JP7779873B2 - Locking device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a locking device.

In recent years, electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles have become increasingly popular. When the battery level in these vehicles gets low, the battery is charged at a charging station.

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

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

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

JP 2014-121109 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-181750

However, with a self-locking mechanism using a worm gear, increasing the force holding the lock pin in the locked position increases the operating load.

The object of the present invention is to provide a locking device that can hold a lock pin in a locked position.

A locking device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a lock pin, a rack member, a movable gear, a drive unit, and a housing. The lock pin is movable in a first direction from a locked position that restricts movement of an object to an unlocked position that releases the restriction on movement of the object. The rack member has a rack gear and is engaged with the lock pin. The movable gear meshes with the rack gear to move the rack member. The drive unit drives the movable gear. The housing houses the rack member, the movable gear, and the drive unit, and is passed through by the lock pin. The rack member is movable in the second direction from a first position where the lock pin is held in the locked position to a second position where the lock pin can be moved to the locked position, and is movable in the first direction from the second position to a third position where the lock pin is positioned in the unlocked position. The housing has a restricting unit, a first guide unit, and a second guide unit. The restricting unit restricts movement of the rack member from the first position along the first direction. The first guide portion guides movement of the rack member from the first position to the second position along the second direction. The second guide portion guides movement of the rack member from the second position to the third position along the first direction. By driving the moving gear, the rack member is guided by the first guide portion from the first position to the second position, and is guided by the second guide portion from the second position to the third position.

The present invention provides a locking device that can hold a lock pin in a locked position.

1 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of a locking device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 1 is a perspective view showing a locking device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a first housing portion is removed from a lock device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 1 is a plan view showing a state in which a first housing part is removed from a lock device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 1 is a perspective view showing a rack member and a lock pin of a locking device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a rack member and a lock pin of a locking device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 5A taken along line CC'. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between a rack member and a moving gear of the locking device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a first housing portion, a second gear unit, a rack member, and a lock pin are removed from the lock device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views illustrating the movement of a rack member and a lock pin in the locking device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views illustrating the movement of a rack member and a lock pin in the locking device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views illustrating the movement of a rack member and a lock pin in the locking device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the movement of the rack member and the lock pin caused by the emergency cable in the locking device of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the movement of the rack member and the lock pin caused by the emergency cable in the locking device of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the movement of the rack member and the lock pin caused by the emergency cable in the locking device of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a locking device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which a first housing portion is removed from a locking device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a front view showing a state in which a first housing part is removed from a locking device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a state in which a first housing part is removed from a locking device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a rack member and a lock pin of a locking device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a rack member and a lock pin of a locking device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 14B is a cross-sectional view of the section FF′ in FIG. 14A. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which a first housing portion, a second gear unit, a rack member, and a lock pin are removed from a lock device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views illustrating the movement of a rack member and a lock pin in a locking device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views illustrating the movement of a rack member and a lock pin in a locking device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views illustrating the movement of a rack member and a lock pin in a locking device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a locking device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which a first housing portion is removed from a locking device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a side view showing a state in which the first housing part is removed from the lock device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a rack member and a lock pin of a locking device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a rack member, a lock pin, and an emergency cable of a locking device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which a second housing portion, a second gear unit, a rack member, and a lock pin are removed from a lock device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a plan view illustrating the movement of a rack member and a lock pin in a locking device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating the movement of a rack member and a lock pin in a locking device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. Enlarged view of Figure 23B. 10 is a plan view illustrating the movement of a rack member and a lock pin in a locking device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

The following describes a locking device according to an embodiment of the present invention, with reference to the drawings.

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

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

A power supply plug 511 that connects to the inlet 503 is provided at the tip of the charging connector 510. The power supply plug 511 is provided with a locking arm 512 that functions to prevent it from coming loose when connected to the inlet 503.

The lock arm 512 has a claw portion 513 at the tip end and an operating portion 514 at the base end. The lock arm 512 is rotatable around a pivot 512a located between the claw portion 513 and the operating portion 514 (see arrow A). A biasing member 515 is attached to the lock arm 512, biasing the claw portion 513 to rotate downward.

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the locking device 1 with the first housing portion 21 removed, viewed from the Z2 direction. Figure 4 is a plan view of the locking device 1 with the first housing portion 21 removed, viewed from above.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As shown in FIG. 4, the rack member 13 is disposed between the motor 30 and the moving gear 14. As shown in FIG. 5A, the rack member 13 has a main body 41, a switch depression portion 42, and a rack gear 43.

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

As shown in FIG. 5B, the main body 41 has a pin fitting portion 44 and a cable engagement portion 45 (an example of an engagement portion). The pin fitting portion 44 engages with the lock pin 11. The cable engagement portion 45 can engage with the emergency cable 17.

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

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

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

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

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

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

A through-hole 58 is formed in the Y direction from the locking portion 56 to the inclined portion 57. The through-hole 58 penetrates the locking portion 56 and the inclined portion 57 in the Z direction. The through-hole 58 is formed approximately in the center of the locking portion 56 to the inclined portion 57 in the X direction.

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

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

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

In this way, the rack gear 43 and the moving gear 14 mesh together, causing the rack member 13 to move as the moving gear 14 rotates. Details of this movement will be described later.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The functions of the restricting portion 70, first guide portion 71, and second guide portion 72 will be explained below, along with the operation of the rack member 13 and lock pin 11.

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

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

When the motor 30 is driven to move the lock pin 11 from the state shown in Figure 9A to the unlocked position P2, the movable gear 14 rotates. At the meshing point between the movable gear 14 and the rack gear 43, a force acts in the Z2 direction on the crest 14a of the movable gear 14, as shown in Figure 7 (see arrow D (an example of the first direction)).

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

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

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

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

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

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

Next, we will explain the operation of the lock pin 11 and rack member 13 using the emergency cable 17. The emergency cable 17 is used by an operator to forcibly move the lock pin 11 from the locked position P1 to the unlocked position P2.

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

Next, when the emergency cable 17 is pulled in the Z2 direction, the tip 17b engages the locking portion 56, and the rack member 13 is pulled in the Z2 direction by the tip 17b. As a result, as shown in Figure 10C, the rack member 13 moves to the third position Q3, and the lock pin 11 moves to the unlocked position P2.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a locking device 101 of embodiment 2 will be described. In the locking device 1 of embodiment 1, the rack member 13 is disposed between the movable gear 14 and the motor 30, but in embodiment 2, the rack member is disposed outside the movable gear rather than between the movable gear and the motor. In embodiment 2, the arrangement of the transmission gear is also different from embodiment 1.

As in embodiment 1, the direction parallel to the motor output shaft is defined as the Y direction, and the direction parallel to the plate-shaped second housing portion and perpendicular to the Y direction is defined as the X direction. The direction parallel to the X and Y directions is defined as the Z direction. Within the Y direction, the direction in which the motor output shaft extends is defined as the Y1 direction, and the X1, X2, Y2, Z1, and Z2 directions are set based on the Y1 direction in the same manner as in embodiment 1.

Figure 11 is an oblique view of the locking device 101 viewed from the Z1 direction. As shown in Figure 11, the locking device 101 includes a locking pin 111 and a housing 112 through which the locking pin 111 is inserted. The housing 112 has a first housing portion 121 and a second housing portion 122. The first housing portion 121 is box-shaped with one side open. The second housing portion 122 is plate-shaped and is positioned to cover the opening of the first housing portion 121.

Figure 12A is an oblique view of the locking device 101 from the top Z2 side with the first housing portion 121 removed. Figure 12B is a side view from the X2 direction of Figure 12A. In Figure 12B, the motor 130 and emergency cable 117 have been omitted for clarity. Figure 13 is a plan view of the locking device 101 from the first housing portion 121 removed with the locking device 101 from the Z2 direction.

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

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

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

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

The fourth transmission gear 134 meshes with the third transmission gear 133. The fourth transmission gear 134 is rotatably supported by the housing 112. The fourth transmission gear 134 is positioned on the X2 side of the third transmission gear 133.

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

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

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

The lock pin 111 is arranged so that its longitudinal direction is along the Z direction. As shown in FIG. 14B, the lock pin 111 has a cutout portion 111c. The cutout portion 111c is cut out in the X1 direction and the X2 direction. The lock pin 111 has a columnar portion 111a on the Z1 direction side of the cutout portion 111c, and a head portion 111b on the Z2 direction side of the cutout portion 111c. In this embodiment 2, the columnar portion 111a and the head portion 111b are formed to have the same external size, but the relationship in external size between the columnar portion 111a and the head portion 111b is not particularly limited.

As shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 16 described below, the rack member 113 is disposed between the movable gear 114 and the third side surface portion 163 of the second housing portion 222. As shown in FIG. 13, a first space S1 is provided between the motor 130 and the movable gear 114. The first space S1 is formed so that, for example, the rack member 13 of embodiment 1 can be disposed therein. As a result, in the locking device 101 of embodiment 2, as in embodiment 1, a rack member can be disposed between the motor 130 and the movable gear 114, allowing the arrangement of the rack member to be changed while maintaining the same housing shape.

As shown in FIG. 14A, the rack member 113 has a main body 141, a switch depression portion 142, and a rack gear 143. The main body 141 is a member having an external shape that is approximately rectangular parallelepiped. As shown in FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 15, the main body 141 has a first side wall 151, a second side wall 152, a third side wall 153, and a fourth side wall 154. Unlike the main body 41 of embodiment 1, the main body 141 of embodiment 2 does not have an inner wall 55.

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

As shown in FIG. 14B, the main body 141 has a pin fitting portion 144 and a cable engagement portion 145 (an example of an engagement portion). The pin fitting portion 144 engages with the lock pin 111. The cable engagement portion 145 can engage with the emergency cable 117.

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

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

As shown in FIG. 14A, the second protrusion 148 is positioned at the end of the restricting portion 146 on the X2 side. The second protrusion 148 is positioned opposite the first protrusion 147. The second protrusion 148 has a first portion 148a extending in the Z1 direction from the restricting portion 146, and a second portion 148b extending in the X1 direction from the Z1 side end of the first portion 148a. A first arrangement space 141a is formed by the restricting portion 146, the first protrusion 147, and the second protrusion 148, in which the head portion 111b of the lock pin 111 is arranged.

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

As shown in FIG. 15, the cable engagement portion 145 is provided on the first direction Y1 side of the main body 41. The cable engagement portion 145 is disposed between the restricting portion 146 and the second side wall 152, third side wall 153, and fourth side wall 154.

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

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

As shown in Figures 14B and 15, the emergency cable 117 has a cable portion 117a and a tip portion 117b. The cable portion 117a is inserted into the through-hole 158. The tip portion 117b is located at the end of the cable portion 117a in the Z1 direction, and has a shape with a larger diameter than the outer diameter of the cable portion 117a. In this embodiment 2, the tip portion 117b is spherical to reduce the contact surface with the inclined portion 157, but the shape is not particularly limited as long as the inclined portion 157 can slide relative to the tip portion 117b. The tip portion 117b is located on the Z1 direction side of the cable engagement portion 145.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As shown in Figures 16 and 17A, the first housing portion 121 has a restricting portion 170, a first guide portion 171, and a second guide portion 172.

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

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

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

When the motor 130 is driven to move the lock pin 111 from the state shown in Figure 17A to the unlocked position P2, the movable gear 114 rotates. At the meshing portion between the movable gear 114 and the rack gear 143, a force acts in the Z2 direction on the crest 114a of the movable gear 114.

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

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

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

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

In addition, the rack member 113 and lock pin 111 can also be moved and unlocked by pulling the emergency cable 117, as shown in Figures 17A to 17C (see Figures 10A to 10C of embodiment 1).

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

As in embodiment 1, the direction parallel to the motor output shaft is defined as the Y direction, and the direction parallel to the plate-shaped second housing portion 222 and perpendicular to the Y direction is defined as the X direction. The direction parallel to the X and Y directions is defined as the Z direction. The direction in which the motor output shaft extends is defined as the Y1 direction, and the X1, X2, Y2, Z1, and Z2 directions are defined based on the Y1 direction, as in embodiments 1 and 2.

Figure 18 is a perspective view of the locking device 201. As shown in Figure 18, the locking device 201 includes a locking pin 211 and a housing 212 through which the locking pin 211 is inserted. The housing 212 has a first housing portion 221 and a second housing portion 222. The first housing portion 221 is box-shaped with one side open. The second housing portion 222 is plate-shaped and is positioned to cover the opening of the first housing portion 221.

Figure 19 is an oblique view of the locking device 201 with the first housing portion 221 removed, viewed from the Z2 side. Figure 20 is a side view of the locking device 201 with the first housing portion 221 removed, viewed from the Y1 side. The emergency cable 217 has been omitted from Figure 20 for clarity.

As shown in FIG. 19 , the locking device 201 includes the lock pin 211 described above, the housing 212 described above, a rack member 213, a movable gear 114, a drive unit 115, a detection switch 216, and an emergency cable 217 (an example of a cable member). The lock pin 211 is movable along the X direction from a locked position P1, which restricts movement of the object, to an unlocked position P2, which releases the restriction on movement of the object. The movement direction of the lock pin 211 in this embodiment 3 is the X direction, which differs from the movement direction of the lock pins 11, 111 in embodiments 1 and 2, which is the Z direction. For example, in the lock pins 11, 111 of embodiments 1 and 2, if the locking device 1, 101 is positioned so that the second housing portion 22, 122 is positioned horizontally, the lock pins 11, 111 move vertically. On the other hand, in this embodiment 3, if the locking device 201 is positioned so that the second housing portion 222 is positioned horizontally, the lock pin 211 moves horizontally.

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

The arrangement of the drive unit 115 and the moving gear 114 is the same as in embodiment 2, as shown in Figure 19, so a detailed description will be omitted.

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

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

As shown in Figures 19 and 20, the rack member 213 is disposed between the movable gear 114 and the second housing portion 222. Since the drive unit 115 has the same arrangement and configuration in both embodiments 2 and 3, the housing 112 of embodiment 2 has a third space S3 between the movable gear 114 and the second housing portion 122, as shown in Figure 12B, in which the rack member 213 can be disposed. By disposing a rack member in the third space S3 in Figure 12B, the movement direction of the lock pin in embodiment 2 can be changed to the movement direction of the lock pin in embodiment 3. In other words, the movement direction of the lock pin can be changed between embodiments 2 and 3 while using the same housing.

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

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

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

The pin fitting portion 244 is provided at the end of the main body portion 241 on the X2 direction side. The lock pin 211 is fitted into the pin fitting portion 244 so that it can slide in the Y direction. The pin fitting portion 244 has a restricting portion 246 and a protrusion portion 247. The restricting portion 246 is a planar portion that is arranged approximately perpendicular to the X direction. As shown in Figure 21A, the restricting portion 246 is arranged on the X1 direction side of the head portion 211b. This restricts movement of the lock pin 211 in the X1 direction.

The protrusion 247 is located at the end of the restricting portion 246 on the Z1 side. The protrusion 247 has a first portion 247a extending from the restricting portion 246 in the X2 direction, and a second portion 247b extending from the X2 end of the first portion 247a in the Z2 direction.

The restricting portion 246 and the protrusion 247 surround an arrangement space 244a in which the head portion 211b of the lock pin 211 is positioned.

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

As shown in FIG. 21B, the cable engagement portion 245 is provided on the X1 side of the main body portion 241. The cable engagement portion 245 is disposed at the X1 end of the fourth side wall 254. A through hole 258, into which the emergency cable 217 is inserted, is formed between the cable engagement portion 245 and the Z1 end of the fourth side wall 254.

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

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

As shown in FIG. 21B, the emergency cable 217 has a cable portion 217a and a tip portion 217b. The cable portion 217a is inserted into the through-hole 258. The tip portion 217b is located at the end of the cable portion 217a on the X2 side. The tip portion 217b is spherical and has a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the cable portion 217a. The tip portion 217b is located on the X2 side of the cable engagement portion 245.

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

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

In this way, the rack gear 243 and the moving gear 214 mesh together, causing the rack member 213 to move as the moving gear 214 rotates. Details of this movement will be described later.

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

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

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

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

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

As shown in FIG. 22 , the second housing portion 222 has a plate-shaped portion 222a and a fixing portion 222b. The plate-shaped portion 222a is positioned to cover the opening formed by the Z1-side end of the first side surface portion 261, the Z1-side end of the second side surface portion 262, the Z1-side end of the third side surface portion 263, and the Z1-side end of the fourth side surface portion 264. The fixing portion 222b is the portion that is fixed to the vehicle body of the locking device 201. The fixing portions 222b are the X2-side ends of the plate-shaped portion 222a, and are positioned at both ends in the Y direction.

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

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

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

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

When the motor 130 is driven to move the lock pin 211 from the state shown in Figure 23A to the unlocked position P2, the movable gear 214 rotates. At the meshing portion between the movable gear 214 and the rack gear 243, a force acts in the X1 direction on the crest 214a of the movable gear 214.

As a force acts in the X1 direction on the peaks 214a of the movable gear 214, the rack gear 243 is also pushed in the X1 direction; however, as shown in FIG. 23A, movement in the X1 direction is restricted by the restricting portion 270 and the first guide portion 271. Therefore, the peaks 243a of the rack member 213 are pushed in the Y1 direction along the slope of the peaks 114a of the movable gear 114 (see arrow E). This causes the rack member 213 to move in the Y1 direction, guided by the first guide portion 271, to the second position Q2 shown in FIG. 23B. The second side wall 252 of the rack member 213 abuts against the first restricting wall 281 shown in FIG. 23A, restricting movement of the rack member 213 in the Y1 direction from the second position Q2.

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

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

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

In addition, the rack member 213 and lock pin 211 can also be moved and unlocked by pulling the emergency cable 217, as shown in Figures 23A to 23D (see Figures 10A to 10C of embodiment 1).

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

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

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

In this way, because the peaks 43a, 143a, 243a (an example of a first peak) of the rack gear 43, 143, 243 and the peaks 14a, 114a (an example of a second peak) of the movable gear 14, 114 are inclined, driving the movable gear 14, 114 can move the rack member 13, 113, 213 from a first position Q1, where the lock pin 11, 111, 211 remains in the locked position P1, to a second position Q2, where the lock pin 11, 111, 211 can move to the locked position P1. Therefore, driving the movable gear 14, 114 can move the lock pin 11, 111, 211 to the unlocked position P2.

In the locking devices 1, 101, 201 of the first to third embodiments, the locking pins 11, 111, 211 are fitted to the rack members 13, 113, 213 so as to be relatively movable in the direction of arrow D. This allows the rack members 13, 113, 213 to be moved relative to the locking pins 11, 111, 211 with a simple configuration, reducing the number of parts and enabling the locking devices 1, 101, 201 to be made more compact.

In the locking devices 1, 101, 201 of embodiments 1 to 3, the lock pins 11, 111, 211 can be moved to the unlock position P2 using emergency cables 17, 117, 217, forcibly releasing the lock. Because helical gears are used as the moving gears 14, 114 and worm gears are not used in the drive units as in conventional devices, the operating load of the cable members can be reduced. Note that in this embodiment, worm gears are not used in any of the gears in the drive units 15, 115.

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

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

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

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

In the locking devices 101, 201 of embodiments 2 and 3, a second space S2 (Figures 13 and 19) in which the rack member 113 can be placed is provided between the inner surface of the housing 112, 212, which faces the motor 130 across the movable gear 14, 114, and the movable gear 114.

By providing this second space S2, it is possible to standardize parts even when the protruding directions of the lock pin 11 are different, such as in the locking device 101 of embodiment 2 and the locking device 201 of embodiment 3.

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

By providing this third space S3, it is possible to standardize parts even when the protruding directions of the lock pin 11 are different, such as in the locking device 101 of embodiment 2 and the locking device 201 of embodiment 3.

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

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

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

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

The locking device of the present invention has the effect of holding the lock pin in the locked position, and is useful as a device for locking power cables in plug-in hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, etc.

1: Locking device 11: Lock pin 13: Rack member 14: Moving gear 70: Restricting portion 71: First guide portion 72: Second guide portion P1: Lock position P2: Unlock position Q1: First position Q2: Second position Q3: Third position

Claims (9)

a lock pin movable along a first direction from a lock position that restricts movement of the object to an unlock position that releases the restriction on movement of the object;
a rack member having a rack gear and fitted with the lock pin;
a moving gear that meshes with the rack gear and moves the rack member;
a drive unit that drives the moving gear;
a housing that houses the rack member, the moving gear, and the drive unit and through which the lock pin is inserted,
the rack member is movable along a second direction from a first position where the lock pin is held at the locked position to a second position where the lock pin can be moved to the unlocked position, and is movable along the first direction from the second position to a third position where the lock pin is disposed at the unlocked position,
The housing includes:
a restricting portion that restricts movement of the rack member from the first position along the first direction;
a first guide portion that guides movement of the rack member from the first position to the second position along the second direction;
a second guide portion that guides movement of the rack member from the second position to the third position along the first direction,
By driving the moving gear, the rack member is guided by the first guide section from the first position to the second position, and is guided by the second guide section from the second position to the third position.
Locking device. the rack gear has a plurality of first tooth portions arranged side by side in the first direction,
Each of the first peaks is inclined toward the opposite side to the first direction as it extends in the second direction,
the movable gear has a plurality of second teeth,
The second crest is inclined so as to be parallel to the first crest when meshing with the first crest.
The locking device according to claim 1 . The lock pin is fitted to the rack member so as to be relatively movable in the second direction.
3. The locking device according to claim 1 or 2. a cable member that moves the lock pin from the locked position to the unlocked position;
The moving gear is a helical gear.
The locking device according to claim 1 . the rack member has an engaging portion that engages with an end portion of the cable member,
The engagement portion is
a third guide portion for moving the rack member from the first position to the second position along the second direction in accordance with movement of the end portion of the cable member in the first direction;
a locking portion for moving the rack member from the second position to the third position along the first direction,
5. The locking device according to claim 4. The third guide portion is inclined toward the opposite side to the first direction as it advances in the second direction.
The locking device according to claim 5. The drive unit is
a motor arranged in parallel with the moving gear;
a transmission unit that transmits the output of the motor to the moving gear,
a first space in which the rack member can be disposed is provided between the motor and the movable gear;
The locking device according to claim 1 . The drive unit is
a motor disposed in parallel with the movable gear and serving as a drive source for the movable gear;
a second space in which the rack member can be disposed is provided between the movable gear and an inner surface of the housing facing the motor across the movable gear;
The locking device according to claim 1 . The drive unit is
a motor arranged in parallel with the moving gear;
a transmission unit that transmits the output of the motor to the moving gear,
a third space in which the rack member can be disposed is provided between the movable gear and one of a pair of inner surfaces of the housing that are arranged opposite to an imaginary plane including the motor and the movable gear that are arranged in parallel;
The locking device according to claim 1 .