Locking device

Abstract

To provide a lock device capable of improving operability when an object is moved when manually releasing a lock by a lock member.SOLUTION: A lock device 40 includes: a lock member 41 movable from a lock position to a second unlock position via a first unlock position and movable from the second unlock position to the lock position via the first unlock position; an electric drive mechanism 50 for moving the lock member 41 from the lock position to the second unlock position; an urging member 46 for urging the lock member 41 to the lock position; a manual lock release member 65 for moving the lock member 41 from the lock position to the first unlock position; and a holding portion 47 capable of holding an arm portion 46c so that the lock member 41 is located at the first unlock position. An operation portion 67 includes: a first guide portion 67d for guiding the arm portion 46c to the holding portion 47; and an allowable space 67e for allowing the arm portion 46c to move in conjunction with a movement of the lock member 41.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12B

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a locking device used for a lid that closably blocks a power supply port of an electric vehicle. This locking device includes a locking member movable between a locking position for locking the lid and an unlocking position for unlocking the lid, and an electric operating mechanism including a motor for moving the locking member. Further, the locking device includes a manual unlocking mechanism for moving the locking member at the locking position to the unlocking position when the movement of the locking member by the operating mechanism becomes impossible due to a motor failure or the like.

[0003] The locking member is biased to the unlocking position by a first spring. The operating mechanism includes a movable member that can advance and retreat by the driving force of the motor, and a second spring that biases the movable member to the advanced position. By the movement of the movable member from the retracted position to the advanced position, the locking member at the unlocking position moves against the biasing force of the first spring to the locking position and is held. The unlocking mechanism includes a wire having an operation portion disposed inside the vehicle (for example, in the trunk). When the operation portion is operated to pull the wire, the movable member at the advanced position is moved to the retracted position, and the locking member at the locking position moves to the unlocking position by the biasing force of the first spring.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the locking device of Patent Document 1, when the hand is released from the operating part of the unlocking mechanism, the movable member biased by the second spring may advance, and the locking member at the unlocking position may return to the locking position. Therefore, when manually unlocking by the unlocking mechanism, if the lid is not opened due to a malfunction, it is necessary to maintain the operating part while pulling the wire with one hand and open the lid with the other hand. In this regard, there is room for improvement in the operability of the locking device of Patent Document 1. This problem regarding the operability during manual unlocking can also occur in the case of a locking device for an object other than the lid of an automobile.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a locking device capable of improving the operability when manually unlocking a lock by a locking member and moving an object.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The present invention relates to a movement from a lock position where an object is locked immovably, through a first unlock position where the lock of the object is released, to a second unlock position that is located farther from the lock position than the first unlock position and where the lock of the object is released, and a movement from the second unlock position through the first unlock position to the lock position. The invention includes a lock member, an electric drive mechanism for moving the lock member at the lock position to the second unlock position, a winding portion, and an arm portion extending from the winding portion and attached to the lock member. The invention also includes a biasing member for biasing the lock member to the lock position, and an operating portion for operating the arm portion. The operating portion has a manual unlocking member for moving the lock member at the lock position to the first unlock position via the arm portion, and a holding portion that is positioned at a distance from the arm portion along the axis of the winding portion when the unlocking member is not operated and that can hold the arm portion so that the lock member is positioned at the first unlock position when the unlocking member is operated. The operating portion has a first guide portion for guiding the arm portion to the holding portion when the unlocking member is operated, and a tolerance space for allowing movement of the arm portion that is interlocked with movement of the lock member between the lock position and the second unlock position when the unlocking member is not operated. The invention provides a locking device.

[0008] An electric drive mechanism for moving the lock member at the lock position to the second unlock position and a biasing member for biasing the lock member to the lock position are provided. Therefore, the object can be electrically switched between a locked state and an unlocked state. In addition, a manual unlocking member for moving the lock member at the lock position to the first unlock position via the arm portion of the biasing member is provided. Therefore, when the lock member cannot be operated due to a failure of the drive mechanism or the like, the lock member can be manually switched from the locked state to the unlocked state by operating the unlocking member.

[0009] It is provided with a holding part capable of holding the arm part so that the locking member is positioned at the first unlocking position, and the operating part of the unlocking member is provided with a first guide part for guiding the arm part to the holding part. When the unlocking member is not operated, since the holding part is positioned at an interval along the axis of the winding part with respect to the arm part, the arm part is not held by the holding part by switching the locking state of the locking member by the drive mechanism.

[0010] When the unlocking member is operated, the arm part is guided to the holding part by the first guide part, and when the operation of the unlocking member is stopped, the arm part is held by the holding part. As a result, since the locking member stops at the first unlocking position, the unlocking and movement of the object can be performed in order with one hand. That is, since the locking member does not return to the locking position, even if the object does not move due to a malfunction, it is not necessary to maintain the state of operating the unlocking member with one hand and open the object with the other hand. Therefore, the operability when manually unlocking the locking member and moving the object can be improved.

Advantages of the Invention

[0011] In the present invention, the operability when manually unlocking the lock by the locking member and moving the object can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

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Figure 10A

Figure 10B

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Figure 12A

Figure 12B

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Figure 19A

Figure 19B

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Figure 27

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a lid opening / closing device 10 including a locking device 40 according to an embodiment of the present invention is attached to a side panel (panel) 1 of an automobile. The side panel 1 is provided with a receiving port 2 penetrating in the vehicle width direction Y.

[0015] The X direction shown in the drawings is the vehicle length direction of the automobile, the Y direction is the vehicle width direction of the automobile, and the Z direction is the vehicle height direction of the automobile. In each individual figure, the direction indicated by the arrow in the X direction is the front side, and the direction opposite to the arrow is the rear side. The direction indicated by the arrow in the Y direction is the inside of the vehicle (inner side), and the direction opposite to the arrow is the outside of the vehicle (outer side). The direction indicated by the arrow in the Z direction is the upper side, and the direction opposite to the arrow is the lower side.

[0016] Referring to FIG. 1, the lid opening / closing device 10 includes a power supply connector (receiving part) 15 to which a charging plug (not shown) is connected. However, the receiving part may be for supplying any one of liquid fuels such as gasoline and light oil, and gaseous fuels such as hydrogen and LP gas.

[0017] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, the lid opening / closing device 10 includes a base 20 attached to the inside of the side panel 1 (see FIG. 1) in the vehicle width direction Y, and a lid (object) 30 that closably closes the receiving port 2 (see FIG. 1). The lid 30 includes an arm 32 whose pivot portion 36 at one end is pivotally supported by the base 20, and is rotatable between a closed position shown in FIG. 3 and an open position shown in FIG. 2. The arm 32 includes an arm body 33 constituted by a first arm portion 34 and a second arm portion 35, and a spindle 37 constituting a part of the pivot portion 36.

[0018] The locking device 40 locks the arm 32 so that it cannot move when the lid 30 is in the closed position shown in FIG. 3. The locking device 40 includes a lock pin (locking member) 41, a torsion spring (biasing member) 46, an electric drive mechanism 50, and a manual unlocking member 65. The torsion spring 46 includes a second arm portion 46c that biases the lock pin 41. Referring to FIG. 12B, the locking device 40 is provided on the base 20 and includes a holding portion 47 that holds the second arm portion 46c of the torsion spring 46 when the unlocking member 65 is operated.

[0019] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, the drive mechanism 50 includes a motor (drive source) 51 and an input cam (Rotating body) 52 having a cam surface (cam) 53a. The drive mechanism 50 of the present embodiment includes a differential mechanism 60 that transmits a driving force to the spindle 37 to open and close the lid 30. The differential mechanism 60 includes a recess 39 provided in the spindle 37 and a protrusion 54 provided in the input cam 52. When rotating the lid 30 in the closed position to the open position, the differential mechanism 60 delays the rotation of the spindle 37 with respect to the start of rotation of the lock pin 41.

[0020] Referring to FIGS. 12A and 12B, the lock pin 41 is rotated from the locked position to the unlocked position by the drive mechanism 50 or the unlocking member 65 when the lid 30 is in the closed position shown in FIG. 2. The rotation angle of the lock pin 41 from the locked position to the unlocked position (hereinafter referred to as the "second unlocked position") by the drive mechanism 50 is larger than the rotation angle of the lock pin 41 from the locked position to the unlocked position (hereinafter referred to as the "first unlocked position") by the unlocking member 65.

[0021] Referring to Fig. 12A, the lock pin 41 is rotated by the drive mechanism 50 from the locked position through the first unlock position to the second unlock position, and is rotated by the biasing force of the torsion spring 46 from the second unlock position through the first unlock position to the locked position. When the drive mechanism 50 and the torsion spring 46 are operating, the second arm portion 46c is not held by the holding portion 47, and the lock pin 41 passes through the first unlock position.

[0022] When the lock pin 41 is rotated to the second unlock position by the opening operation of the drive mechanism 50, the driving force of the motor 51 is transmitted to the spindle 37 through the input cam 52 and the differential mechanism 60, so that the arm 32 rotates to the advanced position protruding outside the side panel 1 shown in Fig. 2. As a result, the lid 30 is in the posture (open position) of opening the receiving port 2 as shown in Fig. 2. Further, when the drive mechanism 50 performs a closing operation, the arm 32 rotates to the retracted position retracted into the side panel 1 shown in Fig. 3. As a result, the lid 30 is in the posture (closed position) of closing the receiving port 2 as shown in Fig. 3.

[0023] Referring to Fig. 12B, the unlocking member 65 is used in an emergency when the drive mechanism 50 cannot operate the lock pin 41 due to a failure of the motor 51 or the like. That is, when the drive mechanism 50 is normal without failure, the unlocking member 65 is not used. When the lock pin 41 is in the locked position and the unlocking member 65 is operated, the lock pin 41 is rotated to the first unlock position through the second arm portion 46c of the torsion spring 46, and the second arm portion 46c is held by the holding portion 47. As a result, the lock pin 41 is held in the first unlock position. As a result, it becomes possible to manually rotate the lid 30 from the closed position shown in Fig. 3 to the open position shown in Fig. 2.

[0024] In this way, the locking device 40 of this embodiment can be switched between the unlocked state and the locked state by the drive mechanism 50 and the torsion spring 46 during normal times, and the lid 30 can also be opened and closed. Further, during an emergency, the locking device 40 can be switched from the locked state to the unlocked state via the torsion spring 46 by the unlocking member 65, enabling the lid 30 to be manually opened and closed.

[0025] Hereinafter, the base 20, the arm 32, the lock pin 41, the torsion spring 46, the drive mechanism 50, and the differential mechanism 60 will be specifically described.

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, the base 20 includes a base body 21 that closes the receiving port 2 and a bearing portion 24 that pivotally supports the arm 32.

[0027] The base body 21 is provided with a mounting portion 22 for attaching the power supply connector 15. A sealing member 23 for sealing watertightly with the lid 30 is attached to the outer peripheral edge of the base body 21. The base body 21 is further provided with an insertion hole 21a through which the arm 32 can move forward and backward so as to be located inside the receiving port 2 when viewed from the vehicle width direction Y, and an opening 21b for arranging a switch (not shown).

[0028] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, the bearing portion 24 has an integral structure with the base body 21, is adjacent to the front side of the mounting portion 22 in the vehicle length direction X, and protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction Y. The bearing portion 24 includes an end wall portion 25 located on the upper side in FIG. 4, an end wall portion 26 located on the lower side in FIG. 4, and a side wall portion 27 connecting the end wall portions 25 and 26. The end wall portions 25 and 26 are provided at intervals in the vehicle height direction Z. The side wall portion 27 closes the front ends of the end wall portions 25 and 26 in the vehicle length direction X and the outer ends of the end wall portions 25 and 26 in the vehicle width direction Y. The rear ends of the end wall portions 25 and 26 in the vehicle length direction X and the inner ends of the end wall portions 25 and 26 in the vehicle width direction Y are open, and a gap 29 is formed between the end wall portions 25 and 26.

[0029] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 13, an arm body 33 is inserted into a gap 29 between end wall portions 25 and 26, and pivot portions 36 are rotatably supported by the end wall portions 25 and 26. Referring to FIGS. 6 and 16, on the upper surface side of the end wall portion 25, a first arrangement portion 25a for rotatably arranging an input cam 52, a second arrangement portion 25b for rotatably arranging a lock pin 41, and a third arrangement portion 25c for arranging a torsion spring 46 are provided. Further, on the end wall portion 25, a stopper 25i for restricting the rotation of the lock pin 41 and a guide portion (third guide portion) 25k for guiding a unlocking member 65 are provided. Furthermore, on the end wall portion 25 of the present embodiment, a holding portion 47 for holding the lock pin 41 at a first unlocking position via a torsion spring 46 is provided.

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, the upper ends of the arrangement portions 25a to 25c are covered by a cover 28. Inside the cover 28, a lock pin 41, a torsion spring 46, and an input cam 52 are accommodated. Outside the cover 28, a mounting piece 28a for mounting a motor 51 projects. The cover 28 is provided with a through hole 28b for connecting an external motor 51 and an internal input cam 52.

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, an arm 32 provided on a lid 30 is arranged so as to straddle from the inside to the outside in the vehicle width direction Y of a base 20 through an insertion hole 21a. Referring to FIGS. 6 and 13, the arm 32 includes a pivot portion 36 pivotally supported by a bearing portion 24. More specifically, the arm 32 includes an arm body 33 constituted by a first arm portion 34 and a second arm portion 35, and a spindle 37 constituting the pivot portion 36.

[0032] The first arm portion 34 is arc-shaped extending in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis A of the pivot portion 36 and is inserted into the insertion hole 21a of the base body 21. The tip of the first arm portion 34 located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction Y is continuous with the lid 30.

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 5, 6 and 13, the second arm portion 35 is plate-shaped, inserted into the gap 29 between the end wall portions 25, 26, and protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction Y from the bearing portion 24. The first arm portion 34 is mechanically connected to the inner end of the second arm portion 35 in the vehicle width direction Y. A cylindrical portion 35a having a non-circular cross-sectional mounting hole 35b is formed at the outer end of the second arm portion 35 inserted into the gap 29 in the vehicle width direction Y. A spindle 37 is attached to the cylindrical portion 35a through the mounting hole 35b. The cylindrical portion 35a and the spindle 37 constitute a pivot portion 36.

[0034] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 13, the spindle 37 includes a mounting portion 37a, a flange portion 37b, and a shaft portion 37c. The spindle 37 is inserted and attached from the upper side in the vehicle height direction Z into the first arrangement portion 25a which is a circular through hole in the bearing portion 24.

[0035] The mounting portion 37a is a rod having a non-circular cross-section corresponding to the shape of the mounting hole 35b, is inserted through the mounting hole 35b, and rotates integrally with the cylindrical portion 35a.

[0036] The flange portion 37b is continuous with the upper end of the mounting portion 37a and is located above the cylindrical portion 35a in the vehicle height direction Z. The flange portion 37b is circular with the same diameter as the circular cylindrical portion 35a when viewed from the direction in which the rotation axis A of the pivot portion 36 extends. As most clearly shown in FIG. 13, the flange portion 37b is rotatably supported by the hole wall of the first arrangement portion 25a of the end wall portion 25. Referring to FIGS. 7, 8, and 13, a shaft portion 37d for pivotally supporting the input cam 52 protrudes from the center of the flange portion 37b. The flange portion 37b is further provided with an engagement groove (engagement portion) 38 with which the lock pin 41 engages and a recess 39 that constitutes the differential mechanism 60. The engagement groove 38 and the recess 39 will be described in detail later.

[0037] Continuing to refer to FIGS. 7, 8, and 13, the shaft portion 37c is provided at the lower end of the mounting portion 37a and protrudes downward from the cylindrical portion 35a in the vehicle height direction Z. The shaft portion 37c is disposed in a shaft hole 26a formed in an end wall portion 26 facing the first arrangement portion 25a in the vehicle height direction Z and is rotatably supported by the hole wall of the shaft hole 26a.

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 5, 6, and 16, the lock pin 41 is disposed in the second arrangement portion 25b of the bearing portion 24. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the lock pin 41 includes a cylindrical portion 41a and a lock pin body 41b.

[0039] The lock pin 41 can rotate from the lock position shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, through the first unlock position shown in FIGS. 20A to 20C, to the second unlock position shown in FIGS. 19A to 19C, and can also rotate from the second unlock position, through the first unlock position, to the lock position. The settings (rotation angle positions) of the lock position, the first unlock position, and the second unlock position will be described in detail later.

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 16, the cylindrical portion 41a is fitted to a shaft portion 25d formed in the second arrangement portion 25b which is a recess with an upper end opening, and is rotatable about a rotation axis B parallel to the rotation axis A of the pivot portion 36. The arrangement of the rotation axis A and the rotation axis B does not have to be geometrically strictly parallel as long as the rotation of the lock pin 41 and the engagement with the engagement groove 38 are not hindered.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the lock pin body 41b protrudes forward in the vehicle length direction X from the cylindrical portion 41a toward the torsion spring 46 so as to be adjacent to the flange portion 37b of the spindle 37. The thickness of the lock pin body 41b in the vehicle height direction Z (the direction in which the rotation axis B extends) is thicker than the thickness of the flange portion 37b of the spindle 37.

[0042] The lower portion of the lock pin body 41b in the vehicle height direction Z constitutes an engaging convex portion 42 that engages with the engaging groove 38. The upper portion of the lock pin body 41b in the vehicle height direction Z constitutes a cam follower 43 that can contact the cam surface 53a of the input cam 52. That is, the engaging convex portion 42 and the cam follower 43 are integrally provided adjacent to each other in the vehicle height direction Z. Referring to FIGS. 10B and 23C, the lock pin body 41b is further provided with a mounting portion 44 for attaching the torsion spring 46 and a guide portion (second guide portion) 45 for separating the second arm portion 46c from the holding portion 47.

[0043] Here, the engaging groove 38 of the spindle 37 and the engaging convex portion 42 of the lock pin 41 will be described.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the engaging groove 38 of the spindle 37 is recessed inward from the outer peripheral surface of the flange portion 37b. The engaging groove 38 is defined by a base surface 38a, a contact surface 38b, and a regulating surface 38c. At the outer end of the contact surface 38b of the engaging groove 38, a guide surface 38d is formed for rotating the lock pin 41 rotated to the first unlocking position shown in FIG. 20B to the second unlocking position shown in FIG. 19B.

[0045] The base surface 38a is a flat fan shape extending along the XY plane. Referring to FIG. 14, in a state where the spindle 37 is disposed in the bearing portion 24, the base surface 38a is located below the lock pin 41 in the vehicle height direction Z.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the contact surface 38b is a flat surface that protrudes in a direction orthogonal to the base surface 38a and extends in the radial direction of the flange portion 37b. The direction in which the contact surface 38b extends does not have to be the radial direction of the flange portion 37b in a geometrically strict sense as long as it does not inhibit the engagement and disengagement of the lock pin 41. Further, the contact surface 38b does not have to be a flat surface in a geometrically strict sense as long as it does not inhibit the engagement and disengagement of the lock pin 41.

[0047] The regulating surface 38c is a flat surface that protrudes in a direction orthogonal to the base surface 38a and extends in a direction intersecting the contact surface 38b. Referring to FIG. 17, the regulating surface 38c extends along the engaging convex portion 42 in the locked position and restricts the rotation of the locking pin 41 toward the rotation axis A of the pivoting portion 36. The angle formed by the regulating surface 38c and the contact surface 38b is set to 90 degrees or more, preferably set to an angle greater than 90 degrees and close to 90 degrees (for example, 92 degrees).

[0048] The guide surface 38d is provided at the outer end of the contact surface 38b in the radial direction of the flange portion 37b and is a flat surface inclined to the opposite side of the regulating surface 38c. More specifically, the guide surface 38d is inclined in the direction d2 in which the spindle 37 rotates in the closing direction when rotating the lid 30 in the open position shown in FIG. 2 to the closed position shown in FIG. 3 from the inner side to the outer side in the radial direction of the flange portion 37b.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 10A, the engaging convex portion 42 of the locking pin 41 protrudes toward the rotation axis A side of the pivoting portion 36 more than the cam follower 43. That is, the lateral width of the engaging convex portion 42 in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis B of the locking pin 41 is larger than the lateral width of the cam follower 43. Referring to FIG. 17, the tip portion 42a of the engaging convex portion 42 on the side opposite to the cylindrical portion 41a is chamfered in a circular arc shape in cross section. In a state where the arm 32 is rotated to the retracted position shown in FIG. 17, the contact surface 38b of the engaging groove 38 can come into contact with the tip portion 42a by the opening rotation of the spindle 37 in the direction d1 of rotating the lid 30 in the closed position shown in FIG. 3 to the open position shown in FIG. 2.

[0050] The locking pin 41 is set to the locking position shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, the first unlocking position shown in FIGS. 20A to 20C, and the second unlocking position shown in FIGS. 19A to 19C. In the locking position shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, the lid 30 in the closed position shown in FIG. 3 is locked so as not to be movable via the spindle 37. In the first unlocking position shown in FIGS. 20A to 20C, the lock of the lid 30 is released via the spindle 37, and the lid 30 can be opened and closed. In the second unlocking position shown in FIGS. 19A to 19C, the lock of the lid 30 is released via the spindle 37, and the lid 30 can be opened and closed. The rotational angle positions of the locking pin 41 in the locking position, the rotational angle position of the locking pin 41 in the first unlocking position, and the rotational angle position of the locking pin 41 in the second unlocking position are all different. The rotational angle position of the locking pin 41 is defined as the direction in which the center line of the lateral width of the engaging convex portion 42 extends in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis B.

[0051] Hereinafter, the setting of the locking position shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, the first unlocking position shown in FIGS. 20A to 20C, and the second unlocking position shown in FIGS. 19A to 19C will be specifically described.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 17, a reference line L1 that passes through the rotation axis B of the locking pin 41 and extends in a direction orthogonal to the contact surface 38b is defined. A straight line that is the rotational angle position of the center line of the engaging convex portion 42 in the state shown in FIG. 19B where the engaging convex portion 42 contacts the outer periphery of the flange portion 37b of the spindle 37 is defined as L2. Further, a region on the rotation axis A side of the pivot portion 36 with respect to the reference line L1 is defined as R1, a region between the reference line L1 and the straight line L2 is defined as R2, and a region on the side opposite to the reference line L1 with respect to the straight line L2 is defined as R3.

[0053] The locking position of the lock pin 41 shown in FIG. 17 is set to the rotational angle position at which the center line of the engaging convex portion 42 is located in the region R1 including the reference line L1. The first unlocking position of the lock pin 41 shown in FIG. 20B is set to the rotational angle position at which the center line of the engaging convex portion 42 is located in the region R2 that does not include the reference line L1 and the straight line L2. The second unlocking position of the lock pin 41 shown in FIG. 19B is set to the rotational angle position at which the center line of the engaging convex portion 42 is located in the region R3 including the straight line L2. That is, the reference line L1 is the boundary line between the locking position and the first unlocking position, and the straight line L2 is the boundary line between the first unlocking position and the second unlocking position.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 17, the region R1 including the reference line L1 is an opening prevention region that can prevent the spindle 37 from rotating in the opening direction d1 for rotating the lid 30. First, when the rotational angle position of the lock pin 41 coincides with the reference line L1, when the contact surface 38b presses the engaging convex portion 42 by the opening rotation of the spindle 37 in the direction d1, a compressive force in the direction along the reference line L1 acts on the engaging convex portion 42. As a result, since the lock pin 41 does not rotate, the opening rotation of the spindle 37 in the direction d1 is blocked, and the lid 30 also does not move. On the other hand, when the rotational angle position of the lock pin 41 is in the opening prevention region R1 other than on the reference line L1, when the contact surface 38b presses the engaging convex portion 42 by the opening rotation of the spindle 37 in the direction d1, a force that rotates the lock pin 41 toward the rotation axis A of the pivot portion 36 acts on the lock pin 41. However, the rotation of the lock pin 41 is restricted by the contact of the engaging convex portion 42 with the restricting surface 38c. As a result, the opening rotation of the spindle 37 in the direction d1 is blocked by the contact of the contact surface 38b with the engaging convex portion 42. As a result, the lid 30 cannot rotate to the open position shown in FIG. 2 and remains in the closed position shown in FIG. 3 without moving. Among this opening prevention region R1, the locking position of the lock pin 41 of the present embodiment is set to the posture in which the center line of the engaging convex portion 42 is located at a rotational angle position other than on the reference line L1.

[0055] The region R2 shown in FIG. 17 is a first release allowable region that allows the rotation of the spindle 37 in the direction d1 of opening and rotating the lid 30. As shown in FIG. 20B, when the lock pin 41 is in the first release allowable region R2, when the contact surface 38b or the guide surface 38d presses the engaging convex portion 42 by the opening rotation of the spindle 37 in the direction d1, a force that rotates the lock pin 41 away from the rotation axis A of the pivot portion 36 acts on the lock pin 41. Thereby, the lock pin 41 rotates toward the second unlock position shown in FIG. 19B, and the engaging convex portion 42 disengages from the engaging groove 38. That is, in the state where the lock pin 41 is in the first release allowable region R2, the engagement of the lock pin 41 with the engaging groove 38 is released, and the spindle 37 can rotate in the direction d1. Therefore, the lid 30 in the closed position shown in FIG. 3 can be rotated to the open position shown in FIG. 2. Among this first release allowable region R2, the first unlock position of the lock pin 41 of the present embodiment is set at the rotation angle position where the guide surface 38d contacts the engaging convex portion 42 by the opening rotation of the spindle 37 in the direction d1.

[0056] The region R3 shown in FIG. 17 is a second release allowable region that is located farther from the opening prevention region R1 than the first release allowable region R2 and allows the rotation of the spindle 37 in the direction d1 of opening and rotating the lid 30. As shown in FIG. 19B, when the lock pin 41 is in the second release allowable region R3, neither the contact surface 38b nor the guide surface 38d contacts the engaging convex portion 42 by the opening rotation of the spindle 37 in the direction d1. That is, in the state where the lock pin 41 is in the second release allowable region R3, the engagement of the lock pin 41 with the engaging groove 38 is released, and the spindle 37 can rotate in the direction d1. Therefore, the lid 30 in the closed position shown in FIG. 3 can be rotated to the open position shown in FIG. 2. Among this second release allowable region R3, the second unlock position of the lock pin 41 of the present embodiment is set at the rotation angle position where the center line of the engaging convex portion 42 extends along the straight line L2, that is, the rotation angle position where the engaging convex portion 42 contacts the outer periphery of the flange portion 37b of the spindle 37.

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the cam follower 43 is constituted by a portion of the lock pin body 41b above the engaging convex portion 42. The cam follower 43 protrudes forward in the vehicle length direction X from the engaging convex portion 42. An arcuate chamfered portion 43a that slidably contacts the cam surface 53a is provided at a corner located on the side of the tip of the cam follower 43 opposite to the cylindrical portion 41a, on the side of the rotation axis A of the pivot portion 36 (outside in the vehicle width direction Y). When the lock pin 41 is in the lock position shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the gap between the cam follower 43 and the cam surface 53a of the input cam 52 is larger than the gap between the engaging convex portion 42 and the contact surface 38b of the spindle 37. Therefore, when the lock pin 41 is in the lock position and the lid 30 is opened, the contact surface 38b contacts the engaging convex portion 42 due to the rotation of the spindle 37, and the cam surface 53a does not contact the cam follower 43. This prevents the lock pin 41 from rotating toward the first release allowable region R2 via the input cam 52 due to improper operation of the lid 30.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 8, 10A, and 10B, the attachment portion 44 is provided on the side of the lock pin body 41b opposite to the chamfered portion 43a of the cam follower 43. The attachment portion 44 is composed of a frame body protruding inward in the vehicle width direction Y, and the second arm portion 46c of the torsion spring 46 is hooked and attached thereto.

[0059] The guide portion 45 is provided on the lock pin body 41b below the attachment portion 44 in the vehicle height direction Z. The specific structure of the guide portion 45 will be described in detail later.

[0060] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 16, the torsion spring 46 includes a winding portion 46a, a first arm portion 46b, and a second arm portion 46c, and is disposed in a third arrangement portion 25c formed by a recess in the upper end opening of the bearing portion 24.

[0061] The winding portion 46a is positioned in the annular first groove 25g of the third arrangement portion 25c by fitting into the positioning convex portion 25f formed in the third arrangement portion 25c. Thereby, the axis C of the winding portion 46a is positioned parallel to the rotation axis B of the lock pin 41. Here, the arrangement of the rotation axis B and the axis C does not have to be geometrically strictly parallel as long as the torsion spring 46 can be positioned.

[0062] The first arm portion 46b extends from the upper end of the winding portion 46a and is positioned in the second groove 25h of the third arrangement portion 25c.

[0063] The second arm portion 46c extends from the lower end of the winding portion 46a and protrudes into the second arrangement portion 25b that is spatially communicated with the third arrangement portion 25c in which the winding portion 46a is arranged. The second arm portion 46c includes a hook portion 46d, and this hook portion 46d is attached to the attachment portion 44 of the lock pin 41 between the rotation axis B of the lock pin 41 and the axis C of the winding portion 46a.

[0064] In the torsion spring 46 configured as described above, in conjunction with the rotation of the lock pin 41 from the lock position shown in FIG. 16 to the second unlock position shown in FIG. 19A by the drive mechanism 50, the second arm portion 46c moves and the winding portion 46a contracts. Also, referring to FIG. 20A, by the operation of the unlocking member 65, the second arm portion 46c moves inward in the vehicle width direction Y and the winding portion 46a contracts, and the lock pin 41 at the lock position shown in FIG. 16 rotates to the first unlock position shown in FIG. 20A. Referring to FIG. 16, due to the elastic biasing force of the winding portion 46a, the second arm portion 46c moves outward in the vehicle width direction Y and biases the lock pin 41 located in the release allowable region R2 or R3 to the lock position.

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 6, the drive mechanism 50 includes one motor 51 and an input cam 52.

[0066] The motor 51 is a drive source capable of forward and reverse rotation by an electrically connected drive circuit (not shown) being controlled by an ECU (Electronic Control Unit). By forward rotation, the motor 51 rotates the lock pin 41 at the lock position to the second unlock position via the input cam 52 and the spindle 37, and rotates the arm 32 at the retracted position shown in FIG. 3 to the extended position shown in FIG. 2 via the input cam 52 and the differential mechanism 60. By reverse rotation, the motor 51 rotates the arm 32 at the extended position shown in FIG. 2 to the retracted position shown in FIG. 3 via the input cam 52 and the differential mechanism 60. Thereby, the rotation of the lock pin 41 from the second unlock position shown in FIG. 19A to the lock position shown in FIG. 16 due to the biasing force of the torsion spring 46 is allowed.

[0067] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 13, the input cam 52 is a rotating body that is disposed on the flange portion 37b of the spindle 37 disposed in the first arrangement portion 25a and rotates by the driving force received from the motor 51. The input cam 52 includes a cam surface 53a that transmits the driving force received from the motor 51 to the lock pin 41 and moves the lock pin 41 at the lock position toward the second unlock position. Further, the input cam 52 integrally includes a convex portion 54 that constitutes a differential mechanism 60 for transmitting the driving force received from the motor 51 to the spindle 37. The convex portion 54 will be described in detail later. to will be described in detail.

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the input cam 52 includes a fan-shaped plate-like main body 52a as viewed from the direction in which the rotation axis A of the pivot portion 36 extends, and a connection portion 52b that protrudes from the center of the main body 52a. Referring to FIG. 4, the connection portion 52b passes through the through hole 28b, protrudes outside the cover 28, and is connected to the motor 51. The connection portion 52b protrudes along the rotation axis A and has a non-circular cross-section with a plurality of convex ridges protruding radially on the outer peripheral surface. However, the connection portion 52b may be provided on the motor 51 side and connected to the input cam 52.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 13, a shaft hole 52c is provided at the center of the input cam 52. The input cam 52 is pivotally supported on the flange portion 37b by fitting the shaft hole 52c to the shaft portion 37d of the spindle 37, and rotates about the rotation axis A of the pivot portion 36.

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 11, a notch 53 is formed in the main body 52a to allow the engagement convex portion 42 to engage with the engagement groove 38. The notch 53 is recessed inward from the outer peripheral surface of the input cam 52 and penetrates in the vehicle height direction Z. The input cam 52 is disposed adjacent to the spindle 37 along the rotation axis A of the pivot portion 36 so that the notch 53 is located above the engagement groove 38.

[0071] When viewed from the direction in which the rotation axis A of the pivot portion 36 extends, the angular range α of the notch 53 around the rotation axis A of the pivot portion 36 is formed with a width capable of exposing the engagement groove 38. More specifically, the notch 53 is formed in an angular range α where the engagement groove 38 of the spindle 37 is exposed both during the opening rotation that moves the arm 32 in the retracted position shown in FIG. 3 to the advanced position shown in FIG. 2 and during the closing rotation that moves the arm 32 in the advanced position shown in FIG. 2 to the retracted position shown in FIG. 3.

[0072] One of the wall surfaces defining the notch 53 constitutes a cam surface 53a that transmits the rotational force of the input cam 52 and rotates the lock pin 41 in the lock position shown in FIG. 17 toward the second unlock position shown in FIG. 19B. Specifically, the notch 53 is defined by a cam surface 53a and a facing surface 53b that face each other in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis A of the pivot portion 36, and an inner circumferential surface 53c that extends in the circumferential direction. The cam surface 53a is located on the rear side in the direction d1 in which the input cam 52 rotates in the opening direction. The cam surface 53a bulges in an arc shape toward the facing surface 53b.

[0073] In this embodiment, by the sliding contact between the cam surface 53a and the cam follower 43, after rotating the lock pin 41 at the lock position shown in FIG. 17 to the first unlock position shown in FIG. 20B, by the sliding contact between the engaging convex portion 42 and the guide surface 38d, the lock pin 41 at the first unlock position shown in FIG. 20B is rotated to the second unlock position shown in FIG. 19B. However, all of the rotation of the lock pin 41 from the lock position shown in FIG. 17 to the second unlock position shown in FIG. 19B may be performed by the cam surface 53a.

[0074] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the differential mechanism 60 is composed of a concave portion 39 of the spindle 37 and a convex portion 54 of the input cam 52. However, the concave portion 39 may be provided on the input cam 52 and the convex portion 54 may be provided on the spindle 37.

[0075] The convex portion 54 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the lower surface of the input cam 52 facing the spindle 37. When viewed from the direction in which the rotation axis A of the pivot portion 36 extends, the convex portion 54 has a fan shape and protrudes from the input cam 52 toward the spindle 37.

[0076] The concave portion 39 is provided on the flange portion 37b of the spindle 37. The concave portion 39 is a fan-shaped groove that is recessed inward from the outer peripheral surface of the flange portion 37b and has an open upper surface facing the input cam 52, and the convex portion 54 is disposed inside (see FIG. 17).

[0077] Referring to FIG. 17, in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis A of the pivot portion 36, the angular range β forming the convex portion 54 is smaller than the angular range γ forming the concave portion 39. Thereby, a gap 61 with a difference in the angular ranges β and γ is formed between the convex portion 54 and the concave portion 39 in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis A. The angular range (γ - β) of this gap 61 is the differential angular range for rotating the pivot portion 36 with a delay with respect to the start of rotation of the input cam 52.

[0078] The differential angle range (γ-β) is larger than the rotation angle of the input cam 52 when rotating the lock pin 41 at the lock position shown in Fig. 17 to the first release allowable region R2 shown in Fig. 17, and smaller than the rotation angle of the input cam 52 when rotating it to the first unlock position shown in Fig. 20B. As a result, after the lock pin 41 at the lock position shown in Fig. 17 rotates to the first release allowable region R2 that allows the rotation of the spindle 37, the opposing surfaces of the convex portion 54 and the concave portion 39 come into contact, and the spindle 37 begins to rotate. Consequently, while rotating the lock pin 41 to the second unlock position shown in Fig. 19B, the arm 32 at the retracted position shown in Fig. 3 can be rotated to the advanced position shown in Fig. 2.

[0079] The unlocking member 65 manually rotates the lock pin 41 at the lock position shown in Figs. 16 and 18 to the first unlock position shown in Figs. 20A and 20C via the second arm portion 46c of the torsion spring 46. Referring to Figs. 5 and 15, the unlocking member 65 includes a wire 66 and an operation portion 67, and the entire operation portion 67 and a part of the wire 66 are disposed in the second arrangement portion 25b.

[0080] Referring to Figs. 16 and 18, the wire 66 is a transmission member having flexibility and is movably attached within a tube (not shown). An operation portion 67 is provided at one end of the wire 66, and the other end of the wire 66 is connected to an operation lever (not shown). The operation lever is disposed inside the bonnet or the trunk of an automobile, and the wire 66 transmits the operating force of the operation lever to the operation portion 67. Note that the transmission member may be constituted by a rigid body having no flexibility at the portion connected to the operation portion 67, as long as it can move the operation portion 67.

[0081] The operation unit 67 is attached to the second arm portion 46c of the torsion spring 46, moves inward in the vehicle width direction Y by the operation of the wire 66, and moves the second arm portion 46c together. The operation unit 67 is disposed in the second arrangement portion 25b so as to be positioned between the lock pin 41 and the winding portion 46a of the torsion spring 46. Specifically, the operation unit 67 is a rectangular frame body that surrounds the second arm portion 46c, and includes a base portion 67a, an upper frame portion 67b, a lower frame portion 67c, and a guide portion (first guide portion) 67d.

[0082] As most clearly shown in FIG. 18, the base portion 67a is connected to the wire 66 and extends in the vehicle height direction Z in the state of being disposed in the second arrangement portion 25b. The base portion 67a is located inside the second arm portion 46c in the vehicle width direction Y and extends from above the second arm portion 46c to below it. Referring to FIGS. 21A and 21C, the base portion 67a is located inside the second arm portion 46c in the vehicle width direction Y when the lock pin 41 is moved to the second unlock position by the drive mechanism 50 in the non-operated state of the wire 66. That is, even if the second arm portion 46c moves in conjunction with the movement of the lock pin 41, the second arm portion 46c does not interfere with the base portion 67a.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 18, the upper frame portion 67b is located at an interval above the second arm portion 46c and extends in the vehicle width direction Y. More specifically, the upper frame portion 67b is continuous with the upper end of the base portion 67a and extends to the outside in the vehicle width direction Y more than the second arm portion 46c that biases the lock pin 41 to the locked position.

[0084] The lower frame portion 67c is located at an interval below the second arm portion 46c and extends in the vehicle width direction Y. More specifically, the lower frame portion 67c is continuous with the lower end of the base portion 67a and extends to the outside in the vehicle width direction Y more than the outer end in the vehicle width direction Y of the upper frame portion 67b.

[0085] When the operating portion 67 is moved inward in the vehicle width direction Y by the operation of the wire 66, the guide portion 67d guides the second arm portion 46c to the holding portion 47. Specifically, the guide portion 67d is continuous with the outer ends in the vehicle width direction Y of the upper frame portion 67b and the lower frame portion 67c, respectively, and is located outside the second arm portion 46c in the vehicle width direction Y. The guide portion 67d is inclined outward in the vehicle width direction Y from the upper frame portion 67b toward the lower frame portion 67c. That is, the guide portion 67d is inclined in the direction opposite to the direction (inward in the vehicle width direction Y) in which the operating portion 67 moves by the operation of the wire 66 from the upper frame portion 67b toward the lower frame portion 67c. Thereby, the guide portion 37d can move the second arm portion 46c downward in the vehicle height direction Z and inward in the vehicle width direction Y by the movement of the operating portion 67 (see FIG. 22C).

[0086] An allowable space 67e defined by the base portion 67a, the upper frame portion 67b, the lower frame portion 67c, and the guide portion 67d is formed within the operating portion 67. The shortest distance in the vehicle width direction Y of the allowable space 67e, which is the shortest distance between the base portion 67a and the guide portion 67d, is longer than the movement stroke of the second arm portion 46c by the drive mechanism 50 and the torsion spring 46. Therefore, when the wire 66 is not operated, the allowable space 67e allows the movement of the second arm portion 46c interlocked with the rotation of the lock pin 41 by the drive mechanism 50 and the torsion spring 46. Thereby, malfunction associated with the second arm portion 46c interfering with the operating portion 67 is prevented.

[0087] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 16, the operating portion 67 that moves by the operation of the wire 66 is guided to move linearly by a guide portion 25k provided on the bearing portion 24. The guide portion 25k is constituted by a partition wall that defines the third arrangement portion 25c and a groove 25l (see FIG. 18) formed in the second arrangement portion 25b. Further, referring to FIGS. 5 and 18, an insertion hole 25m through which the wire 66 is inserted is formed in the end wall portion 25 so as to be located on the extension line of the guide portion 25k.

[0088] Referring to FIGS. 5, 20A, and 20C, the second arm portion 46c moved by the operation of the unlocking member 65 is held by the holding portion 47 provided on the bearing portion 24. Thereby, the lock pin 41 is held at the first unlock position. The holding portion 47 is provided between the tip of the lock pin 41 and the third arrangement portion 25c in the second arrangement portion 25b and protrudes upward in the vehicle height direction Z. Referring to FIG. 18, the holding portion 47 has a hook shape in which the side of the second arm portion 46c, which is the upper end in the vehicle height direction Z, protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction Y.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 18, the upper end of the holding portion 47 is spaced below the second arm portion 46c when the unlocking member 65 is not operated, in the vehicle height direction Z. Also, the upper end of the holding portion 47 is spaced above the lower frame portion 67c of the operation portion 67. Thereby, when the unlocking member 65 is not operated, the holding portion 47 does not interfere with the second arm portion 46c that moves in conjunction with the rotation of the lock pin 41 and does not inhibit the movement of the second arm portion 46c. On the other hand, when the unlocking member 65 is operated, the guide portion 37d moves the second arm portion 46c downward in the vehicle height direction Z by the movement of the operation portion 67, so that the holding portion 47 can hold the second arm portion 46c (see FIG. 22C).

[0090] The holding of the second arm portion 46c by the holding portion 47 shown in FIG. 20C is normally released by the movement of the second arm portion 46c inward in the vehicle width direction Y due to the rotation of the lock pin 41 from the first unlock position shown in FIG. 20A to the second unlock position shown in FIG. 23A, and the movement of the second arm portion 46c upward in the vehicle height direction Z due to the elastic restoring force of the torsion spring 46. However, when the movement of the second arm portion 46c in the vehicle height direction Z is inhibited by the frictional resistance or the like between the attachment portion 44 of the lock pin 41 and the engaging portion 46d of the torsion spring 46, there is a possibility that the second arm portion 46c is re-held by the holding portion 47 when the lock pin 41 is biased toward the lock position shown in FIG. 16. In order to prevent this re-holding, a guide portion 45 is provided on the lock pin 41.

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 10B and 23C, the guide portion 45 projects inward in the vehicle width direction Y from below the mounting portion 44 of the lock pin body 41b. The guide portion 45 includes an inclined surface 45a that inclines upward from the inner side in the vehicle width direction Y toward the outer side in the vehicle width direction Y. When the lock pin 41 is rotated from the first unlock position shown in FIG. 20A to the second unlock position shown in FIG. 23A, the guide portion 45 abuts against the second arm portion 46c and moves the second arm portion 46c upward in the vehicle height direction Z according to the inclination of the inclined surface 45a. Therefore, by rotating the lock pin 41 toward the second unlock position shown in FIG. 23A, the holding of the second arm portion 46c by the holding portion 47 can be reliably released, and re-holding of the holding portion 47 can be prevented.

[0092] Next, the normal operation of the lid opening / closing device 10 by the drive mechanism 50 will be described with reference to FIGS. 24 and 25.

[0093] FIGS. 24 and 25 are graphs showing the movements of the input cam 52, the arm 32, the lock pin 41, the wire 66, and the second arm portion 46c of the torsion spring 46 with respect to the rotational angle position of the motor 51. Among them, FIG. 24 shows the lid opening operation of rotating the lid 30 in the closed position to the open position by the drive mechanism 50, and FIG. 25 shows the lid closing operation of rotating the lid 30 in the open position to the closed position by the drive mechanism 50.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 24, when rotating the lid 30 in the closed position to the open position, the motor 51 rotates forward from the initial rotation angle position (0) to the maximum rotation angle position (max). As a result, the input cam 52 rotates open in the direction d1 from the closed rotation angle position shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 to the open rotation angle position shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B. During this time, the arm 32, the lock pin 41, and the second arm portion 46c of the torsion spring 46 operate as follows.

[0095] Since the cam surface 53a rotates integrally due to the forward rotation of the input cam 52, the lock pin 41 at the lock position starts to move toward the second unlock position after a delay time corresponding to the clearance between the cam surface 53a and the cam follower 43 (see Sa1 in FIG. 24). On the other hand, due to the gap 61 of the differential mechanism 60, the rotational force of the input cam 52 is not transmitted to the spindle 37. Therefore, as shown by Sb1 in FIG. 24, the arm 32 stops at the retracted position. The second arm portion 46c attached to the lock pin 41 starts to move from the energized position toward the contracted position in conjunction with the movement of the lock pin 41 (see Sc1 in FIG. 24). Since the operation portion 67 has the allowable space 67e, the wire 66 does not move even when the second arm portion 46c moves.

[0096] When the input cam 52 rotates by the amount of the gap 61 of the differential mechanism 60 (differential angle range γ-β), the opposing surfaces of the concave portion 39 and the convex portion 54 come into contact (see Sb2 in FIG. 24). Therefore, after that, the rotational force of the input cam 52 is transmitted and the spindle 37 rotates. Thus, the arm 32 at the retracted position starts to rotate toward the advanced position (see Sb3 in FIG. 24). The lock pin 41 continues to rotate toward the second unlock position due to the sliding contact between the cam surface 53a and the cam follower 43, and the second arm portion 46c also moves in conjunction with the lock pin 41.

[0097] Due to the rotation of the spindle 37, following the sliding contact between the cam surface 53a and the cam follower 43, the engaging convex portion 42 slides in contact with the guide surface 38d (see Sa2 in FIG. 24). As a result, the lock pin 41 continues to rotate toward the second unlock position, and the second arm portion 46c moves toward the contracted position.

[0098] Thereafter, when the spindle 37 rotates until the outer end of the guide surface 38d comes into sliding contact with the engaging convex portion 42, the lock pin 41 rotates to the second unlocking position (see Sa3 in FIG. 24), and the second arm portion 46c moves to the retracted position (see Sc2 in FIG. 24). As a result, as shown in FIGS. 19A to 19C, the lock pin 41 is pressed against the outer periphery of the flange portion 37b of the spindle 37 by the biasing force of the torsion spring 46 and is held in the second unlocking position (see Sa4 in FIG. 24). Also, the second arm portion 46c is maintained in the retracted position (see Sc3 in FIG. 24).

[0099] When the input cam 52 rotates to the open rotation angle position, as shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B, the arm 32 rotates to the extended position via the spindle 37. As a result, the lid 30 rotates to the open position. In this state, the lock pin 41 is pressed against the outer periphery of the flange portion 37b by the biasing force of the torsion spring 46 and is maintained in the second unlocking position. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 21C, the second arm portion 46c of the torsion spring 46 is also maintained in the retracted position. On the other hand, the wire 66 does not move at all during the opening operation of the lid 30.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 25, when rotating the lid 30 in the open position to the closed position, the motor 51 reverses from the maximum rotation angle position (max) to the initial rotation angle position (0). As a result, the input cam 52 rotates in the closing direction d2 from the open rotation angle position shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B to the closed rotation angle position shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. During this time, the arm 32, the lock pin 41, and the second arm portion 46c of the torsion spring 46 operate as follows.

[0101] As the input cam 52 rotates in the closed direction, the cam surface 53a rotates integrally. However, since the cam surface 53a rotates to a rotational angle position away from the cam follower 43, the lock pin 41 is held at the second unlocking position without rotating (see Sa5 in Fig. 25). Also, due to the gap 61 in the differential mechanism 60, the rotational force of the input cam 52 is not transmitted to the spindle 37. Therefore, as shown by Sb4 in Fig. 25, the arm 32 also does not rotate. Since the lock pin 41 does not rotate, the second arm portion 46c also does not move from the contracted position (see Sc4 in Fig. 25), and the wire 66 also does not move.

[0102] When the input cam 52 rotates by the amount of the gap 61 (differential angle range γ-β) of the differential mechanism 60, the opposing surfaces of the recess 39 and the protrusion 54 come into contact (see Sb5 in Fig. 25). Therefore, thereafter, since the rotational force of the input cam 52 is transmitted and the spindle 37 rotates, the arm 32 at the advanced position starts to rotate toward the retracted position (see Sb6 in Fig. 25). Also at this time, the lock pin 41, the second arm portion 46c, and the wire 66 do not move.

[0103] When the engaging protrusion 42 is positioned on the guide surface 38d due to the rotation of the spindle 37 (see Sa6 in Fig. 25), thereafter, due to the biasing force of the torsion spring 46, the lock pin 41 at the second unlocking position starts to rotate toward the locking position (see Sa7 in Fig. 25). As a result, the second arm portion 46c at the contracted position starts to move toward the biased position (see Sc5 in Fig. 25).

[0104] Subsequently, when the spindle 37 is rotated to an angular position where the engaging protrusion 42 contacts the outer end of the contact surface 38b (see Sb7 in Fig. 25), as shown in Figs. 16 and 17, due to the biasing force of the torsion spring 46, the lock pin 41 rotates to the locking position and contacts the stopper 25i formed on the bearing portion 24 and stops (see Sa8 in Fig. 25). Also, as shown in Fig. 18, the second arm portion 46c moves to the biased position (see Sc6 in Fig. 25).

[0105] Finally, the engagement groove 38 of the spindle 37 and the clearance between the engagement convex portion 42 of the lock pin 41 cause the input cam 52 and the spindle 37 to rotate. As a result, the input cam 52 rotates to the closed rotation angle position, the arm 32 rotates to the retracted position via the spindle 37, and the lid 30 rotates to the closed position.

[0106] As described above, in the locking device 40 of the present embodiment, the locking state and the unlocking state of the lid 30 by the lock pin 41 can be switched by one motor 51 without inhibiting the rotation of the arm 32 between the advanced position shown in FIG. 2 and the retracted position shown in FIG. 3.

[0107] Next, the unlocking operation of the lid opening / closing device 10 by the unlocking member 65 will be described with reference to FIG. 26.

[0108] FIG. 26 is a graph showing the movements of the input cam 52, the arm 32, the lock pin 41, the wire 66, and the second arm portion 46c of the torsion spring 46 with respect to the operation stroke when the user operates the unlocking member 65.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 26, an operation lever (not shown) disposed in the engine compartment or the trunk is operated from the initial position (0) to the maximum operation position (max). As a result, the wire 66 is pulled from the advanced position toward the maximum retracted position (see Sd1 in FIG. 26). During this time, the input cam 52, the arm 32, the lock pin 41, and the second arm portion 46c operate as follows.

[0110] First, the movement of the wire 66 causes the second arm portion 46c of the torsion spring 46 to start moving from the energized position toward the contracted position after a delay time corresponding to the clearance with the operation portion 67 (see Se1 in FIG. 26). Subsequently, after a delay time corresponding to the clearance between the second arm portion 46c and the mounting portion 44, the lock pin 41 in the locked position starts moving toward the first unlocked position (see Sf1 in FIG. 26).

[0111] The second arm portion 46c is moved by the pressing of the guide portion 67d of the operation portion 67. At this time, the second arm portion 46c moves toward the holding portion 47 according to the inclination of the guide portion 67d. Then, as shown in FIGS. 22A to 22C, when the wire 66 is pulled to the maximum retracted position, the second arm portion 46c moves beyond the holding portion 47 to the contracted position and below the upper end of the holding portion 47 (see Se2 in FIG. 26). Also, the lock pin 41 rotates from beyond the first unlock position to the second unlock position (see Sf2 in FIG. 26).

[0112] The state shown in FIGS. 22A to 22C continues until the user stops operating the operation lever. When the user releases the hand from the operation lever (operation stop), the second arm portion 46c is moved toward the biasing position by the biasing force of the torsion spring 46 (see Se3 in FIG. 26). Thereby, the wire 66 advances toward the extended position via the operation portion 67 (see Sd2 in FIG. 26). Also, after a delay time corresponding to the clearance between the second arm portion 46c and the attachment portion 44, the lock pin 41 rotates toward the locked position (see Sf3 in FIG. 26).

[0113] Since the second arm portion 46c is moved below the upper end of the holding portion 47 by the guide portion 67d, the movement of the second arm portion 46c by the biasing force of the torsion spring 46 stops at the holding portion 47 (see Se4 in FIG. 26). That is, as shown in FIGS. 20A to 20C, the second arm portion 46c is held by the holding portion 47 by the operation stop. Thereby, the advancement of the wire 66 stops at the semi-retracted position (see Sd3 in FIG. 26), and the rotation of the lock pin 41 stops at the first unlock position (see Sf4 in FIG. 26).

[0114] The force generated by the operation of the unlocking member 65 as described above is not transmitted to anything other than the torsion spring 46 and the lock pin 41. Therefore, the arm 32 does not rotate from the retracted position (see Sg1 in FIG. 26), and the input cam 52 does not rotate from the closed rotation angle position (see Sh1 in FIG. 26). Thus, the lid 30 in the closed position also does not rotate.

[0115] In the first unlocking state in case of emergency shown in FIGS. 20A to 20C, the second arm portion 46c is held by the holding portion 47, and the lock pin 41 is rotated to the first unlocking position. Therefore, the engagement between the lock pin 41 and the engagement groove 38 of the spindle 37 is released, and the lid 30 can be manually opened and closed. This first unlocking state continues until the lid 30 in the closed position shown in FIG. 3 is rotated to the open position shown in FIG. 2, or until the drive mechanism 50 is repaired and the lid 30 is opened.

[0116] Next, the operation of the lid opening / closing device 10 when the lid 30 is operated in the first unlocking state in case of emergency will be described with reference to FIG. 27.

[0117] FIG. 27 is a graph showing the movements of the input cam 52, the arm 32, the lock pin 41, the wire 66, and the second arm portion 46c of the torsion spring 46 with respect to the rotational angle position of the lid 30 when the lid 30 is manually operated.

[0118] Referring to FIG. 27, the lid 30 opened in the first unlocking state rotates from the closed position (0) to the open position (max). As a result, the arm 32 rotates from the retracted position to the advanced position (see Sg2 in FIG. 27). During this time, the input cam 52, the lock pin 41, the wire 66, and the second arm portion 46c of the torsion spring 46 operate as follows.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 20B, in the first unlocking state, the opposing surfaces of the concave portion 39 and the convex portion 54 that rotate in the direction d1 by the opening operation of the lid 30 are in contact. Therefore, the input cam 52 at the closed rotation angle position immediately starts to rotate toward the open rotation angle position (see Sh2 in FIG. 27). At this point, the lock pin 41, the second arm portion 46c, and the wire 66, to which the operating force of the lid 30 is not transmitted, do not move.

[0120] When the guide surface 38d of the engagement groove 38 abuts against the engagement convex portion 42 due to the rotation of the spindle 37 (see Sf5 in FIG. 27), thereafter, the lock pin 41 at the first unlock position starts to rotate toward the second unlock position. As a result, the second arm portion 46c of the torsion spring 46 also starts to move from the holding position toward the contracted position (see Se5 in FIG. 27). However, since the operation portion 67 is provided with the allowable space 67e, the wire 66 does not move even when the second arm portion 46c moves (see Sd4 in FIG. 27).

[0121] When the lock pin 41 rotates to the second unlock position (see Sf6 in FIG. 27), the second arm portion 46c also moves to the contracted position (see Se6 in FIG. 27). As a result, the second arm portion 46c is separated from the holding portion 47, and the holding of the second arm portion 46c by the holding portion 47 is released. At this time, the second arm portion 46c is guided upward in the vehicle height direction Z by the guide portion 45.

[0122] Subsequently, when the lid 30 is rotated to the open position, the arm 32 also rotates to the extended position (see Sg3 in FIG. 27). In this state, the lock pin 41 is held at the second unlock position by the flange portion 37b of the spindle 37 (see Sf7 in FIG. 27), and the second arm portion 46c is held at the contracted position by the lock pin 41 (see Se7 in FIG. 27). On the other hand, the input cam 52 stops without rotating to the open rotation angle position (see Sh3 in FIG. 27).

[0123] The state in which the lid 30 is opened from the first unlocked state is shown in FIGS. 23A and 23B, and the state in which the lid 30 is opened by the drive mechanism 50 is shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B. Referring to these figures, the rotational angle position of the input cam 52 and the position of the unlocking member 65 are different between the emergency situation and the normal situation. The difference between the rotational angle position of the input cam 52 in the emergency situation shown in FIGS. 23A and 23B and the rotational angle position of the input cam 52 in the normal situation shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B corresponds to the angle (γ-β) of the gap 61 of the differential mechanism 60. That is, in the opening operation of the lid 30 during emergency unlocking, the input cam 52 stops leaving an angular range (γ-β) corresponding to the gap 61 with respect to the opening rotational angle position.

[0124] Continuing to refer to FIG. 27, the operation of the lid opening / closing device 10 when manually closing the manually opened lid 30 will be described.

[0125] When the lid 30 in the open state is closed, the lid 30 rotates from the open position (max) to the closed position (0). As a result, the arm 32 rotates from the advanced position to the retracted position (see Sg4 in FIG. 27). During this time, the input cam 52, the lock pin 41, the wire 66, and the second arm portion 46c of the torsion spring 46 operate as follows.

[0126] Referring to FIG. 23B, there is a gap 61 between the concave portion 39 and the convex portion 54 that rotate in the direction d2 by the closing operation of the lid 30. Therefore, the input cam 52 starts to rotate toward the closing rotational angle position after the spindle 37 rotates by the angular range (γ-β) of the gap 61 (see Sh4 in FIG. 27). The lock pin 41, the second arm portion 46c, and the wire 66, to which the operating force of the lid 30 is not transmitted, do not move.

[0127] Subsequently, when the spindle 37 is rotated by the rotation of the spindle 37 until the guide surface 38d comes into sliding contact with the engaging convex portion 42 (see Sg5 in FIG. 27), the urging force of the torsion spring 46 causes the locking pin 41 in the second unlocking position to begin rotating toward the locking position (see Sf8 in FIG. 27), and the second arm portion 46c also begins to move from the retracted position toward the urging position (see Se8 in FIG. 27). On the other hand, the wire 66 begins to advance from the semi-retracted position to the advanced position after a delay time until the second arm portion 46c comes into contact with the operating portion 67 (see Sd5 in FIG. 27).

[0128] Subsequently, when the spindle 37 rotates to an angular position where the engaging convex portion 42 contacts the outer end of the contact surface 38b (see Sg6 in FIG. 27), the locking pin 41 rotates to the locking position by the urging force of the torsion spring 46 (see Sf9 in FIG. 27) and stops in contact with the stopper 25i. Also, the second arm portion 46c moves to the urging position (see Se9 in FIG. 27), and the wire 66 advances to the advanced position (see Sd6 in FIG. 27).

[0129] Finally, the input cam 52 and the spindle 37 rotate by the clearance between the engaging groove 38 of the spindle 37 and the engaging convex portion 42 of the locking pin 41. As a result, the arm 32 rotates to the retracted position, and the input cam 52 stops leaving an angular range (γ - β) corresponding to the clearance 61 with respect to the closed rotation angular position.

[0130] As described above, in the locking device 40 of the present embodiment, even when the rotation of the locking pin 41 by the drive mechanism 50 is impossible, the lid 30 can be opened and closed by operating the unlocking member 65 and the lid 30.

[0131] The locking device 40 configured as described above and the lid opening and closing device 10 including the locking device 40 have the following features.

[0132] It includes an electric drive mechanism 50 that moves the lock pin 41 at the lock position to the second unlock position, and a torsion spring 46 that biases the lock pin 41 to the lock position. Therefore, the lid 30 can be electrically switched between the locked state and the unlocked state. Further, it includes a manual unlocking member 65 that moves the lock pin 41 at the lock position to the first unlock position via the second arm portion 46c of the torsion spring 46. Therefore, when the lock pin 41 cannot be rotated electrically due to a failure of the motor 51 or the like, it can be manually switched from the locked state to the unlocked state by operating the unlocking member 65.

[0133] It includes a holding portion 47 that can hold the second arm portion 46c so that the lock pin 41 is located at the first unlock position, and a guide portion 67d in which the operating portion 67 of the unlocking member 65 guides the second arm portion 46c to the holding portion 47. When the unlocking member 65 is not being operated, the holding portion 47 is positioned at an interval along the axis C of the winding portion 46a with respect to the second arm portion 46c. Therefore, when the lock pin 41 is rotated by the drive mechanism 50 and the torsion spring 46, the second arm portion 46c is not held by the holding portion 47.

[0134] When the unlocking member 65 is operated, the second arm portion 46c is guided to the holding portion 47 by the guide portion 67d. Therefore, when the operation of the unlocking member 65 is stopped, the second arm portion 46c is held by the holding portion 47. As a result, the lock pin 41 stops at the first unlock position that allows the lid 30 to move, so that the unlocking and movement of the lid 30 can be performed in order with one hand. That is, since the lock pin 41 does not return to the lock position, even when the lid 30 does not move due to a malfunction, it is not necessary to maintain the state of operating the unlocking member 65 with one hand and operate the lid 30 with the other hand. Therefore, the operability when manually unlocking and moving the lid 30 can be improved.

[0135] The guide portion 67d is inclined in a direction opposite to the direction in which the operation portion 67 moves (the inner side in the vehicle width direction Y), that is, the outer side in the vehicle width direction Y, from the second arm portion 46c side toward the holding portion 47, by the operation of the unlocking member 65. Therefore, by the operation of the unlocking member 65, the second arm portion 46c of the torsion spring 46 can be reliably held by the holding portion 47.

[0136] The lock pin 41 has a guide portion 45 that guides the second arm portion 46c, whose holding by the holding portion 47 has been released, away from the holding portion 47 along the axis C of the winding portion 46a, by the movement from the first unlocking position to the second unlocking position. Therefore, by manually or electrically rotating the lock pin 41 to the second unlocking position, the holding of the second arm portion 46c by the holding portion 47 can be reliably released.

[0137] The second arm portion 46c is attached to the lock pin 41 between the rotation axis B of the lock pin 41 and the axis C of the winding portion 46a, and the operation portion 67 is composed of a frame body that surrounds the second arm portion 46c and defines an allowable space 67e. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the operation portion 67 from coming off the second arm portion 46c and making manual unlocking impossible.

[0138] The object to be locked is the lid 30 provided in the lid opening and closing device 10. The arm 32 provided in the lid 30 has a pivot portion 36 that is rotatable around a rotation axis A extending along the axis C of the winding portion 46a, and an engagement groove 38 with which the lock pin 41 can engage. When there is no holding portion 47, the lock pin 41 cannot be held in the first unlocking position, so it is necessary to arrange the lid opening and closing device 10 near the bonnet or trunk where the operation lever is arranged. However, in this embodiment, since there is a holding portion 47 that can hold the lock pin 41 in the first unlocking position, such a limitation does not occur.

[0139] Since the drive mechanism 50 includes an input cam 52 that transmits the driving force of the motor 51 to the pivot portion 36 to move the arm 32, the lid can be automatically opened and closed via the arm 32. Further, since the lock pin 41 is rotatable between a lock position engaged with the engagement groove 38 of the pivot portion 36 and a second unlock position where the engagement with the engagement groove 38 is released when the arm 32 is in the retracted position, the closed lid 30 can be locked via the arm 32. Further, when moving the arm 32 in the retracted position to the advanced position, since it includes a cam surface 53a that transmits the rotational force of the input cam 52 to rotate the lock pin 41 in the lock position toward the second unlock position, the lock by the lock pin 41 can be released during the opening operation of the lid 30. In this way, with a single motor 51, it is possible to realize the automatic opening and closing of the lid 30 and the switching between the locked state and the unlocked state of the lid 30 by the lock pin 41. Therefore, compared with the case of mounting two drive sources, it is possible to improve security while suppressing the increase in size and cost of the lid opening / closing device 10.

[0140] The base 20 includes a guide portion 25k that guides the operating portion 67 to move linearly. Therefore, by operating the unlocking member 65, the operating portion 67 can be moved linearly, and the lock pin 41 in the lock position can be surely moved to the first unlock position.

[0141] Note that the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible.

[0142] For example, if the operating portion 67 of the unlocking member 65 has a configuration including a guide portion 67d and an allowable space 67e, it does not have to be in a frame shape surrounding the second arm portion 46c. Further, the guide portion 67d may be curved as long as it can guide the second arm portion 46c to the holding portion 47.

[0143] The lock member 41 does not necessarily have a guide portion 45 that guides the arm portion 46c so as to be separated from the holding portion 47.

[0144] The drive mechanism 50 may be a dedicated mechanism that can only move the lock pin 41. That is, the lock pin 41 and the lid 30 may be operated by different drive mechanisms. Also, a gear may be used for the rotating body of the drive mechanism 50. The cam may be provided on a member different from the input cam 52 as long as it can move in conjunction with the input cam 52.

[0145] The object to be locked by the locking device 40 may be other than the lid 30 provided in the lid opening / closing device 10.

Explanation of Signs

[0146] 1 Side panel (panel) 2 Receiving port 10 Lid opening / closing device 15 Power supply connector 15a Connection part 20 Base 21 Base body 21a Insertion hole 21b Opening 22 Mounting part 23 Sealing member 24 Bearing part 25 End wall part 25a First arrangement part 25b Second arrangement part 25c Third arrangement part 25d Shaft part 25f Positioning convex part 25g First groove 25h Second groove 25i Stopper 25k Guide part (third guide part) 25l Groove 25m Insertion hole 26 End wall part 26a Shaft hole 27 Side wall part 28 Cover 28a Mounting piece 28b Through hole 29 Gap 30 Lid (object) 32 Arm 33 Arm body 34 First arm part 35 Second arm part 35a Cylindrical part 35b Mounting hole 36 Pivoting part 37 Spindle 37a Mounting part 37b Flange part 37c Shaft part 37d Shaft part 38 Engagement groove (engagement part) 38a Base surface 38b Contact surface 38c Restricting surface 38d Guide surface 39 Concave part 40 Locking device 41 Lock pin (locking member) 41a Cylindrical part 41b Lock pin body 42 Engagement convex part 42a Tip part 43 Cam follower 43a Chamfered part 44 Mounting part 45 Guide part (second guide part) 45a Inclined surface 46 Torsion spring (biasing member) 46a Winding part 46b First arm part 46c Second arm part (arm part) 46d Hooking part 47 Holding part 50 Driving mechanism 51 Motor (driving source) 52 Input cam (rotating body) 52b Connection part 52c Shaft hole 53 Notch 53a Cam surface (cam) 53b Opposing surface 53c Inner peripheral surface 54 Convex part 60 Differential mechanism 61 Gap 65 Lock release member 66 wires 67 Operation unit 67a Base part 67b Upper frame part 67c Lower frame part 67d Guide part (First guide part) 67e Allowable space

Claims

1. From a lock position that locks the object immovably, through a first unlock position where the lock on the object is released, to a second unlock position that is located farther from the lock position than the first unlock position and where the lock on the object is released, a movement to the second unlock position and a movement from the second unlock position, through the first unlock position, to the lock position are possible. A lock member, An electric drive mechanism that moves the lock member at the lock position to the second unlock position, A winding part, and an arm part that extends from the winding part and is attached to the lock member. A biasing member that biases the lock member to the lock position, A manual unlocking member that has an operation part for operating the arm part and moves the lock member at the lock position to the first unlock position via the arm part, A holding part that is positioned at an interval along the axis of the winding part with respect to the arm part when the unlocking member is not operated, and can hold the arm part so that the lock member is positioned at the first unlock position when the unlocking member is operated, Comprising, The operation part, A first guide part that guides the arm part to the holding part when the unlocking member is operated, A permission space that permits movement of the arm part that is interlocked with movement of the lock member between the lock position and the second unlock position when the unlocking member is not operated, A locking device.

2. The first guide part is inclined from the arm part side toward the holding part side in a direction opposite to the direction in which the operation part moves by operation of the unlocking member. The locking device according to claim 1.

3. The holding of the arm part by the holding part is released by movement of the lock member from the first unlock position to the second unlock position, The lock member has a second guide part that guides the arm part, whose holding by the holding part is released, away from the holding part along the axis of the winding part. The locking device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The lock member is rotatable about a rotation axis extending along the axis of the winding part and extends toward the biasing member, The arm part is attached to the lock member between the rotation axis of the lock member and the axis of the winding part, The operation part is composed of a frame that surrounds the arm part and defines the allowable space. The locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The object is a lid provided with a lid opening / closing device that can open and close the receiving port of the panel, The lid has a pivot part that can rotate around a rotation axis extending along the axis of the winding part, and an engaging part provided on the pivot part with which the locking member can engage. After retreating into the panel and closing the receiving port with the lid, it has an arm that can move between a retracted position and an advanced position where it protrudes outside the panel to open the receiving port. The locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The lid opening / closing device has a base disposed inside the receiving port of the panel. The drive mechanism is a rotating body that transmits the driving force received from the drive source to the pivot part and moves the arm between the retracted position and the advanced position, a cam that can rotate in conjunction with the rotating body and, when moving the arm in the retracted position to the advanced position, transmits the rotational force of the rotating body to move the locking member in the locked position toward the second unlocked position, and a differential mechanism for starting the rotation of the pivot part with a delay with respect to the start of rotation of the rotating body when moving the arm in the retracted position to the advanced position. It has The locking member is pivotally supported on the base adjacent to the pivot part. When the arm is in the retracted position, it can rotate between the locked position engaged with the engaging part and the second unlocked position where the engagement with the engaging part is released. The holding part is provided on the base. The locking device according to claim 5.

7. The base has a third guide part for guiding the operation part to move linearly. The locking device according to claim 6.

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