Door latch device for vehicle

Abstract

To provide a door latch device for a vehicle with improved convenience in times of emergency.SOLUTION: A door latch device 5 comprises: a latch mechanism 21 having a claw 21b that can be moved between an engaged position in which an engaged state with a fork 21a and a striker 3 is maintained, and an open position in which the engaged state is released; an electric motor 22 that moves the claw 21b to the open position; an opening switch 91 that outputs an opening signal indicating a user's intention to open a door; a key cylinder 31 that is rotated by an inserted key 99; a lock switch 34 that outputs a locking signal in response to rotary operation of the key cylinder 31 to one side; and a control unit 40 having an electronically unlocked state that actuates the electric motor 22 in response to reception of the opening signal, and an electronically locked state that does not actuate the electric motor 22 regardless of reception of the opening signal and maintains the claw 21b in the engaged position, which switches the electronically unlocked state to the electronically locked state in response to reception of the locking signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a door latch device for a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electric vehicle door lock operation device. In this device, a motor electrically performs an unlatch operation that moves the latch of the door lock body from the fully latched position to the unlatched position in response to a switch operation from outside the vehicle. This device also includes a key cylinder that rotates with a key operation from outside the vehicle. For example, even in an emergency in which the motor cannot be operated, the user can manually perform the unlatch operation by operating the key. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2000-054708 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Generally, the electric unlatch operation by the motor in response to a switch operation is performed on the assumption that the key has been authenticated by the ECU. For example, if a proper key is not present near the vehicle, the ECU cannot authenticate the key, and therefore, from the perspective of theft prevention, may set an electronic lock mode in which the motor will not operate even if the switch is operated. Then, once the ECU authenticates the key, it may transition to an electronic unlock mode in which the motor performs the unlatch operation in response to a switch operation. However, with the above device, it is not possible to manually switch between the electronic unlock mode and the electronic lock mode in an emergency.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle door latch device that is more convenient in emergencies. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle door latch device comprising: a fork capable of engaging and disengaging a striker provided on a vehicle body; a latch mechanism having a claw movable between an engagement position where the fork engages with the fork to maintain an engaged state between the fork and the striker and an open position where the engagement is released; an electric motor that moves the claw from the engagement position to the open position; a door opening intention detection unit that is provided outside the vehicle and outputs an open signal when it detects a user's intention to open the door; a key cylinder that has a keyhole into which a key can be inserted and is rotated by the inserted key; a lock switch that outputs a lock signal in response to rotation of the key cylinder to one side; and a control unit that has an electronic unlock state in which the electric motor is operated in response to reception of the open signal to move the claw to the open position; and an electronic lock state in which the electric motor is not operated regardless of reception of the open signal and the claw is maintained at the engaged position, and that switches the electronic unlock state to the electronic lock state in response to reception of the lock signal.

[0007] According to the above configuration, while the motor and the control unit can operate normally, in an emergency in which the key runs out of battery and cannot normally be switched between the electronically unlocked state and the electronically locked state, the electronically unlocked state can be switched to the electronically locked state by the user operating the key. Therefore, in an emergency such as the above, it is possible to prevent the vehicle from being left in the electronically unlocked state, and thereby to prevent a third party from illicitly moving the claw to the open position by operating the switch. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, a vehicle door latch device with improved convenience in emergencies can be provided. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view of a side door shown as an example of a vehicle door according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2]2 is a block diagram conceptually showing a vehicle door latch device according to the embodiment, which is applied to the vehicle door shown in FIG. 1; [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a lower portion of a vehicle door. [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the key cylinder unit when the key lever is in a neutral position. [Figure 11] 4 is a rear view of the key cylinder unit in a state in which the key lever has been rotated to the other side from the neutral position. FIG. [Figure 12] 4 is a rear view of the key cylinder unit in a state in which the key lever has been rotated to one side from the neutral position. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the same or corresponding elements are designated by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0011] (Door body) Referring to FIG. 1, a vehicle door 1 according to this embodiment closes an opening of a vehicle compartment or a luggage compartment in an openable manner. FIG. 1 shows a side door on the front left side of the vehicle as a mere example of the door 1. In a closed state of the side door, the thickness direction of the door 1 (see arrow X in the figure) corresponds to the vehicle width direction, the width direction of the door 1 (see arrow Y in the figure) corresponds to the vehicle length direction, the height direction of the door 1 (see arrow Z in the figure) corresponds to the vehicle height direction, and the front of the door 1 corresponds to the side of the vehicle as a whole. The thickness direction and the width direction are approximately horizontal, and the height direction is approximately vertical. Each of the thickness direction, the width direction, and the height direction of the door 1 perpendicularly intersects with the other two directions. In addition, when the door 1 is a back door, the correspondence relationship between the direction of the door 1 and the direction of the vehicle is appropriately changed.

[0012] In this embodiment, the front end of the door 1 (one end in the width direction of the door 1) is hinged to the vehicle body 2 (see FIG. 2), and the hinge shaft extends along the vehicle height direction (height direction of the door 1). The door 1 rotates around the hinge shaft relative to the vehicle body 2, thereby performing an opening or closing operation. The rear end of the door 1 (the other end in the width direction of the door 1) is the end opposite the hinge shaft in the vehicle length direction (width direction of the door 1). The end opposite the hinge (or the latch side) is releasably engaged with a striker 3 (see FIG. 2) provided on the vehicle body 2 by the action of a door latch device 5.

[0013] 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 is overlapped on the outer side of the vehicle in the thickness direction of the door 1 with respect to the inner panel 11 on the inner side of the vehicle. The decorative member extends in the width direction of the door 1 and is long.

[0014] In this embodiment, the garnish 13 is illustrated as an example of a decorative member. In the case of a side door, the garnish 13 extends in the vehicle length direction at the outer lower edge of the door body 10 and covers the lower edge of the outer surface of the outer panel 12 from the outside of the vehicle. In FIG. 1, approximately half of the front side of the outer panel 12 and the garnish 13 are broken away and not illustrated.

[0015] To facilitate the user's opening and closing of the door 1, the door body 10 is provided with an inner handle 14 and an outer handle 15 as examples of door handles. Although not shown in detail, the inner handle 14 is disposed on the surface of the inner panel 11 on the vehicle interior side and is used by a user inside the vehicle. The outer handle 15 is disposed on the surface of the outer panel 12 on the vehicle exterior side and is used by a user outside the vehicle.

[0016] 4 and 5, the garnish 13 is fastened to the outer panel 12. The garnish 13 has a plurality of screwing portions 13a on its back surface. Each screwing portion 13a protrudes from the inner surface of the garnish 13. The plurality of screwing portions 13a form an upper screwing portion row aligned in a row in the vehicle length direction at the upper portion of the garnish 13, and a lower screwing portion row aligned in a row in the vehicle length direction at the lower portion of the garnish 13. On the other hand, a plurality of bolt insertion portions 12a are also formed at the lower portion of the outer panel 12, and the plurality of bolt insertion portions 12a form an upper bolt insertion portion row aligned in a row relatively on the upper side in the vehicle length direction, and a lower bolt insertion portion row aligned in a row relatively on the lower side in the vehicle length direction.

[0017] When assembling the garnish 13 to the outer panel 12, the inner surface of the garnish 13 is faced to the lower part of the outer surface of the outer panel 12, the upper threaded portion row is aligned with the upper bolt insertion portion row in the width direction of the door 1, the lower threaded portion row is aligned with the lower bolt insertion portion row in the width direction of the door 1, and 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 threaded portion 13a. This fixes the garnish 13 to the outer panel 12. Each threaded portion 13a protrudes from the inner surface of the garnish 13 and can accommodate the tip of the bolt 81. The bolt 81 is not exposed to the outside of the garnish 13, so that the aesthetic appearance can be maintained.

[0018] (Electric door latch mechanism) 1 and 2, a vehicle door latch device 5 is applied to a door 1. At least some of the components of the door latch device 5 are attached to a door main body 10.

[0019] The door latch device 5 includes a latch unit 20 and an emergency unit 30. As indicated by the dashed lines in Fig. 1, the latch unit 20 and the emergency unit 30 are housed inside the door body 10, i.e., in a space defined by the inner panel 11 and the outer panel 12. However, a part of the emergency unit 30 (particularly, the opening of the key hole 31a of the key cylinder 31) is exposed from the space to the outside of the vehicle through a through hole formed in the outer panel 12.

[0020] For the convenience of assembly and maintenance work, one or more maintenance openings 11a penetrate the inner panel 11. The latch unit 20 is disposed adjacent to the other side of the maintenance opening 11a in the width direction of the door 1. The emergency unit 30 is disposed adjacent to the lower side of the maintenance opening 11a in the height direction of the door 1. This makes it possible to easily assemble and maintain these two units.

[0021] The latch unit 20 is disposed at the other end (the end opposite the hinge) in the width direction of the door 1. The emergency unit 30 and the key cylinder 31 provided therewith overlap with the garnish 13 in the thickness direction of the door 1 and are disposed on the vehicle interior side of the garnish 13.

[0022] 2, the door latch device 5 is an electric type having a latch mechanism 21 and an electric motor 22. In this embodiment, the electric motor 22 constitutes a latch unit 20 together with the latch mechanism 21, but the electric motor 22 may be physically separated from a member for supporting or housing the latch mechanism 21. The latch unit 20 also includes an unlock switch 23.

[0023] The latch mechanism 21 releasably engages with a striker 3 provided on the vehicle body 2. The latch mechanism 21 has a fork 21a and a claw 21b. The fork 21a is capable of engaging and disengaging with the striker 3. The fork 21a is movable (e.g., rotatable) between a first position where it engages with the striker 3 and a second position where this engagement is released. The claw 21b is movable (e.g., rotatable) between an engagement position where the fork 21a is held in the first position to maintain an engaged state between the fork 21a and the striker 3, and an open position where this holding and engagement state is released.

[0024] FIG. 2 shows the latched state of the latch mechanism 21. In the latched state, the fork 21a is located at the first position and the claw 21b is located at the engagement position, and the door 1 is maintained in the closed state even if the door 1 is pushed or pulled relative to the vehicle body 2. The claw 21b is movable from the engagement position shown in the figure, and the fork 21a is movable from the first position shown in the figure. Although not shown, when the claw 21b is in the open position, the striker 3 is allowed to be released from the fork 21a. That is, the latch mechanism 21 switches from the latched state to the unlatched state. In the unlatched state, the door 1 performs an opening operation from the closed state in response to an opening / closing operation of the door 1 using the outer handle 15 or the like. The inner handle 14 is mechanically connected to the latch unit 20 via a cable 14a (see FIG. 1).

[0025] The electric motor 22 operates using power stored in the battery 4 to generate a rotational driving force. The battery 4 is a relatively low-voltage lead-acid battery that is originally installed in the vehicle as a power source for vehicle auxiliaries (e.g., air conditioners and lighting devices). The electric motor 22 is capable of rotating forward and reverse. An output shaft of the electric motor 22 is connected to the claw 21b of the latch mechanism 21. When the electric motor 22 operates, the claw 21b moves from an engaged position to an released position or vice versa depending on the direction of rotation. That is, the state of the latch mechanism 21 switches from a latched state to an unlatched state or vice versa.

[0026] The door latch device 5 includes a controller 40 as an example of a control unit. The controller 40 may be provided outside the door body 10 as shown in FIG. 2, or may be attached to the door body 10. The controller 40 is constructed by hardware having a central processing unit (CPU), memories including a random access memory (RAM) and a read only memory (ROM), and an input / output interface, and software implemented therein. The CPU reads out a program previously stored in the memory, and executes information processing according to steps instructed by the program. In this way, the controller 40 controls the operation of the electric motor 22.

[0027] The controller 40 has a memory unit 41, a communication unit 42, an authentication unit 43, and a switching unit 44. The memory 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 be capable of wireless communication with an electronic key 90 carried by an authorized user of the vehicle. The communication unit 42 is also connected to a switch or a sensor that detects the state of the door latch device 5 or the vehicle, and is configured to be capable of receiving signals (for example, a lock signal and an unlock signal described below) output from such a switch or sensor.

[0028] Examples of the information stored in the memory unit 41 include status information indicating whether the door latch device 5 is set to an electronically unlocked state or an electronically locked state, and authentication key information unique to the vehicle. 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 suitability. The communication unit 42 also transmits a request signal for performing authentication processing of the electronic key 90.

[0029] The door latch device 5 includes a door-opening intention detection unit that detects the user's intention to open the door. The door-opening intention detection unit is provided outside the vehicle and configured to output an open signal when it detects the user's intention to open the door. The door-opening intention detection unit includes an open switch 91 provided in the electronic key 90. Although not shown in detail, the door-opening intention detection unit also includes a button switch or a human sensor (e.g., a capacitance sensor or an infrared sensor) provided on the door main body 10 or a vehicle body part nearby.

[0030] The electronic key 90 includes an open switch 91 and a close switch 92 that are operated by the user, a key communication unit 93 that can receive a request signal from the communication unit 42 and send an authentication signal to the communication unit 42, a key control unit 94 that controls communication with the controller 40, and a key battery 95 as a power source for the key control unit 94. The key control unit 94 includes a memory that stores programs related to communication processing and an authentication key unique to the vehicle. The key battery 95 is, for example, a button-type primary battery, and is attached inside the housing of the electronic key 90 so that it can be replaced by the user.

[0031] When the electronic key 90 receives a request signal from the controller 40, it transmits an authentication signal containing an authentication key to the controller 40. The authentication unit 43 compares the authentication key contained in the authentication signal received by the communication unit 42 with the authentication key information stored in the memory unit 41. If the two authentication keys match, the switching unit 44 sets the door latch device 5 to an electronically unlocked state. If they do not match, the switching unit 44 sets the door latch device 5 to an electronically locked state. As a specific example of the state setting or switching process, the switching unit 44 updates the status information in the memory unit 41.

[0032] In the above configuration, when a user currently carrying the correct electronic key 90 approaches the vehicle, the door latch device 5 enters an electronically unlocked state. The user can input their intention to open the door by pressing the open switch 91. When pressed by the user, the open switch 91 detects the user's intention to open the door and outputs an open signal to the key control unit 94. The key control unit 94 wirelessly transmits the open signal to the outside of the electronic key 90 via the key communication unit 93.

[0033] When an open signal is received by the communication unit 42 while the electronic unlock state is set, the controller 40 operates the electric motor 22 in response to the reception of the open signal to move the claw 21b from the engaged position to the released position. This switches the latch mechanism 21 from the latched state to the unlatched state. On the other hand, when the electronic lock state is set, the controller 40 does not operate the electric motor 22 regardless of whether an open signal is received. The claw 21b is maintained in the engaged position, and the latch mechanism 21 is maintained in the latched state.

[0034] During the practical use of such an electric door latch device 5, the door latch device 5 may not operate normally due to an electrical malfunction, etc. For example, the electric motor 22 may not operate normally due to a broken wire or a dead battery of the on-board battery 4. In that case, even if the door opening intention detection unit normally outputs an opening signal, the state of the latch mechanism 21 cannot be electrically switched.

[0035] Alternatively, the electronic key 90 may not operate normally due to the key battery 95 running out, etc., which may cause the controller 40 to be unable to properly switch between the electronically unlocked state and the electronically locked state. In particular, if the process of switching from the electronically unlocked state to the electronically locked state cannot be properly executed while the battery 4 and the electric motor 22 are normal, a third party may activate the door opening intention detection unit provided in the door body 10, even if the third party does not possess the correct electronic key 90, and thereby illegally open the door 1. This situation may also occur when the battery of the electronic key 90 runs out, or when a malfunction occurs in another hardware device (e.g., a wireless communication antenna constituting a part of the communication unit 42) involved in the process of switching between the electronically unlocked state and the electronically locked state.

[0036] To deal with such an emergency, the door latch device 5 is provided with an emergency unit 30. The emergency unit 30 mainly has a key cylinder 31 and a bracket 50 (see FIG. 7, etc.). With regard to the orientation of the emergency unit 30 and its components in the following description, the front-rear direction corresponds to the thickness direction of the door 1 (see arrow X in the figure), and the front side corresponds to the vehicle exterior side in the thickness direction of the door 1.

[0037] (Front side of the emergency unit) 3 and 4, the key cylinder 31 is a cylindrical tumbler lock. The key cylinder 31 has an outer cylinder portion 31b fixed to the bracket 50, and a rotor portion 31c fitted into the outer cylinder portion 31b. One end of the key cylinder 31 (and its outer cylinder portion 31b) has a larger diameter than the remaining portion. The rotor portion 31c is formed with a key hole 31a into which a key 99 (see FIG. 2) can be inserted. The key hole 31a extends in the axial direction of the key cylinder 31.

[0038] The rotor portion 31c is rotatable around its central axis relative to the outer cylinder portion 31b. The rotor portion 31c supports a plurality of tumblers 31d in a displaceable manner. The tumblers 31d allow the rotor portion 31c to rotate only when a proper key 99 is inserted into the key hole 31a. A return spring 33 that biases the rotor portion 31c to a neutral position is stretched between the outer cylinder portion 31b and the rotor portion 31c. When the key cylinder 31 has not yet been operated, the rotor portion 31c is in the neutral position. When a user inserts a proper key 99 into the key hole 31a, the user can hold the key 99 and rotate the rotor portion 31c from the neutral position to both sides against the biasing force.

[0039] Rotation to one side forcibly switches the electronically unlocked state to the electronically locked state. Rotation to the other side forcibly switches the latch mechanism 21 manually from the latched state to the unlatched state. This allows the state of the door latch device 5 or the latch mechanism 21 to be manually switched even in an emergency caused by an electrical malfunction. This improves the convenience of the door latch device 5 in an emergency. Specific examples of the switching operation performed in response to rotation will be described later.

[0040] However, due to the reliability of the door latch device 5, such emergency situations do not occur frequently, and the emergency unit 30 is not often used while the door latch device 5 is in use. On the other hand, the vehicle door 1 can also serve as a design component that affects the design of the vehicle's exterior. In light of the opportunities for its use, it is desirable for the key cylinder 31 to be positioned as inconspicuously as possible in order to maintain the aesthetic appearance of the door 1 and the vehicle. However, in light of the importance of its function, it is desirable for the key cylinder 31 to be easily operable when necessary.

[0041] Therefore, the key cylinder 31 is disposed and fixed to the vehicle interior side of the outer panel 12 via a bracket 50. The bracket 50 is a single component with multiple functions, such as the function of positioning the key cylinder 31 with respect to the door body 10 and the function of restricting the rotational displacement of the key cylinder 31. The bracket 50 is manufactured by casting a metal material or injection molding a resin material, and has a relatively complex shape.

[0042] 3 and 4 as well as Figures 5 and 6, the bracket 50 has a cylinder insertion hole 51 into which the key cylinder 31 is inserted. Inside the cylinder insertion hole 51, a stepped surface that abuts against one large-diameter end of the key cylinder 31 to position the key cylinder 31 in the axial direction and a pawl locking groove that positions the key cylinder 31 in the circumferential and radial directions are provided. As a result, when the key cylinder 31 is inserted into the cylinder insertion hole 51, the position and attitude of the key cylinder 31 with respect to the bracket 50 is fixed.

[0043] The bracket 50 has a door fitting portion 52 protruding in a block shape on the front side thereof, and a plurality of bracket fixing portions 53 protruding radially from the door fitting portion 52 in a front view. In the illustrated example, the door fitting portion 52 is square in a front view, but the shape of the door fitting portion 52 is not particularly limited. In addition, the number of bracket fixing portions 53 is three, but the number of bracket fixing portions 53 is not particularly limited. The front surface of the bracket fixing portion 53 is offset backward with respect to the front surface of the door fitting portion 52. The cylinder insertion hole 51 extends in the front-rear direction at the center of the door fitting portion 52. A bolt insertion hole 53a extending in the front-rear direction is formed in each bracket fixing portion 53. On the other hand, the outer panel 12 is provided with a mounting hole 12b.

[0044] The mounting hole 12b penetrates the outer panel 12. The contour of the mounting hole 12b is substantially the same as the front view shape or cross-sectional shape of the door fitting portion 52. The bracket 50 is mounted to the outer panel 12 from the vehicle interior side. With the door fitting portion 52 fitted into the mounting hole 12b and the front surface of the bracket fixing portion 53 abutting against the vehicle interior surface (inner surface) of the outer panel 12, the bracket 50 is joined to the outer panel 12 by a bolt 82. The bolt 82 is inserted into the outer panel 12 from the vehicle exterior side.

[0045] A door fitting portion 52 is located inside the mounting hole 12b. The cylinder insertion hole 51 is formed in this door fitting portion 52. The key cylinder 31 is fixed to the vehicle interior side of the outer panel 12 via a bracket 50. One end face (front end face) of the key cylinder 31, together with the door fitting portion 52, is exposed to the vehicle exterior side of the outer panel 12 through the mounting hole 12b.

[0046] The mounting hole 12b and the opening of the key hole 31a are disposed within the area covered by the garnish 13. In this embodiment, the area is long in the vehicle length direction (width direction of the door 1). The mounting hole 12b is provided on the opposite side of the area to the hinge in the width direction of the door 1, that is, on the latch side (the side on which the latch unit 20 is disposed). The "opposite side to the hinge" or the "latch side" here may be defined as a 50% area from the other end of the door body 10 in the width direction, that is, a region on the other side in the width direction with respect to the center line of the door body 10 in the width direction. The latch side may be defined as a narrower area, for example, a 40% area or a 30% area from the other end of the door body 10 in the width direction.

[0047] The garnish 13 is provided with an opening 13b penetrating a portion overlapping one end face of the key cylinder 31. The door 1 is also provided with a lid member 16 that releasably closes the opening 13b.

[0048] The cover member 16 is non-detachably and displaceably connected to the garnish 13, and the opening 13b is opened or closed by this displacement. The form of displacement and connection is not particularly limited, and the cover member 16 may be, for example, rotatable or slidable with respect to the garnish 13.

[0049] In this embodiment, the cover member 16 is rotatable with respect to the garnish 13, and the rotation axis of the cover member 16 is directed in the height direction of the door 1. The cover member 16 is rotatably connected to one end of the periphery of the opening 13b of the garnish 13 in the width direction of the door 1. The cover member 16 is of an outward opening type. A user can open the opening 13b by pulling the end of the cover member 16 opposite to the rotation axis in the width direction of the door 1 toward himself. Even if the area of ​​the opening 13b is large and the distance between the garnish 13 and the outer panel 12 is short, the operation of the cover member 16 is not hindered. However, the rotation axis of the cover member 16 may be directed in the vehicle length direction (the width direction of the door 1). The cover member 16 may be of an inward opening type.

[0050] The cover member 16 may be directly connected to the garnish 13 or the outer panel 12. In this embodiment, the cover member 16 is rotatably connected to a support member 17 disposed between the outer panel 12 and the garnish 13. The support member 17 may be attached to either the outer panel 12 or the garnish 13. In this embodiment, the support member 17 is attached to the inner surface side of the garnish 13. The method of attaching the support member 17 to the garnish 13 or the outer panel 12 is not particularly limited, and they may be joined to each other with bolts or bonded to each other with an adhesive.

[0051] The lid member 16 has a plate-shaped lid main body 16a, a pivoting part 16b directly or indirectly connected to the garnish 13 (in this example, directly connected to the support member 17 and indirectly connected to the garnish 13), a linking part 16c connecting the lid main body 16a and the pivoting part 16b, and a locking piece 16d provided on the opposite side to the linking part 16c in the width direction of the door 1. The pivoting part 16b has a through hole extending in the height direction of the door 1, and a pin 18 (see FIG. 4) penetrates the support member 17 and is inserted into the through hole of the pivoting part 16b, whereby the lid member 16 is rotatably connected to the support member 17.

[0052] When the lid body 16a is viewed in the thickness direction, the lid body 16a has substantially the same shape as the opening 13b. In this embodiment, as a mere example, the lid body 16a and the opening 13b have an elliptical shape that is long in the width direction of the door 1 and short in the height direction. The link portion 16c is U-shaped in a plan view (in other words, when viewed in the axial direction of the pivoting portion 16b). One end of the link portion 16c is connected to one end in the width direction of the back surface of the lid body 16a, and the other end of the link portion 16c is connected to the pivoting portion 16b. The link portion 16c is disposed on the vehicle interior side relative to the garnish 13 as a whole.

[0053] The support member 17 is plate-shaped and has a thickness necessary to fill the space between the outer surface of the outer panel 12 and the inner surface of the garnish 13. The support member 17 has a window portion 17a through which one end face of the key cylinder 31 is exposed, and a relief hole 17b that communicates with one widthwise side of the window portion 17a and prevents interference with the link portion 16c.

[0054] The cover member 16 is assembled to the support member 17, then the support member 17 with the cover member 16 is attached to the inner surface side of the garnish 13, and further after that, the garnish 13 with the cover member 16 and the support member 17 is attached to the outer panel 12. Since the cover member 16 and the support member 17 form a subassembly with the garnish 13, the cover member 16 and the support member 17 can be easily assembled to the door body 10.

[0055] When the support member 17 with the cover member 16 is attached to the inner surface side of the garnish 13, the support member 17 is positioned relative to the garnish 13 so that the window portion 17a communicates with the opening portion 13b in the front-rear direction. A pair of protruding portions 17c protruding on both sides in the width direction are provided on the upper portion of the support member 17, and the pair of protruding portions 17c are supported by the upper surfaces of the screwing portions 13a (particularly, the two screwing portions 13a sandwiching the opening portion 13b in the width direction) provided on the inner surface of the garnish 13. This makes it easy to position the support member 17 relative to the garnish 13. When the garnish 13 with the cover member 16 and the support member 17 is attached to the outer panel 12, one end face of the key cylinder 31 is exposed to the vehicle exterior side of the outer panel 12 and is positioned inside the opening portion 13b and the window portion 17a.

[0056] The cover member 16 has a locking piece 16d protruding from the back surface of the cover body 16a. The locking piece 16d protrudes from the other end of the back surface in the width direction, and a locking hole 16e penetrates the tip of the locking piece 16d. On the other hand, the support member 17 has a slit 17d adjacent to the other side of the width direction of the window portion 17a, and the slit 17d is recessed in the front surface of the support member 17. Furthermore, 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 side inclined surface of the triangular piece 17e and continues to displace to the closed position while being elastically deformed. When the triangular piece 17e fits 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.

[0057] The lid member 16 is flush with the garnish 13 (particularly the peripheral portion of the opening 13b) when in the closed position. This improves the aesthetic appearance of the door 1 and the vehicle. The lid member 16 may be decorated in the same manner as the garnish 13. By subjecting the lid member 16 to the same decorative treatment as the garnish 13, the lid member 16 becomes inconspicuous, and the aesthetic appearance of the door 1 and the vehicle is improved.

[0058] A locking groove 13c is formed on the outer surface of the garnish 13 at the other end of the periphery of the opening 13b in the width direction of the door 1. A user can easily open the opening 13b by inserting the tip of the key 99 or his / her fingernail into the locking groove 13c, hooking it on the cover member 16, and pulling it toward himself / herself. At this time, the edge of the locking hole 16e abuts on the rear slope of the triangular piece 17e, and the locking piece 16d continues to displace to the open position while elastically deforming. When the triangular piece 17e comes out of the locking hole 16e, the engagement between the cover member 16 and the triangular piece 17e is released, and the cover member 16 is easily displaced even with a relatively small force.

[0059] One end face of the key cylinder 31 is disposed on the vehicle interior side of the garnish 13, while being exposed on the vehicle exterior side of the outer panel 12. A user can insert a key 99 into the key hole 31a through the opening 13b from the vehicle exterior side of the garnish 13 without removing the garnish 13. The opening 13b is normally closed by the cover member 16, and the key cylinder 31 can also be hidden by the cover member 16 for most of the period during which the door latch device 5 is in use. This makes it possible to both ensure the aesthetic appearance of the door 1 and thus the vehicle, and to improve the ease of handling of the emergency unit 30 when necessary.

[0060] (Emergency unit operation) 7 to 9, the emergency unit 30 further includes a key lever 32, a return spring 33, a lock switch 34, and a connecting member. In this embodiment, a cable 35 is illustrated as an example of the connecting member, and therefore the emergency unit 30 includes a cable holder 36.

[0061] When the key cylinder 31 is inserted and positioned in the cylinder insertion hole 51, the tip of the rotor portion 31c of the key cylinder 31 protrudes from the rear side of the bracket 50. The key lever 32 is provided at the tip of the rotor portion 31c, i.e., the end opposite the opening of the key hole 31a. The key lever 32 is fitted into the tip of the rotor portion 31c and rotates integrally with the key cylinder 31 (particularly the rotor portion 31c).

[0062] The return spring 33 is a type of torsion coil spring, and is coaxial with the key cylinder 31. In this embodiment, the return spring 33 is stretched between the rotor portion 31c and the outer cylinder portion 31b, but may be supported by an element (e.g., the key lever 32) that rotates integrally with the rotor portion 31c instead of the rotor portion 31c, or may be supported by an element (e.g., the bracket 50 or the outer panel 12) that is integral with the outer cylinder portion 31b and is stationary relative to the rotor portion 31c instead of the outer cylinder portion 31b. The rotor portion 31c is biased to the neutral position by the return spring 33. When the rotor portion 31c is rotated from the neutral position to one side or to the other side, the return spring 33 applies a biasing force to the rotor portion 31c to return it to the neutral position.

[0063] The key lever 32 is generally fan-shaped when viewed in the axial direction of the key cylinder 31. A base end of the key lever 32 is attached to a tip end of the rotor portion 31c. The key lever 32 extends from this base end. A slit 32a is provided on the outer circumferential edge of the key lever 32. The slit 32a is arc-shaped about the central axis of the key cylinder 31 and penetrates the key lever 32. The slit 32a has a first edge 32b on one side in the rotational direction and a second edge 32c on the other side, and extends in the circumferential direction between the first edge 32b and the second edge 32c.

[0064] The base end of cable 35 is loosely engaged with slit 32a. The base end of cable 35 is attached to key lever 32 in a manner that prevents it from falling off from slit 32a, while being guided by slit 32a and is displaceable relative to key lever 32. Cable 35 passes through stepped cylindrical cable holder 36. Bracket 50 has a cable fixing portion 54 that supports cable holder 36 so that it cannot be displaced.

[0065] 10, when the key cylinder 31 is in the neutral position, the base end of the cable 35 is separated from the second edge 32c of the slit 32a in the extension direction of the slit 32a. In this embodiment, the base end of the cable 35 is in contact with the first edge 32b of the slit 32a. However, this is just one example, and when the key cylinder 31 is in the neutral position, the base end of the cable 35 may be slightly separated from the first edge 32b in the extension direction of the slit 32a.

[0066] 11, when the key cylinder 31 is rotated to the other side, the key lever 32 rotates together with the rotor portion 31c to the other side. The base end of the cable 35 is hooked on the first edge 32b on one side, and is therefore displaced to the other side together with the key lever 32 in response to the rotation of the key lever 32. In other words, the cable 35 is pulled by the key lever 32 based on the rotational force input to the key 99 by the user.

[0067] The tip of the cable 35 is introduced into the latch unit 20 and is connected to an open lever (not shown) in the latch unit 20. Although not shown in detail, this open lever is connected to the swing shaft of the claw 21b via a power transmission mechanism provided in the latch unit 20. When the cable 35 is pulled, the open lever swings. In response, the claw 21b is displaced from the engaged position to the released position, and the latch mechanism 21 is switched from the latched state to the unlatched state.

[0068] An unlock switch 23 is provided near the open lever. The unlock switch 23 is configured as a limit switch, and is fixedly installed in a housing (not shown) of the latch unit 20. When the open lever rotates by the operation of the cable 35, the surface of the open lever comes into contact with the unlock switch 23. This causes the unlock switch 23 to change from an OFF state to an ON state, and outputs an unlock signal. In this way, the unlock signal is output from the unlock switch 23 in response to the operation of the key cylinder 31 to the other side. The unlock signal is received by the communication unit 42 of the controller 40.

[0069] The controller 40 switches the electronically locked state to the electronically unlocked state in response to receiving the unlock signal. If the electronically unlocked state is set when the unlock signal is received, the controller 40 maintains the electronically unlocked state. To switch or maintain this state, the switching unit 44 updates or maintains the status information stored in the memory unit 41. The controller 40 forcibly switches from the electronically locked state to the electronically unlocked state, for example, regardless of the result of the key information matching process in the authentication unit 43.

[0070] In this way, even in an emergency state in which the electric motor 22 and the controller 40 cannot operate, the user can mechanically and manually switch the latch mechanism 21 from the latched state to the unlatched state by operating a key.

[0071] Furthermore, even if the process of switching between the electronically locked state and the electronically unlocked state cannot be properly executed due to some electrical malfunction (e.g., a dead battery in the electronic key 90), the user can manually force the door latch device 5 to switch from the electronically locked state to the electronically unlocked state by operating the key.

[0072] The outer handle 15 is disposed on the latch side. The bracket 50 is separated from the outer handle 15 in the height direction. More specifically, the bracket 50 is disposed below the outer handle 15. At least a part of the bracket 50 is positioned between one end and the other end of the outer handle 15 in the longitudinal direction in the width direction of the door 1. That is, at least a part of the bracket 50 is disposed in the area between an imaginary line L1 that passes through one end of the outer handle 15 and extends in the height direction, and an imaginary line L2 that passes through the other end of the outer handle 15 and extends in the height direction (see FIG. 1). Therefore, after the latch mechanism 21 is forcibly switched from the unlatched state to the latched state using the key cylinder 31, the door 1 can be quickly opened using the outer handle 15, which is highly convenient. The bracket 50 may be provided integrally with the outer cylinder portion 31b of the key cylinder 31.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 1, the door body 10 is provided with a guide frame 1a at the top of the door 1 for guiding a door glass (not shown) in the vertical direction, and a door opening 1b that is defined by the guide frame 1a and can be opened and closed by the door glass.

[0074] At least a part of the bracket 50 is disposed in a region below an imaginary line L3 extending in the width direction at a middle position in the height direction in the range from the lower end X of the door opening 1b to the lower end of the door body 10 (see FIG. 1). Therefore, the cover member 16 is disposed at a position farther away from the user's eye height (eye line), and is therefore less noticeable, improving the aesthetics of the door 1 and the vehicle. It is more effective to position the bracket 50 lower in the vertical direction. In particular, if the bracket 50 is configured to be disposed in a region below an imaginary line L4 extending in the width direction at a position 25 percent (one-fourth) upward from the lower end of the door body 10 in the range from the lower end X of the door opening 1b to the lower end of the door body 10, it will be almost out of the user's line of sight, and the aesthetics of the door 1 and the vehicle can be improved to the maximum.

[0075] When the user releases the operating force, rotor portion 31c returns to the neutral position due to the biasing force of return spring 33. Accordingly, key lever 32 also returns to its original position. The base end of cable 35 is pulled by the lever in latch unit 20 and returns to its original position based on the biasing force applied to the lever. Cable 35 is held by cable holder 36 supported by bracket 50, allowing cable 35 to stably return to its original position.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 12, when the key cylinder 31 is rotated from the neutral position to one side, the key lever 32 rotates to one side together with the rotor portion 31c. A switch fixing portion for fixing the lock switch 34 is provided on the rear side of the bracket 50. The lock switch 34 is configured as a limit switch and is fixedly installed on the bracket 50. When the key lever 32 rotates to one side, the side edge of the key lever 32 approaches the lock switch 34. An operation piece 32d bent at a substantially right angle is provided on the side edge of the key lever 32. As the key lever 32 rotates, the surface of the operation piece 32d comes into contact with the lock switch 34. This causes the lock switch 34 to change from an OFF state to an ON state and output a lock signal. In this way, the lock signal is output from the lock switch 34 in response to the operation of the key cylinder 31 to one side. The lock signal is received by the communication portion 42 of the controller 40.

[0077] When key cylinder 31 is in the neutral position, the base end of cable 35 is close to first edge 32b and separated from second edge 32c on the other side. Because the base end of cable 35 is loosely engaged with slit 32a so as to be displaceable relative to key lever 32, when key lever 32 rotates to one side, second edge 32c approaches the base end of cable 35 but the base end of cable 35 does not displace. Cable 35 is not pressed, and slack in cable 35 can be prevented.

[0078] Rotation of the key cylinder 31 to one side is expected to be performed in an emergency. The emergency state here is a state in which the controller 40 and the electric motor 22 are normal, but the process of switching between the electronically locked state and the electronically unlocked state cannot be properly executed due to some electrical malfunction (e.g., a dead battery in the electronic key 90).

[0079] In response to receiving a lock signal, the controller 40 switches the electronically unlocked state to the electronically locked state. If the electronically locked state is set when the lock signal is received, the controller 40 maintains the electronically locked state. To switch or maintain this state, the switching unit 44 updates or maintains the status information stored in the memory unit 41. The controller forcibly switches from the electronically unlocked state to the electronically locked state, for example, regardless of the result of the key information matching process in the authentication unit 43.

[0080] This prevents the vehicle from being left in the electronically unlocked state with the door latch device 5 in an emergency such as the above, and thereby prevents a third party from illicitly displacing the claw 21b to the open position by operating a switch. In addition, after switching to the electronically locked state, the door cannot be switched back to the electronically unlocked state unless the proper key 99 or electronic key 90 is in possession of the door latch device 5. This prevents the electric motor 22 from operating undesirably.

[0081] When the key cylinder 31 is in the neutral position or on the other side of the neutral position, the operation piece 32d of the key lever 32 is circumferentially separated from the lock switch 34. Therefore, the lock switch 34 is in the OFF state, and no lock signal is output.

[0082] Thus, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a vehicle door that improves the design of the vehicle's exterior. It is also possible to provide a vehicle door latch device that is more convenient in an emergency. In particular, two operations (switching from a latched state to an unlatched state, and switching from an electronically unlocked state to an electronically locked state) can be achieved with a single key cylinder 31. This reduces the manufacturing cost of the door latch device 5 compared to when one key cylinder is provided for one operation.

[0083] Although the embodiment has been described above, the above configuration is merely an example and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the present invention.

[0084] For example, the decorative member is not limited to a garnish. The decorative member may be a long member extending in the width direction of the door. In the case where the door latch device is applied to a side door, the decorative member may be a side protector extending in the width direction at the center in the height direction.

[0085] Furthermore, the unlock switch 23 is not limited to detecting the operation of the open lever, but may be configured to detect, for example, the operation of either the key lever 32 that operates when the key cylinder 31 is rotated from the neutral position to the other side, a lever in the mechanism for transmitting power from the open lever to the claw 21b, or the claw 21b.

[0086] In the present disclosure, the emergency unit 30 does not necessarily have to be covered with a decorative member. The location of the emergency unit 30 can be changed as appropriate.

[0087] The vehicle door according to the present invention is not limited to a side door, but may be a back door. The door latch device according to the present invention can be applied to the same object. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1 Door 1a Guide frame 1b Door opening 2. Body 3. Striker 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 Garnish (decorative parts) 13a Threaded part 13b opening 13c Locking groove 14 Inner handle 14a cable 15 Outer handle 16 Lid member 16a Lid body 16b Pivotal connection 16c Link section 16d Locking piece 16e Locking hole 17 Support member 17a Window section 17b escape hole 17c Protrusion 17d Slit 17e triangular piece 18-pin 20 Latch unit 21 Latch mechanism 21a fork 21b Claw 22 Electric motor 23 Unlock Switch 30 Emergency Unit 31 Key cylinder 31a Key hole 31b Outer cylinder part 31c Rotor section 31d Tumbler 32 Key lever 32a Slit 32b First Edge 32c 2nd Edge 32d operation piece 33 Return spring 34 Lock Switch 35 Cable (connecting member) 36 Cable holder 40 Controller (control unit) 41 Storage section 42 Communications Department 43 Authentication Section 44 Switching section 50 Bracket 51 Cylinder insertion hole 52 Door fitting 53 Bracket fixing part 53a Bolt insertion hole 54 Cable fixing part 55 Switch fixing part 81 Volts 82 Volts 90 Electronic Key 91 Open switch (Door opening intention detector) 92 Close switch 93 Key communication unit 94 Key control section 95 Key Battery 99 Keys L1, L2 virtual lines

Claims

1. a latch mechanism having a fork capable of engaging and disengaging with a striker provided on a vehicle body, and a claw movable between an engagement position where the fork engages with the fork to maintain an engaged state between the fork and the striker, and an open position where the engagement is released; an electric motor for moving the claw from the engaged position to the released position; a door opening intention detection unit that is provided outside the vehicle and outputs an opening signal when it detects an intention of the user to open the door; a key cylinder having a key hole into which a key can be inserted and which is rotated by the inserted key; a lock switch that outputs a lock signal in response to a rotation operation of the key cylinder to one side; a control unit having an electronic unlocked state in which the electric motor is operated in response to receipt of the release signal to move the claw to the open position, and an electronic locked state in which the electric motor is not operated regardless of receipt of the release signal to maintain the claw at the engaged position, and switching the electronic unlocked state to the electronic locked state in response to receipt of the lock signal; A vehicle door latch device comprising:

2. a connecting member that is mechanically connected to the latch mechanism and that operates in response to a rotation operation of the key cylinder toward the other side to move the claw to the open position; 2. The vehicle door latch device according to claim 1.

3. a key lever provided at an end of the key cylinder opposite to a key hole into which the key can be inserted in an axial direction, the key lever rotating integrally with the key cylinder; the connecting member is a cable engaged at one end with the key lever and pulled by the key lever in response to rotation of the key lever to the other side; 3. The vehicle door latch device according to claim 2.

4. the key lever has an arc-shaped slit centered on a central axis of the key cylinder and with which the one end of the connecting member is loosely engaged, When the key cylinder is in a neutral position where it is not operated, the one end of the connecting member is separated from the other end edge of the slit in an extension direction of the slit.

4. The vehicle door latch device according to claim 3.

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