Door locking device

Abstract

The configuration of a door locking device equipped with a locking mechanism and a super-locking mechanism is simplified. [Solution] The door lock device 1 includes a lock mechanism 12 that enables or disables switching the latch mechanism 11 from a locked state to an unlocked state, a super lock mechanism 13 that enables or disables switching the state of the lock mechanism 12 by operating the lock knob 6 inside the vehicle, a motor 15 that drives the lock mechanism 12 and the super lock mechanism 13, and a switching mechanism 16 that includes a rotating body 61 that is rotationally driven by the driving force of the motor 15. The rotating body 61 is provided with a lock operation unit 64 that operates the lock mechanism 12 in accordance with the rotational displacement from the neutral position to the locked position or the unlocked position, and an SPL operation unit 65 that operates the super lock mechanism 13 in order to switch the super lock mechanism 13 from a non-SPL state to an SPL state in accordance with the rotational displacement from the locked position to the SPL position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a door lock device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an automotive door lock device including a first operating mechanism that selectively forms a lock state in which a latching portion cannot be released and an unlock state in which it can be released, and a second operating mechanism that selectively forms a double-lock state in which the lock state cannot be released and an un-double-lock state in which the double-lock state is released.

[0003] In this technical field, the latching portion is also referred to as a latch mechanism, the first operating mechanism is also referred to as a lock mechanism, and the second operating mechanism is also referred to as a double-lock mechanism or a super-lock mechanism. In this document, the term "SPL" is used as an abbreviation for "super-lock".

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the above device, since the two operating mechanisms each have an electric motor, the configuration of the device is complicated.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to simplify the configuration of a door lock device including a lock mechanism and a super-lock mechanism.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] One aspect of the present invention includes: a latch mechanism for switching between a locked state in which the door is locked to the vehicle body and an unlocked state in which the door is released from the vehicle body; a lock mechanism for switching between an unlocked state in which switching from the locked state to the unlocked state is permitted and a locked state in which such switching is not permitted; a super lock mechanism for switching between a non-SPL state in which switching of the state of the lock mechanism is permitted by operation of an operating member inside the vehicle and an SPL state in which such switching is not permitted by operation of the operating member; a motor for generating a driving force to drive the lock mechanism and the super lock mechanism; and a switching mechanism for switching the state of the lock mechanism and the super lock mechanism based on the driving force, wherein the switching mechanism is a rotating body that is rotationally driven by the driving force. The present invention provides a door lock device comprising: a rotating body that is rotatably displaceable between a neutral position, a locked position located to a first side of the neutral position in the direction of rotation, an SPL position located further to the first side of the locked position, and an unlocked position located to a second side of the neutral position opposite to the first side in the direction of rotation; a lock operation unit that operates the lock mechanism in order to switch the state of the lock mechanism in accordance with the rotational displacement of the rotating body from the neutral position to the locked position or the unlocked position; and an SPL operation unit that operates the super lock mechanism in order to switch the state of the super lock mechanism from the non-SPL state to the SPL state in accordance with the rotational displacement of the rotating body from the locked position to the SPL position.

[0008] According to the above configuration, the door lock device includes a switching mechanism that includes a rotating body driven by the driving force of a motor. The rotating body is provided with a lock operation unit and a SPL operation unit. The drive source for the lock mechanism and the drive source for the super lock mechanism are shared by a motor, and the lock mechanism and the super lock mechanism are operated by the lock operation unit and the SPL operation unit in accordance with the rotational displacement of the rotating body. Therefore, the configuration of the door lock device can be simplified compared to the case where the two mechanisms are driven by separate motors. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, the configuration of a door lock device equipped with a locking mechanism and a super locking mechanism can be simplified. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] A block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of a door lock device according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] A block diagram conceptually showing part of the configuration of the door lock device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 2 shows the door locking device viewed in the axial direction of the rotating body. [Figure 4] Figure 2 shows the state transitions of the door lock device. [Figure 5] Figure 3 shows a solid of revolution. [Figure 6] Figure 3 shows the lock plate and blocker. [Figure 7] Figure 3 shows the lock plate and blocker. [Figure 8] Figure 3 shows an SPL joint. [Figure 9] Figure 3 shows the locking mechanism and the super locking mechanism. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings, and redundant detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0012] Referring to Figure 1, the door lock device 1 according to this embodiment is applied to a vehicle and is installed on a door 5 that opens and closes an opening (not shown) in the vehicle body 2. A lock knob 6 and an inner handle 7 are provided on the interior side of the door 5. An outer handle 8 is provided on the exterior side of the door 5.

[0013] The door lock device 1 includes a latch mechanism 11, a lock mechanism 12, a super lock mechanism 13, a latch motor 14, a motor 15, and a switching mechanism 16.

[0014] The latch mechanism 11 switches between a locked state in which the door 5 is locked to the vehicle body 2 and an unlocked state in which the locking of the door 5 to the vehicle body 2 is released. Although detailed illustration is omitted, the latch mechanism 11 has a fork that holds the striker 3 of the vehicle body 2 and a claw that detachably engages with the fork. When the claw engages with the fork holding the striker 3, the latch mechanism 11 is in the locked state. When the claw disengages from the fork and the engagement between the claw and the fork is released, the latch mechanism 11 is in the unlocked state.

[0015] The lock mechanism 12 switches between an unlocked state that allows the latch mechanism 11 to be switched from the locked state to the unlocked state and a locked state that makes it impossible to switch the latch mechanism 11 from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0016] The vehicle user can switch the lock mechanism 12 from the unlocked state to the locked state or vice versa, for example, by operating the lock knob 6. In the unlocked state, the user can switch the latch mechanism 11 from the locked state to the unlocked state, for example, by operating the inner handle 7 or the outer handle 8, and can open the door 5. In the locked state, even if the same operation is performed, the latch mechanism 11 will not switch to the unlocked state and the door 5 will not open.

[0017] The super lock mechanism 13 switches between an anti-super lock state (non-SPL state) that allows the state of the lock mechanism 12 to be switched by operating the lock knob 6 and a super lock state (SPL state) that makes it impossible to switch the state of the lock mechanism 12 by operating the lock knob 6. In the locked state and the SPL state, even if the window of the door 5 is broken and the lock knob 6 is illegally operated from outside the vehicle, the locked state can be maintained. Therefore, the anti-theft performance of the vehicle is improved.

[0018] The latch motor 14 drives the latch mechanism 11 (especially the close). The motor 15 is the driving source of the lock mechanism 12 and also the driving source of the super lock mechanism 13. The motor 15 generates a driving force for driving the lock mechanism 12 and the super lock mechanism 13. The switching mechanism 16 switches the states of the lock mechanism 12 and the super lock mechanism 13 based on the driving force generated by the motor 15.

[0019] The latch motor 14 and the motor 15 are controlled by the control unit 17. The control unit 17 may be an ECU (Electrical Control Unit) provided on the vehicle body 2 as shown in the figure. The control unit 17 may be composed of a plurality of controllers distributed and arranged on the vehicle body 2 and the door 5.

[0020] The control unit 17 is connected to switches. The switches include, for example, an unlatch switch 18a, a lock switching switch 18b, and an SPL switching switch 18c. The control unit 17 drives the latch motor 14 and the motor 15 according to the signals output from the switches, and controls the latch mechanism 11, the lock mechanism 12, and the super lock mechanism 13.

[0021] When the unlatch switch 18a detects a user's operation for switching the latch mechanism 11 from the engaged state to the non-engaged state, it outputs an unlatch signal to the control unit 17. The control unit 17 drives the latch motor 14 to switch the latch mechanism 11 from the engaged state to the non-engaged state in response to the reception of the unlatch signal.

[0022] When the lock selector switch 18b detects a user operation to switch from the unlocked state to the locked state, it outputs a lock signal to the control unit 17. In response to receiving the lock signal, the control unit 17 drives the motor 15 to switch from the unlocked state to the locked state. When the lock selector switch 18b detects a user operation to switch from the locked state to the unlocked state, it outputs an unlock signal to the control unit 17. In response to receiving the unlock signal, the control unit 17 drives the motor 15 to switch from the locked state to the unlocked state. The switching mechanism 16 operates the lock mechanism 12 with the driving force input from the motor 15.

[0023] When the SPL selector switch 18c detects a user operation to switch from the non-SPL state to the SPL state, it outputs an SPL signal to the control unit 17. In response to the reception of the SPL signal, the control unit 17 drives the motor 15 to switch from the non-SPL state to the SPL state. When the SPL selector switch 18c detects a user operation to switch from the SPL state to the non-SPL state, it outputs a non-SPL signal to the control unit 17. In response to the reception of the non-SPL signal, the control unit 17 drives the motor 15 to switch from the SPL state to the non-SPL state. The switching mechanism 16 operates the super lock mechanism 13 with the driving force input from the motor 15.

[0024] For the sake of illustration simplification, the switches are shown outside the frame of the vehicle body 2 and door 5. Depending on the arrangement of the components operated by the user, the switches may be located on the door 5, on the vehicle body 2, or on an item that the user can carry (e.g., an electronic key). Furthermore, the latch mechanism 11 may be operated by multiple operating components located in different places, in which case multiple unlatching switches 18a may be provided for each operating component. The same applies to the lock switching switch 18b and the SPL switching switch 18c.

[0025] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the door lock device 1 includes a housing 10 that is fixed to the door 5 (see Figure 1).

[0026] The housing 10 supports the lock plate 21, lock holding part 22, lock rotor 23, lock knob shaft 24, and lock slider 25 of the lock mechanism 12. The inner handle 7 and outer handle 8 (see Figure 1) are connected to the latch mechanism 11 via a lock switching mechanism (not shown) of the lock mechanism 12, which is operated by the displacement of the lock plate 21.

[0027] The housing 10 supports the SPL joint 31, SPL holding part 32, and slider biasing member 33 of the super lock mechanism 13. The lock slider 25 may be considered as a component of the super lock mechanism 13.

[0028] The housing 10 supports the rotating body 61, reduction gear 62, rotating body biasing member 63, locking operation unit 64, SPL operation unit 65, blocker 66, blocker biasing member 67, and blocker holding unit 68 of the switching mechanism 16. The blocker 66 and blocker biasing member 67 may also be considered as components of the locking mechanism 12.

[0029] The rotating body 61 is supported in the housing 10 so as to be rotatable about its central axis A61. The rotating body 61 is supported in the housing 10 so as not to be able to translate in a direction perpendicular to its axis. The components within the housing 10 described above can be stacked along the axial direction of the rotating body 61. The arrangement in the stacking direction can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, by appropriately changing the shape of the components, it is possible to arrange two or more components at the same height. Also, a single component can have two or more parts at different heights separated by a portion bent in the stacking direction.

[0030] Of the components within the housing 10 described above, the rotatable ones (for example, the lock rotor 23 and the lock knob shaft 24) rotate around an axis parallel to the central axis A61 of the rotating body 61. The lock operation unit 64 and the SPL operation unit 65 are provided on the rotating body 61 and perform circular motion together with the rotating body 61. The blocker holding unit 68 is similar.

[0031] Of the components within the housing 10 described above, those that are capable of translation (for example, the lock plate 21, SPL joint 31, and blocker 66) are translated within the plane perpendicular to the axis of the rotating body 61 (within the plane of Figure 3). The operation of the lock slider 25 is a combination of rotational and translational motion. In this embodiment, in which the rotating body 61 is not capable of translation with respect to the housing 10, "translation with respect to the rotating body" and "translation with respect to the housing" in the following description are substantially synonymous.

[0032] Referring to Figure 5, the reduction gear 62 reduces the rotation of the motor 15 and transmits it to the rotating body 61. For example, the reduction gear 62 is a worm gear pair consisting of a worm 62a attached to the output shaft of the motor 15 and a worm wheel meshed with the worm 62a. In this embodiment, the rotating body 61 is this worm wheel and is rotationally driven by the driving force of the motor 15.

[0033] The rotating body 61 is rotatably displaceable to a neutral position, a locked position located first to the neutral position in the direction of rotation (clockwise on the page of Figure 5), an SPL position located further first to the locked position, and an unlocked position located second to the neutral position in the direction of rotation (counterclockwise on the page of Figure 5).

[0034] The rotating body biasing member 63 is, for example, a spring that is locked to the housing 10 and the rotating body 61, and biases the rotating body 61 to the neutral position. After the rotating body 61 is rotated away from the neutral position by the driving force of the motor 15 and the motor 15 stops, the rotating body 61 returns to the neutral position due to the biasing force.

[0035] The lock operation unit 64 and the SPL operation unit 65 are provided on the rotating body 61. The lock operation unit 64 operates the lock mechanism 12 to switch the state of the lock mechanism 12 (see Figures 6 and 9). The SPL operation unit 65 operates the super lock mechanism 13 to switch the state of the super lock mechanism 13 (see Figures 8 and 9).

[0036] Figure 4 is a state transition diagram of the door lock device 1. The door lock device 1 can take on the following six states N1 to N3, A to C. The function of the blocker 66 will be described later. <State N1> The rotating body 61 is in the neutral position, the locking mechanism 12 is in the unlocked state, and the super locking mechanism 13 is in the non-SPL state. The blocker 66 is in the initial and blocking position. <State A> The rotating body 61 is in the locked position, the locking mechanism 12 is in the locked state, and the super locking mechanism 13 is in the non-SPL state. The blocker 66 is in the extended and blocked position. <State N2> The rotating body 61 is in the neutral position, the locking mechanism 12 is in the locked state, and the super locking mechanism 13 is in the non-SPL state. The blocker 66 is in the initial and retracted position. <State B> The rotating body 61 is in the SPL position, the locking mechanism 12 is in the locked state, and the super locking mechanism 13 is in the SPL state. The blocker 66 is in the initial and retracted position. <State N3> The rotating body 61 is in the neutral position, the locking mechanism 12 is in the locked state, and the super locking mechanism 13 is in the SPL state. The blocker 66 is in the initial and retracted position. <State C> The rotating body 61 is in the unlocked position, the locking mechanism 12 is in the unlocked state, and the super locking mechanism 13 is in the non-SPL state. The blocker 66 is in the initial and blocking position.

[0037] In states N1, N2, and N3, the rotating body 61 is in the neutral position, while in states A, B, and C, the rotating body 61 is located in a position other than the neutral position. Figure 3 shows the door lock device 1 in state N2, and Figure 5 shows the neutral position of the rotating body 61 (states N1, N2, or N3).

[0038] The transition from state N1, N2, or N3 to state A, B, or C is performed by the driving force of the motor 15. During this transition, the lock operation unit 64 and / or the SPL operation unit 65 are activated. Once the transition to state A, B, or C is complete, the motor 15 stops. The transition from state A, B, or C to state N1, N2, or N3 is performed by the biasing force of the rotating body biasing member 63. During this transition, the lock operation unit 64 and the SPL operation unit 65 are not activated.

[0039] As shown in Figure 6, the locking operation unit 64 switches the locking mechanism 12 from the unlocked state to the locked state (state N1 → A) in response to the rotational displacement of the rotating body 61 from the neutral position to the locked position. The locking operation unit 64 also switches the locking mechanism 12 from the locked state to the unlocked state (state N2 or N3 → C) in response to the rotational displacement of the rotating body 61 from the neutral position to the unlocked position.

[0040] As shown in Figure 8, the SPL operation unit 65 switches the super lock mechanism 13 from the non-SPL state to the SPL state in response to the rotational displacement of the rotating body 61 from the neutral position to the SPL position (state N2 → B). The SPL operation unit 65 switches the super lock mechanism 13 from the SPL state to the non-SPL state in response to the rotational displacement of the rotating body 61 from the neutral position to the unlocked position (state N3 → C).

[0041] As described above, the door lock device 1 according to this embodiment includes a switching mechanism 16 that includes a rotating body 61 which is rotationally driven by the driving force of a motor 15. The rotating body 61 is provided with a lock operation unit 64 and a SPL operation unit 65. The drive source for the lock mechanism 12 and the drive source for the super lock mechanism 13 are shared by the motor 15, and the lock mechanism 12 and the super lock mechanism 13 are operated by the lock operation unit 64 and the SPL operation unit 65 in accordance with the rotational displacement of the rotating body 61. Therefore, the configuration of the door lock device 1 can be simplified compared to the case in which the two mechanisms are driven by separate motors.

[0042] Next, referring to Figure 6, the state transitions of the locking mechanism 12 by the locking operation unit 64 and the locking holding unit 22 will be explained.

[0043] The lock plate 21 is operated by the locking operation unit 64 and is displaced relative to the rotating body 61 between an ON position corresponding to the locked state and an OFF position corresponding to the unlocked state. The lock plate 21 is supported so as to be translationally movable relative to the housing 10. The lock plate 21 is a long plate and is translationally movable along its direction of extension.

[0044] The lock plate 21 has a lock-operated portion 21a that is pressed by the lock operating portion 64. The lock-operated portion 21a is a projection that protrudes from the end face of the lock plate 21 toward the rotating body 61, and is, for example, cylindrical in shape.

[0045] On the other hand, the locking operation part 64 includes a first locking operation part 64a located on the second side relative to the locked operation part 21a in the rotational direction, and a second locking operation part 64b located on the first side relative to the locked operation part 21a in the rotational direction. The first locking operation part 64a and the second locking operation part 64b protrude radially outward from the outer peripheral edge of the rotating body 61. The second locking operation part 64b protrudes more than the first locking operation part 64a.

[0046] Regarding the transition from state N1 to A, when the lock plate 21 is in the off position (the lock mechanism 12 is in the unlocked state), as the rotating body 61 rotates from the neutral position toward the first position toward the locked position, the first lock operation part 64a comes into contact with the locked operating part 21a at the lock operation start position between the neutral position and the locked position. As the rotating body 61 rotates toward the first position from the lock operation start position, the locked operating part 21a is pushed by the first lock operation part 64a, and the lock plate 21 is displaced relative to the rotating body 61. When the rotating body 61 reaches the locked position, the lock plate 21 reaches the on position, and the lock mechanism 12 enters the locked state.

[0047] When the rotating body 61 reaches the locked position, the locked operating portion 21a is positioned on the outer circumference side relative to the tip of the first lock operating portion 64a. The first lock operating portion 64a can operate the lock plate 21 when it moves from the lock operation start position to the locked position. Even if the rotating body 61 moves further toward the first side from the locked position, the lock plate 21 is not operated by the lock operating portion 64.

[0048] Regarding the transition from state N2 to C, when the lock plate 21 is in the ON position (the lock mechanism 12 is in the locked state), as the rotating body 61 rotates from the neutral position towards the unlocked position, the second lock operating part 64b can come into contact with the locked operating part 21a due to its large protrusion. The locked operating part 21a is pushed by the second lock operating part 64b, and the lock plate 21 is displaced relative to the rotating body 61. When the rotating body 61 reaches the unlocked position, the lock plate 21 reaches the OFF position, and the lock mechanism 12 enters the unlocked state.

[0049] Regarding the transitions from state A to N2 and from state C to N1, after the rotating body 61 is displaced to the locked or unlocked position, the rotating body 61 returns to the neutral position. During this return to neutral, the lock plate 21 is not operated by the lock operation unit 64.

[0050] The locking mechanism 22 maintains the locked state by holding the lock plate 21 in the ON position even when the rotating body 61 returns from the locked position to the neutral position. The locking mechanism 22 maintains the unlocked state by holding the lock plate 21 in the OFF position even when the rotating body 61 returns from the unlocked position to the neutral position.

[0051] The locking retainer 22 is, for example, an action spring supported by the housing 10. The lock plate 21 is provided with an engaging projection 21b that protrudes from its end face toward the housing 10. The locking retainer 22 engages with the engaging projection 21b whether the lock plate 21 is in the ON position or the OFF position, thereby maintaining the position of the lock plate 21 relative to the housing 10 (i.e., its position relative to the rotating body 61). When the lock plate 21 is displaced by the driving force of the motor 15, the locking retainer 22 elastically deforms due to the displacement of the engaging projection 21b, and the engagement between the locking retainer 22 and the engaging projection 21b is released. Once the displacement of the lock plate 21 is complete, the locking retainer 22 returns to its original shape and engages with the engaging projection 21b again.

[0052] Next, the function of the blocker 66 will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7.

[0053] The blocker 66 is displaceable relative to the lock plate 21 between an initial position close to the lock plate 21 and an extended position extending beyond the lock plate 21. The lock plate 21 has a blocker receiving groove 21c at the end facing the rotating body 61. In the initial position, the blocker 66 is received by the blocker receiving groove 21c. In the extended position, the blocker 66 partially protrudes from the blocker receiving groove 21c.

[0054] The displacement direction of the blocker 66 relative to the lock plate 21 is parallel to the translation direction of the lock plate 21 relative to the housing 10. On the plane of Figure 6, this direction is the vertical direction, with the initial position of the blocker 66 being on the lower side and the protruding position being on the upper side.

[0055] The blocker 66 is plate-shaped and slidably supported on the lock plate 21. For example, a guide groove may be provided on the edge of the blocker receiving groove 21c to slidably support the blocker 66.

[0056] The blocker biasing member 67 is, for example, a spring that is locked to the lock plate 21 and the blocker 66, and biases the blocker 66 to its initial position.

[0057] As described above, the blocker 66 is displaceable relative to the lock plate 21 and is also displaceable relative to the rotating body 61 between the blocking position and the retracted position. The blocker 66 has a locking piece 66a at its protruding end that protrudes toward the rotating body 61 in the axial direction of the rotating body 61.

[0058] The blocker holding portion 68 protrudes from the end face of the rotating body 61 toward the blocker 66 and the lock plate 21. The blocker holding portion 68 is an L-shaped wall when viewed in the axial direction. The blocker holding portion 68 has a circumferentially extending embracing portion 68a and a protruding portion 68b extending radially toward the center from the second end of the embracing portion 68a in the rotational direction.

[0059] Referring to Figure 6, in state N1, when the lock plate 21 is in the off position and the rotating body 61 is in the neutral position, the blocker 66 is biased to its initial position relative to the lock plate 21. The blocker 66 is in a blocking position relative to the rotating body 61, and most of it overlaps with the rotating body 61 in a plan view. The blocker holding portion 68 is adjacent to the blocker 66 in the blocking position on the second side in the rotational direction. The distance (phase difference) between the gripping portion 68a and the locking piece 66a is smaller than the distance between the first locking operating portion 64a and the locked operating portion 21a.

[0060] Regarding the transition from state N1 to A, when the rotating body 61 rotates from the neutral position to the locked position, the gripping portion 68a enters the radially outer circumference side, i.e., the ON position side of the lock plate 21 (lower side of the paper in Figure 6), as seen from the locking piece 66a, before the rotating body 61 reaches the lock operation start position. Once the rotating body 61 has passed the lock operation start position, the lock plate 21 is displaced from the OFF position to the ON position as described above. The blocker 66 maintains a blocking position relative to the rotating body 61 regardless of the biasing force of the blocker biasing member 67, due to the engagement of the gripping portion 68a and the locking piece 66a. The blocker 66 is displaced relative to the lock plate 21 from its initial position.

[0061] When the rotating body 61 reaches the locked position, the lock plate 21 reaches the ON position. The blocker 66 is positioned to block the rotating body 61, while being positioned to extend outwards relative to the lock plate 21. Furthermore, when the rotating body 61 reaches the locked position, the abutment portion 68b of the blocker holding portion 68 comes into contact with the locking piece 66a. Therefore, even if the motor 15 generates driving force after the rotating body 61 has reached the locked position, the rotational displacement of the rotating body 61 toward the first side is blocked by the blocker 66.

[0062] Therefore, the control unit 17 (see Figure 1) does not necessarily have to provide feedback on the rotational position of the motor 15 or the rotating body 61. The control unit 17 may also perform time-delay control to drive the motor 15 for a predetermined time sufficient to rotate the rotating body 61 from the neutral position to the locked position. Even with time-delay control, the rotating body 61 will stop precisely at the locked position. This avoids the situation where the rotating body 61 stops before the locked position, resulting in incomplete switching of the locking mechanism 12. It also avoids the situation where the rotating body 61 stops beyond the locked position, resulting in unintended operation of the super locking mechanism 13.

[0063] Regarding the transition from state A to N2, when the rotating body 61 returns from the locked position to the neutral position, the blocker holding part 68 moves in a circular motion together with the rotating body 61, and the engagement between the gripping part 68a and the locking piece 66a is released. The blocker 66 is displaced by the biasing force of the blocker biasing member 67 from the extended position to the initial position relative to the lock plate 21 in the ON position, and from the blocked position to the retracted position relative to the rotating body 61. That is, the blocker 66 is translated so as to move closer to the lock plate 21 and away from the rotating body 61.

[0064] Referring to Figure 7, regarding the transition from state N2 to B to N3, when the lock plate 21 is in the ON position, if the rotating body 61 rotates from the neutral position to the SPL position, the blocker holding part 68 cannot engage with the blocker 66 which is in the retracted position. The rotating body 61 is allowed to rotate further toward the first side from the locked position and can reach the SPL position. Even during the return of the rotating body 61 from the SPL position to the neutral position, the rotational displacement of the rotating body 61 is not hindered by the blocker 66. Even after the return of the rotating body 61 to the neutral position, the blocker 66 remains in the initial and retracted position. Therefore, for the components shown in Figures 6 and 7, the illustrated content is the same for state N2 and state N3.

[0065] Referring to Figure 6, regarding the transition from state N2 or N3 → C → N1, when the lock plate 21 is in the ON position, if the rotating body 61 rotates from the neutral position to the unlocked position, the lock plate 21 is displaced from the ON position to the OFF position. The blocker 66 maintains its initial position relative to the lock plate 21 and displaces itself to move closer to the rotating body 61 together with the lock plate 21. The blocker 66 is displaced from the retracted position to the blocking position relative to the rotating body 61. Even after the rotating body 61 returns to the neutral position from the unlocked position, the blocker 66 remains in both the initial and blocking positions.

[0066] With respect to the transition from state N2 to B and the transition from state N2 or N3 to C, the control unit 17 (see Figure 1) may perform time-delayed control, driving the motor 15 for a predetermined time sufficient to rotate the rotating body 61 to the SPL position or unlock position. In this case, the door lock device 1 may further include a blocking mechanism that mechanically stops the rotational displacement of the rotating body 61 at the SPL position or unlock position. Note that the SPL position and unlock position are the limits of the position control range of the rotating body 61, and it is more acceptable for the rotating body 61 to slightly exceed these limits than to exceed an intermediate position within the control range (the locked position in this example). Therefore, it is also possible to apply time-delayed control of the motor 15 to the rotational displacement at the SPL position or unlock position without a blocking mechanism.

[0067] Thus, according to this embodiment, the blocker 66 can mechanically prevent the rotating body 61 from overrunning, and the control of the motor 15 can be simplified. The operation of the blocker 66 is mechanically controlled by the blocker biasing member 67 and the blocker holding part 68. Furthermore, a dedicated actuator for operating the blocker 66 is not required. Therefore, the door lock device 1 can be simplified.

[0068] Next, referring to Figure 8, the state transitions of the super lock mechanism 13 by the SPL operation unit 65 and the SPL holding unit 32 will be explained.

[0069] The SPL joint 31 is operated by the SPL operating unit 65 and is displaced relative to the rotating body 61 between an SPL-on position corresponding to the SPL state and an SPL-off position corresponding to the non-SPL state. The SPL joint 31 is supported so as to be translationally movable relative to the housing 10. The SPL joint 31 is a long, plate-like structure and translates along its direction of extension.

[0070] The extending and translational directions of the SPL joint 31 are parallel to the extending and translational directions of the lock plate 21 (see Figure 3). In the plane of Figures 3, 6, and 8, this direction is the vertical direction. The off position of the lock plate 21 is on the upper side, and the on position is on the lower side (see Figure 6). Similarly, the SPL off position of the SPL joint 31 is on the upper side, and the SPL on position is on the lower side (see Figure 8). By adjusting the lengths of the lock plate 21 and the SPL joint 31, the arrangement of the components of the door lock device 1, including the motor 15, can be easily adjusted.

[0071] The SPL joint 31 has an SPL operated portion 31a that is pressed by the SPL operating portion 65. The SPL operated portion 31a is, for example, a projection that protrudes from the end face of the SPL joint 31 toward the rotating body 61.

[0072] On the other hand, the SPL operating section 65 includes a first SPL operating section 65a located on the second side relative to the SPL operated section 31a in the rotational direction, and a second SPL operating section 65b located on the first side relative to the SPL operated section 31a in the rotational direction. The first SPL operating section 65a and the second SPL operating section 65b are projections that protrude from the end face of the rotating body 61 toward the SPL joint 31.

[0073] Regarding the transition from state N2 to B, when the SPL joint 31 is in the off position (the super lock mechanism 13 is in the non-SPL state), as the rotating body 61 rotates from the neutral position toward the first position toward the SPL position, the SPL joint 31 is not operated by the SPL operating part 65 from the neutral position toward the locked position. After passing the locked position, the first SPL operating part 65a comes into contact with the SPL operated part 31a. The SPL operated part 31a is pushed by the first SPL operating part 65a, and the SPL joint 31 is displaced relative to the rotating body 61. When the rotating body 61 reaches the SPL position, the SPL joint 31 reaches the SPL on position, and the super lock mechanism 13 enters the SPL state. During this transition, the lock plate 21 is not operated by the lock operating part 64, and the lock mechanism 12 maintains its locked state.

[0074] Regarding the transition from state N3 to C, when the SPL joint 31 is in the ON position (the super lock mechanism 13 is in the SPL state), as the rotating body 61 rotates from the neutral position towards the unlocked position, the second SPL operating part 65b comes into contact with the SPL operated part 31a. The SPL operated part 31a is pushed by the second SPL operating part 65b, and the SPL joint 31 is displaced relative to the rotating body 61. When the rotating body 61 reaches the unlocked position, the SPL joint 31 reaches the SPL off position, and the super lock mechanism 13 enters the non-SPL state. During this transition, the lock plate 21 is displaced from the ON position to the OFF position as described above. The switching of the super lock mechanism 13 to the non-SPL state occurs simultaneously with the switching of the lock mechanism 12 to the unlocked state.

[0075] Since the SPL joint 31 is in the off position in both state N1 and state N2, the components shown in Figure 8 are the same in both state N2 and state N1. Regarding the transition from state B to N3 and the transition from state C to N1, after the rotating body 61 is displaced to the SPL position or unlock position, the rotating body 61 returns to the neutral position. During this return to neutral, the SPL joint 31 is not operated by the SPL operating unit 65.

[0076] The SPL holding unit 32 maintains the SPL state by holding the SPL joint 31 in the SPL ON position even when the rotating body 61 returns from the SPL locked position to the neutral position. The SPL holding unit 32 maintains the non-SPL state by holding the SPL joint 31 in the SPL OFF position even when the rotating body 61 returns from the unlocked position to the neutral position.

[0077] The SPL holding part 32 is, for example, an action spring supported by the housing 10. The SPL joint 31 is provided with an engaging projection 31b that protrudes from its end face toward the housing 10. The SPL holding part 32 engages with the engaging projection 31b whether the SPL joint 31 is in the SPL position or the non-SPL position, thereby maintaining the position of the SPL joint 31 relative to the housing 10 (position relative to the rotating body 61). When the SPL joint 31 is displaced by the driving force of the motor 15, the SPL holding part 32 elastically deforms due to the displacement of the engaging projection 31b, and the engagement between the SPL holding part 32 and the engaging projection 31b is released. Once the displacement of the SPL joint 31 is complete, the SPL holding part 32 returns to its original shape and engages with the engaging projection 31b again.

[0078] As described above, according to this embodiment, the switching mechanism 16 enables both the displacement of the lock plate 21, which promotes the operation of the lock mechanism 12, and the displacement of the SPL joint 31, which promotes the operation of the super lock mechanism 13, to be achieved using a single motor 15 as the drive source. The specific configuration for converting the displacement of the lock plate 21 into the operation of the lock mechanism 12 is not particularly limited. The specific configuration for converting the displacement of the SPL joint 31 into the operation of the super lock mechanism 13 is not particularly limited.

[0079] The following briefly describes an example of the configuration of the locking mechanism 12 and the super locking mechanism 13 that operate in response to the displacement of the lock plate 21 and the SPL joint 31, with reference to Figure 9.

[0080] The lock rotor 23 and the lock knob shaft 24 are supported in the housing 10 so as to be rotatable around the same central axis A12.

[0081] The lock rotor 23 has a first rotor arm 23a and a second rotor arm 23b extending radially from a central boss, and a first lock knob operating portion 23c. The tip of the first rotor arm 23a is fitted to the end of the lock plate 21 (in particular, the end opposite to the side on which the blocker 66 is provided in the extending and translational direction of the lock plate 21). The first lock knob operating portion 23c is provided at the base end of the first rotor arm 23a. The second rotor arm 23b is provided with a radially extending slot 23d.

[0082] The lock knob shaft 24 has a semi-disc-shaped shaft base 24a and a shaft arm 24b extending radially from the shaft base 24a. The shaft base 24a is provided with a first operating receiving portion and a second operating receiving portion 24d. The first operating receiving portion 24c is provided on the first end face of the shaft base 24a extending radially from the central boss and faces the first lock knob operating portion 23c in the circumferential direction. The second operating receiving portion 24d is provided on the second end face of the shaft base 24a extending radially from the central boss on the opposite side from the first end face. The tip of the shaft arm 24b is connected to the lock knob 6 (see Figure 2) via a cable (not shown).

[0083] The lock slider 25 has a second lock knob operating portion 25a provided at one end and a locking pin 25b provided at the other end. The second lock knob operating portion 25a is fitted into a slot 23d of the lock rotor 23 and is slidable along the extending direction of the slot 23d. The lock slider 25 can be displaced relative to the lock rotor 23 between an operating position and a retracted position. In the operating position, the second lock knob operating portion 25a is located at one end of the slot 23d (upper side of the paper in Figure 9) and faces the second operating receiving portion 24d in the circumferential direction. In the retracted position, the second lock knob operating portion 25a is located at the other end of the slot 23d (lower side of the paper in Figure 9) and moves radially away from the second operating receiving portion 24d. The locking pin 25b is locked to the SPL joint 31. The slider biasing member 33 is locked to the SPL joint 31 and the locking pin 25b, and biases the lock slider 25.

[0084] In state N1 (unlocked and non-SPL state), the lock plate 21 is in the off position, and the SPL joint 31 is in the SPL off position. The lock slider 25 is in the operating position.

[0085] When the system is electrically switched from state N1 to state N2 (locked and non-SPL state), the lock slider 25 maintains its operating position while the lock plate 21 is displaced to the off position. The tip of the first rotor arm 23a is displaced together with the lock plate 21, causing the lock rotor 23 to rotate. The second lock knob operating part 25a pushes the lock knob shaft 24 in the circumferential direction, causing the lock knob shaft 24 to rotate. As a result, the lock knob 6 is automatically operated.

[0086] When the user operates the lock knob 6 in state N1, the operating force of the lock knob 6 causes the tip of the shaft arm 24b to swing, and the lock knob shaft 24 rotates. The first operating receiving part 24c pushes the first lock knob operating part 23c in the circumferential direction, and the lock rotor 23 rotates. The lock plate 21 is operated by the tip of the first rotor arm 23a and displaced from the off position to the on position. In other words, the system switches from state N1 to state N2 by the user's manual operation.

[0087] When the system is electrically switched from state N2 to state N1, the lock slider 25 maintains its operating position while the lock plate 21 is displaced to the ON position. The tip of the first rotor arm 23a is displaced together with the lock plate 21, causing the lock rotor 23 to rotate. The first lock knob operating part 23c pushes the lock knob shaft 24 in the circumferential direction, causing the lock knob shaft 24 to rotate. As a result, the lock knob 6 is automatically operated.

[0088] When the user operates the lock knob 6 in state N2, the force applied by the lock knob 6 causes the tip of the shaft arm 24b to swing, and the lock knob shaft 24 rotates. The second operating receiver 24d pushes the second lock knob operating part 25a in the circumferential direction, and the lock rotor 23 rotates. The lock plate 21 is operated by the tip of the first rotor arm 23a and displaced from the ON position to the OFF position. In other words, the system switches from state N2 to state N1 through manual operation by the user.

[0089] The switch from state N2 to state N3 (locked state and SPL state) is performed electrically. The lock plate 21 maintains the ON position, while the SPL joint 31 is displaced from the OFF position to the ON position, and the lock slider 25 is displaced together with the SPL joint 31. The lock slider 25 is displaced relative to the lock rotor 23 from the operating position to the retracted position.

[0090] When the user operates the lock knob 6 in state N3, the force applied to the lock knob 6 causes the tip of the shaft arm 24b to swing, and the lock knob shaft 24 to rotate. However, the second operating receiver 24d cannot push the second lock knob operating part 25a. Therefore, the lock rotor 23 does not rotate, and the lock plate 21 maintains the ON position. In other words, the lock mechanism 12 maintains the locked state regardless of the operation of the lock knob 6.

[0091] The switch from state N3 to state N1 is performed electrically. The lock plate 21 is displaced from the ON position to the OFF position, and the locked state is released. Also, the SPL joint 31 is displaced from the ON position to the OFF position. Consequently, the lock slider 25 returns from the retracted position to the operating position, and the SPL state is released.

[0092] The configuration of the above embodiment is an example and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the present invention.

[0093] In the above configuration example, the super lock mechanism 13 may allow or disallow switching of the lock mechanism 12 by operating an operating member other than the lock knob 6. If the inner handle 7 of the door lock device 1 is equipped with a so-called override function, the inner handle 7 can serve as this operating member. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0094] 1. Door locking device 2 car bodies 3 Striker 5 doors 6 Locking Knobs 7 Inner Handle 8 Outer Handles 10 cabinets 11. Latch mechanism 12 Locking mechanism 13 Super Lock Mechanism 14. Latch motor 15 Motor 16 Switching mechanism 17 Control Unit 18a Unlatching switch 18b Lock selector switch 18c SPL selector switch 21 Lock Plate 21a Locked operating part 21b Engagement protrusion 21c Blocker receiving groove 22 Locking mechanism 23 Locking Rotor 23a First rotor arm 23b Second rotor arm 23c First lock knob operating section 23d slot 24 Locking Knob Shaft 24a Shaft Base 24b Shaft Arm 24c 1st operation receiver 24d 2nd operation receiver 25 Rock Slider 25a Second lock knob operating section 25b Locking pin 31 SPL Joint 31a SPL operated part 31b Engagement protrusion 32 SPL holding part 33 Slider biasing member 61. Solids of revolution 62 Reducer 62a Worm 63 Rotating body biasing member 64 Locking mechanism 64a First locking mechanism 64b Second locking mechanism 65 SPL operation section 65a 1st SPL operation section 65b 2nd SPL operation section 66 Brocca 66a Locking piece 67 Blocker biasing member 68 Blocker holding part 68a Holding part 68b Abutment part A12,A61 Center axis A~C, N1~N3 status

Claims

1. A latch mechanism that switches between a locked state in which the door is locked to the vehicle body and an unlocked state in which the door is released from being locked to the vehicle body, A locking mechanism that switches between an unlocked state that allows switching from the locked state to the unlocked state and a locked state that prevents such switching, A super lock mechanism that switches between a non-SPL state that allows switching of the state of the lock mechanism by operating the lock knob inside the vehicle, and an SPL state in which such switching by operating the lock knob becomes impossible, A motor that generates the driving force to drive the locking mechanism and the super locking mechanism, A switching mechanism that switches the state of the lock mechanism and the super lock mechanism based on the driving force, Equipped with, The switching mechanism includes a rotating body that is rotationally driven by the driving force, The aforementioned rotating body, neutral position, In the rotational direction, the lock position is on the first side with respect to the neutral position, and SPL position further to the first side relative to the aforementioned lock position In the aforementioned rotational direction, the unlock position is on the second side opposite to the first side with respect to the neutral position, It is rotationally displaceable between the following points. The aforementioned rotating body, A locking operation unit operates the locking mechanism to switch the state of the locking mechanism in accordance with the rotational displacement from the neutral position to the locked position or the unlocked position, An SPL operating unit operates the super lock mechanism in order to switch the state of the super lock mechanism from the non-SPL state to the SPL state in accordance with the rotational displacement from the lock position to the SPL position, It has, Door locking device.

2. The switching mechanism further includes a rotating body biasing member that biases the rotating body to the neutral position, The rotating body, after being rotated from the neutral position against the biasing force of the rotating body biasing member by the driving force, returns to the neutral position due to the biasing force of the rotating body biasing member when the motor stops. The door lock device according to claim 1.

3. The switching mechanism further includes a blocker that is displaceable relative to the rotating body between a blocking position and a retracted position, When the locking mechanism is in the unlocked state and the rotating body is in the neutral position, the blocker is in the blocking position. When the blocker is in the blocking position and the rotating body rotates from the neutral position toward the first side, the locking mechanism switches from the unlocked state to the locked state, while the blocker prevents the rotating body from rotating from the locked position toward the first side. When the rotating body returns from the locked position to the neutral position, the blocker is displaced from the blocking position to the retracted position. When the blocker is in the retracted position and the rotating body rotates from the neutral position toward the first side, the blocker allows the rotating body to rotate from the locked position toward the first side, and the super lock mechanism switches from the non-SPL state to the SPL state. The door lock device according to claim 2.

4. The locking mechanism has a locking plate that is operated by the locking operation unit and is displaced relative to the rotating body between an ON position corresponding to the locked state and an OFF position corresponding to the unlocked state. The blocker is displaceable relative to the lock plate between an initial position close to the lock plate and an extended position away from the lock plate. The switching mechanism further includes a blocker biasing member that biases the blocker to the initial position, When the locking mechanism is in the unlocked state and the rotating body is in the neutral position, the blocker is biased to the initial position relative to the lock plate in the off position and to the blocking position relative to the rotating body. When the blocker is in the initial position and the blocking position, if the rotating body rotates toward the first side from the neutral position, the lock plate is displaced from the off position to the on position, while the blocker maintains the blocking position with respect to the rotating body and is displaced relative to the lock plate from the initial position to the extended position. When the rotating body returns from the locked position to the neutral position, the blocker is biased by the blocker biasing member and displaces relative to the lock plate from the extended position to the initial position, and displaces relative to the rotating body from the blocking position to the retracted position. The door lock device according to claim 3.

5. When the blocker is in the initial position and the retracted position, if the rotating body rotates from the neutral position to the unlocked position, the lock plate is displaced from the on position to the off position, and the blocker maintains the initial position with respect to the lock plate, and is displaced relative to the rotating body from the retracted position to the blocking position in conjunction with the displacement of the lock plate. The door lock device according to claim 4.

6. The rotating body further includes a blocker holding portion, The aforementioned blocker holding part is In the process of the rotating body rotating from the neutral position to the locked position, it engages with the blocker in the blocking position and holds the blocker in the blocking position against the biasing force of the blocker biasing member. During the process of the rotating body returning from the locked position to the neutral position, the blocker is released. The door lock device according to claim 4.

7. The locking mechanism has a locking plate that is operated by the locking operation unit and is displaced relative to the rotating body between an ON position corresponding to the locked state and an OFF position corresponding to the unlocked state. The super lock mechanism is operated by the SPL operating unit and has an SPL joint that is displaced relative to the rotating body between an SPL ON position corresponding to the SPL state and an SPL OFF position corresponding to the non-SPL state. The lock plate and the SPL joint are plate-shaped and extend parallel to each other, and undergo translational displacement along the direction of extension. A door lock device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The lock plate has a lockable portion that is pressed by the locking operation portion, The locking operation unit includes a first locking operation unit located on the second side with respect to the locked operation unit, and a second locking operation unit located on the first side with respect to the locked operation unit. The door lock device according to claim 7.

9. The SPL joint has an SPL operated portion that is pressed by the SPL operating portion, The SPL operating unit includes a first SPL operating unit located on the second side with respect to the SPL operated unit, and a second SPL operating unit located on the first side with respect to the SPL operated unit. The door lock device according to claim 7.

10. When the super lock mechanism is in the SPL state and the rotating body rotates from the neutral position to the unlocked position, the SPL operation unit operates the super lock mechanism in parallel with the lock operation unit switching the lock mechanism to the unlocked state, in order to switch the super lock mechanism from the SPL state to the non-SPL state. A door lock device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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