GB2458574A

GB2458574A - Door lock having a double lock for disabling a double action mechanism wherein a lock is normally switched to an unlocked position by using an inside handle

Info

Publication number: GB2458574A
Application number: GB0905157A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Katsuyuki Ishiguro; Takao Taga
Original assignee: Mitsui Mining and Smelting Co Ltd
Current assignee: Mitsui Mining and Smelting Co Ltd
Priority date: 2008-03-26
Filing date: 2009-03-25
Publication date: 2009-09-30
Anticipated expiration: 2029-03-25
Also published as: GB0905157D0; GB2458574B

Abstract

A door lock apparatus includes an inside handle lever 17 that, when an inside door handle D2 arranged inside a vehicle is open-operated while a lock mechanism 30 is in an unlocked state, transmits the open-operation to a latch mechanism 20, and when the inside door handle D2 is open-operated while the lock mechanism 30 is in a locked state, switches the apparatus to the unlocked position without transmitting the open-operation to the latch mechanism 20. The door lock apparatus also includes a double lock mechanism 60. In a first aspect the sector lever is driven to the unlocked position when the inside handle lever 17 is operated by the action of lock lever 41 driven by the handle lever 17 and integrally moving in a connected state with sector lever 31. Double lock mechanism switches the lock lever and sector lever to an unconnected state wherein movement of lock lever is not transmitted to the sector lever achieving a double locked position. Lock lever 41 and sector lever 31 are preferably connected by spring 42. In a second aspect the double lock mechanism comprises a blocking unit which is linearly movable into the path of the sector lever to prevent the lever from pivoting to the unlocked position. The two aspects may be combined to provide an improved double lock mechanism.

Description

DOOR LOCK APPARATUS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a door lock apparatus applied to a vehicle, such as a four wheel automobile.

Mare specifically, the present invention relates to a door lock apparatus that includes a latch mechanism that, when a door is disposed in a closed position with respect to a vehicle main body, restricts movement of the door in an open direction by latching, and a lock mechanism interposed between a door handle and the latch mechanism, switchably formed between an unlocked state and a locked state depending on a position of a sector lever, cancels a latched state by transmitting an open-operation of the door handle to the latch mechanism by being unlocked while the sector lever is disposed in an unlocked position, and maintains the latched state of the latch mechanism by invalidating the open-operation of the door handle, by being locked while the sector lever is disposed in a locked position.

2. Description of the Related Art

In these days, to improve operability, door lock apparatuses that include a double action mechanism have been provided. The double action mechanism switches a lock mechanism in a locked state to an unlocked state, by open-operating an inside door handle without operating a lock operating member such as an inside lock button arranged inside a vehicle. With the door lock apparatus of this type, when the inside door handle is open-operated once while the lock mechanism is in the locked state, a sector lever in a locked position becomes unlocked by moving to an unlocked position. Accordingly, the latch mechanism can be cancelled by open-operating the inside door handle once again. Therefore, an unlock operation of the lock mechanism can be simplified, thereby improving the operability. In the technology disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 3588453.

However, in the conventional door lock apparatus, there arises a problem that the anti-theft function may be disabled. In other words, because the lock mechanism in the locked state is switched to the unlocked state, when the inside door handle is open-operated once, for example, if a malicious person breaks a window glass and open-operates the inside door handle twice, the person can easily enter inside the vehicle.

Such a problem can be solved, for example, by including a movement restricting member movably formed between an unset position and a set position. The movement restricting member prevents the sector lever in the locked position from moving to the unlocked position, when moved to the set position. In this manner, when the movement restricting member is in the set position, even if the window glass is broken, it is difficult to switch the lock mechanism in the locked state to the unlocked state.

Accordingly, it is possible to improve the anti-theft function of the vehicle. However, in the door lock apparatus that includes the movement restricting member, when the inside door handle is open-operated while the movement restricting member is disposed at the set position, a considerable amount of operating force is applied both to the sector lever that tries to move by the open-operation, and to the movement restricting member that prevents the movement. Accordingly, there may be a negative impact on the intensity.

The problem of disabling the anti-theft function can also be solved, for example, by including a double lock member. The double lock member includes a block unit swingably formed between the unset position and the set position about the center of a shaft member, and disposed in a swinging range of the sector lever when swung to the set position. The double lock member prevents the sector lever in the locked position from swinging to the unlocked position by using the block unit. In this manner, when the double lock member is in the set position, even if the window glass is broken, it is difficult to switch the lock mechanism in the locked state to the unlocked state.

Accordingly, it is possible to improve the anti-theft function of the vehicle. However, in the door lock apparatus that includes the double lock member, an occupying space of the double lock member needs to be provided in the swinging range thereof. Accordingly, there is a possibility that the size of the door lock apparatus may be increased. The occupying space of the double lock member provided in the swinging range thereof is increased, in proportion to the distance between the shaft member and the block unit. Accordingly, there is a possibility that the size of the door lock apparatus may further be increased, depending on the design layout.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to at least partially solve the problems in the conventional technology.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a door lock apparatus includes: a latch mechanism that, when a door is disposed in a closed position with respect to a vehicle main body, restricts movement of the door in an open direction by latching; a lock mechanism that is interposed between a door handle and the latch mechanism and configured to switch between an unlocked state and a locked state depending on a position of a sector lever; a lock lever chat operates independently from the sector lever; a connecting unit that integrally operates the sector lever and the lock lever when being in a connecting state, and that individually operates the sector lever and the lock lever when being in an unconnected state; a double action mechanism that transmits the open-operation to the latch mechanism when an inside door handle arranged inside a vehicle is open-operated while the lock mechanism is in the unlocked state, and operates the lock lever without transmitting the open-operation to the latch mechanism and moves the sector lever from the locked position to the unlocked position by using the connecting unit in the connecting state, when the inside door handle is open-operated while the lock mechanism is in the locked state; and a double lock mechanism that switches the connecting unit between the connecting state and the unconnected state by driving a drive source. The lock mechanism is in the unlocked state and cancels a latched state by transmitting an open-operation of the door handle to the latch mechanism when the sector lever is disposed in an unlocked position.

The lock mechanism is in the locked state and maintains the latched state of the latch mechanism by invalidating the open-operation of the door handle when the sector lever is disposed in a locked position.

Advantageously, in the door lock apparatus, the lock lever operates when a lock operating member arranged inside the vehicle is lock-operated, and moves the sector lever in the unlocked position to the locked position by using the connecting unit in the connecting state.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a door lock apparatus includes: a latch mechanism that, when a door is disposed in a closed position with respect to a vehicle main body, restricts movement of the door in an open direction by latching; a lock mechanism that is interposed between a door handle and the latch mechanism and configured to switch between an unlocked state and a locked state depending on a position of a sector lever swinging about a center of a sector lever shaft; a double action mechanism, when an inside door handle arranged inside a vehicle is open-operated while the lock mechanism is in the unlocked state, transmits the open-operation to the latch mechanism, and when the inside door handle is open-operated while the lock mechanism is in the locked state, switches the lock mechanism to the unlocked state by swinging the sector lever in the locked position to the unlocked position, without transmitting the open-operation to the latch mechanism; and a double lock member that includes a block unit which is configured to be linearly movable between an unset position and a set position by driving a drive source and is disposed in a swinging range of the sector lever when moved to the set position, the double lock member prevents the sector lever in the locked position from swinging to the unlocked position by using the block unit. The lock mechanism is in the unlocked state and cancels a latched state by transmitting an open-operation of the door handle to the latch mechanism when the sector lever is disposed in an unlocked position. The lock mechanism being in the locked state and maintains the latched state of the latch mechanism by invalidating the open-operation of the door handle when the sector lever is disposed in a locked position The above and other objects, features, advantages and technical and industrial significance of this invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention, when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a schematic of a door lock apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from a rear side of a vehicle; Fig. 2 is a schematic of the door lock apparatus shown in Fig. 1, viewed from the inside of the vehicle; Fig. 3 is a schematic of the door lock apparatus shown in Fig. 1, viewed from the inside of the vehicle after removing a sub case; Fig. 4A is a conceptual diagram of a latch mechanism applied to the door lock apparatus shown in Fig. 1, in a door open state; Fig. 4B is a conceptual diagram of the latch mechanism applied to the door lock apparatus shown in Fig. 1, in a latched state; Fig. 5A is a front view of an inside handle lever applied to the door lock apparatus shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 5B is a fragmentary view of the inside handle lever shown in Fig. 5A taken in the direction of the arrow A; Fig. 6A is a front view of a sector lever applied to the door lock apparatus shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 6B is a fragmentary view of the sector lever shown in Fig. 6A taken in the direction of the arrow B; Fig. 6C is a fragmentary view of the sector lever shown in Fig. GA taken in the direction of the arrow C; Fig. 7A is a front view of a first link lever applied to the door lock apparatus shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 7B is a fragmentary view of the first link lever shown in Fig. 7A taken in the direction of the arrow D; Fig. 8A is a front view of a second link lever applied to the door lock apparatus shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 8B is a fragmentary view of the second link lever shown in Fig. 8A taken in the direction of the arrow E; Fig. 9A is a front view of a lock lever applied to the door lock apparatus shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 9B is a fragmentary view of the lock lever shown in Fig. 9A taken in the direction of the arrow F; Fig. 1OA is a front view of a key link applied to the door lock apparatus shown in Fig. 1; Fig. lOB is a fragmentary view of the key link shown in Fig. 1OA taken in the direction of the arrow G; Fig. hA is a front view of a double lock lever applied to the door lock apparatus shown in Fig. 1; Fig. liE is a fragmentary view of the double lock lever shown in Fig. hA taken in the direction of the arrow H; Fig. 12A is a front view of a link pin applied to the door lock apparatus shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 12E is a fragmentary view of the link pin shown in Fig. 12A taken in the direction of the arrow J; Fig. 13 is a sectional view taken along a line A-A in Fig. 3; Fig. 14 is a sectional view taken along a line B-B in Fig. 3; Fig. 15 is a sectional view taken along a line C-C in Fig. 3; Fig. 16 is a sectional view taken along a line D-D in Fig. 3; Fig. 17 is a sectional view taken along a line E-E in Fig. 3; Fig. 18 is a schematic of the door lock apparatus shown in Fig. 1, when a lock mechanism is in an unlocked state; Fig. 19 is a schematic of a state when an inside door handle is open-operated in the state shown in Fig. 3; Fig. 20 is a schematic of a state when the inside door handle is continuously open-operated in the state shown in Fig. 19; Fig. 21 is a schematic of the door lock apparatus shown in Fig. 1 when a double lock mechanism is in a set state; Fig. 22 is a schematic of a state when a key cylinder is unfastened in the state shown in Fig. 2].;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary embodiments of a door lock apparatus according to the present invention are described below in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First Embodiment Figs. 1 and 2 are schematics of a door lock apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a schematic of the door lock apparatus shown in Fig. 1 after removing a sub case. The door lock apparatus shown here is provided in a side door (door D at the side of the driver's seat in a right-hand drive vehicle) that has a front hinge disposed at a right front seat of a four-wheel automobile. The door lock apparatus includes a main case 2 and a sub case 3.

The main case 2 and the sub case 3, for example, are respectively molded of synthetic resin, and form a housing by being fastened to each other by a fastening means (not shown) such as a screw, after being connected to each other. A packing material (not shown) is interposed at a connecting portion between the main case 2 and the sub case 3, thereby obtaining a desired water-tightness.

The housing 10 formed by the main case 2 and the sub case 3 includes a latch mechanism accommodating portion 11 and a lock mechanism accommodating portion 12. The latch mechanism accommodating portion 11 extends along the lef t-right direction of the door D, so as to extend along a facet positioned at the rear side of the vehicle of the door D. The lock mechanism accommodating portion 12 extends along the front-rear direction of the door D, so as to extend along from the end positioned at the inside of the vehicle of the latch mechanism accommodating portion 11 to the inner surface positioned at the inside of the vehicle of the door D. The main case 2 and the sub case 3 exhibit an L-shape when viewed from the above.

The latch mechanism accommodating portion 1]. of the housing 10 includes a striker introducing groove 13 that extends substantially horizontally towards the outside of the vehicle from the inside of the vehicle, at substantially the center position in the height direction.

The latch mechanism accommodating portion 11 includes a latch mechanism 20 therein.

The latch mechanism 20, as shown in Figs. 4A and 4B, holds and meshes with a striker S provided at the side of the vehicle main body of the four-wheel automobile. The latch mechanism 20 includes a latch 22 and a ratchet 23.

The latch 22 is rotatably arranged at a position above the striker introducing groove 13 of the latch mechanism accommodating portion 11, about a latch shaft 24 that extends substantially horizontally along the front-rear direction of the vehicle main body. The latch 22 includes a meshing groove 22a, a hooking portion 22b, and an engaging portion 22c.

The meshing groove 22a is formed towards the latch shaft 24 from the outer peripheral surface of the latch 22, and formed in a width that can accommodate the striker S. The hooking portion 22b is a portion positioned at the inside of the vehicle than the meshing groove 22a, when the meshing groove 22a is opened downwards. The hooking portion 22b, as shown in Fig. 4A, stops at a position to open the striker introducing groove 13, when the latch 22 is rotated to the maximum clockwise extent about the center of the latch shaft 24. The hooking portion 22b, as shown in Fig. 4B, also stops at a position to cut across the striker introducing groove 13, when the latch 22 is rotated to the maximum anti-clockwise extent about the center of the latch shaft 24.

The engaging portion 22c is a portion positioned at the outside of the vehicle than the meshing groove 22a, when the meshing groove 22a is opened downwards. The engaging portion 22c, as shown in Fig. 4A, cuts across the striker introducing groove 13 when the latch 22 is rotated to the maximum clockwise extent about the center of the latch shaft 24, and stops in a state that gradually inclines upward toward the back side (outside of vehicle) of the striker introducing groove 13. Although not shown, a latch spring that continuously biases the latch 22 in a clockwise direction about the center of the latch shaft 24 in Figs. 4A and 4B, is interposed between the latch 22 and the latch mechanism accommodating portion 11.

The ratchet 23 is rotatably arranged at a position below the striker introducing groove 13 of the latch mechanism accommodating portion 11 and inside the vehicle than the latch shaft 24, about a ratchet shaft 25 that extends substantially horizontally along the front-rear direction of the vehicle main body. The ratchet 23 includes an engaging portion 23a and an acting portion 23b.

The engaging portion 23a is a portion that extends outward in a radial direction towards the outside of the vehicle from the ratchet shaft 25. The engaging portion 23a can be detachably engaged to the hooking portion 22b and the engaging portion 22c of the latch 22 via the protruding facet, by rotating about the center of the ratchet shaft 25. The acting portion 23b is a portion that extends outward in a radial direction towards the inside of the vehicle from the ratchet shaft 25.

The ratchet 23, as shown in Fig. 3, includes a ratchet lever 26 that, at a position at the front side of the vehicle, integrally rotates with the ratchet 23 about the center of the ratchet shaft 25. The ratchet lever 26 includes an abutting portion 26a that extends towards the same direction as the acting portion 23b of the ratchet 23 from the ratchet shaft 25. Although not shown, a ratchet spring that continuously biases the ratchet 23 in an anti-clockwise direction about the center of the ratchet shaft in Figs. 4A and 4B, is provided between the ratchet 23 and the latch mechanism accommodating portion 11.

In the latch mechanism 20 formed as the above, when the door D is in the open state with respect to the vehicle main body, as shown in Fig. 4A, the latch 22 is disposed at an open position to open the striker introducing groove 13.

When the door D is moved to a closed position from this state, the striker S provided at the side of the vehicle main body enters the striker introducing groove 13 of the latch mechanism accommodating portion ii. subsequently, the striker S abuts to the engaging portion 22c of the latch 22. As a result, the latch 22 rotates about the center of the latch shaft 24 in an anti-clockwise direction in Figs. 4A and 4B, against the elastic force of the latch spring (not shown). During this time, the protruding facet of the engaging portion 23a slides on the outer peripheral surface of the latch 22, by the elastic force of the ratchet spring (not shown). Accordingly, the ratchet 23 suitably rotates about the center of the ratchet shaft 25 corresponding to the shape of an outer peripheral surface of the latch 22.

When the door D is further moved in the closed direction from the above-mentioned state, an entering amount of the striker S with respect to the striker introducing groove 13 is increased gradually. Subsequently, the engaging portion 23a of the ratchet 23 reaches the meshing groove 22a of the latch 22. Then, as shown in Fig. 4B, the hooking portion 22b of the latch 22 abuts to the engaging portion 23a of the ratchet 23, thereby preventing the latch 22 from rotating in a clockwise direction, against the elastic restoring force of the latch spring (not shown). In this state, the hooking portion 22b of the latch 22 is disposed at a latch position to cut across the striker introducing groove 13, thereby preventing the striker S from moving towards a disengaging direction from the back side (outside of vehicle) of the striker introducing groove 13 by the hooking portion 22b. As a result, the door D is maintained in the closed state with respect to the vehicle main body (latched state).

From the latched state, when the abutting portion 26a of the ratchet lever 26 is rotated upwards about the center of the ratchet shaft 25 in Figs. 4A and 4B, against the elastic force of the ratchet spring (not shown), the abutting/engaging state between the hooking portion 22b of the latch 22 and the engaging portion 23a of the ratchet shaft 25 is cancelled. Accordingly the latch 22 rotates in a clockwise direction in Figs. 4A and 4B, by the elastic restoring force of the latch spring (not shown). As a result, as shown in Fig. 4A, the striker introducing groove 13 is opened, and the striker S can move in the disengaging direction from the striker introducing groove 13.

Accordingly, the door D can be opened and moved with respect to the vehicle main body.

The latch mechanism accommodating portion 11 of the housing 10, as shown in Fig. 1, includes a cover plate 14 so as to cover the rear side of the vehicle of the latch mechanism accommodating portion 11. The cover plate 14 includes a notch hole J.4a and a screw hole 14b. The notch hole 14a is a hole provided so as to expose the striker introducing groove 13 of the latch mechanism accommodating portion 11 to outside from the notch hole 14a. The screw hole 14b is a hole to fix the housing 10 to the door D via the latch mechanism 20, and there are a plurality of screw holes (three locations in Fig. 1).

The lock mechanism accommodating portion 12 of the housing 10, as shown in Figs. 1 to 3, accommodates therein an open lever 16, an inside handle lever (double action mechanism) 17, a sector lever 31, and a lock mechanism 30.

The open lever 16 is rotatably arranged at a region further below the ratchet 23 of the latch mechanism 20, about an open lever shaft 18 that extends substantially horizontally along the front-rear direction of the vehicle main body. The open lever 16 includes an open acting end 16a, an open operating end 16b, and a pressure-receiving portion 16c.

The open acting end 16a of the open lever 16 is a portion that extends towards the outside of the vehicle from the open lever shaft 18, and the extended end is protruded outside the housing 10. An outside connecting unit OC such as a link that links with an outside door handle Dl arranged at the outer surface of the door D, is connected to a portion that the housing 10 is protruded outside in the open acting end 16a. More specifically, when the outside door handle Dl is open-operated, the open lever 16 rotates about the center of the open lever shaft 18 in a clockwise direction in Fig. 1, and the outside connecting unit OC is connected so as the open operating end 16b and the pressure-receiving portion 16c operate upwards in Fig. 3. The open operating end 16b of the open lever 16 is a portion that extends towards the inside of the vehicle from the open lever shaft 18, and disposed at a region below the abutting portion 26a in the ratchet lever 26. The pressure-receiving portion 16c of the open lever 16 is a portion positioned below the open operating end 16b, and bent towards the front of the vehicle from the lower rim of the open lever 16. Although not shown, an open lever spring that continuously biases the open lever 16 about the center of the open lever shaft 18 in an anti-clockwise direction in Fig. 1, is provided between the open lever 16 and the lock mechanism accommodating portion 12.

The inside handle lever 17 is swingably arranged at a rear region of the vehicle than the open lever 16, about an inside lever shaft 19 that extends substantially horizontally along the left-right direction of the vehicle main body. As shown in Figs. 5A and 5B, the inside handle lever 17 includes an inside acting end l7a, an inside operating end 17b, a lock connecting portion 17c, an open connecting portion 17d, and an inside lever shaft hole 17e.

The inside acting end 17a is a portion that inclines and extends gradually towards the front of the vehicle, as moving downwards from the inside lever shaft 19. The extended end is exposed to the outside through an opening 3a provided at the sub case 3 (see Fig. 2). An inside connecting unit IC such as a link and a cable that links with an inside door handle D2 arranged inside the vehicle, is connected to the portion that the housing 10 is exposed outside in the inside acting end l7a. More specifically, when the inside door handle D2 is open-operated, the inside connecting unit IC is connected so as the inside handle lever 17 rotates about the center of the inside lever shaft 19 in a clockwise direction in Fig. 3. The inside operating end 17b is a portion that bends toward the outside of the vehicle, after protruding toward the front of the vehicle from the facet positioned at the front side of the vehicle of the inside acting end 17a. The lock connecting portion 17c is a portion that extends downward from the inside operating end 17b. The open connecting portion 17d is a portion that bends toward the rear of the vehicle from the outside position of the vehicle than the lock connecting portion 17c in the inside operating end 17b.

As apparent from Fig. 3, the open connecting portion 17d is provided so as to closely oppose to the lower surface of the pressure-receiving portion 16c in the open lever 16.

The inside lever shaft hole 17e is a hole to insert the inside lever shaft 19 therethrough.

The sector lever 31 is swingably arranged at a front region of the vehicle than the open lever 16, about a sector lever shaft 34 that extends substantially horizontally along the left-right direction of the vehicle main body. The sector lever 31 includes a sector portion that expands the opening gradually towards the front of the vehicle. The sector lever 31, as shown in Figs. 6A, 6B, and 6C, includes a transmitting end 31a, an operating end 31b, and a sector lever shaft hole 31c.

The transmitting end 31a is a portion that extends upward from the sector lever shaft 34, and includes a block protrusion 31e and a connecting pin 31f. The block protrusion 31e is a portion projected towards the inside of the vehicle from the upper rim in the transmitting end 31a.

The connecting pin 31f is a columnar protrusion that extends substantially horizontally along the left-right direction of the vehicle main body from the facet positioned at the inside of the vehicle, at a region below the block protrusion 31e in the transmitting end 31a.

The operating end 31b is a portion made in a substantially fan-shape integrally formed with a portion that extends towards the front of the vehicle from the sector lever shaft 34 and a portion that extends downward from the sector lever shaft 34. The operating end 31b includes a gear portion 31g, an accommodating wall 31h, a key operating pin 31j, and a locking pin 3m. The gear portion 31g is a gear formed at an outer peripheral surface of the operating end 31b in an arc, and meshed with a worm 36 fixed to an output shaft 35a of an electric motor 35 (see Fig. 3). The accommodating wall 31h is a portion projected towards the inside of the vehicle in the operating end 31b. The accommodating wall 31h includes a spring operating groove 31k and a pin operating groove 31m.

The spring operating groove 31k is curved so as to open toward the rear of the vehicle in the accommodating wall 31h. The pin operating groove 31m is curved at the region below the spring operating groove 31k in the accommodating wall 31h, so as to open about the center of the sector lever shaft 34 in an anti-clockwise direction. The key operating pin 31j is a columnar protrusion that extends substantially horizontally along the left-right direction of the vehicle main body, from the facet positioned at the outside of the vehicle in the operating end 3lb. The locking pin 3].n is a columnar protrusion that extends substantially horizontally along the left-right direction of the vehicle main body, from the facet positioned at the outside of the vehicle, at the lower region of the operating end 31b. A stopper 3lp that has a larger outer diameter than the locking pin 3m is formed on the extended end of the locking pin 3m. The sector lever shaft hole 3lc is a hole to insert the sector lever shaft 34 there through.

The lock mechanism 30 is formed so as to switch between an unlocked state and a locked state. The unlocked state transmits the rotation of the open lever 16 by the open-operation of the outside door handle Dl to the latch mechanism 20, corresponding to the position of the sector lever 31. The locked state does not transmit the rotation of the open lever 16 by the open-operation of the outside door handle Dl to the latch mechanism 20. The lock mechanism 30 includes a first link lever (double action mechanism) 32 and a second link lever (double action mechanism) 33.

The first link lever 32, as shown in Figs. 7A and 7B, is a lever member in which a connecting tool 32g is mounted on substantially the center of a link main body 32a. The connecting tool 32g includes a connecting tool main body 32h, a fitting hole 32j, and a pair of fitting pawis 32k.

The connecting tool main body 32h is a cylinder mounted on a connecting hole (not shown) of the link main body 32a via the outer peripheral surface. The fitting hole 32j is provided inside the connecting tool main body 32h. The pair of fitting pawls 32k is formed so as to protrude outwards in a radial direction from a peripheral surface of the end positioned at the inside of the vehicle of the connecting tool main body 32h. The first link lever 32 is vertically movably supported with the open operating end 16b and the pressure-receiving portion 16c, and swingably supported about the center of the open operating end 16b along the left-right direction of the vehicle main body.

This is enabled by keeping the open operating end l6b of the open lever 16 inserted through the fitting hole 32j of the connecting tool 32g (see Fig. 3). The first link lever 32 includes a spring accommodating groove 32b, a sector connecting portion 32c, and a lever abutting portion 32d.

The spring accommodating groove 32b is a substantially circular groove formed so as to surround the connecting tool main body 32h of the connecting tool 32g, at the inside region of the vehicle in the link main body 32a.

The sector connecting portion 32c is a portion that inclines forward and extends from the front region of the vehicle in the link main body 32a in Fig. 3, and includes a connecting groove hole 32e. The connecting groove hole 32e is a slit opening formed along the extending direction of the sector connecting portion 32c, and as apparent from Fig. 3, movably fits and supports the connecting pin 3lf of the sector lever 31 therein. The lever abutting portion 32d is a portion that bends toward the inside of the vehicle, after protruding towards the rear of the vehicle from the rear region of the vehicle in the link main body 32a.

The second link lever 33, as shown in Fig. 3, is a lever member swingably arranged about the center of the connecting tool 32g along the left-right direction of the vehicle main body, between the first link lever 32 and the sub case 3, so as to overlap with the link main body 32a of the first link lever 32. The second link lever 33 is vertically movably formed with the connecting tool 32g mounted on the first link lever 32. The second link lever 33, as shown in Figs. 8A and 8B, includes a ratchet driving portion 33b, a locking portion 33c, and a connecting tool main body hole 33d on a lever main body 33a. The ratchet driving portion 33b is a portion that bends and extends towards the inside of the vehicle, after extending upward from the upper region of the lever main body 33a. The ratchet driving portion 33b is an abutting/engaging portion formed on the lever main body 33a. When disposed vertically above the connecting tool 32g mounted on the first link lever 32 (see Fig. 18), the ratchet driving portion 33b is formed so as to closely oppose to the lower facet of the abutting portion 26a in the ratchet lever 26.

The locking portion 33c is a portion that extends towards the rear of the vehicle, from the rear region of the vehicle in the lever main body 33a. As apparent from Fig. 3, the lower facet of the locking portion 33c is abutted to the upper facet of the lever abutting portion 32d of the first link lever 32. The connecting tool main body hole 33d is a hole to insert the connecting tool main body 32h of the connecting tool 32g mounted on the first link lever 32 therethrough.

When the second link lever 33 is being arranged, falling is prevented by fitting the rim of the connecting tool main body hole 33d to a fitting groove 32m (see Fig. 7B) formed by the link main body 32a, the connecting tool main body 32h, and the pair of fitting pawis 32k of the first link lever 32.

As shown in Fig. 3, an over-center spring 37 is provided at the lower portion of the sector lever 31, and a lock switch 38 is arranged in the upper portion of the sector lever 31. The over-center spring 37 holds the sector lever 31 about the center of the sector lever shaft 34 via the locking pin 3m. More specifically, the over-center spring 37 holds the sector lever 31 either at a position where, as shown in Fig. 18, the sector lever 31 is swung about the center of the sector lever shaft 34 to the maximum clockwise extent (unlocked position) or at a position where, as shown in Fig. 3, the sector lever 31 is swung about the center of the sector lever shaft 34 to the maximum anti-clockwise extent (locked position). The lock switch 38 detects whether the sector lever 31 is in the locked position, corresponding to the contact state of the block protrusion 31e of the sector lever 31 with respect to a detection piece 38a.

As shown in Figs. 3 and 13, a panic spring 39 is provided between the first link lever 32 and the second link lever 33. The panic spring 39 continuously biases the lever abutting portion 32d of the link main body 32a and the locking portion 33c of the lever main body 33a so as to abut to each other. The panic spring 39 is supported by the connecting tool main body 32h of the connecting tool 32g mounted on the first link lever 32, and also accommodated in the spring accommodating groove 32b.

With the lock mechanism 30 formed as the above, the state shown in Fig. 18 is the unlocked state. In the unlocked state, the sector lever 31 is disposed in the unlocked position and the ratchet driving portion 33b of the second link lever 33 is disposed vertically above the connecting tool 32g mounted on the first link lever 32.

Accordingly, the ratchet driving portion 33b is closely opposed to the lower facet of the abutting portion 26a in the ratchet lever 26. Therefore, when the outside door handle Dl is open-operated from this state, and the link main body 32a of the first link lever 32 moves upwards by the rotation of the open lever 16, the ratchet driving portion 33b of the second link lever 33 abuts to the abutting portion 26a of the ratchet lever 26 in the latch mechanism 20, thereby moving the latch mechanism 20 upwards.

As a result, even if the latch mechanism 20 is in the latched state, the latched state is cancelled, thereby enabling to open and move the door D with respect to the vehicle main body.

From the unlocked state shown in Fig. 18, when the electric motor 35 is driven and the worm 36 is suitably rotated in any direction, the sector lever 31 swings about the sector lever shaft 34 in an anti-clockwise direction.

As a result, the first link lever 32 engaged via the connecting pin 3lf and the second link lever 33 that abuts to the lever abutting portion 32d swing about the fitting hole 32j in an anti-clockwise direction. Accordingly, the lock mechanism 30 is turned in the locked state shown in Fig. 3.

In the locked state, the sector lever 31 is disposed in the locked position, and the ratchet driving portion 33b of the second link lever 33 deviates from the position opposed to the lower facet of the abutting portion 26a in the ratchet lever 26. Accordingly, even if the outside door handle Dl is open-operated, and the link main body 32a of the first link lever 32 moves upwards by the rotation of the open lever 16, the ratchet driving portion 33b does not abut to the abutting portion 26a of the ratchet lever 26 in the latch mechanism 20. As a result, the open-operation of the outside door handle Dl is invalidated, and when the latch mechanism 20 is in the latched state, the latched state is maintained. Accordingly, the door D is maintained in the closed position with respect to the vehicle main body.

From the locked state shown in Fig. 3, when the electric motor 35 is driven and the worm 36 is suitably rotated in any direction, the sector lever 31 swings about the sector lever shaft 34 in a clockwise direction. As a result, the first link lever 32 engaged via the connecting pin 31f and the second link lever 33 biased by the panic spring 39 swing about the fitting hole 32j in a clockwise direction. Accordingly, the lock mechanism 30 returns again to the unlocked state shown in Fig. 18.

The door lock apparatus, as shown in Fig. 3, also includes a lock lever 41 that operates when a lock knob D3 arranged inside the vehicle is locked, in the lock mechanism accommodating portion 12.

The lock lever 41, as shown in Fig. 3, is swingably arranged about the sector lever shaft 34, between the sector lever 31 and the sub case 3 so as to overlap with the sector lever 31. As shown in Figs. 9A and 9B, the lock lever 41 includes a spring connecting portion 41a, a lock acting end 41b, a lock operating pin 41c, and a sector lever shaft hole 41d.

The spring connecting portion 41a is a portion that bends and extends towards the outside of the vehicle, after extending downward from the sector lever shaft 34 in Fig. 3.

The lock acting end 41b is a portion that bends and extends downward from the end positioned at the outside of the vehicle of the spring connecting portion 41a, and the extended end is exposed outside through the opening 3a provided at the sub case 3 (see Fig. 2). A lock connecting unit LC such as a link and a cable that links with the lock knob D3 arranged inside the vehicle, is connected to the portion that the housing 10 is exposed outside in the lock acting end 41b. More specifically, when the lock knob D3 is locked in a predetermined manner while the lock mechanism 30 is in the unlocked state, the lock connecting unit LC is connected so that the lock lever 41 swings about the center of the sector lever shaft 34 in an anti-clockwise direction in Fig. 18. The lock operating pin 41c is a columnar protrusion that extends substantially horizontally along the left-right direction of the vehicle main body, from the facet positioned at the outside of the vehicle in the lock acting end 41b. The lock operating pin 41c, as shown in Fig. 18, is disposed at the pin operating groove 31m of the accommodating wall 31h formed in the sector lever 31. When the lock lever 41 swings about the center of the sector lever shaft 34 in an anti-clockwise direction in Fig. 18, the lock operating pin 41c is formed so as to press the accommodating wall 31h that forms the back side (lower portion in Fig. 18) of the pin operating groove 31m. The sector lever shaft hole 41d is a hole to insert the sector lever shaft 34 therethrough.

The lock acting end 4lb includes an inside abutting surface 41e. The inside abutting surface 41e, as shown in Fig. 3, when the lock acting end 41b is disposed at the region below the sector lever shaft 34, is formed so as to incline and extend gradually towards the rear side of the vehicle as moving upwards from the lower facet of the lock acting end 4lb. The inside abutting surface 4le, when the lock mechanism 30 is in the locked state, as shown in Fig. 3, is disposed in the swinging range when the lock connecting portion 17c of the inside handle lever 17 swings about the inside lever shaft 19. At the same time, the inside abutting surface 41e, when the lock mechanism 30 is in the unlocked state, as shown in Fig. 18, is disposed at a position separated from the lock connecting portion 17c.

In the present embodiment, the lock knob D3 is retractably arranged in the inside of the vehicle and formed so as to protrude inside the vehicle only when the lock mechanism 30 is in the unlocked state. Accordingly, it is possible to lock by deeply inserting the lock knob D3 therein.

As shown in Figs. 3 and 15, a connecting spring (connecting member) 42 is provided between the lock lever 41 and the sector lever 31. The connecting spring 42 continuously biases the spring connecting portion 41a of the lock lever 41 and the accommodating wall 3lh of the sector lever 31 so as to integrally operate, about the sector lever shaft 34 in a clockwise direction. The connecting spring 42 is arranged about the sector lever shaft 34 of the sector lever 31, and includes a spring acting portion 42a. The spring acting portion 42a is a portion disposed at the spring operating groove 31k of the accommodating wall 31h formed at the sector lever 31. The spring acting portion 42a is formed so as to press the accommodating wall 3lh that forms the upper portion of the spring operating groove 31k (see Fig. 3), about the sector lever shaft 34 in a clockwise direction, by the elastic restoring force of the connecting spring 42. The spring acting portion 42a is formed so that a biasing force that biases the accommodating wall 31h that forms the upper portion of the spring operating groove 31k in the sector lever 31 (see Fig. 3), about the center of the sector lever shaft 34 in a clockwise direction, becomes smaller than a holding force of which the over-center spring 37 holds the sector lever 31 to a locked position about the center of the sector lever shaft 34.

It is not always necessary to drive the electric motor to shift the lock mechanism 30 in the unlocked state shown in Fig. 18 to the locked state shown in Fig. 3, but it is also possible by locking the lock knob D3. In other words, from the unlocked state shown in Fig. 18, when the lock lever 41 is swung about the center of the sector lever shaft 34 in an anti-clockwise direction by locking the lock knob D3, the lock operating pin 41c presses the accommodating wall 31h that forms the back side (lower portion in Fig. 18) of the pin operating groove 31m of the sector lever 31. When the lock operating pin 41c of the lock lever 41 presses the accommodating wall 31h that forms the back side of the pin operating groove 3].m of the sector lever 31, the sector lever 31 swings about the sector lever shaft 34 in an anti-clockwise direction, while suitably rotating the worm 36. As a result, the sector lever 31 is disposed in the locked position, and the first link lever 32 engaged via the connecting pin 31f and the second link lever 33 that abuts to the lever abutting portion 32d swing about the fitting hole 32j in an anti-clockwise direction.

Accordingly, the lock mechanism 30 is turned in the locked state shown in Fig. 3.

When the inside door handle D2 is open-operated from the unlocked state shown in Fig. 18, the open connecting portion 17d of the inside handle lever 17 moves upwards.

Accordingly, the first link lever 32 and the second link lever 33 also move upwards, via the pressure-receiving portion 16c of the open lever 16. Therefore, the second link lever 33 abuts to the abutting portion 26a of the ratchet lever 26 in the latch mechanism 20, thereby canceling the latched state. In other words, the door D can be opened and moved by the open-operation of the inside door handle D2.

In the locked state shown in Fig. 3, the inside abutting surface 41e provided at the lock acting end 41b of the lock lever 41 is disposed in the swinging range of the lock connecting portion 17c in the inside handle lever 17.

When the inside door handle D2 is open-operated from this state, the first link lever 32 and the second link lever 33 move upwards, because the open connecting portion 17d in the inside handle lever 17 also moves. At the same time, the lock connecting portion l7c abuts to the inside abutting surface 41e of the lock lever 41, thereby swinging the lock lever 41 about the center of the sector lever shaft 34 in a clockwise direction. When the inside door handle D2 is open-operated once, the lock lever 41 swings to the state shown in Fig. 20 from the state shown in Fig. 3, via the state shown in Fig. 19. The operation will now be described in detail.

When the open connecting portion 17d of the inside handle lever 17 moves upward, as shown in Fig. 19, the first link lever 32 and the second link lever 33 also move upwards via the pressure-receiving portion 16c of the open lever 16. When the lock lever 41 swings about the center of the sector lever shaft 34 in a clockwise direction, the connecting spring 42 is suitably and elastically deformed via the spring connecting portion 41a, thereby increasing the biasing force of the connecting spring 42. Accordingly, the spring acting portion 42a further presses the accommodating wall 31h that forms the upper portion of the spring operating groove 31k of the sector lever 31 (see Fig. 3), about the sector lever shaft 34 in a clockwise direction. When the spring acting portion 42a of the connecting spring 42 further presses the accommodating wall 31h that forms the upper portion of the spring operating groove 31k of the sector lever 31, and when the pressing force exceeds the holding force of which the over-center spring 37 holds the sector lever 31 to the locked position, as shown in Fig. 19, the sector lever 31 connects with the lock lever 41, and integrally swings with the lock lever 41 about the sector lever shaft 34 in a clockwise direction (connecting state). When the sector lever 31 swings, the connecting pin 31f moves to the rear of the vehicle, thereby swinging the first link lever 32 also in a clockwise direction in Fig. 3.

From the state shown in Fig. 19, when the open connecting portion 17d of the inside handle lever 17 further moves upwards, as shown in Fig. 20, the first link lever 32 and the second link lever 33 also move upwards via the pressure-receiving portion 16c of the open lever 16.

From the state shown in Fig. 19, when the lock lever 41 swings about the center of the sector lever shaft 34 in a clockwise direction, the sector lever 31 connected via the connecting spring 42 further swings about the sector lever shaft 34 integrally with the lock lever 41 in a clockwise direction, while suitably rotating the worm 36, thereby disposing in the unlocked position. When the sector lever 31 swings more, the connecting pin 31f moves to the rear of the vehicle, thereby further swinging the first link lever 32 in a clockwise direction in Fig. 19. At this time, as shown in Fig. 20, the ratchet driving portion 33b of the second link lever 33 abuts to the abutting portion 26a of the ratchet lever 26 from the front side of the vehicle.

Accordingly, the first link lever 32 cancels the abutting state with the locking portion 33c against the elastic restoring force of the panic spring 39, thereby swinging in a clockwise direction in Fig. 19.

When the open-operating force of the inside door handle D2 is removed from the state shown in Fig. 20, the open lever 16 moves the open operating end 16b and the pressure-receiving portion 16c downwards, by the elastic restoring force of the open lever spring (not shown).

Accordingly, the first link lever 32 and the second link lever 33 also move downwards. When the open operating end 16b and the pressure-receiving portion 16c move downwards, as shown in Fig. 18, the lower facet of the pressure-receiving portion l6c is disposed so as to closely oppose to the open connecting portion 17d of the inside handle lever 17 again. When the first link lever 32 and the second link lever 33 move downward, as shown in Fig. 18, the abutting state between the ratchet driving portion 33b of the second link lever 33 and the abutting portion 26a of the ratchet lever 26 is cancelled. Subsequently, the locking portion 33c is moved so as to abut to the lever abutting portion 32d of the first link lever 32 again, by the elastic restoring force of the panic spring 39. When the second link lever 33 moves, as shown in Fig. 18, the ratchet driving portion 33b of the second link lever 33 is disposed vertically above the connecting tool 32g mounted on the first link lever 32. Accordingly, the ratchet driving portion 33b is closely opposed to the lower facet of the abutting portion 26a in the ratchet lever 26, thereby turning the lock mechanism 30 in the unlocked state.

In the state shown in Fig. 18, when the inside door handle D2 is open-operated, the open connecting portion 17d of the inside handle lever 17 moves upwards, thereby moving the first link lever 32 and the second link lever 33 also upwards via the pressure-receiving portion 16c of the open lever 16. At this time, the inside abutting surface 41e provided at the lock acting end 4lb of the lock lever 41 is disposed at a position separated from the lock connecting portion 17c in the inside handle lever 17, thereby not abutting to the lock connecting portion 17c. Therefore, the second link lever 33 abuts to the abutting portion 26a of the ratchet lever 26 in the latch mechanism 20, thereby canceling the latched state. In other words, the door D can be opened and moved, by the open-operation of the inside door handle D2 (so-called double action mechanism).

As shown in Fig. 20, the state that the ratchet driving portion 33b of the second link lever 33 abuts to the abutting portion 26a of the ratchet lever 26 also occurs, for example, in the locked state shown in Fig. 3, when the outside door handle Dl is open-operated and the electric motor 35 is driven to switch the lock mechanism 30 to the unlocked state. In the locked state shown in Fig. 3, when the outside door handle Dl is open-operated, the ratchet driving portion 33b of the second link lever 33 moves the first link lever 32 and the second link lever 33 upwards by the rotation of the open lever 16, without moving the abutting portion 26a of the ratchet lever 26 in the latch mechanism 20 upwards. In this state, when the electric motor 35 is driven and the worm 36 is suitably rotated in any direction, the sector lever 31 swings about the sector lever shaft 34 in a clockwise direction. When the sector lever 31 swings, the connecting pin 31f moves to the rear of the vehicle, thereby also swinging the first link lever 32 in a clockwise direction in Fig. 3. At this time, the ratchet driving portion 33b of the second link lever 33 abuts to the abutting portion 26a of the ratchet lever 26 from the front side of the vehicle. Accordingly, the first link lever 32 cancels the abutting state with the locking portion 33c against the elastic restoring force of the panic spring 39, thereby turning in the state shown in Fig. 20.

In this state, when the open-operating force of the outside door handle Dl is removed, the open lever 16 moves the open operating end 16b and the pressure-receiving portion 16c downwards, by the elastic restoring force of the open lever spring (not shown). Accordingly, the first link lever 32 and the second link lever 33 also move downwards. When the first link lever 32 and the second link lever 33 move downwards, as shown in Fig. 18, the abutting state between the ratchet driving portion 33b of the second link lever 33 and the abutting portion 26a of the ratchet lever 26 is subsequently cancelled.

Accordingly, the second link lever 33 moves the locking portion 33c so as to abut with the lever abutting portion 32d of the first link lever 32 again, by the elastic restoring force of the panic spring 39. When the second link lever 33 moves, as shown in Fig. 18, the ratchet driving portion 33b of the second link lever 33 is disposed vertically above the connecting tool 32g mounted on the first link lever 32. Subsequently, the ratchet driving portion 33b is closely opposed to the lower facet of the abutting portion 26a in the ratchet lever 26, thereby turning the lock mechanism 30 in the unlocked state.

When the outside door handle Dl is open-operated again from the state shown in Fig. 18, and the link main body 32a of the first link lever 32 moves upwards by the rotation of the open lever 16, the ratchet driving portion 33b of the second link lever 33 abuts to the abutting portion 26a of the ratchet lever 26 in the latch mechanism 20, thereby moving the latch mechanism 20 upwards. As a result, even if the latch mechanism 20 is in the latched state, the latched state is cancelled, thereby enabling to open and move the door D with respect to the vehicle main body.

The door lock apparatus, as shown in Fig. 3, also includes a key lever 51 and a key link 52 in the lock mechanism accommodating portion 12. The key lever 51 is operated when a key cylinder KC arranged at the door D is key-operated. The key link 52 is operated when the key lever 51 is operated, and switches the lock mechanism 30 in the locked state to the unlocked state or switches the lock mechanism 30 in the unlocked state to the locked state.

The key lever 51, as shown in Fig. 3, is arranged in a region further above the latch 22 of the latch mechanism 20.

The key lever 51 includes an input shaft portion 51a as an input portion in which the rotating driving force is entered, when the key cylinder KC arranged at the door D is key-operated. The key lever 51 is rotatably supported about the center along the left-right direction of the vehicle main body, by fitting a convex (not shown) provided at the sub case 3 in a rotation concave portion 51b recessed so as to open toward the inside of the vehicle in the input shaft portion 51a. A cylinder connecting unit CC such as a link and a cable that transmits the rotating driving force, which is generated when the key cylinder KC is key-operated, is connected to the input shaft portion 51a (see Fig. 1) . More specifically, the cylinder connecting unit Cc is connected so that when the key cylinder KC is unfastened, the key lever 51 rotates about the center of the rotation concave portion 51b in a clockwise direction in Fig. 3, and when the key cylinder KC is fastened, the key lever 51 rotates about the center of the rotation concave portion 51b in an anti-clockwise direction in Fig. 18. The key lever 51, as shown in Figs. 3 and 16, includes a lever portion 51c and a lever pin 51d.

The lever portion Sic is a portion that extends towards the front of the vehicle from the input shaft portion 51a. The lever pin 51d is a columnar protrusion that extends substantially horizontally along the left-right direction of the vehicle main body, from the facet positioned at the inside of the vehicle in the lever portion 51c.

The key link 52, as shown in Fig. 3, is slidably arranged along the longitudinal direction of a pair of guide bodies 2a provided in the main case 2, and formed in the longitudinal shape across the upper end to the lower end of the housing 10. The key link 52, as shown in Figs. 1OA and lOB, includes a key connecting end 52a, a double lock connecting portion 52b, and a sector connecting end 52c.

The key connecting end 52a is a portion positioned above the pair of guide bodies 2a provided in the main case 2 in the key link 52, and includes a key connecting groove hole 52d. The key connecting groove hole 52d is a slit opening formed along the front-rear direction of the vehicle main body, at the upper region in the key connecting end 52a. As apparent from Fig. 3, the key connecting groove hole 52d movably fits and supports the lever pin 51d of the key lever 51 therein.

The double lock connecting portion 52b is a longitudinal portion that bends and extends downward, after bending towards the outside of the vehicle from the end positioned at the lower portion in the key connecting end 52a. The double lock connecting portion 52b includes a lever supporting groove 52e, a key operating groove hole 52f, a lock recognizing protrusion 52g, and an unlock recognizing protrusion 52h. The lever supporting groove 52e is a groove recessed along the longitudinal direction of the double lock connecting portion 52b, so as to open toward the inside of the vehicle. The key operating groove hole 52f is a slit opening formed at the upper region in the double lock connecting portion 52b, along the extending direction of the lever supporting groove 52e. The lock recognizing protrusion 52g and the unlock recognizing protrusion 52h are columnar protrusions that respectively and substantially horizontally extend along the left-right direction of the vehicle main body, from the facet positioned at the region outside the vehicle below the lever supporting groove 52e in the double lock connecting portion 52b. As apparent from Fig. 3, the lock recognizing protrusion 52g and the unlock recognizing protrusion 52h are placed side by side along the extending direction of the double lock connecting portion 52b.

The sector connecting end 52c is a portion that extends downward after inclined and extended gradually towards the front of the vehicle, as moving downwards from the end positioned at the lower portion of the double lock connecting portion 52b. The sector connecting end 52c includes a sector connecting hole 52j. The sector connecting hole 52j is a slit opening formed along the extending direction of the sector connecting end 52c, and as shown in Fig. 14, movably inserts the key operating pin 31j of the sector lever 31 therein. In the sector connecting hole 52j, when the lock mechanism 30 is in the locked state, as shown in Fig. 3, the inner wall surface of an unlock portion 52m positioned at the lower portion is disposed at a position adjacent to the key operating pin 31j of the sector lever 31. When the lock mechanism 30 is in the unlocked state, as shown in Fig. 18, the inner wall surface of a lock portion 52n positioned at the upper portion is disposed at a position adjacent to the key operating pin 31j of the sector lever 31.

As shown in Fig. 3, a key switch 53 is arranged at the front region of the vehicle of the double lock connecting portion 52b in the key link 52. The key switch 53 interposes a detection piece 53a between the lock recognizing protrusion 52g and the unlock recognizing protrusion 52h of the key link 52, and detects the position of the key link 52, depending on the contact state of the lock recognizing protrusion 52g and the unlock recognizing protrusion 52h with respect to the detection piece 53a.

It is not always necessary to drive the electric motor or lock the lock knob D3, to shift the lock mechanism 30 in the unlocked state shown in Fig. 18 to the locked state shown in Fig. 3, but it is also possible by fastening the key cylinder KC. In other words, from the unlocked state shown in Fig. 18, when the key lever 51 is rotated about the center of the rotation concave portion 51b in an anti-clockwise direction by the key-operation of the key cylinder KC, the key link 52 engaged via the lever pin 5ld slidably moves downwards along the longitudinal direction of the pair of guide bodies 2a provided in the main case 2.

When the key link 52 slidably moves downwards along the longitudinal direction of the pair of guide bodies 2a provided in the main case 2, the inner wall surface of the lock portion 52n moves the key operating pin 31j of the sector lever 31 downwards in the sector connecting hole 52j.

At this time, the lock recognizing protrusion 52g presses the detection piece 53a of the key switch 53 downwards.

Accordingly, the key switch 53 detects the key operation, in other words, a fastening operation of the key cylinder KC from the movement of the key link 52. When the key operating pin 31j of the sector lever 31 moves downwards, the sector lever 31 swings about the sector lever shaft 34 in an anti-clockwise direction, while suitably rotating the worm 36. As a result, the first link lever 32 engaged via the connecting pin 3lf and the second link lever 33 that abuts to the lever abutting portion 32d swing about the fitting hole 32j in an anti-clockwise direction.

It is also not always necessary to drive the electric motor 35 to shift the lock mechanism 30 in the locked state shown in Fig. 3 to the unlocked state shown in Fig. 18, but it is also possible by unfastening the key cylinder KC. In other words, from the locked state shown in Fig. 3, when the key lever 51 is rotated about the center of the rotation concave portion 51b in a clockwise direction, by the key operation of the key cylinder KC, the key link 52 engaged via the lever pin 51d slidably moves upwards along the longitudinal direction of the pair of guide bodies 2a provided in the main case 2. When the key link 52 slidably moves upwards along the longitudinal direction of the pair of guide bodies 2a provided in the main case 2, the inner wall surface of the unlock portion 52m moves the key operating pin 31j of the sector lever 31 upwards in the sector connecting hole 52j. At this time, the unlock recognizing protrusion 52h presses the detection piece 53a of the key switch 53 upward. Accordingly, the key switch 53 detects the key operation, in other words, an unfastening operation of the key cylinder KC from the movement of the key link 52. When the key operating pin 31j of the sector lever 31 moves upwards, the sector lever 31 swings about the sector lever shaft 34 in a clockwise direction, while suitably rotating the worm 36. As a result, the first link lever 32 engaged via the connecting pin 3].f and the second link lever 33 biased by the panic spring 39 swing about the fitting hole 321 in a clockwise direction. Accordingly, the lock mechanism 30 is turned in the unlocked state shown in Fig. 18.

The door lock apparatus, as shown in Fig. 3, also includes a double lock mechanism 60 in the lock mechanism accommodating portion 12. The double lock mechanism 60 is switchably formed between an unset state and a set state, and includes a double lock lever (double lock member) 61.

The double lock lever 61, as shown in Fig. 3, is linearly and movably formed between an unset position and a set position. The unset position is where the double lock lever 61 is slidably moved upward to the maximum extent as shown in Fig. 3, and the set position is where the double lock lever 61 is slidably moved downward to the maximum extent as shown in Fig. 21. The double lock lever 61, as shown in Figs. hA and hiB, includes a sliding portion 61b, an unset operating pin 61c, and a block portion 61d at the rear region of the vehicle in a base 61a.

The sliding portion 61b is a portion that longitudinally extends downward from the facet positioned at the outside of the vehicle in the base 61a. The sliding portion 61b is movably fitted to the lever supporting groove 52e of the key link 52 (see Fig. 17). The unset operating pin 61c is a columnar protrusion that extends substantially horizontally along the left-right direction of the vehicle main body, from the facet positioned at the outside of the vehicle, at the region above the sliding portion 6lb. The unset operating pin 6lc is movably inserted into the key operating groove hole 52f of the key link 52. When the double lock lever 61 is disposed at the set position shown in Fig. 21, the unset operating pin 61c is disposed at the lower end of the key operating groove hole 52f. When the double lock lever 61 is disposed at the unset position shown in Fig. 3, the unset operating pin 61c is disposed at substantially the center in the vertical direction in the key operating groove hole 52f. The block portion 61d is a portion projected towards the front side of the vehicle, from the extended end positioned below the sliding portion 6Th. When the double lock lever 61 is disposed at the set position shown in Fig. 21, the block portion 61d comes adjacent to the block protrusion 31e of the sector lever 31, and disposed in the swinging range when the block protrusion 31e swings about the sector lever shaft 34. When the double lock lever 61 is disposed at the unset position shown in Fig. 3, the block portion 61d is disposed outside the swinging range of the block protrusion 31e.

The double lock lever 61, as shown in Figs. hA and 11B, includes a first arm portion 61e and a second arm portion 61f, at the front region of the vehicle in the base 6la. The first arm portion 61e is a portion that extends towards the front of the vehicle, after being curved and extended towards the front of the vehicle, from the facet positioned at the inside of the vehicle in the base 61a.

The first arm portion 61e includes a gripping groove 61g curved so as to open toward the front of the vehicle. The second arm portion 61f is a portion that extends towards the front of the vehicle, after being curved and extended towards the front of the vehicle, from the facet positioned at the outside of the vehicle in the base 61a. The second arm portion 61f includes a gripping groove 61h curved so as to open toward the front of the vehicle.

As shown in Figs. 3 and 17, a link pin 62 is provided between the first arm portion Gle and the second arm portion 61f in the double lock lever 61. The link pin 62 is interlocked with the double lock lever 61, and as shown in Figs. 12A and 12B, includes a pin main body 62a and a pair of transmission pins 62b that interlocks the pin main body 62a and the double lock lever 61. The pin main body 62a is a cylinder that includes a gear portion 62c therein.

The gear portion 62c is a gear formed at an inner peripheral surface of the pin main body 62a and meshed with a worm 64 fixed to an output shaft 63a of an electric motor (drive source) 63 (see Fig. 17). The pair of transmission pins 62b is a columnar protrusion that respectively extends substantially horizontally along the left-right direction of the vehicle main body, from the outer peripheral surface positioned at the inside and the outside of the vehicle in the pin main body 62a. The pair of transmission pins 62b is respectively disposed at the gripping groove Gig of the first arm portion 6le and at the gripping groove 61h of the second arm portion 61f in the double lock lever 61.

As shown in Figs. 3 and 17, an over-center spring 65 is provided between the key link 52 and the main case 2.

The over-center spring 65 holds the double lock lever 61 via the unset operating pin 61c. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 3, the over-center spring 65 holds the double lock lever 61 either at the unset position where the double lock lever 61 is slidably moved upward to the maximum extent along the longitudinal direction of the key link 52, as shown in Fig. 3, or at the set position where the double lock lever 61 is slidably moved downward to the maximum extent along the longitudinal direction of the key link 52, as shown in Fig. 21.

As shown in Fig. 21, a double lock switch 66 is arranged at the front side of the vehicle of the double lock lever 61. The double lock switch 66 detects whether the double lock lever 61 is at the set position, corresponding to the contact state of the extended end of the second arm portion 61f in the double lock lever 61 with respect to a detection piece 66a.

The electric motor 35, the lock switch 38, the key switch 53, the electric motor 63, and the double lock switch 66, as shown in Fig. 3, are connected to a circuit substrate 71 arranged inside the lock mechanism accommodating portion 12. In the circuit substrate 71, a connector 72 that supplies power to each motor and each switch is arranged. The connector 72 forms a power supplying system, and also used as a communication tool to input electric signal to each motor from a controlling portion (not shown) of the vehicle main body, or to output electric signal to the controlling portion (not shown) of the vehicle main body from each switch. As apparent from Fig. 2, the connector 72 is exposed to outside through an opening 3b provided at the sub case 3. The opening 3b provided at the sub case 3, when the door lock apparatus is arranged in the door D, is exposed to the outside of the door D through an opening (not shown) provided at the inside panel IP positioned at the inside of the vehicle of the door D (see Fig. 1).

With the double lock mechanism 60 formed as the above, the state shown in Fig. 3 is the unset state. In the unset state, the double lock lever 61 is disposed at the unset position. Accordingly, the block portion 61d is disposed outside the swinging range of the block protrusion 31e in the sector lever 31.

From the unset state shown in Fig. 3, when the electric motor 63 is driven and the worm 64 is suitably rotated in any direction, the link pin 62 moves downwards along the extending direction of the worm 64. When the link pin 62 moves downwards along the extending direction of the worm 64, the first arm portion 61e and the second arm portion 61f that form the lower portion of the gripping groove 61g and the gripping groove 61h of the double lock lever 61 respectively move downwards via the pair of transmission pins 62b. As a result, the double lock lever 61 moves linearly downwards along the longitudinal direction, while being guided by the lever supporting groove 52e of the key link 52 via the sliding portion 61b.

Accordingly, the double lock mechanism 60 is turned in the set state shown in Fig. 21.

In the set state, the double lock lever 61 is disposed at the set position. Accordingly, the block portion Gid is disposed in the swinging range of the block protrusion 31e in the sector lever 31. When the inside door handle D2 is open-operated from this state, the first link lever 32 and the second link lever 33 move upwards, because the open connecting portion 17d in the inside handle lever 17 moves.

At the same time, the lock connecting portion 17c abuts to the inside abutting surface 41e of the lock lever 41, thereby swinging the lock lever 41 about the center of the sector lever shaft 34 in a clockwise direction. When the open connecting portion 17c1 of the inside handle lever 17 moves upward, the first link lever 32 and the second link lever 33 also move upwards via the pressure-receiving portion 16c of the open lever 16. When the lock lever 41 swings about the center of the sector lever shaft 34 in a clockwise direction, the connecting spring 42 is suitably and elastically deformed via the spring connecting portion 4la. Accordingly, the biasing force of the connecting spring 42 is increased, and the spring acting portion 42a further presses the accommodating wall 31h that forms the upper portion of the spring operating groove 31k of the sector lever 31 (see Fig. 21), about the sector lever shaft 34 in a clockwise direction. However, even if the spring acting portion 42a of the connecting spring 42 further presses the accommodating wall 3lh that forms the upper portion of the spring operating groove 31k of the sector lever 31, the block protrusion 3le of the sector lever 31 abuts to the block portion 61d of the double lock lever 61.

Accordingly, the sector lever 31 is prevented from swinging towards the unlocked position. In other words, in the set state, even if the lock lever 4]. swings about the center of the sector lever shaft 34 in a clockwise direction, only the connecting spring 42 suitably and elastically deforms, and the sector lever 31 in the locked position does not swing to the unlocked position. Subsequently, the lock lever 41 is individually operated from the sector lever 31 (unconnected state). As a result, the ratchet driving portion 33b of the second link lever 33 does not contact with the abutting portion 26a of the ratchet lever 26 in the latch mechanism 20, and the lock mechanism 30 in the locked state is prevented from being switched to the unlocked state by the open-operation of the inside door handle D2. Accordingly, the door D cannot be opened or moved by the open-operation of the inside door handle D2.

In the set state shown in Fig. 21, for example, even if a malicious person illegally operates the lock connecting unit LC and swings the lock lever 41 about the center of the sector lever shaft 34 in a clockwise direction, only the connecting spring 42 suitably and elastically deforms, and the sector lever 31 in the locked position does not swing to the unlocked position.

Accordingly, the lock lever 41 is individually operated from the sector lever 31. As a result, the lock mechanism in the locked state is prevented from being switched to the unlocked state, also by the operation of the lock connecting unit LC. Subsequently, the door D is maintained in the closed position with respect to the vehicle main body.

From the set state shown in Fig. 21, when the electric motor 63 is driven and the worm 64 is suitably rotated in any direction, the link pin 62 moves upwards along the extending direction of the worm 64. When the link pin 62 moves upwards along the extending direction of the worm 64, the first arm portion 61e and the second arm portion Glf that form the upper portion of the gripping groove 61g and the gripping groove 61h of the double lock lever 61 also move upward via the pair of transmission pins 62b, respectively. As a result, the double lock lever 61 moves linearly upward along the longitudinal direction, while being guided by the lever supporting groove 52e of the key link 52 via the sliding portion 61b. Accordingly, the double lock mechanism 60 returns again to the unset state shown in Fig. 3.

It is not always necessary to drive the electric motor 63 to shift the double lock mechanism 60 in the set state shown in Fig. 21 to the unset state, but it is also possible by unfastening the key cylinder KC. In other words, from the set state shown in Fig. 21, when the key lever 51 is rotated about the center of the rotation concave portion 51b in a clockwise direction by the key operation of the key cylinder KC, the key link 52 engaged via the lever pin 51d slidably moves upwards along the longitudinal direction of the pair of guide bodies 2a provided in the main case 2. When the key link 52 slidably moves upwards along the longitudinal direction of the pair of guide bodies 2a provided in the main case 2, the inner wall surface at the lower end in the key operating groove hole 52f moves the unset operating pin 6lc of the double lock lever 61 upwards. Subsequent to the movement of the double lock lever 61, the inner wall surface of the unlock portion 52m also moves the key operating pin 31j of the sector lever 31 upwards in the sector connecting hole 521.

When the unset operating pin 61c of the double lock lever 61 moves upwards, as shown in Fig. 22, the double lock lever 61 suitably rotates the worm 64 via the link pin 62.

The double lock lever 61 also moves linearly upwards along the longitudinal direction, while being guided by the lever supporting groove 52e of the key link 52 via the sliding portion 61b. After the block portion 61d of the double lock lever 61 moves outside the swinging range of the block protrusion 31e in the sector lever 31, as shown in Fig. 22, the key operating pin 311 of the sector lever 31 moves upwards, thereby swinging the sector lever 31 about the sector lever shaft 34 in a clockwise direction while suitably rotating the worm 36. At this time, because the unlock recognizing protrusion 52h presses the detection piece 53a of the key switch 53 upwards, the key switch 53 detects the key operation, in other words, an unfastening operation of the key cylinder KC from the movement of the key link 52. As a result, the double lock lever 61 is disposed at the unset position, thereby turning the double lock mechanism 60 in the unset state. The first link lever 32 engaged via the connecting pin 311 and the second link lever 33 biased by the panic spring 39 swing about the fitting hole 321 in a clockwise direction, thereby turning the lock mechanism 30 in the unlocked state shown in Fig. 18.

The door lock apparatus with the configuration as described above includes the inside handle lever 17 that, when the inside door handle D2 arranged inside the vehicle is open-operated while the lock mechanism 30 is in the unlocked state, transmits the open-operation to the latch mechanism 20, and when the inside door handle D2 is open-operated while the lock mechanism 30 is in the locked state, operates the lock lever 41 without transmitting the open-operation to the latch mechanism 20, and moves the sector lever 31 in the locked position to the unlocked position by using the connecting spring 42 being connected. The door lock apparatus also includes the first link lever 32 and the second link lever 33, and the double lock mechanism 60 that switches the connecting spring 42 between being connected and being disconnected by driving the electric motor 63. Accordingly, when the connecting spring 42 is being disconnected by the double lock mechanism 60, even if the lock lever 41 is operated by the open-operation of the inside door handle D2, the sector lever 31 in the locked position does not move to the unlocked position by the operation. Therefore, even if the window glass is broken and the inside door handle D2 is operated, the lock mechanism 30 in the locked state will not be switched to the unlocked state. Subsequently, it is possible to significantly improve the anti-theft function of the vehicle. Even if the inside door handle D2 is open-operated while the sector lever 31 is prevented from moving to the unlocked position, when the connecting spring 42 iS being disconnected by the double lock mechanism 60, the lock lever 41 only operates independently from the sector lever 31, while elastically deforming the connecting spring 42. Therefore, a considerable amount of operating force is not applied to the sector lever 31, thereby not creating a negative impact on the intensity.

The door lock apparatus with the configuration as described above also includes the double lock lever 61 that has the block unit 6ld, linearly and movably formed between the unset position and the set position by driving the electric motor 63, and disposed in the swinging range of the sector lever 31, when moved to the set position. The double lock lever 61 prevents the sector lever 31 in the locked position from swinging to the unlocked position, by using the block unit 61d. Therefore, if the double lock lever 61 is in the set position, even if the inside door handle D2 is open-operated, the sector lever 31 is prevented from swinging by using the block unit 6ld.

Therefore, even if the window glass is broken and the inside door handle D2 is operated, the lock mechanism 30 in the locked state will not be switched to the unlocked state.

Accordingly, it is possible to improve the anti-theft function of the vehicle. The double lock lever 61 is formed so as to linearly move along a longitudinal direction of the key link 52 between the unset position and the set position. Subsequently, compared with that formed so as to swing about the center of the shaft member between the unset position and the set position, it is possible to reduce the occupying space of the double lock lever 61.

Therefore, the size of the door lock apparatus will not be increased.

In the embodiment, at the inside acting end l7a of the inside handle lever 17 and the lock acting end 41b of the lock lever 41, a cover member may be provided so as to cover the portion that the housing 10 is exposed outside.

According to the embodiment, a double action mechanism transmits the open-operation to the latch mechanism when an inside door handle arranged inside a vehicle is open-operated while the lock mechanism is in the unlocked state, and operates the lock lever without transmitting the open-operation to the latch mechanism and moves the sector lever from the locked position to the unlocked position by using the connecting unit in the connecting state, when the inside door handle is open-operated while the lock mechanism is in the locked state. A double lock mechanism switches the connecting unit between the connecting state and the unconnected state by driving a drive source.

Accordingly, when the connecting unit is being disconnected by the double lock mechanism, even if the lock lever is operated by the open-operation of the inside door handle, the sector lever in the locked position does not move to the unlocked position by the operation. Therefore, even if the window glass is broken and the inside door handle is operated, the lock mechanism in the locked state will not be switched to the unlocked state. Accordingly, it is possible to significantly improve the anti-theft function of the vehicle. When the inside door handle is open-operated while the sector lever is prevented from moving to the unlocked position, if the connecting unit is being disconnected by the double lock mechanism, the lock lever only operates independently from the sector lever.

Therefore, a considerable amount of operating force is not applied to the sector lever, thereby not creating a negative impact on the intensity.

Also, according to the embodiment, a double lock member includes a block unit which is configured to be linearly movable between an unset position and a set position by driving a drive source and is disposed in a swinging range of the sector lever when moved to the set position, and the double lock member prevents the sector lever in the locked position from swinging to the unlocked position by using the block unit. Accordingly, when the double lock member is in the set position, even if the inside door handle is open-operated, the sector lever is prevented from swinging by using the block unit. Therefore, even if the window glass is broken and the inside door handle is operated, the lock mechanism in the locked state will not be switched to the unlocked state. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the anti-theft function of the vehicle. The double lock member is formed so as to linearly move between the unset position and the set position. Subsequently, compared with that formed so as to swing about the center of the shaft member between the unset position and the set position, it is possible to reduce the occupying space of the double lock member.

Therefore, the size of the door lock apparatus will not be increased.

Although the invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments for a complete and clear disclosure, the appended claims are not to be thus limited but are to be construed as embodying all modifications and alternative constructions that may occur to one skilled in the art that fairly fall within the basic teaching herein set forth.

Claims

What is claimed iS: 1. A door lock apparatus comprising: a latch mechanism that, when a door is disposed in a closed position with respect to a vehicle main body, restricts movement of the door in an open direction by latching; a lock mechanism that is interposed between a door handle and the latch mechanism and configured to switch between an unlocked state and a locked state depending on a position of a sector lever, the lock mechanism being in the unlocked state and canceling a latched state by transmitting an open-operation of the door handle to the latch mechanism when the sector lever is disposed in an unlocked position, the lock mechanism being in the locked state and maintaining the latched state of the latch mechanism by invalidating the open-operation of the door handle when the sector lever is disposed in a locked position; a lock lever that operates independently from the sector lever; a connecting unit that integrally operates the sector lever and the lock lever when being in a connecting state, and that individually operates the sector lever and the lock lever when being in an unconnected state; a double action mechanism that transmits the open-operation to the latch mechanism when an inside door handle arranged inside a vehicle is open-operated while the lock mechanism is in the unlocked state, and operates the lock lever without transmitting the open-operation to the latch mechanism and moves the sector lever from the locked position to the unlocked position by using the connecting unit in the connecting state, when the inside door handle is open-operated while the lock mechanism is in the locked state; and a double lock mechanism that switches the connecting unit between the connecting state and the unconnected state by driving a drive source.
2. The door lock apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lock lever operates when a lock operating member arranged inside the vehicle is lock-operated, and moves the sector lever in the unlocked position to the locked position by using the connecting unit in the connecting state.
3. A door lock apparatus comprising: a latch mechanism that, when a door is disposed in a closed position with respect to a vehicle main body, restricts movement of the door in an open direction by latching; a lock mechanism that is interposed between a door handle and the latch mechanism and configured to switch between an unlocked state and a locked state depending on a position of a sector lever swinging about a center of a sector lever shaft, the lock mechanism being in the unlocked state and canceling a latched state by transmitting an open-operation of the door handle to the latch mechanism when the sector lever is disposed in an unlocked position, the lock mechanism being in the locked state and maintaining the latched state of the latch mechanism by invalidating the open-operation of the door handle when the sector lever is disposed in a locked position; a double action mechanism, when an inside door handle arranged inside a vehicle is open-operated while the lock mechanism is in the unlocked state, transmits the open-operation to the latch mechanism, and when the inside door handle is open-operated while the lock mechanism is in the locked state, switches the lock mechanism to the unlocked state by swinging the sector lever in the locked position to the unlocked position, without transmitting the open-operation to the latch mechanism; and a double lock member that includes a block unit which is configured to be linearly movable between an unset position and a set position by driving a drive source and is disposed in a swinging range of the sector lever when moved to the set position, the double lock member preventing the sector lever in the locked position from swinging to the unlocked position by using the block unit.
4. A door lock apparatus, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.