Gate for vehicle

Abstract

A gate (1) for a vehicle of this disclosure is formed hollow and covered by an inner panel (2) and an outer panel (3) that face each other, and is provided so as to be able to open the passenger compartment to the outside of the vehicle and maintain a closed state. The gate (1) for a vehicle comprises: a bracket (10) that is provided in the hollow interior and that extends in the thickness direction of the gate (1) for a vehicle toward the outer panel (3) on the outside of the vehicle; and an input device (9) that has a switch (7) operated to release the closed state, that is disposed near an opening part (6) bored in any one of the upper, lower, left, and right end surfaces surrounding the gate (1) for a vehicle, and that is fixed to the bracket (10). The bracket (10) has a first inclined surface part (11) that is formed in a surface form inclined in a direction away from the end surface toward the outer panel (3) side in the thickness direction, and that faces the opening part (6). The input device (9) is fixed to the first inclined surface part (11) when the switch (7) has been oriented toward the end surface side.

Description

Vehicle gate

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle gate (door) provided on a vehicle.

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a vehicle gate provided on a vehicle that includes an input device (open switch) for electrically controlling the open / close state of the gate. The input device is a device, such as a push switch, touch sensor, or proximity sensor, that transmits a door open signal to an electronic control unit when a predetermined input operation (pressing operation, touch operation, proximity operation) is performed. The electronic control unit receives the door open signal and releases the engaged state of a latch device or the locked state of a lock device.

[0003] The mounting position of the input device can be set relatively freely, for example, at a position where the hand can be placed when opening the door (a handle that can be easily reached with the fingertips when opening the door). This layout makes it easier to perform input operations on the input device and open the vehicle gate in a single continuous motion, improving the operability and convenience of the vehicle gate (see Patent Document 1).

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-039991

[0005] However, when an external force is applied by an object colliding with a vehicle gate from outside the vehicle, the mounting location of the vehicle gate or the input device may be deformed, causing the operating surface of the input device to come into contact with the surrounding vehicle body. In such a case, the input device may unintentionally output an open signal, potentially causing the vehicle gate to be opened erroneously. In particular, when the input device (open switch) is fixed to the inner panel of the vehicle gate (lift gate), as in the structure described in Patent Document 1, the orientation of the input device is likely to change as the inner panel deforms, potentially inducing contact with the vehicle body. Therefore, there is room for improvement in terms of protecting the vehicle interior and occupants.

[0006] In addition, when the input device is located at the lower edge of an upward-opening vehicle gate, as in the structure described in Patent Document 1, external forces from a rear-end collision by a following vehicle are likely to act on the mounting location of the input device, making the above-mentioned problem more likely to become apparent. On the other hand, external forces input from outside the vehicle do not necessarily act only on the lower edge of the vehicle gate. Therefore, the above-mentioned problem can occur regardless of the type of vehicle gate (top-opening, side-opening, sliding, etc.), the installation location (rear, side, front, top, etc.), or the mounting location of the input device (lower edge, upper edge, center, etc.).

[0007] One of the objectives of the present invention, which was invented in light of the above-mentioned problems, is to provide a vehicle gate that can improve the protection performance of the vehicle compartment and occupants with a simple configuration. However, in addition to this objective, another objective of the present invention is to achieve the effects derived from the respective configurations shown in the "Mode for Carrying Out the Invention" below, which cannot be obtained with conventional technology.

[0008] The disclosed vehicle gate can be realized as the following embodiments or application examples, and solves at least part of the above-mentioned problems. The disclosed vehicle gate is a vehicle gate formed in a hollow space covered by opposing inner and outer panels, and is capable of opening a vehicle compartment to the outside of the vehicle and maintaining a closed state. The vehicle gate includes a bracket disposed within the hollow space and extending in a thickness direction of the vehicle gate toward the outer panel on the vehicle exterior, and an input device having a switch operated to release the closed state, the input device being disposed near an opening drilled in one of the upper, lower, left, and right end faces surrounding the vehicle gate and fixed to the bracket. The bracket has a surface formed in a direction inclined away from the end face toward the outer panel in the thickness direction and facing the opening. The input device is fixed to the first inclined surface with the switch facing the end face.

[0009] According to the disclosed vehicle gate, by fixing the input device to the bracket, the position and orientation (orientation) of the input device can be set regardless of the shape or structure of the panel, thereby stabilizing the mounting state of the input device and improving its usability. Furthermore, by tilting the first inclined surface portion of the bracket to which the input device is fixed in a direction away from the end face toward the outer panel, the first inclined surface portion can be moved in a direction increasing its gradient when an external force acts on the vehicle gate, preventing malfunction of the vehicle gate due to contact between the switch and the vehicle body. Therefore, the protection performance of the vehicle interior and occupants can be improved.

[0010] It is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the vehicle gate. It is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the vehicle gate. It is a perspective view of a bracket fixed to the inside of the vehicle gate. It is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the deformation state of the vehicle gate due to an external force.

[0011] The disclosed vehicle gate can be implemented according to the following embodiments. Regarding the definitions of directions in the following embodiments, the longitudinal direction is defined based on the forward and backward direction of the vehicle, and the left-right direction (vehicle width direction) is defined based on the longitudinal direction. The up-down direction is defined based on the state in which the vehicle is stopped on a flat road surface. Regarding the inward and outward directions of the vehicle, the direction from the outside of the vehicle toward the vehicle compartment (including the luggage compartment) is defined as the inward direction, and the direction from the compartment toward the outside of the vehicle is defined as the outward direction. Regarding the inward and outward directions of the vehicle gate, the direction from the hollow interior surrounded by panels (e.g., inner and outer panels) that form the outer shell of the vehicle gate toward the outside of the vehicle gate is defined as the outward direction, and the direction from the outside of the vehicle gate toward the hollow interior is defined as the inward direction. Note that, unless otherwise specified, the directions of the components and parts that make up the vehicle gate refer to the directions based on the closed state of the vehicle gate.

[0012] [1. Vehicle Gate] Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a vehicle gate 1 according to an embodiment, and Fig. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the vehicle gate 1 when it is closed. The vehicle gate 1 is an upward-opening rear door (tailgate) attached to the rear of a vehicle, and is configured to be able to open the vehicle interior (including the luggage compartment) to the outside of the vehicle and to be able to maintain a closed state. A rear window is attached to the top of the vehicle gate 1, and taillights are attached near both left and right ends. In addition, known hinge mechanisms and link mechanisms are provided at the upper end of the vehicle gate 1. Via these mechanisms, the vehicle gate 1 is supported so as to be able to rotate upward relative to the vehicle body.

[0013] The vehicle gate 1 is formed hollow by being covered with an opposing inner panel 2 and outer panel 3. The inner panel 2 is a planar member that mainly forms the inner surface of the vehicle gate 1, and the outer panel 3 is a planar member that mainly forms the exterior (outer surface) of the vehicle gate 1. The inner panel 2 is provided on the inside of the vehicle, and the outer panel 3 is provided on the outside of the vehicle. The inner panel 2 and the outer panel 3 are arranged with a gap in the thickness direction of the vehicle gate 1 and are fixed with their respective peripheral edges overlapping. As a result, the interior of the vehicle gate 1 covered with the inner panel 2 and the outer panel 3 is hollow.

[0014] The outer panel 3 shown in Figure 1 constitutes only the rear surface of the vehicle gate 1. On the other hand, the inner panel 2 constitutes the front surface and other end surfaces (any of the top, bottom, left, or right end surfaces surrounding the vehicle gate 1, such as the left, right, top, or bottom surfaces) of the vehicle gate 1. A decorative door trim (lining, interior member) can be attached to the portion of the surface of the inner panel 2 facing the passenger compartment. The inner panel 2 and the outer panel 3 are formed, for example, from a metal plate (steel plate, aluminum plate, etc.) or a resin (plastic, engineering plastic, super engineering plastic, etc.).

[0015] A latch device 30 for keeping the vehicle gate 1 closed and an input device 9 for releasing the closed state of the vehicle gate 1 are provided near the end face of the vehicle gate 1 that is located farther from the pivot shaft (in this embodiment, the bottom face 4). The latch device 30 and the input device 9 are provided inside the hollow interior of the vehicle gate 1. A latch opening 5 and a switch opening 6 are provided in the inner panel 2 in a portion that forms the bottom face 4 of the vehicle gate 1. The latch device 30 is fixed near the switch opening 6 on the end face of the vehicle gate 1 (in this embodiment, the bottom face 4), and functions to keep the vehicle gate 1 closed.

[0016] The latch device 30 incorporates a latch 31 (see FIG. 2) formed, for example, in a hook shape, and an electric actuator for driving the latch. The latch device 30 is fixed inside the vehicle gate 1 so that the latch 31 passes through the inside of the latch opening 5 and protrudes downward from the underside 4. A striker 32 (see FIG. 2) is also fixed to the vehicle body so as to correspond to the position of the latch 31 when the vehicle gate 1 is closed. The striker 32 is, for example, a metal fitting formed by bending a shaft member into a U-shape so as to be engageable with the hook-shaped latch 31.

[0017] The closed state of the vehicle gate 1 is maintained by the engagement between the latch 31 and the striker 32. The electric actuator built into the latch device 30 is a drive device for moving the latch 31 when opening the vehicle gate 1. By operating the electric actuator, the hook-shaped latch 31 moves in a direction away from the striker 32, and the engagement between the latch 31 and the striker 32 is released.

[0018] The input device 9 is a device operated by a passenger when activating the electric actuator. The input device 9 outputs a door-open signal when a predetermined input operation (pressing operation, touching operation, proximity operation) is performed. The door-open signal is transmitted to an electronic control device that controls the operating state of the electric actuator. The electronic control device receives the door-open signal and outputs a control signal to activate the electric actuator. This activates the electric actuator, disengaging the latch device 30 and allowing the vehicle gate 1 to be freely opened. The input device 9 is disposed near the switch opening 6 and fixed to a bracket 10.

[0019] The input device 9 includes an open switch 7 and a switch garnish 8. The open switch 7 is a component (switch) on which the above-described input operation is performed. The open switch 7 is provided with a button operation unit 26 that detects the input operation. The button operation unit 26 is, for example, a push switch, a touch sensor, or a proximity sensor. The open switch 7 is disposed so that the button operation unit 26 faces the end surface (the lower surface 4 side in this embodiment) and, for example, is provided so that the button operation unit 26 protrudes downward from the lower surface 4 through the inside of the switch opening 6 (see FIG. 2 ). Preferably, the orientation (direction) of the open switch 7 is set so that the surface of the button operation unit 26 is approximately perpendicular to the rotation direction (see the black arrow in FIG. 2 ) when the vehicle gate 1 is opened. For example, in this embodiment, the button operation unit 26 is set so that it faces diagonally downward toward the inside of the vehicle (front side), which is the inner panel 2 side in the thickness direction of the vehicle gate 1. This makes it easier to touch with a fingertip when opening the door, and also makes it possible to rotate the vehicle gate 1 as is after the input operation, improving operability. The switch garnish 8 is a member that functions as a cover for the open switch 7, and is arranged to surround the open switch 7 when engaged with the open switch 7. The switch garnish 8 is provided to close the gap between the open switch 7 and the switch opening 6 (see FIG. 2).

[0020] A bracket 10 is provided within the hollow interior of the vehicle gate 1. The bracket 10 is a member that supports and secures at least the input device 9 and is formed, for example, from a metal plate (steel plate, aluminum plate) or a resin (plastic, engineering plastic, super engineering plastic, etc.). The bracket 10 of this embodiment also functions to reinforce the location where the latch device 30 is installed (around the latch opening 5). The bracket 10 is fixed to at least a portion of the panels (inner panel 2, outer panel 3) that constitute the vehicle gate 1. While the bracket 10 of this embodiment is fixed to the inner panel 2, it may also be fixed to the outer panel 3, or may be fixed to both the inner panel 2 and the outer panel 3. The bracket 10 has a shape that extends in the thickness direction of the vehicle gate 1 toward the outer panel 3 on the outside of the vehicle.

[0021] 3 is a perspective view of the bracket 10 fixed to the hollow interior of the vehicle gate 1. The bracket 10 has a first inclined surface portion 11, a second inclined surface portion 12, a latch reinforcing surface portion 13, a wall portion 14, and an extended flat surface portion 15. A first bead 21 is formed on the first inclined surface portion 11, and a second bead 22 is formed on the second inclined surface portion 12. In addition, a harness hole 24 and a bolt hole 25 are drilled in the first inclined surface portion 11.

[0022] The first inclined surface portion 11 is a surface to which the switch garnish 8 of the input device 9 is fixed. When attached to the vehicle gate 1, the first inclined surface portion 11 is formed as a surface that is inclined in a direction away from the underside 4 of the vehicle gate 1 toward the outside of the vehicle (toward the outer panel 3 in the thickness direction of the vehicle gate 1). Here, attention will be paid to the relationship between the surface of the inner panel 2 where the switch opening 6 is formed and the first inclined surface portion 11. As shown in FIG. 2 , the first inclined surface portion 11 is provided so as to face the switch opening 6, and is formed as a surface that is inclined so as to move away from the surface where the switch opening 6 is formed as it moves toward the outside of the vehicle.

[0023] The switch garnish 8 is fixed to the surface of the first inclined surface portion 11 on the lower surface 4 side (the surface facing the switch opening 6). As shown in FIG. 2 , the first inclined surface portion 11 in this embodiment is inclined upward toward the rear of the vehicle, and the input device 9 is attached to its lower portion. The first inclined surface portion 11 extends so as to form a plane that is approximately parallel to the rotation direction of the vehicle gate 1 when it is opened. The input device 9 is fixed to the first inclined surface portion 11 with the open switch 7 facing the end surface side (the lower surface 4 side in this embodiment).

[0024] The second inclined surface portion 12 is a planar portion extending from an edge of the first inclined surface portion 11 on the inner panel 2 side (vehicle inner side) in the thickness direction of the vehicle gate 1 toward the inner panel 2 side (vehicle inner side). As shown in Fig. 2, the second inclined surface portion 12 extends in a direction away from the end face of the vehicle gate 1 and forms a V-shaped cross section together with the first inclined surface portion 11. The boundary portion between the first inclined surface portion 11 and the second inclined surface portion 12 has a valley fold shape (valley shape). A valley portion 17 forming the boundary between this first inclined surface portion 11 and the second inclined surface portion 12 is arranged in a substantially linear manner.

[0025] In this embodiment, the valley portion 17 is formed to extend in the left-right direction of the vehicle. Furthermore, the second inclined surface portion 12 in this embodiment is formed as a surface that slopes upward from the front edge (lower edge) of the first inclined surface portion 11 toward the front of the vehicle. The second inclined surface portion 12 extends to form a plane that is approximately perpendicular to the rotation direction of the vehicle gate 1 when it is opened. The surface of the second inclined surface portion 12 on the lower surface 4 side is configured to contact, for example, the inner panel 2. As shown in FIG. 2 , the inner panel 2 may be bent below the valley portion 17 to facilitate contact between the inner panel 2 and the second inclined surface portion 12.

[0026] The latch reinforcement surface portion 13 reinforces the portion where the latch device 30 that maintains the closed state of the vehicle gate 1 is fixed. The latch reinforcement surface portion 13 is a planar portion extending from the vehicle-interior edge of the second inclined surface portion 12 toward the vehicle interior. Latch holes 18 corresponding to the latch openings 5 ​​are drilled in the latch reinforcement surface portion 13. In this embodiment, the latch reinforcement surface portion 13 is formed as a surface that is slightly inclined upward (close to horizontal) from the front edge (top edge) of the second inclined surface portion 12 toward the front of the vehicle. In addition, a flange portion 19 is provided at the vehicle-interior edge (front edge) of the latch reinforcement surface portion 13, which is formed by bending the plate surface of the latch reinforcement surface portion 13 into a brim-like shape. This increases the rigidity of the latch reinforcement surface portion 13.

[0027] 2, the boundary between the second inclined surface portion 12 and the latch reinforcement surface portion 13 has a mountain-folded (ridge-shaped) shape and is arranged in a substantially straight line extending in the left-right direction of the vehicle. The latch reinforcement surface portion 13 is formed in a planar shape that follows the inner panel 2 that unfolds around the latch opening 5, and is attached so as to be in surface contact with the inner panel 2 that unfolds around the latch opening 5. Similarly, the latch device 30 is also provided so as to be in surface contact with the latch reinforcement surface portion 13. This stabilizes the engagement state between the latch 31 and the striker 32 and the operation of the latch 31.

[0028] The wall portions 14 are a pair of vertical wall-like portions disposed at one end and the other end (both ends in the vehicle width direction) of the first inclined surface portion 11. As shown in FIG. 3 , the wall portions 14 extend from both left and right edges of the first inclined surface portion 11 toward the underside 4 and are erected between the first inclined surface portion 11 and an end surface of the vehicle gate 1 (in this embodiment, the underside 4, i.e., the inner panel 2 positioned around the switch opening 6). Leg portions 16 are provided at the lower end of the wall portions 14 and are formed in a planar shape along the inner panel 2 deployed around the switch opening 6. The leg portions 16 are attached to the inner panel 2 deployed around the switch opening 6 in a surface-to-surface contact manner. This stabilizes the attachment state of the input device 9 fixed to the first inclined surface portion 11. Furthermore, the wall portions 14 function as support members that support the first inclined surface portion 11 against the underside 4 (inner panel 2), thereby preventing the first inclined surface portion 11 from moving downward or rotating.

[0029] The extended flat surface portion 15 is a planar portion that is bent at the edge of the first inclined surface portion 11 on the outer panel 3 side (outside of the vehicle) in the thickness direction of the vehicle gate 1 and extends toward the outside of the vehicle to near the outer panel 3. The extended flat surface portion 15 of this embodiment is formed in a planar shape that extends from the rear edge (upper edge) of the first inclined surface portion 11 toward the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle-outside edge (rear edge) of the extended flat surface portion 15 is preferably set in a position close to (or in contact with) the outer panel 3. If possible, it is preferable to extend the extended flat surface portion 15 long enough so that it protrudes further outward from the vehicle than the input device 9 in a top view.

[0030] The first bead 21 and the second bead 22 are reinforcing structures formed by deforming the plate surface in the plate thickness direction to form groove-like (or ridge-like) depressions (or protrusions). The first bead 21 and the second bead 22 both extend in the vehicle longitudinal direction in a top view, perpendicular to the extension direction of the valley portion 17. When the bracket 10 is manufactured from a metal plate, for example, the first bead 21 and the second bead 22 can be easily formed by previously subjecting the metal plate to a press process known as a stringing process. When the bracket 10 is manufactured from resin, the resin can be molded to obtain an uneven shape that resembles a stringing process.

[0031] The first bead 21 extends in the thickness direction of the vehicle gate 1, and its outer end (upper end, one end in the thickness direction of the vehicle gate 1) is formed to a length that reaches the extended flat surface portion 15. On the other hand, the inner end (lower end, the other end in the thickness direction of the vehicle gate 1) of the first bead 21 is formed to a length that does not reach the valley portion 17 (the boundary between the first inclined surface portion 11 and the second inclined surface portion 12) (a length that stops just before the valley portion 17). On the other hand, the inner end (upper end) of the second bead 22 may be formed to a length that reaches the latch reinforcement surface portion 13, or may be formed to a length that does not reach the latch reinforcement surface portion 13. The same applies to the outer end (lower end) of the second bead 22, which may be formed to a length that reaches the valley portion 17, or may be formed to a length that does not reach the valley portion 17.

[0032] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the recessed directions of the first bead 21 and the second bead 22 are set so as to bulge outward from the V-shaped cross section formed by the first inclined surface portion 11 and the second inclined surface portion 12. This reinforces the outer portion of the V-shaped cross section, and, for example, reduces deformation of the V-shaped cross section in the direction of widening the angle when an external force is applied. However, protruding the first bead 21 outward from the V-shaped cross section may increase the likelihood of interference between the input device 9 fixed to the first inclined surface portion 11 and the first bead 21. Furthermore, protruding the second bead 22 outward from the V-shaped cross section may make it difficult to ensure a sufficient contact area between the second inclined surface portion 12 and the inner panel 2. Therefore, the recessed directions of the first bead 21 and the second bead 22 may be set so as to bulge inward from the V-shaped cross section.

[0033] The harness hole 24 is a hole for drawing out a signal line extending from the open switch 7 of the input device 9 fixed to the first inclined surface portion 11 into the interior of the vehicle gate 1. The bolt hole 25 is a hole through which a fastener (such as a bolt, a rivet, or a clip) for fixing the switch garnish 8 to the first inclined surface portion 11 is inserted. The switch garnish 8 fixed to the first inclined surface portion 11 also has holes or recesses similar to the bolt hole 25 formed therein.

[0034] 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a deformation state when an external force is applied to the vehicle gate 1. Here, it is assumed that an object 33 from outside the vehicle collides with the vehicle gate 1, and an external force indicated by a white arrow acts on the vehicle gate 1. When the outer panel 3 is pushed forward of the vehicle by the external force, the rear end edge of the extended flat surface portion 15 comes into contact with the outer panel 3, and an external force directed toward the front of the vehicle acts on the extended flat surface portion 15 and the first inclined surface portion 11.

[0035] At this time, the extended flat surface portion 15 and the first inclined surface portion 11 rotate in the direction of the black arrow, with the valley portion 17 forming the boundary between the first inclined surface portion 11 and the second inclined surface portion 12 as a fulcrum. In other words, the extended flat surface portion 15 and the first inclined surface portion 11 move upward, away from the lower surface 4 (inner panel 2) of the vehicle gate 1. Therefore, the input device 9 fixed to the first inclined surface portion 11 also moves upward, preventing contact between the input device 9 and the vehicle body below the vehicle gate 1. Note that Figure 4 shows that the input device 9 and bracket 10 have moved upward, compared to the state before the external force was applied (shown by the dashed line in Figure 4).

[0036] [4. Effects] (1) The vehicle gate 1 of this embodiment is a hollow vehicle gate 1 covered by opposing inner and outer panels 2 and 3, capable of opening a vehicle compartment to the outside of the vehicle and maintaining a closed state. The vehicle gate 1 includes a bracket 10 disposed within the hollow interior and extending in a thickness direction of the vehicle gate 1 toward the outer panel 3 on the vehicle exterior. The input device 9 includes an open switch 7 operated to release the closed state of the vehicle gate 1. The input device 9 is disposed near a switch opening 6 drilled in one of the upper, lower, left, or right end faces (e.g., the bottom face 4) surrounding the vehicle gate 1 and is fixed to the bracket 10. The bracket 10 is formed in a plane that is inclined toward the outer panel 3 in the thickness direction of the vehicle gate 1, away from the end face of the vehicle gate 1, and faces the switch opening 6. The input device 9 is fixed to the first inclined surface 11 with the open switch 7 facing the end face of the vehicle gate 1.

[0037] By fixing the input device 9 to the bracket 10 in this way, the position and attitude (orientation) of the input device 9 can be set regardless of the shape or structure of the inner panel 2. Therefore, the mounting state of the input device 9 can be stabilized with a simple configuration, while improving its usability. Furthermore, compared to existing structures in which the input device 9 is fixed to the inner panel 2, the input device 9 can be easily partially or entirely embedded inside the vehicle gate 1. Therefore, it is easy to set the mounting position and mounting angle that make the open switch 7 easy to operate, and convenience and design can be improved with a simple configuration.

[0038] Furthermore, by inclining the first inclined surface portion 11 of the bracket 10 to which the input device 9 is fixed in a direction away from the end surface (e.g., the lower surface 4) toward the outside of the vehicle (the outer panel 3 side in the thickness direction of the vehicle gate 1) (e.g., by making it slope upward toward the outside of the vehicle as shown in FIG. 2 ), the first inclined surface portion 11 can be more easily rotated in a direction in which the slope increases when an external force is applied to the vehicle gate 1. In other words, because the input device 9 is more likely to move in a direction away from the end surface (e.g., the lower surface 4) when an external force is applied, malfunction (such as the open switch 7 not maintaining the closed state) due to contact between the open switch 7 and the vehicle body can be suppressed. Therefore, the protection performance for the vehicle interior and occupants can be improved with a simple configuration.

[0039] (2) The bracket 10 has a wall portion 14 erected between the first inclined surface portion 11 and the end surface of the vehicle gate 1. When viewed from the front of the switch opening 6, a pair of these wall portions 14 are arranged at both ends (one end and the other end) of the first inclined surface portion 11 in the vehicle width direction, sandwiching the switch opening 6. By providing the wall portions 14 at both ends of the first inclined surface portion 11 in this manner, the rigidity of the first inclined surface portion 11 can be increased, and the mounting state of the input device 9 fixed to the first inclined surface portion 11 can be stabilized.

[0040] Furthermore, the wall portion 14 functions as a support member that supports the first inclined surface portion 11 against the lower surface 4 (inner panel 2), thereby stabilizing the mounting state of the input device 9. Furthermore, when an external force acts on the vehicle gate 1, the wall portion 14 prevents the first inclined surface portion 11 from moving downward or rotating, so the input device 9 can be more reliably moved in a direction away from the lower surface 4. Therefore, the protection performance for the vehicle interior and occupants can be improved with a simple configuration.

[0041] (3) The vehicle gate 1 includes a latch device 30 that is fixed near the switch opening 6 on the end face of the vehicle gate 1 and maintains the vehicle gate 1 in a closed state. The bracket 10 also includes a latch reinforcing surface 13 that reinforces the area where the latch device 30 is fixed. By adding a function to reinforce the latch device 30 to the bracket 10 for fixing the input device 9, the number of parts and costs can be reduced. Furthermore, because the latch reinforcing surface 13 is fixed around the latch opening 5 of the inner panel 2, the mounting state of the bracket 10 can be stabilized. This allows the first inclined surface 11 to more reliably rotate in the direction of increasing gradient when an external force is applied. This enhances the prevention of contact between the open switch 7 and the vehicle body, improving protection for the vehicle interior and occupants.

[0042] (4) The bracket 10 has a planar second inclined surface portion 12 extending from the edge of the first inclined surface portion 11 on the inner panel 2 side in the thickness direction of the vehicle gate 1 toward the inner panel 2, in a direction away from the end face of the vehicle gate 1. The first inclined surface portion 11 and the second inclined surface portion 12 are formed to form a V-shaped cross section. This V-shaped cross section makes it easier for the boundary (valley portion 17) between the first inclined surface portion 11 and the second inclined surface portion 12 to bend when an external force is applied, allowing the first inclined surface portion 11 to more reliably rotate in the direction of increasing gradient. This improves the effectiveness of preventing contact between the open switch 7 and the vehicle body, thereby improving the protection of the vehicle interior and occupants.

[0043] Furthermore, by providing the second inclined surface portion 12, the position of the first inclined surface portion 11 on the vehicle inner side can be brought closer to the undersurface 4. For example, compared to a structure in which the first inclined surface portion 11 is connected to the vehicle outer edge of the latch reinforcing surface portion 13 without providing the second inclined surface portion 12, the position of the input device 9 can be set lower. Therefore, the operability and convenience of the open switch 7 can be improved.

[0044] (5) The bracket 10 has a planar extension flat portion 15 that is bent at an edge of the first inclined surface portion 11 on the outer panel 3 side in the thickness direction of the vehicle gate 1 and extends to the vicinity of the outer panel 3. This configuration allows the outer panel 3 to quickly abut against the extension flat portion 15 when an external force is applied, thereby facilitating the rotation of the first inclined surface portion 11 in the direction of increasing gradient. Furthermore, buckling of the first inclined surface portion 11 can be suppressed compared to when the first inclined surface portion 11 is simply extended instead of being provided with the extension flat portion 15. This allows the first inclined surface portion 11 to rotate in the direction of increasing gradient more reliably, thereby improving the effect of preventing contact between the open switch 7 and the vehicle body and improving the protection of the vehicle interior and occupants.

[0045] (6) The first inclined surface portion 11 has a reinforcing first bead 21 formed by bending the plate surface into a groove shape and extending in the thickness direction of the vehicle gate 1. This increases the rigidity of the first inclined surface portion 11 and improves the shape stability of the first inclined surface portion 11 when an external force is applied. This allows the first inclined surface portion 11 to more reliably rotate in the direction of increasing gradient. This improves the effectiveness of preventing contact between the open switch 7 and the vehicle body, thereby improving the protection of the vehicle interior and occupants.

[0046] The second inclined surface portion 12 also has a reinforcing second bead 22 formed by bending the plate surface into a groove shape. This increases the rigidity of the second inclined surface portion 12 and stably maintains the position of the valley portion 17 when an external force is applied. This makes it less likely for the rotation center of the first inclined surface portion 11 to shift, allowing the first inclined surface portion 11 to rotate more reliably in the direction of increasing gradient. This increases the effectiveness of preventing contact between the open switch 7 and the vehicle body, thereby improving the protection of the vehicle interior and occupants.

[0047] (7) The first bead 21 is formed to a length such that one end in the thickness direction of the vehicle gate 1 reaches the extended flat surface portion 15. This increases the rigidity of the first inclined surface portion 11 and the extended flat surface portion 15, improving shape stability when an external force is applied. Meanwhile, the end (other end) of the first bead 21 on the vehicle interior side is formed to a length that does not reach the boundary (valley portion 17) between the first inclined surface portion 11 and the second inclined surface portion 12. This promotes bending at the valley portion 17 when an external force is applied, allowing the first inclined surface portion 11 to more reliably rotate in the direction of increasing gradient. This improves the prevention of contact between the open switch 7 and the vehicle body, improving protection for the vehicle interior and occupants.

[0048] [5. Other] The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to exclude various modifications or applications of techniques not explicitly described herein. Each configuration of the present embodiment can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present embodiment. Furthermore, each configuration of the present embodiment can be selected or combined as needed. While the above-described embodiments illustrate the structure of a vehicle gate 1 formed hollow by joining an inner panel 2 and an outer panel 3, the type and number of panels forming the outer shell of the vehicle gate 1 are not critical. For example, the fixing target of the bracket 10 and the positions of the latch opening 5 and switch opening 6 may be on either the inner panel 2 or the outer panel 3. Furthermore, the inner panel 2 and the outer panel 3 may be integrated into a panel, or may be separate panels from the inner panel 2 and the outer panel 3.

[0049] Furthermore, the structure of the vehicle gate 1 in the above-described embodiment merely exemplifies a structure corresponding to the best mode of the invention, and various elements included in the structure can be omitted as appropriate. For example, all of the components included in the bracket 10 except for the first inclined surface portion 11 can be omitted. In other words, the bracket 10 needs to have at least the first inclined surface portion 11. By providing at least the first inclined surface portion 11 on the bracket 10 and fixing the input device 9 to the first inclined surface portion 11, the mounting state of the input device 9 can be stabilized with a simple configuration, while improving its convenience and design. Furthermore, malfunction due to contact between the open switch 7 and the vehicle body can be suppressed. Therefore, the protection performance of the vehicle interior and occupants can be improved with a simple configuration.

[0050] In the above embodiment, the vehicle gate 1 is illustrated as an upward-opening rear door (tailgate) attached to the rear of the vehicle, but a similar structure may be applied to a side-opening rear door, an upward-opening side door, a side-opening side door, etc. The structure of the above embodiment can be applied regardless of the type of vehicle gate 1 (top-opening type, side-opening type, sliding type, etc.), the installation position (rear, side, front, top, etc.), or the installation position of the input device 9 (lower edge, upper edge, center, etc.).

[0051] The present invention is applicable to the vehicle gate manufacturing industry, and also to the vehicle manufacturing industry that is equipped with the vehicle gate.

[0052] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Vehicle gate 2 Inner panel (panel) 3 Outer panel (panel) 4 Underside (end surface) 5 Latch opening 6 Switch opening (opening) 7 Open switch (switch) 8 Switch garnish 9 Input device 10 Bracket 11 First inclined surface portion 12 Second inclined surface portion 13 Latch reinforcement surface portion 14 Wall portion 15 Extended flat portion 16 Leg portion 17 Valley portion (boundary) 18 Latch hole 19 Flange portion 21 First bead (bead) 22 Second bead 24 Harness hole 25 Bolt hole 26 Button operation portion 30 Latch device 31 Latch 32 Striker 33 Object

Claims

1. A vehicle gate that is formed in a hollow space covered by opposing inner and outer panels and is capable of opening a vehicle compartment to the outside of the vehicle and maintaining a closed state, An opening is formed in any one of the upper, lower, left, and right end surfaces surrounding the vehicle gate constituted by the inner panel; a bracket attached to the end surface in the hollow interior and extending in a thickness direction of the vehicle gate toward the outer panel on the outside of the vehicle; an input device having a switch that is operated when releasing the closed state, the input device being disposed near the opening and fixed to the bracket; the bracket has a first inclined surface portion formed in a surface shape inclined in a direction away from the end surface toward the outer panel in the thickness direction and facing the opening, The input device is fixed to the first inclined surface portion with the switch facing the end surface side. A vehicle gate comprising:

2. The bracket has a pair of wall portions that are erected between the first inclined surface portion and the end surface and that are disposed on both ends of the first inclined surface portion in the vehicle width direction with the opening between them in a front view of the opening.

2. The vehicle gate according to claim 1, wherein the gate is a door.

3. a latch device fixed to the end surface near the opening to hold the vehicle gate in a closed state; The bracket has a latch reinforcing surface portion that reinforces the portion to which the latch device is fixed.

2. The vehicle gate according to claim 1, wherein the gate is a door.

4. The bracket has a planar second inclined surface portion extending from an end edge of the first inclined surface portion on the inner panel side in the thickness direction toward the inner panel side in a direction away from the end surface, The first inclined surface portion and the second inclined surface portion form a V-shaped cross section.

2. The vehicle gate according to claim 1, wherein the gate is a door.

5. The bracket has a planar extension portion that is bent at an end edge of the first inclined surface portion on the outer panel side in the thickness direction and extends to the vicinity of the outer panel.

2. The vehicle gate according to claim 1, wherein the gate is a door.

6. The first inclined surface portion has a reinforcing bead formed by bending a plate surface into a groove shape and extending in the thickness direction.

2. The vehicle gate according to claim 1, wherein the gate is a door.

7. The bead is formed to such a length that one end in the thickness direction reaches the extension flat surface portion, and the other end in the thickness direction does not reach the boundary between the first inclined surface portion and the second inclined surface portion. A vehicle gate according to any one of claims 4, 5 and 6.