Vehicle door lock device

Abstract

A vehicle door lock device 10a comprises: a rotary member 38a movable from a neutral position to an unlatch corresponding position and a cam operation position by driving force of a first drive electric motor 37; a release lever 40 for switching a latch mechanism 20 to an unlatched state in conjunction with movement of the rotary member 38a to the unlatch corresponding position; and a knock type cam 46 configured to alternately switch the vehicle door lock device 10a between a double lock unset state and a double lock set state whenever the rotary member 38a moves from the neutral position to the cam operation position and then returns to the neutral position.

Description

Door lock device for vehicle

[0001] The present invention relates to a door lock device for a vehicle.

[0002] The vehicle door lock device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured to switch between a locked state, an unlocked state, and an unlatched state by the driving force of an electric motor. Specifically, the vehicle door lock device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a rotating member that rotates by the driving force of the electric motor. The rotating member is rotatable among a neutral position, an unlocked position that is a position rotated from the neutral position in a predetermined direction, a locking position that is a position rotated from the neutral position in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction, and an unlatched position that is a position beyond the locking position from the neutral position. The rotating member is configured to be in the neutral position while the electric motor is not operating.

[0003] When the vehicle door lock device is in a locked state, if the rotating member is rotated from the neutral position to the unlocked position by the driving force of the electric motor, the vehicle door lock device switches to the unlocked state, and when the vehicle door lock device is in an unlocked state, if the rotating member is moved from the neutral position to the locked position by the driving force of the electric motor, the vehicle door lock device switches to the locked state. Furthermore, when the rotating member is moved from the neutral position past the locked position to the unlatched position by the driving force of the electric motor, the vehicle door lock device switches to the unlatched state. In this way, the vehicle door lock device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured to switch between the unlocked state, the locked state, and the unlatched state by switching the driving force of the electric motor between forward and reverse.

[0004] In the vehicle door lock device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the lock corresponding position and the unlatch corresponding position of the rotating member are located on the same side as viewed from the neutral position. With this configuration, when switching the vehicle door lock device from an unlocked state to a locked state, the vehicle door lock device switches to the unlatched state when the rotating member passes the lock corresponding position and reaches the unlatch corresponding position. Therefore, the vehicle door lock device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a blocking lever that restricts rotation of the rotating member when in the unlocked state so that the rotating member does not move beyond the lock corresponding position to the unlatch corresponding position. With this blocking lever, the rotating member can be reliably stopped at the lock corresponding position when switching from the unlocked state to the locked state by rotation of the rotating member, thereby preventing the vehicle door from opening unexpectedly.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-85292

[0006] In the vehicle door lock device disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the door is in an unlocked state, the rotating member cannot move beyond the lock corresponding position to the unlatch corresponding position. Therefore, in order to switch the latch mechanism from the latched state to the unlatched state when the door is in an unlocked state, the electric motor must first drive the rotating member to the lock corresponding position to switch the latch mechanism from the latched state to the unlatch corresponding position, and then the electric motor must drive the rotating member again to move the rotating member to the unlatch corresponding position. In this way, the electric motor must be driven twice. Therefore, in order to switch the latch mechanism from the latched state to the unlatched state with a single operation of the electric motor regardless of whether the door is in a locked state or an unlocked state, a switching mechanism and a driving force source for the switching mechanism that operate independently of the mechanism for switching between the locked state and the unlocked state and the driving force source for driving the switching mechanism are required.

[0007] In addition to the latch mechanism, some vehicle door lock devices include a mechanism that operates using the power of a driving force source. Examples of such mechanisms include a double lock mechanism and a child protection mechanism (sometimes referred to as a childproof mechanism). The double lock mechanism is configured to prevent the door lock device from switching from a locked state to an unlocked state through mechanical operation when the door lock device is in a locked state. The child protection mechanism is configured to prevent the door lock device from switching to an unlatched state when a door handle provided on the interior side of the vehicle door is operated. A vehicle door lock device equipped with a double lock mechanism or a child protection mechanism requires a driving force source to operate the double lock mechanism or the child protection mechanism. Adding a driving force source to operate the double lock mechanism or the child protection mechanism increases the component costs of the vehicle door lock device.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and provides a door lock device for a vehicle that can switch the latch mechanism from a latched state to an unlatched state with a single operation of a drive force source, regardless of whether the latch mechanism is in a locked state or an unlocked state, and that is equipped with a mechanism that operates by the drive force of the drive force source and does not require a drive force source separate and independent from the drive force source for switching the latch mechanism from the latched state to the unlatched state.

[0009] In order to solve the above problem, the vehicle door lock device of the present invention comprises: a latch mechanism configured to switch from a latched state that does not allow the vehicle door to be opened to an unlatched state that allows the vehicle door to be opened; a first operating member configured to be movable between a first position that allows the latch mechanism to be switched from the latched state to the unlatched state by manual operation of a manual operating member provided on the vehicle door, and a second position that does not allow the latch mechanism to be switched from the latched state to the unlatched state even when the manual operating member is manually operated; and a restriction mechanism configured to be switchable between a first state that restricts movement of the first operating member from the second position to the first position or holds the first operating member at the second position, and a second state that holds the first operating member at the first position or allows the first operating member to move from the second position to the first position. a rotating member that is movable to an unlatch corresponding position, which is a position rotated in a predetermined direction from a neutral position, by the driving force of a first driving force source, and to a restriction mechanism switching position, which is a position rotated in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction from the neutral position, and that switches the latch mechanism from the latched state to the unlatch corresponding position when moved from the neutral position, and alternately switches the restriction mechanism between the first state and the second state each time the rotating member moves from the neutral position to the restriction mechanism switching position.

[0010] According to the present invention, when the rotating member is moved from the neutral position to the unlatch corresponding position by the driving force of the first driving force source, the latch mechanism switches from the latched state to the unlatched state. Therefore, the latch mechanism can be switched from the latched state to the unlatched state with a single drive of the driving force source. Furthermore, when the rotating member is moved from the neutral position to the restriction mechanism switching position by the driving force of the first driving force source, the restriction mechanism can be switched from the first state to the second state and from the second state to the first state. Because the rotational direction of the rotating member when moving from the neutral position to the restriction mechanism switching position is opposite to the rotational direction when moving from the neutral position to the unlatch corresponding position, switching of the latch mechanism from the latched state to the unlatched state and the operation of alternately switching the restriction mechanism between the first state and the second state can be achieved by switching the direction of the driving force output by the first driving force source. Therefore, there is no need to provide separate driving force sources for switching the latch mechanism from the latched state to the unlatched state and for switching the state of the restriction mechanism, thereby preventing or minimizing an increase in the number of parts in a vehicle door lock device.

[0011] FIG. 1A is a diagram showing a vehicle door to which a vehicle door lock device is applied. FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along line IB-IB in FIG. 1A. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the door lock device. FIG. 3A is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a knock cam. FIG. 3B is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a knock cam. FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram showing the operation of a knock cam. FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram showing the operation of a knock cam. FIG. 4C is a schematic diagram showing the operation of a knock cam. FIG. 4D is a schematic diagram showing the operation of a knock cam. FIG. 4E is a schematic diagram showing the operation of a knock cam. FIG. 4F is a schematic diagram showing the operation of a knock cam. FIG. 5A is a diagram showing the operation of the door lock device. FIG. 5B is a diagram showing the operation of the door lock device. FIG. 6A is a diagram showing the operation of the door lock device. FIG. 6B is a diagram showing the operation of the door lock device. FIG. 7A is a diagram showing the operation of the door lock device. FIG. 7B is a diagram showing the operation of the door lock device. FIG. 8A is a diagram showing the operation of the door lock device. FIG. 8A is a diagram showing the operation of the door lock device. Fig. 9A is a diagram showing the operation of the door locking device. Fig. 9A is a diagram showing the operation of the door locking device. Fig. 10A is a diagram showing the configuration and operation of the door locking device according to a second embodiment. Fig. 10B is a diagram showing the configuration and operation of the door locking device according to the second embodiment. Fig. 11A is a diagram showing the configuration and operation of the door locking device according to the second embodiment. Fig. 11B is a diagram showing the configuration and operation of the door locking device according to the second embodiment.

[0012] Hereinafter, vehicle door lock devices according to various embodiments of the present invention will be described. In the following description, the vehicle door lock device may be abbreviated as "door lock device." In the following description, the directions of the door lock device and its components are based on the directions of the vehicle. In each drawing, the front side of the door lock device (and the vehicle) is indicated by an arrow Fr, the rear side by an arrow Rr, the outer side in the vehicle width direction (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the vehicle exterior side) by an arrow Out, the inner side in the vehicle width direction (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the vehicle interior side) by an arrow In, the upper side by an arrow Up, and the lower side by an arrow Dw.

[0013] <Vehicle Door> FIG. 1A is a side view of a vehicle door 90 to which door lock devices 10a and 10b are applied, as seen from the vehicle exterior. FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the rear end of the vehicle door 90 to which door lock devices 10a and 10b are applied, taken along the arrows IB-IB in FIG. 1A. The vehicle door 90 has a front end rotatably connected to the vehicle body and is configured to be able to close and open by rotating relative to the vehicle body. The vehicle door 90 includes a door main body 91 that forms a lower half of the vehicle door 90 and a door sash 92 that is provided in an upper half of the door main body 91. The door main body 91 includes an outer panel 911 that forms the exterior surface of the vehicle door 90, an inner panel 912 that is fixed to the interior side of the outer panel 911, and a resin trim 913 that is fixed to the interior side of the inner panel 912 and forms the interior surface of the door main body 91.

[0014] A door handle device including an outside door handle 914 and a key cylinder 916 is attached to the outer panel 911. The outside door handle 914 and the key cylinder 916 are operating members that can be manually operated by a vehicle user from outside the vehicle. An inside door handle 915 is attached to the trim 913. The inside door handle 915 is an operating member that can be manually operated by a vehicle user from inside the vehicle. Both the outside door handle 914 and the inside door handle 915 can be moved between an initial position and an operating position by rotating relative to the vehicle door 90. The outside door handle 914 and the inside door handle 915 are constantly elastically biased toward their initial positions by a biasing member (not shown). Therefore, when not manually operated, the outside door handle 914 and the inside door handle 915 are held in their initial positions by the biasing force of the biasing member. The vehicle user can manually operate the outside door handle 914 and the inside door handle 915 (manually move them from the initial position to the operating position).

[0015] 1B, the door lock devices 10a and 10b are disposed in the interior space of the vehicle door 90 (i.e., the space surrounded by the outer panel 911 and the inner panel 912), and are partially exposed to the outside at the rear end of the vehicle door 90. The door lock devices 10a and 10b are fixed to the inner panel 912 (i.e., the vehicle door 90).

[0016] The configuration of the vehicle door 90 is not particularly limited as long as the vehicle door 90 is rotatably connected to the vehicle body and can be closed and opened by rotating relative to the vehicle body.

[0017] First Embodiment Door Lock Device A door lock device 10a according to a first embodiment includes a double lock mechanism 22 that is operated by a driving force from a driving force source. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the door lock device 10a. The door lock device 10a includes an engaging body 11 and an actuator body 12.

[0018] The mating body 11 includes a latch mechanism 20. The latch mechanism 20 is configured to be switchable between a latched state and an unlatched state. The latched state is a state in which the vehicle door 90 is not permitted to be opened (which can also be said to hold the vehicle door 90 in a closed state). The unlatched state is a state in which the vehicle door 90 is permitted to be opened.

[0019] In this embodiment, the latch mechanism 20 includes a base plate 201, a latch 202, and a lift lever 203. The latch 202 is rotatably supported relative to the base plate 201 and is movable between a latched position (a fully latched position and a half latched position) and an unlatched position. The latch 202 is configured to restrict (not allow) the vehicle door 90 from opening when the vehicle door 90 is in the latched position while the vehicle door 90 is in the closed state, and to allow the vehicle door 90 to open when the latch 202 moves from the latched position to the unlatched position while the vehicle door 90 is in the closed state. The lift lever 203 is rotatably supported relative to the base plate 201 and is configured to be movable between an initial position (see FIGS. 5A and 5B ) and an operating position (see FIGS. 7A and 7B ).

[0020] The lift lever 203 is configured to restrict the movement of the latch 202 from the latched position to the unlatched position when it is in the initial position, and to allow the latch 202 to move from the latched position to the unlatched position when it is in the operating position. In this way, the latch mechanism 20 is configured to be maintained in a latched state when the lift lever 203 is in the initial position while the vehicle door 90 is in a closed state, and to switch from the latched state to the unlatched state when the lift lever 203 moves from the initial position to the operating position. Note that the specific configuration of the mating body 11, including the latch mechanism 20, is not particularly limited, and various known configurations can be applied.

[0021] The door lock device 10a is configured to be able to switch the latch mechanism 20 from a latched state to an unlatched state by the driving force of a first electric motor 37 (described later). The door lock device 10a is also configured to be able to switch the latch mechanism 20 from a latched state to an unlatched state by manually operating the inside door handle 915 or the outside door handle 914.

[0022] The door lock device 10a also includes a lock mechanism 24. The lock mechanism 24 is configured to be switchable between an unlocked state and a locked state. The unlocked state is a state in which the latch mechanism 20 is allowed to switch from the latched state to the unlatched state when the outside door handle 914 or the inside door handle 915 is manually operated. The locked state is a state in which the latch mechanism 20 is not allowed to switch from the latched state to the unlatched state when the outside door handle 914 or the inside door handle 915 is manually operated. In this embodiment, the lock mechanism 24 is configured to include an open link 34, an active lever 41, a locking lever 44, a locking link 45, and an open link biasing spring 42.

[0023] Furthermore, the door lock device 10a includes a double lock mechanism 22. The double lock mechanism 22 is configured to be switchable between a double lock unlocked state (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "DL unlocked state") and a double lock set state (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "DL set state") when the lock mechanism 24 is in a locked state. The DL unlocked state is a state in which the lock mechanism 24 is permitted to switch from the locked state to the unlocked state. The DL set state is a state in which the lock mechanism 24 is not permitted to switch from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0024] The actuator body 12 includes a housing 31, a cover (not shown), a base 32, an outside open lever 33, an open link 34, an inside open lever 35, an inside lever 36, a first electric motor 37, a rotating member 38a, a rotating member biasing spring 39, a release lever 40, an active lever 41, an open link biasing spring 42, a second electric motor 43, a locking lever 44, a locking link 45, a knock-type cam 46, a key lever 47, a key switch lever 48, and a key crank 49. The double lock mechanism 22 is configured to include the rotating member 38a, the locking lever 44, the locking link 45, and the knock-type cam 46.

[0025] The housing 31 is a member that functions as a housing for the actuator body 12. The base 32 is a member to which predetermined components are attached and which is also attached to the housing 31. A cover (not shown) is attached to the housing 31 to cover the components housed in the housing 31.

[0026] The outside open lever 33 is an example of a third operating member of the present invention. The outside open lever 33 is rotatably supported relative to the housing 31. The outside open lever 33 is configured to be movable between an initial position (see, for example, FIGS. 5A and 5B ) and an operating position by rotating relative to the housing 31. The initial position of the outside open lever 33 is an example of a third operating member initial position of the present invention, and the operating position of the outside open lever 33 is an example of a third operating member operating position of the present invention. The outside open lever 33 includes an open link support portion 331 that rotatably supports the open link 34 and an inside lever engagement portion 332 that can be engaged and disengaged with the inside lever 36. The outside open lever 33 is constantly elastically biased toward the initial position by an outside open lever biasing spring 333. The operating position of the outside open lever 33 is a position where the open link support portion 331 has moved upward from the initial position. The outside open lever 33 is connected to an outside door handle 914 of the vehicle door 90 via a wire or the like. When the outside door handle 914 is manually operated (moved from the initial position to the operating position), the outside open lever 33 is configured to move from the initial position to the operating position in conjunction with the movement of the outside door handle 914.

[0027] In the first embodiment, the open link 34 is an example of a fourth operating member of the present invention. The open link 34 is rotatably supported by the outside open lever 33. Therefore, the open link 34 is rotatable relative to the outside open lever 33 and can rotate and move integrally with the outside open lever 33 relative to the housing 31. The open link 34 can move between an unlocked position (see FIGS. 6A and 6B ) and a locked position (see FIGS. 5A and 5B ) by rotating relative to the outside open lever 33. Furthermore, when the open link 34 is positioned at the unlocked position or the locked position, it can move together with the outside open lever 33 to move between the initial position and the operating position.

[0028] The open link 34 includes a release lever engaging portion 341 and a spring engaging portion 342. When the outside open lever 33 moves from the initial position to the operating position while the open link 34 is in the unlocked position, the release lever engaging portion 341 of the open link 34 is configured to push up the lift lever 203 via the release lever 40, thereby moving the lift lever 203 from the initial position to the operating position. Furthermore, when the outside open lever 33 moves from the initial position to the operating position while the open link 34 is in the locked position, the release lever engaging portion 341 of the open link 34 is configured not to come into contact with the release lever 40. The spring engaging portion 342 is a portion that engages with an open link biasing spring 42, which will be described later. The spring engaging portion 342 has a protruding configuration that protrudes in a direction substantially parallel to the rotation center line of the open link 34 relative to the lift lever 203.

[0029] The inside open lever 35 is an example of a sixth operating member of the present invention. The inside open lever 35 is rotatably supported relative to the housing 31. The inside open lever 35 is configured to be movable between an initial position (e.g., see FIGS. 5A and 5B ) and an operating position (e.g., a position rotated clockwise from the position shown in FIG. 5A or counterclockwise from the position shown in FIG. 5B ) by rotating relative to the housing 31. The inside open lever 35 is linked to an inside door handle 915 provided on the vehicle door 90 and configured to move from the initial position to the operating position in conjunction with manual operation of the inside door handle 915. For example, the inside open lever 35 and the inside door handle 915 are connected by a wire (not shown). The inside open lever 35 is constantly elastically biased toward the initial position by an inside open lever biasing member (not shown). Therefore, when the inside door handle 915 is not operated, the inside open lever 35 is held in the initial position by the biasing force of the inside open lever biasing member.

[0030] The inside open lever 35 has an inside lever engaging portion 351. The inside lever engaging portion 351 is configured to be freely engaged with and disengaged from an inside open lever engaging portion 361 of the inside lever 36, which will be described later. When the inside open lever 35 is moved from the initial position to the operating position, the inside lever engaging portion 351 engages with the inside open lever engaging portion 361 of the inside lever 36, pushing the inside lever 36 from the initial position toward the operating position.

[0031] The inside lever 36 is an example of a seventh operating member of the present invention. The inside lever 36 is rotatably supported relative to the housing 31. By rotating relative to the housing 31, the inside lever 36 can move between an initial position (see, for example, FIGS. 5A and 5B ) and an operating position (for example, a position rotated counterclockwise from the position shown in FIG. 5A or clockwise from the position shown in FIG. 5B ). The inside lever 36 includes an inside open lever engaging portion 361 and an outside open lever engaging portion 362. The inside open lever engaging portion 361 is configured to be engageable and disengageable with the inside lever engaging portion 351 of the inside open lever 35. The outside open lever engaging portion 362 is configured to be engageable and disengageable with the inside lever engaging portion 332 of the outside open lever 33.

[0032] The first electric motor 37 is an example of a first drive power source of the present invention. The first electric motor 37 is a drive power source for a rotating member 38a (described later) and is configured to be able to output rotational power in both forward and reverse directions when energized. A first worm 371 is provided on the rotating shaft of the first electric motor 37, and the first electric motor 37 drives and rotates the rotating member 38a via this first worm 371.

[0033] The rotating member 38a is rotatably supported relative to the housing 31 via the base 32 and is configured to rotate by rotational power transmitted from the first electric motor 37. In this embodiment, a worm wheel is used as the rotating member 38a and meshes with a first worm 371 provided on a rotation shaft of the first electric motor 37. The first worm 371 of the first electric motor 37 and the rotating member 38a (worm wheel) are configured to be capable of driving in opposite directions. In other words, when the first electric motor 37 is not energized (when the first electric motor 37 is not outputting rotational power), the rotating member 38a can rotate by the biasing force of a rotating member biasing spring 39, which will be described later.

[0034] The rotating member 38a can be moved to a neutral position (see FIGS. 5A and 5B), an unlatch corresponding position (see FIGS. 7A and 7B), and a cam operating position (see FIGS. 9A and 9B) by rotating relative to the housing 31. The neutral position is the middle position of the movable range of the rotating member 38a. The unlatch corresponding position is one end position of the movable range of the rotating member 38a. It is a position rotated in one predetermined direction from the neutral position. The cam operating position is the other end position of the movable range of the rotating member 38a, and is a position rotated in the opposite direction from the neutral position. The cam operating position is an example of a restriction mechanism switching position of the present invention.

[0035] The rotating member 38a includes a release lever engaging portion 381 and a cam engaging portion 382. The release lever engaging portion 381 is configured to be engageable with and disengageable from the rotating member engaging portion 401 of the release lever 40, and includes a protrusion-like structure that protrudes in the axial direction from one axial end face of the rotating member 38a. The cam engaging portion 382 is configured to be engageable with and disengageable from a cam arm 612 of the knock-type cam 46 (described later), and includes a protrusion-like structure that protrudes in the axial direction from the end face opposite the side where the release lever engaging portion 381 is provided. When the rotating member 38a moves from the neutral position to the unlatch corresponding position, the release lever engaging portion 381 comes into contact with the rotating member engaging portion 401 of the release lever 40 and pushes the release lever 40, but the cam engaging portion 382 does not push (does not come into contact with) the cam arm 612. Furthermore, when the rotating member 38a moves from the neutral position to the cam operating position, the cam engagement portion 382 contacts and pushes the cam arm 612, but the release lever engagement portion 381 is configured not to push (not to contact) the rotating member engagement portion 401 of the release lever 40.

[0036] The rotating member biasing spring 39 is configured to constantly elastically bias the rotating member 38a toward the neutral position. For example, a torsion coil spring having an arm at each end can be used as the rotating member biasing spring 39. In this case, one arm can be engaged with the rotating member 38a, and the other arm can be engaged with the base 32. The rotating member biasing spring 39 is housed inside the rotating member 38a coaxially with the rotating member 38a.

[0037] The release lever 40 is an example of a second operating member of the present invention. The release lever 40 is rotatably supported relative to the housing 31. The release lever 40 is movable between an initial position (see FIGS. 5A and 5B ) and an operating position (see FIGS. 8A and 8B ) by rotating relative to the housing 31. The initial position of the release lever 40 is an example of a second operating member initial position of the present invention, and the operating position of the release lever 40 is an example of a second operating member operating position of the present invention. The release lever 40 includes a rotating member engaging portion 401 and a lift lever engaging portion 402. The rotating member engaging portion 401 is configured to be engageable with and disengageable from the release lever engaging portion 381 of the rotating member 38a and is configured to engage with the release lever engaging portion 381 of the rotating member 38a when the rotating member 38a rotates from the neutral position toward the unlatched position. However, the rotating member engaging portion 401 of the release lever 40 is configured so as not to come into contact with the release lever engaging portion 381 of the rotating member 38a when the rotating member 38a moves from the neutral position to the cam operating position. The lift lever engaging portion 402 is configured so as to be able to be engaged with and disengaged from the lift lever 203 and the inside lever 36.

[0038] The active lever 41 is supported rotatably and coaxially with the inside lever 36 relative to the housing 31. However, the active lever 41 and the inside lever 36 can rotate independently of each other relative to the housing 31. The active lever 41 is configured to be movable between a lock-corresponding position and an unlock-corresponding position by rotating relative to the housing 31. The lock-corresponding position is one end of the movable range of the active lever 41, and the unlock-corresponding position is the other end of the movable range of the active lever 41.

[0039] The active lever 41 is elastically biased toward either the lock corresponding position or the unlock corresponding position by a not shown detent spring. Specifically, when the active lever 41 is located closer to the lock corresponding position than a predetermined position in the middle of its movable range, the active lever 41 is elastically biased toward the lock corresponding position by the detent spring, and when the active lever 41 is located closer to the unlock corresponding position, the active lever 41 is elastically biased toward the unlock corresponding position by the detent spring.

[0040] The active lever 41 includes a locking link engaging portion 411 and a spring mounting portion 412. The locking link engaging portion 411 is a portion that rotatably engages (or can be said to be connected to) one end of the locking link 45. The spring mounting portion 412 is a portion to which the open link biasing spring 42 is attached.

[0041] The open link biasing spring 42 is attached to the spring mounting portion 412 of the active lever 41. The open link biasing spring 42 is configured to hold the open link 34 in the locked position when the active lever 41 is in the locked position, and to hold the open link 34 in the unlocked position when the active lever 41 is in the unlocked position. However, the open link biasing spring 42 is configured to allow the open link 34 to be in the locked position by elastic deformation even when the active lever 41 is in the unlocked position. The open link biasing spring 42 can be, for example, a torsion coil spring having arms at both ends. The two arms of the open link biasing spring 42 are approximately parallel and can elastically deform so as to widen the gap between these two arms. In this case, the spring engaging portion 342 of the open link 34 can be configured as a protrusion that protrudes in a direction parallel to the axis of the open link 34 (the center line of rotation relative to the outside open lever 33). The spring engaging portion 342 of the open link 34 is located between the two arms of the open link biasing spring 42 (sandwiched between the two arms).

[0042] The second electric motor 43 is an example of a second drive power source of the present invention. The second electric motor 43 is a drive power source for a locking lever 44, which will be described later. The second electric motor 43 is configured to be able to output rotational power in both forward and reverse directions. A second worm 431 is attached to the output shaft of the second electric motor 43. The second electric motor 43 is a drive power source separate and independent from the first electric motor 37.

[0043] The locking lever 44 is rotatably attached to the housing 31 via the base 32. The locking lever 44 can be moved between an unlocked position and a locked position by rotating with respect to the housing 31. The locking lever 44 includes a toothed portion 441 and a locking link engaging portion 442. The toothed portion 441 is a sector gear-shaped portion that meshes with the second worm 431 of the second electric motor 43. The locking link engaging portion 442 is a rod-shaped portion that extends radially outward from the center of rotation of the locking lever 44 with respect to the housing 31. One end of a locking link 45 (described later) is rotatably coupled to an end of the locking link engaging portion 442. The locking lever 44 is moved between the unlocked position and the locked position by the driving force of the second electric motor 43.

[0044] The locking link 45 is an example of a first operating member of the present invention in the first embodiment. The locking link 45 is a long, rod-shaped member formed, for example, from a metal plate. A cam pin engaging portion 451 is provided at the middle portion of the locking link 45 in the longitudinal direction. The cam pin engaging portion 451 has a protruding configuration that protrudes in a direction approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the locking link 45. One end of the locking link 45 in the longitudinal direction is rotatably connected to the tip of the locking link engaging portion 442 of the locking lever 44, and the other end is rotatably connected to the locking link engaging portion 411 of the active lever 41.

[0045] When the locking lever 44 is in the lock corresponding position, the locking link 45 and the active lever 41 are also in the lock corresponding position, and when the locking lever 44 is in the unlock corresponding position, the locking link 45 and the active lever 41 are also in the unlock corresponding position. The unlock corresponding position of the locking link 45 is an example of a first position of the first moving member of the present invention, and the lock corresponding position is an example of a second position of the first moving member of the present invention. Note that the locking link 45 moves approximately linearly in a direction approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction in conjunction with the movement of the locking lever 44. Therefore, the unlock corresponding position of the locking link 45 is one end position of the movable range of the approximately linear movement, and the lock corresponding position is the other end position of the movable range.

[0046] The knock cam 46 is an example of a restriction mechanism of the present invention. The knock cam 46 is a member for alternately switching the double lock mechanism 22 between a DL set state and a DL unset state. FIG. 3A is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the knock cam 46. FIG. 3B is an exploded perspective view of the knock cam 46. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B , the knock cam 46 includes an outer tube 60 (fixed tube), an inner tube 61 (movable tube), a pin 62, and a pin-biasing spring 63. The knock cam 46 has an overall long rod-like configuration. For ease of explanation, one end of the knock cam 46 in the longitudinal direction may be referred to as the "first end" and the opposite end as the "second end." In each figure, the first end of the knock cam 46 is indicated by arrow F, and the second end is indicated by arrow S.

[0047] The outer cylinder 60 is an example of the main body of the restriction mechanism of the present invention. The outer cylinder 60 is a substantially cylindrical member that is open at both ends in the longitudinal direction (axial direction). An outer cylinder cam portion 601 (described later) is provided on the inner peripheral side of the outer cylinder 60. In addition, a slit 602 is provided near the first end of the outer cylinder 60, through which a cam arm 612 of the inner cylinder 61 can be inserted. The slit 602 communicates between the outer peripheral side and the inner peripheral side of the outer cylinder 60 and extends in the longitudinal direction of the outer cylinder 60.

[0048] The inner cylinder 61 is an example of a third restriction member of the restriction mechanism of the present invention. The inner cylinder 61 is a member including an inner cylinder cam portion 611 and a cam arm 612. The inner cylinder cam portion 611 is a substantially cylindrical portion that is open at both ends in the longitudinal direction. The cam arm 612 is a tongue-shaped portion that protrudes outward from the outer circumferential surface of the inner cylinder cam portion 611. The cam arm 612 is provided with a crank engaging portion 617. The crank engaging portion 617 is a portion that can be engaged with and disengaged from the key crank 49 (described later), and has a protruding configuration that protrudes in a direction substantially parallel to the rotation center line of the key crank 49 relative to the housing 31.

[0049] The inner tube 61 is arranged so that the inner tube cam portion 611 is housed inside the outer tube 60 and the cam arm 612 protrudes outward through the slit 602 of the outer tube 60. The inner tube 61 can be moved in the longitudinal direction (axial direction) relative to the outer tube 60 to move between a non-switching position, a first switching position, and a second switching position. However, the inner tube 61 cannot rotate relative to the outer tube 60. The non-switching position is, for example, a position near the end on the first end side of the movable range of the inner tube 61 relative to the outer tube 60. The first switching position is a position closer to the second end than the non-switching position, for example, a position near the end on the second end side of the movable range of the inner tube 61. The second switching position is an intermediate position between the non-switching position and the first switching position.

[0050] The pin 62 is an example of a first restricting member of the restricting mechanism of the present invention. The pin 62 is a generally rod-shaped member, and a pin cam portion 621 (described later) is provided in its longitudinally intermediate portion. The longitudinally intermediate portion of the pin 62 is inserted through the outer tube 60 and the inner tube 61, with the first end of the pin 62 protruding from the first end face of the outer tube 60 and the second end of the pin 62 protruding from the second end face of the outer tube 60. The pin 62 is reciprocatable in the axial direction relative to the outer tube 60 and the inner tube 61 and is rotatable relative to the outer tube 60 and the inner tube 61.

[0051] The pin 62 is movable between a first position (see FIGS. 8A and 8B ) and a second position (see FIGS. 5A and 5B ) by linearly moving relative to the housing 31. The first position is the end position on the first end side of the movable range of the pin 62, and the second position is the position near the end on the second end side of the movable range of the pin 62. For convenience of explanation, the state in which the pin 62 is located at the first position may be referred to as the first state of the knock cam 46, and the state in which the pin 62 is located at the second position may be referred to as the second state of the knock cam 46. The protruding length of the "first end side of the pin 62" from the "first end side end face of the outer cylinder 60" when the knock cam 46 is in the first state is longer than the protruding length when the knock cam 46 is in the second state.

[0052] The pin biasing spring 63 is housed inside the outer cylinder 60 and constantly elastically biases the pin 62 toward the first end side. A coil spring that is elastically compressible and deformable in the axial direction is used as the pin biasing spring 63.

[0053] When the inner cylinder 61 moves from the non-switching position to the first switching position and then returns to the non-switching position while in the second state, the knocking cam 46 switches to the first state. Also, when the inner cylinder 61 moves from the non-switching position to the first switching position and then returns to the non-switching position while in the first state, the knocking cam 46 switches to the second state. In other words, the knocking cam 46 is configured to alternately switch between the first state and the second state each time a series of operations is performed: "the inner cylinder 61 moves from the non-switching position to the first switching position and then returns to the non-switching position."

[0054] 4A to 4F are schematic diagrams showing the outer barrel cam portion 601, the inner barrel cam portion 611, and the pin cam portion 621 developed on a plane. For ease of explanation, one circumferential side may be referred to as the operating side, and the opposite side as the counter-operating side. In each figure, the operating side is indicated by arrow A, and the counter-operating side is indicated by arrow C.

[0055] The outer barrel cam portion 601 has a protrusion-like structure that protrudes inward from the inner peripheral surface of the outer barrel 60. A first cam surface 603, a first locking surface 606, a second cam surface 604, and a cam groove 605 are provided at the end portion on the second end side of the outer barrel cam portion 601, and are aligned in the circumferential direction in the above-described order from the counter-operation side to the operation side. Furthermore, multiple sets (three sets in this embodiment) of the first cam surface 603, the first locking surface 606, the second cam surface 604, and the cam groove 605 are provided and aligned in the circumferential direction.

[0056] The first cam surface 603 and the second cam surface 604 are both inclined surfaces inclined with respect to the axial direction and the circumferential direction. Specifically, they are surfaces extending from the second end side and the counter-operation side to the first end side and the operating side (they can also be referred to as surfaces facing the second end side and the operating side). The second end side and counter-operation side end P of the second cam surface 604 is located closer to the second end than the second end side and counter-operation side end Q of the first cam surface 603. The first locking surface 606 is a surface that is approximately parallel to the axial direction and faces the counter-operation side. The first locking surface 606 can also be referred to as a step surface between the first cam surface 603 and the second cam surface 604. The cam groove 605 is a groove that is open on the second end side and the inner circumferential side and closed on the first end side. The cam groove 605 extends in the axial direction and is configured to allow a protrusion 622 of the pin 62 (described later) to be inserted and removed from the second end side.

[0057] The second end of the inner barrel cam portion 611 is provided with a plurality of third cam surfaces 613, a plurality of fourth cam surfaces 614, a plurality of second locking surfaces 615, and a plurality of third locking surfaces 616. Similar to the first cam surface 603 and the second cam surface 604, the third cam surface 613 and the fourth cam surface 614 are inclined surfaces in the axial and circumferential directions, specifically extending from the second end and the counter-operating side to the first end and the operating side. The second locking surface 615 is located on the operating side of the third cam surface 613 and the counter-operating side of the fourth cam surface 614, and the third locking surface 616 is located on the counter-operating side of the third cam surface 613 and the operating side of the fourth cam surface 614. The second locking surface 615 and the third locking surface 616 are inclined surfaces in the axial and circumferential directions, specifically extending from the first end and the operating side to the second end and the counter-operating side. Then, from the reaction side toward the operating side, third cam surface 613, second locking surface 615, fourth cam surface 614, and third locking surface 616 are arranged in this order in the circumferential direction. Therefore, in inner cylinder cam portion 611, a substantially "V"-shaped notch that opens on the second end side formed by third cam surface 613 and second locking surface 615 and a substantially "V"-shaped notch that opens on the second end side formed by fourth cam surface 614 and third locking surface 616 are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 4A, two straight lines L 1 passing through the operating side end and the counter-operating side end of the third cam surface 613 and parallel to the axial direction are formed. １ , L ２ When these two straight lines L １ , L ２ Between the first cam surface 614 and the fourth cam surface 614, there are included a part of one first cam surface 603 closer to the operating side, one first locking surface 606 located on the operating side of the one first cam surface 603, and a part of one second cam surface 604 closer to the counter-operating side and located on the operating side of the one first locking surface 606. In addition, two straight lines L ３ , L ４ When these two straight lines L ３ , L ４Between these, a part of one cam groove 605 closer to the operating side and a part of the first cam surface 603 adjacent to the operating side of the one cam groove 605 closer to the reaction side are included.

[0059] The operation of the knock cam 46 is as follows. Figure 4A shows the relationship between the outer barrel cam portion 601, the inner barrel cam portion 611, and the pin cam portion 621 when the knock cam 46 is in the second state. As shown in Figure 4A, the second state of the knock cam 46 (i.e., the state in which the pin 62 is located in the second position) is when the end face on the first end side of the protrusion 622 of the pin 62 contacts the first cam surface 603 of the outer barrel 60 and the side face on the operating side of the pin 62 contacts the first locking surface 606. The biasing force of the pin biasing spring 63 (specifically, the component of this biasing force in a direction parallel to the second cam surface 604) acts to push the pin 62 toward the operating side and the first end side, so the knock cam 46 is maintained in the second state.

[0060] In this state, when the inner cylinder 61 moves toward the second end, the third cam surface 613 of the inner cylinder cam portion 611 contacts the end surface of the first end of the convex portion 622 and pushes the convex portion 622 toward the second end. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4B , the pin 62 moves from the second position toward the second end. Then, when the convex portion 622 is positioned closer to the second end than the end P of the first locking surface 606, the pin 62 can rotate toward the operating side without being hindered by the first locking surface 606. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4C , the pin 62 rotates toward the operating side due to the biasing force of the pin biasing spring 63 (specifically, the component of the biasing force in a direction parallel to the third cam surface 613), and stops at a position where the tip end (the end toward the first end) fits into the deepest part (the end toward the first end) of the substantially "V"-shaped notch formed by the third cam surface 613 and the second locking surface 615. The pin 62 is held in this state by the biasing force of the pin biasing spring 63 .

[0061] When the inner tube 61 moves toward the first end in this state (or when the force applied to the inner tube 61 is released), the pin 62 moves toward the first end while maintaining this state due to the biasing force of the pin biasing spring 63. Then, as shown in FIG. 4D , the end face of the convex portion 622 on the first end side comes into contact with the second cam surface 604. As the inner tube 61 further moves toward the first end, the tip of the pin 62 separates from the third cam surface 613 (the deepest part of the approximately "V"-shaped notch formed by the third cam surface 613 and the second locking surface 615), allowing the pin 62 to rotate toward the operating side. Therefore, the pin 62 rotates toward the operating side due to the biasing force of the pin biasing spring 63, and fits into the cam groove 605 as shown in FIG. 4E . Then, the biasing force of the pin biasing spring 63 keeps the convex portion 622 fitted into the cam groove 605 (the end face on the first end side of the convex portion 622 contacts the bottom surface of the cam groove 605). The state shown in FIG. 4E is the first state of the knock-type cam 46 (the state in which the pin 62 is located at the first position).

[0062] The bottom surface of the cam groove 605 is located closer to the first end than the first cam surface 603. Therefore, when the knock cam 46 is in the first state, the protruding length of the "first end of the pin 62" from the "first end of the outer cylinder 60" is longer than the protruding length when the knock cam 46 is in the second state.

[0063] In this state, when the inner cylinder 61 moves toward the second end, the fourth cam surface 614 of the inner cylinder 61 contacts the end surface of the protrusion 622 on the first end side and pushes the protrusion 622 toward the second end side, causing the pin 62 to move toward the second end side and come out of the cam groove 605. The pin 62 then rotates in the rotation direction due to the biasing force of the pin biasing spring 63 (more specifically, the component of the biasing force in a direction parallel to the fourth cam surface 614). Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 4F , the tip of the pin 62 fits into the deepest part (the end on the first end side) of the approximately "V"-shaped notch formed by the fourth cam surface 614 and the third locking surface 616, thereby stopping the rotation. The pin 62 is then maintained in this state by the biasing force of the pin biasing spring 63.

[0064] Thereafter, when the inner cylinder 61 moves toward the first end, the end face on the first end side of the protrusion 622 of the pin 62 comes into contact with a portion of the first cam surface 603 closer to the reaction side. The pin 62 then rotates toward the operation side while moving toward the first end due to the biasing force of the pin biasing spring 63, and then stops when the side face of the operation side of the pin 62 comes into contact with the first locking surface 606. This returns the state shown in FIG. 4A .

[0065] As shown in FIG. 4E , when the clicking cam 46 is in the first state, the position of the inner cylinder 61 when the inner cylinder cam portion 611 is separated from the pin cam portion 621 toward the first end is the non-switching position of the inner cylinder 61. The non-switching position is not a specific position, but rather a position that covers a certain range. The non-switching position can also be described as "a position that allows the pin 62 to be located at the first position." Therefore, when the inner cylinder 61 is located at the non-switching position, the pin 62 is maintained in a state where it is located at the first position or the second position.

[0066] Thus, when the clicking cam 46 is in the first state, it switches to the second state when the following operation is performed: "the inner cylinder 61 moves from the non-switching position toward the second end, the inner cylinder 61 presses the convex portion 622, thereby moving the pin 62 toward the second end until the convex portion 622 passes point P, and then the inner cylinder 61 returns to the non-switching position." Furthermore, the end portions P on the second end sides of the second cam surface 604 and the first locking surface 606 are positioned closer to the second end than the end portion Q on the second end side of the first cam surface 603. Therefore, when the above operation is performed while the clicking cam 46 is in the second state, the convex portion 622 passes point Q, and the clicking cam 46 switches to the first state.

[0067] On the other hand, when the knock cam 46 is in the first state, if the operation of "the inner cylinder 61 moving from the non-switching position toward the second end, thereby moving the convex portion 622 to a position that exceeds position Q but does not exceed point P, and then the inner cylinder 61 returns to the non-switching position" is performed, the knock cam 46 switches to the second state. However, when the knock cam 46 is in the second state, even if the operation of "the inner cylinder 61 moving from the non-switching position toward the second end, thereby moving the convex portion 622 to a position that exceeds position Q but does not exceed point P, and then the inner cylinder 61 returns to the non-switching position" is performed, the knock cam 46 does not switch to the first state.

[0068] The position of the inner cylinder 61 at which the convex portion 622 can be held at a position closer to the second end than position P is the first switching position of the inner cylinder 61. It can also be said that the first switching position of the inner cylinder 61 is a position at which the third cam surface 613 is located closer to the second end than the second cam surface 604. The position of the inner cylinder 61 at which the convex portion 622 can be held at a position closer to the second end than position Q but closer to the first end than position P is the second switching position of the inner cylinder 61. It can also be said that the second switching position of the inner cylinder 61 is a position at which the fourth cam surface 614 is located closer to the second end than the first cam surface 603, but the third cam surface 613 is located closer to the first end than the second cam surface 604.

[0069] Next, the arrangement of the knock cam 46 will be described. The knock cam 46 is attached to the housing 31 via the base 32. When in the second state, the knock cam 46 allows the locking link 45 to move from the lock corresponding position to the unlock corresponding position, and when in the first state, the knock cam 46 does not allow the locking link 45 to move from the lock corresponding position to the unlock corresponding position. Specifically, when the knock cam 46 is in the second state, the entire knock cam 46, including the pin 62, is positioned outside the movement path of the locking link 45 when the locking link 45 moves from the lock corresponding position to the unlock corresponding position. Furthermore, when the knock cam 46 is in the first state, the first end of the pin 62 is positioned within the movement path of the cam pin engaging portion 451 of the locking link 45 when the locking link 45 moves from the lock corresponding position to the unlock corresponding position.

[0070] With the knock cam 46 configured in this manner, when the knock cam 46 is in the second state, the locking link 45 can move from the lock corresponding position to the unlock corresponding position without being hindered by the knock cam 46. On the other hand, when the knock cam 46 is in the first state, the end on the first end side of the pin 62 interferes with the cam pin engaging portion 451 of the locking lever 44, so that the locking link 45 cannot move from the lock corresponding position to the unlock corresponding position. Note that, to prevent the pin 62 from moving in the axial direction of the knock cam 46 when the cam pin engaging portion 451 of the locking link 45 comes into contact with the pin 62, the moving directions of the locking link 45 and the axial direction of the knock cam 46 preferably intersect with each other and are approximately perpendicular to each other.

[0071] Furthermore, the knock cam 46 is configured so that when the rotating member 38a moves from the neutral position to the cam operating position, the cam arm 612 of the inner cylinder 61 is pushed toward the first end by the cam engaging portion 382 of the rotating member 38a, thereby moving to the first changeover position. With the knock cam 46 configured in this manner, the knock cam 46 alternates between the first state and the second state each time the operation of "the rotating member 38a moves from the neutral position to the cam operating position by the driving force of the first electric motor 37, and then returns to the neutral position by the biasing force of the rotating member biasing spring 39" is performed.

[0072] <Operation of Door Locking Device> (Switching Operation Between Locked and Unlocked States) Next, the operation of the door locking device 10a will be described. Figures 5A to 9B are diagrams showing the operation of the door locking device 10a. Note that Figures 5A, 6A, 7A, 8A, and 9A are diagrams of the door locking device 10a as seen from inside the vehicle, and Figures 5B, 6B, 7B, 8B, and 9B are diagrams of the door locking device 10a as seen from outside the vehicle.

[0073] As described above, the locking mechanism 24 of the door lock device 10a includes the locking lever 44, the locking link 45, the active lever 41, the open link 34, and the open link biasing spring 42. The locking mechanism 24 is configured to be switchable between a locked state and an unlocked state by the driving force of the second electric motor 43. FIGS. 5A and 5B show the locked state, and FIGS. 6A and 6B show the unlocked state. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the locked state of the door lock device 10a is a state in which the locking lever 44, the locking link 45, and the active lever 41 are located in the locked position, and the open link 34 is located in the locked position by the biasing force of the open link biasing spring 42. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the unlocked state of the door lock device 10a is a state in which the locking lever 44, the locking link 45, and the active lever 41 are located in the unlocked position, and the open link 34 is located in the unlocked position by the biasing force of the open link biasing spring 42.

[0074] The locking lever 44 and the open link 34 are linked via the locking link 45, the active lever 41, and the open link biasing spring 42. Therefore, when the locking lever 44 moves from the unlock corresponding position to the lock corresponding position by the driving force of the second electric motor 43, the open link 34 moves from the unlock position to the lock position. As a result, the door lock device 10a switches from the unlocked state to the locked state. Conversely, when the locking lever 44 moves from the lock corresponding position to the unlocked position by the driving force of the second electric motor 43, the open link 34 moves from the locked position to the unlocked position. As a result, the door lock device 10a switches from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0075] (Manual Unlatching Operation) The manual unlatching operation is an operation in which, when the door lock device 10a is in an unlocked state, the latch mechanism 20 is switched from a latched state to an unlatched state by manually operating the outside door handle 914 or the inside door handle 915. The door lock device 10a is equipped with a manual operating mechanism 21 that switches the latch mechanism 20 from a latched state to an unlatched state when the outside door handle 914 or the inside door handle 915 is manually operated. The manual operating mechanism 21 is configured to include an inside open lever 35, an inside lever 36, an outside open lever 33, and an open link 34.

[0076] When the inside door handle 915 is manually operated, the inside open lever 35 moves from the initial position to the operating position in conjunction with the movement of the inside door handle 915 against the biasing force of the inside open lever biasing spring. When the inside open lever 35 moves from the initial position to the operating position, it pushes the inside lever 36, causing the inside lever 36 to move from the initial position to the operating position. When the inside lever 36 moves from the initial position to the operating position, it pushes the outside open lever 33, causing the outside open lever 33 to move from the initial position to the operating position. Furthermore, when the outside door handle 914 is manually operated, the outside open lever 33 moves from the initial position to the operating position in conjunction with the movement of the outside door handle 914.

[0077] When the outside open lever 33 moves from the initial position to the operating position while the open link 34 is in the unlocked position, the open link 34 pushes the lift lever 203 via the release lever 40, moving the lift lever 203 from the initial position to the operating position. This causes the latch 202 to move from the latched position to the unlatched position, switching the latch mechanism 20 from the latched state to the unlatched state. In this way, if the inside door handle 915 or the outside door handle 914 is manually operated while the lock mechanism 24 is in the unlocked state (when the open link 34 is in the unlocked position), the latch mechanism 20 of the door lock device 10a switches from the latched state to the unlatched state.

[0078] When the open link 34 is in the locked position, the open link 34 does not come into contact with the release lever 40 even when the outside open lever 33 moves from the initial position to the operating position. In other words, the locked position of the open link 34 is the position where the outside open lever 33 does not come into contact with the release lever 40 even when it moves from the initial position to the operating position. Therefore, when the lock mechanism 24 is in the locked state (when the open link 34 is in the locked position), even if the outside open lever 33 moves from the initial position to the operating position by manually operating the inside door handle 915 or the outside door handle 914, the lift lever 203 does not move from the initial position to the operating position. Therefore, in this case, the latch mechanism 20 does not switch from the latched state to the unlatched state.

[0079] (Electric Unlatch Operation) The electric unlatch operation is an operation in which the latch mechanism 20 is switched from the latched state to the unlatched state by the driving force of the first electric motor 37. FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating the electric unlatch operation. By driving the first electric motor 37, the rotating member 38a is moved from the neutral position to the unlatch corresponding position. When the rotating member 38a moves from the neutral position to the unlatch corresponding position, the release lever engaging portion 381 of the rotating member 38a presses the rotating member engaging portion 401 of the release lever 40. As a result, the release lever 40 moves from the initial position to the operating position. At this time, the lift lever engaging portion 402 of the release lever 40 presses the lift lever 203. As a result, the lift lever 203 moves from the initial position to the operating position. As a result, the latch mechanism 20 switches from the latched state to the unlatched state.

[0080] (Switching Operation Between DL Unset State and DL Set State) Next, the operation of switching between the DL Unset state and the DL Set state will be described. The door lock device 10a is configured to be able to alternately switch between the DL Unset state and the DL Set state. FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams showing the DL Set state of the door lock device 10a. FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams showing the operation of moving the inner cylinder 61 of the knock type cam 46 from the non-switching position to the first switching position. The DL Set state is a state in which switching of the lock mechanism 24 from the locked state to the unlocked state is restricted, and more specifically, a state in which the lock mechanism 24 is not switched from the locked state to the unlocked state even when the second electric motor 43 is driven.

[0081] When the locking link 45 is in the lock-compatible position and the knock-type cam 46 is in the second state (see FIGS. 5A and 5B ), the locking mechanism 24 is locked and in the DL-unset state. In this state, when the driving force of the first electric motor 37 moves the rotating member 38a from the neutral position to the cam operating position, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B , the cam engaging portion 382 of the rotating member 38a presses the cam arm 612 of the inner cylinder 61 of the knock-type cam 46, causing the inner cylinder 61 to move from the initial position to the first switching position. When the driving of the first electric motor 37 subsequently stops (when the first electric motor 37 is de-energized), the rotating member 38a returns to the neutral position due to the biasing force of the rotating member biasing spring 39. Then, the inner cylinder 61 of the knock-type cam 46 returns to the non-switching position due to the biasing force of the pin biasing spring 63.

[0082] The knock cam 46 alternates between the first state and the second state each time the inner cylinder 61 moves from the non-switching position to the first switching position and then returns to the initial position. Therefore, when the above operation is performed in the locked state and the DL unlocked state, the knock cam 46 switches from the second state to the first state. As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B , when the knock cam 46 is in the first state, the first end of the pin 62 is positioned on the path of movement of the cam pin engaging portion 451 when the locking link 45 moves from the lock corresponding position to the unlock corresponding position. Therefore, even if the second electric motor 43 is driven, the cam pin engaging portion 451 of the locking link 45 interferes with the pin 62 of the knock cam 46, preventing the locking link 45 from moving from the lock corresponding position to the unlock corresponding position. Therefore, the locking mechanism 24 remains locked.

[0083] When the door lock device 10a is in the DL set state, i.e., when the pin 62 of the knock cam 46 is located in the first position, the first electric motor 37 is operated to move the rotating member 38a from the neutral position to the cam operating position, and then the operation of the first electric motor 37 is stopped (when the power supply to the first electric motor 37 is stopped), the knock cam 46 switches from the first state to the second state, and the door lock device 10a switches from the DL set state to the DL unset state.

[0084] In this way, when the lock mechanism 24 is in the locked state, the first electric motor 37 is driven to move the rotating member 38a from the neutral position to the cam operating position, and then the driving of the first electric motor 37 is stopped, thereby executing the operation of moving the inner cylinder 61 of the knock type cam 46 from the non-switching position to the first switching position and then returning to the non-switching position. Each time this operation is executed, the door lock device 10a switches from the DL unset state to the DL set state, or from the DL set state to the DL unset state.

[0085] As described above, when the rotating member 38a moves from the neutral position to the unlatch corresponding position by the driving force of the first electric motor 37, the latch mechanism 20 switches from the latched state to the unlatched state. The rotational direction when moving from the neutral position to the cam operating position and the rotational direction when moving from the neutral position to the unlatch corresponding position are opposite to each other. Therefore, the switching of the latch mechanism 20 from the latched state to the unlatched state and the alternating switching between the DL unset state and the DL set state can be achieved by switching the rotational direction of the driving force of the first electric motor 37 between forward and reverse. Therefore, there is no need to provide separate driving force sources for switching the latch mechanism 20 from the latched state to the unlatched state and for alternating between the DL unset state and the DL set state, which prevents or minimizes an increase in the number of parts in the door lock device 10a.

[0086] Furthermore, the locking mechanism 24 is switched between the locked state and the unlocked state by the driving force of the second electric motor 43, which is separate and independent from the first electric motor 37. Therefore, switching of the latch mechanism 20 from the latched state to the unlocked state is not limited by whether the locking mechanism 24 is in the locked state or not. In other words, even if the locking mechanism 24 is in the unlocked state, the latch mechanism 20 can be immediately switched from the latched state to the unlatched state by causing the first electric motor 37 to output rotational power in a predetermined direction (the direction in which the rotating member 38a moves from the neutral position to the unlatched position).

[0087] <Manual DL Unsetting Operation> When the door lock device 10a is in the DL set state, it is possible to switch from the DL set state to the DL unset state by manually operating the key cylinder 916. Specifically, this is as follows.

[0088] The door lock device 10a includes a key lever 47, a key switch lever 48, and a key crank 49. The key lever 47 is a member that interfaces with the plug (inner cylinder) of the key cylinder 916 so as to rotate integrally therewith. The key switch lever 48 is rotatably supported relative to the housing 31. The key switch lever 48 can be moved to a neutral position, an unlock operation position, and a lock operation position by rotating relative to the housing 31. The neutral position is the middle position within the range of rotation of the key switch lever 48. The unlock operation position is a position rotated in a predetermined direction from the neutral position. The lock operation position is a position rotated in the opposite direction from the neutral position. The key switch lever 48 moves from the neutral position to the unlock operation position or the lock operation position in conjunction with operation of the key cylinder 916 from outside the vehicle.

[0089] The key crank 49 includes a first arm 491 that can be engaged with and disengaged from the key switch lever 48 and a second arm 492 that can be engaged with and disengaged from the crank engagement portion 617 of the knock cam 46. The key crank 49 is rotatably supported relative to the housing 31 and can be moved between an initial position and an operating position by rotating relative to the housing 31. The initial position is a position that allows the key switch lever 48 to be positioned in the neutral position and the pin 62 of the knock cam 46 to be positioned in the non-switching position. When the key switch lever 48 moves from the neutral position to the unlocking operation position, the key crank 49 is pushed by the key switch lever 48 and moves from the initial position to the operating position. When the key crank 49 moves from the initial position to the operating position, the second arm 492 pushes the crank engagement portion 617 of the knock cam 46, moving the inner cylinder 61 from the non-switching position to the second switching position. However, the key crank 49 is configured so that the inner cylinder 61 does not move beyond the second switching position to the first switching position.

[0090] With this configuration, when the double lock mechanism 22 is in the DL set state, manually operating the key cylinder 916 transmits the movement of the plug of the key cylinder 916 to the key crank 49 via the key lever 47 and the key switch lever 48, causing the key crank 49 to move from the initial position to the operating position. The second arm 492 of the key crank 49 then presses the cam arm 612 of the knock cam 46, causing the inner cylinder 61 to move from the non-switching position to the second switching position. This switches the knock cam 46 from the first state to the second state. This allows the locking link 45 to move from the lock-compatible position to the unlock-compatible position.

[0091] Even if the key crank 49 moves from the initial position to the operating position, the inner cylinder 61 of the knock cam 46 does not move beyond the second switching position to the first switching position. Therefore, even if the key cylinder 916 is manually operated when the knock cam 46 is in the second state, the knock cam 46 does not switch to the first state. In other words, when the double locking mechanism 22 is in the DL unlocked state, it does not switch from the DL unlocked state to the DL set state. Thus, when the double locking mechanism 22 is in the DL set state, operating the key cylinder 916 switches the door lock device 10a to the DL unlocked state. However, when the double locking mechanism 22 is in the DL unlocked state, operating the key cylinder 916 does not switch from the DL unlocked state to the DL set state.

[0092] Second Embodiment Next, a door lock device 10b according to a second embodiment will be described. The door lock device 10b according to the second embodiment includes a child protection mechanism 23 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the child protection mechanism 23) as a mechanism operated by the driving force of a driving force source. The child protection mechanism 23 is a mechanism that can restrict switching of the latch mechanism 20 from a latched state to an unlatched state due to manual operation of the inside door handle 915. FIGS. 10A to 11B are diagrams showing the configuration and operation of the door lock device 10b according to the second embodiment. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0093] The door lock device 10b is configured to be able to switch the latch mechanism 20 from a latched state to an unlatched state by the driving force of the first electric motor 37. The door lock device 10b is also configured to be able to alternately switch the child protection mechanism 23 between a child protection unset state (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a CP unset state) and a child protection set state (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a CP set state) by the driving force of the first electric motor 37. The CP unset state of the child protection mechanism 23 is a state in which the latch mechanism 20 is allowed to be switched from the latched state to the unlatched state by manual operation of the inside door handle 915. The CP set state is a state in which the latch mechanism 20 is restricted (not allowed) to be switched from the latched state to the unlatched state by manual operation of the inside door handle 915.

[0094] The door lock device 10b includes an outside open lever 33, an open link 34, an inside open lever 35, a rotating member 38b, a cam lever 51, a knock-type cam 46, and a child safety lock lever 50. The child safety lock mechanism 23 includes the rotating member 38b, the cam lever 51, the child safety lock lever 50, and the knock-type cam 46. The inside open lever 35 is an example of a sixth operating member of the present invention in the second embodiment. The outside open lever 33 is an example of a fifth operating member of the present invention in the second embodiment.

[0095] The rotating member 38b has a cam lever engaging portion 383. The cam lever engaging portion 383 has a protruding structure that protrudes on the opposite side of the axial direction of the rotating member 38b from the release lever engaging portion 381. Note that the rotating member 38b of the second embodiment has the same structure as the rotating member 38a of the first embodiment, except that the cam engaging portion 382 is replaced with the cam lever engaging portion 383.

[0096] The cam lever 51 is a member configured to move the inner cylinder 61 of the knock-type cam 46 from the non-switching position to the first switching position in conjunction with movement of the rotating member 38b from the neutral position to the cam operating position. The cam lever 51 includes a rotating member engaging portion 511 and a cam arm engaging portion 512. The cam lever 51 is supported rotatably coaxially with the rotating member 38b relative to the housing 31. However, the cam lever 51 and the rotating member 38b can rotate independently of each other.

[0097] The child control lever 50 is an example of a first operating member of the present invention in the second embodiment. The child control lever 50 includes a cam pin engaging portion 501 and an inside lever engaging portion 502. The cam pin engaging portion 501 is configured to be freely engaged with and disengaged from the second end of the pin 62 of the knock-type cam 46. The inside lever engaging portion 502 is configured to be freely engaged with and disengaged from the inside lever 36. The child control lever 50 is rotatably supported relative to the housing 31. The child control lever 50 can be moved between a CP unset position (see FIGS. 10A and 10B) and a CP set position (see FIGS. 11A and 11B) by rotating relative to the housing 31. The CP set position is one end of the movable range of the child control lever 50, and the CP unset position is the other end of the movable range of the child control lever 50. The child control lever 50 is constantly elastically biased toward the CP set position by a biasing spring (not shown).

[0098] The knock cam 46 has the same configuration as the knock cam 46 of the first embodiment. The length of the portion of the second end of the pin 62 that protrudes from the second end face of the outer tube 60 is longer when the pin 62 is in the second position (when the knock cam 46 is in the second state (see FIGS. 10A and 10B)) than when the pin 62 is in the first position (when the knock cam 46 is in the first state (see FIGS. 11A and 11B)). The knock cam 46 is configured to allow the child control lever 50 to be in the CP set position when in the first state. The knock cam 46 is also configured to hold the child control lever 50 in the CP unset position when in the second state (which can also be said to prevent movement from the CP unset position to the CP set position).

[0099] Specifically, when the knock cam 46 is in the first state, the end portion on the second end side of the pin 62 is located on an extension of the movement path of the cam pin engaging portion 501 when the child protection lever 50 moves from the CP unset position to the CP set position, and is located at a position beyond the CP set position. Therefore, when the knock cam 46 is in the first state, the child protection lever 50 can be located at the CP set position. It can also be said that the CP set position of the child protection lever 50 is the position where the cam pin engaging portion 501 of the child protection lever 50 contacts the pin 62 of the knock cam 46 in the first state.

[0100] When the knock cam 46 is in the second state, the end of the second end of the pin 62 is located within the movement trajectory of the cam pin engaging portion 501 when the child protection lever 50 moves from the CP unset position to the CP set position, and is located near the CP unset position. Therefore, when the knock cam 46 is in the second state, the child protection lever 50 cannot move from the CP unset position to the CP set position. It can also be said that the CP unset position of the child protection lever 50 is the position where the cam pin engaging portion 501 of the child protection lever 50 contacts the pin 62 of the knock cam 46 in the second state.

[0101] When the knock cam 46 is switched from the first state to the second state, it presses the cam pin engaging portion 501 of the child protection lever 50, moving the child protection lever 50 from the CP set position to the CP unset position. Specifically, the movement locus of the pin 62 of the knock cam 46 when it moves from the first position to the second position is approximately parallel to and overlaps with the movement locus of the cam pin engaging portion 501 when the child protection lever 50 moves from the CP set position to the CP unset position.

[0102] The inside lever 36 is rotatably supported relative to the housing 31. By rotating relative to the housing 31, the inside lever 36 can move to a CP unset position, a CP set position, and an operating position.

[0103] The CP unset position of the inside lever 36 corresponds to the initial position of the inside lever 36 in the first embodiment, and the operating position corresponds to the operating position in the first embodiment. When the inside lever 36 is in the CP unset position, if the inside open lever 35 moves from the initial position to the operating position, the inside lever 36 is pushed by the inside open lever 35 and moves from the CP unset position to the operating position. The inside lever 36 then pushes the outside open lever 33, moving the outside open lever 33 from the initial position to the operating position. Therefore, when the open link 34 is in the unlock position, the latch mechanism 20 switches from the latched state to the unlatched state. Note that the initial position of the inside open lever 35 is an example of a sixth operating member initial position of the present invention, and the operating position of the inside open lever 35 is an example of a sixth operating member operating position of the present invention. Also, the initial position of the outside open lever 33 is an example of a fifth operating member initial position of the present invention, and the operating position of the outside open lever 33 is an example of a fifth operating member operating position of the present invention.

[0104] To achieve this operation, the inside lever 36 is configured to be movable between the CP unset position and the operating position when the child protection lever 50 is in the CP unset position. Specifically, an engagement hole 363 is provided in the inside lever 36, and the inside lever engagement portion 502 of the child protection lever 50 fits into this engagement hole 363. This engagement hole 363 includes a portion that extends in an arc about the rotation center of the inside lever 36. Therefore, the inside lever 36 can move relative to the child protection lever 50 within the range of this engagement hole 363.

[0105] The CP set position of the inside lever 36 is a position where the inside lever 36 does not engage with the inside open lever 35 and the outside open lever 33. Specifically, the CP set position of the inside lever 36 is a position outside the movement locus of the inside open lever 35 when it moves from the initial position to the operating position, and is also a position outside the movement locus of the outside open lever 33 when it moves from the initial position to the operating position. Even if the inside open lever 35 moves from the initial position to the operating position while the inside lever 36 is in the CP set position, the inside open lever 35 does not press the inside lever 36, and therefore the inside lever 36 does not move to the operating position. Therefore, in this case, the outside open lever 33 is not pressed by the inside lever 36, and the latch mechanism 20 remains in the latched state.

[0106] However, when the outside door handle 914 is manually operated, the outside open lever 33 moves from the initial position to the operating position in conjunction with the movement of the outside door handle 914. Therefore, when the outside door handle 914 is manually operated with the open link 34 in the unlock position, the latch mechanism 20 switches from the latched state to the unlatched state regardless of whether the child protection lever 50 is in the CP set position or the CP unset position.

[0107] When the knock cam 46 is in the second state, the child protection lever 50 is held in the CP unset position, and the latch mechanism 20 can be switched from the latched state to the unlatched state by manually operating the inside door handle 915. In this way, when the knock cam 46 is in the second state, the child protection mechanism 23 is in the CP unset state. On the other hand, when the knock cam 46 is in the first state, the child protection lever 50 is held in the CP set position by the biasing force of the biasing spring, and the latch mechanism 20 cannot be switched from the latched state to the unlatched state by manually operating the inside door handle 915. In this way, when the knock cam 46 is in the first state, the child protection mechanism 23 is in the CP set state.

[0108] When the rotating member 38b moves from the neutral position to the cam operating position, the cam lever engaging portion 383 presses the rotating member engaging portion 511 of the cam lever 51, causing the cam lever 51 to rotate. As the cam lever 51 rotates, the cam arm engaging portion 512 presses the cam arm 612 of the knock cam 46, causing the inner cylinder 61 to move from the non-switching position to the first switching position. When the second electric motor 43 is subsequently stopped, the inner cylinder 61 of the knock cam 46 is ready to move to the non-switching position. Each time the inner cylinder 61 of the knock cam 46 moves from the non-switching position to the first switching position and then returns to the non-switching position, the knock cam 46 alternates between the first state and the second state. Therefore, each time this operation is performed, the child protection mechanism 23 alternates between the CP unset state and the CP set state.

[0109] As in the first embodiment, when the rotational member 38b moves from the neutral position to the unlatch corresponding position by the driving force of the first electric motor 37, the latch mechanism 20 switches from the latched state to the unlatched state. The rotational direction when moving from the neutral position to the cam operating position and the rotational direction when moving from the neutral position to the unlatch corresponding position are opposite to each other. Therefore, the switching of the latch mechanism 20 from the latched state to the unlatched state and the alternating switching of the child protection mechanism 23 between the CP unset state and the CP set state can be achieved by switching the rotational direction of the driving force of the first electric motor 37 between forward and reverse. This eliminates the need for separate driving force sources for switching the latch mechanism 20 from the latched state to the unlatched state and for alternating between the CP unset state and the CP set state, thereby preventing or minimizing an increase in the number of parts.

[0110] Furthermore, the locking mechanism 24 is switched between the locked state and the unlocked state by the driving force of the second electric motor 43, which is separate and independent from the first electric motor 37. Therefore, switching of the latching mechanism 20 from the latched state to the unlocked state is not limited by whether the locking mechanism 24 is in the locked state or not. In other words, even if the locking mechanism 24 is in the unlocked state, the latching mechanism 20 can be immediately switched from the latched state to the unlocked state by driving the first electric motor 37 to rotate in a predetermined direction.

[0111] Summary of the embodiment (1) A vehicle door lock device (10a, 10b) according to the present embodiment includes: a latch mechanism (20) configured to switch from a latched state that does not allow the vehicle door (90) to be opened to an unlatched state that allows the vehicle door (90) to be opened; a first operating member (locking link (45), child protection lever (50)) configured to be movable between a first position that allows the latch mechanism (20) to be switched from the latched state to the unlatched state by manual operation of a manual operating member (inside door handle (915)) provided on the vehicle door (90), and a second position that does not allow the latch mechanism (20) to be switched from the latched state to the unlatched state even when the manual operating member (inside door handle (915)) is manually operated; the restriction mechanism (knock-type cam (46)) that is switchable between a first state in which the first operating member (locking link (45), child protection lever (50)) is restricted from moving from the second position to the first position or the first operating member is held at the second position, and a second state in which the first operating member is held at the first position or the first operating member is allowed to move from the second position to the first position; and rotating members (38a, 38b) that are movable by a driving force of a first driving force source (first electric motor (37)) to an unlatch corresponding position, which is a position rotated in a predetermined direction from a neutral position, and to a restriction mechanism switching position, which is a position rotated in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction from the neutral position, and that switches the latch mechanism (20) from the latched state to the unlatch corresponding position when the rotating member moves from the neutral position to the unlatch corresponding position, and that alternately switches the restriction mechanism (knock-type cam (46)) between the first state and the second state each time the rotating member moves from the neutral position to the restriction mechanism switching position.

[0112] According to this embodiment, when the rotating members (38a, 38b) are moved from the neutral position to the unlatched position by the driving force of the first driving force source (first electric motor (37)), the latch mechanism (20) is switched from the latched state to the unlatched state regardless of whether the vehicle door lock device (10a, 10b) is in the unlocked state or the locked state. Therefore, the latch mechanism (20) can be switched from the latched state to the unlatched state by a single drive of the first driving force source (first electric motor (37)).

[0113] Furthermore, when the rotating members (38a, 38b) are moved from the neutral position to the restriction mechanism switching position (cam operating position) by the driving force of the first driving force source (first electric motor (37)), the restriction mechanism (knock-type cam (46)) alternates between a state in which the first restriction member (pin (62)) is located at the restriction position and a state in which the first restriction member (pin (62)) is located at the permissive position. Since the rotational directions of the rotating members (38a, 38b) when moving from the neutral position to the restriction mechanism switching position (cam operating position) and when moving from the neutral position to the unlatch corresponding position are opposite to each other, the switching of the latch mechanism (20) from the latched state to the unlatched state and the switching of the state of the restriction mechanism (knock-type cam (46)) can be achieved by switching the driving force of the first driving force source (first electric motor (37)) between forward and reverse. Therefore, there is no need to provide separate driving force sources for switching the latch mechanism (20) from a latched state to an unlatched state and for switching the state of the restriction mechanism (knock-type cam (46)), which prevents or suppresses an increase in the number of parts in the vehicle door lock device (10a, 10b).

[0114] (2) The regulating mechanism (knock-type cam (46)) includes a switching member (inner cylinder (61)) that is movable between a non-switching position and a switching position, and is configured to alternately switch between the first state and the second state each time the switching member (inner cylinder (61)) moves from the non-switching position to the switching position, and the rotating members (38a, 38b) move the switching member (inner cylinder (61)) from the non-switching position to the switching position when they move from the neutral position to the switching mechanism operating position (cam operating position).

[0115] (3) The regulating mechanism (knock-type cam (46)) includes a regulating member (pin (62)) that can move between a regulating position, which is a position that regulates the movement of the first operating member (locking link (45), child control lever (50)) from the second position to the first position or a position that holds the first operating member (locking link (45), child control lever (50)) at the second position, and an allowable position, which is a position that allows the first operating member (locking link (45), child control lever (50)) to move from the second position to the first position or a position that holds the first operating member (locking link (45), child control lever (50)) at the first position, and the regulating member (pin (62)) alternates between a state in which it is positioned at the regulating position and a state in which it is positioned at the allowable position each time the switching member (inner cylinder (61)) moves from the non-switching position to the switching position.

[0116] According to this configuration, by moving the rotating members (38a, 38b) from the neutral position to the restriction mechanism switching position (cam operating position), the restriction mechanism (knock-type cam (46)) can be switched from the first state to the second state, and from the second state to the first state.

[0117] (4) The vehicle door lock device (10a, 10b) can be configured to move from a second operating member initial position (initial position) to a second operating member operating position (operating position) in conjunction with movement of the rotating member (38a, 38b) from the neutral position to the unlatched corresponding position, and to move from the second operating member initial position (initial position) to the second operating member operating position (operating position) in conjunction with manual operation of the manual operation member (inside door handle (915)), and to switch the latch mechanism (20) from the latched state to the unlatched state by moving from the second operating member initial position (initial position) to the second operating member operating position (operating position).

[0118] According to this configuration, the latch mechanism (20) can be switched from a latched state to an unlatched state by rotating the rotary members (38a, 38b) from the neutral position to the unlatched position.

[0119] (5) A door lock device (10a) for a vehicle includes: a third operating member (outside open lever (33)) configured to move from a third operating member initial position (initial position) to a third operating member operating position (operating position) when at least one of the manual operating member (outside door handle (914)) provided on the vehicle exterior side of the vehicle door (90) and the manual operating member (inside door handle (915)) provided on the vehicle interior side of the vehicle door (90) is manually operated; a fourth operating member (open link (34)) that is connected to the third operating member (outside open lever (33)) so as to be able to move between a locked position and an unlocked position, and that cooperates with the first operating member (locking link (45)) so as to be positioned at the unlocked position when the first operating member (locking link (45)) is positioned at the first position, and to be positioned at the locked position when the first operating member (locking link (45)) is positioned at the second position; and that does not switch the latch mechanism (20) from the latched state to the unlatched state when the third operating member (outside open lever (33)) moves from the third operating member initial position (initial position) to the third operating member operating position (operating position) when positioned at the locked position, and that switches the latch mechanism (20) from the latched state to the unlatched state when the third operating member (outside open lever (33)) moves from the third operating member initial position (initial position) to the third operating member operating position (operating position) when positioned at the unlocked position; The following configuration can be applied.

[0120] When the fourth operating member (open link (34)) is in the locked position, the vehicle door lock device (10a) is in a locked state in which the latch mechanism (20) cannot be switched from a latched state to an unlatched state by manual operation of the manual operating member (outside door handle (914), inside door handle (915)). This configuration forms a double lock mechanism (22) that includes a restriction mechanism (knock-type cam (46)) and a first operating member (locking link (45)).

[0121] When the first restricting member (pin (62)) of the restricting mechanism (knock-type cam (46)) is located in the restricting position (first position), this double locking mechanism (22) does not allow the first operating member (locking link (45)) to move from the second position (lock-compatible position) to the first position (unlock-compatible position). In other words, the double locking mechanism (22) is in a DL set state. On the other hand, when the first restricting member (pin (62)) of the restricting mechanism (knock-type cam (46)) is located in the allowing position (second position), the first operating member (locking link (45)) is allowed to move from the second position (lock-compatible position) to the first position (unlock-compatible position). In other words, the double locking mechanism (22) is in a DL unset state. In other words, the double locking mechanism (22) is in a DL set state. In this way, by moving the first regulating member (pin (62)) of the regulating mechanism (knock-type cam (46)) between the regulating position and the allowable position, the double lock mechanism (22) can be alternately switched between the DL unset state and the DL set state.

[0122] Furthermore, the operation of switching the latch mechanism (20) from the latched state to the unlatched state and the operation of alternately switching the double lock mechanism (22) between the DL unset state and the DL set state can be performed by a single first driving force source (first electric motor (37)) and a rotating member (38a) that rotates by the driving force of the first driving force source (first electric motor (37)). Therefore, in a vehicle door lock device (10a) equipped with a double lock mechanism (22), it is not necessary to separately provide a driving force source for performing the operation of switching the latch mechanism (20) from the latched state to the unlatched state and a driving force source for performing the operation of alternately switching the double lock mechanism (22) between the DL unset state and the DL set state. Therefore, an increase in the number of parts in a vehicle door lock device (10a) equipped with a double lock mechanism (22) can be prevented or suppressed.

[0123] (6) The regulating mechanism (knock-type cam (46)) is a knock-type cam including a main body (outer tube (60)), the regulating member (pin (62)) that is movable in a linear reciprocating manner relative to the main body (outer tube (60)), and the switching member (inner tube (61)) that is movable in a linear reciprocating manner relative to the main body (outer tube (60)), wherein the regulating position of the regulating member (pin (62)) is a position where at least a portion of the regulating member (pin (62)) is inside the movement locus of the first moving member (locking link (45)) when the first moving member (locking link (45)) moves from the second position to the first position, and the allowable position of the regulating member (pin (62)) is a position where the regulating member (locking link (45)) is located outside the movement locus.

[0124] According to this configuration, by moving the first regulating member (pin (62)) of the regulating mechanism (knock-type cam (46)), it is possible to switch between a DL unset state in which the first operating member (locking link (45)) is allowed to move from the second position (lock-corresponding position) to the first position (unlock-corresponding position), and a DL set state in which it is not allowed (it restricts).

[0125] (7) A vehicle door lock device (10a, 10b) can be configured as follows: the vehicle door lock device (10a, 10b) includes a second driving force source (second electric motor (43)) that is separate and independent from the first driving force source (first electric motor (37)), and the first operating member (locking link (45)) is configured to be movable between the first position and the second position by the driving force of the second driving force source (second electric motor (43)).

[0126] According to this configuration, the lock mechanism (24) of the door lock device (10a) is switched between the locked state and the unlocked state by the driving force of the second driving force source (second electric motor (43)) that is separate and independent from the first driving force source (first electric motor (37)). Therefore, switching the latch mechanism (20) from the latched state to the unlocked state is not affected by whether the vehicle door lock device (10a) is in the locked state or the unlocked state. In other words, by causing the first driving force source (first electric motor (37)) to output a driving force in a predetermined direction (the direction in which the rotating member (38a) moves from the neutral position to the unlatched position), the latch mechanism (20) can be immediately switched from the latched state to the unlatched state, regardless of whether the lock mechanism (24) is in the unlocked state or the unlocked state.

[0127] (8) A door lock device (10b) for a vehicle includes: a fifth operating member (outside open lever (33)) configured to switch the latch mechanism (20) from the latched state to the unlatched state by moving from a fifth operating member initial position (initial position) to a fifth operating member operating position (operating position); and a sixth operating member (inside open lever (35)) configured to move from a sixth operating member initial position (initial position) to a sixth operating member operating position (operating position) when the manual operation member (outside door handle (914)) provided on the vehicle exterior side of the vehicle door (90) is manually operated; a seventh operating member (inside lever (36)) that is movable among a third position, a fourth position, and a fifth position, and that, when located at the third position, moves to the fourth position in conjunction with movement of the sixth operating member (inside open lever (35)) from the sixth operating member initial position (initial position) to the sixth operating member operating position (operating position), thereby moving the fifth operating member (outside open lever (33)) from the fifth operating member initial position (initial position) to the fifth operating member operating position (operating position), and that, when located at the fifth position, does not move in conjunction with movement of the sixth operating member (inside open lever (35)) from the sixth operating member initial position to the sixth operating member operating position, thereby preventing the fifth operating member (outside open lever (33)) from moving from the fifth operating member initial position to the fifth operating member operating position; The first operating member (child's control lever (50)) is linked to the seventh operating member (inside lever (36)) so that when it is located at the restricted position, the seventh operating member (inside lever (36)) is located at the fifth position, and when it is located at the permissible position, the seventh operating member (inside lever (36)) is located at the third position; and the restricting member (pin (62)) of the restricting mechanism (knock-type cam (46)) is linked to the first operating member (child's control lever (50)) so that when it is located at the restricted position, the first operating member (child's control lever (50)) is located at the restricted position, and when it is located at the permissible position, the first operating member (child's control lever (50)) is located at the permissible position.

[0128] According to this configuration, in a vehicle door lock device (10b) equipped with a child protection mechanism (23), the operation of switching the latch mechanism (20) from the latched state to the unlatched state and the operation of alternately switching the child protection mechanism (23) between the CP unset state and the CP set state can be performed by a single first driving force source (first electric motor (37)) and a rotating member (38b) rotated by the driving force of the first driving force source (first electric motor (37)). Therefore, it is not necessary to separately provide a driving force source for switching the latch mechanism (20) from the latched state to the unlatched state and a driving force source for alternately switching the child protection mechanism (23) between the CP unset state and the CP set state. Therefore, an increase in the number of parts in a vehicle door lock device (10b) equipped with a child protection mechanism (23) can be prevented or suppressed.

[0129] (9) The regulating mechanism (knock-type cam (46)) is a knock-type cam including a main body (outer cylinder (60)), the regulating member (pin (62)) that is linearly reciprocating relative to the main body (outer cylinder (60)), and the switching member (inner cylinder (61)) that is linearly reciprocating relative to the main body (outer cylinder (60)), and the allowable position of the regulating member (pin (62)) is a position where the regulating member (pin (62)) abuts against the first operating member (child control lever (50)) to hold the first operating member (child control lever (50)) at the allowable position, and the restricting position of the regulating member (pin (62)) is a position where the first operating member (child control lever (50)) is allowed to move from the allowable position to the restricting position.

[0130] According to this configuration, in a door lock device (10b) for a vehicle equipped with a child protection mechanism (23), by moving the first regulating member (pin (62)) of the regulating mechanism (knock-type cam (46)), it is possible to switch between a CP unset state in which the eighth operating member (child protection lever (50)) is allowed to move from the regulating position (CP set position) to the permissible position (CP unset position) and a CP set state in which it is not allowed (restricts).

[0131] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications of the present invention are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and such modifications are also included within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0132] For example, in each of the above embodiments, the open link 34 pushes the lift lever 203 via the release lever 40, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the open link 34 may directly push the lift lever 203.

[0133] The vehicle door lock device of the present invention can be used in vehicles such as automobiles.

Claims

1. A latch mechanism configured to switch from a latched state that does not allow the vehicle door to be opened to an unlatched state that allows the vehicle door to be opened; a first operating member configured to be movable between a first position that allows the latch mechanism to be switched from the latched state to the unlatched state by manual operation of a manual operating member provided on the vehicle door, and a second position that does not allow the latch mechanism to be switched from the latched state to the unlatched state even when the manual operating member is manually operated; a restriction mechanism configured to be switchable between a first state that restricts the first operating member from moving from the second position to the first position or holds the first operating member at the second position, and a second state that holds the first operating member at the first position or allows the first operating member to move from the second position to the first position; a rotating member that is movable by a driving force of a first driving force source to an unlatch corresponding position, which is a position rotated in a predetermined direction from a neutral position, and to a restriction mechanism switching position, which is a position rotated in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction from the neutral position, and that switches the latch mechanism from the latched state to the unlatch corresponding position when moved from the neutral position, and alternately switches the restriction mechanism between the first state and the second state each time the rotating member moves from the neutral position to the restriction mechanism switching position.

2. A door lock device for a vehicle as described in claim 1, wherein the restriction mechanism comprises a switching member that is movable between a non-switching position and a switching position, and is configured to alternate between the first state and the second state each time the switching member moves from the non-switching position to the switching position, and the rotating member moves the switching member from the non-switching position to the switching position when it moves from the neutral position to the restriction mechanism switching position.

3. A door lock device for a vehicle as described in claim 2, wherein the restriction mechanism comprises a restriction member that is movable between a restriction position that restricts movement of the first operating member from the second position to the first position or a position that holds the first operating member at the second position, and an allowance position that allows movement of the first operating member from the second position to the first position or a position that holds the first operating member at the first position, and wherein each time the switching member moves from the non-switching position to the switching position, the restriction member alternates between being in the restriction position and being in the allowance position.

4. A door lock device for a vehicle as described in claim 3, comprising a second operating member configured to move from a second operating member initial position to a second operating member operating position in conjunction with movement of the rotating member from the neutral position to the unlatched corresponding position, and configured to move from the second operating member initial position to the second operating member operating position in conjunction with manual operation of the manually operated member, and configured to switch the latch mechanism from the latched state to the unlatched state by moving from the second operating member initial position to the second operating member operating position.

5. A door lock device for a vehicle as defined in claim 4, comprising: a third operating member configured to move from a third operating member initial position to a third operating member operating position when at least one of the manually operated member provided on the exterior side of the vehicle door and the manually operated member provided on the interior side of the vehicle door is manually operated; and a fourth operating member that is movably connected to the third operating member between a locked position and an unlocked position, and that links with the first operating member so as to be positioned at the unlocked position when the first operating member is positioned at the first position and to be positioned at the locked position when the first operating member is positioned at the second position, and that is configured so as not to switch the latch mechanism from the latched state to the unlatched state when the third operating member moves from the third operating member initial position to the third operating member operating position when positioned at the locked position, and to switch the latch mechanism from the latched state to the unlatched state when the third operating member moves from the third operating member initial position to the third operating member operating position when positioned at the unlocked position.

6. A door lock device for a vehicle as described in claim 5, wherein the regulating mechanism is a knock-type cam having a main body, the regulating member capable of linearly reciprocating movement relative to the main body, and the switching member also capable of linearly reciprocating movement relative to the main body, and the regulating position of the regulating member is a position where at least a portion of the regulating member is inside the movement locus of the first operating member when the first operating member moves from the second position to the first position, and the allowable position of the regulating member is a position where the regulating member is located outside the movement locus.

7. A door lock device for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a second driving force source that is separate and independent from the first driving force source, and the first operating member is configured to be movable between the first position and the second position by the driving force of the second driving force source.

8. A door lock device for a vehicle as described in claim 3, comprising: a fifth operating member configured to switch the latch mechanism from the latched state to the unlatched state by moving from a fifth operating member initial position to a fifth operating member operating position; a sixth operating member configured to move from a sixth operating member initial position to a sixth operating member operating position when the manual operation member provided on the exterior side of the vehicle door is manually operated; and a seventh operating member movable among a third position, a fourth position, and a fifth position, and configured, when located in the third position, to move to the fourth position in conjunction with movement of the sixth operating member from the sixth operating member initial position to the sixth operating member operating position, thereby moving the fifth operating member from the fifth operating member initial position to the fifth operating member operating position, and when located in the fifth position, not to move the fifth operating member from the fifth operating member initial position to the fifth operating member operating position because it is not linked to movement of the sixth operating member from the sixth operating member initial position to the sixth operating member operating position. a restricting member of the restricting mechanism that is linked to the first operating member such that when the first operating member is located at the restricting position, the seventh operating member is located at the fifth position, and when the first operating member is located at the permissible position, the seventh operating member is located at the third position; and a restricting member of the restricting mechanism that is linked to the first operating member such that when the first operating member is located at the restricting position, the first operating member is located at the restricting position, and when the first operating member is located at the permissible position, the first operating member is located at the permissible position.

9. A vehicle door lock device as described in claim 8, wherein the regulating mechanism is a knock-type cam having a main body, the regulating member capable of linearly reciprocating movement relative to the main body, and the switching member capable of linearly reciprocating movement relative to the main body, and the allowable position of the regulating member is a position where the regulating member abuts against the first operating member to hold the first operating member at the allowable position, and the restricting position of the regulating member is a position where the first operating member is allowed to move from the allowable position to the restricting position.

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