Door opening operation device

Abstract

To provide a door opening operation device capable of preventing a malfunction due to an interference of a cover with a component protruding into an operation port caused by the arrangement of the component.SOLUTION: A door opening operation device 10 includes: a base 15 with an operation port 15c; a cover 30 placed on the base 15 so that a movement between a closed position and an open position is allowed; a protrusion 15g protruding to the back of the cover 30 toward the front side in the vehicle length direction to overlap the cover 30; and an avoidance mechanism 50 that rotates the cover 30 so that, when the cover 30 is moved from the closed position to the open position, the inclination with respect to the vehicle length direction is increased as approaching the inside of the vehicle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] The door opening operation device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is arranged on the door panel on the outside of the vehicle, and can switch the latch mechanism provided in the door latch device from the latched state to the unlatch state to open the door. This door opening operation device includes a cover, an actuator, and an opening lever. When the cover rotates inward by the actuator, the operation port is opened, and the opening lever is operated by inserting a hand into this operation port. As a result, the latch mechanism is unlatch and the door can be opened.

[0003] The door opening operation device further includes a key cylinder for opening the door when the vehicle battery has insufficient capacity. This key cylinder is also covered with a cover. The key cylinder is arranged to extend in the vehicle length direction, and the key insertion surface of the key cylinder is arranged to extend in the vehicle width direction so as not to interfere with the cover during rotation. Manually push the cover inward to open the operation port, insert a mechanical key into the key cylinder and operate it. As a result, the lock mechanism provided in the door latch device is switched from the locked state to the unlocked state, and the door can be opened by unlatching the latch mechanism.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the door opening operation device described in Patent Document 1, the operation requires inserting a mechanical key into the key cylinder inside the operating opening in the direction of the vehicle's length, resulting in poor operability. This inconvenience in operability can be resolved by arranging the key cylinder at an angle so that the key insertion surface faces the outside of the vehicle through the operating opening. However, in this case, the key cylinder itself or the part where the key cylinder is located protrudes into the operating opening, and malfunction may occur due to interference of the cover with this protrusion. This malfunction is not limited to the arrangement of the key cylinder considering operability, but can also occur due to the arrangement of parts other than the key cylinder.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a door opening operation device that can prevent malfunctions caused by interference between the cover and a portion protruding into the operating opening, through the arrangement of its components. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention provides a door opening operation device comprising: a base having an operating opening and mounted along the door panel of a vehicle; a cover disposed on the base such that it is permitted to move between a closed position in which the operating opening is closed and an open position located further inside the vehicle than the closed position and in which the operating opening is opened; a projection located further inside the vehicle than the cover in the closed position and projecting in a first direction toward the back of the cover so as to overlap with the cover when viewed from the outside of the vehicle; and an avoidance mechanism that rotates the cover such that the inclination toward the first direction increases as the cover moves toward the vehicle side when the cover is moved from the closed position to the open position.

[0008] The cover is equipped with an avoidance mechanism that rotates it so that the tilt relative to the first orientation increases as it moves from the closed position to the open position. This prevents the cover from interfering with a protrusion on the back of the cover, thus preventing malfunction of the cover. Furthermore, if the protrusion is formed by the arrangement of the key cylinder with operability in mind, the key insertion surface can be positioned to face the outside of the vehicle, thereby improving the operability of the key cylinder with a mechanical key when opening the door manually. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] In the door opening operation device of the present invention, malfunctions caused by interference of the cover with a portion protruding into the operating opening can be prevented by the arrangement of the components. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] A front view of a door opening operation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A perspective view of the door opening mechanism as seen from the outside of the vehicle. [Figure 3] An exploded perspective view of the door opening mechanism as seen from the outside of the vehicle. [Figure 4] An exploded perspective view of the door opening mechanism as seen from inside the vehicle. [Figure 5] Cross-sectional view of line VV in Figure 1. [Figure 6] Cross-sectional view along line VI-VI in Figure 1. [Figure 7] Cross-sectional view along line VII-VII in Figure 1. [Figure 8] Bottom view of the handle, output lever, connection lever, and key cylinder. [Figure 9] A perspective view showing the handle, output component, output lever, and connecting lever. [Figure 10] A rear view showing the cover closing the control panel as seen from inside the vehicle. [Figure 11] Figure 10 shows the relationship between the key cylinder, cover, and operating lever when the closed state is cut along the line XI-XI. [Figure 12] A rear view showing the rotation process of the cover as seen from inside the vehicle. [Figure 13] This diagram shows the relationship between the key cylinder, cover, and operating lever, as seen when the rotation process in Figure 12 is cut along the line XIII-XIII. [Figure 14] A rear view showing the open state of the control panel by the cover, as seen from inside the vehicle. [Figure 15] This diagram shows the relationship between the key cylinder, cover, and operating lever when the open state of Figure 14 is cut along the line XV-XV.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

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

[0012] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a door opening operation device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is attached to an outer panel (door panel) 1 of a door and can operate a door latch device 5 disposed on the door to open a closed door. The door opening operation device 10 of the present embodiment is for a left side door. However, the door opening operation device 10 may be for a right side door. In this case, the component parts of the door opening operation device 10 have a line-symmetric shape and arrangement.

[0013] In the attached drawings, the X direction is the vehicle length direction, the direction indicated by the arrow is the front side and the first direction of the present invention, and the direction opposite to the arrow is the rear side. The Y direction is the vehicle width direction, the direction indicated by the arrow is the inner side (inside the vehicle), and the direction opposite to the arrow is the outer side (outside the vehicle). The Z direction is the vehicle height direction, the direction indicated by the arrow is the upper side, and the direction opposite to the arrow is the lower side.

[0014] The door latch device 5 and the door opening operation device 10 are connected to an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 3 mounted on the vehicle and can be operated electrically according to signals from the ECU 3. An authentication device 4 that communicates with an electronic key (not shown) outside the vehicle by an LF (Low Frequency) signal and compares the authentication code received from the electronic key with a registered normal code and determines that the user is a normal user if they match (are established) is connected to the ECU 3.

[0015] To explain the outline of the door latch device 5, the door latch device 5 includes a latch mechanism 6, a lock mechanism 7, and an electric switching mechanism 8, and is disposed along an end panel 2 of the door.

[0016] The latch mechanism 6 includes a fork and a claw and can be switched between a latched state and an unlocked state. In the latched state, the fork holds the vehicle body striker, keeping the door closed. In the unlocked state, the fork releases the striker, allowing the door to be opened. Switching from the unlocked state to the latched state is performed by closing the open door, which causes the striker to enter (rotate) onto the fork. Switching from the latched state to the unlocked state is performed in two ways by operating the door opening operation device 10. In the first method, the ECU 3, which detects the operation of the sensor unit 20 of the door opening operation device 10, switches electrically via the electric switching mechanism 8. In the second method, the user manually switches by operating the release lever 23 of the door opening operation device 10.

[0017] The locking mechanism 7 is composed of multiple levers, etc., and can switch between an unlocked state in which the latch mechanism 6 can be switched from the latched state to the unlocked state, and a locked state in which the latch mechanism 6 cannot be switched from the latched state to the unlocked state. There are two ways to switch between the unlocked and locked states. In the first method, the ECU 3 switches electrically via the electric switching mechanism 8. In the second method, the user switches manually by operating the key cylinder 28 provided on the door opening operation device 10.

[0018] The electric switching mechanism 8 is composed of multiple levers, including an electric motor, and is capable of electrically switching the latch mechanism 6 from the latched state to the unlocked state, and switching the lock mechanism 7 between the unlocked state and the locked state. This electric switching mechanism 8 switches the lock mechanism 7 from the unlocked state to the locked state according to a signal from the ECU 3, preventing unintended opening of the door. In addition, according to a signal from the ECU 3, the electric switching mechanism 8 switches the lock mechanism 7 from the locked state to the unlocked state, and switches the latch mechanism 6 from the latched state to the unlocked state, making the door openable.

[0019] Next, the door opening operation device 10 of this embodiment will be described.

[0020] Referring to Figures 5 to 7, the door opening operation device 10 comprises an exterior body consisting of a base 15 and an exterior cover 16, and is mounted on the interior surface of the outer panel 1. Referring to Figures 2 to 4, the door opening operation device 10 comprises a sensor unit (operating part) 20, an opening lever 23, a key cylinder 28, a cover 30, and an actuator 40, which are assembled to the base 15.

[0021] Referring to Figures 3 to 6, the base 15 comprises a base wall 15a positioned along the outer panel 1 and a pair of side walls 15b projecting inward from the base wall 15a. The base wall 15a is provided with a rectangular operating opening 15c extending in the vehicle length direction, corresponding to the opening 1a of the outer panel 1. Only the portion of the door opening operating device 10 located within the opening 1a is exposed to the outside of the vehicle.

[0022] The sensor unit 20, release lever 23, and cover 30 are located between a pair of side walls 15b of the base 15 and are covered by an outer cover 16. The key cylinder 28 is located outside the rear side wall 15b of the base 15 in the vehicle direction and is mostly covered by a cover portion 15d. The actuator 40 is located in a cover portion 15e that extends to the front of the base 15 in the vehicle direction. The inside of the cover portion 15e is in communication with the area below the operating port 15c.

[0023] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, in the door opening operation device 10 of this embodiment, the key cylinder 28 is positioned at an inclination with respect to the vehicle width direction and vehicle length direction, taking into consideration the operability when inserting a mechanical key (not shown) into the key cylinder 28 for operation. As a result, the portion of the base 15 in which the key cylinder 28 is located is composed of an inclined wall 15g. A portion of this inclined wall 15g on the vehicle side is located on the vehicle side of the cover body 30a of the cover 30 in the closed position, and becomes a protruding portion 17 that protrudes from the back (vehicle side) of the cover body 30a so as to overlap with the cover body 30a when viewed from the outside in the vehicle width direction.

[0024] On the other hand, the cover 30 is rotatable between the closed position shown in Figures 10 and 11 and the open position shown in Figures 14 and 15, via the rotation process shown in Figures 12 and 13. In this embodiment, an avoidance mechanism 50 is provided to move the cover 30 while avoiding the protrusion 17 of the base 15 without interfering with it during this rotation. This avoidance mechanism 50 is composed of an arm portion 30b and a rotation shaft 31 provided on the cover 30, and the rotation shaft 31 is positioned at an inclination with respect to the XZ plane, which is the plane on which the operating opening 15c extends.

[0025] The sensor unit 20, release lever 23, key cylinder 28, cover 30, actuator 40, and avoidance mechanism 50 will be described in detail below.

[0026] Referring to Figures 2, 4, and 5, the sensor unit 20 is provided to electrically release the latch mechanism 6 when the capacity of the battery mounted on the vehicle exceeds a predetermined threshold. This sensor unit 20 is positioned on the inside of the base 15 so as to be above (around) the operation opening 15c, and can be operated by a hand inserted into the inside of the vehicle through the operation opening 15c.

[0027] The sensor unit 20 is composed of a capacitive sensor capable of detecting an opening operation by the user based on a change in capacitance. When an opening operation by the user is detected, it outputs a signal to the ECU 3. This causes the ECU 3 to activate the motorized switching mechanism 8 and switch the latch mechanism 6 from the latched state to the unlocked state. However, the operating part that the user opens may be a switch unit using a microswitch.

[0028] Referring to Figures 2, 4, and 6, the release lever 23 is provided for manually releasing the latch mechanism 6 in emergencies, such as when the battery capacity falls below a threshold, i.e., when the latch mechanism 6 cannot be operated electrically. This release lever 23 is located adjacent to the front side in the vehicle direction of the sensor unit 20 and can be operated by a hand inserted into the vehicle through the operation opening 15c.

[0029] The release lever 23 has a rectangular (non-circular) cross-section shaft 24 that is rotatably supported on the base 15, and is rotatable integrally with the shaft 24 between a non-operational position shown by a solid line in Figure 6 and an operation position shown by a dashed line in Figure 6. The release lever 23 is biased to the non-operational position shown by a solid line in Figure 6 by a torsion spring 25. An open lever 26, which is mechanically connected to the latch mechanism 6 via a rod (not shown), is fixed to the portion of the shaft 24 that protrudes from the base 15 toward the rear in the vehicle length direction. When the lock mechanism 7 is in the unlocked state, operating the release lever 23 to the operation position shown by a dashed line in Figure 6 causes the open lever 26 to rotate counterclockwise to the position shown by a dashed line in Figure 6, and the latch mechanism 6 switches from the latched state to the unlocked state.

[0030] Referring to Figures 2, 4, and 7, the key cylinder 28 is provided to manually switch the locking mechanism 7 from the locked state to the unlocked state in an emergency. This key cylinder 28 is positioned on the rear side in the vehicle length direction of the base 15, corresponding to the operating port 15c. More specifically, the base 15 is provided with a mouth wall 15f that protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction from the edge of the operating port 15c. Both sides of this mouth wall 15f are formed by a part of the side wall 15b. Of the mouth wall 15f, the rear side in the vehicle length direction where the key cylinder 28 is located is composed of an inclined wall 15g that slopes inward in the vehicle width direction and protrudes forward in the vehicle length direction, which is inside the operating port 15c. This inclined wall 15g is provided with a through hole 15h that exposes the key insertion surface 28a of the key cylinder 28. The inclination angle of the inclined wall 15g with respect to the XZ plane, which is the direction in which the outer panel 1 extends, that is, the inclination angle of the key insertion surface 28a, is set considering the ease of operation when inserting the mechanical key into the key cylinder 28 (for example, 40 degrees). A portion of the inclined wall 15g formed in this way is located on the vehicle side of the cover body 30a in the closed position and protrudes forward in the vehicle length direction (first direction) along the base wall 15a. In other words, a portion of the inclined wall 15g is a protruding portion 17 that protrudes from the back of the cover body 30a so as to overlap with the cover body 30a, due to the arrangement of the key cylinder 28 which takes operability into consideration.

[0031] The key cylinder 28 is positioned on the inclined wall 15g of the base 15 such that the key insertion surface 28a faces outwards through the through hole 15h and the operating port 15c. The key cylinder 28 is mechanically connected to the locking mechanism 7 via a rod (not shown). By inserting a mechanical key into the key cylinder 28 through the operating port 15c and the through hole 15h and rotating it, the locking mechanism 7 is switched from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0032] Referring to Figures 2 to 4, the cover 30 is positioned in the center of the vehicle side of the base 15 so as to correspond to the operating port 15c. The cover 30 comprises a cover body 30a that can open and close the operating port 15c, an arm portion 30b that protrudes downward from the cover body 30a, and a pivot portion 30c provided at the lower end of the arm portion 30b. The cover 30 also includes a rotating shaft 31 supported by a bearing portion 15i provided below the operating port 15c of the base 15, and the pivot portion 30c is rotatably supported on this rotating shaft 31. A rod-shaped projection 30d is provided on the front side of the arm portion 30b in the vehicle length direction, protruding forward toward the actuator 40. This projection 30d is positioned at a distance toward the vehicle side from the rotating shaft 31, and a spherically bulging projection 30e is provided at its tip.

[0033] The cover 30 configured in this way is rotatable around the rotation axis 31 between the closed position shown in Figures 10 and 11 and the open position shown in Figures 14 and 15. In the closed position shown in Figures 10 and 11, the cover body 30a closes the operation port 15c. In the open position shown in Figures 14 and 15, the cover body 30a moves away from the operation port 15c toward the vehicle side, opening the operation port 15c. The opening operation of the cover 30 toward the vehicle side from the closed position shown in Figures 10 and 11 to the open position shown in Figures 14 and 15 is normally performed electrically by the driving force of the actuator 40, and in emergencies it is performed manually by the user's pushing operation. The closing operation of the cover 30 toward the vehicle side from the open position shown in Figures 14 and 15 to the closed position shown in Figures 10 and 11 is performed by the biasing force of the kick spring 46 provided on the operating lever 42, which will be described in detail later.

[0034] Continuing with Figures 2 to 4, the actuator 40 opens the cover 30 via the operating lever 42. This actuator 40 is located on the front side of the base 15 in the vehicle length direction. The actuator 40 includes an output member 41, a motor (not shown) for rotating the output member 41, and a transmission mechanism (not shown) that transmits the output of the motor to the output member 41 for rotation.

[0035] The operating lever 42 consists of an output lever 43 fixed to the output member 41 and a connecting lever 44 that holds the protrusion 30d of the cover 30. The specific configurations of the output lever 43 and the connecting lever 44 will be described in detail later.

[0036] When the output member 41 is rotated counterclockwise by the motor in Figure 5, the output lever 43 rotates counterclockwise along with it. As a result, the connecting lever 44 rotates clockwise in Figure 5, causing the cover 30 to rotate together to the open position shown by the dashed line in Figure 5.

[0037] The actuator 40 is equipped with a connector 40a for connecting to the ECU 3 and opens the cover 30 according to a signal from the ECU 3. However, the actuator 40 may be controlled by a dedicated control unit consisting of one or more microcomputers and other electronic devices.

[0038] Referring to Figures 7 to 9, the avoidance mechanism 50 is provided to move the cover 30 to the closed position shown in Figures 10 and 11 and the open position shown in Figures 14 and 15, by avoiding the protruding portion 17 of the inclined wall 15g that protrudes to the front in the vehicle length direction through the arrangement of the key cylinder 28, which is designed with operability in mind. This avoidance mechanism 50 is composed of an arm portion 30b and a rotating shaft 31 provided on the cover 30, and the rotating shaft 31 is positioned on the base 15 so as to be inclined with respect to the vehicle length direction.

[0039] The configuration of the rotating shaft 31 and the operating lever 42 related to the rotation of the cover 30 will be described in detail below.

[0040] Referring to Figures 4, 8, and 10, the rotating shaft 31 of the cover 30 is supported by a pair of bearing portions 15i of the base 15. This rotating shaft 31 has a rear end (first end) 31a located on the inclined wall 15g side and a front end (second end) 31b located on the operating lever 42 side. The rear end 31a is located on the inward and upper side of the vehicle than the front end 31b, and is positioned on the base 15 such that the rotating shaft 31 is inclined with respect to the XZ plane. In other words, the rotating shaft 31 extends inclined with respect to the vehicle length direction, which is the direction in which the inclined wall 15g protrudes.

[0041] When the cover 30 is in the closed position shown in Figures 10 and 11, the cover body 30a is positioned to extend in the vehicle length direction and the vehicle height direction, closing the operating opening 15c. In this state, the arm portion 30b is inclined so as it moves from the inside of the vehicle to the outside of the vehicle, it is inclined towards the rear in the vehicle length direction, that is, towards the key cylinder 28, corresponding to the rotation axis 31. The pivot attachment portion 30c formed at the lower end of the cover 30 is also inclined in the same way as the arm portion 30b.

[0042] When moving the cover 30 from the closed position to the open position, as shown by the solid line in Figures 7 and 8 (closed position), the dashed line in the rotation process, and the dashed line in the open position, the cover 30 rotates diagonally toward the front in the vehicle length direction as it moves toward the inside of the vehicle. Conversely, when moving from the open position to the closed position, the cover rotates diagonally toward the rear in the vehicle length direction as it moves toward the outside of the vehicle. If the avoidance mechanism 50 is not provided, the cover 30 cannot move in the vehicle length direction, which may cause malfunction due to interference with the protruding portion 17 that protrudes from the back of the cover body 30a. To prevent such problems, the avoidance mechanism 50 is provided in this embodiment.

[0043] More specifically, as shown in the closed state in Figure 10, the rotation process in Figure 12, and the open state in Figure 14, when moving from the closed position to the open position, the cover body 30a rotates such that its inclination relative to the vehicle length increases as it moves toward the interior of the vehicle. At this time, the inclination direction of the cover body 30a is such that it extends downwards as it moves toward the front of the vehicle length. On the other hand, as shown in the open state in Figure 14, the rotation process in Figure 12, and the closed state in Figure 10, when moving from the open position to the closed position, the cover body 30a rotates such that its inclination relative to the vehicle length decreases as it moves toward the interior of the vehicle.

[0044] Referring to Figures 4, 6, and 9, the operating lever 42 attached to the actuator 40 rotates the cover 30 inward around the rotation axis 31 by pushing the projection 30d downward. This operating lever 42 is composed of an output lever 43 attached to the output member 41 and a connecting lever 44 having a holding part (operating part) 44c that holds the projection 30d of the cover 30.

[0045] The output lever 43 comprises a base 43a attached to the output member 41 and an operating portion 43b protruding from the base 43a toward the rear in the vehicle length direction toward the cover 30. The operating portion 43b is rod-shaped and protrudes from an eccentric position spaced apart from the rotation axis Ar extending in the vehicle length direction of the output member 41. The operating portion 43b can be rotated by the actuator 40 between the non-operating position shown in Figure 11 and the operating position shown in Figure 15.

[0046] The connecting lever 44 is rotatably supported on a rotating shaft 45 attached to the base 15. This rotating shaft 45 is supported by a pair of bearing portions 15j located below the operating opening 15c, adjacent to a bearing portion 15i. The connecting lever 44 rotates around the rotating shaft 45 from the initial position shown in Figure 11 to the operating position shown in Figure 15 by pressure from the output lever 43. Return from the operating position shown in Figure 15 to the initial position shown in Figure 11 is performed by the biasing force of a kick spring 46. This operating lever 42 comprises a plate-shaped operating receiving portion 44a, a pair of pivot mounting portions 44b, and a bowl-shaped holding portion 44c.

[0047] The operating receiver 44a is positioned below the rotational trajectory of the operating section 43b of the output lever 43, and receives operation from the operating section 43b when the output lever 43 is rotated by the actuator 40. When the actuator 40 is not operating, the operating receiver 44a extends generally in the vehicle width direction and vehicle length direction, held in place by the holding section 44c which holds the projection 30d of the cover 30.

[0048] The pivot portion 44b protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction from the operating receiving portion 44a and is attached to the rotating shaft 45. This rotating shaft 45 is located above the rotating shaft 31 of the cover 30 and extends along the vehicle length direction along the base wall 15a. In other words, the rotating shaft 45 of the connecting lever 44 and the rotating shaft 31 of the cover 30 extend in directions that intersect each other. A kick spring 46 is attached between the pair of pivot portions 44b to bias the connecting lever 44 upward. Of the pair of locking pieces on the kick spring 46, one is locked to the operating receiving portion 44a and the other is locked to the base 15.

[0049] The retaining portion 44c is provided on the rear side of the operating receiving portion 44a in the vehicle length direction, and holds the projection 30d, rotating the cover 30 in conjunction with the rotation of the connecting lever 44. The retaining portion 44c is an elliptical cylinder with its axis extending in the vehicle length direction, with the front end in the vehicle length direction closed and the rear end in the vehicle length direction, which is on the cover 30 side, open. A long groove 44d is formed inside the retaining portion 44c to movably hold the bulging portion 30e of the projection 30d. This long groove 44d is formed to be as small as possible while allowing movement of the bulging portion 30e in the vehicle width direction and in the vehicle length direction.

[0050] The connecting lever 44, configured in this way, rotates counterclockwise from the initial position shown in Figure 11 to the operating position shown in Figure 15, against the biasing force of the kick spring 46, when the operating part 43b of the output lever 43 pushes down the operating receiving part 44a. As a result, the holding part 44c pushes down the projection 30d, causing the cover 30 to rotate inward from the closed position shown in Figures 10 and 11 to the open position shown in Figures 14 and 15. At this time, because the rotation axis 31 of the cover 30 is inclined with respect to the rotation axis 45 of the connecting lever 44, the projection 30d follows a rotation trajectory that moves in the vehicle length direction while rotating in the vehicle width direction. However, since the connecting lever 44 has a holding part 44c with a long groove 44d, it can maintain a holding state while allowing the movement of the projection 30d.

[0051] On the other hand, when the operation of the output lever 43 by the actuator 40 is released, the connecting lever 44 rotates clockwise from the operating position shown in Figure 15 to the initial position shown in Figure 11 due to the biasing force of the kick spring 46. As a result, the holding portion 44c pushes up the projection 30d, causing the cover 30 to rotate outward from the open position shown in Figures 14 and 15 to the closed position shown in Figures 10 and 11.

[0052] Referring to Figures 5, 6, and 10, a gap 55 is secured between the outer edge of the cover body 30a when moved to the closed position and the opening wall (rim) 15f of the operating opening 15c. This gap 55 is set to a width that allows for diagonal rotation toward the front in the vehicle direction as the cover 30 moves toward the vehicle side during opening operation, and diagonal rotation toward the rear in the vehicle direction as the cover 30 moves toward the vehicle side during closing operation.

[0053] Next, with reference to Figure 2, an example of control of the door latch device 5 and the door opening operation device 10 by the ECU 3 will be explained.

[0054] Under normal circumstances, when the vehicle is stopped or parked, the authentication device 4 determines whether a legitimate user is present near the door by key authentication. If the authentication device 4 determines that a legitimate user is present, the ECU 3 activates the actuator 40, moving the cover 30 inward via the operating lever 42 to open the operating opening 15c. A dedicated switch or sensor for activating the actuator 40 may be placed on the door.

[0055] When the cover 30 is opened, an inclined wall 15g for mounting the key cylinder 28 protrudes forward in the vehicle length direction from the inside of the cover 30. However, in this embodiment, the inclined rotating shaft 31 causes the cover 30 to rotate diagonally so that it moves forward in the vehicle length direction as it moves towards the inside of the vehicle, so the cover body 30a does not interfere with the protruding portion 17 of the inclined wall 15g.

[0056] Specifically, the cover 30 rotates diagonally inward via the operating lever 42 from the closed position shown by solid lines in Figures 10, 11, and 7 to the rotational position shown by dashed lines in Figures 12, 13, and 7, so that the cover body 30a avoids the protruding portion 17. Subsequently, the cover 30 rotates diagonally inward again to the open position shown by dashed lines in Figures 14, 15, and 7.

[0057] When the cover 30 moves to the open position shown in Figures 14 and 15, the user inserts their hand into the opened opening 15c and touches the sensor unit 20 (opening operation). Upon receiving a signal from the sensor unit 20 indicating an opening operation, the ECU 3 activates the electric switching mechanism 8 to switch the lock mechanism 7 from the locked state to the unlocked state, and also switches the latch mechanism 6 from the latched state to the latched state. The user can then open the door by simply pulling it.

[0058] On the other hand, when the cover 30 shown in Figures 14 and 15 is open, if a user gets into the vehicle or moves away from the vicinity of the door, the ECU 3 returns the actuator 40 to its pre-operation state. As a result, the cover 30 rotates via the connecting lever 44 due to the biasing force of the kick spring 46, closing the operating opening 15c.

[0059] When the cover 30 is closed, it rotates outward due to the inclined rotating shaft 31, but even then, the cover body 30a of the cover 30 does not interfere with the protruding portion 17.

[0060] Specifically, the cover 30 rotates diagonally via the connecting lever 44, moving towards the rear in the vehicle length direction as it moves outward, due to the biasing force of the kick spring 46, from the open position shown by the dashed line in Figures 14, 15, and 7 to the rotation process position shown by the dashed line in Figures 12, 13, and 7. At this time, the rotation direction of the cover body 30a is defined by the inclined rotation axis 31, so that interference of the cover body 30a with the protrusion 17 is avoided. Subsequently, the cover 30 rotates diagonally towards the rear in the vehicle length direction as it moves outward, to the closed position shown by the solid line in Figures 10, 11, and 7.

[0061] In an emergency where the door cannot be opened electrically, the user pushes the cover 30 inward, thereby rotating the cover 30 inward against the biasing force of the kick spring 46 and opening the operating opening 15c. Even in this case, the inclined rotating shaft 31 allows the cover 30 to rotate forward in the vehicle length direction, so the cover body 30a does not interfere with the protruding part 17. Furthermore, the output lever 43 attached to the actuator 40 does not rotate in conjunction with the pushing operation of the cover 30 because the operating part 43b is located above (outside the vehicle) the operating receiving part 44a of the connecting lever 44.

[0062] When the operating port 15c is opened manually, the user then switches the locking mechanism 7 from the locked state to the unlocked state by inserting the mechanical key into the key cylinder 28 and operating it. In this case, if the area where the key cylinder 28 is located is not an inclined wall 15g, that is, if the key insertion surface 28a extends parallel to the vehicle width direction (YZ plane), it is difficult to insert the mechanical key into the key cylinder 28 located inside the operating port 15c and operate it. In contrast, in this embodiment, the key cylinder 28 is located on the inclined wall 15g, and the key insertion surface 28a is exposed to the outside of the vehicle through the operating port 15c, so the mechanical key can be inserted and rotated smoothly.

[0063] When the lock mechanism 7 is switched to the unlocked state, the user then operates the release lever 23 outwards. This switches the latch mechanism 6 from the latched state to the unlocked state, allowing the door to be opened by simply pulling it.

[0064] The door opening operation device 10 configured in this way has the following features.

[0065] When moving the cover 30 from the closed position to the open position, an avoidance mechanism 50 is provided that rotates the cover 30 so that it tilts more with respect to the vehicle length direction as it moves toward the interior of the vehicle. This prevents the cover 30 from interfering with the protruding portion 17 that protrudes from the rear of the cover 30, thereby preventing malfunction of the cover 30. Furthermore, if the protruding portion 17 is formed by the arrangement of the key cylinder 28 with operability in mind, the key insertion surface 28a can be positioned to face the exterior of the vehicle, thereby improving the operability of the key cylinder 28 with a mechanical key when opening the door manually.

[0066] The rotating shaft 31 that constitutes the avoidance mechanism 50 has its rear end 31a on the protruding portion 17 side located inward of the vehicle than its front end 31b, and is inclined with respect to the vehicle length direction. As a result, the cover 30 moves forward in the vehicle length direction by rotating around the rotating shaft 31 from the closed position to the open position, thereby reliably preventing interference between the cover 30 and the protruding portion 17.

[0067] The actuator 40 is equipped with an operating lever 42 for operating the cover 30 using the driving force of the actuator 40. One of the cover 30 and the operating lever 42 has a protrusion 30d, and the other has a holding part 44c that movably holds the protrusion 30d. This allows the driving force of the actuator 40 to be transmitted to the cover 30 with a small number of parts without placing an excessive load on the actuator 40, and the cover 30 to be moved from the closed position to the open position.

[0068] The operating lever 42 comprises an output lever 43 having an operating portion 43b and a connecting lever 44 having an operating receiving portion 44a. In other words, the output lever 43 connected to the actuator 40 is connected to the cover 30 via the connecting lever 44. Thus, the degree of design freedom regarding the rotation direction of the cover 30 can be improved, as can the degree of design freedom regarding the arrangement of the actuator 40.

[0069] The projection 30d has a spherical bulge 30e at its tip, and the holding portion 44c is formed in a bowl shape with a long groove that movably holds the bulge 30e. This allows the driving force of the actuator 40 to be transmitted to the cover 30, enabling the cover 30 to rotate reliably.

[0070] A gap 55 is provided between the outer edge of the cover 30 when it is in the closed position and the edge of the operating port 15c, allowing the cover 30 to rotate so that the inclination with respect to the vehicle length increases as it moves toward the vehicle side. This prevents the cover 30 from interfering with the edge of the operating port 15c as it moves between the closed and open positions.

[0071] The protruding portion 17 is composed of an inclined wall 15g that protrudes forward in the vehicle length direction as it moves from the outside to the inside of the vehicle, and is part of the mouth wall 15f that protrudes inward from the edge of the opening 15c. The key cylinder 28 is attached to this inclined wall 15g. As a result, the key insertion surface 28a is exposed to the outside of the vehicle through the opening 15c, which improves the operability of the key cylinder 28 with a mechanical key when opening the door manually.

[0072] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible.

[0073] For example, the output lever 43 and the connecting lever 44 that constitute the operating lever 42 may be an integrated structure.

[0074] The protrusion 30d does not necessarily need to have a bulge 30e. The protrusion 30d may be provided on the operating lever 42, and the holding portion 44c may be provided on the arm portion 30b of the cover 30. Furthermore, the connection structure between the operating lever 42 and the arm portion 30b of the cover 30 can be changed as needed, as long as it allows for eccentric rotation of the cover 30.

[0075] The actuator 40 can be modified as needed, provided that it is configured to allow the cover 30 to rotate inward.

[0076] The protruding portion 17 may be formed by the arrangement of the sensor unit 20 or the release lever 23. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1. Outer panel (door panel) 1a opening 2 End Panels 3 ECU 4 Authentication device 5. Door latch device 6. Latch mechanism 7. Locking mechanism 8 Electric switching mechanism 10. Door opening operation device 15 Base 15a Base wall 15b side wall 15c Control port 15d Cover section 15e Cover 15f mouth wall 15g inclined wall 15h through hole 15i bearing part 15j Bearing section 16 Exterior Cover 17 Protrusion 20 Sensor unit (operating section) 23 Release lever 24 axes 25 Torsion springs 26 Open Lever 28 Key Cylinders 28a Key insertion surface 30 Cover 30a Cover Body 30b Arm section 30c shaft attachment part 30d protrusion 30e bulge 31 Rotation axis 31a Rear end (first end) 31b Front end (second end) 40 Actuators 40a connector 41 Output component 42 Operating lever 43 Output lever 43a base 43b Operation section 44 Connection lever 44a Operation receiver 44b Shaft attachment part 44c Holding part 44d long groove 45 Rotation axis 46. ​​Kick spring (biasing member) 50 Evasion Mechanism 55 Gap

Claims

1. A base having an operating port and mounted along the door panel of the vehicle, A cover is positioned on the base such that movement is permitted between a closed position in which the operating port is closed and an open position in which the operating port is open and located further inside the vehicle than the closed position, A projection is located on the interior side of the cover in the closed position, and protrudes in a first direction toward the back of the cover so as to overlap with the cover when viewed from the outside of the vehicle, When the cover is moved from the closed position to the open position, an avoidance mechanism rotates the cover such that the tilt with respect to the first orientation increases as it moves toward the interior of the vehicle. A door opening operation device equipped with this device.

2. The cover comprises a cover body that closes the operating opening so that it can be opened, an arm portion protruding from the cover body, and a rotating shaft that pivotally supports the arm portion. The avoidance mechanism is composed of the arm portion and the rotating shaft, The door opening operation device according to claim 1, wherein the first end of the rotating shaft on the protruding portion side is located on the vehicle side more inward than the second end on the opposite side of the first end, and is inclined with respect to the first direction.

3. An actuator for moving the cover from the closed position to the open position, An operating lever for operating the cover by the driving force of the actuator, Equipped with, One of the cover and the operating lever has a projection that protrudes toward the other of the cover and the operating lever. The other of the cover and the operating lever has a holding portion that movably holds the protrusion. The door opening operation device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The aforementioned operating lever is An output lever attached to the actuator and having an operating portion that protrudes toward the cover, A connecting lever having the projection or the holding portion formed thereon, and an operating receiving portion that receives operation by the operating portion when the output lever is rotated by the actuator, Equipped with, The door opening operation device according to claim 3, wherein the rotation axis of the connecting lever extends along the base in the first direction.

5. The aforementioned projection has a spherical bulge at its tip, The holding portion is formed in a bowl shape with a long groove that movably holds the bulging portion. The door opening operation device according to claim 3.

6. The door opening operation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein there is a gap between the outer edge of the cover when it has moved to the closed position and the opening edge of the operation port that allows the cover to rotate such that the inclination with respect to the first orientation increases as it moves toward the interior of the vehicle.

7. The base is provided with a mouth wall that protrudes inward from the edge of the operating port. The protruding portion is formed by a part of the inclined wall of the mouth wall that is inclined to protrude in the first direction as it moves from the outside of the vehicle toward the inside of the vehicle. The door opening operation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a key cylinder is mounted on the base such that the key insertion surface is exposed to the outside of the vehicle through the operating port on the inclined wall.

8. The door opening operation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an operating section for electrically releasing a latch mechanism that holds the vehicle door in a closed position and an opening lever for manually releasing the latch mechanism are arranged around the operating port on the vehicle side of the base.

Images