Locking device

Abstract

In the locking device, the rack member (13) is movable in the direction of an arrow (E) from a first position (Q1) in which the locking pin (11) stays in a locking position (P1) to a second position (Q2) in which the locking pin (11) is movable to an unlocking position (P2), and the rack member (13) is movable in the direction of an arrow (D) from the second position (Q2) to a third position (Q3) in which the locking pin (11) is movable to the unlocking position (P2). The third position (Q3) is a position at which the lock pin (11) is disposed at the unlocked position (P2). The restricting section (70) restricts the movement of the rack member (13) from the first position (Q1) in the direction of the arrow (D). By driving the moving gear (14), the rack member (13) is guided by the first guide portion (71) to move from the first position (Q1) to the second position (Q2), and is guided by the second guide portion (72) to move from the second position (Q2) to the third position (Q3). With such a structure, it is possible to provide a lock device that can hold the lock pin in the locked position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a locking device. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the spread of electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, and the like has been advancing. In these vehicles, when the remaining amount of the battery is reduced, the battery is charged at a charging facility.

[0003] The battery is charged by connecting a power supply cable extending from a charging facility to a power supply port of the vehicle body (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a locking device that locks a power supply cable to a vehicle body in order to prevent replacement or theft of the power supply cable during charging of a battery (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

[0005] Such a locking device is provided with a locking pin that restricts the movement of the power supply cable. In order to prevent the locking pin from moving during charging and releasing the restriction of the power supply cable, a self-locking mechanism of a worm gear is used in the locking device shown in Patent Document 2. When an operation is performed from the locking pin side, the operation becomes heavier due to the component force generated by the worm gear, and the locking pin can be kept in the locked position.

[0006] Prior art literature Patent Literature Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-121109 Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-181750 Summary of the invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] However, in the self-locking mechanism using the worm gear, if the force for holding the lock pin in the locked position is increased, the operation load increases.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a locking device capable of keeping a locking pin in a locked position.

[0010] Technical solutions to solve problems

[0011] The locking device according to the embodiment of the present invention comprises a locking pin, a rack member, a moving gear, a driving unit and a housing. The locking pin can move from a locking position to an unlocking position along a first direction, wherein the locking position is a position for restricting the movement of an object, and the unlocking position is a position for releasing the restriction on the movement of the object. The rack member has a rack and is engaged with the locking pin. The moving gear meshes with the rack to move the rack member. The driving unit drives the moving gear. The housing accommodates the rack member, the moving gear and the driving unit, and allows the locking pin to be inserted. The rack member can move from a first position to a second position along a second direction, and can move from a second position to a third position along the first direction, wherein the first position is a position where the locking pin stays at the locking position, the second position is a position where the locking pin can move to the locking position, and the third position is a position where the locking pin is arranged at the unlocking position. The housing comprises a limiting unit, a first guide unit and a second guide unit. The limiting unit limits the movement of the rack member from the first position along the first direction. The first guide unit guides the movement of the rack member from the first position to the second position along the second direction. The second guide portion guides the rack member to move from the second position to the third position along the first direction. By driving the moving gear, the rack member is guided by the first guide portion to move from the first position to the second position, and is guided by the second guide portion to move from the second position to the third position.

[0012] Effects of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a locking device capable of holding a locking pin at a locked position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the locking device in the first embodiment according to the present invention. Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing the locking device in Embodiment 1 according to the present invention. Figure 3 It is a perspective view showing a state where the first case portion is removed from the lock device in Embodiment 1 according to the present invention. Figure 4 It is a plan view showing a state where the first case portion is removed from the lock device in Embodiment 1 according to the present invention. Figure 5A It is a perspective view showing a rack member and a lock pin of the lock device in Embodiment 1 according to the present invention. Figure 5B It is a perspective view showing a rack member and a lock pin of the lock device in Embodiment 1 according to the present invention. Figure 6 yes Figure 5A Cross-sectional view of CC´. Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement relationship between the rack member and the moving gear of the locking device in Embodiment 1 according to the present invention. Figure 8 It is a perspective view showing a state where the first housing portion, the second gear unit, the rack member, and the lock pin are removed from the lock device in Embodiment 1 according to the present invention. Fig.9A It is a cross-sectional view for explaining the operation of the rack member and the lock pin in the lock device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9B It is a cross-sectional view for explaining the operation of the rack member and the lock pin in the lock device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9C It is a cross-sectional view for explaining the operation of the rack member and the lock pin in the lock device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 10A This is a cross-sectional view for explaining the operation of the rack member and the lock pin by the emergency cable in the lock device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 10B This is a cross-sectional view for explaining the operation of the rack member and the lock pin by the emergency cable in the lock device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 10C This is a cross-sectional view for explaining the operation of the rack member and the lock pin by the emergency cable in the lock device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig.11 It is a perspective view showing a locking device in Embodiment 2 according to the present invention. Fig. 12A It is a perspective view showing a state where the first case portion is removed from the lock device in Embodiment 2 according to the present invention. Fig. 12B It is a front view showing a state where the first case portion is removed from the lock device in Embodiment 2 according to the present invention. Fig.13 It is a plan view showing a state where the first case portion is removed from the lock device in Embodiment 2 according to the present invention. Fig.14A It is a perspective view showing a rack member and a lock pin of a lock device in Embodiment 2 according to the present invention. Fig. 14B It is a perspective view showing a rack member and a lock pin of a lock device in Embodiment 2 according to the present invention. Fig.15 yes Fig.14A Cross-sectional view of the FF´ room. Fig.16It is a perspective view showing a state where a first housing portion, a second gear unit, a rack member, and a lock pin are removed from the lock device in Embodiment 2 according to the present invention. Fig.17A It is a cross-sectional view for explaining the operation of the rack member and the lock pin in the lock device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 17B It is a cross-sectional view for explaining the operation of the rack member and the lock pin in the lock device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 17C It is a cross-sectional view for explaining the operation of the rack member and the lock pin in the lock device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig.18 It is a perspective view showing a locking device in Embodiment 3 according to the present invention. Fig.19 It is a perspective view showing a state where the first case portion is removed from the lock device in Embodiment 3 according to the present invention. Fig. 20 It is a side view showing a state where the first case portion is removed from the lock device in Embodiment 3 according to the present invention. Fig.21A It is a perspective view showing a rack member and a lock pin of a lock device in Embodiment 3 according to the present invention. Fig.21B It is a perspective view showing a rack member, a lock pin, and an emergency cable of a lock device in Embodiment 3 according to the present invention. Fig. 22 It is a perspective view showing a state where the second housing portion, the second gear unit, the rack member, and the lock pin are removed from the lock device in Embodiment 3 according to the present invention. Fig.23A It is a plan view for explaining the operation of the rack member and the lock pin in the lock device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 23B It is a plan view for explaining the operation of the rack member and the lock pin in the lock device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Fig.23C yes Fig. 23B Magnified image of . Fig.23D It is a plan view for explaining the operation of the rack member and the lock pin in the lock device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Hereinafter, a locking device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] (Overview of locking device)

[0017] The locking device of this embodiment can be used to lock a power supply cable (an example of an object) connected to the power supply port of the vehicle body. The locking device is generally provided on the vehicle body, but there is no limitation on the location of its configuration as long as it can lock the power supply cable. The locking device may not be the power supply cable itself, but may lock a component connected to the power supply cable. The details will be described later, and the locking device restricts the movement of the power supply cable by protruding the locking pin, thereby preventing the power supply cable from being removed from the power supply port. In addition, the locking device can also be used as a locking device for a fuel tank cap, etc., which suppresses the movement of an object by advancing a pin.

[0018] (Implementation method 1)

[0019] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the locking device 1 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 1 As shown, for example, a vehicle 501 having a battery as a driving source is equipped with a charging system capable of charging the battery of the vehicle 501 through an external power source. A power supply port 502 is provided on the side of the vehicle 501, and a charging connector 510 provided on a power supply cable is inserted into the power supply port 502. A socket 503 is provided at the power supply port 502. Figure 1 In the embodiment, a locking protrusion 504 is provided above the inlet 503 of the vehicle 501 and is locked by a locking arm 512 described later. In addition, the locking device 1 of this embodiment is arranged above the locking protrusion 504. As an example, the locking device 1 is arranged in such a way that its locking pin 11 moves in the up-down direction. In addition, the arrangement of the locking device 1 is not limited to this, and the location and posture can be appropriately changed according to the object to be locked.

[0020] A power supply plug 511 connected to the socket 503 is provided at the front end of the charging connector 510. The power supply plug 511 is provided with a lock arm 512 that functions as a stopper when connected to the socket 503.

[0021] The locking arm 512 has a claw portion 513 at the front end and an operating portion 514 at the base. The locking arm 512 is provided so as to be rotatable around a rotation shaft 512a provided between the claw portion 513 and the operating portion 514 (see arrow A). A biasing member 515 is attached to the locking arm 512 to bias the claw portion 513 downward.

[0022] When the power plug 511 is installed in the socket 503, if the power plug 511 is inserted toward the socket 503, the claw 513 abuts against the inclined surface of the locking protrusion 504. When the power plug 511 is further inserted to overcome the force of the force applying member 515 on the lock arm 512, the claw 513 is guided by the inclined surface of the locking protrusion 504 and is hooked on the locking protrusion 504.

[0023] On the other hand, when removing the power plug 511, the lock arm 512 rotates around the rotation axis 512a by pressing the operation portion 514, so that the claw portion 513 is lifted (see the two-dot chain line) and the locking with the locking protrusion 504 is released. In this way, the power plug 511 can be removed from the socket 503.

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, the locking device 1 of this embodiment is arranged above the locking protrusion 504. The locking device 1 causes the locking pin 11 to move in one direction d1 and another direction d2 (in Figure 1 In the left and right direction, the Figure 1 In the locking device 1, the locking pin 11 is moved to the locking position P1 (solid line) on the upper side of the locking arm 512 (in one direction d1 (in Figure 1 In the left direction in the figure), the rotation of the lock arm 512 caused by the operation of the operating portion 514 is restricted. In addition, when the power plug 511 is removed from the socket 503, the lock pin 11 is moved to the unlock position P2 (two-dot chain line) on the right side of the lock position P1 (the other direction d2 (in the left direction)). Figure 1 The restriction on the rotation of the locking arm 512 is released.

[0025] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment, the locked position P1 is set to the left of the unlocked position P2, but the configuration of the locked position P1 and the unlocked position P2 is not limited thereto. For example, depending on the position of the component to be restricted, the locked position P1 may be set to the right of the unlocked position P2, or the locked position P1 and the unlocked position P2 may be set in the up-down direction or in a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and the left-right direction ( Figure 1 In the depth direction of the Figure 1 , an example is described in which the locking device restricts the rotation of the locking arm 512 when the locking arm 512 of the power plug 511 is locked to the locking protrusion 504 of the socket 503, but the present invention is not limited to such a structure. For example, the present invention can also be applied to a structure in which the power plug 511 is prevented from falling off by inserting the locking pin 11 of the locking device 1 into the locking hole provided on the side of the socket 503 and the power plug 511.

[0026] (Structure of Locking Device 1)

[0027] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional view of the locking device 1 viewed from the Z1 direction side. Figure 2As shown, the locking device 1 includes a locking pin 11 and a housing 12 through which the locking pin 11 is inserted. The housing 12 includes a first housing portion 21 and a second housing portion 22. The first housing portion 21 is a box-shaped portion with one side open. The second housing portion 22 is a plate-shaped portion and is arranged so as to block the opening of the first housing portion 21.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the locking device 1 from which the first housing portion 21 is removed, as viewed from the Z2 direction side. Figure 4 This is a plan view of the locking device 1 from which the first housing portion 21 is removed, as seen from above.

[0029] like Figure 3 As shown, the locking device 1 includes the locking pin 11, the housing 12, the rack member 13, the moving gear 14, the driving unit 15, the detection switch 16, and the emergency cable 17 (an example of a cable member). Figure 1 As shown, the locking pin 11 can move along the Z direction from a locking position P1 to an unlocking position P2, wherein the locking position P1 is a position where the movement of the object is restricted, and the unlocking position P2 is a position where the restriction on the movement of the object is released. Figure 3 As shown, the rack member 13 has a rack 43 and is engaged with the locking pin 11. The moving gear 14 is engaged with the rack 43 and moves the rack member 13. The driving unit 15 drives the moving gear 14. The rack member 13 moves in the Z direction by the driving of the moving gear 14. As the rack member 13 moves in the Z direction, the locking pin 11 engaged with the rack member 13 also moves in the Z direction, and moves between the locking position P1 and the unlocking position P2. When the locking pin 11 moves to the locking position, the detection switch 16 is pressed by the rack member 13, and it is detected that the locking pin 11 is configured in the locking position P1. The emergency cable 17 is provided to move the locking pin 11 from the locking position P1 to the unlocking position P2 to release the lock in an emergency.

[0030] (Moving gear 14, driving unit 15)

[0031] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown in the figure, the drive unit 15 has a motor 30, a first transmission gear 31, a second transmission gear 32, a third transmission gear 33 and a fourth transmission gear 34. The motor 30 is arranged in such a way that the output shaft 30a becomes a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the locking pin 11. In the figure, the Y direction along the output shaft 30a of the motor 30 is shown. The direction in which the output shaft 30a in the Y direction extends is shown by the Y1 direction, and the opposite side of the Y1 direction is shown by the Y2 direction. In addition, the direction perpendicular to the Z direction and the Y direction is shown by the X direction. The motor 30 is arranged at the end of the second housing part 22 in the X direction. The side in the X direction where the motor 30 is arranged is shown by the X1 direction, and the side opposite to the X1 direction is shown by the X2 direction. In addition, the X direction and the Y direction can be said to be directions parallel to the plate-shaped second housing part 22, and the Z direction can be said to be a direction perpendicular to the second housing part 22. In addition, in this specification, the description of verticality may not be vertical in a strict sense, but verticality including errors, as long as it can be generally recognized as vertical in society. In this specification, the term "parallel" does not necessarily mean parallel in a strict sense, but may mean parallel with an error, as long as it can be generally recognized as perpendicular in society.

[0032] The first transmission gear 31 is fixed to the output shaft 30a. The first transmission gear 31 rotates together with the rotation of the output shaft 30a. The first transmission gear 31 is a helical gear.

[0033] The second transmission gear 32 meshes with the first transmission gear 31. The second transmission gear 32 is rotatably supported by the housing 12. The rotation axis of the second transmission gear 32 is parallel to the Y direction. The second transmission gear 32 is a helical gear. The second transmission gear 32 is arranged on the X2 direction side of the first transmission gear 31.

[0034] The third transmission gear 33 is coaxially arranged with the second transmission gear 32. The third transmission gear 33 is rotatably supported by the housing 12. The third transmission gear 33 is a helical gear. The third transmission gear 33 is arranged on the inner side (Y2 direction side) of the housing 12 than the second transmission gear 32. The third transmission gear 33 is connected to the second transmission gear 32 by a connecting portion 35. The third transmission gear 33 rotates together with the rotation of the second transmission gear 32. The third transmission gear 33, the connecting portion 35 and the second transmission gear 32 constitute a first gear unit 36.

[0035] The fourth transmission gear 34 meshes with the third transmission gear 33. The fourth transmission gear 34 is rotatably supported by the housing 12. The fourth transmission gear 34 is arranged on the side of the third transmission gear 33 opposite to the motor 30 side (X2 direction side).

[0036] The moving gear 14 is coaxially arranged with the fourth transmission gear 34. The moving gear 14 is rotatably supported by the housing 12. The moving gear 14 is a helical gear. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the moving gear 14 has a plurality of peaks 14a. The plurality of peaks 14a are inclined relative to the rotation axis of the moving gear 14. Figure 4 As shown, the moving gear 14 is arranged on the side of the fourth transmission gear 34 opposite to the second transmission gear 32. The moving gear 14 is connected to the fourth transmission gear 34 by a connecting portion 37. The moving gear 14 rotates together with the rotation of the fourth transmission gear 34. The moving gear 14, the connecting portion 37 and the fourth transmission gear 34 constitute a second gear unit 38.

[0037] When the motor 30 is driven and the output shaft 30a rotates, the first transmission gear 31 rotates. The second transmission gear 32 meshing with the first transmission gear 31 rotates by the rotation of the first transmission gear 31. The third transmission gear 33 connected to the second transmission gear 32 via the connection portion 35 rotates by the rotation of the second transmission gear 32. The fourth transmission gear 34 meshing with the third transmission gear 33 rotates by the rotation of the third transmission gear 33. The moving gear 14 connected to the fourth transmission gear 34 via the connection portion 37 rotates by the rotation of the fourth transmission gear 34. The rack member 13 and the lock pin 11 move by the rotation of the moving gear 14.

[0038] (Locking pin 11, rack member 13)

[0039] Figure 5A It is a perspective view showing the rack member 13 and the lock pin 11 . Figure 5B It is from Figure 5A The rack member 13 and the lock pin 11 are perspective views obtained by viewing them from different directions. Figure 6 yes Figure 5A Cross-sectional view of CC´.

[0040] like Figure 5A and Figure 5BAs shown, the locking pin 11 has a columnar portion 11a and a head 11b. The columnar portion 11a is arranged in a manner that its long side direction is along the Z direction. The columnar portion 11a is, for example, a cylinder, but is not limited to a cylinder, and may also be a square cylinder, and may be any shape as long as the locking pin 11 can slide relative to the rack member 13 as described later. The columnar portion 11a can move in the axial direction relative to the second housing portion 22, and the movement in the radial direction is restricted by the second housing. The head 11b is arranged at the end of the columnar portion 11a on the Z2 direction side. The head 11b is, for example, a disc-shaped. The outer shape of the head 11b is formed to be larger than the outer shape of the columnar portion 11a. The head 11b is formed so that its outer shape includes the outer shape of the columnar portion 11a when viewed along the long side direction of the columnar portion 11a. The outer diameter of the head 11b is formed to be larger than the outer diameter of the columnar portion 11a.

[0041] like Figure 4 As shown, the rack member 13 is disposed between the motor 30 and the moving gear 14. Figure 5A As shown, the rack member 13 includes a main body 41 , a switch pressing portion 42 , and a rack 43 .

[0042] The main body 41 is a component having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 6 As shown, the main body 41 has a first side wall 51, a second side wall 52, a third side wall 53, a fourth side wall 54 and an inner side wall 55. The first side wall 51 and the second side wall 52 are arranged perpendicularly to the Y direction. The first side wall 51 and the second side wall 52 are arranged opposite to each other. The first side wall 51 is arranged on the Y2 direction side than the second side wall 52. The third side wall 53 connects the end of the first side wall 51 on the X2 direction side with the end of the second side wall 52 on the X2 direction side. The third side wall 53 is arranged perpendicularly to the X direction. The fourth side wall 54 connects the end of the first side wall 51 on the X1 direction side with the end of the second side wall 52 on the X1 direction side. The fourth side wall 54 is arranged opposite to the third side wall 53. The fourth side wall 54 is arranged on the X1 direction side than the third side wall 53. As shown in FIG. Figure 5B and Figure 6 As shown, the inner wall 55 is disposed between the first side wall 51 and the second side wall 52. The inner wall 55 is disposed perpendicularly to the Y direction. The inner wall 55 is disposed opposite to the first side wall 51 and the second side wall 52. The inner wall 55 is disposed in a manner of connecting the third side wall 53 and the fourth side wall 54.

[0043] like Figure 5B As shown, the main body 41 includes a pin fitting portion 44 and a cable engaging portion 45 (an example of an engaging portion). The pin fitting portion 44 is engaged with the lock pin 11 , and the cable engaging portion 45 is engaged with the emergency cable 17 .

[0044] like Figure 5AAs shown, the pin fitting portion 44 is provided at the end portion of the main body 41 on the Z1 direction side. The pin fitting portion 44 fits the locking pin 11 in a manner that allows it to slide along the Y direction. The pin fitting portion 44 includes a restriction portion 46, a first protrusion portion 47, and a second protrusion portion 48. The restriction portion 46 is a plate-shaped portion arranged perpendicularly to the Z direction. Figure 6 As shown, the restricting portion 46 is configured to connect the lower end of the first side wall 51 and the inner side wall 55. Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the restricting portion 46 is disposed on the Z2 direction side of the head portion 11 b. Thus, the movement of the lock pin 11 on the Z2 direction side is restricted.

[0045] like Figure 5A As shown, the first protrusion 47 is disposed at the end of the restricting portion 46 on the X2 direction side. The first protrusion 47 includes a first portion 47a extending from the restricting portion 46 toward the Z1 direction and a second portion 47b extending from the end of the first portion 47a on the Z1 direction side toward the X1 direction.

[0046] The second protrusion 48 is arranged at the end of the restricting portion 46 on the X1 direction side. The second protrusion 48 is arranged opposite to the first protrusion 47. The second protrusion 48 includes a first portion 48a extending from the restricting portion 46 toward the Z1 direction, and a second portion 48b extending from the end of the first portion 48a on the Z1 direction side toward the X2 direction. The restricting portion 46, the first protrusion 47, and the second protrusion 48 surround a first arrangement space 44a, in which the head 11b of the locking pin 11 is arranged.

[0047] like Figure 5A As shown, a gap is provided between the second portion 47b of the first protrusion 47 and the second portion 48b of the second protrusion 48. The gap forms a second configuration space 44b, and the columnar portion 11a of the locking pin 11 is configured in the second configuration space 44b. The first configuration space 44a and the second configuration space 44b have openings on the side surface of the main body 41 on the Y2 direction side, and are formed to extend toward the Y1 side. The locking pin 11 can slide relative to the rack member 13 in the Y direction along the first configuration space 44a and the second configuration space 44b.

[0048] like Figure 5B As shown, the cable engaging portion 45 is provided at the portion of the main body 41 on the first direction Y1 side. The cable engaging portion 45 is disposed between the inner side wall 55, the second side wall 52, the third side wall 53 and the fourth side wall 54. Figure 5B As shown, the cable engaging portion 45 is in the shape of a bent plate and is connected to the inner side wall 55 , the second side wall 52 , the third side wall 53 and the fourth side wall 54 .

[0049] The cable engaging portion 45 includes a locking portion 56 (an example of a locking portion) and an inclined portion 57 (an example of a third guide portion). Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the locking portion 56 extends from the inner side wall 55 toward the Y1 direction. The inclined portion 57 is formed from the end of the locking portion 56 on the Y1 direction side to the second side wall 52. The inclined portion 57 is inclined in a manner of being directed toward the Z1 direction as it is directed toward the Y1 direction. Both ends of the locking portion 56 and the inclined portion 57 on the X direction side are connected to the third side wall 53 and the fourth side wall 54.

[0050] A through hole 58 is formed along the Y direction from the locking portion 56 to the inclined portion 57. The through hole 58 penetrates the locking portion 56 and the inclined portion 57 in the Z direction. The through hole 58 is formed from the locking portion 56 to the approximate center of the inclined portion 57 in the X direction.

[0051] like Figure 5B and Figure 6 As shown, the emergency cable 17 includes a cable portion 17a and a front end portion 17b. The cable portion 17a is inserted into the through hole 58. The front end portion 17b is arranged at the end of the cable portion 17a on the Z1 direction side. The front end portion 17b has an outer shape larger than the outer shape of the cable portion 17a. The front end portion 17b is located on the Z1 direction side of the cable engaging portion 45. The details will be described later. When the emergency cable 17 is pulled in the Z2 direction, the front end portion 17b contacts the cable engaging portion 45 from the Z1 direction side, and the rack member 13 can be moved to release the lock performed by the locking pin 11.

[0052] like Figure 5A As shown, the switch pressing portion 42 protrudes from the third side wall 53 of the main body 41 toward the X2 direction. The switch pressing portion 42 is provided at the end of the third side wall 53 on the Z2 direction side and the end on the Y2 direction side. Figure 3 As shown, the detection switch 16 is arranged on the Z1 direction side of the switch pressing portion 42. When the rack member 13 and the lock pin 11 move in the Z1 direction due to the rotation of the moving gear 14, the detection switch 16 is pressed in the Z1 direction by the switch pressing portion 42. Thus, it can be detected that the lock pin 11 is in the locked position P1.

[0053] like Figure 5A As shown, the rack gear 43 is disposed on the third side wall 53 of the main body portion 41. The rack gear 43 is disposed along the Z direction at the end portion of the third side wall 53 on the Y1 direction side. Figure 7 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining the meshing of the rack 43 and the moving gear 14. Figure 7, is a diagram obtained by observing the meshing of the rack 43 and the moving gear 14 from the X2 direction side. The rack 43 has a plurality of peaks 43a (an example of a first peak) arranged in the Z2 direction. The peaks 43a are shaded from the upper right to the lower left in the figure. Each peak 43a is inclined relative to the Y direction. Each peak 43a is inclined in the Z1 direction as it moves toward the Y1 direction. The plurality of peaks 14a (an example of a second peak) of the moving gear 14 described above are inclined in a manner parallel to the peaks 43a of the rack 43 when meshing with the peaks 43a of the rack 43. The peaks 14a are shaded from the upper left to the lower right in the figure.

[0054] In this way, the rack member 13 is moved by the rotation of the moving gear 14 due to the meshing of the rack 43 and the moving gear 14. The details of the movement will be described later.

[0055] (Housing 12)

[0056] As described above, the housing 12 has the first housing portion 21 and the second housing portion 22 . Figure 8 1 is a perspective view showing a state where the second housing portion 22, the second gear unit 38, the rack member 13, and the lock pin 11 are removed from the lock device 1. Figure 8 In order to facilitate understanding of the drawings, a part of the emergency cable 17 is omitted. Fig.9A Is the locking device 1 Figure 4 A cross-sectional view showing the location of the BB´ space.

[0057] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 8As shown, the first housing portion 21 is substantially box-shaped and has a first side portion 61, a second side portion 62, a third side portion 63, a fourth side portion 64, a top portion 65, and an inner wall portion 69. The first side portion 61 and the second side portion 62 are arranged opposite to each other in the Y direction. The first side portion 61 and the second side portion 62 are arranged perpendicularly to the Y direction. The first side portion 61 is arranged on the Y2 direction side relative to the second side portion. The third side portion 63 connects the end of the first side portion 61 on the X2 direction side with the end of the second side portion 62 on the X2 direction side. The third side portion 63 is arranged perpendicularly to the X direction. The fourth side portion 64 connects the end of the first side portion 61 on the X1 direction side with the end of the second side portion 62 on the X1 direction side. The fourth side portion 64 is arranged opposite to the third side portion 63. The fourth side portion 64 is provided with a terminal portion 80, which supplies power to the motor 30, inputs a command signal to the motor 30, and outputs a detection signal of the detection switch 16. The top portion 65 is connected to the end portion on the Z2 direction side of the first side portion 61 , the end portion on the Z2 direction side of the second side portion 62 , the end portion on the Z2 direction side of the third side portion 63 , and the end portion on the Z2 direction side of the fourth side portion 64 .

[0058] like Figure 3 As shown, the second housing portion 22 includes a plate-shaped portion 22a and a fixing portion 22b. The plate-shaped portion 22a is arranged so as to block an opening formed by the end portion on the Z1 direction side of the first side portion 61, the end portion on the Z1 direction side of the second side portion 62, the end portion on the Z1 direction side of the third side portion 63, and the end portion on the Z1 direction side of the fourth side portion 64. The fixing portion 22b is a portion of the locking device 1 that is fixed to the vehicle body. The fixing portion 22b is arranged at the end portion on the Y2 direction side of the plate-shaped portion 22a and at both ends in the X direction.

[0059] like Figure 8 As shown, the inner wall portion 69 is disposed between the first side portion 61 and the second side portion 62. The inner wall portion 69 is disposed so as to face the first side portion 61 and the second side portion 62. The inner wall portion 69 is disposed on the X2 direction side of the motor 30. The inner wall portion 69 is disposed between the first gear unit 36 ​​and the rack member 13.

[0060] like Figure 8 and Fig.9A As shown in FIG. 1 , the first housing portion 21 includes a limiting portion 70, a first guide portion 71, and a second guide portion 72. Fig.9AAs shown, the first side surface portion 61 includes a side surface portion 66 on the Z1 direction side, a side surface portion 67 on the Z2 direction side, and a step portion 68 connecting the side surface portion 66 and the side surface portion 67. The side surface portion 67 is located on the inner side (Y1 direction side) of the side surface portion 66. The step portion 68 connects the end portion on the Z2 direction side of the side surface portion 66 and the end portion on the Z1 direction side of the side surface portion 67. The step portion 68 is formed from the end portion on the Z2 direction side of the side surface portion 66 toward the Y1 direction.

[0061] In the present embodiment, the limiting portion 70 and the first guide portion 71 are provided on the surface 68a on the Z1 direction side of the step portion 68. The limiting portion 70 is a portion on the Y2 direction side of the surface 68a on the Z1 direction side of the step portion 68. The first guide portion 71 is a portion on the Y1 direction side of the step portion 68. The limiting portion 70 and the first guide portion 71 may overlap. The limiting portion 70 and the first guide portion 71 are provided substantially perpendicularly to the Z direction. The second guide portion 72 is provided on the surface on the Y1 direction side of the side portion 67. The second guide portion 72 is provided along the Z direction.

[0062] The functions of the restriction portion 70 , the first guide portion 71 , and the second guide portion 72 will be described below together with the operation of the rack member 13 and the lock pin 11 .

[0063] (Action of the Locking Pin 11 and the Rack Member 13)

[0064] Next, the operation of the lock pin 11 and the rack member 13 by the driving unit 15 will be described.

[0065] exist Fig.9A In the embodiment, the rack member 13 is arranged at the first position Q1, and the locking pin 11 is arranged at the locking position P1. Fig.9A As shown, when the rack member 13 is arranged at the first position Q1, even when an external force such as to move the lock pin 11 in the Z2 direction acts, the movement of the lock pin 11 to the unlocking position P2 is restricted because the rack member 13 abuts against the restriction portion 70. In addition, the first side wall 51 of the rack member 13 abuts against the side surface portion 66.

[0066] In order to make the locking pin 11 Fig.9A The state shown in FIG. 1 is moved to the unlocked position P2. When the motor 30 is driven, the moving gear 14 rotates. In the meshing portion between the moving gear 14 and the rack 43, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown, the force in the Z2 direction acts on the peak portion 14 a of the moving gear 14 (see arrow D (an example of the first direction)).

[0067] As the force in the Z2 direction acts on the peak 14a of the moving gear 14, the rack 43 is also pressed in the Z2 direction. Fig.9AAs shown in FIG. 1 , the movement in the Z2 direction is restricted by the restriction portion 70. Therefore, the peak portion 43a of the rack member 13 is pressed toward the Y1 direction side along the inclination of the peak portion 14a of the moving gear 14 (see arrow E (an example of the second direction)). As a result, the rack member 13 is guided by the first guide portion 71 to move in the Y1 direction and moves to Fig. 9B The second position Q2 is shown. In addition, the inner wall portion 69 can restrict the movement of the rack member 13 from the second position Q2 to the Y1 direction.

[0068] When the rack member 13 moves from the first position Q1 to the second position Q2, the rack member 13 slides relative to the lock pin 11. Therefore, even when the rack member 13 is arranged at the second position Q2, the lock pin 11 is arranged at the lock position P1. The second position Q2 is a position where the lock pin 11 can move from the lock position P1 to the unlock position P2. In this way, the first guide portion 71 guides the movement of the rack member 13 from the first position Q1 to the second position Q2 along the Y1 direction.

[0069] At the second position Q2, the restriction of the rack member 13 in the Z2 direction by the restriction portion 70 is released. When the moving gear 14 is further rotated from the state where the rack member 13 is arranged in the second position Q2, the rack member 13 is guided by the second guide portion 72 and moves in the Z2 direction as the peak portion 14a of the moving gear 14 moves in the Z2 direction. Fig. 9C When the rack member 13 moves from the second position Q2 to the third position Q3, the locking pin 11 engaged with the rack member 13 also moves in the Z2 direction. As a result, the locking pin 11 is configured in the unlocking position P2. In this way, the second guide portion 72 guides the movement of the rack member from the second position Q2 to the third position Q3 along the Z2 direction.

[0070] As described above, by driving the motor 30 to rotate the moving gear 14 , the rack member 13 can be sequentially moved to the first position Q1 , the second position Q2 , and the third position Q3 , and the lock pin 11 can be moved from the locked position P1 to the unlocked position P2 .

[0071] In addition, the movement of the locking pin 11 from the unlocking position P2 to the locking position P1 only requires the reverse rotation of the moving gear 14. Fig. 9C As shown, from the state where the rack member 13 is arranged at the third position Q3, by rotating the moving gear 14 in the reverse direction, as shown in FIG. Fig. 9BAs shown, the rack member 13 moves to the second position Q2, and the locking pin 11 moves to the locking position P1. At this time, the detection switch 16 is pressed by the switch pressing portion 42 of the rack member 13. When the moving gear 14 is further rotated in the reverse direction, the rack member 13 is restricted from moving in the Z1 direction by the inner surface 22c of the second housing portion 22, and is therefore pressed by the peak portion 14a of the moving gear 14 moving in the Z1 direction and moves in the Y2 direction, as shown in FIG. Fig.9A As shown, the rack member 13 is arranged at the first position Q1. When the rack member 13 moves from the second position Q2 to the first position Q1, it slides relative to the lock pin 11 and moves.

[0072] As described above, the rack member 13 can be moved to the third position Q3 , the second position Q2 , and the first position Q1 in sequence, and the lock pin 11 can be moved from the unlock position P2 to the lock position P1 .

[0073] Next, the operation of the lock pin 11 and the rack member 13 by the emergency cable 17 will be described. The emergency cable 17 is used by an operator to forcibly move the lock pin 11 from the locked position P1 to the unlocked position P2.

[0074] Fig. 10A , Fig. 10B and Fig. 10C 1 is a diagram showing the operation of the rack member 13 and the locking pin 11 when the emergency cable 17 is pulled. Fig. 10A In, with Fig.9A Similarly, the rack member 13 is arranged at the first position Q1, and the locking pin 11 is arranged at the locking position P1. When the emergency cable 17 is pulled in the Z2 direction, the front end portion 17b contacts the inclined portion 57 from the Z1 direction side. When the emergency cable 17 is further pulled, the rack member 13 is also pulled in the Z2 direction. Fig. 10A As shown, the movement in the Z2 direction is restricted by the restriction portion 70. Therefore, the inclined portion 57 moves while sliding relative to the front end portion 17b of the emergency cable 17, and the rack member 13 moves in the Y1 direction (see arrow E). Fig. 10B As shown, the rack member 13 moves to the second position Q2.

[0075] Next, when the emergency cable 17 is pulled in the Z2 direction, the front end portion 17b is locked in the locking portion 56, and the rack member 13 is pulled in the Z2 direction by the front end portion 17b. Fig. 10C As shown, the rack member 13 moves to the third position Q3, and the locking pin 11 moves to the unlocking position P2.

[0076] (Implementation method 2)

[0077] Next, the locking device 101 of Embodiment 2 is described. In the locking device 1 of Embodiment 1, the rack member 13 is arranged between the moving gear 14 and the motor 30, but in this Embodiment 2, the rack member is not arranged between the moving gear and the motor, but arranged outside the moving gear. In addition, in this Embodiment 2, the arrangement of the transmission gear is also different from that in Embodiment 1.

[0078] In addition, similarly to the first embodiment, the direction parallel to the output shaft of the motor is defined as the Y direction, and the direction parallel to the plate-shaped second housing portion and perpendicular to the Y direction is defined as the X direction. In addition, the direction parallel to the X direction and the Y direction is defined as the Z direction. The direction in which the output shaft of the motor extends in the Y direction is defined as the Y1 direction, and based on the Y1 direction, the X1 direction, the X2 direction, the Y2 direction, the Z1 direction, and the Z2 direction are defined similarly to the first embodiment.

[0079] Fig.11 This is a three-dimensional view of the locking device 101 viewed from the Z1 direction side. Fig.11 As shown, the locking device 101 includes a locking pin 111 and a housing 112 through which the locking pin 111 is inserted. The housing 112 includes a first housing portion 121 and a second housing portion 122. The first housing portion 121 is a box-shaped portion with one side open. The second housing portion 122 is a plate-shaped portion configured to block the opening of the first housing portion 121.

[0080] Fig. 12A This is a perspective view of the locking device 101 from which the first housing portion 121 is removed, as viewed from the upper Z2 side. Fig. 12B is from Fig. 12A This is a side view of the device viewed from the X2 direction. Fig. 12B In order to facilitate understanding of the drawings, the motor 130 and the emergency cable 117 are omitted. Fig.13 This is a plan view of the locking device 101 from which the first housing portion 121 is removed, as viewed from the Z2 direction side.

[0081] like Fig. 12A As shown, the locking device 101 includes the above-mentioned locking pin 111 and the above-mentioned housing 112 (see Fig.11 )、the rack member 113, the moving gear 114, the driving unit 115, the detection switch 116 and the emergency cable 117 (an example of a cable member). The locking pin 111 can move from the locking position P1 to the unlocking position P2 along the Z direction. The locking position P1 is a position where the movement of the object is restricted, and the unlocking position P2 is a position where the restriction on the movement of the object is released. Fig. 12AAs shown, the rack member 113 has a rack 143 and is engaged with the locking pin 111. The moving gear 114 is engaged with the rack 143 and moves the rack member 113. The driving unit 115 drives the moving gear 114. The rack member 113 moves in the Z direction by the driving of the moving gear 114. As the rack member 113 moves in the Z direction, the locking pin 111 engaged with the rack member 113 also moves in the Z direction, and the locking pin 111 moves between the locking position P1 and the unlocking position P2. When the locking pin 111 moves to the locking position P1, the detection switch 116 is pressed by the rack member 113, and it is detected that the locking pin 111 is configured at the locking position P1. The emergency cable 117 is provided to move the locking pin 111 to the unlocking position P2 to release the lock in an emergency.

[0082] (Moving gear 114, driving unit 115)

[0083] like Fig. 12A and Fig.13 As shown, the driving unit 115 includes a motor 130, a first transmission gear 131, a second transmission gear 132, a third transmission gear 133, and a fourth transmission gear 134. As described above, the motor 130 is arranged such that the output shaft 130a is along the Y direction. The direction in which the output shaft 130a of the motor 130 protrudes is indicated as the Y1 direction.

[0084] The first transmission gear 131 is fixed to the output shaft 130a. The first transmission gear 131 rotates together with the rotation of the output shaft 130a. The first transmission gear 131 is a helical gear. The second transmission gear 132 meshes with the first transmission gear 131. The rotation axis of the second transmission gear 132 is parallel to the Y direction. The second transmission gear 132 is a helical gear. The second transmission gear 132 is arranged on the X2 direction side of the first transmission gear 131.

[0085] The third transmission gear 133 is coaxially arranged with the second transmission gear 132. The third transmission gear 133 is rotatably supported by the housing 112. The third transmission gear 133 is a helical gear. The third transmission gear 133 is arranged on the outer side (Y1 direction side) of the housing 12 than the second transmission gear 132. The third transmission gear 133 is connected to the second transmission gear 132 by a connecting portion 135. The third transmission gear 133 rotates together with the rotation of the second transmission gear 132. The third transmission gear 133, the connecting portion 135 and the second transmission gear 132 constitute a first gear unit 136.

[0086] The fourth transmission gear 134 meshes with the third transmission gear 133. The fourth transmission gear 134 is rotatably supported by the housing 112. The fourth transmission gear 134 is arranged on the X2 direction side of the third transmission gear 133.

[0087] The moving gear 114 is coaxially arranged with the fourth transmission gear 134. The moving gear 114 is rotatably supported by the housing 112. The moving gear 114 is a helical gear. Fig.13 As shown, the moving gear 114 has a plurality of peaks 114a. The plurality of peaks 114a are inclined relative to the rotation axis of the moving gear 114. The moving gear 114 is arranged on the Y2 direction side of the fourth transmission gear 134. The moving gear 114 is connected to the fourth transmission gear 134 by a connecting portion 137. The moving gear 114 rotates together with the rotation of the fourth transmission gear 134. The moving gear 114, the connecting portion 137 and the fourth transmission gear 134 constitute a second gear unit 138.

[0088] When the motor 130 is driven and the output shaft 130a rotates, the first transmission gear 131 rotates. The second transmission gear 132 meshing with the first transmission gear 131 rotates by the rotation of the first transmission gear 131. The third transmission gear 133 connected to the second transmission gear 132 by the connection portion 135 rotates by the rotation of the second transmission gear 132. The fourth transmission gear 134 meshing with the third transmission gear 133 rotates by the rotation of the third transmission gear 133. The moving gear 114 connected to the fourth transmission gear 134 by the connection portion 137 rotates by the rotation of the fourth transmission gear 134. The rack member 113 and the lock pin 111 move by the rotation of the moving gear 114.

[0089] (Locking pin 111, rack member 113)

[0090] Fig.14A It is a perspective view showing the rack member 113 and the lock pin 111 . Fig. 14B This is a perspective view of the rack member 113 , the lock pin 111 , and the emergency cable 117 as viewed from the Z1 direction side. Fig.15 yes Fig.14A A cross-sectional view of the FF´. Fig.15 In, relative to Fig.14A An emergency cable 117 is attached.

[0091] The locking pin 111 is arranged in such a way that its long side direction is along the Z direction. Fig. 14B As shown, the locking pin 111 has a notch 111c. In the notch 111c, a portion on the X1 direction side and a portion on the X2 direction side are notched. The locking pin 111 has a columnar portion 111a on the Z1 direction side of the notch 111c, and a head portion 111b on the Z2 direction side of the notch 111c. In the second embodiment, the outer shapes of the columnar portion 111a and the head portion 111b are formed to be the same size, but the relationship between the outer shapes of the columnar portion 111a and the head portion 111b is not particularly limited.

[0092] like Fig.13 and the following Fig.16 As shown, the rack member 113 is disposed between the moving gear 114 and the third side surface portion 163 of the second housing portion 222. Fig.13 As shown, a first space S1 is provided between the motor 130 and the moving gear 114. The first space S1 is formed, for example, so that the rack member 13 of the embodiment 1 can be arranged. Thus, in the locking device 101 of the second embodiment, the rack member can be arranged between the motor 130 and the moving gear 114, similarly to the embodiment 1, and the arrangement of the rack member can be changed with the same housing shape.

[0093] like Fig.14A As shown in FIG. 1 , the rack member 113 includes a main body 141, a switch pressing portion 142, and a rack 143. The main body 141 is a member having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. Fig.14A , Fig. 14B and Fig.15 As shown, the main body 141 includes a first side wall 151, a second side wall 152, a third side wall 153, and a fourth side wall 154. Unlike the main body 41 of the first embodiment, the main body 141 of the second embodiment does not include an inner side wall 55.

[0094] like Fig.15 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first side wall 151 is arranged perpendicularly to the Y direction. The first side wall 151 and the second side wall 152 are arranged opposite to each other. The first side wall 151 is arranged closer to the Y2 direction side than the second side wall 152. Fig.15 As shown, the positions of the ends of the second side wall 152 and the first side wall 151 on the Z2 direction side are consistent in the Z direction. The position of the end of the second side wall 152 on the Z1 direction side is located closer to the Z2 side than the position of the end of the first side wall 151 on the Z1 direction side. The length of the second side wall 152 in the Z direction is shorter than the length of the first side wall 151. The third side wall 153 is arranged from the end of the first side wall 151 on the X1 direction side to the end of the second side wall 152 on the X1 direction side. The third side wall 153 is arranged perpendicular to the X direction. The fourth side wall 154 is arranged from the end of the first side wall 151 on the X2 direction side to the end of the second side wall 152 on the X2 direction side. The fourth side wall 154 is arranged opposite to the third side wall 153. The fourth side wall 154 is arranged closer to the X2 direction side than the third side wall 153.

[0095] like Fig. 14B As shown, the main body 141 includes a pin fitting portion 144 and a cable engaging portion 145 (an example of an engaging portion). The pin fitting portion 144 is engaged with the lock pin 111 , and the cable engaging portion 145 is engaged with the emergency cable 117 .

[0096] like Fig.15As shown in FIG. 1 , the pin fitting portion 144 is provided at the end portion of the main body portion 141 on the Y2 direction side. The pin fitting portion 144 fits the lock pin 111 in a manner that allows it to slide in the Y direction. Fig.14A As shown in FIG. 1 , the pin fitting portion 144 includes a restriction portion 146, a first protrusion 147, and a second protrusion 148. The restriction portion 146 is a plate-shaped portion disposed substantially perpendicularly to the Z direction. Fig.15 As shown in FIG. 1 , the limiting portion 146 extends from the lower end of the first side wall 151 toward the Y1 direction. Fig.15 As shown in FIG. 1 , the restricting portion 146 is disposed on the Z2 direction side of the head portion 111 b. Thus, the movement of the lock pin 111 on the Z2 direction side is restricted.

[0097] like Fig.14A As shown, the first protrusion 147 is arranged at the end of the restricting portion 146 on the X1 direction side. The first protrusion 147 includes: a first portion 147a extending from the restricting portion 146 toward the Z1 direction; and a second portion 147b extending from the end of the first portion 147a on the Z1 direction side toward the X2 direction. The first portion 147a constitutes a part of the third side wall 153 of the main body 141.

[0098] like Fig.14A As shown, the second protrusion 148 is arranged at the end of the restricting portion 146 on the X2 direction side. The second protrusion 148 is arranged opposite to the first protrusion 147. The second protrusion 148 includes: a first portion 148a extending from the restricting portion 146 toward the Z1 direction; and a second portion 148b extending from the end of the first portion 148a on the Z1 direction side toward the X1 direction. The first configuration space 141a is formed by the restricting portion 146, the first protrusion 147 and the second protrusion 148, and the head 111b of the locking pin 111 is configured in the first configuration space 141a.

[0099] like Fig.14A As shown, a gap is provided between the second portion 147b of the first protrusion 147 and the second portion 148b of the second protrusion 148. The gap forms the second configuration space 141b, and the second configuration space 141b is configured with the notch portion 111c of the locking pin 111. The second portion 147b of the first protrusion 147 and the second portion 148b of the second protrusion 148 are engaged with the notch portion 111c of the locking pin 111. The first configuration space 141a and the second configuration space 141b have openings on the side surface of the Y2 side of the main body 41, and are formed to extend toward the Y1 side. The locking pin 111 can slide relative to the rack member 113 in the Y direction along the first configuration space 141a and the second configuration space 141b.

[0100] like Fig.15As shown, the cable engaging portion 145 is provided at the portion of the main body 41 on the first direction Y1 side. The cable engaging portion 145 is disposed between the restricting portion 146, the second side wall 152, the third side wall 153, and the fourth side wall 154.

[0101] like Fig. 14B and Fig.15 As shown, the cable engaging portion 145 has a locking portion 156 and an inclined portion 157 (an example of a third guide portion). Fig.15 As shown in FIG. 1 , the inclined portion 157 extends from the end of the restricting portion 146 on the Y1 side toward the Y1 direction. The inclined portion 157 is inclined in a manner of being inclined toward the Z2 direction as it is inclined toward the Y1 direction. The locking portion 156 is disposed at the end of the inclined portion 157 on the Y1 direction side. Both ends of the locking portion 156 and the inclined portion 157 on the X direction side are connected to the third side wall 53 and the fourth side wall 54. The locking portion 156 is connected to the second side wall 152.

[0102] A through hole 158 is formed along the Y direction from the locking portion 156 to the inclined portion 157. The through hole 158 penetrates the locking portion 156 and the inclined portion 157 in the Z direction. The through hole 158 is formed from the locking portion 156 to the center of the inclined portion 157 in the X direction.

[0103] like Fig. 14B and Fig.15 As shown, the emergency cable 117 includes a cable portion 117a and a front end portion 117b. The cable portion 117a is inserted into the through hole 158. The front end portion 117b is arranged at the end of the cable portion 117a on the Z1 direction side. The front end portion 117b has a shape with a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the cable portion 117a. In the second embodiment, the front end portion 117b is spherical to reduce the contact surface with the inclined portion 157, but the shape is not particularly limited as long as the inclined portion 157 can slide relative to the front end portion 117b. The front end portion 117b is located on the Z1 direction side of the cable engaging portion 145.

[0104] like Fig.14A As shown in FIG. 1 , the switch pressing portion 142 protrudes from the first side wall 151 of the main body 141 toward the Y2 direction. The switch pressing portion 142 is provided at an end portion of the first side wall 151 on the Z2 direction side.

[0105] The rack 143 is disposed on the third side wall 153 of the main body 141. The rack 143 is disposed on the third side wall 153 along the Z direction. Fig.14A As shown, the peak 143a (an example of the first peak) of the rack 143 is inclined toward the Z1 direction as it is directed toward the Y2 direction. The plurality of peaks 114a (an example of the second peak) of the moving gear 114 are inclined in a manner parallel to the peaks 114a when meshing with the peaks 143a of the rack 143.

[0106] (Housing 112)

[0107] As described above, the housing 112 has the first housing portion 121 and the second housing portion 122 . Fig.16 1 is a perspective view showing a state where the second housing portion 122, the second gear unit 138, the rack member 113, and the lock pin 111 are removed from the lock device 101. Fig.16 In order to facilitate understanding of the drawings, the emergency cable 117 is omitted from the rack member 113 . Fig.17A The locking device 101 Fig.13 A cross-sectional view showing the position of the GG´ space.

[0108] like Fig.16 As shown, the first housing portion 121 is substantially box-shaped and has a first side portion 161, a second side portion 162, a third side portion 163, a fourth side portion 164, and a top portion 165 ( Fig.11 ), the first limiting wall 181, the protrusion 182 and the second limiting wall 183.

[0109] The first side surface portion 161 and the second side surface portion 162 are arranged to face each other in the Y direction. The first side surface portion 161 and the second side surface portion 162 are arranged perpendicular to the Y direction. The first side surface portion 161 is arranged on the Y2 direction side relative to the second side surface portion.

[0110] The third side surface portion 163 connects the end of the first side surface portion 161 on the X2 direction side with the end of the second side surface portion 162 on the X2 direction side. The third side surface portion 163 is arranged perpendicularly with respect to the X direction. The fourth side surface portion 164 connects the end of the first side surface portion 161 on the X1 direction side with the end of the second side surface portion 162 on the X2 direction side. The fourth side surface portion 164 is arranged opposite to the third side surface portion 163. The fourth side surface portion 164 is provided with a terminal portion 180, which supplies power to the motor 130, inputs a command signal to the motor 130, and outputs a detection signal of the detection switch 116.

[0111] The top portion 165 is connected to the end portion of the first side portion 161 on the Z2 direction side, the end portion of the second side portion 162 on the Z2 direction side, the end portion of the third side portion 163 on the Z2 direction side, and the end portion of the fourth side portion 164 on the Z2 direction side. Fig. 12AAs shown, the second housing portion 122 includes a plate-shaped portion 122a and a fixing portion 122b. The plate-shaped portion 122a is arranged so as to block an opening formed by the end portion on the Z1 direction side of the first side portion 161, the end portion on the Z1 direction side of the second side portion 162, the end portion on the Z1 direction side of the third side portion 163, and the end portion on the Z1 direction side of the first side portion 261. The fixing portion 122b is a portion of the locking device 101 that is fixed to the vehicle body. The fixing portion 122b is arranged at the end portion on the X2 direction side of the plate-shaped portion 122a and at both ends in the Y direction.

[0112] like Fig.16 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first limiting wall 181 is formed from the third side surface portion 163 toward the X1 direction. The first limiting wall 181 is arranged perpendicular to the Y direction. Fig.16 As shown, the first limiting wall 181 is arranged on the Y1 direction side of the main body 141 of the rack member 113. The first limiting wall 181 limits the movement of the rack member 113 in the Y1 direction. The protrusion 182 is arranged on the rack member 113 side (Y2 direction side) of the first limiting wall 181. The protrusion 182 is formed from the first limiting wall 181 in the Y2 direction.

[0113] The second limiting wall 183 is formed from the third side surface portion 163 toward the X1 direction. The second limiting wall 183 is arranged perpendicular to the Y direction. Fig.16 As shown, the second limiting wall 183 is arranged on the Y2 direction side of the main body 141 of the rack member 113. The second limiting wall 183 limits the movement of the rack member 113 in the Y2 direction. The second limiting wall 183 is arranged opposite to the first limiting wall 181. The second limiting wall 183 is arranged on the Y2 direction side than the first limiting wall 181 and the protrusion 182. In the Y direction, the rack member 113 can move between the first limiting wall 181 and the second limiting wall 183.

[0114] like Fig.16 and Fig.17A As shown, the first housing portion 121 has a limiting portion 170 , a first guiding portion 171 and a second guiding portion 172 .

[0115] In the present embodiment, the limiting portion 170 and the first guide portion 171 are provided on the surface 182a on the Z1 direction side of the protrusion 182. The limiting portion 170 is the portion on the Y1 direction side of the surface 182a on the Z1 direction side of the protrusion 182. The first guide portion 171 is the portion on the Y2 direction side of the surface 182a of the protrusion 182. The limiting portion 170 and the first guide portion 171 may overlap each other in whole or in part. The limiting portion 170 and the first guide portion 171 are provided substantially perpendicularly to the Z direction. The second guide portion 172 is provided on the surface on the Y2 direction side of the protrusion 182. The second guide portion 172 is provided along the Z direction.

[0116] (Operation of Lock Pin 111 and Rack Member 113)

[0117] The operation of the lock pin 111 and the rack member 113 by the drive unit 115 in the lock device 101 according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0118] exist Fig.17A In the embodiment, the rack member 113 is arranged at the first position Q1, and the locking pin 111 is arranged at the locking position P1. Fig.17A As shown, when the rack member 113 is arranged at the first position Q1, even when an external force acts to move the locking pin 111 in the Z2 direction, the movement of the locking pin 111 to the unlocking position P2 is restricted because the rack member 113 abuts against the restricting portion 170. In addition, the second side wall 152 of the rack member 113 abuts against the first restricting wall 181.

[0119] In order to make the locking pin 111 Fig.17A The state shown is moved to the unlocking position P2, and when the motor 130 is driven, the moving gear 114 rotates. At the meshing portion between the moving gear 114 and the rack 143, a force in the Z2 direction acts on the peak 114a of the moving gear 114.

[0120] As the force in the Z2 direction acts on the peak 114a of the moving gear 114, the rack 143 is also pressed in the Z2 direction. Fig.17A As shown in FIG. 1 , the movement in the Z2 direction is restricted by the restriction portion 170. Thus, the restriction portion 170 restricts the movement of the rack member 113 from the first position Q1 in the Z2 direction. Therefore, the peak 143a of the rack member 113 is pressed toward the Y2 direction side along the inclination of the peak 114a of the moving gear 114 (see arrow E (an example of the second direction)). As a result, the rack member 113 is guided by the first guide portion 171 to move in the Y2 direction and moves to the Fig. 17B In addition, the first side wall 151 of the rack member 113 is connected to the second position Q2. Fig.16 The rack member 113 abuts against the second restriction wall 183 shown, thereby restricting the movement of the rack member 113 from the second position Q2 to the Y2 direction.

[0121] When the rack member 113 moves from the first position Q1 to the second position Q2, the rack member 113 slides relative to the lock pin 111. Therefore, even when the rack member 113 is arranged at the second position Q2, the lock pin 111 is arranged at the lock position P1. The second position Q2 is a position where the lock pin 111 can move from the lock position P1 to the unlock position P2.

[0122] At the second position Q2, the restriction on the movement of the rack member 113 in the Z2 direction by the restriction portion 170 is released. When the moving gear 114 is further rotated from the state where the rack member 113 is arranged in the second position Q2, the rack member 113 is guided by the second guide portion 172 and moves in the Z2 direction as the peak portion 114a of the moving gear 114 moves in the Z2 direction. Fig. 17C When the rack member 113 moves from the second position Q2 to the third position Q3, the lock pin 111 engaged with the rack member 113 also moves in the Z2 direction (see arrow D). As a result, the lock pin 111 is disposed at the unlock position P2.

[0123] As described above, by driving the motor 30 to rotate the moving gear 14 , the rack member 13 can be sequentially moved to the first position Q1 , the second position Q2 , and the third position Q3 , and the lock pin 11 can be moved from the locked position P1 to the unlocked position P2 .

[0124] In addition, by pulling the emergency cable 117, it is also possible to Figures 17A to 17C Similarly, the rack member 113 and the lock pin 111 are moved to release the lock (see the first embodiment). Figures 10A to 10C ).

[0125] (Implementation method 3)

[0126] Next, the locking device 201 of Embodiment 3 is described. The locking device 201 of Embodiment 3 differs from the locking device 1 of Embodiment 2 in terms of the arrangement of the motor and the moving direction of the rack pin. The same components as those of Embodiment 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description is omitted.

[0127] In addition, similarly to the first embodiment, the direction parallel to the output shaft of the motor is defined as the Y direction, and the direction parallel to the plate-shaped second housing portion 222 and perpendicular to the Y direction is defined as the X direction. In addition, the direction parallel to the X direction and the Y direction is defined as the Z direction. The direction in which the output shaft of the motor extends is defined as the Y1 direction, and based on the Y1 direction, the X1 direction, the X2 direction, the Y2 direction, the Z1 direction, and the Z2 direction are defined similarly to the first and second embodiments.

[0128] Fig.18 201 is a three-dimensional diagram of the locking device 201. Fig.18 As shown, the locking device 201 includes a locking pin 211 and a housing 212 through which the locking pin 211 is inserted. The housing 212 includes a first housing portion 221 and a second housing portion 222. The first housing portion 221 is a box-shaped housing with one side open. The second housing portion 222 is a plate-shaped housing configured to block the opening of the first housing portion 221.

[0129] Fig.19 This is a perspective view of the locking device 201 in a state where the first case portion 221 is removed, as viewed from the Z2 side. Fig. 20 This is a side view of the locking device 201 after the first housing portion 221 is removed, as viewed from the Y1 direction side. Fig. 20 In order to facilitate understanding of the drawings, the emergency cable 217 is omitted.

[0130] like Fig.19 As shown, the locking device 201 includes the above-mentioned locking pin 211, the above-mentioned housing 212, the rack member 213, the moving gear 114, the driving unit 115, the detection switch 216, and the emergency cable 217 (an example of a cable member). The locking pin 211 can move from the locking position P1 to the unlocking position P2 along the X direction, wherein the locking position P1 is a position where the movement of the object is restricted, and the unlocking position P2 is a position where the restriction on the movement of the object is released. The moving direction of the locking pin 211 of the third embodiment is the X direction, which is different from the Z direction which is the moving direction of the locking pin 11, 111 of the first and second embodiments. For example, in the case where the locking pin 11, 111 of the first and second embodiments is arranged so that the second housing portion 22, 122 is horizontally arranged, the locking pin 11, 111 moves in the up-down direction. On the other hand, in the case of the third embodiment, when the locking device 201 is arranged so that the second housing portion 222 is horizontally arranged, the locking pin 211 moves in the horizontal direction.

[0131] like Fig.19 As shown, the rack member 213 has a rack 243, which is engaged with the locking pin 211. The moving gear 114 is engaged with the rack 243 and moves the rack member 213. The driving unit 115 drives the moving gear 114. The rack member 213 moves in the X direction by the driving of the moving gear 114. As the rack member 213 moves in the X direction, the locking pin 211 engaged with the rack member 213 also moves in the X direction, and moves between the locking position P1 and the unlocking position P2. When the locking pin 211 moves to the locking position P1, the detection switch 216 is pressed by the rack member 213, and it is detected that the locking pin 211 is configured at the locking position P1. The emergency cable 217 is provided to move the locking pin 211 from the locking position P1 to the unlocking position P2 to release the lock in an emergency.

[0132] like Fig.19 As shown, the configurations of the driving unit 115 and the moving gear 114 are the same as those in the second embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0133] (Locking pin 211, rack member 213)

[0134] Fig.21AIt is a perspective view of the rack member 213 and the lock pin 211 . Fig.21B This is a perspective view of the rack member 213 , the lock pin 211 , and the emergency cable 217 as viewed from the X2 direction side.

[0135] like Fig.21A As shown, the locking pin 211 is arranged in such a manner that its long side direction is along the X direction. The locking pin 211 has a columnar portion 211a and a head portion 211b. The columnar portion 211a is arranged in such a manner that its long side direction is along the X direction. The columnar portion 211a is, for example, a cylinder, but is not limited to a cylinder, and may be a square cylinder, and may be any shape as long as it has a long side shape that allows the locking pin 211 to slide relative to the rack member 213. The head portion 211b is arranged at the end of the columnar portion 211a on the X1 direction side. The head portion 211b is, for example, a disk-shaped. The outer shape of the head portion 211b is formed to be larger than the outer shape of the columnar portion 211a. The head portion 211b is formed so that its outer shape includes the outer shape of the columnar portion 211a when viewed along the long side direction of the columnar portion 211a. The outer diameter of the head portion 211b is formed to be larger than the outer diameter of the columnar portion 211a.

[0136] like Fig.19 and Fig. 20 As shown in FIG. 1 , the rack member 213 is disposed between the moving gear 114 and the second housing portion 222. In addition, in Embodiment 2 and Embodiment 3, since the configuration and structure of the driving portion 115 are the same, in the housing 112 of Embodiment 2, as shown in FIG. Fig. 12B As shown in FIG. 1 , a third space S3 is provided between the moving gear 114 and the second housing portion 122, and the rack member 213 can be disposed in the third space S3. Fig. 12B The rack member is arranged in the third space S3, and the moving direction of the lock pin in the second embodiment can be changed to the moving direction of the lock pin in the third embodiment. That is, in the second and third embodiments, the moving direction of the lock pin can be changed by using the same housing.

[0137] like Fig.21A As shown, the rack member 213 includes a main body 241 , a switch pressing portion 242 , a rack 243 , and a protruding portion 249 .

[0138] The main body 241 is a component having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. Fig.21A and Fig.21BAs shown, the main body 241 has a first side wall 251, a second side wall 252, a third side wall 253 and a fourth side wall 254. The first side wall 251 and the second side wall 252 are arranged substantially perpendicularly to the Y direction. The first side wall 251 and the second side wall 252 are arranged opposite to each other. The first side wall 251 is arranged closer to the Y2 direction side than the second side wall 252. The third side wall 253 connects the end of the first side wall 251 on the Z2 direction side with the end of the second side wall 252 on the Z2 direction side. The third side wall 253 is arranged perpendicularly to the Z direction. The fourth side wall 254 connects the end of the first side wall 251 on the Z1 direction side with the end of the second side wall 252 on the Z1 direction side. The fourth side wall 254 is arranged opposite to the third side wall 253. The fourth side wall 254 is arranged closer to the Z1 direction side than the third side wall 253.

[0139] like Fig.21A and Fig.21B As shown, the main body 241 has a pin fitting portion 244 and a cable engaging portion 245 (an example of an engaging portion). The pin fitting portion 244 is engaged with the locking pin 211. The cable engaging portion 245 can engage with the emergency cable 217. Although described later, the movement of the cable engaging portion 245 is guided by the first guide portion 271.

[0140] The pin fitting portion 244 is provided at the end portion of the main body 241 on the X2 direction side. The pin fitting portion 244 fits the locking pin 211 in a manner that allows it to slide in the Y direction. The pin fitting portion 244 has a restriction portion 246 and a protrusion 247. The restriction portion 246 is a planar portion that is arranged substantially perpendicular to the X direction. Fig.21A As shown in FIG. 1 , the restricting portion 246 is disposed on the X1 direction side of the head portion 211 b . Thus, the movement of the lock pin 211 on the X1 direction side is restricted.

[0141] The protrusion 247 is disposed at the Z1 direction side end of the restriction portion 246. The protrusion 247 has a first portion 247a extending from the restriction portion 246 toward the X2 direction and a second portion 247b extending from the X2 direction side end of the first portion 247a toward the Z2 direction.

[0142] The restriction portion 246 and the protrusion 247 surround and form an arrangement space 244 a in which the head 211 b of the lock pin 211 is arranged.

[0143] The arrangement space 244a has openings at both ends on the Y1 direction side and the Y2 direction side, and is formed along the Y direction of the main body 241. The lock pin 211 is slidable in the Y direction relative to the rack member 213 along the arrangement space 244a.

[0144] like Fig.21BAs shown, the cable engaging portion 245 is provided on the X1 direction side of the main body 241. The cable engaging portion 245 is disposed at the end of the fourth side wall 254 on the X1 direction side. A through hole 258 for inserting the emergency cable 217 is formed between the cable engaging portion 245 and the end of the fourth side wall 254 on the Z1 direction side.

[0145] The cable engaging portion 245 has a locking portion 256 (an example of a locking portion) and an inclined portion 257 (an example of a third guide portion). The locking portion 256 and the inclined portion 257 are provided on a surface 245a at an end portion on the X2 direction side of the cable engaging portion 245. The locking portion 256 and the inclined portion 257 are provided on an edge of the through hole 258 on the Z1 side.

[0146] The inclined portion 257 is formed from the end of the surface 245a on the Y1 direction side toward the Y2 direction. The inclined portion 257 is inclined so as to be directed toward the X1 direction as it is directed toward the Y2 direction. The locking portion 256 is arranged on the Y2 side of the inclined portion 257 .

[0147] like Fig.21B As shown, the emergency cable 217 has a cable portion 217a and a front end portion 217b. The cable portion 217a is inserted into the through hole 258. The front end portion 217b is arranged at the end of the cable portion 217a on the X2 direction side. The front end portion 217b is a spherical shape with a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the cable portion 217a. The front end portion 217b is located on the X2 direction side of the cable engaging portion 245.

[0148] like Fig.21A As shown in FIG. 2 , the switch pressing portion 242 protrudes from the first side wall 251 of the main body 241 toward the Y2 direction. The switch pressing portion 242 is provided at the end portion of the first side wall 251 on the X1 direction side. Fig.19 As shown, the detection switch 216 is arranged on the X2 direction side of the switch pressing portion 242. When the rack member 213 and the lock pin 211 move in the X2 direction by the rotation of the moving gear 114, the detection switch 216 is pressed in the X2 direction by the switch pressing portion 242. Thus, it can be detected that the lock pin 211 is in the lock position P1.

[0149] like Fig.21A As shown, the rack 243 is arranged on the third side wall 253 of the main body 241. The rack 243 is arranged on the third side wall 253 along the X direction. The rack 243 has a plurality of peaks 243a (an example of a first peak) arranged along the X2 direction. Each peak 243a is inclined relative to the Y direction. Each peak 243a is inclined in a manner toward the X2 direction as it moves toward the Y1 direction. The plurality of peaks 114a (an example of a second peak) of the above-mentioned moving gear 114 are inclined in a manner parallel to the peak 243a of the rack 243 when meshing with the peak 243a of the rack 243.

[0150] In this way, the rack member 243 meshes with the moving gear 214, and the rack member 213 moves by the rotation of the moving gear 214. In addition, the details of the movement will be described later.

[0151] The movement of the protrusion 249 is restricted by the restriction portion 270 of the first housing portion 221 described later. The movement of the protrusion 249 is guided by the second guide portion 272 described later. Fig.21B As shown, the protrusion 249 is arranged on the second side wall 252 of the main body 241. The protrusion 249 is provided on the second side wall 252 along the X direction. The protrusion 249 has a first portion 249a and a second portion 249b. The first portion 249a is formed from the second side wall 252 toward the Y1 direction. The second portion 249b is formed from the end of the first portion 249a in the Y1 direction toward the Z1 direction. A gap T is formed between the second portion 249b and the second side wall 252.

[0152] (Housing 212)

[0153] As described above, the housing 212 has the first housing portion 221 and the second housing portion 222 . Fig. 22 2 is a perspective view showing a state where the first housing portion 221, the first gear unit 136, the second gear unit 138, the rack member 213, and the lock pin 211 are removed from the lock device 201. Fig. 22 In order to facilitate understanding of the drawings, the emergency cable 217 is omitted from the rack member 213 .

[0154] like Fig.18 As shown, the first housing portion 221 is substantially box-shaped and has a first side portion 261, a second side portion 262, a third side portion 263, a fourth side portion 264, and a top portion 265. The first side portion 261 and the second side portion 262 are arranged opposite to each other in the Y direction. The first side portion 261 and the second side portion 262 are arranged perpendicularly to the Y direction. The first side portion 261 is arranged at the Y2 direction side relative to the second side portion 262.

[0155] The third side surface portion 263 connects the end of the first side surface portion 261 on the X2 direction side with the end of the second side surface portion 262 on the X2 direction side. The third side surface portion 263 is arranged perpendicularly with respect to the X direction. The fourth side surface portion 264 connects the end of the first side surface portion 261 on the X1 direction side with the end of the second side surface portion 262 on the X2 direction side. The fourth side surface portion 264 is arranged opposite to the third side surface portion 263. The fourth side surface portion 264 is provided with a terminal portion 280, which supplies power to the motor 130, inputs a command signal to the motor 130, and outputs a detection signal of the detection switch 216.

[0156] The top portion 265 is connected to the end portion on the Z2 direction side of the first side portion 261 , the end portion on the Z2 direction side of the second side portion 262 , the end portion on the Z2 direction side of the third side portion 263 , and the end portion on the Z2 direction side of the fourth side portion 264 .

[0157] like Fig. 22 As shown, the second housing portion 222 includes a plate-shaped portion 222a and a fixing portion 222b. The plate-shaped portion 222a is arranged to block an opening formed by the end portion on the Z1 direction side of the first side portion 261, the end portion on the Z1 direction side of the second side portion 262, the end portion on the Z1 direction side of the third side portion 263, and the end portion on the Z1 direction side of the fourth side portion 264. The fixing portion 222b is a portion of the locking device 201 that is fixed to the vehicle body. The fixing portion 222b is arranged at the end portion on the X2 direction side of the plate-shaped portion 222a and at both ends in the Y direction.

[0158] Fig.23A 2 is a top view showing a state where the first housing portion 221 and the driving portion 115 are removed from the locking device 201. Figures 23A to 23D In order to facilitate the observation of the drawings, the emergency cable 217 is omitted. Fig. 22 and Fig.23A As shown, the second housing portion 222 has a first limiting wall 281 and a second limiting wall 282. Fig. 22 As shown, the first limiting wall 28 is provided on the inner surface 222c of the plate-shaped portion 222a of the second housing portion 222 along the X direction. Fig. 22 As shown, the first limiting wall 281 is arranged on the Y1 direction side of the main body 241 of the rack member 213. Fig. 22 As shown, the second limiting wall 282 is provided on the inner surface 222c of the plate-shaped portion 222a of the second housing portion 222 along the X direction. The second limiting wall 282 is arranged opposite to the first limiting wall 281. Fig. 22 As shown, the second restriction wall 282 is arranged on the Y2 direction side of the first side wall 251 of the rack member 213 .

[0159] like Fig. 22 As shown, the second housing portion 222 includes a limiting portion 270, a first guide portion 271, and a second guide portion 272. In the present embodiment, the limiting portion 270 is an end surface of the first limiting wall 281 on the X2 direction side. The first guide portion 271 is a surface facing the X2 side of a step formed along the Y direction on the inner surface 222c. The first guide portion 271 is provided on the X2 side of the motor 130. The second guide portion 272 corresponds to both surfaces of the first limiting wall 281 on the Y direction side.

[0160] (Operation of Lock Pin 211 and Rack Member 213)

[0161] The operation of the lock pin 211 and the rack member 213 by the drive unit 115 in the lock device 201 according to the third embodiment will be described.

[0162] exist Fig.23A In the embodiment, the rack member 213 is arranged at the first position Q1, and the locking pin 211 is arranged at the locking position P1. Fig.23A As shown, when the rack member 213 is arranged at the first position Q1, even when an external force that moves the lock pin 211 in the X1 direction acts, the rack member 213 abuts against the limiting portion 270, so that the movement of the lock pin 211 to the unlock position P2 is restricted. In addition, since the end surface 245b of the cable engaging portion 245 on the X1 direction side abuts against the first guide portion 271, the movement of the rack member 213 to the X1 direction side is also restricted by the first guide portion 271. In addition, the first side wall 251 of the rack member 213 abuts against the second limiting wall 282.

[0163] In order to make the locking pin 211 Fig.23A The state shown is moved to the unlocking position P2, and when the motor 130 is driven, the moving gear 214 rotates. At the meshing portion between the moving gear 214 and the rack 243, a force in the X1 direction acts on the peak 214a of the moving gear 214.

[0164] As the force in the X1 direction acts on the peak 214a of the moving gear 214, the rack 243 is also pressed in the X1 direction. Fig.23A As shown in FIG. 1 , the movement in the X1 direction is restricted by the restriction portion 270 and the first guide portion 271. Therefore, the peak portion 243a of the rack member 213 is pressed toward the Y1 direction side along the inclination of the peak portion 114a of the moving gear 114 (see arrow E). As a result, the rack member 213 is guided by the first guide portion 271 to move in the Y1 direction and moves to Fig. 23B In addition, the second side wall 252 of the rack member 213 is connected to the second position Q2. Fig.23A The rack member 213 abuts against the first restriction wall 281 shown, thereby restricting the movement of the rack member 213 from the second position Q2 to the Y1 direction.

[0165] In the second position Q2, the restriction of the movement of the rack member 213 in the X1 direction by the restriction portion 270 is released. When the rack member 213 moves from the first position Q1 to the second position Q2, the rack member 213 slides relative to the lock pin 21. Therefore, even when the rack member 213 is arranged in the second position Q2, the lock pin 211 is arranged in the lock position P1. The second position Q2 is a position where the lock pin 211 can move from the lock position P1 to the unlock position P2. Fig.23C yes Fig. 23B A partial enlarged stereogram of Fig.23CAs shown, by moving in the X1 direction, the rack member 213 moves to a position where the first restriction wall 281 can enter the gap T between the second side wall 252 of the rack member 13 and the second portion 249 b .

[0166] When the moving gear 214 is further rotated from the state where the rack member 213 is arranged at the second position Q2, the rack member 213 is guided by the second guide portion 272 to move in the X1 direction as the peak portion 114a of the moving gear 114 moves in the X1 direction. The protrusion 249 or the second side wall 252 slides on the second guide portion 272, so that the rack member 213 is guided in the X1 direction. Fig.23D As shown, when the rack member 213 moves from the second position Q2 to the third position Q3, the lock pin 211 engaged with the rack member 213 also moves in the X1 direction (see arrow D). As a result, the lock pin 211 is arranged at the unlock position P2.

[0167] As described above, by driving the motor 130 to rotate the moving gear 214 , the rack member 213 can be sequentially moved to the first position Q1 , the second position Q2 , and the third position Q3 , and the lock pin 211 can be moved from the locked position P1 to the unlocked position P2 .

[0168] In addition, by pulling the emergency cable 217, it is also possible to Figures 23A to 23D Similarly, the rack member 213 and the lock pin 211 are moved to release the lock (see the first embodiment). Figures 10A to 10C ).

[0169] <Features, etc.>

[0170] In the locking devices 1, 101, 201 of the first to third embodiments, the rack member 13, 113, 213 can move from a first position Q1 to a second position Q2 along the arrow E direction, and can move from the second position Q2 to a third position Q3 along the arrow D direction. The first position Q1 is a position where the locking pin 11, 111, 211 stays at the locking position P1, the second position Q2 is a position where the locking pin 11, 111, 211 can move to the unlocking position P2, and the third position Q3 is a position where the locking pin 11, 111, 211 is arranged at the unlocking position P2. The restriction portion 70, 170, 270 restricts the movement of the rack member 13, 113, 213 from the first position Q1 to the arrow D direction. By driving the moving gear 14 , 114 , the rack member 13 , 113 , 213 is guided by the first guide portion 71 , 171 , 271 to move from the first position Q1 to the second position Q2 , and is guided by the second guide portion 72 , 172 , 272 to move from the second position Q2 to the third position Q3 .

[0171] When the lock pin 11, 111, 211 stays at the first position Q1 of the lock position P1, the movement of the rack member 13, 113, 213 engaged with the lock pin 11, 111, 211 toward the unlock position P2 is restricted by the restriction portion 70, 170, 270 of the housing 12, 112, 212. Therefore, even when an external force is applied, the movement of the lock pin 11, 111, 211 toward the unlock position P2 can be restricted, and the lock pin 11, 111, 211 can be held at the lock position P1.

[0172] In the locking devices 1, 101, 201 of the present embodiments 1 to 3, the multiple peaks 43a, 143a, 243a (an example of a first peak) of the rack 43, 143, 243 are inclined in a manner toward the side opposite to the direction of arrow D as they move in the direction of arrow E, and the peaks 14a, 114a of the moving gear 14, 114 are inclined in a manner parallel to the peaks 43a, 143a, 243a when meshing with the peaks 43a, 143a, 243a.

[0173] In this way, since the peaks 43a, 143a, 243a (an example of the first peak) of the rack 43, 143, 243 and the peaks 14a, 114a (an example of the second peak) of the moving gear 14, 114 are inclined, the rack member 13, 113, 213 can be moved from the first position Q1 to the second position Q2 by driving the moving gear 14, 114. The first position Q1 is a position where the locking pin 11, 111, 211 stays at the locking position P1, and the second position Q2 is a position where the locking pin 11, 111, 211 can move to the locking position P1. Therefore, by driving the moving gear 14, 114, the locking pin 11, 111, 211 can be moved to the unlocking position P2.

[0174] In the locking devices 1, 101, 201 of the present embodiments 1 to 3, the locking pin 11, 111, 211 is engaged with the rack member 13, 113, 213 so as to be relatively movable in the direction of arrow D. Therefore, the rack member 13, 113, 213 can be relatively moved with respect to the locking pin 11, 111, 211 with a simple structure, so the number of parts can be reduced, and the locking device 1, 101, 201 can be miniaturized.

[0175] In the locking devices 1, 101, 201 of the first to third embodiments, the lock pin 11, 111, 211 can be moved to the unlocking position P2 using the emergency cable 17, 117, 217 to forcibly release the lock. Since the helical gear is used as the moving gear 14, 114 and the worm gear is not used in the driving part as in the past, the operating load of the cable component can be reduced. In addition, in the present embodiment, no worm gear is used in the gears of the driving parts 15, 115.

[0176] In the locking devices 1, 101, 201 of the first to third embodiments, by pulling the emergency cable 17, 117, 217, the rack member 13, 113, 213 moves from the first position Q1 to the second position Q2 via the inclined portion 57, 157, 257 (an example of the third guide portion) along with the movement of the front end portion 17b, 117b, 217b (an example of the end portion), and in a state where the front end portion 17b, 227b, 217b is locked to the locking portion 56, 156, 256, the rack member 13, 113, 213 can be moved from the second position Q2 to the third position Q3 by further pulling the emergency cable 17, 117, 217. As a result, the locking pin 11, 111, 211 can be moved from the locked position P1 to the unlocked position P2, and the lock can be forcibly released.

[0177] In the locking devices 1, 101, 201 of the present embodiments 1 to 3, the inclined portion 57, 157, 257 is inclined so as to be directed toward the side opposite to the arrow D direction (an example of the first direction) as it is directed toward the arrow E direction (an example of the second direction). Thus, the rack member 13, 113, 213 can be moved from the first position Q1 to the second position Q2 while the inclined portion 57, 157, 257 and the front end portion 17b, 227b, 217b slide relative to each other.

[0178] In the locking devices 1, 101, 201 of the first to third embodiments, a first space S1 (see FIG. 1 ) in which the rack member can be disposed is provided between the motor 30, 130 and the moving gear 14, 114. Figure 4 , Fig.13 , Fig.19 ).

[0179] like Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , since the rack member 13 can be arranged between the motor 30 and the moving gear 14, the locking device 1 can be miniaturized. Figure 4 , Fig.13 and Fig.19 As shown, by providing the first space S1 in any of the locking devices 1 , 101 , and 201 , a housing in a specific embodiment can be used as a housing in another embodiment.

[0180] In the locking devices 101 and 201 of the second and third embodiments, a second space S2 ( Fig.13 , Fig.19 ), the second space S2 can be configured with a rack component 113.

[0181] By providing such a second space S2, even when the protruding directions of the lock pin 11 are different as in the lock device 101 of the second embodiment and the lock device 201 of the third embodiment, it is possible to achieve commonality of components.

[0182] In the locking devices 101 and 201 of the second and third embodiments, Fig. 12B and Fig.13 As shown, a third space S3 is provided between a pair of inner surfaces 122c and 222c of the housings 112 and 212 arranged opposite to an imaginary plane including the motor 130 and the moving gear 114 arranged in parallel, and the moving gear 114, and the rack member 213 can be arranged in the third space S3.

[0183] By providing such a third space S3, even when the protruding directions of the lock pin 11 are different as in the lock device 101 of the second embodiment and the lock device 201 of the third embodiment, it is possible to achieve commonality of components.

[0184] (Other Implementations)

[0185] As mentioned above, although one embodiment of the present disclosure has been described, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment, and various changes can be made without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0186] (A)

[0187] The shapes of the housing 12 of the first embodiment, the housing 112 of the second embodiment, and the housing 212 of the third embodiment are different, but they may be the same. In particular, in the second and third embodiments, by providing the second space S2 and the third space S3, the same housing shape can be used, and the moving directions of the locking pin between the locked position and the unlocked position can be different.

[0188] (B)

[0189] The lock pin 111 of the second embodiment is provided with the notch portion 111 c , and the lock pin 11 of the first embodiment and the lock pin 211 of the third embodiment have different shapes, but any lock pin may be used.

[0190] (C)

[0191] In the first to third embodiments, the first transmission gear 31 , 131 , the second transmission gear 32 , 132 , the third transmission gear 33 , 133 , and the fourth transmission gear 34 , 134 are provided, but the configuration is not limited to this.

[0192] Industrial Applicability

[0193] The locking device of the present invention has the effect of being able to hold the locking pin at the locked position, and is useful as a device for locking a power supply cable of a plug-in hybrid vehicle, an electric vehicle, or the like.

[0194] Description of symbols 1: Locking device 11: Locking pin 13: Rack components 14: Moving gear 70: Restriction Department 71: First guide part 72: Second guide part P1: Lock position P2: Unlock position Q1: First position Q2: Second position Q3: Third position.

Claims

1. A locking device comprising: A locking pin capable of moving along a first direction from a locking position to an unlocking position, wherein the locking position is a position where movement of an object is restricted and the unlocking position is a position where restriction on movement of the object is released; A rack component, having a rack and engaging with the locking pin; A moving gear meshes with the rack and moves the rack component; A driving unit, driving the moving gear; and The housing accommodates the rack member, the moving gear and the driving unit and allows the locking pin to be inserted therethrough. The rack member is movable from a first position to a second position along a second direction, and is movable from the second position to a third position along the first direction, the first position being a position where the locking pin stays at the locking position, the second position being a position where the locking pin is movable to the unlocking position, and the third position being a position where the locking pin is disposed at the unlocking position. The housing has: a limiting portion for limiting movement of the rack member from the first position along the first direction; a first guide portion for guiding the rack member to move from the first position to the second position along the second direction; and a second guide portion for guiding the rack member to move from the second position to the third position along the first direction; By driving the moving gear, the rack member is guided by the first guide portion to move from the first position to the second position, and is guided by the second guide portion to move from the second position to the third position.

2. The locking device according to claim 1, wherein: The rack has a plurality of first peaks, and the plurality of first peaks are arranged in an array in the first direction. Each of the first peaks is inclined toward a side opposite to the first direction as it moves toward the second direction. The moving gear has a plurality of second peaks, The second peak portion is inclined so as to be parallel to the first peak portion when meshing with the first peak portion.

3. The locking device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The lock pin is fitted to the rack member so as to be relatively movable in the second direction.

4. The locking device according to claim 1, wherein: The locking device further includes a cable member that moves the locking pin from the locking position to the unlocking position. The moving gear is a helical gear.

5. The locking device according to claim 4, wherein: The rack member has an engaging portion, and the engaging portion engages with an end portion of the cable member. The engaging portion has: a third guide portion for moving the rack member from the first position to the second position along the second direction as the end of the cable member moves in the first direction; and The locking portion is used to move the rack member from the second position to the third position along the first direction.

6. The locking device according to claim 5, wherein: The third guide portion is inclined so as to be directed toward a side opposite to the first direction as it goes toward the second direction.

7. The locking device according to claim 1, wherein: The driving unit comprises: a motor, arranged in parallel with the moving gear; and A transmission part, which transmits the output of the motor to the moving gear, A first space is provided between the motor and the moving gear, and the rack member can be disposed in the first space.

8. The locking device according to claim 1, wherein: The driving unit includes a motor, which is arranged in parallel with the moving gear and serves as a driving source for the moving gear. A second space is provided between an inner surface of the housing that faces the motor with the moving gear interposed therebetween and the moving gear, and the rack member can be disposed in the second space.

9. The locking device according to claim 1, wherein: The driving unit has: a motor, arranged in parallel with the moving gear; and A transmission part, which transmits the output of the motor to the moving gear, A third space is provided between the moving gear and one of a pair of inner surfaces of the housing that are arranged to face an imaginary plane including the motor and the moving gear that are arranged in parallel, and the third space is capable of arranging the rack member.

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