Lid device

Abstract

The present invention prevents damage.　In a lid device 10, a pair of front and rear restriction projections 32C are provided on the reverse side of a lid 30. In an open position of the lid 30, the restriction projections 32C are positioned between the lid 30 and an outer panel 80. Specifically, the restriction projections 32C are positioned close to the outer side in a vehicle width direction of the outer panel 80. Therefore, when an external force to the inner side in the vehicle width direction is applied to the lid 30 and the lid 30 moves to the inner side in the vehicle width direction, the restriction projections 32C contact the outer panel 80 and the movement of the lid 30 to the inner side in the vehicle width direction is restricted. That is, the restriction projections 32C function as stoppers to restrict the movement of the lid 30 in the open position to the inner side in the vehicle width direction. Thus, deformation of the lid 30 and a link mechanism 40 to the inner side in the vehicle width direction is prevented. As a result, damage to the lid device 10 can be prevented.

Description

Lid device

[0001] The present invention relates to a lid device.

[0002] The lid device of Patent Document 1 below includes a case (housing) having an opening and a lid that opens and closes the opening. The lid is connected to the case by a link mechanism, and the lid opens and closes the opening when the link mechanism is activated.

[0003] JP 2023-75497 A

[0004] In the above-described lid device, when the lid is in the open position, the lid is positioned below the opening and outside the vehicle panel, and therefore, for example, if an external force acts on the lid toward the panel while the lid is in the open state, the link mechanism, the lid, etc. may be deformed, which may result in damage to the lid device.

[0005] In consideration of the above, the present invention provides a lid device that can suppress breakage.

[0006] One or more embodiments of the present invention are a lid device comprising: a housing provided inside an opening in a panel of a vehicle; a lid configured to be movable between an open position that opens the opening and a closed position that closes the opening; a link mechanism that connects the lid and the housing and operates to move the lid between the open position and the closed position; and a regulating portion provided on the lid or the link mechanism, positioned between the lid or the link mechanism and the panel, the lid being positioned outside the panel in the open position, and abutting against the panel to regulate movement of the lid toward the panel.

[0007] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, breakage can be reduced.

[0008] 1 is a front view schematically showing the lid device according to the first embodiment, as seen from the outside in the vehicle width direction. FIG. 2 is a front view showing a state in which the lid of the lid device shown in FIG. 1 has been moved to an open position. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 1) showing a connected state between the link mechanism and the lid shown in FIG. 1, as seen from the rear side. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 1) showing an interior of the lid device shown in FIG. 1, as seen from the top side. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 2) showing a connected state between the link mechanism and the lid in the lid device shown in FIG. 2, as seen from the rear side. FIG. 6 is a back view of the lid of the lid device shown in FIG. 1, as seen from the inside in the vehicle width direction. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 1) showing an interior of the upper end portion of the lid device shown in FIG. 1, as seen from the rear side. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a lid device according to a second embodiment, as seen from the rear side of the vehicle. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the lid of the lid device shown in FIG. 8 has been moved to an open position.

[0009] (First embodiment) A lid device 10 according to a first embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 7. Note that the arrow UP shown as appropriate in the drawings indicates the upper side of a vehicle (automobile) to which the lid device 10 is applied, the arrow FR indicates the front side of the vehicle, and the arrow OUT indicates the outer side in the vehicle width direction. In the following description, when the up-down and front-rear directions are used, they refer to the up-down and front-rear directions of the vehicle unless otherwise specified. The front-rear direction corresponds to the first direction in the present invention, and the up-down direction corresponds to the second direction in the present invention.

[0010] 1 to 5, the lid device 10 is provided on the side of the rear of the vehicle (in this embodiment, on the right side of the vehicle). The lid device 10 includes a housing 20, a lid 30, a link mechanism 40, an outer seal member 60, and an inner seal member 70. Each component of the lid device 10 will be described below.

[0011] (Regarding the housing 20) The housing 20 is provided on the vehicle widthwise inner side of an opening 80A provided in an outer panel 80 serving as a panel of the vehicle. The housing 20 has a recess 22 that opens outward in the vehicle width direction (toward the opening 80A). Specifically, the recess 22 includes a bottom wall 22A whose thickness direction is the vehicle width direction, and cylindrical side walls 22B that extend outward in the vehicle width direction from the outer periphery of the bottom wall 22A. When viewed from the front-rear direction, the upper and lower side walls 22B are inclined outward in the vertical direction as they extend outward in the vehicle width direction.

[0012] An exposure hole 22C is formed through the bottom wall 22A of the recess 22. The exposure hole 22C is formed as a generally elongated hole with its longitudinal direction extending in the front-to-rear direction. A part of the energy receiving portion 82 (see FIG. 2) is disposed inside the exposure hole 22C, and the energy receiving portion 82 is exposed to the outside in the vehicle width direction through the exposure hole 22C.

[0013] A pair of front and rear link accommodating portions 22DF, 22DR for accommodating a link mechanism 40 (described later) are formed in the bottom wall 22A of the recess 22, on the front-rear outer sides of the exposure hole 22C. The link accommodating portions 22DF, 22DR are formed in a recessed shape that opens outward in the vehicle width direction and extend in the vertical direction. The vertical length of the rear link accommodating portion 22DR is set to be longer than the vertical length of the front link accommodating portion 22DF.

[0014] (Regarding the Lid 30) As shown in FIG. 6 , the lid 30 is formed as a generally rectangular plate with its thickness aligned with the vehicle width direction. The lid 30 includes a lid base 32 that forms the inner portion of the lid 30 in the vehicle width direction, and a lid panel 34 that forms the outer end of the lid 30 in the vehicle width direction. The lid base 32 is made of resin and is formed in the shape of a relatively shallow rectangular box that opens outward in the vehicle width direction. The lid panel 34 is formed in the shape of a generally rectangular plate with its thickness aligned with the vehicle width direction. The lid panel 34 is disposed outward in the vehicle width direction from the lid base 32 so as to close the opening of the lid base 32, and is fixed to the lid base 32 at a position not shown. When the lid panel 34 is fixed to the lid base 32, the outer periphery of the lid panel 34 is disposed outside the lid base 32. That is, both vertical ends of the lid panel 34 protrude outward in the vertical direction relative to the lid base 32 , and both front-rear end portions of the lid panel 34 protrude outward in the front-rear direction relative to the lid base 32 .

[0015] The lid 30 is configured to be movable between a closed position (position shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4) in which the opening 80A is blocked and an open position (position shown in Figures 2 and 5) in which the opening 80A is open, by a link mechanism 40 described later.

[0016] When the lid 30 is in the closed position, the inner portion of the lid base 32 in the vehicle width direction is disposed within the recess 22. That is, the outer peripheral portion 32A of the lid base 32 is surrounded by the side wall 22B of the recess 22, and the inner end of the lid base 32 in the vehicle width direction overlaps with the side wall 22B when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction of the recess 22. Specifically, a predetermined gap G is formed between the outer peripheral portion 32A of the lid base 32 and the side wall 22B of the recess 22, and the outer peripheral surface of the lid base 32 is formed parallel to the inner peripheral surface of the side wall 22B when viewed from the circumferential direction of the recess 22.

[0017] On the other hand, when the lid 30 is in the open position, the lid 30 is disposed on the outer side and below the housing 20 in the vehicle width direction, and is positioned on the outer side of the outer panel 80 in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, when the lid 30 is in the open position, the lid 30 extends in a direction that slopes inward in the vehicle width direction as it extends downward, as viewed from the front-to-rear direction. In other words, the lid 30 is inclined with respect to the outer panel 80 so that the lower end (the end on the other side in the vertical direction) of the lid 30 is closer to the outer panel 80 than the upper end (the end on one side in the vertical direction) of the lid 30.

[0018] An escape recess 32B for locating a part of a driven link 44 (described later) is formed at the upper end of the bottom wall of the lid base 32. The escape recess 32B is formed in a concave shape that opens toward the inside in the vehicle width direction and extends in the front-rear direction.

[0019] A pair of front and rear restricting protrusions 32C are integrally formed on the lower part of the lid base 32 as restricting portions. The restricting protrusions 32C are formed in a generally conical shape and protrude inward in the vehicle width direction from the lid base 32. The tip portions of the restricting protrusions 32C are formed in a generally hemispherical shape. The pair of restricting protrusions 32C are spaced apart in the front-rear direction and are located inward in the front-rear direction of a driven link 44 of the link mechanism 40, which will be described later. The tip portions of the restricting protrusions 32C form abutment portions 32C1, which are made of an elastic material such as rubber or elastomer.

[0020] When the lid 30 is in the open position, the pair of restricting protrusions 32C are arranged close to each other with a predetermined gap between them on the outer side of the outer panel 80 in the vehicle width direction. On the other hand, when the lid 30 is in the closed position, the restricting protrusions 32C are arranged in the recess 22 of the housing 20. Specifically, when viewed from the outside in the vehicle width direction, the pair of restricting protrusions 32C are positioned on the outer side in the front-rear direction of the lower end of the exposure hole 22C so that the restricting protrusions 32C and the exposure hole 22C do not overlap.

[0021] (Regarding the Link Mechanism 40) The link mechanism 40 is a mechanism that connects the housing 20 and the lid 30 and, when activated, moves the lid 30 between an open position and a closed position. The following description will be given with the lid 30 in the closed position. The link mechanism 40 includes a drive link 42 and a pair of front and rear driven links 44. The drive link 42 is formed in a generally elongated shape extending in the vertical direction and is bent in a generally U-shape that opens outward in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the front-to-rear direction. The drive link 42 is housed in a rear link housing portion 22DR of the housing 20. The lower end (base end) of the drive link 42 is rotatably connected to the housing 20 within the link housing portion 22DR, with the front-to-rear direction being the axial direction. The upper end (tip) of the drive link 42 protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction from the link accommodating portion 22DR, is positioned above the escape recess 32B and inside the vehicle width direction of the upper end of the lid base 32, and is rotatably connected to the lid base 32 with the fore-and-aft direction as the axial direction.

[0022] The pair of driven links 44 are formed in a generally elongated shape extending in the up-down direction and are bent in a generally crank shape when viewed from the front-rear direction. Specifically, the longitudinal middle portions of the driven links 44 are bent so that the upper end portions (tip ends) of the driven links 44 are positioned outward in the vehicle width direction than the lower end portions (base ends) of the driven links 44. The driven links 44 are respectively housed in the link housing portions 22DF, 22DR of the housing 20. The rear driven link 44 is positioned outward in the vehicle width direction from the drive link 42.

[0023] The lower end of the driven link 44 is connected to the housing 20 within the link accommodating portions 22DF, 22DR so as to be rotatable with the front-to-rear direction as the axial direction. The upper end of the driven link 44 protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction from the link accommodating portions 22DF, 22DR, is disposed within the relief recess 32B of the lid base 32, and is connected to the lid base 32 so as to be rotatable with the front-to-rear direction as the axial direction. The rotation axis at the lower end of the front driven link 44 and the rotation axis at the lower end of the rear driven link 44 are arranged coaxially. The rotation axis at the upper end of the front driven link 44 and the rotation axis at the upper end of the rear driven link 44 are also arranged coaxially.

[0024] Furthermore, a link connecting portion 46 (see FIGS. 1 and 7) is provided between the upper ends of the pair of front and rear driven links 44. The link connecting portion 46 connects the upper ends of the driven links 44 together and is disposed within the relief recess 32B. This allows the pair of driven links 44 to rotate integrally. The link mechanism 40 is configured as a so-called four-section link that supports the upper end of the lid 30, and operation of the link mechanism 40 moves the lid 30 between the open position and the closed position.

[0025] An actuator 50 (see FIG. 4 ) is coupled to the base end of the drive link 42. The actuator 50 is electrically connected to a control unit (not shown). When the control unit drives the actuator 50, the drive link 42 rotates about the base end, thereby operating the link mechanism 40. Specifically, when the drive link 42 rotates to one side in the rotation direction (the direction of arrow A in FIG. 3 ), the lid 30 is displaced downward and outward in the vehicle width direction from the closed position to the open position. Furthermore, when the opening operation of the lid 30 begins, the lid 30 moves from the closed position substantially outward in the vehicle width direction. In other words, when the closing operation of the lid 30 is completed, the lid 30 moves substantially inward in the vehicle width direction from just before the closed position to be positioned at the closed position.

[0026] (Regarding the Outer Seal Member 60) As shown in FIG. 7 , the outer seal member 60 is made of an elastic material such as rubber or elastomer. The outer seal member 60 is formed in a generally rectangular ring shape (frame-like) when viewed in the vehicle width direction and is integrally provided on the outer peripheral portion 32A of the lid base 32 of the lid 30. Specifically, the outer seal member 60 protrudes from the inner end of the outer peripheral portion 32A of the lid base 32 in the vehicle width direction toward the side wall 22B of the recess 22 in the housing 20, is disposed in the gap G, and surrounds the lid base 32 (the outer peripheral portion 32A). As a result, the outer seal member 60 overlaps the side wall 22B of the recess 22 when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction of the recess 22.

[0027] The outer seal member 60 is formed in a plate shape with its thickness direction generally parallel to the vehicle width direction when viewed from the circumferential direction of the lid base 32. The outer seal member 60 is curved in a generally arc-like shape that protrudes toward the sidewall 22B of the recess 22 and toward the vehicle width direction. The leading end of the outer seal member 60 contacts the sidewall 22B of the recess 22, and the sidewall 22B presses the outer seal member 60 toward the outer peripheral portion 32A of the lid base 32, elastically deforming the outer seal member 60 toward the outer peripheral portion 32A of the lid base 32 (in FIG. 7 , the outer seal member 60 before elastic deformation is shown by a two-dot chain line). That is, the outer seal member 60 is elastically deformed in a direction intersecting the opening and closing direction of the lid 30 in the closed position. As a result, the tip of the outer seal member 60 is pressed against the side wall 22B, and the outer seal member 60 seals the gap between the lid 30 and the recess 22 of the housing 20. Furthermore, the position of the outer seal member 60 in the vehicle width direction is set so that the elastic deformation state of the outer seal member 60 is approximately constant even if the position of the lid 30 varies in the vehicle width direction due to component tolerances, assembly errors, etc. Furthermore, because the outer seal member 60 is disposed within the gap G of the recess 22, the outer periphery of the lid panel 34 makes the outer seal member 60 invisible.

[0028] (Regarding the Inner Seal Member 70) As shown in Figures 6 and 7 , the inner seal member 70, like the outer seal member 60, is made of an elastic material such as rubber or elastomer. The inner seal member 70 is integrally provided at the upper end of the rear surface of the lid base 32. Specifically, the inner seal member 70 is located above the relief recess 32B of the lid base 32. The inner seal member 70 is formed in a generally elongated plate shape with its thickness direction in the up-down direction and its longitudinal direction in the front-to-rear direction, and protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction from the lid base 32. When viewed from the rear, the inner seal member 70 is curved upward in a curved manner as it extends inward in the vehicle width direction. The tip of the inner seal member 70 abuts against the bottom wall 22A of the housing 20 above the exposure hole 22C of the housing 20 and is pressed outward in the vehicle width direction (toward the opening direction of the lid 30 in the closed position) by the bottom wall 22A, causing the inner seal member 70 to elastically deform outward in the vehicle width direction (in FIG. 7, the inner seal member 70 before elastic deformation is shown by a two-dot chain line). As a result, the inner seal member 70 biases the lid 30 in the closed position outward in the vehicle width direction. Also, when viewed from the front-rear direction, the tip of the inner seal member 70 overlaps the tip of the drive link 42 (see FIG. 3).

[0029] (Operational Effects) Next, operational effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0030] When the lid 30 in the lid device 10 configured as described above is in the closed position, the opening 80A of the outer panel 80 is closed by the lid panel 34 of the lid 30. To move the lid 30 to the open position, the actuator 50 rotates the drive link 42 in one direction of rotation to operate the link mechanism 40. Specifically, the drive link 42 rotates about its lower end in one direction of rotation, and the driven link 44 rotates about its lower end in one direction of rotation, causing the lid 30 to move outward and downward in the vehicle width direction from the closed position.

[0031] When the lid 30 is in the open position, the lid 30 is positioned below the opening 80A with a predetermined gap left on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the outer panel 80. Therefore, when the lid 30 is in the open position and an external force is applied to the lid 30 inward in the vehicle width direction, the lid 30 and the link mechanism 40 may be deformed inward in the vehicle width direction, which may damage the lid device 10.

[0032] Here, a pair of front and rear restricting protrusions 32C are provided on the back surface of the lid 30 (lid base 32). When the lid 30 is in the open position, the restricting protrusions 32C are positioned between the lid 30 and the outer panel 80. Specifically, the restricting protrusions 32C protrude inward in the vehicle width direction from the lid 30 and are positioned close to the outer side of the outer panel 80 in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, when an external force toward the inside in the vehicle width direction is input to the lid 30 and the lid 30 moves inward in the vehicle width direction, the restricting protrusions 32C abut against the outer panel 80, restricting the lid 30 from moving inward in the vehicle width direction. In other words, the restricting protrusions 32C function as stoppers that restrict the lid 30 from moving inward in the vehicle width direction when in the open position. This suppresses deformation of the lid 30 and the link mechanism 40 in the inward direction in the vehicle width direction. As a result, damage to the lid device 10 can be suppressed.

[0033] Furthermore, an abutment portion 32C1 is provided at the tip of the restricting protrusion 32C, and the abutment portion 32C1 is made of an elastic material such as rubber or elastomer. As a result, when the restricting protrusion 32C abuts against the outer panel 80, the abutment portion 32C1 is pressed by the outer panel 80 and elastically deforms. Therefore, the abutment portion 32C1 can absorb the external force applied to the lid 30 inward in the vehicle width direction, while preventing damage to the surface of the outer panel 80. Therefore, even if the restricting protrusion 32C is configured to be able to abut against the outer panel 80, the protection performance of the outer panel 80 can be ensured.

[0034] As described above, the restricting protrusion 32C is provided on the rear surface of the lid 30. This makes it possible to make the restricting protrusion 32C invisible when viewed from the outside in the vehicle width direction, whether the lid 30 is in the open position or the closed position. This makes it possible to prevent a decrease in the design of the lid device 10.

[0035] Furthermore, the tip ends of the drive link 42 and the driven link 44 are rotatably connected to the upper end of the lid 30, and a pair of front and rear restricting protrusions 32C are provided on the lower part of the lid 30. As a result, when the restricting protrusions 32C abut against the outer panel 80 due to an external force acting inward in the vehicle width direction, the link mechanism 40 supports the upper part of the lid 30 from the inside in the vehicle width direction, and the restricting protrusions 32C support the lower part of the lid 30 from the inside in the vehicle width direction. This ensures a good support balance for the lid 30 when the restricting protrusions 32C abut against the outer panel 80. As a result, deformation of the lid 30 can be effectively suppressed.

[0036] Furthermore, when the lid 30 is in the open position, the lid 30 is inclined relative to the outer panel 80 so that the lower end of the lid 30 is closer to the outer panel 80 than the upper end of the lid 30. Furthermore, the restricting protrusion 32C is provided on the lower part of the lid 30. This reduces the amount of protrusion of the restricting protrusion 32C from the lid 30. Therefore, when the lid 30 is in the closed position, the accommodation space required to accommodate the restricting protrusion 32C in the recess 22 of the housing 20 can be reduced.

[0037] Furthermore, when the lid 30 is in the closed position, the restricting protrusion 32C is positioned so as not to overlap with the exposure hole 22C when viewed from the outside in the vehicle width direction. This allows the restricting protrusion 32C to be accommodated in the recess 22 of the housing 20 while suppressing interference between the restricting protrusion 32C and the energy receiving portion 82 when the lid 30 is in the closed position.

[0038] Second Embodiment A lid device 100 according to a second embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 8 and 9. The lid device 100 has the same configuration as the lid device 10 according to the first embodiment, except for the following points. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used to designate components of the lid device 100 that are configured in the same manner as the lid device 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0039] That is, in the lid device 100, the restricting protrusion 32C is omitted from the lid 30. Also, in the lid device 100, a link mechanism 140 is provided between the housing 20 and the lid 30 instead of the link mechanism 40, and the housing 20 and the lid 30 are connected by the link mechanism 140. The link mechanism 140 is provided with a restricting protrusion 146 as a restricting portion.

[0040] Similar to the link mechanism 40, the link mechanism 140 includes a drive link 142 and a pair of front and rear driven links 144 (only the rear driven link 144 is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 ). As shown in FIG. 8 , the drive link 142 is formed in a generally elongated shape extending in the vertical direction and is bent in a generally crank shape when viewed in the front-to-rear direction. The lower end (base end) of the drive link 142 is rotatably connected to the housing 20 with the front-to-rear direction as the axial direction. The upper end (tip end) of the drive link 142 is rotatably connected to the upper end of the lid base 32 with the front-to-rear direction as the axial direction. As in the first embodiment, an actuator 50 (not shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 ) is connected to the lower end of the drive link 142.

[0041] The pair of driven links 144 are formed in a generally elongated shape and in a generally U-shape that is open outward and upward in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the front-rear direction. Specifically, the driven link 144 includes a base end link portion 144A that extends in a direction that slopes downward as it approaches the inside of the vehicle width direction, an intermediate link portion 144B that extends upward from the tip of the base end link portion 144A, and a tip link portion 144C that extends in a direction that slopes upward as it approaches the outside of the vehicle width direction from the tip of the intermediate link portion 144B.

[0042] The rear driven link 144 is located below the drive link 142. The upper end of the base link portion 144A (the base end of the driven link 144) is connected to the housing 20 so as to be rotatable with the front-to-rear direction as the axial direction. That is, although not shown, the housing 20 extends up to the upper end of the base link portion 144A. The upper end of the tip link portion 144C (the tip end of the driven link 144) is located outward in the vehicle width direction from the lower end of the drive link 142, and is connected to the lid base 32 so as to be rotatable with the front-to-rear direction as the axial direction.

[0043] Furthermore, a link connector (not shown) is provided between the pair of front and rear driven links 144, and the pair of driven links 144 is connected by the link connector. This allows the pair of driven links 144 to rotate together. As in the first embodiment, the link mechanism 140 is configured as a so-called four-section link, and operation of the link mechanism 140 moves the lid 30 between a closed position (position shown in FIG. 8 ) and an open position (position shown in FIG. 9 ). When the lid 30 is in the open position, the lid 30 is positioned below the opening 80A and outward from the outer panel 80 in the vehicle width direction with a predetermined gap therebetween. When the lid 30 is in the open position, the tip link portion 144C of the driven link 144 is positioned outward from the outer panel 80 in the vehicle width direction with a predetermined gap therebetween.

[0044] The restricting protrusion 146 is provided at the tip of the tip link portion 144C of the driven link 144 (only the restricting protrusion 146 provided on the rear driven link 144 is shown in Figures 8 and 9). The restricting protrusion 146 is formed in a generally conical shape, as in the first embodiment, and the tip of the restricting protrusion 146 is formed in a generally hemispherical shape. When the lid 30 is in the open position, the restricting protrusion 146 protrudes from the driven link 144 inward in the vehicle width direction (toward the outer panel 80). When the lid 30 is in the closed position, the restricting protrusion 146 protrudes from the driven link 144 outward and downward in the vehicle width direction and is positioned on the back side of the lid panel 34. As in the first embodiment, the tip of the restricting protrusion 146 forms an abutment portion 146A, which is made of an elastic material such as rubber or elastomer.

[0045] In the second embodiment, when the lid 30 is in the open position, the restricting protrusion 146 is disposed between the driven link 144 and the outer panel 80 and is disposed close to the outer side of the outer panel 80 in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, when an external force toward the inside in the vehicle width direction is input to the lid 30 and the lid 30 moves toward the inside in the vehicle width direction, the restricting protrusion 146 abuts against the outer panel 80, thereby restricting the lid 30 from moving toward the inside in the vehicle width direction. As a result, in the second embodiment as well, it is possible to suppress deformation of the lid 30 and the link mechanism 140 toward the inside in the vehicle width direction when the lid 30 is in the open position. Therefore, the lid device 100 also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0046] In the first embodiment, the lid 30 is provided with matching front and rear restricting protrusions 32C, but the number of restricting protrusions 32C is not limited to this. For example, one restricting protrusion 32C may be disposed in the middle in the front-rear direction on the lower part of the lid 30. In the second embodiment, the link mechanism 140 is provided with a pair of front and rear restricting protrusions 146, but one of the pair of restricting protrusions 146 may be omitted.

[0047] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0048] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Lid device 20 Housing 22C Exposure hole (hole portion) 30 Lid 32C Restriction protrusion (restriction portion) 32C1 Abutment portion 40 Link mechanism 80 Outer panel (panel) 80A Opening 82 Energy receiving portion 100 Lid device 140 Link mechanism 146 Restriction protrusion (restriction portion) 146A Abutment portion

Claims

1. A lid device comprising: a housing provided inside an opening in a vehicle panel; a lid configured to be movable between an open position that opens the opening and a closed position that closes the opening; a link mechanism that connects the lid and the housing and operates to move the lid between the open position and the closed position; and a restricting portion that is provided on the lid or the link mechanism and is positioned between the panel and the lid or the link mechanism, the restricting portion being positioned outside the panel in the open position and abutting against the panel to restrict movement of the lid towards the panel.

2. A lid device according to claim 1, wherein the restricting portion is provided with an elastic abutment portion that abuts against the panel in the open position to restrict movement of the lid toward the panel.

3. The lid device according to claim 1, wherein the restricting portion is provided on the rear surface of the lid.

4. A lid device as described in claim 3, wherein, when viewed from the surface side of the lid, the width direction of the lid is defined as a first direction, and a direction perpendicular to the first direction is defined as a second direction, the lid is rotatably connected to the link mechanism with the first direction as an axial direction, the link mechanism is connected to the lid on one side of the middle part of the lid in the second direction in the second direction, and the regulating part is positioned on the other side of the middle part of the lid in the second direction in the second direction.

5. A lid device as described in claim 4, wherein in the open position, the lid is inclined relative to the panel so that the other end of the lid in the second direction is closer to the panel than the one end of the lid in the second direction.

6. A lid device as described in claim 4 or claim 5, wherein a hole portion for placing an energy receiving portion is formed in the housing, a pair of regulating portions is provided on the lid, the pair of regulating portions are arranged at a distance from each other in the first direction, and in the closed position, the pair of regulating portions are arranged at positions that do not overlap with the hole portion when viewed from the surface side of the lid.

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