Vehicular door latch device

Abstract

A door latch device (5) comprises: a latch mechanism (21) that includes a claw (21b) that is movable between an engagement position in which a state of engagement between a fork (21a) and a striker (3) is maintained, and an open position in which such engagement is released; an electric motor (22) that moves the claw (21b) to the open position; an open switch (91) that outputs an open signal indicating a user's intention to open a door; a key cylinder (31) that is rotationally operated by an inserted key (99); a lock switch (34) that outputs a lock signal in response to the rotational operation of the key cylinder (31) toward one side; and a control unit (40) that includes an electronic unlock state in which the electric motor (22) is caused to operate in response to reception of the open signal, and an electronic lock state in which the electric motor (22) is not caused to operate despite the reception of the open signal and the claw (21b) is maintained at the engagement position, and that switches the electronic unlock state to the electronic lock state in response to reception of the lock signal.

Description

Vehicle door latch device

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electric vehicle door lock operating device. In this device, a motor electrically operates an unlatching operation, moving a latch of a door lock body from a fully latched position to an unlatched position, in response to a switch operation from outside the vehicle. The device also includes a key cylinder that rotates with a key operation from outside the vehicle. For example, even in an emergency where the motor cannot be operated, the user can manually perform the unlatching operation with the key.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-054708

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

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

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

[0007] With the above configuration, while the motor and control unit can operate normally, in an emergency situation where the key battery is dead or the like and switching between the electronically unlocked state and the electronically locked state cannot be performed normally, the user can switch from the electronically unlocked state to the electronically locked state by operating the key. Therefore, in such an emergency situation, it is possible to prevent the vehicle from being left in the electronically unlocked state, thereby preventing a third party from operating the switch and illegally moving the claw to the open position.

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

[0009] Fig. 1 is a side view of a side door shown as an example of a vehicle door according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a block diagram conceptually showing a vehicle door latch device according to an embodiment, which is applied to the vehicle door shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of a main portion of the vehicle door. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a lower part of the vehicle door. Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the lower part of the vehicle door. Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the lower part of the vehicle door. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a key cylinder unit. Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the key cylinder unit. Fig. 9 is a rear view of the key cylinder unit when the key lever is in a neutral position. Fig. 10 is a rear view of the key cylinder unit when the key lever has been rotated to the other side from the neutral position. Fig. 11 is a rear view of the key cylinder unit when the key lever has been rotated to one side from the neutral position.

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

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

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

[0013] The door 1 includes a door body 10 and a decorative member. The door body 10 has an inner panel 11 and an outer panel 12. The outer panel 12 is overlapped on the outer side of the vehicle with respect to the inner panel 11 on the inner side of the vehicle in the thickness direction of the door 1. The decorative member is elongated and extends in the width direction of the door 1.

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

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

[0016] 4 and 5 , the garnish 13 is fastened to the outer panel 12. The garnish 13 has a plurality of threaded portions 13a on its back surface. Each of the threaded portions 13a protrudes from the inner surface of the garnish 13. The plurality of threaded portions 13a constitute an upper threaded portion row that is aligned in the vehicle length direction at the top of the garnish 13, and a lower threaded portion row that is aligned in the vehicle length direction at the bottom of the garnish 13. Meanwhile, a plurality of bolt insertion portions 12a are also formed in the bottom of the outer panel 12, and the plurality of bolt insertion portions 12a constitute an upper bolt insertion portion row that is aligned in the vehicle length direction at a relatively higher position, and a lower bolt insertion portion row that is aligned in the vehicle length direction at a relatively lower position.

[0017] When assembling the garnish 13 to the outer panel 12, the inner surface of the garnish 13 is faced to the lower part of the outer surface of the outer panel 12, the upper threaded portion row is aligned with the upper bolt insertion portion row in the width direction of the door 1, the lower threaded portion row is aligned with the lower bolt insertion portion row in the width direction of the door 1, and the bolts 81 are inserted into the bolt insertion portions 12a from the inner surface side of the outer panel 12 and screwed into the threaded portions 13a. This secures the garnish 13 to the outer panel 12. Each threaded portion 13a protrudes from the inner surface of the garnish 13 and can accommodate the tip of the bolt 81. The bolts 81 are not exposed on the exterior side of the garnish 13, thereby maintaining an aesthetic appearance.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0025] The electric motor 22 is powered by electricity stored in the battery 4 and generates rotational driving force. The battery 4 is a relatively low-voltage lead-acid battery that is originally installed in the vehicle as a power source for vehicle accessories (e.g., air conditioning equipment and lighting). The electric motor 22 is rotatable in both forward and reverse directions. The output shaft of the electric motor 22 is connected to the claw 21b of the latch mechanism 21. When the electric motor 22 is operated, the claw 21b moves from the engaged position to the released position, or vice versa, depending on the direction of rotation of the electric motor 22. In other words, the state of the latch mechanism 21 switches from the latched state to the unlatched state, or vice versa.

[0026] The door latch device 5 includes a controller 40 as an example of a control unit. The controller 40 may be provided outside the door body 10, as schematically shown in FIG. 2, or may be attached to the door body 10. The controller 40 is constructed by hardware including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory including RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory), and an input / output interface, as well as software implemented therein. The CPU reads a program pre-stored in the memory and executes information processing according to the steps instructed by the program. In this way, the controller 40 controls the operation of the electric motor 22.

[0027] The controller 40 has a memory unit 41, a communication unit 42, an authentication unit 43, and a switching unit 44. The memory unit 41 stores information required for control. The communication unit 42 transmits and receives information required for control. The communication unit 42 includes an antenna for wireless communication and is configured to be able to wirelessly communicate with an electronic key 90 carried by an authorized vehicle user. The communication unit 42 is also connected to a switch or sensor that detects the state of the door latch device 5 or the vehicle, and is configured to be able to receive signals (e.g., a lock signal and an unlock signal, described below) output from such a switch or sensor.

[0028] Examples of information stored in the memory unit 41 include status information indicating whether the door latch device 5 is set to an electronic unlock state or an electronic lock state, and authentication key information specific to the vehicle. The communication unit 42 receives an open signal indicating the user's intention to open the door 1 and authentication information indicating the user's appropriateness. The communication unit 42 also transmits a request signal for authenticating the electronic key 90.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0035] Alternatively, the electronic key 90 may not function properly due to a dead key battery 95, which may prevent the controller 40 from properly switching between the electronically unlocked and electronically locked states. In particular, if the process of switching from the electronically unlocked state to the electronically locked state cannot be properly performed while the battery 4 and the electric motor 22 are functioning normally, a third party may activate the door-opening intention detection unit provided in the door body 10, even if they do not possess the correct electronic key 90, and thereby illegally open the door 1. This situation may also occur when a malfunction occurs in another hardware device involved in the process of switching between the electronically unlocked and electronically locked states (e.g., a wireless communication antenna that constitutes part of the communication unit 42), in addition to a dead battery in the electronic key 90.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0042] 3 and 4 , as well as 5 and 6 , the bracket 50 has a cylinder insertion hole 51 into which the key cylinder 31 is inserted. The interior of the cylinder insertion hole 51 is provided with a stepped surface that abuts against the large-diameter end of the key cylinder 31 to position the key cylinder 31 in the axial direction, and pawl engagement grooves that position the key cylinder 31 in the circumferential and radial directions. As a result, when the key cylinder 31 is inserted into the cylinder insertion hole 51, the position and orientation of the key cylinder 31 relative to the bracket 50 are fixed.

[0043] The bracket 50 has a door fitting portion 52 that protrudes in a block shape from its front side, and multiple bracket fixing portions 53 that protrude radially from the door fitting portion 52 in a front view. In the illustrated example, the door fitting portion 52 is square in a front view, but the shape of the door fitting portion 52 is not particularly limited. Also, although there are three bracket fixing portions 53, the number of bracket fixing portions 53 is not particularly limited. The front surfaces of the bracket fixing portions 53 are offset rearward relative to the front surface of the door fitting portion 52. The cylinder insertion hole 51 extends in the front-rear direction at the center of the door fitting portion 52. A bolt insertion hole 53a extending in the front-rear direction is formed in each bracket fixing portion 53. Meanwhile, a mounting hole 12b is formed in the outer panel 12.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0056] The cover member 16 has a locking piece 16d protruding from the back surface of the cover body 16a. The locking piece 16d protrudes from the other widthwise end of the back surface, and a locking hole 16e passes through the tip of the locking piece 16d. On the other hand, the support member 17 has a slit 17d adjacent to the other widthwise side of the window portion 17a, and the slit 17d is recessed in the front surface of the support member 17. Furthermore, the support member 17 has a triangular piece 17e protruding into the slit 17d. When the cover member 16 is closed, the locking piece 16d abuts against the front slope of the triangular piece 17e and continues to move toward the closed position while elastically deforming. When the triangular piece 17e fits into the locking hole 16e, displacement of the cover member 16 is restricted, and the cover member 16 is held in the closed position.

[0057] When the cover member 16 is in the closed position, it is flush with the garnish 13 (especially the periphery of the opening 13b), thereby improving the aesthetic appearance of the door 1 and the vehicle. The cover member 16 may be decorated in the same way as the garnish 13. By applying the same decorative treatment to the cover member 16 as the garnish 13, the cover member 16 becomes less noticeable, thereby improving the aesthetic appearance of the door 1 and the vehicle.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0074] At least a portion of the bracket 50 is located below an imaginary line L3 extending widthwise at a midpoint in the height direction in the range from the bottom end X of the door opening 1b to the bottom end of the door body 10 (see FIG. 1). Therefore, the cover member 16 is located further away from the user's eye level (eye line), making it less noticeable and improving the aesthetics of the door 1 and the vehicle. Positioning the bracket 50 lower in the vertical direction is more effective. In particular, if the bracket 50 is positioned below an imaginary line L4 extending widthwise at a position 25 percent (one-quarter) above the bottom end of the door body 10 in the range from the bottom end X of the door opening 1b to the bottom end of the door body 10, it will be almost out of the user's line of sight, thereby maximizing the aesthetics of the door 1 and the vehicle.

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

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

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

[0078] Rotating the key cylinder 31 to one side is expected to be performed in an emergency situation where the controller 40 and the electric motor 22 are functioning normally, but some electrical malfunction (e.g., a dead battery in the electronic key 90) prevents the process of switching between the electronically locked and electronically unlocked states from being properly performed.

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

[0080] This prevents the vehicle from being left with the door latch device 5 in the electronically unlocked state in an emergency such as the one described above, thereby preventing a third party from operating the switch to illicitly move the claw 21b to the open position. Furthermore, once the door is switched to the electronically locked state, it is impossible to switch back to the electronically unlocked state unless the proper key 99 or electronic key 90 is in possession of the device. This prevents the electric motor 22 from operating undesirably.

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

[0082] As described above, this embodiment provides a vehicle door that improves the design of the vehicle's exterior. It also provides a vehicle door latch device that is more convenient in emergencies. In particular, a single key cylinder 31 can be used to perform two operations (switching from a latched state to an unlatched state and switching from an electronically unlocked state to an electronically locked state). This reduces the manufacturing cost of the door latch device 5 compared to when one key cylinder is used for each operation.

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

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

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

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

[0087] The vehicle door according to the present invention is not limited to a side door, but may be a back door, and the door latch device according to the present invention is also applicable to this.

[0088] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Door 1a Guide frame 1b Door opening 2 Vehicle body 3 Striker 4 Battery 5 Door latch device 10 Door body 11 Inner panel 11a Maintenance opening 12 Outer panel 12a Bolt insertion portion 12b Mounting hole 13 Garnish (decorative member) 13a Threaded portion 13b Opening 13c Locking groove 14 Inner handle 14a Cable 15 Outer handle 16 Lid member 16a Lid body 16b Pivot portion 16c Link portion 16d Locking piece 16e Locking hole 17 Support member 17a Window portion 17b Relief hole 17c Protrusion 17d Slit 17e Triangular piece 18 Pin 20 Latch unit 21 Latch mechanism 21a Fork 21b Claw 22 Electric motor 23 Unlock switch 30 Emergency unit 31 Key cylinder 31a Key hole 31b Outer cylinder portion 31c Rotor portion 31d Tumbler 32 Key lever 32a Slit 32b First edge 32c Second edge 32d Operation piece 33 Return spring 34 Lock switch 35 Cable (connecting member) 36 Cable holder 40 Controller (control unit) 41 Memory unit 42 Communication unit 43 Authentication unit 44 Switching unit 50 Bracket 51 Cylinder insertion hole 52 Door fitting portion 53 Bracket fixing portion 53a Bolt insertion hole 54 Cable fixing portion 55 Switch fixing portion 81 Bolt 82 Bolt 90 Electronic key 91 Open switch (door opening intention detection unit) 92 Close switch 93 Key communication unit 94 Key control unit 95 Key battery 99 Key L1, L2 virtual lines

Claims

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

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

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

4. The vehicle door latch device according to claim 3, wherein the key lever has a slit that is arc-shaped about the central axis of the key cylinder and with which the one end of the connecting member loosely engages, and when the key cylinder is in a neutral position where it is not operated, the one end of the connecting member is separated from the other edge of the slit in the extension direction of the slit.

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