Vehicle shroud lock device

Abstract

In a double-acting vehicle shroud lock device, a failure that a shroud cannot be opened and returns to a secondary lock state when a lock release operation is performed can be suppressed. The present invention is provided with: a base body (11) in which an entry groove (32) into which a latch (S) enters is formed; a latch (12) configured so as to be capable of swinging among a primary latch position (A1), an unlatch position (A2), and a secondary latch position (A3); a lock lever (13) configured so as to be capable of swinging between a lock position (B1) at which the latch (12) is locked at the primary latch position (A1) or the secondary latch position (A2) and an unlock position (B2) at which the latch (12) is unlocked; and a lever stopper (15a) that, when the lock lever (13) swings to the unlocking position (B2), moves independently of the latch (12) to enter the lock position (B1), and restricts reverse return of the lock lever (13) to the lock position (B1).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a hood locking device for a vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the past, as a hood locking device for a vehicle, there has been a double-acting type hood locking device for a vehicle that switches from a locked state to a sub-locked state and from the sub-locked state to a released state by a release operation of an operator in a vehicle cabin (see Patent Document 1). The hood locking device for a vehicle has a base, a latch member supported to the base and rotatable, which constrains a lock catch, a first torsion spring that applies a force to the latch member, a lock lever supported to the base and rotatable, which restricts rotation of the latch member, and a second torsion spring that applies a force to the lock lever. Also, the latch member has a third claw portion that is restricted by the lock lever in the locked state, and a second claw portion that is restricted by the lock lever in the sub-locked state, whereby the locked state and the sub-locked state are achieved by the latch member.

[0003] Prior art documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-153079 SUMMARY

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] However, in the hood locking device for a vehicle in the past, when the lock release operation is performed from the sub-locked state, if the hood is covered with snow or the hinge is stuck, there is a possibility that the hood does not open and returns to the sub-locked state.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present application is to provide a hood locking device for a vehicle that can suppress the failure in which the hood does not open and returns to the sub-locked state when the lock release operation is performed in a double-acting type hood locking device for a vehicle.

[0009] Solution to the problem

[0010] To achieve the above object, the present application provides a vehicle cover locking device which is a vehicle cover locking device that locks a cover that opens and closes an opening portion provided in a vehicle, characterized by comprising: a base that is formed with an entry groove into which a lock catch enters; a latch configured to be freely swingable between a primary latch position that restrains the lock catch in the entry groove, a release latch position that allows the lock catch to be released from the entry groove, and a secondary latch position that restrains the lock catch between the primary latch position and the release latch position; a locking lever configured to be freely swingable between a locking position that locks the latch in the primary latch position or the secondary latch position, and a release locking position that releases the locking of the latch; and a lever stopper that, when the locking lever is swung to the release locking position, acts independently of the latch to enter the locking position, restricting reverse return of the locking lever to the locking position.

[0011] Effects of the invention

[0012] The vehicle cover locking device of the present application is capable of suppressing a failure in which the cover cannot be opened and returns to a secondary lock state when a lock release operation is performed, in a double-action vehicle cover locking device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 is a drawing showing a vehicle cover locking device of one embodiment of the present application, (a) is a front view of the vehicle cover locking device with a sub-base omitted, and (b) is a front view of the vehicle cover locking device with a sub-base shown.

[0014] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the vehicle cover locking device.

[0015] Figure 3 is a front view showing the base.

[0016] Figure 4 (a) of is a front view showing the vehicle cover locking device in a locked state, (b) is a front view showing the vehicle cover locking device in a secondary lock state, and (c) is a front view showing the vehicle cover locking device in a release lock state.

[0017] Figure 5 is a drawing showing the latch, (a) is a front view, and (b) is a side view.

[0018] Figure 6 is a drawing showing a first locking lever member, (a) is a front view, and (b) is a side view.

[0019] Figure 7 Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the 2nd lock lever member, (a) is a front view, and (b) is a side view.

[0020] Figure 8 Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the lift lever, (a) is a front view, and (b) is a plan view.

[0021] Figure 9 Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the reverse return restriction member, (a) is a front view, (b) is a front view showing the lever stopper, and (c) is a front view showing the stopper retreat portion.

[0022] Figure 10 Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the first half of the shield opening operation.

[0023] Figure 11 Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the second half of the shield opening operation.

[0024] Figure 12 Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the first half of the shield closing operation.

[0025] Figure 13 Fig. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the second half of the shield closing operation.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals

[0027] 1: Vehicle shield locking device, 11: Base, 12: Latch, 13: Lock lever, 15a: Lever stopper, 15b: Stopper retreat portion, 32: Entry slot, 44: Upright portion, Al: Primary latch position, A2: Latch release position, A3: Secondary latch position, Bl: Lock position, B2: Lock release position, S: Lock catch. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Hereinafter, a vehicle hood locking device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. This vehicle hood locking device is disposed at an opening for the engine compartment located at the front of a vehicle (body), and locks the hood (bonnet) that opens and closes the opening. Furthermore, this vehicle hood locking device is a double-action type, possessing a locking function that locks the hood in a closed state, a secondary locking function that locks the hood in a partially opened state, and a push-up function that pushes the hood open. The secondary lock can be released by an operation from inside the vehicle. In particular, this vehicle hood locking device includes a reverse return limiting member, which, when a lock release operation is performed, enters the locked position of the locking lever, restricting the locking lever from returning to the locked position. Moreover, as shown in the figures, left-right, front-back, and up-down directions will be defined for explanation. In this embodiment, for example, the vertical direction of the vehicle cover locking device is consistent with the vertical direction of the vehicle, the horizontal direction of the vehicle cover locking device is consistent with the width direction of the vehicle, and the front-back direction of the vehicle cover locking device is consistent with the front-back direction of the vehicle.

[0029] (Composition of vehicle shield locking device)

[0030] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle hood locking device 1 includes: a base 11 having an entry groove 32 for a hood lock S fixed to the vehicle to enter; a latch 12 disposed on the front surface of the base 11 to the right side of the entry groove 32 to restrain the latch S; a lock lever 13 (pawl) disposed on the right side of the latch 12 to lock the latch 12; a lifting lever 14 disposed overlapping the latch 12 to the rear side of the latch 12 to push the hood upward via the latch S; and a reverse return limiting member 15 disposed overlapping the latch 12 to the front side of the latch 12 to prevent the reverse return of the locking lever 13 when the secondary lock is released.

[0031] Additionally, the vehicle cover locking device 1 includes: a latch pin 17, which is fixed to the base 11 and pivotally mounted to the latch 12, the lifting rod 14, and the reverse return limiting member 15; a locking pin 18, which is fixed to the base 11 and pivotally mounted to the locking rod 13; and a plate-shaped sub-base 19 (see reference). Figure 1 (b) and Figure 2), which is fixed to the base 11 via a pair of bushings 11a at a position on the front side of the lock lever 13 and the reverse return restriction member 15. That is, the latch 12, the lift lever 14, and the reverse return restriction member 15 are swingably supported to the base 11 via a latch pin 17, and the lock lever 13 is swingably supported to the base 11 via a lock pin 18. In addition, the tip portions of the latch pin 17 and the lock pin 18 are fixed to a sub-base 19.

[0032] In addition, the vehicle cover lock device 1 is provided with: a first urging spring 21, which is wound around the latch pin 17, and urges the latch 12 and the reverse return restriction member 15 in the clockwise direction; a second urging spring 22, which is wound around the lock pin 18, and urges the lock lever 13 in the clockwise direction; and a third urging spring 23 (refer to Figure 2 ), which is provided to the rear surface side of the base 11, and urges the lift lever 14 in the clockwise direction. Furthermore, the third urging spring 23 is one example of an urging unit.

[0033] As shown in Figure 3 , the base 11 is formed of a metal plate, and has: a plate-shaped flat plate portion 31; an entry groove 32, which is formed at the center left of the flat plate portion 31; a circular-arc-shaped protruding portion 33, which is formed so as to protrude from the surface of the flat plate portion 31, and extend in a circular arc shape so as to guide the lock lever 13 and the lift lever 14; and a circular-arc-shaped long hole 35, which is formed at the lower right of the flat plate portion 31, and engages with a protruding piece 84 (described later) of the lift lever 14. The long hole 35 is formed so as to correspond to the swing range of the lift lever 14, and the swing range of the lift lever 14 is restricted by the engagement of the protruding piece 84 of the lift lever 14 with the long hole 35. That is, a full lift position Cl (described later), which is an upper limit position of the lift lever 14, is defined by the protruding piece 84 of the lift lever 14 abutting against the end portion of the long hole 35.

[0034] The entry groove 32 is an opening that extends downward from the upper end of the flat plate portion 31, and is formed in a groove shape that is a "U" letter from the front, with the upper end side being a groove opening side and the lower side being a groove bottom side. In addition, the entry groove 32 has a width through which the lock catch S can pass, and functions as a lock catch guide that guides the lock catch S.

[0035] As shown in Figure 4 and Figure 11 , the latch 12 is formed of a plate-shaped and "U"-letter-shaped metal member, and is supported by the latch pin 17 so as to be swingable with respect to the base 11 between a primary latch position Al (refer to Figure 4 (a)), a release latch position A2 (refer to Figure 11 (e)), and a secondary latch position A3 (refer to Figure 4between the primary latching position Al and the secondary latching position A3. The primary latching position Al is a position in which the lock catch S is restrained in the entry groove 32 in the closed state of the cover, and the release latching position A2 is a position in which the lock catch S is allowed to escape from the entry groove 32. In addition, the secondary latching position A3 is a position in which the lock catch S is restrained in the half-opened state of the cover, and is a position in which the lock catch S is restrained between the primary latching position Al and the release latching position A2.

[0036] In addition, as shown in Figure 5 The latching 12 has a main body portion 41 that is swingably fitted to the base 11 by the latching pin 17, a lock catch engaging portion 42 that projects downward to the left from the main body portion 41 to engage with the lock catch S, a lock lever engaging portion 43 that projects upward to the right and to the right from the main body portion 41 to engage with the lock lever 13, a standing portion 44 that stands forward from a lower end portion of the main body portion 41, and an engaging pin 45 that is fitted to an upper portion of the main body portion 41 to project forward from the main body portion 41.

[0037] The lock catch engaging portion 42 has an upper first arm portion 51 that projects downward to the left and a lower second arm portion 52, and a restraint groove 53 that restrains the lock catch S is formed between the first arm portion 51 and the second arm portion 52.

[0038] A lower end surface 51a of the first arm portion 51 is a pressing surface that presses the lock catch S from above, and functions as a pressing portion that restricts and presses upward movement of the lock catch S in a state in which the latching 12 is swung to the primary latching position Al or the secondary latching position A3.

[0039] An upper end surface 52a of the second arm portion 52 is a contact surface (bearing surface) that contacts the lock catch S, and functions as a pressing bearing portion that bears pressing from the lock catch S that moves upward on the entry groove 32.

[0040] The lock lever engaging portion 43 has a first claw portion 56 that projects to the right from the main body portion 41 and a second claw portion 57 that projects upward to the right from the main body portion 41.

[0041] A lower end surface 56a of the first claw portion 56 is an engaged surface for the first engaging claw 62 (described later) of the lock lever 13 to engage with, and engages with the first engaging claw 62 of the lock lever 13 in a state in which the latching 12 is swung to the primary latching position Al.

[0042] A right end surface 57a of the second claw portion 57 is an engaged surface for the first engaging claw 62 of the lock lever 13 to engage with, and engages with the first engaging claw 62 of the lock lever 13 in a state in which the latching 12 is swung to the secondary latching position A3.

[0043] The standing portion 44 is formed so as to stand up from the lower end portion of the main body portion 41 toward the front, functions as a stopper engagement portion that engages with a protruding portion 93 (described later) of the reverse return restricting member 15, and also functions as a spring mounting portion that mounts one end portion of the first urging spring 21. Further, the standing portion 44 is one example of a stopper restricting portion.

[0044] As shown in Figure 2 , the first urging spring 21 has a first torsion spring 21a and a second torsion spring 21b arranged in series on the same axis, and has a configuration in which the wires of these torsion springs 21a, 21b are linked to each other. One end portion of the first torsion spring 21a is mounted to the standing portion 44 of the latch 12, and the other end portion is mounted to the sub base 19. In addition, one end portion of the second torsion spring 21b is mounted to a lever stopper 15a (described later) of the reverse return restricting member 15, and the other end portion is mounted to the sub base 19. By these, the latch 12 and the reverse return restricting member 15 are respectively urged in the clockwise direction. That is, by the first urging spring 21, the latch 12 is urged to swing toward the unlatched position side, and the reverse return restricting member 15 is urged to swing toward the locked position B1 side.

[0045] As shown in Figure 4 , the lock lever 13 is supported by the lock pin 18 so as to be swingable with respect to the base 11 between a locked position B1 (refer to Figure 4 (a) and (b)) and an unlatched position B2 (refer to Figure 4 (c)). The locked position B1 is a position at which the latch 12 is locked (restricted) by engagement of the first claw portion 56 or the second claw portion 57 of the latch 12. The unlatched position B2 is a position at which the lock of the latch 12 is released by release of the engagement of the first claw portion 56 or the second claw portion 57 of the latch 12.

[0046] In addition, as shown in Figure 2 , the lock lever 13 is configured by integrating a front side first lock lever member 13a that engages with the latch 12, and a rear side second lock lever member 13b that engages with the lifting lever 14.

[0047] As shown in Figure 6 , the first lock lever member 13a integrally has a main body portion 61 that is swingably mounted to the base 11 by the lock pin 18, a first engagement claw 62 and a second engagement claw 63 that protrude from a lower portion of the main body portion 61 toward the left upper direction, an abutment claw 64 that protrudes from an upper portion of the main body portion 61 toward the left direction and abuts against a stopper retreat portion 15b (described later) of the reverse return restricting member 15, and a spring mounting portion 65 that protrudes from a right lower portion of the main body portion 61 toward the front. The stopper retreat portion 15b is one example of a stopper retreat unit.

[0048] The upper right surface 62a of the first engaging pawl 62 is an engaging surface that engages with the first pawl portion 56 or the second pawl portion 57 of the latch 12. When the locking lever 13 swings to the locked position B1, it engages with the first pawl portion 56 or the second pawl portion 57 to restrict the swing of the latch 12 towards the unlocked position A2, thereby locking the latch 12. That is, when the latch 12 swings to the first latch position A1, the first engaging pawl 62 engages with the first pawl portion 56 to lock the latch 12 in the first latch position A1. In addition, when the latch 12 swings to the second latch position A3, the first engaging pawl 62 engages with the second pawl portion 57 to lock the latch 12 in the second latch position A3.

[0049] Furthermore, the left end face 62b of the first engaging pawl 62 is a guide slope that slopes downwards and to the right. When the locking lever 13 is in the locked position B1, and the latch 12 swings from the unlocked position A2 to the first latched position A1, this guide slope contacts the first pawl portion 56 and the second pawl portion 57 of the latch 12, and the locking lever 13 temporarily swings towards the unlocked position B2. Thus, it becomes a configuration that allows the latch 12 to swing from the unlocked position A2 to the first latched position A1.

[0050] The upper right surface 63a and upper left surface 63b of the second engaging claw 63 are engaging surfaces that engage with the reverse return limiting member 15. Although details will be described later, when the locking lever 13 is swung to the locked position B1, the reverse return limiting member 15 engages with the upper right surface 63a, and when the locking lever 13 is swung to the unlocked position B2, the reverse return limiting member 15 engages with the upper left surface 63b.

[0051] The spring assembly part 65 is formed by protruding forward from the lower end of the main body part 61, and one end of the second force-applying spring 22 is assembled thereon.

[0052] like Figure 7 As shown, the second locking lever member 13b integrally comprises: a main body 71, which is oscillatingly mounted to the base 11 via a locking pin 18; a locking pawl 72, which extends from the left side of the main body 71 in an upward-left direction to lock the lifting lever 14; an abutment portion 73, which protrudes from the upper part of the main body 71 in a rightward direction and abuts against the bushing 11a; and an operating portion 74, which protrudes downward from the lower part of the main body 71. This configuration results in the following: when the locking lever 13 swings to the unlocked position B2, the abutment portion 73 abuts against the bushing 11a, thereby restricting the counterclockwise swing of the locking lever 13.

[0053] The right upper surface 72a of the locking claw 72 is a locking surface that locks the locked portion 83 (described later) of the lifting lever 14, and locks the locked portion 83 of the lifting lever 14 to restrict the swing of the lifting lever 14 when the locking lever 13 swings to the locked position B1. Thus, in the secondary locked state, the swing position of the lifting lever 14 is restricted to the half-lift position C3 (described later).

[0054] The operation portion 74 is formed so as to extend downward from the lower portion of the main body portion 71 and then stand upward in the frontward direction, and is connected to a release cable that is not shown. In this embodiment, the operation portion 74 is operated by the release cable by operation from inside the vehicle cabin, whereby the locking lever 13 is swung from the locked position B1 to the release-locked position B2. Hereinafter, this operation of the operation portion 74 by the release cable will be referred to as a lock release operation.

[0055] The second urging spring 22 is composed of a torsion spring, one end portion of which is fitted to the spring fitting portion 65 of the locking lever 13, and the other end portion of which is fitted to the sub-base 19. The locking lever 13 is urged in the clockwise direction by the second urging spring 22. That is, the locking lever 13 is urged to swing to the locked position B1 by the second urging spring 22.

[0056] Swinging from the locked position B1 to the release-locked position B2 is performed by the lock release operation. On the other hand, in a state in which the lock release operation is not performed, the locking lever 13 is swung to the locked position B1 by the force of the second urging spring 22. That is, in a state in which the locking lever 13 is swung to the locked position B1 by the force of the second urging spring 22, the first engagement claw 62 of the locking lever 13 engages with the first claw portion 56 or the second claw portion 57 of the latch 12, and thus the latch 12 is locked. On the other hand, when the lock release operation is performed, the locking lever 13 is swung to the release-locked position B2, and the engagement of the first engagement claw 62 with the first claw portion 56 or the second claw portion 57 is released, and the locking of the latch 12 is released.

[0057] As shown in (a) of FIG. 8, in the locked state, the latch 12 is swung to the primary latching position Al, and the locking lever 13 is swung to the locked position B1. Thus, the latch 12 that is swung to the primary latching position Al is locked by the locking lever 13, and the lock catch S of the shield that is in the closed state is restrained by the locked latch 12. Thus, the shield is locked in the closed state. In addition, as shown in (b) of FIG. 8, in the release-locked state, the latch 12 is swung to the secondary latching position A2, and the locking lever 13 is swung to the release-locked position B2. Thus, the latch 12 that is swung to the secondary latching position A2 is locked by the locking lever 13, and the lock catch S of the shield that is in the closed state is restrained by the locked latch 12. Thus, the shield is locked in the closed state. Figure 4 Figure 4 ​In the secondary lock state shown in (b), the latches 12 become swung to a position beyond the primary latch position Al and the lock lever 13 becomes swung to the lock position Bl. If the hood is opened by a person's hand in this state, the latches 12 swung to the secondary latch position A3 are locked by the lock lever 13, and the upward movement of the lock catch S of the hood in the half-open state is restricted by the locked latches 12. In this way, the hood is locked in the half-open state. Further, as shown in Figure 4 In the unlock state shown in (c), the lock lever 13 becomes swung to the unlock position B2. If the hood is opened by a person's hand in this state, the latches 12 are swung to the unlock position A2, the lock catch S is disengaged from the restraint groove 53 and the entry groove 32, and the hood becomes in the open state.

[0058] As shown in (a), the lock lever 13 is formed of a plate-shaped metal member, is supported by the lock pin 16 so as to be swingable with respect to the base 11 between the lock position Bl (refer to (b) of FIG. 6) and the unlock position B2 (refer to (c) of FIG. 6), and is provided with the lock pawl 72 which is engaged with the latches 12 in the secondary lock state. Figure 4 As shown in (a), the lock lever 13 is formed of a plate-shaped metal member, is supported by the lock pin 16 so as to be swingable with respect to the base 11 between the lock position Bl (refer to (b) of FIG. 6) and the unlock position B2 (refer to (c) of FIG. 6), and is provided with the lock pawl 72 which is engaged with the latches 12 in the secondary lock state. Figure 4 The lock position Bl is a position at which the latches 12 are locked by the lock lever 13 in the secondary lock state, and is a lower limit position of the swing range of the lock lever 13. The unlock position B2 is a position at which the latches 12 are unlocked by the lock lever 13, and is an upper limit position of the swing range of the lock lever 13. Figure 4 Figure 4 As shown in (a), the lock lever 13 is formed of a plate-shaped metal member, is supported by the lock pin 16 so as to be swingable with respect to the base 11 between the lock position Bl (refer to (b) of FIG. 6) and the unlock position B2 (refer to (c) of FIG. 6), and is provided with the lock pawl 72 which is engaged with the latches 12 in the secondary lock state.

[0059] Further, as shown in (a), the lock lever 13 integrally has: a main body portion 71 which is swingably fitted to the base 11 by the lock pin 16; the lock pawl 72 which is extended from the main body portion 71 to the right lower direction, is engaged with the latches 12 in the secondary lock state, and is disengaged from the latches 12 in the unlock state; and a protruding piece 73 which is extended from the main body portion 71 to the rear direction. Figure 8 The upper end surface 72a of the lock pawl 72 is an engagement surface which is engaged with the latches 12 in the secondary lock state, and disengaged from the latches 12 in the unlock state.

[0060] The upper end surface 82a of the push-up arm portion 82 is an engagement surface which is engaged with the lock catch S, and pushes up the lock catch S from below by the engagement with the lock catch S to push up the hood via the lock catch S.

[0061] ​The lower surface 83a of the locking part 83 is the locking surface of the locking claw 72 of the locking rod 13. When the lifting rod 14 swings to the half-lift position C3, it is locked by the locking claw 72 of the locking rod 13 which has swung to the locked position B1. That is, when the lifting rod 14 swings to the half-lift position C3, the locking claw 72 of the locking rod 13 which has swung to the locked position B1 locks the locking part 83 of the lifting rod 14, thereby restricting the swing of the lifting rod 14 to the half-lift position C3.

[0062] The protruding piece 84 protrudes rearward from the lower part of the main body 81 and is inserted into the elongated hole 35 of the base 11. Furthermore, the protruding piece 84 engages with the elongated hole 35 of the base 11, limiting the swing range of the lifting rod 14. That is, by abutting the end face of the protruding piece 84 against the end of the elongated hole 35, the fully raised position C1 of the lifting rod 14 is defined. Additionally, the protruding piece 84 also functions as a spring assembly part, with one end fitted with the third force-applying spring 23 at its front end, which penetrates the base 11.

[0063] The third force-applying spring 23 is a helical spring disposed on the rear surface of the base 11, with one end attached to the protruding piece 84 of the lifting rod 14 and the other end attached to the base 11. Through the third force-applying spring 23, the lifting rod 14 is subjected to a clockwise force, that is, through the third force-applying spring 23, the lifting rod 14 is subjected to a force to swing towards the fully lifted position C1.

[0064] like Figure 4 As shown in (b), in the secondary locked state, the lifting rod 14 is forced clockwise by the third force-applying spring 23, and, by being locked to the locking rod 13, it swings to the half-lifted position C3. On the other hand, as Figure 4 As shown in (c), in the unlocked state, the locking lever 13 is released, and therefore, the lifting lever 14 swings to the fully lifted position C1. Thus, when transitioning from the secondary locked state to the unlocked state, the lifting lever 14 swings from the half-lifted position C3 to the fully lifted position C1. Accompanying this, the latch S engaged with the lifting lever 14 moves upward, causing the cover to open slightly.

[0065] And, as Figure 4As shown in (c), in this embodiment, on the entry slot 32, the fully raised position C1 of the lifting rod 14 is located at a position lower than the constraint position D where the latch S is constrained by the latch 12 at the secondary latch position A3 (position at the bottom side of the entry slot 32). More precisely, on the entry slot 32 (in the extending direction of the entry slot 32), the position of the pushing arm 82 of the lifting rod 14, which has swung to the fully raised position C1, is located lower than the constraint position D. Therefore, if the half-open state of the cover when the latch S is constrained by the latch 12 at the secondary latch position A3 is referred to as the first half-open state, then it can be said that when the latch S is pushed up by the lifting rod 14 at the fully raised position C1, the cover becomes a second half-open state, which is closed compared to the first half-open state; and when the latch S is pushed up by the lifting rod 14 at the half-raised position C3, the cover becomes a third half-open state, which is closed compared to the second half-open state.

[0066] In this way, by setting the fully raised position C1 of the lifting rod 14 to a position lower than the constraint position D where the latch S is constrained by the latch 12 in the secondary latch position A3, when the cover is closed, before contacting the lifting rod 14, the latch 12 exceeds the secondary latch position A3 and becomes a secondary locked state. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cover from being forgotten to lock when it is closed.

[0067] The reverse return limiting member 15 is supported on the base 11 by the latch pin 17. When the locking lever 13 swings to the unlocked position B2, it moves independently of the latch 12 and enters the locked position B1 of the locking lever 13, thus limiting the reverse return of the locking lever 13 to the locked position B1.

[0068] In addition, such as Figure 4 and Figure 9 As shown in (a), the reverse return limiting member 15 includes: a rod stop 15a, which is oscillatingly supported on the base 11 and enters into the locking position B1 of the locking rod 13; a stop retraction portion 15b, which is oscillatingly fitted to the rod stop 15a to retract the rod stop 15a from the locking position B1; and a fourth force-applying spring (not shown) that applies a force to the stop retraction portion 15b in a counterclockwise direction.

[0069] like Figure 9 As shown in (b), the lever stop 15a integrally comprises: a main body 91 which is oscillatingly mounted to the base 11 via a latch pin 17; a lever limiting part 92 which extends to the right from the main body 91 and enters the locking position B1 of the locking lever 13 to limit the locking lever 13; and an extension part 93 which extends to the lower left from the main body 91 and engages with the upright part 44 of the latch 12.

[0070] Further, one end portion of a second torsion spring 21b of the first urging spring 21 is fitted to the lever stopper 15a. Since the one end portion of the second torsion spring 21b is fitted to the lever stopper 15a, the other end portion of the second torsion spring 21b is fitted to the sub base 19, and thus the lever stopper 15a is urged in the clockwise direction by the second torsion spring 21b. This becomes a configuration in which the lever restriction portion 92 enters the locked position Bl by this urging force.

[0071] The right end surface 92a of the lever restriction portion 92 is a restriction surface that comes into contact with the left upper surface 63b of the second engagement claw 63 of the lock lever 13 and restricts the lock lever 13. When the lock lever 13 is swung to the unlocked position B2 and the lever restriction portion 92 enters the locked position Bl of the lock lever 13, the right end surface 92a of the lever restriction portion 92 comes into contact with the left upper surface 63b of the second engagement claw 63 and restricts the swing of the lock lever 13 to the locked position Bl side. Thus, the lock lever 13 is restricted from returning in the reverse direction to the locked position Bl.

[0072] Further, the lower end surface 92b of the lever restriction portion 92 is an abutting surface that abuts against the right upper surface 62a, 63a of the first engagement claw 62 or the second engagement claw 63 of the lock lever 13. In the secondary locked state, the lower end surface 92b of the lever restriction portion 92 becomes a state of abutting against the right upper surface 63a of the second engagement claw 63, and when the lock lever 13 is swung to the unlocked position B2 by the lock release operation and the lever restriction portion 92 enters the locked position Bl, the lower end surface 92b of the lever restriction portion 92 becomes a state of abutting against the right upper surface 62a of the first engagement claw 62. Thus, it is possible to position the position of the lever restriction portion 92 with respect to the second engagement claw 63 to an appropriate position, and it is possible to appropriately perform the restriction of the lock lever 13 by the lever restriction portion 92.

[0073] The protruding portion 93 is formed so as to protrude forward after protruding downward to the left of the main body portion 71, and is engaged with the standing portion 44 of the latch 12 when the latch 12 is swung to the vicinity of the primary latch position Al. When the lock lever 13 that has locked the latch 12 in the primary latch position Al is swung to the unlocked position B2, the entry of the lever stopper 15a to the locked position Bl is restricted by the engagement of the protruding portion 93 with the standing portion 44. Thus, a configuration is made in which the entry of the lever restriction portion 92 to the locked position Bl is prevented when the lock lever 13 is swung to the unlocked position B2 by the first lock release operation in the shroud opening operation (when the locked state is released).

[0074] The stopper retreat portion 15b is swingably supported to the lever stopper 15a, is engaged with the latch 12 when the latch 12 is swung from the unlocked latch position A2 to the vicinity of the primary latch position Al, and retreats the lever restriction portion 92 of the lever stopper 15a from the locked position Bl by the force when the latch 12 is swung.

[0075] Further, as described above, Figure 9The stopper retreat portion 15b integrally has a main body portion 96 that is swingably fitted to the lever stopper 15a, a pin engagement portion 97 that protrudes upward to the right from the main body portion 96 and engages with the engagement pin 45 of the latch 12, a stopper engagement portion 98 that protrudes downward to the right from the main body portion 96 and engages with the lever stopper 15a, and an abutment portion 99 that protrudes to the right from the main body portion 96 and is abutted by the abutment claw 64 of the lock lever 13, as shown in (c) of FIG. 9.

[0076] The pin engagement portion 97 is formed in a mountain shape protruding upward to the right from the main body portion 96, and the right surface thereof is in contact with and engages with the engagement pin 45. The stopper engagement portion 98 is formed protruding forward after protruding downward to the right from the main body portion 96, and abuts with the lever stopper 15a from the left side. In a state where the pin engagement portion 97 engages with the engagement pin 45, when the latch 12 swings from the release latch position A2 to the vicinity of the secondary latch position A3, the force at the time of the swing is transmitted to the lever stopper 15a via the engagement pin 45, the pin engagement portion 97, the main body portion 96 of the stopper retreat portion 15b, and the stopper engagement portion 98, and the lever stopper 15a swings counterclockwise. Thereby, the lever restriction portion 92 of the lever stopper 15a retreats upward from the locked position B1.

[0077] The abutment portion 99 is abutted by the abutment claw 64 of the lock lever 13 when the latch 12 swings to the vicinity of the primary latch position Al. When the abutment claw 64 abuts with the abutment portion 99, the stopper retreat portion 15b swings, and thereby the engagement of the pin engagement portion 97 with the engagement pin 45 is released.

[0078] (Explanation of the shield opening operation and the shield closing operation)

[0079] Next, the shield opening operation and the shield closing operation in the shield locking device 1 for a vehicle will be explained with reference to Figures 10 to 13

[0080] First, the shield opening operation will be explained with reference to Figure 10 and Figure 11 The shield opening operation is an operation in which the primary lock and the secondary lock of the shield are released by 2 lock release operations by the user, and from this state, the shield is opened by the user's hand lifting the shield. In addition, the shield opening operation is performed from a state in which the latch 12 is locked at the primary latch position Al by the lock lever 13, as shown in (a) of FIG. 10. Figure 10

[0081] As shown in (b) of FIG. 10, the lock lever 13 is released from the primary latch position Al by the 2 lock release operations by the user, and the latch 12 is released from the primary latch position Al. Thereby, the lock lever 13 is released from the primary latch position Al, and the latch 12 is released from the primary latch position Al. Figure 10 ​​As shown in (b), when the user performs the first lock release operation, the locking lever 13 swings from the locked position B1 to the unlocked position B2, and the lock on the latch 12 by the locking lever 13 is released. When the latch 12 is released, the lifting lever 14 swings continuously clockwise by the force of the third force spring 23, pushing the engaged latch S upward, causing the latch 12 engaged with the latch S to swing continuously. At this time, the engagement of the raised part 44 of the latch 12 with the protruding part 93 of the lever stop 15a restricts the lever limiting part 92 of the lever stop 15a from entering the locked position B1.

[0082] Subsequently, as Figure 10 As shown in (c), with the end of the first locking release operation, the locking lever 13 returns from the unlocked position B2 to the locked position B1. Then, by reaching the half-lifted position C3 of the lifting lever 14, the locked portion 83 of the lifting lever 14 is engaged with the locking pawl 72 of the locking lever 13, which has returned to the locked position B1. Thus, a secondary locking state is achieved. At this time, by swinging the lifting lever 14 to the half-lifted position C3 to push up the latch S, the cover becomes the third half-open state, and by swinging the locking lever 13 to the locked position B1, the latch 12 becomes locked in the secondary latch position A3. That is, even if the cover is lifted by the user's hand, the second pawl 57 of the latch 12, which is engaged with the latch S, will engage with the first engaging pawl 62 of the locking lever 13, thus restricting the swing of the latch 12, and stopping the opening of the cover in the first half-open state.

[0083] Subsequently, when the user performs a second lock-and-unlock operation, such as Figure 11 As shown in (d), the locking lever 13 swings from the locked position B1 to the unlocked position B2, releasing the locking state of the locking lever 13 against the latch 12 and releasing the locking lever 13 from the locking lever 14. At this time, as the locking lever 13 swings towards the unlocked position B2, the lever stop 15a swings independently of the latch 12 due to the force of the second torsion spring 21b, and the lever limiting part 92 enters the locked position B1, thus restricting the locking lever 13 from swinging back towards the locked position B1. In addition, when the locking lever 13 is released from the locking lever 13, the lifting lever 14 swings to the fully lifted position C1 due to the force of the third force-applying spring 23, pushing the engaged latch S upward. As a result, the cover is in the second half-open state.

[0084] In this state, such as Figure 11When the shroud is lifted by the user's hand as shown in (e), the latch 12 engaged with the lock catch S swings to the unlatching position A2, the lock catch S is disengaged from the restraining groove 53 and the entry groove 32 of the latch 12, and the shroud is opened. At this time, the engagement pin 45 of the latch 12 is engaged with the pin engagement portion 97 of the stop retreat portion 15b. Thus, the shroud opening operation is completed.

[0085] Next, the shroud closing operation will be described with reference to Figure 12 and Figure 13 The shroud closing operation is an operation performed by the user dropping or pressing down the front end side of the shroud from above, and is an operation of locking the shroud in the closed state by restraining the lock catch S of the closed shroud with the vehicle shroud locking device 1. In addition, the shroud closing operation is performed from the state in which the latch 12 swings to the unlatching position A2 as shown in (a). Figure 12

[0086] When the shroud is continuously closed by the drop or press down of the shroud as shown in (b), the lock catch S enters the entry groove 32, and the second arm portion 52 of the latch 12 is pressed downward in contact with the lock catch S. Thus, the latch 12 continuously swings in the counterclockwise direction. As a result, the lock catch S enters the restraining groove 53 of the latch 12, and the latch 12 swings beyond the secondary latching position A3, and further, the lock catch S comes into contact with the push-up arm portion 82 of the lift lever 14. At this time, the latch 12 swings with the engagement of the engagement pin 45 with the pin engagement portion 97 of the reverse return restricting member 15, and the reverse return restricting member 15 swings with the swing of the latch 12, and the lever stop 15a swings. Thus, the lever restricting portion 92 retreats from the locked position Bl, and the restriction of the lock lever 13 by the lever restricting portion 92 is released. Thus, the lock lever 13 swings to the locked position Bl, and becomes the secondary locked state. Figure 12 When the shroud is further continuously closed, the latch 12 and the lift lever 14 continuously swing in the counterclockwise direction, and the lock catch S continuously advances on the entry groove 32 as shown in (c). The latch 12 reaches the vicinity of the primary latching position Al. At this time, the first claw portion 56 of the latch 12 is engaged with the left end surface 62b of the first engagement claw 62 of the lock lever 13, and the lock lever 13 swings to the unlatched position B2 side. The abutting claw 64 of the lock lever 13 abuts against the abutted portion 99 of the stop retreat portion 15b by the swing of the lock lever 13, and the engagement of the engagement pin 45 with the pin engagement portion 97 is released.

[0087] Figure 12 When the shroud is further continuously closed, the latch 12 and the lift lever 14 continuously swing in the counterclockwise direction, and the lock catch S continuously advances on the entry groove 32 as shown in (c). The latch 12 reaches the vicinity of the primary latching position Al. At this time, the first claw portion 56 of the latch 12 is engaged with the left end surface 62b of the first engagement claw 62 of the lock lever 13, and the lock lever 13 swings to the unlatched position B2 side. The abutting claw 64 of the lock lever 13 abuts against the abutted portion 99 of the stop retreat portion 15b by the swing of the lock lever 13, and the engagement of the engagement pin 45 with the pin engagement portion 97 is released.

[0088] When the shroud is further continuously closed, the latch 12 and the lift lever 14 continuously swing in the counterclockwise direction, and the lock catch S continuously advances on the entry groove 32 as shown in (c). The latch 12 reaches the vicinity of the primary latching position Al. At this time, the first claw portion 56 of the latch 12 is engaged with the left end surface 62b of the first engagement claw 62 of the lock lever 13, and the lock lever 13 swings to the unlatched position B2 side. The abutting claw 64 of the lock lever 13 abuts against the abutted portion 99 of the stop retreat portion 15b by the swing of the lock lever 13, and the engagement of the engagement pin 45 with the pin engagement portion 97 is released. Figure 13 ​​The lock S reaches the bottom of the groove 32 of the entry groove 32, and the latch 12 swings to a position beyond the first latching position Al. Thus, the lowering or pressing of the shroud front end side is ended.

[0089] Thereafter, as shown in (e) of FIG. 6, the lock S is pushed upward by the lifting lever 14 by the force of the third urging spring 23, the latch 12 engaged with the lock S swings to the first latching position Al, and the first claw portion 56 of the latch 12 is engaged with the first engagement claw 62 of the lock lever 13. The latch 12 is locked in the first latching position Al by the engagement of the first claw portion 56 of the latch 12 with the first engagement claw 62 of the lock lever 13. Thus, the latch 12 locked in the first latching position Al restricts the lock S, and the shroud after the lock S is fixed is locked in the closed state. Thus, the locked state is achieved. Thus, the shroud closing operation is ended. Figure 13

[0090] (Action and Effect of Embodiment)

[0091] As described above according to the above embodiment, since the lever stopper 15a is provided, the lock lever 13 swung to the lock release position B2 by the lock release operation can be inhibited from returning in the reverse direction to the lock position Bl. Thus, the failure of the shroud not being opened and returning to the secondary locked state (before the shroud is opened) when the lock release operation is performed from the secondary locked state can be inhibited.

[0092] Further, since the stopper retreat portion 15b is provided, the lever stopper 15a can be retreated from the lock position Bl during the shroud closing operation, and the lever stopper 15a can be used again during the next shroud opening operation.

[0093] Further, since the structure of restricting the entry of the lever stopper 15a to the lock position Bl when the first lock release operation is performed is adopted, the restriction of the lock lever 13 by the lever stopper 15a can be performed only when the second lock release operation is performed (only when the secondary lock is released).

[0094] (Regarding Other Embodiments)

[0095] The above describes the embodiments of the present application, but the above-described embodiments do not limit the invention covered by the claims. Further, it should be noted that all combinations of the features described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the solution for solving the problems of the invention. The present application can be appropriately modified and implemented without departing from the gist thereof.

[0096] ​For example, in the above embodiment, the application is applied to a configuration in which even if the second lock release operation is performed to release the secondary lock state, the latch 12 does not exceed the secondary latch position A3 and the shield is not opened unless the shield is manually lifted up, but the application can also be applied to a configuration in which when the second lock release operation is performed to release the secondary lock state, the latch 12 automatically swings beyond the secondary latch position A3 by spring force or the like and the shield is opened.

[0097] Further, in the above embodiment, the application is applied to a configuration in which the lock catch S is provided on the shield side and the vehicle shield locking device 1 is provided on the vehicle body side (the opening portion side), but the application can also be applied to a configuration in which the vehicle shield locking device 1 is provided on the shield side and the lock catch S is provided on the vehicle body side (the opening portion side). In this case, the vehicle shield locking device 1 is provided in a configuration in which it is upside down, and is provided in a configuration in which, for example, the notch side of the entry groove 32 is the lower side and the groove bottom side of the entry groove 32 is the upper side.

[0098] Further, in the above embodiment, the application is applied to the vehicle locking device 1 that locks the shield for the engine room (the engine hood) in the closed state, but the application is not limited to this and can also be applied to a vehicle locking device that locks the shield for the luggage compartment (the luggage compartment cover) in the closed state. Further, as long as it is a vehicle locking device that locks the lid that opens and closes the opening portion provided in the vehicle body in the closed state, the application can also be applied, for example, to a vehicle locking device that locks the lid (so-called charging lid) that opens and closes the opening portion for charging in the closed state.

Claims

1. A vehicle cover locking device, which locks a cover that opens and closes an opening in a vehicle, characterized in that, have: The substrate has an entry groove for the latch to enter; A latch is configured to swing freely between a primary latch position, a release latch position, and a secondary latch position. The primary latch position is a position in which the latch is restrained within the entry slot. The release latch position is a position in which the latch is allowed to disengage from the entry slot. The secondary latch position is a position in which the latch is restrained between the primary latch position and the release latch position. The locking lever is configured to swing freely between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the locked position is the position in which the latch is locked in the primary latch position or the secondary latch position, and the unlocked position is the position in which the latch is released from the lock. as well as A lever stop, which, when the locking lever swings to the unlocked position, moves independently of the latch to enter the locked position, thereby restricting the locking lever from returning to the locked position.

2. The vehicle cover locking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes: a stop retraction unit, which engages with the latch when it swings from the unlocked position to the first latch position, and the rod stop is retracted from the locked position by the force of the latch swinging.

3. The vehicle cover locking device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It also includes a stop limiting part, which engages with the rod stop when the locking rod swings toward the unlocking position after the latch is locked in the first latch position, thereby restricting the rod stop from entering the locked position.

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