Door locking device

Abstract

This prevents unintended disengagement of the double-lock set state and ensures good responsiveness to the operator's door opening operation. [Solution] The door lock device comprises a latch mechanism, a lock mechanism, a double lock mechanism, a first actuator that electrically switches the lock mechanism to an unlocked state, a second actuator that electrically switches the latch mechanism to an unlatched state regardless of the state of the lock mechanism and the double lock mechanism, a third actuator that electrically switches the double lock mechanism to a double lock unset state, and a control device that, when it detects an authenticated operator opening the door while the door is in the locked and double lock set state, switches the latch mechanism to an unlatched state, then switches the double lock mechanism to a double lock unset state, and then switches the lock mechanism to an unlocked state, thereby controlling each actuator.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This specification discloses a door lock device. [Background Art]

[0002] Conventionally, as this type of door lock device, there has been proposed one that includes: a locking and unlocking device including a locking / unlocking mechanism and a double lock mechanism; a transmitter that transmits an ID request; a receiver that receives a response ID; an object detection sensor that detects a person approaching the locking and unlocking device; and a control device that controls the locking and unlocking device (see, for example, Patent Document 1). When the control device receives a registered ID transmitted in response to the ID request from a portable device carried by the user, the control device cancels the double lock state of the locking and unlocking device. Then, when the control device detects that a person approaches the locking and unlocking device, it unlocks the locking and unlocking device. According to this document, this allows the unlocking to be completed before the user performs a handle operation. [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Literature]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-45592 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] In the door lock device described in Patent Document 1, the approach of the portable device to the vehicle is used as a trigger for canceling the double lock. Therefore, depending on the arrangement of a parking lot, a residence and the like, the distance between the portable device placed at the residence or the like and the vehicle may be close, which may lead to unintended cancellation of the double lock. In addition, in the door lock device described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to operate the double lock mechanism prior to the door opening operation so that the door can be opened immediately when the user performs the door opening operation. For this reason, if the door opening operation is not actually performed, unnecessary operations will cause an increase in power consumption and a decrease in the durability of the device.

[0005] The primary purpose of this disclosure is to prevent unintended disengagement of the double-lock set state and to ensure good responsiveness to the operator's door opening operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This disclosure employs the following means to achieve the primary objectives described above.

[0007] The door lock device of this disclosure is a door lock device for a vehicle, comprising: a latch mechanism that selectively forms a latch state that holds the door closed and an unlatch state that allows the door to be opened; a lock mechanism that selectively forms a lock state that prohibits manual switching of the latch mechanism to the unlatch state and an unlock state that allows manual switching of the latch mechanism to the unlatch state; a double lock mechanism that selectively forms a double lock set state that prohibits switching of the lock mechanism to the unlock state and a double lock unset state that allows switching of the lock mechanism to the unlock state; a first actuator that electrically switches the lock mechanism to the unlock state; and the lock mechanism The gist of the invention is that the device comprises: a second actuator that electrically switches the latch mechanism to the unlatched state regardless of the state of the state and the state of the double lock mechanism; a third actuator that electrically switches the double lock mechanism to the double lock unset state; and a control device that, when it detects an authenticated operator opening the door while the lock mechanism is in the locked state and the double lock mechanism is in the double lock set state, controls the first actuator, the second actuator, and the third actuator to switch the latch mechanism to the unlatched state, then switches the double lock mechanism to the double lock unset state, and also switches the lock mechanism to the unlocked state.

[0008] The door lock device of this disclosure includes an actuator (second actuator) that electrically switches the latch mechanism to an unlatched state, regardless of the state of the lock mechanism and the double lock mechanism. When the door lock device of this disclosure detects a door opening operation by an authenticated operator while the lock mechanism is in the locked state and the double lock mechanism is in the double lock set state, it first switches the latch mechanism to an unlatched state, and then switches the double lock mechanism to a double lock unset state and the lock mechanism to an unlocked state. Since the release of the double lock set state requires a door opening operation by the operator, unintended release of the double lock set state can be prevented. Furthermore, since the latch mechanism is switched to an unlatched state first in response to a door opening operation by an authenticated operator, good responsiveness to door opening operations can be ensured. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the door of a vehicle equipped with the door locking device of this disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of the door locking device when the door is unlocked. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of the door locking device when the door is unlocked. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of the door locking device when it is locked and double-locked and unset. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram of the door locking device when it is locked and double-locked and unset. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram of the door locking device when the double lock is set. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram of the door locking device when the double lock is set. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram of the door locking device when the inside door handle is operated from the unlocked state. [Figure 9]This is a schematic diagram of the door locking device when the inside door handle is operated from the unlocked state. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram of the door lock device when the knock-type cam mechanism is in operation. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram of the door lock device when the knock-type cam mechanism is in operation. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram of the door locking device when it is switched from a double-lock set state to an unlatched state by the drive of a motor. [Figure 13] This is a schematic diagram of the door locking device when it is switched from a double-lock set state to an unlatched state by the drive of a motor. [Figure 14] This is a control block diagram of the door locking device. [Figure 15] A flowchart shows an example of an unlatch control routine. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Next, the forms for implementing this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the door 1 of a vehicle equipped with the door lock device 10 of this disclosure. Figures 2 and 3 are schematic diagrams of the door lock device 10 in the unlocked state. Figures 4 and 5 are schematic diagrams of the door lock device 10 in the locked state and double lock unset state. Figures 6 and 7 are schematic diagrams of the door lock device 10 in the double lock set state. Figures 8 and 9 are schematic diagrams of the door lock device 10 when the inside door handle 6 is operated from the unlocked state. Figures 10 and 11 are schematic diagrams of the door lock device 10 when the knock-type cam mechanism is in the activated state. Figures 12 and 13 are schematic diagrams of the door lock device 10 when it is moved from the double lock set state to the unlatched state by the drive of the second motor 71. Figure 14 is a control block diagram of the door lock device 10.

[0012] The door 1 is a front door for a driver's seat or a front passenger seat of a vehicle. As shown in Fig. 1, the door 1 includes a door body 2 that forms a lower half portion of the door 1, and a door sash 3 that forms an upper half portion of the door 1 and guides a window glass. The door body 2 includes an outer panel 4, an inner panel (not shown) fixed to the inner side (vehicle compartment side) of the outer panel 4, and a resin trim (not shown) fixed to a surface of the inner panel on the vehicle compartment side. The door 1 is rotatable from a fully closed position through a half-open position (half-door position) to a fully open position with a front end portion rotatably supported by a vehicle body (not shown) of the vehicle as a fulcrum. The half-open position is a position slightly moved toward the open position side from the fully closed position.

[0013] Further, the door 1 includes an outside door handle 5 pullably or rotatably attached to the outer panel 4, and an inside door handle 6 pullably or rotatably attached to the trim. The outside door handle 5 and the inside door handle 6 are biased to an initial position by a spring or the like (not shown). A user of the vehicle can open the door 1 by manually operating the outside door handle 5 or the inside door handle 6 to move the same from the initial position to a door opening position. Note that the door 1 may be a rear seat door of the vehicle, may be a panel door (pressed door), or may be a sashless door.

[0014] As shown in Fig. 1, the door lock device 10 is arranged in an internal space of the door 1 defined by the outer panel 4 and the inner panel (not shown). More specifically, the door lock device 10 is fixed to, for example, the inner panel so as to be positioned below the outside door handle 5 in the internal space. The door lock device 10 is connected to the outside door handle 5 via a flexible cable (inner cable) 7 and an outer cylinder member (outer casing) 8, respectively. The cable 7 is inserted into the outer cylinder member 8, and both transmit the movement of the outside door handle 5 from the initial position to the door opening position to the door lock device 10.

[0015] The door lock device 10 comprises, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 13, a latch mechanism 20, a lock mechanism 40, a double lock mechanism 50, a first motor 61, a second motor 71, a rotating member 73, and a control device 80 (see FIG. 14) configured to control the entire device.

[0016] The latch mechanism 20 is configured to selectively form a full latch state that holds the door 1 at a fully closed position, a half latch state that holds the door 1 at a half open position slightly on the opening side from the fully closed position, and an unlatch state that allows opening of the door 1. Note that the full latch state and the half latch state may sometimes be referred to collectively as a latched state. The latch mechanism 20 comprises a base plate 21, a latch 22, a lift lever 23, a release lever 31, an open link 32, an outside open lever 34, an inside lever 35, and an inside open lever 36.

[0017] The latch 22 has a notch (not shown) that is engageable with a striker (not shown) fixed to the vehicle body. The latch 22 is rotatably supported with respect to the base plate 21, and is movable between a full latch position, a half latch position, and an unlatch position via rotation. In the full latch position, the striker of the vehicle body is held by the notch of the latch 22, whereby the door 1 is held at the fully closed position. In the half latch position, the door 1 is held at the half open position while the striker of the vehicle body remains held in the notch of the latch 22. In the unlatch position, the striker is released from the notch of the latch 22, and opening of the door 1 is allowed.

[0018] The latch 22 is biased in a direction to release the striker by a latch spring (not shown). The latch 22 is held at the full latch position or the half latch position by restricting rotation in the direction to release the striker by the lift lever 23 when at the full latch position or the half latch position.

[0019] The lift lever 23 is rotatably supported on the base plate 21 and can be selectively moved between an initial position and an operating position by rotation. When the lift lever 23 is in the initial position, it restricts rotation in the direction that releases the striker of the latch 22. On the other hand, when the lift lever 23 is moved to the operating position, it releases the restriction on rotation in the direction that releases the striker of the latch 22. As a result, the latch 22 moves to the unlatched position by the latch spring and releases the striker, allowing the door 1 to be opened.

[0020] The release lever 31 is rotatably supported by a housing (not shown) of the door lock device 10 and is selectively movable between an initial position and an operating position by rotation. When the release lever 31 is in the initial position, it positions the lift lever 23 in the initial position. When the release lever 31 is moved to the operating position, it presses against the lift lever 23, moving the lift lever 23 to the operating position. The release lever 31 includes a rotating member engaging portion 311 and a lift lever engaging portion 312.

[0021] The open link 32 is rotatably supported relative to the outside open lever 34. Therefore, the open link 32 is rotatable relative to the outside open lever 34 and can move integrally with the outside open lever 34. By rotating relative to the outside open lever 34, the open link 32 can move between the unlocked position (see Figures 2 and 3) and the locked position (see Figures 4 and 5). Furthermore, in both the unlocked and locked positions, the open link 32 can move between the initial position and the operating position by moving together with the outside open lever 34.

[0022] The open link 32 includes a release lever engaging portion 321 and a spring engaging portion 322. When the open link 32 is in the unlocked position and is moved from the initial position to the operating position by the outside open lever 34, the release lever engaging portion 321 engages with the release lever 31 and presses the release lever 31, thereby moving the release lever 31 from the initial position to the operating position. As a result, the lift lever engaging portion 312 of the release lever 31 engages with the lift lever 23 and presses the lift lever 23, moving the lift lever 23 from the initial position to the operating position, thereby switching the latch mechanism 20 to the unlatched state. Furthermore, the open link 32 is configured so that the release lever engaging portion 321 does not engage (contact) with the release lever 31 even when the open link 32 is in the locked position and is moved from the initial position to the operating position. Therefore, when the open link 32 is in the locked position, the latch mechanism 20 cannot be switched to the unlatched state. The spring engagement portion 322 is a projection that protrudes in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the rotation axis of the open link 32 relative to the outside open lever 34. The open link biasing spring 33 is engaged with the spring engagement portion 322.

[0023] The outside open lever 34 is rotatably supported relative to the housing and can be selectively moved between an initial position and an operating position by rotation. The outside open lever 34 is biased to the initial position by an outside open lever biasing spring 343. The outside open lever 34 is linked to the outside door handle 5 of the door 1, and when the outside door handle 5 is operated manually, it moves from the initial position to the operating position in conjunction with the outside door handle 5. The outside open lever 34 includes an inside lever engaging portion 341 and an open link support portion 342. The open link support portion 342 is the part that rotatably supports the open link 32.

[0024] The inside lever 35 is rotatably supported relative to the housing and can be selectively moved between an initial position and an operating position by rotation. The inside lever 35 includes an inside open lever engaging portion 351 and an outside open lever engaging portion 352. The outside open lever engaging portion 352 is configured to engage with and disengage from the inside lever engaging portion 341 of the outside open lever 34. When the inside lever 35 moves from the initial position to the operating position, the outside open lever engaging portion 352 engages with the inside lever engaging portion 341 of the outside open lever 34, pressing the outside open lever 34 and moving the outside open lever 34 from the initial position to the operating position.

[0025] The inside open lever 36 is rotatably supported relative to the housing and can be selectively moved between an initial position and an operating position by rotation. The inside open lever 36 is biased to the initial position by an inside open lever biasing spring. The inside open lever 36 is linked to the inside door handle 6 of the door 1, and when the inside door handle 6 is operated manually, it moves from the initial position to the operating position in conjunction with the inside door handle 6. The inside open lever 36 is provided with an inside lever engaging portion 361. The inside lever engaging portion 361 is configured to engage with and disengage from the inside open lever engaging portion 351 of the inside lever 35. When the inside open lever 36 moves from the initial position to the operating position, the inside lever engaging portion 361 engages with the inside open lever engaging portion 351 of the inside lever 35, pressing the inside lever 35 and moving the inside lever 35 from the initial position to the operating position.

[0026] Thus, the outside open lever 34 moves from its initial position to the operating position by manual operation of the outside door handle 5, and also moves from its initial position to the operating position by manual operation of the inside door handle 6, which sequentially moves the inside open lever 36 and inside lever 35 from their initial positions to the operating positions. When the outside open lever 34 moves from its initial position to the operating position while the open link 32 is in the unlocked position, the open link 32, release lever 31, and lift lever 23 sequentially move from their initial positions to the operating positions (see Figures 8 and 9), switching the latch mechanism 20 to the unlatched state. As a result, the user can open the door 1 by manually operating the outside door handle 5 or the inside door handle 6 to switch the latch mechanism 20 from the latched state to the unlatched state. On the other hand, when the open link 32 is in the locked position, the open link 32 does not come into contact with (engage with) the release lever 31 even when it moves to the operating position. Therefore, even if the user manually operates the outside door handle 5 or the inside door handle 6, they cannot switch the latch mechanism 20 to the unlatched state and thus cannot open the door 1.

[0027] The locking mechanism 40 can switch between a locked state (see Figures 4 and 5) and an unlocked state (see Figures 2 and 3). The locked state is a state in which switching the latch mechanism 20 to the unlatched state by manual operation of the outside door handle 5 or the inside door handle 6 is prohibited. The unlocked state is a state in which switching the latch mechanism 20 to the unlatched state by manual operation of the outside door handle 5 or the inside door handle 6 is permitted. The locking mechanism 40 comprises a locking lever 41, a locking link 42, an active lever 43, and a lock state detection switch 44.

[0028] The locking lever 41 is rotatably supported relative to the housing and can be selectively moved between an unlocked position and a locked position by rotation. The locking lever 41 comprises a gear portion 411 and a locking link engagement portion 412. The gear portion 411 is the part of a sector gear that meshes with a worm 62 attached to the rotating shaft of the first motor 61. The locking link engagement portion 412 is formed at a position radially outward from the rotation center of the locking lever 41. One end of the locking link 42 is rotatably connected to the locking link engagement portion 412.

[0029] The locking link 42 is an elongated member. A cam pin engagement portion 421 is formed in the middle of the locking link 42 in the longitudinal direction. The cam pin engagement portion 421 is formed to protrude in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the locking link 42. In addition, the locking link engagement portion 412 of the locking lever 41 is rotatably connected to one end of the locking link 42 in the longitudinal direction, and the locking link engagement portion 431 of the active lever 43 is rotatably connected to the other end of the locking link 42 in the longitudinal direction. The locking link 42 is linked to the locking lever 41, moving to the unlocked position when the locking lever 41 moves to the unlocked position, and moving to the locked position when the locking lever 41 moves to the locked position.

[0030] The active lever 43 is supported in the housing coaxially with the inside lever 35 and rotatably independently of the inside lever 35. The active lever 43 is selectively movable between a locked position and an unlocked position by interlocking with the locking lever 41 via a locking link 42. The active lever 43 moves to the locked position when the locking lever 41 moves to the locked position, and moves to the unlocked position when the locking lever 41 moves to the unlocked position. The locked position is at one end of the range of motion of the active lever 43, and the unlocked position is at the other end of the range of motion of the active lever 43. The active lever 43 is selectively biased to the locked position and the unlocked position by a stopper spring (not shown). Specifically, when the active lever 43 is located on the side of the range of motion closer to the locked position, it is biased to the locked position, and when it is located on the side of the range of motion closer to the unlocked position, it is biased to the unlocked position.

[0031] The active lever 43 comprises a locking link engagement portion 431 and a spring mounting portion 432. The locking link engagement portion 431 is the portion to which the locking link 42 is rotatably connected. The spring mounting portion 432 is the portion to which the open link biasing spring 33 is attached. The open link biasing spring 33 holds the open link 32 in the locked position when the active lever 43 is in the locked position, and holds the open link 32 in the unlocked position when the active lever 43 is in the unlocked position. However, even when the active lever 43 is in the unlocked position, the open link biasing spring 33 allows the open link 32 to be in the locked position by elastic deformation. For example, as shown in Figures 3 and 5, the open link biasing spring 33 is a torsion coil spring having two parallel arms, and the two arms are elastically deformable so that they spread apart from each other. The spring engagement portion 322 of the open link 32 is located between the two arms of the open link biasing spring 33 and protrudes in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the rotation axis of the open link 32.

[0032] The lock state detection switch 44 detects the state of the lock mechanism 40 (locked state, unlocked state). The lock state detection switch 44 is pressed by the locking lever 41 when the locking lever 41 is in the unlock-compatible position (unlocked state) (see Figures 4 and 5), and the locking lever 41 is separated when the locking lever 41 is in the lock-compatible position (locked state) (see Figures 6 and 7).

[0033] The first motor 61 is a drive source that drives the locking mechanism 40. A worm 62 is attached to the rotating shaft of the first motor 61. The gear portion 411 of the locking lever 41 meshes with the worm 62. When the locking lever 41 moves to the lock-compatible position due to the driving force of the first motor 61, the active lever 43, which is linked to the locking lever 41 via the locking link 42, moves to the lock-compatible position, thereby moving the open link 32 to the lock position. Conversely, when the locking lever 41 moves to the unlock-compatible position due to the driving force of the first motor 61, the active lever 43, which is linked to the locking lever 41 via the locking link 42, moves to the unlock-compatible position, thereby moving the open link 32 to the unlock position. As a result, the door lock device 10 can be switched between a locked state and an unlocked state by the driving force of the first motor 61. The door lock device 10 then allows the door 1 to be opened by manually operating the outside door handle 5 or the inside door handle 6 when the lock mechanism 40 is in the unlocked state, thereby switching the latch mechanism 20 from the latched state to the unlatched state. The first motor 61 and worm 62 correspond to the first actuator of this disclosure.

[0034] The double lock mechanism 50 can be switched between a double lock set state (see Figures 6 and 7) and a double lock unset state (see Figures 4 and 5) when the lock mechanism 40 is in the locked state. The double lock set state is a state in which switching the lock mechanism 40 to the unlocked state is prohibited. The double lock unset state is a state in which switching the lock mechanism 40 to the unlocked state is permitted. The double lock mechanism 50 is composed of a knock-type cam mechanism that alternately switches between the double lock set state and the double lock unset state by a knock operation in the same direction.

[0035] The double lock mechanism 50 (knock-type cam mechanism) comprises a pin 51, an outer cylinder 52, an inner cylinder 53, and a pin biasing spring (not shown). The pin 51 is a long, rod-shaped member. A pin cam portion (not shown) is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the pin 51. The pin cam portion is a projection extending in the axial direction. The pin 51 has its intermediate portion inserted into the outer cylinder 52 and inner cylinder 53 so that its front and rear ends are exposed, and is rotatable relative to the outer cylinder 52 and inner cylinder 53, as well as movable in the axial direction. By moving in the axial direction, the pin 51 can be selectively moved between a protruding position and a retracted position. The protruding position is when the pin 51 is moved forward (from the rear end towards the front end). The retracted position is when the pin 51 is moved backward (from the front end towards the rear end). Furthermore, the pin 51 is biased forward in the axial direction relative to the outer cylinder 52 by a pin biasing spring. An outer cylinder cam portion (not shown) is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 52. The outer cylinder cam portion has a plurality of cam teeth and cam grooves formed alternately in the circumferential direction. The pin 51 is held in a protruding position by the engagement of the pin cam portion with the cam groove of the outer cylinder cam portion, and is held in a retracted position by the engagement of the pin cam portion with the cam teeth of the outer cylinder cam portion. The inner cylinder 53 is a knock member inserted into the outer cylinder 52 and is movable in the axial direction relative to the outer cylinder 52. By moving in the axial direction, the inner cylinder 53 can move between a non-switching position and a switching position. An inner cylinder cam portion (not shown) is formed on the end face of the inner cylinder 53 facing the pin cam portion. The inner cylinder cam portion is a cam surface having a plurality of peaks and valleys formed alternately in the circumferential direction. When the inner cylinder 53 moves from the non-switching position to the switching position, the inner cylinder cam portion presses the pin cam portion of the pin 51 against the biasing force of the pin biasing spring with its cam surface, causing the pin 51 to rotate while being pushed backward. Furthermore, a cam arm 531 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the inner cylinder 53. The cam arm 531 is a tongue-shaped portion that protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the inner cylinder 53.

[0036] In the double lock mechanism 50, as shown in Figure 11, the rotating member 73 is rotated clockwise in the figure, and the cam arm 531 is pressed to move the inner cylinder 53 from the non-switching position to the switching position. This causes the cam surface of the inner cylinder cam to engage with the pin cam, rotating the pin 51 while pressing it backward. Then, the pressure on the cam arm 531 is released, returning the inner cylinder 53 from the switching position to the non-switching position. The biasing force of the pin biasing spring causes the pin 51 to move forward, so that the pin cam engages with the cam teeth or cam groove of the outer cylinder cam of the outer cylinder 52. As a result, each time the cam arm 531 is operated and released, the pin cam engages alternately with the cam teeth and cam groove, allowing the pin 51 to be alternately switched between the protruding position and the retracted position.

[0037] The double lock mechanism 50, when the locking link 42 of the lock mechanism 40 is in the locked position and the pin 51 moves to the protruding position, engages with the cam pin engaging portion 421 of the locking link 42, restricting the movement of the locking link 42 from the locked position to the unlocked position (see Figures 6 and 7). This prevents the lock mechanism 40 from switching to the unlocked state (double lock set state). On the other hand, when the pin 51 of the double lock mechanism 50 moves to the retracted position, it disengages from the cam pin engaging portion 421 of the pin 51, allowing the locking link 42 to move from the locked position to the unlocked position (see Figures 4 and 5). This allows the lock mechanism 40 to switch to the unlocked state (double lock unset state).

[0038] The double-lock state detection switch 54 detects the state of the double-lock mechanism 50 (double-lock set state, double-lock unset state). The double-lock state detection switch 54 is installed such that when the pin 51 is in the retracted position (double-lock unset state), it is pressed by the pin 51 (see Figures 4 and 5), and when the pin 51 is in the protruding position (double-lock set state), the pin 51 separates (see Figures 6 and 7).

[0039] The second motor 71 is the drive source for the rotating member 73. A worm 72 is attached to the rotating shaft of the second motor 71. The rotating member 73, which is configured as a worm wheel, meshes with the worm 72. The second motor 71 can drive the rotating member 73 in both forward and reverse rotation directions.

[0040] The rotating member 73 is rotationally driven by the second motor 71, allowing it to move between a neutral position, an unlatched position, and a cam operating position. The neutral position is an intermediate position within the range of motion of the rotating member 73. The unlatched position is at one end of the range of motion of the rotating member 73. The cam operating position is at the other end of the range of motion of the rotating member 73. The rotating member 73 also includes a release lever engaging portion 731 and a cam engaging portion 732. The release lever engaging portion 731 is configured to engage with and disengage from the rotating member engaging portion 311 of the release lever 31. However, the rotating member engaging portion 311 of the release lever 31 contacts the release lever engaging portion 731 of the rotating member 73 when the rotating member 73 is in a rotational position between the neutral position and the unlatched position, and does not contact the release lever engaging portion 731 when the rotating member 73 is in a rotational position between the neutral position and the cam operating position. The cam engagement portion 732 is configured to engage with and disengage from the cam arm 531 of the double lock mechanism 50. However, the cam arm 531 contacts the cam engagement portion 732 of the rotating member 73 when the rotating member 73 is in a rotational position between the neutral position and the cam operating position, and does not contact the cam engagement portion 732 when the rotating member 73 is in a rotational position between the neutral position and the unlatching position.

[0041] Therefore, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, the second motor 71 rotates the rotating member 73 in one direction (clockwise in Figure 12) to move the rotating member 73 from the neutral position to the unlatching position. This causes the release lever engaging portion 731 of the rotating member 73 to engage with the rotating member engaging portion 311 of the release lever 31, pressing the release lever 31 and moving the release lever 31 to the operating position. When the release lever 31 moves to the operating position, the lift lever engaging portion 312 of the release lever 31 engages with the lift lever 23, pressing the lift lever 23 and moving the lift lever 23 to the operating position, switching the latch mechanism 20 to the unlatched state. Since the rotating member 73 directly presses the release lever 31 without the intermediary of the open link 32, the latch mechanism 20 can be switched to the unlatched state by the second motor 71 regardless of the state of the lock mechanism 40 and the double lock mechanism 50. The second motor 71, the worm 72, and the rotating member 73 (release lever engaging portion 731) correspond to the second actuator of this disclosure.

[0042] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, the second motor 71 rotates the rotating member 73 in the opposite direction to the unidirectional direction (clockwise in Figure 11), moving the rotating member 73 from the neutral position to the cam operating position. This causes the cam engagement portion 732 of the rotating member 73 to engage with the cam arm 531 of the double lock mechanism 50, pressing the cam arm 531 and moving the inner cylinder 53 (knock member) from the non-switching position to the switching position. Each time the rotating member 73 is moved from the neutral position to the cam operating position by the driving force of the second motor 71 in the opposite direction, and the rotating member 73 is returned to the neutral position by the biasing force of the rotating member biasing spring, the state of the double lock mechanism 50 can be alternately switched between the double lock set state and the double lock unset state. The second motor 71, worm 72, and rotating member 73 (cam engagement portion 732) correspond to the third actuator of this disclosure.

[0043] The door lock device 10 also includes a key lever 45, a key switch lever 46, and a key crank 47. The key lever 45 is rotatable integrally with the inner cylinder (plug) of the key cylinder by operating the key cylinder. The key switch lever 46 is rotatable relative to the housing and can move in conjunction with the key lever 45 to a neutral position, an unlock position, and a lock position. As a result, the key switch lever 46 moves from the neutral position to the unlock position or the lock position in conjunction with the operation of the key cylinder. The neutral position is the middle position within the range of motion of the key switch lever 46. The unlock position is the position rotated in one direction from the neutral position. The lock position is the position rotated in the opposite direction from the neutral position.

[0044] The key crank 47 is rotatably supported relative to the housing and can be selectively moved between an initial position and an operating position by rotation. When the key switch lever 46 moves from the neutral position to the unlock position, the key crank 47 is pressed by the key switch lever 46 and moves from the initial position to the operating position. When the key crank 47 moves to the operating position, it presses against the cam arm 531, moving the inner cylinder 53 from the non-switching position to the switching position. Therefore, when the double lock mechanism 50 is in the double lock set state, the key cylinder can be operated to switch it to the double lock unset state. This makes it possible to manually release the double lock in an emergency, for example, if the vehicle battery runs out and the second motor 71 is unable to release the double lock.

[0045] As shown in Figure 14, the control device 80 is configured as a microprocessor centered around a CPU 81. In addition to the CPU 81, it includes a ROM 82 for storing processing programs, a RAM 83 for temporarily storing data, input / output ports, communication ports, etc. The control device 80 receives signals from various switches, such as a lock state detection switch 44 and a double lock state detection switch 54. The control device 80 also receives signals from a door open / close switch 91 and a wireless remote control key 92, which is configured as a so-called smart key. The door open / close switch 91 is a switch for instructing the opening and closing of the door 1 by user operation, and is installed near the outside door handle 5 on the outside door handle 5 or on the outer panel 4. The door open / close switch 91 may be a push-button type switch or a touch-type switch. The door open / close switch 91 may also be a sensor that detects the operation of the outside door handle 5. The remote control key 92 allows for the locking and unlocking of the door 1 and the double lock by remote operation. Furthermore, the control device 80 outputs drive signals to the first motor 61 and the second motor 71.

[0046] Next, the operation of the door lock device 10 of this embodiment, as configured in this way, will be described. In particular, the operation when an opening operation of door 1 is detected from the double lock set state will be described.

[0047] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing an example of an unlatch control routine executed by the CPU 81 of the control device 80. This routine is executed when user authentication is completed by comparing the key-side ID transmitted from the remote control key 92 carried by the user with the stored vehicle-side ID, and when the user's operation to open the door 1 is detected by the door open / close switch 91.

[0048] When the unlatching control routine is executed, the CPU 81 of the control device 80 first receives a signal from the lock state detection switch 44 (step S100) and determines whether the lock mechanism 40 is in a locked state or not (step S110). If the CPU 81 determines that the lock mechanism 40 is not in a locked state but in an unlocked state, it drives the second motor 71 to switch the state of the latch mechanism 20 to an unlatched state (unlatching operation) (step S120) and terminates the routine.

[0049] On the other hand, in step S110, if the CPU 81 determines that the state of the locking mechanism 40 is locked, it switches the electrical state to the unlocked state (step S130). Next, the CPU 81 receives a signal from the double lock state detection switch 54 (step S140) and determines whether the state of the double locking mechanism 50 is double lock set or not (step S150). If the CPU 81 determines that the state of the double locking mechanism 50 is not double lock set but double lock unset, it drives the first motor 61 to switch the state of the locking mechanism 40 to the unlocked state (unlock energization) and drives the second motor 71 to switch the latching mechanism 20 to the unlatched state (unlatched operation) (step S160), and then terminates this routine. In this embodiment, the unlock energization and unlatched operation are performed simultaneously by simultaneously driving the first motor 61 and the second motor 71. This allows for quick switching to the unlocked state and the unlatched state. In step S160, the CPU 81 may perform an unlatching operation after performing an unlock power supply, or it may perform an unlock power supply after performing an unlatching operation.

[0050] In step S150, if the CPU 81 determines that the state of the double lock mechanism 50 is the double lock set state, it first drives the second motor 71 to switch the state of the latch mechanism 20 to the unlatched state (unlatching operation) (step S170). After switching the state of the latch mechanism 20 to the unlatched state, the CPU 81 drives the second motor 71 in the reverse direction to switch the double lock mechanism 50 to the double lock set state (double lock unset energization) (step S180), and then drives the first motor 61 to switch the lock mechanism 40 to the unlocked state (unlock energization) (step S190), and then terminates this routine.

[0051] Thus, the door lock device 10 of this embodiment requires the user to open the door 1 to release the double lock set state (switch to the double lock unset state), thus preventing unintended release of the double lock set state. Furthermore, since the latch mechanism 20 is switched to the unlatched state first by the door 1 opening operation by an authenticated user, good responsiveness to the door 1 opening operation can be ensured. Moreover, the double lock mechanism 50 is configured to switch alternately between the double lock set state and the double lock unset state by a knocking operation, and the switching to the double lock unset state and the switching to the unlatched state are performed by a single motor (second motor 71), thus further reducing manufacturing costs by reducing the number of parts.

[0052] It goes without saying that this disclosure is not limited in any way to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various forms as long as they fall within the technical scope of this disclosure.

[0053] For example, in the embodiment described above, the first motor 61 was used to drive the locking mechanism 40, and the second motor 71 was used to drive both the latching mechanism 20 and the double locking mechanism 50. However, the first motor 61 may be used to drive both the locking mechanism 40 and the double locking mechanism 50, and the second motor 71 may be used to drive the latching mechanism 20. Alternatively, different motors may be used to drive the latching mechanism 20, the locking mechanism 40, and the double locking mechanism 50, respectively. [Industrial applicability]

[0054] This disclosure can be used in industries such as the manufacturing of door lock devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 10 Door locking device, 20 Latch mechanism, 40 Locking mechanism, 50 Double locking mechanism, 61 First motor, 72 Second motor.

Claims

1. A door locking device for a vehicle, A latch mechanism that selectively forms a latched state that holds the door closed and an unlatched state that allows the door to be opened, A locking mechanism that selectively forms a locked state that prohibits switching the latching mechanism to the unlatched state by manual operation, and an unlocked state that allows switching the latching mechanism to the unlatched state by manual operation, A double lock mechanism that selectively forms a double lock set state that prohibits switching the lock mechanism to the unlocked state, and a double lock unset state that allows switching the lock mechanism to the unlocked state, A first actuator that electrically switches the locking mechanism to the unlocked state, Regardless of the state of the locking mechanism and the state of the double locking mechanism, a second actuator electrically switches the latching mechanism to the unlatched state, A third actuator that electrically switches the double lock mechanism to the double lock unset state, A control device that, when it detects an authenticated operator opening the door while the lock mechanism is in the locked state and the double lock mechanism is in the double lock set state, controls the first actuator, the second actuator, and the third actuator to switch the latch mechanism to the unlatch state, then switch the double lock mechanism to the double lock unset state, and switch the lock mechanism to the unlock state. A door locking device equipped with the following features.

2. A door lock device according to claim 1, The first actuator switches the locking mechanism to the unlocked state by the driving force of the first motor. The second actuator switches the latch mechanism to the unlatched state by the driving force of the second motor, which is different from that of the first motor. The third actuator switches the double lock mechanism to the double lock unset state by the reverse driving force of the second motor. Door locking device.

3. A door lock device according to claim 2, When the control device detects that an authenticated operator has opened the door while the locking mechanism is in the locked state and the double locking mechanism is in the double lock unset state, it controls the first motor and the second motor to simultaneously switch the latching mechanism to the unlatched state and the locking mechanism to the unlocked state. Door locking device.

4. A door lock device according to claim 2 or 3, The double lock mechanism is configured to alternately switch between the double lock set state and the double lock unset state by the reverse driving force of the second motor. Door locking device.

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