Vehicle door locking device

Abstract

Provided is a vehicle door locking device capable of switching the state of a locking mechanism and the state of a double locking mechanism by one drive power source. The locking mechanism (123) of the vehicle door locking device (10) is configured to switch to an unlocked state when a first rotary member (42) is moved from a neutral position to an unlock corresponding position that is a position after rotation in a prescribed one direction by the drive power of a first motor (41), and to switch to a locked state when the first rotary member (42) is moved from the neutral position to a lock corresponding position that is a position after rotation in an opposite direction opposite the prescribed one direction. The double locking mechanism (124) is configured to alternately switch to a DL setting release state and a DL setting state each time the first rotary member (42) is moved from the neutral position past the lock corresponding position to a cam action position that is a position after rotation in the opposite direction opposite the prescribed one direction by the drive power of the first motor (41).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a door locking device for vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] The vehicle door locking device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured to switch between a locked state, an unlocked state, and a latch-released state by the driving force of an electric motor. Specifically, the vehicle door locking device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a rotating member that rotates by the driving force of an electric motor. This rotating member can rotate to a neutral position, an unlocked position (corresponding to a position after rotation from the neutral position in a predetermined direction), a locked position (corresponding to a position after rotation from the neutral position in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction), and a latch-released position (corresponding to a position after passing the locked position from the neutral position), and is configured to be in the neutral position when the electric motor is not activated.

[0003] Furthermore, the vehicle door locking device is configured such that when the door locking device is in the locked state, the door locking device switches to the unlocked state when the rotating member rotates from the neutral position to the unlocked position by the driving force of the electric motor; and when the door locking device is in the unlocked state, the door locking device switches to the locked state when the rotating member moves from the neutral position to the locked position by the driving force of the electric motor. Additionally, when the rotating member moves from the neutral position past the locked position to the latch release position by the driving force of the electric motor, the door locking device switches to the latch release state. Thus, the vehicle door locking device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured to switch between the unlocked state, the locked state, and the latch release state by switching the driving force of the electric motor in both directions.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-85292.

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] Furthermore, among vehicle door locking devices, there are those equipped with a dual locking mechanism that operates via a driving force from a driving force source. The dual locking mechanism is configured to prevent the door locking device from switching from a locked state to an unlocked state through mechanical operation when it is in a locked state. When attempting to apply a dual locking mechanism that operates via a driving force from a driving force source to a vehicle door locking device, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, which is configured to switch between a locked and unlocked state via a driving force from a driving force source, in addition to the driving force source for switching between the locked and unlocked states, a driving force source for operating the dual locking mechanism is also required. Moreover, adding a driving force source for operating the dual locking mechanism to the vehicle door locking device increases the component cost of the vehicle door locking device. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned actual situation, and its object is to provide a door locking device for a vehicle that has a dual locking mechanism that does not require a separate driving force source from the driving force source used to switch the locking mechanism to a locked state and an unlocked state.

[0010] Technical means for solving problems

[0011] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the vehicle door locking device according to the present invention includes:

[0012] A latching mechanism configured to switch between a latched state and a latched unlatched state, wherein in the latched state, opening of the door is not permitted, and in the latched unlatched state, opening of the door is permitted;

[0013] A locking mechanism is configured to switch between a locked state and an unlocked state. In the locked state, the latching mechanism is not allowed to switch from the latched state to the unlocked state, and in the unlocked state, the latching mechanism is allowed to switch from the latched state to the unlocked state.

[0014] A dual locking mechanism is configured to switch between a dual locking setting state and a dual locking setting deactivation state. In the dual locking setting state, the locking mechanism is not allowed to switch from the locked state to the unlocked state, and in the dual locking setting deactivation state, the locking mechanism is allowed to switch from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0015] A limiting mechanism configured to alternately switch between a first state and a second state, wherein in the first state, the dual-locking mechanism is not allowed to switch from the dual-locking setting state to the dual-locking setting deactivation state, and in the second state, the dual-locking mechanism is allowed to switch from the dual-locking setting state to the dual-locking setting deactivation state; and

[0016] The first rotating component is configured to rotate by a driving force output from a first driving force source. When the locking mechanism is in the locked state, when the first rotating component moves to a second position, which is a position after rotating from the first position in one direction, the locking mechanism is switched from the locked state to the unlocked state. When the locking mechanism is in the unlocked state, when the first rotating component moves to a third position, which is a position after rotating from the first position in the opposite direction to the first direction, the locking mechanism is switched from the unlocked state to the locked state. Each time the first rotating component moves to a fourth position, which is a position after rotating from the first position in the opposite direction past the third position, the limiting mechanism is alternately switched between the first state and the second state.

[0017] The effects of the invention

[0018] According to the present invention, when the door locking device (locking mechanism of the door locking device) is in the unlocked state, the door locking device switches to the locked state when the rotating member moves from the first position to the third position by the driving force of the driving force source. Furthermore, when the door locking device is in the locked state, the door locking device switches to the unlocked state when the rotating member moves from the first position to the second position by the driving force of the driving force source. Moreover, when the door locking device is in the locked state, the door locking device (double locking mechanism of the door locking device) switches from the double locking setting release state to the double locking setting state, or from the double locking setting state to the double locking setting release state, when the rotating member moves from the first position past the third position to the fourth position by the driving force of the driving force source.

[0019] Thus, the switching between the locked and unlocked states of the door locking device, as well as the switching between the dual-lock setting release state and the dual-lock setting state, can be performed by a single driving force source. Therefore, since it is not necessary to separately provide driving force sources for switching between the locked and unlocked states and for switching between the dual-lock setting release state and the dual-lock setting state, it is possible to prevent or suppress an increase in the number of components in the vehicle door locking device. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1AThis is a diagram showing a car door with a door locking device used in vehicles.

[0021] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A cross-sectional view with the arrow pointing in the direction of the IB-IB line.

[0022] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the door locking device.

[0023] Figure 3A This is a diagram showing the operation of the door locking device.

[0024] Figure 3B This is a diagram showing the operation of the door locking device.

[0025] Figure 3C yes Figure 3A Enlarged view of section IIIC.

[0026] Figure 4A This is a diagram showing the operation of the door locking device.

[0027] Figure 4B This is a diagram showing the operation of the door locking device.

[0028] Figure 5A This is a diagram showing the operation of the door locking device.

[0029] Figure 5B This is a diagram showing the operation of the door locking device.

[0030] Figure 6A This is a diagram showing the operation of the door locking device.

[0031] Figure 6B This is a diagram showing the operation of the door locking device.

[0032] Figure 7A This is a diagram showing the operation of the door locking device.

[0033] Figure 7B This is a diagram showing the operation of the door locking device.

[0034] Figure 8A This is a diagram showing the operation of the door locking device.

[0035] Figure 8B This is a diagram showing the operation of the door locking device.

[0036] Figure 9A This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the construction of a push-button cam.

[0037] Figure 9B This is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of a push-button cam.

[0038] Figure 10A This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of a push-button cam.

[0039] Figure 10B This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of a push-button cam.

[0040] Figure 10C This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of a push-button cam.

[0041] Figure 10D This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of a push-button cam.

[0042] Figure 10E This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of a push-button cam.

[0043] Figure 10F This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of a push-button cam. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The following describes a vehicle door locking device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the following description, the vehicle door locking device will sometimes be simply referred to as a "door locking device". In the following description, the directions of the door locking device and its constituent components are based on the directions of the vehicle. In the figures, arrow Fr indicates the front side of the door locking device (and the vehicle), arrow Rr indicates the rear side, arrow Out indicates the outer side in the vehicle width direction (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the outer side of the vehicle), arrow In indicates the inner side in the vehicle width direction (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the inner side of the vehicle), arrow Up indicates the upper side, and arrow Dw indicates the lower side.

[0045] <Car door>

[0046] Figure 1A It is a side view of the door 90 with the door locking device 10 applied, and is a view taken from the outside of the vehicle. Figure 1B It is a cross-sectional view near the rear end of the door 90, which uses the door locking device 10, and is Figure 1A A cross-sectional view in the direction of arrow IB-IB. The front end of the door 90 is connected to the vehicle body in a manner that allows it to rotate relative to the vehicle body, and is configured to be able to be closed and opened by rotating relative to the vehicle body. The door 90 has a door body portion 91 forming its lower half and a door window frame 92 provided in its upper half. The door body portion 91 includes: an outer panel 911 forming the outer side of the door 90, an inner panel 912 fixed to the inner side of the outer panel 911, and a resin decorative panel 913 fixed to the inner side of the inner panel 912 and forming the inner side of the door body portion 91.

[0047] A door handle assembly comprising an exterior door handle 914 and a key lock cylinder 916 is installed on the exterior panel 911. The exterior door handle 914 and key lock cylinder 916 are operating components that can be manually operated by the vehicle user from the outside of the vehicle. An interior door handle 915 is installed on the trim panel 913. The interior door handle 915 is an operating component that can be manually operated by the vehicle user from the inside of the vehicle. Both the exterior door handle 914 and the interior door handle 915 can move to an initial position and an operating position by rotating relative to the door 90. Furthermore, both the exterior door handle 914 and the interior door handle 915 are elastically forced towards the initial position by a force-applying member (not shown). Therefore, when not manually operated, the exterior door handle 914 and the interior door handle 915 are held in the initial position by the force of the force-applying member. The vehicle user can manually operate the exterior door handle 914 and the interior door handle 915 (manually move them from the initial position to the operating position).

[0048] like Figure 1B As shown, the door locking device 10 is disposed in the interior space of the door 90 (i.e., the space surrounded by the outer panel 911 and the inner panel 912), with a portion protruding to the outside at the rear end of the door 90. Furthermore, the door locking device 10 is fixed to the inner panel 912 (i.e., the door 90).

[0049] Furthermore, the construction of the door 90 is not particularly limited. The door 90 only needs to be connected to the body in a way that allows it to rotate relative to the body, and be configured to be able to close and open by rotating relative to the body.

[0050] <Construction of the door locking device>

[0051] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view showing a construction example of the door locking device 10. The door locking device 10 includes an engaging body 11 and an actuator body 12.

[0052] (Meshing body)

[0053] The engaging body 11 has a latching mechanism 111. The latching mechanism 111 is configured to switch between a latched state and a latched unlocked state. The latched state is a state in which the door 90 is not allowed to open (or, in other words, the door 90 is kept closed). The latched unlocked state is a state in which the door 90 is allowed to open.

[0054] In this embodiment, the latching mechanism 111 includes a base plate 112, a latch 113, and a lifting rod 114. The latch 113 is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the base plate 112 and movable to a latched position (full latched position and half latched position) and a latch-released position. Furthermore, the latch 113 is configured such that when the door 90 is in the closed state, if it is in the latched position, it restricts (disallows) the opening of the door 90; and when the door 90 is in the closed state, if it moves from the latched position to the latch-released position, it allows the door 90 to open.

[0055] The lifting lever 114 is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the base plate 112 and is configured to be movable to an initial position and an operating position. The lifting lever 114 is configured to restrict the movement of the latch 113 from the latched position to the latch-released position when it is in the initial position, and to allow the latch 113 to move from the latched position to the latch-released position when it is in the operating position.

[0056] In this way, the latching mechanism 111 is configured such that when the door 90 is closed, the lifting lever 114 remains in the latched state when it is in the initial position, and switches from the latched state to the latch-out state when the lifting lever 114 moves from the initial position to the operating position. Furthermore, the specific construction of the engaging body 11, including the latching mechanism 111, is not particularly limited, and various known constructions can be used.

[0057] (Actuator body)

[0058] The actuator body 12 includes a housing 31 as an outer shell, a base 32, and a cover (not shown). The housing 31 is a box-shaped component with an opening on one side, and is configured to mount the actuator body 12 and the engaging body 11. The base 32 is a component on which the specified components are mounted and is attached to the housing 31. The cover (not shown) is a component that covers the components housed within the housing 31 by being mounted to the housing 31.

[0059] The actuator body 12 has a manual operation mechanism 121, an electric latch release mechanism 122, a locking mechanism 123, and a double locking mechanism 124.

[0060] (Manual operation mechanism)

[0061] The manual operating mechanism 121 is configured to be able to switch the latch mechanism 111 from a latched state to a latch-released state by manually operating the external door handle 914 or the internal door handle 915. The manual operating mechanism 121 includes an external opening lever 33, an opening linkage 34, an internal opening lever 35, and an internal lever 36.

[0062] The external opening lever 33 includes an opening link support 331 that supports the opening link 34 so that it can rotate, and an internal lever engaging portion 332 that can be easily engaged with the internal lever 36. The external opening lever 33 is supported so that it can rotate relative to the housing 31. The external opening lever 33 is configured to move to an initial position and an operating position by rotating relative to the housing 31. The operating position of the external opening lever 33 is the position after the opening link support 331 has moved upward relative to the initial position. The external opening lever 33 is always elastically stressed towards the initial position by the external opening lever force spring 333. The external opening lever 33 is connected to the external door handle 914 of the door 90 via a cable or the like. Furthermore, the external opening lever 33 is configured to move from the initial position to the operating position in conjunction with the movement of the external door handle 914 when the external door handle 914 is manually operated (moved from the initial position to the operating position).

[0063] The opening linkage 34 is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the external opening lever 33. Therefore, the opening linkage 34 can rotate relative to the external opening lever 33 and can rotate and move relative to the housing 31 together with the external opening lever 33. Furthermore, by rotating relative to the external opening lever 33, the opening linkage 34 can move to the unlocked position (see reference 33). Figure 3A , Figure 3B ) and lock location (refer to Figure 4A , Figure 4B The lever 34 can move to the initial position and the operating position respectively, by moving together with the external lever 33, in both the unlocked and locked positions.

[0064] The opening linkage 34 includes a release lever engagement portion 341 and a spring engagement portion 342. The release lever engagement portion 341 of the opening linkage 34 is configured such that, when the opening linkage 34 is in the unlocked position, if the external opening lever 33 moves from the initial position to the operating position, pressing the release lever 40 moves it from the initial position to the operating position, thereby pushing the lifting lever 114 upward via the release lever 40 and moving the lifting lever 114 from the initial position to the operating position. Furthermore, the release lever engagement portion 341 of the opening linkage 34 is configured such that, when the opening linkage 34 is in the locked position, if the external opening lever 33 moves from the initial position to the operating position, it does not contact the release lever 40 (i.e., the lifting lever 114 does not move from the initial position to the operating position via the release lever 40). The spring engagement portion 342 engages with the opening linkage force spring 48, which will be described later. The spring engagement part 342 has a protruding structure that protrudes in a direction substantially parallel to the rotation center line of the opening link 34 relative to the lifting rod 114.

[0065] The internal opening lever 35 is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the housing 31. The internal opening lever 35 is configured such that, by rotating relative to the housing 31, it can be moved to an initial position (e.g., referring to...). Figure 3A , Figure 3B ) and position of action (e.g., from Figure 3A The position shown is clockwise, from Figure 3B The position shown is rotated counterclockwise to the desired position. The internal opening lever 35 engages with the internal door handle 915 and is configured to move from the initial position to the operating position in conjunction with the movement generated by the manual operation of the internal door handle 915. For example, the internal opening lever 35 and the internal door handle 915 are connected by a cable or the like (not shown). Furthermore, the internal opening lever 35 is always elastically forced toward the initial position by an internal opening lever force-applying member (not shown). Therefore, when the internal door handle 915 is not manually operated, the internal opening lever 35 is held in the initial position by the force of the internal opening lever force-applying member.

[0066] The internal opening lever 35 includes an internal lever engaging portion 351. The internal lever engaging portion 351 is configured to freely engage and disengage with the internal opening lever engaging portion 361 of the internal lever 36, which will be described later. Furthermore, the internal opening lever 35 is configured such that, when moved from the initial position to the operating position, the internal lever engaging portion 351 engages with the internal opening lever engaging portion 361 of the internal lever 36, and pushes the internal lever 36 from the initial position toward the operating position.

[0067] The internal rod 36 is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the housing 31. By rotating relative to the housing 31, the internal rod 36 can move to an initial position (e.g., referencing...). Figure 3A , Figure 3B ) and position of action (e.g., from Figure 3A The position shown is counterclockwise, from Figure 3B The position shown is rotated clockwise to the desired position. The inner lever 36 has an inner opening lever engaging portion 361 and an outer opening lever engaging portion 362. The inner opening lever engaging portion 361 is configured to engage freely with the inner lever engaging portion 351 of the inner opening lever 35. The outer opening lever engaging portion 362 is configured to engage freely with the inner lever engaging portion 332 of the outer opening lever 33. Furthermore, the inner lever 36 is configured such that when it moves from the initial position to the operating position, the outer opening lever engaging portion 362 contacts the inner lever engaging portion 332 of the outer opening lever 33, causing the outer opening lever 33 to move from the initial position to the operating position.

[0068] (Electric latch release mechanism)

[0069] The electric latch release mechanism 122 is configured to switch the latch mechanism 111 from a latched state to a latch-released state by the driving force of the second motor 37. The electric latch release mechanism 122 includes a second motor 37, a second rotating component 38, a force-applying spring 39 for the second rotating component, and a release lever 40.

[0070] The second motor 37 is an example of the second driving force source of the present invention. The second motor 37 is the driving force source of the second rotating component 38 and is configured to output driving force (rotational power) in both positive and negative directions when energized. A second worm gear 371 is provided on the rotating shaft of the second motor 37, and the second motor 37 drives the second rotating component 38 to rotate via the second worm gear 371.

[0071] The second rotating component 38 is supported so that it can rotate relative to the housing 31 via the base 32, and is configured to rotate by a driving force (rotational power) transmitted from the second motor 37. In this embodiment, a worm gear (helical gear) is used as the second rotating component 38, and it meshes with a second worm 371 provided on the rotating shaft of the second motor 37. Furthermore, the second worm 371 of the second motor 37 and the second rotating component 38 are configured to drive each other in opposite directions. That is, in the state where the second motor 37 is not energized (the state where the second motor 37 does not output driving force), the second rotating component 38 can rotate by the force of the second rotating component force spring 39, which will be described later.

[0072] The second rotating component 38 can rotate relative to the housing 31 to a neutral position (e.g., see reference). Figure 3A and Figure 3B The second rotating member 38 moves to the position corresponding to the latch release. The neutral position is the position at one end of the movable range of the second rotating member 38. The latch release position is the position at the other end of the movable range of the second rotating member 38. Figure 3A The center is the position after rotating clockwise from the neutral position.

[0073] The second rotating member 38 includes a release lever engagement portion 381. The release lever engagement portion 381 is configured to freely engage with the second rotating member engagement portion 401 of the release lever 40, and has a protruding structure extending from one end face of the second rotating member 38 in the axial direction. Furthermore, when the second rotating member 38 moves from the neutral position to the latch release position, the release lever engagement portion 381 contacts the second rotating member engagement portion 401 of the release lever 40 and pushes the release lever 40.

[0074] The second rotating component force-applying spring 39 is configured to always apply elastic force to the second rotating component 38 toward the neutral position. For example, a torsion coil spring with an arm at each end can be used as the second rotating component force-applying spring 39. In this case, a configuration in which one arm engages with the second rotating component 38 and the other arm engages with the base 32 can be used. The second rotating component force-applying spring 39 is coaxially housed within the second rotating component 38.

[0075] The release lever 40 is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the housing 31. By rotating relative to the housing 31, the release lever 40 can be moved to its initial position (see reference 31). Figure 3A , Figure 3B ) and movement position. Movement position is from Figure 3A The position shown is the position after rotating counterclockwise from the initial position. The release lever 40 includes a second rotating component engaging portion 401 and a lifting lever engaging portion 402. The second rotating component engaging portion 401 is configured to freely engage with the release lever engaging portion 381 of the second rotating component 38, and is configured to engage with the release lever engaging portion 381 of the second rotating component 38 when the second rotating component 38 rotates from the neutral position toward the latch release position. The lifting lever engaging portion 402 is configured to freely engage with the lifting lever 114 and the inner lever 36.

[0076] (Manual latch release action)

[0077] Here, the manual latch release operation of the door locking device 10 will be explained. The manual latch release operation is the operation of switching the latch mechanism 111 from the latched state to the latch released state by manually operating the external door handle 914 or the internal door handle 915 when the locking mechanism 123 of the door locking device 10 is in the unlocked state.

[0078] When the interior door handle 915 is manually operated, the interior opening lever 35 moves in conjunction with the interior door handle 915, overcoming the force of the interior opening lever's spring and moving from its initial position to its operating position. As the interior opening lever 35 moves from its initial position to its operating position, it pushes the interior lever 36, causing the interior lever 36 to move from its initial position to its operating position. As the interior lever 36 moves from its initial position to its operating position, it pushes the exterior opening lever 33, causing the exterior opening lever 33 to move from its initial position to its operating position. Additionally, when the exterior door handle 914 is manually operated, the exterior opening lever 33 moves in conjunction with the exterior door handle 914, moving from its initial position to its operating position.

[0079] With the opening linkage 34 in the unlocked position, when the external opening lever 33 moves from the initial position to the operating position, the opening linkage 34 pushes the lifting lever 114 via the release lever 40, causing the lifting lever 114 to move from the initial position to the operating position. As a result, since the latch 113 moves from the latched position to the latch-out position, the latch mechanism 111 switches from the latched state to the latch-out state. Thus, when the opening linkage 34 is in the latch-out position, when the external door handle 914 or the internal door handle 915 is manually operated, the latch mechanism 111 of the door locking device 10 switches from the latched state to the latch-out state.

[0080] When the opening linkage 34 is in the locked position, even if the external opening lever 33 moves from the initial position to the operating position, the opening linkage 34 does not contact the release lever 40. In other words, the position where the opening linkage 34 does not contact the release lever 40 even when moving from the initial position to the operating position together with the external opening lever 33 is the locked position of the opening linkage 34. Therefore, when the opening linkage 34 is in the locked position, even if the external opening lever 33 moves from the initial position to the operating position due to manual operation of the external door handle 914 or the internal door handle 915, the lifting lever 114 does not move from the initial position to the operating position. Therefore, in this case, the latch mechanism 111 does not switch from the latched state to the latch-out state.

[0081] (Electric latch release action)

[0082] The electric latch release action is the action of switching the latch mechanism 111 from the latched state to the latch-released state by the driving force of the second motor 37. By driving the second motor 37, the second rotating member 38 is moved from the neutral position to the latch-released position. When the second rotating member 38 moves from the neutral position to the latch-released position, the release lever engagement portion 381 of the second rotating member 38 pushes the second rotating member engagement portion 401 of the release lever 40. As a result, the release lever 40 moves from the initial position to the operating position. At this time, the lifting lever engagement portion 402 of the release lever 40 pushes the lifting lever 114. As a result, the lifting lever 114 moves from the initial position to the operating position. Therefore, the latch mechanism 111 switches from the latched state to the latch-released state.

[0083] (Locking mechanism and double locking mechanism)

[0084] Next, the locking mechanism 123 and the double locking mechanism 124 will be described. The locking mechanism 123 is configured to switch between an unlocked state and a locked state. The unlocked state allows the latch mechanism 111 to be switched from a latched state to a latch-released state via manual operation of the manual operation mechanism 121; specifically, the opening link 34 is held in the unlocked position. The locked state of the locking mechanism 123 does not allow (restricts) the latch mechanism 111 to be switched from a latched state to a latch-released state via manual operation of the manual operation mechanism 121; specifically, the opening link 34 is held in the locked position. The double locking mechanism 124 is configured to switch between a double locking setting release state (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the DL setting release state) and a double locking setting state (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the DL setting state). The DL setting release state allows the locking mechanism 123 to switch from a locked state to an unlocked state. The DL setting state does not allow (restricts) the locking mechanism 123 to switch from a locked state to an unlocked state.

[0085] The locking mechanism 123 and the double locking mechanism 124 are configured to operate by the driving force of the first motor 41, which serves as a common driving force source. The locking mechanism 123 includes the first motor 41, the first rotating component 42, the first rotating component force spring 43, the locking rod 44, the locking link 45, the locking link force spring 46, the drive rod 47, and the opening link force spring 48. The double locking mechanism 124 includes the first motor 41, the first rotating component 42, the first rotating component force spring 43, the intermediate rod 49, and the push-button cam 50. The first rotating component 42, the locking link 45, and the intermediate rod 49 are configured to rotate coaxially with respect to the housing 31 via the base 32. For ease of explanation, the rotation center (rotation center line) of the first rotating component 42, the locking link 45, and the intermediate rod 49 relative to the housing 31 is sometimes referred to as the "common center (common center line)".

[0086] The first motor 41 is an example of the first driving force source of the present invention. The first motor 41 is the driving force source that rotates the first rotating component 42. The first motor 41 uses a motor capable of outputting driving force (rotational power) in both forward and reverse directions. A first worm gear 411 is mounted on the output shaft of the first motor 41.

[0087] The first rotating component 42 is supported so that it can rotate relative to the housing 31 via the base 32. The first rotating component 42 utilizes a worm gear (helical gear). The first rotating component 42 meshes with a first worm 411 and rotates via the driving force (rotational power) output from the first motor 41. By rotating relative to the housing 31, the first rotating component 42 can move to a neutral position (see reference 31). Figure 3A , Figure 3B Unlock the corresponding location (refer to) Figure 8A , Figure 8B ), lock the corresponding position (refer to) Figure 4A , Figure 4B ) and cam movement position (refer to Figure 6A , Figure 6B (Movement). Furthermore, the neutral position is an example of the first position of the present invention, the unlocked position is an example of the second position of the present invention, the locked position is an example of the third position of the present invention, and the cam actuation position is an example of the fourth position of the present invention.

[0088] The neutral position of the first rotating component 42 is the middle position of its rotatable range (movable range). The unlocking position of the first rotating component 42 corresponds to the movement from the neutral position in a predetermined direction (within...). Figure 8A The middle is counterclockwise, in Figure 8B The position after rotation (clockwise) is the position at one end of the rotatable range. Locking the corresponding position is from the neutral position in the direction opposite to one of the aforementioned directions (in...). Figure 4A The middle is clockwise, in Figure 4B The position after rotating counterclockwise (in the middle). The cam's operating position is from the neutral position to the direction opposite to one of the directions specified above (in the middle). Figure 6A The middle is clockwise, in Figure 6B The position after rotating past the locked position (in a counter-clockwise direction) is the position at the other end of the movable range.

[0089] The first rotating component 42 is always elastically stressed towards the neutral position by the first rotating component force-applying spring 43. The first rotating component force-applying spring 43 is a torsion coil spring with arms at both ends. In this case, the first rotating component force-applying spring 43 is coaxially housed inside the first rotating component 42 with one arm engaging with the first rotating component 42 and the other arm engaging with the base 32. Furthermore, the first rotating component 42 and the first worm gear 411 are configured to drive in reverse (i.e., the rotation of the first rotating component 42 can rotate the rotating shaft of the first motor 41). Therefore, when the first motor 41 is not activated, the first rotating component 42 is held in the neutral position by the force of the first rotating component force-applying spring 43.

[0090] The first rotating component 42 is provided with a locking lever / locking link engaging portion (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as LL engaging portion 421) and an intermediate lever engaging portion 422. LL engaging portion 421 is an example of the first engaging portion of the present invention, and intermediate lever engaging portion 422 is an example of the second engaging portion of the present invention. LL engaging portion 421 and intermediate lever engaging portion 422 have a protruding structure that protrudes to opposite sides in the direction of the rotation center line of the first rotating component 42.

[0091] The locking lever 44 is supported so that it can rotate coaxially with the first rotating member 42 relative to the housing 31 via the base 32. Furthermore, the locking lever 44 is positioned close to the first rotating member 42 on one side along its common centerline and on the side where the LL engaging portion 421 protrudes, separated from the first rotating member 42 by a predetermined gap. Moreover, the locking lever 44 and the first rotating member 42 are not fixed to each other and can rotate relative to each other.

[0092] The locking lever 44 is provided with a first rotating component engaging portion 441 and a locking link engaging portion 442. The first rotating component engaging portion 441 is configured to be freely engaging and disengaging from the LL engaging portion 421 of the first rotating component 42. Specifically, when viewed along the common center line direction, the first rotating component engaging portion 441 is a recessed portion that is open on one side and closed on the other side in the circumferential direction of a circle centered at the common center. When viewed along the common center line direction of the locking lever 44, the locking link engaging portion 442 is located outside the radius direction of the circle centered at the common center compared to the first rotating component engaging portion 441. Furthermore, the locking link engaging portion 442 has a rod-shaped structure that protrudes toward one side in the direction of the axis (common center line) of the locking lever 44 and toward the first rotating component 42.

[0093] Locking link 45 is an example of the first actuating component of the present invention. Locking link 45 is a component configured to transmit the movement of locking lever 44 to driving lever 47. Locking link 45 is, for example, a long rod-shaped component formed from a metal plate. A rotating member / locking lever engagement portion (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as RL engagement portion 451) is provided at one end of the locking link 45 along its elongated direction. RL engagement portion 451 is configured to engage and disengage freely with LL engagement portion 421 of the first rotating member 42, and is rotatably and movable in a predetermined direction (specifically, a direction that intersects the elongated direction of locking link 45 approximately at right angles) connected to locking link engagement portion 442 of locking lever 44. The other end of the locking link 45 along its elongated direction is rotatably connected to driving lever 47. Furthermore, the common center line, the rotation center line of locking link 45 relative to driving lever 47, and the rotation center line of locking link 45 relative to locking lever 44 are approximately parallel to each other.

[0094] The RL engaging portion 451 of the locking link 45 is disposed between the first rotating member 42 and the locking rod 44 in the direction of the common center line. The RL engaging portion 451 of the locking link 45 is provided with an engaging groove 452 and a disengagement prevention portion 453. When viewed along the direction of the common center line, the engaging groove 452 extends in a direction approximately perpendicular to the elongated direction of the locking link 45, and has a generally U-shaped shape that is open on one side near the common center and closed on the opposite side.

[0095] The RL engaging portion 451 is provided with a locking-side receiving portion 454 and an unlocking-side receiving portion 455. The locking-side receiving portion 454 includes a locking-side receiving surface 456 facing the opposite side to the other end (the side connected to the drive lever 47) in the direction of the elongated bar. The unlocking-side receiving portion 455 includes an unlocking-side receiving surface 457 that moves away from the locking-side receiving surface 456 and is substantially parallel to the locking-side receiving surface 456 on the side opposite to the aforementioned other end. The end of the locking-side receiving portion 454 (locking-side receiving surface 456) near the common center protrudes further towards the common center than the end of the unlocking-side receiving portion 455 (unlocking-side receiving surface 457) near the common center.

[0096] The disengagement prevention part 453 is an example of the locking part of the present invention. The disengagement prevention part 453 is provided at the end of the locking side receiving part 454 (locking side receiving surface 456) near the common center. The disengagement prevention part 453 has a protruding structure that protrudes to the side opposite to the other end compared to the locking side receiving surface 456.

[0097] The locking link 44's locking link engagement portion 442 engages with the locking link 45's engagement groove 452, and the locking link 45 and locking link 44 are connected so that they can rotate about an axis approximately parallel to a common center line. Furthermore, the locking link 45 is movable relative to the locking link 44 in the extending direction of the engagement groove 452 (a direction approximately perpendicular to the elongated direction of the locking link 45).

[0098] A force-applying spring engaging portion 458 and a cam pin engaging portion 459 are provided at the middle of the elongated section of the locking link 45. The force-applying spring engaging portion 458 is the part that engages with the force-applying spring 46 of the locking link. In addition, the force-applying spring engaging portion 458 is configured to be freely disengaged from the locking link limiting portion 321 provided on the base 32. Specifically, the force-applying spring engaging portion 458 has a flat plate structure that extends towards one side in the direction of a common center line and in a direction that is substantially parallel to the elongated direction of the locking link 45. The cam pin engaging portion 459 is the part that is freely disengaged from the pin 62 of the press-type cam 50 described later. The cam pin engaging portion 459 has a flat plate structure that extends towards one side in the direction of a common center line and in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the elongated direction of the locking link 45.

[0099] The locking link force spring 46 is configured to always engage the force spring engagement portion 458 in the direction of approaching the locking link limiting portion 321 of the base 32 (in Figure 3A The middle is the right side, in Figure 3B(The middle part is on the left) is the component that applies elastic force. The locking link force spring 46 is, for example, a torsion coil spring with arms at both ends. In this case, the locking link force spring 46 is configured such that one arm engages with the force spring engagement portion 458 of the locking link 45 and the other arm engages with the base 32.

[0100] The locking link limiting part 321, provided on the base 32, is configured to limit the range of rotation of the locking link 45 relative to the driving link 47. The locking link limiting part 321 has a protruding structure extending from one surface of the base 32. Furthermore, the range of rotation of the locking link 45 is limited by the contact between the force-applying spring engagement part 458 of the locking link 45 and the locking link limiting part 321. In other words, the "position where the force-applying spring engagement part 458 of the locking link 45 contacts the locking link limiting part 321" is the position at one end of the range of rotation of the locking link 45 relative to the driving link 47.

[0101] The locking link 45 and the locking lever 44 rotate in conjunction, moving to the unlocked and locked corresponding positions. The unlocked corresponding position of the locking link 45 is an example of the fifth position of the present invention, and the locked corresponding position of the locking link 45 is an example of the sixth position of the present invention. The unlocked corresponding position of the locking link 45 is the position when the locking link 45 is in the unlocked corresponding position. The locked corresponding position of the locking link 45 is the position when the locking link 45 is in the locked corresponding position.

[0102] The drive lever 47 is supported so that it can rotate coaxially with the inner lever 36 relative to the housing 31. However, the drive lever 47 and the inner lever 36 are not fixed to each other and can rotate independently relative to the housing 31. The drive lever 47 is configured to move to a locked position and an unlocked position by rotating relative to the housing 31. The locked position of the drive lever 47 is the position at one end of its movable range, and is the position when the locking lever 44 and the locking link 45 are in the locked position. The unlocked position of the drive lever 47 is the position at the other end of its movable range, and is the position when the locking lever 44 and the locking link 45 are in the unlocked position.

[0103] The drive lever 47 is elastically forced towards either the locked position or the unlocked position by a positioning spring (not shown). Specifically, when the drive lever 47 is located closer to the locked position than a predetermined position in its movable range, the positioning spring elastically forces it towards the locked position. Conversely, when the drive lever 47 is located closer to the unlocked position than a predetermined position in its movable range, the positioning spring elastically forces it towards the unlocked position.

[0104] The drive lever 47 includes a locking link engaging portion 471 and a spring mounting portion 472. The locking link engaging portion 471 is the part that can be rotatably engaged (or connected) with the other end of the locking link 45. The spring mounting portion 472 is the part for mounting the opening link force spring 48.

[0105] An opening linkage force spring 48 is mounted on the spring mounting portion 472 of the drive rod 47. The opening linkage force spring 48 is configured to hold the opening linkage 34 in the locked position when the drive rod 47 is in the locked position, and to hold the opening linkage 34 in the unlocked position when the drive rod 47 is in the unlocked position. However, the opening linkage force spring 48 is also configured to allow the opening linkage 34 to remain in the locked position even when the drive rod 47 is in the unlocked position, through elastic deformation.

[0106] The opening linkage force spring 48 can be, for example, a torsion coil spring with an arm at each end. The two arms of the opening linkage force spring 48 are substantially parallel, and the opening linkage force spring 48 can elastically deform in a way that increases the distance between the two arms. In this case, the spring engagement portion 342 of the opening linkage 34 can be constructed with a protruding structure that protrudes in a direction parallel to the axis of the opening linkage 34 (relative to the rotation center line of the outer opening rod 33). Furthermore, the spring engagement portion 342 of the opening linkage 34 is located between (clipped between) the two arms of the opening linkage force spring 48.

[0107] The push-button cam 50 is an example of the limiting mechanism of the present invention. The push-button cam 50 includes an outer cylinder 60 and an inner cylinder 61 (see reference). Figure 9A and Figure 9B The inner cylinder 61 and pin 62, as a whole, have a long, rod-like shape. Pin 62 is an example of the first limiting member of the present invention. The inner cylinder 61 and pin 62 are configured to be movable relative to the outer cylinder 60 in the long direction. Furthermore, by moving relative to the outer cylinder 60 in the long direction, pin 62 can move to a retracted position and a limiting position. The retracted position is an example of the seventh position of the present invention, and the limiting position is an example of the eighth position of the present invention. Specifically, pin 62 is configured such that by moving relative to the outer cylinder 60 in the long direction, "one end of pin 62 (in Figure 2 The middle part is located at the lower right end) from one end of the outer cylinder 60 (in Figure 2The protrusion dimension changes starting from the lower right end of the pin 62. The position near the end of one side of the movable range of the pin 62, where the protrusion dimension is minimized, is the retracted position of the pin 62. The position near the end of the other side of the movable range of the pin 62, where the protrusion dimension is maximized, is the restricted position of the pin 62. That is, the protrusion dimension of the pin 62 in the restricted position is larger than the protrusion dimension of the pin 62 in the retracted position.

[0108] The inner cylinder 61 has a cam arm 612 protruding outward from the outer cylinder 60. The cam arm 612 is configured to engage and disengage freely with the cam arm engagement portion 491 of the intermediate rod 49. The inner cylinder 61 is configured to move relative to the outer cylinder 60 to a non-switching position, a first switching position, and a second switching position. The non-switching position of the inner cylinder 61 is one end of the movable range of the inner cylinder 61, and is the end and its vicinity on the same side as the restricted position of the movable range of the pin 62. The first switching position of the inner cylinder 61 is the other end of the movable range of the inner cylinder 61, and is the end and its vicinity on the same side as the retracted position of the movable range of the pin 62. The second switching position of the inner cylinder 61 is a position near the first switching position, and is a position closer to the non-switching position compared to the first switching position. Furthermore, the push-type cam 50 is configured such that whenever the action of "the inner cylinder 61 moves from the non-switching position to the first switching position and then returns to the non-switching position" is performed, it alternately switches between the state where the pin 62 is in the retracted position and the state where the pin 62 is in the restricted position.

[0109] The push-button cam 50 is mounted on the housing 31 via the base 32. When the pin 62 is in the retracted position, the push-button cam 50 allows the locking link 45 to move from the locked position to the unlocked position; when the pin 62 is in the restricted position, the push-button cam 50 does not allow the locking link 45 to move from the locked position to the unlocked position. Specifically, the push-button cam 50 is configured such that, when the pin 62 is in the retracted position, the entire push-button cam 50, including the pin 62, is outside the movement path of the locking link 45 when it moves from the locked position to the unlocked position. Furthermore, the push-button cam 50 is configured such that, when the pin 62 is in the restricted position, one end of the pin 62 is within the movement path of the cam pin engagement portion 459 of the locking link 45 when it moves from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0110] Furthermore, the push-button cam 50 is configured such that, when viewed along the common center line, the end of the inner cylinder 61 near the non-switching position is located near the locking link 45, and the end near the first switching position is located away from the locking link 45. Additionally, the push-button cam 50 is positioned near the first rotating member 42 with its axis lying in a plane perpendicular to the common center line.

[0111] When the push-button cam 50 is configured as such, with the pin 62 in the retracted position, the locking link 45 is not obstructed by the pin 62 of the push-button cam 50 and can move from the locked position to the unlocked position. On the other hand, with the pin 62 in the restricted position, the locking link 45 cannot move from the locked position to the unlocked position because one end of the pin 62 interferes with the cam pin engagement portion 459 of the locking link 44. Furthermore, in order to prevent the pin 62 from moving in the axial direction of the push-button cam 50 when the cam pin engagement portion 459 of the locking link 45 contacts the pin 62, the direction of movement of the locking link 45 and the axial direction of the push-button cam 50 are intersecting each other when viewed along a common center line, and preferably are approximately right angles to each other.

[0112] The intermediate rod 49 is an example of the second actuating component of the present invention. The intermediate rod 49 is, for example, a generally rod-shaped component formed from a metal plate. The intermediate rod 49 is disposed close to the first rotating component 42 on one side of the common centerline direction and opposite to the side where the locking rod 44 and locking link 45 are disposed. At one end of the intermediate rod 49 in its elongated direction, it is supported so that it can rotate relative to the housing 31 via the base 32. Furthermore, the intermediate rod 49 is supported so that it can rotate coaxially with the first rotating component 42 and the locking rod 44. However, the intermediate rod 49 is not fixed to either the first rotating component 42 or the locking link 45, and can rotate independently relative to both. A cam arm engaging portion 491 is provided at the other end of the intermediate rod 49 in its elongated direction. The cam arm engaging portion 491 is configured to be freely engaging with the cam arm 612 of the pressing cam 50, and has a protruding structure that protrudes toward one side (the side of the first rotating member 42) in the direction of the common center line.

[0113] Furthermore, the intermediate rod 49 can move to the initial position and the operating position by rotating relative to the housing 31. The initial position of the intermediate rod 49 is an example of the ninth position of the present invention, and the operating position of the intermediate rod 49 is an example of the tenth position of the present invention. The initial position of the intermediate rod 49 allows the cam arm 612 (inner cylinder 61) to be in the non-switching position. Specifically, the initial position of the intermediate rod 49 is a position closer to the locking link 45 than the cam arm 612 when the inner cylinder 61 is in the non-switching position, and a position farther away from the locking link 45 than the intermediate rod engagement portion 422 when the first rotating member 42 is in the locked corresponding position. The intermediate rod 49 is configured such that the movement trajectory of the cam arm engagement portion 491 when moving to the initial position and the operating position is substantially parallel to the axial direction of the push-type cam 50 (the movement direction of the inner cylinder 61). With this configuration, the intermediate rod 49 can be in the initial position when the first rotating member 42 is in the neutral position, the unlocked corresponding position, or the locked corresponding position.

[0114] When the first rotating component 42 moves from the neutral position past the corresponding locking position to the cam actuation position, the intermediate rod 49 is pushed by the intermediate rod engagement part 422 of the first rotating component 42 and moves from the initial position to the actuation position. Furthermore, when the intermediate rod 49 moves from the initial position to the actuation position, the cam arm engagement part 491 of the intermediate rod 49 pushes the cam arm 612 of the pressing cam 50 towards the side of the first switching position (in the direction away from the locking link 45), causing the inner cylinder 61 to move from the non-switching position to the first switching position.

[0115] Therefore, whenever the action of "the first rotating component 42 moves from the neutral position to the locked corresponding position by the driving force of the first motor 41 and then returns to the neutral position by the force of the first rotating component force spring 43" is performed, the pressing cam 50 alternately switches between the state where the pin 62 is in the restricted position and the state where the pin 62 is in the retracted position.

[0116] (The operation of locking mechanisms and double-locking mechanisms)

[0117] Next, the operation of locking mechanism 123 and double locking mechanism 124 will be explained. Figures 3A to 8B This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the locking mechanism 123 and the double locking mechanism 124. Furthermore, Figure 3A , Figure 4A , Figure 5A , Figure 6A , Figure 7A as well as Figure 8A The diagram is obtained by observing the locking mechanism 123 and the double locking mechanism 124 from the inside of the vehicle. Figure 3B , Figure 4B , Figure 5B, Figure 6B , Figure 7B as well as Figure 8B The diagram is obtained by observing the locking mechanism 123 and the double locking mechanism 124 from the outside of the vehicle.

[0118] First, the switching action of the locking mechanism 123 from the unlocked state to the locked state will be explained. Figure 3A and Figure 3B The unlocked state of the locking mechanism 123 is shown. Figure 3C yes Figure 3A Enlarged view of section IIIC. The unlocked state of the locking mechanism 123 is when the locking lever 44, locking link 45, and driving lever 47 are in the unlocked corresponding positions and the opening link 34 is in the unlocked position. When the opening link 34 is in the unlocked position, as described above, the latch mechanism 111 can be switched from the latched state to the latch-released state by manual operation of the external door handle 914 or the internal door handle 915.

[0119] When the locking mechanism 123 is in the unlocked state, when the first motor 41 actuates and the first rotating component 42 moves from the neutral position to the corresponding locked position, the LL engaging portion 421 of the first rotating component 42 contacts the locking-side receiving portion 454 of the RL engaging portion 451 of the locking link 45, pushing the locking link 45 from the unlocked position toward the locked position. Furthermore, when the locking link 45 moves to the locked position, the locking mechanism 123 switches from the unlocked state to the locked state.

[0120] The specific actions of the locking mechanism 123 when switching from the unlocked state to the locked state are described below. Figure 3A As shown, when viewed along the common centerline, assume a straight line L passing through the common center and the rotation center of the drive rod 47 relative to the housing 31. Figure 3A As shown, the rotation center of the locking link 45 relative to the locking lever 44 and the rotation center of the locking link 45 relative to the driving lever 47 are located on opposite sides of each other across the aforementioned straight line L. Furthermore, the locking link limiting portion 321 of the base 32 is located on the same side as the rotation center of the locking link 45 relative to the locking lever 44. Moreover, the locking link force spring 46 always elastically applies force to the force spring engaging portion 458 of the locking link 45 in a direction approaching the locking link limiting portion 321. Therefore, the locking link 45 is always elastically forceped by the locking link force spring 46 in a direction away from the common center of the RL engaging portion 451.

[0121] When the locking link 45 is in the unlock corresponding position, the locking side receiving portion 454 (locking side receiving surface 456) of the RL engaging portion 451 of the locking link 44 is located on the movement trajectory of the LL engaging portion 421 when the first rotating member 42 moves from the neutral position to the lock corresponding position. Therefore, when the first rotating member 42 moves from the neutral position to the lock corresponding position, the LL engaging portion 421 contacts the locking side receiving surface 456 of the locking link 45. Furthermore, the locking link 45 is pushed by the LL engaging portion 421 of the first rotating member 42, moving from the unlock corresponding position to the lock corresponding position. In addition, since the locking link engaging portion 442 is pushed by the unlocking side receiving portion 455 (unlocking side receiving surface 457) of the LL engaging portion 421 of the locking link 45, the movement of the locking link 44 and the locking link 45 is linked, causing the locking link 44 to move from the unlock corresponding position to the lock corresponding position.

[0122] When the locking link 45 moves from the unlocking position to the locking position, the rotation centers of the locking link 45 and the locking lever 44 (the locking link engagement portion 442 of the locking lever 44) and the locking link 45 and the driving lever 47, when viewed along the common center line, move in a direction perpendicular to the aforementioned straight line L, away from the locking link restriction portion 321. Therefore, when the locking link 45 moves from the unlocking position to the locking position, it also moves away from the locking link restriction portion 321 in the direction of the force spring engagement portion 458. On the other hand, the locking link 45 is always elastically forceped by the locking link force spring 46 in the direction of the force spring engagement portion 458 approaching the locking link restriction portion 321.

[0123] Therefore, assuming that the locking link 45 moves towards the unlocking position before the locking lever 44, since the disengagement prevention part 453 disengages from the LL engagement part 421, the locking link 45 moves (oscillates like a pendulum) away from the common center of the RL engagement part 451 with the connection part with the driving lever 47 as the center. Therefore, in this case, the RL engagement part 451 of the locking link 45 moves outside the movement trajectory of the LL engagement part 421 of the first rotating member 42, and the locking link 45 is no longer pushed by the first rotating member 42.

[0124] However, the drive lever 47 is elastically forceped towards the unlock or lock position by the positioning spring. Therefore, the locking link 45 is elastically forceped towards the unlock position by the force of the positioning spring transmitted via the drive lever 47 until it reaches its intermediate position when moving from the unlock to the lock position. That is, the locking link 45 will not move towards the unlock position before the locking lever 44. Therefore, since the RL engagement portion 451 is prevented from moving away from the common center, the LL engagement portion 421 of the locking link 45 remains pressed by the LL engagement portion 421 of the first rotating member 42.

[0125] Figure 4A and Figure 4B This diagram shows the state in which the first rotating component 42 has reached the locked position. (See diagram below.) Figure 4A and Figure 4B As shown, when the first rotating component 42 is in the locked corresponding position, the locking lever 44, the locking link 45, and the driving lever 47 are also in the locked corresponding position. Additionally, as... Figure 4A and Figure 4B As shown, when the LL engagement portion 421 of the locking link 45 is pushed by the LL engagement portion 421 of the first rotating member 42, the LL engagement portion 421 of the locking link 45 is located on the movement trajectory of the LL engagement portion 421 of the first rotating member 42. This position of the locking link 45, where the LL engagement portion 421 is located on the movement trajectory of the LL engagement portion 421 of the first rotating member 42, is an example of the eleventh position of the present invention.

[0126] Furthermore, when the locking link 45 and the drive lever 47 pass a predetermined position between the unlocking and locking positions and are positioned closer to the locking position, the direction of the force exerted by the positioning spring changes to the direction that applies force to the drive lever 47 toward the locking position. Therefore, the drive lever 47, the locking link 45, and the locking lever 44 are held in the locking position by the force of the positioning spring.

[0127] After the first rotating component 42 moves to the locked position, if the first motor 41 stops operating, the first rotating component 42 moves from the locked position to the neutral position by the force of the first rotating component force spring 43. Furthermore, the LL engaging portion 421 of the first rotating component 42 can easily disengage from the locking side bearing surface 456 of the RL engaging portion 451 of the locking link 45. Therefore, while maintaining the locking link 45 in the locked position, the first rotating component 42 can move from the locked position to the neutral position.

[0128] Furthermore, when the LL engaging portion 421 of the first rotating member 42 separates from the locking side bearing surface 456 and the disengagement prevention portion 453 of the locking link 45, the locking link 45 moves towards the locking link limiting portion 321 of the base 32 by the force of the locking link force spring 46. When the locking link 45 is in the locked corresponding position and the force spring engaging portion 458 is in contact with the locking link limiting portion 321, the RL engaging portion 451 of the locking link 45 is outside the movement trajectory of the LL engaging portion 421 when the first rotating member 42 moves from the neutral position to the cam actuation position (more specifically, on the side away from the common center). The position of the locking link 45 when the LL engaging portion 421 is outside the movement trajectory of the LL engaging portion 421 of the first rotating member 42 is an example of the twelfth position of the present invention.

[0129] This state is the locked state of locking mechanism 123 and the DL setting release state of dual locking mechanism 124. Figure 5A and Figure 5B This shows the locked state of locking mechanism 123 and the DL setting release state of dual locking mechanism 124. For example... Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, the locking mechanism 123 is in the locked state when the locking lever 44, locking link 45, and driving lever 47 are in the corresponding locked positions and the opening link 34 is in the locked position. When the locking mechanism 123 is in the locked state, even if the external opening lever 33 moves from the initial position to the operating position, the opening link 34 does not contact the release lever 40. Therefore, even if the external door handle 914 or the internal door handle 915 is manually operated, the latch mechanism 111 does not switch from the latched state to the latch-out state.

[0130] When the DL setting of the dual locking mechanism 124 is released, the pin 62 of the push-type cam 50 is in the retracted position. With the pin 62 of the push-type cam 50 in the retracted position, one end of the pin 62 is outside the movement path of the cam pin engagement portion 459 when the locking link 45 moves from the locked position to the unlocked position. Therefore, the locking link 45 is not obstructed by the pin 62 of the push-type cam 50 and can move from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0131] Next, the switching action between the DL setting release state and the DL setting state of the dual locking mechanism 124 will be explained. Figure 6A and Figure 6BThis diagram illustrates the switching action of the dual locking mechanism 124 from the DL setting release state to the DL setting state. Specifically, it shows the state in which the first rotating member 42 moves to the cam actuation position. The DL setting release state of the dual locking mechanism 124 is when the pin 62 of the push-type cam 50 is in the retracted position. When the locking mechanism 123 is in the locked state and the dual locking mechanism 124 is in the DL setting release state, when the first rotating member 42 moves from the neutral position to the cam actuation position by the driving force of the first motor 41, and then returns to the neutral position by the force of the first rotating member force spring 43, the dual locking mechanism 124 switches from the DL setting release state to the DL setting state. Specifically, when the locking mechanism 123 is in the locked state, the RL engagement portion 451 of the locking link 45 is located outside the movement trajectory of the LL engagement portion 421 of the first rotating member 42 (on the side away from the common center). Therefore, the first rotating component 42 can move from the neutral position to the cam action position by locking the corresponding position without the LL engaging part 421 contacting the locking link 45.

[0132] Furthermore, when the first rotating component 42 moves towards the cam operating position by locking the corresponding position, the intermediate rod engaging portion 422 of the first rotating component 42 contacts the intermediate rod 49, thereby causing the intermediate rod 49 to move from the initial position towards the operating position. And, when the intermediate rod 49 moves from the initial position towards the operating position, because the cam arm engaging portion 491 of the intermediate rod 49 pushes against the cam arm 612 of the inner cylinder 61 of the pressing cam 50, therefore... Figure 6A and Figure 6B As shown, the inner cylinder 61 moves from the non-switching position past the second switching position to the first switching position.

[0133] Subsequently, if the first motor 41 stops operating, the first rotating component 42 returns from the cam operating position to the neutral position by the force of the first rotating component force spring 43. As a result, since the cam arm engagement portion 491 of the intermediate rod 49 disengages from the cam arm 612 of the inner cylinder 61, the inner cylinder 61 becomes movable from the first switching position to the non-switching position. Furthermore, the inner cylinder 61 moves to the non-switching position by the force of the pin force spring 63 transmitted via the pin 62.

[0134] In this way, by performing the action of the first rotating component 42 to "move from the neutral position to the cam action position by the driving force of the first motor 41, and then return to the neutral position by the force of the first rotating component force spring 43", the inner cylinder 61 is performed to "move from the non-switching position to the first switching position, and then return to the non-switching position". Figure 7A and Figure 7B This is a diagram showing the state after the above actions have been performed. For example... Figure 7A and Figure 7BAs shown, when the above action is performed, the pressing cam 50 switches from the state where the pin 62 is in the retracted position to the state where it is in the restricted position. As described above, when the pin 62 is in the restricted position, the locking link 45 cannot move from the locked position to the unlocked position. That is, the double locking mechanism 124 is in the DL setting state.

[0135] Furthermore, whenever the inner cylinder 61 moves from the non-switching position to the first switching position and then returns to the non-switching position, the push-button cam 50 switches from the state where the pin 62 is in the retracted position to the state where it is in the restricted position. Therefore, when the locking mechanism 123 is in the locked state and the double locking mechanism 124 is in the DL setting state, when the above-mentioned action is performed, that is, when the first rotating component 42 moves from the neutral position to the cam actuation position by the driving force of the first motor 41 and then returns to the neutral position by the force of the first rotating component force spring 43, the double locking mechanism 124 switches from the DL setting state to the DL setting release state. In this way, the actions of the first motor 41 and the first rotating component 42 for switching the double locking mechanism 124 from the DL setting release state to the DL setting state and the actions for switching from the DL setting state to the DL setting release state are the same.

[0136] Next, the action used to switch the locking mechanism 123 from the locked state to the unlocked state will be explained. Figure 8A and Figure 8B This diagram illustrates the action for switching the locking mechanism 123 from a locked state to an unlocked state. When the dual locking mechanism 124 is in the DL-set-released state, the locking mechanism 123 can be switched from the locked state to the unlocked state by the driving force of the first motor 41. Specifically, the first motor 41 outputs a driving force in the opposite direction to the above action, thereby moving the first rotating member 42 from the neutral position to the unlocked position. When the first rotating member 42 moves from the neutral position to the unlocked position, as... Figure 8A and Figure 8B As shown, the LL engaging portion 421 of the first rotating component 42 contacts the first rotating component engaging portion 441 of the locking lever 44, thereby moving the locking lever 44 from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0137] When the locking link 45 moves from the locked position to the unlocked position, the rotation centers of the locking link 45 and the driving link 47 move in a direction perpendicular to the aforementioned straight line L, toward the locking link limiting part 321. Furthermore, the force-applying spring engagement part 458 of the locking link 45 is held in contact with the locking link limiting part 321 of the base 32 by the force of the locking link force-applying spring 46. Therefore, in this case, the locking link 45 rotates toward the common center of the RL engagement part 451, using the contact point between the force-applying spring engagement part 458 and the locking link limiting part 321 as a fulcrum. Moreover, when the locking link 45 is in the unlocked position, the locking-side receiving part 454 (locking-side receiving surface 456) of the RL engagement part 451 is located on the movement trajectory of the LL engagement part 421 when the first rotating member 42 moves from the neutral position to the locked position.

[0138] Furthermore, the locking link 45 is subjected to a force by the locking link force spring 46 in the direction away from the common center of the RL engaging portion 451. However, the force spring engaging portion 458 of the locking link 45 contacts the locking link limiting portion 321 of the base 32, thereby restricting the RL engaging portion 451 from moving away from the common center. Therefore, the locking link engaging portion 442 of the locking lever 44 is prevented from being pulled out of the engaging groove 452 of the locking link 45. Thereafter, if the operation of the first motor 41 stops, the first rotating component 42 returns from the unlocked position to the neutral position by the force of the first rotating component force spring 43. That is, the locking mechanism 123 returns. Figure 3A and Figure 3B The state shown.

[0139] As explained above, when the locking mechanism 123 is in the unlocked state, the first rotating component 42 is moved from the neutral position to the corresponding locked position by the driving force of the first motor 41. Then, by stopping the operation of the first motor 41, the locking mechanism 123 can be switched to the locked state. Conversely, when the locking mechanism 123 is in the locked state, the first rotating component 42 is moved from the neutral position to the corresponding unlocked position by the driving force of the first motor 41. Then, by stopping the operation of the first motor 41, the locking mechanism 123 can be switched to the unlocked state. Furthermore, when the locking mechanism 123 is in the locked state, the first rotating component 42 is moved from the neutral position past the corresponding locked position to the cam actuation position by the driving force of the first motor 41. Then, by stopping the operation of the first motor 41, the dual locking mechanism 124 can be switched from the DL setting release state to the DL setting state, or vice versa.

[0140] Furthermore, the state of the locking mechanism 123 can be switched by changing the direction of rotation of the driving force of the first motor 41 (and the direction of rotation of the first rotating component 42). In addition, by changing the amount of rotation of the first rotating component 42 based on the first motor 41, the switching of the locking mechanism 123 from the unlocked state to the locked state, and the alternating switching of the DL setting release state and the DL setting state of the dual locking mechanism 124, can be achieved. Therefore, since it is not necessary to separately provide a driving force source for switching the state of the locking mechanism 123 and a driving force source for alternating the switching of the dual locking mechanism 124 between the DL setting release state and the DL setting state, an increase in the number of components of the door locking device 10 can be prevented or suppressed.

[0141] Furthermore, the switching of the latching mechanism 111 from the latched state to the latch-released state is performed by the driving force of the second motor 37, which is separate from the first motor 41. Therefore, the switching of the latching mechanism 111 from the latched state to the latch-released state is not limited by whether the locking mechanism 123 is in the locked state. That is, even if the locking mechanism 123 is in the unlocked state, the latching mechanism 111 can be switched from the latched state to the latch-released state immediately by causing the second motor 37 to output a driving force in a predetermined direction (the direction in which the second rotating member 38 moves from the neutral position to the position corresponding to the latch-released state).

[0142] (Manually cancel the setting action via DL)

[0143] Furthermore, the double locking mechanism 124 is configured such that it can be switched from the DL setting state to the DL setting release state via manual operation of the key lock cylinder 916. Details are as follows.

[0144] The door locking device 10 includes a locking lever 51 and a locking switch lever 52. The locking lever 51 is a component that engages with the inner insert of the key lock cylinder 916 so as to rotate integrally with it. The locking switch lever 52 is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the housing 31. By rotating relative to the housing 31, the locking switch lever 52 can move to a neutral position, an unlocking position, and a locking position. The neutral position is the middle position of the movable range of rotation of the locking switch lever 52. The unlocking position is the position after rotating from the neutral position in a predetermined direction. The locking position is the position after rotating from the neutral position in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction. Furthermore, the locking switch lever 52 moves from the neutral position to the unlocking or locking position in conjunction with the operation of the key lock cylinder 916 from the outside of the vehicle.

[0145] Furthermore, the lock switch lever 52 is configured such that, when moved from the neutral position to the locked operating position, it pushes the cam arm 612 of the inner cylinder 61 of the pressing cam 50, causing the inner cylinder 61 to move from the initial position to the second switching position. For example, although not shown in the figure, the lock switch lever 52 is provided with a protrusion on one side of the common center line and protruding toward the cam arm 612, and is configured such that the protrusion pushes the cam arm 612 of the inner cylinder 61, thereby causing the inner cylinder 61 to move from the non-switching position to the second switching position. However, the lock switch lever 52 is configured such that the inner cylinder 61 will not move past the second switching position to the first switching position.

[0146] With this configuration, when the double locking mechanism 124 is in the DL setting state, and the key lock cylinder 916 is manually operated, the movement of the inner insert of the key lock cylinder 916 is transmitted to the lock switch lever 52 via the lock lever 51, causing the lock switch lever 52 to move from the neutral position to the locking operation position. Furthermore, because the lock switch lever 52 pushes against the cam arm 612 of the push-button cam 50, the inner cylinder 61 moves from the non-switching position to the second switching position. Thus, the push-button cam 50 switches from the state where the pin 62 is in the restricted position to the state where it is in the retracted position. Therefore, the locking link 45 becomes capable of moving from the locking corresponding position to the unlocking corresponding position.

[0147] Furthermore, even when the lock switch lever 52 moves from the neutral position to the locking operation position, the inner cylinder 61 of the push-button cam 50 will not move past the second switching position to the first switching position. Therefore, when the pin 62 is in the retracted position (i.e., when the double locking mechanism 124 is in the DL setting deactivated state), even if the key lock cylinder 916 is manually operated, the push-button cam 50 will not switch to the state where the pin 62 is in the restricted position. That is, when the double locking mechanism 124 is in the DL setting deactivated state, it will not switch from the DL setting deactivated state to the DL setting state. In this way, when the double locking mechanism 124 is in the DL setting state, when the key lock cylinder 916 is operated, the door locking device 10 switches to the DL setting deactivated state, but when the double locking mechanism 124 is in the DL setting deactivated state, even if the key lock cylinder 916 is operated, it will not switch from the DL setting deactivated state to the DL setting state.

[0148] (The structure and operation of a push-type cam)

[0149] Next, the structure and operation of the push-button cam 50 will be explained. Figure 9A This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the construction of the push-button cam 50. Figure 9B This is an exploded perspective view of the push-button cam 50. (See diagram below.) Figure 9A and Figure 9BAs shown, the push-button cam 50 includes an outer cylinder 60 (fixed cylinder), an inner cylinder 61 (movable cylinder), a pin 62, and a pin-applying spring 63. The push-button cam 50 as a whole has an elongated rod-like shape. For ease of explanation, the side of one end of the push-button cam 50 in the elongated direction, near the locking link 45, is sometimes referred to as the "first end side," and the opposite side is referred to as the "second end side." In each figure, the first end side of the push-button cam 50 is indicated by arrow F, and the second end side is indicated by arrow S.

[0150] The outer cylinder 60 is an example of the main body of the limiting mechanism of the present invention. The outer cylinder 60 is a generally cylindrical component with openings at both ends in the elongated direction (axial direction). An outer cylinder cam portion 601, described later, is provided on the inner circumferential side of the outer cylinder 60. In addition, a slit 602 is provided on the outer cylinder 60 at a first end, through which the cam arm 612 of the inner cylinder 61 can be inserted. The slit 602 connects the outer circumferential side and the inner circumferential side of the outer cylinder 60 and extends in the elongated direction of the outer cylinder 60.

[0151] The inner cylinder 61 is an example of the second limiting component of the limiting mechanism of the present invention. The inner cylinder 61 is a component having an inner cylinder cam portion 611 and a cam arm 612. The inner cylinder cam portion 611 is a generally cylindrical portion that is open at both ends in the elongated direction. The cam arm 612 is a tongue-shaped portion that protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder cam portion 611 to the outer peripheral side.

[0152] Furthermore, the inner cylinder 61 is configured such that the inner cylinder cam portion 611 is housed within the outer cylinder 60, and the cam arm 612 protrudes outward through the slit 602 of the outer cylinder 60. The inner cylinder 61 can move to a non-switching position, a first switching position, and a second switching position by moving relative to the outer cylinder 60 in the elongated direction (axial direction). However, the inner cylinder 61 cannot rotate relative to the outer cylinder 60. The non-switching position is, for example, a position near the end of the first end side of the movable range of the inner cylinder 61 relative to the outer cylinder 60. The first switching position is a position closer to the second end side than the non-switching position, for example, a position near the end of the second end side of the movable range of the inner cylinder 61. The second switching position is a position intermediate between the non-switching position and the first switching position.

[0153] Pin 62 is a generally rod-shaped component with a pin cam portion 621 (described later) located at its elongated middle section. The elongated middle section of pin 62 is inserted into the outer cylinder 60 and the inner cylinder 61, and the first end of pin 62 protrudes from the end face of the first end of the outer cylinder 60. Furthermore, pin 62 is capable of reciprocating relative to the outer cylinder 60 and the inner cylinder 61 in the axial direction, and is also capable of rotating relative to the outer cylinder 60 and the inner cylinder 61.

[0154] Pin 62 can move to a retracted position (see reference) by linearly moving relative to the outer cylinder 60. Figure 3A , Figure 3B) and restricted locations (refer to) Figure 7A , Figure 7B The pin 62 can move. The retracted position is near the end of the second end of the movable range of the pin 62, and the restricted position is near the end of the first end of the movable range of the pin 62. When the pin 62 is in the restricted position, the protruding length of the "end of the first end of the pin 62" from the "end face of the first end of the outer cylinder 60" is longer than the protruding length when the pin 62 is in the retracted position.

[0155] The pin-applying spring 63 is housed inside the outer cylinder 60 and always applies an elastic force to the pin 62 toward the first end. The pin-applying spring 63 is a helical spring capable of elastic compression deformation in the axial direction.

[0156] With pin 62 in the retracted position, when the inner cylinder 61 moves from the non-switching position to the first switching position and then returns to the non-switching position, the pressing cam 50 switches to the state where pin 62 is in the restricted position. Conversely, with pin 62 in the restricted position, when the inner cylinder 61 moves from the non-switching position to the first switching position and then returns to the non-switching position, the pressing cam 50 switches to the state where pin 62 is in the retracted position. In other words, the pressing cam 50 is configured to alternately switch between the retracted position and the restricted position whenever the series of actions of "inner cylinder 61 moving from the non-switching position to the first switching position and then returning to the non-switching position" is performed.

[0157] Figures 10A to 10F This is a schematic diagram showing the outer cylinder cam portion 601, the inner cylinder cam portion 611, and the pin cam portion 621 unfolded into a plane. For ease of explanation, one side in the circumferential direction is sometimes referred to as the operating side, and the opposite side as the counter-operating side. In each figure, the operating side is indicated by arrow A, and the counter-operating side is indicated by arrow C.

[0158] The outer cylinder cam portion 601 has a protruding structure that extends from the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 60 towards the inner circumferential side. At the second end of the outer cylinder cam portion 601, the first cam surface 603, the first locking surface 606, the second cam surface 604, and the cam groove 605 are arranged circumferentially from the reaction side toward the action side in the order described above. Furthermore, the first cam surface 603, the first locking surface 606, the second cam surface 604, and the cam groove 605 are arranged in multiple groups (three groups in this embodiment) in the circumferential direction.

[0159] Both the first cam surface 603 and the second cam surface 604 are inclined surfaces that are tilted relative to the axial direction and circumferential direction. Specifically, they are surfaces extending from the second end side and the reaction side toward the first end side and the action side (or, in other words, surfaces facing the second end side and the action side). Furthermore, the end P of the second end side and the reaction side of the second cam surface 604 is located on the second end side compared to the end Q of the second end side and the reaction side of the first cam surface 603. The first locking surface 606 is a surface that is substantially parallel to the axial direction and faces the reaction side. Alternatively, the first locking surface 606 can be described as a stepped surface between the first cam surface 603 and the second cam surface 604. The cam groove 605 is a groove that is open on the second end side and the inner circumferential side and closed on the first end side. Additionally, the cam groove 605 is a groove that extends in the axial direction and is configured to allow the protrusion 622 of the pin 62 (described later) to be inserted and removed from the second end side.

[0160] A plurality of third cam surfaces 613, a plurality of fourth cam surfaces 614, a plurality of second locking surfaces 615, and a plurality of third locking surfaces 616 are provided at the second end of the inner cylinder cam portion 611. The third cam surfaces 613 and 614, like the first cam surfaces 603 and 604, are inclined surfaces that are inclined relative to the axial direction and circumferential direction; specifically, they are surfaces extending from the second end and the reaction side towards the first end and the action side. The second locking surface 615 is located on the action side of the third cam surface 613 and the reaction side of the fourth cam surface 614, and the third locking surface 616 is located on the reaction side of the third cam surface 613 and the action side of the fourth cam surface 614. The second locking surfaces 615 and 616 are inclined surfaces that are inclined relative to the axial direction and circumferential direction; specifically, they are surfaces extending from the first end and the action side towards the second end and the reaction side. Furthermore, from the reverse side towards the actuating side, the third cam surface 613, the second locking surface 615, the fourth cam surface 614, and the third locking surface 616 are arranged in a circumferential manner. Therefore, in the inner cylinder cam portion 611, the approximately "V"-shaped cutouts of the second end side opening formed by the third cam surface 613 and the second locking surface 615, and the approximately "V"-shaped cutouts of the second end side opening formed by the fourth cam surface 614 and the third locking surface 616 are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction.

[0161] And, as Figure 10AAs shown, assuming two straight lines M1 and M2 pass through the ends of the reversing and moving sides of the third cam surface 613 and are parallel to the axial direction, respectively, between these two straight lines M1 and M2, there is a portion of the deflecting moving side of a first cam surface 603, a first locking surface 606 located on the moving side of the first cam surface 603, and a portion of the deflecting reversing side of a second cam surface 604 located on the moving side of the first locking surface 606. Furthermore, assuming two straight lines M3 and M4 pass through the ends of the reversing and moving sides of the fourth cam surface 614 and are parallel to the axial direction, between these two straight lines M3 and M4, there is a portion of the deflecting moving side of a cam groove 605 and a portion of the deflecting reversing side of the first cam surface 603 adjacent to the moving side of the cam groove 605.

[0162] The operation of such a pressing cam 50 is as follows. Figure 10A The diagram illustrates the relationship between the outer cylinder cam portion 601, the inner cylinder cam portion 611, and the pin cam portion 621 when the pin 62 is in the retracted position. (Example) Figure 10A As shown, the state in which the first end face of the protrusion 622 of the pin 62 contacts the first cam surface 603 of the outer cylinder 60, and the side face of the pin 62 on the actuating side contacts the first locking surface 606, is the state in which the pin 62 is in the retracted position. In addition, since the force of the pin-applying spring 63 (specifically, the component of the force in the direction parallel to the second cam surface 604) acts in a way that pushes the pin 62 toward the actuating side and the first end face, the pin 62 is held in the retracted position.

[0163] In this state, when the inner cylinder 61 moves toward the second end side, the third cam surface 613 of the inner cylinder cam portion 611 contacts the end face of the first end side of the protrusion 622, thereby pushing the protrusion 622 toward the second end side. Therefore, as Figure 10B As shown, pin 62 moves from the retracted position toward the second end side. Furthermore, when the protrusion 622 is located at the second end side relative to the end P of the first locking surface 606, pin 62 can rotate toward the operating side without being obstructed by the first locking surface 606. Therefore, as... Figure 10C As shown, pin 62 rotates towards the actuating side under the force of pin-applying spring 63 (specifically, the component of the force parallel to the third cam surface 613), stopping at the deepest part (the end on the first end side) of the approximately "V"-shaped cut formed by the third cam surface 613 and the second locking surface 615. Furthermore, pin 62 is held in this state by the force of pin-applying spring 63.

[0164] In this state, when the inner cylinder 61 moves towards the first end (or the force applied to the inner cylinder 61 disappears), the pin 62, under the action of the pin-applying spring 63, maintains the above state while moving towards the first end. Furthermore, as... Figure 10D As shown, the end face of the first end of the protrusion 622 contacts the second cam surface 604. When the inner cylinder 61 moves further towards the first end, the tip of the pin 62 disengages from the third cam surface 613 (the deepest part of the approximately "V"-shaped cut formed by the third cam surface 613 and the second locking surface 615), and the pin 62 becomes capable of rotating towards the actuating side. Therefore, the pin 62 rotates towards the actuating side by the force of the pin-applying spring 63, as... Figure 10E As shown, it is fitted into the cam groove 605. Furthermore, the protrusion 622 is held in the state of being fitted into the cam groove 605 by the force of the pin-applied spring 63 (the end face of the first end of the protrusion 622 is in contact with the bottom surface of the cam groove 605). Figure 10E The state shown is that pin 62 is in the restricted position.

[0165] Furthermore, the bottom surface of the cam groove 605 is located on the first end side compared to the first cam surface 603. Therefore, the protruding length of the "end of the first end side of the pin 62" from the "end face of the first end side of the outer cylinder 60" when the pin 62 is in the restricted position becomes longer than the aforementioned protruding length when the pin 62 is in the retracted position.

[0166] In this state, when the inner cylinder 61 moves towards the second end, the fourth cam surface 614 of the inner cylinder 61 contacts the end face of the first end of the protrusion 622, thus pushing the protrusion 622 towards the second end. Therefore, the pin 62 moves towards the second end and is pulled out of the cam groove 605. Furthermore, the pin 62 rotates towards the rotational side under the force of the pin-applying spring 63 (more specifically, the component of the force parallel to the fourth cam surface 614), and then... Figure 10F As shown, rotation stops when the top of pin 62 engages with the deepest part (the end on the first end side) of the roughly "V"-shaped cut formed by the fourth cam surface 614 and the third locking surface 616. Furthermore, pin 62 is held in this state by the force of pin-applying spring 63.

[0167] Subsequently, as the inner cylinder 61 moves towards the first end, the end face of the protrusion 622 of the pin 62 on the first end side contacts the portion of the first cam surface 603 on the opposite side of its movement. Furthermore, the pin 62 moves towards the first end while rotating towards its movement side under the force of the pin-applying spring 63, and then stops by contacting the side of the pin 62 on its movement side with the first locking surface 606. Thus, the push-type cam 50 returns. Figure 10A The state shown.

[0168] like Figure 10EAs shown, the position of the inner cylinder 61 when the pin 62 is in the restricted position and the inner cylinder cam portion 611 moves away from the pin cam portion 621 towards the first end is the non-switching position of the inner cylinder 61. The non-switching position is not a specific point, but rather a position with a certain range. It can also be described as a position that "allows the pin 62 to be in the restricted position." Therefore, when the inner cylinder 61 is in the non-switching position, the pin 62 is held in either the restricted or retracted position.

[0169] In this way, when pin 62 is in the restricted position, and the action of "the inner cylinder 61 moves from the non-switching position to the second end side, and the inner cylinder 61 pushes the protrusion 622 to move pin 62 to the second end side until the protrusion 622 passes position P, and then the inner cylinder 61 returns to the non-switching position" is performed, the push-type cam 50 switches to the state where pin 62 is in the retracted position. Furthermore, the end point P of the second end side of the second cam surface 604 and the first locking surface 606 is located at the second end side compared to the end point Q of the second end side of the first cam surface 603. Therefore, when pin 62 is in the retracted position, after the above action is performed, since the protrusion 622 passes position Q, pin 62 switches to the state where pin 62 is in the restricted position.

[0170] On the other hand, when the pin 62 is in the restricted position, and the action of "moving the inner cylinder 61 from the non-switching position to the second end side, thereby moving the protrusion 622 to a position past position Q but not past position P, and then the inner cylinder 61 returns to the non-switching position" is performed, the push-button cam 50 switches to the state where the pin 62 is in the retracted position. However, even if the action of "moving the inner cylinder 61 from the non-switching position to the second end side, thereby moving the protrusion 622 to a position past position Q but not past position P, and then the inner cylinder 61 returns to the non-switching position" is performed when the pin 62 is in the retracted position, the push-button cam 50 will not switch to the state where the pin 62 is in the restricted position.

[0171] The first switching position of the inner cylinder 61 is the position in which the protrusion 622 is held at a position closer to the second end compared to position P. Alternatively, the first switching position of the inner cylinder 61 can be described as the position where the third cam surface 613 is located at the second end compared to the second cam surface 604. The second switching position of the inner cylinder 61 is the position in which the protrusion 622 is held at a position closer to the second end compared to position Q but closer to the first end compared to position P. Alternatively, the second switching position of the inner cylinder 61 can be described as the position where the fourth cam surface 614 is located at the second end compared to the first cam surface 603, but the third cam surface 613 is located at the first end compared to the second cam surface 604.

[0172] <Summary of Implementation Methods> (1)

[0174] The vehicle door locking device 10 according to this embodiment includes:

[0175] A latching mechanism 111 is configured to switch between a latched state and a latched unlocked state. In the latched state, the opening of the door 90 is not permitted, and in the latched unlocked state, the opening of the door 90 is permitted.

[0176] The locking mechanism 123 is configured to be switchable to a locked state and an unlocked state. In the locked state, the latch mechanism 111 is not allowed to switch from the latched state to the latch-released state. In the unlocked state, the latch mechanism 111 is allowed to switch from the latched state to the latch-released state.

[0177] The dual locking mechanism 124 is configured to switch between a dual locking setting state and a dual locking setting unlock state. In the dual locking setting state, the locking mechanism 123 is not allowed to switch from the locked state to the unlocked state. In the dual locking setting unlock state, the locking mechanism 123 is allowed to switch from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0178] A limiting mechanism (press-type cam 50) is configured to alternately switch between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the dual locking mechanism 124 is not allowed to switch from the dual locking setting state to the dual locking setting release state. In the second state, the dual locking mechanism 124 is allowed to switch from the dual locking setting state to the dual locking setting release state.

[0179] The first rotating component 42 is configured to rotate by a driving force output from a first driving force source (first motor 41). When the locking mechanism 123 is in the locked state, when the first rotating component moves to a second position (unlocked position) which is a position after rotating from the first position (neutral position) in one direction, the locking mechanism 123 is switched from the locked state to the unlocked state. When the locking mechanism 123 is in the unlocked state, when the first rotating component moves to a third position (locked position) which is a position after rotating from the first position (neutral position) in the opposite direction to the first direction, the locking mechanism 123 is switched from the unlocked state to the locked state. Each time the first rotating component moves to a fourth position (cam action position) which is a position after rotating from the first position (neutral position) in the opposite direction past the third position (locked position), the limiting mechanism (press-type cam 50) is alternately switched between the first state and the second state.

[0180] According to this embodiment, when the locking mechanism 123 is in the locked state, when the first rotating component 42 moves from the first position (neutral position) to the second position (unlocked corresponding position) by the driving force of the first driving force source (first motor 41), the locking mechanism 123 switches from the locked state to the unlocked state. Furthermore, when the locking mechanism 123 is in the unlocked state, when the first rotating component 42 moves from the first position (neutral position) to the third position (locked corresponding position) by the driving force of the first driving force source (first motor 41), the locking mechanism 123 switches from the unlocked state to the locked state. Moreover, when the locking mechanism 123 is in the locked state, each time the first rotating component 42 moves from the first position (neutral position) past the third position (locked corresponding position) to the fourth position (cam actuation position) by the driving force of the first driving force source (first motor 41), the dual locking mechanism 124 alternately switches between the dual locking setting release state and the dual locking setting state.

[0181] Thus, by switching the rotation direction of the first rotating member 42, in other words, by switching the direction of the driving force (rotational power) output by the first driving force source (first motor 41), the state of the locking mechanism 123 can be switched. Furthermore, when the locking mechanism 123 is in the locked state, by changing (increasing) the amount of movement of the first rotating member 42, the state of the double locking mechanism 124 can be switched. In this way, the switching of the state of the locking mechanism 123 and the switching of the state of the double locking mechanism 124 can be performed using a single first driving force source (first motor 41). Therefore, since it is not necessary to separately provide a driving force source for switching the state of the locking mechanism 123 and a driving force source for switching the state of the double locking mechanism 124, the number of components in the vehicle door locking device 10 can be reduced, or an increase in the number of components can be prevented or suppressed. (2)

[0183] The vehicle door locking device 10 according to this embodiment includes a first actuating component (locking link 45), which cooperates with the first rotating component 42 to alternately move to a fifth position (unlocking corresponding position) and a sixth position (locking corresponding position). In the fifth position, the latching mechanism 111 is allowed to switch from the latching state to the latching-out state. In the sixth position, the latching mechanism 111 is not allowed to switch from the latching state to the latching-out state. When the first rotating component 42 moves from the first position (neutral position) to the second position (unlocking corresponding position), the first actuating component is located in the fifth position (unlocking corresponding position). When the first rotating component 42 moves from the first position (neutral position) to the third position (locking corresponding position), the first actuating component is located in the sixth position (locking corresponding position).

[0184] The limiting mechanism (press-type cam 50) is configured such that, when in the first state, the first actuating component (locking link 45) is not allowed to move from the sixth position (locking corresponding position) to the fifth position (unlocking corresponding position), and when in the second state, the first actuating component (locking link 45) is allowed to move from the sixth position (locking corresponding position) to the fifth position (unlocking corresponding position).

[0185] In this way, the locking mechanism 123 is configured such that when the first actuating member (locking link 45) is in the sixth position (locking corresponding position), it is in the locked state, and when it is in the fifth position (unlocking corresponding position), it is in the unlocked state. Furthermore, when the limiting mechanism (press-type cam 45) is in the first state, the double locking mechanism 124 is in a DL setting state that prevents the first actuating member (locking link 45) from moving from the sixth position (locking corresponding position) to the fifth position (unlocking corresponding position). When the limiting mechanism is in the second state, the double locking mechanism 124 is in a DL setting deactivation state that allows the first actuating member (locking link 45) to move from the sixth position (locking corresponding position) to the fifth position (unlocking corresponding position). With this configuration, the double locking mechanism 124 can switch between the DL setting state and the DL setting deactivation state by switching between a state that restricts the movement of the first actuating member (locking link 45) and a state that restricts its movement. (3)

[0187] In the vehicle door locking device 10 according to this embodiment,

[0188] The limiting mechanism (press-type cam 50) is a press-type cam, which has the following features:

[0189] A first limiting member (pin 62) is configured to move to a seventh position (retreat position) and an eighth position (limited position). In the seventh position, the first limiting member is located outside the movement trajectory of the first actuating member (locking link 45) from the sixth position (locked corresponding position) to the fifth position (unlocked corresponding position), thereby allowing the first actuating member (locking link 45) to move from the sixth position (locked corresponding position) to the fifth position (unlocked corresponding position). In the eighth position, a portion of the first limiting member is located on the movement trajectory, thereby disallowing the first actuating member (locking link 45) to move from the sixth position (locked corresponding position) to the fifth position (unlocked corresponding position); and

[0190] The second limiting member (inner cylinder 61) is movable to a non-switching position and a switching position, and is configured such that, whenever it moves from the non-switching position to the switching position, it alternately switches between the state where the first limiting member (pin 62) is in the seventh position (retracted position) and the state where it is in the eighth position (limited position).

[0191] The first rotating component 42 cooperates with the limiting mechanism (press-type cam 50) so that when the first rotating component moves from the first position (neutral position) to the fourth position (cam action position), the second limiting component (inner cylinder 61) moves from the non-switching position to the switching position.

[0192] With this configuration, when the first limiting member (pin 62) is in the eighth position (limited position), the first limiting member (pin 62) interferes with the first actuating member (locking link 45). Therefore, the first actuating member (locking link 45) cannot move from the sixth position (locked corresponding position) to the fifth position (unlocked corresponding position). Therefore, with this configuration, since the first limiting member (pin 62) is in the eighth position (limited position), the double locking mechanism 124 becomes a DL setting state that prevents the locking mechanism 123 from switching from the locked state to the unlocked state. Furthermore, each time the first rotating member 42 is moved from the first position (neutral position) to the fourth position (cam actuation position), the state of the first limiting member (pin 62) being in the seventh position (retreat position) and the state of being in the eighth position (limited position) can be switched. (4)

[0194] The vehicle door locking device 10 according to this embodiment includes a second actuating member (intermediate rod 49), which cooperates with the first rotating member 42 such that when the first rotating member 42 is located between the second position and the third position, the second actuating member is located in the ninth position, and when the first rotating member 42 is located in the fourth position, the second actuating member is located in the tenth position. The second actuating member also cooperates with the limiting mechanism (press-type cam 50) such that whenever it moves from the ninth position to the tenth position, the first limiting member (pin 62) is alternately switched between the state of the seventh position and the state of the eighth position.

[0195] The switching between the DL setting state and the DL setting release state of the dual locking mechanism 124 is required to be performed when the locking mechanism 123 is in the locked state, but not required to be performed when it is in the unlocked state. When the first rotating member 42 is between the second position (unlocked position) and the third position (locked position), the second actuating member (intermediate lever 49) is in the ninth position (initial position). Therefore, even if the first rotating member 42 moves from the first position (neutral position) to the second position (unlocked position), causing the locking mechanism 123 to switch from the locked state to the unlocked state, the state of the limiting mechanism (press-type cam 45) will not change. In this way, the actions of switching the dual locking mechanism 124 to the DL setting state and the DL setting release state, and the actions of switching the locking mechanism 123 from the locked state to the unlocked state, can be performed exclusively and mutually. (5)

[0197] In the vehicle door locking device 10 according to this embodiment,

[0198] The first rotating component 42 has a first engaging portion (LL engaging portion 421) and a second engaging portion (intermediate rod engaging portion 422). The first engaging portion can be freely engaged and disengaged from the first actuating component (locking link 45), and the second engaging portion can be freely engaged and disengaged from the second actuating component (intermediate rod 49).

[0199] The vehicle door locking device is configured such that, when the rotating component (first rotating component 42) moves from the first position (neutral position) to the third position (locking corresponding position), the first engaging part (LL engaging part 421) engages with the first actuating component (locking link 45) to move the first actuating component (locking link 45) from the fifth position (unlocking corresponding position) to the sixth position (locking corresponding position). When the first rotating component 42 moves from the first position (neutral position) past the third position (locking corresponding position) to the fourth position (cam actuating position), the second engaging part (intermediate rod engaging part 422) engages with the second actuating component (intermediate rod 49) to move the second actuating component (intermediate rod 49) from the ninth position (initial position) to the tenth position (actuating position).

[0200] With this configuration, when the locking mechanism 123 is in the unlocked state, the first rotating member 42 moves from the first position (neutral position) to the third position (locking corresponding position), switching the locking mechanism 123 from the unlocked state to the locked state. Conversely, when the locking mechanism 123 is in the locked state, the first rotating member 42 moves from the first position (neutral position) past the third position (locking corresponding position) to the fourth position (cam actuation position), thereby switching the dual locking mechanism 124 between the dual locking setting release state and the dual locking setting state. That is, by making the rotation direction of the first rotating member 42 the same but the rotation amount (rotation angle) different, the switching of the locking mechanism 123 from the unlocked state to the locked state and the switching of the state of the dual locking mechanism 124 can be performed. (6)

[0202] The first actuating component (locking link 45) is configured to be able to move to an eleventh and a twelfth position when it is in the third position (locking corresponding position). The eleventh position is located on the movement trajectory of the first engaging part (LL engaging part 421) when the first rotating component 42 moves from the first position (neutral position) to the third position (locking corresponding position). The twelfth position is located outside the movement trajectory. The first actuating component is elastically forced toward the twelfth position by the force applying component (locking link force spring 46).

[0203] According to this configuration, after the locking mechanism 123 switches from the unlocked state to the locked state, the first actuating component (locking link 45) moves towards the twelfth position by the force of the applying component (locking link force spring 46). Therefore, when the locking mechanism 123 is in the locked state, the first rotating component 42 can move from the first position (neutral position) past the third position (locking corresponding position) to the fourth position (cam actuating position) without being obstructed by the first actuating component (locking link 45). Therefore, by rotating the first rotating component 42, the dual locking mechanism 124 can be switched from the DL setting release state to the DL setting state, or from the DL setting state to the DL setting release state. (7)

[0205] In the vehicle door locking device 10 according to this embodiment,

[0206] The first actuating component (locking link 45) has a locking part (disengagement prevention part 453), which is configured to restrict the movement of the first actuating component from the eleventh position to the twelfth position by engaging with the first engaging part (LL engaging part 421) of the first rotating component 42.

[0207] The first actuating component (locking link 45) is configured such that, when the first rotating component (42) moves from the first position (neutral position) to the third position (locking position), the first actuating component is pushed by the first engaging part (LL engaging part 421) of the first rotating component (42) and moves to the sixth position (locking position) and the eleventh position. When the first actuating component leaves the first engaging part (LL engaging part 421), the first actuating component moves to the twelfth position by the force of the force-applying component (locking link force-applying spring 46).

[0208] With this configuration, when the locking mechanism 123 is in the locked state, as the first rotating member 42 rotates from the first position (neutral position) to the third position (locked corresponding position), the first rotating member 42 engages with the locking portion (disengagement prevention portion 453) of the first actuating member (locking link 45), thereby restricting the movement of the first actuating member (locking link 45) from the eleventh position to the twelfth position. That is, the engagement between the first rotating member 42 and the first actuating member (locking link 45) is prevented from being released. Therefore, the reliability of the switching action of the locking mechanism 123 from the unlocked state to the locked state can be improved. (8)

[0210] It includes: a second driving force source (second motor 37), which is separate and independent from the first driving force source (first motor 41); and

[0211] The second rotating component 38 is configured to rotate and move from the neutral position to the operating position by the driving force output by the second driving force source (second motor 37), thereby switching the latching mechanism 111 from the latching state to the latching release state.

[0212] Based on the separate and independent configuration of the first driving force source (first motor 41) for actuating the locking mechanism 123 and the double locking mechanism 124 and the second driving force source (second motor 37) for switching the latch mechanism 111 from the latched state to the latch-out state, the latch mechanism 111 can be switched from the latched state to the latch-out state regardless of the state or operation of the locking mechanism 123 and the double locking mechanism 124.

[0213] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from its spirit, and these modifications are also included within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0214] For example, in the above embodiments, a configuration is shown in which the opening link 34 pushes the lifting rod 114 via the release rod 40, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, a configuration in which the opening link 34 directly pushes the lifting rod 114 is also possible.

Claims

1. A door locking device for a vehicle, wherein, have: A latching mechanism configured to switch between a latched state and a latched unlatched state, wherein in the latched state, opening of the door is not permitted, and in the latched unlatched state, opening of the door is permitted; A locking mechanism is configured to switch between a locked state and an unlocked state. In the locked state, the latching mechanism is not allowed to switch from the latched state to the unlocked state, and in the unlocked state, the latching mechanism is allowed to switch from the latched state to the unlocked state. A dual locking mechanism is configured to switch between a dual locking setting state and a dual locking setting deactivation state. In the dual locking setting state, the locking mechanism is not allowed to switch from the locked state to the unlocked state, and in the dual locking setting deactivation state, the locking mechanism is allowed to switch from the locked state to the unlocked state. A limiting mechanism is configured to alternately switch between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the dual locking mechanism is not allowed to switch from the dual locking setting state to the dual locking setting release state. In the second state, the dual locking mechanism is allowed to switch from the dual locking setting state to the dual locking setting release state. as well as The first rotating component is configured to rotate by a driving force output from a first driving force source. When the locking mechanism is in the locked state, when the first rotating component moves to a second position, which is a position after rotating from the first position in one direction, the locking mechanism is switched from the locked state to the unlocked state. When the locking mechanism is in the unlocked state, when the first rotating component moves to a third position, which is a position after rotating from the first position in the opposite direction to the first direction, the locking mechanism is switched from the unlocked state to the locked state. Each time the first rotating component moves to a fourth position, which is a position after rotating from the first position in the opposite direction past the third position, the limiting mechanism is alternately switched between the first state and the second state.

2. The vehicle door locking device according to claim 1, wherein, The device includes a first actuating component that cooperates with a first rotating component to alternately move to a fifth position and a sixth position. In the fifth position, the latching mechanism is allowed to switch from a latched state to a latch-released state. In the sixth position, the latching mechanism is not allowed to switch from the latched state to the latch-released state. Furthermore, when the first rotating component moves from the first position to the second position, the first actuating component is located in the fifth position; when the first rotating component moves from the first position to the third position, the first actuating component is located in the sixth position. The limiting mechanism is configured such that, when in the first state, the first actuating component is not allowed to move from the sixth position to the fifth position, and when in the second state, the first actuating component is allowed to move from the sixth position to the fifth position.

3. The vehicle door locking device according to claim 2, wherein, The limiting mechanism is a push-button cam, which has the following features: A first limiting member is configured to be movable to a seventh position and an eighth position. In the seventh position, the first limiting member is located outside the movement trajectory of the first actuating member from the sixth position to the fifth position, thereby allowing the first actuating member to move from the sixth position to the fifth position. In the eighth position, a portion of the first limiting member is located on the movement trajectory, thereby disallowing the first actuating member to move from the sixth position to the fifth position. as well as A second limiting member is movable to a non-switching position and a switching position, and is configured such that, whenever moving from the non-switching position to the switching position, it alternately switches between the state where the first limiting member is in the seventh position and the state where it is in the eighth position. The first rotating component cooperates with the limiting mechanism such that when the first rotating component moves from the first position to the fourth position, the second limiting component moves from the non-switching position to the switching position.

4. The vehicle door locking device according to claim 3, wherein, The device includes a second actuating component that cooperates with the first rotating component such that when the first rotating component is located between the second and third positions, the second actuating component is located in the ninth position, and when the first rotating component is located in the fourth position, the second actuating component is located in the tenth position. The second actuating component also cooperates with the limiting mechanism such that whenever the second actuating component moves from the ninth position to the tenth position, the first limiting component is alternately switched between the state located in the seventh position and the state located in the eighth position.

5. The vehicle door locking device according to claim 4, wherein, The first rotating component has a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion. The first engaging portion can be freely engaged and disengaged from the first actuating component, and the second engaging portion can be freely engaged and disengaged from the second actuating component. The vehicle door locking device is configured such that when the first rotating member moves from the first position to the third position, the first engaging part engages with the first actuating member, causing the first actuating member to move from the fifth position to the sixth position; and when the first rotating member moves from the first position past the third position to the fourth position, the second engaging part engages with the second actuating member, causing the second actuating member to move from the ninth position to the tenth position.

6. The vehicle door locking device according to claim 5, wherein, The first actuating member is configured to be able to move to an eleventh position and a twelfth position when it is in the third position. The eleventh position is located on the movement trajectory of the first engaging portion when the first rotating member moves from the first position to the third position. The twelfth position is located outside the movement trajectory, and the first actuating member is elastically forced toward the twelfth position by the force-applying member.

7. The vehicle door locking device according to claim 6, wherein, The first actuating component includes a locking portion, which is configured to restrict the movement of the first actuating component from the eleventh position to the twelfth position by engaging with the first engaging portion of the first rotating component. The first actuating component is configured such that, when the first rotating component moves from the first position to the third position while in the fifth position, the first actuating component is pushed by the first engaging portion of the first rotating component and moves to the sixth position and the eleventh position; when the first actuating component disengages from the first engaging portion, the first actuating component moves to the twelfth position by the force applied by the force-applying component.

8. The vehicle door locking device according to claim 1, wherein, have: A second driving force source, which is separate and independent from the first driving force source; as well as The second rotating component is configured to rotate and move from a neutral position to an operating position by the driving force output from the second driving force source, thereby switching the latching mechanism from the latched state to the latched-out state.

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