Door lock control device

Abstract

To reserve locking of a slide door when the slide door is being closed, so that the slide door becomes locked after being fully closed.SOLUTION: A control device is connected between a signal line for communicating an open / closed state of a door lock sensor of a vehicle with the slide door, and a vehicle ECU for controlling the slide door. When a signal for placing the slide door in a locked state is transmitted toward the vehicle when the slide door is being closed, a door lock of the vehicle is completed after the slide door becomes fully closed. The device includes a door lock signal line setting module and an MCU module. By determining whether or not the slide door is being closed, the MCU module controls the door lock signal line setting module to create a pseudo-fully closed state, making the vehicle ECU recognize that the slide door is fully closed when the slide door is being fully closed, and repeats determination in the case other than that.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a door lock control device for controlling the timing of a door lock of a vehicle equipped with a sliding door.

Background Art

[0002] In some recent vehicles equipped with an electric sliding door, when a door lock operation (locking operation) is performed by a smart key or a switch operation inside the vehicle during the closing operation of the sliding door, a "reservation door lock mechanism" is standardly equipped in which the sliding door during operation (during the closing operation) is locked after being fully closed.

[0003] Also, it seems that kits etc. that can retrofit the reservation door lock mechanism are being sold.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in vehicle models not equipped with the reservation door lock mechanism, the reservation door lock mechanism cannot be used. Also, although the internal mechanism of the externally attached type is unknown, in order to accommodate all vehicle models, a coupler having the same shape as the genuine vehicle cannot be prepared, and thus it is necessary to cut the genuine wiring during the installation work. Further, in the prior art, the specific conditions for the reservation lock to be established are unclear.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and in the embodiments of this application, the technical problem is to add a reservation door lock mechanism to a vehicle that is not equipped with one as an aftermarket addition. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In an embodiment of the present invention, a control device is connected between a signal line for communicating the open / closed state of a door lock sensor of a vehicle equipped with a sliding door and a vehicle ECU for controlling the sliding door, and when a signal for locking the sliding door is transmitted to the vehicle while the sliding door is closing, the control device completes the door lock of the vehicle after the sliding door is fully closed, It comprises an MCU module and a door lock signal line setting module, The system is characterized by determining whether or not the sliding door is in the closing operation, and if the sliding door is in the closing operation, the MCU module controls the door lock signal line setting module to create a pseudo-fully closed state in which the vehicle ECU recognizes the state of the sliding door as fully closed, and otherwise repeats the determination. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1(A) is a block diagram showing the relationship between the vehicle ECU 10 and the door lock sensor 20 in their original state. Figure 1(B) is a block diagram of the door lock control device shown as the first and second embodiments. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of a sliding door motor unit for a sliding door. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating each process of the sliding door reservation lock device described as the first and second embodiments. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram of a door lock control device shown as a fourth embodiment. [Figure 5]Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating each process of the sliding door reservation lock device described as the fourth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] (First Embodiment) - Method using the CAN bus - Figure 1(A) is a block diagram showing the relationship between the vehicle ECU 10 and the door lock sensor 20 in their original state. Generally, vehicles have an electronic control unit called a vehicle ECU 10 (Electronic Control Unit) built in, which is connected via a CAN (Control Area Network) bus. Vehicles with sliding doors are also equipped with a vehicle ECU 10 for controlling the sliding doors. The vehicle ECU 10 is equipped with one door lock sensor 20 for each sliding door. The door lock sensor 20 constantly monitors the open / closed state of the sliding door. Note that the CAN bus is an example of a source for acquiring information (signals) communicated within the vehicle, and the vehicle may also be configured to obtain signals from other in-vehicle information communication (e.g., a LIN (Local Interconnect Network) bus, in-vehicle Ethernet, or other signal lines).

[0010] In a vehicle in its original state, the vehicle ECU 10 and the door lock sensor 20 are always in a conductive state. In some vehicle models, when the sliding door is fully closed, the signal voltage of the door lock sensor is High (12V if it is the normal vehicle power supply voltage), and when the sliding door is open (fully open), the signal voltage of the door lock sensor is Low (0V, which is the ground voltage). However, this is just an example, and the signal voltage of the door lock sensor may be Low when the sliding door is fully closed, and High when the sliding door is open, and the method for creating a pseudo-fully closed state can be appropriately changed accordingly.

[0011] When the sliding door moves from a fully closed state to an open state, such as when getting in or out of the vehicle, the signal voltage of the door lock sensor changes, and when the sliding door moves back to a fully closed state, the signal voltage of the door lock sensor also changes (returns to its original state). This signal voltage of the door lock sensor is controlled by a switch that responds in accordance with the physical position of the sliding door. The vehicle ECU 10 detects that the sliding door is in a fully closed state and authorizes the door lock.

[0012] Figure 1(B) is a block diagram of the door lock control device of this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1(B), the device of this embodiment includes a relay module 30 interposed between the vehicle ECU 10 and the door lock sensor 20. The MCU module 40 is a microcontroller that receives power from the power supply module 50 and can read data on the vehicle CAN bus 62 through the CAN transceiver module 60. Specifically, it detects the state of the sliding door (open, in opening / closing operation, or fully closed) by reading change data of the CAN line and status. The relay module 30 includes, for example, a relay driver module 32 and a relay control module.

[0013] In this case, the configuration shown to the left of the MCU module 40 in Figure 1(B) (sliding door motor status detection module 80, vehicle-side sliding door motor 82) is not used. The system is configured to detect whether the sliding door is in the closing operation and to control conduction / non-conductivity based on the result using an external signal. Note that the MCU module only reads information from the vehicle's CAN bus, etc., and does not transmit data to the vehicle's CAN bus, etc.

[0014] In Figure 1(B), the MCU module detects the state of the vehicle-side sliding door motor 82 using the sliding door motor state detection module 80, and controls the relay control module 33 via the relay driver module 32 to control the opening and closing of the relay module 30.

[0015] According to such a configuration, even when the actual sliding door is in an open state or during a closing operation, it can be recognized as being in a fully closed state. In such a state (pseudo fully closed state), when a door lock operation is performed, the door is locked and enters a reserved lock state, and when the sliding door physically shifts to the fully closed state, the locking is completed. That is, it becomes possible to reserve the locking of the sliding door.

[0016] Note that it is not limited to an electric sliding door. Theoretically, even for a manual sliding door, by making the relay module 30 non-conductive between the vehicle ECU 10 and the door lock sensor 20, theoretically, it becomes possible to reserve the door lock. However, a manual reserved lock mechanism is considered to be somewhat difficult to detect and have low convenience as a product.

[0017] The reservation of the door lock is established by performing a lock operation on the sliding door between the start of the closing operation of the sliding door and when it becomes fully closed. This lock operation of the sliding door can be reserved corresponding to all lock operations, such as the lock button on the driver's seat or the lock button on the sliding door side of the rear seat, the lock button provided near the outside handle, and locking with a smart key.

[0018] Note that the reserved lock function is added only to the sliding door to which the device of this embodiment is attached. When adding the reserved lock function to the left and right sliding doors, it is necessary to attach the device of this embodiment to each door.

[0019] For standard vehicle models, this device can be installed simply by connecting the couplers to two locations on the vehicle body side, one at the bottom in the middle of the left and right sliding doors. However, since the installation locations vary depending on the vehicle model, it may not necessarily be as described above.

[0020] When the smart key is inside the vehicle, or when the smart key receives the radio waves leaked from inside the vehicle even if it is outside the vehicle, if a mechanism for preventing the key from being locked (in-key lock) is installed in the vehicle body, the lock operation itself is invalidated in the same way as the normal lock operation is invalidated, and accordingly, the reserved lock is also invalidated.

[0021] (Second Embodiment) - Method of Using Slide Door Motor - As another method different from the method of obtaining the fully closed state of the slide door via the CAN bus described above, there is a method of determining the change in the motor voltage of the slide door. In FIG. 1(B), the MCU module detects the state of the vehicle-side slide door motor using the state detection module of the slide door switch, and controls the opening and closing of the relay module 30 through the relay driver module 32 and the relay control module 33. In this case, the slide door is limited to an electric slide door that opens and closes by a motor. Also, the configuration (CAN transceiver module 60, vehicle CAN bus) described on the right side of the "MCU module" in FIG. 1(B) is not used.

[0022] When the slide door is in the fully closed state, no voltage is applied to the drive motor of the slide door. A predetermined DC voltage is applied during the opening operation, and a predetermined DC voltage with reversed polarity is applied during the closing operation. Therefore, by monitoring the voltage applied to the drive motor of the slide door and detecting its change, it is possible to detect the state such as whether the slide door is in the closing operation or in the fully closed state.

[0023] When the MCU module 40 detects that the slide door is in the closing operation, it operates the relay module 30 to disconnect the door lock sensor 20 from the vehicle ECU 10 to make it a pseudo fully closed state and perform "reserved lock".

[0024] Since the time required to close the sliding door (from fully open to fully closed) is generally less than 8 seconds, the relay module 30 returns to its initial state 8 to 11 seconds or more after the disconnection operation, and the door lock sensor 20 and the vehicle ECU 10 are electrically connected again. Note that the opening and closing time of the sliding door varies depending on the vehicle model, so this is not a general rule, but should be set according to the actual situation. It is also possible that the value may fall outside the above range for special applications.

[0025] Figure 2 shows an example of a sliding door motor unit. Generally, a sliding door motor has two signal lines called SD+ and SD-. For example, when SD+ is high, the sliding door closes, and when SD- is high, the sliding door opens. Thus, SD+ and SD- are motor signal lines, and by reading the signal change of SD+, for example, it is possible to detect whether the sliding door is in the fully closed position.

[0026] Although the first and second embodiments described above are disclosed as different embodiments, both configurations can be incorporated into actual products, in which case a single product can be compatible with various vehicle types. Of course, different configurations may be adopted for each vehicle type.

[0027] For vehicle models where both detection of closing operation via the CAN bus and detection of closing operation by voltage detection of the sliding door motor are possible, it is preferable to prioritize judgment based on the motor state, as this is simpler both in terms of software and hardware.

[0028] (Third Embodiment) - Steps of Each Process - Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating each process of the sliding door reservation lock device described as the first and second embodiments.

[0029] The MCU module 40 executes each step S1 to S5. In step S1, the CAN transceiver module 60 and the relay module 30 are initialized. Initializing the relay module 30 restores it to its original state, i.e., the vehicle ECU 10 and the door lock sensor 20 to be electrically connected. This initialization step is performed only once when the device of this embodiment is powered on. Once initialization is complete, the status of the sliding door motor 82 can be detected via the vehicle CAN bus 62 or the sliding door motor status detection module 80. Next, either step S2-1 or step S2-2 is performed to detect whether the sliding door is in the closing operation. Step S2-1 detects whether to perform the CAN line and status change data reading described in the first embodiment. Step S2-2 detects a change in the voltage level of the sliding door motor described in the second embodiment. Next, in step S3, it is confirmed whether the sliding door is in the closing operation by performing step S2-1 or S2-2. If the closing operation is not in progress, repeat step S2-1 or S2-2. If the closing operation is in progress, perform the next step S4. In step S4, the relay module electrically disconnects the door lock sensor 20 from the vehicle ECU 10, allowing the system to accept door lock operations using a smart key or the like. As a result, after a door lock operation is performed using a smart key or the like, the system enters a locked state (reserved lock state), and the vehicle lock is completed only after the sliding door is fully closed in the actual vehicle. Next, in step S5, the relay module disconnects the door, and after the sliding door enters a pseudo-fully closed state, the relay module activates after a predetermined time has elapsed (8 seconds in the example in Figure 3), and the connection between the door lock sensor 20 and the vehicle ECU 10 is restored. At this time, the door transitions from the reserved lock state to the completed door lock state.

[0030] (Fourth embodiment) Figure 4 is a block diagram of the door lock control device of this embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the device of this embodiment includes a relay module 30 interposed between the vehicle ECU 10 and the door lock sensor 20. Components that are given the same reference numerals as in Figure 1(b) have the same function, so their description is omitted.

[0031] The door state detection module 100 detects various signals and information from the vehicle to determine the door state (open, fully closed, in the process of opening, in the process of closing). For the reserved door lock function, it is sufficient to detect that the door is in the process of closing. Examples of the door state detection module 100 include the vehicle bus data processing module 65 (corresponding to the CAN transceiver module 60 in Figure 1), the sliding door motor state detection module 80, the vehicle tone detection module 90, and the sliding door handle button detection module 70, but these are merely examples and should not be interpreted restrictively.

[0032] Furthermore, the door lock signal line setting module 200 controls the settings of the door lock signal line so that the door lock sensor 20 is in a pseudo fully closed state while the door is closing. Specifically, in addition to the relay module 30 used in the first embodiment, other examples include a signal voltage setting module 35 that controls the door lock signal line so that a signal voltage approximately equivalent to that of the fully closed state flows through it (the vehicle ECU 10 receives a signal voltage approximately equivalent to that of the fully closed state), but these are merely examples and should not be interpreted restrictively.

[0033] The signal voltage setting module 35 can be configured to include, for example, a resistor capable of increasing or decreasing the signal voltage flowing through the door lock signal line. For example, for a vehicle where the signal voltage level in the fully closed state is Low, the signal voltage setting module 35 can control the resistor so that the signal voltage level received by the vehicle ECU is Low only while the door is closing, thereby creating a pseudo-fully closed state and enabling "reserved locking." Note that the voltage level may also be controlled by a method other than a resistor.

[0034] (First configuration) - Method using vehicle bus data - The vehicle bus data processing module 65 is the same as the CAN transceiver module 60 in Figure 1 (the first embodiment described above), except that the bus data (bus signals) to be processed is not limited to the CAN bus (vehicle bus data 67 of other standards such as the LIN bus can be used), and it is possible to detect that the door is in closing operation in the same way as in the first embodiment described above. In addition, the bus data 67 may be either information for directly determining the state of the door or information for indirectly determining it.

[0035] (Second configuration) - Method using a sliding door motor - Similar to the second embodiment described above, the sliding door motor state detection module 80 can detect a change in the voltage of the sliding door motor 82, and the MCU module 40 can detect that the door is in the closing operation.

[0036] (Third configuration) - A method utilizing vehicle tones - The vehicle tone detection module 90 detects specific vehicle tones 92. These specific vehicle tones 92 include prompt sounds that sound when a door is closed, and prompt lamps that indicate the status of the sliding door, displayed on the instrument panel, center console, or key indicator light. The vehicle tone detection module 90 detects the status and changes in these tones (prompts), allowing the MCU module 40 to detect the status of the sliding door. The vehicle tone detection module 90 may also detect information from dedicated signal lines connected to speakers, instrument panels, etc. Furthermore, the vehicle bus data processing module 65 may detect signals and signal changes communicated within the vehicle that reflect the status of the prompts, using signals communicating via CAN bus, LIN bus, etc.

[0037] (Fourth configuration) - Using the buttons on the handle of an electric sliding door - The sliding door handle button detection module 70 detects the state of the handle button 72 for the electric closing operation of the sliding door, which is provided on the handle (knob) of the electric sliding door. Using this, the MCU module 40 can detect whether the sliding door is in the closed position or not. For example, the sliding door handle button detection module 70 detects this by detecting the level state of the handle signal line. For example, in the open position, the handle signal line is High, and when the button is pressed, the handle signal line becomes Low. Therefore, when the sliding door handle button detection module 70 detects a change in level from High to Low, the MCU module 40 can determine that the door is in the closing position. The state of the button may also be detected by the vehicle bus data processing module 65 using signals that communicate via CAN bus or LIN bus, etc. The level state of the handle signal line may be Low in the open position and High when the button is pressed.

[0038] After detecting that the sliding door is in the closing operation, the MCU module 40 operates the door lock signal line setting module 200 to simulate a fully closed state. After the sliding door is in the simulated fully closed state, after a predetermined time has elapsed (time taken to go from fully open to fully closed + predetermined margin time), the MCU module 40 restores the state of the door lock signal line setting module 200. If a door lock operation is performed using a smart key or the like during this time, the door lock is completed. It will be done.

[0039] The configurations described in points 1 to 4 are examples of means for detecting the state of a sliding door, and the present invention does not exclude other methods for detecting the state of a sliding door.

[0040] (Fifth Embodiment) - Steps of Each Process - Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating each process of the sliding door reservation lock device described as the fourth embodiment.

[0041] Execute each step S11 to S14. When processing begins, in S11, the MCU module 40 detects signals for determining the state of the sliding door through one of the vehicle bus data processing module 65, the sliding door motor state detection module 80, the vehicle tone detection module 90, or the sliding door handle button detection module 70 (using any of the above configurations 1 to 4).

[0042] In S12, the MCU module 40 uses the detection information (signal) from S11 to detect whether the sliding door is in the closing operation. If it is not in the closing operation, steps S11 to S12 are repeated. If it is in the closing operation, the next step S13 is executed.

[0043] In step S13, the MCU module 40 electrically disconnects the door lock sensor 20 from the vehicle ECU 10 using the relay module 30, putting it into a state where it accepts reserved locks (a simulated fully closed door state).

[0044] Alternatively, in step S13, the MCU module 40 controls the signal voltage setting module 35 so that the vehicle ECU 10 receives a signal voltage from the door lock signal line at the same level as the fully closed door state (for example, a low level), thereby setting it to a state that accepts reserved lock (pseudo fully closed door state). If a door lock operation is performed while the pseudo fully closed door state is achieved through either process, the system will enter the reserved lock state.

[0045] Next, in step S14, after the sliding door is in a pseudo-fully closed state, N seconds have elapsed (for example, 8 seconds), at which point the MCU module 40 activates the relay module 30, restoring the connection between the door lock sensor 20 and the vehicle ECU 10, and the door lock state changes from the reserved lock state to the completed lock state.

[0046] The embodiments described above are illustrative of the present invention and are not intended to be limited in nature. Modifications, additions, and other modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 10 ECU 20 Door lock sensor 30 relay modules 35 Signal Voltage Setting Module 40 MCU modules 50 Power Modules 60 CAN Transceiver Module 62 Vehicle CAN bus 65 Vehicle Bus Data Processing Module 67 Vehicle Bus Data 70. Sliding Door Handle Button Detection Module 72. Steering wheel button status 80. Sliding door motor status detection module 82 Vehicle-side sliding door motor 90. Vehicle Tone Detection Module 92 Specific tones of vehicles 100 Door Status Detection Module 200 Door Lock Signal Wire Setting Module

Claims

1. A control device connected between a signal line for communicating the open / closed state of a door lock sensor of a vehicle equipped with a sliding door and a vehicle ECU for controlling the sliding door, for completing the door lock of the vehicle after the sliding door is fully closed when a signal for locking the sliding door is transmitted to the vehicle while the sliding door is closing, It comprises an MCU module and a door lock signal line setting module, The device is characterized in that, by determining whether or not the sliding door is in the closing operation, if the sliding door is in the closing operation, the MCU module controls the door lock signal line setting module to create a pseudo-fully closed state in which the vehicle ECU recognizes the state of the sliding door as fully closed, and otherwise the determination is repeated.

2. The system further includes a door state detection module that detects information for determining whether or not the sliding door is in the closing operation. The aforementioned door state detection module is A. The forward / reverse state is detected from the change in voltage of the motor that drives the opening and closing of the sliding door. B. The open / closed state of the sliding door is detected via bus data connected to the vehicle's ECU (Electronic Control Unit). C. Detect the change from the open state to the closed state from a specific tone or tone status signal of the vehicle. D. Detect changes in the state of the button used to electrically close the sliding door. The apparatus according to claim 1, which performs one or more of the following:

3. The aforementioned pseudo-fully closed state is, The relay module is driven to disconnect the door lock sensor from the vehicle ECU, or The vehicle ECU controls the signal voltage level of the door lock signal line to be approximately the same as the signal voltage level when the sliding door of the vehicle to which the device is installed is fully closed. The apparatus according to claim 1, which is realized by the means described above.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the pseudo fully closed state ends after a predetermined time has elapsed after the sliding door is fully closed.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the predetermined time is 8 seconds or more and 11 seconds or less.

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