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 thereof between a closed position and an open position is allowed; a protrusion 17 protruding to the back of the cover 30 to overlap the cover 30; and an avoidance mechanism 50 that moves the cover 30 so as to avoid the protrusion 17.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

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 unlatched 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. Thereby, the latch mechanism is unlatched 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. Thereby, 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 unlatched 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 from 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 moves the cover to avoid the projection when the cover is moved from the closed position to the open position.

[0008] The cover is equipped with an avoidance mechanism that moves the cover to avoid a protruding part on its back when moving it from the closed position to the open position. This prevents the cover from interfering with the protruding part, thus preventing malfunction of the cover. Furthermore, if the protruding part is formed by the placement 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 manually opening the door. [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 the first 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] A perspective view showing the relationship between the base, cover, and operating lever. [Figure 9] Figure 8 shows an exploded perspective view. [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. [Figure 16] A front view of a door opening operation device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17]Perspective view of the door opening operation device as seen from the outside of the vehicle. [Figure 18] Exploded perspective view of the door opening operation device as seen from the outside of the vehicle. [Figure 19] Exploded perspective view of the door opening operation device as seen from the inside of the vehicle. [Figure 20] Cross-sectional view taken along line XX-XX of FIG. 16. [Figure 21] Cross-sectional view taken along line XXI-XXI of FIG. 16. [Figure 22] Cross-sectional view taken along line XXII-XXII of FIG. 16. [Figure 23] Bottom view of the handle, output lever, connecting lever, and key cylinder. [Figure 24] Perspective view showing the handle, output member, output lever, and connecting lever. [Figure 25] Rear view showing the closed state of the operation port by the cover as seen from the inside of the vehicle. [Figure 26] View showing the relationship between the key cylinder, cover, and operation lever when the closed state of FIG. 25 is cut along line XXVI-XXVI. [Figure 27] Rear view showing the state of the rotation process of the cover as seen from the inside of the vehicle. [Figure 28] View showing the relationship between the key cylinder, cover, and operation lever when the state of the rotation process of FIG. 27 is cut along line XXVIII-XXVIII. [Figure 29] Rear view showing the open state of the operation port by the cover as seen from the inside of the vehicle. [Figure 30] View showing the relationship between the key cylinder, cover, and operation lever when the open state of FIG. 29 is cut along line XXX-XXX.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

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

[0012] (First Embodiment) Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the door opening operation device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is attached to the outer panel (door panel) 1 of the door and enables the opening of a closed door by operating a door latch device 5 located on the door. The door opening operation device 10 of this embodiment is for a right-side door. However, the door opening operation device 10 may also be for a left-side door, in which case the components of the door opening operation device 10 will have a symmetrical shape and arrangement.

[0013] In the attached drawing, the X direction is the vehicle length direction, the direction indicated by the arrow is the front and the first direction of the present invention, and the opposite direction is the rear. The Y direction is the vehicle width direction, the direction indicated by the arrow is the inward (inside the vehicle) and the opposite direction is the outward (outside the vehicle). The Z direction is the vehicle height direction, the direction indicated by the arrow is the up side and the opposite direction is the down side.

[0014] The door latch device 5 and the door opening operation device 10 are connected to the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 3 installed in the vehicle and can be electrically operated according to signals from the ECU 3. The ECU 3 is connected to an authentication device 4 that communicates with an external electronic key (not shown) using LF (Low Frequency) signals, compares the authentication code received from the electronic key with a registered legitimate code, and determines that the user is a legitimate user if they match (valid).

[0015] To give an overview of the door latch device 5, it comprises a latch mechanism 6, a locking mechanism 7, and an electric switching mechanism 8, and is arranged along the 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 the first 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 curved 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 positioned between a pair of side walls 15b of the base 15 and are covered by an outer cover 16. The key cylinder 28 is positioned outside the rear side wall 15b of the base 15 in the vehicle length direction and is partially covered by a cover portion 15d. The actuator 40 is positioned in a cover portion 15e that extends to the front of the base 15 in the vehicle length direction. The inside of the cover portion 15e is in communication with the area below the operating port 15c.

[0023] Referring to Figure 7, 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 consists of a rod-shaped projection 51 provided on the cover 30 and a guide wall 53 including a guide surface 53a provided on the base 15.

[0025] The following will provide a detailed description of the sensor unit 20, release lever 23, key cylinder 28, cover 30, actuator 40, and avoidance mechanism 50.

[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 cross-section (non-circular) 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 rotates the open lever 26 clockwise 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, a plate-shaped arm portion 30b that protrudes downward from the cover body 30a, and a pair of pivot portions 30c that protrude at intervals in the vehicle length direction from the lower end of the arm portion 30b. The cover 30 also includes a rotating shaft 31 supported by a bearing portion 15i provided on the lower side of the operating port 15c of the base 15, and the pair of pivot portions 30c are rotatably supported on this rotating shaft 31. A plate-shaped operating receiving portion 30d is provided on the pivot portion 30c located on the front side in the vehicle length direction, via an arm portion 30e that protrudes forward in the vehicle length direction toward the actuator 40.

[0033] The cover 30 configured in this way is movable 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 opening 15c. In the open position shown in Figures 14 and 15, the cover body 30a moves away from the operation opening 15c toward the vehicle side, opening the operation opening 15c. The opening operation of the cover 30 toward the vehicle side from the closed position shown in Figures 10 and 11 toward 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 toward the closed position shown in Figures 10 and 11 is performed by the biasing force of the torsion coil spring (biasing member) 32.

[0034] Referring to Figure 10, the torsion coil spring 32 comprises a coil portion 32a formed by spirally winding a wire, and a pair of locking portions 32b protruding from both ends of the coil portion 32a. In the coil portion 32a, adjacent wires are spaced apart in the vehicle length direction. The front end of the coil portion 32a in the vehicle length direction is positioned on a stopper portion 15j formed on the base 15, and the rear end of the coil portion 32a in the vehicle length direction is positioned on a pivot mounting portion 30c located on the rear side of the cover 30 in the vehicle length direction. Of the pair of locking portions 32b, one is locked to the base 15, and the other is locked to the cover 30.

[0035] When the cover is opened, the cover 30 rotates inward around the rotation axis 31 by the driving force of the actuator 40 or the user's operating force, and moves forward along the rotation axis 31 in the vehicle length direction by the avoidance mechanism 50, which will be described in detail later. As a result, the torsion coil spring 32 is compressed around the rotation axis 31 and also compressed in the vehicle length direction along the rotation axis 31. Therefore, the torsion coil spring 32 stores a biasing force that rotates the cover 30 outward and a biasing force that moves it rearward in the vehicle length direction. Consequently, when the load is removed, the cover 30 rotates outward around the rotation axis 31 and moves rearward along the rotation axis 31 in the vehicle length direction by the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 32.

[0036] 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) for transmitting the motor's output to the output member 41 for rotation. The operating lever 42 is fixed to the output member 41. As the motor rotates the output member 41 clockwise in Figure 5, the operating lever 42 rotates clockwise as well. As a result, the operating lever 42 presses the operating receiving portion 30d downward in Figure 5, causing the cover 30 to rotate 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 direction due to the arrangement of the key cylinder 28, which takes operability into consideration. This avoidance mechanism 50 consists of a pair of rod-shaped protrusions 51 provided on a pair of pivot points 30c of the cover 30, and a pair of guide walls 53 including a guide surface 53a provided on the back side of the base wall 15a of the base 15.

[0039] The projection 51 and the guide surface 53a allow the cover 30 to move along the rotation axis 31 in the vehicle length direction in conjunction with rotation in the vehicle width direction. In other words, the cover 30 rotates inward due to the driving force of the actuator 40 or the user's operating force, and moves forward along the rotation axis 31 in the vehicle length direction due to the sliding contact between the projection 51 and the guide surface 53a. More specifically, when the cover 30 is moved from the closed position to the open position, as shown by the solid line in Figure 7 for the closed position, the dashed line for the rotation process, and the dashed line for the open position, it moves diagonally toward the front in the vehicle length direction as it moves inward.

[0040] The following describes in detail the configuration of the protrusion 51, the guide surface 53a, and the related base 15, cover 30, and operating lever 42.

[0041] Referring to Figures 7 to 9, the rotating shaft 31 of the cover 30 is supported by the bearing portion 15i of the base 15 so as to extend along the vehicle length direction, which is the direction in which the protrusion 17 protrudes. If the avoidance mechanism 50 is not provided, the cover 30 cannot move in the vehicle length direction, and may interfere with the protrusion 17 protruding from the back of the cover body 30a, causing malfunction. To prevent such problems from occurring, the avoidance mechanism 50 is provided in this embodiment.

[0042] The projection 51 constituting the avoidance mechanism 50 protrudes inward from the pivot point 30c of the cover 30 in a direction intersecting the rotation axis 31, and is inclined downward as it moves inward. The inclination of the projection 51 relative to the arm portion 30b is set at an angle such that the projection 51 does not come into contact with the base 15 when the cover 30 is moved to the open position shown in Figures 14 and 15. The tip of the projection 51 is provided with a sliding contact portion 51a that slides against the guide surface 53a. This sliding contact portion 51a is spherical in shape with a diameter larger than the diameter of the projection 51 and bulges out from the projection 51.

[0043] The guide wall 53 constituting the avoidance mechanism 50, together with the auxiliary wall 54 provided at a distance on the front side in the vehicle length direction, forms a guide groove 52 that guides the protrusion 51. Referring to Figure 10, the guide wall 53 and the auxiliary wall 54 protrude from the base wall 15a and extend to a height position that allows them to sandwich the sliding contact portion 51a of the cover 30 in the closed position. The guide groove 52 is defined by the guide surface 53a, which is the front side of the guide wall 53 in the vehicle length direction, and the auxiliary surface 54a, which is the rear side of the auxiliary wall 54 in the vehicle length direction. The width in the vehicle length direction between the guide surface 53a and the auxiliary surface 54a is set to the smallest possible dimension without hindering the movement of the sliding contact portion 51a of the protrusion 51.

[0044] When the cover 30 is opened, the guide surface 53a moves the cover 30 forward in the vehicle length direction along the rotation axis 31 by the sliding contact of the sliding contact portion 51a. On the other hand, when the cover 30 is closed, the guide surface 53a moves the cover 30 to the closed position shown in Figures 10 and 11 while preventing excessive movement of the cover 30 to the rear in the vehicle length direction. The auxiliary surface 54a prevents the cover 30 in the vehicle length direction from moving forward when it is in the closed position.

[0045] The guide surface 53a is a curved surface that gradually protrudes forward in the vehicle length direction from the top to the bottom. More specifically, the guide surface 53a comprises an upper arc portion 53b that protrudes rearward in the vehicle length direction and a lower arc portion 53c that protrudes forward in the vehicle length direction. The curvature of the lower arc portion 53c is set to a size that avoids interference between the cover body 30a and the protruding portion 17 as the cover 30 moves in the vehicle length direction. In other words, the curvature of the guide surface 53a is set and changed according to the overlap of the protruding portion 17. As a result, the cover body 30a can move inward while maintaining a posture parallel to the operating opening 15c, as shown by the closed position (solid line), the rotation process (dashed line), and the open position (dotted line) in Figure 7. The auxiliary surface 54a is an arc shape having the same center as the lower arc portion 53c. As a result, when the cover 30 is opened, the cover 30 is moved to the front in the vehicle length direction, thereby avoiding interference of the cover body 30a with the protruding portion 17.

[0046] The closing operation of the cover 30 is performed by the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 32, as described above. The torsion coil spring 32 stores a biasing force that rotates the cover 30 outward when the cover 30 is opened, and a biasing force that moves it to the rearward side in the vehicle length direction. Therefore, when the cover is closed, the torsion coil spring 32 biases the cover 30 to the rearward side in the vehicle length direction while also biasing it outward. The biasing force in the vehicle length direction causes the sliding contact portion 51a of the projection 51 to contact the guide surface 53a, and the biasing force in the vehicle width direction causes the sliding contact portion 51a to slide against the guide surface 53a, thereby allowing the cover 30 to move to the closed position shown in Figures 10 and 11 so that the cover body 30a does not interfere with the projection 17.

[0047] 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 the cover 30 to move forward in the vehicle direction and rotate inward when opened, and to move rearward in the vehicle direction and rotate outward when closed.

[0048] Referring to Figures 7, 11, 13, and 15, the operating lever 42 attached to the output member 41 of the actuator 40 presses the operating receiving portion 30d of the cover 30 downward, thereby rotating the cover 30 toward the vehicle side around the rotation axis 31. When the cover is opened, it moves toward the front in the vehicle length direction along the rotation axis 31, so the operating receiving portion 30d and the operating lever 42 are configured as follows.

[0049] The operating receiving portion 30d of the cover 30 is provided at the tip of the arm portion 30e that protrudes forward in the vehicle width direction from the pivot mounting portion 30d. When the cover 30 is in the closed position shown in Figures 10 and 11, this operating receiving portion 30d extends in a plate shape in the vehicle width direction and the vehicle length direction. The length of the operating receiving portion 30d in the vehicle length direction corresponds to the movement stroke of the cover 30 in the vehicle length direction. This allows the operating receiving portion 30d to receive operation of the operating lever 42 while allowing the cover 30 to move forward in the vehicle length direction.

[0050] The operating lever 42 has a base portion 42a fixed to the output member 41 at an eccentric position spaced apart from the rotation axis Ar (see Figure 7) of the output member 41 that extends in the vehicle length direction, and extends to the upper side of the operating receiving portion 30d of the cover 30. The tip portion of the operating lever 42 that abuts against the operating receiving portion 30d is provided with a spherical contact portion (operating portion) 42b. As a result, when the output member 41 rotates, the operating lever 42, which is in an eccentric position, can press against the operating receiving portion 30d with the contact portion 42b to reduce frictional resistance between it and the operating receiving portion 30d, thereby rotating the cover 30 inward.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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 to open the access port 15c. A dedicated switch or sensor for activating the actuator 40 may be placed on the door.

[0053] When the cover 30 is opened, an inclined wall 15g for mounting the key cylinder 28 protrudes forward in the vehicle direction from the inside of the cover 30. However, in this embodiment, the sliding contact portion 51a with the guide surface 53a causes the cover 30 to move forward in the vehicle direction, so the cover body 30a does not interfere with the protruding portion 17 of the inclined wall 15g.

[0054] Specifically, from the closed position shown by solid lines in Figures 10, 11, and 7, the cover 30 rotates inward and moves forward in the vehicle direction, so that the cover body 30a avoids the protruding portion 17, to the position of the rotation process shown by dashed lines in Figures 12, 13, and 7. Subsequently, the cover 30 rotates inward and moves forward in the vehicle direction, to the open position shown by dashed lines in Figures 14, 15, and 7.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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 due to the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 32, closing the operating opening 15c.

[0057] When the cover 30 is closed, the cover 30 rotates outward while moving towards the rear in the vehicle length direction, accompanied by the sliding contact of the sliding contact portion 51a with the guide surface 53a due to the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 32. Therefore, even during this closing operation, the cover body 30a of the cover 30 does not interfere with the protruding portion 17.

[0058] Specifically, the cover 30 moves from the open position shown by the dashed line in Figures 14, 15, and 7 to the position of the rotation process shown by the dashed line in Figures 12, 13, and 7, due to the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 32, while rotating outward and moving towards the rear in the direction of the vehicle's length. At this time, the contact and sliding of the sliding contact portion 51a with the guide surface 53a prevents interference of the cover body 30a with the protruding portion 17. Subsequently, the cover 30 continues to move towards the rear in the direction of the vehicle's length, while rotating outward and moving towards the rear in the direction of the vehicle's length, to the closed position shown by the solid line in Figures 10, 11, and 7.

[0059] 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 torsion coil spring 32 and opening the operating opening 15c. Even in this case, the sliding contact of the sliding contact portion 51a with the guide surface 53a allows the cover 30 to move forward in the vehicle length direction, so the cover body 30a does not interfere with the protruding portion 17. Furthermore, since the operating lever 42 of the actuator 40 is located above (outside the vehicle) the operating receiving portion 30d of the cover 30, it does not rotate in conjunction with the pushing operation of the cover 30.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] The door opening operation device 10 of the first embodiment configured in this way has the following features.

[0063] When moving the cover 30 from the closed position to the open position, an avoidance mechanism 50 is provided to move the cover 30 so as to avoid the protruding portion 17 that protrudes from the back of the cover 30. This prevents the cover 30 from interfering with the protruding portion 17, 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 outside of the vehicle, thereby improving the operability of the key cylinder 28 with a mechanical key when opening the door manually.

[0064] When the avoidance mechanism 50 moves the cover 30 from the closed position to the open position, it rotates the cover 30 diagonally so that the protruding portion 17 faces forward in the vehicle length direction as it moves toward the interior of the vehicle. This reliably prevents the cover 30 from interfering with the protruding portion 17, thereby preventing malfunction of the cover 30.

[0065] When the avoidance mechanism 50 moves the cover 30 from the closed position to the open position, it rotates the cover 30 inward along the rotation axis 31 in the vehicle-length direction. This reliably prevents the cover 30 from interfering with the protrusion 17, thus preventing malfunction of the cover 30.

[0066] The avoidance mechanism 50 consists of a projection 30f provided on the cover 30 and a guide surface 53a provided on the base 15 that slides against the projection 30f and moves the cover 30 along the rotation axis 31 in the vehicle length direction. This ensures that when moving the cover 30 from the closed position to the open position, the cover 30 can be reliably rotated inward along the rotation axis 31 while moving in the vehicle direction without interfering with the protrusion 17.

[0067] The protruding portion 17 is formed from a part of the inclined wall 15g, which is part of the mouth wall 15f that protrudes inward from the edge of the operating opening 15c towards the vehicle interior, and which is inclined to protrude forward in the vehicle length direction as it moves from the outside towards the inside of the vehicle. 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 operating opening 15c, which improves the operability of the key cylinder 28 with a mechanical key when opening the door manually.

[0068] The operating lever 42, which operates the cover 30 using the driving force of the actuator 40, is provided with a contact portion 42b that allows the cover 30 to rotate inward while allowing movement of the cover 30 in the vehicle length direction. This ensures that when moving the cover 30 from the closed position to the open position, the cover 30 can be reliably rotated inward while moving in the vehicle length direction without interfering with the protrusion 17.

[0069] Other embodiments and various modifications of the present invention will be described below, but unless otherwise specified, they will be the same as in the first embodiment. In the drawings referred to below, the same elements as in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0070] (Second Embodiment) Referring to Figures 16 and 17, the door opening operation device 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is connected to the ECU 3, similar to the first embodiment, and is electrically operable according to signals from the ECU 3. The door opening operation device 10 of this embodiment is for the left side door. However, the door opening operation device 10 may also be for the right side door, in which case the components of the door opening operation device 10 will have a symmetrical shape and arrangement.

[0071] Referring to Figures 17 to 19, the door opening operation device 10, similar to the first embodiment, comprises an exterior body consisting of a base 15 and an exterior cover 16, a sensor unit 20, an opening lever 23, a key cylinder 28, a cover 30, and an actuator 40. Of these, the rear side of the operating opening 15c of the base 15 in the vehicle length direction is formed by an inclined wall 15g that protrudes to the front side in the vehicle length direction, and an avoidance mechanism 50 is provided to move the cover 30 while avoiding the protruding portion 17 which is part of the inclined wall 15g when the cover 30 is rotated.

[0072] Referring to Figures 17, 20, and 21, the sensor unit 20 and the release lever 23 are positioned adjacent to each other in the vehicle length direction above the operating port 15c, similar to the first embodiment. Referring to Figures 22 and 23, the key cylinder 28 is positioned on the inclined wall 15g of the base 15 to correspond to the operating port 15c.

[0073] Referring to Figures 17 to 19, the cover 30 comprises a cover body 30a, an arm portion 30b, and a pivot portion 30c, similar to the first embodiment. The arm portion 30b will be described in detail later. The pivot portion 30c differs from that of the first embodiment in that there is only one pivot portion 30c. 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, projecting forward toward the actuator 40. This projection 30d is positioned at a distance inward toward the vehicle side from the rotating shaft 31, and a spherically bulging projection 30e is provided at its tip.

[0074] The cover 30 configured in this way is rotatable around the rotation axis 31 between the closed position shown in Figures 25 and 26 and the open position shown in Figures 29 and 30, via the rotation process shown in Figures 27 and 28. The opening of the cover 30 toward the vehicle side from the closed position shown in Figures 25 and 26 to the open position shown in Figures 29 and 30 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 of the cover 30 toward the vehicle side from the open position shown in Figures 29 and 30 to the closed position shown in Figures 25 and 26 is performed by the biasing force of the kick spring 46 provided on the operating lever 42, which will be described in detail later.

[0075] Referring to Figures 17 to 19, the actuator 40 has the same configuration as in the first embodiment and opens the cover 30 via the operating lever 42. 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.

[0076] When the output member 41 is rotated counterclockwise by the motor in Figure 20, the output lever 43 rotates counterclockwise along with it. As a result, the connecting lever 44 rotates clockwise in Figure 20, causing the cover 30 to rotate together to the open position shown by the dashed line in Figure 20.

[0077] Referring to Figures 22 to 24, the avoidance mechanism 50 is provided to move the cover 30 to the closed position shown in Figures 25 and 26 and the open position shown in Figures 29 and 30, by avoiding the protruding portion 17 that protrudes from the back of the cover body 30a through the arrangement of the key cylinder 28, taking operability into consideration. 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] Referring to Figures 19, 23, and 25, 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 protrusion 17 protrudes.

[0080] When the cover 30 is in the closed position shown in Figures 25 and 26, 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.

[0081] When moving the cover 30 from the closed position to the open position, as shown by the solid line in Figures 22 and 23, the rotation process shown by the dashed line, and the open position shown by the dashed line, the cover 30 rotates diagonally toward the front in the vehicle length direction as it moves toward the inside of the vehicle, due to rotation around the inclined rotation axis 31. On the other hand, 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 interference with the protruding portion 17 and result in malfunction. To prevent such problems, the avoidance mechanism 50 is provided in this embodiment.

[0082] More specifically, as shown in the closed state in Figure 25, the rotation process in Figure 27, and the open state in Figure 29, when moving from the closed position to the open position, the cover body 30a rotates such that its inclination with respect 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 29, the rotation process in Figure 27, and the closed state in Figure 25, when moving from the open position to the closed position, the cover body 30a rotates such that its inclination with respect to the vehicle length decreases as it moves toward the interior of the vehicle.

[0083] Referring to Figures 19, 21, and 24, 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.

[0084] 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 26 and the operating position shown in Figure 30.

[0085] 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 26 to the operating position shown in Figure 30 by pressure from the output lever 43. Return from the operating position shown in Figure 30 to the initial position shown in Figure 26 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 pivoting portions 44b, and a bowl-shaped holding portion 44c.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] The connecting lever 44, configured in this way, rotates counterclockwise from the initial position shown in Figure 26 to the operating position shown in Figure 30, 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 25 and 26 to the open position shown in Figures 29 and 30. 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.

[0090] 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 30 to the initial position shown in Figure 26 due to the biasing force of the kick spring 46. As a result, the holding part 44c pushes up the projection 30d, causing the cover 30 to rotate outward from the open position shown in Figures 29 and 30 to the closed position shown in Figures 25 and 26.

[0091] Referring to Figures 20, 21, and 25, 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.

[0092] Next, we will explain the operation of the door opening device 10 under the control of the ECU3.

[0093] 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.

[0094] Specifically, the cover 30 rotates diagonally inward via the operating lever 42 from the closed position shown by solid lines in Figures 25, 26, and 22 to the rotational position shown by dashed lines in Figures 27, 28, and 22, 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 29, 30, and 22.

[0095] On the other hand, when the cover 30 is closed, the cover 30 rotates outward from the vehicle via the inclined rotating shaft 31 through the connecting lever 44 due to the biasing force of the kick spring 46, closing the operating opening 15c. Even at this time, the cover body 30a of the cover 30 does not interfere with the protruding portion 17.

[0096] Specifically, the cover 30 rotates diagonally via the connecting lever 44, moving outwards from the vehicle and towards the rear in the vehicle length direction, due to the biasing force of the kick spring 46, from the open position shown by the dashed line in Figures 29, 30, and 22 to the rotation process position shown by the dashed line in Figures 27, 28, and 22. 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 again, moving outwards from the vehicle and towards the rear in the vehicle length direction, to the closed position shown by the solid line in Figures 25, 26, and 22.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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 embodiment, the key cylinder 28 is positioned 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 that the mechanical key can be inserted and rotated smoothly.

[0099] The door opening operation device 10 of the second embodiment, configured in this manner, can obtain the same operation and effects as the first embodiment.

[0100] Furthermore, the rotating shaft 31 constituting the avoidance mechanism 50 has its rear end 31a on the inclined wall 15g 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 rotates around the rotating shaft 31 from the closed position to the open position, so that as it moves inward, it gradually moves forward in the vehicle length direction, and the inclination with respect to the vehicle length direction increases. Therefore, interference of the cover 30 with the protrusion 17 can be reliably prevented, and malfunction of the cover 30 can be prevented.

[0101] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible.

[0102] For example, in the first embodiment, in order to guide the protrusion 51 constituting the avoidance mechanism 50, the auxiliary wall 54 may not be provided, and only a guide wall 53 having a guide surface 53a may be provided. The protrusion 51 and the guide wall 53 including the guide surface 53a may each be located in only one place, or in three or more places. Alternatively, the protrusion 51 may be provided on the base 15, and the guide wall 53 including the guide surface 53a may be provided on the cover 30. The avoidance mechanism 50 can be modified as needed, as long as it is configured to move in the vehicle length direction in conjunction with the rotation of the cover 30.

[0103] The biasing member in the first embodiment may be a combination of a kick spring and a coil spring instead of a torsion coil spring 32, and can be changed as needed, as long as it allows the cover 30 to rotate outwards and move towards the rear in the vehicle length direction.

[0104] In the second embodiment, the output lever 43 and the connecting lever 44 that constitute the operating lever 42 may be an integrated structure.

[0105] In the second embodiment, the projection 30d does not need to have a bulge 30e. The projection 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.

[0106] The actuator 40 can be modified as needed, provided that it is configured to allow the cover 30 to rotate inward.

[0107] The protruding portion 17 may be formed by the arrangement of the sensor unit 20 or the release lever 23. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 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 Stopper part 15k bearing part 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 Operation receiver 30e arm 30f protrusion 30g bulge 31 Rotation axis 31a Rear end (first end) 31b Front end (second end) 32. Torsion coil spring (biasing member) 32a Coil section 32b Locking part 40 Actuators 40a connector 41 Output component 42 Operating lever 42a base 42b Contact part (operation part) 43 Output lever 43a base 43b Operation section 44 Connection lever 44a Operation receiver 44b Shaft attachment part 44c Holding part (operation part) 44d long groove 45 Rotation axis 46. ​​Kick spring (biasing member) 50 Evasion Mechanism 51 Protrusion 51a Sliding contact part 52 Guide grooves 53 Guide Wall 53a Guide surface 53b First arc section 53c Second arc section 54 Auxiliary wall 54a Auxiliary surface 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 protrusion is located on the interior side of the cover in the closed position, and protrudes from 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 moves the cover so as to avoid the protruding portion. A door opening operation device equipped with this device.

2. The aforementioned protrusion protrudes in a first direction along the base, The avoidance mechanism moves the cover diagonally toward the first orientation as it moves toward the interior of the vehicle when moving the cover from the closed position to the open position. The door opening operation device according to claim 1.

3. The cover is pivotally supported on a rotating shaft positioned on the base so as to extend in the first direction, The door opening operation device according to claim 2, wherein the avoidance mechanism rotates the cover toward the interior of the vehicle while moving it in the first direction along the rotation axis when moving the cover from the closed position to the open position.

4. The aforementioned avoidance mechanism is A rod-shaped projection is provided on one of the cover and the base, projecting in a direction intersecting the rotation axis, A guide surface is provided on the other of the cover and the base, which slides with the projection when the cover is moved from the closed position to the open position, and moves the cover along the rotation axis in the first direction. A door opening operation device according to claim 3, comprising the above.

5. 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 2, wherein the first end of the rotating shaft on the protruding portion side is located on the interior side of the vehicle than the second end on the opposite side of the first end, and is inclined with respect to the first orientation, and when the cover is moved from the closed position to the open position, the cover body is rotated such that the inclination with respect to the first orientation increases as it moves toward the interior side of the vehicle.

6. The base is provided with a mouth wall that protrudes inward from the edge of the operating port. The aforementioned 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 any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein a key cylinder is mounted on the inclined wall with respect to the base such that the key insertion surface is exposed to the outside of the vehicle through the operation opening.

7. 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, The door opening operation device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the operating lever is provided with an operating part for rotating the cover toward the interior of the vehicle while allowing the cover to move toward the first orientation.

8. The door opening operation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, 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