Door locking device

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle door lock device that suppresses release of an unintended double lock set state and ensures good responsiveness of an opening operation of a vehicle door by an operator. The vehicle door lock device includes a latch mechanism, a lock mechanism, a double lock mechanism, a first actuator that electrically switches the lock mechanism to an unlocked state, a second actuator that electrically switches the latch mechanism to a latch release state regardless of states of the lock mechanism and the double lock mechanism, a third actuator that electrically switches the double lock mechanism to a double lock set release state, and a control device that, when detecting an opening operation of the vehicle door by an authenticated operator in a locked state and a double lock set state, controls the actuators to switch the double lock mechanism to the double lock set release state after switching the latch mechanism to the latch release state, and switch the lock mechanism to the unlocked state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This manual relates to a door locking device. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, a door locking device has been proposed with the following structure: an unlocking device including an unlocking mechanism and a dual-locking mechanism; a transmitter sending an ID request; a receiver receiving a response ID; an object detection sensor detecting a person approaching the unlocking device; and a control device controlling the unlocking device (see, for example, Patent Document 1). When the control device receives a registration ID sent by a portable device carried by the user in response to the ID request, it releases the dual-locking state of the unlocking device. Then, when the control device detects a person approaching the unlocking device, it sets the unlocking device to the unlocked state. Thus, unlocking can be completed before the user operates the handle.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2000-45592

[0006] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] In the door locking device described in Patent Document 1, the proximity of a portable device to the vehicle is used as a trigger condition for unlocking the double lock. Therefore, depending on the configuration of parking lots or residences, the distance between a portable device placed in a residence or similar location and the vehicle may be relatively close, potentially leading to unintended unlocking of the double lock. Furthermore, in the door locking device described in Patent Document 1, in order for the door to be opened immediately by a user's door opening operation, the double lock mechanism must be activated before the door opening operation. Therefore, even when no door opening operation is actually performed, this results in increased power consumption due to unnecessary actions and reduced device durability. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The main objective of this invention is to suppress the unintended release of the double-lock setting state and to ensure good responsiveness to door opening operations performed by the operator.

[0009] Technical means for solving technical problems

[0010] To achieve the above-mentioned main objectives, the present invention employs the following means.

[0011] The main idea of ​​the vehicle door locking device of the present invention is that the vehicle door locking device for a vehicle includes: a latching mechanism that selectively forms a latched state and a latch-off state, the latched state holding the door in a closed state, and the latch-off state allowing the door to be opened; a locking mechanism that selectively forms a locked state and an unlocked state, the locked state preventing manual switching of the latching mechanism to the latch-off state, and the unlocked state allowing manual switching of the latching mechanism to the latch-off state; a dual locking mechanism that selectively forms a dual locking setting state and a dual locking setting release state, the dual locking setting state preventing switching of the locking mechanism to the unlocked state, and the dual locking setting release state allowing switching of the locking mechanism to the unlocked state; and a first actuator. The locking mechanism is switched to the unlocked state electrically; a second actuator, independent of the states of the locking mechanism and the dual locking mechanism, electrically switches the latch mechanism to the latch-off state; a third actuator, electrically switches the dual locking mechanism to the dual locking setting-off state; and a control device, when detecting an open operation performed on the door by an authenticated operator when the locking mechanism is in the locked state and the dual locking mechanism is in the dual locking setting state, controls the first actuator, the second actuator, and the third actuator to switch the dual locking mechanism to the dual locking setting-off state after switching the latch mechanism to the latch-off state, and then switches the locking mechanism to the unlocked state.

[0012] The door locking device of the present invention includes an actuator (second actuator) that electrically switches the latch mechanism to a latch-out state, independent of the state of the locking mechanism and the state of the double-locking mechanism. Furthermore, when the door locking device of the present invention detects a door opening operation performed by an authorized operator while the locking mechanism is in the locked state and the double-locking mechanism is in the double-locking setting state, it first switches the latch mechanism to the latch-out state, then switches the double-locking mechanism to the double-locking setting-out state, and finally switches the locking mechanism to the unlocked state. Since the release of the double-locking setting state requires an operator to perform a door opening operation, unintended release of the double-locking setting state can be suppressed. Additionally, since the latch mechanism is switched to the latch-out state first when an authorized operator performs a door opening operation, good responsiveness to door opening operations can be ensured. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of the door of a vehicle equipped with the door locking device of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the door locking device in the unlocked state.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the door locking device in the unlocked state.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the door locking device when it is in the locked state and the double-lock setting is released.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the door locking device when it is in the locked state and the double-lock setting is released.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the door locking device in the dual-lock setting state.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the door locking device in the dual-lock setting state.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the door locking device when the inner door handle is operated from the unlocked state.

[0021] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the door locking device when the inner door handle is operated from the unlocked state.

[0022] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the door locking device when the knocking cam mechanism is in operation.

[0023] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the door locking device when the knocking cam mechanism is in operation.

[0024] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the door locking device when it is switched from a double-lock setting state to a latch-release state via motor drive.

[0025] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the door locking device when it is switched from a double-lock setting state to a latch-release state via motor drive.

[0026] Figure 14 This is a control block diagram of the car door locking device.

[0027] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a latch release control procedure.

[0028] Symbol Explanation

[0029] 10 Door locking device, 20 Latch mechanism, 40 Locking mechanism, 50 Double locking mechanism, 61 First motor, 72 Second motor. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Next, the methods for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a vehicle door 1 equipped with the door locking device 10 of the present invention. Figure 2 and Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the door locking device 10 in the unlocked state. Figure 4 and Figure 5 This is a schematic structural diagram of the door locking device 10 when it is in the locked state and the double locking setting is released. Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is a schematic structural diagram of the door locking device 10 in the dual-lock setting state. Figure 8 and Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the door locking device 10 when the inner door handle 6 is operated from the unlocked state. Figure 10 and Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the door locking device 10 when the knocking cam mechanism is in operation. Figure 12 and Figure 13 This is a schematic structural diagram of the door locking device 10 when it switches from the dual-lock setting state to the latch release state via the drive of the second motor 71. Figure 14 This is a control block diagram of the door locking device 10.

[0032] Door 1 is the front door of the vehicle, either the driver's or passenger's side. Figure 1 As shown, the door includes a door body 2 forming the lower half of the door 1, and a door frame 3 forming the upper half of the door 1 and guiding the window glass. The door body 2 includes an outer panel 4, an inner panel (not shown) fixed to the inner side (cabin side) of the outer panel 4, and a resin decorative piece (not shown) fixed to the cabin side surface of the inner panel. The door 1, with its rotatable front end supported by the vehicle body (not shown) as a fulcrum, can rotate from a fully closed position to a half-open position (half-door position) and then to a fully open position. The half-open position is a position slightly moved towards the open position than the fully closed position.

[0033] Additionally, door 1 includes an outer door handle 5 that is pull-out or rotatably mounted on the outer panel 4, and an inner door handle 6 that is pull-out or rotatably mounted on the trim piece. The outer door handle 5 and the inner door handle 6 are forced towards their initial positions by springs (not shown). The vehicle user can manually operate the outer door handle 5 and the inner door handle 6 to move door 1 from its initial position to its open position, thereby opening door 1. Furthermore, door 1 can also be a rear seat door of the vehicle, and can be a panel door (stamped door) or a frameless door.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the door locking device 10 is disposed within the interior space of the door 1, defined by the outer panel 4 and an inner panel (not shown). More specifically, the door locking device 10 is fixed to the inner panel, for example, below the outer door handle 5 within this interior space. Furthermore, the door locking device 10 is connected to the outer door handle 5 via a flexible cable (inner cable) 7 and an outer cylindrical member (outer housing) 8. The cable 7 is inserted into the outer cylindrical member 8, and both transmit the movement of the outer door handle 5 from its initial position to the door open position to the door locking device 10.

[0035] like Figures 2 to 13 As shown, the door locking device 10 includes: a latching mechanism 20, a locking mechanism 40, a double locking mechanism 50, a first motor 61, a second motor 71, a rotating component 73, and a control device 80 (see reference) for the overall control device. Figure 14 ).

[0036] The latching mechanism 20 is configured to selectively form a fully latched state that holds the door 1 in a fully closed position, a partially latched state that holds the door 1 in a half-open position slightly from the fully closed position towards the opening side, and a latch-released state that allows the door 1 to be opened. Furthermore, the fully latched state and the half-latched state are sometimes collectively referred to as the latched state. The latching mechanism 20 includes: a base plate 21, a latch 22, a lifting rod 23, a release rod 31, an opening linkage 32, an outer opening rod 34, an inner rod 35, and an inner opening rod 36.

[0037] The latch 22 has a notch (not shown) capable of engaging with a striker (not shown) fixed to the vehicle body. The latch 22 is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the base plate 21 and can move between a fully latched position, a partially latched position, and a latch-off position by rotation. In the fully latched position, the striker of the vehicle body is held by the notch of the latch 22, thereby holding the door 1 in a fully closed position. In the partially latched position, the door 1 is held in a half-open position while the striker of the vehicle body is still held by the notch of the latch 22. In the latch-off position, the striker is released from the notch of the latch 22, thereby allowing the door 1 to open.

[0038] The latch 22 is forced in the direction of releasing the firing pin by a latch spring (not shown). Furthermore, the rotation of the latch 22 in the direction of releasing the firing pin in the fully latched or half latched position is restricted by the lifting rod 23, thereby holding it in the fully latched or half latched position.

[0039] The lifting rod 23 is supported so that it can rotate relative to the base plate 21 and can be selectively moved to an initial position and a working position by rotation. When the lifting rod 23 is in the initial position, the latch 22 is restricted from rotating in the direction of releasing the firing pin. On the other hand, when the lifting rod 23 moves to the working position, the restriction on the rotation of the latch 22 in the direction of releasing the firing pin is released. As a result, the latch 22 moves to the latch release position by the latch spring and releases the firing pin, thereby opening the door 1.

[0040] The release lever 31 is supported so as to be rotatable relative to a housing (not shown) of the door locking device 10, and can be selectively moved to an initial position and a working position by rotation. When the release lever 31 is in the initial position, the lifting lever 23 is also in the initial position. Furthermore, when the release lever 31 moves to the working position, the lifting lever 23 is pressed, causing the lifting lever 23 to move to the working position. The release lever 31 includes a rotating component engaging portion 311 and a lifting lever engaging portion 312.

[0041] The opening linkage 32 is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the outer opening lever 34. Therefore, the opening linkage 32 can both rotate relative to the outer opening lever 34 and move integrally with the outer opening lever 34. Furthermore, by rotating relative to the outer opening lever 34, the opening linkage 32 can be in the unlocked position (see reference...). Figure 2 and Figure 3 ) and lock position (refer to) Figure 4 and Figure 5 The lever 32 can move between the unlocked and locked positions. Furthermore, the lever 32 can move between the initial position and the working position by moving together with the outer lever 34 in each of the unlocked and locked positions.

[0042] The opening linkage 32 includes a release lever engagement portion 321 and a spring engagement portion 322. When the opening linkage 32 is in the unlocked position, and is moved from the initial position to the working position via the outer opening lever 34, the release lever engagement portion 321 engages with the release lever 31 and presses the release lever 31, thereby moving the release lever 31 from the initial position to the working position. Consequently, the lifting lever engagement portion 312 of the release lever 31 engages with the lifting lever 23 and presses the lifting lever 23, moving the lifting lever 23 from the initial position to the working position, thus switching the latching mechanism 20 to the latch-out state. Furthermore, the opening linkage 32 is configured such that, even when moved from the initial position to the working position, the release lever engagement portion 321 will not engage (contact) the release lever 31 when the opening linkage 32 is in the locked position. Therefore, when the opening linkage 32 is in the locked position, the latching mechanism 20 cannot be switched to the latch-out state. The spring engagement portion 322 is a protrusion that protrudes in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the opening link 32 relative to the outer opening rod 34. The opening link force spring 33 is engaged in the spring engagement portion 322.

[0043] The outer opening lever 34 is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the housing and can be selectively moved to an initial position and a working position by rotation. The outer opening lever 34 is forced to the initial position by the outer opening lever force spring 343. The outer opening lever 34 is connected to the outer door handle 5 of the vehicle door 1. When the outer door handle 5 is manually operated, the outer opening lever 34 moves from the initial position to the working position in conjunction with the outer door handle 5. The outer opening lever 34 includes an inner lever engagement portion 341 and an opening linkage support portion 342. The opening linkage support portion 342 is the part that supports the opening linkage 32 so as to be rotatable.

[0044] The inner rod 35 is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the housing and can be selectively moved to an initial position and a working position by rotation. The inner rod 35 includes an inner opening rod engagement portion 351 and an outer opening rod engagement portion 352. The outer opening rod engagement portion 352 is configured to engage and disengage with the inner rod engagement portion 341 of the outer opening rod 34. When the inner rod 35 moves from the initial position to the working position, the outer opening rod engagement portion 352 engages with the inner rod engagement portion 341 of the outer opening rod 34 and presses the outer opening rod 34, thereby moving the outer opening rod 34 from the initial position to the working position.

[0045] The inner opening lever 36 is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the housing and can be selectively moved to an initial position and a working position by rotation. The inner opening lever 36 is forced to the initial position by an inner opening lever force spring. The inner opening lever 36 is connected to the inner door handle 6 of the door 1. When the inner door handle 6 is manually operated, the inner opening lever 36 and the inner door handle 6 move in conjunction from the initial position to the working position. The inner opening lever 36 includes an inner lever engagement portion 361. The inner lever engagement portion 361 is configured to engage and disengage with the inner opening lever engagement portion 351 of the inner lever 35. When the inner opening lever 36 moves from the initial position to the working position, the inner lever engagement portion 361 engages with the inner opening lever engagement portion 351 of the inner lever 35 and presses the inner lever 35, thereby moving the inner lever 35 from the initial position to the working position.

[0046] Thus, in addition to moving the outer opening lever 34 from its initial position to its working position by manually operating the outer door handle 5, the inner opening lever 36 and the inner lever 35 can also be moved sequentially from their initial positions to their working positions by manually operating the inner door handle 6, thereby moving the outer opening lever 34 from its initial position to its working position. Furthermore, when the opening linkage 32 is in the unlocked position and the outer opening lever 34 moves from its initial position to its working position, the opening linkage 32, the release lever 31, and the lifting lever 23 sequentially move from their initial positions to their working positions (see reference). Figure 8 and Figure 9 This switches the latching mechanism 20 to the latch-out state. Thus, the user can manually operate the outer door handle 5 or the inner door handle 6 to switch the latching mechanism 20 from the latched state to the latch-out state, thereby opening the door 1. On the other hand, when the opening linkage 32 is in the locked position, even if the opening linkage 32 moves to the working position, it will not contact (lock) the release lever 31. Therefore, even if the user manually operates the outer door handle 5 or the inner door handle 6, they cannot switch the latching mechanism 20 to the latch-out state, and thus cannot open the door 1.

[0047] Locking mechanism 40 can switch between locking states (see reference) Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) and unlock status (refer to) Figure 2 and Figure 3 The locked state prevents the latch mechanism 20 from being switched to the unlocked state by manually operating the outer door handle 5 or the inner door handle 6. The unlocked state allows the latch mechanism 20 to be switched to the unlocked state by manually operating the outer door handle 5 or the inner door handle 6. The locking mechanism 40 includes: a locking lever 41, a locking linkage 42, an active lever 43, and a locking state detection switch 44.

[0048] The locking lever 41 is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the housing and can be selectively moved to an unlocked position and a locked position by rotation. The locking lever 41 includes a gear portion 411 and a locking link engagement portion 412. The gear portion 411 is a sector gear portion that meshes with a worm gear 62 mounted on the rotating shaft of the first motor 61. The locking link engagement portion 412 is formed at a position radially outward from the rotation center of the locking lever 41. One end of the locking link 42 is rotatably connected to the locking link engagement portion 412.

[0049] The locking link 42 is an elongated component. A cam pin engagement portion 421 is formed in the middle of the locking link 42 along its length. The cam pin engagement portion 421 is formed to protrude in a direction orthogonal to the length of the locking link 42. In addition, a locking link engagement portion 412 is rotatably connected to a locking lever 41 at one end of the locking link 42 along its length, and a locking link engagement portion 431 is rotatably connected to a drive lever 43 at the other end of the locking link 42 along its length. The locking link 42 is linked with the locking lever 41. When the locking lever 41 moves to the unlock position, the locking link 42 moves to the unlock position; when the locking lever 41 moves to the lock position, the locking link 42 moves to the lock position.

[0050] The drive lever 43 is supported so that it can rotate coaxially with and independently of the inner lever 35 relative to the housing. The drive lever 43 is linked to the locking lever 41 via the locking link 42, thereby selectively moving to a locked position and an unlocked position. When the locking lever 41 moves to the locked position, the drive lever 43 moves to the locked position; when the locking lever 41 moves to the unlocked position, the drive lever 43 moves to the unlocked position. The locked position is one end of the movable range of the drive lever 43, and the unlocked position is the other end of the movable range of the drive lever 43. The drive lever 43 is selectively forceped to the locked and unlocked positions by a limiting spring (not shown). Specifically, the drive lever 43 is forceped to the locked position when it is located on the locked position side compared to the middle position of its movable range, and is forceped to the unlocked position when it is located on the unlocked position side compared to the middle position of its movable range.

[0051] The drive lever 43 includes a locking link engagement portion 431 and a spring mounting portion 432. The locking link engagement portion 431 is the part that rotatably connects to the locking link 42. The spring mounting portion 432 is the part for mounting the opening link force spring 33. When the drive lever 43 is in the locked position, the opening link force spring 33 holds the opening link 32 in the locked position; when the drive lever 43 is in the unlocked position, the opening link force spring 33 holds the opening link 32 in the unlocked position. However, even when the drive lever 43 is in the unlocked position, the opening link force spring 33 can allow the opening link 32 to be in the locked position through elastic deformation. For example, as... Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the opening link force spring 33 is a torsion helical spring with two parallel arms that can elastically deform by expanding into each other. The spring engagement portion 322 of the opening link 32 is located between the two arms of the opening link force spring 33 and protrudes in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the opening link 32.

[0052] The lock state detection switch 44 detects the state of the locking mechanism 40 (locked state, unlocked state). The lock state detection switch 44 is configured to be pressed by the locking lever 41 when the locking lever 41 is in the unlocked position (unlocked state). Figure 2 and Figure 3 When the locking lever 41 is in the corresponding locked position (in the locked state), it separates from the locking lever 41 (refer to...). Figure 4 and Figure 5 ).

[0053] The first motor 61 is the drive source for the locking mechanism 40. A worm gear 62 is mounted on the rotating shaft of the first motor 61. The worm gear 62 meshes with the gear portion 411 of the locking lever 41. In the locking mechanism 40, when the locking lever 41 moves to the locking position by the driving force of the first motor 61, the drive lever 43, which is linked to the locking lever 41 via the locking link 42, moves to the locking position, thereby moving the opening link 32 to the locking position. Conversely, in the locking mechanism 40, when the locking lever 41 moves to the unlocking position by the driving force of the first motor 61, the drive lever 43, which is linked to the locking lever 41 via the locking link 42, moves to the unlocking position, thereby moving the opening link 32 to the unlocking position. Thus, the door locking device 10 can switch between the locked and unlocked states by the driving force of the first motor 61. Furthermore, when the locking mechanism 40 is in the unlocked state, the door locking device 10 can be manually operated by the outer door handle 5 or the inner door handle 6 to switch the latching mechanism 20 from the latched state to the latch-out state, thereby allowing the door 1 to be opened. The first motor 61 and the worm gear 62 are equivalent to the first actuator of the present invention.

[0054] When the locking mechanism 40 is in the locked state, the double locking mechanism 50 can be set in the double locking state (see reference). Figure 6 and Figure 7 ) and the dual-lock setting unlock state (refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The dual locking mechanism 50 switches between the two states. The dual locking setting state prevents switching the locking mechanism 40 to the unlocked state. The dual locking setting deactivation state allows switching the locking mechanism 40 to the unlocked state. The dual locking mechanism 50 is composed of a tapping cam mechanism that alternates between the dual locking setting state and the dual locking setting deactivation state through a tapping operation in the same direction.

[0055] The double locking mechanism 50 (knocking cam mechanism) includes: a pin 51, an outer cylinder 52, an inner cylinder 53, and a pin-applying spring (not shown). The pin 51 is a long, rod-shaped component. A pin cam portion (not shown) is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the pin 51. The pin cam portion is a protrusion extending in the axial direction. Furthermore, the pin 51 is inserted into the outer cylinder 52 and the inner cylinder 53 with its middle portion covered and its front and rear ends exposed, and is rotatable relative to the outer cylinder 52 and the inner cylinder 53, and is movable in the axial direction. Moreover, by moving in the axial direction, the pin 51 can selectively move to a protruding position and a retracted position. The protruding position is the position where the pin 51 moves forward (from the rear end towards the front end). The retracted position is the position where the pin 51 moves backward (from the front end towards the rear end). Moreover, the pin 51 is forceped forward in the axial direction relative to the outer cylinder 52 by the pin-applying spring. An outer cylinder cam portion (not shown) is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 52. The outer cylinder cam portion has multiple cam teeth and cam grooves that are alternately formed circumferentially. The pin 51 is held in a protruding position by engaging with the cam groove of the outer cylinder cam portion, and is held in a retracted position by engaging with the cam teeth of the outer cylinder cam portion. The inner cylinder 53 is a striking member inserted into the outer cylinder 52 and is movable relative to the outer cylinder 52 along its axial direction. The inner cylinder 53 can move between a non-switching position and a switched position by moving along its axial direction. An inner cylinder cam portion (not shown) is formed on the end face of the inner cylinder 53 opposite to the pin cam portion. The inner cylinder cam portion is a cam surface with multiple alternating ridges and valleys formed circumferentially. As the inner cylinder 53 moves from the non-switching position to the switched position, the inner cylinder cam portion presses against the pin cam portion of the pin 51 by overcoming the force of the pin-applying spring through the cam surface, thereby pressing the pin 51 backward and rotating it. Additionally, a cam arm 531 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the inner cylinder 53. The cam arm 531 is a tongue-shaped portion that protrudes in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the inner cylinder 53.

[0056] like Figure 11As shown, in the double locking mechanism 50, pressing the cam arm 531 causes the rotating component 73 to rotate clockwise, moving the inner cylinder 53 from the non-switching position to the switching position. This engages the cam surface of the inner cylinder cam portion with the pin cam portion, pressing the pin 51 backward while rotating it. Then, releasing the pressure on the cam arm 531 returns the inner cylinder 53 from the switching position to the non-switching position, and the pin 51 moves forward due to the force of the pin-applying spring, engaging the pin cam portion with the cam tooth or cam groove of the outer cylinder cam portion of the outer cylinder 52. Thus, each time the cam arm 531 is operated and released, the pin cam portion alternately engages with the cam tooth and cam groove, alternately switching the pin 51 to the protruding position and the retracted position.

[0057] In the double locking mechanism 50, when the locking link 42 of the locking mechanism 40 is in the locked position, when the pin 51 moves to the protruding position, the pin 51 engages with the cam pin engagement portion 421 of the locking link 42, thereby restricting the movement of the locking link 42 from the locked position to the unlocked position (see reference). Figure 6 and Figure 7 Therefore, switching of the locking mechanism 40 to the unlocked state is prohibited (double-lock setting state). On the other hand, in the double-locking mechanism 50, when the pin 51 moves to the retracted position, the engagement between the pin 51 and the cam pin engagement portion 421 is released, thereby allowing the locking link 42 to move from the locking position to the unlocking position (see reference). Figure 4 and Figure 5 This allows the locking mechanism 40 to switch to the unlocked state (dual locking setting unlocked state).

[0058] The double-locking state detection switch 54 detects the state of the double-locking mechanism 50 (double-locking set state, double-locking set release state). The double-locking state detection switch 54 is configured to be pressed by pin 51 when pin 51 is in the retracted position (double-locking set release state). Figure 4 and Figure 5 When pin 51 is in the protruding position (dual locking setting state), it separates from pin 51 (refer to...). Figure 6 and Figure 7 ).

[0059] The second motor 71 is the drive source for the rotating component 73. A worm gear 72 is mounted on the rotating shaft of the second motor 71. The worm gear 72 meshes with the rotating component 73, which is configured as a worm wheel. The second motor 71 can drive the rotating component 73 in both forward and reverse rotation directions.

[0060] The rotating component 73 can be moved between a neutral position, a latch-release corresponding position, and a cam-operated position by being driven to rotate by the second motor 71. The neutral position is the middle position of the movable range of the rotating component 73. The latch-release corresponding position is the position at one end of the movable range of the rotating component 73. The cam-operated position is the position at the other end of the movable range of the rotating component 73. In addition, the rotating component 73 includes a release lever engagement portion 731 and a cam engagement portion 732. The release lever engagement portion 731 is configured to engage and disengage with the rotating component engagement portion 311 of the release lever 31. However, when the rotating component 73 is in a rotational position between the neutral position and the latch-release corresponding position, the rotating component engagement portion 311 of the release lever 31 is in contact with the release lever engagement portion 731 of the rotating component 73; when the rotating component 73 is in a rotational position between the neutral position and the cam-operated position, the rotating component engagement portion 311 of the release lever 31 is not in contact with the release lever engagement portion 731. The cam engagement portion 732 is configured to engage and disengage with the cam arm 531 of the double locking mechanism 50. However, when the rotating member 73 is in a rotational position between the neutral position and the cam actuation position, the cam arm 531 contacts the cam engagement portion 732 of the rotating member 73. When the rotating member 73 is in a rotational position between the neutral position and the latch release position, the cam arm 531 does not contact the cam engagement portion 732.

[0061] Therefore, as Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the rotating component 73 is driven in one direction by the second motor 71. Figure 12 The rotating component 73 (rotating clockwise) moves from the neutral position to the latch-released position, thereby engaging the release lever engagement portion 731 of the rotating component 73 with the rotating component engagement portion 311 of the release lever 31 and pressing the release lever 31, thus moving the release lever 31 to the working position. Then, when the release lever 31 moves to the working position, the lifting lever engagement portion 312 of the release lever 31 engages with the lifting lever 23 and presses the lifting lever 23, moving the lifting lever 23 to the working position, thereby switching the latch mechanism 20 to the latch-released state. Since the rotating component 73 presses the release lever 31 directly without passing through the opening linkage 32, the latch mechanism 20 can be switched to the latch-released state via the second motor 71 regardless of the state of the locking mechanism 40 and the double locking mechanism 50. The second motor 71, the worm gear 72, and the rotating component 73 (release lever engagement portion 731) correspond to the second actuator of the present invention.

[0062] In addition, such as Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the rotating component 73 is driven by the second motor 71 to move in the opposite direction ( Figure 11The rotating component 73 (rotating clockwise) moves from the neutral position to the cam actuation position, thereby engaging the cam engagement portion 732 of the rotating component 73 with the cam arm 531 of the double locking mechanism 50 and pressing the cam arm 531, causing the inner cylinder 53 (tapping component) to move from the non-switching position to the switching position. Each time the rotating component 73 is moved from the neutral position to the cam actuation position by the opposite driving force of the second motor 71, and then returned to the neutral position by the force of the rotating component's force spring, the state of the double locking mechanism 50 can be alternately switched between the double locking setting state and the double locking setting deactivation state. The second motor 71, worm gear 72, and rotating component 73 (cam engagement portion 732) correspond to the third actuator of the present invention.

[0063] Additionally, the door locking device 10 includes a key lever 45, a key switch lever 46, and a key crank 47. The key lever 45 can rotate integrally with the inner cylinder (bolt) of the key lock cylinder through operation of the key lock cylinder. The key switch lever 46 can rotate relative to the housing and moves in conjunction with the key lever 45 between a neutral position, an unlocking position, and a locking position. Thus, the key switch lever 46 moves from the neutral position to the unlocking position or the locking position in conjunction with the operation of the key lock cylinder. The neutral position is the middle position of the movable range of the key switch lever 46. The unlocking position is the position where the lever rotates in one direction from the neutral position. The locking position is the position where the lever rotates in the opposite direction from the neutral position.

[0064] The key crank 47 is supported so that it can rotate relative to the housing and can be selectively moved to an initial position and a working position by rotation. When the key switch lever 46 moves from the neutral position to the unlocking position, the key crank 47 is pressed by the key switch lever 46 and moves from the initial position to the working position. Then, when the key crank 47 moves to the working position, the key crank 47 presses the cam arm 531, causing the inner cylinder 53 to move from the non-switching position to the switching position. Therefore, when the double locking mechanism 50 is in the double locking setting state, it is possible to switch to the double locking setting release state by operating the key lock cylinder. Thus, even if the double locking cannot be released by the second motor 71, for example, in the event that the vehicle's battery is depleted, the double locking can be manually released in an emergency.

[0065] like Figure 14As shown, the control device 80 is composed of a microprocessor centered on a CPU 81. Besides the CPU 81, it also includes a ROM 82 for storing processing programs, a RAM 83 for temporary data storage, input / output ports, and a communication port. The control device 80 receives signals from various switches such as the lock-up state detection switch 44 and the double-lock state detection switch 54. Additionally, the control device 80 receives signals from the door opening / closing switch 91 and a wireless remote key 92 configured as a so-called smart key. The door opening / closing switch 91 is used to instruct the opening and closing of the door 1 through user operation, and is located near the outer door handle 5 or the outer door handle 5 of the outer panel 4. Furthermore, the door opening / closing switch 91 can be a push-button switch or a touch switch. Alternatively, the door opening / closing switch 91 can also be a sensor that detects the operation of the outer door handle 5. The remote key 92 enables remote operation to lock, unlock, apply, and deactivate the double lock on the door 1. Furthermore, the control device 80 outputs drive signals to the first motor 61 and the second motor 71.

[0066] Next, the operation of the door locking device 10 configured as described in this embodiment will be explained. In particular, the operation when an opening operation of the door 1 is detected from the double-lock setting state will be explained.

[0067] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a latch release control procedure executed by the CPU 81 of the control device 80. The procedure completes user authentication by comparing the key-side ID sent by the remote key 92 carried by the user with the stored vehicle-side ID, and is executed when the user's opening operation on the door 1 is detected by the door opening / closing switch 91.

[0068] When the latch release control procedure is executed, the CPU 81 of the control device 80 first receives a signal from the lock state detection switch 44 (step S100) and determines whether the state of the locking mechanism 40 is locked (step S110). If the CPU 81 determines that the state of the locking mechanism 40 is not locked but unlocked, it drives the second motor 71 to switch the state of the latch mechanism 20 to the latch release state (latch release operation) (step S120), and then ends the process.

[0069] On the other hand, if the CPU 81 determines in step S110 that the locking mechanism 40 is in a locked state, it switches the electrical state to the unlocked state (step S130). Next, the CPU 81 receives a signal from the dual-locking state detection switch 54 (step S140) and determines whether the dual-locking mechanism 50 is in a dual-locking setting state (step S150). If the CPU 81 determines that the dual-locking mechanism 50 is not in a dual-locking setting state but in a dual-locking setting deactivation state, it drives the first motor 61 to switch the locking mechanism 40 to the unlocked state (unlocking energized) and drives the second motor 71 to switch the latch mechanism 20 to the latch deactivation state (latch deactivation operation) (step S160), and then ends the process. In this embodiment, by simultaneously driving the first motor 61 and the second motor 71, the unlocking energization and latch deactivation operations are performed simultaneously. Therefore, the switch to the unlocked state and the switch to the latch deactivation state can be completed quickly. Furthermore, in step S160, CPU81 may perform the latch release action after performing the unlocking power-on, or it may perform the unlocking power-on action after performing the latch release.

[0070] If the CPU 81 determines in step S150 that the state of the double locking mechanism 50 is the double locking setting release state, it first drives and controls the second motor 71 to switch the state of the latch mechanism 20 to the latch release state (latch release action) (step S170). After switching the state of the latch mechanism 20 to the latch release state, the CPU 81 drives and controls the second motor 71 in the reverse direction to switch the double locking mechanism 50 to the double locking setting release state (double locking release energized) (step S180), and drives and controls the first motor 61 to switch the locking mechanism 40 to the unlock state (unlock energized) (step S190), and then ends the process.

[0071] Thus, the door locking device 10 of this embodiment requires the user to perform an opening operation on the door 1 to release the dual-lock setting state (switch to the dual-lock setting release state), thereby suppressing unintended release of the dual-lock setting state. Furthermore, since the latch mechanism 20 is switched to the latch release state first when an authenticated user performs the opening operation on the door 1, good responsiveness to the opening operation of the door 1 can be ensured. Moreover, since the dual-lock mechanism 50 is configured to alternate between the dual-lock setting state and the dual-lock setting release state by a striking operation, and the switching to the dual-lock setting release state and the latch release state is achieved by a single motor (second motor 71), manufacturing costs can be further reduced by decreasing the number of parts.

[0072] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. As long as it falls within the technical scope of the present invention, it can be implemented in various ways, which is self-evident.

[0073] For example, in the above embodiment, the first motor 61 is used to drive the locking mechanism 40, and the second motor 71 is used to drive both the latch mechanism 20 and the double locking mechanism 50. However, the first motor 61 may also be used to drive both the locking mechanism 40 and the double locking mechanism 50, and the second motor 71 may be used only to drive the latch mechanism 20. Alternatively, different motors may be used to drive the latch mechanism 20, the locking mechanism 40, and the double locking mechanism 50, respectively.

[0074] [Potential for industrial applications]

[0075] This invention can be applied to industries such as the manufacturing of vehicle door locking devices.

Claims

1. A door locking device for a vehicle, wherein, include: A latching mechanism that selectively forms a latched state and a latch-out state, wherein the latched state holds the door in a closed state and the latch-out state allows the door to be opened; A locking mechanism that selectively forms a locked state and an unlocked state, wherein the locked state prevents the latch mechanism from being switched to the unlocked state by manual operation, and the unlocked state allows the latch mechanism to be switched to the unlocked state by manual operation; A dual locking mechanism that selectively forms a dual locking setting state and a dual locking setting unlock state, wherein the dual locking setting state prohibits switching the locking mechanism to the unlock state, and the dual locking setting unlock state allows switching the locking mechanism to the unlock state; A first actuator electrically switches the locking mechanism to the unlocked state; A second actuator, independent of the state of the locking mechanism and the state of the double locking mechanism, electrically switches the latch mechanism to the latch-out state; A third actuator electrically switches the dual-locking mechanism to the dual-locking set-out state. as well as When a control device detects an opening operation performed on the vehicle door by an authenticated operator when the locking mechanism is in the locked state and the dual locking mechanism is in the dual locking setting state, the control device controls the first actuator, the second actuator, and the third actuator to switch the dual locking mechanism to the dual locking setting release state after switching the latch mechanism to the latch release state, and to switch the locking mechanism to the unlock state.

2. The door locking device according to claim 1, wherein, The first actuator switches the locking mechanism to the unlocked state by the driving force of the first motor. The second actuator switches the latching mechanism to the latch-out state using a second motor with a different driving force than the first motor. The third actuator switches the dual locking mechanism to the dual locking setting release state by the driving force in the opposite direction of the second motor.

3. The door locking device according to claim 2, wherein, When an authorized operator is detected opening the door while the locking mechanism is in the locked state and the dual locking mechanism is in the unlocked state, the control device controls the first motor and the second motor to simultaneously switch the latch mechanism to the unlocked state and the locking mechanism to the unlocked state.

4. The door locking device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The dual locking mechanism is configured to alternately switch between the dual locking setting state and the dual locking setting release state by the driving force in the opposite direction of the second motor.

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