JP7200566B2 - Vehicle door lock device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a vehicle door lock device.

A vehicle door lock device (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as a door lock device) includes a latch unit configured to keep the vehicle door closed by engagement with a striker attached to the vehicle body. Prepare. This latch unit comprises a latch and a pole. The latch has a holding hole for holding the striker, and is rotatable from a holding position where the striker held in the holding hole cannot be released to a release position where the striker can be released. The pawl is configured to be rotatable between a regulation position that regulates rotation of the latch from the holding position to the release position and a regulation release position that permits rotation of the latch from the holding position to the release position.

The vehicle door is kept closed when the latch is in the holding position while holding the striker and the pawl is in the restricting position and the rotation of the latch is restricted by the pawl. At this time, when the outside handle or the inside handle is operated, the open link provided in the door lock device opens. The open link is configured to be rotatable between an unlocked position and a locked position, and when opened at the unlocked position, rotates the pole from the restricted position to the restricted position. As a result, the rotation restriction of the latch is released and the latch rotates from the restriction position to the release position. The striker can be disengaged from the latch when the latch rotates from the restricted position to the released position. That is, the engagement between the vehicle door and the vehicle body is released. Therefore, the vehicle door can be opened.

In general, an outside handle provided on a vehicle door is configured so that a handle lever can be pulled toward the outside of the vehicle (pull operation), and the above-described vehicle door is opened by this pull operation. be. In addition, in order to prevent the vehicle door from opening against the user's will, the outside handle does not have a force that causes a pull operation, except when the user voluntarily pulls the outside handle. preferably not.

However, when a load acting from the outside of the vehicle in a direction substantially perpendicular to the door surface of the vehicle door (hereinafter, this external force is referred to as a side impact load) acts on the vehicle door, such as a side impact, the vehicle door may An outward inertial force is generated. When this inertial force acts on the outside handle, the outside handle may be pulled against the user's will, thereby opening the vehicle door. Therefore, conventional door lock devices have been proposed that include a mechanism for preventing the vehicle door from being opened by the pseudo operation of the outside handle caused by the inertial force.

For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a door lock device in which a counterweight is attached to an open link (pole lifter). According to the door lock device described in Patent Literature 1, when a side impact load is input to the vehicle door, inertial force rotates the open link about the counterweight from the unlock position to the lock position. Therefore, even if the outside handle is quasi-operated by inertial force and the open link is thereby opened, the operation of the open link is not transmitted to the pole because the open link is positioned at the locked position. Therefore, the rotational position of the pole is maintained at the regulated position, and the opening of the vehicle door is prevented.

JP 2010-13919 A

(Problems to be solved by the invention)
Since the inertial force generated by a side collision or the like is extremely large, the open link that has rotated from the unlocked position to the locked position due to the inertial force may rebound at the locked position and rotate again to the unlocked position. Further, the open link is always urged to rotate to the unlocked position by an urging member such as a spring. Therefore, after the input of the inertial force is completed, the open link located at the locked position is returned to the unlocked position by the urging force of the spring.

After the open link is returned to the unlocked position as described above, if the outside handle is quasi-operated due to the inertia force associated with a side collision, the open link in the unlocked position will rotate the pole, Rotation restriction of the latch is released. In this case, the vehicle door is opened. Therefore, the configuration of the door lock device described in Patent Document 1 cannot sufficiently prevent the opening operation of the vehicle door when the inertial force is input.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a door lock device configured to more reliably prevent a vehicle door from opening when an inertial force is applied.

(means to solve the problem)
The present invention provides a latch unit (3) configured to maintain the closed state of a vehicle door, an open lever (45) that rotates in conjunction with the operation of a door handle provided on the vehicle door, and an open lever (45). It has a connecting part (462) connected to the lever, is rotatable about the connecting part in a rotation range from the locked position to the unlocked position, and interlocks with the rotation operation of the open lever when it is in the unlocked position. an open link (46) configured to release the maintenance of the vehicle door closed state by the latch unit by opening operation, and a biasing member (46a) biasing the open link to the unlock position. When there is no inertial force that rotates the open link at the unlocked position toward the locked position, the open link is positioned in the retraction area where it is retracted from the rotation range of the open link, and when inertial force is generated a blocking mechanism (50, 60, 70, 80) having a blocking member (51, 61, 71, 81) positioned at a blocking position that has entered the rotation range of the open link by moving using inertial force; wherein the blocking member is configured in the blocking position to engage the open link rotating toward the unlocked position , thereby preventing return of the open link to the unlocked position Provide equipment.

According to the present invention, the block member is positioned in the retraction area retracted from the rotation range of the open link when no inertial force is generated to rotate the open link from the unlock position toward the lock position. The blocking member does not impede the rotational movement of the open link. On the other hand, when the inertial force is generated and the open link rotates from the unlocked position to the locked position, the block member moves from the retracted area using the inertial force and enters the rotation range of the open link. located in position. Therefore, when the open link rotated toward the locked position rotates toward the unlocked position, the block member engages with the open link in the middle of rotation. This prevents the open link from returning to the unlocked position. Therefore, even if the outside handle is quasi-operated by the force of inertia after that, the vehicle door will not be opened because the open link is not in the unlocked position. Thus, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a door lock device configured to more reliably prevent the vehicle door from being opened due to inertial force.

In this case, the block member may be configured to move to the retracted area by opening the open link engaged with the block member when the block member is positioned at the block position. According to this, when the open link engaged with the block member positioned at the block position is operated to open by, for example, operating the outside handle, the block member moves to the retracted area. By moving the block member to the retracted area, the engagement between the open link and the block member is released. This allows the open link to return to the unlocked position.

The blocking member is a block lever (51) that is rotatable and axially movable about an axis parallel to the direction of action of the inertia force, and the blocking mechanism (50) is the direction of the rotation axis of the block lever and the inertial force. There may be an axial biasing member (52) biasing the blocking lever in a direction opposite to the direction of action of the force and a rotational biasing member (52) biasing the blocking lever to rotate. In this case, the axial position of the block lever is positioned at the initial axial position by the biasing force of the axial biasing member when no inertial force is generated, and the inertial force is generated when the inertial force is generated. It is configured to be located in an axial movement region where it is axially moved in the direction of action of inertial force from the axial initial position by a force, and its rotational position is located in the initial position within the retraction region at the axial initial position. and is rotated in the axial movement region from the initial position toward the blocking position.

According to this, when there is no inertial force that rotates the open link from the unlocked position to the locked position, the axial position of the block lever is positioned at the axial initial position and its rotational position is located at the initial position in the save area. Therefore, the block lever does not interfere with the rotational movement of the open link. On the other hand, when the inertia force is generated, the axial position of the block lever is located in the axial movement region in which the axial position is axially moved in the direction of action of the inertia force from the initial axial position. In this axial movement region, the blocking lever is rotationally biased from the initial position toward the blocking position. As a result, the block lever is rotated in the axial movement area and its rotational position is set to the block position. Therefore, when the open link rotated toward the locked position due to the inertia force rotates toward the unlocked position, the open link engages with the block lever located at the blocked position during the rotation. This prevents the open link from returning to the unlocked position.

In this case, the door lock device according to the present invention preferably comprises a housing (2) formed with a support shaft (235) that supports the block lever rotatably and axially movably. In addition, the block lever has a through hole (513) through which the support shaft is inserted, and a protrusion (235a) projecting radially outward is formed on the outer circumference of the support shaft, forming the through hole of the block lever. Key grooves (511e, 511f) are preferably formed in the peripheral surface (511a) along the axial direction of the support shaft. The key groove includes a first key groove (511e) that engages with the projection so as to position the rotational position of the block lever at the initial axial position when the axial position of the block lever is the initial axial position; and a second keyway (511f) that engages with the projection to position the rotational position of the blocking lever to the blocking position when the axial position of the lever is in the axial movement region.

According to this, when the inertial force is not input, the block lever can be positioned at the initial position by engaging the protrusion of the support shaft with the first key groove of the block lever. Further, when an inertial force is input, the block lever axially moves the support shaft along the direction of action of the inertial force to reach an axial movement area. causes the block lever to rotate. By engaging the protrusion of the support shaft with the second key groove of the block lever, the block lever can be positioned at the block position.

Furthermore, in this case, the axial movement area preferably has a first movement area and a second movement area which is an area further moved in the axial direction from the first movement area by inertial force. Further, the block lever is configured to move in a direction from the distal end side to the proximal end side of the support shaft by inertia force, and the block lever is configured to move toward the proximal end side of the support shaft among the opening surfaces at both ends of the through hole. It is preferable to have a notched end (511h) formed in a certain proximal side opening surface. If the key groove (for example, the first key groove) formed in the block lever extends to the base end side opening surface of the through hole, the notched end is formed by the extended end. may be The housing engages the notched end when the block lever moves axially in the second movement area due to inertia, and the block lever moves axially in the second movement area due to inertia. It is preferable to have a protrusion (211) formed with an inclined surface (211a) inclined with respect to the axial direction of the support shaft so that the rotational position rotates from the initial position toward the blocking position.

When an inertia force is input to the block lever due to a side collision or the like, and the inertia force causes the block lever to move in the axial direction, the block lever moves in the axial direction from the axial initial position to reach the axial movement area. At this time, the blocking lever starts to rotate toward the blocking position by the rotational biasing member, but if the inertial force is very large, the time required for the open link to return to the unlocking position is very short. In some cases, the open link may return to the unlocked position before the block lever reaches the blocked position. In this case, the blocking lever cannot prevent the return of the open link to the unlocked position. In this regard, according to the present invention, when the blocking lever passes through the first movement area of the axial movement area and reaches the second movement area due to the inertial force, the cut-out end formed in the blocking lever is pushed into the housing. engages the sloping surface of the projection formed on the . When the block lever further moves in the second movement region in the axial direction, the engagement position is changed while the notched end of the block lever and the inclined surface of the protrusion are engaged with each other, thereby moving the block lever to the initial position. Forces a rotation in the direction from to towards the block position. Due to such forced rotation, the time required for the block lever to rotate to the blocked position after receiving the inertia force can be made shorter than the time required for the block lever to rotate to the blocked position by the rotational biasing force of the rotational direction biasing member. can. As a result, even if a very large inertia force acts on the blocking lever and the open link, the blocking lever can be forcibly rotated to the blocking position before the open link returns to the unlocking position. Therefore, the block lever can more reliably prevent the open link from returning to the unlocked position when the inertial force is input.

Further, the door lock device according to the present invention comprises a housing (2) formed with a support shaft (235) that rotatably and axially movably supports the block lever. A protrusion (514) projecting radially inward is formed on an inner peripheral surface (511a) that has a hole (513) and constitutes a through hole. (235b, 235c) may be formed. The key groove includes a first key groove (235b) that engages with the projection so as to position the rotational position of the block lever at the initial axial position when the axial position of the block lever is the initial axial position; a second keyway (235c) that engages the projection to position the rotational position of the blocking lever in the blocking position when the axial position of the lever is in the axial movement region.

According to this, when the inertial force is not input, the protrusion formed on the inner peripheral surface of the through hole of the block lever engages with the first key groove of the support shaft, thereby moving the block lever to the initial position. can be positioned. Further, when an inertial force is input, the block lever axially moves the support shaft along the direction of action of the inertial force to reach an axial movement area. causes the block lever to rotate. The block lever can be positioned at the blocking position by engaging the protrusion formed on the block lever with the second key groove of the support shaft.

In this case, the axial movement area preferably has a first movement area and a second movement area which is an area further moved in the axial direction from the first movement area by inertial force. Also, the block lever may be configured to move from the distal end side to the proximal end side of the support shaft by inertial force. The second key groove engages with the projection when the block lever axially moves in the second movement area due to inertia, and blocks as the block lever axially moves in the second movement area due to inertia. It is preferable that an inclined surface (CL) inclined with respect to the axial direction of the support shaft is formed so that the rotational position of the lever rotates from the initial position toward the blocking position.

According to this, when the block lever passes through the first movement area of the axial movement area and reaches the second movement area due to a very large inertial force, the protrusion formed on the block lever is formed on the support shaft. engages the inclined surface of the second keyway. Then, when the block lever moves further in the axial direction in the second movement area, the projection of the block lever and the inclined surface of the second key groove engage with each other to change the engagement position, thereby moving the block lever to the initial position. Forces a rotation in the direction from to towards the block position. Due to such forced rotation, the time required for the block lever to rotate to the blocked position after receiving the inertia force can be made shorter than the time required for the block lever to rotate to the blocked position by the rotational biasing force of the rotational direction biasing member. can. Thereby, even if a very large inertial force acts on the blocking lever and the open link, the blocking lever can be rotated to the blocking position before the open link returns to the unlocking position. Therefore, the block lever can more reliably prevent the open link from returning to the unlocked position.

Further, it is preferable that the axial biasing member and the rotational biasing member are composed of a single biasing member (52). According to this, since the same biasing member constitutes the axial biasing member and the rotational biasing member, the number of parts constituting the blocking mechanism can be reduced.

The block member is a block lever (61) rotatable around an axis parallel to the direction of action of the inertial force, and the block mechanism (60) is a block lever biasing member (63) that biases the block lever to rotate. , an inertia lever (62) that rotates by the inertia force when an inertia force is generated, and an inertia lever biasing member ( 64) and. In this case, when no inertia force is generated, the inertia lever is rotationally biased to the engaging position where it engages with the block lever by the biasing force of the inertia lever biasing member, and the inertia force is generated. In this case, the block lever is configured to rotate in a direction in which the engagement with the block lever is released from the engagement position by inertia force, and the rotation position of the block lever is set in the retraction region when the inertia lever is in the engagement position. The inertia lever is engaged with the inertia lever so as to be positioned at the initial position in the block lever biasing member so that when the inertia lever is rotated from the engagement position by the inertia force, the rotation position is positioned at the block position by the block lever biasing member. should be.

According to this, when an inertial force that rotates the open link in the direction from the unlocked position to the locked position is not generated, the block lever is engaged with the inertia lever, thereby changing the rotational position of the block lever. Located at the initial position within the save area. Therefore, the block lever does not interfere with the rotational movement of the open link. On the other hand, when the inertia force is generated, the engagement with the block lever is released by rotating the inertia lever. Then, the block lever is biased to rotate by the block lever biasing member, and the rotation position of the block lever is positioned at the blocking position. Therefore, when the open link rotated toward the locked position due to the inertial force rotates toward the unlocked position, the open link engages with the block lever during the rotation. This prevents the open link from returning to the unlocked position.

The blocking member is a block plate (71) movable between an initial position and a blocking position within the retraction area, and a blocking mechanism (70) biases the block plate toward the blocking position. a biasing member (73), which is rotationally biased by the biasing member in the engaging direction to engage with the block plate positioned at the initial position, and in the disengagement direction in which the engagement with the block plate is disengaged by inertial force; and a rotating inertia lever (72). In this case, the block plate is positioned at the initial position by engaging with the inertia lever urged to rotate in the engagement direction when no inertia force is generated, and is positioned at the initial position when inertia force is generated. It is preferable that the inertia lever is disengaged from the inertia lever by rotating in the disengagement direction and moved to the blocking position by the biasing force of the biasing member.

According to this, when there is no inertial force that rotates the open link from the unlocked position to the locked position, the block plate is engaged with the inertia lever, and the position of the block plate is retracted. Located at the initial position in the region. Therefore, the block plate does not interfere with the rotational movement of the open link. On the other hand, when the inertia force is generated, the inertia lever rotates in the disengagement direction, thereby disengaging the inertia lever and the block plate. Then, the blocking plate is biased by the biasing member to move to the blocking position. Therefore, when the open link rotated toward the unlocked position due to inertial force rotates toward the unlocked position, the open link engages with the block plate during the rotation. This prevents the open link from returning to the unlocked position.

The blocking member is a block lever (81) rotatable around an axis parallel to the direction of action of the inertial force, and the blocking mechanism (80) has a biasing member (82) that biases the block lever to rotate. You may have In this case, the block lever is urged to rotate by the urging member when no inertial force is generated, so that the block lever is locked to the open link in the unlocked position from a direction intersecting the rotation plane of the open link. is positioned at the initial position in the retraction area, and if inertial force is generated, the open link is rotated toward the locked position by the inertial force to be positioned at the blocked position.

According to this, when there is no inertial force that rotates the open link in the direction from the unlocked position to the locked position, the block lever moves to the open link in the unlocked position in a direction that intersects the rotation plane of the open link. It is positioned at an initial position within the retraction area while being locked from (for example, an orthogonal direction). Therefore, the block lever does not interfere with the rotational movement of the open link. On the other hand, when the inertia force is generated, the inertia force rotates the open link toward the lock position, thereby releasing the engagement between the open link and the block lever. Then, the blocking lever is rotationally biased by the biasing member, and the rotational position of the blocking lever is positioned at the blocking position. Therefore, when the open link rotated toward the locked position due to the inertial force rotates toward the unlocked position, the open link engages with the block lever during the rotation. This prevents the open link from returning to the unlocked position.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a door lock device. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the actuator assembly according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a rear view of the latch unit 3 without the base plate. FIG. 4A is a side view of the actuator assembly viewed from the vehicle inner side. FIG. 4B is a rear view of the actuator assembly. FIG. 5 is a view of the engagement state between the open link and the outside open lever as seen from the rear side of the vehicle. FIG. 6A is a view of the positional relationship between the open link and the lift lever at the unlocked initial position, viewed from the rear side of the vehicle. FIG. 6B is a view of the positional relationship between the open link at the unlocked open position and the lift lever as seen from the rear side of the vehicle. FIG. 6C is a view of the positional relationship between the open link and the lift lever at the lock initial position as viewed from the rear side of the vehicle. FIG. 6D is a view of the positional relationship between the open link at the lock open position and the lift lever as seen from the rear side of the vehicle. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a block lever according to the first embodiment; FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the door lock housing according to the first embodiment; 9A is a side view of the blocking mechanism according to the first embodiment; FIG. 9B is a rear view of the blocking mechanism according to the first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX of FIG. 9A. 11A is a perspective view of the actuator assembly showing a state in which the block lever according to the first embodiment has rotated counterclockwise from the initial position; FIG. 11B is a side view of the actuator assembly showing a state in which the block lever according to the first embodiment has rotated counterclockwise from the initial position; FIG. FIG. 12A is a perspective view of the actuator assembly showing a state in which the block lever according to the first embodiment is in the blocked position; FIG. 12B is a side view of the actuator assembly showing a state in which the block lever according to the first embodiment is in the blocked position; FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII of FIG. 12B. FIG. 14A is a perspective view of the actuator assembly showing a state in which the open link is engaged with the block lever according to the first embodiment set at the block position; FIG. 14B is a side view of the actuator assembly showing a state in which the open link is engaged with the block lever according to the first embodiment set in the blocking position; FIG. 14C is a rear view of the actuator assembly showing a state in which the open link is engaged with the block lever according to the first embodiment set in the block position; FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the door lock housing of the door lock device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a state in which a block mechanism, an open link, and an outside open lever included in the door lock device according to the second embodiment are attached to the door lock housing. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a block lever according to the second embodiment; FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an inertia lever according to the second embodiment. FIG. 19A is a view of the positional relationship between the block lever according to the second embodiment at the initial position, the inertia lever at the engagement position, and the open link at the unlock initial position, as seen from the inside of the vehicle. FIG. 19B is a view from the rear of the vehicle showing the positional relationship between the block lever at the initial position, the inertia lever at the engagement position, and the open link at the unlock initial position according to the second embodiment. FIG. 20A is a perspective view of an arrangement state of a block lever at an initial position and an inertia lever at an engagement position according to a second embodiment, viewed from the front of the vehicle; FIG. 20B is a perspective view of the arrangement state of the block lever at the initial position and the inertia lever at the engaging position according to the second embodiment, as viewed from the rear side of the vehicle. FIG. 21A is a view of the block lever according to the second embodiment located at the block position and the open link rotated toward the lock direction, viewed from the inside of the vehicle. FIG. 21B is a view of the block lever according to the second embodiment positioned at the block position and the open link rotated toward the locking direction, as seen from the rear side of the vehicle. FIG. 22A is a diagram of a state in which the open link is engaged with the block lever according to the second embodiment set at the block position, as viewed from the inside of the vehicle. FIG. 22B is a view of the state in which the open link is engaged with the block lever according to the second embodiment set at the block position, as viewed from the rear side of the vehicle. FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the door lock housing of the door lock device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 24A is a perspective view showing a state in which the block mechanism, open link, and outside open lever according to the third embodiment are attached to the door lock housing; 24B is a rear view of the state in which the block mechanism, open link, and outside open lever according to the third embodiment are attached to the door lock housing, viewed from the rear of the vehicle; FIG. FIG. 25A is a perspective view of a block plate; Figure 25B is a rear view of the block plate. FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXVI-XXVI of FIG. 25B. FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXVII-XXVII of FIG. 24B. 28A is a perspective view of an inertia lever according to the third embodiment; FIG. 28B is a rear view of the inertia lever according to the third embodiment; FIG. FIG. 29A is a perspective view of the blocking mechanism according to the third embodiment assembled to the door lock housing; FIG. 29B is a rear view of the blocking mechanism according to the third embodiment assembled to the door lock housing; FIG. 30 is a diagram of the positional relationship between the block plate and the inertia lever at the initial positions and the open link at the unlocked position, viewed from the rear of the vehicle. FIG. 31 is a view of the block plate positioned at the blocking position and the open link rotated toward the locking direction, viewed from the rear side of the vehicle. FIG. 32 is a view of a state in which the open link is engaged with the block plate set at the blocking position, viewed from the rear side of the vehicle. FIG. 33 is a view of the block plate and the inertia lever that have returned to their initial positions due to the upward movement of the open link, as seen from the rear side of the vehicle. 34A is a perspective view of an actuator assembly of a door lock device according to a fourth embodiment; FIG. FIG. 34B is a side view of the actuator assembly of the door lock device according to the fourth embodiment; FIG. 34C is a rear view of the actuator assembly of the door lock device according to the fourth embodiment; FIG. 35 is a side view of a block lever according to the fourth embodiment; Figure 36A is a side view of the fourth embodiment actuator assembly showing the blocking lever in the second initial position; Figure 36B is a rear view of the fourth embodiment of the actuator assembly showing the blocking lever in the second initial position; 37A is a side view of the actuator assembly showing the blocking lever according to the fourth embodiment in the blocking position; FIG. 37B is a rear view of the actuator assembly showing the blocking lever according to the fourth embodiment in the blocking position; FIG. FIG. 38A is a side view of a state in which an open link is engaged with a block lever according to the fourth embodiment set at a block position, viewed from the inside of the vehicle. FIG. 38B is a rear view of the state in which the open link is engaged with the block lever according to the fourth embodiment set at the block position, as seen from the rear side of the vehicle. FIG. 39A is a side view of the actuator assembly according to the fourth embodiment, showing the open link returned to the unlocked position after the open operation; FIG. 39B is a rear view of the actuator assembly according to the fourth embodiment, showing the open link returned to the unlocked position after the open operation; FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the block lever according to Modification 1 of the first embodiment, viewed from the outer end face side. 41 is a perspective view showing part of a door lock housing according to Modification 1. FIG. FIG. 42 is a diagram of a state in which a block lever is attached to a lever support shaft formed in a door lock housing according to Modification 1, as viewed from the inside of the vehicle. 43 is a cross-sectional view of the block lever and the lever support shaft taken along line AA indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 42. FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the ridge according to Modification 1 is separated from the first keyway. FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the ridge according to Modification 1 is engaged with the lower wall surface of the second keyway. FIG. 46A is a perspective view showing part of a door lock housing according to Modification 2. FIG. FIG. 46B is an enlarged view of the portion of the door lock housing shown in FIG. 46A, surrounded by dashed line R1. FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the blocking lever with the outer end face shown; FIG. 48 is a diagram of a state in which a block lever is attached to a lever support shaft formed in a door lock housing according to Modification 2, viewed from the inside of the vehicle. FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional view of the block lever, the ridges, and the protrusion cut along the line BB indicated by the dashed line in FIG. FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the ridge is detached from the first keyway according to Modification 2. FIG. FIG. 51 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the blocking lever is forcibly rotated to the blocking position according to Modification 2. FIG. 52A is a perspective view showing part of a door lock housing according to Modification 3. FIG. FIG. 52B is an enlarged view of the portion of the door lock housing shown in FIG. 52A surrounded by dashed line R2. 53 is a perspective view of a block lever included in a door lock device according to Modification 3. FIG. FIG. 54 is a view of a state in which a block lever is attached to a lever support shaft formed in a door lock housing, viewed from the vehicle inner side, according to Modification 3. FIG. 55 is a cross-sectional view of the block lever and the lever support shaft cut along the dashed-dotted line CC shown in FIG. 54. FIG. . FIG. 56 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the ridge is detached from the first keyway according to Modification 3. FIG. FIG. 57 is a diagram showing a vehicle door assembled with the door lock device.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the front and rear of the vehicle are indicated by arrows X1 and X2, respectively, the outer and inner sides of the vehicle are indicated by arrows Y1 and Y2, and the upper and lower sides of the vehicle are indicated by arrows Z1 and Z2, respectively. is shown. These directions can be applied to the door lock device and its components before assembly to the vehicle door and to the door lock device and its components after assembly to the vehicle door. can.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 57 shows a vehicle door DR to which the door lock device 1 is assembled. This vehicle door DR is attached to the vehicle body so that it can be opened and closed. The vehicle door DR includes a door body portion DR1 forming a lower half portion thereof, and a door sash DR2 provided in an upper half portion thereof.

A door outside handle OS is provided on an outer panel provided on the vehicle outer side Y1 side of the door main body portion DR1. The door outside handle OS is configured to be able to perform a pull operation to pull it in the vehicle outward direction Y1. Further, a door inside handle IS is provided on a resin trim attached to an inner panel provided on the vehicle inner side Y2 of the door main body portion DR1. Further, a lock knob LK is provided at the upper end portion of the door main body portion DR1 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction so as to be able to perform locking and unlocking operations. Then, the door lock device 1 is assembled inside the door body portion DR1. The door lock device 1 is arranged on the vehicle rear X2 side of the door body portion DR1.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a door lock device 1 according to this embodiment. A door lock device 1 includes a door lock housing 2, a latch unit 3, and an actuator unit (not shown in FIG. 1).

The door lock housing 2 is a housing made of resin, and is open at the rear and the inside of the vehicle. An opening of the door lock housing 2 on the inside of the vehicle is covered with a cover member 2b made of resin. A latch unit 3 is arranged in an opening of the door lock housing 2 at the rear of the vehicle. Also, an actuator unit is assembled to the door lock housing 2 .

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the actuator assembly (actuator sub-assembly) composed of the door lock housing 2 and the actuator unit 4 assembled to the door lock housing 2, viewed from the same direction as in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the door lock housing 2 has a first portion 21 having a first bottom surface 21a substantially perpendicular to the vehicle inside-out directions Y1 and Y2, and a second bottom surface 22a substantially perpendicular to the vehicle front-rear directions X1 and X2. The end portion of the second bottom surface 22a on the vehicle inner side Y2 side is connected to the end portion on the vehicle rearward X2 side of the first bottom surface 21a. Due to such a configuration, the door lock housing 2 is formed in a substantially L shape when viewed from above.

In addition, the first portion 21 of the door lock housing 2 has a first side surface 21b standing on the vehicle inner Y2 side from the peripheral end of the first bottom surface 21a, and the second portion 22 of the door lock housing 2 has a second It has a second side surface 22b standing on the vehicle rear X2 side from the peripheral edge of the bottom surface 22a. The open end of the first side surface 21b is closed by the cover member 2b.

An actuator unit 4 is arranged in the lower part within the first part 21 and the second part 22 of the door lock housing 2 . On the other hand, the latch unit 3 is arranged in the upper part inside the second part 22 of the door lock housing 2 .

The latch unit 3 has a base plate 31 as shown in FIG. The base plate 31 is provided on the second portion 22 so as to close the opening at the vehicle rear end and the vehicle inner end of the second portion 22 .

FIG. 3 is a rear view (rear view) of the latch unit 3 excluding the base plate 31 as seen from the vehicle rear X2 side. As shown in FIG. 3, the latch unit 3 has a resin body 32, a latch support shaft 33, a latch 34, a pole support shaft 35, and a pole 36 in addition to the base plate 31 described above.

The resin body 32 is arranged on the vehicle front X1 side of the base plate 31 . The resin body 32 is formed with a striker insertion groove 321 that opens toward the vehicle inner side Y2 and extends from the open end toward the vehicle outer side Y1. When the vehicle door DR is closed, a striker provided on the vehicle body is inserted into the striker insertion groove 321 and moves in the striker insertion groove 321 from the vehicle inner side Y2 toward the vehicle outer side Y1.

A sub-base plate is disposed on the vehicle front X1 side of the resin body 32 so as to face the base plate 31 . The resin body 32 , the latch support shaft 33 , the latch 34 , the pole support shaft 35 and the pole 36 are arranged in the latch accommodation space between the sub-base plate and the base plate 31 .

The latch support shaft 33 is arranged in the latch accommodation space such that its axis is parallel to the vehicle front-rear directions X1 and X2. Further, the latch support shaft 33 is provided on the vehicle upper Z1 side with respect to the striker insertion groove 321 formed in the resin body 32 . A latch 34 is attached to the latch support shaft 33 . The latch 34 is attached to the latch support shaft 33 so as to be rotatable about the axis of the latch support shaft 33, that is, about the axis along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

The latch 34 has a support portion 341 , a half latch claw portion 342 and a full latch claw portion 343 . The support portion 341 constitutes a portion of the latch 34 that is rotatably supported around the outer periphery of the latch support shaft 33 . The half-latch claw portion 342 and the full-latch claw portion 343 are bifurcated portions extending from the support portion 341 in substantially the same direction within a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis of the latch 34 . In FIG. 3 , the half-latch claw portion 342 and the full-latch claw portion 343 extend downward from the support portion 341 . Since the half-latch pawl portion 342 and the full-latch pawl portion 343 are extended with a predetermined space therebetween, there is a concave portion opened radially outward of the latch 34 between the both pawl portions (342, 343). 345 is formed. When viewed from the full latch claw portion 343, the half latch claw portion 342 is positioned counterclockwise in FIG. A recess 345 is a holding hole for holding the striker.

A latch return spring (not shown) is attached to the latch 34 . The latch return spring urges the latch 34 to rotate clockwise about the latch support shaft 33 as viewed from the rear of the vehicle. Therefore, when the latch 34 does not receive an external force, the latch return spring rotates the latch 34 clockwise as viewed from the rear of the vehicle, but the rotation is restricted by the contact of the latch 34 with the latch stopper 34a. . The rotational position of the latch 34 restricted by the latch stopper 34a is defined as the latch initial position.

As can be seen from FIG. 3, the concave portion 345 formed in the latch 34 is provided at a position coinciding with the striker insertion groove 321 when viewed from the vehicle front-rear direction X1, X2. When the position is the latch initial position, the opening surface of the concave portion 345 faces the vehicle inner side Y2. Therefore, when the vehicle door is closed, the striker provided on the vehicle body enters the striker insertion groove 321, and the striker moves toward the vehicle outer side Y1 in the striker insertion groove 321, the striker is moved to the latch initial position. It is received in a recess 345 formed in the located latch 34 . When the striker received in the recessed portion 345 moves further toward the vehicle outer side Y1, the recessed portion 345 is also moved toward the vehicle outer side Y1 accordingly. Due to the movement of the concave portion 345 toward the vehicle outer side Y1, the latch 34 whose rotation center is on the vehicle upper side Z1 side of the striker insertion groove 321 moves counterclockwise in FIG. Rotate in a circular direction.

The pole support shaft 35 is provided at a position on the vehicle lower Z2 side from the latch support shaft 33 and the striker insertion groove 321 and on the vehicle inner Y2 side from the latch support shaft 33 . Like the latch support shaft 33, the pole support shaft 35 is arranged in the latch accommodation space such that its axis is parallel to the vehicle front-rear directions X1 and X2. A pole 36 is attached to the pole support shaft 35 . The pole 36 is attached to the pole support shaft 35 so as to be rotatable about the axis of the pole support shaft 35, that is, about the axis along the vehicle front-rear direction.

The pole 36 has a support portion 361 , an extension portion 362 and an engaging protrusion 363 . The support portion 361 constitutes a portion of the pole 36 that is rotatably supported around the outer periphery of the pole support shaft 35 . The extension portion 362 extends from the support portion 361 toward the vehicle outer side Y1 toward the lower side of the latch 34 within a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the pole 36 . An engagement protrusion 363 is provided so as to protrude upward from the upper side surface of the extension 362 in FIG. The engaging protrusion 363 is formed at a position where it can be engaged with the half-latch pawl portion 342 and the full-latch pawl portion 343 of the latch 34 .

A pole return spring (not shown) is attached to the pole 36 . The pole return spring urges the pole 36 to rotate counterclockwise about the pole support shaft 35 as viewed from the rear of the vehicle. Therefore, the pole 36 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 3 by the biasing force of the pole return spring, but the rotation is restricted by the pole stopper 36a. The rotational position of the pole 36 restricted by the pole stopper 36a is defined as the pole initial position.

When the vehicle door is closed, the striker enters recess 345 of latch 34 as described above and latch 34 rotates in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. When the movement of the striker stops and the rotation of the latch 34 stops accordingly, the latch 34 tries to rotate clockwise in FIG. 3 by the biasing force of the latch return spring. At this time, the engaging protrusion 363 of the pole 36 engages with either the half-latch pawl portion 342 or the full-latch pawl portion 343 of the latch 34, thereby restricting the latch 34 from rotating clockwise. As a result, the striker is held by the latch 34 without being able to separate from the recess 345 formed in the latch 34 . Thus, the closed state of the vehicle door DR is maintained. When the engagement protrusion 363 is engaged with the half-latch claw 342, the striker is held by the latch 34 while the vehicle door remains in the ajar state. A rotational position of the latch 34 at which the half-latch claw portion 342 is engaged with the pole 36 is defined as a half-latch position. On the other hand, when the engaging protrusion 363 is engaged with the full latch claw 343, the striker is held by the latch 34 with the vehicle door fully closed. A rotational position of the latch 34 at which the full latch pawl portion 343 is engaged with the pole 36 is defined as a full latch position.

The vehicle rear end of the latch support shaft 33 and the vehicle rear end of the pole support shaft 35 are supported by the base plate 31, and the vehicle front end of the latch support shaft 33 and the vehicle front end of the pole support shaft 35 are supported by the sub base plate. supported by A lift lever (not shown) is attached to the pole support shaft 35 on the opposite side (vehicle front side) of the pole 36 with the resin body 32 interposed therebetween. This lift lever has an engaging pawl which engages with an engaging hole 362a formed in the extended portion 362 of the pole 36. As shown in FIG. Since the lift lever is connected to the pole 36 in this manner, the lift lever rotates about the pole support shaft 35 integrally with the pole 36 . That is, the pole 36 rotates as the lift lever rotates.

Next, the configuration of the actuator unit 4 will be described. 4A is a side view of the actuator assembly viewed from the vehicle inner side Y2, and FIG. 4B is a rear view (rear view) of the actuator assembly viewed from the vehicle rear X2 side.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the actuator unit 4 has an electric motor 41, a power transmission gear 42, an active lever 43, an inside open lever 44, an outside open lever 45, and an open link 46. . The electric motor 41, the power transmission gear 42, the active lever 43, and the inside open lever 44 are rotatably assembled to the first bottom surface 21a of the door lock housing 2. As shown in FIG. On the other hand, the outside open lever 45 is rotatably assembled to the second bottom surface 22a of the door lock housing 2. As shown in FIG. Also, the open link 46 is connected to the outside open lever 45 . In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the direction of rotation of the lever that rotates about the axis along the vehicle inward/outward directions Y1 and Y2 represents the direction of rotation when viewed from the inside of the vehicle. Unless otherwise specified, the rotation direction of the lever rotating around the axis along the longitudinal directions X1 and X2 represents the rotation direction when viewed from the rear side of the vehicle.

The electric motor 41 is arranged in the upper portion of the first bottom surface 21a of the door lock housing 2 in FIG. 4A. The electric motor 41 has a motor main body 411 and an output shaft 412 extending downward from the motor main body 411 in FIG. 4A, and is configured such that the output shaft 412 rotates forward and backward by being operated by electrical energy. A power supply terminal 48 is provided on the first bottom surface 21a, and power is supplied from the outside to the electric motor 41 via the power supply terminal 48. As shown in FIG.

The power transmission gear 42 is composed of a worm 421 and a worm wheel 422 in this embodiment, and transmits the power of the electric motor 41 to an active lever 43 which will be described later. The worm 421 is coaxially attached to the output shaft 412 of the electric motor 41 . The worm wheel 422 is rotatably attached to a first support shaft 231 erected from the first bottom surface 21a toward the vehicle inner side Y2. Also, the position of the first support shaft 231 is determined so that the teeth provided on the outer periphery of the worm wheel 422 mesh with the worm 421 . Therefore, the worm wheel 422 rotates around the axis along the vehicle inside/outside directions Y1 and Y2 when the electric motor 41 operates and the worm 421 rotates around the axis. A pair of engaging protrusions 422a, 422a are formed on the surface of the worm wheel 422 facing the vehicle inner side Y2. The pair of engaging protrusions 422a, 422a are formed at positions opposite to each other with the first support shaft 231 interposed therebetween. 4A, only one engaging projection 422a is shown, and the other engaging projection is hidden behind the active lever 43 and cannot be seen.

The active lever 43 is rotatably attached to a second support shaft 232 erected from the first bottom surface 21a toward the vehicle inner side Y2. Therefore, the active lever 43 is configured to be rotatable around the axis of the second support shaft 232, that is, around the axis along the vehicle inside/outside directions Y1 and Y2.

The active lever 43 has a support portion 431 , a first arm 432 , a second arm 433 , a switching arm 434 and a position detection arm 435 . The support portion 431 configures a portion that is rotatably supported on the outer circumference of the second support shaft 232 . The first arm 432 extends from the support portion 431 toward the vehicle upper side Z1. The first arm 432 has a substantially fan shape that increases with increasing distance from the support portion 431, and is arranged on the vehicle inner side Y2 side of the worm wheel 422 so as to overlap the worm wheel 422 in the vehicle inner/outer directions Y1 and Y2. .

Also, the first arm 432 has an elongated hole 432 a through which the first support shaft 231 positioned at the center of the worm wheel 422 is inserted. The elongated hole 432 a is elongated along the rotation direction of the active lever 43 . The clockwise rotation of the active lever 43 in FIG. 4A is restricted by the contact of one end of the long hole 432 a with the door lock housing 2 . 4A of the active lever 43 is restricted when the other end of the elongated hole 432a comes into contact with the door lock housing 2. As shown in FIG. The unlocked position of the active lever 43 is a rotational position where one end of the long hole 432a abuts against the door lock housing 2 so that the clockwise rotation of the active lever 43 is restricted. A rotational position where the counterclockwise rotation of the active lever 43 is restricted when the other end of the elongated hole 432a abuts against the door lock housing 2 is the lock position of the active lever 43. As shown in FIG.

Further, an engaging concave portion (not shown) is formed on the surface of the first arm 432 facing the vehicle outward Y1 side. One of a pair of engaging protrusions 422a provided on the worm wheel 422 engages with the side wall surface of the engaging recess. As a result, the rotating motion of the worm wheel 422 is transmitted to the active lever 43 and the active lever 43 rotates. In this case, when the worm wheel 422 rotates clockwise in FIG. 4A, the active lever 43 also rotates clockwise. As a result, the rotational position of the active lever 43 is set to the unlock position. Further, when the worm wheel 422 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 4A, the active lever 43 also rotates counterclockwise. As a result, the rotational position of the active lever 43 is set to the lock position.

The second arm 433 extends downward from the support portion 431 . A cable engaging portion 433 a is formed at the extended distal end portion of the second arm 433 . One end of an operation cable (not shown) is engaged with the cable engaging portion 433a. The other end of the operation cable is connected to a lock knob LK provided on the vehicle door DR. Therefore, the operating force of the lock knob LK is transmitted to the active lever 43 via the operating cable. By the lock operation of the lock knob LK, the active lever 43 is pushed by the operation cable to rotate counterclockwise in FIG. 4A, and the rotation position of the active lever 43 is set to the lock position. On the other hand, the unlocking device of the lock knob LK rotates the active lever 43 clockwise in FIG. 4A by being pulled by the operation cable, thereby setting the rotational position of the active lever 43 to the unlocked position.

The switching arm 434 extends from the support portion 431 toward the vehicle rear side X2. This switching arm 434 is arranged at a position where it can abut against a first engagement arm 463 of an open link 46, which will be described later, from below.

The inside open lever 44 is arranged on the vehicle downward Z2 side of the active lever 43 . The inside open lever 44 is rotatably attached to a third support shaft 233 erected from the first bottom surface 21a toward the vehicle inner side Y2. Therefore, the inside open lever 44 is configured to be rotatable around the axis of the third support shaft 233, that is, around the axis along the vehicle inside/outside directions Y1 and Y2.

The inside open lever 44 has a support portion 441 , an engagement protrusion 442 , a cable connection arm 443 and a body arm 444 . The support portion 441 configures a portion that is rotatably supported on the outer circumference of the third support shaft 233 . The body arm 444 extends from the lower portion of the support portion 441 in FIG. 4A toward the vehicle front side X1. The engaging projecting piece 442 is configured to be bent at a right angle from the front end of the body arm 444 toward the vehicle outward Y1. The engagement projecting piece 442 is arranged at a position where it can be engaged with an outside open lever 45, which will be described later. The cable connection arm 443 extends downward from the vehicle front end of the body arm 444 . The cable connection arm 443 is connected to a door inside handle IS provided on the vehicle door DR via an operation cable (not shown in FIG. 4A). Therefore, the operating force of the door inside handle IS is transmitted to the inside open lever 44 via the operating cable. When the door inside handle IS is operated, the inside open lever 44 rotates clockwise in FIG. 4A.

The outside open lever 45 is arranged below the second bottom surface 22a of the door lock housing 2, as shown in FIG. 4B. The outside open lever 45 is rotatably supported by a fourth support shaft 234 erected from the second bottom surface 22a of the door lock housing 2 toward the vehicle rear X2 side. Therefore, the outside open lever 45 is configured to be rotatable around the fourth support shaft 234, that is, around an axis along the vehicle front-rear direction.

An outside open lever return spring 45 a is attached to the outside open lever 45 . The outside open lever return spring 45a urges the outside open lever 45 to rotate counterclockwise in FIG. 4B. A stopper is provided on the second side surface 22b to restrict the rotation of the outside open lever 45 in the counterclockwise direction. A rotational position where the counterclockwise rotation of the outside open lever 45 is restricted by the stopper is defined as the outside open lever initial position.

The outside open lever 45 has a support portion 451 , an operating arm 452 and a support arm 453 . The support portion 451 configures a portion that is rotatably supported on the outer circumference of the fourth support shaft 234 . The operation arm 452 extends from the support portion 451 toward the vehicle outer side Y1, and the support arm 453 extends from the support portion 451 toward the vehicle inner side Y2.

Engagement holes 453a are formed through the front end portion of a support arm 453 extending from the support portion 451 toward the vehicle inner side Y2 in the vehicle front-rear directions X1 and X2. Further, an engagement piece 453b is formed from the lower portion of the tip of the support arm 453 (see FIG. 4A). The engaging projecting piece 442 of the inside open lever 44 is positioned directly below the engaging piece 453b. Therefore, when the inside open lever 44 rotates clockwise in FIG. 4A around the third support shaft 233 and the engaging projection 442 moves upward, the engaging projection 442 engages with the engaging piece 453b. The engaging piece 453b is pushed up. As a result, the outside open lever 45 rotates clockwise in FIG. 4B about the fourth support shaft 234 against the biasing force of the outside open lever return spring 45a.

A rod receiving portion 452a having a receiving surface facing upward is formed at the tip of the operation arm 452 extending from the support portion 451 of the outside open lever 45 toward the vehicle outer side Y1 (see FIGS. 2 and 4B). ). The rod receiving portion 452a is formed at a position where the lower end of the operating rod connected to the door outside handle OS provided on the vehicle door DR can come into contact from above. The operating rod moves downward when the door outside handle OS is operated. Therefore, when the door outside handle OS is operated, the operating rod abuts against the upper surface of the rod receiving portion 452a, and a downward operating force is applied from the operating rod to the rod receiving portion 452a. Such an operating force causes the outside open lever 45 to rotate clockwise in FIG. 4B about the fourth support shaft 234 against the biasing force of the outside open lever return spring 45a.

The open link 46 is arranged on the vehicle rear X2 side of the active lever 43 as shown in FIG. 4A and on the vehicle inside Y2 side of the outside open lever 45 as shown in FIG. 4B. The open link 46 has a main body portion 461, a first engaging protrusion 462, a first engaging arm 463, a second engaging protrusion 464, and a second engaging arm 465, as shown in FIG. 4B.

As shown in FIG. 4B , the main body portion 461 of the open link 46 is formed in an elongated shape substantially along the vertical direction, and forms the skeleton of the open link 46 . The lower portion of the body portion 461 extends to the surface of the support arm 453 of the outside open lever 45 facing the vehicle rear X2 side. A first engaging projection 462 is formed by bending the lower end portion of the main body portion 461 toward the vehicle front X1 side. is engaged with an engagement hole 453a formed at the tip of the support arm 453 of the . As a result, the open link 46 is connected to the outside open lever 45, and rotates about the first engagement protrusion 462 engaged with the engagement hole 453a around the axis along the vehicle front-rear direction. configured to allow The first engaging protrusion 462 of the open link 46 engaged with the engaging hole 453a corresponds to the connecting portion of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a view of the engagement state between the open link 46 and the outside open lever 45 as seen from the rear X2 side of the vehicle. As shown in FIG. 5, an engagement hole 453a is formed in the tip portion of the support arm 453 of the outside open lever 45. As shown in FIG. The engagement hole 453a is formed in a shape that connects a pair of fan-shaped recesses facing each other. Since the first engaging protrusion 462 of the open link 46 is engaged with the engaging hole 453a having such a shape, the rotation range of the open link 46 is restricted by the sides (fan-shaped sides) forming the engaging hole 453a. be. In other words, the rotation area of the open link 46 around the first engaging projection 462 that engages with the engaging hole 453a is limited to a predetermined area. Specifically, the open link 46 has a rotation range between an unlocked position in which the main body portion 461 is substantially parallel to the vertical direction and a locked position in which the main body portion 461 is inclined toward the vehicle outward Y1 side. can rotate. In this case, the open link 46 at the unlocked position rotates toward the locked position in the clockwise direction, and the open link 46 at the locked position rotates toward the unlocked position in the counterclockwise direction.

A torsion spring 46 a is provided between the open link 46 and the outside open lever 45 . One end of the torsion spring 46 a is locked by a locking piece provided on the support arm 453 of the outside open lever 45 . The other end of the torsion spring 46a is locked by a locking piece 463a formed on the first engaging arm 463 of the open link 46. As shown in FIG. The torsion spring 46a exerts a downward biasing force on the first engagement arm 463 of the open link 46 when assembled as shown in FIG. As a result, the open link 46 receives an urging force from the torsion spring 46a so as to rotate counterclockwise in FIG. Therefore, the open link 46 is urged toward the unlocked position by the torsion spring 46a.

Since the first engaging projection 462 of the open link 46 is engaged with the support arm 453 of the outside open lever 45 as described above, the rotation of the outside open lever 45 about the fourth support shaft 234 is actuates the open link 46 . In this case, when the door outside handle OS is operated and the outside open lever 45 rotates clockwise in FIG. 5 from the outside open lever initial position, the support arm 453 moves upward. , the open link 46 also moves upwards. The position of the open link 46 moved upwards is defined as the open position. A position that has not moved upward is defined as the initial position. The movement of the open link 46 from the initial position to the open position is called open operation.

The first engagement arm 463 of the open link 46 extends inwardly of the vehicle Y2 from a lower position of the body portion 461 . The tip portion of the first engaging arm 463 is positioned directly above the tip of the switching arm 434 of the active lever 43, as shown in FIG. 4A. Therefore, when the switching arm 434 of the active lever 43 moves upward as the active lever 43 rotates, the first engaging arm 463 moves upward together with the switching arm 434 .

As shown in FIG. 5 , the second engaging protrusion 464 of the open link 46 is provided on the upper portion of the body portion 461 . The second engaging projection 464 is positioned below the lift lever 37 indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 4B when the open link 46 is in the unlocked position.

FIG. 6A is a view of the positional relationship between the open link 46 and the lift lever 37 at the unlocked position and initial position (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the unlocked initial position) as viewed from the rear X2 side of the vehicle. As shown in FIG. 6A, the lift lever 37 is rotatably supported by the pole support shaft 35 of the latch unit 3. As shown in FIG. The lift lever 37 also has a support portion 371 , a first arm 372 , a first engaging piece 373 , a second arm 374 and a second engaging piece 375 .

A support portion 371 of the lift lever 37 constitutes a portion rotatably supported on the outer periphery of the pole support shaft 35 . The first arm 372 extends outward from the vehicle Y1 from the support portion 371 in FIG. 6A. A first engagement piece 373 extends from the upper surface side of the first arm 372 toward the vehicle rear X2 side. The first engaging piece 373 is engaged with the engaging hole 362a of the pole 36 as shown in FIG. be done. Further, as shown in FIG. 6A, the second arm 374 extends from the support portion 371 toward the vehicle inner side Y2. A second engagement piece 375 is formed so as to bend from the extended end of the second arm 374 toward the vehicle front X1 side.

The second engagement projection 464 of the open link 46 at the unlock initial position is positioned directly below the second engagement piece 375 of the lift lever 37 . Therefore, when the open link 46 at the initial unlocking position is opened and the open link 46 moves from the initial position to the open position, the second engaging projecting piece 464 of the open link 46 engages the second engaging piece of the lift lever 37 . 375 and further pushes up the second engaging piece 375 . This causes the lift lever 37 to rotate. FIG. 6B is a view of the positional relationship between the open link 46 and the lift lever 37 in the unlocked position and the open position (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the unlocked open position) as viewed from the rear side of the vehicle.

FIG. 6C is a view of the positional relationship between the open link 46 and the lift lever 37 at the lock position and initial position (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the lock initial position) as viewed from the rear side of the vehicle. As shown in FIG. 6C , when the rotational position of the open link 46 is the lock position, the second engaging projection 464 of the open link 46 is shifted from below the second engaging piece 375 of the lift lever 37 . To position. Therefore, even if the open link 46 at the lock initial position is operated to open and the open link 46 moves from the initial position to the open position, the second engagement projection 464 of the open link 46 will not engage the lift lever 37 in the second engagement. It does not abut against piece 375 . Therefore, the lift lever 37 does not rotate. FIG. 6D is a view of the positional relationship between the open link 46 and the lift lever 37 in the lock position and the open position (hereinafter also referred to as the lock open position) as viewed from the rear side of the vehicle.

Next, the locking operation of the door lock device 1 will be described. When the vehicle door DR is fully closed and the rotational position of the active lever 43 is the unlocked position, the rotational position of the open link 46 is also the unlocked position. In this state, for example, when a lock signal is sent from the outside to the door ECU (not shown in FIG. 57), the door ECU outputs a lock drive command signal to the electric motor 41 . This causes the electric motor 41 to operate and the output shaft 412 to rotate forward. When the output shaft 412 rotates forward, the worm wheel 422 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 4A. The counterclockwise rotation of the worm wheel 422 also causes the active lever 43 to rotate counterclockwise. As a result, the rotational position of the active lever 43 is set to the lock position. Further, the switching arm 434 of the active lever 43 moves upward due to the rotation of the active lever 43 described above. As a result, the switching arm 434 pushes up the first engagement arm 463 of the open link 46 positioned directly above the switching arm 434 . As a result, the open link 46 rotates clockwise about the connecting portion (first engaging projection 462) with the outside open lever 45 in FIG. 4B against the biasing force of the torsion spring 46a. Thus, the rotational position of the open link 46 is switched from the unlocked position to the locked position.

Further, when the vehicle door DR is fully closed and the rotational position of the active lever 43 is the unlocked position, when the lock knob LK provided on the vehicle door DR is operated to lock, the active lever 43 is connected to the operation cable. When pushed, it rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 4A, and its rotational position is set from the unlocked position to the locked position. At this time, the open link 46 rotates in the same manner as described above, and the rotational position of the open link 46 is switched from the unlock position to the lock position.

Next, the unlocking operation of the door lock device 1 will be described. When the vehicle door DR is fully closed and the rotational position of the active lever 43 is the locked position, the rotational position of the open link 46 is also the locked position. In this state, for example, when an unlock signal is input to the door ECU from the outside, the door ECU outputs an unlock drive command signal to the electric motor 41 . This causes the electric motor 41 to operate and the output shaft 412 to rotate in the reverse direction. Reverse rotation of the output shaft 412 causes the worm wheel 422 to rotate clockwise in FIG. 4A. The clockwise rotation of the worm wheel 422 also rotates the active lever 43 clockwise. As a result, the rotational position of the active lever 43 is set to the unlock position. Further, the switching arm 434 of the active lever 43 moves downward due to the rotation of the active lever 43 described above. As a result, the open link 46 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 4B according to the biasing force of the torsion spring 46a, and the rotational position of the open link 46 is switched from the locked position to the unlocked position.

Further, when the lock knob LK provided on the vehicle door DR is operated to unlock when the vehicle door DR is fully closed and the rotational position of the active lever 43 is the locked position, the active lever 43 is connected to the operation cable. It is pulled and rotates clockwise in FIG. 4A, and its rotational position is set from the locked position to the unlocked position. At this time, the open link 46 rotates in the same manner as described above, and the rotational position of the open link 46 is switched from the lock position to the unlock position.

Next, the opening operation of the door lock device 1 will be described. When the door outside handle OS attached to the vehicle door DR is operated, the operating force of the door outside handle OS is transmitted to the outside open lever 45 via the operating rod. Therefore, the outside open lever 45 rotates clockwise in FIG. 4B from the outside open lever initial position against the biasing force of the outside open lever return spring. Further, when the door inside handle IS attached to the vehicle door DR is operated, the inside open lever 44 rotates clockwise in FIG. 4A. The clockwise rotation of the inside open lever 44 causes the engaging projection 442 of the inside open lever 44 to move upward, pushing up the engaging piece 453b of the outside open lever 45 positioned directly above. As a result, the outside open lever 45 rotates clockwise in FIG. 4B from the outside open lever initial position against the biasing force of the outside open lever return spring 45a.

When the outside open lever 45 rotates clockwise from the outside open lever initial position in FIG. 4B, the open link 46 connected to the outside open lever 45 opens and reaches the open position. Here, when the open link 46 is in the locked position as described above, even if the open link 46 operates to open, the second engaging projection 464 of the open link 46 does not engage the second engaging piece 375 of the lift lever 37. Do not abut. Therefore, the lift lever 37 does not rotate, and the pole 36 connected to the lift lever 37 does not rotate either. Therefore, the rotation regulation of the latch 34 by the pawl 36 is maintained. Since the striker is held by the latch 34 in this manner, the fully closed state of the vehicle door DR is maintained.

On the other hand, when the open link 46 is in the unlocked position, when the open link 46 is opened and moved from the initial position to the open position, the second engagement protrusion 464 of the open link 46 engages the lift lever 37 in the second engagement. Abutting against the piece 375, the second engaging piece 375 is pushed up. This causes the lift lever 37 to rotate clockwise in FIG. 4B. Accordingly, the pole 36 connected to the lift lever 37 also rotates clockwise in FIG. Therefore, the rotation restriction of the latch 34 by the pole 36 is released. Accordingly, the latch 34 rotates clockwise in FIG. 3 according to the urging force of the latch return spring, and the concave portion 345 of the latch 34 holding the striker opens toward the vehicle inner side Y2. Therefore, the striker can be removed from the concave portion 345 . Thus, the vehicle door DR can be opened.

By the way, even when the open link 46 is in the unlocked position, the open link 46 does not open unless the user operates the door outside handle OS or the door inside handle IS of the vehicle door DR. not. However, when a large force acts from the vehicle outer Y1 side of the vehicle door DR toward the vehicle inner Y2 side, for example, when a side impact load is input to the vehicle door DR, the inertia generated by the input of the side impact load A force acts on the door outside handle OS. This inertial force acts on the door outside handle OS in the vehicle outward direction Y1. Further, the door outside handle OS is generally pulled so as to open outwardly of the vehicle Y1. Therefore, the direction of inertial force acting on the door outside handle OS when receiving a side impact load coincides with the operating direction of the door outside handle OS. Therefore, when a side impact load acts on the unlocked vehicle door DR, the door outside handle OS is artificially operated (pseudo operation) by the generated inertial force, which may cause the vehicle door DR to open. be.

Patent Document 1 is configured such that when an inertial force is generated by a side impact load, the inertial force causes the open link to move in the direction toward the locked position. Therefore, even if the outside handle is quasi-operated by inertial force, the opening of the vehicle door is prevented by positioning the open link at the locked position. In the door lock device 1 according to the present embodiment as well, as can be seen from FIG. 4B, the open link 46 rotates in the clockwise direction in FIG. will move to the locked position.

However, the timing of the simulated operation of the door outside handle and the timing of moving the open link to the lock position do not necessarily match. In addition, since the inertial force generated by the side impact load is extremely large, when the open link rotates to the locked position with a full stroke due to the inertial force, it may rebound at the locked position and return to the unlocked position. Therefore, when the timing when the open link returns from the locked position to the unlocked position coincides with the timing when the door outside handle is artificially operated, the vehicle door is opened. Also, when the input of inertial force to the open link ends, the open link will move to the unlocked position due to the urging force of the torsion spring. Also, the vehicle door will be opened. Thus, the structure of the door lock device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is not sufficient as a structure for preventing the vehicle door from being opened when the door outside handle is artificially operated by inertial force.

Regarding this point, according to the present embodiment, when the open link 46 is once rotated from the unlocked position toward the locked position by the inertial force, the rotated open link 46 is prevented from returning to the unlocked position. A blocking mechanism 50 is provided. This will be explained next.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the door lock device 1 according to this embodiment includes a blocking mechanism 50. As shown in FIG. The blocking mechanism 50 has a blocking lever 51 and a blocking lever spring 52 in this embodiment.

7 is a perspective view of the block lever 51. FIG. As shown in FIG. 7 , the block lever 51 has a support portion 511 and a block arm 512 . The support portion 511 constitutes a portion supported by the outer periphery of a lever support shaft 235, which will be described later. The support portion 511 is configured in a substantially cylindrical shape having an inner peripheral surface 511a, an outer peripheral surface 511b, an inner end surface 511c, and an outer end surface 511d on the opposite side. The space surrounded by the inner peripheral surface 511a forms a circular hole 513 (through hole) penetrating from the inner end surface 511c to the outer end surface 511d. Therefore, one opening surface of the circular hole 513 is the outer end surface 511d, and the other opening surface is the inner end surface 511c. A first key groove 511 e and a second key groove 511 f are formed side by side along the axial direction of the support portion 511 on the inner peripheral surface 511 a.

The first key groove 511e opens to the outer end surface 511d, and the second key groove 511f opens to the inner end surface 511c. The width (circumferential length) of the first key groove 511e is narrower than the width (circumferential length) of the second key groove 511f. Therefore, a stepped wall surface 511g is formed at the boundary between the first keyway 511e and the second keyway 511f.

The block arm 512 extends from the outer peripheral surface 511 b of the support portion 511 . The block arm 512 has a body arm portion 512a, a tip protrusion 512b, and a tip flat portion 512c. The body arm portion 512a constitutes a portion that extends radially outward of the support portion 511 from the outer peripheral surface 511b of the support portion 511 . The tip protrusion 512b constitutes a portion that protrudes downward in FIG. 7 so as to be bent from the extended end of the body arm portion 512a. The tip flat portion 512c constitutes a portion extending radially outward from the extended end of the body arm portion 512a in the same manner as the body arm portion 512a. As can be seen from FIG. 7 , the tip protrusion 512 b and the tip flat portion 512 c are formed side by side along the axial direction of the support portion 511 . That is, the tip portion of the block arm 512 is formed with a protruding portion (tip protrusion 512b) and a non-protruding portion (tip flat portion 512c). A stepped wall surface 512d is formed at the boundary with the portion (tip flat portion 512c).

The block lever 51 configured as described above is attached to a lever support shaft 235 formed on the first bottom surface 21 a of the door lock housing 2 . 8 is a perspective view of the door lock housing 2. FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the lever support shaft 235 is erected from the first bottom surface 21a toward the vehicle inner side Y2. Therefore, the axial direction of the lever support shaft 235 coincides with the vehicle inside/outside directions Y1 and Y2. Also, the lever support shaft 235 is formed in a cylindrical shape having an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface. The outer diameter of the lever support shaft 235 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the circular hole 513 formed in the support portion 511 of the block lever 51 . A protrusion 235a (protrusion) is formed on a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the lever support shaft 235 so as to protrude radially outward and extend along the axial direction. The protrusion 235a is formed over a predetermined range from the tip (vehicle inner end) of the lever support shaft 235 toward the base end (vehicle outer end). The width of the protrusion 235a is smaller than the width (length in the circumferential direction) of the first key groove 511e formed in the support portion 511 of the block lever 51. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the length of the protrusion 235 a is longer than the length of the second key groove 511 f formed in the support portion 511 of the block lever 51 . The length of the protrusion 235a is preferably shorter than the length of the support portion 511 of the block lever 51 in the axial direction.

The block lever 51 is attached to the lever support shaft 235 by inserting the lever support shaft 235 into the circular hole 513 formed in the support portion 511 of the block lever 51 . At this time, the block lever 51 is attached to the lever support shaft 235 so that the inner end face 511c of the support portion 511 of the block lever 51 faces the vehicle inner side Y2 and the outer end face 511d faces the vehicle outer side Y1. When the block lever 51 is attached to the lever support shaft 235 in this manner, the outer end surface 511d of the support portion 511, which is one open end surface of the circular hole 513 of the block lever 51, is located on the base end side of the lever support shaft 235. It becomes the near opening end surface (base end side opening surface). The block lever 51 is attached to the lever support shaft 235 so that the protrusion 235a of the lever support shaft 235 is inserted into the first key groove 511e formed in the inner peripheral surface 511a of the support portion 511 of the block lever 51. . When the block lever 51 is attached to the lever support shaft 235 , the first key groove 511 e and the second key groove 511 f are formed side by side along the axial direction of the lever support shaft 235 . The first key groove 511e is arranged on the vehicle outer side Y1 side of the second key groove 511f, and the second key groove 511f is arranged on the vehicle inner side Y2 side of the first key groove 511e.

The block lever 51 attached to the lever support shaft 235 is arranged above the active lever 43 as shown in FIG. 4A. Further, the block arm 512 of the block lever 51 extends toward the rear side of the vehicle from the support portion 511, and the tip protrusion 512b of the block arm 512 extends toward the vehicle bottom. Although not shown in FIG. 4A, when the block lever 51 is attached to the lever support shaft 235, the tip projection 512b of the block arm 512 is located on the vehicle inner side Y2 side of the tip flat portion 512c, The tip flat portion 512c is located on the vehicle outer side Y1 side of the tip protrusion 512b.

9A is a side view of the blocking mechanism 50 viewed from the vehicle inner Y2 side, and FIG. 9B is a rear view of the blocking mechanism 50 viewed from the vehicle rear X2 side. As well shown in FIG. 9B, the block lever spring 52 is also attached to the lever support shaft 235 in addition to the block lever 51 . The block lever spring 52 is attached to the lever support shaft 235 at a position on the vehicle outer side Y1 side of the block lever 51 .

The block lever spring 52 includes a spirally wound coil portion 521, a first arm portion 522 extending from one axial end of the coil portion 521, and the other axial end of the coil portion 521. and a second arm portion 523 extending from the end portion. The coil portion 521 is arranged around the outer periphery of the lever support shaft 235 so that the axial direction of the coil portion 521 coincides with the vehicle inner/outer directions Y1 and Y2. At this time, the first arm portion 522 of the block lever spring 52 is positioned on the vehicle outer Y1 side of the coil portion 521, and the second arm portion 523 is positioned on the vehicle inner Y2 side of the coil portion 521.

The first arm portion 522 of the block lever spring 52 is locked to the lower side surface of the spring locking portion 24 provided on the first bottom surface 21 a of the door lock housing 2 . The second arm portion 523 of the block lever spring 52 is engaged with the upper side surface of the block arm 512 of the block lever 51 in the vicinity of the base end thereof while being bent toward the inside of the vehicle. Thus, the block lever spring 52 is assembled between the block lever 51 and the door lock housing 2. As shown in FIG.

When the block lever spring 52 is assembled between the block lever 51 and the door lock housing 2, the block lever spring 52 generates elastic force in the axial direction so that the coil portion 521 extends. Due to the axial elastic force (axial biasing force) generated by the block lever spring 52, the block lever 51 is elastically biased toward the vehicle inner side Y2 as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 9B. Here, the lever support shaft 235 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the screw member 25 is screwed on the inner periphery thereof. Further, as shown in FIG. 9A, the head of the screw member 25 is formed with a tongue piece 251 protruding radially outward. The tongue piece 251 engages with the inner end surface 511c of the support portion 511 of the block lever 51 attached to the lever support shaft 235 from the vehicle inner Y2 side. This engagement restricts the movement of the block lever 51 toward the Y2 side of the vehicle, thereby preventing the block lever 51 from falling off the lever support shaft 235 due to the axial biasing force of the block lever spring 52. The block lever 51 is positioned on the vehicle inner end side of the lever support shaft 235 . The axial position of the blocking lever 51 when the blocking lever 51 is engaged with the tongue 251 is defined as the axial initial position. Also, the block lever spring 52 corresponds to the axial biasing member of the present invention.

Further, when the block lever spring 52 is assembled between the block lever 51 and the door lock housing 2 , the block lever spring 52 generates elastic force in the direction of expanding the diameter of the coil portion 521 . In this case, the second arm portion 523 of the block lever spring 52 biases the block arm 512 locking it downward in FIGS. 9A and 9B. Therefore, the block lever 51 is rotationally biased by the block lever spring 52 in the direction of biasing the block arm 512 downward, that is, in the clockwise direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 9A. The block lever spring 52 corresponds to the rotational biasing member of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX of FIG. 9A. FIG. 10 shows the state of engagement between the protrusion 235a of the lever support shaft 235 and the first key groove 511e and the second key groove 511f of the block lever 51 when the block lever 51 is at the axial initial position. As shown in FIG. 10, the first keyway 511e has a pair of side wall surfaces (upper side wall surface SW11 and lower side wall surface SW12) spaced apart in the width direction. Similarly, the second key groove 511f also has a pair of side wall surfaces (upper side wall surface SW21 and lower side wall surface SW22) spaced apart in the width direction. A stepped wall surface 511g is formed at the boundary between the upper wall surface SW11 of the first key groove 511e and the upper wall surface SW21 of the second key groove 511f. On the other hand, no step is formed at the boundary between the lower wall surface SW12 of the first key groove 511e and the lower wall surface SW22 of the second key groove 511f, and the lower wall surfaces SW12 and SW22 are formed continuously flat. be done.

Further, when the block lever 51 is at the initial position in the axial direction, the protrusion 235a of the lever support shaft 235 enters the circular hole 513 of the block lever 51 from the vehicle inner Y2 side, and is positioned on the vehicle inner Y2 side. It passes through the second keyway 511f and extends to the first keyway 511e. Further, since the block lever 51 is urged to rotate clockwise by the block lever spring 52, both key grooves 511e and 511f are urged downward in FIG. 10 against the projection 235a. That is, the block lever 51 is urged by the block lever spring 52 in the direction in which the upper wall surfaces SW11 and SW21 approach the ridge 235a. Therefore, due to the rotational biasing force of the block lever spring 52, as shown in FIG. engage. Such engagement restricts the clockwise rotation of the block lever 51 . The initial position is defined as the rotational position of the block lever 51 whose rotational position is restricted by the engagement between the first key groove 511e and the ridge 235a. That is, the block lever 51 is rotationally urged by the block lever spring 52 so that its rotational position is located at the initial position in the axial direction.

As can be seen from FIG. 10, when the block lever 51 is rotated to the initial position, a predetermined gap is provided between the projection 235a and the lower side walls SW12 and SW22 of the key grooves 511e and 511f. Therefore, the block lever 51 can rotate from the initial position by the amount of this gap in a direction against the rotational biasing force of the block lever spring 52, that is, in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 9A. In addition, when the projection 235a slides on the upper wall surface SW11 of the first keyway 511e, the block lever 51 moves along the axial direction of the lever support shaft 235 against the axial biasing force of the block lever spring 52. It can be axially moved outwardly from the vehicle Y1. That is, the block lever 51 is configured to be rotatable about the lever support shaft 235 and axially movable. Note that the axial direction of the lever support shaft 235 is the vehicle inward/outward directions Y1 and Y2 parallel to the direction of action of inertial force, which will be described later. Therefore, the block lever 51 is configured to be rotatable and axially movable about an axis parallel to the direction of action of the inertial force.

4A, 4B, 9A and 9B show the block lever 51 in its initial position. As shown in FIG. 4A, when the block lever 51 is at the initial position, the block arm 512 of the block lever 51 extends to the vehicle rear X2. Further, the extending end of the block arm 512 is bent toward the vehicle lower side Z2. Therefore, the downward facing surface of the tip projection 512b of the block arm 512 is formed as an inclined surface 512e that is inclined toward the vehicle rear X2 toward the lower side. The second engagement arm 465 of the open link 46 in the unlock initial position is arranged directly below the inclined surface 512e.

Also, as can be seen from FIG. 4A, the block lever 51 at the initial position is positioned above the open link 46 at the unlock initial position. Therefore, it does not enter the rotation range of the open link 46 that rotates between the unlock initial position and the lock initial position. In other words, the initial position of the block lever 51 is a position within the retracted area retracted from the rotation range of the open link 46 that rotates between the unlocked position and the locked position.

Next, operation of the blocking mechanism 50 will be described. First, when the vehicle door DR is in the fully closed state and the open link 46 is in the unlock initial position, the blocking mechanism 50 does not generate an inertial force directed toward the vehicle outward direction Y1 due to a side collision or the like. to explain the operation of In this case, the block lever 51 is rotationally biased by the block lever spring 52 so that its axial position is positioned at the axial initial position and its rotational position is positioned at the initial axial position. be done.

When the door outside handle OS or the door inside handle IS is operated in the above situation, the open link 46 is opened and moved upward from the unlock initial position to the unlock open position as described above. At this time, the upward movement of the open link 46 causes the second engaging projection 464 of the open link 46 to rotate the lift lever 37 as described above. Thereby, the vehicle door DR can be opened.

Also, due to the upward movement of the open link 46 , the second engagement arm 465 of the open link 46 abuts against the inclined surface 512 e of the block arm 512 of the block lever 51 . When the open link 46 in contact with the inclined surface 512e moves further upward, the second engaging arm 465 pushes up the block arm 512 while sliding on the inclined surface 512e. As a result, the block lever 51 rotates counterclockwise against the rotational biasing force of the block lever spring 52 . This counterclockwise rotation of the block lever 51 is allowed by the existence of the gaps between the protrusion 235a and the lower wall surfaces SW12 and SW22 of the first keyway 511e and the second keyway 511f, as described above. be done. When the open link 46 reaches the unlock open position, the block lever 51 stops rotating counterclockwise.

11A and 11B are a perspective view (FIG. 11A) of the actuator assembly according to the present embodiment, showing a state in which the block lever 51 has been rotated counterclockwise from the initial position, and FIG. FIG. 11B is a side view (FIG. 11B) as seen from . As shown in these figures, the block arm 512 of the block lever 51 is pushed up by the second engagement arm 465 of the open link 46 from below.

Further, when the door outside handle OS or the door inside handle IS returns to its original position, the open link 46 returns from the unlock open position to the unlock initial position. As the open link 46 returns to the unlocked initial position, the rotational position of the block lever 51 also returns to the initial position. In this manner, when a normal handle operation is performed, the block lever 51 rotates counterclockwise from the initial position in the axial direction. Such pivotal motion of the block lever 51 does not affect the open motion of the open link 46 .

Next, when the vehicle door DR is in the fully closed state and the open link 46 is in the unlocked position, an impact load is applied to the vehicle door DR from the vehicle outer side Y1 toward the vehicle inner side Y2 due to a side collision or the like. The operation of the blocking mechanism 50 when added will now be described. In this case, each component of the door lock device 1 generates an inertial force toward the vehicle outer side Y1. Therefore, the open link 46 in the unlocked position rotates clockwise in FIG. 4B due to the force of inertia from the unlocked position toward the locked position. In other words, the inertial force generated with the side impact load is the inertial force that rotates the open link 46 in the direction toward the locked position.

Inertial force also acts on the block lever 51 . In this case, the block lever 51 is axially axially outwardly Y1 along the lever support shaft 235 from the initial axial position against the axial biasing force of the block lever spring 52 due to the inertial force directed toward the vehicle outwardly Y1. directional movement. By moving the block lever 51 in the vehicle outward direction Y1 in the axial direction, the first key groove 511e and the second key groove 511f formed in the support portion 511 of the block lever 51 move to the ridge formed in the lever support shaft 235. 235a in the vehicle outward direction Y1. This movement direction is the direction in which the protrusion 235a is pulled out from the first key groove 511e toward the vehicle inner side Y2. Therefore, when the block lever 51 moves to the outside Y1 of the vehicle by a predetermined amount, the protrusion 235a leaves the first keyway 511e.

Before the block lever 51 receives the inertial force, the ridge 235a is in contact with the upper wall surface SW11 of the first keyway 511e as described above (see FIG. 10). When the protrusion 235a moves from the state shown in FIG. 10 in the direction of being pulled out from the first keyway 511e toward the vehicle inner side Y2 and is separated from the first keyway 511e, the protrusion 235a moves along the stepped wall surface 511g. Then, it is received by the upper wall surface SW21 of the second keyway 511f. When the projection 235a moves along the stepped wall surface 511g, the block lever 51 rotates clockwise when viewed from the vehicle inner side Y2 due to the rotational biasing force of the block lever spring 52. As shown in FIG. The clockwise rotation of the block lever 51 is restricted when the protrusion 235a moved along the stepped wall surface 511g engages with the upper wall surface SW21 of the second key groove 511f. A rotational position of the block lever 51 when the projection 235a is engaged with the upper wall surface SW21 of the second key groove 511f is defined as a block position.

12A and 12B are a perspective view (FIG. 12A) of the actuator assembly according to the present embodiment, showing a state in which the rotation position of the block lever 51 is in the blocked position, and a view from the inside of the vehicle Y2, respectively. Fig. 12B is a side view (Fig. 12B); As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, when the rotation position of the block lever 51 is the block position, the block arm 512 extends from the support portion 511 toward the vehicle bottom Z2 and the vehicle rear X2. The block arm 512 extended in this manner enters within the rotation range of the open link 46 rotating between the unlock initial position and the lock initial position, particularly within the rotation range of the second engaging arm 465 of the open link 46. do. That is, the blocking position is a position within the rotation range of the open link 46 that rotates between the unlocked position and the locked position. It should be noted that when the block arm 512 enters the rotation range of the open link 46, the open link 46 is swung toward the lock position side from the entering position of the block arm 512. As shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII of FIG. 12B. FIG. 13 shows the state of engagement between the protrusion 235a of the lever support shaft 235 and the first key groove 511e and the second key groove 511f of the block lever 51 when the rotation position of the block lever 51 is at the blocked position. As shown in FIG. 13, when the block lever 51 is in the block position, the ridge 235a engages the upper wall surface SW21 of the second keyway 511f. As a result, the clockwise rotation of the block lever 51 due to the rotational biasing force of the block lever spring 52 is restricted. In addition, the vehicle outer end surface of the protrusion 235a engages with the stepped wall surface 511g. Therefore, even if the block lever 51 attempts to move inward Y2 of the vehicle due to the axial biasing force of the block lever spring 52 after the input of the inertial force is completed, the engagement between the stepped wall surface 511g and the ridge 235a prevents the block lever from moving. 51 cannot move axially. Thus, the axial position of the block lever 51 is determined. The axial position of the block lever 51 positioned by the engagement between the stepped wall surface 511g and the projection 235a is defined as the axial movement position. At this time, the block lever spring 52 rotationally biases the block lever 51 so that the rotational position of the block lever 51 is positioned at the block position as described above. That is, the block lever 51 is rotationally urged by the block lever spring 52 so that its rotational position is located at the block position at the axial movement position. The axial movement position is a position within an axial movement area where the block lever 51 is axially moved from the axial initial position by the inertial force in the direction in which the inertial force acts.

After the rotational position of the block lever 51 is set to the blocked position, the open link 46 rebounds from the locked position and moves to the unlocked position again, or when the input of the inertial force ends and the biasing force of the torsion spring 46a When heading to the unlocked position again, the open link 46 engages the blocking lever 51 in the blocking position during its rotation.

14A, 14B, and 14C each show a state in which an open link 46 that rotates toward the unlocked position is engaged with the block lever 51 set in the blocked position, according to the present embodiment. FIG. 14A is a perspective view of the actuator assembly, a side view (FIG. 14B) seen from the inside Y2 of the vehicle, and a rear view seen from the rear X2 of the vehicle (FIG. 14C). As shown in FIG. 14C, the second engagement arm 465 of the open link 46 engages the block arm 512 of the block lever 51 in the block position from the vehicle outer side Y1 while rotating toward the unlock position. there is Therefore, further rotation of the open link 46 in the counterclockwise direction toward the unlocked position is restricted. This prevents the open link 46 from returning to the unlocked position. A state in which the counterclockwise rotation of the open link 46 is restricted by the block lever 51 is called an inertia lock set state. Also, the rotational position of the open link 46 in the inertia lock set state is defined as the inertia lock set position.

In the inertia lock set state, as shown in FIG. 14C, the second engagement arm 465 of the open link 46 is positioned between the tip protrusion 512b provided at the tip of the block arm 512 of the block lever 51 and the tip flat portion 512c. A stepped wall surface 512d formed at the boundary is locked from the vehicle outer side Y1 side. At this time, the second engagement arm 465 of the open link 46 is positioned directly below the tip flat portion 512 c of the block arm 512 . 14C is an enlarged view showing the engagement state between the block arm 512 of the block lever 51 in the block position and the second engagement arm 465 of the open link 46. As shown in FIG.

In addition, in the inertia lock set state, as shown in FIG. 14C, the second engaging projection 464 of the open link 46 is positioned further outward from the vehicle than the second engaging piece 375 of the lift lever 37 indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 14C. Located on the Y1 side. That is, the second engaging protrusion 464 of the open link 46 is not positioned directly below the second engaging piece 375 of the lift lever 37 . Therefore, when the open link 46 is in the inertia lock set position, the open link 46 does not engage with the lift lever 37 even if the door outside handle OS is simulated by the inertial force and the open link 46 is opened. Therefore, the lift lever 37 rotates due to the opening operation of the open link 46 and the rotation restriction of the latch 34 by the pawl 36 is released, thereby preventing the vehicle door DR from being opened.

In this way, when the open link 46 rotates once from the unlocked position to the locked position due to the inertia force, the inertia force causes the block lever 51 to move the open link 46 within the rotation range between the unlocked position and the locked position. located at the block position to enter the . Therefore, the rotation of the open link 46 in the unlocking direction is restricted by the block lever 51 at the blocking position, and the open link 46 cannot return to the unlocking position. Therefore, even if the door outside handle OS is subsequently operated in a pseudo manner due to inertial force, the opening of the vehicle door DR can be prevented.

As described above, in the inertial lock set state, the vehicle door DR cannot be opened because the rotational position of the open link 46 is not the unlocked position. In this case, by operating the door outside handle OS, the inertial lock set state is canceled, the block lever 51 returns to the initial position, and the rotational position of the open link 46 returns to the unlock position. This will be explained.

When the door outside handle OS is operated in the inertia lock set state, the open link 46 is opened at the inertia lock set position and moves upward. Here, in the inertia lock set state, the second engagement arm 465 of the open link 46 is engaged with the stepped wall surface 512d of the block arm 512 as described above, and the second engagement arm 465 is positioned directly above the second engagement arm 465. The tip flat portion 512c of the block arm 512 is positioned at the position of the . Therefore, when the open link 46 at the inertia lock set position is opened and moves upward, the second engaging arm 465 of the open link 46 moves upward while sliding on the stepped wall surface 512d of the block arm 512, and It abuts on the portion 512c from below. Further, when the open link 46 moves upward, the second engagement arm 465 of the open link 46 pushes up the tip flat portion 512c. As a result, the block lever 51 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 14B against the rotational biasing force of the block lever spring 52 .

As the block lever 51 rotates counterclockwise, as shown in FIG. The ridge 235a of the shaft 235 moves away from the second key groove 511f while maintaining engagement with the stepped wall surface 511g. In this case, in FIG. 13, the protrusion 235a moves downward with respect to the second keyway 511f.

When the protrusion 235a climbs over the stepped wall surface 511g formed at the boundary between the first keyway 511e and the second keyway 511f, the protrusion 235a is unlocked by the stepped wall surface 511g. As a result, the block lever 51 moves axially with respect to the protrusion 235a so that the protrusion 235a enters the first key groove 511e by the axial biasing force of the block lever spring 52, and the axial position of the block lever 51 is adjusted. returns to the axial initial position and is positioned at the axial initial position. At this time, the engagement state between the projection 235a and the key grooves (511e, 511f) is changed to the state shown in FIG. be. As a result, the rotational position of the block lever 51 is returned to the initial position.

When the rotational position of the block lever 51 is returned to the initial position, the block arm 512 of the block lever 51 is withdrawn from within the rotational range of the open link 46 . Therefore, the open link 46 is rotated to the unlocked position by the biasing force of the torsion spring 46a without being blocked by the block lever 51. As shown in FIG. As a result, the rotational position of the open link 46 returns to the unlocked position.

The operation of the door outside handle OS in the inertia lock set state may be performed by, for example, a person (operator) outside the vehicle. In this case, the operator operates the door outside handle OS twice to open the vehicle door DR. In the first operation, the rotational position of the open link 46 is returned from the inertia lock set position to the unlocked position, and the rotational position of the block lever 51 is returned to the initial position. Then, the second operation causes the open link 46 in the unlocked position to open, thereby opening the vehicle door DR. When the door outside handle OS is pseudo-operated by inertia force in the inertia lock set state, the vehicle door DR is not opened, but the open link 46 is returned to the unlocked position. Therefore, if the operator operates the door outside handle once after that, the vehicle door DR is opened.

Thus, the blocking mechanism 50 included in the door lock device 1 according to this embodiment includes the blocking lever 51 . The block lever 51 is located at an initial position within a retraction area retracted from the rotation range of the open link 46 when there is no inertial force that rotates the open link 46 at the unlock position toward the lock position. . Further, when an inertial force is generated, the block lever 51 moves in the axial direction due to the inertial force and is positioned at the blocked position where it enters the rotation range of the open link 46 due to the rotational biasing force of the block lever spring 52 . In other words, the block lever 51 moves from the initial position to the block position by using inertial force. Therefore, the block lever 51 in the block position prevents the open link 46, which has been swung to the lock position by the inertial force, from returning to the unlock position. Therefore, when the open link that has been swung to the locked position due to a side collision or the like returns to the unlocked position, it is effectively prevented that the vehicle door DR is opened by a simulated operation of the door outside handle OS.

Further, the block lever 51 can be returned to the initial position by opening the open link 46 engaged with the block lever 51 at the inertia lock set position when the block lever 51 is positioned at the block position. configured to By returning the block lever 51 to the initial position in this manner, the open link 46 can be returned to the unlock position.

Further, according to the present embodiment, even when no inertial force is generated, the block lever 51 rotates within the retraction area by operating the door outside handle OS or the door inside handle IS. By rotating the block lever 51 during normal operation of the door lock device in this way, it is possible to avoid sticking of the block lever 51, etc., and increase the reliability of the rotation operation. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the problem that the block lever 51 does not rotate when the inertial force actually occurs.

In addition, the block mechanism 50 includes a block lever 51 that is rotatable and axially movable about an axis parallel to the vehicle outer side Y1, which is the direction of action of the inertia force, and a A block lever spring 52 biases the block lever 51 in a direction (vehicle inner Y2) opposite to the action direction (vehicle outer Y1) and rotationally biases the block lever 51. As shown in FIG. The axial position of the block lever 51 is positioned at the axial initial position by the axial biasing force of the block lever spring 52 when no inertia force is generated, and It is configured to be positioned at an axial movement position within an axial movement area that has been axially moved from the initial axial position by the inertia force in the direction in which the inertia force acts (outward Y1 of the vehicle). The block lever 51 is rotationally urged by the block lever spring 52 so that the rotational position of the block lever 51 is positioned at the initial position within the retraction area at the axial initial position, and is moved to the axial movement area (axial movement position). It is rotationally biased by the block lever spring 52 so as to rotate from the initial position toward the blocked position. By constructing the blocking mechanism 50 in this way, the open link 46 that rotates toward the locked position and then toward the unlocked position due to inertial force is moved to the block lever 51 that is positioned at the blocked position in the middle of its rotation. can be engaged. Such engagement prevents the open link 46 from returning to the unlocked position.

Further, the door lock device 1 according to the present embodiment includes the door lock housing 2 formed with the lever support shaft 235 that supports the block lever 51 rotatably and axially movably. The block lever 51 also has a circular hole 513 through which the lever support shaft 235 is inserted. A ridge 235a is formed on the outer periphery of the lever support shaft 235 and extends radially outwardly along the axial direction of the lever support shaft 235, forming the circular hole 513 of the block lever 51. Key grooves (511e, 511f) are formed along the axial direction of the lever support shaft 235 on the surface 511a. a first key groove 511e engaged with the projection 235a so as to position the rotational position of the block lever 51 at the initial axial position when the axial position of the block lever 51 is the initial axial position; a second key groove 511f engaged with the projection 235a so as to position the rotational position of the block lever 51 at the block position when the axial position of the block lever 51 is in the axial movement region (axial movement position); have With this configuration, when the inertial force is not input, the projection 235a of the lever support shaft 235 engages the first key groove 511e of the block lever 51, thereby positioning the block lever 51 at the initial position. can do. Further, when the inertia force is input, the block lever 51 moves in the axial direction of the lever support shaft 235 along the acting direction of the inertia force, reaches the axial movement area, and moves in the axial direction within this axial movement area. At the position, the block lever 51 rotates due to the rotational biasing force of the block lever spring 52 . By engaging the projection 235a of the lever support shaft 235 with the second key groove 511f of the block lever 51, the block lever 51 can be positioned at the block position.

In addition, the block lever spring 52 functions as an axial biasing member that biases the block lever in the rotation axis direction of the block lever 51 and in a direction opposite to the direction in which the inertia force acts (inward Y2 of the vehicle). It also functions as a rotational direction biasing member that biases the block lever 51 to rotate. Constructing the axial biasing member and the rotational biasing member from the block lever spring 52 that is a single biasing member in this manner can contribute to a reduction in the number of component parts of the block mechanism 50 .

(Modification 1)
In the first embodiment, the block lever 51 is formed with the first key groove 511e and the second key groove 511f, and the lever support shaft 235 is formed with the protrusion 235a. A structure corresponding to the ridge 235a may be provided, and the lever support shaft 235 may be provided with structures corresponding to the key grooves 511e and 511f.

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the block lever 51 according to Modification 1 of the first embodiment, viewed from the side of the outer end surface 511d. As shown in FIG. 40 , a ridge 514 (protrusion) is formed on an inner peripheral surface 511 a of a circular hole 513 formed in the support portion 511 of the block lever 51 . Further, the first key groove 511e and the second key groove 511f described in the first embodiment are not formed in the block lever 51 according to this example. Other configurations of the block lever 51 according to this example are the same as those of the block lever 51 according to the first embodiment.

41 is a perspective view showing a part of the door lock housing 2 according to Modification 1. FIG. As shown in FIG. 41, a first keyway 235b and a second keyway 235b and a second key are provided along the axial direction on the outer periphery of the lever support shaft 235 erected from the first bottom surface 21a of the first portion 21 of the door lock housing 2 according to this embodiment. The grooves 235c are formed side by side. The first key groove 235b opens at the tip (vehicle inner end) of the lever support shaft 235 and extends from the opening toward the base end of the lever support shaft 235 (vehicle outer end). The second key groove 235c is formed continuously with the first key groove 235b on the base end side (vehicle outer end side) of the lever support shaft 235 from the first key groove 235b. The width of the first keyway 235b is smaller than the width of the second keyway 235c. Also, the width of the first keyway 235 b is greater than the width of the ridge 514 formed on the block lever 51 . The block lever 51 is assembled to the lever support shaft 235 so that the projection 514 of the block lever 51 enters the key grooves 235b and 235c.

FIG. 42 is a view of the state in which the block lever 51 is attached to the lever support shaft 235 formed in the door lock housing 2 according to this example, viewed from the vehicle inner side Y2. The rotational position of the block lever 51 shown in FIG. 42 is the initial position, and the axial position is the initial axial position.

FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view of the block lever 51 and the lever support shaft 235 taken along line AA indicated by a dashed line in FIG. As shown in FIG. 43, the first key groove 235b formed in the lever support shaft 235 has a pair of side wall surfaces (upper side wall surface SW11 and lower side wall surface SW12) spaced apart in the width direction (vertical direction in FIG. 43). . Similarly, the second keyway 235c also has a pair of side wall surfaces (upper side wall surface SW21 and lower side wall surface SW22) spaced apart in the width direction. A stepped wall surface 235d is formed at the boundary between the lower wall surface SW12 of the first key groove 235b and the lower wall surface SW22 of the second key groove 235c. On the other hand, no step is formed at the boundary between the upper wall surface SW11 of the first key groove 235b and the upper wall surface SW21 of the second key groove 235c, and the upper wall surfaces SW11 and SW21 are formed continuously flat.

The block lever 51 is biased toward the vehicle inner side Y2 by the axial biasing force of the block lever spring 52, and is engaged with a stopper member 235e provided at the tip of the lever support shaft 235 (vehicle inner end). By being stopped, it is positioned at the initial position in the axial direction. When the block lever 51 is at the axial initial position, the ridge 514 provided on the block lever 51 is located in the region where the first keyway 235b is formed. At this time, the projection 514 of the block lever 51 is urged downward in FIG. 43 by the rotational biasing force of the block lever spring 52 . Therefore, the ridge 514 engages with the lower wall surface SW12 of the first keyway 235b. Rotation of the block lever 51 is restricted by such engagement. As a result, the rotational position of the block lever 51 is positioned at the initial position.

Further, when the rotation position of the block lever 51 is the initial position, a predetermined gap is provided between the projection 514 and the upper wall surfaces SW11, SW12 of the key grooves 235b, 235c. Therefore, the block lever 51 can rotate from the initial position in the direction against the rotational biasing force of the block lever spring 52 by this gap. Further, the protrusion 514 slides along the lower wall surface SW12 of the first key groove 235b, so that the block lever 51 moves along the axial direction of the lever support shaft 235 against the axial biasing force of the block lever spring 52. can be axially moved outwardly of the vehicle Y1.

When a side impact load is input to the block lever 51 whose axial position is the axial initial position and whose rotational position is the initial position, the block lever 51 is moved toward the vehicle outward Y1 by inertial force, and the block lever spring 52 is axially moved along the axial direction of the lever support shaft 235 from the axial direction initial position toward the vehicle outer side Y1 against the axial biasing force of . Due to the axial movement of the block lever 51 in the vehicle outward direction Y1, the protrusion 514 formed in the block lever 51 moves in the vehicle outward direction Y1 with respect to the first key groove 235b formed in the lever support shaft 235. do. This moving direction is the direction in which the projection 514 moves from the first key groove 235b to the second key groove 235c. Therefore, when the block lever 51 is axially moved by a predetermined amount in the vehicle outward direction Y1, the protrusion 235a is separated from the first keyway 235b. FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the ridge 514 is separated from the first keyway 235b.

Before the block lever 51 receives the inertial force, the ridge 514 is engaged with the lower wall surface SW12 of the first keyway 235b as shown in FIG. From this state, the block lever 51 is axially moved by the inertia force, and when the axial position of the block lever 51 is positioned in the axial movement region where the axial position of the block lever 51 is axially moved outwardly from the vehicle Y1 from the axial initial position, the ridge 514 is also moved. The protrusion 514 is separated from the first keyway 235b by moving in the axial direction toward the vehicle outer side Y1. When the protrusion 514 is separated from the first keyway 235b, the protrusion 514 moves downward along the stepped wall surface 235d by the rotational biasing force of the block lever spring 52 in FIG. It is received by the wall surface SW22. When the projection 514 moves along the stepped wall surface 235d, the block lever 51 rotates clockwise when viewed from the vehicle inner side Y2 due to the rotational biasing force of the block lever spring 52 . The clockwise rotation of the block lever 51 is restricted when the protrusion 514 moved along the stepped wall surface 235d engages with the lower wall surface SW22 of the second key groove 235c. FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the ridge 514 is engaged with the lower wall surface SW22 of the second keyway 235c.

When the protrusion 514 engages with the lower wall surface SW22 of the second key groove 235c as shown in FIG. 45, the rotation position of the block lever 51 is positioned at the block position. When the rotational position of the block lever 51 is the blocked position, the open link 46 that rotates toward the unlocked position after being swung to the locked position by inertial force engages the block lever 51 during its rotation. This prevents the open link 46 from returning to the unlocked position.

As described above, the door lock device 1 according to Modification 1 includes the door lock housing 2 formed with the lever support shaft 235 that supports the block lever 51 rotatably and axially movably. A circular hole 513 through which the support shaft 235 is inserted is formed, and an inner peripheral surface 511a forming the circular hole 513 is formed with a ridge 514 projecting radially inward. Keyways (235b, 235c) are formed along. a first key groove 235b engaged with the projection 514 so as to position the rotational position of the block lever 51 at the initial axial position when the axial position of the block lever 51 is the initial axial position; When the block lever 51 is in the axial movement region, which is the movement region in which the block lever 51 has moved in the axial direction by inertial force from the initial axial position, it engages with the projection 514 so as to position the rotational position of the block lever 51 at the block position. and two keyways 235c. Even when the blocking mechanism having such a configuration is employed, the opening operation of the vehicle door DR can be prevented when the inertial force is input.

(Modification 2)
By the way, the time required for the open link that rotates from the unlocked position to the locked position when a side impact load is applied to rebound at the locked position and return to the unlocked position depends on the magnitude of the inertia force. Conceivable. Therefore, when the side impact load is very large (inertial force is very large), the time required for the open link to return to the unlocked position is very short. On the other hand, the time required for the block lever to move from the initial position to the blocked position due to the inertial force when a side impact load is input depends on the rotational biasing force of the block lever spring, so regardless of the magnitude of the inertial force. considered constant. Therefore, if the inertial force is very large, the time required for the open link to return to the unlocked position may be shorter than the time taken for the block lever to rotate to the blocked position. The open link returns to the unlocked position before the blocking lever rotates from the initial position to the blocking position. In other words, if the inertia force is very large, the blocking lever cannot prevent the opening link from returning to the unlocking position because the opening link has already returned to the unlocking position before the blocking lever reaches the blocking position. There is fear. Therefore, in Modification 2, an example of a door lock device configured so that the block lever can prevent the return of the open link to the unlocked position even when the inertial force is extremely large will be described.

46A is a perspective view showing a part of the door lock housing 2 applied to the door lock device 1 according to Modification 2. FIG. As shown in FIG. 46A, a protrusion 211 is formed on the first bottom surface 21a of the first portion 21 of the door lock housing 2. As shown in FIG. FIG. 46B is an enlarged view of the portion of door lock housing 2 shown in FIG. 46A surrounded by dashed line R1, showing details of protrusion 211. FIG. 46B, the protrusion 211 is formed adjacent to the lever support shaft 235 formed on the first bottom surface 21a of the first portion 21 of the door lock housing 2. As shown in FIG. Specifically, the protruding portion 211 is formed at a position adjacent to the circumferential position where the protrusion 235a is formed on the peripheral edge of the proximal end of the lever support shaft 235 . The configuration of the lever support shaft 235 according to this example is the same as that of the lever support shaft 235 according to the first embodiment.

The projecting portion 211 is formed with an inclined surface 211a that is inclined with respect to the axial direction of the lever support shaft 235 (vehicle inner and outer directions Y1 and Y2). The inclined surface 211a is formed so as to incline toward the vehicle lower side Z2 toward the vehicle outer side Y1. In addition, the tip of the inclined surface 211a (the edge on the inner side of the vehicle) is formed at a position that substantially coincides with the extended line of the lower surface of the protrusion 235a provided on the lever support shaft 235. As shown in FIG.

A support portion 511 for the block lever 51 is attached to the outer circumference of the lever support shaft 235 . Therefore, the protrusion 211 provided near the base end of the lever support shaft 235 is arranged on the vehicle outer side of the outer end surface 511d of the support portion 511 of the block lever 51 attached to the lever support shaft 235. It will be.

The configuration of the blocking mechanism 50 (the blocking lever 51 and the blocking lever spring 52) according to this example is the same as that of the blocking mechanism 50 (the blocking lever 51 and the blocking lever spring 52) according to the first embodiment. FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the block lever 51 showing the outer end face 511d. As shown in FIG. 47 , a first key groove 511 e is formed in the support portion 511 of the block lever 51 , and the first key groove 511 e opens to the outer end surface 511 d of the support portion 511 . Therefore, the outer end face 511d of the support portion 511 is formed with a notch end portion 511h by the first key groove 511e. In this example, the notch end 511h is formed by the open end of the lower wall surface SW12 of the first keyway 511e. However, apart from the first keyway 511e, a cutout end portion that plays a similar role as the cutout end portion 511h may be formed.

In FIG. 46B, part of the support portion 511 of the block lever 51 attached to the lever support shaft 235 is indicated by broken lines. The axial position of the block lever 51 where the support portion 511 is indicated by the dashed line is the axial initial position, and the rotational position is the initial position. The block lever 51 moves from the position indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 46B toward the vehicle outer side Y1, that is, in the direction from the tip (vehicle inner end) of the lever support shaft 235 to the base end (vehicle outer end). configured to allow 46B, when the block lever 51 is attached to the lever support shaft 235, the outer end surface 511d of the support portion 511 of the block lever 51 constitutes a surface close to the base end side of the lever support shaft 235. do. In this example, the outer end surface 511d is the proximal side opening surface of the present invention. Further, as described in the first embodiment, the outer end face 511d of the support portion 511 is the opening face of the circular hole 513 of the block lever 51. As shown in FIG. Therefore, the cutout end portion 511h is formed on the opening surface of the circular hole 513 that is closer to the base end side of the lever support shaft 235 (base end side opening surface).

Also, when the block lever 51 is attached to the lever support shaft 235 , the protrusion 235 a of the lever support shaft 235 enters the first key groove 511 e of the block lever 51 . Therefore, the ridge 235a is sandwiched between the upper wall surface SW11 and the lower wall surface SW12 of the first keyway 511e. When the block lever 51 is at the initial position, the ridge 235a engages with the upper wall surface SW11 of the first keyway 511e. In addition, the inclined surface 211a of the projecting portion 211 is positioned on the vehicle outward Y1 side of the cutout end portion 511h, which is the vehicle outward open end portion of the lower wall surface SW12 of the first keyway 511e. Therefore, when the block lever 51 is axially moved from the axial initial position toward the vehicle outer side Y1, the notched end portion 511h engages the inclined surface 211a.

FIG. 48 is a diagram of a state in which the block lever 51 is attached to the lever support shaft 235 formed in the door lock housing 2 according to Modification 2, viewed from the vehicle inner side Y2. The axial position of the block lever 51 shown in FIG. 48 is the axial initial position, and the rotational position is the initial position.

49 cuts the block lever 51, the projection 235a formed on the lever support shaft 235 provided on the door lock housing 2, and the protrusion 211 along the line BB indicated by the dashed line in FIG. It is a cross-sectional view. As shown in FIG. 49, when the axial position of the block lever 51 is the axial initial position, the upper wall surface SW11 of the first key groove 511e formed in the block lever 51 is aligned with the projection 235a of the lever support shaft 235. It abuts on the top surface. At this time, the notched end portion 511h of the first key groove 511e of the block lever 51 faces the inclined surface 211a of the projecting portion 211 in the vehicle inside-outside direction.

When a side impact load is input to the block lever 51 whose axial position is the axial initial position and whose rotational position is the initial position, the block lever 51 is moved outwardly from the vehicle by an inertia force directed toward Y1, and the block lever spring 52 against the axial biasing force of , from the initial position in the axial direction, the lever support shaft 235 axially moves outwardly from the vehicle Y1, that is, in a direction from the distal end side to the proximal end side of the lever support shaft 235 . The first key groove 511e formed in the block lever 51 moves in the vehicle outward direction Y1 with respect to the protrusion 235a formed in the lever support shaft 235 due to the axial movement of the block lever 51 in the vehicle outward direction Y1. do. By this movement, the protrusion 235a is separated from the first keyway 511e. FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the ridge 235a is separated from the first keyway 511e.

When the projection 235a is separated from the first keyway 511e, the block lever 51 rotates to the blocking position due to the rotational biasing force of the block lever spring 52. As shown in FIG. However, when the input inertia force is very large, the rotational movement of the open link 46 is very fast, and before the block lever 51 reaches the blocking position due to the rotational biasing force of the block lever spring 52, the open link 46 There is a risk that it will bounce back at the locked position and return to the unlocked position. In this case, the return of the open link 46 to the unlocked position cannot be prevented.

In this regard, in this example, the block lever 51 is moved further to the blocked position by forcibly rotating the block lever 51 to the blocked position using the axial movement force of the block lever 51 that moves axially due to inertial force. It is designed so that it can rotate quickly. This will be explained below.

When the block lever 51 at the initial position in the axial direction moves toward the vehicle outer side Y1 due to inertial force, the projection 235a of the lever support shaft 235 is separated from the first key groove 511e of the block lever 51 as shown in FIG. When the block lever 51 further moves in the vehicle outward direction Y1 in the axial direction, the cutout end portion 511h formed in the outer end surface 511d of the support portion 511 of the block lever 51 moves toward the inclined surface of the projecting portion 211 facing the cutout end portion 511h. Approach 211a. However, in the state shown in FIG. 50, the notch end 511h is not engaged with the inclined surface 211a. In this example, a region where the projection 235a is separated from the first keyway 511e and the notch end 511h is not engaged with the inclined surface 211a is defined as a first movement region of the axial movement region.

In the first movement area, the block lever 51 is rotated only by the rotational biasing force of the block lever spring 52 . When the block lever 51 rotates in the first movement region due to the rotational biasing force of the block lever spring 52 and reaches the blocked position, the inertial force acting on the block lever 51 and the open link 46 is relatively weak. In this case, since the rotational movement of the open link 46 is not so fast, the block lever 51 can be set to the block position before the open link 46 returns to the unlock position.

Also, if the inertia force is too large, the blocking lever 51 cannot be rotated to the blocking position by the rotational biasing force of the blocking lever spring 52 within the first movement area. In this case, the block lever 51 passes through the first movement region and further moves toward the vehicle outer side Y1 before its rotational position reaches the blocked position.

When the block lever 51 further receives the inertial force from the first movement area and moves in the axial direction toward the Y1 side of the vehicle, the notch end 511h of the block lever 51 engages the inclined surface 211a of the protrusion 211 . A region in which the notch end 511h engages the inclined surface 211a in the axial movement region of the block lever 51 is defined as a second movement region. That is, the second movement area is an area where the block lever 51 is further axially moved outwardly from the vehicle Y1 by the inertia force from the first movement area.

In the second movement area, the notch end 511h of the block lever 51 engages the inclined surface 211a of the protrusion 211, as described above. When the block lever 51 further axially moves toward the Y1 side of the vehicle while the cutout end 511h is engaged with the inclined surface 211a, the cutout end 511h slides on the inclined surface 211a of the protrusion 211 and is inclined. It moves downward in FIG. 50 while changing the engagement position with the surface 211a. Such downward movement of the cutout end portion 511h forces the rotational position of the block lever 51 to rotate from the initial position toward the blocked position. That is, as the block lever 51 axially moves in the second movement area due to inertial force, the rotational position of the block lever 51 rotates from the initial position toward the block position. In this manner, the block lever 51 is forcibly rotated to the block position. FIG. 51 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of engagement between the notch end 511h and the inclined surface 211a when the block lever 51 is forcibly rotated to the blocking position.

As described above, according to this example, the axial movement area of the block lever 51 has the first movement area and the second movement area which is further axially moved from the first movement area by the inertial force. The block lever 51 is configured to move in the axial direction from the distal end side to the proximal end side of the lever support shaft 235 by inertia force, and the base of the lever support shaft 235 is located between the open surfaces at both ends of the circular hole 513 . It has a notched end portion 511h formed in the outer end face 511d on the side closer to the end side. The door lock housing 2 engages with the notch end 511h when the block lever 51 axially moves from the distal end side of the lever support shaft 235 toward the proximal end side in the second movement region due to inertial force. An inclined surface 211a inclined with respect to the axial direction of the lever support shaft 235 so that the rotational position of the block lever 51 rotates from the initial position toward the blocked position as the block lever 51 moves axially in the second movement area. is formed on the protrusion 211 .

According to the configuration shown in this example, when a very large inertial force is input and the block lever 51 is axially moving in the second movement area of the axial movement area, the notched end of the block lever 51 The block lever 51 is forcibly rotated from the initial position to the block position by moving the portion 511h in the axial direction while engaging with the inclined surface 211a of the protrusion 211 . Therefore, when the block lever 51 passes through the first movement area of the axial movement area and reaches the second movement area, it always rotates to the blocking position. Since the block lever 51 is forcibly rotated in this manner, the block lever 51 can be rotated faster than when the block lever 51 is rotated to the blocking position by the rotational biasing force of the block lever spring 52, especially when a very large inertial force is input. can be rotated to block position. Therefore, even when a very large inertial force is input, the block lever 51 can effectively prevent the open link 46 from returning to the unlocked position.

(Modification 3)
In Modification 2, the block lever 51 is formed with the notch end 511h, and the door lock housing 2 is formed with the protrusion 211 having the inclined surface 211a. A configuration corresponding to may be formed. In this case, the projection 235a provided on the lever support shaft 235 can have a role corresponding to the cutout end portion 511h of the second modification.

52A is a perspective view showing a part of the door lock housing 2 applied to the door lock device 1 according to Modification 3. FIG. As shown in FIG. 52A, the lever support shaft 235 erected from the first bottom surface 21a of the first portion 21 of the door lock housing 2 has a first keyway 235b and a second keyway 235c, as in the first modification. is formed.

FIG. 52B is an enlarged view of the portion of door lock housing 2 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 52B, the first key groove 235b formed in the lever support shaft 235 has an upper wall surface spaced apart in the width direction (vertical direction in FIG. 52B), similarly to the first key groove 235b of the first modification. It has SW11 and a lower side wall surface SW12. Similarly, the second key groove 235c also has an upper side wall surface SW21 and a lower side wall surface SW22 that are spaced apart in the width direction. The width of the first key groove 235b is narrower than the width of the second key groove 235c, and a stepped wall surface 235d is formed at the boundary between the lower wall surface SW12 of the first key groove 235b and the lower wall surface SW22 of the second key groove 235c. be. No step is formed at the boundary between the upper wall surface SW11 of the first key groove 235b and the upper wall surface SW21 of the second key groove 235c, and the upper wall surfaces SW11 and SW21 are formed continuously flat.

Further, the upper wall surface SW21 of the second keyway 235c is formed shorter than the upper wall surface SW21 of the second keyway 235c according to Modification 1, and an inclined surface CL is formed from the vehicle outer end thereof. Therefore, the second key groove 235c has an upper wall surface SW21 and a lower wall surface SW22 spaced apart in the width direction, and an inclined surface CL connected to the vehicle outer end of the upper wall surface SW21. The inclined surface CL is inclined with respect to the axial direction of the lever support shaft 235 . Specifically, as can be seen from FIG. 52B, the inclined surface CL is directed downward toward the vehicle outer side Y1 (that is, closer to the lower side wall surface SW22) in the axial direction of the lever support shaft 235 (vehicle It is inclined with respect to the internal and external directions (Y1, Y2).

53 is a perspective view of a block lever 51 according to Modification 3. FIG. This block lever 51 has the same structure as the block lever 51 according to Modification 1, and has a projection 514 extending in the axial direction on a part of the inner peripheral surface 511a of the circular hole 513 formed in the support portion 511. is formed. The block lever 51 is supported on the lever support shaft 235 so that the projection 514 engages with the first key groove 235b and the second key groove 235c formed on the lever support shaft 235. As shown in FIG.

FIG. 54 is a view of the state in which the block lever 51 is attached to the lever support shaft 235 formed in the door lock housing 2, viewed from the vehicle inner side Y2. The rotational position of the block lever 51 shown in FIG. 54 is the initial position, and the axial position of the block lever 51 is the initial axial position.

FIG. 55 is a cross-sectional view of the block lever 51 and the lever support shaft 235 cut along the dashed-dotted line CC shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 55, the block lever 51 is urged toward the Y2 side of the vehicle by the axial urging force of the block lever spring 52, and is locked to a stopper member 235e provided at the tip of the lever support shaft 235. As shown in FIG. is positioned at the initial position in the axial direction. The block lever 51 is rotationally urged by the block lever spring 52, and the projection 514 is engaged with the lower wall surface SW12 of the first key groove 235b of the lever support shaft 235, so that the rotational position of the block lever 51 is set to the initial position. Positioned in position.

When a side impact load is input to the block lever 51 whose axial position is the axial initial position and whose rotational position is the initial position, the block lever 51 is moved toward the vehicle outward Y1 by inertial force, and the block lever spring 52 against the axial biasing force of , from the initial position in the axial direction, the lever support shaft 235 axially moves outwardly from the vehicle Y1, that is, in the direction from the distal end side to the proximal end side of the lever support shaft 235 . Due to the axial movement of the block lever 51 in the vehicle outward direction Y1, the protrusion 514 formed in the block lever 51 moves in the vehicle outward direction Y1 with respect to the first key groove 235b formed in the lever support shaft 235. do. By this movement, the protrusion 514 is separated from the first keyway 235b. FIG. 56 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the ridge 514 is separated from the first keyway 235b.

When the protrusion 514 is separated from the first keyway 235b, the block lever 51 rotates to the blocking position due to the rotational biasing force of the block lever spring 52. As shown in FIG. However, when the input inertia force is very large, the rotational movement of the open link 46 is very fast, and before the block lever 51 reaches the blocking position due to the rotational biasing force of the block lever spring 52, the open link 46 There is a risk that it will bounce back at the locked position and return to the unlocked position. In this case, the return of the open link 46 to the unlocked position cannot be prevented.

Regarding this point, in this example, similarly to Modification 2, the block lever 51 is forcibly rotated to the blocking position by using the axial movement force of the block lever 51 that moves in the axial direction due to inertia. It is configured so that the lever 51 can rotate faster to the blocking position. This will be explained below.

When the block lever 51 at the initial position in the axial direction moves toward the vehicle outer side Y1 due to inertial force, the projection 514 of the block lever 51 is separated from the first key groove 235b of the lever support shaft 235 as shown in FIG. Further, as described above, the inclined surface CL is formed from the vehicle outer end of the upper wall surface SW21 of the second key groove 235c, and the inclined surface CL is inclined downward toward the vehicle outer side. Therefore, the inclined surface CL faces the protrusion 514 on the vehicle outer side of the protrusion 514, and the block lever 51 further axially moves toward the vehicle outer side Y1 from the state shown in FIG. When the ridge 514 is axially moved outwardly from the vehicle Y1 along with this movement, the ridge 514 engages with the inclined surface CL. However, in the state shown in FIG. 56, the ridge 514 is not engaged with the inclined surface CL. In this example, a region where the protrusion 514 is separated from the first keyway 235b and the protrusion 514 is not in contact with the inclined surface CL is defined as a first movement region of the axial movement region.

In the first movement area, the block lever 51 is rotated only by the rotational biasing force of the block lever spring 52 . When the block lever 51 rotates in the first movement region due to the rotational biasing force of the block lever spring 52 and reaches the blocked position, the inertial force acting on the block lever 51 and the open link 46 is relatively weak. In this case, since the rotational movement of the open link 46 is not so fast, the block lever 51 can be set to the block position before the open link 46 returns to the unlock position.

Also, if the inertia force is too large, the blocking lever 51 cannot be rotated to the blocking position by the rotational biasing force of the blocking lever spring 52 within the first movement area. In this case, the block lever 51 passes through the first movement region and further moves toward the vehicle outer side Y1 before its rotational position reaches the blocked position.

When the block lever 51 further receives the inertial force from the first movement area and moves in the axial direction toward the Y1 side of the vehicle, the protrusion 514 of the block lever 51 engages the inclined surface CL of the second keyway 235c. A region of the axial movement region of the block lever 51 where the ridge 514 engages the inclined surface CL is defined as a second movement region. That is, the second movement area is an area where the block lever 51 is further axially moved outwardly from the vehicle Y1 by the inertia force from the first movement area.

In the second movement area, as described above, the projection 514 of the block lever 51 engages the inclined surface CL of the second key groove 235c. When the block lever 51 further axially moves toward the vehicle outer side Y1 while the ridge 514 is engaged with the inclined surface CL, the ridge 514 slides on the inclined surface CL of the second keyway 235c and slides on the inclined surface CL. While changing the position of engagement with the , it moves downward in FIG. 56 . Such downward movement of the projection 514 forces the rotational position of the block lever 51 to rotate from the initial position toward the blocked position. That is, as the block lever 51 axially moves in the second movement area due to inertial force, the rotation position of the block lever 51 rotates from the initial position toward the block position. In this manner, the block lever 51 is forcibly rotated and its rotational position is set to the block position.

Thus, according to this example, the axial movement area of the block lever 51 has the first movement area and the second movement area which is further axially moved from the first movement area by the inertial force. In addition, the block lever 51 is configured to axially move from the distal end side of the lever support shaft 235 toward the proximal end side due to inertial force. Further, the lever support shaft 235 has a first key groove that engages with the ridge 514 so as to position the rotational position of the block lever 51 at the initial axial position when the axial position of the block lever 51 is the initial axial position. 235b and a second key groove 235c that engages with the ridge 514 to position the rotational position of the block lever 51 at the block position when the block lever 51 is in the axial movement area. The second key groove 235c engages with the projection 514 when the block lever 51 moves axially in the second movement area by inertia force, and the block lever 51 moves in the second movement area in the axial direction by inertia force. An inclined surface CL that is inclined with respect to the axial direction of the lever support shaft 235 is formed so that the rotational position of the block lever 51 rotates in the direction toward the blocked position from the initial position as it moves.

According to the configuration shown in this example, when a very large inertia force is input and the block lever 51 is axially moving in the second movement area of the axial movement area, the protrusion 514 of the block lever 51 moves in the axial direction while engaging with the inclined surface CL of the second keyway 235c, the block lever 51 is forcibly rotated from the initial position to the block position. Therefore, when the block lever 51 passes through the first movement area of the axial movement area and reaches the second movement area, it always rotates to the blocking position. Since the block lever 51 is forcibly rotated in this manner, the block lever 51 can be rotated to the blocked position faster than the rotation biasing force of the block lever spring 52 rotates the block lever 51 to the blocked position. Therefore, even when a very large inertial force is input, the block lever 51 can prevent the open link 46 from returning to the unlocked position.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. A door lock device 1 according to the present embodiment basically includes a door lock device 1 according to the first embodiment, except for a blocking mechanism and a configuration for mounting the blocking mechanism. It has the same configuration as the lock device 1 . Below, it demonstrates centering around the structure different from 1st embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the door lock housing 2A of the door lock device 1 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a state in which the block mechanism 60, the open link 46, and the outside open lever 45 included in the door lock device 1 according to the second embodiment are attached to the door lock housing 2A. As shown in FIG. 16 , the blocking mechanism 60 according to this embodiment includes a blocking lever 61 , an inertia lever 62 , a blocking lever spring 63 and an inertia lever spring 64 .

Further, as shown in FIG. 15, a lever support shaft 261, a lever support hole 262, and a spring support shaft 263 are formed in the door lock housing 2A according to this embodiment. The lever support shaft 261 extends from the first bottom surface 21a of the door lock housing 2A toward the vehicle inner side Y2 and is formed at the same position as the lever support shaft 235 according to the first embodiment. A block lever 61 is attached to the lever support shaft 261 .

17 is a perspective view of the block lever 61. FIG. As shown in FIG. 17 , the block lever 61 has a support portion 611 , a block arm 612 and a spring engaging protrusion 613 . The support portion 611 constitutes a cylindrical portion that is rotatably supported around the outer periphery of the lever support shaft 261 . A block arm 612 and a spring engaging projection 613 extend radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the support portion 611 .

The block arm 612 has an inner end face 612a and an outer end face 612b, which are a pair of faces perpendicular to the axial direction of the support portion 611, and a side face 612c connecting the peripheral edges of the both end faces (612a, 612b). form. The inner end surface 612a and the outer end surface 612b are formed in a tapered shape that tapers away from the support portion 611 when viewed from the axial direction of the support portion 611 . When the block lever 61 is attached to the lever support shaft 261, the inner end face 612a faces the vehicle inner side Y2, and the outer end face of the block arm 612 faces the vehicle outer side Y1.

An engagement projection 612d is formed on the block arm 612 . The engaging convex portion 612d is formed near the base end of the block arm 612 so as to protrude in the vehicle outward direction Y1 from the outer end surface 612b. Further, the block arm 612 is formed with a pressing protrusion 612e. The pressing protrusion 612e is formed to protrude from the outer end surface 612b of the block arm 612 to the side surface 612c.

The spring engagement projecting piece 613 extends radially outward from a portion of the outer periphery of the support portion 611 that is substantially opposite to the portion where the block arm 612 is directed. A block lever spring 63 as a block lever urging member is engaged with the spring engagement projecting piece 613 .

The block lever spring 63 is composed of a coil body. The block lever spring 63 is attached to the lever support shaft 261 together with the block lever 61, as shown in FIG. The block lever 61 is attached to a portion of the lever support shaft 261 closer to the Y2 side of the vehicle than the portion to which the block lever spring 63 is attached. The block lever 61 is rotatably supported by the lever support shaft 261 about the axis of the lever support shaft 261, that is, about the axis along the vehicle inside/outside directions Y1 and Y2. One end of the block lever spring 63 is engaged with the door lock housing 2A, and the other end is engaged with the spring engagement projecting piece 613 of the block lever 61 while being bent toward the Y2 side of the vehicle. be. The block lever spring 63 urges the block lever 61 to rotate counterclockwise when viewed from the vehicle inner side Y2.

As shown in FIG. 15, a bracket 264 is formed in the door lock housing 2A at a position below the lever support shaft 261 and extends inwardly Y2 of the vehicle. A lever support hole 262 is formed in the bracket 264 . The lever support hole 262 is a circular hole penetrating in the vehicle front-rear direction X1, X2. In addition, a cutout recess 262a is formed in a rectangular shape in a part of the inner peripheral wall forming the lever support hole 262 . The inertia lever 62 is rotatably supported in the lever support hole 262 .

18 is a perspective view of the inertia lever 62. FIG. As shown in FIG. 18, the inertia lever 62 is formed in a vertically elongated shape. Inertia lever 62 also has a forward surface 62a and a rearward surface 62b. When the inertia lever 62 is supported in the lever support hole 262, the front surface 62a faces the vehicle front X1 and the rear surface 62b faces the vehicle rear X2.

A circular projection 621 projecting from the front surface 62a is provided at the lower end of the inertia lever 62. As shown in FIG. A rectangular alignment protrusion 622 is formed on the end surface of the circular protrusion 621 . The alignment protrusion 622 is formed so that a part thereof protrudes radially outward from the circular protrusion 621 . An engagement piece 623 is formed at the upper end portion of the inertia lever 62 so as to be bent toward the rear surface 62b. An engagement recess 624 is formed at the side end of the engagement piece 623 . Furthermore, a claw portion 625 protruding sideways is formed on the upper side of the inertia lever 62 .

By inserting the circular projection 621 into the lever support hole 262 from the vehicle rear X2 side, the inertia lever 62 is rotatable about the axis of the lever support hole 262, that is, about the axis along the vehicle front-rear direction. It is supported by the lever support hole 262 . When the inertia lever 62 is inserted into the lever support hole 262, the circular protrusion 621 is positioned so that the notch recess 262a formed in the lever support hole 262 and the alignment protrusion 622 provided on the circular protrusion 621 are aligned. is inserted into the lever support hole 262 . After the circular projection 621 is inserted into the lever support hole 262 , the positions of the notch recess 262 a and the alignment projection 622 are shifted, thereby preventing the inertia lever 62 from falling out of the lever support hole 262 .

The inertia lever 62 supported by the lever support hole 262 extends upward from the lever support hole 262 . Further, as shown in FIG. 16, the inertia lever 62 is arranged adjacent to the block arm 612 of the block lever 61 on the vehicle outer side Y1 side. Furthermore, the engagement piece 623 of the inertia lever 62 extends toward the vehicle rear X2 side, and the engagement recess 624 formed in the engagement piece 623 opens toward the vehicle outside Y1 side.

As shown in FIG. 15, a bracket 265 is formed on the door lock housing 2A above the lever support shaft 261 and extends inwardly Y2 of the vehicle. A spring support shaft 263 is formed on this bracket 265 . The spring support shaft 263 extends from the bracket 265 toward the vehicle rear X2. An inertia lever spring 64 as an inertia lever biasing member is attached to the spring support shaft 263 .

As shown in FIG. 16 , the inertia lever spring 64 is a torsion spring formed in a coil shape, and the coil portion is arranged on the outer periphery of the spring support shaft 263 . One end of the coiled inertia lever spring 64 is locked to the door lock housing 2A. On the other hand, the other end of the inertia lever spring 64 is engaged with an engagement recess 624 formed in the engagement piece 623 of the inertia lever 62 . Therefore, the inertia lever 62 receives an elastic biasing force from the inertia lever spring 64 . The biasing direction of the elastic biasing force that the inertia lever 62 receives from the inertia lever spring 64 is the vehicle inner direction Y2. As a result, the inertia lever 62 is urged to rotate counterclockwise about the lever support hole 262 when viewed from the rear side of the vehicle X2.

When the inertia lever 62 is rotationally biased by the inertia lever spring 64 , the inertia lever 62 abuts on the block arm 612 of the block lever 61 adjacent to the inertia lever 62 on the inner side Y2 of the vehicle. At this time, the pawl portion 625 formed on the inertia lever 62 engages with the engaging convex portion 612 d formed on the block arm 612 . Such engagement restricts counterclockwise rotation of the block lever 61 viewed from the inside of the vehicle, and restricts counterclockwise rotation of the inertia lever 62 viewed from the rear of the vehicle. That is, the block lever 61 and the inertia lever 62, which are biased to rotate in different directions, engage and support each other to determine the positions of these levers. A rotational position where mutual rotation is restricted is defined as an initial position of the block lever 61 and an engagement position of the inertia lever 62 .

19A and 19B show the positional relationship between the block mechanism 60 having the block lever 61 at the initial position and the inertia lever 62 at the engagement position, and the open link 46 at the unlock initial position, respectively, on the vehicle inner side Y2 side. 19A) and a view from the rear X2 side of the vehicle (FIG. 19B). 20A and 20B are respectively a perspective view (FIG. 20A) and a perspective view (FIG. 20A) of the arrangement state of the block lever 61 at the initial position and the inertia lever 62 at the engagement position as seen from the front X1 side of the vehicle and from the rear X2 side of the vehicle. Figure 20B is a perspective view (Figure 20B). As shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B, the block lever 61 at the initial position is located on the vehicle inner side Y2 of the inertia lever 62 at the engagement position. Further, the engaging convex portion 612d formed on the block arm 612 of the block lever 61 engages with the lower surface of the claw portion 625 formed on the inertia lever 62 in a state of being arranged below the claw portion 625 . In other words, the claw portion 625 and the engaging projection 612d fit together vertically. As a result, the engaging protrusion 612d is pressed against the claw 625 from above, thereby rotating the block lever 61 such that the engaging protrusion 612d moves upward in FIG. The counterclockwise rotation of the block lever 61 is restricted by the inertia lever 62, and the block lever 61 is positioned at the initial position. In addition, the inertia lever 62 is engaged with the engagement projection 612d of the block lever 61 from the vehicle inner Y2 side, whereby the inertia lever 62 is positioned at the engagement position.

Further, as shown in FIG. 19A, a pressing protrusion 612e formed on the block arm 612 of the block lever 61 at the initial position protrudes from the block arm 612 toward the vehicle rear X2. Also, the spring engagement projecting piece 613 of the block lever 61 extends from the support portion 611 toward the vehicle front side X1. The other end portion 63 a of the block lever spring 63 is locked to the upper surface of the spring engaging projecting piece 613 . Therefore, the spring engaging projection 613 receives a downward biasing force from the block lever spring 63 . This biasing force biases the block lever 61 to rotate counterclockwise in FIG. 19A. In other words, the block lever 61 is positioned at the initial position while being urged to rotate counterclockwise.

Further, the open link 46 is arranged with a small gap on the vehicle rear X2 side of the block lever 61 in the initial position. Similarly, the open link 46 is arranged with a small gap on the vehicle rear X2 side of the inertia lever 62 . Since the open link 46 rotates between the unlocked position and the locked position about the axis along the vehicle longitudinal directions X1, X2, when the open link 46 rotates between the unlocked position and the locked position, The open link 46 does not interfere with the block lever 61 and the inertia lever 62 at the initial position. That is, the initial position of the block lever 61 is a position within the retraction area retracted from the rotation range of the open link 46 that rotates between the unlocked position and the locked position.

When viewed from the direction shown in FIG. 19A, the pressing protrusion 612e formed on the block arm 612 of the block lever 61 is located above the open link 46 at the unlock initial position. However, as shown in FIG. 19B, the pressing protrusion 612e is positioned deviated from the open link 46 toward the vehicle outer side Y1. Therefore, when the open link 46 is opened from the unlock initial position and moved upward to the unlock open position, the pressing protrusion 612e does not interfere with the open link 46 . Thus, the operation of the open link 46 is not impeded by the blocking lever 61 and the inertia lever 62 in their initial positions.

In the door lock device 1 having the blocking mechanism 60 configured as described above, when an inertial force directed toward the vehicle outward direction Y1 is not generated due to a side collision or the like, the rotational position of the blocking lever 61 is the initial position within the retraction area. It is engaged with the inertia lever 62 so as to position it. Also, the inertia lever 62 is rotationally urged to the engagement position by an inertia lever spring 64 . Since the block lever 61 is located at the initial position, the block lever 61 does not prevent the open link 46 from rotating between the unlocked position and the locked position.

On the other hand, when an inertial force directed toward the vehicle outer side Y1 is generated due to a side collision or the like, the open link 46 at the unlock initial position rotates clockwise as viewed from the vehicle rear X2 due to the inertial force. It moves from the unlock initial position to the lock initial position.

Inertia lever 62 in the engaged position also receives inertia force. In this case, the inertia lever 62 rotates clockwise as viewed from the vehicle rear X2 about the lever support hole 262 against the biasing force of the inertia lever spring 64 due to the inertia force toward the vehicle outer side Y1. .

Due to the above-described rotation of the inertia lever 62, the inertia lever 62 moves away from the block lever 61, and the engagement between the claw portion 625 of the inertia lever 62 and the engaging projection 612d of the block arm 612 is released. That is, the inertia force rotates the inertia lever 62 from the engagement position in the direction in which the engagement with the block lever 61 is released. As a result, the restriction on rotation of the block lever 61 is released, and the block lever 61 rotates counterclockwise about the lever support shaft 261 by the biasing force of the block lever spring 63 when viewed from the inside of the vehicle. Then, the lower end surface 613a (see FIG. 17) of the spring engaging projection 613 of the block lever 61 is engaged with a stopper provided on the door lock housing 2A, thereby rotating the block lever 61 counterclockwise. is regulated. The rotational position of the block lever 61, which is thus rotated counterclockwise from the initial position and whose counterclockwise rotation is restricted by the stopper, is defined as the blocked position.

21A and 21B are diagrams of the blocking mechanism 60 showing the blocking lever 61 positioned at the blocking position and the open link 46 rotated toward the locking direction, viewed from the vehicle inner side Y2 side and the vehicle rearward X2 side, respectively. is. As shown in FIG. 21B, the open link 46 rotates clockwise from the unlock initial position due to inertial force. The inertia lever 62 is also rotated clockwise from the engaged position due to the inertia force.

Further, as shown in FIG. 21A, when the block lever 61 is positioned at the blocking position, the tip portion of the block arm 612 of the block lever 61 protrudes toward the vehicle rear X2 side. As a result, the block arm 612 enters within the rotational range between the unlocked and locked positions of the open link 46 . It should be noted that when the block arm 612 enters the rotation range of the open link 46, the open link 46 is swung from the entering position of the block arm 612 to the lock position side.

After the block lever 61 is positioned at the blocked position, the open link 46 rebounds from the locked position and moves to the unlocked position again, or when the input of the inertial force ends and the urging force of the torsion spring 46a returns to the unlocked position. When going, the open link 46 engages the blocking arm 612 of the blocking lever 61 in the blocking position during its rotation.

22A and 22B are views of the state in which the open link 46 is engaged with the block arm 612 of the block lever 61 set at the block position, viewed from the vehicle inner side Y2 and the vehicle rear X2 side, respectively. As shown in FIG. 22B, on the way to the unlock position, the second engaging arm 465 of the open link 46 contacts the outer end surface 612b of the block arm 612 of the block lever 61 in the blocking position from the vehicle outward Y1 side. Locked. Therefore, further rotation of the open link 46 in the counterclockwise direction toward the unlocked position is restricted. This prevents the open link 46 from returning to the unlocked position. A state in which counterclockwise rotation of the open link 46 is restricted by the block lever 61 is called an inertia lock set state. Also, the rotational position of the open link 46 in the inertia lock set state is defined as the inertia lock set position.

In the inertia lock set state, even if the open link 46 in the inertia lock set position is opened, the open link 46 does not engage the lift lever 37 as in the first embodiment. This prevents the open link 46 from rotating the lift lever 37 to open the vehicle door due to the artificial operation of the door outside handle OS due to the inertial force in the event of a side collision, for example.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the open link 46 rotates from the unlocked position to the locked position due to the inertia force directed toward the vehicle outer side Y1, the inertia force causes the inertia lever 62 to rotate. As a result, the block lever 61 at the initial position is rotated to the block position where the block lever 61 enters the rotation range of the open link 46 . Therefore, the rotation of the open link 46 in the unlocking direction is restricted, and the open link 46 cannot return to the unlocked position. Therefore, even if the door outside handle is subsequently operated in a pseudo manner due to inertial force, the vehicle door can be prevented from opening.

The inertia lever 62, which has been rotated away from the block lever 61 by the inertia force, is rotated toward the engagement position by the urging force of the inertia lever spring 64 upon completion of the input of the inertia force. 61. However, the vertical position of the engagement protrusion 612d of the block lever 61 in the blocking position is different from the vertical position of the engagement protrusion 612d of the block arm 612 in the initial position. For this reason, the claw portion 625 of the inertia lever 62 cannot fit vertically with the engagement protrusion 612d of the block lever 61 in the blocking position. In this case, as shown in FIG. 22B, the inertia lever 62 is at a predetermined rotational position that is not the engagement position, and the claw portion 625 of the engagement convex portion 612d of the block arm 612 faces the vehicle outward direction Y1. It is locked by the block lever 61 while being in contact with the surface 612g.

As described above, in the inertial lock set state, the vehicle door DR cannot be opened because the rotational position of the open link 46 is not the unlocked position. In this case, by operating the door outside handle OS, the inertial lock set state is canceled, the block lever 61 returns to the initial position, and the rotational position of the open link 46 returns to the unlock position. This will be explained.

When the door outside handle OS is operated in the inertia lock set state, the open link 46 is opened at the inertia lock set position and moves upward. Here, in the inertia lock set state, the second engagement arm 465 of the open link 46 is engaged with the outer end face 612b of the block arm 612, and as shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B, the second engagement arm 465 A pressing protrusion 612 e formed on the block arm 612 is positioned directly above the engaging arm 465 . Therefore, when the open link 46 at the inertia lock set position is opened and moved upward, the second engaging arm 465 of the open link 46 abuts against the pressing protrusion 612e, and further pushes the pressing protrusion 612e toward the vehicle front X1 side. push out to As a result, the block lever 61 rotates clockwise as viewed from the inside of the vehicle against the rotational biasing force of the block lever spring 63 .

As the block lever 61 rotates clockwise, the rotational position of the block lever 61 returns to the initial position. At this time, since the engagement projection 612d of the block lever 61 and the claw portion 625 of the inertia lever 62 are positioned so that they can fit together vertically, the claw portion 625 fits vertically into the engagement projection 612d. and the inertia lever 62 returns to the engaged position. Further, the counterclockwise rotation of the block lever 61 is restricted by the engagement between the claw portion 625 and the engaging protrusion 612d. This keeps the block lever 61 at the initial position. Thus, the block lever 61 is returned to the initial position.

When the block lever 61 returns to the initial position, the block arm 612 of the block lever 61 is withdrawn from the rotation range of the open link 46 . Therefore, the open link 46 is rotated to the unlocked position by the biasing force of the torsion spring 46a without being interfered with by the block lever 61. As shown in FIG. As a result, the rotational position of the open link 46 returns to the unlocked position.

Thus, the blocking mechanism 60 included in the door lock device 1 according to this embodiment includes the blocking lever 61 . The block lever 61 is located at an initial position within a retraction area retracted from the rotation range of the open link 46 when there is no inertial force that rotates the open link 46 at the unlock position toward the lock position. . At the initial position, the block lever 61 engages the inertia lever 62 . Further, when an inertia force is generated, the inertia force is used to rotate the inertia lever 62 to release the engagement between the block lever 61 and the inertia lever 62 . As a result, the block lever 61 is moved into the rotation range of the open link 46 by the rotational urging force of the block lever spring 63 and positioned at the block position. In other words, the block lever 61 is moved from the initial position to the block position by using inertial force. Therefore, the block lever 61 in the blocking position prevents the open link 46, which has been swung to the locking position by the inertia force, from returning to the unlocking position. Therefore, when the open link that has been swung to the locked position due to a side collision or the like returns to the unlocked position, it is effectively prevented that the vehicle door DR is opened by a simulated operation of the door outside handle.

Further, the block lever 61 can be returned to the initial position by opening the open link 46 engaged with the block lever 61 at the inertia lock set position when the block lever 61 is positioned at the block position. configured to By returning the block lever 61 to the initial position in this manner, the open link 46 can be returned to the unlock position.

(Third embodiment)
Next, the door lock device according to the third embodiment will be described. The door lock device according to this embodiment, like the door lock device according to the second embodiment, has a blocking mechanism and a configuration for mounting the blocking mechanism. Except for this, the configuration is basically the same as that of the door lock device according to the first embodiment. Below, it demonstrates centering around the structure different from 1st embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the door lock housing 2B of the door lock device 1 according to the third embodiment. 24A and 24B are perspective views showing states in which the block mechanism 70, the open link 46, and the outside open lever 45 provided in the door lock device 1 according to the third embodiment are attached to the door lock housing 2B, respectively. 24A) and a rear view (FIG. 24B) as seen from the rear side of the vehicle X2. As shown in FIGS. 24A and 24B, the blocking mechanism 70 according to this embodiment includes a block plate 71, an inertia lever 72, and a torsion spring 73 as a biasing member.

Further, as shown in FIG. 23, a guide plate 271, a lever support shaft 272, and a spring support shaft 273 are formed in the door lock housing 2B according to this embodiment. The guide plate 271 includes a flat plate-like support plate portion 271a standing from the vehicle rear end of the first bottom surface 21a of the door lock housing 2B toward the vehicle inner side Y2, and a support plate portion 271a extending from the vehicle inner end of the support plate portion 271a toward the vehicle. It has a rail portion 271b that stands upright toward the rear X2 and extends along the vertical direction.

A plate-like bracket 274 is formed in a portion of the first bottom surface 21a of the door lock housing 2B above the portion where the guide plate 271 is provided. A spring support shaft 273 extends toward the rear side of the vehicle X2. As can be seen from FIG. 23 , the lever support shaft 272 is provided above the spring support shaft 273 .

A block plate 71 is attached to a guide plate 271 formed on the door lock housing 2B. 25A is a perspective view of the block plate 71. FIG. FIG. 25B is a view of the block plate 71 viewed from the vehicle rear side X2. As shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B, the block plate 71 has a body portion 711 and a support portion 712 . The body portion 711 has an outer surface 711a facing the vehicle outward Y1, an inner surface 711b facing the vehicle inner Y2, a front surface 711c facing the vehicle front X1, and a rear surface 711d facing the vehicle rear X2. , and an upper surface 711e facing the vehicle upper side Z1, and extend along the vertical direction when viewed from the vehicle rear side X2 as can be seen from FIG. 25B.

A locking recess 711g is formed in the upper surface 711e of the body portion 711 . A torsion spring 73 is locked in the locking recess 711g as will be described later. A claw portion 711h is formed to protrude outwardly from the vehicle Y1 from the upper end portion of the outer surface 711a of the main body portion 711 .

A support portion 712 is continuously provided on the front surface 711 c of the main body portion 711 . FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXVI-XXVI of FIG. 25B. As shown in FIG. 26, the support portion 712 has a first wall portion 712a, a second wall portion 712b, a third wall portion 712c, and a fourth wall portion 712d. The first wall portion 712a constitutes a wall portion extending toward the vehicle front side X1 from the main body portion 711, and the second wall portion 712b constitutes a wall portion extending toward the vehicle outer side Y1 from the vehicle front end of the first wall portion 712a. configure. The third wall portion 712c constitutes a wall portion extending from the vehicle rear end of the first wall portion 712a toward the vehicle outer side Y1, and the fourth wall portion 712d extends from the vehicle outer end of the third wall portion 712c. It constitutes a wall extending in front of the vehicle X1. A hook-shaped space 713 opening toward the vehicle outer side Y1 is formed in the support portion 712 so as to be surrounded by the wall portions 712a, 712b, 712c, and 712d. A rail portion 271b of a guide plate 271 formed on the door lock housing 2B is disposed in the hook-shaped space 713. As shown in FIG.

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXVII-XXVII of FIG. 24B. 27 shows a state in which the rail portion 271b is arranged in the hook-shaped space 713. FIG. As shown in FIG. 27, the support plate portion 271a of the guide plate 271 enters the hook-shaped space 713 through the opening of the hook-shaped space 713, and the rail portion 271b formed from the vehicle inner end of the support plate portion 271a moves toward the hook. 713 is accommodated. Thereby, the block plate 71 is fitted to the rail portion 271 b of the guide plate 271 . Further, since the rail portion 271b is formed along the vertical direction, the block plate 71 can move vertically along the rail portion 271b. In this way, the block plate is assembled to the guide plate 271 so as to be movable in the vertical directions Z1 and Z2 of the vehicle.

Further, as shown in FIG. 24A, an inertia lever 72 is attached to a lever support shaft 272 formed on the door lock housing 2B. 28A is a perspective view of the inertia lever 72, and FIG. 28B is a view of the inertia lever 72 viewed from the vehicle rear X2 side. As shown in FIGS. 28A and 28B, the inertia lever 72 has a support portion 721 and an arm portion 722 . The support portion 721 constitutes a portion supported by the outer circumference of the lever support shaft 272 . Arm portion 722 extends from support portion 721 .

The support portion 721 has a front surface 721a facing the vehicle front X1 and a rear surface 721b facing the vehicle rear X2 when supported by the lever support shaft 272 . In addition, a stepped portion 721c is formed in the lower portion of the support portion 721 in FIG. 28A and on the outer portion of the vehicle. Furthermore, a notch 721 d is formed in the support portion 721 at the boundary portion with the arm portion 722 . This notch 721 d opens to the rear surface 721 b of the support portion 721 .

The arm portion 722 extends downward from the support portion 721 when the inertia lever 72 is supported by the lever support shaft 272 . A claw portion 722 a is formed at the tip of the arm portion 722 so as to protrude toward the Y2 side of the vehicle while the inertia lever 72 is supported by the lever support shaft 272 .

Also, as shown in FIG. 24A, a torsion spring 73 is attached to a spring support shaft 273 formed in the door lock housing 2B. As shown in FIG. 24B , the torsion spring 73 is formed in a coil shape and includes a coil portion 731 , a first arm portion 732 extending from one end of the coil portion 731 , and a first arm portion 732 extending from the other end of the coil portion 731 . and a second arm portion 733 . A coil portion 731 of the torsion spring 73 is arranged around the outer periphery of the spring support shaft 273 . A first arm portion 732 of the torsion spring 73 extends from the upper side of the coil portion 731 toward the vehicle inner side Y2 and is engaged with the inertia lever 72 . On the other hand, the second arm portion 733 of the torsion spring 73 extends from the lower side of the coil portion 731 toward the vehicle inner side Y2 and is locked to the block plate 71 .

29A and 29B are a perspective view (FIG. 29A) and a rear view (FIG. 29B) of the block mechanism 70 assembled to the door lock housing 2B as seen from the vehicle rear X2. As shown in these figures, the first arm portion 732 of the torsion spring 73 is engaged with the wall surface of the notch 721d formed in the support portion 721 of the inertia lever 72. As shown in FIG. Also, the second arm portion 733 of the torsion spring 73 is locked to the locking recess 711g formed in the upper surface 711e of the body portion 711 of the block plate 71 .

29B, a claw portion 711h provided on the body portion 711 of the block plate 71 engages with a claw portion 722a formed at the tip of the arm portion 722 of the inertia lever 72. As shown in FIG. Therefore, in the state shown in FIG. 29B, the counterclockwise rotation of the inertia lever 72 is restricted by the claw portion 711h of the block plate 71, and the downward movement of the block plate 71 is restricted by the claw portion 722a of the inertia lever 72. Regulated by

The torsion spring 73 generates elastic force in a direction to separate the first arm portion 732 and the second arm portion 733 while the first arm portion 732 and the second arm portion 733 are locked. Therefore, the inertia lever 72 that locks the first arm portion 732 receives an upward biasing force from the first arm portion 732 , and the block plate 71 that locks the second arm portion 733 has a force from the second arm portion 733 . It receives a biasing force directed downward. That is, the torsion spring 73 biases the block plate 71 and the inertia lever 72 in opposite directions.

The torsion spring 73 urges the inertia lever 72 to rotate so that the claw portion 722 a thereof engages the claw portion 711 h of the block plate 71 . Such biasing direction, that is, the direction of engagement with the block plate 71 is called the engagement direction. Therefore, the inertia lever 72 is biased in the engagement direction by the torsion spring 73 . The direction opposite to the engagement direction is called the disengagement direction.

When the block plate 71 and the inertia lever 72 are engaged by their respective claws (722a, 711h), the biasing force of the torsion spring 73 acts on the block plate 71 as the engaging force of the claws. Movement of the block plate 71 is restricted by this engaging force. The position of the block plate 71 whose movement is thus restricted is defined as the initial position. Therefore, it can be said that the inertia lever 72 is rotationally biased by the torsion spring 73 in the engagement direction to engage with the block plate 71 at the initial position.

FIG. 30 is a view of the positional relationship between the block plate 71 and the inertia lever 72 at the initial positions and the open link 46 at the unlocked position, viewed from the rear X2 of the vehicle. As shown in FIG. 30, when the block plate 71 is at the initial position, the block plate 71 is positioned above the open link 46 at the unlock position initial position. Therefore, the initial position of the block plate 71 is a position within the retraction area retracted from the rotation range of the open link 46 that rotates between the unlock position and the lock position. The open link 46 rotating between the locked positions does not interfere with the block plate 71. - 特許庁

Further, as can be seen from FIG. 30, the block plate 71 at the initial position is located on the vehicle outer side Y1 with respect to the open link 46 at the unlock position. Therefore, even if the open link 46 at the unlocked position is operated to open by operating the door outside handle OS or the door inside handle IS, the operation of the open link 46 is not hindered by the block plate 71 .

In the door lock device 1 having the block mechanism 70 configured as described above, the block plate 71 is positioned at the initial position within the retraction area when an inertial force directed toward the vehicle outward direction Y1 is not generated due to a side collision or the like. is engaged with the inertia lever 72. Therefore, the block plate 71 does not prevent the open link 46 from rotating between the unlocked position and the locked position as described above.

On the other hand, when an inertial force directed toward the vehicle outer side Y1 is generated due to a side collision or the like, the open link 46 at the unlock initial position rotates clockwise as viewed from the vehicle rear X2 due to the inertial force. It moves from the unlock initial position to the lock initial position.

The inertia lever 72 engaged with the block plate 71 at the initial position also receives the inertia force. In this case, the inertia lever 72 rotates counterclockwise about the lever support shaft 272 as viewed from the rear side of the vehicle X2 due to the inertial force toward the vehicle outer side Y1. The counterclockwise rotation of the inertia lever 72 is the direction in which the first arm portion 732 of the torsion spring 73 is bent. Therefore, the inertia lever 72 rotates counterclockwise against the biasing force of the torsion spring 73 .

As the inertia lever 72 rotates as described above, the arm portion 722 of the inertia lever 72 moves toward the vehicle outer side Y1. The engagement with the provided claw portion 711h is released. That is, the inertia lever 72 rotates in the disengagement direction in which the engagement with the block plate 71 is disengaged by the inertia force.

When the inertia lever 72 rotates in the disengagement direction and the engagement between the inertia lever 72 and the block plate 71 is disengaged as described above, the block plate 71 is moved to the guide plate 271 by the biasing force of the torsion spring 73. It moves to the vehicle lower side Z2 along the rail portion 271b. The downward movement of the block plate 71 is restricted by stoppers provided on the guide plate 271 . The position of the block plate 71 whose downward movement is restricted by the stopper is defined as the block position. Thus, the block plate 71 is configured to be movable between the initial position and the block position.

FIG. 31 is a view of the block mechanism 70 showing the block plate 71 located at the blocking position and the open link 46 rotated toward the locking direction, viewed from the vehicle rear X2 side. As shown in FIG. 31, the open link 46 rotates clockwise from the unlocked position due to inertial force. The inertia lever 72 also rotates counterclockwise (disengagement direction) due to inertia force. Then, the block plate 71 moves downward from the initial position and is positioned at the block position.

The tip portion of the block plate 71 at the blocking position enters within the rotation range of the open link 46 that rotates between the unlock position and the lock position. Incidentally, when the block plate 71 enters the rotation range of the open link 46, the open link 46 has already swung from the entering position of the block plate 71 to the lock position side.

After the block plate 71 is positioned at the blocking position, the open link 46 rebounds from the locking position and moves toward the unlocking position again, or when the input of the inertial force ends and the urging force of the torsion spring 46a returns to the unlocking position. When heading, the open link 46 engages the blocking plate 71 in the blocking position during its rotation.

FIG. 32 is a view of the state in which the open link 46 is engaged with the block plate 71 set at the blocking position, viewed from the rear X2 side of the vehicle. As shown in FIG. 32, the second engagement arm 465 of the open link 46 is engaged with the outer surface 711a of the block plate 71 in the blocking position from the vehicle outer side Y1 on the way to the unlock position. Therefore, further rotation of the open link 46 in the counterclockwise direction toward the unlocked position is restricted. This prevents the open link 46 from returning to the unlocked position. A state in which counterclockwise rotation of the open link 46 is restricted by the block plate 71 is called an inertia lock set state. Also, the rotational position of the open link 46 in the inertia lock set state is defined as the inertia lock set position.

In the inertia lock set state, even if the open link 46 in the inertia lock set position is opened, the open link 46 does not engage the lift lever 37 as in the first and second embodiments. This prevents the open link 46 from rotating the lift lever 37 to open the vehicle door due to the artificial operation of the door outside handle due to the inertial force in the event of a side collision, for example.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the open link 46 rotates from the unlocked position to the locked position due to the inertia force directed toward the vehicle outer side Y1, the inertia force causes the inertia lever 72 to disengage. By rotating in the direction, the block plate 71 is located in the blocking position to enter the rotation range of the open link 46 . Therefore, the rotation of the open link 46 in the unlocking direction is restricted, and the open link 46 cannot return to the unlocked position. Therefore, even if the door outside handle is subsequently operated in a pseudo manner due to inertial force, the vehicle door can be prevented from opening.

Note that the inertia lever 72 rotated in the disengagement direction by the inertia force is rotated in the engagement direction by the biasing force of the torsion spring 73 when the input of the inertia force is terminated. That is, it rotates clockwise in FIG. At this time, since the block plate 71 is not at the initial position, the inertia lever 72 cannot engage with the block plate 71 and rotates further clockwise than the rotational position where it engages with the block plate 71 at the initial position. The stepped portion 721c of the inertia lever 72 is engaged with the stopper 275 (see FIG. 32) provided on the first bottom surface 21a of the door lock housing 2A, thereby restricting the clockwise rotation of the inertia lever 72. be done. When the rotational position of the inertia lever 72 is restricted by the stopper 275, as shown in FIG. A claw portion 711h provided at the upper end of the body portion 711 of the block plate 71 is positioned.

As described above, in the inertial lock set state, the vehicle door DR cannot be opened because the rotational position of the open link 46 is not the unlocked position. In this case, by operating the door outside handle OS, the inertial lock set state is canceled, the block plate 71 returns to the initial position, and the rotational position of the open link 46 returns to the unlock position. This will be explained.

When the door outside handle OS is operated in the inertia lock set state, the open link 46 is opened at the inertia lock set position and moves upward. As a result, the second engagement arm 465 of the open link 46 moves upward so as to slide on the outer surface 711 a of the block plate 71 . 32, the second engagement projecting piece 464 of the open link 46 is positioned directly below the block plate 71 in the inertia lock set state. Therefore, when the open link 46 moves upward at the inertia lock set position, the second engaging projection 464 of the open link 46 abuts the block plate 71 in the blocking position from below, and further pushes up the block plate 71 from below. . This causes the block plate 71 to move upward together with the open link 46 .

As the block plate 71 moves upward together with the open link 46, the upper surface of the pawl portion 711h of the block plate 71 eventually engages the lower surface of the pawl portion 722a of the inertia lever 72 located directly above. Here, as shown in FIG. 32, the upper surface of the claw portion 711h and the lower surface of the claw portion 722a are formed as inclined surfaces that are inclined with respect to the vertical direction so that the vertical position becomes lower toward the vehicle outer side Y1. . When the block plate 71 is moved upward while the inclined surfaces are engaged with each other, the arm portion 722 of the inertia lever 72 is pushed away by the block plate 71 and moves toward the vehicle outer side Y1. As a result, the inertia lever 72 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 32 against the biasing force of the torsion spring 73 as the block plate 71 moves upward.

When the block plate 71 moves further upward together with the open link 46 and reaches the initial position, the upper surface of the claw portion 711 h of the block plate 71 separates from the lower surface of the claw portion 722 a of the inertia lever 72 . Then, the inertia lever 72 rotates clockwise (engagement direction) at 32 by the biasing force of the torsion spring 73, and both claws (711h, 722a) engage again. As a result, the inertia lever 72 engages with the block plate 71 and the block plate 71 returns to its initial position. FIG. 33 is a view of the block plate 71 returned to the initial position by the upward movement of the open link 46 and the inertia lever 72 engaged with the block plate 71 in the initial position, viewed from the rear X2 side of the vehicle.

After the block plate 71 returns to the initial position as shown in FIG. 33, when the operation of the door outside handle OS ends, the open link 46 moves downward to return to the initial position. At this time, since the block plate 71 is engaged with the inertia lever 72, it does not move. Therefore, only the open link 46 moves downward. When the downward movement of the open link 46 progresses and the second engaging arm 465 of the open link 46 is disengaged from the block plate 71, the open link 46 is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 33 by the biasing force of the torsion spring 46a. to return to the unlocked position.

Thus, the blocking mechanism 70 included in the door lock device 1 according to this embodiment includes the blocking plate 71 . The block plate 71 is located at an initial position within the retraction area retracted from the rotation range of the open link 46 when there is no inertial force that rotates the open link 46 at the unlock position toward the lock position. . At the initial position, the block plate 71 is engaged with the inertia lever 72 by the biasing force of the torsion spring 73 . Further, when an inertia force is generated, the engagement between the block plate 71 and the inertia lever 72 is released by rotating the inertia lever 72 using the inertia force. As a result, the block plate 71 is moved into the rotation range of the open link 46 by the biasing force of the torsion spring 73 and positioned at the block position. In other words, the block plate 71 is moved from the initial position to the block position by using inertial force. Therefore, the block plate 71 in the blocking position prevents the open link 46, which has been swung to the locking position by the inertial force, from returning to the unlocking position. Therefore, when the open link that has been swung to the locked position due to a side collision or the like returns to the unlocked position, it is effectively prevented that the vehicle door DR is opened by a simulated operation of the door outside handle.

Further, the block plate 71 can be returned to the initial position by opening the open link 46 engaged with the block plate 71 at the inertia lock set position when the block plate 71 is positioned at the block position. configured to By returning the block plate 71 to the initial position in this way, the open link 46 can be returned to the unlock position.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, the door lock device according to the fourth embodiment will be described. The door lock device according to the present embodiment is also basically related to the first embodiment, except for the blocking mechanism and the configuration for mounting the blocking mechanism. It has the same configuration as the door lock device. Below, it demonstrates centering around the structure different from 1st embodiment.

34A, 34B, and 34C are respectively a perspective view (FIG. 34A) of the actuator assembly of the door lock device 1 according to the fourth embodiment, a side view (FIG. 34B) seen from the vehicle inner side Y2, and a 34B is a rear view (FIG. 34C) seen from the rear side X2 of the vehicle. FIG. In these figures, the rotational position of the active lever 43 is the locked position. As shown in these drawings, the blocking mechanism 80 provided in the door lock device 1 according to the fourth embodiment includes a blocking lever 81, a blocking lever spring 82 as a biasing member, and a plate spring 83.

The block lever 81 is rotatably supported by a lever support shaft 281 formed on the first bottom surface 21a of the door lock housing 2C. The lever support shaft 281 extends toward the vehicle inner side Y2 from the first bottom surface 21a at the same position as the lever support shaft 235 described in the first embodiment. Therefore, the block lever 81 is supported by the lever support shaft 281 so as to be rotatable about an axis extending in the vehicle inward/outward direction.

FIG. 35 is a side view of the block lever 81 viewed from the vehicle inner side Y2. As shown in FIG. 35, the block lever 81 has a support portion 811, a block arm 812, a locking protrusion 813, and a positioning arm 814. As shown in FIG. The support portion 811 constitutes a portion that is rotatably supported on the outer circumference of the lever support shaft 281 .

The block arm 812 , locking protrusion 813 and positioning arm 814 each extend radially outward from the support portion 811 . In FIG. 35, the block arm 812 extends downward from the support portion 811 , the locking protrusion 813 extends rightward from the support portion 811 , and the positioning arm 814 extends leftward from the support portion 811 . When the block lever 81 having such a configuration is attached to the lever support shaft 281, the block arm 812 extends generally downward Z2 of the vehicle, and the locking projection 813 extends generally rearward X2 of the vehicle, as shown in FIG. 34B. Extending, the positioning arm 814 extends generally in front of the vehicle X1.

The block lever spring 82 is attached to the lever support shaft 281 together with the block lever 81 . 34C, the block lever spring 82 is attached to the lever support shaft 281 on the vehicle outer side Y1 side of the block lever 81. As shown in FIG. The block lever spring 82 is a coiled torsion spring, and the coil portion is coaxially arranged around the outer periphery of the lever support shaft 281 . One end of the block lever spring 82 is locked to the door lock housing 2C, and the other end is locked to the block lever 81. As shown in FIG. The block lever spring 82 rotates the block lever 81 counterclockwise in FIG. 34B in a state where both ends thereof are locked.

The leaf spring 83 is formed in an elongated shape, and one end thereof is fixed to a fixing bracket 282 formed on the upper portion of the first bottom surface 21a of the door lock housing 2C. The plate spring 83 includes an extension portion 831 extending downward from a portion fixed to the fixing bracket 282, and a distal end portion extending from the extension end (lower end) of the extension portion 831 so as to be inclined toward the vehicle rear X2. 832. As shown in FIG. 34B , the extended end of the extended portion 831 of the leaf spring 83 extends to a position directly above the support portion 811 of the block lever 81 supported by the lever support shaft 281 . Therefore, the distal end portion 832 extending from the extending end of the extending portion 831 toward the vehicle rear X2 is located above the locking projection 813 extending from the support portion 811 of the block lever 81 toward the vehicle rear X2. do.

Further, the tip portion 832 of the plate spring 83 is positioned within the rotation range of the locking protrusion 813 in the state shown in FIG. 34B. Therefore, when the block lever 81 rotates counterclockwise due to the biasing force of the block lever spring 82 and the locking projection 813 tries to move upward in FIG. It abuts on 813 from above. As a result, the locking protrusion 813 is pressed from above by the plate spring 83 . That is, the plate spring 83 urges the block lever 81 to rotate clockwise when viewed from the vehicle inner side Y2.

Thus, the block lever 81 is urged to rotate counterclockwise by the block lever spring 82 and is urged to rotate clockwise by the leaf spring 83 . Also, the biasing force of the leaf spring 83 is stronger than the biasing force of the block lever spring 82 . Therefore, the block lever 81 is urged to rotate clockwise by the leaf spring 83 in FIG. A rotational position where the clockwise rotation of the plate spring 83 is thus restricted by the stopper is defined as the first initial position of the block lever 81 . Figures 34A, 34B and 34C show the block lever 81 in its first initial position.

When the block lever 81 is in the first initial position, the block arm 812 of the block lever 81 extends downward Z2 of the vehicle as shown in FIG. 34B. At this time, the open link 46 is arranged with a predetermined gap on the vehicle rear X2 side of the block arm 812 . Therefore, when the block lever 81 is at the first initial position, the block lever 81 is at a position within the retraction area retracted toward the front X1 side of the vehicle from the rotation range of the open link 46 rotating between the unlocked position and the locked position. will be located in The block arm 812 of the block lever 81 is within the rotation range of the open link 46 when the block lever 81 rotates from the first initial position clockwise by a predetermined amount in FIG. Its length is set so that it can enter the

Further, the extended portion 831 of the plate spring 83 is adapted to move the position detection projection 435a provided at the tip of the position detection arm 435 of the active lever 43 when the active lever 43 rotates between the lock position and the unlock position. is arranged so as to straddle the arc trajectory drawn by . Therefore, when the active lever 43 rotates from the locked position to the unlocked position, the extended portion 831 of the leaf spring 83 interferes with the position detection projection 435a of the active lever 43 .

In this embodiment, as well shown in FIG. 34B, the front surface 465a of the second engagement arm 465 of the open link 46 facing the vehicle front X1 side extends from the distal end side of the second engagement arm 465. It inclines so that it may go to the vehicle back X2 side from the vehicle front X1 side as it goes to an end side. In the state shown in FIG. 34B, the front surface 465a is inclined with respect to the vertical plane from the vehicle front side X1 to the vehicle rear side X2 as it goes from the vehicle upper side Z1 to the vehicle lower side Z2.

In the door lock device 1 having the blocking mechanism 80 configured as described above, when the active lever 43 is at the lock position, the rotation position of the block lever 81 is at the first initial position as described above, and the block arm 812 of the block lever 81 is It is arranged on the vehicle front X1 side of the open link 46 . Therefore, the open link 46 rotates between the unlocked position and the locked position on the vehicle rear X2 side of the block lever 81 at the first initial position. That is, the first initial position is a position within the retraction area retracted from the rotation range of the open link 46 that rotates between the unlocked position and the locked position.

When the active lever 43 in the locked position rotates to the unlocked position, the position detection projection 435a of the active lever 43 interferes with the extended portion 831 of the plate spring 83 during the rotation. When the active lever 43 rotates to the unlock position in a state where the position detection projection 435 a and the extended portion 831 of the leaf spring 83 interfere with each other, the extended portion 831 of the leaf spring 83 is moved by the position detection projection 435 a of the active lever 43 . Pushed backward to the X2 side. As a result, the distal end portion 832 of the leaf spring 83 moves toward the vehicle rear X2 side, and the engagement between the distal end portion 832 of the leaf spring 83 and the locking protrusion 813 of the block lever 81 is released. Therefore, the blocking lever 81 is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 34B from the first initial position by the biasing force of the blocking lever spring 82 .

Further, when the active lever 43 rotates to the unlock position, the open link 46 is also positioned at the unlock position. The block arm 812 of the block lever 81 rotated counterclockwise from the first initial position is engaged with the front surface 465a of the second engagement arm 465 of the open link 46 positioned at the unlock position. , counterclockwise rotation is restricted. The rotational position of the block lever 81, in which counterclockwise rotation is restricted by being engaged with the front surface 465a of the open link 46, is defined as the second initial position.

36A and 36B are respectively a side view (FIG. 36A) and a rear view of the actuator assembly according to the present embodiment, showing the block lever 81 in the second initial position, viewed from the vehicle inner side Y2. FIG. 36B is a rear view seen from the X2 side (FIG. 36B). As shown in FIG. 36A , the block arm 812 of the block lever 81 at the second initial position moves from the vehicle front X1 side to the vehicle rear X2 side to the front surface 465a of the second engaging arm 465 of the open link 46 at the unlock position. locked to the side. The rotation direction of the open link 46 that rotates between the unlocked position and the locked position is the in-plane direction perpendicular to the vehicle front-rear directions X1, X2. That is, the rotation plane of the open link 46 is a plane perpendicular to the vehicle longitudinal directions X1 and X2. Therefore, the direction from the vehicle front X1 to the vehicle rear X2, which is the direction in which the block arm 812 is engaged with the front surface 465a of the second engagement arm 465 of the open link 46, is the rotation plane of the open link 46 (vehicle front-rear direction). It is a direction intersecting (perpendicular to) the plane perpendicular to X1 and X2.

In order to position the block lever 81 at the second initial position, after the open link 46 is positioned at the unlock position by the unlocking operation of the active lever 43, the block arm 812 of the block lever 81 is moved to the first position of the open link 46. It must be locked to the two engagement arms 465 . Therefore, the position where the position detection projection 435a of the active lever 43 interferes with the extended portion 831 of the plate spring 83 is set near the unlocked position of the active lever 43 . That is, as shown in FIG. 34A , the extended portion 831 of the plate spring 83 is positioned near the unlocked position in the rotational locus of the position detection protrusion 435 a when the active lever 43 rotates from the locked position to the unlocked position. The arrangement position of the plate spring 83 is determined so that the . As a result, the block lever 81 is restrained by the leaf spring 83 and held at the first initial position until just before the open link 46 reaches the unlocked position. When the position detection projection 435a of the active lever 43 interferes with the extended portion 831 of the leaf spring 83 and the block lever 81 rotates counterclockwise from the first initial position toward the second initial position, the The open link 46 can be set to the unlocked position.

When the block lever 81 is at the second initial position, the block arm 812 of the block lever 81 is in contact with the open link 46 from the vehicle front X1 side. At this time, when the open link 46 at the unlocked position is opened and moves upward, the block arm 812 slides on the front surface 465 a of the second engagement arm 465 of the open link 46 . This avoids interference between the block arm 812 and the open link 46 during the opening operation. Thus, when the block lever 81 is at the second initial position, the open link 46 can be opened without being blocked by the block arm 812 .

In the door lock device 1 having the blocking mechanism 80 configured as described above, when an inertial force directed toward the vehicle outer side Y1 is not generated due to a side collision or the like, the blocking lever 81 is in the first initial position (when the active lever 43 is locked). position) or the second initial position (when the active lever 43 is in the unlock position). The first initial position is located in the retracted area retracted from the rotation range of the open link 46 as described above. Further, when the block lever 81 is positioned at the second initial position, the block arm 812 of the block lever 81 is locked to the open link 46, so that although it is in contact with the open link rotation range, it is within the rotation range. have not entered the Therefore, it can be said that the second initial position is also a position retreated from the rotation range of the open link 46 . In this way, when no inertial force is generated, the block lever 81 is positioned at the initial position within the retraction area retracted from the rotation range of the open link 46 that rotates between the unlocked position and the locked position. . In particular, when the active lever 43 is in the unlocked position and no inertial force is generated, the block lever 81 intersects the open link 46 in the unlocked position with the rotation plane of the open link 46 ( For example, it is located in the second initial position within the retraction area retracted from the rotation range of the open link 46 in a state of being locked from the direction perpendicular to the direction. Therefore, the block lever 81 does not prevent the open link 46 from rotating between the unlocked position and the locked position.

On the other hand, when an inertial force directed toward the vehicle outer side Y1 is generated due to a side collision or the like, the open link 46 at the unlock initial position rotates clockwise as viewed from the vehicle rear X2 due to the inertial force. Move from the unlock initial position to the lock position.

When the open link 46 rotates from the unlock initial position toward the locked position, the lock of the block arm 812 by the open link 46 is released. Therefore, the block lever 81 is further rotated counterclockwise by the biasing force of the block lever spring 82 . Then, the positioning arm 814 of the block lever 81 is regulated by coming into contact with a stopper 283 (see FIG. 36A) formed on the door lock housing 2C. A rotational position of the block lever 81 whose counterclockwise rotation is restricted by the stopper 283 is defined as a blocked position.

37A and 37B are a side view (FIG. 37A) and a rear view of the actuator assembly as viewed from the vehicle inner side Y2 side and the vehicle rear side X2 side, respectively, showing the block lever 81 positioned at the blocking position. (Fig. 37B). As shown in FIG. 37B, the open link 46 rotates from the unlocked position to the locked position due to inertial force. Also, as shown in FIG. 37A, the tip portion of the block lever 81 at the blocking position enters within the rotation range of the open link 46 rotating between the unlocking position and the locking position. That is, the blocking position is the position where the open link 46 enters the rotation range.

After the block lever 81 is positioned at the blocked position, the open link 46 rebounds from the locked position and moves to the unlocked position again, or when the input of the inertial force ends and the urging force of the torsion spring 46a returns to the unlocked position. When going, the open link 46 engages the blocking arm 812 of the blocking lever 81 in the blocking position during its rotation.

38A and 38B are a side view (FIG. 38A) and a rear view of the vehicle, respectively, showing a state in which the open link 46 is engaged with the block arm 812 of the block lever 81 set at the blocking position, as seen from the vehicle inner Y2 side. FIG. 38B is a rear view seen from the X2 side (FIG. 38B). As shown in FIG. 38B, the second engagement arm 465 of the open link 46 is engaged with the surface of the block arm 812 of the block lever 81 facing the vehicle outward Y1 side. Therefore, further rotation of the open link 46 in the counterclockwise direction is restricted. This prevents the open link 46 from returning to the unlocked position. A state in which the counterclockwise rotation of the open link 46 is restricted by the block lever 81 is called an inertia lock set state. Also, the rotational position of the open link 46 in the inertia lock set state is defined as the inertia lock set position.

In the inertia lock set state, even if the open link 46 in the inertia lock set position is opened, the open link 46 does not engage the lift lever 37 as in the first to third embodiments. This prevents the open link 46 from rotating the lift lever 37 to open the vehicle door due to the artificial operation of the door outside handle due to the inertial force in the event of a side collision, for example.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the open link 46 rotates from the unlocked position to the locked position due to the inertial force directed toward the vehicle outer side Y1, such rotation of the open link 46 causes the block lever to move. 81 rotates to a blocking position where 81 comes within the range of rotation of open link 46 . Therefore, the rotation of the open link 46 in the unlocking direction is restricted, and the open link 46 cannot return to the unlocked position. Therefore, even if the door outside handle is subsequently operated in a pseudo manner due to inertial force, the vehicle door can be prevented from opening.

As described above, in the inertial lock set state, the vehicle door DR cannot be opened because the rotational position of the open link 46 is not the unlocked position. In this case, by operating the door outside handle OS, the inertial lock set state is canceled, the block lever 81 returns to the second initial position, and the rotational position of the open link 46 returns to the unlock position. This will be explained.

When the door outside handle OS is operated in the inertia lock set state, the open link 46 is opened at the inertia lock set position and moves upward. Here, as can be seen from FIG. 38A, the rear surface 812a of the block arm 812 of the block lever 81 in the blocking position, which faces the vehicle rear X2 side, is inclined with respect to the vertical plane. Specifically, the rear surface 812a is inclined from the vehicle front side X1 to the vehicle rear side X2 as it goes from the vehicle upper side Z1 to the vehicle lower side Z2. The angle of inclination of the rear surface 812 a is substantially equal to the angle of inclination of the front surface 465 a of the second engagement arm 465 of the open link 46 engaging the block lever 81 .

Therefore, when the open link 46 is opened at the inertia lock set position and moves upward, the rear surface 812a of the block arm 812 and the front surface 465a of the second engagement arm 465 of the open link 46 are eventually aligned. Located on a plane. At this time, the engagement of the open link 46 by the block lever 81 is released, and the open link 46 is rotated toward the unlocked position by the biasing force of the torsion spring 46a, and the second engagement arm 465 of the open link 46 is forwardly moved. The surface 465 a rides on the rear surface 812 a of the block arm 812 of the block lever 81 . Then, the open link 46 returns to the unlocked position in the opened state.

39A and 39B are side views of the actuator assembly according to the present embodiment showing the open link 46 returned to the unlocked position after the open operation, viewed from the vehicle inner side Y2 (FIG. 39A). and a rear view (FIG. 39B) as seen from the vehicle rear X2 side. As shown in FIG. 39A, the open link 46 that has returned to the unlocked position after the open operation rides on the block arm 812 of the block lever 81 that is in the blocked position. At this time, the front surface 465a of the second engaging arm 465 of the open link 46 contacts the rear surface 812a of the block arm 812. As shown in FIG.

When the door outside handle OS is operated from the state shown in FIGS. 39A and 39B, the open link 46 moves downward to return to the initial position. At this time, the front surface 465a of the second engagement arm 465 of the open link 46 moves downward while pushing the rear surface 812a of the block arm 812 toward the vehicle front X1 side. It rotates clockwise in FIG. 39A against the force. When the downward movement of the open link 46 progresses and the open link 46 returns to the initial position, the clockwise rotation of the block lever 81 stops. The rotational position of the block lever 81 when the clockwise rotation of the block lever 81 stops is the same as the rotational position of the block lever 81 shown in FIG. 36A. That is, the block lever 81 returns to the second initial position.

Thus, the blocking mechanism 80 included in the door lock device 1 according to this embodiment includes the blocking lever 81 . The block lever 81 is moved to the first initial position or the first initial position within the retraction area in which the open link 46 is retracted from the rotation range of the open link 46 when there is no inertial force that rotates the open link 46 at the unlock position toward the lock position. Located at the second initial position. When positioned at the second initial position, the block lever 81 is locked by the open link 46 at the unlock position from a direction intersecting the rotation plane of the open link 46 . Further, when an inertial force is generated, the open link 46 is rotated toward the locked position by the inertial force, so that the lock of the block lever 81 by the open link 46 is released. Therefore, the block lever 81 is positioned at the block position where it enters the rotational range of the open link 46 due to the rotational biasing force of the block lever spring 82 . That is, the block lever 81 is moved from the second initial position to the block position by using inertial force. Therefore, the block lever 81 in the blocking position prevents the open link 46, which has been swung to the locking position by the inertial force, from returning to the unlocking position. Therefore, when the open link that has been swung to the locked position due to a side collision or the like returns to the unlocked position, it is effectively prevented that the vehicle door DR is opened by a simulated operation of the door outside handle.

Further, the block lever 81 can be returned to the initial position by opening the open link 46 engaged with the block lever 81 at the inertia lock set position when the block lever 81 is positioned at the block position. configured to By returning the block plate 71 to the initial position in this way, the open link 46 can be returned to the unlock position.

The position of the open link 46 shown in FIG. 39A is the unlock open position, and the position of the open link 46 shown in FIG. 36A is the unlock initial position. Therefore, when the open link 46 is opened at the unlocked position by operating the door outside handle OS or the door inside handle IS, the open link 46 moves upward from the position shown in FIG. 36A to the position shown in FIG. 39A. At this time, the block lever 81 also rotates so as to maintain contact with the front surface 465a of the second engaging arm 465 of the open link 46. As shown in FIG. In other words, the door lock device according to the present embodiment, like the door lock device according to the first embodiment, can be operated by operating the door outside handle OS or the door inside handle IS even when no inertial force is generated. Block lever 81 rotates. By rotating the block lever 81 during normal operation of the door lock device in this way, it is possible to prevent the block lever 81 from sticking or the like, thereby increasing the reliability of the rotation operation. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the block lever 81 from rotating when an inertial force is actually generated.

Reference Signs List 1 door lock device 2, 2A, 2B, 2C door lock housing 21 first portion 21a first bottom surface 211 protrusion 211a inclined surface 235 lever support shaft (support shaft) 235a Ridge (protrusion) 235b First key groove 235c Second key groove 235d Stepped wall surface 261 Lever support shaft 262 Lever support hole 263 Spring support shaft 271 Guide plate 272 Lever support shaft 273 Spring support shaft 281 Lever support shaft 3 Latch unit 34 Latch 36 Pole 37 Lift lever 4 Actuator unit 43 Active lever 435 Position detection arm 435a position detection projection 44 inside open lever 45 outside open lever 45a outside open lever return spring 453a engagement hole 46 open link 462 first engagement projection Piece 463... First engagement arm 464... Second engagement projecting piece 465... Second engagement arm 46a... Torsion spring 50... Block mechanism 51... Block lever (block member) 511... Support part , 511a... inner peripheral surface, 511b... outer peripheral surface, 511c... inner end face, 511d... outer end face (base end side opening surface), 511e... first keyway, 511f... second keyway, 511g... stepped wall surface, 511h... Notch end portion 512...Block arm 512a...Main body arm part 512b... Tip protrusion 512c... Tip plane part 512d... Stepped wall surface 512e... Inclined surface 513... Circle hole (through hole) 514 ridge (protrusion) 52 block lever spring CL inclined surface 60 block mechanism 61 block lever 612 block arm 62 inertia lever 63 block lever spring 64 inertia lever spring , 70... Block mechanism, 71... Block plate, 72... Inertia lever, 73... Torsion spring, 80... Block mechanism, 81... Block lever, 812... Block arm, 82... Block lever spring, 83... Leaf spring

Claims (11)

a latch unit configured to keep the vehicle door closed;
an open lever that rotates in conjunction with the operation of a door handle provided on the vehicle door;
It has a connecting portion connected to the open lever, is rotatable about the connecting portion in a rotation range from a locked position to an unlocked position, and rotates the open lever when it is in the unlocked position. an open link configured to release the vehicle door from being maintained in a closed state by the latch unit by performing an opening operation in conjunction with the open link;
a biasing member that biases the open link to the unlocked position;
When the inertial force that rotates the open link in the unlocked position in the direction toward the locked position is not generated, the open link is positioned in a retraction area that is retracted from the rotation range of the open link, and the inertial force is generated. a block mechanism having a block member positioned at a block position where the block member enters the rotation range of the open link by moving using the inertial force when the open link is opened;
with
The blocking member is configured to prevent the open link from returning to the unlocked position by engaging the open link rotating toward the unlocked position at the blocked position.
Vehicle door lock device. In the vehicle door lock device according to claim 1,
The block member is configured to move to the retraction area by opening the open link engaged with the block member when the block member is positioned at the block position. Device. In the vehicle door lock device according to claim 1 or 2,
The block member is a block lever that is rotatable and axially movable about an axis parallel to the direction of action of the inertial force,
The blocking mechanism includes an axial biasing member that biases the block lever in a direction opposite to the direction of action of the inertial force, which is the direction of the rotation axis of the block lever, and a rotational direction that biases the block lever to rotate. a biasing member;
The axial position of the block lever is positioned at the axial initial position by the biasing force of the axial biasing member when the inertia force is not generated, and the block lever is positioned at the axial initial position when the inertia force is generated. It is configured to be positioned in an axial movement region that is axially moved in the direction of action of the inertial force from the initial axial position by the inertial force, and the rotational position of the block lever at the initial axial position is the rotational position of the block lever. It is rotationally urged by the rotationally urging member so as to be positioned at the initial position within the retraction area, and the rotationally urging member is rotated in the axial movement area from the initial position toward the blocking position. A door lock device rotationally biased by a biasing member. In the door lock device according to claim 3,
a housing having a support shaft that rotatably and axially movably supports the block lever;
the block lever has a through hole through which the support shaft is inserted;
A projection projecting radially outward is formed on the outer periphery of the support shaft,
A key groove is formed along the axial direction of the support shaft on the inner peripheral surface of the block lever that constitutes the through hole,
a first key groove engaging with the protrusion so as to position the rotational position of the block lever at the initial axial position when the axial position of the block lever is the initial axial position; a second key groove that engages with the protrusion so as to position the rotational position of the block lever at the block position when the axial position of the block lever is in the axial movement area. Device. In the door lock device according to claim 4,
The axial movement area has a first movement area and a second movement area which is an area further moved in the axial direction from the first movement area by the inertial force,
The block lever is configured to move in a direction from the distal end side to the proximal end side of the support shaft by the inertial force, and is closer to the proximal end side of the support shaft than the both end open surfaces of the through hole. having a notched end formed on the proximal side opening surface, which is the opening surface;
The housing engages the notched end portion when the block lever axially moves in the second movement area by the inertia force, and the block lever axially moves in the second movement area by the inertia force. A door lock having a protrusion formed with an inclined surface inclined with respect to the axial direction of the support shaft so that the rotational position of the block lever rotates in the direction toward the blocked position from the initial position as it moves. Device. In the door lock device according to claim 3,
a housing having a support shaft that rotatably and axially movably supports the block lever;
the block lever has a through hole through which the support shaft is inserted;
A protrusion projecting radially inward is formed on an inner peripheral surface constituting the through hole,
A key groove is formed along the axial direction on the outer periphery of the support shaft,
a first key groove engaging with the protrusion so as to position the rotational position of the block lever at the initial axial position when the axial position of the block lever is the initial axial position; a second key groove that engages with the protrusion so as to position the rotational position of the block lever at the block position when the axial position of the block lever is in the axial movement area. Device. In the door lock device according to claim 6,
The axial movement area has a first movement area and a second movement area which is an area further moved in the axial direction from the first movement area by the inertial force,
The block lever is configured to move in a direction from the distal end side to the proximal end side of the support shaft by the inertial force,
In the second key groove, the block lever engages with the projection when the block lever axially moves in the second movement area due to the inertia force, and the block lever moves the second movement area due to the inertia force. A door lock device, wherein an inclined surface inclined with respect to the axial direction of the support shaft is formed so that the rotational position of the block lever rotates in the direction toward the blocked position from the initial position as it moves in the axial direction. . In the vehicle door lock device according to claim 3,
A door lock device for a vehicle, wherein the axial biasing member and the rotational biasing member are composed of a single biasing member. In the vehicle door lock device according to claim 1 or 2,
the block member is a block lever rotatable around an axis parallel to the direction of action of the inertial force;
The blocking mechanism includes a block lever biasing member that biases the block lever to rotate, an inertia lever that is rotated by the inertia force when the inertia force is generated, and the inertia lever that is rotated by the generation of the inertia force. an inertia lever biasing member that biases rotation in a direction of rotation opposite to the direction of
When the inertia force is not generated, the inertia lever is rotationally biased to the engagement position where it engages with the block lever by the biasing force of the inertia lever biasing member, and the inertia force is generated. is configured to rotate in a direction in which the engagement with the block lever is released from the engagement position due to the inertia force,
The block lever is engaged with the inertia lever so that its rotational position is positioned at an initial position within the retraction area when the inertia lever is at the engagement position, and the inertia lever is rotated from the engagement position. A door lock device that is rotationally biased by the block lever biasing member such that the rotational position of the door lock is positioned at the blocking position when rotated by inertial force. In the vehicle door lock device according to claim 1 or 2,
the block member is a block plate movable between an initial position and the block position within the retraction area;
The blocking mechanism includes a biasing member that biases the block plate in a direction toward the blocking position, and a biasing member that is rotationally biased in an engagement direction to engage the block plate positioned at the initial position. and an inertia lever that rotates in an engagement release direction in which engagement with the block plate is released by the inertia force,
When the inertia force is not generated, the block plate is positioned at the initial position by engaging with the inertia lever biased to rotate in the engagement direction, and the inertia force is generated. In some cases, the inertia lever is disengaged from the inertia lever by rotating in the disengagement direction and moved to the blocking position by the biasing force of the biasing member. Device. In the vehicle door lock device according to claim 1 or 2,
the block member is a block lever rotatable around an axis parallel to the direction of action of the inertial force;
The blocking mechanism has a biasing member that biases the block lever to rotate,
When the inertial force is not generated, the block lever is rotationally biased by the biasing member to lock the open link in the unlock position from a direction intersecting the rotation plane of the open link. When the inertial force is generated, the open link rotates toward the locked position due to the inertial force and is positioned at the blocked position. A door lock device configured to:

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