JP2001018847A - Trunk closure device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a simply constituted trunk closure device capable of preventing re-locking after an unlocking operation and opening a trunk lid even when the trunk lid and a body panel are in an affixed state. SOLUTION: Whether a lock part 3 and a striker 31 are in a locked state or a released state is detected at a lock SW15. From he result of this detection, a control part judges that a trunk lid and a body panel are in an affixed state when the lock part 3 and the striker 31 shifts to a locked state within a predetermined time after shifting from a locked state to a released state. When the trunk lid and the body panel are in the affixed state, an operation of a motor 35 is prohibited when the striker 31 is moved to a bottom dead center position by a drive of the motor 35.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a trunk closure device, and more particularly to a trunk closure device capable of opening a trunk lid even when the trunk lid and a vehicle body panel are stuck.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a conventional closure device, there is known a closure device which can easily open and close a trunk lid provided at a rear portion of a vehicle, for example.

[0003] This closure device, when unlocked,
Detects that the striker on the vehicle body panel side and the lock on the trunk lid are unlocked, raises the striker, and utilizes the reaction force of the rubber pad provided between the vehicle body panel and the trunk lid, and the periphery of the trunk lid and the trunk opening A gap necessary for hanging a hand was formed between the first and second parts.

In this closure device, when the trunk lid is open, the striker has risen to the top dead center position, and when the driver performs an operation to close the trunk lid during the closing operation. In addition, when the lock at the top dead center position is detected to be engaged with the striker, the striker is lowered and the trunk lid is retracted.

However, since a rubber pad is interposed between the vehicle body panel and the trunk lid, the rubber pad is interposed between the vehicle body panel and the trunk lid, or when there is snow on the trunk lid. In some cases, even when the lock is removed from the striker, the trunk lid may not lift due to the reaction force of the rubber pad.

At this time, since the lock has been released from the striker, the striker rises to the top dead center position, and the striker and the lock of the trunk lid are engaged again.
The trunk lid could not be opened.

[0007] In view of the above, in a "car trunk lid closure device" described in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open Publication No. 6-8161,
When the lock between the striker and the trunk lid is released, a mechanical mechanism that lifts the trunk lid is provided,
A gap necessary for hanging a hand was formed between the trunk lid and the periphery of the trunk opening.

[0008]

However, in the conventional trunk closure device, in order to prevent sticking occurring between the trunk lid and the vehicle body panel, a mechanical mechanism for lifting the trunk lid at the time of unlocking is provided. Because of the new requirements, the equipment configuration becomes complicated,
This has been a factor in increasing costs.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above,
The purpose is that even when the trunk lid and the vehicle body panel are stuck to each other, the trunk lid can be prevented from being re-locked after the unlocking operation and the trunk lid can be opened with a simple configuration. It is to provide a device.

[0010]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
To solve the above problem, the striker provided on the vehicle body panel side is moved to the top dead center in the lock portion provided on the trunk lid side, and the striker is locked on the lock portion,
In a trunk closure device for retracting a striker to a bottom dead center and closing a trunk lid, a drive motor for reciprocating the striker from a top dead center to a bottom dead center, and a position of the striker at the top dead center or bottom dead center A position detecting means for detecting whether the lock portion and the striker are in a locked state or an unlocked state, and a lock state detecting means for detecting whether the lock portion and the striker are in a released state. An operation inhibiting means for inhibiting the operation of the drive motor when the striker shifts to the bottom dead center when the locker shifts to the lock state within a predetermined time after shifting from the lock state to the release state. Make a summary.

[0011]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is detected whether the lock portion and the striker are in the locked state or the released state, and as a result of this detection, the state shifts from the locked state to the released state. After that, when the lock state is shifted to the locked state within a predetermined time, it is determined that the trunk lid and the vehicle body panel are stuck, and when the striker shifts to the bottom dead center, the operation of the drive motor is prohibited. Even when the trunk lid and the vehicle body panel are stuck, when the unlocking operation is performed again, the striker is fixed to the bottom dead center, so it is simple to re-lock after the unlocking operation. Can be prevented and the trunk lid can be opened.

[0012]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a mechanism configuration of a trunk closure device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In addition,
FIG. 1 is a view showing a closed state in which a trunk lid is closed.

As shown in FIG. 1, the trunk closure device comprises a lock portion 3 provided on the trunk lid side and a closure portion 5 provided on the vehicle body panel side.

First, the lock portion 3 is provided with a lock base 11 projecting downward from the trunk lid, and a latch 13 for engaging with an engagement hole of the striker 31 is provided inside. The latch 13 is configured to mechanically lock with the engagement hole when the striker 31 enters the lock base 11.

The lock portion 3 is provided with a lock SW 15 for detecting that the striker 31 and the latch 13 have been disengaged or engaged. Note that the lock SW 15 shown in FIG.
Reference numeral 3 denotes a locked state in which the engagement is performed.

On the other hand, a striker 31 having an engagement hole for engaging with the latch 13 provided in the lock base 11 on the trunk lid side protrudes from the closure portion 5.
The striker 31 is vertically reciprocated by a driving mechanism 33 between a top dead center position and a bottom dead center position. Drive mechanism 33
Has a gear and the like (not shown), and a control unit 4 described later.
The rotation of the motor 35 controlled by the
Up and down reciprocation. Note that the striker 31 shown in FIG. 1 indicates that the striker 31 is at the top dead center position.

The drive mechanism 33 includes a striker 31.
SW (not shown) for detecting upper and lower dead center
Is provided, with respect to an outer peripheral portion of a cam (not shown) which rotates in conjunction with the vertical reciprocation of the striker 31.
The projection of the stop SW is in contact.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a control unit 41 for controlling the trunk closure device.

As shown in FIG. 2, a lock SW 15, a stop SW, and a motor 35 are connected to the control unit 41. A RAM for storing control data, a ROM for storing a control program, and a ROM A CPU for controlling the operation of the apparatus according to the above, and a timer for measuring the time.

In FIG. 2, the lock SW 15 is turned off.
When the state is detected, the striker 31 and the latch 1
3 indicates that the lock state is established by engaging with the striker 31. On the other hand, when the ON state is detected, it indicates that the engagement between the striker 31 and the latch 13 is released.

When the OFF state is detected from the stop SW, it indicates that the striker 31 is at the bottom dead center position. On the other hand, when the ON state is detected, the striker 31 is at the top dead center position. It is shown that.

Next, the control operation of the trunk closure device will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 and the flowchart shown in FIG.

Now, it is assumed that the trunk is closed by the trunk closure device. Lock SW1
5 is in the OFF state (locked state), the stop SW is in the OFF state (bottom dead center position),
Is in a stopped state. At this time, for example, even if the driver tries to lift the trunk lid manually, the closed state is maintained.

First, with reference to the timing chart shown in FIG. 3, the basic operation of the trunk closure device in the normal state without the above-mentioned attachment will be described in steps S10 to S1.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

First, in step S10, the lock SW1
It is determined whether 5 has changed from the OFF state (locked state) to the ON state (released state). Here, when the lock SW 15 is maintained in the OFF state (locked state) (at time t).
In o), for example, since there is no lock release operation by the driver, the process returns to step S10 and the detection process is repeated.

On the other hand, when the lock SW 15 changes from the OFF state (locked state) to the ON state (released state) at time t1, for example, there is a lock release operation by the driver, and the process proceeds to step S20.

The unlocking operation by the driver may be performed, for example, by operating a release lever provided in the passenger compartment or by inserting a key into a key cylinder provided on the trunk lid side to perform the unlocking operation. In this case, or when the release key provided on the remote control key is released, the lock mechanism provided on the lock unit 3 is operated to shift from the locked state to the released state. At this time, the latch 13 comes out of the engagement hole provided in the striker 31.

As a result, when the lock is released, the latch 13 is disengaged from the engagement hole of the striker 31, and the lock is released. The reaction between the trunk panel and the trunk lid is performed by utilizing the reaction force of the rubber pad provided between the vehicle body panel and the trunk lid. A gap required for hanging a hand can be formed between the opening and the peripheral edge.

In step S20, the motor 35 is turned on from the time t1 when the unlock operation is detected, and the drive mechanism 33 starts to raise the striker 31.

Then, in step S30, the control unit 41
The timer provided in is operated to start the timing operation.

Then, in a step S40, it is determined whether or not the time counted by the timer has elapsed 0.5 seconds. Here, if the time is less than 0.5 seconds, step S
Go to 50. On the other hand, if 0.5 seconds have elapsed, the process proceeds to step S60.

In the step S50, it is determined whether or not the lock SW 15 has changed from the ON state (released state) to the OFF state (locked state) while the counted time is less than 0.5 seconds.

Here, if the lock SW 15 is held in the ON state (released state), since the latch 13 is in the released state, the process returns to step S40, further proceeds to step S50, and repeats the processing. Then, when 0.5 seconds have elapsed, the process proceeds to step S60.

During this time, the motor 35 is turned off in step S20.
Since the N control is performed, the motor 35 continues to rotate, and the striker 31 moves upward.

Then, the counted time is set to 0.
Since 5 seconds have elapsed, in step S60, the stop SW
From the OFF state (bottom dead center position) to the ON state (top dead center position). Here, the stop SW is O
Until the state becomes the N state (top dead center position), the process returns to step S60 and the process is repeated.

If the stop SW is turned on (top dead center position) at time t4, the process proceeds to step S4.
At 70, the motor 35 is turned off to stop, and the drive mechanism 33 stops raising the striker 31. As a result, the striker 31 stops at the top dead center position.

Then, in step S80, the control unit 41
Resets the timer provided in, and cancels the timekeeping operation.

During this time, for example, it is assumed that the driver has placed luggage in the trunk and closed the trunk lid.

Then, in step S90, the lock SW
It is determined whether or not 15 has changed from the ON state (released state) to the OFF state (locked state), and this processing is repeated until the lock SW 15 is turned off (locked state).

Here, as described above, since the driver puts the luggage in the trunk and closes the trunk lid, the lock SW 15 is turned off (locked) at time t5, and the process proceeds to step S100.

Then, in step S100, the motor 3
5 is turned ON, and the drive mechanism 33 starts lowering the striker 31.

In step S110, it is determined whether or not the stop SW has changed from the ON state (top dead center position) to the OFF state (bottom dead center position). Here, step S11 is performed until the stop SW is turned off (bottom dead center position).
Return to 0 and repeat the process.

When the stop SW is turned off (bottom dead center position) at time t6, the process proceeds to step S120, in which the motor 35 is turned off and stopped, and the drive mechanism 33 stops the striker 31. Stop descending. As a result, the striker 31 moves to the bottom dead center position and stops.

As a result, the trunk lid is once opened by the driver and then closed, and the latch 1 is inserted into the engagement hole of the striker 31 at a position where the reaction force of the rubber pad is not applied.
3 is engaged and locked, and the striker 31 is moved to the bottom dead center position and stopped.

Next, with reference to the timing chart shown in FIG. 4, the operation of prohibiting the rise of the striker 31 by the trunk closure device in the case where the above-mentioned attachment state is present will be described with reference to steps S50, S210 to S260. explain.

First, in step S40, if the time measured by the timer is less than 0.5 seconds, the process proceeds to step S50, and in step S50, the lock SW 15 is changed from the ON state (release state) to the OFF state as at time t12. When the lock state is established, the latch 13 is engaged with the engagement hole due to the rise of the striker 31 and the lock state is established, and the process proceeds to step S210.

In step S210, it is determined whether or not the stop SW has changed from the ON state (top dead center position) to the OFF state (bottom dead center position). Here, step S40 is performed until the stop SW is turned off (bottom dead center position).
And repeat the process.

Here, when the time measured by the timer is less than 0.5 second, the lock SW 15 operates the time t12 to t1.
When the OFF state (locked state) is detected as shown in FIG. 4 and the change to the OFF state (bottom dead center position) is detected by the stop SW as at time t14, the trunk lid is closed without being opened. In the affixed state, the latch 13 is engaged with the engagement hole of the striker 31 to be in the re-locked state, and the striker 31 is stopped at the bottom dead center position.

In such a case, a rubber pad interposed as a cushioning member between the vehicle body panel and the trunk lid may be stuck between the vehicle body panel and the trunk lid, or may be placed on the trunk lid. It is considered that there is a snowfall and the trunk lid cannot be lifted even if the lock by the latch 13 is released from the engagement hole of the striker 31.

When the stop SW is turned off (bottom dead center position) at time t14, the process proceeds to step S220, in which the motor 35 is turned off and stopped, and the drive mechanism 33 stops the striker 31. Stop vertical reciprocation. As a result, the striker 31 moves to the bottom dead center position and stops.

Then, in step S230, the control unit 4
The timer provided in 1 is reset to cancel the timing operation.

Then, in step S240, the control unit 4
A prohibition flag for prohibiting the operation of the motor 35 is set to “1” in the RAM provided in the “1”. As a result, with the prohibition flag set to “1”, the striker 31
Even if the lock by the latch 13 is released, the motor 35 does not operate, so that the striker 31 remains fixed at the bottom dead center position.

At this time, for example, the driver confirms that the trunk lid is not opened, and again inserts the key into the key cylinder by the driver to perform the above-described release operation (time t1).
5) is performed. Then, for example, it is assumed that the driver places luggage in the trunk and closes the trunk lid.

As a result, the latch 13 is engaged with the engagement hole of the striker 31 to be in the re-locked state, and the striker 31
Is stopped at the bottom dead center position.

Then, in step S250, the lock S
It is determined whether W15 has changed from the ON state (released state) to the OFF state (locked state), and this processing is repeated until the lock SW15 is turned OFF (locked state).

When the lock SW 15 is turned off (locked) at time t16, the prohibition flag set in the RAM provided in the control unit 41 is reset to "0" in step S260. And the operation of the motor 35 is permitted. Then, the process returns to step S10, and the process is repeated.

As a result, when the lock is released (t15), the latch 13 is disengaged from the engagement hole of the striker 31 and the lock is released. At this time, the operation of the motor 35 is prohibited and the striker 31 is moved to the bottom dead center position. Temporarily fixed. In this case, as in the normal case, a gap necessary for putting a hand between the trunk lid and the peripheral portion of the trunk opening by utilizing a reaction force of the rubber pad provided between the vehicle body panel and the trunk lid. It cannot be formed, but the trunk lid can be opened, for example, manually by the driver.

As described above, it is detected whether the lock section and the striker are in the locked state or the unlocked state. As a result of this detection, after the lock section and the striker shift from the locked state to the released state, When shifting to the locked state within a predetermined time, it is determined that the trunk lid and the vehicle body panel are stuck, and when the trunk lid and the vehicle body panel are stuck, the striker has shifted to the bottom dead center. Even if the trunk lid and the vehicle body panel are stuck by prohibiting the operation of the motor, the striker is fixed to the bottom dead center when the unlock operation is performed again, so the second time Can be prevented from occurring again after the lock release operation, and the trunk lid can be opened.

As a result, even when the trunk lid and the vehicle body panel are stuck to each other without employing a mechanical mechanism for lifting the trunk lid as in the related art,
Since the trunk lid can be opened manually,
The configuration of the trunk closure device can be simplified, which can contribute to a reduction in manufacturing cost.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a mechanism configuration of a trunk closure device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a control unit for controlling a trunk closure device.

FIG. 3 is a timing chart for explaining a basic operation performed by a control unit in a normal state without sticking;

FIG. 4 is a timing chart for explaining an operation of prohibiting a rise of a striker by a control unit when there is a sticking state;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation performed by a control unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 3 lock part 5 closure part 11 lock base 13 latch 15 lock SW 31 striker 33 drive mechanism 35 motor 41 control part

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A striker provided on a vehicle body panel side is moved to a top dead center in a lock portion provided on a trunk lid side, the striker is locked on the lock portion, and the striker is pulled down to a bottom dead center to remove the trunk lid. In the trunk closure device to be closed, a drive motor for reciprocating the striker from top dead center to bottom dead center, and position detection means for detecting whether the position of the striker is at top dead center or at bottom dead center A lock state detecting means for detecting whether the lock portion and the striker are in a locked state or a released state; and as a result of the detection by the locked state detecting means, a predetermined state is determined after shifting from the locked state to the released state. When the state shifts to the lock state within the time, when the striker shifts to the bottom dead center, the operation of the drive motor is prohibited. Trunk closure device being characterized in that a dynamic inhibiting means.