Linear reciprocating motion device

Abstract

The present invention provides a linear reciprocating motion device that can further improve reliability by simplifying the circuit related to the switch. The linear reciprocating motion device comprises: a housing; a movable member, which is supported by the housing and can perform linear reciprocating motion within a range including a first position, a second position and a third position; a limiter, which is supported by the housing and can be displaced between a blocking position that prohibits the movable member from moving from the second position to the first position and a non-blocking position that allows the movable member to move from the second position to the first position, and the limiter is displaced to the non-blocking position according to a specific operation; an intermittent mechanism, which is linked to the linear reciprocating motion of the movable member, and when the movable member is repeatedly moved to the third position, it is set to a specific state once every two times; and a switch, which switches from one of the disconnected state and the connected state to the other of the disconnected state and the connected state when it is set to the specific state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a linear reciprocating motion device for opening and closing a cover body (fuel door) in a vehicle, for example. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-43939 discloses an example of a conventional linear reciprocating motion device applicable to a vehicle. The linear reciprocating motion device includes a housing, a lock shaft, a latch, a claw, and a switch.

[0003] The lock shaft is an example of a movable member and is supported by the housing and can linearly reciprocate within a range including a first position, a second position, and a third position spaced apart from the second position (spaced apart from the first position) and is urged toward the first position.

[0004] The latch is connected to a direct-acting shaft as a part of the locking shaft, and is supported by the housing in a swingable manner. A latch surface is formed on the latch. The claw is supported by the housing. The claw can swing between a blocking position in which the locking shaft is engaged with the latch surface and prohibits the locking shaft from moving from the second position to the first position, and a non-blocking position in which the locking shaft is separated from the latch surface and allows the locking shaft to move from the second position to the first position. The claw is urged toward the blocking position and is displaced to the non-blocking position by an electric actuator powered by a control device due to a specific operation for moving the locking shaft to the first position, that is, an operation for moving the locking shaft held in the second position to the third position.

[0005] The switch is provided on the housing. Whenever the lock shaft repeatedly moves to the third position, the switch is pressed by the first contact piece of the latch linked to the linear reciprocating motion of the lock shaft, and switches from the disconnected state to the connected state.

[0006] In the conventional linear reciprocating motion device, the control device is limited to controlling the switching of the switch based on the movement of the locking shaft to the third position, and when the switch is switched from the disconnected state to the connected state under specific conditions, the control device controls the electric actuator to be powered. Furthermore, when the claw is displaced to the non-blocking position by the powered electric actuator, the locking shaft is displaced to the first position.

[0007] However, in the above-mentioned conventional linear reciprocating motion device, since the control device needs to grasp the switching of the switch and judge whether the switch is switched from the disconnected state to the connected state under specific conditions, it is difficult to simplify the circuit related to the switch, and the program for electronic control is easily complicated. In addition, if there is a so-called defect in the program, the control device may make a wrong judgment related to the switch and cause the linear reciprocating motion device to malfunction. Summary of the invention

[0008] Therefore, a non-limiting object of the present teaching is to provide a linear reciprocating device that can simplify the circuits related to the switch and achieve further improved reliability.

[0009] This problem is solved by the invention of claim 1. Further developments of the present invention are described by the dependent claims.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present teaching, the linear reciprocating motion device has:

[0011] case;

[0012] a movable member supported by the housing, capable of linear reciprocating motion within a range including a first position, a second position, and a third position farther away from (spaced apart from) the first position than the second position, and urged toward the first position;

[0013] a stopper, which (i) is supported by the housing, (ii) is displaceable between a blocking position and a non-blocking position, wherein the stopper prohibits the movable member from moving from the second position to the first position when in the blocking position and allows the movable member to move from the second position to the first position when in the non-blocking position, (iii) the stopper is urged toward the blocking position, and (iv) is displaced toward the non-blocking position due to (according to) a specific operation for moving the movable member to the first position;

[0014] an intermittent mechanism that is linked to the linear reciprocating motion of the movable member and defines a specific state every two times when the movable member repeatedly moves to the third position; and

[0015] The switch is provided in the housing and switches from one of a disconnected state and a connected state to the other of the disconnected state and the connected state when the specific state is specified.

[0016] In the linear reciprocating motion device of the scheme of the present teaching, the intermittent mechanism has the above-mentioned structure. Therefore, when the movable member is repeatedly moved to the third position, the switch is switched from one of the disconnected state and the connected state to the other of the disconnected state and the connected state every two times. By such intermittent switching of the switch, there is no need to install a complex circuit of a control device, for example, it is possible to supply power to the electric actuator to displace the limiter to the non-blocking position, or switch on / off the power supply to the lamp illuminating the periphery of the shell. That is to say, in the linear reciprocating motion device of the above-mentioned scheme, since mechanical control (work) is used, it is difficult for malfunctions caused by defects in the electronic control program to occur.

[0017] Therefore, in the linear reciprocating motion device of this aspect of the present teaching, the circuit related to the switch can be simplified, and the reliability can be further improved.

[0018] In another embodiment of the present teaching, it is preferred that the intermittent mechanism has: a first intermittent guide portion, which is supported on the housing in a displaceable manner and is formed with a first intermittent profile including a fourth position and a fifth position; and a first linkage mechanism, which is supported on the housing in a displaceable manner and includes a first guided portion guided by the first intermittent profile, wherein the first linkage mechanism is configured to / is adapted to be linked with the linear reciprocating motion of the movable member to displace (move) the first guided portion. Furthermore, it is preferred that each time the first intermittent guide portion is repeatedly moved by the movable member moving to the third position, the first intermittent guide portion guides the first guided portion alternately to the fourth position and the fifth position. The moment when the first guided portion is guided to the fifth position is defined as a specific state.

[0019] The intermittent mechanism of the above aspect includes the first intermittent guide and the first interlocking mechanism, and thus can reliably perform the operation of switching the switch from one of the disconnected state and the connected state to the other of the disconnected state and the connected state every two times.

[0020] In another embodiment of the present teaching, it is preferred that the first intermittent profile includes a maximum separation position farthest from the fourth position and the fifth position, and an intermediate stop position located between the maximum separation position and the range including the fourth position and the fifth position. It is preferred that the first intermittent guide portion is force applied in a manner so that the fourth position and the fifth position of the first intermittent profile are displaced in a direction of separation from the first linkage mechanism, and the fourth position is farther from the first linkage mechanism than the fifth position. It is preferred that the first guided portion cycles in the order of the maximum separation position, the fourth position, the intermediate stop position, and the fifth position. Furthermore, it is preferred that the limiting portion is formed in the first intermittent profile and is arranged between the maximum separation position and the fourth position. The limiting portion limits (prevents) the change of the travel route of the first guided portion toward the intermediate stop position during the period when the first guided portion is guided from the maximum separation position to the fourth position.

[0021] In the above-mentioned specific scheme, after the first guided portion is guided to the fifth position, when it is the turn of the movable member to move to the third position and be guided to the fourth position, there is a situation that (i) the movable member moves from the first position at a slow speed, moves to the third position through the second position, or (ii) the movable member moves from the first position, stops moving just after passing the second position, and moves from the second position to the third position after being kept at the second position. In this case, if no countermeasures are implemented, when the movable member passes the second position, the first intermittent guide portion causes the fourth position and the fifth position of the first intermittent profile to be displaced unreasonably (unnecessarily) in the direction of separation (separation) from the first linkage mechanism by applying force. Therefore, it is possible that the first guided portion skips the sequence of the fourth position and is unreasonably (unnecessarily) guided to the fifth position via the intermediate stop position. In this regard, the restriction portion of the linear reciprocating device of this aspect restricts (prevents) the change of the movement path of the first guided portion (that is, to an unpreferable movement path), and thus the above-mentioned failure can be suppressed with high reliability.

[0022] In another aspect of the present teaching, it is preferred that the first guided portion is pressed by a guide wall of the first intermittent profile extending from the fifth position toward the maximum separation position when being guided to the intermediate stop position, thereby being held at the intermediate stop position.

[0023] In the above-mentioned specific scheme, the strength of the guide wall is easily improved, so the guide wall reliably supports the first guided part guided to the intermediate stop position. Therefore, the first guided part can be reliably held in the intermediate stop position, and damage to the first intermittent guide part can be suppressed.

[0024] In another embodiment of the present teaching, preferably, the island portion is formed in the center of the first intermittent profile, including a limiting portion and a recessed portion on the fifth position side of the limiting portion that is recessed toward the maximum separation position. Also, preferably, when the first guided portion is guided to the intermediate stop position, it enters the recessed portion of the island portion, thereby being held at the intermediate stop position.

[0025] In the above-described specific aspect, the recessed portion of the island portion reliably receives (supports) the first guided portion guided to the intermediate stop position, and thus the first guided portion can be reliably held at the intermediate stop position.

[0026] In another embodiment of the present teaching, it is preferred that the intermittent mechanism has: a second intermittent guide portion, which is arranged on the housing in a non-displaceable manner and is formed with a second intermittent profile including a sixth position and a seventh position; and a second linkage mechanism, which is supported on the housing in a displaceable manner and includes a second guided portion guided by the second intermittent profile, and the second linkage mechanism is configured to / is suitable for displacing the second guided portion in conjunction with the linear reciprocating motion of the movable member. Furthermore, it is preferred that the second intermittent guide portion alternately guides the second guided portion to the sixth position and the seventh position each time the movable member repeatedly moves to the third position (repeated movement). The moment when the second guided portion is guided to the seventh position is defined as a specific state.

[0027] The intermittent mechanism of this aspect includes the second intermittent guide portion and the second interlocking mechanism, and thus can reliably perform the operation of switching the switch from one of the disconnected state and the connected state to the other of the disconnected state and the connected state every two times.

[0028] In another embodiment of the present teaching, it is preferred that the linear reciprocating motion device is disposed between an opening portion provided on the vehicle body and a cover body capable of opening and closing the opening portion (configured as / suitable for opening and closing) and is used for a vehicle. It is preferred that the cover body can be displaced within (between) a (swinging) range including an open position in which the opening portion is opened, a locked position in which the opening portion is closed, and a pressed position in which the locked position is pressed to the opposite side of the open position. In the linear reciprocating motion device, it is preferred that the housing is disposed on the vehicle body. It is preferred that the movable member extends with the axis passing through the opening portion as the center, and can perform linear reciprocating motion in the axial direction within (between) a (straight) range including a first position corresponding to the open position, a second position corresponding to the locked position, and a third position corresponding to the pressed position. Furthermore, it is preferred that the specific operation is an opening operation for displacing the cover body to the open position.

[0029] In the above-mentioned specific embodiment, the linear reciprocating device is used in a vehicle, so the circuit related to the switch can be simplified and the reliability can be further improved.

[0030] In another embodiment of the present teaching, the linear reciprocating motion device preferably has an electric actuator, which is arranged in the housing and is connected to the limit switch in an operably connected manner, so that the limit switch is displaced to a non-blocking position when power is supplied due to (according to) an opening operation.

[0031] In the above-mentioned specific embodiment, the stopper is configured / adapted to be displaced to the non-blocking position by the electric actuator, so that the user's opening operation can be simplified and the retention of the cover can be easily released.

[0032] In another embodiment of the present teaching, preferably, the movable component comprises: a direct-acting shaft extending with the axis as the center, supported on the housing in a manner that the shaft cannot rotate about the axis and can perform linear reciprocating motion in the axial direction within a (straight line) range (between) including a first position, a second position, and a third position, and is forced toward the first position; and a rotating shaft extending with the axis as the center, supported on the direct-acting shaft in a manner that the shaft can rotate about the axis and can perform linear reciprocating motion in the axial direction, and when the direct-acting shaft is configured in the second position or the third position, the rotating shaft can rotate to a latching position that locks the cover body, and when the direct-acting shaft is configured in the first position, the rotating shaft can rotate to a non-latching position that does not lock the cover body.

[0033] According to the movable member having such a specific structure, the linear reciprocating motion device of the above aspect can be suitably used in vehicles or industrial machines.

[0034] Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the embodiments disclosed in the following description and the attached drawings, the diagrams illustrated in the drawings, and the concepts of the present invention disclosed in the entirety of the specification and the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a vehicle to which the linear reciprocating motion device according to the specific embodiment 1 of the present teaching is applied, and shows a state in which the cover body (fuel door) is in an open position and the linear motion shaft is in a first position.

[0036] Figure 2 is with Figure 1 The schematic partial cross-sectional view of the linear reciprocating motion device is a view showing a state in which the cover body is in the closed position and the linear motion shaft is in the second position.

[0037] Figure 3 is with Figure 1 The schematic partial cross-sectional view of the linear reciprocating motion device is a view showing a state in which the cover is in the pressed position and the linear motion shaft is in the third position.

[0038] Figure 4 It is a perspective view of the cover opening and closing device for a vehicle according to the first embodiment.

[0039] Figure 5 It is a plan view showing the positional relationship among the linear drive shaft, the rotation shaft, the stopper, and the electric actuator.

[0040] Figure 6 It is a bottom view showing the positional relationship among the linear shaft, the rotation shaft, the stopper, the electric actuator, the first intermittent guide, the first linkage mechanism, and the switch.

[0041] Figure 7This is an exploded perspective view of the linear axis, rotary axis, limiter, and electric actuator.

[0042] Figure 8 It is an exploded perspective view of the linear shaft, the first intermittent guide, the first linkage mechanism and the switch.

[0043] Fig. 9 (a) to (d) are schematic diagrams for explaining the associated actions of the hook block and the stopper of the linear axis.

[0044] Fig.10 It is a schematic diagram for explaining the interrelated operations of the linear motion shaft, the first intermittent guide portion, and the first interlocking mechanism.

[0045] Fig.11 It is a schematic diagram for explaining the interrelated operations of the linear motion shaft, the first intermittent guide portion, and the first interlocking mechanism.

[0046] Fig.12 It is a schematic diagram for explaining the interrelated operations of the linear motion shaft, the first intermittent guide portion, and the first interlocking mechanism.

[0047] Fig.13 It is a schematic diagram for explaining the interrelated operations of the linear motion shaft, the first intermittent guide portion, and the first interlocking mechanism.

[0048] Fig.14 It is a schematic diagram for explaining the interrelated operations of the linear motion shaft, the first intermittent guide portion, and the first interlocking mechanism.

[0049] Fig.15 It is a schematic diagram for explaining the interrelated operations of the linear motion shaft, the first intermittent guide portion, and the first interlocking mechanism.

[0050] Fig.16 It is a schematic diagram of the linear reciprocating motion device related to Example 2, which explains the related actions of the direct-acting shaft, the first intermittent guide portion and the first linkage mechanism, and is a diagram showing a state in which the first guided portion is held in an intermediate stop position by the recessed portion of the island portion.

[0051] Fig.17 This is a schematic diagram of the linear reciprocating motion device related to Example 3, and explains the related actions of the linear shaft, the second intermittent guide portion, and the second linkage mechanism.

[0052] Fig.18 It is enlarged to show Fig.17 A partial stereogram of a portion of .

[0053] Fig.19 It is a schematic diagram for explaining the linked operations of the linear motion shaft, the second intermittent guide portion, and the second interlocking mechanism.

[0054] Fig. 20 It is a schematic diagram for explaining the linked operations of the linear motion shaft, the second intermittent guide portion, and the second interlocking mechanism.

[0055] Fig.21 It is a schematic diagram for explaining the linked operations of the linear motion shaft, the second intermittent guide portion, and the second interlocking mechanism.

[0056] Description of reference numerals:

[0057] 1…Linear reciprocating motion device

[0058] 90…Housing

[0059] 10, 30... movable member (10... linear axis, 30... rotating axis)

[0060] 50…Stop

[0061] 100, 200...Intermittent mechanism

[0062] SW1…switch

[0063] 120…First intermittent profile

[0064] 110 ... first intermittent guide portion

[0065] 131 ...first guided portion

[0066] 130…First linkage mechanism (transmission rod)

[0067] P4…4th place

[0068] P5…Fifth place

[0069] PM1, PM3... Maximum separation position

[0070] PM2, PM2A, PM4…Intermediate stop position

[0071] 128…Restricted

[0072] 129…Guide Wall

[0073] 127…concave

[0074] 126…Island

[0075] 220…Second Interval Profile

[0076] 210...Second intermittent guide

[0077] 232 ... second guided portion

[0078] 230, 231 ... second linkage mechanism (230 ... transmission rod, 231 ... transmission stick)

[0079] P6…6th place

[0080] P7…7th position

[0081] 9…Body

[0082] 8…Opening

[0083] 5…cover

[0084] X10…axis

[0085] 60…Electric actuator. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0086] Hereinafter, Examples 1 to 3 of the present teaching will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0087] Example 1

[0088] Figure 1 to Figure 4 A specific embodiment of the linear reciprocating motion device 1 for a vehicle according to the first embodiment of the present teaching is shown. The linear reciprocating motion device 1 is assumed to be applicable to a vehicle such as a motor vehicle, a bus, a commercial vehicle, etc. Figure 1 to Figure 3 , a portion of the right side and rear side of a vehicle body 9 of the vehicle is shown.

[0089] Figure 1 to Figure 3 The front-to-back direction shown is based on the front-to-back direction of the vehicle. Figure 1 to Figure 3 The vehicle interior and exterior directions shown are based on the perspective of a person sitting in the vehicle. The right side of the vehicle is the vehicle exterior, and the opposite side is the vehicle interior, i.e., the vehicle interior side. Figure 1 to Figure 3 The front direction of the paper is the upper side of the vehicle, that is, the roof side. Figure 1 to Figure 3 The depth direction of the paper is the lower side of the vehicle, that is, the floor side. Figure 4 The front and rear directions, the inside and outside directions of the vehicle, and the up and down directions shown below are the same as Figure 1 to Figure 3 The corresponding display.

[0090] Structures of vehicle body openings and covers

[0091] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle body 9 includes a vehicle body panel 9A and an inner panel 9B. The vehicle body panel 9A constitutes the right outer surface of the vehicle body 9. The inner panel 9B is arranged on the vehicle inner side relative to the vehicle body panel 9A, and partitions a vehicle compartment such as a luggage room.

[0092] The body panel 9A of the vehicle body 9 is provided with an opening 8. The opening 8 is a recessed portion formed by partially recessing the body panel 9A from the right side of the vehicle body 9 toward the vehicle interior, and opens toward the right side of the vehicle body 9. The opening 8 has a bottom wall 8B and a support wall 7.

[0093] The bottom wall 8B extends in a substantially flat plate shape in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction, and forms the bottom surface of the opening 8. A fuel supply hole 8H is arranged at the center of the bottom wall 8B. In an electric vehicle, the fuel supply hole 8H is replaced by a power supply port.

[0094] The support wall 7 extends in a substantially flat plate shape in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction at a position behind the bottom wall 8B and outside the vehicle, and forms a part of the inner wall surface of the opening 8. A through hole 7H is formed in the support wall 7 in a penetrating manner. The through hole 7H is a circular hole centered on the axis X10. The axis X10 extends in the vehicle inner and outer directions and passes through the opening 8.

[0095] The substantially flat cover 5 is supported on the vehicle body panel 9A of the vehicle body 9 so as to be swingable about the opening and closing axis X5. The opening and closing axis X5 extends in the vertical direction along the opening edge of the front side of the opening portion 8. Figure 1 Open position shown, Figure 2 The latched position shown and Figure 3 The term "cover" is used here for the structure 5 that opens and closes the opening 8, but can also be used for other terms such as the fuel door, fuel door cover, fuel cover, power supply port cover, power supply port door, power supply port cover, etc. It is intended that all of these terms have the same meaning.

[0096] Figure 1 The solid line and the two-dot chain line respectively show two exemplary open positions of the cover 5. The cover 5 is swung to the open position, thereby displacing (moving) its rear end to a position disposed further toward the vehicle outer side than the outer surface of the vehicle body panel 9A, thereby opening the opening 8.

[0097] like Figure 2 As shown, the cover 5 is swung to the closed position so that its outer surface becomes flush with the outer surface of the vehicle body panel 9A, thereby forming a part of the design surface of the vehicle body 9 and closing the opening 8 .

[0098] like Figure 3 As shown, the cover body 5 is swung toward the pushed position, so that its rear end is displaced (moved, swung) to be arranged further toward the vehicle interior than the outer surface of the vehicle body panel 9A, and is pushed into the vehicle body panel 9A at the opposite side to the open position.

[0099] like Figure 2 As shown, a cover body locking portion 4 including a pair of locking pieces 4A and 4B is fixed to the surface facing the vehicle inner side near the rear end of the cover body 5. The front locking piece 4A and the rear locking piece 4B are bent after protruding toward the vehicle inner side, and extend in a manner close to each other in the front-rear direction.

[0100] The top of the front locking piece 4A and the top of the rear locking piece 4B are opposed to each other with a predetermined interval therebetween in the front-rear direction. When the cover 5 is in the closed position, the axis X10 passes through the middle position of the top of the front locking piece 4A and the top of the rear locking piece 4B.

[0101] The inner plate 9B of the vehicle body 9 is provided with a maintenance opening 9M and an opening cover 9N. The maintenance opening 9M is formed behind the oil supply hole 8H in the inner plate 9B. The maintenance opening 9M penetrates the inner plate 9B and is sized to allow the linear reciprocating motion device 1 to pass through the maintenance opening 9M.

[0102] The opening cover 9N is detachably mounted on the inner plate 9B to close the maintenance opening 9M.

[0103] The opening cover 9N can be removed by an assembler when the linear reciprocating motion device 1 is installed during vehicle manufacturing, or by a repairman when the linear reciprocating motion device 1 is installed or removed for maintenance or repair. Thus, a hand can be inserted into the space between the vehicle body panel 9A and the inner panel 9B through the opened maintenance opening 9M to perform the above-mentioned operation.

[0104] Structure of linear reciprocating motion device

[0105] like Figure 1 to Figure 3 As shown, the linear reciprocating motion device 1 is disposed between the opening 8 and the cover 5 and is adapted / configured to open and close the cover 5 .

[0106] The linear reciprocating motion device 1 has Figure 1 to Figure 4 The housing 90 shown, Figure 5 to Figure 15 The linear axis 10 shown, Figure 1 to Figure 7 The rotating shaft 30 shown, Figure 7 The compression coil spring 10S shown, Figure 5 to Figure 7 and Fig. 9 The stopper 50 shown and Figure 7 The compression coil spring 50S shown. The linear motion shaft 10 and the rotation shaft 30 are representative and non-limiting examples of the "movable member" of the present teaching.

[0107] In addition, the linear reciprocating motion device 1 has Figure 5 to Figure 7 The electric actuator 60 and Figure 6 , Figure 8 and Figure 10 to Figure 15 The switch SW1 and the intermittent mechanism 100 are shown.

[0108] case

[0109] like Figure 1As shown, the housing 90 is provided on the vehicle body 9 by being fastened to a fixing member (not shown) disposed between the vehicle body panel 9A and the inner panel 9B of the vehicle body 9. Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the housing 90 includes a housing body 91 and a housing shell (housing cover) 92 .

[0110] The housing body 91 is a substantially box-shaped body having an open surface facing the inside of the vehicle. A cylindrical guide 91A is formed in the front portion of the surface facing the outside of the vehicle in the housing body 91. The cylindrical guide 91A is cylindrical with the axis X10 as the center and protrudes toward the outside of the vehicle.

[0111] like Figure 1 As shown, the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical guide 91A is provided as a guide surface 91G for enabling the linear drive shaft 10 and the rotating shaft 30 to linearly reciprocate in the direction of the axis X10. In addition, a guide protrusion 91J for enabling the rotating shaft 30 to rotate around the axis X10 is formed inside the housing body 91.

[0112] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the housing shell 92 is assembled (mounted) on the open surface of the housing body 91 facing the inner side of the vehicle. The housing shell 92 and the housing body 91 define (enclose) the storage space of the housing 90 (interior).

[0113] The housing space of the housing 90 houses the direct-acting shaft 10 and the portion of the rotating shaft 30 located on the inner side of the vehicle (inside the vehicle body panel 9A), the compression coil spring 10S, the stopper 50, the compression coil spring 50S, the electric actuator 60, the intermittent mechanism 100 and the switch SW1.

[0114] like Figure 1 As shown, a shaft-shaped guide 92A for enabling the direct-acting shaft 10 to linearly reciprocate in the direction of the axis X10 is formed (extended) at (from) the front portion of the housing shell 92. The shaft-shaped guide 92A is in the shape of a cylindrical shaft centered on an axis extending parallel to the axis X10, that is, the axis of the shaft-shaped guide 92A is offset relative to the axis X10. In addition, the shaft-shaped guide 92A protrudes toward the outside of the vehicle in the housing 90.

[0115] Although not shown in the figure, the outer cover of the shaft-shaped guide 92A has Figure 7 Although not shown in the figure, the housing shell 92 is formed with a compression coil spring 10S. Figure 7 The stopper 50 , the compression coil spring 50S, the electric actuator 60 , the intermittent mechanism 100 , and the switch SW1 shown are held (supported) by a plurality of holding (supporting) portions together with the housing body 91 .

[0116] like Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , a long hole 92H extending in the front-rear direction is formed in the housing shell 92 in a manner penetrating in the vehicle interior-exterior direction. Figure 1 and Figure 4 The rubber cap 92C is shown closed.

[0117] Linear axis and rotary axis

[0118] like Figures 5 to 8 As shown, the linear motion shaft 10 includes a linear motion shaft body 11 and a hook block 20 .

[0119] The direct-acting shaft body 11 is a substantially cylindrical shaft extending around the axis X10. The direct-acting shaft body 11 includes a base end 11H, which is an end of the direct-acting shaft body 11 located on the opposite side of the cover body 5 in the direction of the axis X10, that is, on the inner side of the vehicle. The tip of the direct-acting shaft body 11 is an end of the direct-acting shaft body 11 located on the cover body 5 side in the direction of the axis X10, that is, near the outer side of the vehicle.

[0120] A flange portion 11F is formed at the distal end of the linear motion shaft body 11. The flange portion 11F protrudes radially outward of the axis X10 relative to other portions of the linear motion shaft body 11.

[0121] A buffer portion 81 and a seal portion 83 are provided at the distal end of the linear motion shaft body 11. The buffer portion 81 and the seal portion 83 are made of a material softer than the resin material constituting other parts of the linear motion shaft body 11, such as rubber, elastomer, or soft resin.

[0122] The buffer portion 81 protrudes toward the outer side of the vehicle, that is, toward the cover body 5, from the flange portion 11F. The seal portion 83 is formed in an annular shape around the axis X10 at the inner side of the vehicle than the flange portion 11F.

[0123] The hook block 20 is a substantially block-shaped resin member fixed to the base end portion 11H of the linear motion shaft body 11 and movable integrally with the linear motion shaft body 11. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the hook block 20 is formed with a shaft-shaped guide through hole 22 , an engaging portion 25 , and an operating portion 27 .

[0124] The shaft-shaped guide through hole 22 is a circular hole that penetrates a portion of the belt hook block 20 that is offset downward and forward from the linear motion shaft body 11 in a direction parallel to the axis X10 .

[0125] Although not shown in the figure, by making the shaft-shaped guide through hole 22 Figure 1 The illustrated shaft-shaped guide 92A is inserted therethrough, and the linear motion shaft 10 is supported by the housing 90 so as to be capable of linear reciprocating movement in the direction of (along) the axis X10 .

[0126] Furthermore, the shaft guide through hole 22 and the shaft guide 92A are offset relative to the axis X10 (ie, offset relative to the tubular guide 91A into which the linear drive shaft 10 and the rotating shaft 30 are inserted), so that the linear drive shaft 10 is supported by the housing 90 in a manner that is non-rotatable about the axis X10.

[0127] By making the shaft-shaped guide member through the hole 22 Figure 1 The shaft guide 92A shown passes through so that Figure 7 The end of the compression coil spring 10S shown is in contact with the belt hook block 20. Thus, the compression coil spring 10S urges the linear motion shaft 10 toward the outer side of the vehicle.

[0128] like Figure 7 and Fig. 9 As shown, the engagement portion 25 is an inclined surface formed in a portion of the belt hook block 20 offset rearward from the linear drive shaft body 11 and facing the outer side of the vehicle. The engagement portion 25 is inclined so as to incline toward the inner side of the vehicle as it goes toward the rear.

[0129] like Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Fig.10 As shown, the action portion 27 is a convex portion (protrusion) that protrudes rearward from a portion of the belt hook block 20 that is spaced downward from the linear motion shaft body 11 .

[0130] like Figure 7 As shown, the rotation shaft 30 is a resin member extending in a substantially cylindrical shape with the axis X10 as the center. A spiral groove 30J is recessed in the outer peripheral surface of the rotation shaft 30. The spiral groove 30J extends in a spiral shape with the axis X10 as the center.

[0131] The top end of the rotating shaft 30 is an end of the rotating shaft 30 located on the cover body 5 side in the direction of the axis X10, that is, near the outer side of the vehicle, and has a smaller diameter than other parts of the rotating shaft 30. Latch protrusions 34A and 34B are formed at the top end of the rotating shaft 30. The latch protrusions 34A and 34B are generally plate-shaped protrusions that protrude from the top end of the rotating shaft 30 to the radially outer side of the axis X10 in a manner separated from each other.

[0132] like Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the direct-acting shaft body 11 passes through the rotating shaft 30, thereby supporting the rotating shaft 30 in a manner that it can rotate around the axis X10. The flange portion 11F of the direct-acting shaft body 11 and the hook block 20 clamp the rotating shaft 30 in the vehicle inner and outer directions, so that the rotating shaft 30 is prevented from being pulled out relative to the direct-acting shaft body 11. The sealing portion 83 of the direct-acting shaft body 11 abuts annularly inside the rotating shaft 30, thereby sealing the gap between the direct-acting shaft body 11 and the rotating shaft 30, thereby suppressing (preventing) foreign matter from entering the housing 90 through the gap.

[0133] like Figure 1 to Figure 3 As shown, the rotating shaft 30 is inserted into the cylindrical guide 91A of the housing 90 while being fitted onto the linear drive shaft 10. Although not shown in the figure, the guide protrusion 91J of the housing 90 protrudes into the spiral groove 30J of the rotating shaft 30.

[0134] The linear drive shaft 10 and the rotating shaft 30 are supported by the housing 90 so as to be linearly reciprocating in the direction of the axis X10 because the outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft 30 is guided along (by) the guide surface 91G of the cylindrical guide 91A.

[0135] As described above, the linear motion shaft 10 is supported by the housing 90 through the shaft guide through hole 22 and the shaft guide 92A so as to be linearly reciprocating in the direction of the axis X10 and non-rotatable about the axis X10 .

[0136] On the other hand, the rotating shaft 30 is rotatably supported on the direct-acting shaft body 11, and the guide protrusion 91J protrudes into the spiral groove 30J, so that the rotating shaft 30 is supported on the housing 90 in a manner that can reciprocate linearly with the direct-acting shaft 10 in the direction of the axis X10 and can rotate around the axis X10.

[0137] Therefore, the direct-acting shaft 10 includes Figure 1 The first position shown, Figure 2 The second position shown and Figure 3 Reciprocating motion within a linear range between (the third positions) shown.

[0138] like Figure 1 As shown, the first position of the linear drive shaft 10 corresponds to the open position of the cover 5. When the linear drive shaft 10 is arranged in the first position, it protrudes outward from the outermost surface of the vehicle body. Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Fig. 9 (a) and Fig.10 The position of the linear axis 10 shown is also the first position.

[0139] like Figure 2As shown, the second position of the direct-acting shaft 10 corresponds to the locked position of the cover body 5. When the direct-acting shaft 10 is arranged in the second position, the front end of the direct-acting shaft 10 is retracted toward the inner side of the vehicle in a state where it enters between the locking piece 4A and the locking piece 4B of the cover body locking portion 4. As a result, the buffer portion 81 contacts the surface of the cover body 5 in the locked position that faces the inner side of the vehicle. Fig. 9 (d) Fig.11 and Fig.13 The position of the linear axis 10 shown is also the second position.

[0140] like Figure 3 As shown, the third position of the direct-acting shaft 10 corresponds to the pressed-in position of the cover body 5. When the direct-acting shaft 10 is arranged in the third position, the buffer portion 81 at the top end is kept in contact with the inner surface of the cover body 5 in the pressed-in position facing the vehicle, and the direct-acting shaft 10 retreats into the opening 8 deeper than the second position. Fig. 9 (c) Fig.12 and Fig.14 The position of the linear axis 10 shown is also the third position.

[0141] Direct drive shaft 10 passes Figure 7 The compression coil spring 10S shown is directed toward Figure 1 The first position shown applies force in a direction outward from the vehicle.

[0142] When the direct-acting shaft 10 moves to the second position or the third position, the guide protrusion 91J of the housing 90 interacts with the spiral groove 30J of the rotating shaft 30, and at the same time, the rotating shaft 30 moves to the second position or the third position. Figure 2 and Figure 3 When the rotating shaft 30 is in the latched position, the latch protrusion 34A protrudes forward to latch the latching piece 4A of the cover latching portion 4, and the latch protrusion 34B protrudes backward to latch the latching piece 4B of the cover latching portion 4. In this way, when the rotating shaft 30 is in the latched position, the cover 5 is latched in the locked position or the pressed position. Figure 4 The position of the rotating shaft 30 shown by the solid line is also the latch position.

[0143] On the other hand, when the direct-acting shaft 10 moves to the first position, the guide protrusion 91J of the housing 90 interacts with the spiral groove 30J of the rotating shaft 30, and at the same time, the rotating shaft 30 moves to the first position. Figure 1 When the rotating shaft 30 is in the unlatched position, the latch protrusion 34A protrudes upward and separates from the locking piece 4A of the cover locking portion 4. Although not shown, the latch protrusion 34B protrudes downward and separates from the locking piece 4B of the cover locking portion 4. In this way, when the rotating shaft 30 is in the unlatched position, the cover 5 is no longer locked. Figures 4 to 6The position of the rotating shaft 30 indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 8 is also the non-latching position.

[0144] Limiter

[0145] like Figure 5 to Figure 7 and Fig. 9 As shown, the stopper 50 is a resin member in which a swing shaft portion 51, a sector gear 56, a stopper surface 55, a manual operation portion 59, and a spring support portion 53 are integrally formed as a single component.

[0146] The swing shaft portion 51 is supported by the housing 90 so that the stopper 50 can swing around a swing axis X50 extending in the up-down direction.

[0147] The sector gear 56 has a plurality of gear teeth formed along an arc of a sector-shaped portion that protrudes from an upper portion of the swing shaft portion 51 toward the vehicle interior.

[0148] The stopper surface 55 is formed in a substantially block-shaped portion protruding toward the vehicle inner side from the lower portion of the swing shaft portion 51. The stopper surface 55 is a curved surface that is curved in an arc with the swing axis X50 as the center and faces the inner side of the vehicle.

[0149] The manual operation part 59 is connected to a portion of a substantially block-shaped portion protruding from the lower portion of the swing shaft part 51 toward the vehicle inner side and offset upward and rearward with respect to the stopper surface 55. The manual operation part 59 extends while being bent in a crankshaft shape toward the vehicle inner side.

[0150] like Figure 4 As shown, the top end of the manual operation portion 59 passes through the long hole 92H of the housing shell 92 and protrudes to the outside of the housing 90, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown, the rubber cap 92C covers the manual operation part 59. When the user presses the rubber cap 92C to move the manual operation part 59, the stopper 50 can be manually swung. That is, the manual operation part 59 is provided to be operable from the outside of the housing 90 (can be manually pushed).

[0151] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , the spring support portion 53 is formed at a position separated from the swing shaft portion 51 toward the inner side of the vehicle and toward the rear. The spring support portion 53 protrudes toward the outer side of the vehicle. Figure 7 The end of the compression coil spring 50S shown in the figure is locked on the inner side of the vehicle. The compression coil spring 50S urges the stopper 50 in a direction in which the stopper surface 55 is displaced (swung) forward.

[0152] The stopper 50 can include Fig. 9 The blocking position shown by the solid line in (d) is Fig. 9Swings within (between) the (swing) range of the non-blocking position shown by the double-dotted line in (d).

[0153] When the stopper 50 is Fig. 9 When in the blocking position shown by the solid line in (d), the stopper surface 55 engages with the engaging portion 25 formed on the hook block 20 of the linear shaft 10 in the second position, prohibiting (blocking) the linear shaft 10 from moving from the second position to the first position. Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Fig. 9 (a) and Fig. 9 The position of the stopper 50 shown in (c) is also a blocking position.

[0154] When the stopper 50 is Fig. 9 In the non-blocking position shown by the double-dashed line in (d), the stopper surface 55 is separated from the engaging portion 25 formed on the hook block 20 of the linear shaft 10 in the second position, allowing the linear shaft 10 to move from the second position to the first position. Fig. 9 The position of the stopper 50 shown in (b) is also a non-blocking position.

[0155] Limiter 50 through Figure 7 The compression coil spring 50S shown is urged toward the blocking position.

[0156] Electric actuators and switches

[0157] like Figure 5 to Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , the electric actuator 60 includes an electric motor 61 and a worm 66 housed in a housing 90. The power supply wiring of the electric motor 61 is connected to the housing 90 by a Figure 1 The wiring harness W1 shown is routed to a control unit (such as an electronic control unit (ECU) or other type of processor / controller) installed in the vehicle. Figure 1 ) power supply path. Figure 5 As shown, the worm 66 is connected to the drive shaft of the electric motor 61 so as to be rotatable together with the drive shaft of the electric motor 61. The worm 66 meshes with the sector gear 56 of the stopper 50.

[0158] like Figure 6 As shown, the switch SW1 is housed in the rear portion of the housing 90 and is arranged below the electric motor 61 and the worm 66 .

[0159] The switch SW1 has a movable protrusion (rod) SW1A that can be displaced in the front-rear direction. When the movable protrusion SW1A protrudes forward from the front of the switch SW1, the switch SW1 is switched to the off state. Fig.14 As shown, the movable protrusion SW1A is Figure 6 When the position shown is displaced rearward, the switch SW1 is switched to the connected state.

[0160] The power supply wiring of the electric motor 61 is wired so as to pass through the switch SW1 midway, that is, the switch SW1 is arranged in the power supply path to the electric motor 61, and is suitable / configured to turn the electric motor 61 "on" and "off". Therefore, when the switch SW1 is switched to the connected state, the electric motor 61 is electrically connected to the power supply path of the control unit and is powered. On the other hand, when the switch SW1 is switched to the disconnected state, the electric connection with the power supply path of the control unit is cut off, and the electric motor 61 is no longer powered.

[0161] That is, the connection state of the switch SW1 corresponds one-to-one to the rotation of the electric motor 61, and the disconnection state of the switch SW1 corresponds one-to-one to the stop of the electric motor 61. As a result, the circuit design eliminates the need for the control unit to have a complex circuit and / or program for controlling the electric motor 61.

[0162] When the electric actuator 60 supplies power to the electric motor 61 in response to the switch SW1 being switched to the connected state, the driving force (rotation) of the electric motor 61 is transmitted to the stopper 50 via the worm 66 and the sector gear 56, overcoming the Figure 7 The force of the compression coil spring 50S shown in the figure causes the stopper 50 to move from Fig. 9 The blocking position shown by the solid line in (d) is Fig. 9 The non-blocking position shown by the double-dotted line in (d) swings.

[0163] Furthermore, when the electric actuator 60 switches the switch SW1 to the off state and does not supply power to the electric motor 61, the holding force no longer acts on the worm 66, thereby allowing the stopper 50 to be moved in the state described below. Figure 7 The bearing is restored to the blocking position under the action of the compression coil spring 50S shown.

[0164] Intermittent mechanism

[0165] like Figure 6 As shown, the intermittent mechanism 100 is disposed in the housing 90 below the electric motor 61 and the worm 66. The intermittent mechanism 100 includes a transmission rod 130 and a first intermittent guide 110. The transmission rod 130 is a non-limiting example of the "first interlocking mechanism" of the present teaching.

[0166] like Figure 6 , Figure 8 and Figure 10 to Figure 15 As shown in FIG. 1 , the transmission lever 130 is supported by the housing 90 so as to be swingable about a swing axis X130 extending in the vertical direction. The transmission lever 130 is a resin member in which a driven portion 132 and a first guided portion 131 are integrally formed.

[0167] The driven portion 132 is a convex portion that protrudes forward and toward the outside of the vehicle at a position separated forward from the swing axis X130. The top end of the driven portion 132 is rounded into a semicircular arc shape.

[0168] like Figure 8 As shown, the first guided portion 131 is a cylindrical shaft that protrudes upward at a position separated rearward from the swing axis X130.

[0169] The transmission rod 130 is Figure 8 The torsion coil spring 130S shown in the figure is swung around the swing axis X130 and toward Figure 6 and Figure 10 to Figure 15 Apply force in the counterclockwise direction on the paper surface.

[0170] The direct drive shaft 10 is arranged at Fig.10 In the first position shown, the acting portion 27 of the linear motion shaft 10 is farthest from the driven portion 132 of the transmission rod 130 .

[0171] As the direct-acting axis 10 moves from Fig.10 The first position shown is Fig.11 The action part 27 is displaced to the second position shown in the figure, and the action part 27 approaches the driven part 132 and finally contacts the driven part 132. Then, the torsion coil spring 130S applies force to the transmission rod 130 so as to press the driven part 132 against the action part 27. As a result, the driven part 132 of the transmission rod 130 is engaged with the action part 27 of the linear shaft 10, and the transmission rod 130 and the linear shaft 10 are linked.

[0172] Furthermore, the direct-acting shaft 10 passes through Fig.11 The second position shown is towards Fig.12 When the linear motion shaft 10 is displaced to the third position shown in FIG. 1 , the transmission rod 130 overcomes the force of the torsion coil spring 130S and moves to the Fig.12 Swing in clockwise direction.

[0173] In this way, the direct-acting shaft 10 is Fig.10 The first position shown approaches and reaches Fig.12 In the third position shown, the transmission rod 130 causes the first guided portion 131 to move forward and toward the outside of the vehicle around the swing axis X130 .

[0174] On the other hand, when the direct drive shaft 10 is Fig.14 The third position shown is Fig.10 When the linear motion shaft 10 is displaced to the first position shown in FIG. Fig.10Furthermore, when the linear shaft 10 passes through the second position, the action portion 27 is separated from the driven portion 132. As a result, the driven portion 132 of the transmission lever 130 is no longer engaged with the action portion 27 of the linear shaft 10, and the transmission lever 130 is no longer linked to the linear shaft 10.

[0175] In this way, the direct-acting shaft 10 is Fig.14 The third position shown approaches and reaches Fig.10 In the first position shown, the transmission rod 130 causes the first guided portion 131 to move toward the inside of the vehicle and rearward around the swing axis X130 .

[0176] like Figure 6 , Figure 8 and Figure 10 to Figure 15 As shown, the first intermittent guide portion 110 is supported by the housing 90 so as to be swingable about a swing axis X110 extending vertically at a position spaced apart from the swing axis X130 toward the vehicle interior and rearward. The first intermittent guide portion 110 is a resin member having a first intermittent profile 120 .

[0177] The first intermittent guide portion 110 has a guide portion body 110A extending from the swing axis X110 toward the outside of the vehicle and forward. When the first intermittent guide portion 110 swings around the swing axis X110, the guide portion body 110A moves in a direction such as Figure 6 , Figure 10 to Figure 13 and Fig.15 The first position of the switch SW1 separated from the movable protrusion SW1A toward the swing axis X130 is similar to the first position of the switch SW1 separated from the movable protrusion SW1A toward the swing axis X130. Fig.14 The movable protrusion SW1A of the switch SW1 is shown to be pressed rearward to thereby displace the switch SW1 between the second positions in which the switch SW1 is in a connected state.

[0178] The first intermittent guide portion 110 passes through Figure 8 The torsion coil spring 110S shown in the figure rotates around the swing axis X110 in a manner that it is separated from the swing axis X130 toward the movable protrusion SW1A of the switch SW1. Figure 6 and Figure 10 to Figure 15 Apply force in the counterclockwise direction on the paper surface.

[0179] like Figure 8 and Fig.10 As shown, the first intermittent guide 110 is formed with a first intermittent profile 120 to guide the movement of the first guided portion 131 of the transmission lever 130 when the transmission lever 130 is swung by the direct-acting shaft 10 or the torsion coil spring 130S. The first intermittent profile 120 is a groove recessed upward from the lower surface of the guide body 110A.

[0180] The first intermittent profile 120 includes a fourth position P4 , a fifth position P5 , a maximum separation position PM1 , and an intermediate stop position PM2 .

[0181] The fourth position P4 and the fifth position P5 are substantially dead-end shapes at the edge of the guide body 110A farthest from the swing axis X110. The fourth position P4 is farther from the swing axis X130 of the transmission lever 130 than the fifth position P5. In other words, the fourth position P4 is closer to the switch SW1 than the fifth position P5.

[0182] The first intermittent guide portion 110 is urged by the torsion coil spring 110S so that the fourth position P4 and the fifth position P5 of the first intermittent profile 120 are displaced in a direction away from the swing axis X130 of the transmission lever 130 toward the switch SW1 side.

[0183] The maximum separation position PM1 is substantially a dead end shape on the swing axis X110 side of the guide body 110A. The maximum separation position PM1 is a position farthest from the fourth position P4 and the fifth position P5 on the swing axis X110 side.

[0184] The intermediate stop position PM2 is located between the range including the fourth position P4 and the fifth position P5 and the maximum separation position PM1.

[0185] When the transmission rod 130 is linked to the linear reciprocating motion of the direct-acting shaft 10, the first intermittent profile 120 causes the first guided portion 131 of the transmission rod 130 to cycle in sequence from the maximum separation position PM1 to the fourth position P4, the intermediate stop position PM2, the fifth position P5, and then to the maximum separation position PM1 again.

[0186] In other words, if Fig.10 As shown, when the linear drive shaft 10 is located at the first position, the first guided portion 131 is located at the maximum separation position PM1.

[0187] Next, the direct-acting axis 10 is Fig.10 The first position shown is through Fig.11 The second position shown is Fig.12 When the first guided portion 131 is displaced from the maximum separation position PM1 ( Fig.10 ) to the fourth position P4( Fig.12 ) displacement.

[0188] Next, the direct-acting axis 10 is Fig.12 The third position shown is Fig.13 When the first guided portion 131 is displaced from the second position P4 ( Fig.12 ) to the middle stop position PM2( Fig.13 ) displacement.

[0189] Next, the direct-acting axis 10 is Fig.13 The second position shown is Fig.14 When the first guided portion 131 moves from the intermediate stop position PM2 ( Fig.13 ) to the fifth position P5( Fig.14 ) displacement.

[0190] Finally, the direct-acting axis 10 is Fig.14 The third position shown is Fig.10 When the first position shown in FIG. 1 is displaced and returned, the first guided portion 131 moves from the fifth position P5 ( Fig.14 ) to the maximum separation position PM1( Fig.10 ) displacement.

[0191] like Figure 8 and Fig.10 As shown, in order to make the first guided portion 131 reliably circulate in the order of the maximum separation position PM1, the fourth position P4, the intermediate stop position PM2, and the fifth position P5, a limiting portion 128 and a guide wall 129 are formed in the first intermittent profile 120, and a backflow prevention member 125 is provided.

[0192] The restricting portion 128 is formed in a substantially island shape at the center of the first intermittent profile 120 and is disposed between the maximum separation position PM1 and the fourth position P4. The restricting portion 128 protrudes toward the fourth position P4 at a position offset from the branch top PD1 branching from the fourth position P4 and the fifth position P5 toward the fourth position P4.

[0193] The limiting portion 128 is located at the first guided portion 131. Fig.10 The maximum separation position PM1 shown is Fig.12 When the fourth position P4 shown is guided, as shown in FIG. Fig.11 As shown, the guide wheel contacts the first guided portion 131, restricting (preventing) the first guided portion 131 from changing its travel path toward the intermediate stop position PM2.

[0194] like Figure 8 and Fig.10 As shown, the guide wall 129 is opposed to the branch top PD1 and the restricting portion 128 with a gap therebetween, and extends from the fifth position P5 toward the maximum separation position PM1.

[0195] The first guided portion 131 is Fig.12 The fourth position P4 shown passes between the branch top PD1 and the limiting portion 128 and toward Fig.13 While being guided to the intermediate stop position PM2 shown, the guide wall 129 is pressed by the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 110S and is held at the intermediate stop position PM2.

[0196] like Figure 8 As shown, the backflow prevention member 125 is supported in a swingable manner by the shaft hole 110H which is provided through the guide wall 129 of the guide body 110A on the side opposite to the restricting portion 128. The backflow prevention member 125 is supported by the torsion coil spring 125S toward Figure 6 and Figure 10 to Figure 15 A force is applied in the clockwise direction of the paper surface so that it protrudes between the limiting portion 128 and the guide wall 129.

[0197] The backflow prevention member 125 is located at the first guided portion 131. Fig.14 The fifth position P5 shown is Fig.10 The maximum separation position PM1 shown in FIG. 1 is pressed by the first guided portion 131 during the guidance. Fig.15 As shown, the first guided portion 131 is allowed to pass between the restricting portion 128 and the guide wall 129 by swinging against the urging force of the torsion coil spring 125S to separate the restricting portion 128 and the guide wall 129 .

[0198] On the other hand, when the backflow prevention member 125 does not swing even when pressed by the first guided portion 131, the first guided portion 131 moves from Fig.10 The maximum separation position PM1 shown is Fig.12 The fourth position P4 shown guides, and therefore the reverse flow of the first guided portion 131 is restricted (blocked).

[0199] In this way, the first intermittent guide portion 110 swings while repeatedly moving the direct-acting shaft 10 to the third position, and guides the first guided portion 131 alternately to the fourth position P4 and the fifth position P5. When the first guided portion 131 is guided to the fifth position P5, the first guided portion 131 presses the movable protrusion SW1A to switch the switch SW1 to a connected state.

[0200] Opening and closing action of the cover

[0201] The linear reciprocating motion device 1 of the above structure opens and closes the cover 5 as follows. Figure 1 As shown by the two-dot chain line, the description will start from the state where the cover body 5 is in the open position and the opening 8 is opened widely.

[0202] In this state, if Figure 1 As shown, the direct-acting shaft 10 is located at the first position, and the first guided portion 131 is located at Fig.10 In the maximum separation position PM1 shown, the guide body 110A and the movable protrusion SW1A of the switch SW1 are separated, and the switch SW1 is in the cut-off state.

[0203] When the user will Figure 1The cover 5 shown by the two-dot chain line is pressed toward the inside of the vehicle to become Figure 1 In the state shown by the solid line, the top end of the direct-acting shaft 10 at the first position and the top end of the rotating shaft 30 at the unlatched position enter the cover body engaging portion 4 of the cover body 5, and the buffer portion 81 of the direct-acting shaft 10 abuts against the surface of the cover body 5 facing the inner side of the vehicle to absorb the impact.

[0204] When the user overcomes the force of the compression coil spring 10S and further presses the cover 5 toward the inside of the vehicle, the cover 5 Figure 2 The locked position shown, reaching Figure 3 At this time, the linear axis 10 passes the second position and reaches the third position. The rotating shaft 30 moves linearly together with the linear axis 10 while rotating from the non-latching position to the latching position, so that the latching protrusions 34A and 34B are locked with the cover body locking portion 4, thereby locking the cover body 5.

[0205] In addition, at this time, if Fig. 9 As shown in (b), the stopper 50 is pressed backward by the rear end of the hook block 20 of the direct-acting shaft 10, overcoming the force of the compression coil spring 50S and swinging from the blocking position to the non-blocking position. Thus, the direct-acting shaft 10 is allowed to pass through the second position and reach the third position.

[0206] Then, if Fig. 9 As shown in (c), when the direct-acting shaft 10 passes through the second position and approaches the third position, the stopper 50 swings under the action of the compression coil spring 50S and returns to the blocking position. Fig. 9 As shown in (c) of FIG. 1 , the stopper surface 55 faces the engagement portion 25 of the linear drive shaft 10 with a gap therebetween from the outside of the vehicle.

[0207] Then, the user takes his hand off the cover 5, thereby Fig. 9 As shown by the solid line in (d), the direct-acting shaft 10 is displaced from the third position to the second position under the action of the compression coil spring 10S. The stopper surface 55 of the stopper 50 is arranged at a blocking position to engage with the engagement portion 25 of the direct-acting shaft 10 (to prevent movement), so that the direct-acting shaft 10 is held in the second position. As a result, the cover body 5 is held in Figure 2 Latched position shown.

[0208] The user performs the closing operation of closing the cover 5 as described above, and then, when the user takes his hand off the cover 5, the first guided portion 131 moves from Fig.10 The maximum separation position PM1 shown is Fig.12 The fourth position P4 shown is displaced, and then, from the fourth position P4 to Fig.13During this period, the guide body 110A is also separated from the movable protrusion SW1A of the switch SW1, and as a result, the switch SW1 is (retained) in the off state. Therefore, the electric motor 61 of the electric actuator 60 is not powered.

[0209] In order to keep Figure 2 The cover 5 in the locked position shown is swung to Figure 1 The cover 5 is pressed from the closed position to the open position shown in FIG. Figure 3 That is, a specific operation is performed to move the direct-acting shaft 10 to the first position. Fig. 9 As shown in (c), when the stopper 50 is located at the blocking position, the linear motion shaft 10 moves from the second position to the third position.

[0210] At this time, the first guided portion 131 is Fig.13 The intermediate stop position PM2 shown is Fig.14 The guide body 110A is displaced to the fifth position P5 shown in the figure, and the movable protrusion SW1A of the switch SW1 is pressed by the guide body 110A to switch the switch SW1 to the connected state. Therefore, the electric motor 61 of the electric actuator 60 is powered, and the stopper 50 swings to Fig. 9 The non-blocking position is shown by the double-dashed line in (d).

[0211] That is, the electric actuator 60 is powered according to the opening operation, i.e., the specific operation, for displacing the cover body 5 to the open position, so that the stopper 50 is displaced to the non-blocking position. In addition, the intermittent mechanism 100 repeatedly moves the linear axis 10 to the third position, and enters a specific state once every two times, i.e., the first intermittent profile 120 of the first intermittent guide portion 110 guides the first guided portion 131 to the fifth position P5. And, when entering the specific state, the switch SW1 is switched from the disconnected state to the connected state.

[0212] When the stopper 50 swings to Fig. 9 In the non-blocking position shown by the double-dotted line in (d), when the limiting surface 55 of the stopper 50 is separated from the engaging portion 25 of the linear shaft 10, the linear shaft 10 is allowed to pass through the second position under the action of the compression coil spring 10S, toward Fig. 9 Thus, the cover 5 moves to the first position shown in (a). Figure 2 Locked position shown, swiveled to Figure 1 The open position is shown in solid line.

[0213] At this time, the rotating shaft 30 moves linearly together with the linear shaft 10, while Figure 2 Latch position shown turned to Figure 1The latching projections 34A and 34B are separated from the cover locking portion 4 by the rotation of the rotating shaft 30, and the cover 5 is no longer locked. As a result, the user can further swing the cover 5 to the non-latched position. Figure 1 The open position is shown by the two-dot chain line.

[0214] During this period, the first guided portion 131 is Fig.14 The fifth position P5 shown is Fig.15 The backflow prevention member 125 shown in FIG. Fig.10 The maximum separation position PM1 shown is displaced, and the guide body 110A is separated from the movable protrusion SW1A of the switch SW1, thereby switching the switch SW1 to the off state. Therefore, the power supply to the electric motor 61 is stopped, and the stopper 50 returns to the blocking position under the urging force of the compression coil spring 50S.

[0215] It should be noted that during maintenance work, when the battery is exhausted or when the electric actuator 60 is not working, the user may need to keep the electric actuator 60 in the state of being inoperable. Figure 2 The cover 5 in the locked position shown Figure 1 In this case, the user presses the manual operation part 59 backwards to manually swing the stopper 50 from the blocking position to the non-blocking position, so that the cover body 5 can be swung to the open position. Figure 1 Shown in open position.

[0216] Effects

[0217] In the linear reciprocating motion device 1 of embodiment 1, as Figure 1 to Figure 3 As shown, in order to repeatedly move the direct-acting shaft 10 to the third position, a closing operation (the user presses the cover body 5 from the open position to the pressed position in order to keep the cover body 5 in the locked position) and an opening operation (the user presses the cover body 5 from the locked position to the pressed position in order to move the cover body 5 to the open position) are performed alternately.

[0218] As described above, the linear reciprocating motion device 1 is as follows Figure 10 to Figure 15 As shown, the intermittent mechanism 100 is also provided as described above. Thus, when the linear axis 10 is repeatedly moved to the third position, it is performed once every two times. Fig.14 As shown, the guide body 110A presses the movable protrusion SW1A to switch the switch SW1 from the disconnected state to the connected state. The reason is that the first guided portion 131 of the transmission rod 130 is alternately guided between the fourth position P4 and the fifth position P5 of the first intermittent profile 120, and the guide body 110A presses the movable protrusion SW1A only when it is guided to the fifth position P5.

[0219] By using such intermittent switching of the switch SW1, when the user performs a closing operation of the cover body 5, the electric actuator 60 is not powered, and the control unit does not need to use a complex circuit for controlling the electric motor 61. On the other hand, when the user performs an opening operation of the cover body 5, the electric actuator 60 is powered to displace the stopper 50 to the non-blocking position. That is, the mechanical control is used in the above-mentioned linear reciprocating motion device 1, so that the occurrence (possibility) of malfunction caused by defects in the electronic control program can be reduced.

[0220] Therefore, the linear reciprocating device 1 of the first embodiment can simplify the circuit related to the switch SW1 and can further improve the reliability.

[0221] In addition, the intermittent mechanism 100 of the linear reciprocating motion device 1 has the first intermittent guide 110 and the transmission rod 130 of the above-mentioned structure, so that the switch SW1 is reliably switched from the disconnected state to the connected state every two times the cover 5 is pressed into the pressed position.

[0222] Furthermore, in the linear reciprocating motion device 1, the first intermittent guide portion 110 is forced in such a manner that the fourth position P4 and the fifth position P5 of the first intermittent profile 120 are displaced in the direction of separation from the transmission rod 130, and the fourth position P4 is farther from the swing axis 130 of the transmission rod 130 than the fifth position P5. Therefore, the first guided portion 131 circulates (moves) in the order of the maximum separation position PM1, the fourth position P4, the intermediate stop position PM2, and the fifth position P5. Furthermore, the limiting portion 128 is arranged between the maximum separation position PM1 and the fourth position P4, and limits (prevents) the first guided portion 131 from changing its route toward the intermediate stop position PM2 while being guided from the maximum separation position PM1 to the fourth position P4.

[0223] Here, in the above-mentioned linear reciprocating motion device 1, after the first guided portion 131 is guided to the fifth position P5, when it is the turn of the direct-acting shaft 10 to be guided to the fourth position P4 by the next movement to the third position, there is a case where (i) the direct-acting shaft 10 is moved from Fig.10 The first position shown moves at a slow speed and through Fig.11 The second position shown is Fig.12 The third position shown is moved, or (ii) the direct-acting shaft 10 moves from Fig.10 The first position shown moves and just passes Fig.11After the second position shown, the movement stops, and after being maintained at the second position, it moves from the second position to the third position. In the above case, assuming that the limiting portion 128 is not provided in the linear reciprocating motion device 1, when the direct-acting shaft 10 passes through the second position, there is a possibility that the fourth position P4 and the fifth position P5 of the first intermittent profile 120 are displaced in the direction of separation from the transmission rod 130 (due to the force of the torsion coil spring 110S) for the first intermittent guide portion 110. Therefore, the following defect may occur, that is, the first guided portion 131 skips the sequence of the fourth position P4 and is guided to the fifth position P5 via the intermediate stop position PM2. However, the limiting portion 128 of the linear reciprocating motion device 1 limits (prevents) the change of the travel route of the first guided portion 131, so the above-mentioned defect can be suppressed with high reliability.

[0224] In addition, in the linear reciprocating motion device 1, as Fig.13 As shown, when the first guided portion 131 is guided to the intermediate stop position PM2, it is pressed by the guide wall 129 of the first intermittent profile 120, so that it is held at the intermediate stop position PM2. With this structure, the guide wall 129, which is easy to increase in strength, reliably supports (supports) the first guided portion 131 guided to the intermediate stop position PM2, so that not only can the first guided portion 131 be reliably held at the intermediate stop position PM2, but also the damage of the first intermittent guide portion 110 can be suppressed.

[0225] In addition, the linear reciprocating motion device 1 has a limiter 50, which is displaced to a non-blocking position by an electric actuator 60 that is powered only when the first guided portion 131 is guided to the fifth position P5 according to an opening operation. Therefore, the user's opening operation can be simplified to an action of pressing the cover body 5 only to the pressed position, and the cover body 5 can be easily released from its hold.

[0226] In addition, in the linear reciprocating motion device 1, the cover body 5 can be opened and closed appropriately by having the structure including the linear drive shaft 10 and the rotating shaft 30.

[0227] Example 2

[0228] like Fig.16 As shown, in the linear reciprocating motion device of Example 2, the island portion 126 is formed at the center of the first intermittent profile 120. The island portion 126 has the limiting portion 128 of the first intermittent profile 120 of the linear reciprocating motion device 1 of Example 1 and the concave portion 127 that is recessed toward the maximum separation position PM1 on the fifth position P5 side of the limiting portion 128. In addition, in Example 2, the intermediate stop position PM2 of Example 1 is changed to the intermediate stop position PM2A.

[0229] When being guided to the intermediate stop position PM2A, the first guided portion 131 enters the recessed portion 127 of the island portion 126 , and is thereby held at the intermediate stop position PM2A.

[0230] The other structures of the embodiment 2 are the same as those of the embodiment 1. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the same structures as those of the embodiment 1, and the description thereof will be omitted or simplified.

[0231] In the linear reciprocating device of the second embodiment having such a configuration, similarly to the linear reciprocating device 1 of the first embodiment, the circuit related to the switch SW1 can be simplified, and the reliability can be further improved.

[0232] In addition, in this linear reciprocating motion device, the recessed portion 127 of the island portion 126 reliably receives (supports) the first guided portion 131 guided to the intermediate stop position PM2A, so that the first guided portion 131 can be reliably held at the intermediate stop position PM2A.

[0233] Example 3

[0234] like Figures 17 to 21 As shown, the linear reciprocating motion device of the third embodiment includes an intermittent mechanism 200 different from the intermittent mechanism 100 of the linear reciprocating motion device 1 of the first embodiment. The other structures of the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals are attached to the same structures as those of the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted or simplified.

[0235] Intermittent mechanism 200

[0236] The intermittent mechanism 200 includes a second intermittent guide portion 210, a transmission lever 230, and a transmission rod 231. The transmission lever 230 and the transmission rod 231 are representative and non-limiting examples of the "second interlocking mechanism" of the present teaching.

[0237] like Fig.17 and Figure 19 to Figure 21 As shown, the transmission lever 230 is supported by the housing 90 so as to be swingable about a swing axis X230 extending in the vertical direction. The transmission lever 230 is a resin member integrally formed with a driven portion 233. The driven portion 233 is a convex portion formed at a position away from the swing axis X230 in the front direction.

[0238] The transmission rod 230 is rotated around the swing axis X230 by a torsion coil spring (not shown) and moves in the Fig.17 and Figure 19 to Figure 21 Apply force in the counterclockwise direction on the paper surface.

[0239] The transmission rod 231 is a rod-shaped body extending in the vehicle interior and exterior direction. The end of the transmission rod 231 on the vehicle interior side is connected to the rear end of the transmission lever 230. The end of the transmission rod 231 on the vehicle exterior side is bent and protrudes upward, and the upward protruding portion becomes the second guided portion 232.

[0240] The direct-acting axis 10 is located Fig.17 In the first position shown, the acting portion 27 of the linear motion shaft 10 is farthest from the driven portion 233 of the transmission rod 230 .

[0241] In the direct drive axis 10 Fig.17 The first position shown is towards Fig.19 When the linear drive shaft 10 is displaced to the third position shown in the figure, the driven portion 233 is pressed by the action portion 27, so that the transmission rod 230 is engaged with the linear drive shaft 10 (engaged in a manner that enables movement). Therefore, after the engagement, when the linear drive shaft 10 moves to the third position, the transmission rod 230 and the linear drive shaft 10 are linked to overcome the force of the torsion coil spring (not shown) and move to the third position. Fig.19 Swing in clockwise direction.

[0242] Thereafter, when the linear motion shaft 10 approaches and then reaches the third position, the transmission lever 230 displaces the second guided portion 232 of the transmission rod 231 toward the vehicle outer side.

[0243] On the other hand, when the direct drive shaft 10 is Fig.21 The third position shown is Fig.17 When the transmission rod 230 is displaced to the first position shown in FIG. 1 , the transmission rod 230 is linked (engaged) with the linear axis 10, so that the transmission rod 230 is moved to the first position by the force of the torsion coil spring (not shown). Fig.17 Then, the driven portion 233 is separated from the acting portion 27 of the direct-acting shaft 10 .

[0244] Also, when the linear motion shaft 10 approaches and then reaches the first position, the transmission lever 230 displaces the second guided portion 232 of the transmission rod 231 toward the vehicle inner side.

[0245] The second guided portion 232 of the transfer rod 231 is guided by the second intermittent profile 220 (described later), so that the second guided portion 232 can be Figures 17 to 20 The position shown in FIG. 1 is separated from the movable protrusion SW1A of the switch SW1 and the Fig.21 As shown, the movable protrusion SW1A of the switch SW1 is pressed backward to displace the switch SW1 between the positions in the connected state.

[0246] like Fig.17 and Fig.18As shown, the second intermittent guide 210 is a flat plate portion extending from the support wall supporting the switch SW1 to the front of the switch SW1 and extending inward and outward of the vehicle in the housing 90. That is, the second intermittent guide 210 is provided in the housing 90 in a manner that is non-displaceable (fixed) relative to the housing 90.

[0247] The second intermittent guide portion 210 is formed with a second intermittent profile 220 for guiding the second guided portion 232 of the transfer rod 231. The second intermittent profile 220 is a groove recessed upward from the lower surface of the second intermittent guide portion 210.

[0248] The second intermittent profile 220 includes a sixth position P6, a seventh position P7, a maximum separation position PM3, and an intermediate stop position PM4.

[0249] The sixth position P6 and the seventh position P7 are formed in a substantially dead-end shape at the end edge side of the vehicle outer side of the second intermittent guide portion 210. The seventh position P7 is located closer to the switch SW1 than the sixth position P6.

[0250] The maximum separation position PM3 is formed in a shape recessed toward the vehicle inner side at a position farthest from the sixth position P6 and the seventh position P7 in the second intermittent guide portion 210 toward the vehicle inner side.

[0251] The intermediate stop position PM4 is located between the range including the sixth position P6 and the seventh position P7 and the maximum separation position PM3.

[0252] The second intermittent profile 220 circulates (moves) the second guided portion 232 of the transmission rod 231 to the maximum separation position PM3, the sixth position P6, the intermediate stop position PM4, and the seventh position P7 in this order when the transmission rod 230 is linked to the linear reciprocating motion of the direct-acting shaft 10.

[0253] That is to say, Fig.17 As shown, when the linear drive shaft 10 is located at the first position, the second guided portion 232 is located at the maximum separation position PM3.

[0254] In the direct drive axis 10 Fig.17 The first position shown passes through the second position to Fig.19 When the third position is displaced as shown, the second guided portion 232 is displaced from the maximum separation position PM3 to the sixth position P6.

[0255] In the direct drive axis 10 Fig.19 The third position shown is Fig. 20 When the second position is displaced as shown, the second guided portion 232 is displaced from the sixth position P6 to the intermediate stop position PM4.

[0256] In the direct drive axis 10 Fig. 20 The second position shown is Fig.21 When the third position is displaced as shown, the second guided portion 232 is displaced from the intermediate stop position PM4 to the seventh position P7.

[0257] In the direct drive axis 10 Fig.21 The third position shown is Fig.17 When the first position shown is displaced, the second guided portion 232 is displaced from the seventh position P7 to the maximum separation position PM3.

[0258] like Fig.18 As shown, on the second intermittent profile 220, the second guided portion 232 is reliably circulated in the order of the maximum separation position PM3, the sixth position P6, the intermediate stop position PM4, and the seventh position P7, thereby forming an island portion 226 and backflow prevention steps 225A, 225B, 225C, and 225D.

[0259] The island portion 226 is formed at the center of the second intermittent profile 220. The island portion 226 includes a recessed portion 227. The recessed portion 227 is recessed toward the maximum separation position PM3 between the sixth position P6 and the seventh position P7.

[0260] When the second guided portion 232 is guided to the intermediate stop position PM4 , it enters the recessed portion 227 of the island portion 226 , and is thereby held at the intermediate stop position PM4 .

[0261] The backflow prevention step 225A limits (blocks) the second guided portion 232 from the maximum separation position PM3 to the seventh position P7. The backflow prevention step 225B limits (blocks) the second guided portion 232 from the sixth position P6 to the maximum separation position PM3. The backflow prevention step 225C limits the second guided portion 232 from the intermediate stop position PM4 to the sixth position P6. The backflow prevention step 225D limits the second guided portion 232 from the seventh position P7 to the intermediate stop position PM4.

[0262] In this way, when the second intermittent guide portion 210 repeatedly moves the direct-acting shaft 10 to the third position, the second guided portion 232 is alternately guided to the sixth position P6 and the seventh position P7. When the second guided portion 232 is guided to the seventh position P7, the second guided portion 232 presses the movable protrusion SW1A to switch the switch SW1 to the connection state.

[0263] In the linear reciprocating motion device of the third embodiment, the cover body 5 is opened and closed in the same manner as the linear reciprocating motion device 1 of the first embodiment.

[0264] That is, when the user performs a closing operation to close the cover 5 and then releases his hand from the cover 5, the second guided portion 232 moves from Fig.17The maximum separation position PM3 shown is Fig.19 The sixth position P6 shown is displaced, and then, from the sixth position P6 to Fig. 20 During this period, the second guided portion 232 is also separated from the movable protrusion SW1A of the switch SW1, and the switch SW1 is turned off. Therefore, the electric motor 61 of the electric actuator 60 is not powered.

[0265] In order to keep Figure 2 The cover 5 in the locked position shown is swung to the open position by pressing the cover 5 from the locked position to the Figure 3 The user performs a specific operation to move the linear axis 10 to the first position. Fig. 9 As shown in (c), while the stopper 50 is arranged at the blocking position, the linear motion shaft 10 moves from the second position to the third position.

[0266] At this time, the second guided portion 232 is Fig. 20 The intermediate stop position PM4 shown is Fig.21 The second guided portion 232 is displaced to the seventh position P7 shown in the figure, and the movable protrusion SW1A of the switch SW1 is pressed by the second guided portion 232, thereby switching the switch SW1 to the connected state. As a result, the electric motor 61 of the electric actuator 60 is powered, and the stopper 50 is swung to Fig. 9 The non-blocking position is shown by the double-dashed line in (d).

[0267] That is, the electric actuator 60 is powered according to the opening operation (i.e., the specific operation) for displacing the cover body 5 to the open position, thereby displacing the stopper 50 to the non-blocking position. In addition, when the intermittent mechanism 200 repeatedly moves the linear axis 10 to the third position, it becomes a specific state once every two times, that is, the second intermittent profile 220 of the second intermittent guide portion 210 guides the second guided portion 232 to the seventh position P7. And when the specific state is achieved, the switch SW1 is switched from the disconnected state to the connected state.

[0268] In the linear reciprocating device of the third embodiment configured as described above, similarly to the linear reciprocating device 1 of the first and second embodiments, the circuit related to the switch SW1 can be simplified, and the reliability can be further improved.

[0269] In addition, the linear reciprocating motion device has an intermittent mechanism 200, which has a second intermittent guide part 210, a transmission rod 230 and a transmission rod 231, so that the cover body can be reliably implemented once every two times by manually pressing it to the pressed position to switch the switch SW1 from the disconnected state to the connected state.

[0270] In the above, the present invention has been described based on Embodiments 1 to 3. However, the present invention is not limited to the above Embodiments 1 to 3, and can be applied with appropriate modifications within the scope of the present invention.

[0271] For example, in Examples 1 to 3, two illustrative and non-limiting specific schemes of the intermittent mechanisms 100 and 200 are described in detail. Of course, the intermittent mechanisms 100 and 200 can be changed in various ways without departing from the scope or purpose of this teaching as long as the structure of the intermittent mechanism can be linked with the linear reciprocating motion of the movable member and the action (movement) of the movable member moving to the third position every two times as described above is set to a specific state. Such changes are all considered to be within the scope of this teaching.

[0272] In Examples 1 to 3, the switch is switched from the disconnected state to the connected state when a specific state is achieved, but the present invention is not limited to this structure. For example, the switch may be switched from the connected state to the disconnected state when a specific state is achieved. In addition, for example, the switching of the switch from the disconnected state to the connected state when a specific state is achieved may also be used to switch on / off the power supply to the lamp illuminating the periphery of the housing.

[0273] In the first and second embodiments, the first interlocking mechanism is the transmission rod 130, but the present invention is not limited to this structure. For example, the first interlocking mechanism may be composed of a plurality of link members.

[0274] In the first to third embodiments, the wiring for supplying power to the electric motor 61 is routed in such a manner that it passes through the switch SW1 midway, so that the connection state of the switch SW1 corresponds one-to-one to the rotation of the electric motor 61, and the disconnection state of the switch SW1 corresponds one-to-one to the stop of the electric motor 61, but the present invention is not limited to this structure. For example, the wiring for supplying power to the electric motor 61 and the wiring of the switch SW1 may be routed to the control unit separately, and a simple relay circuit or the like on the control unit side may be used for simple control. In this case, the on / off of other switches, sensors, etc. may be incorporated into this simple control to control the power supply to the electric motor 61.

[0275] In the first to third embodiments, the oil supply hole 8H is arranged in the opening 8, but the present invention is not limited to this structure. For example, a power supply connector (power supply port for electric vehicles) or the like may be arranged in the opening instead. In addition, in the first to third embodiments, the electrical connection to the control unit is achieved by the effect of the wire harness W1 extending from the housing 90, but the present invention is not limited to this structure. For example, an electrical connector may be arranged in the housing, and the electrical connector may be connected to a corresponding electrical connector arranged in the vehicle body.

[0276] The present invention can be used in vehicles such as automobiles, buses, and commercial vehicles, industrial machinery, and the like, for example.

[0277] It should be noted that the sector gear 56 and the worm 66 are preferably designed to have a "reverse drive type" worm (pinion) configuration as follows, when the electric motor 61 is not powered to drive the worm 66, the rotation of the sector gear 56 (driven component) caused by an external load (for example, a compression coil spring 50S that applies force to swing the stopper 50 to the blocking position) is applied to the worm 66 (driving component, also known as a pinion). That is, the "reverse drive (reverse drive)" action is caused by the fact that the worm 66 rotates freely when the electric motor 61 is not driven (powered), and is generated when the sector gear 56 frequently drives (rotates) the worm (pinion) 66. Such a configuration is known as a non-self-locking worm (pinion) configuration, which can be configured by appropriately designing the outer diameter of the worm (pinion) 66, the thread lead of the worm 66, and the resulting thread angle of the worm 66, and performing low friction surface finishing (low friction coefficient) on the sector gear 56 and the worm 66. For example, the thread angle of the worm 66 is preferably greater than 10 degrees. In order to further reduce friction, the worm (pinion) 66 and the sector gear 56 can be made smooth. Figure 5 , by energizing (driving) the electric motor 61, the worm 66 rotates, causing the sector gear 56 (and therefore the stopper 50) to swing counterclockwise toward the non-blocking position of the stopper 50. When the energization is stopped, the worm 66 freely rotates in the opposite rotation direction, and usually, due to the force of the compression coil spring 50S (not shown) that applies force (swings) to the stopper 50 toward the blocking position, the sector gear 56 (and therefore the stopper 50) swings clockwise toward the blocking position of the stopper 50. In general, the non-self-locking worm configuration can be designed by setting the lead angle of the worm 66 to be larger than the inverse tangent of the friction coefficient of the contact surface between the worm 66 and the sector gear 56, that is, the friction angle.

[0278] The term "intermittent" is used to explain the function of the mechanism 100, 200 of this teaching. It should be noted that the mechanism 100, 200 has a main function of changing its output (i.e., actuating or pressing the switch SW1) in a manner alternating with the mechanical input (i.e., the movement of the linear axis 10 and the rotating axis 30 to the pressed position of the cover body 5). Therefore, the "intermittent mechanism" 100, 200 can also be called an alternating output mechanism that functions to change its output only after the second input.

Claims

1. A linear reciprocating motion device (1), wherein: The linear reciprocating motion device (1) is characterized in that it has: Housing (90); A movable member (10, 30) supported by the housing (90), capable of linear reciprocating motion within a range including a first position, a second position, and a third position further away from the first position than the second position, and urged toward the first position; a stopper (50) supported by the housing (90), the stopper (50) being displaceable between a blocking position and a non-blocking position, the stopper (50) prohibiting the movable member (10, 30) from moving from the second position to the first position when in the blocking position, and allowing the movable member (10, 30) to move from the second position to the first position when in the non-blocking position, and the stopper (50) being forced toward the blocking position, and the stopper (50) being displaced toward the non-blocking position according to a specific operation for moving the movable member (10, 30) to the first position; an intermittent mechanism (100, 200) which is linked to the linear reciprocating motion of the movable member (10, 30) and specifies a specific state every two times when the movable member (10, 30) repeatedly moves to the third position; as well as a switch (SW1) provided in the housing (90) and switching from one of a disconnected state and a connected state to the other of the disconnected state and the connected state when the specific state is specified, The switch (SW1) is switched from one of the disconnected state and the connected state to the other of the disconnected state and the connected state, so that the stopper (50) switches between the blocking position and the non-blocking position. The intermittent mechanism (100) has: a first intermittent guide portion (110) supported on the housing (90) in a displaceable manner and formed with a first intermittent profile (120) including a fourth position (P4) and a fifth position (P5); and a first linkage mechanism (130) supported on the housing (90) in a displaceable manner, the first linkage mechanism (130) comprising a first guided portion (131) guided by the first intermittent profile (120), the first linkage mechanism (130) being adapted to be linked with the linear reciprocating motion of the movable member (10, 30) to displace the first guided portion (131), Whenever the first intermittent guide portion (110) is repeatedly moved by the movable member (10, 30) moving toward the third position, the first intermittent guide portion (110) guides the first guided portion (131) alternately to the fourth position (P4) or the fifth position (P5), The time when the first guided portion (131) is guided to the fifth position (P5) is defined as the specific state.

2. The linear reciprocating motion device (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The first intermittent profile (120) includes a maximum separation position (PM1) farthest from the fourth position (P4) and the fifth position (P5), and an intermediate stop position (PM2; PM2A) located between a range including the fourth position (P4) and the fifth position (P5) and the maximum separation position (PM1), The first intermittent guide portion (110) is biased in such a manner that the fourth position (P4) and the fifth position (P5) of the first intermittent profile (120) are displaced in a direction away from the first linkage mechanism (130), and the fourth position (P4) is farther from the first linkage mechanism (130) than the fifth position (P5). The first guided portion (131) is adapted to cycle in the order of the maximum separation position (PM1), the fourth position (P4), the intermediate stop position (PM2; PM2A), and the fifth position (P5). A limiting portion (128) is formed on the first intermittent profile (120) and is arranged between the maximum separation position (PM1) and the fourth position (P4). The limiting portion (128) is suitable for limiting the change of the travel route of the first guided portion (131) toward the intermediate stop position (PM2; PM2A) during the period when the first guided portion (131) is guided from the maximum separation position (PM1) to the fourth position (P4).

3. The linear reciprocating motion device (1) according to claim 2, wherein: When the first guided portion (131) is guided to the intermediate stop position (PM2), it is pressed by a guide wall (129) of the first intermittent profile (120) extending from the fifth position toward the maximum separation position (PM1), thereby being held at the intermediate stop position (PM2).

4. The linear reciprocating motion device (1) according to claim 2, wherein: An island portion (126) is formed at the center of the first intermittent profile (120), the island portion (126) including the limiting portion (128) and a recessed portion (127) recessed toward the maximum separation position (PM1) on the fifth position side of the limiting portion (128), When the first guided portion (131) is guided to the intermediate stop position (PM2A), it enters the recess (127) of the island portion (126) and is thereby held at the intermediate stop position (PM2A).

5. A linear reciprocating motion device (1), wherein: The linear reciprocating motion device (1) is characterized in that it has: Housing (90); A movable member (10, 30) supported by the housing (90), capable of linear reciprocating motion within a range including a first position, a second position, and a third position further away from the first position than the second position, and urged toward the first position; a stopper (50) supported by the housing (90), the stopper (50) being displaceable between a blocking position and a non-blocking position, the stopper (50) prohibiting the movable member (10, 30) from moving from the second position to the first position when in the blocking position, and allowing the movable member (10, 30) to move from the second position to the first position when in the non-blocking position, and the stopper (50) being forced toward the blocking position, and the stopper (50) being displaced toward the non-blocking position according to a specific operation for moving the movable member (10, 30) to the first position; an intermittent mechanism (100, 200) which is linked to the linear reciprocating motion of the movable member (10, 30) and specifies a specific state every two times when the movable member (10, 30) repeatedly moves to the third position; as well as a switch (SW1) provided in the housing (90) and switching from one of a disconnected state and a connected state to the other of the disconnected state and the connected state when the specific state is specified, The switch (SW1) is switched from one of the disconnected state and the connected state to the other of the disconnected state and the connected state, so that the stopper (50) switches between the blocking position and the non-blocking position. The intermittent mechanism (200) has: A second intermittent guide portion (210) is disposed on the housing (90) in a non-displaceable manner and is formed with a second intermittent profile (220) including a sixth position (P6) and a seventh position (P7); as well as a second linkage mechanism (230, 231) supported on the housing (90) in a displaceable manner, the second linkage mechanism (230, 231) comprising a second guided portion (232) guided by the second intermittent profile (220), the second linkage mechanism (230, 231) being adapted to be linked with the linear reciprocating motion of the movable member (10, 30) to displace the second guided portion (232), Whenever the movable member (10, 30) is repeatedly moved to the third position, the second intermittent guide portion (210) guides the second guided portion (232) alternately to the sixth position (P6) and the seventh position (P7), The moment when the second guided portion (232) is guided to the seventh position (P7) is defined as the specific state.

6. The linear reciprocating motion device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The linear reciprocating motion device (1) is arranged between an opening portion (8) of a vehicle body (9) and a cover body (5) suitable for opening and closing the opening portion (8) and is used in a vehicle. The cover body (5) is displaceable within a range including an open position for opening the opening (8), a locked position for closing the opening (8), and a pressed position for being pressed from the locked position to a side opposite to the open position. In the linear reciprocating motion device (1), the housing (90) is arranged on the vehicle body (9). The movable member (10, 30) extends with the axis (X10) passing through the opening (8) as the center, and is capable of linear reciprocating motion in the direction of the axis (X10) within a range including the first position corresponding to the open position, the second position corresponding to the locked position, and the third position corresponding to the pressed position. The specific operation is an opening operation for displacing the cover body (5) toward the open position.

7. The linear reciprocating motion device (1) according to claim 6, wherein: The linear reciprocating motion device (1) further comprises an electric actuator (60), which is disposed in the housing (90) and is operably connected to the stopper (50), and when powered according to the opening operation, causes the stopper (50) to move toward the non-blocking position.

8. The linear reciprocating motion device (1) according to claim 6, wherein: The movable member (10, 30) has: a direct-acting shaft (10) extending around the axis (X10), the direct-acting shaft (10) being supported by the housing (90) in a manner that the direct-acting shaft (10) cannot rotate around the axis (X10) and can perform linear reciprocating motion in the direction of the axis (X10) within a range including the first position, the second position, and the third position, the direct-acting shaft (10) being urged toward the first position; and A rotating shaft (30) extends with the axis (X10) as the center. The rotating shaft (30) is supported on the direct-acting shaft (10) in a manner that it can rotate around the axis (X10) and can perform linear reciprocating motion in the direction of the axis (X10). When the direct-acting shaft (10) is configured in the second position or the third position, the rotating shaft (30) can rotate to a latching position that locks the cover body (5). When the direct-acting shaft (10) is configured in the first position, the rotating shaft (30) can rotate to a non-latching position that does not lock the cover body (5).

9. The linear reciprocating motion device (1) according to claim 7, wherein: The movable member (10, 30) has: a direct-acting shaft (10) extending around the axis (X10), the direct-acting shaft (10) being supported by the housing (90) in a manner that the direct-acting shaft (10) cannot rotate around the axis (X10) and can perform linear reciprocating motion in the direction of the axis (X10) within a range including the first position, the second position, and the third position, the direct-acting shaft (10) being urged toward the first position; and A rotating shaft (30) extends with the axis (X10) as the center. The rotating shaft (30) is supported on the direct-acting shaft (10) in a manner that it can rotate around the axis (X10) and can perform linear reciprocating motion in the direction of the axis (X10). When the direct-acting shaft (10) is configured in the second position or the third position, the rotating shaft (30) can rotate to a latching position that locks the cover body (5). When the direct-acting shaft (10) is configured in the first position, the rotating shaft (30) can rotate to a non-latching position that does not lock the cover body (5).

Images