CN109930926B

CN109930926B - Lid opening and closing device

Info

Publication number: CN109930926B
Application number: CN201811464776.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 赤木伸哉; 井上嵩欣
Original assignee: U Shin Ltd
Current assignee: U Shin Ltd
Priority date: 2017-12-15
Filing date: 2018-12-03
Publication date: 2022-02-25
Anticipated expiration: 2038-12-03
Also published as: DE102018132162A1; CN109930926A

Abstract

The invention provides a cover opening and closing device with improved operability. In the cover opening and closing device (10), a push rod (20) at a push-in position is switched between a locking posture and an unlocking posture by operating an electric drive mechanism (30). The push rod (20) that has been converted to the unlock posture is pushed in, whereby the push rod (20) is moved between the push-in position and the protruding position. That is, in the lid opening and closing device (10), the movement of the push rod (20) between the push-in position and the protruding position, and the switching (rotation) between the locked posture and the unlocked posture are performed independently. Therefore, compared with a structure in which the push rod (20) simultaneously performs the movement between the push-in position and the protruding position and the switching between the locking posture and the unlocking posture, the push-in load of the push rod (20) can be reduced. This improves the operability of the lid opening/closing device (10).

Description

Lid opening and closing device

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a lid opening and closing device.

Background

Some of the cover opening/closing devices are configured to open/close a tank cover by a so-called push mechanism (プッシュプッシュ). The pushing mechanism closes the fuel lid by pushing the fuel lid in a closing direction to hold the push rod at the push-in position, and opens the fuel lid by pushing the fuel lid again to protrude the push rod.

In the lid opening and closing device described in patent document 1, when the push rod moves in the axial direction, the push rod moves in the axial direction while rotating. Thereby, the locking part of the push rod is engaged with or disengaged from the fuel tank cap.

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2014-173422

However, the lid opening/closing device described above has room for improvement in the following aspects. That is, in the lid opening and closing device, a lever cam portion for rotating the push lever and a follower cam portion for the pushing mechanism are provided in the housing in a correlated manner. The slider edge of the push rod moves in the axial direction along the slope sliding edge of the lever cam portion. Therefore, the operation resistance against the push rod is large, the pushing operation of the fuel lid becomes heavy, and the operation feeling may be deteriorated.

Disclosure of Invention

In view of the above-described facts, an object of the present invention is to provide a cover opening and closing device capable of improving operability.

Mode 1: one or more embodiments of the present invention provide a cover opening and closing apparatus including: a push rod configured to push out the closed fuel tank cap and to bring the fuel tank cap into an open state by being disposed at a protruding position moved from the pushed-in position toward the protruding direction, with one axial side being a protruding direction and the other axial side being a pushing-in direction, and to switch between a locked posture in which the fuel tank cap is locked and an unlocked posture in which the locked state with the fuel tank cap is released by rotating around an axis; a pushing mechanism that holds the push rod pushed in from the protruding position toward a pushing-in direction at the pushing-in position and pushes the push rod toward the protruding direction by pushing the push rod again toward the pushing-in direction; and a drive mechanism that switches the push rod between the lock posture and the unlock posture by driving at the push-in position of the push rod, the drive mechanism including: a motor; and a rotor that rotates around a shaft of the push rod by a driving force of the motor, the push rod being connected to the rotor so as to be relatively movable in an axial direction of the push rod and so as not to relatively rotate around the shaft of the push rod.

Mode 2: one or more embodiments of the present invention provide a cover opening and closing device, wherein the urging mechanism has a spring that urges the push rod toward a protruding direction.

Mode 3: one or more embodiments of the present invention provide a cover opening/closing device in which the pushing mechanism includes a tubular holder that holds the other end portion in the axial direction of the push rod so as to be relatively movable, and the holder includes a blocking portion that blocks the push rod from moving in the axial direction in the locked posture of the push rod.

Mode 4: one or more embodiments of the present invention provide a cover opening and closing device in which the holder is disposed coaxially with the push rod, and in the push-in position, the other end portion of the push rod in the axial direction is inserted into the holder, and in the push-in position, the push rod is relatively rotated with respect to the holder, whereby the stopper portion engages with the push rod, and movement of the push rod in the push-in direction is prevented.

Mode 5: one or more embodiments of the present invention provide a cover opening and closing device in which a restricting protrusion is provided at an end portion of the other side in the axial direction of the push rod, the preventing member is provided with a rotation permitting portion that extends in the circumferential direction of the preventing member and permits the restricting protrusion to rotate when the push rod at the push-in position rotates about the shaft, an axial permitting portion that permits the restricting protrusion to move in the push-in direction and the protruding direction is provided at one end portion of the rotation permitting portion, and the preventing portion is provided at the other end portion of the rotation permitting portion.

Mode 6: one or more embodiments of the present invention provide a cover opening and closing device in which the axial direction allowing portion is formed with a push-in allowing portion configured to extend from one end portion of the rotation allowing portion in a push-in direction and into which the restricting projection can be inserted, and the push-in allowing portion is formed with a guide portion that guides the insertion of the restricting projection into the push-in allowing portion.

Mode 7: one or more embodiments of the present invention provide a cover opening and closing device in which the axial direction allowing portion is formed with a push-in allowing portion configured to extend from one end portion of the rotation allowing portion toward a push-in direction and into which the restricting projection is insertable, and the restricting projection is formed with a guide portion that guides the insertion of the restricting projection into the push-in allowing portion.

Mode 8: one or more embodiments of the present invention provide a cover opening and closing apparatus, wherein the urging mechanism includes: a cam follower which is accommodated in the holder, has a slider connected to the holder, and is biased in a protruding direction by the spring; a slider disposed between the push rod and the cam follower; a plurality of cam grooves provided on an inner peripheral portion of the holder, into which the slider is inserted so as to be relatively movable in an axial direction of the holder and so as not to be relatively rotatable in a circumferential direction; and a first cam surface provided between the cam grooves adjacent in a circumferential direction of the holder, and having a pair of inclined cam surfaces that rotate the cam followers toward one side in the circumferential direction by abutting the cam followers, which are disengaged from the cam grooves toward a push-in direction, against the slider when moving toward a protruding direction, and a holding cam surface provided between the pair of inclined cam surfaces that holds the cam followers at the push-in position by abutting against the slider; and a second cam surface provided to the slider, the second cam surface abutting the slider when the cam follower that is separated from the cam groove in the push-in direction moves in the push-in direction, thereby rotating the cam follower to one side in the circumferential direction.

Mode 9: one or more embodiments of the present invention provide a cover opening and closing device in which the slider is engaged with both the holder and the rotor at a protruding position of the push rod, and the holder and the slider prevent the push rod from rotating.

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, operability can be improved.

Drawings

Fig. 1 (a) is a perspective view showing the entire lid opening and closing device of the present embodiment, and fig. 1 (B) is a side view seen from the rear side of the vehicle showing a state where the lid opening and closing device has a cover removed.

Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the lid opening and closing device shown in fig. 1 (a).

Fig. 3 (a) is a partially sectional side view showing a state where the pusher is inserted into the holder at the push-in position, and fig. 3 (B) is a side view showing a state where the pusher and the pushing mechanism are connected with the holder removed.

Fig. 4 (a) is a front view of the rotor shown in fig. 2 as viewed from the axial side, and fig. 4 (B) is a perspective view showing an axial end portion of the rotor. Fig. 4 (C) is a rear view of the rotor as viewed from the other axial end, and fig. 4 (D) is a perspective view showing the other axial end of the rotor.

Fig. 5 (a) is a front view of the stent shown in fig. 2 as viewed from the axial side, and fig. 5 (B) is a perspective view showing an axial end portion of the stent.

Fig. 6 (a) is a perspective view showing one axial end of the stent, and fig. 6 (B) is a perspective view showing the other axial end of the stent.

Fig. 7 a is a partially cut-away cross-sectional view showing a stent-side cam surface of the stent, and fig. 7B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the first inclined cam surface shown in fig. 7 a as viewed from the circumferential direction of the stent (an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 7B-7B of fig. 7 a).

Fig. 8 (a) is a perspective view showing one axial end portion of the slider shown in fig. 2, and fig. 8 (B) is a perspective view showing the other axial end portion of the slider.

Fig. 9 is a side sectional view showing a connection state of the push rod and the pushing mechanism at the protruding position.

Fig. 10 (a) is a front view showing the cam follower shown in fig. 2 as viewed from the axial side, and fig. 10 (B) is a perspective view of the cam follower.

Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 in fig. 14 (B)) showing the panic mechanism shown in fig. 2, as viewed from the outside in the vehicle width direction.

Fig. 12 (a) is a perspective view showing the periphery of the work tank shown in fig. 11 in a state where the emergency cable is removed, and fig. 12 (B) is a perspective view showing a state where the emergency cable is laid around the work tank shown in fig. 12 (a).

Fig. 13 (a) is a front view showing an unlocking posture of the push rod shown in fig. 1, and fig. 13 (B) is a front view showing a locking posture of the push rod.

Fig. 14 (a) is a side view showing a state in which the push rod of the cover opening and closing device shown in fig. 1 is disposed at the protruding position, and fig. 14 (B) is a side view showing a state in which the push rod is pushed from the state of fig. 14 (a) in the pushing direction and disposed at the pushing position.

Fig. 15 (a) is a perspective view showing a state of connection between the push rod and the holder in the unlock posture, and fig. 15 (B) is a perspective view showing a state of connection between the push rod and the holder in the lock posture.

Fig. 16 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the pushing mechanism. Fig. 16 (a) shows a state in which the slider of the cam follower is locked to the holding cam surface of the holder at the pushed-in position, fig. 16 (B) shows a state in which the locked state of the slider to the holding cam surface is released, fig. 16 (C) shows a state in which the slider reaches the cam groove, and fig. 16 (D) shows a state in which the slider and the cam follower move from the state of fig. 16 (C) to the protruding position. Fig. 16 (E) shows a state in which the slider is pushed in from the projecting position in the pushing-in direction and the slider is disengaged from the cam groove, and fig. 16 (F) shows a state in which the slider of the cam follower is locked to the holding cam surface of the holder when the slider is disposed at the pushing-in position again.

Description of the reference numerals

10 lid opening and closing device

12 casing

14 outer cover

14A first receiving part

14A1 bottom wall

14B second housing part

14C communicating groove

14E communication hole

14F working groove

14G holding claw

14H cable insertion hole

14J cable guide

16 covers

16A cable housing

18 waterproof cap

20 push rod

20A stop part

20B diameter reducing part

Guide projection for 20C rod

Inclined part of 20C1

20D restriction protrusion

20D1 inclined part

30 electric driving mechanism

32 electric machine

32A motor body

32B output shaft

32C worm gear

34 rotor

34A guide groove

34B restriction groove

34C worm gear

34E connection projection

34F abutting piece

36 first stop

38 second stop

40 pushing mechanism

42 support (stopping component)

42A first frame part

42B second bracket part

42C inner side of the stent

42D cam groove

42E support side cam part

42F bracket side cam surface (first cam surface)

42F1 first sloped cam-surface (sloped cam-surface)

42F2 second sloped cam-surface (sloped cam-surface)

42F3 Retention cam surface

42G stop groove (rotation allowance part)

42G1 stopping part

42H insert groove (axial allowance)

42H1 push-in permission portion

42H2 inclined part (guiding part)

42J end

42K end

44 slide block

44A guide projection for slider

44B slider-side cam part

44C slider side cam surface (second cam surface)

44C1 first inclined plane

44C2 second inclined surface

46 cam follower

46A sliding part

46A1 sliding surface

46B flange part

48 washer

50 spring

60 Emergency mechanism

62 Cable laying mechanism part

64 emergent cable

64A cable body

64B cable end

64C cut-out part

64D gripping part

64E cable projection

64F handle part

70 fuel tank cap

72 inner side plate

72A stop hole

80 control part

Detailed Description

The lid opening/closing device 10 of the present embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. As shown in fig. 14 (a) and (B), the cap opening/closing device 10 is configured as an opening/closing device for a fuel cap 70, and the fuel cap 70 opens and closes a fuel filler opening of a vehicle (automobile). Arrow UP, arrow FR, and arrow OUT shown in the drawings indicate the vehicle upper side, the vehicle front side, and the vehicle width direction outer side (vehicle left side), respectively, of the vehicle. In the following description, when a description is given with reference to the vertical and front-rear directions, the vertical and front-rear directions of the vehicle are indicated unless otherwise specified.

As shown in fig. 1 (a) and (B), the entire lid opening and closing device 10 is formed in a substantially C-shaped block shape with the front-rear direction as the thickness direction, as viewed from the rear side. The cover opening and closing device 10 includes: a housing 12 constituting an outer contour of the cover opening/closing device 10; a push rod 20 housed in the housing 12; an electric drive mechanism 30 as a "drive mechanism"; and a pushing mechanism 40. The lid opening/closing device 10 further includes an emergency mechanism 60 that can open and close the fuel lid 70 in an emergency. Hereinafter, each configuration of the cover opening and closing device 10 will be described.

(about the case 12)

As shown in fig. 2, the housing 12 is divided into two parts in the front-rear direction. Specifically, the case 12 is constituted by a housing 14 and a cover 16, the housing 14 constituting a front side portion of the case 12, and the cover 16 constituting a rear side portion of the case 12.

The housing 14 is formed in a substantially concave shape that opens to the rear side, and is formed in a substantially C-shaped box shape as viewed from the rear side. A first housing portion 14A is formed in a lower portion of the housing 14, and the first housing portion 14A houses a rotor 34, a pushing mechanism 40, and the like of the electric drive mechanism 30, which will be described later. The first receiving portion 14A extends in the vehicle width direction, and a bottom wall 14A1 of the first receiving portion 14A is curved into a substantially semicircular shape that opens toward the rear side. The first housing portion 14A is open at its inner end in the vehicle width direction.

A second housing portion 14B is formed in an upper portion of the housing 14, the second housing portion 14B houses a motor 32 of an electric drive mechanism 30 described later, and the second housing portion 14B extends in the vertical direction. A communication groove 14C for communicating the first housing portion 14A and the second housing portion 14B is formed between the two portions. A circular communication hole 14E for communicating the inside and outside of the housing 12 is formed through a side wall of the first housing portion 14A on the outside in the vehicle width direction. A substantially circular annular waterproof cap 18 is attached to the communication hole 14E.

The cover 16 is formed in a cover shape with the front-rear direction being the plate thickness direction, and is formed in a substantially C-shape corresponding to the opening of the housing 14 when viewed from the rear side. The cover 16 is fastened to the housing 14 with screws SC so as to close the opening of the housing 14.

(about the push rod 20)

As shown in fig. 1 to 3 and 9, the push rod 20 is formed in a substantially bottomed cylindrical shape with the vehicle width direction being the axial direction, and is open inward in the vehicle width direction. The push rod 20 is axially movable and rotatable in the circumferential direction, and is supported by the communication hole 14E (the waterproof cap 18) of the housing 14 through the waterproof cap 18, with a portion on one side (the outer side in the vehicle width direction) of the push rod 20 passing through the communication hole 14E (the waterproof cap 18). The position of the push rod 20 shown in fig. 14 (B) is referred to as a "pushed-in position" (broadly, a position understood as an "initial position"), where a tip end portion (one end portion in the axial direction) of the push rod 20 protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction from the housing 14. As shown in fig. 14 (a), the position of the push rod 20 after the push rod 20 is moved from the push-in position toward one side in the axial direction, which is the "protruding direction", is referred to as a "protruding position" at which most of the push rod 20 protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction from the housing 14. Details are as described later.

In the following description, the side of arrow a in fig. 13 (B) is referred to as one side of the push rod 20 in the circumferential direction (around the axis), and the side of arrow B in fig. 13 (a) is referred to as the other side of the push rod 20 in the circumferential direction (around the axis). The bottom wall 14A1 of the first receiving portion 14A of the housing 14 is curved in an arc shape concentric with the outer peripheral surface of the plunger 20.

As shown in fig. 13 and 14, the locking portion 20A is formed at the tip end portion of the push rod 20, and the locking portion 20A is formed in a substantially race-track plate shape with the axial direction of the push rod 20 as the plate thickness direction. Further, a reduced diameter portion 20B having a smaller diameter than the push rod 20 is formed on the vehicle width direction inner side of the locking portion 20A.

Here, as shown in fig. 14, a fuel lid 70 for opening and closing a fuel filler of the vehicle is provided on the vehicle width direction outer side of the push rod 20. In the present embodiment, the tank cap 70 is disposed on the vehicle width direction outer side surface (vehicle left side surface) of the vehicle rear portion. An inner plate 72 is provided on the inner side (push rod 20 side) of the tank cap 70, and a locking hole 72A is formed in the inner plate 72. The locking hole 72A is formed in a substantially racetrack shape having a similar shape to the locking portion 20A of the push rod 20 when viewed in the vehicle width direction, and the locking portion 20A is configured to be able to pass through the locking hole 72A.

The posture of the push rod 20 when the locking portion 20A of the push rod 20 is inserted into the locking hole 72A of the tank cap 70 and the reduced diameter portion 20B is inserted into the locking hole 72A at the push-in position of the push rod 20 (the posture shown in fig. 13 a) is referred to as an unlock posture. Details are as described later. In this state, the circumferential edge of the locking portion 20A and the locking hole 72A are in a non-engagement state, and the tank cap 70 can move toward the protruding direction.

A posture in which the plunger 20 is rotated from the unlock posture toward the other side in the circumferential direction (a posture rotated by substantially 90 degrees in the present embodiment) is referred to as a lock posture (a posture shown in fig. 13B). In the locked position, the locking portion 20A engages with the circumferential edge of the locking hole 72A, and is locked in a state where the fuel lid 70 is closed. For convenience of explanation, the state in which the push rod 20 is disposed at the push-in position and is in the unlock posture will be described below.

As shown in fig. 2 and 3, a plurality of (three in the present embodiment) rod guide projections 20C projecting radially outward are integrally formed on the outer peripheral portion of the other axial side portion of the push rod 20. The rod guide projections 20C are arranged at equal intervals (every 120 degrees) in the circumferential direction of the push rod 20. The rod guide projection 20C is formed in a substantially rectangular block shape as viewed from the radial direction of the push rod 20. In addition, inclined portions 20C1 are formed on both corner portions of the guide projection 20C for lever, which are located on the other side in the axial direction of the push rod 20, and the inclined portions 20C1 are inclined in directions approaching each other as they go to the other side in the axial direction of the push rod 20 when viewed in the radial direction of the push rod 20.

Further, a regulating protrusion 20D protruding outward in the radial direction is integrally formed on the outer peripheral portion of the other axial end of the plunger 20. The restricting projection 20D is disposed between the rod guide projections 20C adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the push rod 20, as viewed in the axial direction of the push rod 20. The restricting projection 20D is formed in a substantially rectangular block shape as viewed from the radial direction of the push rod 20. Further, in the restricting projection 20D, a slanted portion 20D1 is formed at a corner portion located on the other side in the axial direction of the plunger 20, and the slanted portion 20D1 is slanted toward the inside in the width direction of the restricting projection 20D as it goes toward the other side in the axial direction of the plunger 20 when viewed in the radial direction of the plunger 20.

(with respect to the electric drive mechanism 30)

As shown in fig. 1 (B) and 2, the electric drive mechanism 30 includes a motor 32 and a rotor 34.

< related to Motor 32>

The motor 32 is disposed such that the vertical direction is the axial direction, and the motor body 32A of the motor 32 is housed inside the second housing portion 14B of the housing 14. The output shaft 32B of the motor 32 extends downward from the motor main body 32A, is disposed in the communication groove 14C of the housing 14, and is disposed rearward with respect to the push rod 20 in the first receiving portion 14A. That is, the output shaft 32B of the motor 32 is arranged orthogonal to the push rod 20 as viewed from the rear side. A worm gear 32C is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the output shaft 32B. The motor 32 is electrically connected to a control unit 80 of the vehicle, and the motor 32 is driven by the control unit 80.

< rotor 34>

The rotor 34 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with the vehicle width direction as the axial direction, and is rotatably housed in the vehicle width direction outer portion of the first housing portion 14A of the housing 14. Specifically, the rotor 34 is disposed coaxially with the push rod 20, and is disposed adjacent to the front side of the output shaft 32B of the motor 32. The push rod 20 is inserted into the rotor 34, and the other end portion of the push rod 20 protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction from the rotor 34.

As shown in fig. 4, three guide grooves 34A are formed in the inner peripheral portion of the rotor 34 at positions corresponding to the rod guide projections 20C of the push rod 20, and the guide grooves 34A are open radially inward of the rotor 34 and penetrate in the axial direction of the rotor 34. The rod guide projection 20C of the push rod 20 is inserted into the guide groove 34A so as to be relatively movable in the axial direction and not relatively movable in the circumferential direction. Thereby, the rotor 34 is connected to the push rod 20 so as to be relatively movable in the axial direction and not relatively movable in the circumferential direction (integrally movable).

A restricting groove 34B is formed in an inner peripheral portion of an inner end portion of the rotor 34 in the vehicle width direction at a position corresponding to the restricting projection 20D of the push rod 20. The restriction groove 34B extends in the axial direction of the rotor 34, and opens toward the radially inner side and the vehicle width direction inner side of the rotor 34. Further, if the push rod 20 moves from the push-in position toward the protruding position, the restricting projection 20D enters into the restricting groove 34B. Further, the movement of the push rod 20 at the projecting position toward one side in the axial direction is restricted by the restricting projection 20D abutting against one end portion of the restricting groove 34B.

An axially intermediate portion of the rotor 34 is a worm wheel portion 34C, and a gear that meshes with the worm teeth 32C of the motor 32 is formed on an outer peripheral portion of the worm wheel portion 34C. As a result, the rotor 34 is rotated around the shaft by driving the motor 32, and the push rod 20 and the rotor 34 rotate integrally, thereby switching between the lock position and the unlock position.

Further, a connection projection 34E constituting a below-described emergency mechanism 60 is formed on an outer peripheral portion of an outer end portion (one end portion in the axial direction) of the rotor 34 in the vehicle width direction, and the connection projection 34E projects radially outward from the rotor 34. Further, an abutment piece 34F is integrally formed on the outer peripheral portion of the outer end portion of the rotor 34 in the vehicle width direction. The abutment piece 34F is formed in a substantially fan shape as viewed in the axial direction of the rotor 34, and projects radially outward from the rotor 34. The abutment piece 34F is disposed substantially 180 degrees apart from the connection projection 34E in the circumferential direction of the rotor 34.

As shown in fig. 11, in the locked position of the push rod 20, the abutment piece 34F abuts against a first stopper 36 provided in the housing 14, and the rotor 34 is restricted from rotating toward the other circumferential side (the arrow B direction side in fig. 11). On the other hand, in the unlock posture of the push rod 20, the abutment piece 34F abuts against a second stopper 38 provided in the housing 14, and the rotor 34 is restricted from rotating toward one side in the circumferential direction (the arrow a direction side in fig. 11).

(about the pushing mechanism 40)

As shown in fig. 2, the urging mechanism 40 includes a bracket 42 as a "prevention member", a slider 44, a cam follower 46, and a spring 50, and is housed in the first housing portion 14A of the housing 14. Further, by pushing the push rod 20 toward the other side (the vehicle width direction inner side) in the axial direction as the "pushing-in direction" at the protruding position, the push rod 20 is held at the pushed-in position by the pushing mechanism 40. On the other hand, by pushing the push rod 20 again toward the push-in direction at the push-in position, the push rod 20 is pushed out toward the protruding direction by the push mechanism 40 to move toward the protruding position. The respective configurations of the pushing mechanism 40 will be explained below.

< about the holder 42>

As shown in fig. 3 (a) and 5 to 7, the bracket 42 is formed in a substantially bottomed cylindrical shape that is open to the outside in the vehicle width direction. The bracket 42 is housed in the vehicle width direction inner portion of the first housing portion 14A of the housing 14, and is disposed adjacent to the rotor 34 on the vehicle width direction inner side (see fig. 1B). The bracket 42 is disposed coaxially with the push rod 20, and is fixed to the housing 14 together with the cover 16 by screws SC.

In the holder 42, a portion from the axial intermediate portion to the opening side (the protruding direction side) is taken as a first holder portion 42A, and a portion from the axial intermediate portion to the bottom wall side (the pushing direction side) is taken as a second holder portion 42B. The inner diameter of the first bracket portion 42A is set smaller than the inner diameter of the second bracket portion 42B. That is, the inner peripheral surface of the first bracket portion 42A projects radially inward with respect to the inner peripheral surface of the second bracket portion 42B, and the projecting portion is defined as a bracket inner portion 42C. The holder inner portion 42C is formed with a plurality of (three in the present embodiment) cam grooves 42D for guiding a slider 44 and a cam follower 46 described later, and the cam grooves 42D extend in the axial direction of the holder 42 and penetrate the holder inner portion 42C. The cam grooves 42D are arranged at equal intervals (every 120 degrees) in the circumferential direction of the holder 42. The guide groove 34A of the rotor 34 and the cam groove 42D are arranged at the same position in the circumferential direction of the holder 42.

As shown in fig. 7 (a), the portions of the holder inner portions 42C between the circumferentially adjacent cam grooves 42D are made as holder-side cam portions 42E. A bracket-side cam surface 42F, which is a "first cam surface", is formed on an end surface of the bracket-side cam portion 42E on the inner side in the vehicle width direction (the push-in direction side). That is, the holder-side cam surfaces 42F are formed at the axial intermediate portion of the holder 42, and connect the inner side surfaces of the circumferentially adjacent cam grooves 42D. The bracket-side cam surface 42F includes: a first inclined cam-face 42F1 as an "inclined cam-face"; the second inclined cam face 42F2, which is an "inclined cam face", is disposed on one side in the circumferential direction of the holder 42 with respect to the first inclined cam face 42F 1; and a holding cam surface 42F3 connecting the first angled cam surface 42F1 and the second angled cam surface 42F 2. Specifically, the first inclined cam surface 42F1 is inclined in the projecting direction (outward in the vehicle width direction) from the starting point toward the one side in the circumferential direction of the bracket 42, with the vehicle width direction inner end of the cam groove 42D as the starting point, as viewed in the radial direction of the bracket 42. The holding cam surface 42F3 extends from the terminal end of the first inclined cam surface 42F1 toward the push-in direction (the vehicle width direction inner side) of the bracket 42 as viewed in the radial direction of the bracket 42. That is, the holding cam surface 42F3 is formed along a surface orthogonal to the circumferential direction of the holder 42. The second inclined cam surface 42F2 is inclined in the protruding direction (outward in the vehicle width direction) from the vehicle width direction inner end (terminal end) of the holding cam surface 42F3 toward the one side in the circumferential direction of the bracket 42, as viewed in the radial direction of the bracket 42, and is connected to the end of the cam groove 42D. Thus, the holder-side cam surface 42F is formed in a zigzag shape as viewed in the radial direction of the holder 42.

As shown in fig. 7 (B), the first inclined cam surface 42F1 and the second inclined cam surface 42F2 are inclined inward in the vehicle width direction as they go inward in the radial direction of the bracket 42 in a cross-sectional view viewed from the circumferential direction of the bracket 42. That is, the radially inner end 42J of the first inclined cam surface 42F1 and the second inclined cam surface 42F2 is disposed in the push-in direction (the vehicle width direction inner side) with respect to the radially outer end 42K. The inclination angle θ of the first inclined cam face 42F1 and the second inclined cam face 42F2 (the inclination angle of the first inclined cam face 42F1 and the second inclined cam face 42F2 with respect to the plane orthogonal to the axial direction of the carrier 42) as viewed in the circumferential direction of the carrier 42 is set to substantially 5 degrees.

As shown in fig. 5 and 6, a stopper groove 42G, which is a "rotation permitting portion" extending in the circumferential direction of the bracket 42, is formed through an opening end portion of the first bracket portion 42A at a position located on the outside in the vehicle width direction with respect to the bracket-side cam surface 42F. Further, an insertion groove 42H as an "axial direction permitting portion" extending in the axial direction of the holder 42 is formed in the inner peripheral portion of the opening end portion of the holder inner portion 42C. The insertion groove 42H is open toward the opening side of the holder 42, and is disposed at a position that coincides with the regulating groove 34B of the rotor 34 when viewed in the axial direction of the holder 42. As shown in fig. 3 (a), the insertion groove 42H intersects with one end of the blocking groove 42G at the middle portion thereof and communicates with the blocking groove 42G. That is, the blocking groove 42G extends from the intermediate portion of the insertion groove 42H toward the other circumferential side of the bracket 42.

In a state where the push rod 20 is in the pushed-in position and in the unlocked posture, a base end portion (an end portion on the inner side in the vehicle width direction) of the push rod 20 is inserted into the opening end portion of the bracket 42. Specifically, the restricting projection 20D of the push rod 20 is inserted from the opening of the insertion groove 42H, and is disposed at one end portion of the stopper groove 42G (the middle portion of the insertion groove 42H). Thus, in this state, the axial movement of the push rod 20 is allowed by the insertion groove 42H.

The restricting projection 20D is inserted into the preventing groove 42G so as to be relatively movable in the circumferential direction of the holder 42 and so as to be axially engageable therewith. In the locked position of the plunger 20, the plunger 20 and the rotor 34 are pivoted to the other side from the unlocked position, and the restricting projection 20D is disposed at the other end of the preventing groove 42G (see fig. 15B). Thus, the restricting projection 20D engages with the other end of the preventing groove 42G in the axial direction of the holder 42, and the holder 42 (preventing groove 42G) prevents the push rod 20 in the locked position from moving in the axial direction. The other end of the preventing groove 42G serves as a preventing portion 42G 1.

The bottom of the insertion groove 42H (the portion closer to the pushing direction side than the blocking groove 42G) is a push-in allowing portion 42H1, and the push-in allowing portion 42H1 is formed in a concave shape that opens toward the blocking groove 42G side when viewed in the radial direction of the bracket 42. In the unlocked posture of the plunger 20, if the plunger 20 is moved in the push-in direction, the restricting projection 20D is accommodated in the push-in permitting portion 42H1, and the plunger 20 is permitted to be pushed (moved) from the push-in position in the push-in direction. On the other hand, the push rod 20 is restricted from being pushed (moved) in the push-in direction by the restricting projection 20D abutting against the bottom surface of the push-in permitting portion 42H 1. Further, a pair of inclined portions 42H2 as "guide portions" are formed at the boundary portion between the push-in permitting portion 42H1 and the preventing groove 42G, and the pair of inclined portions 42H2 are inclined in the direction approaching each other as they go toward the push-in direction when viewed in the radial direction of the holder 42.

< related to slider 44>

As shown in fig. 2, 3 (B), 8, and 9, the slider 44 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with the vehicle width direction as the axial direction. The slider 44 is disposed coaxially with the push rod 20 and is housed in the first frame portion 42A (open end portion) of the frame 42. Specifically, an end portion of the slider 44 on one side in the axial direction (projecting direction side) is disposed adjacent to a base end portion of the push rod 20.

Three slider guide projections 44A corresponding to the guide groove 34A and the cam groove 42D are integrally formed on the outer peripheral portion of the slider 44. The slider guide projection 44A is inserted into the cam groove 42D of the holder 42 so as to be relatively movable in the axial direction and not movable in the circumferential direction. Thereby, the slider 44 is connected to the bracket 42 so as to be relatively movable in the axial direction. Further, at the protruding position of the plunger 20, the slider guide projection 44A is disposed so as to straddle between the cam groove 42D of the holder 42 and the guide groove 34A of the rotor 34, and the rotor 34 (i.e., the plunger 20) is restricted from rotating by the slider 44 and the holder 42 (see fig. 9).

A slider-side cam portion 44B is formed at the other axial end (the push-in direction side) of the slider 44. The slider-side cam part 44B has a plurality of (6 in the present embodiment) slider-side cam surfaces 44C as "second cam surfaces" constituting an end surface of the slider 44. The slider-side cam surfaces 44C are arranged at predetermined intervals (every 60 degrees) in the circumferential direction of the slider 44. Further, the slider-side cam surface 44C is formed in a substantially V shape protruding toward the push-in direction side as viewed from the radial direction of the slider 44. Specifically, the slider-side cam surface 44C includes a first inclined surface 44C1 and a second inclined surface 44C2, and the second inclined surface 44C2 is arranged on the circumferential side of the slider 44 with respect to the first inclined surface 44C 1. In a state where the slider 44 is accommodated in the holder 42, the top of the slider-side cam surface 44C is disposed substantially at the center in the width direction of the cam groove 42D of the holder 42 as viewed in the radial direction of the holder 42.

< cam follower 46>

As shown in fig. 2, 9, and 10, the cam follower 46 is formed in a substantially bottomed cylindrical shape with the vehicle width direction as the axial direction as a whole, and is open to one side (the protruding direction side) in the axial direction. The cam follower 46 is disposed coaxially with the push rod 20 and is housed in the holder 42 so as to be relatively movable. In a state where the cam follower 46 is accommodated in the holder 42, one end portion (outer end portion in the vehicle width direction) in the axial direction of the cam follower 46 is inserted into the slider 44 so as to be relatively movable.

Three sliders 46A corresponding to the cam grooves 42D of the holder 42 are integrally formed on the outer peripheral portion of the axial intermediate portion of the cam follower 46, and the sliders 46A project radially outward from the cam follower 46. The tip end portion of the slider 46A is inserted into the cam groove 42D so as to be relatively movable in the axial direction and not movable in the circumferential direction. A sliding surface 46A1 is formed on the surface of the slider 46A on the projecting direction side, and the sliding surface 46A1 is inclined in the projecting direction as it goes toward the circumferential direction side of the cam follower 46.

In the axial direction of the cam follower 46, the sliding surface 46a1 is disposed to face the slider-side cam surface 44C of the slider 44 and abuts against the first inclined cam surface 42F1 of the holder 42. The slider 46A is disposed adjacent to the holding cam surface 42F3 of the holder 42 on the other side in the circumferential direction, and abuts against the holding cam surface 42F 3. Thereby, at the push-in position of the push rod 20, the cam follower 46 is restricted from moving toward the protruding direction side and rotating toward the circumferential direction side. Further, as described above, the radially inner end 42J of the first inclined cam surface 42F1 and the second inclined cam surface 42F2 is disposed in the push-in direction (the vehicle width direction inner side) with respect to the radially outer end 42K. Therefore, when the sliding surface 46a1 abuts against the first inclined cam surface 42F1 and the second inclined cam surface 42F2, the sliding surface 46a1 abuts against the end 42J (see fig. 7B).

Further, a flange portion 46B protruding radially outward is formed at an axially intermediate portion of the cam follower 46. The flange portion 46B is connected to the sliders 46A adjacent in the circumferential direction, except for the tip end portion. A washer 48 is inserted from the right end of the cam follower 46, and the washer 48 is disposed adjacent to the inside of the flange portion 46B in the vehicle width direction. Further, one axial end portion of the cam follower 46 is inserted into the interior of the push rod 20.

< spring 50>

As shown in fig. 2, 3 (B), and 9, the spring 50 is configured as a compression coil spring, and is attached to an end portion of the cam follower 46 on the inner side in the vehicle width direction. One end portion (the end portion on the outer side in the vehicle width direction) of the spring 50 is locked to the flange portion 46B of the cam follower 46 via a washer 48, the other end portion (the end portion on the inner side in the vehicle width direction) of the spring 50 is locked to the bottom wall of the bracket 42, and the spring 50 is compressed and deformed from a natural state. Thereby, the push rod 20 is urged outward in the vehicle width direction (projecting direction) by the urging force of the spring 50 via the cam follower 46 and the slider 44.

(about emergency organization 60)

As shown in fig. 2, 11, and 12, the emergency mechanism 60 includes an emergency cable 64 and a cable laying mechanism section 62 for laying the emergency cable 64 to the housing 12.

The cable laying mechanism 62 has a working groove 14F formed in the housing 14. The working groove 14F penetrates through the bottom wall 14A1 formed in the first housing portion 14A, is arranged radially outward of the rotor 34, and extends in the circumferential direction of the push rod 20. The coupling projection 34E of the rotor 34 is inserted into the working groove 14F in a relatively movable manner. Specifically, in the unlock posture of the push rod 20, the connecting projection 34E is disposed at one end portion of the working groove 14F, and in the lock posture of the push rod 20, the connecting projection 34E is disposed at the other end portion of the working groove 14F.

Further, the cable laying mechanism section 62 has a pair of holding claws 14G for holding the emergency cable 64. The holding claws 14G are integrally formed at the edge portions on both sides in the width direction of the working groove 14F of the housing 14. The holding claws 14G are symmetrically configured as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the working groove 14F. Specifically, the holding claw 14G is formed in a substantially inverted L shape as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the working groove 14F, and projects from the housing 14 toward the outside of the housing 14, and the tip end portion of the holding claw 14G projects toward the inside in the width direction of the working groove 14F. The pair of holding claws 14G are arranged apart in the longitudinal direction of the working groove 14F.

Further, on the housing 14, a cable insertion hole 14H is formed on the other side in the circumferential direction of the push rod 20 with respect to the working groove 14F, and the inside and the outside of the housing 12 are communicated by the cable insertion hole 14H. On the other hand, the cover 16 has a cable housing portion 16A projecting rearward on the radially outer side of the rotor 34. The cable housing portion 16A is formed in a concave shape that opens toward the front side, and is curved in a substantially semicircular arc shape that is concentric with the rotor 34 when viewed in the axial direction of the push rod 20.

Further, the cable laying mechanism portion 62 has a cable guide 14J for guiding the emergency cable 64, and the cable guide 14J is formed at a lower portion of the housing 14. The cable guide 14J is formed in a groove shape that opens outward in the vehicle width direction, and is curved in a substantially quadrant arc shape that is convex obliquely forward and downward as viewed from the outside in the vehicle width direction.

The emergency cable 64 is made of resin, and is formed in a substantially long shape having flexibility. The emergency cable 64 includes a cable main body 64A and a cable end 64B constituting a tip side portion of the emergency cable 64. The cable main body 64A is formed in a cable shape having a circular cross section, and the cable end 64B is formed in a long strip shape. The tip end of the cable end 64B is inserted into the housing 12 from the cable insertion hole 14H of the housing 14, and is bent along the bottom wall of the cable housing portion 16A.

Further, notch portions 64C corresponding to the holding claws 14G are formed in the longitudinal direction middle portion and the width direction both side edge portions of the cable end portion 64B, and the notch portions 64C are formed in a substantially trapezoidal shape that opens toward the width direction outer side of the cable end portion 64B as viewed in the plate thickness direction of the cable end portion 64B. The notch 64C is disposed at a position corresponding to the holding claw 14G, and the cable end 64B is displaced toward the distal end side, whereby the cable end 64B is disposed between the holding claw 14G and the housing 14 and held by the holding claw 14G. Thus, the cable end 64B is laid along the bottom wall 14a1 of the housing 14 (specifically, along the working groove 14F) in a state bent in an arc shape.

Further, the cable main body 64A extending from the cable end 64B toward the base end side is laid inside the cable guide 14J and bent toward the rear side. Although not shown, a grip 64D constituting a base end portion of the emergency cable 64 is disposed between a trunk of the vehicle and a vehicle body of the vehicle so as to be operable.

Further, a cable protrusion 64E is integrally formed on an inner side surface of a longitudinal direction intermediate portion of the cable end portion 64B, and the cable protrusion 64E protrudes from the cable end portion 64B toward the housing 12 side and is disposed in the working groove 14F. As shown in fig. 11, in the non-operating position of the emergency cable 64 and the locked position of the plunger 20, the connection projection 34E of the rotor 34 is disposed adjacent to the cable projection 64E on one side (arrow a direction side in fig. 11) in the circumferential direction of the rotor 34.

Further, a grip portion 64F is integrally formed on an outer side surface of a longitudinal direction intermediate portion of the cable end portion 64B, and the grip portion 64F protrudes outward from the cable end portion 64B. The handle portion 64F is configured as a handle for operation when the emergency cable 64 is laid on the housing 12.

(regarding action and Effect)

Next, the opening and closing operation of the fuel lid 70 by the lid opening and closing device 10 and the operation of the lid opening and closing device 10 in an emergency will be described, and the operation and effect of the present embodiment will be described.

(conversion between locked posture and unlocked posture of push rod 20 of lid opening/closing device 10)

The state shown in fig. 13 (B) is the locked posture of the push rod 20 of the lid opening and closing device 10. In this posture, the tip end portion of the push rod 20 is inserted into the locking hole 72A of the tank cap 70, and the locking portion 20A of the push rod 20 engages with the circumferential edge portion of the locking hole 72A. Thereby, the tank cap 70 is locked in a state of closing the fuel filler opening of the vehicle. In this state, as shown in fig. 15 (B), the regulating projection 20D of the plunger 20 is disposed in the blocking portion 42G1 of the blocking groove 42G of the holder 42. Therefore, the push rod 20 is prevented from moving toward one side and the other side in the axial direction, and the pushing-in operation and the pulling-in operation with respect to the fuel tank cap 70 are restricted. That is, the fuel lid 70 cannot be opened.

In this state, if the locked state of the lock device that locks the vehicle side door is released, the lid opening and closing device 10 operates, and the push rod 20 is switched from the locked posture to the unlocked posture. Specifically, the motor 32 is driven by the control unit 80 to rotate the rotor 34 in the circumferential direction (the arrow a direction side of fig. 13 (B)). At this time, since the plunger 20 and the rotor 34 are connected so as not to be relatively rotatable, the plunger 20 and the rotor 34 rotate integrally in the circumferential direction, and the locked posture is switched to the unlocked posture (see fig. 13 a). Thereby, the engagement state between the locking portion 20A of the push rod 20 and the circumferential edge of the locking hole 72A of the tank cap 70 is released. As a result, the fuel lid 70 is allowed to move in the protruding direction relative to the push rod 20, and the push rod 20 is allowed to move in the axial direction.

On the other hand, in the state where the push rod 20 is switched to the unlock posture, if the lock device of the side door of the vehicle is in the lock state, the lid opening and closing device 10 is operated, and the push rod 20 is switched from the unlock posture to the lock posture. Specifically, the motor 32 is driven by the control unit 80 to rotate the rotor 34 to the other circumferential side (the arrow B direction side in fig. 13 a). Thereby, the push rod 20 rotates integrally with the rotor 34 toward the other side in the circumferential direction, and is switched from the unlock posture to the lock posture. Therefore, the locking portion 20A of the push rod 20 and the circumferential edge of the locking hole 72A of the tank cap 70 are engaged with each other. As a result, the tank cap 70 is locked in a state where the fuel filler port of the vehicle is closed. At this time, as described above, the regulating protrusion 20D of the plunger 20 is disposed in the stopper portion 42G1 of the stopper groove 42G of the holder 42, and regulates the axial movement of the plunger 20. Thereby, the pushing-in operation of the fuel lid 70 is also restricted.

In addition, when the push rod 20 is switched between the lock posture and the unlock posture, the coupling projection 34E of the rotor 34 moves within the working groove 14F. Here, as shown in fig. 11, in the locked position of the plunger 20, the cable projection 64E of the emergency cable 64 is disposed on the other side (arrow B direction side in fig. 11) in the circumferential direction of the rotor 34 with respect to the connection projection 34E of the rotor 34. Therefore, when the push rod 20 is switched between the lock posture and the unlock posture, the connection projection 34E does not abut against the cable projection 64E, and the rotor 34 can be rotated. This allows the push rod 20 to be switched between the locked position and the unlocked position without the cable projection 64E of the emergency cable 64 interfering with the rotation of the rotor 34.

(action of the push rod 20 from the pushed-in position toward the projected position)

As shown in fig. 15 (a), in the unlock posture of the push rod 20, the regulating projection 20D of the push rod 20 is disposed in one end portion of the blocking groove 42G of the holder 42 (i.e., the intermediate portion of the insertion groove 42H of the holder 42). This allows the push rod 20 to move in the axial direction. In this state, the guide groove 34A of the rotor 34 is arranged at a position corresponding to the cam groove 42D of the holder 42 as viewed in the axial direction of the rotor 34.

In this state, if the tank cap 70 is pushed inward in the vehicle width direction, the push rod 20 is pushed in the pushing direction by the tank cap 70. Thereby, the push mechanism 40 is operated, and the push rod 20 is arranged at the protruding position from the pushed-in position, and the fuel lid 70 is in a state of opening the fuel filler opening.

The operation of the pushing mechanism 40 will be described below with reference to fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a developed view of the holder-side cam surface 42F and the slider-side cam surface 44C of the pushing mechanism 40 as viewed from the radially outer side of the holder 42 (slider 44). In fig. 16, arrow a indicates a pushing direction, arrow c indicates a protruding direction, and arrow b indicates one side of the holder 42 (slider 44) in the circumferential direction.

As shown in fig. 16 (a), in the unlock posture of the push rod 20, the slider 46A of the cam follower 46 of the push mechanism 40 abuts against the first inclined cam face 42F1 and the holding cam face 42F3 of the holder-side cam face 42F of the holder 42. Therefore, the cam follower 46 is restricted from moving toward the projecting direction and the circumferential direction side by the bracket 42. Thereby, the push rod 20, the slider 44, and the cam follower 46 are held at the pushed-in position.

In this state, if the push rod 20 is pushed in the push-in direction against the urging force of the spring 50, the restricting projection 20D of the push rod 20 is inserted into the push-in permitting portion 42H1 of the insertion groove 42H of the holder 42.

At this time, the slider 44 is relatively displaced with respect to the bracket 42 in the push-in direction together with the push rod 20. Thereby, the sliding surface 46a1 of the cam follower 46 is pressed by the slider-side cam surface 44C (second inclined surface 44C2) of the slider 44 and relatively displaced in the push-in direction. That is, the state in which the sliding surface 46a1 of the cam follower 46 abuts against the bracket-side cam surface 42F (first inclined cam surface 42F1) of the bracket 42 is released. In this state, the slider 46A holding the cam follower 46 is in contact with the holding cam surface 42F3 of the holder 42.

Here, the slider-side cam surface 44C (the second inclined surface 44C2) of the slider 44 and the sliding surface 46a1 of the cam follower 46 are inclined in the protruding direction as going toward one side in the circumferential direction, as viewed in the radial direction of the slider 44. Therefore, the slider-side cam surface 44C (the second inclined surface 44C2) of the slider 44 presses the sliding surface 46a1 of the cam follower 46 in the push-in direction, and the cam follower 46 is applied with a rotational force toward one side in the circumferential direction from the slider 44. However, as described above, since the slider 46A holding the cam follower 46 is in contact with the holding cam surface 42F3 of the holder 42, the cam follower 46 is displaced in the pushing-in direction in a state where the rotation of the cam follower 46 toward the one circumferential side is restricted.

Further, if the restricting projection 20D of the push rod 20 abuts on the bottom of the push-in permitting portion 42H1, the push-in of the push rod 20 in the push-in direction is restricted. At this time, the state in which the slider 46A of the cam follower 46 abuts the holding cam surface 42F3 of the holder 42 is released. Thus, the slider 46A slides on the second inclined surface 44C2 of the slider-side cam surface 44C by the rotational force acting from the slider 44 to the cam follower 46, and the cam follower 46 rotates relative to the slider 44 in the circumferential direction (see fig. 16B).

Further, if the pushing-in operation of the fuel lid 70 is ended in this state, the push rod 20, the slider 44, and the cam follower 46 are pushed out in the protruding direction by the urging force of the spring 50. That is, the push rod 20, the slider 44, and the cam follower 46 turn round and displace in the protruding direction. At this time, the sliding surface 46a1 of the cam follower 46 abuts against the second inclined cam surface 42F2 of the holder 42.

Here, the second inclined cam surface 42F2 of the holder 42 and the sliding surface 46a1 of the cam follower 46 are inclined in the protruding direction as going to one side in the circumferential direction when viewed in the radial direction of the slider 44. Therefore, if the sliding surface 46a1 of the cam follower 46 abuts on the second inclined cam surface 42F2 of the holder 42, the sliding surface 46a1 receives a rotational force toward one side in the circumferential direction from the second inclined cam surface 42F 2. Thus, if the cam follower 46 is further displaced toward the projecting direction in this state, the sliding surface 46a1 of the cam follower 46 slides on the second inclined cam face 42F2, and the cam follower 46 further rotates toward the one side in the circumferential direction. Also, as shown in (C) and (D) of fig. 16, if the slider 46A of the cam follower 46 reaches the cam groove 42D of the holder 42, the slider 46A moves in the protruding direction within the cam groove 42D.

At this time, the slider 44 and the push rod 20 are also pushed by the cam follower 46 and moved in the projecting direction. Thereby, the push rod 20 moves from the pushed-in position toward the protruding position. Specifically, the restricting projection 20D of the push rod 20 is moved in the protruding direction in the insertion groove 42H of the bracket 42, and is disengaged from the insertion groove 42H and inserted into the restricting groove 34B of the rotor 34. Further, the restricting projection 20D abuts on the bottom of the restricting groove 34B of the rotor 34, thereby restricting the movement of the plunger 20 in the protruding direction, and the plunger 20 is disposed at the protruding position. At this time, the slider guide projection 44A of the slider 44 is disposed so as to straddle the guide groove 34A of the rotor 34 and the cam groove 42D of the holder 42, and regulates the relative rotation of the rotor 34 (i.e., the push rod 20) with respect to the holder 42 (see fig. 9). Thereby, the tank cap 70 is pushed out toward the outside in the vehicle width direction (the outside in the vehicle width direction) by the push rod 20, and the locking portion 20A of the push rod 20 is disengaged from the locking hole 72A of the tank cap 70. As a result, the fuel lid 70 is in a state of opening the fuel filler hole.

(action of the push rod 20 from the projected position toward the pushed-in position)

In a state where the fuel lid 70 opens the fuel filler opening, if the fuel lid 70 is closed, the push rod 20 is pushed in from the protruding position toward the pushing-in direction against the urging force of the spring 50. In this state, the push rod 20 is pushed in the push-in direction with the locking portion 20A of the push rod 20 inserted into the locking hole 72A of the tank cap 70. Thereby, the pushing mechanism 40 operates, and the push rod 20 is held at the pushed-in position. The pushing mechanism 40 at this time will be explained below.

If the push rod 20 is moved from the protruding position toward the pushing-in direction, the restricting projection 20D of the push rod 20 is disengaged from the restricting groove 34B of the rotor 34 and inserted into the insertion groove 42H of the bracket 42. The restricting projection 20D is disposed in the push-in permitting portion 42H1 of the insertion groove 42H.

When the push rod 20 moves in the push-in direction, the slider 44 and the cam follower 46 are pressed by the push rod 20 and move in the push-in direction. Specifically, the slider-guiding projection 44A of the slider 44 and the slider 46A of the cam follower 46 move in the pushing-in direction in the cam groove 42D of the holder 42. At this time, the sliding surface 46a1 of the cam follower 46 is pressed by the second inclined surface 44C2 of the slider-side cam surface 44C of the slider 44, and the cam follower 46 is displaced in the push-in direction.

When the restricting projection 20D of the push lever 20 reaches the bottom of the push-in permitting portion 42H1, as shown in fig. 16 (E), the slider 46A of the cam follower 46 is disengaged from the cam groove 42D of the holder 42 in the push-in direction. Therefore, the slider 46A slides on the second inclined surface 44C2 of the slider-side cam surface 44C of the slider 44, and the cam follower 46 relatively rotates toward the circumferential direction side with respect to the slider 44.

Then, if the pushing operation of the fuel lid 70 is finished in this state, the push rod 20, the slider 44, and the cam follower 46 are pushed out in the protruding direction by the biasing force of the spring 50. That is, the push rod 20, the slider 44, and the cam follower 46 turn round and displace in the protruding direction. At this time, the sliding surface 46a1 of the cam follower 46 abuts the first inclined cam surface 42F1 of the holder 42. When the push rod 20 reaches the push-in position, as shown in fig. 16 (F), the sliding surface 46a1 of the cam follower 46 slides on the first inclined cam surface 42F1 of the holder 42, and further rotates toward the circumferential side with respect to the slider 44. At this time, the slider 46A of the cam follower 46 abuts on the holding cam surface 42F3 of the holder 42, and the rotation of the cam follower 46 toward the one circumferential side is stopped. Thereby, the cam follower 46 is prevented from moving toward the one axial side and the one circumferential side, and the push rod 20 is held at the push-in position.

(operation of the lid opening/closing device 10 in an emergency)

In the case where the motor 32 of the lid opening/closing device 10 is out of order in the state where the push rod 20 is switched to the lock posture, or in an emergency such as when the battery of the vehicle is insufficiently charged, the motor 32 is not driven by the control unit 80. That is, in such an emergency, the fuel lid 70 cannot be opened. Therefore, in this case, the user operates the panic mechanism 60 by operating the panic cable 64, and the push rod 20 is switched from the lock posture to the unlock posture. As a result, the push rod 20 of the lid opening/closing device 10 can be pushed in, and the fuel lid 70 is opened even in an emergency. The operation of the emergency mechanism 60 will be described below.

As shown in fig. 11, when the emergency mechanism 60 is operated, the user grips the grip portion 64D of the emergency cable 64 and pulls the emergency cable 64 to the rear side. Thereby, the tip end portion of the cable end portion 64B of the emergency cable 64 is pulled out of the housing 12 from the cable insertion hole 14H of the outer case 14, and the cable end portion 64B moves relative to the outer case 14.

Further, the cable end 64B is held by the holding claw 14G of the housing 14, and is laid along the working groove 14F. Therefore, when the cable end 64B is relatively moved with respect to the housing 14, the cable end 64B is displaced in the longitudinal direction of the working groove 14F. Thereby, the cable projection 64E of the cable end portion 64B abuts against the connection projection 34E of the rotor 34, and the connection projection 34E is pressed toward one side in the circumferential direction of the rotor 34 (the arrow a direction side in fig. 11). As a result, the rotor 34 and the push rod 20 rotate from the locked position to the circumferential direction side, and are switched to the unlocked position. Therefore, the push rod 20 is allowed to move in the axial direction (a state in which the operation of the pushing mechanism 40 is allowed). Thus, in this state, the pushing mechanism 40 is operated by the pushing operation of the fuel lid 70 by the user, and the push rod 20 is moved from the pushed-in position to the projected position. As described above, the fuel lid 70 can be opened in an emergency.

Here, the lid opening and closing device 10 of the present embodiment includes the electric drive mechanism 30, and the push rod 20 at the push-in position is switched between the lock posture and the unlock posture by operating the electric drive mechanism 30. Then, the push rod 20 is moved between the push-in position and the protruding position by the push-in operation of the push rod 20 converted to the unlock posture. That is, in the cover opening and closing device 10 of the present embodiment, the movement of the push rod 20 between the push-in position and the protruding position and the switching (rotation) between the locked posture and the unlocked posture are independently performed. Therefore, compared with a structure in which the push rod 20 simultaneously performs the movement between the push-in position and the protruding position and the switching between the lock posture and the unlock posture, the push-in load of the push rod 20 can be reduced. As described above, the operability of the cover opening and closing device 10 can be improved.

Further, the pushing mechanism 40 has a spring 50, and the spring 50 urges the push rod 20 toward the projecting direction side via the slider 44 and the cam follower 46. Therefore, the pushing load to the push rod 20 is set by the load of the spring 50. Thus, by appropriately setting the load of the spring 50, the pushing load on the push rod 20 can be easily adjusted. Therefore, the operation force of the cover opening and closing device 10 can be easily adjusted.

Further, the electric drive mechanism 30 has a motor 32 and a rotor 34 connected to the motor 32. The rotor 34 is connected to the push rod 20 so as to be relatively movable in the axial direction and not relatively rotatable in the circumferential direction. Accordingly, the plunger 20 can be rotated between the locked position and the unlocked position by the rotor 34, and when the plunger 20 moves in the axial direction, the plunger 20 can move forward and backward by being separated from the rotor 34, so that the electric drive mechanism 30 for operating the plunger 20 can be simply configured.

Further, the holder 42 is formed with a prevention groove 42G, and at the push-in position, the regulation protrusion 20D of the push rod 20 is disposed in the prevention groove 42G. In the locked position of the plunger 20, the restricting projection 20D is disposed in the stopper portion 42G1 of the stopper groove 42G, and restricts the axial movement of the plunger 20. Accordingly, by rotating the push rod 20 from the unlock posture to the lock posture, the fuel lid 70 can be locked (locked) so as not to be openable, and the operation of the push mechanism 40 can be disabled. Therefore, the operation of locking (latching) the fuel lid 70 and the operation of bringing the operation of the pushing mechanism 40 into the non-permitting state can be performed by one electric drive mechanism 30, which contributes to the downsizing and simplification of the lid opening and closing device 10.

The holder 42 is formed in a cylindrical shape disposed coaxially with the push rod 20, and the base end portion of the push rod 20 is inserted into the holder 42 at the push-in position. When the push rod 20 is relatively rotated with respect to the holder 42 at the push-in position, the push rod 20 engages with the stopper 42G1 of the holder 42, and the push rod 20 is prevented from moving in the push-in direction. This allows the holder 42 that prevents the push rod 20 from moving in the push-in direction to be disposed along the circumferential direction of the push rod 20. Therefore, the holder 42 can be prevented from being enlarged in the radial direction of the push rod 20 and from moving in the push-in direction. Therefore, the lid opening/closing device 10 can be made smaller.

Further, by operating the electric drive mechanism 30 at the push-in position, the push rod 20 is relatively rotated with respect to the holder 42 to switch between the lock posture and the unlock posture, changing the relative position of the push rod 20 with respect to the holder 42. Therefore, compared to a structure in which the bracket 42 accommodating the slider 44 and the cam follower 46 is relatively rotated with respect to the push rod 20 in the push mechanism 40, the relative position of the push rod 20 with respect to the bracket 42 can be easily changed.

The electric drive mechanism 30 includes a rotor 34, and the rotor 34 is connected to the push rod 20 so as to be relatively movable in the axial direction and not relatively rotatable in the circumferential direction. The rotor 34 is formed in a cylindrical shape disposed coaxially with the push rod 20, and the push rod 20 is inserted into the rotor 34. Therefore, the push rod 20, the rotor 34, and the holder 42 can be coaxially arranged, and the push rod 20 can be rotated between the unlock posture and the lock posture. Therefore, it is possible to contribute to further downsizing of the cover opening and closing device 10.

Further, the rotor 34 includes a worm gear portion 34C, and the worm gear portion 34C has a gear portion that meshes with the worm gear 32C of the motor 32. Therefore, the output shaft 32B of the motor 32 can be disposed close to the push rod 20. This enables the electric drive mechanism 30 and the push rod 20 to be arranged in a concentrated manner.

Further, a base end portion of the push rod 20 is formed with a restricting projection 20D, and the holder 42 is formed with a preventing groove 42G that allows the restricting projection 20D to move in the circumferential direction of the push rod 20. An insertion groove 42H is formed at one end of the preventing groove 42G, the insertion groove 42H allows the restricting projection 20D to move in the axial direction of the plunger 20, and a blocking portion 42G1 is provided at the other end of the preventing groove 42G. Therefore, with the bracket 42, the push rod 20 in the unlocked posture can be held so as to be relatively movable in the axial direction, and the push rod 20 in the locked posture can be held so as not to be relatively movable in the axial direction.

The stopper groove 42G of the holder 42 is formed to penetrate in the radial direction of the holder 42, and the regulating protrusion 20D of the plunger 20 is configured to be inserted into the stopper groove 42G. Therefore, the stopper 42G1 of the holder 42 can be engaged with the push rod 20 while further suppressing an increase in size of the holder 42 in the radial direction of the push rod 20.

That is, as a structure for preventing the push rod 20 from moving in the push-in direction in the locked posture, it is conceivable that the preventing groove 42G is formed in a groove shape that opens inward in the radial direction of the holder 42 without penetrating the holder 42. However, in this case, the shape of the holder 42 is increased radially outward, and the size of the lid opening and closing device 10 tends to be increased.

On the other hand, the stopper groove 42G is formed through the bracket 42, so that the regulating protrusion 20D of the plunger 20 can be disposed to overlap (overlap) the side wall constituting the outer contour of the bracket 42 as viewed in the axial direction of the plunger 20. This can prevent the holder 42 from becoming large, and can engage the push rod 20 with the stopper 42G1 of the holder 42.

Further, a restricting protrusion 20D inserted into the preventing groove 42G of the holder 42 is formed on the push rod 20. Therefore, for example, it is possible to contribute to improvement in durability of the push rod 20 which is pushed in.

That is, if the plunger 20 is engaged with the holder 42 in the locked position, it is conceivable to form a stopper groove in the plunger 20 and a restricting projection in the holder 42. In this case, a stopper groove is formed through the base end portion of the push rod 20.

When the plunger 20 is pushed in from the protruding position in the pushing direction, the plunger 20 acts to push in the slider 44 against the biasing force of the spring 50. Therefore, in the push rod 20, it is necessary to secure the strength of the push rod 20 so that, for example, the base end portion of the push rod 20 is not deformed at the time of the pushing operation.

As described above, if the push rod 20 is penetrated with the stopper groove, the strength of the base end portion of the push rod 20 tends to be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the durability of the pushing-in operation of the push rod 20.

In contrast, in the present embodiment, as described above, the restricting projection 20D inserted into the preventing groove 42G of the holder 42 is formed on the push rod 20. Therefore, the strength of the push rod 20 can be ensured. This can contribute to, for example, improving the durability of the push rod 20 against the pushing operation.

Further, a pair of inclined portions 42H2 are formed at the boundary portion between the push-in permitting portion 42H1 and the preventing groove 42G of the holder 42, and the pair of inclined portions 42H2 are inclined in the direction approaching each other as viewed in the radial direction of the holder 42. This allows the push rod 20 to be pushed in from the push-in position in the push-in direction, and the push mechanism 40 to operate satisfactorily.

That is, the push rod 20 is switched between the lock posture and the unlock posture by the electric drive mechanism 30. Therefore, for example, due to dimensional tolerances of components and a deviation in the stop position of the push rod 20 caused by the motor 32, the push rod 20 may be slightly displaced in the circumferential direction from the normal unlocking posture. Further, for example, due to vibration during vehicle running, the push rod 20 may slightly rotate around the shaft and be circumferentially displaced from the position of the normal unlock posture. Therefore, if the pair of inclined portions 42H2 are omitted from the push-in permitting portion 42H1, when the push rod 20 is pushed in the push-in direction, the regulating protrusion 20D may not be inserted into the push-in permitting portion 42H1, and the pushing mechanism 40 may not be operated.

In contrast, in the present embodiment, a pair of inclined portions 42H2 are formed at the boundary portion between the push-in permitting portion 42H1 and the preventing groove 42G, and the pair of inclined portions 42H2 are inclined in the direction approaching each other as they go in the push-in direction when viewed in the radial direction of the holder 42. Therefore, if the push rod 20 is pushed in the push-in direction in a state where the position of the push rod 20 is circumferentially shifted from the normal unlock posture, the restriction protrusion 20D is also inserted into the push-in permitting portion 42H1 while coming into contact with the pair of inclined portions 42H 2. That is, the inclined portion 42H2 functions as a guide for inserting the regulating protrusion 20D into the push-in permitting portion 42H 1. Therefore, even in the above case, the push rod 20 can be pushed in from the push-in position in the push-in direction, and the push mechanism 40 can be operated satisfactorily. In addition, the guide portion may be provided with only one inclined portion 42H2 of the pair of inclined portions 42H 2.

Further, in the pushing mechanism 40, at the push-in position, the slider 46A of the cam follower 46 is latched to the first inclined cam face 42F1 and the holding cam face 42F3 of the bracket 42, so as to be restricted from moving toward the projecting direction side. Therefore, at the push-in position, the push rod 20 does not act with the urging force of the spring 50 of the urging mechanism 40. This reduces the driving force of the electric drive mechanism 30 when the push rod 20 is rotated between the lock position and the unlock position by the electric drive mechanism 30. Therefore, the motor 32 applied to the electric drive mechanism 30 can be downsized, and further, the electric drive mechanism 30 and the cover opening and closing device 10 can be facilitated to be downsized.

Further, at the protruding position of the push rod 20, the slider-use guide projection 44A of the slider 44 is arranged so as to straddle the guide groove 34A of the rotor 34 and the cam groove 42D of the holder 42. Thereby, at the protruding position of the push rod 20, the rotor 34 (i.e., the push rod 20) can be restricted from rotating. Therefore, when the tank cap 70 is pushed in from the open state toward the closed state, the locking portion 20A and the reduced diameter portion 20B of the push rod 20 can be inserted into the locking hole 72A of the tank cap 70 well.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the configuration is such that: the push rod 20 is relatively rotated with respect to the holder 42 by the electric drive mechanism 30, and the regulating protrusion 20D of the push rod 20 engages with the stopper 42G1 of the holder 42. Instead, the following configuration may be adopted: the holder 42 of the pushing mechanism 40 is rotated relative to the push rod 20, and the restricting projection 20D of the push rod 20 is engaged with the stopper 42G1 of the holder 42. In this case, for example, the following configuration may be adopted: the holder 42 is rotatably accommodated in the first accommodating portion 14A of the housing 14 and rotated by the electric drive mechanism 30. In this case, a holding mechanism for holding the fuel lid 70 in the closed state may be additionally provided.

In the present embodiment, the pair of inclined portions 42H2 is formed at the boundary portion between the push-in permitting portion 42H1 and the preventing groove 42G of the holder 42, but the pair of inclined portions 42H2 may be omitted from the holder 42. In this case, the inclined portion 20D1 as a "guide portion" may be formed at both corner portions or a corner portion on the pushing-in direction side of the restricting projection 20D of the push rod 20. Thus, when the push rod 20 is pushed toward the pushed-in position, the regulating projection 20D is guided by the inclined portion 20D1 and the push-in permitting portion 42H1 can be inserted.

Claims

1. A lid opening and closing device, comprising:

a push rod configured to push out the closed fuel tank cap and to bring the fuel tank cap into an open state by being disposed at a protruding position moved from the pushed-in position toward the protruding direction, with one axial side being a protruding direction and the other axial side being a pushing-in direction, and to switch between a locked posture in which the fuel tank cap is locked and an unlocked posture in which the locked state with the fuel tank cap is released by rotating around an axis;

a pushing mechanism that holds the push rod pushed in from the protruding position toward a pushing-in direction at the pushing-in position and pushes the push rod out toward the protruding position by pushing the push rod in again toward the pushing-in direction; and

a drive mechanism that switches the push rod between the lock posture and the unlock posture by driving at the push-in position of the push rod,

the drive mechanism includes:

a motor; and

a rotor rotating around a shaft of the push rod by a driving force of the motor,

the push rod is connected to the rotor so as to be relatively movable in an axial direction of the push rod and so as not to be relatively rotatable around an axis of the push rod.

2. The cover opening-closing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the urging mechanism has a spring that urges the push rod toward the projecting direction.

3. The cover opening and closing device according to claim 2,

the pushing mechanism includes a tubular holder which is disposed on the other side in the axial direction of the push rod and which holds the other end in the axial direction of the push rod so as to be relatively movable,

the holder has a stopper portion that prevents the push rod from moving in the axial direction in the locked posture of the push rod.

4. The lid opening and closing device according to claim 3,

the bracket is arranged coaxially with the push rod, and at the push-in position, the end part of the other side in the axial direction of the push rod is inserted into the bracket,

when the push rod is relatively rotated with respect to the holder at the push-in position, the stopper portion engages with the push rod, and the push rod is prevented from moving in the push-in direction.

5. The cover opening and closing device according to claim 3 or 4,

a restricting protrusion is provided at an end portion of the other side of the push rod in the axial direction,

the holder is provided with a rotation allowing portion that extends along a circumferential direction of the holder and allows the restricting protrusion to rotate when the push rod at the push-in position rotates about the shaft,

an axial direction permitting portion that permits movement of the restricting projection in the pushing-in direction and the projecting direction is provided at one end portion of the rotation permitting portion, and the blocking portion is provided at the other end portion of the rotation permitting portion.

6. The lid opening and closing device according to claim 5,

the axial direction permitting portion is formed with a push-in permitting portion configured to extend from one end portion of the rotation permitting portion toward a push-in direction and into which the restricting projection is insertable,

the push-in allowing portion is formed with a guide portion that guides the insertion of the restricting projection into the push-in allowing portion.

7. The lid opening and closing device according to claim 5,

the restricting projection is formed with a guide portion that guides the insertion of the restricting projection into the push-in permitting portion.

8. The cover opening and closing device according to claim 3 or 4,

the pushing mechanism includes:

a cam follower which is accommodated in the holder, has a slider connected to the holder, and is biased in a protruding direction by the spring;

a slider disposed between the push rod and the cam follower;

a plurality of cam grooves provided on an inner peripheral portion of the holder, into which the slider is inserted so as to be relatively movable in an axial direction of the holder and so as not to be relatively rotatable in a circumferential direction; and

a first cam surface provided between the cam grooves adjacent in a circumferential direction of the holder, and having a pair of inclined cam surfaces that rotate the cam followers toward one side in the circumferential direction by abutting the cam followers, which are disengaged from the cam grooves toward a push-in direction, against the slider when moving toward a protruding direction, and a holding cam surface provided between the pair of inclined cam surfaces that holds the cam followers at the push-in position by abutting against the slider; and

and a second cam surface provided on the slider, the second cam surface abutting the slider when the cam follower that is separated from the cam groove in the push-in direction moves in the push-in direction, and thereby rotating the cam follower to one side in the circumferential direction.

9. The lid opening/closing device according to claim 8, wherein the slider is engaged with both the holder and the rotor at a protruding position of the push rod, and the holder and the slider prevent the push rod from rotating.