Vehicle latch device

Abstract

A door latch device (5) is provided with: a latch mechanism (21) having a pawl (21b) capable of moving between an engagement position in which an engagement state between a shift fork (21a) and a striker (3) is maintained and an open position in which engagement is released; an electric motor (22) that moves the pawl (21b) to the open position; an opening switch (91) that outputs an opening signal indicating a door opening intention of a user; a lock cylinder (31) which is rotationally operated by an inserted key (99); a lock switch (34) that outputs a lock signal in response to a rotation operation of the lock cylinder (31) to one side; and a control unit (40) having an electronically unlocked state in which the electric motor (22) is operated in response to receipt of the open signal, and an electronically locked state in which the pawl (21b) is maintained at the engaged position so as not to operate the electric motor (22) regardless of receipt of the open signal. The control section (40) switches the electronically unlocked state to the electronically locked state in response to receiving the lock signal.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a door latch device for a vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electrically operated door lock operating device for a vehicle. In this device, a motor electrically performs a latch release operation of moving a latch of a door lock main body from a full-latch position to a latch release position in response to a switch operation from outside a vehicle cabin. Further, the device is provided with a lock cylinder that is rotated by a key operation from outside the vehicle cabin. For example, at the time of an abnormality in which the motor cannot operate, a user can manually perform the latch release operation by the key operation.

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENT

[0004] PATENT DOCUMENT

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2000-054708 SUMMARY

[0006] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] Generally, the electric latch release operation by the motor in response to the switch operation is performed on the premise that the key is authenticated by an ECU. For example, in a case where an adapted key is not present in the vicinity of the vehicle, the ECU cannot perform the key authentication, and thus, from the viewpoint of theft prevention, an electronic lock mode in which the motor is not operated even if the switch operation is performed can be set. Further, after the key is authenticated, the ECU can be shifted to an electronic unlock mode in which the latch release operation is performed by the motor in response to the switch operation. However, the above-described device cannot manually shift the electronic unlock mode and the electronic lock mode at the time of an abnormality.

[0008] An object of the present application is to provide a door latch device for a vehicle that improves convenience at the time of an abnormality.

[0009] MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0010] One aspect of the present application provides a vehicle door latch device including: a latch mechanism having a yoke engageable / disengageable with a striker provided to a vehicle body, and a pawl movable between an engaged position to maintain engagement of the yoke and the striker and an open position to release the engagement; an electric motor to move the pawl from the engaged position to the open position; a door opening intention detection unit provided outside the vehicle to output an open signal upon detecting a user's door opening intention; a lock cylinder having a key hole into which a key is insertable and being rotatably operated by the inserted key; a lock switch to output a lock signal in response to rotational operation of the lock cylinder to one side; and a control unit having an electronic unlocking state in which the electric motor is operated to move the pawl to the open position in response to reception of the open signal, and an electronic locking state in which the pawl is maintained at the engaged position without operating the electric motor regardless of reception of the open signal, the control unit switching the electronic unlocking state to the electronic locking state in response to reception of the lock signal.

[0011] According to the above-described configuration, the motor and the control unit can normally operate, and in the event of an abnormal state in which the key is in a state of battery depletion or the like and cannot normally perform switching between the electronic unlocking state and the electronic locking state, the electronic unlocking state can be switched to the electronic locking state by key operation by the user. Thus, in the abnormal state as described above, it is possible to prevent the vehicle from being left in the electronic unlocking state and the pawl from being undesirably moved to the open position by switch operation by a third party.

[0012] Effects of Invention

[0013] According to the present application, it is possible to provide a vehicle door latch device that improves convenience in an abnormal state. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a side view of a side door as an example of a vehicle door according to an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram conceptually showing a vehicle door latch device according to the embodiment applied to the vehicle door shown in FIG. 1. Figure 1 FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the vehicle door latch device according to the embodiment of the vehicle door shown in FIG. 1.

[0016] Figure 3 FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a main part of the vehicle door according to the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a lower portion of the vehicle door according to the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the lower portion of the vehicle door according to the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 This is an exploded 3D view of the lower part of a vehicle door.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a 3D view of the lock cylinder unit.

[0021] Figure 8 This is an exploded 3D view of the lock cylinder unit.

[0022] Figure 9 This is an exploded 3D view of the lock cylinder unit.

[0023] Figure 10 This is a rear view of the lock cylinder unit with the key lever in the neutral position.

[0024] Figure 11 This is a rear view of the lock cylinder unit after the key lever has been rotated from the neutral position to the other side.

[0025] Figure 12 This is a rear view of the lock cylinder unit after the key lever has been rotated from the neutral position to one side. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that identical or corresponding elements are labeled with the same reference numerals in all the drawings, and repetition of detailed descriptions is omitted.

[0027] (Main body of the door)

[0028] Reference Figure 1 In this embodiment, the vehicle door 1 closes the opening of the passenger compartment or trunk in a manner that allows it to be opened. This is just one example of door 1. Figure 1 The diagram shows the front left side door of the vehicle. With the side door closed, the thickness direction of door 1 (see arrow X in the diagram) corresponds to the vehicle width direction, the width direction of door 1 (see arrow Y in the diagram) corresponds to the vehicle length direction, and the height direction of door 1 (see arrow Z in the diagram) corresponds to the vehicle height direction. The front of door 1 corresponds to the side of the vehicle as a whole. The thickness and width directions are approximately horizontal, and the height direction is approximately vertical. The thickness, width, and height directions of door 1 intersect perpendicularly with the other two directions. It should be noted that when door 1 is a rear door, the correspondence between the direction of door 1 and the direction of the vehicle will be appropriately changed.

[0029] In this embodiment, the front end of door 1 (one end of door 1 in the width direction) and the vehicle body 2 (refer to) Figure 2The door is connected by a hinge, with the hinge axis extending along the height direction of the vehicle (the height direction of door 1). By rotating door 1 relative to the vehicle body 2 around the hinge axis, door 1 opens or closes. The rear end of door 1 (the other end in the width direction of door 1) is the end opposite to the hinge axis in the length direction of the vehicle (the width direction of door 1). This end opposite to the hinge axis (or the latch side) is engaged by the latch device 5 with a striker 3 (see reference 5) located on the vehicle body 2. Figure 2 It can be engaged in a way that allows it to disengage.

[0030] The door 1 includes a door body 10 and a decorative member. The door body 10 has an inner panel 11 and an outer panel 12. The outer panel 12 overlaps with the inner panel 11 on the outer side of the vehicle in the thickness direction of the door 1. The decorative member extends and is elongated in the width direction of the door 1.

[0031] In this embodiment, a garnish 13 is shown as an example of a decorative component. In the case of a side door, the garnish 13 extends along the length of the vehicle from the lower outer edge of the door body 10, covering the lower edge of the outer surface of the outer panel 12 from the outside of the vehicle. It should be noted that... Figure 1 In the middle, approximately half of the front side of the outer panel 12 and the decorative element 13 is cut off and omitted from the illustration.

[0032] To facilitate the opening and closing of door 1, the door body 10 is provided with an inner handle 14 and an outer handle 15, serving as examples of door handles. Although detailed drawings are omitted, the inner handle 14 is disposed on the inner surface of the inner panel 11 and is used by users inside the vehicle. The outer handle 15 is disposed on the outer surface of the outer panel 12 and is used by users outside the vehicle.

[0033] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The decorative element 13 is fastened to the outer panel 12. The decorative element 13 has multiple screw-in portions 13a on its back side. Each screw-in portion 13a protrudes from the inner surface of the decorative element 13. The multiple screw-in portions 13a constitute an upper screw-in portion row arranged in a line along the vehicle length direction on the upper part of the decorative element 13 and a lower screw-in portion row arranged in a line along the vehicle length direction on the lower part of the decorative element 13. On the other hand, multiple bolt insertion portions 12a are also formed on the lower part of the outer panel 12, constituting an upper bolt insertion portion row arranged in a line along the vehicle length direction on opposite upper sides and a lower bolt insertion portion row arranged in a line along the vehicle length direction on opposite lower sides.

[0034] When assembling the trim piece 13 onto the outer panel 12, the inner surface of the trim piece 13 is aligned with the lower part of the outer surface of the outer panel 12. The upper screw-in rows and the upper bolt insertion rows are aligned in the width direction of the door 1, and the lower screw-in rows and the lower bolt insertion rows are aligned in the width direction of the door 1. The bolt 81 is inserted from the inner surface side of the outer panel 12 into the bolt insertion portion 12a and screwed into the screw-in portion 13a. Thus, the trim piece 13 is fixed to the outer panel 12. Each screw-in portion 13a protrudes from the inner surface of the trim piece 13, thereby accommodating the tip of the bolt 81. The bolt 81 does not protrude from the outer side of the trim piece 13, thus maintaining aesthetics.

[0035] (Electric latch mechanism)

[0036] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, door 1 uses a vehicle-grade door latch device 5. At least a portion of the components of the door latch device 5 are assembled to the door body 10.

[0037] The latch device 5 includes a latching unit 20 and an emergency unit 30. For example... Figure 1 As shown by the dashed line, the latching unit 20 and the emergency unit 30 are housed inside the door body 10, in the space defined by the inner panel 11 and the outer panel 12. However, a portion of the emergency unit 30 (particularly the opening of the keyhole 31a of the lock cylinder 31) protrudes outward from this space through a through-hole formed in the outer panel 12.

[0038] To facilitate assembly and maintenance, one or more maintenance openings 11a extend through the inner panel 11. A latching unit 20 is configured to abut the other side of the maintenance opening 11a in the width direction of the door 1. An emergency unit 30 is configured to abut the lower side of the maintenance opening 11a in the height direction of the door 1. Therefore, the assembly and maintenance of these two units are facilitated.

[0039] The latch unit 20 is disposed at the other end of the door 1 in the width direction (the end opposite to the hinge). The emergency unit 30 and the lock cylinder 31 having the emergency unit overlap with the trim piece 13 in the thickness direction of the door 1 and are disposed on the inner side of the trim piece 13.

[0040] Reference Figure 2 The latch device 5 is an electrically operated type, comprising a latching mechanism 21 and an electric motor 22. In this embodiment, the electric motor 22, together with the latching mechanism 21, constitutes the latch unit 20, but the electric motor 22 may also be physically located away from the components used to support or house the latching mechanism 21. Furthermore, the latch unit 20 includes an unlocking switch 23.

[0041] The latching mechanism 21 engages disengagedly with the striker 3 mounted on the vehicle body 2. The latching mechanism 21 has a fork 21a and a pawl 21b. The fork 21a is capable of engaging / disengaging with the striker 3. The fork 21a is movable (e.g., rotatable) between a first position engaged with the striker 3 and a second position released from engagement. The pawl 21b is movable (e.g., rotatable) between an engaged position holding the fork 21a in the first position and maintaining the engagement between the fork 21a and the striker 3, and an open position releasing the engagement.

[0042] Figure 2 The latching mechanism 21 is shown in its latched state. In the latched state, the fork 21a is in the first position and the pawl 21b is in the engaged position, so the door 1 remains closed even if it is pushed or pulled relative to the vehicle body 2. The pawl 21b can move from the engaged position shown in the figure, and the fork 21a can move from the first position shown in the figure. Although the figure is omitted, when the pawl 21b is in the open position, the striker 3 is allowed to disengage from the fork 21a. That is, the latching mechanism 21 switches from the latched state to the unlocked state. In the latched state, the door 1 opens from the closed state in response to opening and closing operations performed on the door 1 using the outer handle 15, etc. It should be noted that the inner handle 14 is connected via cable 14a (see reference). Figure 1 It is mechanically connected to latch unit 20.

[0043] The electric motor 22 operates using electricity stored in the battery 4, generating rotational driving force. The battery 4 is a relatively low-voltage lead-acid battery, originally installed in the vehicle to power auxiliary equipment (e.g., air conditioning, lighting). The electric motor 22 rotates freely in both directions. The output shaft of the electric motor 22 is connected to the pawl 21b of the latching mechanism 21. When the electric motor 22 operates, depending on its direction of rotation, the pawl 21b moves from the engaged position to the unengaged position or vice versa. That is, the state of the latching mechanism 21 switches from the latched state to the unlocked state or vice versa.

[0044] The latch device 5 includes a controller 40 as an example of its control unit. For example... Figure 2 As schematically shown, the controller 40 can be located outside the door body 10 or mounted on the door body 10. The controller 40 consists of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory including RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory), hardware with input / output interfaces, and software installed on the hardware. The CPU reads the program pre-stored in the memory and executes information processing according to the steps indicated by the program. Thus, the controller 40 controls the operation of the electric motor 22.

[0045] The controller 40 includes a storage unit 41, a communication unit 42, an authentication unit 43, and a switching unit 44. The storage unit 41 stores information required for control. The communication unit 42 transmits and receives information required for control. The communication unit 42 includes an antenna for wireless communication and is configured to communicate wirelessly with an electronic key 90 carried by the vehicle's compatible user. Furthermore, the communication unit 42 is connected to a door latch device 5 or a switch or sensor that detects the vehicle's status, and is configured to receive signals output from such a switch or sensor (e.g., locking and unlocking signals described later).

[0046] The information stored in the storage unit 41 includes, for example, status information indicating whether the door latch device 5 is set to an electronic unlock state or an electronic lock state, and vehicle-specific authentication key information. The communication unit 42 receives an opening signal indicating the user's intention to open the door 1 and authentication information indicating the user's compatibility. Furthermore, the communication unit 42 sends a request signal for performing authentication processing on the electronic key 90.

[0047] The door latch device 5 includes a door opening intention detection unit that detects a user's intention to open the door. The door opening intention detection unit is located outside the vehicle and configured to output an opening signal when a user's intention to open the door is detected. The door opening intention detection unit includes an opening switch 91 located on the electronic key 90. Although detailed illustrations are omitted, the door opening intention detection unit also includes a push-button switch or a human body sensor (e.g., a capacitive sensor or an infrared sensor) located on or near the door body 10.

[0048] In addition to a user-operated open switch 91 and an close switch 92, the electronic key 90 also includes a key communication unit 93 capable of receiving request signals from the communication unit 42 and sending authentication signals to the communication unit 42, a key control unit 94 controlling communication with the controller 40, and a key battery 95 serving as the power source for the key control unit 94. The key control unit 94 includes a memory storing the program involved in communication processing and the vehicle's inherent authentication key. The key battery 95 is, for example, a button-type primary battery, installed in the housing of the electronic key 90 in a manner that allows for user replacement.

[0049] When a request signal is received from the controller 40, the electronic key 90 sends an authentication signal, including the authentication key, to the controller 40. The authentication unit 43 compares the authentication key included in the authentication signal received by the communication unit 42 with the authentication key information stored in the storage unit 41. If the two authentication keys match, the switching unit 44 sets the latch device 5 to the electronically unlocked state. If the two authentication keys do not match, the switching unit 44 sets the latch device 5 to the electronically locked state. As a specific example of the state setting or switching process, the state information in the storage unit 41 is updated by the switching unit 44.

[0050] In the above structure, when a user carrying the compatible electronic key 90 approaches the vehicle, the door latch device 5 is electronically unlocked. The user can input their intention to open the door by pressing the open switch 91. The user's intention to open the door is detected by pressing the open switch 91, and an open signal is output to the key control unit 94. The key control unit 94 wirelessly transmits the open signal to the electronic key 90 via the key communication unit 93.

[0051] When the electronic unlock state is set and the communication unit 42 receives an open signal, the controller 40, in response to the received open signal, activates the electric motor 22, causing the pawl 21b to move from the engaged position to the open position. This switches the latching mechanism 21 from the latched state to the unlocked state. Conversely, when the electronic lock state is set, the controller 40 does not activate the electric motor 22 regardless of whether an open signal is received. The pawl 21b remains in the engaged position, and the latching mechanism 21 remains in the latched state.

[0052] In actual use, the electric latch device 5 may sometimes malfunction due to electrical problems. For example, the electric motor 22 may fail to function properly due to a broken wire or a depleted battery in the vehicle battery 4. In such cases, even if the door opening intention detection unit outputs an open signal normally, the state of the latch mechanism 21 cannot be switched electrically.

[0053] Alternatively, due to factors such as the key battery 95 running out of power, the electronic key 90 may malfunction, causing the controller 40 to sometimes fail to properly perform the switching process between the electronic unlock and electronic lock states. In particular, the inability to properly perform the switching process from the electronic unlock state to the electronic lock state raises concerns that, with the battery 4 and electric motor 22 functioning normally, a third party could activate the door opening intention detection unit located on the door body 10 even without the compatible electronic key 90, thereby improperly opening the door 1. It should be noted that, in addition to the electronic key 90 running out of power, this situation may also occur when other hardware devices related to performing the switching process between the electronic unlock and electronic lock states (e.g., the wireless communication antenna that forms part of the communication unit 42) malfunction.

[0054] To handle such abnormal situations, an emergency unit 30 is provided in the latch device 5. The emergency unit 30 mainly includes a lock cylinder 31 and a bracket 50 (see reference). Figure 7 (etc.). Regarding the orientation of the emergency unit 30 and its components in the following description, the front-to-back direction corresponds to the thickness direction of the door 1 (refer to arrow X in the figure), and the front side corresponds to the outer side of the vehicle in the thickness direction of the door 1.

[0055] (Front side of the emergency unit)

[0056] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The lock cylinder 31 is a cylindrical tumbler lock. The lock cylinder 31 has an outer cylindrical portion 31b fixed to the bracket 50 and a rotor portion 31c fitted within the outer cylindrical portion 31b. One end of the lock cylinder 31 (and its outer cylindrical portion 31b) has a larger diameter than the rest. A key 99 (see reference) is formed in the rotor portion 31c. Figure 2 The keyhole 31a is inserted. The keyhole 31a extends along the axial direction of the lock cylinder 31.

[0057] The rotor portion 31c is rotatable about its central axis relative to the outer cylinder portion 31b. The rotor portion 31c supports a plurality of pins 31d for displacement. Rotation of the rotor portion 31c is permitted only when the matching key 99 is inserted into the keyhole 31a via the pins 31d. A return spring 33 is provided between the outer cylinder portion 31b and the rotor portion 31c to apply force to the rotor portion 31c toward a neutral position. When the lock cylinder 31 is not operated, the rotor portion 31c is in a neutral position. When the user inserts the matching key 99 into the keyhole 31a, the user can grasp the key 99, overcome the applied force, and rotate the rotor portion 31c from the neutral position to one side and the other side.

[0058] By rotating the lever to one side, the electronic unlocking state is forcibly switched to the electronic locking state. By rotating it to the other side, the latch mechanism 21 is manually forcibly switched from the latched state to the unlocked state. Thus, even in abnormal conditions caused by electrical malfunctions, the state of the latch device 5 or the latch mechanism 21 can be manually switched. Therefore, the convenience of the latch device 5 in case of abnormalities is improved. It should be noted that specific examples of the switching action in response to the rotation operation will be described later.

[0059] However, considering the reliability of the latch device 5, such abnormal conditions will not occur frequently, and the emergency unit 30 will not be used often in actual use of the latch device 5. On the other hand, the door 1 of the vehicle can also serve as an appearance component that affects the aesthetics of the vehicle. Based on its usage, the lock cylinder 31 is preferably configured to be as inconspicuous as possible to ensure the aesthetics of the door 1 and even the vehicle. However, based on the importance of its function, the lock cylinder 31 is preferably designed to be easily operable when needed.

[0060] Therefore, the lock cylinder 31 is configured and fixed to the inner side of the outer panel 12 via the bracket 50. The bracket 50 is a multifunctional single component that has the functions of positioning the lock cylinder 31 on the door body 10 and limiting the rotational displacement of the lock cylinder 31. The bracket 50 is manufactured by casting of metal materials or injection molding of resin materials, and has a relatively complex shape.

[0061] Apart from Figure 3 and Figure 4 In addition, refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The bracket 50 has a lock cylinder insertion hole 51 for inserting the lock cylinder 31. Inside the lock cylinder insertion hole 51, there is a stepped surface that abuts against one end of the lock cylinder 31 with a large diameter to position the lock cylinder 31 axially, and a claw locking groove that positions the lock cylinder 31 circumferentially and radially. Thus, when the lock cylinder 31 is inserted into the lock cylinder insertion hole 51, the position and orientation of the lock cylinder 31 relative to the bracket 50 are fixed.

[0062] The bracket 50 has a door fitting portion 52 that protrudes in a block shape on its front surface and a plurality of bracket fixing portions 53 that radiate from the door fitting portion 52 when viewed from the front. In the illustrated example, the door fitting portion 52 is square when viewed from the front, but the shape of the door fitting portion 52 is not particularly limited. Furthermore, there are three bracket fixing portions 53, but the number of bracket fixing portions 53 is not particularly limited. The front surface of the bracket fixing portion 53 is offset rearward relative to the front surface of the door fitting portion 52. The lock cylinder insertion hole 51 extends in the front-rear direction at the center of the door fitting portion 52. Each bracket fixing portion 53 has a bolt insertion hole 53a that extends in the front-rear direction. On the other hand, the outer plate 12 is provided with a mounting hole 12b.

[0063] The mounting hole 12b penetrates the outer panel 12. The outline of the mounting hole 12b is approximately consistent with the main view shape or cross-sectional shape of the door fitting part 52. The bracket 50 is mounted to the outer panel 12 from the inside of the vehicle. With the door fitting part 52 fitted into the mounting hole 12b and the front surface of the bracket fixing part 53 abutting against the inner surface of the outer panel 12, the bracket 50 is attached to the outer panel 12 by bolts 82. The bolts 82 are inserted from the outside of the outer panel 12.

[0064] The door fitting portion 52 is located inside the mounting hole 12b. The lock cylinder insertion hole 51 is formed in the door fitting portion 52. The lock cylinder 31 is fixed to the inner side of the outer panel 12 via the bracket 50. One end face (front face) of the lock cylinder 31, together with the door fitting portion 52, protrudes from the outer side of the outer panel 12 via the mounting hole 12b.

[0065] The openings of the mounting hole 12b and the keyhole 31a are located within the area covered by the decorative element 13. In this embodiment, this area is elongated in the length direction (width direction of the door 1). The mounting hole 12b is located in this area on the opposite side of the hinge in the width direction of the door 1, i.e., the latch side (the side where the latch unit 20 is located). The "opposite side of the hinge" or "latch side" here can also be defined as the area extending 50% from the other end of the width direction of the door body 10, that is, the area located on the other side of the width direction relative to the center line of the width direction of the door body 10. The latch side can be defined as a narrower area than the above-described area, for example, a 40% or 30% area extending from the other end of the width direction of the door body 10.

[0066] The decorative element 13 has an opening 13b that extends through a portion that overlaps with one end face of the lock cylinder 31. Furthermore, the door 1 has a cover member 16 that closes the opening 13b in an openable manner.

[0067] The cover member 16 is connected to the decorative member 13 in a manner that is non-detachable and displaceable relative to the decorative member 13, through which the opening 13b is opened or closed. The manner of displacement and connection is not particularly limited; for example, the cover member 16 may be rotatable relative to the decorative member 13 or slidable relative to the decorative member 13.

[0068] In this embodiment, the cover member 16 is rotatable relative to the decorative member 13, and the axis of rotation of the cover member 16 is oriented towards the height direction of the door 1. The cover member 16 is rotatably connected to one end of the opening 13b of the decorative member 13 in the width direction of the door 1. The cover member 16 is outward-opening. The user can open the opening 13b by pulling the end of the cover member 16 opposite to the axis of rotation in the width direction of the door 1 towards him. Even if the area of ​​the opening 13b is large and the distance between the decorative member 13 and the outer panel 12 is short, it will not hinder the operation of the cover member 16. However, the axis of rotation of the cover member 16 may also be oriented towards the length direction of the vehicle (the width direction of the door 1). The cover member 16 may also be inward-opening.

[0069] The cover member 16 can also be directly connected to the decorative element 13 or the outer panel 12. In this embodiment, the cover member 16 is rotatably connected to the support member 17 disposed between the outer panel 12 and the decorative element 13. The support member 17 can also be assembled to either the outer panel 12 or the decorative element 13. In this embodiment, the support member 17 is assembled to the inner surface of the decorative element 13. It should be noted that the method of assembling the support member 17 to the decorative element 13 or the outer panel 12 is not particularly limited; they can be joined together by bolts or by adhesive.

[0070] The cover member 16 has a plate-shaped cover body 16a, a pivot portion 16b that is directly or indirectly connected to the decorative member 13 (in this example, it is directly connected to the support member 17 and indirectly connected to the decorative member 13), a connecting rod portion 16c that connects the cover body 16a and the pivot portion 16b, and a locking piece 16d provided on the opposite side of the connecting rod portion 16c in the width direction of the door 1. The pivot portion 16b is provided with a through hole extending in the height direction of the door 1, and a pin 18 (see reference) Figure 4 The cover member 16 is rotatably connected to the support member 17 through the through hole of the support member 17 and inserted into the pivot portion 16b.

[0071] When viewed along the thickness direction of the cover body 16a, the cover body 16a has a shape substantially the same as the opening 13b. In this embodiment, as an example only, the cover body 16a and the opening 13b are elliptical in shape, longer in the width direction and shorter in the height direction of the door 1. The connecting rod portion 16c is U-shaped when viewed from above (in other words, when viewed axially from the pivot portion 16b). One end of the connecting rod portion 16c is connected to one end of the cover body 16a in the width direction on the back side, and the other end of the connecting rod portion 16c is connected to the pivot portion 16b. The connecting rod portion 16c is disposed on the interior side of the vehicle relative to the trim piece 13.

[0072] The support member 17 is plate-shaped and has the thickness required to fill the space between the outer surface of the outer plate 12 and the inner surface of the decorative member 13. The support member 17 has a window portion 17a that exposes one end face of the lock cylinder 31 and a clearance hole 17b that communicates with one side of the window portion 17a in the width direction and is used to avoid interference with the connecting rod portion 16c.

[0073] The cover member 16 is assembled to the support member 17. Then, the support member 17 with the cover member 16 is assembled to the inner surface of the decorative member 13. After that, the decorative member 13 with the cover member 16 and the support member 17 is assembled to the outer panel 12. Since the cover member 16 and the support member 17 and the decorative member 13 constitute a sub-assembly, the cover member 16 and the support member 17 can be easily assembled to the door body 10.

[0074] When the support member 17 with the cover member 16 is assembled onto the inner surface of the decorative member 13, the support member 17 is positioned relative to the decorative member 13 such that the window portion 17a and the opening portion 13b are connected in the front-rear direction. A pair of protrusions 17c protruding to both sides in the width direction are provided on the upper part of the support member 17, and the pair of protrusions 17c are supported on the upper surface of the engagement portion 13a (particularly the two engagement portions 13a separated by the opening portion 13b in the width direction) provided on the inner surface of the decorative member 13. This facilitates the positioning of the support member 17 relative to the decorative member 13. When the decorative member 13 with the cover member 16 and the support member is assembled onto the outer panel 12, one end face of the lock cylinder 31 protrudes from the outer side of the outer panel 12 and is positioned inside the opening portion 13b and the window portion 17a.

[0075] The cover member 16 has a locking piece 16d protruding from the back of the cover body 16a. The locking piece 16d protrudes from the other end of the back in the width direction, and the locking hole 16e passes through the front end of the locking piece 16d. On the other hand, the support member 17 has a slit 17d adjacent to the other side of the window portion 17a in the width direction, and the slit 17d is recessed in the front of the support member 17. Moreover, the support member 17 has a triangular piece 17e protruding into the slit 17d. When the cover member 16 is closed, the locking piece 16d abuts against the front inclined surface of the triangular piece 17e, and continues to move toward the closed position while elastically deforming. When the triangular piece 17e is inserted into the locking hole 16e, the displacement of the cover member 16 is restricted, and the cover member 16 is held in the closed position.

[0076] When in the closed position, the cover member 16 is coplanar with the trim member 13 (particularly the periphery of the opening 13b). Therefore, the aesthetics of the door 1 and even the vehicle are improved. The cover member 16 can also be decorated in the same way as the trim member 13. By applying the same decorative treatment to the cover member 16 as to the trim member 13, the cover member 16 becomes less noticeable, and the aesthetics of the door 1 and even the vehicle are improved.

[0077] On the outer surface of the decorative piece 13, a locking groove 13c is formed at the other end of the door 1 in the width direction of the periphery of the opening 13b. The user can easily open the opening 13b by inserting the tip of the key 99 and their own finger into the locking groove 13c, locking the cover member 16 and pulling it forward. At this time, the edge of the locking hole 16e abuts against the inner inclined surface of the triangular piece 17e, and the locking piece 16d continues to move towards the open position while elastically deforming. When the triangular piece 17e is disengaged from the locking hole 16e, the engagement between the cover member 16 and the triangular piece 17e is released, and the cover member 16 can easily move even under a small force.

[0078] One end of the lock cylinder 31 is located on the interior side of the trim piece 13 and protrudes from the exterior side of the outer panel 12. Even without removing the trim piece 13, the user can insert the key 99 from the exterior side of the trim piece 13 through the opening 13b into the keyhole 31a. The opening 13b is normally closed by the cover member 16, and the lock cylinder 31 can also be concealed by the cover member 16 during most of the actual use of the latch device 5. This balances ensuring the aesthetics of the door 1 and the vehicle as a whole with improved handling capabilities for emergency units 30 in unforeseen circumstances.

[0079] (Actions of the emergency unit)

[0080] Reference Figure 7 to Figure 9 The emergency unit 30 also includes a key lever 32, a return spring 33, a locking switch 34, and a connecting member. In this embodiment, a cable 35 is shown as an example of the connecting member; therefore, the emergency unit 30 includes a cable retainer 36.

[0081] With the lock cylinder 31 inserted and positioned in the lock cylinder insertion hole 51, the front end of the rotor portion 31c of the lock cylinder 31 protrudes toward the rear side of the bracket 50. The key lever 32 is located at the front end of the rotor portion 31c, that is, at the end opposite to the opening of the keyhole 31a. The key lever 32 is fitted into the front end of the rotor portion 31c and rotates integrally with the lock cylinder 31 (especially its rotor portion 31c).

[0082] The return spring 33 is a type of torsion coil spring, coaxial with the lock cylinder 31. In this embodiment, the return spring 33 is mounted between the rotor portion 31c and the outer cylinder portion 31b, but it may also be supported instead of the rotor portion 31c by a component that rotates integrally with the rotor portion 31c (e.g., the key lever 32), or it may be supported instead of the outer cylinder portion 31b by a component that is stationary relative to the rotor portion 31c integrally with the outer cylinder portion 31b (e.g., the bracket 50 or the outer plate 12). The rotor portion 31c is forced towards the neutral position by the return spring 33. Whether the rotor portion 31c is rotated to one side or to the other side from the neutral position, the return spring 33 applies a force to the rotor portion 31c to return it to the neutral position.

[0083] The key lever 32 is generally fan-shaped when viewed along the axial direction of the lock cylinder 31. The base end of the key lever 32 is fitted to the front end of the rotor portion 31c. The key lever 32 extends from this base end. A slit 32a is provided at the outer periphery of the key lever 32. The slit 32a is arc-shaped about the central axis of the lock cylinder 31 and extends through the key lever 32. The slit 32a has a first edge 32b on one side in the direction of rotation and a second edge 32c on the other side, and extends circumferentially between the first edge 32b and the second edge 32c.

[0084] The base end of the cable 35 is loosely engaged with the slit 32a. The base end of the cable 35 is fitted to the key lever 32 in a manner that prevents it from falling out of the slit 32a, while also allowing it to be guided by the slit 32a and displaced relative to the key lever 32. The cable 35 passes through the stepped cylindrical cable holder 36. The bracket 50 has a cable fixing part 54 that supports the cable holder 36 so that it cannot be displaced.

[0085] Reference Figure 10 When the lock cylinder 31 is in the neutral position, the base end of the cable 35 is away from the second edge 32c of the slit 32a in the extending direction of the slit 32a. In this embodiment, the base end of the cable 35 contacts the first edge 32b of the slit 32a. However, this is an example, and when the lock cylinder 31 is in the neutral position, the base end of the cable 35 may also be slightly away from the first edge 32b in the extending direction of the slit 32a.

[0086] Reference Figure 11 When the lock cylinder 31 is rotated to the other side, the key lever 32 and the rotor portion 31c become one and rotate to the other side. The base end of the cable 35 is engaged with the first edge 32b on one side, and therefore displaces to the other side along with the key lever 32 in response to the rotation of the key lever 32. That is, the cable 35 is pulled by the key lever 32 based on the rotational force input by the user to the key 99.

[0087] The front end of cable 35 is inserted into latching unit 20 and connected to an opening lever (not shown) within latching unit 20. Although detailed illustrations are omitted, the opening lever is connected to the swing shaft of pawl 21b via a power transmission mechanism located within latching unit 20. When cable 35 is pulled, the opening lever swings. Correspondingly, pawl 21b moves from the engaged position to the open position, and latching mechanism 21 switches from the latched state to the unlocked state.

[0088] Furthermore, an unlocking switch 23 is provided near the opening lever. The unlocking switch 23, consisting of a limit switch, is fixedly mounted on a frame (not shown) of the latch unit 20. When the opening lever rotates via the operation of the cable 35, the surface of the opening lever contacts the unlocking switch 23. This causes the unlocking switch 23 to change from an open state to an on state, outputting an unlocking signal. Thus, in response to an operation on the other side of the lock cylinder 31, an unlocking signal is output from the unlocking switch 23. The unlocking signal is received by the communication unit 42 of the controller 40.

[0089] The controller 40 switches from the electronic lock state to the electronic unlock state in response to receiving an unlock signal. It should be noted that if the controller 40 is already set to the electronic unlock state when the unlock signal is received, it maintains the electronic unlock state. To switch or maintain this state, the switching unit 44 updates or maintains the state information stored in the storage unit 41. For example, the controller 40 forcibly performs the switch from the electronic lock state to the electronic unlock state regardless of the result of the key information comparison processing by the authentication unit 43.

[0090] Thus, even in abnormal conditions where the electric motor 22 and controller 40 are not working, the user can manually switch the latching mechanism 21 from the latched state to the unlocked state mechanically by operating the key.

[0091] Furthermore, even if the switching between the electronic lock and electronic unlock states cannot be properly performed due to certain electrical malfunctions (e.g., the battery of the electronic key 90 is depleted), the user can manually force the latch device 5 from the electronic lock state to the electronic unlock state by operating the key.

[0092] An outer handle 15 is disposed on the latch side. A bracket 50 is disposed vertically away from the outer handle 15. More specifically, the bracket 50 is disposed below the outer handle 15. At least a portion of the bracket 50 is positioned in the width direction of the door 1 between one end and the other end of the outer handle 15 in the length direction. That is, at least a portion of the bracket 50 is disposed in the area between an imaginary line L1 extending vertically through one end of the outer handle 15 and an imaginary line L2 extending vertically through the other end of the outer handle 15 (see reference). Figure 1 Therefore, after the latching mechanism 21 is forcibly switched from the unlocked state to the latched state using the lock cylinder 31, the door 1 can be quickly opened using the outer handle 15, which is highly convenient. It should be noted that the bracket 50 can also be integrally set with the outer cylinder 31b of the lock cylinder 31.

[0093] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, the door body 10 is provided with a guide frame 1a that guides the door glass (not shown) in the vertical direction at the upper part of the door 1, and a door opening 1b that is defined by the guide frame 1a and can be opened and closed by the door glass.

[0094] Furthermore, at least a portion of the bracket 50 is disposed in the area below an imaginary line L3 extending in the width direction at a midpoint in the height direction, within the range from the lower end X of the door opening 1b to the lower end of the door body 10 (see reference). Figure 1Therefore, since the cover member 16 is located at a height (line of sight) further away from the user's eyes, it is inconspicuous, improving the aesthetics of the door 1 and even the vehicle. The lower position of the bracket 50 is effective, especially if it is configured within the area from the lower end X of the door opening 1b to the lower end of the door body 10, specifically in the area below the imaginary line L4 extending in the width direction at a position 25% (one-quarter) upward from the lower end of the door body 10. This ensures that it almost does not enter the user's line of sight, maximizing the aesthetics of the door 1 and even the vehicle.

[0095] It should be noted that when the user releases the operating force, the rotor 31c returns to the neutral position by the force applied by the return spring 33. Correspondingly, the key lever 32 also returns to its original position. The base end of the cable 35 is pulled back to its original position by the lever based on the force applied to the lever within the latch unit 20. By being held by the cable holder 36 supported on the bracket 50, the cable 35 can be stably returned to its original position.

[0096] Reference Figure 12 When the lock cylinder 31 is rotated from the neutral position to one side, the key lever 32 and the rotor 31c rotate together to one side. A switch fixing part is provided on the back side of the bracket 50 to fix the locking switch 34. The locking switch 34 is a limit switch and is fixedly mounted on the bracket 50. When the key lever 32 is rotated to one side, the side edge of the key lever 32 approaches the locking switch 34. An operating piece 32d, bent at approximately a right angle, is provided on the side edge of the key lever 32. As the key lever 32 rotates, the surface of the operating piece 32d contacts the locking switch 34. This changes the locking switch 34 from an open state to an on state, outputting a locking signal. Thus, in response to the operation of the lock cylinder 31 to one side, a locking signal is output from the locking switch 34. The locking signal is received by the communication unit 42 of the controller 40.

[0097] It should be noted that when the lock cylinder 31 is in the neutral position, the base end of the cable 35 is close to the first edge 32b and away from the second edge 32c on the other side. Since the base end of the cable 35 is loosely engaged with the slit 32a in a manner that allows for relative displacement with respect to the key lever 32, when the key lever 32 is rotated to one side, the second edge 32c approaches the base end of the cable 35, while the base end of the cable 35 does not shift. The cable 35 is not pressed, thus preventing it from loosening.

[0098] It is desired to rotate the lock cylinder 31 to one side under abnormal conditions. Abnormal conditions here refer to a state where the controller 40 and electric motor 22 are normal, but due to some electrical malfunction (e.g., the battery of the electronic key 90 is depleted), the process of switching between the electronic locking state and the electronic unlocking state cannot be properly performed.

[0099] The controller 40 switches from the electronic unlock state to the electronic lock state in response to receiving a lock signal. It should be noted that if the controller is already set to the electronic lock state when the lock signal is received, it maintains the electronic lock state. To switch or maintain this state, the switching unit 44 updates or maintains the state information stored in the storage unit 41. For example, the controller forcibly performs the switch from the electronic unlock state to the electronic lock state regardless of the result of the key information comparison processing in the authentication unit 43.

[0100] Therefore, in the abnormal state described above, it can prevent the vehicle from being placed while the latch device 5 is still in the electronically unlocked state, thereby preventing the pawl 21b from being improperly displaced to the open position by a third party's switch operation. Furthermore, after switching to the electronically locked state, it cannot switch back to the electronically unlocked state without the appropriate key 99 or electronic key 90 in hand. It can also prevent the electric motor 22 from operating undesirably.

[0101] It should be noted that when the lock cylinder 31 is in the neutral position or a position on the other side of the neutral position, the operating piece 32d of the key lever 32 moves circumferentially away from the locking switch 34. Therefore, the locking switch 34 is in the open state and does not output a locking signal.

[0102] Thus, according to this embodiment, a vehicle door with improved design aesthetics can be provided. Furthermore, a vehicle door latch device that enhances convenience in case of emergencies can be provided. In particular, two operations (switching from a latched state to an unlocked state and switching from an electronically unlocked state to an electronically locked state) can be achieved using a single lock cylinder 31. Compared to using a separate lock cylinder for each operation, the manufacturing cost of the door latch device 5 can be reduced.

[0103] The implementation method has been described above, but the above structure is an example and can be appropriately modified within the scope of the spirit of the present invention.

[0104] For example, decorative components are not limited to decorative pieces. A decorative component can be any slender member that extends in the width direction of the door. When a latch device is applied to a side door, the decorative component can also be a side protector that extends in the width direction from the center in the height direction.

[0105] Furthermore, the unlocking switch 23 is not limited to sensing the operation of the opening lever. For example, it can also be configured to sense the operation of the key lever 32, the lever in the mechanism for transmitting power from the opening lever to the pawl 21b, or any of the pawls 21b when the lock cylinder 31 is rotated from the neutral position to the other side.

[0106] In this disclosure, the emergency unit 30 may not necessarily be covered by decorative components. The configuration of the emergency unit 30 may be changed as appropriate.

[0107] The vehicle door of the present invention is not limited to a side door, but can also be a rear door. The door latch device of the present invention is also applicable to the same purpose.

[0108] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0109] 1: Door; 1a: Guide frame; 1b: Door opening; 2: Body; 3: Strike pin; 4: Battery; 5: Door latch device; 10: Door body; 11: Inner panel; 11a: Maintenance opening; 12: Outer panel; 12a: Bolt insertion part; 12b: Mounting hole; 13: Decorative part (decorative component); 13a: Screw-in part; 13b: Opening; 13c: Locking groove; 14: Inner handle; 14a: Cable; 15: Outer handle; 16: Cover Components; 16a: Cover body; 16b: Pivot; 16c: Linkage; 16d: Locking plate; 16e: Locking hole; 17: Support component; 17a: Window; 17b: Clearance hole; 17c: Protrusion; 17d: Slit; 17e: Triangular piece; 18: Pin; 20: Latch unit; 21: Latch mechanism; 21a: Fork; 21b: Pawl; 22: Electric motor; 23: Unlocking switch; 30: Emergency unit; 31 31a: Lock cylinder; 31b: Keyhole; 31c: Outer cylinder; 31d: Rotor; 32: Tumbler; 32a: Key lever; 32b: Slit; 32c: First edge; 32d: Second edge; 32d: Operating plate; 33: Return spring; 34: Locking switch; 35: Cable (connecting component); 36: Cable retainer; 40: Controller (control unit); 41: Storage unit; 42: Communication unit; 43: Authentication unit; 44: Cutting... Replacement part; 50: bracket; 51: lock cylinder insertion hole; 52: door fitting part; 53: bracket fixing part; 53a: bolt insertion hole; 54: cable fixing part; 55: switch fixing part; 81: bolt; 82: bolt; 90: electronic key; 91: open switch (door opening intention detection part); 92: close switch; 93: key communication part; 94: key control part; 95: key battery; 99: key; L1, L2: imaginary wires.

Claims

1. A door latch device for a vehicle, comprising: A latching mechanism having a fork and a pawl, the fork being capable of engaging / disengaging with a striker located on the vehicle body, and the pawl being capable of moving between an engaged position in which it engages with the fork to maintain the engaged state of the fork and the striker, and an open position to release the engagement. An electric motor moves the pawl from the engaged position to the open position; The door opening intention detection unit is located outside the vehicle and outputs an opening signal when it detects the user's intention to open the door; A lock cylinder has a keyhole into which a key is inserted and rotated to operate it. A locking switch that outputs a locking signal in response to a rotation of the lock cylinder to one side; as well as The control unit has an electronic unlock state and an electronic lock state. The electronic unlock state is a state in which the electric motor is activated in response to receiving the open signal, thereby moving the pawl to the open position. The electronic lock state is a state in which the electric motor is not activated and the pawl is maintained in the engaged position regardless of whether the open signal is received. The control unit switches from the electronic unlock state to the electronic lock state in response to receiving the lock signal.

2. The vehicle latch device according to claim 1, wherein, It also includes a connecting component that is mechanically connected to the latching mechanism and operates in response to the rotation of the lock cylinder to the other side, causing the pawl to move to the open position.

3. The vehicle latch device according to claim 2, wherein, It also includes a key lever, which is located axially on the end of the lock cylinder opposite to the keyhole into which the key can be inserted, and rotates integrally with the lock cylinder. The connecting component is a cable that engages with the key lever at one end and is pulled by the key lever in response to rotation of the key lever to the other side.

4. The vehicle latch device according to claim 3, wherein, The key lever has a slit, which is arc-shaped around the central axis of the lock cylinder, allowing one end of the connecting member to loosen and engage. In the neutral position where the lock cylinder is not operated, one end of the connecting member is away from the edge of the other side of the slit in the direction of the slit's extension.

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