Vehicle door lock apparatus

This application claims the priority benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-183897 filed on Sep. 21, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

The present invention relates to a vehicle door lock apparatus.

Japanese Patent No. 4163490 and its UK counterpart GB 2396656 (Patent Literature 1) disclose a known vehicle door lock apparatus that includes a housing, a fork (latch plate), and a pawl (locking plate).

The housing includes a body (latch unit comprising a plastics body) and an actuator housing (actuator unit comprising a plastics housing). The body is fixed to a door that is openable and closable with respect to a vehicle frame (side wall). The actuator housing is affixed to (mounted on) the body. An entry opening (slot), into which a striker fixed to the vehicle frame can enter, is formed in the body. The fork (latch plate) is pivotably provided in the body. The fork is displaceable to a latched position, where the fork retains the striker in the entry opening, and to an unlatched position, where the fork allows the striker to separate from the entry opening. The pawl (locking plate) is pivotably provided in the body. The pawl fixes or releases the fork.

This known vehicle door lock apparatus includes a first sub-lever, a second sub-lever, a locking/unlocking lever, a knob lever, a linkage lever (straightly movable rack lever), and a detecting lever. The first sub-lever, the second sub-lever, the locking/unlocking lever, and the detecting lever are provided in the body. The knob lever and the linkage lever are provided in the actuator housing.

The first and second sub-levers are displaced in response to an opening operation being performed on a door handle, come into contact with an open lever that is fixed to the pawl (locking plate) so as to integrally pivot therewith, and are capable of causing the pawl (locking plate) to release the fork.

The locking/unlocking lever is capable of being displaced to a locked position, where the locking/unlocking lever retains the first and second sub-levers in a lock position where the first and second sub-levers are unable to come into contact with the open lever, and to an unlocked position, where the locking/unlocking lever does not retain the first and second sub-levers in the lock position. In the unlocked position, the locking/unlocking lever enables (allows) displacement of the fork located in the latched position to the unlatched position. In the locked position, the locking/unlocking lever disables displacement of the fork located in the latched position to the unlatched position.

The knob lever is coupled to a locking/unlocking door knob. The linkage lever (straightly movable rack lever) is disposed between the knob lever and the locking/unlocking lever. The knob lever pivots in response to an unlocking operation being performed on the locking/unlocking door knob to pull down the linkage lever and displaces the locking/unlocking lever from the locking position to the unlocking position. The knob lever pushes up the linkage lever in response to a locking operation being performed on the locking/unlocking knob and displaces the locking/unlocking lever from the unlocking position to the locking position.

An arm portion, a stopper portion, and a detecting projection are formed in the detecting lever. The arm portion is guided in a cam groove of the fork, whereby the detecting lever is linked (interlocked) with the fork and is displaceable from an unblocking position corresponding to the latched position to a blocking position corresponding to the unlatched position and vice versa. In the unblocking position, the detecting lever separates from the locking/unlocking lever. In the blocking position, the detecting lever contacts and stops, via the stopper portion, the locking/unlocking lever located in the unlocking position and inhibits (prevents, blocks) the locking/unlocking lever from being displaced to the locking position. Further, the detecting lever detects whether the fork is located in the latched position or in the unlatched position and the detecting projection disconnects or connects a switch.

In this known vehicle door lock apparatus, when the fork is located in the unlatched position, the locking/unlocking lever located in the unlocking position contacts and is stopped by the detecting lever that has been displaced to the blocking position so that the locking/unlocking lever is inhibited (blocked) from being displaced to the locking position. In this state, even if a user (vehicle occupant) attempts to perform a locking operation in which the knob lever would normally pivot, pivoting of the knob lever is prevented (blocked) by the linkage lever, the locking/unlocking lever, and the detecting lever. As a result, the locking operation attempted by the user is prevented.

However, in this known vehicle door lock apparatus, since the pivoting of the knob lever is prevented (blocked) by three components (i.e. the linkage lever, the locking/unlocking lever, and the detecting lever), rattling among the components tends to accumulate and it is difficult to improve blocking rigidity (stiffness, resistance) with respect to the knob lever.

Furthermore, the detecting lever of this known vehicle door lock apparatus must perform the functions of (i) linking with the fork, (ii) contacting and stopping (blocking) the locking/unlocking lever, (iii) detecting the position of the fork and (iv) disconnecting or connecting the switch. Therefore, the fork, the locking/unlocking lever, the detecting lever, and the switch have to be disposed in positions close to one another, whereby it becomes difficult to design a vehicle door lock apparatus so that the thickness of the vehicle door lock apparatus in the vehicle inward-outward direction can be reduced.

In view of these circumstances, it is an object of the present teachings to provide an improved vehicle door lock apparatus that can improve blocking rigidity (stiffness, resistance) with respect to a third lever when the fork is located in the unlatched position and/or can achieve a reduction in thickness in the vehicle inward-outward direction.

A vehicle door lock apparatus of the present invention may include, e.g.:

a housing fixed to a door that is openable and closable with respect to a vehicle frame, the housing having an entry opening, into which a striker fixed to the vehicle frame can enter;

a fork pivotably provided in the housing and that is displaceable to a latched position, where the fork retains the striker in the entry opening, and to an unlatched position, where the fork allows the striker to separate from the entry opening;

a pawl pivotably provided in the housing, the pawl fixing or releasing the fork;

a first lever provided in the housing and that is displaceable in response to an opening operation being performed on a door handle to act on the pawl and is capable of causing the pawl to release the fork;

a second lever provided in the housing and that is displaceable to a locking position, where the second lever retains the first lever in a locked position where the first lever is unable to act on the pawl, and to an unlocking position where the second lever does not retain the first lever in the locked position, wherein, in the unlocking position, the second lever enables (allows) displacement of the fork located in the latched position to the unlatched position and, in the locking position, the second lever disables (prevents, blocks) displacement of the fork located in the latched position to the unlatched position;

a third lever provided in the housing, the third lever displacing the second lever from the locking position to the unlocking position in response to an unlocking operation being performed on a lock operator and displacing the second lever from the unlocking position to the locking position in response to a locking operation being performed on the lock operator;

a fourth lever provided in the housing, the fourth lever being linked (interlocked) with the fork to be displaceable to an unblocking position corresponding to the latched position and to a blocking position corresponding to the unlatched position, wherein, in the unblocking position, the fourth lever is separated (spaced apart) from the second lever, and, in the blocking position, the fourth lever contacts and stops (blocks) the second lever located in the unlocking position and thereby inhibits (prevents, blocks) the second lever from being displaced to the locking position; and

a fifth lever provided in the housing, the fifth lever being linked (interlocked) with the fourth lever, detecting whether the fork is located in the latched position or the unlatched position, and disconnecting or connecting a switch.

Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the embodiments disclosed in the following description and the attached drawings, the illustrations exemplified in the drawings, and the general concept or gist of the invention disclosed in the entire description and drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle door lock apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present teachings.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vehicle door lock apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a latch housing and a latch mechanism of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the latch housing and the latch mechanism.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the latch housing, a back plate, and a fork following lever.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a first housing and an actuating mechanism.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the first housing and the actuating mechanism.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the first housing.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second housing.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a worm wheel, an inside (“I/S”) lock lever, and a linearly moving lock lever.

FIG. 11 is another front view of the first housing and the actuating mechanism.

FIG. 12 is a first schematic view for explaining the operations of an outside O/S (“O/S”) open lever, an inertial lever, a fork, and a pawl.

FIG. 13 is a second schematic view for explaining the operations of the O/S open lever, the inertial lever, the fork, and the pawl.

FIG. 14 is a third schematic view for explaining the operations of the O/S open lever, the inertial lever, the fork, and the pawl.

FIG. 15 is a fourth schematic view for explaining the operations of the O/S open lever, the inertial lever, the fork, and the pawl.

FIG. 16 is a schematic view for explaining the operations of an adjuster switch (“SW”) lever and a first switch.

FIG. 17 is a schematic view for explaining the operations of an O/S lock lever and a second switch.

FIG. 18A is a side view showing the fork located in a latched position, the fork following lever located in an unblocking position, a linearly moving lock lever located in an unlocking position, etc.

FIG. 18B is a view showing the fork located in the latched position, the fork following lever located in the unblocking position, the linearly moving lock lever located in the unlocking position, etc.

FIG. 19A is a side view showing the fork located in an unlatched position, the fork following lever located in a blocking position, the linearly moving lock lever located in the unlocking position, etc.

FIG. 19B is a view showing the fork located in the unlatched position, the fork following lever located in the blocking position, the linearly moving lock lever located in the unlocking position, etc.

FIG. 20 is a schematic view for explaining the positional relationship of a door handle relative to a transmission rod in an embodiment in which the vehicle door lock apparatus of the first embodiment is mounted on, for example, a front door.

FIG. 21 is a schematic view for explaining the positional relationship of the door handle relative to the transmission rod in an embodiment in which the vehicle door lock apparatus of the first embodiment is mounted on, for example, a rear door.

First Embodiment

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a vehicle door lock apparatus 1 (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “door lock apparatus 1 ”) according to a representative, non-limiting first embodiment of the present teachings. As shown, e.g., in FIGS. 20 and 21 , the door lock apparatus 1 is configured to be affixed (attached) to a door (A 1 , A 2 ) that is openable and closable relative to a vehicle frame (chassis) of a vehicle, such as an automobile, a bus, a commercial vehicle, a truck, etc. By retaining (latching or holding) a striker that is affixed to the vehicle frame, the door lock apparatus 1 is capable of retaining (holding) the door closed with respect to the vehicle frame.

In FIGS. 1 and 2 , the door lock apparatus 1 is configured to be disposed on the inside at the rear end of the door provided on the left side surface of the vehicle frame. It is noted that, when another door lock apparatus 1 is affixed to the rear end of the door provided on the right side surface of the vehicle frame, the two door lock apparatuses 1 will be disposed in a mirror image state. In addition or in the alternative, the door lock apparatus 1 according to the present teachings can be provided in (on) a tail gate, or another portion of the vehicle.

The front-rear direction and the up-down direction shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are based on the front-rear (longitudinal) direction and the up-down (vertical or height) direction of the vehicle. The vehicle inward-outward (lateral) direction shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is based on a person sitting in the cabin of the vehicle. The left surface side of the vehicle is set as the vehicle exterior and the opposite side is set as the vehicle interior. The front-rear direction, the up-down direction, and the vehicle inward-outward direction shown in FIG. 3 and the reference directions shown in the subsequent Figures correspond to the reference directions shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 .

As shown in FIG. 1 , an exterior door handle H 1 and a key cylinder H 2 are disposed on the outer surface of a not-shown door, to which the door lock apparatus 1 is affixed. An interior door lock knob H 3 and an interior door handle H 4 are disposed on the inner surface of the door that is exposed to (faces) the cabin of the vehicle. The exterior door handle H 1 and the interior door handle H 4 are representative, non-limiting examples of a “door handle” according to the present teachings. The interior door lock knob H 3 and the key cylinder H 2 are representative, non-limiting examples of a “lock operator” according to the present teachings.

An upper end portion of a transmission rod C 1 is operably coupled to the exterior door handle H 1 . The door lock apparatus 1 is disposed downward of the exterior door handle H 1 on the inside of the door (A 1 , A 2 ), as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 . A lower end portion of the transmission rod C 1 is operably coupled to an outside (“O/S”) open lever 20 of the door lock apparatus 1 .

The key cylinder H 2 is retained so as to be rotatable integrally with a key-cylinder retainer C 2 A, which is rotatably (turnably) provided at (in) the upper end portion of the door lock apparatus 1 . As shown in FIG. 2 , the upper end of a link rod C 2 B is operably coupled to the key-cylinder retainer C 2 A. The lower end of the link rod C 2 B is connected to an outside (“O/S”) lock lever 30 , which will explained below with reference to FIG. 6 , etc., via a link lever C 2 C.

As shown in FIG. 1 , a first end of a transmission cable C 3 is connected to the interior door lock knob H 3 . A first end of a transmission cable C 4 is connected to the interior door handle H 4 . As shown in FIG. 2 , a second end of the transmission cable C 3 is drawn into the door lock apparatus 1 and connected to an inside (“I/S”) lock lever 35 , which will be explained below with reference to FIG. 6 , etc. A second end of the transmission cable C 4 is drawn into the door lock apparatus 1 and connected to an inside (“I/S”) open lever 25 , which will also be explained below with reference to FIG. 6 , etc.

The door lock apparatus 1 includes a latch housing 9 , as shown in FIGS. 1-5 , and an actuating housing 7 , as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 6-9 . As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the actuating housing 7 is assembled onto (joined to) the latch housing 9 . The latch housing 9 and the actuating housing 7 are representative, non-limiting examples of a “housing” according to the present teachings.

As shown, e.g., in FIGS. 7-9 , the actuating housing 7 includes a first housing 70 and a second housing 80 , each made of resin. As shown in FIG. 8 , the first housing 70 includes a first peripheral edge section 73 surrounding a first base wall 71 . As shown in FIG. 9 , the second housing 80 includes a second peripheral edge section 83 surrounding a second base wall 81 . The second housing 80 is assembled onto (joined to) the first housing 70 by disposing the first base wall 71 opposite to the second base wall 81 and welding the first peripheral edge section 73 to the second peripheral edge section 83 , whereby a housing chamber 7 A is formed in the interior of the actuating housing 7 . An actuating mechanism 6 , as shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 10-19 , is housed in the housing chamber 7 A.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the latch housing 9 includes a third housing 90 made of resin, as well as a base plate 99 and a back plate 98 , which are each made from steel plate. A fork pivot shaft 11 S and a pawl pivot shaft 12 S are inserted through the third housing 90 . The base plate 99 is disposed behind the third housing 90 . The back plate 98 is disposed in front of the third housing 90 . The rear end portions of the fork pivot shaft 11 S and the pawl pivot shaft 12 S are respectively crimped and thereby affixed to the base plate 99 . The front end portions of the fork pivot shaft 11 S and the pawl pivot shaft 12 S are respectively crimped and thereby affixed to the back plate 98 , whereby a latch chamber 9 A is formed in the interior of the latch housing 9 . A latch mechanism 8 , as shown in FIGS. 2, 4 , and 12 - 15 , is housed in the latch chamber 9 A.

As shown in FIGS. 6-8 , first and second supports 76 P and 76 Q are formed in (on) the first housing 70 . The first support 76 P projects from the first base wall 71 near a rear and upper end portion in the first peripheral edge section 73 of the first housing 70 . The second support 76 Q projects from the first base wall 71 near a rear and lower end portion in the first peripheral edge section 73 of the first housing 70 . The first and second supports 76 P and 76 Q each extend toward the second base wall 81 of the second housing 80 .

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , first and second insertion-through holes 96 P and 96 Q are formed in the third housing 90 . The first insertion-through hole 96 P penetrates through the upper end of the third housing 90 in the vehicle inward-outward direction. The second insertion-through hole 96 Q penetrates through the lower end of the third housing 90 in the vehicle inward-outward direction.

As shown in FIG. 9 , first and second slip-off preventing parts 86 P and 86 Q are formed as recesses (holes) in the second housing 80 . The first slip-off preventing part 86 P is a recess (hole) formed near a rear and upper end of the second peripheral edge section 83 of the second housing 80 . The first slip-off preventing part 86 P is aligned with the distal end of the first support 76 P. The second slip-off preventing part 86 Q is a recess (hole) formed near a rear and lower end of the second peripheral edge section 83 of the second housing 80 . The second slip-off preventing part 86 Q is aligned with the distal end of the second support 76 Q.

Before the second housing 80 is assembled onto the first housing 70 , the third housing 90 is provisionally assembled (mounted) onto the first housing 70 . As shown, e.g., in FIG. 8 , the first housing 70 includes a groove-like guide 71 J formed in the rear end portion of the first base wall 71 . As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , a rib 90 J protrudes from an upper end face of the third housing 90 towards the vehicle exterior. By moving the third housing 90 towards to the first housing 70 while guiding the rib 90 J into the guide 71 J, the third housing 90 can be provisionally assembled with the first housing 70 in the proper position (orientation).

As a result, the intermediate segment of the first support 76 P of the first housing 70 is inserted through the first insertion-through hole 96 P of the third housing 90 . Similarly, the intermediate segment of the second support 76 Q of the first housing 70 is inserted through the second insertion-through hole 96 Q of the third housing 90 .

Subsequently, when the second housing 80 is assembled (mounted) onto the first housing 70 , the distal end of the first support 76 P of the first housing 70 is fit into the first slip-off preventing part 86 P of the second housing 80 . The distal end of the second support 76 Q of the first housing 70 is fit into the second slip-off preventing part 86 Q of the second housing 80 . The first peripheral edge section 73 of the first housing 70 and the second peripheral edge section 83 of the second housing 80 are welded together, whereby the third housing 90 is joined to the first housing 70 and the second housing 80 .

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 , a plurality of fixing holes 99 H and an entry opening 99 A are formed in the base plate 99 . Not-shown set screws are inserted through the rear end face of the door and are respectively screwed into the fixing holes 99 H of the base plate 99 , whereby the door lock apparatus 1 is affixed to the door such that the entry opening 99 A is exposed to the rear end face of the door. When the door lock apparatus 1 moves in accordance with the opening and closing of the door, the striker affixed to the vehicle frame separates (exits) from or enters the entry opening 99 A.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the latch mechanism 8 includes a fork 11 and a pawl 12 . The fork 11 is pivotably supported by a fork pivot shaft 11 S, which is disposed above the entry opening 99 A. A torsion coil spring 11 T is attached to the fork pivot shaft 11 S. The pawl 12 is pivotably supported by the pawl pivot shaft 12 S, which is disposed below the entry opening 99 A. A torsion coil spring 12 T is attached to the pawl pivot shaft 12 S.

As shown in FIG. 12 , the fork 11 is urged (biased) by the torsion coil spring 11 T so as to pivot about the fork pivot shaft 11 S in the direction D 11 . The portion of the fork 11 that is located on the side of the entry opening 99 A has an inner convex segment 11 A and an outer convex segment 11 B. A striker S 1 , which is shown in FIG. 12 as having entered into the entry opening 99 A, fits in a cutout 11 C formed between the inner convex segment 11 A and the outer convex segment 11 B. In the state shown in FIG. 12 , the fork 11 retains the striker S 1 at the bottom of the entry opening 99 A. A latch surface 11 D configured to come into contact with a stopper surface 12 A, which will be explained below, is formed at (on) the distal end of the inner convex segment 11 A that faces the pawl 12 .

The pawl 12 is urged (biased) by the torsion coil spring 12 T so as to pivot about the pawl pivot shaft 12 S in the direction D 12 and holds the posture (orientation) shown in FIG. 12 .

The stopper surface 12 A is formed in (on) a portion of the pawl 12 that is directed towards the bottom of the entry opening 99 A in the orientation shown in FIG. 12 . The stopper surface 12 A is formed so as to face the latch surface 11 D. An arc forming the stopper surface 12 A is cut on the side that faces the fork 11 . A sliding surface 12 C that extends towards the pawl pivot shaft 12 S is formed starting from the part (location) where the arc is cut. A contact convex portion 12 B is formed on the pawl 12 on the side that is opposite of the stopper surface 12 A across the pawl pivot shaft 12 S. As shown in FIG. 4 , the contact convex portion 12 B projects forward and has a columnar shape. As shown in FIG. 3 , the front end of the contact convex portion 12 B projects frontward from the latch chamber 9 A through the third housing 90 and enters the housing chamber 7 A.

Referring again to FIG. 12 , when the fork 11 retains (holds) the striker S 1 at the bottom of the entry opening 99 A, the stopper surface 12 A comes into contact with the latch surface 11 D of the inner convex segment 11 A, whereby the pawl 12 prevents the fork 11 from pivoting in the direction D 11 . The position of the fork 11 shown in FIG. 12 is the latched position that holds the striker S 1 in the entry opening 99 A.

As shown in FIG. 13 , when an inertial lever 29 , which will be explained below, comes into contact with the contact convex portion 12 B of the pawl 12 and pushes the contact convex portion 12 B up, the pawl 12 pivots about the pawl pivot shaft 12 S in the direction opposite of the direction D 12 by overcoming the urging force of the torsion coil spring 12 T. At this time, since the stopper surface 12 A separates from the latch surface 11 D, the pawl 12 no longer blocks the pivoting movement of the fork 11 . Therefore, the fork 11 pivots about the fork pivot shaft 11 S in the direction D 11 due to the urging force of the torsion coil spring 11 T so as to displace to the unlatched position, where the striker S 1 is permitted (released) to move out of (exit) the entry opening 99 A.

Conversely, when the striker S 1 enters the entry opening 99 A, the striker S 1 pushes against the outer convex segment 11 B, thereby causing the fork 11 to pivot in the direction opposite of the direction D 11 and to return from the unlatched position shown in FIG. 13 to the latched position shown in FIG. 12 . At this time, the distal end of the outer convex segment 11 B and then the distal end of the inner convex portion 11 A sequentially come into slide-contact with the sliding surface 12 C. When the inner convex segment 11 A separates from the sliding surface 12 C, the pawl 12 pivots in the direction D 12 and returns to the original posture shown in FIG. 12 . Therefore, the stopper surface 12 A comes into contact with the latch surface 11 D and fixes the pivoting movement of the fork 11 in the latched position. As a result, the latch mechanism 8 holds the door closed with respect to the vehicle frame.

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 , a fork following lever pivot shaft 59 S projects forward from an upper part of the surface of the third housing 90 that is on the side of the housing chamber 7 A. A fork following lever 59 is pivotably supported by (on) the fork following lever pivot shaft 59 S. The fork following lever 59 is a representative, non-limiting example of a “fourth lever” according to the present teachings.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , an actuated (passive) convex portion 59 A having a substantially columnar shape is formed at one end portion of the fork following lever 59 . In the third housing 90 , an opening 90 H penetrates in the front-rear direction near the fork following lever pivot shaft 59 S. The actuated convex portion 59 A projects rearward, passes through the opening 90 H and enters the latch chamber 9 A.

As shown in FIGS. 12 to 15 , the distal end portion of the actuated convex portion 59 A is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the fork 11 in the latch chamber 9 A.

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 , except for the distal end portion of the actuated convex portion 59 A, the fork following lever 59 is housed in the housing chamber 7 A. An actuating convex portion 59 B and a contact portion 58 are formed at (on) the other end portion of the fork following lever 59 . The actuating convex portion 59 B projects forward in a substantially columnar shape. The distal end portion of the actuating convex portion 59 B is rounded in a hemispherical shape. The contact portion 58 projects forward in a substantially columnar shape to a position that is spaced farther from the fork following lever pivot shaft 59 S than the actuating convex portion 59 B. The lower end surface of the contact portion 58 extends substantially flat in the front-rear direction. A convex portion 58 A projects downward from an intermediate portion of the lower end surface.

As shown in FIGS. 12 to 15 , because the actuated convex portion 59 A is in slide contact with the outer peripheral surface of the fork 11 as (while) the fork 11 displaces from the latched position to the unlatched position and vice versa, the fork following lever 59 pivots in an interlocked (linked) manner with the fork 11 and displaces from a blocking position to an unblocking position and vice versa.

More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 12, 14, and 15 , when the fork 11 is displaced to the latched position, the actuated convex portion 59 A is displaced downward to approach the fork pivot shaft 11 S. Consequently, the fork following lever 59 is displaced to the unblocking position shown in FIGS. 3, 6, 11, 16, 18A and 18B and displaces (pushes) the contact portion 58 upward.

As shown in FIG. 13 , when the fork 11 is displaced to the unlatched position, the actuated convex portion 59 A is displaced upward to be spaced farther apart from the fork pivot shaft 11 S. Consequently, the fork following lever 59 is displaced to the blocking position shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B and displaces the contact portion 58 downward.

As shown in FIGS. 6, 7, 10 and 11 , the actuating mechanism 6 includes the O/S open lever 20 , the I/S open lever 25 , the inertial lever 29 , the O/S lock lever 30 , the I/S lock lever 35 , a linearly moving lock lever 40 , an electric motor Ml, a worm wheel 39 , an adjuster switch (SW) lever 50 , a first switch SW 1 , a second switch SW 2 , a third switch SW 3 , and a plurality of terminals T 1 . These components are all housed in the housing chamber 7 A except for (i) one end portion of the O/S open lever 20 that projects to the outside of the actuating housing 7 as shown in FIG. 1 and (ii) projecting end portions of the plurality of terminals T 1 that project toward a connector 80 C shown in FIG. 2 . The fork following lever 59 also constitutes a part of the actuating mechanism 6 .

The inertial lever 29 is a representative, non-limiting example of a “first lever” according to the present teachings. The linearly moving lock lever 40 is a representative, non-limiting example of a “second lever” according to the present teachings. The O/S lock lever 30 and the I/S lock lever 35 are representative, non-limiting examples of a “third lever” according to the present teachings. The adjuster SW lever 50 is a representative, non-limiting example of a “fifth lever” according to the present teachings. The first switch SW 1 is a representative, non-limiting example of a “switch” according to the present teachings.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , the first housing 70 includes an outside (“O/S”) open lever pivot shaft 20 S that projects rearward at (from) a rear and lower portion of the first base wall 71 .

As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 , a first shaft 75 P is formed in (on) a rear and lower part of the first base wall 71 of the first housing 70 . A second shaft 75 Q is formed in (on) a part of the first base wall 71 that is farther forward than the first shaft 75 P. A third shaft 75 R and a fourth shaft 75 S are formed in (on) a part located substantially in the center of the first base wall 71 . The first shaft 75 P, the second shaft 75 Q, the third shaft 75 R, and the fourth shaft 75 S respectively extend toward the second base wall 81 of the second housing 80 .

The O/S open lever 20 is pivotably supported by the O/S open lever pivot shaft 20 S. As shown in FIG. 7 , a torsion coil spring 20 T is attached to the O/S open lever pivot shaft 20 S. As shown in FIG. 12 , the O/S open lever 20 is urged (biased) by the torsion coil spring 20 T so as to pivot about the O/S open lever pivot shaft 20 S in the direction D 20 .

As shown in FIG. 8 , a fitting groove 24 is formed as a recess in the O/S open lever pivot shaft 20 S. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 , a shaft receptacle 94 , in which a fitting plate 94 L is provided, is formed in the third housing 90 . Although not shown in the Figures, the fitting groove 24 of the O/S open lever pivot shaft 20 S fits with the fitting plate 94 L of the shaft receptacle 94 , whereby the O/S open lever 20 is prevented from slipping off from the O/S open lever pivot shaft 20 S.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 12 , a first end of the O/S open lever 20 projects outward of the actuating housing 7 . The lower end of the transmission rod C 1 is coupled to this first end.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the inertial lever 29 is supported by a second end 20 B of the O/S open lever 20 so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis X 29 that extends in the front-rear direction. The inertial lever 29 is urged (biased) by a torsion coil spring 29 T (shown in FIG. 7 ) to pivot about the pivot axis X 29 in the direction D 29 shown in FIG. 12 .

When the exterior door handle H 1 is operated (e.g., manually pulled) to open the door and the transmission rod C 1 has moved downward as shown in FIG. 13 , the first end of the O/S open lever 20 that is linked to the transmission rod C 1 is pushed down too. The O/S open lever 20 pivots in the direction opposite of the direction D 20 , thereby raising the inertial lever 29 .

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the I/S open lever 25 is pivotably supported by the first shaft 75 P. The second end of the transmission cable C 4 (see FIGS. 1 and 2 ) is operably coupled to one end 25 A of the I/S open lever 25 that is spaced downward from the first shaft 75 P. That is, the I/S open lever 25 is operably coupled to the interior door handle H 4 via the transmission cable C 4 .

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , an operating part 25 B is formed on a part above the one end 25 A of the I/S open lever 25 . The I/S open lever 25 pivots counterclockwise when the interior door handle H 4 is operated (e.g., manually pulled) to open the door. Consequently, the operating part 25 B pushes the other end 20 B of the O/S open lever 20 up and raises the inertial lever 29 .

As shown in FIG. 8 , the first housing 70 includes an adjuster switch (“SW”) lever pivot shaft (rounded portion) 50 S that projects from an upper portion of the first base wall 71 toward the vehicle interior. An outside (“O/S”) lock lever pivot shaft 30 S projects from the end face of the adjuster SW lever pivot shaft 50 S toward the vehicle interior.

More specifically, the adjuster SW lever pivot shaft 50 S is a substantially columnar body, and an at least substantially annular first guide surface 61 is formed (defined) on the outer circumference thereof. The first guide surface 61 is constituted by a cylindrical surface and by curved surfaces that slightly swell (bulge, protrude) from (at) a plurality of portions of the cylindrical surface.

A spring housing 69 is formed as a recess extending in the vehicle outward direction and is partially defined by a radially-inward side of the first guide surface 61 of the adjuster SW lever pivot shaft 50 S, i.e. the spring housing 69 is located within the upper rear portion of the end face of the adjuster SW lever pivot shaft 50 S. A torsion coil spring 50 T, as shown in FIG. 7 , is housed within the spring housing 69 .

As shown in FIG. 8 , the O/S lock lever pivot shaft 30 S is shaped as a cylindrical body, and a cylindrical second guide surface 62 is formed on the outer circumference thereof. The second guide surface 62 is located farther in the vehicle inward direction than the first guide surface 61 , is radially spaced apart from the adjuster SW lever pivot shaft 50 S and is located below and/or rearward from the spring housing 69 . The outer diameter of the second guide surface 62 is less than one half of the outer diameter of the first guide surface 61 .

As shown, e.g., in FIGS. 16, 18B and 19B , the adjuster SW lever 50 includes a ring 50 C, an input part 50 A, and an output part 50 B. As shown in FIG. 16 , the ring 50 C is rotatably disposed around the first guide surface 61 , whereby the adjuster SW lever 50 is pivotably supported by the adjuster SW lever pivot shaft 50 S. Although not shown in the Figures, one end T 1 of the torsion coil spring 50 T shown in FIG. 7 engages with (in) the ring 50 C. Consequently, in the view shown in FIG. 16 , the adjuster SW lever 50 is urged (biased) in the clockwise direction. The input part 50 A projects rearward from a rear portion on the outer circumferential surface of the ring 50 C. The actuating convex portion 59 B of the fork following lever 59 (see FIGS. 3 and 18B ) is coupled to the input part 50 A. The output part 50 B projects frontward and downward from a front, downward portion of the outer circumferential surface of the ring 50 C and extends to the vicinity of (adjacent to) the first switch SW 1 .

The adjuster SW lever 50 is interlocked (linked) with the fork following lever 59 , detects whether the fork 11 is located in the latched position or the unlatched position, and disconnects or connects (i.e. turns OFF or turns ON) the first switch SW 1 .

More specifically, when the fork following lever 59 follows the movement of the fork 11 to the unlatched position and pivots from the position shown in FIGS. 16 and 18B to the position shown in FIG. 19B , this pivoting movement is transmitted to the adjuster SW lever 50 via the actuating convex portion 59 B. Therefore, the adjuster SW lever 50 pivots from the position shown in FIGS. 16 and 18B to the position shown in FIG. 19B and causes the first switch SW 1 to be turned ON (connected). The position of the adjuster SW lever 50 shown in FIGS. 16 and 18B is an interior light (dome light) OFF position corresponding to the latched position of the fork 11 . The position of the adjuster SW lever 50 shown in FIGS. 6 and 11 also serves as the interior light (dome light) OFF position. The position of the adjuster SW lever 50 shown in FIG. 19B is an interior light (dome light) ON position corresponding to the unlatched position of the fork 11 . The ON/OFF signal provided by the first switch SW 1 is used to turn ON and OFF the vehicle interior light (i.e. the dome light within the passenger cabin of the vehicle).

As shown in FIG. 7 , the O/S lock lever 30 is pivotably supported by the O/S lock lever pivot shaft 30 S. Although not shown in the Figures, a shaft hole (blind hole) is defined within the O/S lock lever 30 and has an inner diameter that is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the second guide surface 62 of the O/S lock lever pivot shaft 30 S. The O/S lock lever pivot shaft 30 S, as shown in FIG. 8 , is inserted into the shaft hole to place the O/S lock lever 30 adjacent to the adjuster SW lever 50 . That is, the adjuster SW lever 50 and the O/S lock lever 30 are thereby stacked (disposed in series) in the vehicle inward-outward direction.

As shown, e.g., in FIGS. 16 and 17 , the O/S lock lever 30 includes a switch engaging part 30 A, an engaging concave segment 30 D, and a coupling shaft 30 J. The switch engaging part 30 A is recessed in the radial inward direction of the O/S lock lever pivot shaft 30 s . A lever of the second switch SW 2 engages in the inside of the switch engaging part 30 A. The engaging concave segment 30 D is recessed in the radial inward direction farther in the vehicle inward direction than the switch engaging part 30 A. The coupling shaft 30 J projects from a surface adjacent to the engaging concave segment 30 D in the vehicle inward direction coaxially with the O/S lock lever pivot shaft 30 S. As shown in FIG. 2 , the coupling shaft 30 J projects to the outside of the second housing 80 . The link lever C 2 C is fixed to the distal end portion of the coupling shaft 30 J so as to be integrally rotatable therewith.

Referring to FIG. 16 , the O/S lock lever 30 pivots counterclockwise in response to a locking operation being performed on the key cylinder H 2 . When the O/S lock lever 30 pivots from the position shown in FIG. 16 to the position shown in FIG. 17 , the O/S lock lever 30 turns ON (connects) the second switch SW 2 . The O/S lock lever 30 pivots clockwise in the view of FIG. 16 in response to an unlocking operation being performed on the key cylinder H 2 and thereby turns OFF (disconnects) the second switch SW 2 . The ON/OFF signal of the second switch SW 2 is used to control locking and unlocking of the door and to ascertain the state of the door lock apparatus 1 .

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the I/S lock lever 35 is pivotably supported by the second shaft 75 Q. The second end of the transmission cable C 3 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 ) is coupled to one end 35 A of the I/S lock lever 35 . That is, the I/S lock lever 35 is operably coupled to the interior door lock knob H 3 via the transmission cable C 3 . The I/S lock lever 35 pivots from the position shown in FIG. 6 to the position shown in FIG. 11 in response to a locking operation being performed on the interior door lock knob H 3 . The I/S lock lever 35 pivots from the position shown in FIG. 11 to the position shown in FIG. 6 in response to an unlocking operation being performed on the interior door lock knob H 3 . The position of the I/S lock lever 35 shown in FIGS. 18B and 19B is the same as the position shown in FIG. 6 .

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , a cam 35 C is formed in an upper part of the I/S lock lever 35 . As shown in FIG. 10 , an operating part 35 B projects toward the vehicle exterior from the surface of the I/S lock lever 35 that faces the vehicle exterior.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the worm wheel 39 is rotatably (turnably) supported by (on) the third shaft 75 R. As shown in FIG. 10 , a cam section 39 C configured to engage with the cam 35 C of the I/S lock lever 35 is formed on the surface of the worm wheel 39 that faces the vehicle exterior. When the electric motor Ml is actuated in response to a locking operation or an unlocking operation requested by a remote control key (e.g., a remote keyless entry fob) or the like, the worm wheel 39 is driven by the electric motor Ml to rotate and thereby turns (pivots) clockwise or counterclockwise. Due to the engagement of the cam section 39 C and the cam 35 C, the worm wheel 39 causes the I/S lock lever 35 to pivot between the position shown in FIG. 6 and the position shown in FIG. 11 .

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the fourth shaft 75 S is inserted through an elongated hole 40 H that extends in the up-down direction, whereby the linearly moving lock lever 40 is supported by the fourth shaft 75 S so as to be linearly movable. The fourth shaft 75 S has a substantial “C” shaped cross-section. The linearly moving lock lever 40 has a substantial “Y” shape that forks above the elongated hole 40 H.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 10 , a linearly moving convex segment 40 E projects toward the vehicle exterior from a part of the linearly moving lock lever 40 that branches rearward and upward. A linear-movement guide groove 71 E extends in the up-down direction at a location that is upward and rearward relative to the fourth shaft section 75 S; the linear-movement guide groove 71 E is formed as a recess in the first base wall 71 of the first housing 70 . The linearly moving convex segment 40 E is guided by the linear-movement guide groove 71 E, whereby the linearly moving lock lever 40 is capable of linearly moving in the up-down direction without inclining (tilting).

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , a concave recess 40 B is formed in the lower end portion of the linearly moving lock lever 40 . As shown in FIGS. 6, 11, 18A, 18B, 19A and 19B , the operating part 35 B of the I/S lock lever 35 engages in the concave recess 40 B.

As shown in FIG. 10 , an engaging convex part 40 C projects toward the vehicle exterior at (from) the distal end of a part of the linearly moving lock lever 40 that branches forward and upward. As shown in FIGS. 6, 11, 16 and 17 , the engaging convex part 40 C projects into the engaging concave segment 30 D of the O/S lock lever 30 .

As shown in FIG. 10 , a contacted portion 48 is formed at the distal end of a part of the linearly moving lock lever 40 that branches backward and upward. The upper end face of the contacted portion 48 extends substantially flat in the front-rear direction. A concave portion 48 A is formed as a recess that extends downward from an intermediate portion of the upper end face.

As explained below, when the fork following lever 59 is located in the unblocking position, the linearly moving lock lever 40 linearly moves in response to a locking operation and an unlocking operation being performed on the interior lock knob H 3 and a locking operation and an unlocking operation being performed on the key cylinder H 2 .

That is, as shown, e.g., in FIGS. 6, 11, 18A and 18B , when the fork following lever 59 is located in the unblocking position, irrespective of the position of the linearly moving lock lever 40 , the contact portion 58 separates (becomes spaced apart) from the contacted portion 48 of the linearly moving lock lever 40 in the upward direction so that it is unable to come into contact with the contacted portion 48 . That is, when the fork following lever 59 is located in the unblocking position, the linearly moving lock lever 40 is allowed to linearly move up and down.

In this state, when the I/S lock lever 35 pivots from the position shown in FIG. 6 etc., to the position shown in FIG. 11 in response to a locking operation being performed on the interior door lock knob H 3 or a locking operation requested by the remote control key or the like, the displacement of the I/S lock lever 35 is transmitted to the linearly moving lock lever 40 via the concave recess 40 B and the operating part 35 B. As a result thereof, the linearly moving lock lever 40 is pushed up from the position shown in FIGS. 6, 18A and 18B , to the position shown in FIG. 11 .

When the I/S lock lever 35 pivots from the position shown in FIG. 11 to the position shown in FIG. 6 , etc., in response to an unlocking operation being performed on the interior door lock knob H 3 or an unlocking operation requested by the remote control key or the like, the displacement of the I/S lock lever 35 is transmitted to the linearly moving lock lever 40 via the concave recess 40 B and the operating part 35 B. As a result thereof, the linearly moving lock lever 40 is pulled down from the position shown in FIG. 11 to the position shown in FIGS. 6, 18A and 18B .

When the O/S lock lever 30 pivots counterclockwise in response to the locking operation being performed on the key cylinder H 2 and displaces to the position shown in FIG. 17 , the displacement of the O/S lock lever 30 is transmitted to the linearly moving lock lever 40 via the engaging concave segment 30 D and the engaging convex part 40 C. As a result thereof, the linearly moving lock lever 40 is lifted (pulled up) from the position shown in FIGS. 6, 18A and 18B to the position shown in FIG. 11 .

When the O/S lock lever 30 pivots clockwise in response to the unlocking operation being performed on the key cylinder H 2 , the displacement of the O/S lock lever 30 is transmitted to the linearly moving lock lever 40 via the concave recess 40 B and the operating part 35 B. As a result thereof, the linearly moving lock lever 40 is pushed down from the position shown in FIG. 11 to the position shown in FIGS. 6, 18A and 18B .

As shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B , when the fork following lever 59 is located in the blocking position, the contacted portion 48 of the linearly moving lock lever 40 , which is in a downwardly displaced state/position, contacts and is stopped (blocked) from moving upwardly by the contact portion 58 of the fork following lever 59 . At this time, because the convex portion 58 A of the contact portion 58 projects toward the contacted portion 48 and enters (is inserted into) the concave portion 48 A, displacement (shifting) of the contact portion 58 relative to the contacted portion 48 is suppressed (prevented). That is, when the fork following lever 59 is located in the blocking position, the linearly moving lock lever 40 , which is in its downwardly displaced state/position, is inhibited (blocked) from being displaced to the position shown in FIG. 11 .

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 12 to 15 , a first surface 44 A, a second surface 44 B, and a third surface 44 C are formed on the linearly moving lock lever 40 between the elongated hole 40 H and the concave recess 40 B. The first surface 44 A, the second surface 44 B, and the third surface 44 C are formed on a surface of the linearly moving lock lever 40 that faces the vehicle exterior. The first surface 44 A and the third surface 44 C are each flat surfaces that extend in the up-down direction. The first surface 44 A is displaced (shifted) more towards the vehicle interior than the third surface 44 C. The second surface 44 B is an inclined surface that connects the lower end of the first surface 44 A with the upper end of the third surface 44 C

As shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 12 to 15 , a projection 29 A projects forward from the front surface of the inertial lever 29 . The projection 29 A comes into slide-contact with the first surface 44 A, the second surface 44 B, and the third surface 44 C in response to the linear movement of the linearly moving lock lever 40 .

As shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 12-15 , an inertial lever guide surface 90 G is formed on the third housing 90 on the side of the housing chamber 7 A. The inertial lever guide surface 90 G is a downward flat surface located farther towards the vehicle exterior than the contact convex portion 12 B of the pawl 12 . The inertial lever guide surface 90 G extends toward the vehicle exterior so as to separate (be spaced) from the contact convex portion 12 B. As shown in FIG. 12 , when the O/S open lever 20 has not yet been pivoted, the inertial lever guide surface 90 G is located between the lower end of the contact convex portion 12 B and the upper end of the inertial lever 29 in the up-down direction.

The position of the linearly moving lock lever 40 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 is the same as the position of the linearly moving lock lever 40 shown in FIGS. 6, 18A and 18B . The position of the linearly moving lock lever 40 shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 is the same as the position of the linearly moving lock lever 40 shown in FIG. 11 .

When the linearly moving lock lever 40 is located at the position shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 , etc., the projection 29 A of the inertial lever 29 comes into contact with the first surface 44 A of the linearly moving lock lever 40 , whereby the inertial lever 29 is retained in an upward position. In the state shown in FIG. 13 , if the inertial lever 29 rises, the inertial lever 29 comes into contact with the contact convex portion 12 B and causes the pawl 12 to open the fork 11 so that the striker S 1 can be released.

When the linearly moving lock lever 40 is displaced to the position shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 , etc., the projection 29 A of the inertial lever 29 comes into slide-contact with the second surface 44 B of the linearly moving lock lever 40 and then comes into contact with the third surface 44 C, whereby the inertial lever 29 is held inclined toward the vehicle exterior. In the state shown in FIG. 15 , if the inertial lever 29 rises, the inertial lever 29 comes into contact with the inertial lever guide surface 90 G, the inertial lever 29 separates from the contact convex portion 12 B, and the pawl 12 continues to fix (retain) the fork 11 .

The position of the inertial lever 29 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 is an unlock position where the inertial lever 29 is capable of acting on the pawl 12 . The position of the inertial lever 29 shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 is a lock position where the inertial lever 29 is incapable of acting on the pawl 12 . In the position shown in FIGS. 11, 14, and 15 , the third surface 44 C comes into contact with the projection 29 A and the linearly moving lock lever 40 retains the inertial lever 29 in the lock position. The position of the linearly moving lock lever 40 shown in FIGS. 11, 14, and 15 is a locked position.

In the position shown in FIGS. 12, and 13 , etc., the third surface 44 C separates (is spaced) from the projection 29 A and the linearly moving lock lever 40 does not hold the inertial lever 29 in the lock position shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 . The inertial lever 29 brings the projection 29 A into contact with the first surface 44 A due to the urging force of the torsion coil spring 29 T. When an impact (shock or impulse) acts on the inertial lever 29 (e.g., due to a vehicle side collision), the inertial lever 29 causes the projection 29 A to separate from the first surface 44 A and is displaced to the lock position. The position of the linearly moving lock lever 40 shown in FIGS. 6, 12, 13, 18A, 18B, 19A and 19B is an unlocked position.

In the unlocked position shown in FIGS. 6, 12, 13, 18A, 18B, 19A and 19B , the linearly moving lock lever 40 causes the inertial lever 29 to stand upright and enables the fork 11 located in the latched position shown in FIG. 12 to be displaced to the unlatched position shown in FIG. 13 . In the locked position shown in FIGS. 11, 14, and 15 , the linearly moving lock lever 40 inclines the inertial lever 29 and disables (prevents) the fork 11 located in the latched position shown in FIG. 12 from being displaced to the unlatched position shown in FIG. 13 .

When the linearly moving lock lever 40 is displaced to the unlocked position as shown in FIG. 6 , the linearly moving lock lever 40 turns ON (connects) one of the contacts in the third switch SW 3 . When the linearly moving lock lever 40 is displaced to the locked position as shown in FIG. 11 , the linearly moving lock lever 40 turns ON (connects) another contact in the third switch SW 3 . The ON/OFF signals of the two contacts in the third switch SW 3 are used to control the locking and unlocking of the door and to ascertain the state of the door lock apparatus 1 .

As shown in FIG. 2 , the projecting end portions of the plurality of terminals T 1 project into the connector 80 C formed on the outer side of the second housing 80 . On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 16 , etc., the other (remaining) portions of the plurality of terminals T 1 are housed in the housing chamber 7 A.

As shown in FIG. 16 , the terminals T 1 are arranged in two rows such that three of the terminals T 11 are located in an upper row and six of the terminals T 12 are located in a lower row. The upper and lower rows extend at least substantially in parallel. The plurality of terminals T 11 in the upper row include a first ground terminal T 11 E and second switch terminals T 11 A and T 11 B. The plurality of terminals T 12 in the lower row include a second ground terminal T 12 E, a first switch terminal T 12 A, third switch terminals T 12 C and T 12 D, and motor terminals T 12 M and T 12 N.

As shown in FIG. 8 , a first terminal holder 77 , a second terminal holder 78 , and a motor chamber 79 M are formed in the first base wall 71 of the first housing 70 .

The first terminal holder 77 is disposed at (on) an upper and frontward corner section of the first base wall 71 . As shown in FIG. 16 , in the first terminal holder 77 , the first ground terminal THE and the second switch terminals T 11 A and T 11 B, which are a representative plurality of terminals T 11 in the upper row, are arranged and held in one row in the front-rear direction.

As shown in FIG. 8 , the second terminal holder 78 is disposed below the first terminal holder 77 . As shown in FIG. 16 , in the second terminal holder 78 , the second ground terminal T 12 E, the first switch terminal T 12 A, the third switch terminals T 12 C and T 12 D, and the motor terminals T 12 M and T 12 N, which are a representative plurality of terminals T 12 in the lower row, are also arranged and held in one row in the front-rear direction.

Although not shown in the Figures, a first end portion of the first ground terminal T 11 E is bent in a U-shape. A first end portion extending upward of the second ground terminal T 12 E is held in the U-shaped portion, whereby the first ground terminal THE and the second ground terminal T 12 E are electrically connected.

The second switch SW 2 is disposed between the first terminal holder 77 in (on) the first base wall 71 and the upper side of the first peripheral edge section 73 of the first housing 70 . The first ground terminal THE and the second switch terminals T 11 A and T 11 B are electrically connected to the second switch SW 2 .

The first switch SW 1 is disposed below the rear end of the second terminal holder 78 in (on) the first base wall 71 . The second ground terminal T 12 E and the first switch terminal T 12 A are electrically connected to the first switch SW 1 .

The third switch SW 3 is disposed below the second switch SW 2 in (on) the first base wall 71 . The second ground terminal T 12 E and the third switch terminals T 12 C and T 12 D are electrically connected to the third switch SW 3 .

As shown in FIG. 8 , the motor chamber 79 M is formed as a recess below the front end of the second terminal holder 78 in the first base wall 71 and at a position adjacent to the front side of the first peripheral edge section 73 . As shown in FIG. 16 , the motor terminals T 12 M and T 12 N are electrically connected to the electric motor Ml retained in the motor chamber 79 M.

The above-described representative door lock apparatus 1 , which has such a configuration, can hold the door closed, open the door, and lock or unlock the door in the closed state with respect to the vehicle frame in response to different types of operations performed by an occupant of the vehicle.

<Functions and Effects>

In the door lock apparatus 1 of the above-described embodiment, when the fork 11 is located in the unlatched position as shown in FIG. 13 , the fork following lever 59 is displaced (pivoted) to the blocking position shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B . The contacted portion 48 of the linearly moving lock lever 40 , which is in its downward displaced state/position, contacts and is stopped (blocked) by the contact portion 58 of the fork following lever 59 that has been displaced (pivoted) to the blocking position. Therefore, upward displacement of the linearly moving lock lever 40 is inhibited (blocked). That is, when the fork following lever 59 has been displaced (pivoted) to the blocking position that corresponds to the unlatched position of the fork 11 , the linearly moving lock lever 40 located in the unlocking position shown, e.g., in FIGS. 19A and 19B is inhibited (blocked) from being displaced (linearly shifted) to the locking position shown, e.g., in FIG. 11 .

In this state, even if the user attempts to perform a locking operation by manually moving the interior lock knob H 3 , which would normally cause the I/S lock lever 35 to displace in the direction indicated by arrow Y 1 shown in FIG. 19B , such displacement of the I/S lock lever 35 is prevented due to the linearly moving lock lever 40 and the fork following lever 59 being located/positioned in the state shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B . As a result, the user is prevented from performing the locking operation using the interior lock knob H 3 .

Similarly, even if the user attempts to perform a locking operation by inserting a key and turning the key cylinder H 2 , which would normally cause the O/S lock lever 30 to displace in the direction indicated by arrow Y 2 shown in FIG. 17 , such displacement of the O/S lock lever 30 also is prevented due to the linearly moving lock lever 40 and the fork following lever 59 being located/positioned in the state shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B . As a result, the user also is prevented from performing the locking operation using the key cylinder H 2 .

Thus, even when the interior lock knob H 3 is operated to be locked with the fork 11 located in the unlatched position, rattling between the components tends not to accumulate because the displacement of the I/S lock lever 35 is prevented by two components, namely the linearly moving lock lever 40 and the fork following lever 59 . Therefore, it is possible to improve the blocking rigidity (stiffness, resistance) with respect to the I/S lock lever 35 . As a result, the user can feel/sense in a suitable manner that the locking operation on the interior lock knob H 3 is being prevented (blocked).

Similarly, even when the key cylinder H 2 is operated to be locked with the fork 11 located in the unlatched position, rattling between the components tends not to accumulate because the displacement of the O/S lock lever 30 is prevented by the two components. Therefore, it is possible to improve the blocking rigidity (stiffness, resistance) with respect to the O/S lock lever 30 . As a result, the user can feel/sense in a suitable manner that the locking operation on the key cylinder H 2 is being prevented (blocked).

In the door lock apparatus 1 of the above-described embodiment, the fork following lever 59 performs both the functions of interlocking (linking) with the fork 11 and contacting/stopping the linearly moving lock lever 40 , but does not perform the function of disconnecting or connecting (turning OFF and ON) the first switch SW 1 . The adjuster SW lever 50 displaceable to the interior light (dome light) OFF position shown in FIGS. 16 and 18B and to the interior light (dome light) ON position shown in FIG. 19B , such that adjuster SW lever 50 performs the function of disconnecting or connecting (turning OFF and ON) the first switch SW 1 . Consequently, it is possible to optimize the shape and the disposition of the adjuster SW lever 50 as appropriate and to dispose the first switch SW 1 at a position spaced apart from the fork 11 , the linearly moving lock lever 40 , and the fork following lever 59 . Therefore, a reduction in thickness in the vehicle inward-outward direction can be achieved more easily than in known designs.

Therefore, the door lock apparatus 1 according to the above-described embodiment makes it possible to improve the blocking rigidity (stiffness, resistance) with respect to the I/S lock lever 35 and the O/S lock lever 30 when the fork 11 is located in the unlatched position. Therefore, it is possible to achieve a reduction in thickness in the vehicle inward-outward direction.

In the above-described door lock apparatus 1 , as shown, e.g., in FIG. 6 , the inertial lever 29 , the linearly moving lock lever 40 , the O/S lock lever 30 , the I/S lock lever 35 , the fork following lever 59 , the adjuster SW lever 50 , and the first switch SW 1 are integrated (housed) in the housing chamber 7 A rather than in the latch chamber 9 A. Consequently, it is possible to reduce or minimize the size of the latch housing 9 and thereby achieve a further reduction in thickness in the vehicle inward-outward direction. In the housing chamber 7 A, it is possible to optimize the shape and the disposition of the adjuster SW lever 50 and to increase design freedoms for the location (disposition) of the first switch SW 1 . Therefore, as shown in FIG. 16 , the first switch SW 1 may be easily disposed, e.g., near the connector 80 C (shown in FIG. 2 ) such that it becomes possible to reduce the lengths of the second ground terminal T 12 E and the first switch terminal T 12 A that connect the first switch SW 1 to the connector 80 C.

Further, in the door lock apparatus 1 , as shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B , when the contact portion 58 of the fork following lever 59 contacts and stops (blocks) the contacted portion 48 of the linearly moving lock lever 40 , shifting (displacement) of the contact portion 58 relative to the contacted portion 48 is inhibited (prevented) because the convex portion 58 A enters (is inserted into) the concave portion 48 A. As a result, it is possible to reliably inhibit (prevent) the displacement of the linearly moving lock lever 40 to the locking position when the fork following lever 59 is located in the blocking position.

Although the present invention has been described above in line with a detailed embodiment, it is needless to say that the invention is not limited to the above-described detailed embodiment, and it may be appropriately modified in application without departing from the gist of the invention.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the convex portion 58 A is formed on the contact portion 58 and the concave portion 48 A is formed in (on) the contacted portion 48 . However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, a convex portion that projects toward a contact portion may be formed in a contacted portion. A concave portion, into which the convex portion can enter, may be formed in (on) the contact portion.

Representative, non-limiting examples of the present invention were described above in detail with reference to the attached drawings. This detailed description is merely intended to teach a person of skill in the art further details for practicing preferred aspects of the present teachings and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, each of the additional features and teachings disclosed above may be utilized separately or in conjunction with other features and teachings to provide improved vehicle door lock apparatuses and methods for manufacturing and operating the same.

Moreover, combinations of features and steps disclosed in the above detail description may not be necessary to practice the invention in the broadest sense, and are instead taught merely to particularly describe representative examples of the invention. Furthermore, various features of the above-described representative examples, as well as the various independent and dependent claims below, may be combined in ways that are not specifically and explicitly enumerated in order to provide additional useful embodiments of the present teachings.

All features disclosed in the description and/or the claims are intended to be disclosed separately and independently from each other for the purpose of original written disclosure, as well as for the purpose of restricting the claimed subject matter, independent of the compositions of the features in the embodiments and/or the claims. In addition, all value ranges or indications of groups of entities are intended to disclose every possible intermediate value or intermediate entity for the purpose of original written disclosure, as well as for the purpose of restricting the claimed subject matter.