Lock device

Abstract

To provide a lock device that can be made as compact as possible while having a first specification switch or second specification switch changing in conductive state.SOLUTION: A lock device 100 has at least first specification switches 41, 43 or second specification switches 45, 47 composed of a plurality of micro switches such that a first peripheral surface 71c facing an outer side and a second peripheral surface 71d facing the opposite outer side from the first peripheral surface 71c are equal. The respective micro switches are stacked vertically away from bottom faces 22e of base members 21, 22. The base members 21, 22 are provided with holding walls 51, 53 which extend vertically from bottom surfaces 22e, and hold the respective micro switches simultaneously with at least the first peripheral surfaces 71c and the second peripheral surfaces 71d.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventional locking devices are disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2. In vehicles in which these locking devices are used, a striker is fixed to the vehicle body, and these locking devices are provided on an opening / closing body such as a tailgate that is provided on the vehicle body so as to be openable and closable. These locking devices include a housing, a fork also referred to as a latch, a pole also referred to as a ratchet, and an open / close mechanism.

[0003] The housing has a base member, and the base member has an inlet through which the striker enters. The fork is provided on the base member. The fork swings between a latch position where it can lock the striker on the back side of the inlet, a half-latch position where it can lock the striker in the middle of the inlet, and an un-latch position where it does not lock the striker within the inlet.

[0004] The pole is also provided on the base member. The pole swings between a block position that blocks the fork from swinging to the un-latch position and an un-block position that allows the fork to swing to the un-latch position.

[0005] When the open / close mechanism acts on the fork, it swings the fork from the half-latch position to the latch position (full-latch position). Also, when it acts on the pole, it displaces the pole to the un-block position. The open / close mechanism has a motor, a drive train, and a sector gear. The motor rotates forward and backward to generate a driving force. The drive train transmits the driving force and includes an output gear to which the driving force is finally transmitted. The sector gear is supported by the base member and swings from the neutral region in the first direction and the second direction independently of the fork by receiving the driving force from the output gear.

[0006] The locking device of Patent Document 1 is provided with a half-latch detection switch, a full-latch detection switch, and a ratchet detection switch on the base member. In this locking device, a first detected portion and a second detected portion are formed on the fork, and a detected portion is formed on the pole. The half-latch detection switch acts on the first detected portion to change the conduction state, and the full-latch detection switch acts on the second detected portion to change the conduction state. Also, the ratchet detection switch acts on the detected portion to change the conduction state. The half-latch detection switch and the full-latch detection switch are stacked in a direction perpendicular to and spaced apart from the bottom surface of the base member.

[0007] Moreover, the locking device of Patent Document 2 is provided on the base member and includes a sub-lock lever that takes a posture related to the fork or the pole. An arm is provided on the sub-lock lever, and a first cam and a second cam are provided on the arm. Also, in this locking device, a first lock position switch and a second lock position switch are provided on the base member. The first lock position switch acts on the first cam to change the conduction state, and the second lock position switch acts on the second cam to change the conduction state. The first lock position switch and the second lock position switch are stacked in a direction perpendicular to and spaced apart from the bottom surface of the base member.

[0008] In these locking devices, due to the change in the conduction state of the half-latch detection switch, the full-latch detection switch, the ratchet detection switch, the first lock position switch, or the second lock position switch, the motor rotates forward, stops, or reverses, enabling the opening and closing of the opening / closing body via the fork or the pole. Also, in these locking devices, since the half-latch detection switch and the full-latch detection switch, or the first lock position switch and the second lock position switch are stacked, miniaturization of the locking device is achieved.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0009]

Patent Document 1

[0010] However, in the locking devices of Patent Documents 1 and 2 described above, a plurality of switches are displaced in the width direction, and the miniaturization of the locking device is insufficient.

[0011] The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a locking device that has a first specific switch or a second specific switch whose conduction state changes and that can achieve miniaturization as much as possible. [Means for Solving the Problems]

[0012] The locking device of the present invention includes a base member having an entrance through which a striker enters, a fork provided on the base member, the fork being swingable between a latch position where the striker can be locked on the back side of the entrance and an unlatch position where the striker is not locked within the entrance, a pole provided on the base member, the pole being displaceable between a block position that blocks the fork from swinging to the unlatch position and an unblock position that allows the fork to swing to the unlatch position, a first specific operation portion formed on any one of the fork, the pole, and at least one specific member that takes a posture related to the fork or the pole, a second specific operation portion formed on any one of the fork, the pole, and the other of the specific members, the second specific operation portion being different from the first specific operation portion, a first specific switch provided on the base member and acting on the first specific operation portion to change the conduction state, A locking device comprising a second specific switch provided on the base member and acting on the second specific operation portion to change the conduction state. At least one of the first specific switch and the second specific switch includes a plurality of microswitches having equal first circumferential surfaces facing outward and second circumferential surfaces facing outward opposite to the first circumferential surfaces. Each of the microswitches is laminated in a direction perpendicular to and spaced from the bottom surface of the base member. The base member is characterized in that a holding wall is provided which extends perpendicularly from the bottom surface and holds each of the microswitches simultaneously by at least the first circumferential surface and the second circumferential surface.

[0013] In the locking device of the present invention, a first specific operation portion is formed on any one of the fork, the pole, and at least one specific member, and a second specific operation portion is formed on any one of the other of the fork, the pole, and the specific member. The first specific switch acts on the first specific operation portion to change the conduction state. Further, the second specific switch acts on the second specific operation portion to change the conduction state.

[0014] Here, at least one of the first specific switch and the second specific switch includes a plurality of microswitches. Further, the base member is provided with a holding wall extending perpendicularly from the bottom surface. Since each microswitch has equal first circumferential surfaces facing outward and second circumferential surfaces facing outward opposite to the first circumferential surfaces, if the holding wall holds at least the first circumferential surface and the second circumferential surface simultaneously, they are laminated vertically without shifting in the width direction.

[0015] Therefore, the locking device of the present invention can achieve miniaturization as much as possible while having a first specific switch or a second specific switch whose conduction state changes.

[0016] The specific member assumes a posture related to the fork or the pole. Also, there may be at least one specific member, or there may be two or more. Specific examples of the specific member include a fork detection lever that assumes a posture related to the fork, a pole detection lever such as an emergency lever that assumes a posture related to the pole, and when the locking device includes an open / close mechanism, a sector gear detection lever that assumes a posture related to the sector gear, a gear detection lever that assumes a posture related to the output gear of the drive train, and the like.

[0017] The first specific operation part may be formed on the fork, may be formed on the pole, or may be formed on the specific member. The first specific operation part is not limited to one. Also, the second specific operation part may be formed on the fork, may be formed on the pole, or may be formed on the specific member. The second specific operation part is not limited to one either.

[0018] Each microswitch may include a switch case having a peripheral surface including a first peripheral surface and a second peripheral surface and incorporating a circuit, and an operated part that is displaceably provided on the switch case by the first specific operation part or the second specific operation part to switch the circuit. It is preferable that the holding wall holds the peripheral surfaces simultaneously and provides each operated part in the same direction. In this case, since the same type of microswitches can be adopted as a plurality of microswitches, the manufacturing cost can be reduced. Also, since each operated part is provided in the same direction, the operated parts are arranged in the height direction from the bottom surface, and it is easy to displace each operated part with respect to the switch case in a narrow space. Therefore, the effect of miniaturizing the locking device is great.

[0019] It is preferable that the holding wall positions each switch case by the peripheral surface. In this case, each operated part can be surely displaced with respect to the switch case in a narrow space. Therefore, the effect of miniaturizing the locking device is extremely great.

[0020] The holding wall preferably has a height from the bottom surface that is a value obtained by multiplying the height of the circumferential surface by the number of microswitches. In this case, since the switch cases of the microswitches are stacked on top of each other, the holding wall can be made to have a minimum height, and the effect of miniaturizing the locking device is significant. Also, the microswitch can be protected from impacts, dust, water, etc., and malfunctions, breakages, etc. of the microswitch can be suppressed.

[0021] The circuit preferably switches between ON and OFF depending on the displacement of the operated part. In this case, two contacts of the microswitch are sufficient, and the microswitch can also be made small. Therefore, the effect of miniaturizing the locking device is significant.

[0022] The base member may include a metal base plate and a resin base guide fixed to the base plate. The holding wall is preferably formed on the base guide. In this case, it is easy to form the holding wall, and it also contributes to reducing the weight of the locking device.

[0023] The base guide preferably has an engaging claw that engages with the switch case farthest from the bottom surface. In this case, if the microswitches are sequentially inserted into the holding wall, the engaging claw will engage with the uppermost microswitch at the stage when the last microswitch is inserted, and all the microswitches can be easily held within the holding wall.

[0024] The locking device of the present invention may further include a back plate that is fixed to the base plate with the base guide interposed therebetween. The back plate preferably covers each switch case. In this case, the back plate prevents the microswitch within the holding wall from separating from the holding wall.

[0025] The back plate preferably has a convex portion that abuts against the uppermost switch case. In this case, the convex portion abuts against the switch case of the microswitch within the holding wall, and the back plate surely prevents the microswitch within the holding wall from separating from the holding wall. Also, the microswitch within the holding wall becomes difficult to move due to vibration, and the detection accuracy of the microswitch is maintained.

[0026] The back plate preferably has an interference prevention portion that avoids interference with the engaging claw. In this case, it becomes difficult for the engaging claw to interfere during assembly, and breakage of the engaging claw or the like can be prevented. As the interference prevention portion, a recess or a through hole formed in the back plate can be adopted.

[0027] The fork can also swing to a half-latch position where it can lock the striker in the middle of the inlet. The locking device of the present invention can be provided with an open-close mechanism configured to swing the fork from the half-latch position to the latch position when acting on the fork, and to displace the pole to the unblocked position when acting on the pole. The open-close mechanism can have a motor, a drive train, and a sector gear. The motor rotates forward and backward to generate a driving force. The drive train transmits the driving force and includes an output gear to which the driving force is finally transmitted. The sector gear is supported by a base member and swings from a neutral region in a first direction and a second direction independently of the fork and the pole by receiving the driving force from the output gear. The sector gear swings in the first direction to act on the fork and swings in the second direction to act on the pole. The first specific switch preferably detects the neutral region and the swing end in the first direction or the swing end in the second direction, and the second specific switch preferably detects the half-latch position and the latch position. In this case, if the fork is in the half-latch position, the fork can be swung to the latch position. For this reason, the opening and closing body can be opened and closed via the fork and the pole.

[0028] It is preferable that the first specific switch and the second specific switch each consist of a plurality of micro switches. The specific member is preferably composed of a sector gear detection lever that is swingably supported by the base member and takes a posture related to the sector gear, and a fork detection lever that is swingably supported by the base member and takes a posture related to the fork. In this case, the effect of miniaturizing the locking device is extremely large.

Advantages of the Invention

[0029] In the locking device of the present invention, while having the first specific switch or the second specific switch whose conduction state changes, it is possible to achieve as much miniaturization as possible.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1, in the vehicle provided with the locking device 100 of the embodiment, the vehicle body 1 has a rear opening 1a, and a tailgate 3 is swingably provided at the upper end of the rear opening 1a. The tailgate 3 can open and close the rear opening 1a by swinging. A striker 1b is fixed to the lower end of the rear opening 1a, and the locking device 100 is provided on the tailgate 3.

[0033] Also, as shown in FIG. 2, a control unit C1 is provided in the vehicle body 1. A power source B1, a tailgate opening operation detection unit S1, etc. are connected to the control unit C1. The tailgate opening operation detection unit S1 detects an opening operation on the doorknob or a remote control switch performed by the user to enable the tailgate 3 to be opened, and transmits a detection signal to the control unit C1. The locking device 100 is electrically connected to the control unit C1.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 1, the locking device 100 consists of an actuator 10 and a locking device main body 20. The actuator 10 includes an actuator housing 11. The actuator housing 11 is configured by fixing a cover 11b to a body 11a with a plurality of screws 11c. An open / close mechanism 13, a part of which is shown in FIG. 3, is housed in the actuator housing 11.

[0035] The open / close mechanism 13 has a motor 61, a worm gear 62, a worm wheel 63, a first transmission gear 64, a second transmission gear 65, a third transmission gear 66, an idle gear 67, and a sector gear 34 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 3, the worm gear 62 is fixed to the rotating shaft 61a of the motor 61, and the worm wheel 63 meshes with the worm gear 62. The worm wheel 63 is rotatably provided around an axis Y2 extending in a direction orthogonal to the axis Y1 of the rotating shaft 61a. The first transmission gear 64 has a smaller diameter than the worm wheel 63 and is integrally rotatably provided with the worm wheel 63 around the axis Y2. The second transmission gear 65 meshes with the first transmission gear 64. The second transmission gear 65 has a larger diameter than the first transmission gear 64 and is rotatably provided around an axis Y3 parallel to the axis Y2. The third transmission gear 66 has a smaller diameter than the second transmission gear 65 and is integrally rotatably provided with the second transmission gear 65 around the axis Y3.

[0037] The third transmission gear 66 protrudes into an idle gear driving hole 23e of a back plate 23, which will be described later, and meshes with the idle gear 67. The idle gear 67 is rotatably provided around an axis Y4 parallel to the axes Y2 and Y3. The worm gear 62, the worm wheel 63, the first transmission gear 64, the second transmission gear 65, the third transmission gear 66, and the idle gear 67 constitute a drive train 60. The idle gear 67 corresponds to an output gear to which the driving force of the motor 61 is finally transmitted. The sector gear 34 will be described later.

[0038] The lock device main body 20 has a base plate 21 shown in FIG. 4, a base guide 22 shown in FIG. 5, and a back plate 23 shown in FIG. 6. The base plate 21 and the back plate 23 are made of metal, and the base guide 22 is made of resin. The base plate 21 and the base guide 22 correspond to the base members.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the lock device main body 20 has a fork 31, a pole 33, an operating lever 35, a sector gear detection lever 37, a fork detection lever 39, a first sector gear switch 41, a second sector gear switch 43, a first fork switch 45, and a second fork switch 47. These are assembled to the base guide 22 together with other parts. The base plate 21 is provided on the back side, and the back plate 23 is provided on the front side to form the lock device main body 20. As shown in FIG. 1, the actuator 10 is fixed to the back plate 23 by a plurality of screws 10a.

[0040] Hereinafter, each component will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 4, an inlet 21a through which the striker 1b enters is formed in the base plate 21. Further, a fork shaft hole 21b and a pole shaft hole 21c are penetratingly provided in the base plate 21. Furthermore, a pair of attachment pieces 21e, 21f are formed in the base plate 21, and attachment holes 21g, 21h are penetratingly provided in the attachment pieces 21e, 21f. The attachment pieces 21e, 21f and the attachment holes 21g, 21h are used when fixing the lock device 100 to the vehicle body 1.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 5, an inlet 22a that aligns with the inlet 21a of the base plate 21 is formed in the base guide 22. Further, a fork shaft hole 22b and a pole shaft hole 22c that align with the fork shaft hole 21b and the pole shaft hole 21c of the base plate 21 are penetratingly provided in the base guide 22. Furthermore, a sector gear switch holding wall 51, a fork switch holding wall 53, a third support shaft 55, and a fourth indicating shaft 57 are formed in the base guide 22.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 6, the back plate 23 is formed with an inlet 23a that aligns with the inlet 21a of the base plate 21 and the inlet 22a of the base guide 22. The back plate 23 is also formed with fork shaft holes 23b and pole shaft holes 23c that align with the fork shaft hole 21b and pole shaft hole 21c of the base plate 21 and the fork shaft hole 22b and pole shaft hole 22c of the base guide 22. Further, an idle gear drive hole 23e is penetratingly provided in the back plate 23. Note that screws 10a are screwed into the shaft holes 23f to 23h when fixing the actuator 10 to the lock device main body 20.

[0043] The fork 31 shown in Figs. 7 and 8 is composed of a thick steel plate and a resin that covers most of the steel plate. A shaft hole 31a is penetratingly provided in the fork 31. A first support shaft 52 is inserted into the shaft hole 31a. One end of the first support shaft 52 is caulked to the fork shaft hole 21b of the base plate 21, and the other end of the first support shaft 52 is caulked to the fork shaft hole 23b of the back plate 23. A torsion coil spring (not shown) is provided between the fork 31 and the base guide 22. For this reason, the fork 31 is biased in the second direction R2 by the biasing force of the torsion coil spring and swings around the first axis X1, which is the center line of the first support shaft 52.

[0044] The fork 31 is formed with a recess 31b that recesses from the outer peripheral surface, a latch surface 31c, a half-latch surface 31d, a passive surface 31e, and an extension 31f that extends from the outer peripheral surface. The recess 31b is sized to accommodate the striker 1b that has entered the inlets 21a, 22a, and 23a. The latch surface 31c and the half-latch surface 31d can abut against a stopper surface 33b of a pole 33 described later when the fork 31 is in the latch position or the half-latch position. The tip surface of the extension 31f is configured to drive a driven portion 39b of a fork detection lever 39 described later after the fork 31 swings a certain amount in the first direction R1.

[0045] The pole 33 is composed of a thick steel plate and a resin that covers most of the steel plate. A shaft hole 33a is provided through the pole 33. A second support shaft 54 is inserted through the shaft hole 33a. One end of the second support shaft 54 is caulked into the pole shaft hole 21c of the base plate 21, and the other end of the second support shaft 54 is caulked into the pole shaft hole 23c of the back plate 23. A torsion coil spring (not shown) is also provided between the pole 33 and the base guide 22. Therefore, the pole 33 is biased in the pole biasing direction D2 by the biasing force of the torsion coil spring and swings around the second axis X2, which is the center line of the second support shaft 54.

[0046] On the pole 33, a stopper surface 33b and a passive portion 33c protruding from the outer peripheral surface are formed. The stopper surface 33b can contact the latch surface 31c of the fork 31 when the fork 31 is in the latch position and can contact the half-latch surface 31d of the fork 31 when in the half-latch position. The passive portion 33c can contact the tip surface of the cam body 36 after the operating lever 35 described later swings to a certain extent in the second direction R2.

[0047] The operating lever 35 is composed of a sector gear 34 having an arc-shaped gear 34a and a cam body 36 having a cam surface 36a. A shaft hole 34b coaxial with the shaft hole 31a of the fork 31 is provided through the sector gear 34. The first support shaft 52 is also inserted through the shaft hole 34b. The gear 34a is aligned around the first axis X1 and meshes with the idler gear 67. An acting portion 34e capable of contacting the passive surface 31e of the fork 31 is formed on the sector gear 34. Therefore, the sector gear 34 takes a posture related to the fork 31.

[0048] A screw hole 34c is provided through the sector gear 34, and a positioning hole 34d is also provided through it. The cam body 36 is integrated with the sector gear 34 by a screw 35a screwed into the screw hole 34c while fitting its convex portion 36b into the positioning hole 34d. The cam surface 36a of the cam body 36 is adapted to drive the driven portion 37b of the sector gear detection lever 37.

[0049] The operating lever 35, in which the sector gear 34 and the cam body 36 are integrated, is configured to swing in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2 around the first axis X1 from the neutral region independently of the fork 31 and the pole 33.

[0050] Since the sector gear 34 takes a posture related to the fork 31 and the sector gear detection lever 37 takes a posture related to the sector gear 34, the sector gear detection lever 37 is one of the specific members. A shaft hole 37a is formed through the sector gear detection lever 37. A third support shaft 55 is inserted through the shaft hole 37a. As shown in FIG. 12, a driven part 37b, a gear-side first switch surface 37c, and a gear-side second switch surface 37d are formed on the sector gear detection lever 37.

[0051] The driven part 37b follows the cam surface 36a of the cam body 36 in the operating lever 35. As shown in FIG. 12, the sector gear detection lever 37 swings around the third axis X3 when the driven part 37b follows the cam surface 36a. Thereby, the sector gear detection lever 37 takes a posture related to the sector gear 34.

[0052] The gear-side first switch surface 37c is formed with a predetermined length around the third axis X3, and pushes the operated part 73 of the first sector gear switch 41 into the switch case 71. Also, the gear-side second switch surface 37d is formed with a predetermined length, and pushes the operated part 73 of the second sector gear switch 43 into the switch case 71. The gear-side first switch surface 37c and the gear-side second switch surface 37d correspond to the first specific operating part.

[0053] A torsion coil spring (not shown) is provided between the sector gear detection lever 37 and the base guide 22. For this reason, the sector gear detection lever 37 swings around the third axis X3, which is the center line of the third support shaft 55, while being biased in the operating lever biasing direction D3 by the biasing force of the torsion coil spring.

[0054] In order for the fork detection lever 39 to take a posture related to the fork 31, the fork detection lever 39 is one of the other specific members. A shaft hole 39a is formed through the fork detection lever 39. A fourth support shaft 57 is inserted into the shaft hole 39a. A driven part 39b, a first fork-side switch surface 39c, and a second fork-side switch surface 39d are formed on the fork detection lever 39.

[0055] The driven part 39b is driven by the tip surface of the extending part 31f of the fork 31. As shown in FIG. 13, the fork detection lever 39 swings around the fourth axis X4 when the driven part 39b is driven by the tip surface of the extending part 31f. Thereby, the fork detection lever 39 takes a posture related to the fork 31.

[0056] The first fork-side switch surface 39c is formed with a predetermined length around the fourth axis X4, and pushes the operated part 73 of the first fork switch 45 into the switch case 71. Also, the second fork-side switch surface 39d is formed with a predetermined length, and pushes the operated part 73 of the second fork switch 47 into the switch case 71. The first fork-side switch surface 39c and the second fork-side switch surface 39d correspond to the second specific operation part.

[0057] A compression coil spring (not shown) is provided between the fork detection lever 39 and the base guide 22. For this reason, the fork detection lever 39 swings around the fourth axis X4, which is the center line of the fourth support shaft 57, while being biased in the fork biasing direction D4 by the biasing force of the compression coil spring.

[0058] The first and second sector gear switches 41 and 43 and the first and second fork switches 45 and 47 are equivalent microswitches composed of a switch case 71 and an operated part 73, as shown in FIGS. 9 to 11. A circuit 75 whose conduction state changes between ON and OFF is provided in the switch case 71. The first and second sector gear switches 41 and 43 correspond to the first specific switch, and the first and second fork switches 45 and 47 correspond to the second specific switch.

[0059] The switch case 71 is in the shape of a quadrangular prism and has a front surface 71a, a rear surface 71b, a right side surface 71c, a left side surface 71d, a bottom surface 71e, and a top surface 71f on the paper surface of FIGS. 9 to 11. The operation part 73 protrudes from the front surface 71a of the switch case 71 in parallel with the right side surface 71c and the left side surface 71d. The circuit 75 turns ON when the protruding length of the operation part 73 becomes short, and turns OFF when the protruding length of the operation part 73 becomes long.

[0060] The right side surface 71c and the left side surface 71d of the switch case 71 are equal and face outward in opposite directions. Therefore, if the right side surface 71c corresponds to the first peripheral surface, the left side surface 71d corresponds to the second peripheral surface. Also, if the left side surface 71d corresponds to the first peripheral surface, the right side surface 71c corresponds to the second peripheral surface. The front surface 71a, the rear surface 71b, the right side surface 71c, and the left side surface 71d correspond to the peripheral surfaces. On the rear surface 71b of the switch case 71, a terminal 75a connected to one end of the circuit 75 and a terminal 75b connected to the other end of the circuit 75 are provided.

[0061] The first and second sector gear switches 41 and 43 are provided in the sector gear switch holding wall 51 of the base guide 22 shown in FIG. 5, and the first and second fork switches 45 and 47 are provided in the fork switch holding wall 53 of the base guide 22. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the first and second sector gear switches 41 and 43 are laminated in a direction perpendicular to and spaced apart from the bottom surface 22e of the base guide 22. For this reason, the bottom surface 71e of the first sector gear switch 41 abuts on the bottom surface 22e, and the bottom surface 71e of the second sector gear switch 43 abuts on the top surface 71f of the first sector gear switch 41. The same applies to the first and second fork switches 45 and 47.

[0062] The retaining wall 51 for the sector gear switch extends vertically from the bottom surface 22e. The retaining wall 51 for the sector gear switch consists of a front wall 51a that abuts against the front surface 71a of the switch case 71, a rear wall 51b that abuts against the rear surface 71b of the switch case 71, a right wall 51c that abuts against the right side surface 71c of the switch case 71, and a left wall 51d that abuts against the left side surface 71d of the switch case 71 on the plane of FIGS. 9 to 11. An opening 51e for exposing the operated part 73 is penetratingly provided in the front wall 51a. An opening 51f for exposing the terminals 75a, 75b is penetratingly provided in the rear wall 51b. The opening 51e of the locking device 100 of the embodiment is a rectangle formed by notching from the bottom surface 22e, but the opening may be for inserting the two operated parts 73 respectively.

[0063] The height of the front wall 51a, the rear wall 51b, the right wall 51c, and the left wall 51d from the bottom surface 22e is a value obtained by multiplying the height of the front surface 71a etc. of the switch case 71 by 2. The front wall 51a, the rear wall 51b, the right wall 51c, and the left wall 51d hold the first and second sector gear switches 41, 43 by the front surface 71a, the rear surface 71b, the right side surface 71c, and the left side surface 71d simultaneously while providing the operated parts 73 in the same direction. The same applies to the first and second fork switches 45, 47.

[0064] Therefore, in this locking device 100, the first and second sector gear switches 41, 43 and the first and second fork switches 45, 47 are vertically stacked without shifting in the width direction. Thus, in this locking device 100, the tailgate 3 can be opened and closed via the fork 31 and the pole 33, and it is miniaturized as much as possible.

[0065] Also, the rear wall 51b, the right wall 51c, and the left wall 51d position the first and second sector gear switches 41, 43 and the first and second fork switches 45, 47. In this case, since each operated part 73 can be surely displaced with respect to the switch case 71 in a narrow space, the effect of miniaturizing the locking device 100 is extremely large.

[0066] In particular, since the holding wall 51 for the sector gear switch and the holding wall 53 for the fork switch are formed on the base guide 22, it is easy to form the holding wall 51 for the sector gear switch and the holding wall 53 for the fork switch, and it also contributes to weight reduction of the locking device 100.

[0067] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a part of the right wall 51c is separated from the right side surface 71c of the switch case 71 to form a space 51i. Inside the space 51i, an engaging portion 51g extends vertically from the bottom surface 22e so as to be elastically deformable. An engaging claw 51h is formed at the tip of the engaging portion 51g, and the engaging claw 51h is adapted to engage with the upper surface 71f of the switch case 71.

[0068] The holding wall 53 for the fork switch is the same as the holding wall 51 for the sector gear switch, and the first and second fork switches 45 and 47 are also the same as the first and second sector gear switches 41 and 43.

[0069] Therefore, in this locking device 100, if the first and second sector gear switches 41 and 43 are sequentially inserted into the holding wall 51 for the sector gear switch, the engaging claw 51h engages with the second sector gear switch 43 at the stage when the second sector gear switch 43 is inserted, and the first and second sector gear switches 41 and 43 can be easily held in the holding wall 51 for the sector gear switch. Also, if the first and second fork switches 45 and 47 are sequentially inserted into the holding wall 53 for the fork switch, the engaging claw 51h engages with the second fork switch 47 at the stage when the second fork switch 47 is inserted, and the first and second fork switches 45 and 47 can be easily held in the holding wall 53 for the fork switch.

[0070] In addition, this locking device 100 further includes a back plate 23 that is fixed to the base plate 21 with the base guide 22 interposed therebetween. The back plate 23 covers the switch cases 71 of the first and second sector gear switches 41 and 43 and the first and second fork switches 45 and 47. Therefore, the back plate 23 prevents the micro switches 71 in the sector gear switch holding wall 51 and the fork switch holding wall 53 from separating from the sector gear switch holding wall 51 and the fork switch holding wall 53.

[0071] In particular, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the back plate 23 has a convex portion 23j that abuts against the uppermost second sector gear switch 43 and the second fork switch 47. For this reason, the convex portion 23j abuts against the switch cases 71 of the second sector gear switch 43 and the second fork switch 47 in the sector gear switch holding wall 51 and the fork switch holding wall 53, and the back plate 23 surely prevents the first and second sector gear switches 41 and 43 and the first and second fork switches 45 and 47 in the sector gear switch holding wall 51 and the fork switch holding wall 53 from separating from the sector gear switch holding wall 51 and the fork switch holding wall 53. Also, the first and second sector gear switches 41 and 43 and the first and second fork switches 45 and 47 in the sector gear switch holding wall 51 and the fork switch holding wall 53 are less likely to move due to vibration or the like, and the detection accuracy of the first and second sector gear switches 41 and 43 and the first and second fork switches 45 and 47 is maintained. Note that the convex portion 23j is not necessarily required, and the back plate 23 without the convex portion 23j may abut to prevent each micro switch from separating from the holding wall.

[0072] In addition, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 10, the back plate 23 is provided with an interference prevention portion 23i that avoids interference with the engagement claw 51h. The interference prevention portion 23i may be recessed. For this reason, it is difficult for the engagement claw 51h to interfere during assembly, and damage to the engagement claw 51h or the like can be prevented.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 12, the operated portion 73 of the first sector gear switch 41 is pushed in by the gear-side first switch surface 37c, and the operated portion 73 of the second sector gear switch 43 is pushed in by the gear-side second switch surface 37d. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 14, the circuit 75 of the first sector gear switch 41 is determined to be ON or OFF by the gear-side first switch surface 37c, and the circuit 75 of the second sector gear switch 43 is determined to be ON or OFF by the gear-side second switch surface 37d.

[0074] During this time, the operating lever 35 swings from the neutral region in the first direction R1 to enter the close region, and swings from the neutral region in the second direction R2 to enter the release region. The swing end in the first direction R1 is the first operating end position P1, and the swing end in the second direction R2 is the second operating end position P2.

[0075] Also, as shown in FIG. 13, the operated portion 73 of the first fork switch 45 is pushed in by the fork-side first switch surface 39c, and the operated portion 73 of the second fork switch 47 is pushed in by the fork-side second switch surface 39d. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 15, the ON or OFF of the first fork switch 45 is determined by the fork-side first switch surface 39c, and the ON or OFF of the second fork switch 47 is determined by the fork-side second switch surface 39d.

[0076] During this time, the fork 31 swings between a latch position where the striker 1b can be locked on the back side of the inlet ports 21a, 22a, 23a and an unlatch position where the striker 1b is not locked within the inlet ports 21a, 22a, 23a, and also becomes a half-latch position where the striker 1b can be locked in the middle of the inlet ports 21a, 22a, 23a between the latch position and the unlatch position.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 11, harnesses (not shown) are connected to the respective terminals 75a, 75b, a terminal (not shown) is connected to the motor 61, and the motor 61 is connected to the control unit C1 shown in FIG. 2 by a connector (not shown). Note that terminals may be connected to the respective terminals 75a, 75b, or a harness may be connected to the motor 61.

[0078] The lock device 100 of the embodiment configured as described above operates as follows.

[0079] <Operation of releasing the tailgate 3> When the tailgate 3 is in the closed state, the fork 31 is in the latch position, the pole 33 is in the block position with the stopper surface 33b contacting the latch surface 31c of the fork 31. And the driven part 39b of the fork detection lever 39 is driven by the tip surface of the extension part 31f of the fork 31, and the operated parts 73 of the first fork switch 45 and the second fork switch 47 are pushed into the fork-side first switch surface 39c and the fork-side second switch surface 39d. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 15, in the first fork switch 45 and the second fork switch 47, the circuit 75 is ON.

[0080] At this time, since the operation lever 35 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is in the neutral region, the driven part 37b of the sector gear detection lever 37 is driven by the cam surface 36a of the cam body 36 in the operation lever 35, and the operated parts 73 of the first sector gear switch 41 and the second sector gear switch 43 are pushed into the gear-side first switch surface 37c and the gear-side second switch surface 37d. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 14, in the first sector gear switch 41 and the second sector gear switch 43, the circuit 75 is ON.

[0081] In this state, when the user performs an opening operation on the tailgate 3, the tailgate opening operation detection unit S1 transmits the information to the control unit C1. The control unit C1 determines that an opening operation on the tailgate 3 has been performed, and reversely rotates the motor 61 shown in FIG. 3. For this reason, the drive train 60 transmits the driving force of the motor 61 to the sector gear 34 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, and swings the operation lever 35 in the second direction R2.

[0082] At this time, the sector gear detection lever 37 swings around the third axis X3 by the biasing force of the torsion coil spring, the operated part 73 of the second sector gear switch 43 protrudes away from the gear-side second switch surface 37d, and the circuit 75 is turned off. This detection signal is transmitted to the control unit C1. Therefore, the control unit C1 determines that the operating lever 35 has started to move from the neutral region toward the second operating end position P2.

[0083] Then, the tip surface of the cam body 36 on the operating lever 35 shown in FIG. 8 abuts against the receiving part 33c of the pole 33, and the pole 33 swings to the unblocked position. Therefore, the stopper surface 33b of the pole 33 is separated from the latch surface 31c of the fork 31 in the radially outer direction of the first axis X1 and cannot abut against the latch surface 31c. As a result, the fork 31 swings in the second direction R2 by the biasing force of the torsion coil spring and moves from the latched position toward the unlatched position. For this reason, the fork 31 tends to be in a state where it does not lock the striker 1b in the inlet ports 21a, 22a, and 23a.

[0084] Further, since the fork 31 swings in the second direction R2, the fork detection lever 39 swings around the fourth axis X4 by the biasing force of the compression coil spring. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15, in the first fork switch 45 and the second fork switch 47, the operated part 73 protrudes away from the fork-side first switch surface 39c and the fork-side second switch surface 39d, and the circuit 75 is turned off. These detection signals are transmitted to the control unit C1. Therefore, the control unit C1 determines that the fork 31 is moving toward the unlatched position and is in a state where it does not lock the striker 1b in the inlet ports 21a, 22a, and 23a.

[0085] When the actuating lever 35 further swings in the second direction R2 and reaches the second actuating end position P2, the first sector gear switch 41 causes the actuated part 73 to project away from the gear-side first switch surface 37c, turning the circuit 75 off. The second sector gear switch 43 keeps the circuit 75 off. These detection signals are transmitted to the control unit C1. Therefore, the control unit C1 determines that the second actuating end position P2 has been reached, stops the motor 61, and then reverses the motor 61. Thus, the drive train 60 transmits the driving force of the motor 61 to the sector gear 34, swinging the actuating lever 35 in the first direction R1.

[0086] Then, as shown in FIG. 14, the actuated part 73 of the first sector gear switch 41 is pushed in by the gear-side first switch surface 37c, turning the circuit 75 on. When it further swings and reaches the neutral region end, the actuated part 73 of the second sector gear switch 43 is pushed in by the gear-side second switch surface 37d, turning the circuit 75 on. These detection signals are also transmitted to the control unit C1. Therefore, the control unit C1 determines that the tailgate 3 can be opened and stops the motor 61. Thus, the tailgate 3 can be opened.

[0087] <Operation of closing the tailgate 3> When the tailgate 3 is in the open state, the fork 31 is in the unlatch position and the pole 33 is in the unblock position. Then, the driven part 39b of the fork detection lever 39 does not follow the tip surface of the extension part 31f of the fork 31, and the actuated parts 73 of the first fork switch 45 and the second fork switch 47 also project. Therefore, the first fork switch 45 and the second fork switch 47 keep the circuit 75 off.

[0088] At this time, since the operation lever 35 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is in the neutral region, the driven portion 37b of the sector gear detection lever 37 is driven by the cam surface 36a of the cam body 36 on the operation lever 35, and the operated portions 73 of the first sector gear switch 41 and the second sector gear switch 43 are pushed in by the gear-side first switch surface 37c and the gear-side second switch surface 37d. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14, the first sector gear switch 41 and the second sector gear switch 43 have the circuit 75 turned on.

[0089] In this state, when the user performs an operation to close the tailgate 8, the striker 1b enters the entry ports 21a, 22a, 23a. Then, the striker 1b presses the recess 31b of the fork 31 and swings the fork 31 in the first direction R1.

[0090] Then, the driven portion 39b of the fork detection lever 39 is driven by the tip surface of the extending portion 31f, and the fork detection lever 39 swings around the fourth axis X4. When the fork 31 reaches the half-latch position, the pole 33 swings to the blocking position with the stopper surface 33b abutting against the half-latch surface 31d of the fork 31. Therefore, for the first fork switch 45, the operated portion 73 is pushed into the fork-side first switch surface 39c, and as shown in FIG. 15, the circuit 75 is turned on. The second fork switch 47 remains with the circuit 75 off. These detection signals are transmitted to the control unit C1. Therefore, the control unit C1 determines that the tailgate 3 has reached the half-latch position and rotates the motor 61 shown in FIG. 3 in the forward direction. Therefore, the drive train 60 transmits the driving force of the motor 61 to the sector gear 34 and swings the operation lever 35 in the first direction R1.

[0091] At this time, for the first sector gear switch 41, the operated portion 73 projects away from the gear-side first switch surface 37c, and the circuit 75 is turned off. The second sector gear switch 43 remains with the circuit 75 on. These detection signals are transmitted to the control unit C1. Therefore, the control unit C1 determines that the operation lever 35 has started to move from the neutral region toward the first operation end position P1.

[0092] Then, the acting portion 34e of the sector gear 34 on the operating lever 35 presses the passive surface 31e of the fork 31, causing the fork 31 to swing in the first direction R1 from the half-latch position to the latch position. When the fork 31 reaches the latch position, the pole 33 has its stopper surface 33b abut against the latch surface 31c of the fork 31, assuming the block position. At this time, the driven portion 39b of the fork detection lever 39 is driven by the tip surface of the extending portion 31f of the fork 31, and the actuated portion 73 of the second fork switch 47 is pushed into the fork-side second switch surface 39d. As shown in FIG. 15, the circuit 75 is turned on.

[0093] When the operating lever 35 further swings in the first direction R1 and reaches the first operating end position P1, the second sector gear switch 43 has its actuated portion 73 separated from and protruding from the gear-side second switch surface 37d, turning the circuit 75 off. The first sector gear switch 41 keeps the circuit 75 off.

[0094] Therefore, the control unit C1 determines that the first operating end position P1 has been reached, stops the motor 61, and then reverses the motor 61. For this reason, the drive train 60 transmits the driving force of the motor 61 to the sector gear 34, causing the operating lever 35 to swing in the second direction R2.

[0095] Then, as shown in FIG. 14, the actuated portion 73 of the second sector gear switch 43 is pushed in, turning the circuit 75 on. When it further swings and reaches the neutral region end, the actuated portion 73 of the first sector gear switch 41 is pushed in, turning the circuit 75 on. These detection signals are transmitted to the control unit C1. The control unit C1 determines that the tailgate 3 has been completely closed and stops the motor 61. Thus, the tailgate 3 is held in the completely closed state.

[0096] Thus, in this locking device 100, the first and second sector gear switches 41 and 43 and the first and second fork switches 45 and 47, whose conduction states change, are provided, and the tailgate 3 can be opened and closed via the fork 31 and the pole 33, and it is miniaturized as much as possible.

[0097] In the above, the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and it goes without saying that it can be appropriately modified and applied without departing from the spirit thereof.

[0098] For example, in the embodiment, the pole 33 swings between the block position and the unblock position, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the pole may move linearly between the block position and the unblock position.

[0099] In the embodiment, the operating lever 35 has the sector gear 34 and the cam body 36, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, a cam surface may be formed on the sector gear, and the sector gear itself may be used as the operating lever.

[0100] In the embodiment, the sector gear detection lever 37 is taken as one of the specific members, its gear-side first switch surface 37c and gear-side second switch surface 37d are taken as the first specific operation part, the fork detection lever 39 is taken as another one of the specific members, and its fork-side first switch surface 39c and fork-side second switch surface 39d are taken as the second specific operation part. However, the sector gear 34 may be used as the specific member, and a first specific operation part may be formed on any one of the fork 31, the pole 33, and / or the sector gear 34, and a second specific operation part may be formed on any one of the fork 31, the pole 33, and / or the sector gear 34.

[0101] In the embodiment, the first and second sector gear switches 41 and 43 are provided in the sector gear switch holding wall 51, the first and second fork switches 45 and 47 are provided in the fork switch holding wall 53, and the height from the bottom surface 22e of the sector gear switch holding wall 51 and the fork switch holding wall 53 is set to a value obtained by multiplying the height of the front surface 71a of the switch case 71 or the like by 2. However, three or more microswitches may be provided in the holding wall, and the height from the bottom surface of the holding wall may be set to a value obtained by multiplying the height of the front surface of the switch case or the like by 3 or more.

[0102] In the embodiment, the two steps of the gear-side first switch surface 37c and the gear-side second switch surface 37d are used as the first specific operation part, and the two steps of the fork-side first switch surface 39c and the fork-side second switch surface 39d are used as the second specific operation part. However, when providing three or more microswitches in the holding wall, the first specific operation part can be three steps or more, and the second specific operation part can also be three steps or more.

[0103] In the embodiment, the base plate 21 is provided on the tailgate 3, and the striker 1b is provided on the vehicle body 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, a configuration in which the base plate 21 is provided on the vehicle body and the striker is provided on the tailgate or other opening and closing bodies is also included in the present invention.

[0104] In the embodiment, the locking device 100 is used for the tailgate 3. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the locking device of the present invention may be used for a swing-type or slide-type side door, trunk lid, etc. provided on the side of the vehicle.

Industrial Applicability

[0105] The present invention can be used, for example, in vehicles such as automobiles and industrial vehicles.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0106] 1b... striker 21a, 22a... entrance 21, 22... base members (21... base plate, 22... base guide) 31... fork 33... pole 37, 39... specific members (37... sector gear detection lever, 39... fork detection lever) 37c, 37d... first specific operation part (37c... gear-side first switch surface, 37d... gear-side second switch surface) 39c, 39d... second specific operation part (39c... fork-side first switch surface, 39d... fork-side second switch surface) 41, 43... first specific switches (first and second sector gear switches) 45, 47... Second specific switch (first and second fork switches) 22e... Bottom surface 71c, 71d... First circumferential surface (right side surface), second circumferential surface (left side surface) 71a, 71b, 71c, 71d... Circumferential surface 51, 53... Holding walls (51... Holding wall for sector gear switch, 53... Holding wall for fork switch) 100... Locking device 75... Circuit 71... Switch case 73... Operated part 51h... Engaging claw 13... Open / close mechanism 61... Motor 60... Drive train 67... Output gear (idle gear) 34... Sector gear P1... Oscillation end in the first direction (first operating end position) P2... Oscillation end in the second direction (second operating end position)

Claims

1. A base member having an entrance through which the striker enters; a fork provided on the base member, the fork swinging between a latched position where the striker can be engaged at the back side of the entrance and an unlatched position where the striker is not engaged within the entrance; a pole provided on the base member, the pole being displaceable between a blocking position that blocks the fork from swinging to the unlatched position and an unblocking position that allows the fork to swing to the unlatched position; A first specific operation portion formed on any one of the fork, the pole, and at least one specific member that takes a posture related to the fork or the pole; A second specific operation part formed on any one of the fork, the pole, and the specific member and different from the first specific operation part; a first specific switch provided on the base member, the first specific switch acting on the first specific operation unit to change a conductive state; a second specific switch provided on the base member and configured to change a conductive state by acting on the second specific operation unit, At least one of the first specific switch and the second specific switch is composed of a plurality of micro switches having a first peripheral surface facing outward and a second peripheral surface facing outward opposite to the first peripheral surface, the first peripheral surface being the same size, The micro switches are stacked in a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface of the base member, A locking device according to claim 1, wherein the base member is provided with a retaining wall extending vertically from the bottom surface and simultaneously retaining each of the microswitches by at least the first peripheral surface and the second peripheral surface.

2. Each of the microswitches includes a switch case having a peripheral surface including the first peripheral surface and the second peripheral surface and incorporating a circuit, and an operated portion that is displaceably provided on the switch case by the first specific operation portion or the second specific operation portion and switches the circuit, 2. The locking device according to claim 1, wherein the retaining wall simultaneously retains the peripheral surface and provides each of the operated portions in the same direction.

3. 3. The locking device according to claim 2, wherein said retaining wall positions each of said switch cases by means of said peripheral surface.

4. 4. The locking device according to claim 3, wherein the height of the retaining wall from the bottom surface is equal to the height of the peripheral surface multiplied by the number of the microswitches.

5. 3. The locking device according to claim 2, wherein the circuit is switched between ON and OFF in response to a displacement of the operated portion.

6. The base member includes a metal base plate and a resin base guide fixed to the base plate.

2. The locking mechanism of claim 1, wherein said retaining wall is formed on said base guide.

7. 7. The locking device according to claim 6, wherein the base guide has an engaging claw that engages with the switch case that is farthest from the bottom surface.

8. The fork also swings to a half-latch position in the middle of the entrance where the striker can be engaged, an open-close mechanism configured to, when acting on the fork, swing the fork from the half-latched position to the latched position, and, when acting on the pawl, displace the pawl to the unblocked position; The open / close mechanism includes a motor that rotates forward and backward to generate a driving force; a drive train that transmits the driving force and includes an output gear to which the driving force is finally transmitted; a sector gear supported by the base member and swinging in a first direction and a second direction from a neutral region independently of the fork and the pole by receiving a driving force from the output gear, the sector gear swinging in the first direction to act on the fork and swinging in the second direction to act on the pole, The first specific switch detects the neutral region and the swing end in the first direction or the swing end in the second direction, 2. The lock device according to claim 1, wherein the second specific switch detects the half-latched position and the latched position.

9. The first specific switch and the second specific switch are each composed of a plurality of the micro switches, The specific member is a sector gear detection lever that is swingably supported by the base member and takes a position related to the sector gear; 9. The locking device according to claim 8, further comprising a fork detection lever pivotally supported by said base member and taking a position relative to said fork.

Images