Door lock device

Abstract

The door lock device of the present application is capable of confirming the state of the door lock even when an occupant is in the vehicle. In the case of a lock operation of the door lock switch, the door lock is locked, and the illuminating portion provided around the door lock switch and the door lock switch is controlled to emit light in a light emission pattern indicating the locking of the door lock. On the other hand, in the case of an unlock operation, the door lock is unlocked, and the illuminating portion is controlled to emit light in a light emission pattern indicating the unlocking of the door lock.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a door lock device. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a keyless entry device for a vehicle, which includes: a remote command unit capable of commanding the locking or unlocking of the vehicle door from a location away from the vehicle; and a confirmation tone output unit that outputs a confirmation tone when the vehicle door 2 is locked or unlocked according to the command based on the remote command unit. The keyless entry device for a vehicle also includes: a day / night determination unit that determines day or night; and a prohibition unit that prohibits the output of the confirmation tone from the confirmation tone output unit when the determination based on the day / night determination unit indicates that it is night.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-4676 Summary of the Invention

[0004] In Patent Document 1, when a vehicle door is locked or unlocked according to a command from a remote command unit, a confirmation tone is output to confirm the locking or unlocking of the door from outside the vehicle. However, when passengers are inside the vehicle, such as while riding or when starting to drive, it is difficult to confirm whether the door is locked, thus leaving room for improvement.

[0005] The present invention was made in consideration of the above facts, and its object is to provide a door lock device that can confirm the status of the door lock even when the occupants are inside the vehicle.

[0006] The door lock device involved in the first method includes: a light-emitting part disposed on at least one of the door lock switch and the area surrounding the door lock switch for emitting light; and a control part that controls the light-emitting part to emit light in different ways when the door lock is locked and unlocked.

[0007] According to the first method, the control unit controls the light-emitting part provided on at least one of the door lock switch and the door lock switch to emit light in different light-emitting modes when the door lock is locked and unlocked, so that the occupants in the vehicle can confirm the status of the door lock.

[0008] Regarding the door lock device according to the second method, in the door lock device according to the first method, the control unit controls the light-emitting unit to emit light in at least one of different colors and different light-emitting intervals when the device is locked and when it is unlocked.

[0009] According to the second method, by making at least one of the colors and light emission intervals different when the door lock is locked and unlocked, the status of the door lock can be confirmed by light.

[0010] Regarding the door lock device involved in the third method, the door lock device involved in the first or second method further includes: an output unit that outputs sound to the vehicle interior, and the control unit further controls the output unit to output a sound simulating the working sound of the door lock when the door lock is locked and unlocked.

[0011] According to the third method, when the door lock is locked and unlocked, a sound simulating the working sound of the door lock is also output, so the working of the door lock can also be confirmed by sound.

[0012] Regarding the door lock device involved in the fourth method, in the door lock device involved in the third method, the control unit controls the output unit to output simulated different working sounds to the vehicle interior when locking and unlocking.

[0013] According to the fourth method, since different sounds are output when the door lock is locked and when it is unlocked, the status of the door lock can also be confirmed by sound.

[0014] Regarding the door lock device involved in the fifth method, in the door lock device involved in the fourth method, the control unit controls the output unit to output a locking tone indicating that the door lock is locked when the door lock is locked, and outputs an unlocking tone indicating that the door lock is unlocked when the door lock is unlocked.

[0015] According to method 5, since a locking sound is output when the door lock is locked and an unlocking sound is output when the door lock is unlocked, the status of the door lock can be confirmed by sound.

[0016] Invention Effects

[0017] As explained above, according to the present invention, a door lock device is provided that can confirm the status of the door lock even when the occupant is inside the vehicle. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the schematic structure of the door lock device according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of the electronic door lock unlocking SW and the door lock SW.

[0020] Figure 3 It is a block diagram showing the main structural components of the electrical system of the electronic door lock ECU and the body ECU.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the door lock control process performed in an electronic door lock ECU.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the schematic structure of the door lock device according to this embodiment.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the door lock control process performed in an electronic door lock ECU.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing a schematic structure of a modified example of the door lock device according to the second embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] (First Embodiment)

[0027] The door lock device according to the first embodiment will be described. Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the schematic structure of the door lock device according to this embodiment.

[0028] The door lock device 10 according to this embodiment includes a door lock part 12, a door switch part 14, a vehicle electronic control unit (ECU), and an illumination part 18, which is an example of a light-emitting part.

[0029] The door lock unit 12 includes a door lock and, as an example, an electronic door lock ECU 20, which is a control unit. The electronic door lock ECU 20 controls the unlocking of the door, the unlocking of the door lock, and the locking of the door lock. The electronic door lock ECU 20 controls the door lock unit 12 based on the electronic door lock unlocking SW22 signal from the door switch unit 14, thereby performing the door lock release process. That is, it is configured to electrically release the door lock via the operation of the electronic door lock unlocking SW22.

[0030] The door switch unit 14 includes an electronic door lock unlocking switch 22 and a door lock switch 24. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the electronic door lock unlocking SW22 is installed on the door handle 26 located on the door panel. When the door handle 26 is pressed with a finger, the electronic door lock unlocking SW22 is activated, and this activation status is input to the electronic door lock ECU 20. The electronic door lock ECU 20 then controls the door lock unit 12 to unlock the door. Furthermore, the door lock SW24, located on the door panel, is a switch indicating whether the door is locked or unlocked. The indicator signal (lock signal or unlock signal) of the door lock SW24 is output to the electronic door lock ECU 20. Therefore, the electronic door lock ECU 20 controls the door lock unit 12 based on the indicator signal from the door lock SW24, thereby locking or unlocking the door. Additionally, to prevent safety issues such as the inability to electrically unlock the door, the door can also be unlocked by pulling the door handle 26, as is the conventional method.

[0031] The body ECU16 is connected to the electronic door lock ECU20, and controls the illumination of the lighting unit 18 according to the indication from the electronic door lock ECU20 and the indication status of the door lock.

[0032] like Figure 2 As shown, the lighting unit 18 is provided around the door lock SW24 and the door lock itself (e.g., the frame 28 around the door handle 26 equipped with the electronic door lock unlocking SW22). The lighting unit 18 is, for example, composed of a light-emitting diode (LED) and can emit light in different ways. Specifically, the lighting unit 18 emits light in different ways when the door lock is unlocked and when it is locked. For example, it emits red light when the door lock is unlocked and blue light when it is locked, etc., emitting different colors. Alternatively, it can flash when the door lock is unlocked and turn off or remain constantly lit when it is locked, or it can emit light at different intervals when unlocking and locking. Alternatively, these can be selectively combined. In addition, the lighting unit can also be provided around the door lock SW24. Alternatively, it can be provided on the door handle 26 itself equipped with the electronic door lock unlocking SW22, or in other locations inside the vehicle interior.

[0033] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing the main structural components of the electrical systems of the electronic door lock ECU20 and the body ECU16. Furthermore, the electronic door lock ECU20 and the body ECU16 are basically designed with the structure of a general computer; therefore, the explanation here will focus on the electronic door lock ECU20. For the body ECU16, the corresponding symbols will be marked on... Figure 3 .

[0034] The electronic door lock ECU20 is composed of a general-purpose microcomputer including a central processing unit (CPU) 20A, a read-only memory (ROM) 20B, a random access memory (RAM) 20C, a storage device 20D, an interface (I / F) 20E, and a bus 20F.

[0035] CPU 20A is the central processing unit, which controls the overall operation of the device by executing various programs. ROM 20B pre-stores various control programs, such as the door lock control program, and various parameters. RAM 20C serves as the working area for CPU 20A when executing various programs. Storage device 20D consists of various storage units such as hard disk drive (HDD), solid state drive (SSD), and flash memory, storing various data or application programs. I / F 20E can connect to vehicle networks and exchange various data with other ECUs connected to the vehicle network (e.g., body ECU 16). The various parts of the electronic door lock ECU 20 are electrically connected via bus 20F. In this embodiment, the door lock control program is stored in ROM 20B, but it can also be stored in storage device 20D.

[0036] Next, the specific processing performed in the electronic door lock ECU20 of the door lock device 10 according to this embodiment, as described above, will be explained. Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the door lock control process performed in the electronic door lock ECU20. Additionally, Figure 4 The process can begin, for example, by executing a door lock control program when the door lock SW24 is operated.

[0037] In step 100, CPU20A determines whether the operation of door lock SW24 is an unlocking operation. If a locking operation is performed and the determination is negative, proceed to step 102; if an unlocking operation is performed and the determination is positive, proceed to step 106.

[0038] In step 102, CPU 20A locks the door lock by controlling the door lock unit 12 and then proceeds to step 104.

[0039] In step 104, the CPU 20A causes the illumination unit 18 to display a lock and ends a series of processes. That is, the control is set so that the illumination unit 18 illuminates in a manner that indicates that the door lock is engaged.

[0040] On the other hand, in step 106, CPU 20A unlocks the door lock by controlling the door lock unit 12 and proceeds to step 108.

[0041] In step 108, the CPU 20A causes the illumination unit 18 to display an unlocked signal and ends a series of processes. That is, the control is set so that the illumination unit 18 illuminates in a manner that indicates the door lock is released.

[0042] In this way, by changing the light emission mode of the lighting unit 18 according to the state of the door lock, it is easy to confirm whether the door lock is locked.

[0043] (Second Implementation)

[0044] Next, the door lock device according to the second embodiment will be described. Figure 5 This is a diagram showing a schematic structure of the door lock device according to this embodiment. Furthermore, structures identical to those in the first embodiment are labeled with the same symbols and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0045] Compared to the door lock device 10 of the first embodiment, the door lock device 11 of this embodiment further includes a multimedia ECU 30 and a door speaker 32 as an example of an output unit.

[0046] The multimedia ECU 30 is connected to the door speakers 32 and controls the sound output from the door speakers 32. For example, it controls the output of sound from the door speakers 32 based on the navigation device or audio device.

[0047] In this embodiment, the multimedia ECU 30 is connected to the body ECU 16, and the electronic door lock ECU 20 can control the multimedia ECU 30 to output sound via the body ECU 16. Specifically, when the door lock SW24 is operated and the door lock is switched between locking and unlocking, a sound simulating the door lock's working tone is output from the door speaker 32.

[0048] Next, the specific processing performed in the electronic door lock ECU20 of the door lock device 11 according to this embodiment, as described above, will be explained. Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the door lock control process performed in the electronic door lock ECU20. Additionally, Figure 6 The process begins, for example, by executing the door lock control program when door lock SW24 is operated. And, regarding... Figure 4 For processes that are treated the same way, use the same symbols for explanation.

[0049] In step 100, CPU20A determines whether the operation of door lock SW24 is an unlocking operation. If a locking operation is performed and the determination is negative, proceed to step 102; if an unlocking operation is performed and the determination is positive, proceed to step 106.

[0050] In step 102, CPU 20A locks the door lock by controlling the door lock unit 12 and then proceeds to step 103.

[0051] In step 103, the CPU 20A causes the lighting unit 18 to display a lock, outputs a door lock tone through the door speaker 32, and ends a series of processes. That is, the control is to make the lighting unit 18 illuminate in a way that indicates that the door lock is locked, and the control is to output a simulated door lock working tone from the door speaker 32 via the body ECU 16 and the multimedia ECU 30.

[0052] On the other hand, in step 106, CPU 20A unlocks the door lock by controlling the door lock unit 12 and proceeds to step 107.

[0053] In step 107, the CPU 20A causes the lighting unit 18 to display an unlocked signal, outputs a door lock tone through the door speaker 32, and ends a series of processes. That is, the control is to make the lighting unit 18 illuminate in a way that indicates that the door lock is released, and the control is to output a simulated door lock working tone from the door speaker 32 via the body ECU 16 and the multimedia ECU 30.

[0054] Thus, similar to the first embodiment, by changing the light emission mode of the illumination unit 18 according to the state of the door lock, it is easy to confirm whether the door lock is locked.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the electric locking and unlocking are controlled, there is no door lock operating sound. However, when the door lock is in operation, a simulated door lock operating sound is output from the door speaker 32, so that the occupants can understand the status of the door lock.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the same door lock sound is output when the door is locked and when it is unlocked, but it is not limited to this. For example, when the door is locked, a locking sound indicating that the door is locked may be output as a simulated door lock sound, and when the door is unlocked, an unlocking sound indicating that the door is unlocked may be output as a simulated door lock sound, and different sounds may be output when locking and unlocking.

[0057] And, as Figure 7 As shown, the door lock device 11 according to the second embodiment can also be configured to omit the lighting unit 18 and only output a sound simulating the working sound of the door lock when the door lock is working.

[0058] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, a structure having multiple ECUs such as electronic door lock ECU20, body ECU16 and multimedia ECU30 has been described, but there may be a single ECU, two ECUs, or four or more ECUs.

[0059] Furthermore, the processing performed in the electronic door lock ECU20 in the above embodiments has been described as software processing performed by executing a program, but it is not limited to this. For example, it may also be processing performed by hardware such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). Alternatively, it may be processing that combines both software and hardware. Moreover, when it is software processing, the program can be stored in various storage media and made available.

[0060] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above description. Of course, various modifications can be made without departing from its spirit.

[0061] Symbol Explanation

[0062] 10, 11 - Door lock device, 12 - Door lock unit, 14 - Door switch unit, 16 - Body ECU, 18 - Lighting unit (light-emitting unit), 20 - Electronic door lock ECU (control unit), 22 - Electronic door lock unlocking SW, 24 - Door lock SW, 26 - Door handle, 30 - Multimedia ECU, 32 - Door speaker (output unit).

Claims

1. A door lock device, characterized in that, include: A light-emitting part is disposed on at least one of the door lock switch and the area surrounding the door lock switch, and is used to emit light; and The control unit controls the light-emitting unit to emit light in different ways when the door lock is locked and unlocked.

2. The door lock device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit controls the light-emitting unit to emit light in at least one of different colors and different light-emitting intervals when the device is locked and unlocked.

3. The door lock device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Further includes: The output unit outputs sound into the vehicle interior. The control unit further controls the output unit to output a sound simulating the working sound of the door lock when the door lock is locked and unlocked.

4. The door lock device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The control unit controls the output unit to output simulated different operating sounds to the vehicle interior when the vehicle is locked and when it is unlocked.

5. The door lock device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The control unit controls the output unit to output a locking tone indicating that the door lock is locked when the door lock is locked, and to output an unlocking tone indicating that the door lock is unlocked when the door lock is unlocked.

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