torque input gear 100 is inserted through an insertion hole (not shown) provided in the middle bracket 122 and spanned between the lower bracket 121 and the upper bracket 81.

[0055] Furthermore, in the drive transmission unit 80 of this embodiment, the pulley device 110 is formed between the middle bracket 122 and the upper bracket 81. Specifically, the actuator 65 of this embodiment is fixed to the upper end surface 80s of the drive transmission unit 80 by inserting its output shaft 65x into the mounting hole 81x provided in the upper bracket 81 and the support hole (not shown) provided in the middle bracket 122. In the drive transmission unit 80 of this embodiment, the drive pulley 111 fixed to the output shaft 65x of the actuator 65 is positioned between the middle bracket 122 and the upper bracket 81.

[0056] Similarly, the driven pulley 112, which shares the pinion gear 104 and its support shaft 104x, is also fixed to the support shaft 104x of the pinion gear 104 at a position between the middle bracket 122 and the upper bracket 81. The auxiliary pulley 114 and each guide roller 115 also have support shafts (not shown) that span between the middle bracket 122 and the upper bracket 81.

[0057] Furthermore, in the drive transmission unit 80 of this embodiment, the lower bracket 121 and the middle bracket 122, and the middle bracket 122 and the upper bracket 81 are fixed via a plurality of connecting pins 125. As a result, the drive transmission unit 80 of this embodiment is configured so that the components of the transmission mechanism 70 are rotatably supported at the positions between the lower bracket 121, the middle bracket 122, and the upper bracket 81.

[0058] (Optimal design) To elaborate further, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, the pivot shaft 90x of the link drive gear 90 and the pivot shaft 100x of the torque input gear 100, which constitute the transmission mechanism 70, are arranged side by side in the vehicle longitudinal direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the door 5, which is supported by the first link arm 11 as a drive link 55, is in the fully closed position P0, the connecting projection 92 of the link drive gear 90, which is fixed to its base end 11b, extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0059] In Figures 13 and 14, the left-right direction corresponds to the vehicle's front-rear direction. The up-down direction corresponds to the vehicle's width direction. In these figures, the upper side represents the outside of the vehicle in the width direction, and the upper side represents the inside of the vehicle in the width direction, or the interior of the vehicle.

[0060] Furthermore, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, the link drive gear 90 constituting the transmission mechanism 70 has a notch 130 at a circumferential position where the sector gear 91 does not have gear teeth 91a. Specifically, this notch 130 is provided in such a manner that it cuts out the link drive gear 90 in the radial direction. As a result of the formation of this notch 130, the link drive gear 90 of this embodiment has a substantially semicircular planar shape.

[0061] Furthermore, in the link drive gear 90 of this embodiment, the connecting projection 92 is provided at the end position of the notch 130 in the circumferential direction. Moreover, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, when the door 5 is in the fully closed position P0, the gear teeth 91a of the link drive gear 90, which has a configuration as a sector gear 91 forming the transmission mechanism 70 of the drive device 51, are configured to face outwards. In other words, at this time, the gear teeth 91a of the link drive gear 90 are configured not to face inwards. As a result, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, from the fully closed position P0 to the fully open position P1, the meshing position of the torque input gear 100 with respect to the gear teeth 91a of the sector gear 91 is displaced as the door 5 opens and closes, and the link drive gear 90 rotates around its pivot shaft 90x.

[0062] In other words, the door device 20 of this embodiment rotates the drive link 55 from a state in which it supports the door 5 in the fully closed position P0 to an open position (in each figure, counterclockwise) based on the drive torque transmitted to the link drive gear 90 via the torque input gear 100. The door device 20 of this embodiment is also capable of closing the drive link 55, which supports the door 5 in the opened position, back to its fully closed position P0 (in each figure, clockwise).

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the door device 20 is configured such that when the door 5 is in the fully closed position P0, the notch 130 provided on the link drive gear 90, which has a configuration as a sector gear 91 forming the transmission mechanism 70 of the drive device 51, faces inward. As a result, in this embodiment, the door device 20 is configured such that when the door 5 is in the fully closed position P0, the link drive gear 90 does not protrude inward beyond the support bracket 78 of the drive transmission unit 80 fixed to the vehicle body bracket 63.

[0064] Furthermore, the link drive gear 90 of this embodiment has a circumferentially extending engagement recess 131 provided in its notch 130. Specifically, this engagement recess 131 has a substantially arc-shaped planar form that extends circumferentially with the pivot shaft 90x of the link drive gear 90 concentrically. Moreover, the door device 20 of this embodiment is equipped with an axial engagement projection 132 that is fixed to the vehicle body 2 and positioned within this engagement recess 131. In the door device 20 of this embodiment, the connecting pin 125 interposed between the lower bracket 121 and the middle bracket 122 of the drive transmission unit 80 functions as this engagement projection 132. The door device 20 of this embodiment is configured such that the engagement recess 131 and engagement projection 132 restrict the rotation of the link drive gear 90, that is, a stopper mechanism 135 is formed that restricts the opening and closing range of the drive link 55 that supports the door 5.

[0065] In other words, the stopper mechanism 135 works as follows: the link drive gear 90, which is coaxially positioned with the connecting shaft 77 of the drive link 55 to the vehicle body 2, rotates around the pivot shaft 90x, causing the engaging projection 132 to move circumferentially within the engaging recess 131 of the link drive gear 90. Specifically, due to the apparent circumferential movement accompanying the rotation of the link drive gear 90, the engaging projection 132 is positioned near the first end 131a of the engaging recess 131 when the door 5, supported by the first link arm 11 as the drive link 55, is in the fully closed position P0. Furthermore, due to the apparent circumferential movement accompanying the rotation of the link drive gear 90, the engaging projection 132 is positioned near the second end 131b of the engaging recess 131 when the door 5, supported by the first link arm 11 as the drive link 55, is in the fully open position P1. Furthermore, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, a stopper mechanism 135 is formed that limits the rotation of the link drive gear 90 within a range in which the relative displacement of the engaging projection 132 in the extending direction of the engaging recess 131 is permissible.

[0066] Furthermore, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, the torque input gear 100, which has a configuration as a two-stage gear 103, has a second gear portion 102 that meshes with the pinion gear 104 in a larger diameter than the first gear portion 101 that meshes with the link drive gear 90. In other words, in this torque input gear 100, the input-side second gear portion 102, to which the drive torque is input via the pinion gear 104, has a larger diameter than the output-side first gear portion 101 that outputs the drive torque to the link drive gear 90. Moreover, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, the second gear portion 102 of the torque input gear 100 is configured so that it does not protrude inward from the support bracket 78 of the drive transmission unit 80 fixed to the vehicle body bracket 63. Furthermore, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, when the door 5 is in the fully closed position P0, the link drive gear 90 is configured not to protrude further inward than the second gear portion 102 of the torque input gear 100.

[0067] More specifically, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, an impact-absorbing member 141 is positioned on the interior side adjacent to the vehicle body bracket 63 as an interior component 140. This impact-absorbing member 141 is what is commonly referred to as an "EA pad," and is formed using, for example, urethane material. Furthermore, the door device 20 of this embodiment is configured such that, based on the opening operation of the door 5, the gear teeth 91a of the link drive gear 90, which is a sector gear 91 fixed to the base end 11b of the first link arm 11 that constitutes the drive link 55, face inward. In the door device 20 of this embodiment, the gear teeth 91a of the sector gear 91, which faces inward based on the opening operation of the door 5, protrude inward from the support bracket 78 of the drive transmission unit 80 fixed to the vehicle body bracket 63. In the door device 20 of this embodiment, the gear teeth 91a of the sector gear 91 protrude inward from the vehicle body bracket 63, more specifically the first vehicle body side connecting portion 75a, which supports the drive transmission unit 80 constituting the transmission mechanism 70 to the vehicle body 2. In the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, a groove-shaped recess 142 is provided on the opposing surface 140s of the interior member 140 located on the vehicle side of the link drive gear 90, which positions the gear teeth 91a of the sector gear 91 facing inward based on the opening operation of the door 5.

[0068] (action) In other words, normally, the door 5 of vehicle 1 is held in the fully closed position P0, that is, in that fully closed position, for the longest period of time. Taking this into consideration, a sector gear 91 having gear teeth 91a on a portion of its circumferential direction is used in a link drive gear 90 that rotates integrally with the drive link 55 that supports the door 5, and the gear teeth 91a are configured to face outwards when the door 5 is in the fully closed position P0. This makes it difficult for the link drive gear 90 to protrude inwards, and also makes it difficult for foreign objects to interfere with the gear teeth 91a.

[0069] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) The door device 20 of the vehicle 1 includes first and second link arms 11 and 12, each 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 door device 20 also includes a drive device 51 that rotates the first link arm 11, using the first link arm 11 as a drive link 55, thereby opening and closing the door 5 based on the operation of a link mechanism 15 formed by the first and second link arms 11 and 12. The drive device 51 includes an actuator 65 that outputs a drive torque and a transmission mechanism 70 that transmits the drive torque to the drive link 55. The transmission mechanism 70 includes a link drive gear 90 fixed to the drive link 55 with a pivot center M at a position coaxial with the connecting shaft 77 of the drive link 55 with respect to the vehicle body 2, and a torque input gear 100 to which the drive torque is input while meshing with the link drive gear 90. Furthermore, the link drive gear 90 has a configuration as a sector gear 91 having gear teeth 91a on a portion of its circumferential direction. The link drive gear 90 is configured such that when the door 5 supported by the drive link 55 is in the fully closed position P0, the gear teeth 91a of the sector gear 91 face outwards.

[0070] According to the above configuration, when the door 5 is in the fully closed position P0, the amount of protrusion of the link drive gear 90, which rotates integrally with the drive link 55 around the connecting shaft 77 to the vehicle body 2, toward the interior of the vehicle can be kept to a minimum. Furthermore, it becomes more difficult for foreign objects to interfere with the gear teeth 91a. As a result, the protective structure on the interior side of the link drive gear 90 can be simplified. This allows for an expansion of the usable interior space of the vehicle near the drive unit 51 by reducing the amount of protrusion toward the interior of the vehicle, including protective structures such as cover members.

[0071] (2) The connecting shaft 77 of the drive link 55 to the vehicle body 2 is rotatably connected to the first and second link-side connecting portions 73a, 73b and the first and second vehicle body-side connecting portions 75a, 75b at first position Y1 and second position Y2, which are spaced apart in the axial direction of the connecting shaft 77. The transmission mechanism 70 is positioned in the axial direction of the connecting shaft 77 between first position Y1, where the first link-side connecting portion 73a and the first vehicle body-side connecting portion 75a are connected, and second position Y2, where the second link-side connecting portion 73b and the second vehicle body-side connecting portion 75b are connected.

[0072] According to the above configuration, the transmission mechanism 70 of the drive unit 51 can be compactly arranged relative to the drive link 55. As a result, high mountability on the vehicle 1 can be ensured. Furthermore, the first and second vehicle body side connecting portions 75a and 75b function as protective members for the transmission mechanism 70. This expands the usable passenger compartment space near the drive unit 51.

[0073] (3) The torque input gear 100 has a configuration as a two-stage gear 103, comprising a first gear section 101 and a second gear section 102 that rotate together on the same axis. Furthermore, the second gear section 102, to which the driving torque is input, has a larger diameter than the first gear section 101 that meshes with the link drive gear 90. The door device 20 is configured such that when the door 5 is in the fully closed position P0, its link drive gear 90 does not protrude further inward than the second gear section 102 of the torque input gear 100.

[0074] In other words, by using a two-stage gear 103 in the torque input gear 100, a reduction mechanism can be formed compactly with a simple configuration. Furthermore, by suppressing the amount of protrusion of the link drive gear 90 toward the interior of the vehicle based on the second gear section 102 of the torque input gear 100, the interior space of the vehicle near the drive unit 51 can be expanded more effectively and efficiently utilized.

[0075] (4) The link drive gear 90 has a notch 130 in the radial direction, which is a notch in the link drive gear 90 at a circumferential position where it does not have gear teeth 91a as a sector gear 91. The link drive gear 90 is configured such that the notch 130 faces the interior of the vehicle when the door 5 is in the fully closed position P0.

[0076] With the above configuration, the amount of protrusion of the link drive gear 90 into the vehicle interior can be further reduced. As a result, the vehicle interior space near the drive unit 51 can be expanded and utilized more effectively.

[0077] (5) The door device 20 includes a circumferentially extending engagement recess 131 provided in the notch 130 of the link drive gear 90, and an engagement projection 132 that is fixed to the vehicle body 2 and positioned within the engagement recess 131. In the door device 20, a stopper mechanism 135 is formed that limits the rotation of the link drive gear 90 within a range in which the relative displacement of the engagement projection 132 in the extending direction of the engagement recess 131 is permissible.

[0078] According to the above configuration, it is possible to restrict the excessive closing operation of the drive link 55 beyond the fully closed position P0 of the door 5, and the excessive opening operation of the drive link 55 beyond the fully open position P1 of the door 5, with a simple configuration. Furthermore, by utilizing the notch 130 of the link drive gear 90, the stopper mechanism 135 can be formed compactly.

[0079] (6) An interior member 140 of the vehicle 1 is positioned on the interior side of the link drive gear 90. The door device 20 is configured such that the gear teeth 91a of the link drive gear 90, which has a configuration as a sector gear 91 facing the interior side based on the opening operation of the door 5, are positioned inside a recess 142 provided in the interior member 140.

[0080] According to the above configuration, the interior components 140 of the vehicle 1 can be positioned closer to the transmission mechanism 70 that constitutes the drive unit 51. This expands the usable interior space of the vehicle.

[0081] Furthermore, the interior component 140 positioned on the vehicle side of the link drive gear 90 functions as a protective component for the link drive gear 90. This ensures high reliability by protecting the link drive gear 90 when the door 5 is opened.

[0082] 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.

[0083] In the above embodiment, the link drive gear 90 has the configuration of a sector gear 91 and is provided with a notch 130 located at a circumferential position where it does not have gear teeth 91a. However, it is not limited to this configuration, and the link drive gear 90 as a sector gear 91 may not have such a notch 130. That is, it may simply have a substantially circular planar shape with a circumferential position where it does not have gear teeth 91a.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the connecting pin 125 interposed between the lower bracket 121 and the middle bracket 122 of the drive transmission unit 80 functions as the engaging projection 132 of the stopper mechanism 135. However, the configuration of the engaging projection 132 can be arbitrarily changed. Furthermore, it is not necessary to have a stopper mechanism 135 that utilizes such a notch 130 of the link drive gear 90.

[0085] The fixing structure of the link drive gear 90 to the drive link 55 may be changed as desired. In the above embodiment, the torque input gear 100 is configured as a two-stage gear 103, but the configuration of this torque input gear 100 may also be changed as desired.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the connecting shaft 77 of the drive link 55 to the vehicle body 2 extends in the vertical direction, but it does not necessarily have to be strictly vertical, and the connecting shaft 77 may be configured to have an inclination.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the transmission mechanism 70 is formed by fixing a drive transmission unit 80 having a support bracket 78 to the vehicle body bracket 63. The actuator 65 is fixed to the drive transmission unit 80 and positioned at the location where the first pivot connection point X1 is formed on the first link arm 11 located on the drive link 55. However, the configuration of the transmission mechanism 70 is not limited to this, and any configuration having a link drive gear 90 and torque input gear 100 as described above may be arbitrarily changed. For example, it does not necessarily have to be a unitized structure like the drive transmission unit 80. Furthermore, the structure forming the connecting shaft 77 of the drive link 55 to the vehicle body 2 may also be arbitrarily changed.

[0088] The drive link 55 does not necessarily have to be the first link arm 11 located on the main link 21. The second link arm 12 located on the sub-link 22 may also be used as the drive link 55. Furthermore, both the first and second link arms 11 and 12 may be used as the drive link 55, and the configuration may be applied to provide the driving force of the actuator 65 to these first and second link arms 11 and 12, respectively.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the shock-absorbing member 141, which is an interior member 140, is positioned on the interior side of the link drive gear 90. However, the interior member 140 positioned on the interior side of the link drive gear 90 can be anything. It is preferable to be able to form a recess 142 that positions the gear teeth 91a of the link drive gear 90, which has a configuration as a sector gear 91 that faces the interior side of the vehicle based on the opening operation of the door 5, inward. Furthermore, this may be applied to a configuration in which no interior member 140 of the vehicle 1 is positioned adjacent to the link drive gear 90. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0090] 1…Vehicle 2… Vehicle body 5... Doors 11…First Link Arm 12…Second Link Arm 15…Link mechanism 20... Door device 51…Drive system 55… Drive link 65… Actuator 70…Transmission mechanism 77...Connection shaft 90... Link drive gear 91... Sector gear 91a... Gear teeth 100... Torque input gear X1...First pivoting connection point X2...Second pivoting connection point M... Center of rotation P0…Fully closed position

Claims

1. A first and second link arm having a first pivot connection point to the vehicle body and a second pivot connection point to the vehicle door, The device includes a drive unit that rotates the drive link, using at least one of the first and second link arms as a drive link, thereby opening and closing the door based on the operation of the link mechanism formed by the first and second link arms, The drive device is An actuator that outputs driving torque, The system includes a transmission mechanism for transmitting the aforementioned drive torque to the drive link, The aforementioned transmission mechanism is A link drive gear fixed to the drive link, having a pivot point coaxial with the connecting shaft of the drive link to the vehicle body, The system includes a torque input gear to which the drive torque is input while meshing with the link drive gear, The link drive gear has a configuration as a sector gear having gear teeth on a portion of its circumferential direction, When the door supported by the drive link is in the fully closed position, the gear teeth of the sector gear are configured to face outwards. The connecting shaft of the drive link to the vehicle body is such that the first and second link-side connecting portions and the first and second vehicle body-side connecting portions are rotatably connected at first and second positions spaced apart in the axial direction of the connecting shaft, In the axial direction of the connecting shaft, A vehicle door device in which the transmission mechanism is arranged between the first position where the first link-side connecting portion and the first vehicle body-side connecting portion are connected, and the second position where the second link-side connecting portion and the second vehicle body-side connecting portion are connected.

2. In the vehicle door device according to claim 1, The torque input gear has a configuration as a two-stage gear comprising a first gear section and a second gear section that rotate integrally on the same axis, The second gear portion to which the drive torque is input is larger in diameter than the first gear portion that meshes with the link drive gear, A vehicle door device characterized in that, when the door is in the fully closed position, the link drive gear is configured not to protrude further inward than the second gear portion.

3. In the vehicle door device according to claim 1, The link drive gear has a notch in the radial direction at a circumferential position where it does not have gear teeth, A vehicle door device characterized in that, when the door is in the fully closed position, the notch is configured to face the interior of the vehicle.

4. In the vehicle door device according to claim 3, An engagement recess extending in the circumferential direction of the link drive gear provided in the notch, It has an engaging projection which is positioned within the engaging recess in a state fixed to the vehicle body, The link drive gear is provided with a stopper mechanism that limits the rotation of the link drive gear to a range in which the relative displacement of the engaging projection in the extending direction of the engaging recess is permissible. A vehicle door device characterized by the following.

5. In the vehicle door device according to claim 1, The interior components of the vehicle are positioned on the interior side of the link drive gear, and the gear teeth of the sector gear facing the interior side based on the opening operation of the door are configured to be positioned inside the recesses provided in the interior components. A vehicle door device characterized by the following.

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