Vehicle opening / closing body locking device

Abstract

To provide a vehicle opening / closing body locking device that is configured to suppress noise generated within a housing from leaking to the outside.SOLUTION: A locking device 1 includes a locking mechanism 5; an actuator 6 having a housing 60, a drive motor M1, and a transmission mechanism 50; and sensors SW1 and SW2 that detect a state of the locking mechanism 5 outside the housing 60. The locking device 1 further includes a connector 65 provided in the housing 60, and a wire harness WH1 having ends WH1A, WH1B connected to the sensors SW1, SW2 and introduced into the housing 60 and the other end WH1C connected to each sensor connection terminal 65S built into the connector 65. The housing 60 includes a harness opening 64 through which the wire harness WH1 passes, and sound insulation means 100 provided between the harness opening 64 and the wire harness WH1 to insulate sound between the inside of the housing 60 and the outside.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a locking device for a vehicle opening / closing body.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a conventional locking device for a vehicle opening / closing body (hereinafter simply referred to as a "locking device"). This locking device includes a locking mechanism, an actuator, and two sensors.

[0003] The locking mechanism is provided on a back door that is openably / closably provided on a vehicle body. The locking mechanism is for holding the back door in a closed state and has a drive target, that is, a latch and a ratchet, to which a driving force is transmitted.

[0004] The actuator has a housing, a drive motor, and a transmission mechanism. The drive motor is housed in the housing and generates a driving force. The transmission mechanism is housed in the housing and transmits the driving force from the drive motor to the drive target.

[0005] Each sensor is a limit switch and detects the state of the locking mechanism, that is, the rotation position of the latch, outside the housing.

[0006] The locking device further includes a connector and a wire harness. The connector is provided on the housing. The connector incorporates a plurality of motor connection terminals and a plurality of sensor connection terminals. Each motor connection terminal connects the drive motor and a control unit mounted on the vehicle body. Each sensor connection terminal connects each sensor and the control unit.

[0007] One end of the wire harness is connected to each sensor and introduced into the housing, and the other end is connected to each sensor connection terminal. The housing has a harness opening through which the wire harness passes.

[0008] This locking device can electrically connect a drive motor, a sensor, and a control unit with one connector.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0009]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0010] By the way, in a locking device such as the above-described conventional locking device, noise is generated inside the housing due to the operation of the drive motor and the transmission mechanism. However, in order to improve the quietness of the vehicle, it is required to suppress the leakage of the noise to the outside.

[0011] In this regard, in the above-described conventional locking device, the noise easily leaks to the outside through the gap between the harness opening and the wire harness. Further, Patent Document 1 has no description or suggestion regarding noise, and only describes that the harness opening is formed under the coupler cover so that water does not enter from the harness opening.

[0012] The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional circumstances, and an object to be solved is to provide a locking device for an opening / closing body for a vehicle that can suppress the leakage of noise generated inside the housing to the outside.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0013] The locking device for an opening / closing body for a vehicle according to the present invention is a locking mechanism provided on one of a vehicle body and an opening / closing body that is provided on the vehicle body so as to be openable / closable, and holds the opening / closing body in a closed state. The locking mechanism has a drive target to which a driving force is transmitted, A housing, a drive motor housed in the housing for generating the driving force, and a transmission mechanism housed in the housing for transmitting the driving force from the drive motor to the driven object, an actuator having the above, A sensor for detecting the state of the locking mechanism outside the housing, A locking device for an opening / closing body for a vehicle, comprising: A connector provided in the housing, the connector incorporating a plurality of motor connection terminals for connecting the drive motor and a control unit mounted on the vehicle body, and a plurality of sensor connection terminals for connecting the sensor and the control unit, A wire harness having one end connected to the sensor and introduced into the housing and the other end connected to each of the sensor connection terminals, Further comprising: The housing has a harness opening through which the wire harness passes, Sound insulation means provided between the harness opening and the wire harness for blocking sound between the inside and the outside of the housing, Characterized by having the above.

[0014] In the locking device for an opening / closing body for a vehicle of the present invention, sound insulation means is provided between the harness opening of the housing and the wire harness to block sound between the inside and the outside of the housing. As a result, it is difficult for the noise generated inside the housing due to the operation of the drive motor and the transmission mechanism to pass between the harness opening and the wire harness.

[0015] Therefore, the locking device for an opening / closing body for a vehicle of the present invention can suppress the leakage of noise generated inside the housing to the outside.

[0016] The sound insulation means preferably has a plurality of first walls formed on the housing and extending radially inwardly of the wire harness, and a plurality of second walls formed on the housing and located on the opposite side of the wire harness in the radial direction and extending radially inwardly. Each first wall preferably has a first contact edge extending in the circumferential direction of the wire harness and contacting the outer peripheral surface of the wire harness, and is preferably spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the wire harness. Further, each second wall preferably has a second contact edge extending in the circumferential direction and contacting the outer peripheral surface, and is preferably spaced apart from each other in the axial direction.

[0017] In this case, since the sound insulation means blocks sound between the inside and the outside of the housing by a labyrinth structure composed of a plurality of first walls and a plurality of second walls, it is possible to highly reliably suppress the leakage of noise generated inside the housing to the outside. In particular, since the wire harness generally has a configuration in which a plurality of bundled electrical wirings are covered by a flexible and irregularly shaped tube, by sandwiching and suppressing the flexible and irregularly shaped tube between the plurality of first walls and the plurality of second walls, it is possible to highly reliably suppress the leakage of noise generated inside the housing to the outside.

[0018] The housing preferably has an actuator case that houses a drive motor and a transmission mechanism, and an actuator cover that is assembled to the actuator case and covers the actuator case. The harness opening is preferably formed at the joint between the actuator case and the actuator cover. And each first wall is preferably formed on the actuator case, and each second wall is preferably formed on the actuator cover.

[0019] In this case, the harness opening, each first wall, and each second wall can be easily formed in the housing.

[0020] The sound insulation means desirably has a bush made of an elastic material. And it is desirable that the bush is formed with a bush inner peripheral edge that abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the wire harness and a bush outer peripheral edge that abuts against the inner peripheral edge of the harness opening.

[0021] In this case, since the sound insulation means blocks sound between the inside and the outside of the housing by the bush that can improve the sealing performance of the housing, it is possible to highly reliably suppress the leakage of noise generated inside the housing to the outside. In particular, since the wire harness generally has a configuration in which a plurality of bundled electrical wirings are covered by a flexible and irregularly shaped tube, by surrounding and suppressing the flexible and irregularly shaped tube with the bush inner peripheral edge of the bush, it is possible to highly reliably suppress the leakage of noise generated inside the housing to the outside.

[0022] It is desirable that the distance between the harness opening and the transmission mechanism is larger than the distance between the harness opening and the connector.

[0023] In this case, since the harness opening is far from the transmission mechanism, it is possible to highly reliably suppress the leakage of noise generated inside the housing to the outside. Also, in this case, since the harness opening is close to the connector, it is easy to shorten the wire harness.

[0024] It is desirable that the housing is formed with a eaves portion that covers from above the portion of the wire harness that extends outside from the harness opening.

[0025] In this case, it is possible to suppress by the eaves portion the entry of water dripping on the housing into the housing through the gap between the wire harness and the sound insulation means.

[0026] The housing preferably has an actuator case that houses a drive motor and a transmission mechanism, and an actuator cover that is assembled to the actuator case and covers the actuator case from above. It is desirable that the actuator case has a peripheral wall that protrudes upward and surrounds the drive motor. It is desirable that the actuator cover has a contact surface that contacts the upper end surface of the peripheral wall. It is desirable that the upper end surface has a fitting rib that forms an upward convex strip and extends along the upper end surface. And it is desirable that the contact surface has a fitting groove into which the fitting rib is inserted.

[0027] In this case, due to the fitting of the fitting rib and the fitting groove, it is possible to highly reliably suppress the leakage of noise generated inside the housing to the outside from around the drive motor, and it is possible to block water that tries to enter the housing from the joint between the actuator case and the actuator cover.

Advantages of the Invention

[0028] According to the locking device for an opening / closing body of a vehicle of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the leakage of noise generated inside the housing to the outside.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

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Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

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Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

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Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

Figure 19

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0030] Hereinafter, Examples 1 to 3 embodying the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0031] (Example 1) As shown in FIG. 1, the lock device 1 of Example 1 is an example of a specific embodiment of the lock device for a vehicle opening / closing body of the present invention. The lock device 1 is used for a tailgate 8 that is openably / closably provided on a vehicle body 9 of a vehicle such as a passenger car. The tailgate 8 is an example of the "vehicle opening / closing body" of the present invention.

[0032] The front-rear direction and the up-down direction of the vehicle are as shown in FIG. 1. The left-right direction of the vehicle is a direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction and the up-down direction. The front side of the paper surface of FIG. 1 is the right side of the vehicle, and the back side of the paper surface of FIG. 1 is the left side of the vehicle. And all the directions shown in each figure after FIG. 3 are displayed corresponding to FIG. 1.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, the tailgate 8 closes the rear opening 9H of the vehicle body 9. Although not shown, the upper end of the tailgate 8 is swingably supported on the upper end edge of the rear opening 9H. The tailgate 8 opens the rear opening 9H by swinging its lower end rearward and upward of the vehicle.

[0034] The lock device 1 is disposed at the lower end of the tailgate 8 and takes the posture shown in FIG. 1 when the tailgate 8 closes the rear opening 9H. A striker 7 is fixed to the lower end edge of the rear opening 9H of the vehicle body 9.

[0035] In the following description of the configuration of the lock device 1, the front-rear direction, the up-down direction, and the left-right direction are based on the posture of the lock device 1 shown in FIG. 1.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2, the lock device 1 is electrically connected to a control unit C1 mounted on the vehicle body 9. 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 a door knob or an opening operation on a remote control switch that the user performs to enable the tailgate 8 to be opened, and transmits a detection signal to the control unit C1.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the lock device 1 includes a lock mechanism 5 and an actuator 6. Also, as shown in FIGS. 2, 5, and 6, the lock device 1 has a first microswitch SW1 and a second microswitch SW2. The first microswitch SW1 and the second microswitch SW2 are an example of the "sensor" of the present invention. Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the lock device 1 includes a connector 65 and a wire harness WH1.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 1, the lock mechanism 5 is assembled to the tailgate 8. The lock mechanism 5 is for holding the tailgate 8 in a closed state.

[0039] The lock mechanism 5 has a base member 90 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 to 6, a back plate 95 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, a guide base 93 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 to 7, and a first support shaft 11 and a second support shaft 22 shown in FIGS. 3 to 6.

[0040] Also, the lock mechanism 5 has a fork 10 shown in FIGS. 3 to 7, a pole 20 shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, an operating lever 30 shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, a first detection lever 71 shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, and a second detection lever 72 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The fork 10, the pole 20, and the operating lever 30 are an example of the "driven object" of the present invention.

[0041] The actuator 6 has a housing 60 shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 4, and 8 to 10, a drive motor M1 shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 10, and a transmission mechanism 50 shown in FIGS. 4 to 6.

[0042] The lock device 1 includes an open / close mechanism 3 configured with an operating lever 30 of the lock mechanism 5 and the actuator 6.

[0043] <Base member, back plate, guide base, first support shaft, and second support shaft> As shown in FIG. 3, the base member 90 and the back plate 95 are each formed by punching and bending a steel plate.

[0044] The base member 90 has a flat plate portion 90A shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 12, and 13. The flat plate portion 90A has a substantially rectangular flat plate shape that extends substantially horizontally in the left - right direction and extends downwardly inclined forward. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 12, an entrance 97 that deeply recesses rearward from the front edge thereof is formed in the flat plate portion 90A.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 1, the base member 90 is fastened to the lower end of the tailgate 8. When the locking device 1 moves as the tailgate 8 is closed or opened, the striker 7 fixed to the vehicle body 9 relatively enters or exits the entrance 97.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the back plate 95 is a substantially flat plate located above the flat plate portion 90A of the base member 90. Notches that align with the entrance 97, openings for avoiding interference with other components, fastening holes, etc. are formed in the back plate 95.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the guide base 93 is a resin molded product manufactured by injection molding of a thermoplastic resin or the like. Notches that align with the entrance 97, openings for avoiding interference with other components, recesses for holding other components, fastening holes, etc. are formed in the guide base 93. As shown in FIG. 3, the guide base 93 is sandwiched between the flat plate portion 90A of the base member 90 and the back plate 95.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, a damper 94C is held in the guide base 93. The striker 7 that enters the back side of the entrance 97 can abut against the damper 94C.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the first support shaft 11 is a multi-stage steel cylinder centered on a first axis X1 orthogonal to the flat plate portion 90A of the base member 90. The second support shaft 22 is a multi-stage steel cylinder centered on a second axis X2 orthogonal to the flat plate portion 90A of the base member 90.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 3, the upper ends of the first support shaft 11 and the second support shaft 22 are clamped and fixed to the back plate 95. Although not shown, the lower ends of the first support shaft 11 and the second support shaft 22 are clamped and fixed to the flat plate portion 90A of the base member 90. Thereby, the base member 90, the back plate 95, and the guide base 93 are integrated.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 12, the first axis X1 is located at a position leftward from a portion on the back side of the inlet 97 in the flat plate portion 90A of the base member 90. The second axis X2 is located at a position rightward from a portion in the middle of the inlet 97 in the flat plate portion 90A of the base member 90.

[0052] <Fork> As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the fork 10 has notches, irregularities, etc. formed on the outer periphery of a thick steel plate, and a shaft hole penetrating in the thickness direction is formed at the center thereof. Further, most of the steel plate is covered with resin.

[0053] The fork 10 is supported by the base member 90 so as to be swingable around the first axis X1 by inserting the lower portion of the first support shaft 11 into the shaft hole thereof.

[0054] With the state facing the paper surface of FIG. 7, the counterclockwise direction around the first axis X1 is defined as the first direction R1. In the state facing the paper surfaces of FIGS. 12 and 13, the first direction R1 is the clockwise direction around the first axis X1. A torsion coil spring (not shown) biases the fork 10 to swing around the first axis X1 in a second direction R2 opposite to the first direction R1.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 7, the portion located on the inlet 97 side of the fork 10 branches into a rear convex portion 10A and a front convex portion 10B. The striker 7 that has entered the inlet 97 fits into the recess 10C formed between the rear convex portion 10A and the front convex portion 10B.

[0056] On the outer periphery of the fork 10, a latch surface 12A, a half-latch surface 12B, and a passive surface 13 are formed. The latch surface 12A, the half-latch surface 12B, and the passive surface 13 are each a steel plate portion not covered by resin in the fork 10.

[0057] The latch surface 12A is located at the tip of the rear convex portion 10A and faces the downstream in the second direction R2. The latch surface 12A can abut against the stopper surface 20A of the pole 20 described later.

[0058] The half-latch surface 12B is a surface facing the downstream in the second direction R2 at a portion that projects stepwise in the radially outer direction of the first axis X1 at a position separated from the latch surface 12A in the first direction R1. The half-latch surface 12B can also abut against the stopper surface 20A.

[0059] The passive surface 13 is a surface facing the upstream in the first direction R1 at a portion that projects stepwise in the radially outer direction of the first axis X1 at a position on the opposite side of the latch surface 12A with the first axis X1 interposed therebetween. The passive surface 13 can abut against the first acting portion 39 of the operating lever 30 described later.

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the fork 10 swings in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2 around the first axis X1, thereby swinging between a latch position, a half-latch position, and an unlatch position.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 13, the latch position of the fork 10 is a position where the striker 7 can be locked on the back side of the inlet 97, and is a position where the stopper surface 20A can abut against the latch surface 12A of the fork 10.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 12, the unlatch position of the fork 10 is a position where the striker 7 is not locked within the entrance 97, and the stopper surface 20A cannot contact the latch surface 12A and the half-latch surface 12B of the fork 10. The position of the fork 10 shown in FIG. 7 is also the unlatch position.

[0063] Although illustration is omitted, the half-latch position of the fork 10 is a position between the latch position and the unlatch position. The half-latch position of the fork 10 is a position where the striker 7 can be locked in the middle of the entrance 97, and the stopper surface 20A can contact the half-latch surface 12B of the fork 10.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 7, an extension portion 17 is formed on the outer periphery of the fork 10. The extension portion 17 extends substantially in an arc shape in the first direction R1 at a position separated from the half-latch surface 12B in the first direction R1.

[0065] A damper 94A is held on the lower surface side of the guide base 93. The extension portion 17 can contact the damper 94A when the fork 10 swings in the first direction R1 from the unlatch position shown in FIG. 7 to reach the latch position. Also, the extension portion 17 can contact the first contact portion 71A of the first detection lever 71 described later.

[0066] <pole> The pole 20 has unevenness or the like formed on the outer periphery of a thick steel plate, and a shaft hole penetrating in the thickness direction is formed at the center thereof, and most of the steel plate is covered with resin.

[0067] The pole 20 is supported by the base member 90 so as to be swingable around the second axis X2 by inserting the second support shaft 22 into the shaft hole thereof. A torsion coil spring (not shown) biases the pole 20 to swing around the second axis X2 in the pole biasing direction D2.

[0068] A stopper surface 20A is formed at a portion of the pole 20 that is spaced rearward from the second axis X2 and is located near the back side of the inlet 97. The stopper surface 20A protrudes toward the rear convex portion 10A of the fork 10 and faces the upstream in the second direction R2. The stopper surface 20A is a steel plate portion of the pole 20 that is not covered by resin.

[0069] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the pole 20 swings around the second axis X2 in a pole biasing direction D2 and in a direction opposite to the pole biasing direction D2, thereby swinging between a block position and an unblock position.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 13, the block position of the pole 20 is a position where the stopper surface 20A abuts against the latch surface 12A of the fork 10 or faces the latch surface 12A so as to be able to abut against the latch surface 12A from the downstream in the second direction R2, thereby blocking the fork 10 from swinging to the unlatch position shown in FIG. 12.

[0071] Although not shown, the position where the stopper surface 20A of the pole 20 abuts against the half-latch surface 12B of the fork 10 or faces the half-latch surface 12B so as to be able to abut against the half-latch surface 12B from the downstream in the second direction R2 is also the block position of the pole 20.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 13, when the fork 10 is in the latch position and the pole 20 is in the block position, the tailgate 8 is held in a completely closed state. Although not shown, when the fork 10 is in the half-latch position and the pole 20 is in the block position, the tailgate 8 is held in a substantially closed state.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 12, the unblock position of the pole 20 is a position where the stopper surface 20A is separated from the latch surface 12A and the half-latch surface 12B of the fork 10 in the radial direction outside the first axis X1 and cannot abut against the latch surface 12A and the half-latch surface 12B, thereby allowing the fork 10 to swing to the unlatch position shown in FIG. 12. The position of the pole 20 shown in FIG. 7 is also the unblock position.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 7, a passive portion 23 is formed in the resin portion of the pole 20. The passive portion 23 is the tip of a protruding portion that protrudes rearward and leftward from a portion located rightward and forward of the stopper surface 20A in the pole 20. As shown in FIG. 13, the passive portion 23 is located above the stopper surface 20A and the fork 10. The passive portion 23 can abut against a second acting portion 49 of an operating lever 30 described later.

[0075] <operating lever> As shown in FIG. 5, the operating lever 30 is located between the base member 90 and the back plate 95 together with the fork 10 and the pole 20. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 12, the operating lever 30 is integrally formed by coupling an operating lever main body 31 made of a steel plate and a cam 40 made of resin.

[0076] The operating lever main body 31 is located above the fork 10. The operating lever main body 31 is supported on an upper portion of the first support shaft 11 so as to be swingable around the first axis X1. That is, the operating lever 30 is supported by the first support shaft 11 so as to be coaxial with the fork 10 and swingable on the base member 90. The operating lever 30 is swingable independently of the fork 10 in a first direction R1 and a second direction R2.

[0077] The operating lever main body 31 has a first acting portion 39 and a sector gear 35.

[0078] The first acting portion 39 is a portion that bends and protrudes downward from a portion located leftward and rearward of the first axis X1 in the operating lever main body 31. The first acting portion 39 faces the passive surface 13 of the fork 10 so as to be able to abut against it from the upstream in the first direction R1.

[0079] When the operating lever 30 swings in the first direction R1 from the position shown in FIG. 12, the first acting portion 39 abuts against the passive surface 13 of the fork 10. Although not shown, the fork 10 is swung from the half-latch position or a position slightly before the half-latch position to the latch position.

[0080] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 12, the sector gear 35 is formed by a plurality of gear teeth arranged in the circumferential direction of the first axis X1 from a portion located to the right of the inlet 97 in the operating lever main body 31 to a portion located behind the inlet 97.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 6, the sector gear 35 meshes with the output gear 55 of the transmission mechanism 50 described later. When the operating lever 30 swings in the second direction R2 from the position shown in FIGS. 6 and 13, although not shown in the figure, it enters between the first support shaft 11 and the second support shaft 22.

[0082] In FIGS. 12 and 13, for the sake of easy viewing of the drawing, a portion of the operating lever main body 31 located in front of the paper surface with respect to the fork 10, the pole 20, and the cam 40 is shown by a virtual line (two-dot chain line), and a part of the sector gear 35 is omitted from the illustration.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 6, the cam 40 is located below the operating lever main body 31. As shown in FIG. 12, the cam 40 has a second acting portion 49.

[0084] The second acting portion 49 is a substantially trapezoidal cam that is located below a portion located at the rear of the sector gear 35 and projects in the radially outer direction of the first axis X1. The second acting portion 49 faces the passive portion 23 of the pole 20 so as to be able to abut from the upstream in the second direction R2.

[0085] When the operating lever 30 swings in the second direction R2 from the position shown in FIG. 13, the second acting portion 49 abuts on the passive portion 23 of the pole 20, and although not shown in the figure, swings the pole 20 from the blocked position to the unblocked position.

[0086] <First and Second Microswitches, Wire Harness, and First and Second Detection Levers> As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first microswitch SW1 is held in a holding portion recessed in a corner portion located at the rear and right side of the guide base 93. The second microswitch SW2 is held in a holding portion recessed in a corner portion located at the rear and left side of the guide base 93. The first microswitch SW1 and the second microswitch SW2 detect the state of the locking mechanism 5 outside the housing 60.

[0087] The first microswitch SW1 and the second microswitch SW2 are each a two-circuit type microswitch having a movable protrusion, a first circuit in which the connection is switched when the movable protrusion is pushed in with a first stroke, and a second circuit in which the connection is switched when the movable protrusion is pushed in with a second stroke longer than the first stroke.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 5, the wire harness WH1 has a well-known configuration in which a plurality of bundled electrical wirings are covered with a flexible and irregularly shaped tube. One end of the wire harness WH1 branches into WH1A and WH1B. One end WH1A of the wire harness WH1 is connected to the first microswitch SW1. One end WH1B of the wire harness WH1 is connected to the second microswitch SW2.

[0089] Although it will be described in detail later, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 10, the wire harness WH1 is introduced into the housing 60. As shown in FIG. 4, the connector 65 to be described later incorporates two motor connection terminals 65M and five sensor connection terminals 65S. As shown in FIG. 5, the other end WH1C of the wire harness WH1 is connected to each sensor connection terminal 65S.

[0090] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the first detection lever 71 is a resin molded product and is swingably supported by the guide base 93.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 7, most of the first detection lever 71 is located on the lower surface side and the rear end side of the guide base 93, and a part thereof is the first contact portion 71A. The first contact portion 71A faces the extension portion 17 of the fork 10 so as to be able to contact from the downstream in the first direction R1. As shown in FIG. 6, the remaining portion of the first detection lever 71 protrudes to the upper surface side of the guide base 93 and contacts the movable protrusion of the first microswitch SW1.

[0092] When the first contact portion 71A of the first detection lever 71 is pushed by the extension portion 17 of the fork 10, the first detection lever 71 transmits the swing of the fork 10 to the movable protrusion of the first microswitch SW1. The first microswitch SW1 detects, via the first detection lever 71, that the fork 10 is in any one of the latch position, the half-latch position, and the unlatch position.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 6, the second detection lever 72 is a resin molded product and is swingably supported by the guide base 93. The second detection lever 72 is located on the upper surface side and the rear end side of the guide base 93.

[0094] The second detection lever 72 is located on the upper surface side and the rear end side of the guide base 93, and a part thereof is the second contact portion 72A. The second contact portion 72A is in sliding contact with the cam 40 of the operating lever 30. The end portion of the second detection lever 72 on the side opposite to the second contact portion 72A is in contact with the movable protrusion of the second microswitch SW2.

[0095] When the second contact portion 72A of the second detection lever 72 is in sliding contact with the cam 40, the second detection lever 72 swings and transmits the swing of the operating lever 30 to the movable protrusion of the second microswitch SW2.

[0096] The position of the operating lever 30 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 is the origin position, and only the front end of the sector gear 35 enters between the first support shaft 11 and the second support shaft 22.

[0097] When the actuating lever 30 is in the origin position, the first acting portion 39 is separated from the receiving surface 13 of the fork 10 upstream in the first direction R1, and the second acting portion 49 is separated from the receiving portion 23 of the pole 20 upstream in the second direction R2.

[0098] The actuating lever 30 swings in the first direction R1 from the origin position shown in FIG. 12, and although not shown, swings to the first actuating end position which is the swing limit position in the first direction R1. At this time, the first acting portion 39 of the actuating lever 30 abuts against the receiving surface 13 of the fork 10, and swings the fork 10 to the latch position.

[0099] On the other hand, the actuating lever 30 swings in the second direction R2 from the origin position shown in FIG. 13, and although not shown, swings to the second actuating end position which is the swing limit position in the second direction R2. At this time, the second acting portion 49 of the actuating lever 30 abuts against the receiving portion 23 of the pole 20, and swings the pole 20 to the unblock position.

[0100] The second microswitch SW2 detects whether the actuating lever 30 is in the origin position via the second detection lever 72, detects whether the actuating lever 30 is in one of the first actuating end position and the second actuating end position, and detects whether the actuating lever 30 is in one of the positions between the origin position and the first actuating end position and the positions between the origin position and the second actuating end position.

[0101] <Housing, Connector and Driving Motor> The housing 60 has the actuator case 61 shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 8 and 10, and the actuator cover 69 shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 9. The actuator case 61 and the actuator cover 69 are resin molded products manufactured by injection molding of a thermoplastic resin or the like.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 3, the actuator cover 69 is assembled to the actuator case 61 and covers the actuator case 61 from above, and is fastened integrally with the actuator case 61 by a plurality of screws 69B.

[0103] The actuator case 61 and the actuator cover 69 are integrally fastened to the lock mechanism 5 by a plurality of screws 61B in a state where their front portions overlap the rear portion of the lock mechanism 5 from above.

[0104] The rear portions of the actuator case 61 and the actuator cover 69 are located behind the rear end of the lock mechanism 5, extend to the left of the lock mechanism 5, and sandwich the connector 65. That is, the connector 65 is provided in the housing 60.

[0105] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 8 to 10, the actuator case 61 and the actuator cover 69 partition an internal space 60A. As shown in FIG. 4, a drive motor M1 and a transmission mechanism 50 are accommodated in the internal space 60A.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 4, the connector 65 incorporates two motor connection terminals 65M connected to two terminals of the drive motor M1 and five sensor connection terminals 65S connected to the other end WH1C of the wire harness WH1. Each motor connection terminal 65M is located above two of the sensor connection terminals 65S.

[0107] Each motor connection terminal 65M connects the drive motor M1 and the control unit C1 via a mating connector (not shown) that fits into the connector 65 and a wire harness (not shown) that extends from the mating connector to the control unit C1.

[0108] Each sensor connection terminal 65S connects the first microswitch SW1 and the second microswitch SW2 and the control unit C1 via a mating connector (not shown) that fits into the connector 65 and a wire harness (not shown) that extends from the mating connector to the control unit C1.

[0109] In this way, this locking device can electrically connect the drive motor M1, the first microswitch SW1, the second microswitch SW2, and the control unit C1 with one connector 65.

[0110] The drive motor M1 is powered by the control of the control unit C1, and by appropriately switching the power supply polarity, it rotates forward and backward to generate a driving force.

[0111] The first microswitch SW1 transmits a detection signal regarding the position of the fork 10 to the control unit C1. The second microswitch SW2 transmits a detection signal regarding the position of the operating lever 30 to the control unit C1.

[0112] Based on the detection signal of the first microswitch SW1, the control unit C1 determines that the fork 10 is in any one of the latch position, the half-latch position, and the unlatch position.

[0113] Based on the detection signal of the second microswitch SW2 and referring to the detection signal of the first microswitch SW1, the control history of the drive motor M1, etc., the control unit C1 determines that the operating lever 30 is in any one of the origin position, the first operating end position, the second operating end position, the position between the origin position and the first operating end position, and the position between the origin position and the second operating end position.

[0114] <Transmission mechanism> The transmission mechanism 50 includes a worm gear 51, a worm wheel 52, transmission gears 53, 54 shown in FIG. 4, and an output gear 55 shown in FIGS. 4 to 6.

[0115] In this embodiment, the worm gear 51 is a metal part or a resin molded product manufactured by injection molding of thermoplastic resin or the like. The worm wheel 52 and the transmission gear 53 are a single member and are resin molded products manufactured by injection molding of thermoplastic resin or the like. The transmission gear 54 is a resin molded product manufactured by injection molding of thermoplastic resin or the like. The output gear 55 is a metal part.

[0116] As shown in FIG. 4, the worm gear 51, the worm wheel 52, the transmission gears 53 and 54, and the upper part of the output gear 55 are housed in the internal space 60A. The lower part of the output gear 55 passes through an opening (not shown) penetrating the actuator case 61 and protrudes downward from the housing 60, and enters the lock mechanism 5 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0117] As shown in FIG. 4, the worm gear 51 is fixed to a drive shaft protruding rightward from the drive motor M1 and rotates integrally with the drive shaft. The worm wheel 52 is located in front of the worm gear 51 and meshes with the worm gear 51.

[0118] The transmission gear 53 is a small-diameter gear integrally formed on the lower surface side of the worm wheel 52 and rotates integrally with the worm wheel 52. The transmission gear 54 is located in front of and to the left of the transmission gear 53 and meshes with the transmission gear 53.

[0119] The upper part of the output gear 55 is fitted and fixed to the central part of the transmission gear 54. Thereby, the output gear 55 rotates integrally with the transmission gear 54. As shown in FIG. 6, the lower part of the output gear 55 meshes with the sector gear 35 of the operating lever 30 in the lock mechanism 5. The output gear 55 is the gear to which the driving force in the transmission mechanism 50 is finally transmitted.

[0120] The transmission mechanism 50 transmits the driving force generated by the drive motor M1 rotating in the forward direction to the sector gear 35 of the operating lever 30 via the worm gear 51, the worm wheel 52, the transmission gears 53 and 54, and the output gear 55, and swings the operating lever 30 in the first direction R1. The operating lever 30 transmits the driving force to the fork 10 by the first acting portion 39.

[0121] The transmission mechanism 50 transmits the driving force generated by the reversely rotating drive motor M1 to the sector gear 35 of the operating lever 30 via the worm gear 51, the worm wheel 52, the transmission gears 53, 54, and the output gear 55, and swings the operating lever 30 in the second direction R2. The operating lever 30 transmits its driving force to the pole 20 by the second acting portion 49.

[0122] That is, the transmission mechanism 50 transmits the driving force generated by the drive motor M1 to the operating lever 30, and via the operating lever 30, transmits the driving force to the fork 10 and the pole 20.

[0123] <Harness Opening and Bush of the Housing> The housing 60 has a harness opening 64 shown in FIGS. 4, 8 to 10, and a bush 100 shown in FIGS. 4, 10, and 11. The bush 100 is an example of the "sound insulation means" of the present invention.

[0124] As shown in FIGS. 4, 8, and 10, the harness opening 64 is composed of an opening recess 61H formed in the actuator case 61 and an opening upper edge 69H formed in the actuator cover 69 as shown in FIG. 9.

[0125] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, a peripheral wall 66 that protrudes upward and surrounds the drive motor M1 from the front, rear, right, and left is formed in the actuator case 61. Note that a part of the portion of the peripheral wall 66 that surrounds the drive motor M1 from the left is cut out to allow the respective motor connection terminals 65M and the respective sensor connection terminals 65S to pass through. The opening recess 61H is a portion that extends in the left-right direction in front of the drive motor M1 in the peripheral wall 66 and is recessed downward from the upper edge of the portion located in front of the left end of the drive motor M1.

[0126] As shown in FIG. 8, the lower edge, left edge, and right edge of the opening recess 61H have a substantially "U" shape. Seal grooves 61S are recessed in the left edge and right edge of the opening recess 61H so as to extend in the vertical direction.

[0127] As shown in FIG. 9, the upper edge 69H of the opening is the meshed area on the lower surface side of the actuator cover 69. Although not shown, in the state where the actuator cover 69 is assembled to the actuator case 61, the upper edge 69H of the opening closes the open upper edge of the opening recess 61H. Thus, the harness opening 64 is formed at the joint between the actuator case 61 and the actuator cover 69.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 4, the harness opening 64 allows the wire harness WH1 introduced into the housing 60 to pass through. The wire harness WH1 drawn into the internal space 60A extends toward the connector 65 at a position below the drive motor M1.

[0129] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the bush 100 is made of an elastic material such as rubber, elastomer, soft resin, foam, etc. In this embodiment, the bush 100 is made of rubber.

[0130] A bush inner peripheral edge 100E is formed at the lower part of the bush 100. The upper part of the bush 100 is divided into two by a cut 100C. As shown in FIG. 11, by opening the upper part of the bush 100 to the left and right, the bush inner peripheral edge 100E is opened, and the wire harness WH1 can be inserted into the bush inner peripheral edge 100E.

[0131] Two sets of engaging convex portions 101 and engaging concave portions 102 located on the upper part of the bush 100 are formed in the cut 100C of the bush 100. As shown in FIG. 10, after the wire harness WH1 is inserted into the bush inner peripheral edge 100E, by engaging the two sets of engaging convex portions 101 and engaging concave portions 102, the opening of the upper part of the bush 100 to the left and right is restricted. As a result, the bush inner peripheral edge 100E abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the wire harness WH1 without a gap.

[0132] A bush outer peripheral edge 100F is formed on the bush 100. Seal ribs 100S project upward and downward at the left and right edges of the bush outer peripheral edge 100F.

[0133] Before the drive motor M1 shown in FIG. 10 is housed in the actuator case 61, the wire harness WH1 is attached to the opening recess 61H with the bush 100 inserted into the inner peripheral edge 100E of the bush, and each seal rib 100S is fitted into each seal groove 61S. Thereafter, the drive motor M1 is housed in the actuator case 61, and the actuator cover 69 is assembled to the actuator case 61. Thereby, the outer peripheral edge 100F of the bush abuts against the inner peripheral edge of the harness opening 64, that is, the lower end edge, the left end edge, and the right end edge of the opening recess 61H, and the upper end edge 69H of the opening.

[0134] Thus, the bush 100 is provided between the harness opening 64 and the wire harness WH1. The bush 100 blocks sound between the internal space 60A inside the housing 60 and the outside. In particular, the bush 100 blocks noise generated inside the housing 60, that is, the operating sound of the drive motor M1, the gear meshing sound of the transmission mechanism 50, etc. between the internal space 60A and the outside.

[0135] As shown in FIG. 4, the distance L1 between the harness opening 64 and the transmission mechanism 50 is larger than the distance L2 between the harness opening 64 and the connector 65.

[0136] As shown in FIG. 9, a regulating wall 68A and a shielding portion 68 are formed on the actuator cover 69. The regulating wall 68A projects downward from a position slightly in front of the upper end edge 69H of the opening in the actuator cover 69 and extends in the left - right direction. The shielding portion 68 is connected to the lower end of the regulating wall 68A, projects forward, and extends in the left - right direction.

[0137] As shown in FIG. 3, the regulating wall 68A faces the upper portion of the bush 100 from the front and regulates the upper portion of the bush 100 from being pulled forward. The shielding portion 68 covers from above the portion of the wire harness WH1 extending outside from the harness opening 64.

[0138] <Operation of the open - close mechanism> When the first acting portion 39 of the open-close mechanism 3 configured as described above acts on the receiving surface 13 of the fork 10, the fork 10 is configured to swing from the half-latch position or a position slightly before the half-latch position to the latch position. Further, when the second acting portion 49 of the open-close mechanism 3 acts on the receiving portion 23 of the pole 20, the pole 20 is configured to swing to the unblock position.

[0139] When the user performs an operation to close the tailgate 8 in the open state, as described below, the control unit C1 controls the open-close mechanism 3 in order to cause the locking device 1 to perform an operation of completely closing the tailgate 8.

[0140] On the other hand, when the user performs an opening operation on, for example, a doorknob (not shown) provided on the tailgate 8 or an opening operation on the remote control switch, and the tailgate opening operation detection unit S1 transmits the information to the control unit C1, as described below, the control unit C1 controls the open-close mechanism 3 in order to cause the locking device 1 to perform an operation of making the tailgate 8 openable.

[0141] At this time, the control unit C1 determines the state of the locking device 1 based on the detection signal of the first microswitch SW1, the detection signal of the second microswitch SW2, the control history of the drive motor M1, and the like.

[0142] <State of the locking device when the tailgate is in the open state> As shown in FIG. 12, when the tailgate 8 is in the open state, in the locking device 1, the fork 10 is in the unlatched position, the pole 20 is in the unblock position, and the operating lever 30 is in the origin position. The control unit C1 determines that the tailgate 8 is in the open state.

[0143] <Operation of completely closing the tailgate> When the user performs an operation to close the open tailgate 8, the striker 7 enters the entrance 97. Although illustration is omitted, the striker 7 presses the rear convex portion 10A of the fork 10 and swings the fork 10 in the first direction R1. Then, the control unit C1 determines that the tailgate 8 is almost closed and rotates the drive motor M1 forward.

[0144] The transmission mechanism 50 transmits the driving force from the forward-rotating drive motor M1 to the sector gear 35 and swings the operating lever 30 from the origin position shown in FIG. 12 to the first operating end position which is the swing limit position in the first direction R1.

[0145] As a result, the first acting portion 39 abuts on the receiving surface 13 of the fork 10 (illustration omitted) and swings the fork 10 from the half-latch position or a position slightly before the half-latch position to the latch position as shown in FIG. 13. Then, the pole 20 swings to the block position, and the stopper surface 20A abuts on the latch surface 12A of the fork 10 at the latch position from the downstream in the second direction R2.

[0146] After that, the control unit C1 rotates the drive motor M1 reversely to swing the operating lever 30 in the second direction R2 and returns it to the origin position shown in FIG. 13.

[0147] When the operating lever 30 returns to the origin position, the control unit C1 determines that the tailgate 8 can be completely closed and stops the drive motor M1. In this way, the tailgate 8 is held in a completely closed state by the operation of the open / close mechanism 3.

[0148] <Operation to enable the tailgate to be opened> When the user performs an open operation on the tailgate 8 and the tailgate open operation detection unit S1 transmits the information to the control unit C1, the control unit C1 determines that an open operation on the tailgate 8 has been performed and rotates the drive motor M1 reversely.

[0149] The transmission mechanism 50 transmits the driving force from the reversely rotating drive motor M1 to the sector gear 35, and swings the operating lever 30 from the origin position shown in FIG. 13 to the second operating end position which is the swinging limit position in the second direction R2.

[0150] As a result, the second acting portion 49 abuts on the driven portion 23 of the pole 20 (not shown in the figure), and swings the pole 20 from the blocked position to the unblocked position. Then, the stopper surface 20A is separated from the latch surface 12A of the fork 10 in the radially outer direction of the first axis X1 and cannot abut on the latch surface 12A.

[0151] As a result, as shown in FIG. 12, the fork 10 swings from the latched position to the unlatched position, and the striker 7 is not locked in the entrance 97. The control unit C1 determines that the fork 10 has reached the unlatched position and the striker 7 is not locked in the entrance 97.

[0152] After that, the control unit C1 rotates the drive motor M1 forward to swing the operating lever 30 in the first direction R1 and returns it to the origin position shown in FIG. 12.

[0153] When the operating lever 30 returns to the origin position, the control unit C1 determines that the tailgate 8 can be opened, and stops the drive motor M1. In this way, the holding state of the tailgate 8 is released by the operation of the open / close mechanism 3, and the tailgate 8 can be opened.

[0154] <Function and effect> In the locking device 1 of the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 10, the bush 100 is provided between the harness opening 64 of the housing 60 and the wire harness WH1, and blocks the sound between the internal space 60A of the housing 60 and the outside. As a result, it is difficult for the noise generated in the housing 60 due to the operation of the drive motor M1 and the transmission mechanism 50 to pass between the harness opening 64 and the wire harness WH1.

[0155] Therefore, the locking device 1 of the first embodiment can suppress the noise generated in the housing 60 from leaking to the outside.

[0156] Also, in this locking device 1, as shown in FIG. 10, the bush 100 is made of an elastic material and is made of rubber in this embodiment. And, the bush 100 is formed with a bush inner peripheral edge 100E that abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the wire harness WH1, and a bush outer peripheral edge 100F that abuts against the inner peripheral edge of the harness opening 64, that is, the lower edge, left edge, and right edge of the opening recess 61H, and the upper edge 69H of the opening. With this configuration, since the bush 100 that can improve the sealing performance of the housing 60 blocks sound between the internal space 60A of the housing 60 and the outside, it is possible to highly reliably suppress the leakage of noise generated inside the housing 60 to the outside. In particular, since the wire harness WH1 has a configuration in which a plurality of bundled electrical wirings are covered with a flexible and irregularly shaped tube, by surrounding and suppressing the flexible and irregularly shaped tube with the bush inner peripheral edge 100E of the bush 100, it is possible to highly reliably suppress the leakage of noise generated inside the housing 60 to the outside.

[0157] Furthermore, in this locking device 1, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the harness opening 64 is formed at the joint portion between the actuator case 61 and the actuator cover 69. With this configuration, the harness opening 64 can be easily formed in the housing 60.

[0158] Also, in this locking device 1, as shown in FIG. 4, the distance L1 between the harness opening 64 and the transmission mechanism 50 is greater than the distance L2 between the harness opening 64 and the connector 65. With this configuration, since the harness opening 64 is farther from the transmission mechanism 50, it is possible to highly reliably suppress the leakage of noise generated inside the housing 60 to the outside. Also, with this configuration, since the harness opening 64 is closer to the connector 65, it is easy to shorten the wire harness.

[0159] Furthermore, in this locking device 1, as shown in FIG. 3, the housing 60 is formed with an eaves portion 68 that covers from above the portion extending externally from the harness opening 64 in the wire harness. With this configuration, the eaves portion 68 can suppress water dripping onto the housing 60 from entering the housing 60 through the gap between the wire harness and the bush 100.

[0160] (Embodiment 2) As shown in FIGS. 14 to 18, the locking device of Embodiment 2 includes a harness opening 264 and a sound insulation means 200 instead of the harness opening 64 and the bush 100 according to the locking device 1 of Embodiment 1.

[0161] Other configurations of Embodiment 2 are the same as those of Embodiment 1. For this reason, the same components as those of Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted or simplified.

[0162] As shown in FIGS. 15, 16, and 18, the harness opening 264 includes an opening recess 261H formed in the actuator case 61 and an opening upper edge 269H formed in the actuator cover 69 as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18.

[0163] As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the opening recess 261H is a portion of the peripheral wall 66 that extends in the left - right direction in front of the drive motor M1, and is recessed downward from the upper edge of the portion located in front of the left end of the drive motor M1. The lower edge, left edge, and right edge of the opening recess 261H are substantially in a "U" shape. The opening recess 261H is long in the front - rear direction.

[0164] As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the opening upper edge 269H is a region located directly above the opening recess 261H on the lower surface side of the actuator cover 69. The opening upper edge 269H is also long in the front - rear direction, similar to the opening recess 261H.

[0165] As shown in FIG. 18, in a state where the actuator cover 69 is assembled to the actuator case 61, the upper edge 269H of the opening closes the upper edge of the open opening recess 261H. In this way, the harness opening 264 is formed at the joint between the actuator case 61 and the actuator cover 69.

[0166] As shown in FIGS. 15 and 18, the harness opening 264 allows the wire harness WH1 introduced into the housing 60 to pass through. The wire harness WH1 drawn into the internal space 60A extends toward the connector 65 at a position below the drive motor M1.

[0167] The sound insulation means 200 has three first walls 210 shown in FIGS. 16 and 18 and three second walls 220 shown in FIGS. 17 and 18.

[0168] As shown in FIG. 16, each first wall 210 is formed on the actuator case 61. Each first wall 210 extends radially inward of the wire harness WH1 from the lower, left, and right surfaces of the opening recess 261H. Each first wall 210 is spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the wire harness WH1, that is, in the front-rear direction.

[0169] Each first wall 210 has a first contact edge 211. The first contact edge 211 extends in the circumferential direction of the wire harness WH1. The first contact edge 211 is curved along the outer peripheral surface of the wire harness WH1.

[0170] As shown in FIG. 17, each second wall 220 is formed on the actuator cover 69. Each second wall 220 extends radially inward of the wire harness WH1 from the upper edge 269H of the opening. Each second wall 220 is spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the wire harness WH1, that is, in the front-rear direction.

[0171] As shown in FIG. 18, each second wall 220 is located on the opposite side of the wire harness WH1 from each first wall 210 in the radial direction of the wire harness WH1. That is, each first wall 210 is located below the wire harness WH1, and each second wall 220 is located above the wire harness WH1.

[0172] As shown in FIG. 17, each second wall 220 has a second abutting edge 222. The second abutting edge 222 extends in the circumferential direction of the wire harness WH1. The second abutting edge 222 is curved along the outer peripheral surface of the wire harness WH1.

[0173] Before the drive motor M1 shown in FIG. 15 is housed in the actuator case 61, the wire harness WH1 is attached to the opening recess 261H. Then, the drive motor M1 is housed in the actuator case 61, and the actuator cover 69 is assembled to the actuator case 61.

[0174] As a result, as shown in FIG. 18, the first abutting edge 211 of each first wall 210 abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the wire harness WH1, and the second abutting edge 222 of each second wall 220 abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the wire harness WH1. As a result, the sound insulation means 200 constitutes a labyrinth structure.

[0175] Note that, if necessary, an adhesive tape is wound around the outer peripheral surface of the wire harness WH1, and by adjusting the number of winding turns and the winding range, the first abutting edge 211 of each first wall 210 can be reliably abutted against the outer peripheral surface of the wire harness WH1, and the second abutting edge 222 of each second wall 220 can be reliably abutted against the outer peripheral surface of the wire harness WH1.

[0176] In this way, the sound insulation means 200 is provided between the harness opening 264 and the wire harness WH1. The sound insulation means 200 blocks sound between the internal space 60A of the housing 60 and the outside. In particular, the sound insulation means 200 blocks noise generated inside the housing 60, that is, the operating sound of the drive motor M1, the gear meshing sound of the transmission mechanism 50, etc., between the internal space 60A and the outside.

[0177] As shown in FIG. 15, the distance L21 between the harness opening 264 and the transmission mechanism 50 is greater than the distance L22 between the harness opening 264 and the connector 65.

[0178] As shown in FIG. 17, a shielding portion 268 is formed on the actuator cover 69. The shielding portion 268 is located in front of the upper edge 269H of the opening and protrudes forward, and extends in the left - right direction. The shielding portion 268 bulges upward partially so as to avoid the wire harness WH1.

[0179] As shown in FIG. 14, the shielding portion 268 covers from above the portion of the wire harness WH1 that extends outside from the harness opening 264.

[0180] <Function and effect> In the locking device of the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, a sound - insulating means 200 is provided between the harness opening 264 of the housing 60 and the wire harness WH1 to block sound between the internal space 60A in the housing 60 and the outside. As a result, it is difficult for the noise generated in the housing 60 due to the operation of the drive motor M1 and the transmission mechanism 50 to pass between the harness opening 264 and the wire harness WH1.

[0181] Therefore, similar to the locking device 1 of the first embodiment, the locking device of the second embodiment can suppress the leakage of the noise generated in the housing 60 to the outside.

[0182] Also, in this locking device, the sound insulation means 200 has three first walls 210 formed on the actuator case 61 and three second walls 220 formed on the actuator cover 69. Each of the first walls 210 is spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the wire harness WH1. Each of the second walls 220 is spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the wire harness WH1. And the first contact edge 211 of each first wall 210 extends in the circumferential direction of the wire harness WH1 and contacts the outer peripheral surface of the wire harness WH1. Also, the second contact edge 222 of each second wall 220 extends in the circumferential direction of the wire harness WH1 and contacts the outer peripheral surface of the wire harness WH1. That is, the sound insulation means 200 forms a labyrinth structure composed of each first wall 210 and each second wall 220 to block sound between the internal space 60A of the housing 60 and the outside, so that it is possible to highly reliably suppress the leakage of noise generated inside the housing 60 to the outside. In particular, since the wire harness WH1 has a configuration in which a plurality of bundled electrical wirings are covered by a flexible and irregularly shaped tube, by sandwiching and suppressing the flexible and irregularly shaped tube between each first wall 210 and each second wall 220, it is possible to highly reliably suppress the leakage of noise generated inside the housing 60 to the outside.

[0183] Furthermore, in this locking device, as shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, the harness opening 264 is formed at the joint between the actuator case 61 and the actuator cover 69. And each first wall 210 is formed on the actuator case 61, and each second wall 220 is formed on the actuator cover 69. With this configuration, the harness opening 264, each first wall 210, and each second wall 220 can be easily formed in the housing 60.

[0184] Also, in this locking device, as shown in FIG. 15, the distance L21 between the harness opening 264 and the transmission mechanism 50 is greater than the distance L22 between the harness opening 264 and the connector 65. With this configuration, since the harness opening 264 is farther from the transmission mechanism 50, it is possible to highly reliably suppress the leakage of noise generated inside the housing 60 to the outside. Also, with this configuration, since the harness opening 264 is closer to the connector 65, it is easy to shorten the wire harness WH1.

[0185] Furthermore, in this locking device, as shown in FIG. 14, a shade portion 268 is formed on the housing 60 to cover from above the portion of the wire harness WH1 that extends outside from the harness opening 264. With this configuration, the shade portion 268 can suppress water dripping on the housing 60 from entering the housing 60 through the gap between the wire harness WH1 and the sound insulation means 200.

[0186] (Example 3) As shown in FIG. 19, in the locking device of Example 3, the fitting rib 66N is formed on the upper end surface extending in the left - right direction of the peripheral wall 66 of the locking device 1 of Examples 1 and 2. The fitting rib 66N forms an upward convex strip and extends in the left - right direction along the upper end surface of the peripheral wall 66.

[0187] And in this locking device, a contact surface 69M that contacts the upper end surface of the peripheral wall 66 is formed on the actuator cover 69, and a fitting groove 69N into which the fitting rib 66N is inserted is formed on the contact surface 69M. The fitting groove 69N is recessed upward from the contact surface 69M and extends in the left - right direction along the fitting rib 66N.

[0188] Although illustration is omitted, fitting ribs 66N are also formed on the upper end surfaces of the portions of the peripheral wall 66 that surround the drive motor M1 from the right and left. The contact surface 69M also contacts those upper end surfaces of the peripheral wall 66, and the fitting groove 69N also fits into the fitting ribs 66N formed on those upper end surfaces.

[0189] Other configurations of Example 3 are the same as those of Examples 1 and 2. Therefore, the same components as those in Examples 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

[0190] <Function and Effect> Similar to the locking devices 1 of Examples 1 and 2, the locking device of Example 3 can suppress the leakage of noise generated inside the housing 60 to the outside.

[0191] In addition, this locking device can highly reliably suppress the leakage of noise generated inside the housing 60 to the outside from the periphery of the drive motor M1 due to the fitting of the fitting rib 66N and the fitting groove 69N, and can also block water that attempts to enter the housing 60 from the joint between the actuator case 61 and the actuator cover 69.

[0192] As described above, the present invention has been described with reference to Examples 1 to 3. However, the present invention is not limited to the above Examples 1 to 3, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be appropriately modified and applied without departing from the spirit thereof.

[0193] In Examples 1 to 3, the drive targets are the fork 10, the pole 20, and the operating lever 30. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, a configuration in which the present invention is applied to a locking device provided with an opening mechanism and the drive target is a pole, or a configuration in which the present invention is applied to a locking device provided with a closing mechanism and the drive target is a fork is also included in the present invention.

[0194] In Examples 1 to 3, a configuration in which an idle gear meshing with the sector gear 35 is provided in the locking mechanism 5 and the drive force is transmitted from the output gear 55 to the sector gear 35 is also included in the present invention.

[0195] In Examples 1 to 3, the locking mechanism 5 is provided on the tailgate 8 and the striker 7 is provided on the vehicle body 9. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, a configuration in which the locking mechanism is provided on the vehicle body and the striker is provided on the opening / closing body is also included in the present invention.

[0196] In Examples 1 to 3, the locking device 1 is used for the tailgate 8, but 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, a trunk lid, etc. provided on the side of the vehicle.

Industrial Applicability

[0197] The present invention can be used, for example, in vehicles such as automobiles and industrial vehicles.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0198] 1... Locking device 9... Vehicle body 8... Vehicle opening / closing body (tailgate) 5... Locking mechanism 10, 20, 30... Driven objects (10... Fork, 20... Pole, 30... Actuating lever) 60... Housing M1... Driving motor 50... Transmission mechanism 6... Actuator SW1, SW2... Sensors (SW1... First microswitch, SW2... Second microswitch) 65... Connector C1... Control unit 65M... Motor connection terminal 65S... Sensor connection terminal WH1... Wire harness WH1A, WH1B... One ends of the wire harness WH1C... The other end of the wire harness 64, 264... Harness openings 100, 200... Sound insulation means (100... Bush) 210... First wall 220... Second wall 211... First abutting edge 222... Second abutting edge 61... Actuator case 69... Actuator cover 100E... Inner peripheral edge of the bush 100F... Outer peripheral edge of the bush The distances between L1, L21… the harness opening and the transmission mechanism The distances between L2, L22… the harness opening and the connector 68, 268… the eaves 66… the peripheral wall of the actuator case 69M… the contact surface of the actuator cover 66N… the fitting rib 69N… the fitting groove

Claims

1. A locking mechanism provided on one of a vehicle body and an opening / closing body that is openably / closably provided on the vehicle body, for holding the opening / closing body in a closed state, the locking mechanism having a drive target to which a driving force is transmitted, An actuator having a housing, a drive motor housed in the housing for generating the driving force, and a transmission mechanism housed in the housing for transmitting the driving force from the drive motor to the drive target, A sensor for detecting the state of the locking mechanism outside the housing, A locking device for a vehicle opening / closing body, comprising: A connector provided on the housing, the connector having a plurality of motor connection terminals for connecting the drive motor and a control unit mounted on the vehicle body, and a plurality of sensor connection terminals for connecting the sensor and the control unit, A wire harness having one end connected to the sensor and introduced into the housing and the other end connected to each of the sensor connection terminals, Further comprising: The housing has a harness opening through which the wire harness passes, Sound insulation means provided between the harness opening and the wire harness for blocking sound between the inside of the housing and the outside, A locking device for a vehicle opening / closing body, characterized by having the above.

2. The sound insulation means includes a plurality of first walls formed on the housing and extending toward the inner side in the radial direction of the wire harness, A plurality of second walls formed on the housing and located on the opposite side of the wire harness from each of the first walls in the radial direction and extending toward the inner side in the radial direction, And having: Each of the first walls has a first contact edge extending in the circumferential direction of the wire harness and contacting the outer peripheral surface of the wire harness, and is spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the wire harness, The locking device for a vehicle opening / closing body according to claim 1, wherein each of the second walls has a second contact edge extending in the circumferential direction and contacting the outer peripheral surface, and is spaced apart from each other in the axial direction.

3. The housing has an actuator case for housing the drive motor and the transmission mechanism, An actuator cover assembled to the actuator case and covering the actuator case, The harness opening is formed at a joint portion between the actuator case and the actuator cover, Each of the first walls is formed on the actuator case, The lock device for an opening / closing body of a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein each of the second walls is formed on the actuator cover.

4. The sound insulation means has a bush made of an elastic material, The lock device for an opening / closing body of a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the bush is formed with an inner peripheral edge of the bush that abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the wire harness and an outer peripheral edge of the bush that abuts against the inner peripheral edge of the harness opening.

5. The lock device for an opening / closing body of a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the distance between the harness opening and the transmission mechanism is greater than the distance between the harness opening and the connector.

6. The lock device for an opening / closing body of a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the housing is formed with an eaves portion that covers, from above, a portion of the wire harness that extends to the outside from the harness opening.

7. The housing has an actuator case that houses the drive motor and the transmission mechanism, and an actuator cover that is assembled to the actuator case and covers the actuator case from above. The actuator case is formed with a peripheral wall that projects upward and surrounds the drive motor. The actuator cover is formed with a contact surface that abuts against the upper end surface of the peripheral wall. The upper end surface is formed with a fitting rib that forms an upward convex strip and extends along the upper end surface. The lock device for an opening / closing body of a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the contact surface is formed with a fitting groove into which the fitting rib is inserted.

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