Action transmission structure and detection device, and door lock device for automobile

Abstract

The present application provides a motion transmission structure, a detection device, and a door lock device for an automobile, in which, after a transmitted member is rotated to a detection position by rotation of a transmission member, the transmitted member is not excessively rotated in a driven direction from the detection position. By rotating a transmission member, which is rotatably supported, in at least a driving direction from a predetermined initial position, the rotation is transmitted to a transmitted member, which is rotatably supported in the vicinity of the transmission member and is rotatable in at least a driven direction from a predetermined driven initial position. The transmission member abuts against the transmitted member when the transmission member is rotated in the driving direction from the initial position, thereby rotating the transmitted member in the driven direction from the driven initial position and to a predetermined detection position. Even if the transmission member continues to be rotated in the driving direction, the transmitted member is not excessively rotated in the driven direction from the detection position.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with the application date of October 12, 2021, the application number of 202111186548.6, and the invention name of detection device and automobile door lock device. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to a motion transmission structure, a detection device provided with the motion transmission structure, and an automobile door lock device provided with the detection device. BACKGROUND

[0003] In the conventional automobile door lock device, there is an automobile door lock device provided with a lock lever that can move to an unlock position / lock position in correspondence with an operation of a lock cylinder provided on an outside of a door, a key lever and a detected link that act in correspondence with an unlock / lock operation of the lock cylinder, and a detection switch that detects the unlock / lock operation of the lock cylinder by rotating in correspondence with an action of the detected link via a detection lever linked to the detected link (for example, refer to Japanese Patent No. 5205679 (Patent Document 1)).

[0004] Generally, in the automobile door lock device, from the viewpoint of safety of the vehicle, it is desirable that, before the position switch (detection switch 27 in Japanese Patent No. 5205679) detects the unlock of the lock lever, the electric contact on the unlock side of the detection switch is made to be connected in correspondence with the action of the detected link due to the unlock operation of the lock cylinder, whereby the detection switch detects the unlock operation of the lock cylinder. This is because, for example, in a situation where the lock lever directly performs an unlock action due to an illegal act, and thus the position switch detects the unlock of the lock lever in a state where the unlock operation of the lock cylinder is not detected or is detected before the unlock operation of the lock cylinder, a safety countermeasure such as operating an alarm device is taken, and in this case, when the lock cylinder is unlocked by a legitimate user, the detection switch must reliably detect the unlock operation of the lock cylinder earlier than the unlock detection of the position switch.

[0005] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0006] PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5205679 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0009] However, in the automotive door lock device described in Japanese Patent No. 5205679, if a detection switch is used to detect the unlocking operation of the lock cylinder in advance, the detection lever of the detection switch will rotate in the detection direction in response to the movement of the detected linkage based on the unlocking operation of the lock cylinder. After the unlocking operation of the lock cylinder is detected, the detection lever will also rotate significantly further in the detection direction. Thus, if the detection lever rotates significantly in the detection direction, it will place a large load on the detection lever, potentially reducing the durability of the detection lever in the key switch.

[0010] Furthermore, even in devices other than automotive door lock devices, when the detection link is set as the transmission member and the detection rod is set as the transmitted member, if the movement of the transmission member, which is operated by the lock cylinder, operating handle, or actuator, is transmitted to the transmitted member, excessive transmission of the movement of the transmission member to the transmitted member may place a large load on the transmitted member and reduce its durability. Therefore, it is desirable to have a movement transmission structure that prevents excessive transmission of the movement of the transmission member to the transmitted member.

[0011] In view of the above problems, the object of the present invention is to provide an action transmission structure that can improve the durability of the transmitted component, a detection device having the action transmission structure, and a door lock device for automobiles having the detection device.

[0012] Solution for solving the problem

[0013] According to the present invention, the above-mentioned problem is solved as follows.

[0014] The present invention provides a motion transmission structure in which rotation can be transmitted to a transmitted member by rotating a transmission member supported for rotation from a predetermined initial position along at least one driving direction. The transmitted member is rotatably supported near the transmission member and can rotate from a predetermined driven initial position along at least one driven direction. The motion transmission structure is characterized in that the transmission member has the following structure: when the transmission member rotates from the initial position along the driving direction, it abuts against the transmitted member, thereby causing the transmitted member to rotate from the driven initial position along the driven direction to a predetermined detection position. Thereafter, even if the transmission member continues to rotate along the driving direction, the transmitted member will not rotate excessively from the detection position along the driven direction.

[0015] Preferably, a shaft located near the transmitted member is fitted into an elongated hole in the transmitted member itself, and the transmitted member is supported so that it can rotate around the shaft by a predetermined angle and move in a near-far direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the shaft. Thus, as the transmitted member rotates from the initial position along the driving direction, the contact portion of the transmitted member that abuts against the transmitted member moves away from the rotation center of the transmitted member.

[0016] Preferably, the transmission member is rotatably connected to a movable member disposed near the transmission member itself, and the transmission member moves in a near-far direction as the movable member moves.

[0017] Preferably, the movable member is supported so as to be able to move linearly.

[0018] Preferably, the movable member is supported so that it can rotate a predetermined angle.

[0019] Preferably, the transfer member has: a first abutting portion, which abuts against the transferred member to cause the transferred member to rotate from the initial position along the first driving direction when the transfer member rotates from the initial position; a second abutting portion, which abuts against the transferred member to cause the transferred member to rotate from the initial position along the second driving direction when the transfer member rotates from the initial position along the other driving direction; and a receiving portion located between the first abutting portion and the second abutting portion, the receiving portion being capable of receiving the top end portion of the transferred member and its vicinity.

[0020] Preferably, the transmission member has the first abutment portion, the second abutment portion, and the receiving portion on the side close to the transmitted member, with the axis as the boundary, and the moving member is connected to the side opposite to the axis.

[0021] Preferably, the transfer member is axially supported near the transferred member to be able to rotate by a predetermined angle, and the transfer member has: an abutment portion that abuts against the transferred member in the rotational direction; and an arc portion that, centered on its own rotational center, abuts against the abutment portion as the transfer member rotates from the initial position along the driving direction, thereby causing the transferred member to rotate from the driven initial position to the detection position. Thereafter, the transferred member slides relative to the arc portion in the rotational direction, so that the transferred member does not rotate excessively from the detection position along the driven direction.

[0022] The present invention provides a detection device having the aforementioned action transmission structure. The detection device is characterized in that the transmitted component is a detection rod, which is supported on the housing of a detection switch having electrical contacts in a manner that allows it to rotate at a predetermined angle. By rotating the detection rod from a predetermined driven initial position along at least one driven direction to the detection position, the detection switch is activated. The transmission component is connected to the operating device in a manner that allows it to rotate from the initial position along at least one driving direction according to the operation of the operating device located at the predetermined position.

[0023] The present invention provides a door lock device for automobiles, comprising: the detection device; and a lock rod capable of moving from an unlocked position to a locked position and vice versa, depending on the operation of a lock cylinder provided on the door. The door lock device for automobiles is characterized in that the operating device is the lock cylinder, and the transmission member rotates from the initial position in a driving direction according to the unlocking operation of the lock cylinder.

[0024] This invention provides a door lock device for automobiles, comprising: the detection device; a lock rod capable of moving from an unlocked position to a locked position and vice versa, depending on the operation of a lock cylinder provided on the door; a position switch that detects the unlocked position of the lock rod; and a spring whose force applied to the lock rod is reversed at a midpoint between the unlocked and locked positions. The door lock device is characterized in that the operating device is the lock cylinder, the transmission member rotates from the initial position along a driving direction according to the unlocking operation of the lock cylinder, and rotates from the initial position along another driving direction according to the locking operation of the lock cylinder. Corresponding to the unlocking operation of the lock cylinder, before the lock rod reaches the midpoint from the locked position, the detection rod rotates towards the detection position, thereby the detection switch detects the unlocking operation of the lock cylinder, and then the position switch detects the unlocking of the lock rod.

[0025] The effects of the invention

[0026] According to the motion transmission structure of the present invention, after the transmitted member is rotated to the detection position by the rotation of the transmission member, the transmitted member will not rotate excessively from the detection position along a driven direction, thereby improving the durability of the transmitted member.

[0027] According to the detection device of the present invention, after the detection rod of the detection switch is rotated to the detection position by means of the rotation of the transmission member, the detection rod will not rotate excessively from the detection position in a driven direction, thereby improving the durability of the detection switch.

[0028] According to the automotive door lock device of the present invention, the detection switch detects the unlocking operation of the lock cylinder before the direction of the spring force is reversed, thereby enabling reliable detection of the unlocking operation of the lock cylinder before the unlocking detection of the position switch, and improving the durability of the detection switch. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a front view viewed from the rear of the door lock device of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 From Figure 1 The side view of the door lock device inside the vehicle, as seen in the direction of arrow II.

[0031] Figure 3 From Figure 1 The side view of the door lock device on the outside of the vehicle, as seen in the direction of arrow III.

[0032] Figure 4 It is an interior view of a vehicle used to clearly show the internal structure of the door locking device when it is locked.

[0033] Figure 5 It is an interior view of the vehicle used to clearly show the internal structure of the door lock device when it is in the unlocked state.

[0034] Figure 6 This is an interior view of the main part of the door locking device when it is locked.

[0035] Figure 7 This is an interior view of the vehicle showing the initial movement of the main parts of the door lock device when the lock cylinder is unlocked.

[0036] Figure 8 This is an interior view of the vehicle showing the main parts of the door lock device moving further from their initial action when the lock cylinder has been unlocked.

[0037] Figure 9 This is an interior view of the vehicle showing the main parts of the door lock device taking further action when the lock cylinder has been unlocked.

[0038] Figure 10 This is an interior view of the vehicle showing the main part of the door lock device moving to the unlock position during the unlocking operation based on the lock cylinder.

[0039] Figure 11 This is an interior view of the main part of the door lock device when it is in the unlocked state.

[0040] Figure 12 yes Figure 6 Sectional view along line XII-XII.

[0041] Figure 13 It is a timing diagram used to illustrate the operating moments of the main parts of the door lock device.

[0042] Figure 14 This is an operational illustration of a modified example of the detection device.

[0043] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating the motion transmission mechanism, representing a variation of the motion transmission structure.

[0044] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0045] 1. Door lock device; 2. Engaging unit; 3. Operating unit; 4. Main body; 41. Strike pin entry groove; 5. Latch shaft; 6. Latch; 7. Claw shaft; 8. Claw; 9. Opening lever; 10. Housing; 101. Cover; 102. Shaft; 103. Guide part; 104. First stop part; 105. Second stop part; 11. Key lever; 111. External lever; 112. Internal lever; 112a. Elongated hole; 112b. Connecting shaft part; 113. Shaft; 12. Locking lever; 121. Shaft; 122. First arm part; 123. Second arm part; 124. Detected part; 125. Protrusion; 13. Position switch; 131. Detection lever; 14. Opening linkage; 141. Support hole; 142. Elongated hole; 143. Release part; 15. Connecting rod; 151. Connecting shaft; 16. Motor; 161. Worm gear; 17. Worm wheel; 171. Protrusion; 18. Outer rod; 181. End; 182. Shaft; 183. Abutted part; 19. Inner rod; 191. Shaft; 192. Abutting part; 20. Detection device; 21. Transmission member; 211. Connecting shaft; 212. Elongated hole; 213. First abutment part; 214. Second abutment part; 215. Receiving part; 215a. Covering part; 22. Key switch (detection switch); 221. Detection rod (transmitted member); 221a. Rotating shaft; 222. Housing; 23. Connecting rod (moving member); 231. Upper end; 232. Elongated hole; 24. Operating force transmission member; 25. Eccentric spring (spring); 251. Coil part; 252, 253. Arm part; 26. Shaft; 27, 28. Operating force transmission member; 29. ​​Moving member; 30. Shaft; 31. Rotating member (transmission member); 311. Shaft; 312a, First abutting part; 312b, Second abutting part; 313, Arc part; 314, Storage part; 32, Transmitted component; 321, Shaft; 322, Arm part; IH, Inner handle; LK, Locking knob; K, Lock cylinder (operating device); OH, Outer handle; R, Operating force transmission component; S, Strike pin. Detailed Implementation

[0046] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] Figures 1-3 The door lock device 1 shown includes: an engagement unit 2, which is installed at the rear end of the front door (hereinafter referred to as the door) of the automobile (not shown), for keeping the door in a locked state; and an operating unit 3, which is assembled onto the engagement unit 2.

[0048] In particular, such as Figure 1 As shown, the engagement unit 2 is configured as follows: it has a main body 4 fixed inside the door by bolts (not shown), and a latch 6 and a pawl 8 are disposed inside the main body 4. The latch 6 is pivotally supported by a latch shaft 5 in the front-rear direction and can engage with a striker S provided on the side of the vehicle body when the door is locked. The pawl 8 is pivotally supported by a pawl shaft 7 in the front-rear direction and can engage or disengage with the latch 6. An opening rod 9 (see reference) that can rotate integrally with the pawl 8 is disposed on the front surface of the main body 4. Figure 4 , Figure 5 ).

[0049] When the door is closed, the striker S enters the striker entry groove 41 located in the main body 4 from the inside of the vehicle and engages with the latch 6. The latch 6 then... Figure 1 The open position shown indicates that the latch has rotated approximately 90 degrees counterclockwise around the latch shaft 5, and the pawl 8 engages with the latch 6 via the force of a spring (not shown), thereby preventing the latch 6 from moving in the open direction (in the open position). Figure 1 Rotate the door clockwise to keep it locked.

[0050] When the door is closed, the pawl 8 is turned in the opening direction by rotating the opening lever 9, which is based on the opening operation of the outer handle OH provided on the outside of the door or the inner handle IH provided on the inside of the door. Figure 1 Rotate clockwise (in the middle) and disengage the latch 6, thereby opening the door.

[0051] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the operating unit 3 has a housing 10 made of synthetic resin mounted on the front surface of the main body 4. Specifically, as... Figures 3-5As shown, the housing 10 includes: a key lever 11 connected to a lock cylinder (equivalent to the operating device of the present invention) K located on the outside of the door; a lock lever 12 capable of rotating to an unlocked position and a locked position; a position switch 13 capable of detecting the unlocked position of the lock lever 12; an opening link 14 capable of moving together with the lock lever 12 to the unlocked and locked positions; a connecting link 15 connecting the key lever 11 and the lock lever 12; a motor 16 capable of rotating in both directions; a worm gear 17 that, through the motor 16, rotates in both directions and transmits this rotation to the lock lever 12; an outer rod 18 connected to an outer handle OH; an inner rod 19 connected to an inner handle IH; and a detection device 20 for detecting the operation of the lock cylinder K.

[0052] In addition, Figure 4 , Figure 5 In the illustration, to clearly show the internal structure of the operating unit 3, a portion of the main body 4 is cut off, and the cover 101 used to close the rear surface of the housing 10 is omitted (see reference). Figure 2 ).

[0053] The key lever 11 is pivotally supported on the lower part of the housing 10 in a rotatable manner by a shaft 113 facing the direction of the vehicle interior and exterior, and the key lever 11 has an outer rod 111 exposed outside the housing 10 and an inner rod 112 disposed inside the housing 10 and capable of rotating integrally with the outer rod 111.

[0054] External rod 111 transmits operating force via vertical rods or other operating force transmission components R (see reference). Figure 3 The lever K1 is connected to the lock cylinder K, thereby causing the external lever 111 to rotate counterclockwise from its neutral position due to the locking operation of the lock cylinder K. Figure 3 The initial position shown is in the locking direction ( Figure 3 The external lever 111 rotates clockwise by a predetermined angle, corresponding to the clockwise rotation of lever K1 from the neutral position caused by the unlocking operation, moving from the initial position towards the unlocking direction. Figure 3 Rotate by a predetermined angle (counterclockwise).

[0055] The inner rod 112 and the outer rod 111 are integrally connected from Figure 4 , Figure 5 The initial positions shown are in the locking direction (in Figure 4 , Figure 5 (counterclockwise direction) and unlocking direction (in Figure 4 , Figure 5The lock cylinder K rotates clockwise by a predetermined angle, and the arc-shaped elongated hole 112a provided at the lower part of the inner rod 112 is connected to the lock rod 12 via the connecting rod 15. The end of the inner rod 112 that moves in the vertical direction is connected to the lower part of the connecting rod 23 described later. Thus, the unlocking and locking operations of the lock cylinder K are transmitted to the lock rod 12 via the key rod 11 and the connecting rod 15, and also to the detection switch 22 via the key rod 11, the connecting rod 23, and the transmission member 21 described later. In addition, the elongated hole 112a is set to be slightly longer than the length corresponding to the amount of movement of the lock rod 12 from the locked position to the unlocked position and the length corresponding to the amount of movement of the lock rod 12 from the unlocked position to the locked position.

[0056] The locking lever 12 is pivotally supported by a shaft 121 facing inwards and outwards of the vehicle, allowing it to rotate within the housing 10 by a predetermined angle, and the locking lever 12 can be rotated from... Figure 4 The locking position shown is rotated to Figure 5 The locking lever 12 is forced in both the unlocking and locking directions by the force of the eccentric spring 25 supported on the housing 10, as shown in the unlocking position and the opposite rotation. The locking lever 12 is then engaged with the first stop 104 provided on the housing 10 (see, for example, reference...). Figure 6 It is held in the locked position by abutting against the second stop portion 105 provided on the housing 10 (for example, refer to...). Figure 11 It comes into contact with and remains in the unlocked position.

[0057] The lower end of the locking lever 12 is connected to the end of the operating force transmission member 24 and the connecting rod 15. The operating force transmission member 24 can transmit the operating force of the locking knob LK, which is located on the inside of the door, to the locking lever 12. Furthermore, the locking lever 12 has a first arm 122 and a second arm 123. When the worm gear 17 rotates under the drive of the motor 16, the first arm 122 and the second arm 123 can selectively engage with a plurality of (three in this embodiment) protrusions 171 respectively provided on the surface and back of the worm gear 17. Thus, the locking lever 12, based on the manual operation of the locking knob LK and the lock cylinder K, and the rotation of the worm gear 17 under the electric action of the motor 16, overcomes the force exerted by the eccentric spring 25 and... Figure 4 The locking position shown is towards Figure 11 Rotate to the unlock position shown, and then rotate in the opposite direction.

[0058] For the eccentric spring 25, by Figures 6-11 As can be seen, the coil portion 251 is supported on the housing 10, one arm portion 252 is fixed to the housing 10, and the other mountain-shaped arm portion 253 is a free end. By flexing the other arm portion 253 and sliding it on the other arm portion 253 through the protrusion 125 provided on the locking lever 12 itself, the locking lever 12 can rotate from the locked position to the unlocked position and perform the opposite rotation.

[0059] The direction of the force applied by the eccentric spring 25 to the locking lever 12 reverses at the midpoint between the unlocked and locked positions of the locking lever 12. That is, when the locking lever 12 is located towards the unlocked position from the midpoint, the force applied by the eccentric spring 12 acts in the unlocking direction; when the locking lever 12 is located towards the locked position from the midpoint, the force applied by the eccentric spring 12 acts in the locking direction.

[0060] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, by fitting the drum-shaped support hole 141 at the lower part of the opening link 14 into the end 181 of the outer rod 18 in a manner that allows it to swing in the back-and-forth direction, and by fitting the elongated hole 142 in the vertical direction into the locking rod 12 in a manner that allows it to slide relative to the locking rod 12 in the vertical direction, the opening link 14 can be driven by the movement of the locking rod 12 towards the unlocked position and towards the locked position, and thus move around the end 181 as the center. Figure 4 The locking position shown is towards Figure 11 The unlock position shown swings and performs the opposite swing, and the opening linkage 14 moves in the opening direction (upward) based on the rotation of the outer rod 18 that accompanies the opening operation of the outer handle OH.

[0061] The worm gear 17 is pivotally supported on the housing 10 in a rotatable manner via the shaft 26 and meshes with the worm 161 fixed to the rotating shaft of the motor 16, thereby the worm gear 17 rotates in both directions under the electric action of the motor 16.

[0062] like Figure 4 As shown, when the locking lever 12 and the unlocking linkage 14 are in the locked position, and the motor 16 rotates according to the unlocking operation of the operating switch located inside the vehicle or the unlocking operation of the portable operating switch, the worm gear 17 moves in the unlocking direction (in... Figure 4 The locking lever 12 rotates counterclockwise, and one of the multiple protrusions 171 on the back side abuts against the second arm 123. As a result, the locking lever 12 overcomes the force of the eccentric spring 25 and moves in the unlocking direction (in the counterclockwise direction). Figure 4 Rotate clockwise and towards Figure 5 The lock lever 12 and the unlocking linkage 14 move to the unlock position. Furthermore, just before this movement, the detection lever 131 of the position switch 13 contacts the detected part 124 of the lock lever 12 to activate, stopping the rotation of the motor 16. Additionally, when the locking knob LK is unlocked, the unlocking operation of the locking knob LK is transmitted to the lock lever 12 via the operating force transmission member 24, thereby causing the lock lever 12 to move from the locked position to the unlocked position against the force exerted by the eccentric spring 25.

[0063] Furthermore, the actions taken when the lock cylinder K is unlocked will be described in detail later.

[0064] like Figure 5 As shown, when the locking lever 12 and the unlocking linkage 14 are in the unlocked position, and the motor 16 rotates according to the locking operation of the operating switch located inside the vehicle or the locking operation of the portable operating switch, the worm gear 17 moves in the locking direction (in the locking direction). Figure 5 Rotating clockwise, one of the multiple protrusions 171 on the surface abuts against the first arm 122. As a result, the locking lever 12 overcomes the force of the eccentric spring 25 and moves in the locking direction (in the clockwise direction). Figure 5 Rotate counterclockwise (in the middle) and towards Figure 4 The locking position is moved as shown. Furthermore, as the locking lever 12 and the opening linkage 14 move towards the locking position, just before this movement, the detection lever 131 of the position switch 13 is moved away from the detected portion 124 of the locking lever 12, thereby detecting that the locking lever 12 has moved towards the locking position and stopping the rotation of the motor 16. Additionally, when the locking knob LK is engaged, the locking operation of the locking knob LK is transmitted to the locking lever 12 via the operating force transmission member 24, thereby causing the locking lever 12 to move from the unlocked position to the locked position against the force exerted by the eccentric spring 25.

[0065] The outer rod 18 passes through a shaft 182 facing the front-rear direction (see reference). Figure 1 The outer rod 18 is pivotally supported on the lower part of the housing 10 in a manner that allows it to rotate at a predetermined angle. The outer end of the outer rod 18 is connected to the outer handle OH via an operating force transmission member 27 in the vertical direction. The inner end 181 is connected to a support hole 141 for the opening link 14 as described above. Thus, the opening link 14 is moved upward by rotating the door opening operation based on the outer handle OH.

[0066] like Figure 5 As shown, in the unlocked state where the locking lever 12 and the opening linkage 14 are in the unlocked position, when the outer lever 18 rotates based on the door opening operation of the outer handle OH, the opening linkage 14 moves upward from the unlocked position, and the release part 143 provided on the opening linkage 14 abuts against the opening lever 9 from below. As a result, the pawl 8 and the opening lever 9 rotate together in the opening direction, releasing the engagement between the pawl 8 and the latch 6, allowing the door to open.

[0067] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, when the locking lever 12 and the opening linkage 14 are in the locked position, and the outer lever 18 is rotated based on the door opening operation of the outer handle OH, the opening linkage 14 moves upward from the locked position. In this case, since the release part 143 moves upward in a manner that passes through the front of the opening lever 9, the pawl 8 cannot be rotated in the opening direction, and the door cannot be opened.

[0068] The inner rod 19 is pivotally supported on the housing 10 by a shaft 191 facing the inward and outward directions of the vehicle, allowing it to rotate by a predetermined angle. The lower part of the inner rod 19 is connected to the inner handle IH via an operating force transmission member 28. Thus, the inner rod 19 moves from its initial position based on the opening operation of the inner handle IH. Figure 4 , Figure 5 (as shown) towards the opening direction (in) Figure 4 , Figure 5 The inner rod 19 is rotated clockwise by a predetermined angle, so that the abutting part 192 of the inner rod 19 abuts against the abutting part 183 of the outer rod 18 from below, causing the outer rod 18 to rotate in the opening direction. If the locking rod 12 and the opening linkage 14 are in the locked position, the door can be opened as described above.

[0069] The detection device 20 is configured to include a transmission member 21 supported on the housing 10, a key switch (equivalent to the detection switch of the present invention) 22 that is turned on and off as the transmission member 21 rotates, and a connecting rod 23 that can move up and down in conjunction with the rotation of the key lever 11. Furthermore, the detection device 20 does not necessarily require the connecting rod 23. For example, if the transmission member 21 is directly connected to the key lever 11, the connecting rod 23 can be omitted.

[0070] Furthermore, the motion transmission structure of the present invention is configured as a detection rod 221 comprising a transmission member 21 and a key switch 22, the detection rod 221 constituting the transmitted member, and the motion transmission structure can also be applied to devices other than the detection device 20 and automotive door lock devices.

[0071] The key switch 22 has: a housing 222 fixed to the housing 10 and having built-in electrical contacts; and a detection rod 221 constituting a transmission member, the detection rod 221 being pivotally supported on the housing 222 by a rotation shaft 221a in a manner that allows it to rotate at a predetermined angle.

[0072] The detection rod 221 is always held in place by the spring (not shown in the diagram). Figure 6 , Figure 11 In the initial position shown (driven initial position), the detection lever 221 detects that the lock cylinder K has been unlocked by rotating it clockwise by a predetermined angle from the initial position in one driven direction. Similarly, the detection lever 221 detects that the lock cylinder K has been locked by rotating it counterclockwise by a predetermined angle from the initial position in another driven direction. Furthermore, the allowable rotation range of the detection lever 221 is set to a predetermined maximum angle. Therefore, the detection lever 221 cannot actually rotate to a position exceeding the maximum angle.

[0073] The connecting rod 23 (equivalent to the "moving member" of the present invention) is supported by the guide portion 103 provided in the housing 10 so that it can move linearly in the vertical direction. Its upper end 231 is connected to the connecting shaft portion 211, which is provided at the rear end of the transmission member 21, in a manner that allows it to rotate relative to the connecting shaft portion 211 provided at the rear end of the transmission member 21 by a predetermined angle. An elongated hole 232 in the front-rear direction provided at the lower end of the connecting rod 23 is connected to the connecting shaft portion 112b provided in the inner rod 112. Thus, when the inner rod 112 rotates counterclockwise or clockwise from its initial position based on the locking or unlocking operation of the lock cylinder K, the connecting rod 23... Figure 6 , Figure 11 The initial position shown is moved linearly downward or upward by a predetermined amount, thereby converting the linear movement into rotational motion and transmitting it to the transmission member 21.

[0074] like Figure 6 , Figure 11 As shown, when both the transmission member 21 and the connecting rod 23 are in their initial positions, the upper end 231 of the connecting rod 23, that is, the connection part of the connecting rod 23 that connects to the transmission member 21, is in the position closest to the shaft 102 described later in the housing 10. As the internal rod 112 rotates in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, the connecting rod 23 rises or falls, thereby moving the upper end 231 of the connecting rod 23 away from the shaft 102.

[0075] The transmission member 21 is positioned near the rear of the key switch 22. By fitting a long hole 212 on the transmission member 21 itself, facing forward and backward, into a shaft 102 located on the housing 10 and near the key switch 22, protruding towards the interior of the vehicle, the transmission member 21 is supported in a near-far direction orthogonal to the axis of rotation. Figures 6-11 The transmission member 21 can move a predetermined amount in the left-right direction and can rotate a predetermined angle around the axis 102. Furthermore, the connecting shaft 211 located at the rear end of the transmission member 21 is connected to the upper end 231 of the connecting rod 23 in a manner that allows rotation by a predetermined angle. Additionally, when the transmission member 21 is in... Figure 6 , Figure 11 In the initial position shown, shaft 102 is located at the rear end of the elongated hole 212 of transmission member 21. In addition, the connecting shaft portion 211 of transmission member 21 is rotatably connected to the upper end portion 231 of connecting rod 23 in a manner that does not substantially create clearance relative to the upper end portion 231 of connecting rod 23 in at least the front-rear direction.

[0076] Furthermore, the transmission member 21 has a first abutment portion 213, a second abutment portion 214 and a receiving portion 215 on the front side of the side close to the detection switch 22, with the shaft 102 as the boundary, and a connecting shaft portion 211 for connecting the connecting rod 23 on the rear side.

[0077] The transmission component 21 moves from the initial position along...Figure 6 , Figure 11 When the switch rotates counterclockwise (unlocking direction) as a driving direction, the first abutment part 213 abuts against the detection rod 221 of the detection switch 22 from above, thereby causing the detection rod 221 to rotate clockwise as a driven direction around the rotation axis 221a.

[0078] The transmission component 21 moves from the initial position along... Figure 6 , Figure 11 When the device rotates clockwise (locking direction) as another driving direction, the second abutment 214 abuts against the detection rod 221 of the detection switch 22 from below, thereby causing the detection rod 221 to rotate counterclockwise about the rotation axis 221a as another driven direction.

[0079] The receiving portion 215 is located between the first abutting portion 213 and the second abutting portion 214, and is formed by... Figure 12 It is understood that the surface side of the receiving portion 215 is closed by the covering portion 215a, and the receiving portion 215 accommodates the top end of the detection rod 221 and its vicinity. By accommodating the detection rod 221 in the receiving portion 215 of the transmission member 21, the vibration in the axial direction of the detection rod 221 is suppressed by the covering portion 215a, and the first abutting portion 213 and the second abutting portion 214 of the transmission member 21 can reliably abut against the detection rod 221.

[0080] Therefore, when the connecting rod 23 rises from its initial position based on the unlocking operation of the lock cylinder K, the upper end 231 of the connecting rod 23 moves upward away from the shaft 102. Consequently, the connecting shaft portion 211 of the transmission member 21 moves obliquely upward and backward relative to the shaft 102. As a result, the transmission member 21 rotates counterclockwise about the shaft 102 from its initial position and moves obliquely upward and backward. When the transmission member 21 moves obliquely upward and backward, the contact portion of the first contact portion 213 that contacts the detection rod 221 moves away from the rotation axis 221a of the detection rod 221.

[0081] Next, according to Figures 6-13 The functions of the main components of this embodiment (key lever 11, lock lever 12, position switch 13, detection device 20, and motion transmission structure) will be explained.

[0082] Figure 6 This is a side view of the main body when it is locked. Figures 7-10 This is a side view of the main part when the device is in the unlocked state. Figure 11 This is a side view of the main body when it is in the unlocked state. Figure 12 yes Figure 6 Sectional view along line XII-XII, Figure 13 It is a timing diagram used to illustrate the timing of the actions in the main part.

[0083] exist Figure 6 In the locked state shown, when the lock cylinder K is unlocked, the unlocking operation is transmitted to the internal lever 112 of the key lever 11 via the operating force transmission member R. The internal lever 112 then... Figure 6 The initial position A shown is rotated clockwise, and the rotation is transmitted to the locking rod 12 via the connecting rod 15, and then to the transmission member 21 via the connecting rod 23.

[0084] First, such as Figure 7 As shown, when the internal rod 112 rotates by an angle A1 from the initial position A, the connecting rod 23 rises from the initial position B to position B1. As a result, the transmission member 21 rotates counterclockwise around the shaft 102 and moves obliquely upward and backward, and the first abutting part 213 of the transmission member 21 abuts against the upper surface of the detection rod 221 of the key switch 22.

[0085] In addition, Figure 7 In the shown state, since there is an initial clockwise clearance between the rear end of the elongated hole 112a of the inner rod 112 and the connecting shaft 151 of the connecting rod 15, the initial clockwise rotation of the inner rod 112 will not be transmitted to the locking rod 12. Furthermore, since there is also an initial clearance between the first abutment portion 213 of the transmission member 21 and the detection rod 221, the initial counterclockwise rotation of the transmission member 21 will not be transmitted to the detection rod 221.

[0086] Then, as the lock cylinder K is unlocked, the internal lever 112 rotates further clockwise and to... Figure 8 At angle A2, as shown, the locking lever 12 rotates from the locked position to the unlocking direction, and rotates to position C, which is the reverse position (the middle position between the locked and unlocked positions) near the direction of force application of the eccentric spring 25. Additionally, the connecting rod 23 rises further and moves upwards to position B2.

[0087] like Figure 8 As shown, when the connecting rod 23 rises to position B2, the transmission member 21 rotates counterclockwise around the shaft 102 and moves further diagonally upward and backward. Simultaneously, when the detection rod 221 of the key switch 22 rotates clockwise from the initial position N around the rotation shaft 221a to a predetermined angle θ1, i.e., the detection position, the unlocking contact, which is an electrical contact within the housing 222, is activated, thereby triggering the key switch 22 to detect unlocking. The unlocking detection signal is sent to the vehicle-mounted ECU (Electronic Control Unit), which is not shown in the diagram.

[0088] Depend on Figure 13It is understood that the timing of the key switch 22 detecting the unlocking operation of the lock cylinder K is set at the moment when the lock bar 12 reaches position C, which is close to the reverse position of the force direction of the eccentric spring 25; in other words, it is set before the force direction of the eccentric spring 25 reverses. With this setting, the key switch 22 can reliably detect the unlocking operation before the unlocking detection of the position switch 13. Therefore, it is possible to reliably determine whether the lock cylinder K was unlocked by a legitimate user using the key plate or whether the lock bar 12 was unlocked due to improper behavior.

[0089] Then, as Figure 9 As shown, when the internal lever 112 rotates to angle A3 based on the unlocking operation of the lock cylinder K, the locking lever 12 rotates smoothly in the unlocking direction under the force of the eccentric spring 25 in the reverse position (middle position) and the unlocking direction. The position switch 13 detects the unlocking position of the locking lever 122 by contacting the detection part 124 of the locking lever 12 with the detection lever 131. Furthermore, as the internal lever 112 rotates clockwise, the connecting rod 23 rises to position B3 and transmits this movement to the transmission member 21. As the connecting rod 23 rises, the transmission member 21 further rotates counterclockwise and moves diagonally upward and backward. As the transmission member 21 rotates, the detection lever 221 further rotates clockwise and rotates to its maximum rotation position or to a position about to reach that maximum rotation position, i.e., a rotation angle θ2.

[0090] Then, as Figure 10 As shown, when the internal lever 112 rotates to angle A4 based on the unlocking operation of the lock cylinder K, the locking lever 12 abuts against the second stop portion 105 and stops at the unlocked position, thereby preventing further rotation of the internal lever 112. The position switch 13 detects that the locking lever 12 has moved to the unlocked position when the detection lever 131 contacts the detection portion 124 of the locking lever 12. In addition, as the internal lever 112 rotates clockwise, the connecting rod 23 rises and moves to position B4 and transmits this movement to the transmission member 21. However, as the connecting rod 23 rises, the transmission member 21 rotates further counterclockwise, but because the transmission member 21 moves further backward and upward, the contact portion of the first contact portion 213 that abuts against the detection lever 221 moves away from the rotation axis 221a of the detection lever 221. As a result, the detection lever 221 of the key switch 22 moves from... Figure 9 The position near the foreground position of the rotation angle θ2 shown is rotated in the opposite direction to the position of the rotation angle θ3, which is smaller than the foreground position.

[0091] Therefore, after the key switch 22 detects the unlocking operation of the lock cylinder K, even if the transmission member 21 rotates further counterclockwise based on the operation in the unlocking direction of the lock cylinder K, the detection rod 221 will not rotate excessively clockwise from the detection position. Thus, excessive load is not applied to the detection rod 221 in the clockwise direction. Therefore, the key switch 22 can detect the unlocking operation of the lock cylinder K in advance and reliably prevent damage to the detection rod 221.

[0092] After the locking lever 12 is rotated to the unlocked position, the unlocking operation of the lock cylinder K is stopped, and the lock cylinder K returns to its initial position. Thus, as Figure 11 As shown, the locking lever 12 and the opening linkage 14 are held in the unlocked position, and the detection lever 221 of the key lever 11, the linkage 23, the transmission member 21 and the key switch 22 returns to their respective initial positions, thereby making the door lock device 1 unlocked.

[0093] exist Figure 11 In the unlocked state shown, when the lock cylinder K has been locked, the locking operation is transmitted via the operating force transmission member R to the internal lever 112 of the key lever 11 (not shown in the figure). The internal lever 112 is activated based on the locking operation of the lock cylinder K. Figure 11 The initial position shown is rotated counterclockwise (locking direction), and the rotation is transmitted to the locking rod 12 via the connecting rod 15, and also to the transmission member 21 via the connecting rod 23.

[0094] When the internal rod 112 rotates counterclockwise, the connecting rod 23 moves downward from its initial position B. This causes the transmission member 21 to rotate clockwise around the axis 102 and move diagonally downward and backward. The second abutment portion 214 of the transmission member 21 abuts against the lower surface of the detection rod 221 of the key switch 22. Consequently, the detection rod 221 rotates counterclockwise by a predetermined angle around the rotation axis 221a, thus energizing the locking side contact and triggering the key switch 22 to detect the locking operation of the lock cylinder K. In this case, similar to when the lock cylinder K has been unlocked, the transmission member 21 rotates clockwise around the axis 102 and moves diagonally downward and backward, preventing the detection rod 221 of the key switch 22 from excessively rotating clockwise from the detection position where the locking side contact is energized.

[0095] Furthermore, in parallel with the counterclockwise rotation of the transmission member 21 from its initial position, the counterclockwise rotation of the locking rod 12 and the inner rod 112 correspondingly overcomes the force of the eccentric spring 25 and moves from the unlocked position to the locked position. After the locking rod 12 rotates to the locked position, the locking operation of the lock cylinder K stops, and the lock cylinder K returns to its initial position. Thus, as Figure 6As shown, the locking lever 12 and the opening linkage 14 are held in the locked position, and the detection lever 221 of the key lever 11, the linkage 23, the transmission member 21 and the key switch 22 returns to their respective initial positions, and the door lock device 1 becomes locked.

[0096] The above describes one embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the described embodiment. Modifications, alterations and combinations can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0097] (1) For the detection device 20, such as Figure 14 As shown in the modified example, the connecting rod 23 in the detection device 20 described in the embodiment, which is capable of linear motion, is replaced with a moving member 29 capable of rotational motion.

[0098] To explain this modified example, the moving member 29 is directly connected to the lock cylinder K or connected to the lock cylinder K via the key bar 11, etc., and the front end 291 of the moving member 29 is rotatably connected to the connecting shaft 211 of the transmission member 21, so that the moving member 29 can rotate a predetermined angle clockwise around the axis 30 from the initial position D in accordance with the locking operation of the lock cylinder K.

[0099] based on Figure 14 (a)~ Figure 14 (e) is used to illustrate the action of the variant example. Furthermore, in Figure 14 (a)~ Figure 14 In (e), for parts that have the same function as those in the described embodiment, the same reference numerals as in the described embodiment are sometimes used and the description is omitted.

[0100] First, when the unlocking operation corresponding to the lock cylinder K causes the moving member 29 to move from... Figure 14 When the initial position D shown in (a) is rotated clockwise by an angle D1, as shown in (a), Figure 14 As shown in (b), the transmission member 21 rotates counterclockwise by an angle E1 about axis 102 from its initial position E. Because an initial clearance in the rotational direction is provided between the first contact portion 213 of the transmission member 21 and the detection rod 221 of the key switch 22, the initial rotation of the transmission member 21 (rotation of angle E1) is not transmitted to the detection rod 221. Furthermore, Figure 14 (a) is equivalent to the embodiment described above. Figure 6 The state shown, Figure 14 (b) is equivalent to the embodiment described above. Figure 7 The state shown.

[0101] like Figure 14As shown in (c), when the moving member 29 is further rotated clockwise by an angle D2 in a manner that allows the front end 291 to move upward in accordance with the unlocking operation of the lock cylinder K, the transmission member 21 rotates counterclockwise by an angle E2 about the axis 102 and moves diagonally upward and to the right, and the first abutment part 213 abuts against the detection rod 221 from above. As a result, the detection rod 221 rotates clockwise by an angle F1 from its initial position F about the rotation axis 221a, causing the unlocking contact of the electrical contact of the detection switch 22 to be closed. Furthermore, Figure 14 (c) is equivalent to the embodiment described above. Figure 8 The state shown.

[0102] like Figure 14 As shown in (d), when the moving member 29 is further rotated clockwise by an angle D3 in accordance with the unlocking operation of the lock cylinder K, the transmission member 21 is further rotated counterclockwise by an angle E3 around the axis 102 and moves diagonally upward and to the right. As a result, the detection rod 221 maintains the unlocking contact of the electrical contact of the detection switch 22 in the closed position, and rotates clockwise by an angle F2 slightly larger than angle F1 around the rotation axis 221a. Furthermore, Figure 14 (d) is equivalent to the embodiment described above. Figure 9 The state shown.

[0103] like Figure 14 As shown in (e), when the moving member 29 is further rotated clockwise to the maximum angle D4 in response to the unlocking operation of the lock cylinder K, the transmission member 21 further rotates counterclockwise by an angle E4 about the axis 102 and moves diagonally upward and to the right. However, as the transmission member 21 moves diagonally upward and to the right, the contact portion of the first contact portion 213 of the transmission member 21 that contacts the detection rod 221 moves away from the rotation axis 221a. Therefore, the detection rod 221 does not rotate clockwise while maintaining the angle F2. Furthermore, Figure 14 (e) is equivalent to the embodiment described above. Figure 10 The state shown.

[0104] (2) Make the action transmission structure as Figure 15 The structure is as shown in the modified example. Figure 15 In the figure, the rotating member indicated by reference numeral 31 corresponds to the transmission member of the present invention or the transmission member 21 of the embodiment, and the transmitted member indicated by reference numeral 32 corresponds to the transmitted member of the present invention or the detection rod 221 of the embodiment.

[0105] The rotating member 31 is supported by a shaft 311 located near the transmission member 32, allowing it to rotate by a predetermined angle. It rotates about the shaft 311 in a manner that corresponds to the operation of the operating devices such as the lock cylinder K, the outer handle OH, and the inner handle IH. Figure 15 The initial position G shown in (a) is connected to the operating device by rotating in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

[0106] Furthermore, the rotating member 31 has: a first abutting portion 312a and a second abutting portion 312b, which can abut against the transmitted member 32 in the rotational direction; a receiving portion 314; and an arc portion 313, which is located on the outer periphery of the rotating member 31 itself, the arc portion 313 being centered on the axis 311.

[0107] The transmitted component 32 is supported by shaft 321 so that it can rotate by a predetermined angle, and is held in place by a spring (not shown). Figure 15 The initial position H in the storage section 314 shown in (a). The operation of the operating device is transmitted to other rods (not shown) via the rotating member 31 and the transmitted member 32 by rotating the transmitted member 32 from the initial position H to other rods.

[0108] When the rotating member 31 corresponds to the operation of the operating device, from Figure 15 When the initial position G shown in (a) is rotated by a predetermined angle G1 clockwise, the second abutment portion 312b of the rotating member 31 abuts against the arm portion 322 of the transmitted member 32 from below. Thus, as Figure 15 As shown in (b), the transferred component 32 is from Figure 15 The initial position H shown in (a) rotates towards the detection position H1. When the rotating member 31 rotates further in a clockwise direction, as shown in (a), Figure 15 As shown in (c), the transferred member 32 rotates slightly counterclockwise from the detection position H1, thereby disengaging the arm 322 of the transferred member 32 from the second abutment portion 312b and resting on the arc portion 313. Then, even if the rotating member 31 rotates from... Figure 15 If the position shown in (c) is rotated further in the clockwise direction, the top end of the arm portion 322 of the transferred member 32 will also move relative to the arc portion 313 of the rotating member 31 along the rotation direction. Therefore, the transferred member 32 will not rotate excessively in the counterclockwise direction from the detection position H1.

Claims

1. A motion transmission structure in which rotation can be transmitted to a transmitted member by rotating a transmission member supported for rotatability from a predetermined initial position along at least one driving direction, the transmitted member being rotatably supported near the transmission member and capable of rotating from a predetermined driven initial position along at least one driven direction, characterized in that... The transmission member is supported by a shaft disposed near the transmitted member, allowing it to rotate by a predetermined angle, and the transmission member has: The abutment portion, which is capable of abutting against the transmitted member in the rotational direction; and The arc-shaped portion is centered on its own center of rotation. As the transfer member rotates from the initial position along the driving direction, the transferable member abutting the contact portion rotates from the driven initial position to a predetermined detection position. Then, the transferable member slides relative to the arc portion in the rotational direction. The transfer member abuts against the transferred member while rotating from the initial position along the driving direction, thereby causing the transferred member to rotate from the driven initial position along the driven direction to the detection position. Afterward, even if the transfer member continues to rotate along the driving direction, the transferred member will not rotate excessively from the detection position along the driven direction.

2. The motion transmission structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission component has: The first abutting part abuts against the transmitted member when the transmitting member rotates from the initial position along the driving direction, causing the transmitted member to rotate from the driven initial position along the driven direction. The second abutting part abuts against the transmitted member when the transmitting member rotates from the initial position in another driving direction, causing the transmitted member to rotate from the driven initial position in another driven direction; as well as A receiving portion, located between the first abutting portion and the second abutting portion, is capable of accommodating the top end portion of the transmitted member and its vicinity.

3. The motion transmission structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The transmitted component is supported by the shaft so that it can rotate by a predetermined angle and remain in its initial position within the receiving portion.

4. The motion transmission structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The transmitted member is configured to have an arm, the second abutting portion abutting the arm, and the arm is configured to disengage from the second abutting portion and rest on the arc portion by rotating the transmitted member counterclockwise from the detection position, and the arm moves relative to the arc portion in the rotation direction.

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