Electric door latch device for vehicle

Abstract

To provide an electric door latch apparatus for a vehicle that can realize a compact and smart vehicle door.SOLUTION: An electric door latch apparatus for a vehicle of the present invention includes a catching part mounted on a first base plate, a door locking and unlocking part, an electric emergency door unlocking part configured to enable a door to be released from a vehicle body, an inside emergency operation lever configured to apply a torque to the catching part, an outside emergency operation lever configured to apply a torque to the catching part, and a manual emergency door unlocking part configured to apply a torque to the catching part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric door latch device for a vehicle, and more specifically, to an electric door latch device for a vehicle that can not only electrically lock or unlock a door to the vehicle body, but also has an integrated function of releasing a door locked on the vehicle body in an emergency, a child lock function for safely operating an inside handle installed on the door so that a locked door can be manually released, and a so-called deadlock function that prevents a door locked on the vehicle body from being forcibly released inside or outside the vehicle without using a vehicle key or remote control. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, automobile doors are equipped with a door latch device. Doors can be opened, closed, and locked / unlocked by operating the inside handle and safety knob located on the inside of the door, the outside handle located on the outside of the door, or by operating a key. Furthermore, in vehicles equipped with a PIC (Personal Identification Card) system, also known as a smart key, the driver can unlock the door by simply carrying the smart key (smart card, fob, etc.) to complete the personal authentication process.

[0003] Recently, electric door latches (E-door latches), which are driven by electrical force, have been adopted in place of conventional mechanical door latches, which are operated by a mechanical structure. Electric door latches use the electrical driving force of a motor, which has the advantage of providing a more refined operational feel than mechanical door latches. In addition, in vehicles equipped with electric door latches, once authentication is completed using a smart key or similar device, the driver can immediately pull the outside handle to open the door, just like in the case of conventional mechanical door latches.

[0004] However, electric door latch devices only operate when power is supplied. Therefore, if the vehicle battery is discharged or the power cable from the battery to the door latch device is disconnected due to deformation of the door during a side collision, the door cannot be unlocked, and the door cannot be opened even by operating the outside handle. If the door cannot be opened, it is impossible to open the hood to change the vehicle's battery or connect the battery to another vehicle's battery to restart the vehicle. In particular, if the door cannot be opened in an emergency situation such as an accident, follow-up measures are impossible.

[0005] To prevent such a situation, an additional battery may be installed in the vehicle. However, this increases the weight and cost of the vehicle, and the additional battery may take a long time to self-discharge due to a power outage, potentially rendering the power supply to the electric door latch device inoperable. Meanwhile, vehicle doors are equipped with separate, electrically operated child locks to prevent rear-seat passengers, such as children, from accidentally unlocking the doors by operating the inside handle. Child locks are typically implemented using motors and links separate from the electric door latch, increasing the number of vehicle parts, weight, and cost. Furthermore, so-called deadlocks are typically installed on the doors, primarily to prevent vehicle theft. These deadlocks prevent locked doors from being forcibly opened from inside or outside the vehicle without the use of a vehicle key or remote control. Because the deadlocks are typically implemented using motors and links separate from the electric door latch, they also increase the number of vehicle parts, weight, and cost.

[0006] Therefore, it is necessary to study a structure that can release the door lock state by an appropriate door lock release means even when the motor is disabled due to a vehicle collision accident or battery discharge, etc., and a more compact electric door latch device that integrates the functions of the electric door latch device described above with a child lock function and a deadlock function. This content is intended to deepen understanding of the background of the invention. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-13919 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide an electric door latch device for a vehicle that can realize not only an electric door latch function but also an emergency door release function, a child lock function, and a deadlock function all in one configuration, thereby realizing a compact and smart vehicle door. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The electric door latch device for a vehicle according to the present invention includes a catch portion attached to a first base plate and configured to catch on a striker attached to a vehicle body to lock the door to the vehicle body or to disengage from the striker to release the door from the vehicle body; a door locking and unlocking portion that applies a rotational force to the catch portion via a main motor attached to a second base plate to lock and unlock the catch portion to the striker; an electric emergency door unlocking portion that releases the door from the vehicle body via a sub-motor attached to the second base plate when the main motor is inoperable; and an electric emergency door unlocking portion that is connected to an inside handle installed on the door, The electric emergency door unlocking unit includes an inside emergency operation lever that rotates in response to the operating force of the inside handle and applies a rotational force to the catch portion via the electric emergency door unlocking unit; an outside emergency operation lever that is connected to an outside handle installed on the door and rotates in response to the operating force of the outside handle and applies a rotational force to the catch portion via the electric emergency door unlocking unit; and a manual emergency door unlocking unit that is attached to the second base plate and connected to be interlocked with the inside emergency operation lever, moves in response to the rotational force of the inside emergency operation lever, and applies a rotational force to the catch portion via the electric emergency door unlocking unit.

[0010] The catch portion includes a catch rotatably attached to the first base plate and having a locking groove so that the striker can be inserted to engage with or disengage from the catch; a pawl rotatably attached in close contact with the catch of the first base plate and configured to prevent rotation of the catch or to disengage from the catch to allow the catch to rotate freely; and a pawl release lever coupled between the pawl and the first base plate to rotate integrally with the pawl.

[0011] The door locking and unlocking unit includes a main motor attached to the second base plate and having a main drive gear on a rotating shaft that can rotate in both directions, a main driven gear that meshes with the main drive gear, and a main operating lever that meshes with the main driven gear and receives the rotational force of the main motor via the main driven gear to rotate and thereby rotate the pawl release lever.

[0012] The pawl release lever is formed with two seating protrusions, and the main operating lever is formed with a pressure protrusion that is seated on the seating protrusions and presses and rotates the pawl release lever.

[0013] The electric emergency door unlocking unit includes a sub-motor disposed adjacent to the main motor on the second base plate and having a sub-drive gear on a rotating shaft rotatable in both directions, a sub-driven gear meshing with the sub-drive gear, a master lock link rotatably installed on the first base plate, connected to the outside emergency operation lever, and having a hook, and a pressure spring that pressurizes the master lock link to rotate it in a set direction.

[0014] The inside emergency operating lever is rotatably mounted on the second base plate by operation of the inside handle, and has a pressure flange at one end thereof, and the master lock link includes a rotation guide flange that is pressurized by the pressure flange to rotate the master lock link.

[0015] The outside emergency operating lever is rotatably installed on the first base plate by operation of the outside handle, and is configured to have a first elongated hole formed therein into which the pin shaft of the master lock link is inserted.

[0016] The locking mechanism further includes a key lever having a position restriction groove formed therein so that the vertical position of the sub-driven gear is restricted by the rotation of the sub-driven gear caused by the rotation of the sub-driven gear being caught by the rotation protrusion formed integrally with the sub-driven gear, and a locking end at one end of the key lever having a locking end to be connected to a key nut that can be rotated by inserting a vehicle key.

[0017] The key nut may include two first and second operating protrusions spaced apart in the circumferential direction to form a movable groove in which the locking end can be inserted and moved.

[0018] The key lever further includes a second elongated hole formed in the center in the operating direction, and a mounting protrusion formed integrally with the first plate is inserted into the second elongated hole to support the key lever.

[0019] The master lock link is also characterized in that a stop projection is formed at a position adjacent to the hook, and the rotation angle of the master lock link is restricted via the stop projection and a key lever.

[0020] In addition, the manual emergency door unlocking unit has one end connected to the push flange of the inside emergency operation lever and a center portion connected to the key lever, and is configured to operate the key lever by operating the inside emergency operation lever.

[0021] The manual emergency door unlocking part includes a first connecting protrusion formed on one end corresponding to the inside emergency operation lever in correspondence with the push flange and configured to rotate by operation of the inside emergency operation lever, a second connecting protrusion formed on the top of a locking step formed in the center of the key lever and protruding therefrom, and a compression spring attached to a position adjacent to the second connecting protrusion and moving the key lever by operation of the inside emergency operation lever.

[0022] The driving device may further include a controller, which applies an operation signal to the sub-motor to operate the sub-motor when the main motor is inoperable.

[0023] In addition, when the inside handle is operated to open the rear door while the child lock switch of the vehicle is in an on state, the controller drives the sub-motor in reverse rotation to keep the door locked to the vehicle body.

[0024] In addition, when the inside handle is operated to open the door while the parking switch of the vehicle is on, the controller drives the sub-motor in reverse rotation to keep the door locked to the vehicle body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] The electric vehicle door latch device according to the present invention can stably lock and unlock the door to the vehicle body using the main motor, allowing the user to use the vehicle door conveniently. In addition, the electric vehicle door latch device according to the present invention uses a sub-motor, so that even if the main motor is inoperable due to discharge or a collision accident, the sub-motor can unlock the door locked to the vehicle body via the inside handle or outside handle, thereby ensuring the safety of the vehicle door.

[0026] In addition, the electric vehicle door latch device according to the present invention can unlock a door locked on the vehicle body using a vehicle key when both the main motor and the sub-motor are inoperable at the same time, thereby further improving the safety of the vehicle door. Furthermore, the electric vehicle door latch device according to the present invention can implement a child lock function and a deadlock function using the sub-motor, thereby realizing a smart and compact vehicle door, thereby reducing the number of vehicle parts, weight, and cost, and improving the marketability of the vehicle. Furthermore, the electric vehicle door latch device according to the present invention has the advantage of being able to perform the above-mentioned door functions while optimizing the power supply structure connected to each motor by arranging the main motor and the sub-motor adjacent to each other. Various advantages expected from the embodiments of the present invention will be disclosed in the detailed description below. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a side perspective view of an electric vehicle door latch device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective view of the other side of the electric vehicle door latch device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a catch portion applied to an electric vehicle door latch device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a door locking and unlocking unit and an electric and manual emergency door unlocking unit applied to an electric vehicle door latch device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] 4A to 4C are explanatory views of the operation of the door locking and unlocking portions of the door latch applied to the electric vehicle door latch device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 5A to 5C are explanatory views illustrating the operation of an electric emergency door unlocking unit applied to an electric vehicle door latch device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram illustrating the operation of an inside emergency operation lever and a master lock link applied to an electric vehicle door latch device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 8] 1 is a diagram illustrating the operation of an outside emergency operation lever and a master lock link applied to an electric vehicle door latch device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 9] 1 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the electric vehicle door latch device according to the embodiment of the present invention when discharging using a vehicle master key; [Figure 10] 1 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the electric vehicle door latch device according to the embodiment of the present invention when discharging using a vehicle master key; [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are explanatory views of an operation of the electric vehicle door latch device according to the embodiment of the present invention, using an inside handle during discharging. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are explanatory views of an operation of the electric vehicle door latch device according to the embodiment of the present invention, using an inside handle during discharging. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are explanatory views of an operation of the electric vehicle door latch device according to the embodiment of the present invention, using an inside handle during discharging. [Figure 14] 3A and 3B are explanatory diagrams illustrating the operation of a child lock function and a deadlock function of the electric vehicle door latch device according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that it can be implemented. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. To clarify the present invention, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the specification to refer to identical or similar components. Furthermore, in the following description, the names of components are divided into "first," "second," etc., for the purpose of distinguishing between components that have the same name, and the order in which they are divided is not necessarily limited to this. Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a component, it does not mean that it excludes other components but that it may further include other components. In the present embodiment, the front-to-back, left-to-right, and up-to-down directions are defined as reference directions based on the drawings. The definitions of these reference directions may change depending on the reference position of the device or the reference positions of assembled components, and therefore are not necessarily limited to the reference directions of this embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one side of an electric door latch device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the other side of an electric door latch device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a catch portion applied to an electric door latch device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a door locking and unlocking portion and an electric and manual emergency door unlocking portion applied to an electric door latch device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] 1 and 2, an electric vehicle door latch device according to an embodiment of the present invention has a structure in which various components are attached to a first base plate 1 and a second base plate 2. The electric vehicle door latch device is attached to a vehicle door 200 via the first base plate 1 and the second base plate 2, and is configured to lock and unlock the door 200 from the vehicle body 100. The electric vehicle door latch device is configured to lock and unlock the door 200 from the vehicle body 100 by causing a striker 105 attached to the vehicle body 100 to hook and release a catch 11 provided on the door 200. Such an electric vehicle door latch device includes a catch unit 10, a door locking and unlocking unit 20, an electric emergency door unlocking unit 30, an inside emergency operation lever 40, an outside emergency operation lever 50, and a manual emergency door unlocking unit 80.

[0031] The catch unit 10 is hooked onto a striker 105 attached to the vehicle body 100 to lock the door 200 to the vehicle body 100, or is released from the striker 105 to unlock the door 200 from the vehicle body 100. The door locking and unlocking unit 20 applies a rotational force to the catch unit 10 to lock or unlock the catch unit 10 to the striker 105. The emergency door locking and unlocking unit 80 releases the door 200 locked to the vehicle body 100 from the vehicle body 100 when the door locking and unlocking unit 20 becomes inoperable due to discharge or a collision accident.

[0032] 3, the catch portion 10 is rotatably attached to one side of the first base plate 1. The catch portion 10 includes a catch 11 having a locking groove 111 into which a striker 105 attached to the vehicle body 100 is inserted or released, a pawl 12 rotatably attached to the first base plate 1 so as to be in close contact with the catch 11, and a pawl release lever 13 rotatably attached integrally with the pawl 12 between the pawl 12 and the first base plate 1. That is, the catch 11 is rotatably attached to the first base plate 1 and has the locking groove 111 into which the striker 105 is inserted and engaged or released. The pawl 12 is rotatably attached in close contact with the catch 11 of the first base plate 1, and prevents rotation of the catch 11 or releases from the catch 11 to allow the catch to rotate freely. At this time, the pawl 12 rotates within the rotational locus of the catch 11 to prevent the rotation of the catch 11, or rotates out of the rotational locus of the catch 11 to allow the catch 11 to rotate freely.

[0033] 4, the door locking and unlocking unit 20 includes a main motor 21 attached to the second base plate 2, a main driven gear 22 that meshes with the main motor 21, and a main operating lever 23 that meshes with the main driven gear 22 to rotate the pawl release lever 13. The main motor 21 has a main driving gear 211 on its rotation shaft, and the main driving gear 211 meshes with the main driven gear 22. Various types of electric motors can be used as the main motor 21 within the technical concept of generating power.

[0034] The main operating lever 23 is configured to rotate the pawl release lever 13 while attached to the second base plate 2, by engaging with the main driven gear 22 and receiving rotational force via the main driven gear 22. The pawl release lever 13 is formed with two seating protrusions 131. The main operating lever 23 is provided with a pressure protrusion 231 that seats on the seating protrusions 131 and presses the pawl release lever 13 to rotate it.

[0035] The electric emergency door unlocking unit 30 includes a sub-motor 31 attached to the second base plate 2, a sub-driven gear 32 meshing with the sub-motor 31, a master lock link 33 rotatably attached to the first base plate 1, and a pressure spring 34 that applies pressure to rotate the master lock link 33 clockwise. The sub-motor 31 is disposed adjacent to the main motor 21 and has a sub-driving gear 311 on a rotating shaft that can rotate in both directions, and the sub-driving gear 311 meshes with the sub-driven gear 32. Various types of electric motors can be used for the sub-motor 31 within the technical concept of generating power. A rotation protrusion 321 is integrally formed on one surface of the sub-driven gear 32 that meshes with the sub-motor 31. The sub-driven gear 32 is configured such that the rotating protrusion 321 is positioned to correspond to the position regulating groove 73 of the key lever 70 described below, and the rotating operation of the sub-driven gear 32 causes the rotating protrusion 321 to move on the position regulating groove 73, regulating the vertical position of the key lever 70.

[0036] Furthermore, the master lock link 33 is rotatably attached to the first base plate 1 and has a hook 331 formed thereon. The hook 331 is configured to catch on the seating protrusion 131 of the pawl release lever 13 when the master lock link 33 rotates. The master lock link 33 has a stop protrusion 335 formed at a position adjacent to the hook 331, and the stop protrusion 335 and the key lever 70 can be configured so that the rotation angle of the master lock link 33 is restricted.

[0037] As shown in the figure, the inside emergency operating lever 40 is rotatably attached to the second base plate 2. One radial end of the inside emergency operating lever 40 is connected to the master lock link 33 via a pressure flange 42. The other radial end of the inside emergency operating lever 40 is connected to the manual emergency door unlocking portion 80 via a push flange 43. One radial end between the one and other radial ends of the inside emergency operating lever 40 is connected to the inside handle 49 via an inside handle wire 41.

[0038] A return spring 45 is attached to the inside emergency lever 40 to return the inside emergency lever 40 to its original position. The return spring 45 is attached to a rotation shaft attached to the second base plate 2. As shown in the figure, the outside emergency lever 50 is rotatably attached to the first base plate 1. One end of the outside emergency lever 50 is formed with a wire groove 53 to which an outside handle wire 51, which is connected to the outside handle 59, is connected. The other end of the outside emergency lever 50 is formed with a first elongated hole 52 to which a pin shaft 333 provided on the master lock link 33 is inserted.

[0039] The outside emergency operation lever 50 is connected to the master lock link 33 via a pin shaft 333, and when the outside handle 59 is operated, the master lock link 33 moves and rotates within the first elongated hole 52. Meanwhile, the manual emergency door unlocking part 80 has one end connected to the push flange 43 of the inside emergency operation lever 40 and a center portion connected to the key lever 70. More specifically, the manual emergency door unlocking part 80 has a first connecting protrusion 81 formed on one end corresponding to the inside emergency operation lever 40, which protrudes in correspondence with the push flange 43. The first connecting protrusion 81 is configured to rotate in accordance with the operation of the inside emergency operation lever 40. When the inside emergency operation lever 40 is operated, the manual emergency door unlocking part 80 engages with the push flange 43 via the first connecting protrusion 81, thereby moving up and down. In addition, the manual emergency door unlocking portion 80 is provided with a second connecting protrusion 82 that is seated and protruded from the upper portion of the locking step 75 formed in the center of the key lever 70 .

[0040] The manual emergency door unlocking unit 80 is configured to move the key lever 70 via a compression spring 83. The compression spring 83 is attached to a position adjacent to the second connecting protrusion 82, and moves the key lever 70 by operating the inside emergency operating lever 40.

[0041] Finally, a mounting protrusion 77 formed integrally with the first base plate 1 is inserted into a second elongated hole 71 formed on one side of the center of the key lever 70, and the key lever 70 is supported by the mounting protrusion 77 of the first base plate 1. The upper end of the key lever 70 is connected to a key nut 60 into which a vehicle key can be inserted and turned, and the lower end of the key lever 70 is connected to the master lock link 33. Furthermore, a position restricting groove 73 is formed on the other side of the center of the key lever 70. The position restricting groove 73 corresponds to the rotation protrusion 321 of the sub-driven gear 32 to restrict its operating position. A locking step 75 is formed adjacent to the position restricting groove 73. A second connecting protrusion 82 of the manual emergency door unlocking mechanism 80 corresponds to the locking step 75 to restrict its operating position. As the manual emergency door unlocking portion 80 moves up and down, the compression spring 83 is compressed between the manual emergency door unlocking portion 80 and the locking step portion 75, and the key lever 70 moves up and down together with the manual emergency door unlocking portion 80. In other words, the key lever 70 can be configured to move up and down in response to the operation of the sub-motor 31, the operation of the manual emergency door unlocking portion 80, and the operation of the key nut 60, thereby rotating the master lock link 33.

[0042] Next, the operation of the electric vehicle door latch device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in accordance with the circumstances. The electric vehicle door latch device according to the embodiment of the present invention can realize a two-motion override operation mechanism that unlocks the locked state of the door 200 with one operation of the inside handle 49 or the outside handle 59 (first motion), and then unlocks the catch 11 from the striker 105 of the vehicle body 100 with one subsequent operation (second motion).

[0043] 5 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the door locking and unlocking unit of a door latch applied to an electric door latch device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. When a user operates an inside button switch or an outside button switch installed on the door 200 to open a typical door 200, a controller (C, see FIG. 14) detects this and applies an operation signal to the main motor 21 to drive the main motor 21. Referring to FIG. 5, the main driving gear 211 and the main driven gear 22 rotate as the main motor 21 is driven, and the main operating lever 23 meshed with the main driven gear 22 rotates, pushing and rotating the pawl release lever 13. As the pawl release lever 13 rotates, the pawl 12 rotates together with the pawl 12 and moves out of the rotational path of the catch 11, allowing the catch 11 to rotate freely, thereby releasing the vehicle body locking state of the door 200 and opening the door 200. When a user pushes or pulls the door 200 while holding the inside handle 49 or the outside handle 59 installed on the door 200, the door 200 rotates and opens with one side of the door 200 supported by the vehicle body 100.

[0044] Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of an electric emergency door unlocking unit applied to an electric vehicle door latch device according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of an inside emergency operation lever and a master lock link applied to an electric vehicle door latch device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of an outside emergency operation lever and a master lock link applied to an electric vehicle door latch device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Meanwhile, when the main motor 21 is inoperable due to a vehicle collision accident, the controller C detects the collision via a collision detection sensor and applies an operation signal to the sub-motor 31 to operate it.

[0045] 6, when the sub-motor 31 operates in the forward direction, the sub-driving gear 311 and the sub-driven gear 32 rotate, and the clockwise rotation of the sub-driven gear 32 moves the key lever 70 up and down. At this time, the master lock link 33 is released from the key lever 70 and rotates clockwise due to the elastic force of the pressure spring 34, and the hook 331 of the master lock link 33 hooks onto the seating protrusion 131 of the pawl release lever 13, preparing to unlock the door.

[0046] 7, when a passenger inside the vehicle pulls inside handle 49 to open door 200 in the door unlock preparation state, inside emergency lever 40 connected to inside handle 49 via inside handle wire 41 rotates. At this time, a rotation guide flange 332 is formed in an arc shape on master lock link 33 corresponding to pressure flange 42 of inside emergency lever 40. This pressure flange 42 rotates integrally with the rotation of inside emergency lever 40 and presses rotation guide flange 332 of master lock link 33. At this time, in the door unlock preparation state in which master lock link 33 is hooked on seating protrusion 131 of pawl release lever 13, master lock link 33 moves downward by a predetermined distance on first elongated hole 52 of outside emergency lever 50 and simultaneously rotates further clockwise, causing pawl release lever 13 to rotate counterclockwise.

[0047] At this time, the pawl 12 rotates together with the rotation of the pawl release lever 13 and moves out of the rotational path of the catch 11. This allows the catch 11 to rotate freely, releasing the vehicle body locking state of the door 200 and allowing the door 200 to be opened.

[0048] Referring to Figure 8, when an outside user pulls the outside handle 59 to open the door 200 in the door unlock preparation state (see Figure 6), the outside emergency operation lever 50, which is connected to the outside handle 59 via the outside handle wire 51, rotates. When the outside emergency operation lever 50 rotates, the master lock link 33 descends a predetermined distance along the first elongated hole 52 in the door unlock preparation state due to the rotation of the outside emergency operation lever 50, causing the pawl release lever 13 to rotate counterclockwise. At this time, the pawl 12 rotates together with the rotation of the pawl release lever 13 and moves out of the rotation path of the catch 11. This allows the catch 11 to rotate freely, releasing the vehicle body locking state of the door 200 and allowing the door 200 to open.

[0049] 9 and 10 are explanatory views of the operation of an electric vehicle door latch device according to an embodiment of the present invention when discharging, using a vehicle master key. For ease of explanation, Figs. 9 and 10 show a portion of the key lever 70 cut away. Even when the vehicle is discharged and both the main motor 21 and the sub-motor 31 are simultaneously inoperable, the vehicle door 200 must still be able to be opened. Referring to Fig. 9, when opening the door 200 using a master key outside the vehicle, inserting the master key into a key hole (not shown) and rotating it rotates the key nut 60 connected to the key hole, and the rotation of the key nut 60 moves the key lever 70 up and down.

[0050] 10, the master lock link 33 is released from the key lever 70 and rotates clockwise due to the elastic force of the pressure spring 34, and the hook 331 of the master lock link 33 engages with the seating protrusion 131 of the pawl release lever 13, thereby preparing to unlock the door. When the outside handle 59 is pulled in the above-described door unlock preparation state, the outside emergency operation lever 50 rotates as shown in FIG. 8, allowing the door 200 to be opened. To perform the above-described key operation, the key nut 60 is provided with two operating protrusions, i.e., a first operating protrusion 61 and a second operating protrusion 62, spaced apart in the circumferential direction. A movable groove 63 may be formed between the first operating protrusion 61 and the second operating protrusion 62, into which the locking end 72 of the key lever 70 is inserted and moves.

[0051] 11 to 13 are explanatory views of the operation of an electric vehicle door latch device according to an embodiment of the present invention when discharging using an inside handle. For ease of explanation, a portion of the key lever 70 is shown cut away in FIGS. 11 to 13. Even if the main motor 21 and sub-motor 31 are simultaneously inoperable, the locked door 200 must be released by operating the key nut 60 with a vehicle key from outside the vehicle, and passengers inside the vehicle must also be able to open the door 200. To this end, a pressure flange 42 is formed on one end of the inside emergency operating lever 40, and a push flange 43 that pushes the manual emergency door unlocking portion 80 is integrally formed on the other end.

[0052] As a result, when the main motor 21 and sub-motor 31 are simultaneously inoperable, a passenger can manually open the door 200 by pulling the inside handle 49 once (first motion) inside the vehicle. This causes the inside emergency operation lever 40, connected to the inside handle 49, to rotate around its axis, as shown in FIG. 11 . At this time, the manual emergency door unlocking unit 80 moves up and down, compressing the compression spring 83 attached to the manual emergency door unlocking unit 80 and moving the key lever 70 up and down. As the key lever 70 moves up and down, the master lock link 33 connected to the lower end of the key lever 70 is released from the key lever 70 and rotates clockwise due to the elastic force of the pressure spring 34. The hook 331 of the master lock link 33 hooks onto the seating protrusion 131 of the pawl release lever 13, preparing to unlock the door. In this state, when the passenger releases the inside handle 49, the inside emergency operating lever 40 and the manual emergency door unlocking part 80 are returned to their original positions by the elastic force of the compression spring 83, as shown in Figure 12. However, the hook 331 of the master lock link 33 remains hooked on the seating protrusion 131 of the pawl release lever 13, maintaining the door unlock preparation state.

[0053] In the door unlock preparation state as described above, the passenger can again operate the inside handle 49 installed on the door 200 to open the door 200 (second motion). Then, as shown in Figure 13, the inside emergency operating lever 40 rotates again in the door unlock preparation state. Then, the rotation of the inside emergency operating lever 40 rotates the pressure flange 42, which presses the rotation guide flange 332 of the master lock link 33. At this time, in the door unlock preparation state where the master lock link 33 is hooked onto the seating protrusion 131 of the pawl release lever 13, the master lock link 33 descends a predetermined distance along the first elongated hole 52, rotating the pawl release lever 13 counterclockwise. Therefore, the rotation of the pawl release lever 13 rotates the pawl 12 together.

[0054] As a result, the pawl 12 moves out of the path of the catch 11. This allows the catch 11 to rotate freely, releasing the vehicle body locking state of the door 200 and allowing the door 200 to open. Meanwhile, the door 200 must be prevented from being opened inside the vehicle while the vehicle is moving. For example, when a passenger operates the inside handle 49 while the vehicle is moving, the door starts to prepare for unlocking, as shown in FIG. 11 . At this time, the vehicle's controller C recognizes that the vehicle is moving and operates the sub-motor 31 in the reverse direction. This causes the sub-driven gear 32 to rotate counterclockwise, lowering the key lever 70 and returning it to its initial position. As a result, the hook 331 of the master lock link 33 does not engage with the seating protrusion 131 of the pawl release lever 13. Even if the user then operates the inside handle 49 again, the same series of operations described above is repeated, and the door 200 does not open.

[0055] FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the child lock function and deadlock function of an electric vehicle door latch device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 14, an embodiment of the present invention can also implement a child lock function that applies only to the rear seat of the vehicle. That is, the child lock function prevents the door 200 corresponding to the rear seat of the vehicle from being opened when the child lock switch 92 is in the on state, and can be operated as follows in an embodiment of the present invention. When the child lock switch 92 is in the on state, if a rear seat passenger operates the inside handle 49 to open the door 200, the inside emergency operating lever 40 connected to the inside handle 49 rotates around its rotation axis, raising and lowering the manual emergency door unlocking mechanism 80. As a result, the compression spring 83 attached to the manual emergency door unlocking mechanism 80 raises and lowers the key lever 70.

[0056] At this time, when the controller C detects that the child lock switch 92 is on and operates the sub motor 31 in the reverse direction, the sub driven gear 32 rotates counterclockwise. As a result, the key lever 70 is caught on the rotation protrusion 321 of the sub driven gear 32 and moves downward, preventing the master lock link 33 from rotating. Therefore, the rear door 200 does not enter a door unlock preparation state and remains locked to the vehicle body 100.

[0057] That is, a child lock function is realized that prevents the rear seat door 200 from being opened. Next, when the rear seat passenger releases the inside handle 49, the inside emergency operating lever 40 and the manual emergency door unlocking portion 80 return to their original positions while descending. Even if the rear seat passenger operates the inside handle 49 again to open the rear seat door 200, the above series of operations continues to be repeated, and the rear seat door 200 cannot be opened while the child lock switch 92 is on.

[0058] Meanwhile, when the driver activates the deadlock switch 94 to prevent theft and leaves the vehicle, the so-called deadlock function, which prevents the vehicle door 200 from being opened, is performed as follows. For example, after the driver stops the vehicle, with the deadlock switch 94 activated, a vehicle thief can break the vehicle window, enter the vehicle, and then operate the inside handle 49 to open the door 200. In this case, the controller C detects that the vehicle is parked via the parking switch 90, recognizes the activation state of the deadlock switch 94, and detects the lifting or lowering operation of the manual emergency door unlocking mechanism 80 due to the operation of the inside handle 49. As a result, the controller C operates the sub-motor 31 in the reverse direction, thereby lowering the key lever 70 and the manual emergency door unlocking mechanism 80. Therefore, even if the inside emergency operation lever 40 is operated by operating the inside handle 49 in the same way as in the child lock state, the operation of the sub-motor 31 prevents the manual emergency door unlocking part 80 from moving up and down, and the door cannot enter the door unlock preparation state, so the vehicle door 200 cannot be opened.

[0059] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, it is understood that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 1: First base plate 2: Second base plate 10: Catch part 11: Catch 111: Locking groove 12: Paul 13: Pawl release lever 131: Mounting protrusion 20: Door locking and unlocking unit 21: Main motor 211: Main drive gear 22: Main driven gear 23: Operating lever 231: Pressure projection 30: Electric emergency door unlocking unit 31: Sub-motor 311: Sub-drive gear 32: Sub-driven gear 321: Rotating protrusion 33: Master lock link 331: Hook 332: Rotation guide flange 333: Pin shaft 335: Stop projection 34: Pressure spring 40: Inside emergency lever 41: Inside handle wire 42: Pressure flange 43: Push flange 45: Return spring 49: Inside handle 50: Outside emergency lever 51: Outside handle wire 52: First slot 53: Wire groove 59: Outside handle 60: Key nut 61: First operating protrusion 62: 2nd operating protrusion 63: Movable groove 70: Key lever 71: Second oblong hole 72: Locking end 73: Position control groove 75: Locking step 77: Mounting protrusion 80: Manual emergency door unlocking part 81: First connecting protrusion 82: Second connecting protrusion 83: Compression spring 90: Parking switch 92: Child lock switch 94: Deadlock switch 100: Body 105: Striker 200: Door

Claims

1. a catch portion attached to the first base plate and configured to be caught on a striker attached to a vehicle body to lock the door to the vehicle body, and to be released from the striker to release the door from the vehicle body; a door locking and unlocking unit that applies a rotational force to the catch unit via a main motor attached to a second base plate, thereby locking and unlocking the catch unit with respect to the striker; an electric emergency door unlocking unit that raises and lowers a key lever using a sub-motor attached to the second base plate when the main motor is inoperable; an inside emergency operation lever connected to an inside handle installed on the door, rotating in response to an operating force of the inside handle and applying a rotational force to the catch portion via the electric emergency door unlocking portion; an outside emergency operation lever connected to an outside handle installed on the door, rotating in response to an operating force of the outside handle and applying a rotational force to the catch portion via the electric emergency door unlocking portion; a manual emergency door unlocking unit attached to the second base plate and connected to the inside emergency operation lever so as to be interlocked with the inside emergency operation lever, and which moves in response to the rotational force of the inside emergency operation lever to raise and lower the key lever to prepare for unlocking the door; 1. An electric door latch device for a vehicle, comprising:

2. The catch portion is a catch rotatably mounted on the first base plate and having a locking groove for the striker to be inserted into and engage with or disengage from; a pawl that is rotatably attached in close contact with the catch of the first base plate, and that prevents the rotation of the catch or disengages from the catch to allow the catch to rotate freely; and a pawl release lever coupled between the pawl and the first base plate so as to rotate integrally with the pawl; 2. The electric door latch device for a vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. The door locking and unlocking unit a main motor attached to the second base plate and having a main drive gear on a rotating shaft that can rotate in both directions; a main driven gear meshing with the main drive gear; and a main operating lever that meshes with the main driven gear and receives the rotational force of the main motor via the main driven gear to rotate, thereby rotating the pawl release lever; 3. The electric door latch device for a vehicle according to claim 2, further comprising:

4. The pawl release lever has two mounting protrusions.

4. The electric vehicle door latch device according to claim 3, wherein the main operating lever has a pressure protrusion that is seated on the seating protrusion and pushes the pawl release lever to rotate it.

5. The electric emergency door unlocking unit is a sub-motor disposed on the second base plate at a position adjacent to the main motor, the sub-motor including a sub-drive gear on a rotating shaft rotatable in both directions; a sub-driven gear that meshes with the sub-drive gear; a master lock link rotatably mounted on the first base plate, coupled to the outside emergency operation lever, and having a hook formed thereon; a pressure spring that applies pressure to the master lock link to rotate the master lock link in a set direction; 4. The electric door latch device for a vehicle according to claim 3, further comprising:

6. The inside emergency operating lever The second base plate is rotatably mounted by operating the inside handle, and a pressure flange is provided at one end of the second base plate. The master lock link is 6. The electric vehicle door latch device according to claim 5, further comprising a rotation guide flange that is pressed by the pressure flange to rotate the master lock link.

7. The outside emergency operating lever is 6. The electric door latch device for a vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the first base plate is rotatably mounted by operation of an outside handle, and a first elongated hole is formed in the first base plate so that the pin shaft of the master lock link can be inserted therein.

8. 6. The electric door latch device for a vehicle according to claim 5, further comprising: a key lever having a position restriction groove formed thereon so that a rotation protrusion integrally formed with the sub-driven gear is caught and the sub-driven gear rotates to restrict its vertical position; and a locking end provided at one end to be connected to a key nut that can be rotated by inserting a vehicle key therein.

9. The key nut is 9. The electric door latch device for a vehicle according to claim 8, further comprising two operation protrusions, first and second, spaced apart in a circumferential direction to form a movable groove into which the latching end can be inserted and moved.

10. The key lever is a second elongated hole formed in the center in the actuation direction; 9. The electric vehicle door latch device according to claim 8, wherein a mounting protrusion integrally formed on the first base plate is inserted into the second elongated hole to support the key lever.

11. The master lock link is 9. The electric door latch device for a vehicle according to claim 8, wherein a stop projection is formed at a position adjacent to the hook, and the rotation angle of the stop projection and the key lever are regulated by the stop projection and the key lever.

12. The manual emergency door unlocking unit is 9. The electric door latch device for a vehicle according to claim 8, wherein one end is connected to the push flange of the inside emergency operation lever and a center portion is connected to the key lever, and the key lever is operated by operation of the inside emergency operation lever.

13. The manual emergency door unlocking unit is a first connecting protrusion formed on one end of the inside emergency operating lever in a manner corresponding to the push flange and configured to rotate in response to operation of the inside emergency operating lever; a second connecting protrusion formed to protrude from an upper portion of a locking step formed at the center of the key lever; and a compression spring attached to a position adjacent to the second connecting protrusion, for moving the key lever in response to operation of the inside emergency operating lever; 13. The electric vehicle door latch device according to claim 12, further comprising:

14. further comprising a controller; 2. The electric vehicle door latch device according to claim 1, wherein the controller applies an activation signal to the sub-motor to activate the sub-motor when the main motor is inoperable.

15. The controller 15. The electric door latch device for a vehicle according to claim 14, wherein when the inside handle is operated to open the rear door while the child lock switch of the vehicle is in an on state, the sub-motor is driven to rotate in reverse to keep the door locked to the vehicle body.

16. The controller 15. The electric door latch device for a vehicle according to claim 14, wherein when the inside handle is operated to open the door while the parking switch of the vehicle is in an on state, the sub-motor is driven to rotate in reverse to keep the door locked to the vehicle body.

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