Locking device

Abstract

To provide a lock device that is able to hold a lock pin at a lock position.SOLUTION: In a lock device 1, a rack member 13 is movable in an arrow E direction from a first position Q1 where a lock pin 11 is held at a lock position P1 to a second position Q2 where the lock pin 11 is movable to a lock position P2, and the rack member is movable in a direction arrow D direction from the second position Q2 to a third position Q3 where the lock pin 11 is disposed at the unlock position P2. A restriction unit 70 restricts the movement of the rack member 13 in the arrow D direction from the first position Q1. By driving a movable gear 14, the rack member 13 is moved from the first position Q1 to the second position Q2 while being guided by a first guide portion 71, and is moved from the second position Q2 to the third position Q3 while being guided by a second guide portion 72.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9B

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, etc. have become increasingly popular. In these vehicles, when the remaining battery power is low, the battery is charged at a charging facility.

[0003] The battery is charged by connecting a power supply cable extending from a charging facility to a power supply port on the vehicle body (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a locking device that locks a power supply cable to a vehicle body to prevent the power supply cable from being replaced while the battery is being charged or from being stolen (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

[0005] Such a locking device is provided with a lock pin that restricts movement of the power supply cable. To prevent the lock pin from moving and releasing the restriction on the power supply cable during charging, the locking device shown in Patent Document 2 uses a worm gear self-locking mechanism. When operated from the lock pin side, the component force of the worm gear makes the operation heavy, and the lock pin can be held in the locked position. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-121109 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-181750 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, in a self-locking mechanism using a worm gear, if the force holding the lock pin in the locked position is increased, the operating load increases.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a locking device that is capable of holding a lock pin in a locked position. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A locking device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a lock pin, a rack member, a movable gear, a drive unit, and a housing. The lock pin is movable along a first direction from a locked position that restricts movement of an object to an unlocked position that releases the restriction on movement of the object. The rack member has a rack gear and is engaged with the lock pin. The movable gear meshes with the rack gear to move the rack member. The drive unit drives the movable gear. The housing accommodates the rack member, the movable gear, and the drive unit, and has the lock pin inserted therethrough. The rack member is movable along the second direction from a first position where the lock pin is held in the locked position to a second position where the lock pin can move to the locked position, and is movable along the first direction from the second position to a third position where the lock pin is positioned in the unlocked position. The housing includes a restricting unit, a first guide unit, and a second guide unit. The restricting unit restricts movement of the rack member from the first position along the first direction. The first guide portion guides movement of the rack member from the first position to the second position along the second direction. The second guide portion guides movement of the rack member from the second position to the third position along the first direction. By driving the moving gear, the rack member is guided by the first guide portion from the first position to the second position, and is guided by the second guide portion from the second position to the third position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a locking device that can hold a lock pin in a locked position. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of a locking device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing a locking device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a first housing part is removed from a lock device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a plan view showing a state in which a first housing part is removed from a lock device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5A] 1 is a perspective view showing a rack member and a lock pin of a locking device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5B] 1 is a perspective view showing a rack member and a lock pin of a locking device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Cross-sectional view of the section CC' in Figure 5A. [Figure 7] 3 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between a rack member and a moving gear of the locking device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 8] 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a first housing portion, a second gear unit, a rack member, and a lock pin are removed from a lock device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 9A] 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the movement of a rack member and a lock pin in the lock device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 9B] 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the movement of a rack member and a lock pin in the lock device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 9C] 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the movement of a rack member and a lock pin in the lock device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 10A] 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the movement of the rack member and the lock pin caused by the emergency cable in the lock device of the first embodiment according to the present invention. FIG. [Figure 10B] 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the movement of the rack member and the lock pin caused by the emergency cable in the lock device of the first embodiment according to the present invention. FIG. [Figure 10C]4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the movement of the rack member and the lock pin caused by the emergency cable in the lock device of the first embodiment according to the present invention. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a locking device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12A] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which a first housing part is removed from a lock device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12B] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a state in which a first housing part is removed from a lock device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a state in which a first housing part is removed from a lock device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14A] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a rack member and a lock pin of a locking device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14B] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a rack member and a lock pin of a locking device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 14B is a cross-sectional view of the section FF' in FIG. 14A. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which a first housing portion, a second gear unit, a rack member, and a lock pin are removed from a lock device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17A] 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the movement of a rack member and a lock pin in a locking device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 17B] 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the movement of a rack member and a lock pin in a locking device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 17C] 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the movement of a rack member and a lock pin in a locking device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a locking device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which a first housing part is removed from a lock device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20]FIG. 11 is a side view showing a state in which the first housing part is removed from the lock device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21A] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a rack member and a lock pin of a locking device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21B] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a rack member, a lock pin, and an emergency cable of a locking device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which a second housing portion, a second gear unit, a rack member, and a lock pin are removed from a lock device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23A] FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating the movement of a rack member and a lock pin in a locking device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23B] FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating the movement of a rack member and a lock pin in a locking device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23C] Enlarged view of Figure 23B. [Figure 23D] FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating the movement of a rack member and a lock pin in a locking device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A locking device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0013] (Outline of the locking device) The locking device of this embodiment can be used to lock a power supply cable (an example of an object) connected to a power supply port on a vehicle body. While locking devices are generally provided on the vehicle body, their placement is not limited as long as they are capable of locking the power supply cable. The locking device does not have to lock the power supply cable itself; it may lock a member connected to the power supply cable. As will be described in more detail below, the locking device prevents the power supply cable from being removed from the power supply port by projecting a lock pin and restricting movement of the power supply cable. The locking device can also be used as a locking device that restricts movement of an object by advancing a pin, such as a fuel lid locking device.

[0014] (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of a locking device 1 according to a first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a vehicle 501 equipped with, for example, a battery as a driving source is equipped with a charging system capable of charging the battery of the vehicle 501 using an external power source. A power supply port 502 is provided on a side of the vehicle 501, and the power supply port 502 is provided with a charging connector 510 attached to a power supply cable. An inlet 503 is disposed in the power supply port 502. In FIG. 1, a locking protrusion 504 that is locked by a locking arm 512 (described later) is provided above the inlet 503 of the vehicle 501. The locking device 1 according to the present embodiment is disposed above the locking protrusion 504. As an example, the locking device 1 is disposed so that its lock pin 11 moves in the vertical direction. The arrangement of the locking device 1 is not limited thereto, and the location and posture of the locking device 1 may be changed as appropriate to suit the object to be locked.

[0015] A power supply plug 511 that is connected to inlet 503 is provided at the tip of charging connector 510. Power supply plug 511 is provided with a lock arm 512 that functions to prevent power supply plug 511 from coming loose when connected to inlet 503.

[0016] Lock arm 512 has claw portion 513 on the tip side and operating portion 514 on the base side. Lock arm 512 is provided rotatable about rotation axis 512a provided between claw portion 513 and operating portion 514 (see arrow A). A biasing member 515 is attached to lock arm 512, which biases claw portion 513 so as to rotate downward.

[0017] When attaching the power supply plug 511 to the inlet 503, the power supply plug 511 is inserted toward the inlet 503, causing the claw 513 to come into contact with the sloped surface of the locking protrusion 504. When the power supply plug 511 is further inserted against the biasing force of the locking arm 512 by the biasing member 515, the claw 513 is guided by the sloped surface of the locking protrusion 504 and becomes caught on the locking protrusion 504.

[0018] On the other hand, when removing the power supply plug 511, by pressing the operating part 514, the lock arm 512 rotates around the rotation axis 512a, causing the claw part 513 to rise (see the two-dot chain line), thereby releasing the locking engagement with the locking protrusion 504. This allows the power supply plug 511 to be removed from the inlet 503.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1 , the locking device 1 of this embodiment is provided above the locking projection 504. The locking device 1 moves the locking pin 11 in one direction d1 and the other direction d2 (left-right direction in FIG. 1 ). In FIG. 1 , when the claw 513 is engaged with the locking projection 504, the locking device 1 moves the locking pin 11 (in one direction d1 (leftward in FIG. 1 )) to a lock position P1 (solid line) above the locking arm 512, thereby restricting rotation of the locking arm 512 through operation of the operating unit 514. When the power plug 511 is removed from the inlet 503, the locking pin 11 moves (in the other direction d2 (rightward in FIG. 1 )) to an unlock position P2 (two-dot chain line) to the right of the lock position P1, thereby releasing the restriction on rotation of the locking arm 512.

[0020] In FIG. 1 , the lock position P1 is located to the left of the unlock position P2, but the arrangement of the lock position P1 and the unlock position P2 is not limited to this. For example, depending on the position of the restricting member, the lock position P1 may be located to the right of the unlock position P2, or the lock position P1 and the unlock position P2 may be located vertically or in a direction perpendicular to the vertical and horizontal directions (the depth direction in FIG. 1 ). In FIG. 1 , an example is described in which the locking device restricts the rotation of the lock arm 512 of the power plug 511 when the lock arm 512 is engaged with the locking protrusion 504 of the inlet 503. However, the present invention is not limited to this structure. For example, the present invention may be applied to a structure in which the lock pin 11 of the locking device 1 is inserted into locking holes provided on the side surfaces of the inlet 503 and the power plug 511 to prevent the power plug 511 from coming loose.

[0021] (Configuration of locking device 1) Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the locking device 1 as viewed from the Z1 direction side. As shown in Fig. 2, the locking device 1 includes a locking pin 11 and a housing 12 through which the locking pin 11 is inserted. The housing 12 has a first housing portion 21 and a second housing portion 22. The first housing portion 21 is box-shaped with one side open. The second housing portion 22 is plate-shaped and is disposed so as to cover the opening of the first housing portion 21.

[0022] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the locking device 1 from which the first housing portion 21 has been removed, as viewed from the Z2 direction. Fig. 4 is a plan view of the locking device 1 from which the first housing portion 21 has been removed, as viewed from above.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 3, the locking device 1 includes the lock pin 11 described above, the housing 12 described above, a rack member 13, a movable gear 14, a drive unit 15, a detection switch 16, and an emergency cable 17 (an example of a cable member). As shown in FIG. 1, the lock pin 11 is movable along the Z direction from a locked position P1 at which movement of an object is restricted to an unlocked position P2 at which restriction on movement of the object is released. As shown in FIG. 3, the rack member 13 has a rack gear 43 and is engaged with the lock pin 11. The movable gear 14 is engaged with the rack gear 43 to move the rack member 13. The drive unit 15 drives the movable gear 14. Driving the movable gear 14 moves the rack member 13 in the Z direction. As the rack member 13 moves in the Z direction, the lock pin 11 engaged with the rack member 13 also moves in the Z direction, moving between the locked position P1 and the unlocked position P2. When the lock pin 11 moves to the locked position, the detection switch 16 is pressed by the rack member 13, and detects that the lock pin 11 is located at the locked position P1. The emergency cable 17 is provided to move the lock pin 11 from the locked position P1 to the unlocked position P2 in the event of an emergency, thereby releasing the lock.

[0024] (moving gear 14, driving part 15) As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the drive unit 15 includes a motor 30, a first transmission gear 31, a second transmission gear 32, a third transmission gear 33, and a fourth transmission gear 34. The motor 30 is disposed so that its output shaft 30a is perpendicular to the direction of movement of the lock pin 11. In the figures, the Y direction along the output shaft 30a of the motor 30 is shown. The direction in which the output shaft 30a extends within the Y direction is shown as the Y1 direction, and the side opposite the Y1 direction is shown as the Y2 direction. The direction perpendicular to the Z direction and the Y direction is shown as the X direction. The motor 30 is disposed at an end of the second housing portion 22 in the X direction. Within the X direction, the side on which the motor 30 is disposed is shown as the X1 direction, and the side opposite the X1 direction is shown as the X2 direction. The X direction and Y direction can be considered to be directions parallel to the plate-shaped second housing portion 22, and the Z direction can be considered to be a direction perpendicular to the second housing portion 22. In this specification, the term "perpendicular" does not necessarily mean perpendicular in the strict sense, but may include a margin of error, as long as it is recognized as perpendicular in the accepted social sense. In this specification, the term "parallel" does not necessarily mean parallel in the strict sense, but may include a margin of error, as long as it is recognized as perpendicular in the accepted social sense.

[0025] The first transmission gear 31 is fixed to the output shaft 30a. The first transmission gear 31 rotates together with the rotation of the output shaft 30a. The first transmission gear 31 is a helical gear.

[0026] The second transmission gear 32 meshes with the first transmission gear 31. The second transmission gear 32 is rotatably supported by the housing 12. The rotation axis of the second transmission gear 32 is parallel to the Y direction. The second transmission gear 32 is a helical gear. The second transmission gear 32 is disposed on the X2 direction side of the first transmission gear 31.

[0027] The third transmission gear 33 is arranged coaxially with the second transmission gear 32. The third transmission gear 33 is rotatably supported by the housing 12. The third transmission gear 33 is a helical gear. The third transmission gear 33 is arranged more inward (in the Y2 direction) of the housing 12 than the second transmission gear 32. The third transmission gear 33 is connected to the second transmission gear 32 by a connecting portion 35. The third transmission gear 33 rotates together with the rotation of the second transmission gear 32. The third transmission gear 33, the connecting portion 35, and the second transmission gear 32 constitute a first gear unit 36.

[0028] The fourth transmission gear 34 meshes with the third transmission gear 33. The fourth transmission gear 34 is rotatably supported by the housing 12. The fourth transmission gear 34 is disposed on the opposite side of the third transmission gear 33 from the motor 30 (the X2 direction side).

[0029] The movable gear 14 is arranged coaxially with the fourth transmission gear 34. The movable gear 14 is rotatably supported by the housing 12. The movable gear 14 is a helical gear. As shown in FIG. 3, the movable gear 14 has a plurality of ridges 14a. The plurality of ridges 14a are inclined with respect to the rotation axis of the movable gear 14. As shown in FIG. 4, the movable gear 14 is arranged on the opposite side of the fourth transmission gear 34 from the second transmission gear 32. The movable gear 14 is connected to the fourth transmission gear 34 by a connecting portion 37. The movable gear 14 rotates together with the rotation of the fourth transmission gear 34. The movable gear 14, the connecting portion 37, and the fourth transmission gear 34 constitute a second gear unit 38.

[0030] When the motor 30 is driven and the output shaft 30a rotates, the first transmission gear 31 rotates. The rotation of the first transmission gear 31 rotates the second transmission gear 32 that is meshed with the first transmission gear 31. The rotation of the second transmission gear 32 rotates the third transmission gear 33 that is connected to the second transmission gear 32 by a connecting portion 35. The rotation of the third transmission gear 33 rotates the fourth transmission gear 34 that is meshed with the third transmission gear 33. The rotation of the fourth transmission gear 34 rotates the movable gear 14 that is connected to the fourth transmission gear 34 by a connecting portion 37. The rotation of the movable gear 14 moves the rack member 13 and the lock pin 11.

[0031] (Lock pin 11, rack member 13) Fig. 5A is a perspective view showing the rack member 13 and the lock pin 11. Fig. 5B is a perspective view showing the rack member 13 and the lock pin 11 viewed from a different direction than Fig. 5A. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC' in Fig. 5A.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the lock pin 11 has a pillar portion 11a and a head portion 11b. The pillar portion 11a is arranged so that its longitudinal direction is along the Z direction. The pillar portion 11a is, for example, a cylinder, but is not limited to a cylinder and may be a rectangular pillar. As will be described later, any shape may be used as long as the lock pin 11 can slide relative to the rack member 13. The pillar portion 11a is movable axially relative to the second housing portion 22, while its radial movement is restricted by the second housing. The head portion 11b is arranged at the end of the pillar portion 11a on the Z2 direction side. The head portion 11b is, for example, disk-shaped. The outer shape of the head portion 11b is larger than the outer shape of the pillar portion 11a. The outer shape of the head portion 11b is formed to include the outer shape of the pillar portion 11a when viewed along the longitudinal direction of the pillar portion 11a. The outer diameter of the head portion 11b is larger than the outer diameter of the columnar portion 11a.

[0033] 4, the rack member 13 is disposed between the motor 30 and the moving gear 14. The rack member 13 has a main body portion 41, a switch depression portion 42, and a rack gear 43, as shown in FIG.

[0034] The main body 41 is a member having an outer shape of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped. As shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 6, the main body 41 has a first side wall 51, a second side wall 52, a third side wall 53, a fourth side wall 54, and an inner side wall 55. The first side wall 51 and the second side wall 52 are disposed perpendicular to the Y direction. The first side wall 51 and the second side wall 52 are disposed opposite each other. The first side wall 51 is disposed on the Y2 direction side of the second side wall 52. The third side wall 53 connects the X2 direction end of the first side wall 51 to the X2 direction end of the second side wall 52. The third side wall 53 is disposed perpendicular to the X direction. The fourth side wall 54 connects the X1 direction end of the first side wall 51 to the X1 direction end of the second side wall 52. The fourth side wall 54 is disposed opposite the third side wall 53. The fourth side wall 54 is disposed closer to the X1 direction than the third side wall 53. As shown in FIGS. 5B and 6 , the inner side wall 55 is disposed between the first side wall 51 and the second side wall 52. The inner side wall 55 is disposed perpendicular to the Y direction. The inner side wall 55 is disposed opposite the first side wall 51 and the second side wall 52. The inner side wall 55 is disposed so as to connect the third side wall 53 and the fourth side wall 54.

[0035] 5B, the main body 41 has a pin fitting portion 44 and a cable engaging portion 45 (an example of an engaging portion). The pin fitting portion 44 is fitted with the lock pin 11. The cable engaging portion 45 is capable of engaging with the emergency cable 17.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 5A, the pin fitting portion 44 is provided at the end portion on the Z1 direction side of the main body portion 41. The pin fitting portion 44 fits the lock pin 11 so that the lock pin 11 can slide in the Y direction. The pin fitting portion 44 has a restricting portion 46, a first protrusion portion 47, and a second protrusion portion 48. The restricting portion 46 is a plate-shaped portion disposed perpendicular to the Z direction. As shown in FIG. 6, the restricting portion 46 is disposed so as to connect the lower end of the first side wall 51 and the inner wall 55. As shown in FIG. 6, the restricting portion 46 is disposed on the Z2 direction side of the head portion 11b. This restricts movement of the lock pin 11 in the Z2 direction.

[0037] 5A, the first protrusion 47 is disposed at the end of the restricting portion 46 on the X2 direction side. The first protrusion 47 has a first portion 47a extending in the Z1 direction from the restricting portion 46, and a second portion 47b extending in the X1 direction from the end of the first portion 47a on the Z1 direction side.

[0038] The second protrusion 48 is disposed at the end of the restricting portion 46 on the X1 direction side. The second protrusion 48 is disposed opposite the first protrusion 47. The second protrusion 48 has a first portion 48a extending in the Z1 direction from the restricting portion 46, and a second portion 48b extending in the X2 direction from the end of the first portion 48a on the Z1 direction side. A first arrangement space 44a in which the head portion 11b of the lock pin 11 is disposed is formed by being surrounded by the restricting portion 46, the first protrusion 47, and the second protrusion 48.

[0039] 5A, a gap is provided between the second portion 47b of the first protrusion 47 and the second portion 48b of the second protrusion 48. This gap forms a second arrangement space 44b in which the columnar portion 11a of the lock pin 11 is disposed. The first arrangement space 44a and the second arrangement space 44b have openings on the side surface of the main body 41 facing the Y2 direction, and are formed to extend toward the Y1 side. The lock pin 11 is slidable in the Y direction relative to the rack member 13 along the first arrangement space 44a and the second arrangement space 44b.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 5B, the cable engagement portion 45 is provided on a portion of the main body 41 on the first direction Y1 side. The cable engagement portion 45 is disposed between the inner wall 55, the second side wall 52, the third side wall 53, and the fourth side wall 54. As shown in Fig. 5B, the cable engagement portion 45 has a bent plate shape and is connected to the inner wall 55, the second side wall 52, the third side wall 53, and the fourth side wall 54.

[0041] The cable engaging portion 45 has a locking portion 56 (an example of a locking portion) and an inclined portion 57 (an example of a third guide portion). As shown in FIG. 6 , the locking portion 56 extends in the Y1 direction from the inner side wall 55. The inclined portion 57 is formed from the Y1-direction end of the locking portion 56 to the second side wall 52. The inclined portion 57 is inclined toward the Y1 direction and therefore toward the Z1 direction. Both ends of the locking portion 56 and the inclined portion 57 in the X direction are connected to the third side wall 53 and the fourth side wall 54.

[0042] A through hole 58 is formed along the Y direction from the locking portion 56 to the inclined portion 57. The through hole 58 passes through the locking portion 56 and the inclined portion 57 in the Z direction. The through hole 58 is formed approximately in the center from the locking portion 56 to the inclined portion 57 in the X direction.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 5B and 6, the emergency cable 17 has a cable portion 17a and a tip portion 17b. The cable portion 17a is inserted into the through-hole 58. The tip portion 17b is disposed at the end of the cable portion 17a on the Z1 direction side, and the tip portion 17b has an outer shape that is larger than the outer shape of the cable portion 17a. The tip portion 17b is located on the Z1 direction side of the cable engaging portion 45. As will be described in detail later, when the emergency cable 17 is pulled in the Z2 direction, the tip portion 17b abuts against the cable engaging portion 45 from the Z1 direction side, moving the rack member 13 and releasing the lock set by the lock pin 11.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 5A, the switch depression portion 42 protrudes in the X2 direction from the third side wall 53 of the main body portion 41. The switch depression portion 42 is provided at the end of the third side wall 53 on the Z2 direction side and the end on the Y2 direction side. As shown in FIG. 3, the detection switch 16 is disposed on the Z1 direction side of the switch depression portion 42. When the rack member 13 and the lock pin 11 move in the Z1 direction due to rotation of the movable gear 14, the switch depression portion 42 presses the detection switch 16 in the Z1 direction. This makes it possible to detect that the lock pin 11 is located at the locked position P1.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 5A, the rack gear 43 is disposed on the third side wall 53 of the main body 41. The rack gear 43 is disposed along the Z direction at the end of the third side wall 53 on the Y1 direction side. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining the meshing of the rack gear 43 and the movable gear 14. FIG. 7 is a view of the meshing of the rack gear 43 and the movable gear 14 as viewed from the X2 direction side. The rack gear 43 has a plurality of peaks 43a (an example of first peaks) arranged side by side in the Z2 direction. The peaks 43a are hatched from the upper right to the lower left in the figure. Each peak 43a is inclined with respect to the Y direction. Each peak 43a is inclined toward the Z1 direction as it approaches the Y1 direction. The plurality of peaks 14a (an example of second peaks) of the movable gear 14 described above are inclined so as to be parallel to the peaks 43a of the rack gear 43 when they mesh with each other. The mountain portion 14a is hatched from the upper left to the lower right in the drawing.

[0046] In this way, the rack gear 43 and the moving gear 14 mesh with each other, and the rack member 13 moves with the rotation of the moving gear 14. Details of the movement will be described later.

[0047] (Housing 12) As described above, the housing 12 has the first housing portion 21 and the second housing portion 22. Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing the locking device 1 with the second housing portion 22, the second gear unit 38, the rack member 13, and the lock pin 11 removed. In Fig. 8, part of the emergency cable 17 is omitted for clarity. Fig. 9A is a cross-sectional view of the locking device 1 at the position between B-B' shown in Fig. 4.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 8, the first housing portion 21 is generally box-shaped and includes a first side surface portion 61, a second side surface portion 62, a third side surface portion 63, a fourth side surface portion 64, a ceiling portion 65, and an inner wall portion 69. The first side surface portion 61 and the second side surface portion 62 are arranged opposite each other in the Y direction. The first side surface portion 61 and the second side surface portion 62 are arranged perpendicular to the Y direction. The first side surface portion 61 is arranged closer to the Y2 direction than the second side surface portion 62. The third side surface portion 63 connects the X2 direction end of the first side surface portion 61 to the X2 direction end of the second side surface portion 62. The third side surface portion 63 is arranged perpendicular to the X direction. The fourth side surface portion 64 connects the X1 direction end of the first side surface portion 61 to the X1 direction end of the second side surface portion 62. The fourth side surface portion 64 is arranged opposite the third side surface portion 63. The fourth side surface portion 64 is provided with a terminal portion 80 that supplies power to the motor 30, inputs command signals to the motor 30, and outputs detection signals from the detection switch 16. The ceiling portion 65 is connected to the Z2 direction end of the first side surface portion 61, the Z2 direction end of the second side surface portion 62, the Z2 direction end of the third side surface portion 63, and the Z2 direction end of the fourth side surface portion 64.

[0049] 3, the second housing portion 22 has a plate-shaped portion 22a and a fixing portion 22b. The plate-shaped portion 22a is arranged to close an opening formed by the Z1-direction end of the first side surface portion 61, the Z1-direction end of the second side surface portion 62, the Z1-direction end of the third side surface portion 63, and the Z1-direction end of the fourth side surface portion 64. The fixing portion 22b is a portion that is fixed to the vehicle body of the locking device 1. The fixing portions 22b are arranged at the Y2-direction ends of the plate-shaped portion 22a, at both ends in the X direction.

[0050] 8, the inner wall portion 69 is disposed between the first side surface portion 61 and the second side surface portion 62. The inner wall portion 69 is disposed so as to face the first side surface portion 61 and the second side surface portion 62. The inner wall portion 69 is disposed on the X2 direction side of the motor 30. The inner wall portion 69 is disposed between the first gear unit 36 ​​and the rack member 13.

[0051] 8 and 9A, the first housing portion 21 has a restricting portion 70, a first guide portion 71, and a second guide portion 72. Here, as shown in FIG. 9A, the first side surface portion 61 has a side surface portion 66 on the Z1 direction side, a side surface portion 67 on the Z2 direction side, and a step portion 68 connecting the side surface portions 66 and 67. The side surface portion 67 is located more inward (toward the Y1 direction) than the side surface portion 66. The step portion 68 connects the Z2 direction end of the side surface portion 66 and the Z1 direction end of the side surface portion 67. The step portion 68 is formed from the Z2 direction end of the side surface portion 66 toward the Y1 direction.

[0052] In this embodiment, the restricting portion 70 and the first guide portion 71 are provided on the surface 68a on the Z1 direction side of the stepped portion 68. The restricting portion 70 is the portion of the surface 68a on the Z1 direction side of the stepped portion 68 on the Y2 direction side. The first guide portion 71 is the portion of the stepped portion 68 on the Y1 direction side. The restricting portion 70 and the first guide portion 71 may overlap. The restricting portion 70 and the first guide portion 71 are provided approximately perpendicular to the Z direction. The second guide portion 72 is provided on the surface on the Y1 direction side of the side portion 67. The second guide portion 72 is provided along the Z direction.

[0053] The functions of the restricting portion 70, the first guide portion 71 and the second guide portion 72 will be explained below together with the operations of the rack member 13 and the lock pin 11.

[0054] (Operation of lock pin 11 and rack member 13) Next, the operation of the lock pin 11 and the rack member 13 by the drive unit 15 will be described.

[0055] 9A, the rack member 13 is disposed at the first position Q1, and the lock pin 11 is disposed at the locked position P1. When the rack member 13 is disposed at the first position Q1 as shown in FIG. 9A, even if an external force acts to move the lock pin 11 in the Z2 direction, the rack member 13 abuts against the restricting portion 70, so that the movement of the lock pin 11 to the unlocked position P2 is restricted. In addition, the first side wall 51 of the rack member 13 abuts against the side surface portion 66.

[0056] 9A to the unlock position P2, the motor 30 is driven to rotate the movable gear 14. At the meshing portion between the movable gear 14 and the rack gear 43, a force acts in the Z2 direction on the crest 14a of the movable gear 14 as shown in FIG. 7 (see arrow D (an example of the first direction)).

[0057] As a force acts on the crests 14a of the movable gear 14 in the Z2 direction, the rack gear 43 is also pushed in the Z2 direction, but as shown in FIG. 9A, movement in the Z2 direction is restricted by the restricting portion 70. Therefore, the crests 43a of the rack member 13 are pushed in the Y1 direction along the slope of the crests 14a of the movable gear 14 (see arrow E (an example of the second direction)). As a result, the rack member 13 is guided by the first guide portion 71 and moves in the Y1 direction to the second position Q2 shown in FIG. 9B. Note that the inner wall portion 69 can restrict movement of the rack member 13 in the Y1 direction from the second position Q2.

[0058] When the rack member 13 moves from the first position Q1 to the second position Q2, the rack member 13 slides relative to the lock pin 11. Therefore, even when the rack member 13 is positioned at the second position Q2, the lock pin 11 is positioned at the locked position P1. The second position Q2 is a position where the lock pin 11 can move from the locked position P1 to the unlocked position P2. In this way, the first guide portion 71 guides the movement of the rack member 13 from the first position Q1 to the second position Q2 along the Y1 direction.

[0059] At the second position Q2, the restriction on movement of the rack member 13 in the Z2 direction by the restricting portion 70 is released. When the movable gear 14 is further rotated from the state in which the rack member 13 is disposed at the second position Q2, the rack member 13 moves in the Z2 direction while being guided by the second guide portion 72 as the ridges 14a of the movable gear 14 move in the Z2 direction, and moves to the third position Q3 shown in FIG. 9C. When the rack member 13 moves from the second position Q2 to the third position Q3, the lock pin 11 engaged with the rack member 13 also moves in the Z2 direction. As a result, the lock pin 11 is disposed at the unlock position P2. In this way, the second guide portion 72 guides the movement of the rack member 13 in the Z2 direction from the second position Q2 to the third position Q3.

[0060] As described above, by driving the motor 30 and rotating the moving gear 14, the rack member 13 can be moved sequentially to the first position Q1, the second position Q2, and the third position Q3, and the lock pin 11 can be moved from the locked position P1 to the unlocked position P2.

[0061] The lock pin 11 can be moved from the unlocked position P2 to the locked position P1 simply by rotating the movable gear 14 in the reverse direction. Specifically, by rotating the movable gear 14 in the reverse direction from the state in which the rack member 13 is disposed at the third position Q3 as shown in FIG. 9C, the rack member 13 moves to the second position Q2 as shown in FIG. 9B, and the lock pin 11 moves to the locked position P1. At this time, the switch depression portion 42 of the rack member 13 presses the detection switch 16. Further rotating the movable gear 14 in the reverse direction restricts the movement of the rack member 13 in the Z1 direction by the inner surface 22c of the second housing portion 22. Therefore, the rack member 13 is pushed in the Y2 direction by the movement of the ridge portion 14a of the movable gear 14 in the Z1 direction, and is disposed at the first position Q1 as shown in FIG. 9A. When moving from the second position Q2 to the first position Q1, the rack member 13 slides relative to the lock pin 11.

[0062] As described above, the rack member 13 can be moved sequentially to the third position Q3, the second position Q2, and the first position Q1, and the lock pin 11 can be moved from the unlock position P2 to the lock position P1.

[0063] Next, a description will be given of the operation of the lock pin 11 and the rack member 13 by the emergency cable 17. The emergency cable 17 is used by an operator when forcibly moving the lock pin 11 from the locked position P1 to the unlocked position P2.

[0064] 10A, 10B, and 10C are diagrams illustrating the behavior of the rack member 13 and the lock pin 11 when the emergency cable 17 is pulled. In FIG. 10A, similar to FIG. 9A, the rack member 13 is disposed at the first position Q1, and the lock pin 11 is disposed at the lock position P1. When the emergency cable 17 is pulled in the Z2 direction, the tip end 17b abuts against the inclined portion 57 from the Z1 direction. When the emergency cable 17 is further pulled, the rack member 13 is also pulled in the Z2 direction, but as shown in FIG. 10A, its movement in the Z2 direction is restricted by the restricting portion 70. Therefore, the inclined portion 57 moves while sliding relative to the tip end 17b of the emergency cable 17, and the rack member 13 moves in the Y1 direction (see arrow E). As shown in FIG. 10B, the rack member 13 moves to the second position Q2.

[0065] Subsequently, when the emergency cable 17 is pulled in the Z2 direction, the tip end 17b is locked by the locking portion 56, and the rack member 13 is pulled in the Z2 direction by the tip end 17b. As a result, as shown in Fig. 10C, the rack member 13 moves to the third position Q3, and the lock pin 11 moves to the unlock position P2.

[0066] (Embodiment 2) Next, a locking device 101 of embodiment 2 will be described. In the locking device 1 of embodiment 1, the rack member 13 is disposed between the movable gear 14 and the motor 30, but in embodiment 2, the rack member is disposed outside the movable gear, not between the movable gear and the motor. In embodiment 2, the arrangement of the transmission gear is also different from embodiment 1.

[0067] As in the first embodiment, the direction parallel to the motor output shaft is defined as the Y direction, and the direction parallel to the plate-shaped second housing portion and perpendicular to the Y direction is defined as the X direction. The direction parallel to the X and Y directions is defined as the Z direction. The Y direction, in which the motor output shaft extends, is defined as the Y1 direction, and the X1, X2, Y2, Z1, and Z2 directions are set based on the Y1 direction, as in the first embodiment.

[0068] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the locking device 101 as viewed from the Z1 direction side. As shown in Fig. 11, the locking device 101 includes a locking pin 111 and a housing 112 through which the locking pin 111 is inserted. The housing 112 has a first housing portion 121 and a second housing portion 122. The first housing portion 121 is box-shaped with one side open. The second housing portion 122 is plate-shaped and is disposed so as to cover the opening of the first housing portion 121.

[0069] Fig. 12A is a perspective view of the locking device 101 from which the first housing portion 121 has been removed, viewed from the upper Z2 side. Fig. 12B is a side view of Fig. 12A, viewed from the X2 direction. In Fig. 12B, the motor 130 and the emergency cable 117 have been omitted for ease of understanding. Fig. 13 is a plan view of the locking device 101 from which the first housing portion 121 has been removed, viewed from the Z2 direction.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 12A, the locking device 101 includes the above-described lock pin 111, the above-described housing 112 (see FIG. 11), a rack member 113, a movable gear 114, a drive unit 115, a detection switch 116, and an emergency cable 117 (an example of a cable member). The lock pin 111 is movable along the Z direction from a lock position P1 at which the movement of the object is restricted to an unlock position P2 at which the restriction on the movement of the object is released. As shown in FIG. 12A, the rack member 113 has a rack gear 143 that engages with the lock pin 111. The movable gear 114 meshes with the rack gear 143 to move the rack member 113. The drive unit 115 drives the movable gear 114. Driving the movable gear 114 moves the rack member 113 in the Z direction. As the rack member 113 moves in the Z direction, the lock pin 111 fitted to the rack member 113 also moves in the Z direction, and the lock pin 111 moves between a locked position P1 and an unlocked position P2. When the lock pin 111 moves to the locked position P1, the detection switch 116 is pressed by the rack member 113, and detects that the lock pin 111 is located at the locked position P1. An emergency cable 117 is provided to move the lock pin 111 to the unlocked position P2 to release the lock in the event of an emergency.

[0071] (moving gear 114, driving part 115) 12A and 13, the drive unit 115 has a motor 130, a first transmission gear 131, a second transmission gear 132, a third transmission gear 133, and a fourth transmission gear 134. As described above, the motor 130 is disposed so that the output shaft 130a is aligned along the Y direction, and the direction in which the output shaft 130a of the motor 130 protrudes is indicated as the Y1 direction.

[0072] The first transmission gear 131 is fixed to the output shaft 130a. The first transmission gear 131 rotates together with the rotation of the output shaft 130a. The first transmission gear 131 is a helical gear. The second transmission gear 132 meshes with the first transmission gear 131. The rotation axis of the second transmission gear 132 is parallel to the Y direction. The second transmission gear 132 is also a helical gear. The second transmission gear 132 is disposed on the X2 direction side of the first transmission gear 131.

[0073] The third transmission gear 133 is arranged coaxially with the second transmission gear 132. The third transmission gear 133 is rotatably supported by the housing 112. The third transmission gear 133 is a helical gear. The third transmission gear 133 is arranged further outward (in the Y1 direction) from the housing 12 than the second transmission gear 132. The third transmission gear 133 is connected to the second transmission gear 132 by a connecting portion 135. The third transmission gear 133 rotates together with the rotation of the second transmission gear 132. The third transmission gear 133, the connecting portion 135, and the second transmission gear 132 configure a first gear unit 136.

[0074] The fourth transmission gear 134 meshes with the third transmission gear 133. The fourth transmission gear 134 is rotatably supported by the housing 112. The fourth transmission gear 134 is disposed on the X2 direction side of the third transmission gear 133.

[0075] The movable gear 114 is arranged coaxially with the fourth transmission gear 134. The movable gear 114 is rotatably supported by the housing 112. The movable gear 114 is a helical gear. As shown in FIG. 13 , the movable gear 114 has a plurality of ridges 114a. The plurality of ridges 114a are inclined with respect to the rotation axis of the movable gear 114. The movable gear 114 is arranged on the Y2 direction side of the fourth transmission gear 134. The movable gear 114 is connected to the fourth transmission gear 134 by a connecting portion 137. The movable gear 114 rotates together with the rotation of the fourth transmission gear 134. The movable gear 114, the connecting portion 137, and the fourth transmission gear 134 constitute a second gear unit 138.

[0076] When the motor 130 is driven and the output shaft 130a rotates, the first transmission gear 131 rotates. The rotation of the first transmission gear 131 rotates the second transmission gear 132 that is meshed with the first transmission gear 131. The rotation of the second transmission gear 132 rotates the third transmission gear 133 that is connected to the second transmission gear 132 by a connecting portion 135. The rotation of the third transmission gear 133 rotates the fourth transmission gear 134 that is meshed with the third transmission gear 133. The rotation of the fourth transmission gear 134 rotates the movable gear 114 that is connected to the fourth transmission gear 134 by a connecting portion 137. The rotation of the movable gear 114 moves the rack member 113 and the lock pin 111.

[0077] (Lock pin 111, rack member 113) Fig. 14A is a perspective view showing the rack member 113 and the lock pin 111. Fig. 14B is a perspective view of the rack member 113, the lock pin 111, and the emergency cable 117 as viewed from the Z1 direction side. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line FF' in Fig. 14A. In Fig. 15, the emergency cable 117 has been added to Fig. 14A.

[0078] The lock pin 111 is disposed so that its longitudinal direction is along the Z direction. As shown in FIG. 14B , the lock pin 111 has a cutout portion 111c. The cutout portion 111c is cut out in a portion on the X1 direction side and a portion on the X2 direction side. The lock pin 111 has a columnar portion 111a on the Z1 direction side of the cutout portion 111c, and a head portion 111b on the Z2 direction side of the cutout portion 111c. In the second embodiment, the columnar portion 111a and the head portion 111b have the same outer shape size, but the relationship in outer shape size between the columnar portion 111a and the head portion 111b is not particularly limited.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 16 described later, the rack member 113 is disposed between the movable gear 114 and the third side surface portion 163 of the second housing portion 222. As shown in FIG. 13, a first space S1 is provided between the motor 130 and the movable gear 114. The first space S1 is formed so that, for example, the rack member 13 of the first embodiment can be disposed therein. As a result, in the locking device 101 of the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, a rack member can be disposed between the motor 130 and the movable gear 114, and the arrangement of the rack member can be changed while maintaining the same housing shape.

[0080] As shown in Fig. 14A, the rack member 113 has a main body 141, a switch depression portion 142, and a rack gear 143. The main body 141 is a member having an outer shape of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped. As shown in Figs. 14A, 14B, and 15, the main body 141 has a first side wall 151, a second side wall 152, a third side wall 153, and a fourth side wall 154. Unlike the main body 41 of the first embodiment, the main body 141 of the second embodiment does not have an inner wall 55.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 15 , the first side wall 151 is disposed perpendicular to the Y direction. The first side wall 151 and the second side wall 152 are disposed opposite each other. The first side wall 151 is disposed on the Y2 direction side of the second side wall 152. As shown in FIG. 15 , the positions of the Z2 direction ends of the second side wall 152 and the first side wall 151 coincide in the Z direction. The Z1 direction end of the second side wall 152 is located closer to the Z2 side than the Z1 direction end of the first side wall 151. The length of the second side wall 152 in the Z direction is shorter than the length of the first side wall 151. The third side wall 153 is disposed from the X1 direction end of the first side wall 151 to the X1 direction end of the second side wall 152. The third side wall 153 is disposed perpendicular to the X direction. The fourth side wall 154 is disposed from the end of the first side wall 151 on the X2 direction side to the end of the second side wall 152 on the X2 direction side. The fourth side wall 154 is disposed opposite the third side wall 153. The fourth side wall 154 is disposed closer to the X2 direction than the third side wall 153.

[0082] 14B, the main body 141 has a pin fitting portion 144 and a cable engaging portion 145 (an example of an engaging portion). The pin fitting portion 144 is fitted with the lock pin 111. The cable engaging portion 145 is capable of engaging with the emergency cable 117.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 15, the pin fitting portion 144 is provided at the end portion on the Y2 direction side of the main body portion 141. The pin fitting portion 144 fits the lock pin 111 so that the lock pin 111 is slidable in the Y direction. As shown in FIG. 14A, the pin fitting portion 144 has a restricting portion 146, a first protrusion 147, and a second protrusion 148. The restricting portion 146 is a plate-shaped portion disposed approximately perpendicular to the Z direction. As shown in FIG. 15, the restricting portion 146 extends from the lower end of the first side wall 151 toward the Y1 direction. As shown in FIG. 15, the restricting portion 146 is disposed on the Z2 direction side of the head portion 111b. This restricts movement of the lock pin 111 in the Z2 direction.

[0084] 14A, the first protrusion 147 is disposed at the end of the restricting portion 146 on the X1 direction side. The first protrusion 147 has a first portion 147a extending in the Z1 direction from the restricting portion 146 and a second portion 147b extending in the X2 direction from the end of the first portion 147a on the Z1 direction side. The first portion 147a constitutes a part of the third side wall 153 of the main body 141.

[0085] 14A, the second protrusion 148 is disposed at the end of the restricting portion 146 on the X2 direction side. The second protrusion 148 is disposed opposite the first protrusion 147. The second protrusion 148 has a first portion 148a extending in the Z1 direction from the restricting portion 146, and a second portion 148b extending in the X1 direction from the end of the first portion 148a on the Z1 direction side. A first arrangement space 141a is formed by being surrounded by the restricting portion 146, the first protrusion 147, and the second protrusion 148, and in which the head portion 111b of the lock pin 111 is disposed.

[0086] 14A, a gap is provided between the second portion 147b of the first protrusion 147 and the second portion 148b of the second protrusion 148. This gap forms a second arrangement space 141b in which the notch 111c of the lock pin 111 is disposed. The second portion 147b of the first protrusion 147 and the second portion 148b of the second protrusion 148 fit into the notch 111c of the lock pin 111. The first arrangement space 141a and the second arrangement space 141b have openings on the Y2-side side surface of the main body 41 and are formed to extend toward the Y1 side. The lock pin 111 is slidable in the Y direction relative to the rack member 113 along the first arrangement space 141a and the second arrangement space 141b.

[0087] 15, the cable engaging portion 145 is provided on the first direction Y1 side of the main body 41. The cable engaging portion 145 is disposed between the restricting portion 146 and the second side wall 152, the third side wall 153, and the fourth side wall 154.

[0088] As shown in FIGS. 14B and 15, the cable engaging portion 145 has a locking portion 156 and an inclined portion 157 (an example of a third guide portion). As shown in FIG. 15, the inclined portion 157 extends in the Y1 direction from the Y1-side end of the restricting portion 146. The inclined portion 157 is inclined so as to extend in the Z2 direction as it extends in the Y1 direction. The locking portion 156 is disposed at the end of the inclined portion 157 on the Y1 direction side. Both ends of the locking portion 156 and the inclined portion 157 on the X-direction side are connected to the third side wall 53 and the fourth side wall 54. The locking portion 156 is connected to the second side wall 152.

[0089] A through hole 158 is formed along the Y direction from the locking portion 156 to the inclined portion 157. The through hole 158 passes through the locking portion 156 and the inclined portion 157 in the Z direction. The through hole 158 is formed in the center of the locking portion 156 to the inclined portion 157 in the X direction.

[0090] As shown in FIGS. 14B and 15, the emergency cable 117 has a cable portion 117a and a tip portion 117b. The cable portion 117a is inserted into the through-hole 158. The tip portion 117b is disposed at the end of the cable portion 117a in the Z1 direction, and the tip portion 117b has a shape with a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the cable portion 117a. In the second embodiment, the tip portion 117b is spherical so as to reduce the contact surface with the inclined portion 157, but the shape is not particularly limited as long as the inclined portion 157 can slide relative to the tip portion 117b. The tip portion 117b is located on the Z1 direction side of the cable engaging portion 145.

[0091] 14A, the switch depression portion 142 protrudes in the Y2 direction from the first side wall 151 of the main body portion 141. The switch depression portion 142 is provided at the end of the first side wall 151 on the Z2 direction side.

[0092] The rack gear 143 is disposed on a third side wall 153 of the main body 141. The rack gear 143 is disposed on the third side wall 153 along the Z direction. As shown in FIG. 14A, a peak 143a (an example of a first peak) of the rack gear 143 is inclined toward the Z1 direction as it approaches the Y2 direction. The multiple peaks 114a (an example of a second peak) of the moving gear 114 are inclined so as to be parallel to the peaks 143a of the rack gear 143 when they mesh with each other.

[0093] (Housing 112) As described above, the housing 112 has the first housing portion 121 and the second housing portion 122. Fig. 16 is a perspective view showing the locking device 101 with the second housing portion 122, the second gear unit 138, the rack member 113, and the lock pin 111 removed. In Fig. 16, the emergency cable 117 is omitted from the rack member 113 for ease of understanding. Fig. 17A is a cross-sectional view of the locking device 101 at the position between G-G' shown in Fig. 13.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 16, the first housing portion 121 is generally box-shaped and has a first side portion 161, a second side portion 162, a third side portion 163, a fourth side portion 164, a ceiling portion 165 (FIG. 11), a first regulating wall 181, a protrusion portion 182, and a second regulating wall 183.

[0095] The first side surface portion 161 and the second side surface portion 162 are arranged opposite each other in the Y direction. The first side surface portion 161 and the second side surface portion 162 are arranged perpendicular to the Y direction. The first side surface portion 161 is arranged on the Y2 direction side of the second side surface portion.

[0096] The third side surface portion 163 connects the end of the first side surface portion 161 on the X2 direction side to the end of the second side surface portion 162 on the X2 direction side. The third side surface portion 163 is disposed perpendicular to the X direction. The fourth side surface portion 164 connects the end of the first side surface portion 161 on the X1 direction side to the end of the second side surface portion 162 on the X2 direction side. The fourth side surface portion 164 is disposed opposite the third side surface portion 163. The fourth side surface portion 164 is provided with a terminal portion 180 that supplies power to the motor 130, inputs command signals to the motor 130, and outputs detection signals from the detection switch 116.

[0097] The ceiling portion 165 is connected to the Z2-direction end of the first side surface portion 161, the Z2-direction end of the second side surface portion 162, the Z2-direction end of the third side surface portion 163, and the Z2-direction end of the fourth side surface portion 164. As shown in FIG. 12A , the second housing portion 122 has a plate-shaped portion 122a and a fixing portion 122b. The plate-shaped portion 122a is disposed so as to close an opening formed by the Z1-direction end of the first side surface portion 161, the Z1-direction end of the second side surface portion 162, the Z1-direction end of the third side surface portion 163, and the Z1-direction end of the first side surface portion 261. The fixing portion 122b is a portion that is fixed to the vehicle body of the locking device 101. The fixing portions 122b are disposed at the X2-direction ends of the plate-shaped portion 122a, at both ends in the Y direction.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 16, the first restriction wall 181 is formed from the third side surface portion 163 toward the X1 direction. The first restriction wall 181 is disposed perpendicular to the Y direction. As shown in FIG. 16, the first restriction wall 181 is disposed on the Y1 direction side of the main body portion 141 of the rack member 113. The first restriction wall 181 restricts movement of the rack member 113 in the Y1 direction. The protrusion 182 is disposed on the rack member 113 side (Y2 direction side) of the first restriction wall 181. The protrusion 182 is formed from the first restriction wall 181 in the Y2 direction.

[0099] The second restriction wall 183 is formed from the third side surface portion 163 toward the X1 direction. The second restriction wall 183 is disposed perpendicular to the Y direction. As shown in FIG. 16 , the second restriction wall 183 is disposed on the Y2 direction side of the main body portion 141 of the rack member 113. The second restriction wall 183 restricts movement of the rack member 113 in the Y2 direction. The second restriction wall 183 is disposed opposite the first restriction wall 181. The second restriction wall 183 is disposed on the Y2 direction side of the first restriction wall 181 and the protrusion portion 182. In the Y direction, the rack member 113 can move between the first restriction wall 181 and the second restriction wall 183.

[0100] As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17A, first housing portion 121 has a restricting portion 170, a first guide portion 171, and a second guide portion 172. As shown in FIGS.

[0101] In this embodiment, the restricting portion 170 and the first guide portion 171 are provided on a surface 182a on the Z1 direction side of the protrusion 182. The restricting portion 170 is a portion of the surface 182a on the Z1 direction side of the protrusion 182 on the Y1 direction side. The first guide portion 171 is a portion of the surface 182a of the protrusion 182 on the Y2 direction side. The restricting portion 170 and the first guide portion 171 may overlap each other in whole or in part. The restricting portion 170 and the first guide portion 171 are provided approximately perpendicular to the Z direction. The second guide portion 172 is provided on a surface on the Y2 direction side of the protrusion 182. The second guide portion 172 is provided along the Z direction.

[0102] (Operation of the lock pin 111 and the rack member 113) The operation of the lock pin 111 and the rack member 113 by the drive unit 115 in the lock device 101 of the second embodiment will be described.

[0103] 17A, the rack member 113 is disposed at the first position Q1, and the lock pin 111 is disposed at the locked position P1. When the rack member 113 is disposed at the first position Q1 as shown in FIG. 17A, even if an external force acts to move the lock pin 111 in the Z2 direction, the rack member 113 abuts against the restricting portion 170, and therefore, movement of the lock pin 111 to the unlocked position P2 is restricted. In addition, the second side wall 152 of the rack member 113 abuts against the first restricting wall 181.

[0104] 17A to the unlock position P2, the motor 130 is driven to rotate the movable gear 114. At the meshing portion between the movable gear 114 and the rack gear 143, a force acts on the crest 114a of the movable gear 114 in the Z2 direction.

[0105] As a force acts on the crests 114a of the movable gear 114 in the Z2 direction, the rack gear 143 is also pushed in the Z2 direction, but as shown in FIG. 17A, movement in the Z2 direction is restricted by the restricting portion 170. In this way, the restricting portion 170 restricts movement of the rack member 113 from the first position Q1 in the Z2 direction. Therefore, the crests 143a of the rack member 113 are pushed in the Y2 direction along the slope of the crests 114a of the movable gear 114 (see arrow E (an example of the second direction)). As a result, the rack member 113 is guided by the first guide portion 171 and moves in the Y2 direction to the second position Q2 shown in FIG. 17B. Note that the first side wall 151 of the rack member 113 abuts against the second restricting wall 183 shown in FIG. 16, thereby restricting movement of the rack member 113 in the Y2 direction from the second position Q2.

[0106] When the rack member 113 moves from the first position Q1 to the second position Q2, the rack member 113 slides relative to the lock pin 111. Therefore, even when the rack member 113 is positioned at the second position Q2, the lock pin 111 is positioned at the locked position P1. The second position Q2 is a position where the lock pin 111 can move from the locked position P1 to the unlocked position P2.

[0107] At the second position Q2, the restriction on movement of the rack member 113 in the Z2 direction by the restricting portion 170 is released. When the movable gear 114 is further rotated from the state in which the rack member 113 is disposed at the second position Q2, the rack member 113 is guided by the second guide portion 172 and moves in the Z2 direction as the mountain portion 114a of the movable gear 114 moves in the Z2 direction, and moves to the third position Q3 shown in FIG. 17C. When the rack member 113 moves from the second position Q2 to the third position Q3, the lock pin 111 engaged with the rack member 113 also moves in the Z2 direction (see arrow D). As a result, the lock pin 111 is disposed at the unlock position P2.

[0108] As described above, by driving the motor 30 and rotating the moving gear 14, the rack member 13 can be moved sequentially to the first position Q1, the second position Q2, and the third position Q3, and the lock pin 11 can be moved from the locked position P1 to the unlocked position P2.

[0109] Incidentally, by pulling emergency cable 117, rack member 113 and lock pin 111 can be moved in the same manner as in FIGS. 17A to 17C, and the lock can be released (see FIGS. 10A to 10C of the first embodiment).

[0110] (Embodiment 3) Next, a locking device 201 of embodiment 3 will be described. The locking device 201 of embodiment 3 differs from the locking device 1 of embodiment 2 in the moving direction of the rack pin relative to the arrangement of the motor. Note that parts similar to those of embodiment 2 are given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0111] As in the first embodiment, the direction parallel to the motor output shaft is defined as the Y direction, and the direction parallel to the plate-shaped second housing portion 222 and perpendicular to the Y direction is defined as the X direction. The direction parallel to the X and Y directions is defined as the Z direction. The direction in which the motor output shaft extends is defined as the Y1 direction, and the X1, X2, Y2, Z1, and Z2 directions are defined based on the Y1 direction, as in the first and second embodiments.

[0112] Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the locking device 201. As shown in Fig. 18, the locking device 201 includes a locking pin 211 and a housing 212 through which the locking pin 211 is inserted. The housing 212 has a first housing portion 221 and a second housing portion 222. The first housing portion 221 is box-shaped with one side open. The second housing portion 222 is plate-shaped and is disposed so as to close the opening of the first housing portion 221.

[0113] Fig. 19 is a perspective view of the locking device 201 from the Z2 side with the first housing portion 221 removed. Fig. 20 is a side view of the locking device 201 from the Y1 side with the first housing portion 221 removed. In Fig. 20, the emergency cable 217 is omitted for clarity.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 19 , the locking device 201 includes the lock pin 211 described above, the housing 212 described above, a rack member 213, a movable gear 114, a drive unit 115, a detection switch 216, and an emergency cable 217 (an example of a cable member). The lock pin 211 is movable along the X direction from a locked position P1, which restricts movement of an object, to an unlocked position P2, which releases the restriction on movement of the object. The movement direction of the lock pin 211 in the third embodiment is the X direction, which is different from the movement direction of the lock pins 11 and 111 in the first and second embodiments, which is the Z direction. For example, in the lock pins 11 and 111 in the first and second embodiments, when the locking device 1 and 101 are arranged so that the second housing portion 22 and 122 are positioned horizontally, the lock pins 11 and 111 move vertically. On the other hand, in the third embodiment, when the locking device 201 is arranged so that the second housing portion 22 and 122 are positioned horizontally, the lock pins 11 and 111 move horizontally.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 19 , the rack member 213 has a rack gear 243 and engages with the lock pin 211. The movable gear 114 engages with the rack gear 243 and moves the rack member 213. The drive unit 115 drives the movable gear 114. Driving the movable gear 114 causes the rack member 213 to move in the X direction. As the rack member 213 moves in the X direction, the lock pin 211 engaged with the rack member 213 also moves in the X direction and moves between the locked position P1 and the unlocked position P2. The detection switch 216 is pressed by the rack member 213 when the lock pin 211 moves to the locked position P1, and detects that the lock pin 211 is positioned at the locked position P1. The emergency cable 217 is provided to move the lock pin 211 from the locked position P1 to the unlocked position P2 to release the lock in the event of an emergency.

[0116] The arrangement of the drive unit 115 and the moving gear 114 is the same as that of the second embodiment as shown in FIG. 19, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0117] (lock pin 211, rack member 213) Fig. 21A is a perspective view of the rack member 213 and the lock pin 211. Fig. 21B is a perspective view of the rack member 213, the lock pin 211, and the emergency cable 217 as viewed from the X2 direction side.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 21A, the lock pin 211 is disposed so that its longitudinal direction is along the X direction. The lock pin 211 has a pillar-shaped portion 211a and a head portion 211b. The pillar-shaped portion 211a is disposed so that its longitudinal direction is along the X direction. The pillar-shaped portion 211a is, for example, a cylinder, but is not limited to a cylinder and may be a rectangular pillar or any other shape as long as it has a longitudinal direction that allows the lock pin 211 to slide relative to the rack member 213. The head portion 211b is disposed at the end of the pillar-shaped portion 211a on the X1 direction side. The head portion 211b is, for example, disk-shaped. The outer shape of the head portion 211b is formed larger than the outer shape of the pillar-shaped portion 211a. The outer shape of the head portion 211b is formed so as to include the outer shape of the pillar-shaped portion 211a when viewed along the longitudinal direction of the pillar-shaped portion 211a. The outer diameter of the head portion 211b is larger than the outer diameter of the columnar portion 211a.

[0119] 19 and 20, the rack member 213 is disposed between the movable gear 114 and the second housing portion 222. Since the arrangement and configuration of the drive unit 115 are the same in the second embodiment and the third embodiment, the housing 112 of the second embodiment has a third space S3 between the movable gear 114 and the second housing portion 122, as shown in FIG. 12B, in which the rack member 213 can be disposed. By disposing the rack member in the third space S3 in FIG. 12B, the movement direction of the lock pin in the second embodiment can be changed to the movement direction of the lock pin in the third embodiment. In other words, the movement direction of the lock pin can be changed between the second embodiment and the third embodiment while using the same housing.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 21A, the rack member 213 has a main body portion 241, a switch depression portion 242, a rack gear 243, and a protrusion portion 249.

[0121] The main body 241 is a member having an outer shape of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped. As shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B , the main body 241 has a first side wall 251, a second side wall 252, a third side wall 253, and a fourth side wall 254. The first side wall 251 and the second side wall 252 are disposed substantially perpendicular to the Y direction. The first side wall 251 and the second side wall 252 are disposed opposite each other. The first side wall 251 is disposed on the Y2 direction side of the second side wall 252. The third side wall 253 connects the Z2 direction end of the first side wall 251 and the Z2 direction end of the second side wall 252. The third side wall 253 is disposed perpendicular to the Z direction. The fourth side wall 254 connects the Z1 direction end of the first side wall 251 and the Z1 direction end of the second side wall 252. The fourth side wall 254 is disposed opposite to the third side wall 253. The fourth side wall 254 is disposed on the Z1 direction side of the third side wall 253.

[0122] 21A and 21B, the main body 241 has a pin fitting portion 244 and a cable engaging portion 245 (an example of an engaging portion). The pin fitting portion 244 is fitted with the lock pin 211. The cable engaging portion 245 is capable of engaging with the emergency cable 217. The movement of the cable engaging portion 245 is guided by a first guide portion 271, which will be described later.

[0123] The pin fitting portion 244 is provided at the end portion on the X2 direction side of the main body portion 241. The pin fitting portion 244 fits the lock pin 211 so that the lock pin 211 is slidable in the Y direction. The pin fitting portion 244 has a restricting portion 246 and a protrusion 247. The restricting portion 246 is a planar portion that is disposed approximately perpendicular to the X direction. As shown in FIG. 21A , the restricting portion 246 is disposed on the X1 direction side of the head portion 211b. This restricts movement of the lock pin 211 in the X1 direction.

[0124] The protrusion 247 is disposed at the Z1-direction end of the restricting portion 246. The protrusion 247 has a first portion 247a extending in the X2 direction from the restricting portion 246, and a second portion 247b extending in the Z2 direction from the X2-direction end of the first portion 247a.

[0125] The restricting portion 246 and the protruding portion 247 surround an arrangement space 244a in which the head portion 211b of the lock pin 211 is arranged.

[0126] The arrangement space 244a has openings on both ends, the Y1 direction side and the Y2 direction side, and is formed along the Y direction of the main body part 241. The lock pin 211 is slidable in the Y direction relative to the rack member 213 along the arrangement space 244a.

[0127] 21B, the cable engaging portion 245 is provided on the X1 direction side of the main body portion 241. The cable engaging portion 245 is disposed at the end of the fourth side wall 254 on the X1 direction side. A through hole 258, into which the emergency cable 217 is inserted, is formed between the cable engaging portion 245 and the end of the fourth side wall 254 on the Z1 direction side.

[0128] The cable engaging portion 245 has a locking portion 256 (an example of a locking portion) and an inclined portion 257 (an example of a third guide portion). The locking portion 256 and the inclined portion 257 are provided on a surface 245a at the end of the cable engaging portion 245 on the X2 direction side. The locking portion 256 and the inclined portion 257 are provided on an edge of the through-hole 258 on the Z1 side.

[0129] The inclined portion 257 is formed from the Y1-side end of the surface 245a toward the Y2 direction. The inclined portion 257 is inclined toward the X1 direction as it extends in the Y2 direction. The locking portion 256 is disposed on the Y2 side of the inclined portion 257.

[0130] 21B, emergency cable 217 has cable portion 217a and tip portion 217b. Cable portion 217a is inserted into through-hole 258. Tip portion 217b is located at the end of cable portion 217a on the X2 direction side, and tip portion 217b is spherical with a diameter larger than the outer diameter of cable portion 217a. Tip portion 217b is located on the X2 direction side of cable engaging portion 245.

[0131] As shown in FIG. 21A, the switch pressing part 242 protrudes in the Y2 direction from the first side wall 251 of the main body part 241. The switch pressing part 242 is provided at the end of the first side wall 251 on the X1 direction side. As shown in FIG. 19, the detection switch 216 is disposed on the X2 direction side of the switch pressing part 242. When the rack member 213 and the lock pin 211 move in the X2 direction due to rotation of the movable gear 114, the switch pressing part 242 presses the detection switch 216 in the X2 direction. This makes it possible to detect that the lock pin 211 is located at the locked position P1.

[0132] As shown in FIG. 21A, the rack gear 243 is disposed on the third side wall 253 of the main body 241. The rack gear 243 is disposed on the third side wall 253 along the X direction. The rack gear 243 has a plurality of peaks 243a (an example of a first peak) arranged side by side in the X2 direction. Each peak 243a is inclined with respect to the Y direction. Each peak 243a is inclined toward the X2 direction as it approaches the Y1 direction. The plurality of peaks 114a (an example of a second peak) of the moving gear 114 described above are inclined so as to be parallel to the peaks 243a of the rack gear 243 when they mesh with each other.

[0133] In this way, the rack gear 243 and the moving gear 214 mesh with each other, and the rack member 213 moves with the rotation of the moving gear 214. Details of the movement will be described later.

[0134] The movement of the protrusion 249 is restricted by a restricting portion 270 of the first housing portion 221, which will be described later. The movement of the protrusion 249 is guided by a second guide portion 272, which will be described later. As shown in FIG. 21B , the protrusion 249 is disposed on the second side wall 252 of the main body portion 241. The protrusion 249 is provided on the second side wall 252 so as to extend along the X direction. The protrusion 249 has a first portion 249a and a second portion 249b. The first portion 249a is formed from the second side wall 252 toward the Y1 direction. The second portion 249b is formed from the Y1-direction end of the first portion 249a toward the Z1 direction. A gap T is formed between the second portion 249b and the second side wall 252.

[0135] (Housing 212) As described above, the housing 212 has a first housing portion 221 and a second housing portion 222. Fig. 22 is a perspective view showing the locking device 201 with the first housing portion 221, first gear unit 136, second gear unit 138, rack member 213, and lock pin 211 removed. In Fig. 22, the emergency cable 217 is omitted from the rack member 213 for ease of understanding.

[0136] 18, the first housing portion 221 is generally box-shaped and has a first side surface portion 261, a second side surface portion 262, a third side surface portion 263, a fourth side surface portion 264, and a ceiling portion 265. The first side surface portion 261 and the second side surface portion 262 are arranged opposite each other in the Y direction. The first side surface portion 261 and the second side surface portion 262 are arranged perpendicular to the Y direction. The first side surface portion 261 is arranged closer to the Y2 direction than the second side surface portion 262.

[0137] The third side surface portion 263 connects the end of the first side surface portion 261 on the X2 direction side with the end of the second side surface portion 262 on the X2 direction side. The third side surface portion 263 is disposed perpendicular to the X direction. The fourth side surface portion 264 connects the end of the first side surface portion 261 on the X1 direction side with the end of the second side surface portion 262 on the X2 direction side. The fourth side surface portion 264 is disposed opposite the third side surface portion 263. The fourth side surface portion 264 is provided with a terminal portion 280 that supplies power to the motor 130, inputs command signals to the motor 130, and outputs detection signals from the detection switch 216.

[0138] The ceiling portion 265 is connected to the Z2-direction end of the first side surface portion 261, the Z2-direction end of the second side surface portion 262, the Z2-direction end of the third side surface portion 263, and the Z2-direction end of the fourth side surface portion 264.

[0139] 22, the second housing portion 222 has a plate-shaped portion 222a and a fixing portion 222b. The plate-shaped portion 222a is arranged so as to close an opening formed by the Z1-direction end of the first side surface portion 261, the Z1-direction end of the second side surface portion 262, the Z1-direction end of the third side surface portion 263, and the Z1-direction end of the fourth side surface portion 264. The fixing portion 222b is a portion that is fixed to the vehicle body of the locking device 201. The fixing portions 222b are arranged at the X2-direction ends of the plate-shaped portion 222a, at both ends in the Y direction.

[0140] FIG. 23A is a plan view showing the locking device 201 with the first housing portion 221 and the drive unit 115 removed. In FIGS. 23A to 23D, the emergency cable 217 is omitted for clarity. As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23A, the second housing portion 222 has a first restriction wall 281 and a second restriction wall 282. As shown in FIG. 22, the first restriction wall 281 is provided on the inner surface 222c of the plate-shaped portion 222a of the second housing portion 222 along the X direction. As shown in FIG. 22, the first restriction wall 281 is disposed on the Y1-direction side of the main body portion 241 of the rack member 213. As shown in FIG. 22, the second restriction wall 282 is provided on the inner surface 222c of the plate-shaped portion 222a of the second housing portion 222 along the X direction. The second restriction wall 282 is disposed opposite the first restriction wall 281. As shown in FIG. 22, the second restricting wall 282 is disposed on the Y2 direction side of the first side wall 251 of the rack member 213.

[0141] As shown in Fig. 22, the second housing portion 222 has a restricting portion 270, a first guide portion 271, and a second guide portion 272. In this embodiment, the restricting portion 270 is the end face of the first restricting wall 281 on the X2 direction side. The first guide portion 271 is the surface facing the X2 side of a step formed on the inner surface 222c along the Y direction. The first guide portion 271 is provided on the X2 side of the motor 130. The second guide portion 272 corresponds to both surfaces of the first restricting wall 281 on the Y direction side.

[0142] (Operation of the lock pin 211 and the rack member 213) The operation of the lock pin 211 and the rack member 213 by the drive unit 115 in the lock device 201 of the third embodiment will be described.

[0143] 23A, the rack member 213 is disposed at the first position Q1, and the lock pin 211 is disposed at the lock position P1. When the rack member 213 is disposed at the first position Q1 as shown in FIG. 23A, even if an external force is applied that moves the lock pin 211 in the X1 direction, the rack member 213 abuts against the restricting portion 270, and therefore movement of the lock pin 211 to the unlock position P2 is restricted. Furthermore, the end face 245b on the X1 direction side of the cable engaging portion 245 abuts against the first guide portion 271, and therefore movement of the rack member 213 in the X1 direction is also restricted by the first guide portion 271. Furthermore, the first side wall 251 of the rack member 213 abuts against the second restricting wall 282.

[0144] 23A to the unlock position P2, the motor 130 is driven to rotate the movable gear 214. At the meshing portion between the movable gear 214 and the rack gear 243, a force acts on the crest 214a of the movable gear 214 in the X1 direction.

[0145] As a force acts on the peaks 214a of the movable gear 214 in the X1 direction, the rack gear 243 is also pushed in the X1 direction, but as shown in FIG. 23A , the movement in the X1 direction is restricted by the restricting portion 270 and the first guide portion 271. Therefore, the peaks 243a of the rack member 213 are pushed in the Y1 direction along the slope of the peaks 114a of the movable gear 114 (see arrow E). As a result, the rack member 213 moves in the Y1 direction while being guided by the first guide portion 271, and moves to the second position Q2 shown in FIG. 23B. Note that the second side wall 252 of the rack member 213 abuts against the first restricting wall 281 shown in FIG. 23A , thereby restricting the movement of the rack member 213 in the Y1 direction from the second position Q2.

[0146] At the second position Q2, the rack member 213 is released from the restriction of movement in the X1 direction by the restricting portion 270. When the rack member 213 moves from the first position Q1 to the second position Q2, the rack member 213 slides relative to the lock pin 211. Therefore, even when the rack member 213 is positioned at the second position Q2, the lock pin 211 is positioned at the locked position P1. The second position Q2 is a position where the lock pin 211 can move from the locked position P1 to the unlocked position P2. FIG. 23C is a partially enlarged perspective view of FIG. 23B. As shown in FIG. 23C, by moving in the X1 direction, the rack member 213 moves to a position where the first restricting wall 281 can enter the gap T between the second side wall 252 and the second portion 249b of the rack member 213.

[0147] When the movable gear 214 is further rotated from the state in which the rack member 213 is disposed at the second position Q2, the rack member 213 is guided by the second guide portion 272 and moves in the X1 direction as the mountain portion 114a of the movable gear 114 moves in the X1 direction. The protrusion 249 or the second side wall 252 slides on the second guide portion 272, and the rack member 213 is guided in the X1 direction. As shown in FIG. 23D , when the rack member 213 moves from the second position Q2 to the third position Q3, the lock pin 211 engaged with the rack member 213 also moves in the X1 direction (see arrow D). As a result, the lock pin 211 is disposed at the unlock position P2.

[0148] As described above, by driving the motor 130 and rotating the moving gear 214, the rack member 213 can be moved sequentially to the first position Q1, the second position Q2, and the third position Q3, and the lock pin 211 can be moved from the locked position P1 to the unlocked position P2.

[0149] Incidentally, by pulling emergency cable 217, rack member 213 and lock pin 211 can be moved and the lock can be released in the same manner as in FIGS. 23A to 23D (see FIGS. 10A to 10C of the first embodiment).

[0150] <Features etc.> In the locking devices 1, 101, 201 of embodiments 1 to 3, the rack member 13, 113, 213 is movable in the direction of arrow E from a first position Q1 where the lock pin 11, 111, 211 is fixed in the locked position P1 to a second position Q2 where the lock pin 11, 111, 211 can move to the unlocked position P2, and is movable in the direction of arrow D from the second position Q2 to a third position Q3 where the lock pin 11, 111, 211 is positioned in the unlocked position P2. The restricting portion 70, 170, 270 restricts the movement of the rack member 13, 113, 213 from the first position Q1 in the direction of arrow D. By driving the moving gears 14, 114, the rack members 13, 113, 213 are guided by the first guide portions 71, 171, 271 from the first position Q1 to the second position Q2, and are then guided by the second guide portions 72, 172, 272 from the second position Q2 to the third position Q3.

[0151] At the first position Q1 where the lock pin 11, 111, 211 is held in the locked position P1, the movement of the rack member 13, 113, 213 engaged with the lock pin 11, 111, 211 toward the unlocked position P2 is restricted by the restricting portions 70, 170, 270 of the housing 12, 112, 212. Therefore, even if an external force is applied, the movement of the lock pin 11, 111, 211 toward the unlocked position P2 is restricted, and the lock pin 11, 111, 211 can be held at the locked position P1.

[0152] In the locking devices 1, 101, 201 of the present embodiments 1 to 3, the multiple peaks 43a, 143a, 243a (examples of first peaks) of the rack gear 43, 143, 243 are inclined so as to face in the opposite direction to the arrow D as they move in the direction of the arrow E, and the peaks 14a, 114a of the moving gear 14, 114 are inclined so as to be parallel to the peaks 43a, 143a, 243a when they mesh with the peaks 43a, 143a, 243a.

[0153] In this way, because the crests 43a, 143a, 243a (an example of a first crest) of the rack gear 43, 143, 243 and the crests 14a, 114a (an example of a second crest) of the movable gear 14, 114 are inclined, by driving the movable gear 14, 114, the rack member 13, 113, 213 can be moved from a first position Q1 where the lock pin 11, 111, 211 is held at the locked position P1 to a second position Q2 where the lock pin 11, 111, 211 can move to the locked position P1. Therefore, by driving the movable gear 14, 114, the lock pin 11, 111, 211 can be moved to the unlocked position P2.

[0154] In the locking devices 1, 101, 201 of the first to third embodiments, the locking pins 11, 111, 211 are fitted into the rack members 13, 113, 213 so as to be relatively movable in the direction of the arrow D. Therefore, the rack members 13, 113, 213 can be moved relatively to the locking pins 11, 111, 211 with a simple configuration, which reduces the number of parts and allows the locking devices 1, 101, 201 to be made smaller.

[0155] In the locking devices 1, 101, 201 of the first to third embodiments, the lock can be forcibly released by moving the lock pin 11, 111, 211 to the unlock position P2 using an emergency cable 17, 117, 217. Since a helical gear is used as the moving gear 14, 114 and a worm gear is not used in the drive unit as in the conventional case, the operating load of the cable member can be reduced. In this embodiment, a worm gear is not used in any of the gears of the drive unit 15, 115.

[0156] In the locking devices 1, 101, 201 of the first to third embodiments, by pulling the emergency cable 17, 117, 217, the tip end 17b, 117b, 217b (an example of an end) moves, and the inclined portion 57, 157, 257 (an example of a third guide portion) moves the rack member 13, 113, 213 from the first position Q1 to the second position Q2, and by further pulling the emergency cable 17, 117, 217 in a state in which the tip end 17b, 227b, 217b is locked by the locking portion 56, 156, 256, the rack member 13, 113, 213 can be moved from the second position Q2 to the third position Q3. This moves the lock pin 11, 111, 211 from the locked position P1 to the unlocked position P2, forcibly releasing the lock.

[0157] In the locking devices 1, 101, 201 of the first to third embodiments, the inclined portions 57, 157, 257 are inclined so as to move in the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow D (an example of the first direction) as they move in the direction of the arrow E (an example of the second direction). This allows the rack member 13, 113, 213 to move from the first position Q1 to the second position Q2 while the inclined portions 57, 157, 257 and the tip portions 17b, 227b, 217b slide against each other.

[0158] In the locking devices 1, 101, 201 of the first to third embodiments, a first space S1 (see FIGS. 4, 13, and 19) is provided between the motor 30, 130 and the moving gear 14, 114 in which a rack member can be placed.

[0159] As shown in Fig. 4, the rack member 13 can be disposed between the motor 30 and the movable gear 14 in this manner, thereby making it possible to reduce the size of the locking device 1. Furthermore, as shown in Figs. 4, 13, and 19, by providing the first space S1 in any of the locking devices 1, 101, and 201, the housing in a given embodiment can be used as the housing in another embodiment.

[0160] In the locking devices 101, 201 of the second and third embodiments, a second space S2 (Figures 13 and 19) in which the rack member 113 can be placed is provided between the inner surface of the housing 112, 212 that faces the motor 130 across the movable gear 14, 114, and the movable gear 114.

[0161] By providing such a second space S2, it is possible to standardize parts even when the protruding directions of the lock pin 11 are different, as in the lock device 101 of the second embodiment and the lock device 201 of the third embodiment.

[0162] In the locking devices 101 and 201 of the second and third embodiments, a third space S3 in which a rack member 213 can be placed is provided between the pair of inner surfaces 122c and 222c of the housings 112 and 212, which are arranged opposite an imaginary plane including the motor 130 and the movable gear 114 arranged in parallel, and the movable gear 114, as shown in Figures 12B and 13.

[0163] By providing such a third space S3, it is possible to standardize parts even when the protruding directions of the lock pin 11 are different, as in the lock device 101 of the second embodiment and the lock device 201 of the third embodiment.

[0164] (Other embodiments) Although one embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0165] (A) The housing 12 of the first embodiment, the housing 112 of the second embodiment, and the housing 212 of the third embodiment have different shapes, but may have the same shape. In particular, by providing the second space S2 and the third space S3 in the second and third embodiments, the same housing shape can be used, and the movement direction of the lock pin between the locked position and the unlocked position can be made different.

[0166] (B) The lock pin 111 of the second embodiment is provided with a notch 111c, and the lock pin 11 of the first embodiment and the lock pin 211 of the third embodiment have different shapes, but either lock pin may be used.

[0167] (C) In the above-described first to third embodiments, the first transmission gear 31, 131, the second transmission gear 32, 132, the third transmission gear 33, 133, and the fourth transmission gear 34, 134 are provided, but the configuration is not limited to this. It is sufficient if the movable gear 14, 114 can be rotated by the driving force of the motor 30, 130. [Industrial Applicability]

[0168] The locking device of the present invention has the effect of being able to hold the lock pin in the locked position, and is useful as a device for locking the power supply cable of a plug-in hybrid vehicle, an electric vehicle, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0169] 1: Locking device 11: Lock pin 13: Rack member 14: Moving gear 70: Regulation Department 71:1st information section 72:Second information section P1: Lock position P2: Unlock position Q1 :1st position Q2 :2nd position Q3: 3rd position

Claims

1. a lock pin movable along a first direction from a lock position that restricts movement of the object to an unlock position that releases the restriction on movement of the object; a rack member having a rack gear and fitted with the lock pin; a moving gear that meshes with the rack gear and moves the rack member; a drive unit that drives the moving gear; a housing that houses the rack member, the moving gear, and the drive unit and through which the lock pin is inserted, the rack member is movable along a second direction from a first position where the lock pin is held at the locked position to a second position where the lock pin can be moved to the unlocked position, and is movable along the first direction from the second position to a third position where the lock pin is disposed at the unlocked position, The housing includes: a restricting portion that restricts movement of the rack member from the first position along the first direction; a first guide portion that guides movement of the rack member from the first position to the second position along the second direction; a second guide portion that guides movement of the rack member from the second position to the third position along the first direction, By driving the moving gear, the rack member is guided by the first guide section from the first position to the second position, and is guided by the second guide section from the second position to the third position. Locking device.

2. the rack gear has a plurality of first tooth portions arranged side by side in the first direction, Each of the first peaks is inclined toward the opposite side to the first direction as it extends in the second direction, the movable gear has a plurality of second teeth, The second crest is inclined so as to be parallel to the first crest when meshing with the first crest. The locking device according to claim 1 .

3. The lock pin is fitted to the rack member so as to be relatively movable in the second direction.

3. The locking device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. a cable member that moves the lock pin from the locked position to the unlocked position; The moving gear is a helical gear. The locking device according to claim 1 .

5. the rack member has an engaging portion that engages with an end portion of the cable member, The engagement portion is a third guide portion for moving the rack member from the first position to the second position along the second direction in accordance with movement of the end portion of the cable member in the first direction; a locking portion for moving the rack member from the second position to the third position along the first direction, 5. The locking device according to claim 4.

6. The third guide portion is inclined toward the opposite side to the first direction as it advances in the second direction. The locking device according to claim 5.

7. The drive unit is a motor arranged in parallel with the moving gear; a transmission unit that transmits the output of the motor to the moving gear, a first space in which the rack member can be disposed is provided between the motor and the movable gear; The locking device according to claim 1 .

8. The drive unit is a motor disposed in parallel with the movable gear and serving as a drive source for the movable gear; a second space in which the rack member can be disposed is provided between the movable gear and an inner surface of the housing facing the motor across the movable gear; The locking device according to claim 1 .

9. The drive unit is a motor arranged in parallel with the moving gear; a transmission unit that transmits the output of the motor to the moving gear, a third space in which the rack member can be disposed is provided between the movable gear and one of a pair of inner surfaces of the housing that are arranged opposite to an imaginary plane including the motor and the movable gear that are arranged in parallel; The locking device according to claim 1 .

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