Vehicle door lock device

Abstract

To allow a balanced pulling of a plurality of drive cables with different pulling loads.SOLUTION: A closer device consisting of a door lock device of a vehicle comprises a lever member 86 that is displaced by an input of a driving force and a balancer 90 that is provided rotatably with respect to the lever member 86. The closer device pulls two drive cables 70a and 70b connected to both sides of the balancer 90 across a supporting axis 90x that serves as the axis of rotation with respect to the lever member 86 on the basis of the displacement of the lever member 86. Further, the closer device comprises a rotation limiting mechanism 100 that limits the range of rotation of the balancer 90.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle door lock device. [Background technology]

[0002] Some conventional vehicle door lock devices transmit their driving force using a drive cable. For example, the door lock device described in Patent Document 1 includes a lever member that rotates when a driving force is input, and a balancer that is rotatably mounted on the lever member. This conventional door lock device is configured so that, based on the rotation of the lever member, two drive cables connected to either side of the balancer across the pivot axis for the lever member can be pulled in a balanced manner. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0080348 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the above-described conventional configuration, the balancer rotates even when the tensile loads of the drive cables are different, which causes a problem that a drive cable with a smaller tensile load has a larger pulling amount (i.e., a pulling stroke) based on the displacement of the lever member than a drive cable with a larger tensile load. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Various aspects of a vehicle door lock device that solves the above problems will be described below. The vehicle door lock device of aspect 1 includes a lever member that is displaced by input of a driving force, and a balancer that is rotatable relative to the lever member. The vehicle door lock device includes a rotation limiting mechanism that pulls multiple drive cables connected to both sides of the balancer across a rotation axis relative to the lever member based on the displacement of the lever member, and limits the rotation range of the balancer.

[0006] In other words, by limiting the rotation range of the balancer, even if there is a difference in the tensile load of each drive cable connected to the balancer, it is possible to tension each of the drive cables in a balanced manner, and thereby to achieve a desired tension stroke of each drive cable based on the displacement of the lever member.

[0007] A vehicle door lock device of aspect 2 is the vehicle door lock device described in aspect 1, wherein the rotation limiting mechanism includes a stopper portion that abuts against the balancer based on the rotation of the balancer, thereby restricting the rotation of the balancer in the direction of contact.

[0008] According to the above configuration, the rotation range of the balancer can be limited with a simple configuration. The vehicle door lock device of aspect 3 is a vehicle door lock device described in aspect 1 or aspect 2, wherein the rotation limiting mechanism includes an engaging protrusion provided on the balancer and a pair of regulating protrusions provided on the lever member at two positions circumferentially spaced apart around the rotation axis, and the rotation range is limited by the engaging protrusion abutting against either of the regulating protrusions based on the rotation of the balancer.

[0009] According to the above configuration, the two restricting protrusions provided on the lever member each come into contact with the balancer as the balancer rotates, functioning as stoppers that restrict the rotation of the balancer in the direction of contact. That is, the rotation range of the balancer can be limited to the range in which the engaging protrusions provided on the balancer can move between the two restricting protrusions on the lever member. This makes it possible, with a simple configuration, to easily limit the rotation range of the balancer in two directions relative to the lever member.

[0010] A vehicle door lock device of aspect 4 is a vehicle door lock device described in any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein the rotation limiting mechanism comprises a pair of engaging protrusions provided on the balancer at two positions circumferentially spaced apart around the rotation axis, and a regulating protrusion provided on the lever member, and the rotation range is limited by either of the engaging protrusions abutting against the regulating protrusion based on the rotation of the balancer.

[0011] According to the above configuration, the restricting protrusion provided on the lever member comes into contact with the balancer as the balancer rotates, and functions as a stopper that restricts the rotation of the balancer in the direction of the contact. That is, the restricting protrusion on the lever member apparently limits the rotation range of the balancer to the range within which the two engaging protrusions provided on the balancer can displace circumferentially. This makes it possible, with a simple configuration, to easily limit the rotation range of the balancer in two directions relative to the lever member.

[0012] A vehicle door lock device of aspect 5 is a vehicle door lock device described in any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein the rotation limiting mechanism is configured such that the tensioning stroke of each drive cable after the tensioning operation is equalized by continuing the tensioning operation of pulling each drive cable based on the displacement of the lever member while restricting the rotation of the balancer.

[0013] According to the above configuration, even if the balancer rotates due to a difference in tensile load, the drive cables can be pulled in a balanced manner based on the displacement of the lever member, thereby achieving a desired tension stroke for each drive cable based on the displacement of the lever member.

[0014] The vehicle door lock device of aspect 6 is a vehicle door lock device described in any one of aspects 1 to 5, in which the lever member constitutes a closer device that closes multiple independent latch mechanisms by pulling each of the drive cables connected to the balancer based on the displacement of the lever member.

[0015] According to the above configuration, the independently provided latch mechanisms can be linked and closed based on the displacement of the lever member. Furthermore, even if the driving forces, i.e., tensile loads, transmitted through the drive cables to close the latch mechanisms are different, the drive cables can be pulled in a balanced manner. This allows the closing operations of the latch mechanisms based on the driving forces transmitted through the drive cables to be synchronized. As a result, for example, the operating sounds generated when the latch mechanisms close are less likely to be out of sync. This ensures a high-quality feel.

[0016] In particular, when each latch mechanism is closed, the vehicle door presses against the weatherstripping interposed between the door opening and the latch mechanism, causing each latch mechanism to transition from a half-latched state to a fully-latched state. Therefore, depending on the arrangement, differences in the drive force for closing each latch mechanism, i.e., the tensile load of each drive cable, are likely to occur. Therefore, by applying this configuration, even more significant effects can be achieved. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, a plurality of drive cables having different tensile loads can be pulled in a balanced manner. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a front view of a front door and a rear door provided in a door opening of a vehicle. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of a front door and a rear door provided in a door opening of a vehicle. [Figure 3] 1 is a top view of a door device that opens and closes front and rear doors of a vehicle. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing the trajectories of opening and closing operations of the front door and the rear door near the fully closed position. [Figure 5] 3 is a schematic diagram of a door-side engaging portion and a vehicle-body-side engaging portion; FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a door lock device. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams illustrating the operation of the rotation limiting mechanism. [Figure 14] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams illustrating the operation of the rotation limiting mechanism. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a front view of a closer device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a front view of a closer device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a closer device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 18] 10A and 10B are explanatory views of the operation of the rotation limiting mechanism in the second embodiment. [Figure 19]10A and 10B are explanatory views of the operation of the rotation limiting mechanism in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] [First embodiment] A first embodiment of a vehicle door lock device will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 3, a vehicle 1 of this embodiment has a door opening 3 provided in a side surface 2s of a vehicle body 2. The vehicle 1 of this embodiment also has a pair of doors 10, 10 provided in this door opening 3.

[0020] Specifically, the door opening 3 of this embodiment has a so-called pillarless structure that does not have a pillar structure separating the front side and the rear side in the opening width direction along the vehicle front-rear direction (left-right direction in each drawing) of the door opening 3. The vehicle 1 of this embodiment has a front door 11 and a rear door 12 that are provided side by side in the opening width direction of the door opening 3 at positions that become the front opening 3F and the rear opening 3R.

[0021] In the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the front door 11 and the rear door 12 are supported on the vehicle body 2 via link mechanisms 13, 14 that are provided independently. As a result, the vehicle 1 of this embodiment forms a vehicle door device 20 that can open and close the front door 11 and the rear door 12 provided in the door opening 3 independently in opposite directions based on the operation of the link mechanisms 13, 14.

[0022] (Link mechanism) In the door device 20 of this embodiment, each of the link mechanisms 13, 14 includes a first and second link arm 21, 22 that are independent of each other. Furthermore, each of the first and second link arms 21, 22 is rotatably connected to the vehicle body 2, and is also rotatably connected to the corresponding front door 11 and rear door 12. As a result, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, each of the link mechanisms 13, 14 has a configuration as a four-bar link mechanism that is independent of each other.

[0023] Specifically, in the link mechanism 13 that supports the front door 11 at the front opening 3F, the first and second link arms 21 and 22 each have a first rotation connection point X1 that is rotationally connected to the vehicle body 2 near the front edge 3f of the door opening 3. Furthermore, these first and second link arms 21 and 22 each have a second rotation connection point X2 that is rotationally connected to the front door 11. Furthermore, in the link mechanism 14 that supports the rear door 12 at the rear opening 3R, the first and second link arms 21 and 22 each have a first rotation connection point X1 that is rotationally connected to the vehicle body 2 near the rear edge 3r of the door opening 3. Furthermore, these first and second link arms 21 and 22 each have a second rotation connection point X2 that is rotationally connected to the rear door 12.

[0024] In each of these link mechanisms 13, 14, each first link arm 21 is disposed above its corresponding second link arm 22. Specifically, each first link arm 21 is disposed below a window 23 of the vehicle 1 formed by the front door 11 and the rear door 12, at a height near the so-called belt line. Each second link arm 22 is disposed at a height near the lower end portions 11b, 12b of the front door 11 and the rear door 12.

[0025] That is, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, the first link arm 21 has the second pivot connection point X2 at a position closer to the center of gravity of the front door 11 and the rear door 12 than the second link arm 22. As a result, the door device 20 of this embodiment is configured so that the first link arm 21 can support a greater door load than the second link arm 22 in either of the link mechanisms 13, 14.

[0026] In the door device 20 of this embodiment, the first link arm 21 positioned as the main link 25 has a larger outer shape than the second link arm 22 positioned as the sub-link 26. This allows the door device 20 of this embodiment to have high support rigidity for the first link arm 21.

[0027] More specifically, as shown in Fig. 3, in the door apparatus 20 of this embodiment, the link mechanism 13 supporting the front door 11 has first and second link arms 21 and 22 that each rotate clockwise in Fig. 3 about a first rotation connection point X1 during an opening operation. Furthermore, in the door apparatus 20 of this embodiment, the first and second link arms 21 and 22 that form the link mechanism 13 each rotate counterclockwise in Fig. 3 about the first rotation connection point X1 during a closing operation of the front door 11. As a result, the door apparatus 20 of this embodiment is configured so that the front door 11, which is supported on the front opening 3F of the door opening 3 via the link mechanism 13, opens toward the front of the vehicle and closes toward the rear of the vehicle.

[0028] In contrast, when the link mechanism 14 supporting the rear door 12 is opened, the first and second link arms 21, 22 each rotate counterclockwise in FIG. 3 about the first rotation connection point X1. Furthermore, when the rear door 12 is closed, the door apparatus 20 of this embodiment has the first and second link arms 21, 22 forming the link mechanism 14 each rotate clockwise in FIG. 3 about the first rotation connection point X1. As a result, the door apparatus 20 of this embodiment is configured so that the rear door 12, which is supported by the rear opening 3R of the door opening 3 via the link mechanism 13, opens toward the rear of the vehicle and closes toward the front of the vehicle.

[0029] That is, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, the locus R1 of the opening / closing operation of the front door 11 is defined so as to describe an arc-shaped locus Rg based on the operation of the link mechanism 13. Similarly, the locus R2 of the opening / closing operation of the rear door 12 is defined so as to describe an arc-shaped locus Rg based on the operation of the link mechanism 14.

[0030] That is, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, when the front door 11 and the rear door 12 supported by the link mechanisms 13 and 14 approach the fully closed position P0, the first and second link arms 21 and 22 extend in the vehicle longitudinal direction. As a result, the movement components of the front door 11 and the rear door 12 in the vehicle width direction become large.

[0031] Furthermore, at intermediate opening / closing operation positions where the first and second link arms 21, 22 forming the link mechanisms 13, 14 extend in the vehicle width direction, the movement components of the front door 11 and the rear door 12 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle become large. As a result, the door device 20 of this embodiment is configured to suppress the amount of displacement in the vehicle width direction when the front door 11 and the rear door 12 of the vehicle 1 are opened or closed, thereby avoiding interference with obstacles and ensuring a larger door opening amount.

[0032] 1 to 3, the door device 20 of this embodiment includes a variable connection length mechanism 30 provided on the second link arm 22 of the link mechanism 14 that supports the rear door 12. In the door device 20 of this embodiment, the connection length L between the first and second pivot connection points X1, X2 of the second link arm 22 that forms the link mechanism 14 can be changed based on the operation of the variable connection length mechanism 30.

[0033] Specifically, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, the variable connection length mechanism 30 is biased by a biasing member (not shown) in a direction to shorten the connection length L of the rear door 12 by the second link arm 22 on the link mechanism 14 side to which the variable connection length mechanism 30 is provided. As a result, the door device 20 of this embodiment is configured so that the rear door 12 opens and closes with the connection length L by the second link arm 22 shortened, except when the rear door 12 is in the vicinity of the fully closed position P0, which will be described in detail below.

[0034] (Opening and closing movement trajectory near the fully closed position) 4, in the door apparatus 20 of this embodiment, the opening / closing movement locus R2 of the rear door 12 changes based on the operation of the variable connection length mechanism 30 provided on the second link arm 22 on the link mechanism 14 side that supports the rear door 12. Specifically, when the rear door 12 is near the fully closed position P0, the opening / closing movement locus R2 of the rear door 12 changes to a linear locus Rs. Thus, the door apparatus 20 of this embodiment is configured so that the front door 11 and the rear door 12, which open and close independently based on the operation of the link mechanisms 13, 14, do not interfere with each other.

[0035] More specifically, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, when the rear door 12 is in the fully closed position P0, the front end 12f of the rear door 12 is located more inward in the vehicle width direction than the rear end 11r of the front door 11, which is also in the fully closed position P0. Therefore, even near the fully closed position P0, if it is assumed that both the front door 11 and the rear door 12 perform opening and closing operations along the arc-shaped locus Rg, a problem occurs in that the front end 12f of the front door 11 and the front end 12f of the rear door 12 interfere with each other.

[0036] In consideration of this, in the door apparatus 20 of this embodiment, when the rear door 12 is near the fully closed position P0, as described above, the opening / closing movement locus R2 of the rear door 12 changes based on the operation of the variable connection length mechanism 30. Specifically, during the fully closing movement of the rear door 12, the front end 12f of the rear door 12 moves in a manner that describes a linear locus Rs from the rear side of the vehicle to the front side (from right to left in FIG. 4). Similarly, during the opening movement from the fully closed position P0, the rear door 12 moves in a manner that describes a linear locus Rs from the front side of the vehicle to the rear side (from left to right in FIG. 4). Thus, the door apparatus 20 of this embodiment allows the front door 11 and the rear door 12 to be opened and closed independently of each other's opening / closing movement positions.

[0037] (Door side engagement part and vehicle body side engagement part) 5, the door apparatus 20 of this embodiment includes a door-side engaging portion 31 provided at the front end 12f of the rear door 12. The door apparatus 20 also includes a vehicle-body-side engaging portion 32 provided at a substantially central position in the width direction of the door opening 3 extending in the vehicle front-rear direction. That is, for the rear door 12 that closes toward the front of the vehicle, the front end 12f serves as a closing-side end 33 of the rear door 12. Furthermore, for the rear opening 3R of the door opening 3 to which the rear door 12 is provided, the substantially central position in the width direction of the door opening 3 located at the front end portion serves as a closing-side end 34. Thus, the door apparatus 20 of this embodiment is configured such that the door-side engaging portion 31 and the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 32 engage with each other when the rear door 12 is near the fully closed position P0.

[0038] 1, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the door-side engaging portions 31 are provided at an upper end 12fa and a lower end 12fb of the front end 12f of the rear door 12. The vehicle-body-side engaging portions 32 are provided at an upper edge 3a and a lower edge 3b of the door opening 3 at approximately the center in the opening width direction.

[0039] 5, the door-side engaging portion 31 of this embodiment includes, as its guide engaging portion 35, a shaft-shaped engaging portion 36 that extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle 1 (a direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in FIG. 5). In the door device 20 of this embodiment, the shaft-shaped engaging portion 36 serving as the guide engaging portion 35 is configured as a roller 37 that is rotatably supported around a spindle that extends in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 32 includes a guide groove 38 that has a pair of side walls 38a, 38b that face each other in the vehicle width direction (the vertical direction in FIG. 4) and extends in the opening / closing direction of the rear door 12. Thus, in the door device 20 of this embodiment, the door-side engaging portion 31 and the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 32 are configured to engage with each other with the guide engaging portion 35 and the roller 37 serving as the shaft-shaped engaging portion 36 disposed in the guide groove 38.

[0040] That is, the shaft-shaped engaging portion 36 of the door-side engaging portion 31 is disposed in the guide groove 38 of the vehicle body-side engaging portion 32 while being sandwiched between a pair of side walls 38a, 38b facing each other in the vehicle width direction, thereby restricting displacement of the rear door 12 in the vehicle width direction. This enables the door device 20 of this embodiment to stably support the rear door 12 even near the fully closed position P0, where the first and second link arms 21, 22 forming the link mechanism 14 tend to be aligned.

[0041] Furthermore, in the door apparatus 20 of this embodiment, the rear door 12 is permitted to open and close with the door-side engaging portion 31 and the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 32 engaged, based on the operation of the connecting length variable mechanism 30 provided on the second link arm 22. Specifically, when the rear door 12 opens and closes with the door-side engaging portion 31 and the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 32 engaged, the roller 37 serving as the guide engaging portion 35 is relatively displaced along the extending direction of the guide groove 38 while the connecting length L is changed based on the operation of the connecting length variable mechanism 30. In other words, in the door apparatus 20 of this embodiment, when the rear door 12 moves to the fully closed position P0, the door-side engaging portion 31 engages with the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 32, so that the opening and closing movement of the rear door 12 is guided with the roller 37 disposed in the guide groove 38. As a result, in the door apparatus 20 of this embodiment, the opening and closing movement locus R2 of the rear door 12 changes. In other words, the arcuate locus Rg based on the operation of the link mechanism 14 supporting the rear door 12 changes into a linear locus Rs along the opening width direction of the door opening 3.

[0042] (actuator) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the door device 20 of this embodiment is configured as a power door device that opens and closes each door 10 provided in the door opening 3 independently based on the driving force of the actuator 40.

[0043] More specifically, the door device 20 of this embodiment includes an actuator 41 that applies a driving force to the link mechanism 13 that supports the front door 11, thereby opening and closing the front door 11. The door device 20 also includes an actuator 42 that applies a driving force to the link mechanism 14 that supports the rear door 12, thereby opening and closing the rear door 12.

[0044] In the door apparatus 20 of this embodiment, these actuators 41, 42 each use a motor (not shown) as a drive source to rotationally drive the first link arm 21 positioned on the main link 25 of the corresponding link mechanism 13, 14. Specifically, these actuators 41, 42 are fixed to the vehicle body 2 and each drive the first link arm 21 to rotate about a first rotation connection point X1 with respect to the vehicle body 2. As a result, the door apparatus 20 of this embodiment is configured so that the front door 11 and the rear door 12 supported by each of these link mechanisms 13, 14 open and close based on the operation of each of these link mechanisms 13, 14.

[0045] (Door lock device) Next, the configuration of the door lock device provided in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment will be described. As shown in Fig. 6, the vehicle 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a door lock device 50 that locks the front doors 11 and rear doors 12 provided in the door opening 3 of the vehicle 1 in a fully closed position P0. Specifically, the door lock device 50 is configured to include lock devices 51 provided independently for the front doors 11 and rear doors 12, respectively. This enables the vehicle 1 of this embodiment to independently and stably hold the front doors 11 and rear doors 12 provided in the door opening 3 in the fully closed position P0.

[0046] More specifically, the door lock device 50 of this embodiment includes a lock device 51f provided at the front end 11f of the front door 11. The door lock device 50 also includes lock devices 51a, 51b provided at the upper end 11ra and lower end 11rb of the rear end 11r of the front door 11. The door lock device 50 of this embodiment also includes a lock device 51r provided at the rear end 12r of the rear door 12.

[0047] Furthermore, in the door lock device 50 of this embodiment, each of these lock devices 51 is equipped with a well-known latch mechanism 53 that engages with a striker 52 provided on the periphery of the door opening 3. That is, each of these latch mechanisms 53 has a well-known configuration that engages with its corresponding striker 52 provided on the vehicle body 2 in two stages, a half-latched state and a fully-latched state. As a result, the door lock device 50 of this embodiment is configured to restrain each position of the door 10 to which each of the lock devices 51 is provided so that it cannot be opened, based on the engaging force of each of these latch mechanisms 53 and each of the strikers 52.

[0048] Specifically, when the front door 11 moves to the fully closed position P0, a latch mechanism 53f of the locking device 51f provided at the front end 11f of the front door 11 engages with a striker 52f provided at the front edge 3f of the door opening 3. Then, the door locking device 50 of this embodiment restrains the front end 11f of the front door 11 at the front edge 3f of the door opening 3 based on the engagement force between the latch mechanism 53f of the locking device 51f and the striker 52f on the vehicle body 2 side.

[0049] Furthermore, when the front door 11 moves to the fully closed position P0, the latch mechanism 53a of the locking device 51a provided at the upper end 11ra of the rear end 11r of the front door 11 also engages with the striker 52a provided at the upper edge 3a of the door opening 3. The door locking device 50 of this embodiment then restrains the upper end 11ra of the rear end 11r of the front door 11 to the upper edge 3a of the door opening 3 based on the engagement force between the latch mechanism 53a of the locking device 51a and the striker 52a on the vehicle body 2 side.

[0050] Similarly, when the front door 11 moves to the fully closed position P0, a latch mechanism 53b of the locking device 51b provided at the lower end 11rb of the rear end 11r of the front door 11 engages with a striker 52b provided at the lower edge 3b of the door opening 3. The door locking device 50 of this embodiment restrains the lower end 11rb of the rear end 11r of the front door 11 to the lower edge 3b of the door opening 3 based on the engagement force between the latch mechanism 53b of the locking device 51b and the striker 52b on the vehicle body 2 side.

[0051] Furthermore, when the rear door 12 moves to the fully closed position P0, a latch mechanism 53r of the locking device 51r provided at the rear end 12r of the rear door 12 that constitutes the rear door 12 engages with a striker 52r provided at the rear edge 3r of the door opening 3. The door locking device 50 of this embodiment is configured to restrain the rear end 12r of the rear door 12 to the rear edge 3r of the door opening 3 based on the engagement force between the latch mechanism 53r of the locking device 51r and the striker 52r on the vehicle body 2 side.

[0052] In the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, as described above, when the rear door 12 is in the fully closed position P0, the door-side engaging portion 31 provided on the front end portion 12f of the rear door 12 and the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 32 provided on the lower edge portion 3b of the door opening 3 engage with each other. As a result, the vehicle 1 of this embodiment is configured so that the front end portion 12f of the rear door 12 is also stably held in the fully closed position P0 based on the engaging forces of the door-side engaging portion 31 and the vehicle-body-side engaging portion 32.

[0053] In the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the doors 10 are opened and closed independently based on the function of the door device 20 configured as a power door device, that is, based on the driving forces of the actuators 41, 42 provided on the front door 11 and the rear door 12. When each door 10 is fully closed, the door 10 moves in the closing direction based on the driving force of the actuator 40, and the latch mechanism 53 constituting each locking device 51 engages with the striker 52 on the vehicle body 2 in a half-latched state.

[0054] That is, when the latch mechanism 53 of the lock device 51 transitions to the half-latched state, the door 10 provided with this latch mechanism 53 is held in the fully closed position P0, which is a so-called "half-door state." In addition, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the door device 20 serving as a power door device stops driving the door 10 to close by its actuator 40 when it transitions to this half-latched state. The door lock device 50 of this embodiment is provided with a closer device 60 that drives each lock device 51 from this state.

[0055] Specifically, the closer device 60 has a function of using a motor (not shown) as a drive source to transition the latch mechanism 53 of each locking device 51 from a half-latched state to a fully-latched state, that is, to perform a closing operation. Furthermore, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the operation of the closer device 60 brings the door 10, which is restrained by the latch mechanism 53, into a state where it is held in the fully closed position P0 in a completely closed state. Then, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, this is configured to complete the automated fully closing operation of the door 10.

[0056] More specifically, the door lock device 50 of this embodiment includes a closer device 61 that drives a lock device 51f provided at the front end 11f of the front door 11 to close its latch mechanism 53f. The door lock device 50 also includes a closer device 62 that drives each of the lock devices 51a, 51b provided at the rear end 11r of the front door 11 to close their latch mechanisms 53a, 53b. The door lock device 50 of this embodiment also includes a closer device 63 that drives a lock device 51r provided at the rear end 12r of the rear door 12 to close its latch mechanism 53r.

[0057] In the door lock device 50 of this embodiment, the closer device 61 is provided integrally with a lock device 51f provided at the front end 11f of the front door 11. Furthermore, the closer device 63 is also provided integrally with a lock device 51r provided at the rear end 12r of the rear door 12. The door lock device 50 of this embodiment is configured so that these closer devices 61, 63 can directly drive the corresponding lock devices 51f, 51r, respectively.

[0058] In contrast, the closer device 62 is provided on the front door 11 at a position separated from the locking devices 51a, 51b that it drives. The door locking device 50 of this embodiment is configured to transmit the driving force of the closer device 62 to the corresponding locking devices 51a, 51b via a driving cable 70.

[0059] In the door lock device 50 of this embodiment, the closer device 61 provided at the front end 11f of the front door 11 has a function of driving the locking device 51f provided integrally therewith to release the latch mechanism 53f. In other words, it has a function of transitioning from a fully latched state to an unlatched state, i.e., a disengaged state. Similarly, the closer device 63 provided at the rear end 12r of the rear door 12 has a function of driving the locking device 51f provided integrally therewith to release the latch mechanism 53f.

[0060] Furthermore, in the door lock device 50 of this embodiment, when the latch mechanism 53f of the lock device 51f is released, the driving force of the closer device 61 is transmitted to the lock devices 51a, 51b provided at the rear end 11r of the front door 11 via the drive cable 70. As a result, the door lock device 50 of this embodiment is configured so that the latch mechanisms 53a, 53b of the lock devices 51a, 51b perform a release operation in conjunction with the latch mechanism 53f of the lock device 51f provided integrally with the closer device 61.

[0061] That is, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, when the door 10 in the fully closed position P0 is opened, first, each of the closer devices 61, 63 releases the locking device 51 provided on the door 10 to be opened. Furthermore, the door device 20 as a power door device starts driving the door 10 to open by the actuator 40 in a state where all of the latch mechanisms 53 provided on the door 10 to be opened are shifted to an unlatched state by this release operation. In the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the opening operation of the door 10 in the fully closed position P0 is thereby automated.

[0062] In the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the front door 11 is provided with a remote control 71 that serves as a relay in the driving force transmission system using the drive cable 70. The door lock device 50 of this embodiment is configured so that when the front door 11, which is in the fully closed position P0, is operated to open, the driving force of the closer device 61 is transmitted via the remote control 71 and the drive cable 70 to each of the lock devices 51a, 51b.

[0063] In the door lock device 50 of this embodiment, the operating force of an emergency operation lever (not shown) provided on the front door 11 is input to the remote control 71. Furthermore, the operating force of this emergency operation lever is also transmitted to the lock devices 51a, 51b, 51f provided on the front door 11 via a drive force transmission system using the drive cable 70. Thus, in the door lock device 50 of this embodiment, even if the closer device 60 becomes inoperable due to, for example, a power loss, it is possible to manually release the latch mechanisms 53 that restrain the front door 11 at the fully closed position P0.

[0064] Furthermore, the door lock device 50 of this embodiment also has a remote control 72 to which the operating force of an emergency operation lever (not shown) provided on the rear door 12 is input, similarly for the rear door 12. That is, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, as with the front door 11, the emergency operating input is transmitted to the lock device 51r provided on the rear door 12 via a drive force transmission system using the drive cable 70. This allows the door lock device 50 of this embodiment to manually release the latch mechanism 53 that restrains the rear door 12 in the fully closed position P0.

[0065] (Closer device) Next, we will explain the configuration of the closer device 62, which is one of the closer devices 60 that make up the door lock device 50 of this embodiment and which closes the latch mechanisms 53a, 53b of the lock devices 51a, 51b provided at the rear end 11r of the front door 11.

[0066] As shown in Figures 7 to 10, the closer device 62 of this embodiment includes an actuator 81 driven by a motor 80, and a bracket 82 that is fixed to a door panel (not shown) of the front door 11 in a state that supports the actuator 81.

[0067] In the closer device 62 of this embodiment, the bracket 82 has a substantially flat plate-like outer shape. The actuator 81 of this embodiment has a configuration as a so-called geared motor that reduces the rotation of the motor 80 and outputs it, with the pinion gear 83 as the output part 81a. The closer device 62 of this embodiment is configured to support the actuator 81 on the back surface 82b side of the bracket 82, with the pinion gear 83, which rotates based on the driving force of the motor 80, disposed in a hole 84 provided in the bracket 82.

[0068] The closer device 62 of this embodiment also includes a sector gear 85 that has gear teeth 85a that mesh with the pinion gear 83 and is rotatably supported on the mounting surface 82a of the bracket 82. The closer device 62 also includes a lever member 86 that is provided on the mounting surface 82a of the bracket 82 together with the sector gear 85 and rotates integrally with the sector gear 85. The closer device 62 of this embodiment is configured so that the lever member 86 rotates coaxially with the sector gear 85 based on the driving force of the actuator 81, thereby pulling the drive cable 70 connected to the lever member 86.

[0069] 8 to 12, the lever member 86 of this embodiment has a connecting shaft 86x for the sector gear 85 at a position separated from the support shaft 85x of the sector gear 85 provided on the bracket 82. The lever member 86 also has a substantially disk-shaped roller 87 arranged coaxially with the support shaft 85x of the sector gear 85. The closer device 62 of this embodiment further has a locking lever 88 provided on the mounting surface 82a of the bracket 82, with one end thereof engaged with the outer periphery of the roller 87. The lever member 86 of this embodiment is thereby configured to rotate integrally with the sector gear 85 around the support shaft 87x of the roller 87 arranged coaxially with the support shaft 85x of the sector gear 85.

[0070] Furthermore, the closer device 62 of this embodiment includes a balancer 90 rotatably provided on the lever member 86 at a position spaced apart from the connecting shaft 86x for the sector gear 85 and the support shaft 87x for the roller 87. Specifically, the lever member 86 of this embodiment has a first lever portion 86a and a second lever portion 86b that protrude in opposite directions from the position where the support shaft 87x for the roller 87 is provided. Furthermore, in the lever member 86 of this embodiment, the connecting shaft 86x for the sector gear 85 is provided at the tip portion of the first lever portion 86a. The lever member 86 of this embodiment is configured to have a support shaft 90x of the balancer 90 at the tip portion of the second lever portion 86b.

[0071] The balancer 90 of this embodiment has a generally rectangular planar shape with a support shaft 90x at the center in the longitudinal direction. The closer device 62 of this embodiment has first and second cable connection parts 91a and 91b provided on both sides of the balancer 90 with the support shaft 90x in between.

[0072] 8 and 9, in the closer device 62 of this embodiment, when the driving force of the actuator 81 is input to the lever member 86 via the sector gear 85, the lever member 86 rotates around the spindle 85x of the sector gear 85. Furthermore, due to the rotation of this lever member 86, the second lever portion 86b of the lever member 86 having the spindle 90x of the balancer 90 moves circumferentially around the spindle 85x of the sector gear 85. Then, the closer device 62 of this embodiment is configured to simultaneously pull the two drive cables 70a, 70b connected to both sides of the balancer 90 that sandwich the spindle 90x, based on the displacement of the lever member 86.

[0073] In the closer device 62 of this embodiment, the balancer 90 is supported by the lever member 86 in a state in which the second cable connection portion 91b is farther away from the support shaft 85x of the sector gear 85, which serves as the rotation center of the lever member 86, than the first cable connection portion 91a. Furthermore, when the lever member 86 rotates, the balancer 90 rotates around the support shaft 90x, thereby absorbing the difference in displacement that occurs between the first and second cable connection portions 91a, 91b. Thus, the closer device 62 of this embodiment is configured to be able to pull in a balanced manner the two drive cables 70a, 70b connected to both sides of the balancer 90 across the support shaft 90x, which serves as the rotation shaft.

[0074] That is, in the closer device 62 of this embodiment, the lever member 86 rotates clockwise in each drawing based on the driving force of the actuator 81, thereby pulling the two drive cables 70a, 70b connected to the first and second cable connection portions 91a, 91b. Furthermore, at this time, as the lever member 86 rotates, the balancer 90 having the first and second cable connection portions 91a, 91b rotates counterclockwise in each drawing about the support shaft 90x relative to the lever member 86. As a result, the closer device 62 of this embodiment equalizes the displacement amounts of the first and second cable connection portions 91a, 91b caused by the rotation of the lever member 86. In other words, the closer device 62 is configured to be able to pull the two drive cables 70a, 70b connected to the first and second cable connection portions 91a, 91b with approximately equal pulling strokes Sa, Sb.

[0075] (Balancer rotation limiting mechanism) As shown in Figures 11, 13 and 14, the closer device 62 of this embodiment is provided with a rotation limiting mechanism 100 that limits the rotation range of the balancer 90 that is rotatably mounted relative to the lever member 86 as described above.

[0076] More specifically, the closer device 62 of this embodiment has an engaging protrusion 101 provided on the balancer 90. The closer device 62 also has a pair of restricting protrusions 102a, 102b provided on the lever member 86 at two positions spaced apart in the circumferential direction around the support shaft 90x. The rotation limiting mechanism 100 of this embodiment is configured so that, based on the rotation of the balancer 90, the engaging protrusion 101 abuts against either of the restricting protrusions 102a, 102b on the lever member 86 side, thereby restricting the rotation of the balancer 90 in the abutting direction.

[0077] More specifically, the engagement protrusion 101 of this embodiment is provided at the longitudinal center of the balancer 90 so as to protrude radially outward from the support shaft 90x. Furthermore, the restriction protrusions 102a, 102b of this embodiment are provided on the second lever portion 86b of the lever member 86 on which the support shaft 90x of the balancer 90 is provided so as to protrude radially outward from the support shaft 90x. Furthermore, in the closer device 62 of this embodiment, the engagement protrusion 101 has a claw-like outer shape with its tip bent toward the lever member 86 in the thickness direction of the balancer 90. Thus, the rotation limiting mechanism 100 of this embodiment is configured so that the tip of the engagement protrusion 101 is positioned in the axial direction along the support shaft 90x of the balancer 90 so as to overlap with the restriction protrusions 102a, 102b on the lever member 86 side.

[0078] Furthermore, in the closer device 62 of this embodiment, the restricting protrusions 102a, 102b on the lever member 86 side are each spaced apart on the movement locus of the arc-shaped engaging protrusion 101 when the balancer 90 rotates. Furthermore, the engaging protrusion 101 on the balancer 90 side is disposed at a circumferential position between these restricting protrusions 102a, 102b. That is, in the rotation limiting mechanism 100 of this embodiment, these restricting protrusions 102a, 102b each come into contact with the balancer 90 rotating around the support shaft 90x, and function as stopper portions 103 that restrict rotation of the balancer 90 in the direction of contact. The rotation limiting mechanism 100 of this embodiment is configured to limit the rotation range of the balancer 90 to the range in which the engaging protrusion 101 on the balancer 90 side can move between the two regulating protrusions 102a, 102b on the lever member 86 side.

[0079] 13, in the closer device 62 of this embodiment, the balancer 90 rotates clockwise around the support shaft 90x relative to the lever member 86, causing the engaging protrusion 101 to abut against the restricting protrusion 102b. The rotation limiting mechanism 100 of this embodiment thereby restricts the relative rotation of the balancer 90 in the clockwise direction in the figure.

[0080] 14, in the closer device 62 of this embodiment, the balancer 90 rotates counterclockwise around the support shaft 90x relative to the lever member 86, causing the engaging protrusion 101 to abut against the restricting protrusion 102a. The rotation limiting mechanism 100 of this embodiment thereby restricts the relative rotation of the balancer 90 in the counterclockwise direction in the figure.

[0081] 8 and 13, in the closer device 62 of this embodiment, the engaging protrusion 101 is located near the restricting protrusion 102b in a pre-operation state in which the two drive cables 70a, 70b are pulled based on the driving force of the actuator 81. Then, as shown in Fig. 9 and 14, the closer device 62 of this embodiment is configured so that the engaging protrusion 101 is located near the restricting protrusion 102a in a post-operation state in which the pulling of the drive cables 70a, 70b is completed.

[0082] That is, in the closer device 62 of this embodiment, when the drive cables 70a, 70b connected to the balancer 90 are pulled, the lever member 86 rotates clockwise in FIG. 8 , causing the balancer 90 to rotate counterclockwise relative to the lever member 86. Furthermore, based on the relative rotation of the balancer 90 with respect to the lever member 86, the engagement protrusion 101 provided on the balancer 90 moves in the circumferential direction between the two restriction protrusions 102a, 102b provided on the lever member 86. The rotation limiting mechanism 100 of this embodiment is configured so that the engagement protrusion 101 moves from the vicinity of the restriction protrusion 102b on one side, which is located in the clockwise direction of the engagement protrusion 101, to the vicinity of the restriction protrusion 102a on the other side, which is located in the counterclockwise direction.

[0083] Furthermore, in the closer device 62 of this embodiment, when the two drive cables 70a, 70b connected to both sides of the balancer 90 across the support shaft 90x that serves as the pivot axis are pulled, even if the tensile loads are different, the balancer 90 will rotate due to the difference in the tensile loads.

[0084] That is, the first and second cable connection portions 91a, 91b, which are provided on either side of the balancer 90 across the support shaft 90x, are more difficult to displace in the pulling direction when the tensile load of the connected drive cable 70 is greater than when the tensile load is smaller. This difference in "difficulty to displace" during tension operation causes the balancer 90 to rotate, resulting in a difference in the amount of displacement of the first and second cable connection portions 91a, 91b based on the rotation of the lever member 86. In other words, the amount of displacement of the first or second cable connection portion 91a, 91b with the greater tensile load is smaller than the amount of displacement of the first or second cable connection portion 91a, 91b with the smaller tensile load. This results in a difference in the pulling strokes Sa, Sb between the two drive cables 70a, 70b connected to the first and second cable connection portions 91a, 91b.

[0085] In consideration of this point, the closer device 62 of this embodiment uses the rotation limiting mechanism 100 to limit the rotation range of the balancer 90 caused by such a difference in tensile load. Specifically, in the closer device 62 of this embodiment, as described above, in the post-operation state in which tensioning of the drive cables 70a, 70b is completed, the engaging protrusion 101 on the balancer 90 side is positioned near the restricting protrusion 102a provided on the lever member 86 side. Furthermore, in this state, the tension strokes Sa, Sb of the two drive cables 70a, 70b connected to the first and second cable connection portions 91a, 91b become approximately equal (see FIGS. 9 and 14). The rotation limiting mechanism 100 of this embodiment is configured to limit the rotation of the balancer 90 relative to the lever member 86 within a range in which the desired tension strokes Sa, Sb are achieved based on the rotation of the lever member 86.

[0086] That is, the rotation limiting mechanism 100 of this embodiment allows relative circumferential movement of the engaging protrusion 101 on the balancer 90 side in a direction approaching the restricting protrusion 102a on the lever member 86 side during a pulling operation of the closer device 62 that pulls the drive cables 70a, 70b. Furthermore, in the closer device 62 of this embodiment, when the balancer 90 rotates relatively due to a difference in tensile load, the lever member 86 rotates in a state where the engaging protrusion 101 abuts against the restricting protrusion 102a on the lever member 86 side, that is, in a state where the rotation of the balancer 90 is restricted. As a result, in the closer device 62 of this embodiment, after the pulling operation, the pulling strokes Sa, Sb of the two drive cables 70a, 70b connected to the balancer 90 are approximately equal. In other words, the rotation limiting mechanism 100 functions to realize the desired pulling strokes Sa, Sb after operation.

[0087] Specifically, as described above, the two drive cables 70a, 70b pulled by the closer device 62 extend independently to the locking devices 51a, 51b at the upper end 11ra and lower end 11rb provided at the rear end 11r of the front door 11 (see FIG. 6). Furthermore, in the door locking device 50 of this embodiment, the closing operations of the latch mechanisms 53a, 53b of the locking devices 51a, 51b are synchronized when the pulling strokes Sa, Sb of the drive cables 70a, 70b based on the pulling operation of the closer device 62 are equal. Thus, the door locking device 50 of this embodiment is configured to ensure a high-quality feel by preventing the operating sounds generated during the closing operations of the latch mechanisms 53a, 53b from being out of sync.

[0088] More specifically, in the closer device 62 of this embodiment, when there is a difference in tensile load between the two drive cables 70, 70 connected to the balancer 90, the drive cable 70 with the larger tensile load is the drive cable 70a connected to the first cable connection part 91a, and the drive cable 70 with the smaller tensile load is the drive cable 70b connected to the second cable connection part 91b.

[0089] That is, by connecting the drive cables 70a, 70b in this manner, when the drive cables 70a, 70b are pulled, the first cable connection portion 91a, which has a larger tensile load, is displaced less than the second cable connection portion 91b, which has a smaller tensile load. Furthermore, in the closer device 62 of this embodiment, the balancer 90 rotates counterclockwise around the support shaft 90x relative to the lever member 86 in Figures 9 and 14 based on the rotation of the lever member 86. The closer device 62 of this embodiment is configured to limit the rotation of the balancer 90 relative to the lever member 86 by the rotation limiting mechanism 100.

[0090] (Emergency tension release function) Furthermore, the closer device 62 of this embodiment has a tension release function that releases the tensioned state when the actuator 81 stops, for example, when power is lost, when the actuator 81 is tensioned by the driving force of the actuator 81.

[0091] Specifically, in such a case, in the closer device 62 of this embodiment, the locking lever 88 rotates based on an operation input to an emergency operation lever (not shown) provided on the front door 11, and disengages from a roller 87 provided on the lever member 86. Furthermore, in the closer device 62 of this embodiment, this allows the lever member 86 to rotate about a connecting shaft 86x with respect to a sector gear 85 provided on the first lever portion 86a (see FIG. 9). That is, in this state, the lever member 86 rotates relative to the sector gear 85 (counterclockwise in FIG. 9), thereby shortening the tension strokes Sa and Sb of the drive cables 70a and 70b generated by the tensioning operation. Thus, the door lock device 50 of this embodiment can release the tensioned state of the drive cables 70a and 70b even when the actuator 81 of the closer device 62 stops. In other words, the latch mechanisms 53a and 53b connected via the drive cables 70a and 70b can be opened during the closing operation.

[0092] (action) Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. That is, when the drive cables 70a, 70b are pulled based on the driving force of the actuator 81, the balancer 90 to which the drive cables 70a, 70b are connected rotates, and the drive cables 70a, 70b are pulled based on the rotation of the lever member 86. Furthermore, if there is a difference in tensile load between the drive cables 70a, 70b, the balancer 90 rotates based on the difference in tensile load. In the door lock device 50 of this embodiment, the rotation range of the balancer 90 is limited by the rotation limiting mechanism 100.

[0093] (effect) Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) That is, by limiting the rotation range of the balancer 90, it is possible to pull the drive cables 70a, 70b in a balanced manner even if there is a difference in the tensile load between the drive cables 70a, 70b connected to the balancer 90. As a result, it is possible to achieve desired pulling strokes Sa, Sb of the drive cables 70a, 70b based on the displacement of the lever member 86.

[0094] (2) The rotation limiting mechanism 100 includes an engaging protrusion 101 provided on the balancer 90. Furthermore, the rotation limiting mechanism 100 includes a pair of restricting protrusions 102a, 102b provided on the lever member 86 at two positions spaced apart in the circumferential direction around the support 90x that constitutes the rotation axis of the balancer 90 relative to the lever member 86. The rotation limiting mechanism 100 restricts the rotation range of the balancer 90 by having the engaging protrusion 101 come into contact with either of the restricting protrusions 102a, 102b based on the rotation of the balancer 90.

[0095] According to the above configuration, the two restricting protrusions 102a, 102b provided on the lever member 86 each come into contact with the balancer 90 rotating about the support shaft 90x, and function as stopper portions 103 that restrict the rotation of the balancer 90 in the direction of contact. This makes it possible to limit the rotation range of the balancer 90 to a range in which the engaging protrusion 101 provided on the balancer 90 that rotates relatively about the support shaft 90x can move between the two restricting protrusions 102a, 102b on the lever member 86 side.

[0096] (3) The rotation limiting mechanism 100 is configured so that the tension strokes Sa, Sb of the drive cables 70a, 70b are equal after the tensioning operation by continuing the tensioning operation of the drive cables 70a, 70b while restricting the rotation of the balancer 90.

[0097] According to the above configuration, even if the balancer 90 rotates due to a difference in tensile load, the drive cables 70a, 70b can be pulled in a balanced manner with the different tensile loads by continuing to pull the drive cables 70a, 70b based on the displacement of the lever member 86. As a result, the desired pulling strokes Sa, Sb of the drive cables 70a, 70b can be achieved based on the displacement of the lever member 86.

[0098] (4) The lever member 86 constitutes a closer device 62 that closes each of the independently provided latch mechanisms 53a, 53b by pulling each of the drive cables 70a, 70b connected to the balancer 90 based on the displacement of this lever member 86.

[0099] According to the above configuration, the independently provided latch mechanisms 53a, 53b can be closed in conjunction with each other based on the displacement of the lever member 86. Furthermore, even if the driving forces, i.e., tensile loads, transmitted via the drive cables 70a, 70b to close the latch mechanisms 53a, 53b are different, the drive cables 70a, 70b can be pulled in a balanced manner. This allows the closing operations of the latch mechanisms 53a, 53b based on the driving forces transmitted via the drive cables 70a, 70b to be synchronized. As a result, the operating sounds generated when the latch mechanisms 53a, 53b close are less likely to be out of sync. This ensures a high-quality feel.

[0100] In particular, when the latch mechanisms 53a, 53b are closing, the door 10 of the vehicle 1 crushes a weatherstripping (not shown) interposed between the door 10 and the door opening 3, causing the latch mechanisms 53a, 53b to transition from a half-latched state to a fully-latched state. Therefore, depending on the arrangement, differences tend to occur in the driving force for closing the latch mechanisms 53a, 53b, that is, the tensile load of the drive cables 70a, 70b. Therefore, by applying this configuration, more significant effects can be obtained.

[0101] [Second embodiment] A second embodiment of a vehicle door lock device will be described below with reference to the drawings. For ease of explanation, the same components as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0102] As shown in FIGS. 15 to 19, a door lock device 50B of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of a closer device 62B, more specifically, in a rotation limiting mechanism 100B of a balancer 90B.

[0103] More specifically, the closer device 62B of this embodiment has a pair of engagement protrusions 111a, 111b provided on the balancer 90B at two positions spaced apart in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis 90x. Furthermore, the closer device 62B has a restriction protrusion 112 provided on the lever member 86B at a circumferential position between the engagement protrusions 111a, 111b. The rotation limiting mechanism 100B of this embodiment is configured so that, based on rotation of the balancer 90B, the engagement protrusions 111a, 111b come into contact with the restriction protrusion 112 on the lever member 86B, thereby restricting rotation of the balancer 90B in the direction of contact.

[0104] More specifically, in the balancer 90B of this embodiment, the engagement protrusions 111a, 111b are provided at two positions on both longitudinal sides of the balancer 90B, sandwiching a support shaft 90x provided on the lever member 86B, so as to protrude in the lateral direction. Furthermore, in the lever member 86B of this embodiment, the restricting protrusion 112 is provided on the second lever portion 86b on which the support shaft 90x of the balancer 90B is provided, so as to protrude radially outward from the support shaft 90x. Furthermore, the restricting protrusion 112 has a claw-like outer shape with its tip bent toward the balancer 90B in the thickness direction of the lever member 86B. Thus, in the rotation limiting mechanism 100B of this embodiment, the tip of the restricting protrusion 112 is positioned axially along the support shaft 90x so as to overlap with the engagement protrusions 111a, 111b provided on the balancer 90B.

[0105] That is, in the rotation-limiting mechanism 100B of this embodiment, the restricting protrusion 112 provided on the lever member 86B also comes into contact with the balancer 90B rotating about the support shaft 90x, and functions as a stopper portion 103 that restricts the rotation of the balancer 90B in the direction of the contact. The rotation-limiting mechanism 100B of this embodiment is configured so that the restricting protrusion 112 on the lever member 86B apparently limits the rotation range to a range in which it can be displaced circumferentially between the engaging protrusions 111a, 111b provided on the balancer 90B.

[0106] 18, in the closer device 62B of this embodiment, the balancer 90B rotates clockwise around the support shaft 90x relative to the lever member 86B, causing one of the engaging protrusions 111a to come into contact with the restricting protrusion 112. The rotation limiting mechanism 100B of this embodiment thereby restricts the relative rotation of the balancer 90B in the clockwise direction in the figure.

[0107] 19, in the closer device 62B of this embodiment, the balancer 90B rotates counterclockwise in the figure around the support shaft 90x relative to the lever member 86B, causing the engaging protrusion 111b on the other side to abut against the restricting protrusion 112. The rotation limiting mechanism 100B of this embodiment thereby restricts the relative rotation of the balancer 90B in the counterclockwise direction in the figure.

[0108] 15 and 18, in the closer device 62B of this embodiment, before the pulling operation, the engaging protrusion 111a on one side provided on the balancer 90B is arranged near the restricting protrusion 112 provided on the lever member 86B. Then, as shown in Fig. 16 and 19, in the closer device 62B of this embodiment, after the pulling operation, the engaging protrusion 111b on the other side provided on the balancer 90B is arranged near the restricting protrusion 112 provided on the lever member 86B.

[0109] As described above, the configuration of this embodiment can also achieve the same effects as those of the first embodiment. The above-described embodiments can be modified as follows: The above-described embodiments and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0110] In the first embodiment, the restricting protrusions 102a, 102b provided on the lever member 86 function as the stopper portion 103. Also in the second embodiment, the restricting protrusion 112 provided on the lever member 86B functions as the stopper portion 103. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the configuration of the stopper portion 103 may be changed as desired as long as it can come into contact with the balancer 90 rotating around the support shaft 90x and restrict the rotation of the balancer 90 in the direction of contact.

[0111] For example, a hole may be formed in the lever member 86, and the bent claw-shaped engaging protrusion 101 provided on the balancer 90 may be disposed within this hole. As a result, when the balancer 90 rotates around the support shaft 90x, the engaging protrusion 101 may come into contact with the periphery of the hole, restricting the rotation of the balancer 90 in the direction of this contact. Even with this configuration, the rotation range of the balancer 90 can be limited with a simple structure.

[0112] Furthermore, the rotation range of the balancer 90B can be limited with a simple configuration by arranging the bent claw-shaped regulating protrusion 112 provided on the lever member 86B in a hole provided in the balancer 90B.

[0113] Furthermore, the portion of the balancer 90 that abuts against the stopper portion 103 is not necessarily limited to a protrusion. Furthermore, for example, the stopper portion 103 may be provided on a portion other than the lever member 86, such as the bracket 82. The stopper portion 103 may be configured to limit the rotation range of the balancer 90 to only one direction of rotation relative to the lever member 86.

[0114] In the above embodiments, the lever member 86 is configured as a rotating lever that rotates integrally with the sector gear 85 having gear teeth 85a that mesh with the pinion gear 83 that constitutes the output portion 81a of the actuator 81. However, this is not limiting, and the trajectory of the displacement is arbitrary as long as it is capable of being displaced by the input of driving force and pulling the drive cables 70a, 70b connected to the balancer 90. For example, the lever member 86 may be configured as a slide lever. The structure for transmitting driving force to the lever member 86 may also be arbitrarily changed.

[0115] In each of the above embodiments, one drive cable 70 is connected to each of the first and second cable connection parts 91a, 91b provided on both longitudinal sides of the balancer 90 that sandwich the support shaft 90x. However, this is not limiting, and the present invention may be applied to a configuration in which three or more drive cables 70 are connected to the balancer 90.

[0116] In the above embodiments, the tensioning operation of the drive cables 70a, 70b continues while the rotation limiting mechanism 100 limits the rotation of the balancer 90, so that the tensioning strokes Sa, Sb of the drive cables 70a, 70b become equal after the tensioning operation. However, this is not limiting, and the range over which the rotation limiting mechanism 100 limits the rotation of the balancer 90 may be changed as desired. For example, the restriction of the rotation of the balancer 90 by the rotation limiting mechanism 100 does not necessarily mean that the tensioning strokes Sa, Sb of the drive cables 70a, 70b become equal after the tensioning operation. It is sufficient that the desired tensioning strokes Sa, Sb of the drive cables 70a, 70b can be realized based on the displacement of the lever member 86.

[0117] In the above embodiments, the rotation limiting mechanism 100 for the balancer 90 provided on the lever member 86 of the closer device 62 is embodied. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be applied to, for example, a lever member constituting the remote control 71. In other words, the lever member 86 having the rotation limiting mechanism 100 for the balancer 90 may be applied to any object as long as it constitutes a driving force transmission system of the door lock device 50 that pulls the multiple drive cables 70 connected to the balancer 90 based on the displacement of the lever member 86.

[0118] In the above-described embodiments, the door lock device 50 is provided on a link-type door that opens and closes while being supported on the vehicle body 2 via the link mechanisms 13, 14. However, the invention is not limited to this and may be applied to any type of door 10, such as a swing door, a sliding door, or a flip-up door.

[0119] Next, the technical ideas that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described. (i) The lever member is a rotating lever having a rotating shaft. According to the above configuration, the lever member moves along an arc. However, by using the balancer, the tension strokes of the drive cables based on the rotation of the lever member can be made approximately equal. Furthermore, the rotation limiting mechanism limits the rotation of the balancer, so that the drive cables can be pulled in a balanced manner even if there is a difference in the tensile load between the drive cables. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 50...Door lock device 70, 70a, 70b...Drive cables 86... Lever member 90...Balancer 90x...Support axis (rotating axis) 100...Rotation limiting mechanism

Claims

1. a lever member that is displaced by input of a driving force; a balancer provided rotatably relative to the lever member, A plurality of drive cables connected to both sides of the balancer across a rotation axis of the lever member are pulled based on the displacement of the lever member, A vehicle door lock device including a rotation limiting mechanism that limits the rotation range of the balancer.

2. 2. The vehicle door lock device according to claim 1, the rotation limiting mechanism includes a stopper portion that comes into contact with the balancer based on the rotation of the balancer, thereby restricting the rotation of the balancer in the direction of contact; A vehicle door lock device comprising:

3. 2. The vehicle door lock device according to claim 1, The rotation limiting mechanism is an engaging protrusion provided on the balancer; a pair of restricting protrusions provided on the lever member at two positions spaced apart in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis, The vehicle door lock device according to claim 1, wherein the engaging projection abuts against one of the restricting projections based on the rotation of the balancer, thereby restricting the rotation range.

4. 2. The vehicle door lock device according to claim 1, The rotation limiting mechanism is a pair of engaging protrusions provided on the balancer at two positions spaced apart in a circumferential direction around the rotation shaft; a restricting protrusion provided on the lever member, a locking mechanism for locking the balancer against the engaging projection, the locking mechanism being configured to lock the balancer against the restricting projection;

5. The vehicle door lock device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the rotation limiting mechanism is configured such that a tensioning operation of pulling each of the drive cables based on the displacement of the lever member is continued while the rotation of the balancer is limited, so that the tensioning strokes of each of the drive cables after the tensioning operation are equalized; A vehicle door lock device comprising:

6. The vehicle door lock device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The lever member constitutes a closer device that closes a plurality of independent latch mechanisms by pulling each of the drive cables connected to the balancer based on the displacement of the lever member.

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