JP2003106023A - Door lock drive apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a door lock drive apparatus equipped with a drive motor performing a reciprocal rotation capable of reducing an operating sound when shifting to a state of manual opening and closing operation possible. SOLUTION: This drive apparatus is equipped with a closer function operating an engaging and disengaging device 7 from a half latch state to a full latch state or an actuator 3 performing an unlatch function from a full latch state to an unlatch state, the actuator 3 is equipped with a final reduction gear 5 transmitting a reciprocal rotating force to a drive motor 4 and the engaging and disengaging device, the final reduction gear 5 has a centrifugal clutch 6 at a cylindrical end portion 52a of an output gear 52, an output shaft 53 of the engaging and disengaging device 7 has a peripheral wall portion 54 housing a linking portion 61 of the centrifugal clutch 6 protruded in a radial direction in response to the rotation and a protruded portion 54 which can be linked to the linking portion 61, and the engaging and disengaging device 7 can be operated manually when the drive motor 4 is stopped and the linking between the centrifugal clutch 6 and the protruded portion 54b is disengaged.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a door lock drive device mounted on a vehicle or the like, and more particularly to a door lock drive device that performs a closer function and an opener function by rotating a single drive motor in forward and reverse directions.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a door lock drive device, a single drive motor rotates forward and backward to close a door from a half-door or half-latch state to a door closed or full-latch state, and from a door closed state to open or unlatch a door. It is known to have an opener function to put the state.

This type of door lock drive system is provided immediately after the door is closed when the closer function is activated, or immediately after the door is opened when the opener function is activated.
It is necessary to reverse the rotation of the drive motor to the neutral position where the door can be opened and closed manually.

[0004]

In the conventional configuration, when the closer function and the opener function are operated, the motor is rotated in one direction out of the forward and reverse rotations and then reversed to the other direction so as to return to the neutral position. Therefore, an operating noise is generated during the reversal. In particular, this operating sound is not an operating sound during the operation of the closer function and the opener function, but an operating sound generated only to enable the manual operation, and therefore may give an uncomfortable feeling to passengers of the vehicle. There is.

The operating noise that gives the uncomfortable feeling is the rotational operating noise of the drive motor itself, and the gear noise of the reduction gear for converting this rotational force into the attachment / detachment movement of various engagement / disengagement members. Driving noise of the drive motor due to the load driving required to move the engagement / disengagement member to the neutral position by driving the vehicle echoes inside the door in which the door lock drive device is installed, which may cause discomfort to passengers. Easy to give.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a drive motor for performing forward and reverse rotations and reduce operating noise when shifting to a manually openable / closable state. To provide a door lock drive device.

[0007]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the half-latch state in which the striker is locked when the door is in the half-door state, the full-latch state in which the striker is locked when the door is closed, and the striker is opened. A door lock having an engagement / disengagement device that forms one of the unlatch states, and a closer function that operates the engagement / disengagement device from the half-latch state to the full-latch state, and actuates the engagement / disengagement device from the full-latch state to the unlatch state. In a door lock drive device including an actuator that performs an unlatch function, the actuator includes a drive motor that is capable of forward and reverse rotation, and a speed reducer that transmits a rotational force generated by normal and reverse rotation of the drive motor to an engagement / disengagement device. The device has a centrifugal clutch, and when the drive motor rotates, the device is rotated radially in response to the rotation. By engaging with the engaging portion of the centrifugal clutch that comes out, the engagement / disengagement device is operated, and when the drive motor is stopped, the reduction gear and the engagement / disengagement device are disengaged via the centrifugal clutch, so that the engagement / disengagement device is disengaged. The device can be manually operated.

The actuator is provided with a drive motor capable of normal and reverse rotation, and a speed reducer for transmitting a rotational force due to normal and reverse rotation of the drive motor to the engagement / disengagement device. The speed reducer is responsive to rotation and rotation stop. Formation of engagement between the speed reducer and the engagement / disengagement device,
Since a centrifugal clutch that can be released is provided, for example, when the closer function operates, when the drive motor is rotated in the forward rotation direction to change from the half-latch state to the full-latch state,
The engagement between the reduction gear and the engagement / disengagement device can be released via the centrifugal clutch simply by stopping the drive motor, that is, stopping the rotation in the normal rotation direction without reversing the rotation in the normal rotation direction of the drive motor. This disengages the engagement / disengagement device from the deceleration device that transmits the rotational force of the drive motor to the engagement / disengagement device, allowing manual operation of the engagement / disengagement device.

Therefore, when shifting to a state where manual operation is possible, the centrifugal clutch for forming and releasing the engagement between the reduction gear and the engagement / disengagement device is simply disengaged without reversing the drive motor. It is possible to reduce the operating noise of the drive motor, and particularly to prevent the rotational operating noise from being generated due to the load driving that occurs during the reversal of the drive motor.

In a structure in which the centrifugal clutch for forming and releasing the engagement between the speed reducer and the engagement / disengagement device is built in the actuator, as described in claim 2 of the present invention, the speed reducer includes the drive motor of the drive motor. The output gear that meshes with the input gear fixed to the drive shaft has a centrifugal clutch, and the output shaft of the engagement / disengagement device to which the rotational force of the drive motor is transmitted through the centrifugal clutch has a radial direction depending on the rotation. A peripheral wall portion that rotatably accommodates the locking portion that protrudes to the outside, and a protrusion that is engageable with the locking portion are provided in a part of the peripheral wall portion.

That is, the centrifugal clutch is provided on the output gear on the output shaft side of the engagement / disengagement device, among the input gear and the output gear that form the reduction gear, and the output gear applies the rotational force of the drive motor via the input gear. Since the input side for transmission and the output side connected to the output shaft of the engagement / disengagement device are divided, the locking portion of the centrifugal clutch that projects in the radial direction in response to rotation and rotation stop engages with the protrusion. By forming and releasing
It is possible to reliably form and release the engagement between the speed reducer and the engagement / disengagement device.

According to claim 3 of the present invention, the engagement / disengagement device comprises:
Driven via the output lever, an output lever that is fixed to the output shaft and can rotate forward and backward, a ratchet that can be engaged with the output lever and that has a biasing force that resists the forward and reverse rotational force of the output lever The drive pin that receives the rotational force of the motor, the first engagement portion that engages with the ratchet pawl portion in the half-door state, the second engagement portion that engages with the ratchet pawl portion in the door closed state, and the striker A latch having a rotatable rotation shaft and a latch rotation shaft is provided, and the output shaft and the latch rotation shaft are substantially coaxially arranged in series.

With this serial arrangement, the output lever that moves in an arc along with the forward and reverse rotation of the output shaft and the first and second engaging portions formed on the latch according to the rotation of the latch rotating shaft are engaged. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size of the radial arrangement of the ratchet that moves in an arc.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the engagement / disengagement device comprises:
Driven via the output lever, an output lever that is fixed to the output shaft and can rotate forward and backward, a ratchet that can be engaged with the output lever and that has a biasing force that resists the forward and reverse rotational force of the output lever The drive pin that receives the rotational force of the motor, the first engagement portion that engages with the ratchet pawl portion in the half-door state, the second engagement portion that engages with the ratchet pawl portion in the door closed state, and the striker A latch having a rotatable rotation shaft and a latch rotation shaft is provided, and the output shaft and the latch rotation shaft are arranged in parallel substantially in parallel.

With this parallel arrangement, the rotational force of the drive motor can be transmitted to the latch via the output shaft and the latch rotary shaft while shortening the overall length in the axial direction.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the door lock driving device in which the engagement / disengagement device can be manually operated, particularly in the structure of a door lock, the engagement / disengagement device can be manually operated. Naruto means output lever, latch,
The ratchet and the ratchet respectively include first urging means for urging the output lever in the rotational angle direction from the full latch position to the unlatch position, and second urging means for urging the latch in the rotational angle direction from the full latch position to the unlatch position. , And third biasing means for biasing the output lever in the rotation angle direction from the unlatch position to the full latch position,
That is, the output lever and the ratchet that are engaged with each other are in balance.

Thus, when shifting to a state where manual operation is possible, when the reduction gear, that is, the drive motor and the engagement / disengagement device are disengaged via the centrifugal clutch, the output lever constituting the engagement / disengagement device of the door lock, The latch and the biasing means for biasing the ratchet automatically form a balanced state of the output lever and the ratchet that are engaged with each other, thereby enabling the manual operation of the engagement / disengagement device.

Therefore, when shifting to the state where the manual operation is possible, the state where the manual operation is possible is formed in the balanced state of the output lever and the ratchet which composes the engagement / disengagement device of the door lock, so that the stability of the repeated operation is improved. From this point of view, it is possible to prevent an occupant of the vehicle from feeling uncomfortable due to a difference in operating sound caused by a variation in operating sound of the engagement / disengagement device each time the closer function is operated.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided current detection means for detecting a current flowing through the drive motor, and control means for controlling the drive of the drive motor in accordance with the current value detected by the current detection means. The control means stops driving the drive motor when the current value is equal to or lower than the first predetermined value or equal to or higher than the second predetermined value.

Thus, for example, when the reduction gear device is stopped from rotating when it is in the full latch state when the closer function is activated or when it is in the unlatch state when the opener function is activated, the engagement of the centrifugal clutch is stopped. Regardless of the length of the disengagement, that is, when the engagement is quickly disengaged and the current value due to the no-load drive of the drive motor is less than or equal to the first predetermined value, or the engagement is disengaged late and the current due to the overload drive of the drive motor is disengaged. When the value is equal to or larger than the second predetermined value, it is possible to prevent unnecessary current consumption from being supplied to the drive motor after the full-latch state or the unlatch state.

[0021]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention, in which the door lock driving device of the present invention is applied to a vehicle door lock driving device, will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic vertical sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a door lock drive device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2
FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the door lock driving device as seen from the direction II-II in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing a process from a door open state to a door closed state in the door lock driving device viewed from the direction III-III in FIG. 1, particularly a process at the time of closing function operation,
3 (a) is a door open state, FIG. 3 (b) is a half-door state by manual operation, and FIGS. 3 (c) and 3 (d) are schematic diagrams showing a closer function operating process. FIG. 4 shows II in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing a process of reaching a door closed state in which manual operation is possible after the closing function operation in the door lock driving device as viewed from the direction I-III is completed.
(A) is a closed state of the door when the closer function is finished, FIG.
(B) is a schematic diagram which shows the door closed state which became the neutral position which can be operated manually. FIG. 5 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing a process from a door closed state to a door opened state in the door lock driving device viewed from the direction III-III in FIG. 1, and FIG. The door is closed at the neutral position, and FIG. 5B is a schematic view showing the door open.
6 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of the centrifugal clutch related to the door lock driving device viewed from the VI-VI direction in FIG. 1 and the formation and release of engagement between the reduction gear of the actuator and the output shaft of the engagement / disengagement device. FIG. Note that FIG. 8 is a circuit configuration diagram showing a control circuit as a control means relating to the door lock driving device of the embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a door lock driving device 1 operates a door lock 2 for keeping a door of a vehicle closed and a door lock 2 from a half door state to a door closed state in a half door state. Perform closer function,
An actuator 3 that performs an unlatch function (hereinafter referred to as an opener function) that operates the door lock 2 from the door closed state to the door open state, and a door as a control unit that controls the drive motor 4 built in the actuator 3. The lock control circuit 8 is included.

First, the door lock 2 locks (locks) the engagement / disengagement device 7 for engaging and disengaging the striker 100 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) fixed to the vehicle door receiver. Locking means 9 (see FIG. 8).

The locking means 9 is a door locking / unlocking driving means for locking / unlocking (locking / unlocking) the vehicle door, and is a motor 9a different from the driving motor 4. It is driven by the rotational force (see FIG. 8) and is rotatably provided, for example, between a lock position for locking the door of the vehicle and an unlock position for unlocking the door. The motor 9 is, for example, a door lock switch (for details, the lock & lock shown in FIG.
When the unlock switch 900 is turned on or when the vehicle speed reaches the set speed (for example, 20 km / h), the door lock control circuit 8 automatically energizes the door to lock (lock) the door. It should be noted that details of the locking means 9 are omitted because they are not essential parts of the present invention.

When closing an open door, the door lock 2 is in a door open state (see FIG. 3A) to a half-door state (see FIG. 3B) and a full-latch state (see FIG. 3).
(D) and FIG. 4 (a)), the door is closed (FIG. 4).
(See FIG. 4B.) On the other hand, when the closed door is opened, the door is closed (see FIGS. 4B and 5A).
To the unlatched state, the door is opened (see FIGS. 5B and 3A).

The engagement / disengagement device 7 is in a half-latch state (a so-called half-lock state in which the door is not completely closed) that holds the striker 100 in the half-door state, and the striker 100 is in the door-closed state. A full-latch state in which the striker 100 is held (a so-called full-lock state in which the door is completely closed) and an unlatch state in which the striker 100 is opened (a state in which the door can be opened) are formed. Latch 7 that can be
1, a ratchet 72, and an output lever 73. The engagement / disengagement device 7 of the door lock 2 is housed in the cases 21 and 22, one case 21 is arranged to receive the output shaft 53 of the actuator 3, and the other case 22 is Striker 1
00 is provided with a receiving groove 22a that is movable in any of the above states.

The latch 71 is rotatably provided about a latch rotation shaft 74 (see FIG. 1). As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the latch 71 has an opening 71 a capable of receiving the striker 100.
(See FIG. 3A), the ratchet 72 when in the half-door state
First engaging portion 71b (FIG. 3B) that engages with the claw portion 72a of the
The second engaging portion 71c (see FIGS. 3D and 4B) that engages with the claw portion 72a of the ratchet 72 in the full latch state and the door closed state, and the output lever 7.
Drive pin 71 which receives the rotational force of the drive motor 4 via 3
d (see FIG. 3C).

The ratchet 72 is a ratchet rotating shaft 75.
It is provided so as to be rotatable around (see FIG. 1).
The ratchet 72 includes the first engaging portion 71 of the latch 71.
b, or a claw portion 72a that engages with the second engaging portion 71c
And a passive pin 72b (see FIG. 5A) that receives the rotational force of the drive motor 4 via the output lever 73.

Details of the engagement relationship between the latch 71 as a meshing mechanism, the ratchet 72, and the output lever 73, especially in the fully latched state against the rotational force of the drive motor 4 transmitted via the output lever 73, Unlatched state,
The configuration for forming the neutral position as a balanced state will be described later.

Next, when the drive shaft 4a of the drive motor 4 incorporated in the actuator 3 rotates in the forward rotation direction from the neutral position, the actuator 3 is latched 71 of the engagement / disengagement device 7 from the half latch state to the full latch state. An unlatching (door closing) function that operates the latch (door close) function of operating the drive motor 4 and operates the latch 71 of the engagement / disengagement device 7 from the full latch state to the unlatch state when the drive shaft 4a of the drive motor 4 rotates in the reverse direction from the neutral position. It is a driving means that performs an open function.

This actuator 3 is shown in FIG. 1 and FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, the drive motor 4 capable of rotating in the normal and reverse directions and the drive shaft 4a of the drive motor 4 are coupled to each other, and the rotational force generated by the forward and reverse rotations of the drive motor 4 engages and disengages the device 7 (specifically, output lever 73). And a speed reducer 5 that transmits the The drive motor 4 and the speed reducer 5 are housed in a case 31 made of resin, and a bearing portion 31a that rotatably supports the output shaft 53 of the speed reducer 5 protruding downward from the case 31 in FIG. , 31b.

When the drive motor 4 is energized, the drive shaft 4a
It may be any rotary motor that rotates the motor in both the forward and reverse directions, and may be a DC motor, a servo motor, a stepping motor, or the like. The drive motor described in the embodiments of the present invention is hereinafter referred to as a DC motor from the viewpoint of being inexpensive and capable of being downsized.

As shown in FIG. 2, the speed reducer 5 includes an input gear 51 fixed to the drive shaft 4a, an output gear 52 meshing with the input gear 51, and a centrifugal clutch built in the output gear 52. And 6 are included.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the input gear 51 and the output gear 52 are a worm gear and a worm gear, respectively.
It is formed of a helical gear. For this reason, the drive motor 4 disposes the engagement / disengagement device 7 of the door lock 2 in a U-shape in parallel through the reduction gear device 5 and outputs the output lever 7 of the engagement / disengagement device 7.
Since the rotational force can be transmitted to the latch 71 and the ratchet 72 as the meshing mechanism via the output lever 3 and the output lever 73, the overall length of the door lock device 1 in the axial direction can be shortened.

The centrifugal clutch 6 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 6 (a).
As shown in FIG. 5, the locking portion 61 is built in the cylindrical end portion 52 a of the output gear 52 on the engagement / disengagement device 7 side and projects outward in the radial direction according to the rotational force of the drive motor 4, that is, the rotation of the output gear 52. And a return spring 62 as a centrifugal clutch urging means for urging the engaging portion 61 inward in the radial direction against the centrifugal force generated in the engaging portion 61 in accordance with the rotation of the output gear 52. It is composed of.

The centrifugal clutch 6 may be configured as the input gear 51 by dividing the input gear 51 into an input side and an output side.

On the other hand, the output gear 52 is rotatably centered on the output shaft 53 and is loosely fitted to the output shaft 53. The output shaft 53 is connected to the output gear 52 via the centrifugal clutch 6. It has a peripheral wall portion 54 in which engagement and disengagement with the output gear is performed in response to rotation generation and rotation stop.

The output shaft 53 forms a part of the speed reducer 7 and is fixed to the output lever 73 of the engagement / disengagement device 7 of the door lock 2. Therefore, when the rotation of the drive motor 4 is stopped, the door lock 2 by the actuator 3
Since the transmission of the rotational force to the engagement / disengagement device 7 can be blocked, the engagement / disengagement device that forms one of the full-latch state, the half-latch state, and the unlatch state is connected to the actuator 3 that drives the engagement / disengagement device 7. When the engagement is released, manual operation, that is, manual opening / closing is possible.

The peripheral wall portion 54 rotates together with the output shaft 53, and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6 (a), the engaging portion 61 of the centrifugal clutch 6 incorporated in the cylindrical end portion 52a.
However, due to the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the output gear 52,
It has an inner peripheral surface 54a that can be protruded from the outer periphery of a to the outside in the radial direction by a predetermined protrusion length, and the locking portion 61 is rotatable along the inner peripheral surface 54a.
A protrusion 54b toward the inner side that can engage with the protruding locking portion 61 is provided in a part of the. In addition, this protrusion 5
4b is rotatably fitted around the outer circumference of a cylindrical end portion 52a formed in the cylindrical body.

As a result, when the rotation of the output gear 52, that is, the rotation of the drive motor 4 is formed as shown in FIG. 6, centrifugal force of the centrifugal clutch 6 is generated as shown in FIG. 6B. Then, the locking portion 61 projects toward the outer peripheral side of the cylindrical end portion 52a against the biasing force of the return spring 62, so that the locking portion 61 and the protruding portion 54b engage with each other. Therefore, since the drive motor 4 of the actuator 3 can transmit the rotational force to the output lever 73 fixed to the output shaft 54 of the engagement / disengagement device 7 via the reduction gear 5, the output lever 73 can be rotated as described later. Accordingly, the meshing state of the latch 71 and ratchet 72 of the meshing mechanism can be set to any one of a full latch state, a half latch state, and an unlatch state.

On the other hand, when the output gear 52 stops rotating, that is, when the drive motor 4 stops rotating, the centrifugal force of the centrifugal clutch 6 disappears, and the engaging portion 61 is moved into the cylindrical end portion 52a by the urging force of the return spring 62. Because it is pressed
Regardless of whether or not the locking portion 61 shown in FIG. 6A faces the protrusion 54b, the cylindrical end portion 52a, that is, the speed reducer 5 of the actuator 3 and the engagement / disengagement device 7 of the door lock 2 are not shown. The engagement with the output lever 73 fixed to the output shaft 54 can be completely released. Therefore, the engagement / disengagement device 7 of the door lock 2 is disengaged from the speed reducer 5 by the centrifugal clutch 6, so that the influence of the rotational force of the drive motor 4 of the actuator 3 is eliminated, and the drive force of the actuator 3 is removed. Instead, the door can be opened and closed by manual operation.

As shown in FIG. 6A, when the centrifugal force of the centrifugal clutch 6 disappears, the speed reducer 5 (specifically,
The cylindrical end portion 52a of the output gear 52 and the output shaft 54 of the engagement / disengagement device 7 can be rotatable due to the structure of the protrusion 54b loosely fitted to the cylindrical end portion 52a which is a cylindrical body. However, depending on the rotating position of the output lever 73, the engagement mechanism between the latch 71 and the ratchet 72, that is, the engagement / disengagement device 7 via the drive pin 71d is in a fully latched state (see FIG. 3).
(See (d)), or the latch 71 and the ratchet 7 via the drive pin 71d and the passive pin 72b.
Since the engagement mechanism 2 of FIG. 2, that is, the engagement / disengagement device 7 is caused to form the unlatched state (see FIG. 5B), the output lever 73
There is an optimum predetermined rotation range that can be formed by manual operation in any of the full latch state, the half latch state, and the unlatch state.

On the other hand, by using the structure for forming and releasing the engagement by the centrifugal clutch 6 according to the present invention, the door which can be manually operated after the closing of the closer function, that is, the full latch state, which has been a problem in the conventional structure, is performed. If only to reduce the operating noise when the door is opened in the closed state or after the unlatch function is completed, that is, after the unlatch state is reached, the operation can be rotated by releasing the engagement by the centrifugal clutch 6. There is no problem by simultaneously performing the manual opening and closing while the rotational position of the output lever 73 is corrected. However, from the viewpoint of stability of repetitive operation, the correction of the rotational position of the output lever 73 and the manual opening / closing are performed at the same time because the operation noise of the engagement / disengagement device 7 accompanying the rotational position correction of the output lever 73 is generated, There is a concern that the discomfort may be affected by the difference between the operating sound when the rotational position is corrected and the operating sound when the rotational position is not corrected.

Therefore, in the embodiment of the present invention, after the output lever 73 becomes rotatable by the disengagement by the centrifugal clutch 6, the neutral position of the engagement / disengagement device 7 is quickly formed by the mechanical operation. Another object is to provide the door lock driving device 1.

When the engagement between the speed reducer 5 and the engagement / disengagement device 7 of the door lock 2 by the centrifugal clutch 6 is released, the latch 71, the ratchet 72, and the output lever 73, which serve as a meshing mechanism, are engaged with each other. The structural features that form the neutral position as a balance will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 5.

First, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the output lever 73, the latch 71, and the ratchet 72 respectively have the output lever 73 at the full latch position (FIG. 4A).
From the full latch position (see FIG. 4A) to the unlatch position (see FIG. 5B). )), And the output lever 73 from the unlatch position (see FIG. 3A) to the full latch position (see FIG. 3D). A third biasing means 72c for biasing the ratchet 72 is provided on one of the first engaging portion 71b and the second engaging portion 71c of the latch 71 as a condition that the engaging / disengaging device 7 can be manually operated. The output lever 73 and the ratchet 72 are engaged with each other regardless of whether they are engaged with the portion 72a, and the output lever 73 and the ratchet 72 which are engaged with each other are in a balanced state. State {Fig. 3 (a) Beauty Figure 5 (b) see}, see door ajar state {Fig. 3 (b)}, door closed state {Fig. 4 (b) and see FIG. 5 (a)}].

As a result, after the output lever 73 becomes rotatable by releasing the engagement by the centrifugal clutch 6,
Since it is possible to instantly return the engagement / disengagement device 7 to the neutral position in the balanced state, it is possible to eliminate the operating noise due to the load drive caused by the reversal of the drive motor 4 when returning to the neutral position in the conventional configuration. , Actuator 3 that performs closer or unlatch function
In the above, the operating time of the drive motor 4 can be shortened as compared with the operating time including the reversing time of the drive motor 4 in the conventional configuration.

Therefore, for example, since the drive motor 4 can be decelerated by the conventional reversing time, it is possible to use a low-current small-sized motor by increasing the reduction ratio of the reduction gear 5.

Therefore, the centrifugal clutch 6 is used to form and release the engagement, and after the output lever 73 is rotatable by releasing the engagement by the centrifugal clutch 6, the output lever 73 is instantly returned to the neutral position as a balanced state. By providing a structure capable of increasing the speed reduction ratio of the speed reducer 5 and eliminating the operation noise due to the load driving caused by the inversion of the drive motor 4 when returning to the neutral position in the conventional structure, The motor 4 can be miniaturized, that is, the door lock drive device 1 can be miniaturized.

The details of the first urging means 73a, the second urging means 71e, and the third urging means 72c will be described below. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first urging means 73a is locked at one end 21a of the cases 21 and 22 for housing the engagement / disengagement device 7 of the door lock 2, and the one end portion 7 thereof.
3a1, the other end 73a2 locked to one end 73b of the output lever 73, and a winding spring 73a3. The second biasing means 71e is a compression spring housed in the arc-shaped groove portion 71f of the latch 71 provided on the concentric circle of the latch rotation shaft 74 and sandwiched between the protrusion 22b of the case 22. Third biasing means 72
Reference numeral c is a return spring including one end 72c1 that is locked to the protrusion 22c of the case 22, the other end 72c2 that is locked to one end 72d of the ratchet 72, and a winding portion 72c3.

Next, the engagement relationship of the latch 71, the ratchet 72, and the output lever 73, which is a meshing mechanism suitable for stopping the drive of the drive motor 4 on the premise of the engagement release by the centrifugal clutch 6, will be described. The features will be described below with reference to FIGS.

The disengagement by the centrifugal clutch 6 is premised on the operation of the closer function (from FIG. 3 (c) to FIG. 3).
When the full latch state (see FIG. 3D) is reached during the process of reaching (d), or the unlatch function is activated (see FIG. 5).
When the unlatched state (see FIG. 5 (b)) is reached during the process from (a) to FIG. 5 (b), it is necessary to stop the driving motor 4 to eliminate the centrifugal force of the centrifugal clutch 6. is there.

Therefore, when the closer function is performed, as shown in FIG.
As shown in (d), a stopper 76 for restricting the movement of the latch 71 rotated via the drive pin 71d by the output lever 73 rotated by the rotational force of the drive motor 4 in the fully latched state is provided. On the other hand, when performing the unlatch function, in the unlatch state, as shown in FIG.
A ratchet 72 that is rotated via a passive pin 72b by an output lever 73 that is rotated by the rotational force of the drive motor 4.
A stopper 77 for restricting the movement of the is provided.

Thus, when the closer function is performed, the latch 71 contacts the stopper 76 to stop the rotation of the output lever 73, and when the unlatch function is performed, the ratchet 72 is attached to the stopper 77. By making contact, the rotation of the output lever 73 is stopped, so that the rotation of the drive motor 4 that generates the centrifugal force of the centrifugal clutch 6 can be stopped.

Next, the door lock control circuit 8 as a control means for controlling the drive of the drive motor 4 will be described below with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 8, the door lock control circuit 8
Is required for various software processes for controlling the drive of the drive motor 4 in the actuator 3 that uses the microcomputer and causes the engagement / disengagement device 7 to form one of the half-latch state, the full-latch state, and the unlatch state. A read-only memory (ROM) storing a program, a central processing unit (CPU) that executes the program, a writable memory (RAM) that temporarily stores variables necessary for the program, and the like are mainly configured. There is.

The vehicle door is locked and unlocked (lock,
The motor 9a of the actuator 9 serving as a door lock that performs an unlocking function and an unlocking drive means is a door lock switch provided in the vehicle interior of the vehicle, or the speed of the vehicle is a set speed (for example, 20 km / h). Lock & lock switch 9 to detect whether or not
Since the drive control is well-known in the ON / OFF state of 00, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The drive motor 4 is provided with a limit switch (not shown) for detecting the fully latched state and the unlatched state corresponding to the stoppers 76 and 77, so that the door lock control circuit 8 switches between the fully latched state and the unlatched state. When detected, the door lock control circuit 8 surely stops driving.

In place of this limit switch,
The drive control of the drive motor 4 may be performed by controlling the energization time for energizing the drive motor 4.

When the closer function is performed, the half-door state is detected by detecting the on / off state of the half-latch switch 310 such as a half-door detection switch built in the door of the vehicle. Lock control circuit 8
Turns the closer function on and off. Further, when the unlatching function is performed, when the vehicle occupant opens the door closed state, the door lock control circuit 8 detects whether the door open switch 320 is turned on or off by operating the inner or outer handle or the like. Turns the unlatch function on and off.

(Modification 1) As a modification 1, as shown in FIG. 9, as a control means for controlling the drive motor 4, a current detection means 400 for detecting a current flowing through the drive motor 4 is used.
And the door lock control circuit 8 includes the current detecting means 400.
A determination circuit 8a for determining whether to energize or stop energizing the drive motor 4 according to the current value detected in step S4 is provided.

With this arrangement, the stoppers 76 and 77 corresponding to the full-latch state and the unlatch state are merely provided without providing the limit switch, and the drive motor 4 is driven according to the value of the current flowing through the drive motor 4, that is, the drive load.
Can be controlled.

Further, since the limit switch corresponding to the fully latched state and the unlatched state is unnecessary, the cost of the door lock drive motor 1 can be reduced.

More specifically, the current detection means 400 indicates that the current value is less than or equal to the first predetermined value or greater than or equal to the second predetermined value.
Door lock control circuit 8 (specifically, the determination circuit 8a) stops the energization of the drive motor 4,
Therefore, driving is stopped.

As a result, for example, in the case of the full-latch state when the closer function is activated, or in the unlatch state when the opener function is activated,
When the rotation of the speed reducer 5 is stopped via the stoppers 76 and 77, the centrifugal clutch 6 is disengaged regardless of the length of time it is disengaged, that is, the engagement is quickly released and the drive motor 4 is driven without load. When the current value is less than the first predetermined value,
Alternatively, when the release of the engagement is delayed and the current value due to the overload driving of the drive motor 4 is equal to or more than the second predetermined value, the determination circuit 8a of the door lock control circuit 8 causes a waste after the full latch state or the unlatch state is reached. It is possible to prevent a large consumption current from being applied to the drive motor 4.

Here, in the door lock drive device 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, an output shaft 53 for interlocking the speed reducer 5 and the output lever 73 of the engagement / disengagement device 7 via the centrifugal clutch 6. The latch rotation shaft 74 is arranged in series substantially coaxially.

As a result, the output shaft 53 and the latch rotary shaft 7
Since 4 and 4 are arranged in series substantially coaxially, the output shaft 53
In accordance with the rotation of the output lever 73 that makes an arc motion with the forward and reverse rotations of the latch 71 and the rotation shaft of the latch 71, the first engagement portion 71b and the second engagement portion 71c formed on the latch 71 are engaged with each other. It is possible to reduce the size of the radial arrangement of the ratchet 72 that moves in an arc.

Further, the speed reducer 5 described in the present embodiment
Since the input gear 51 and the output gear 52 of No. 1 are formed of a worm gear and a helical gear, respectively, the drive motor 4 and the engagement / disengagement device 7 can be arranged in a U-shape in parallel through the reduction gear device 5. The axial total length can be shortened, and the radial arrangement can be downsized. Therefore, the door lock device 1 can be miniaturized in the axial direction and the radial direction, that is, compact.

Next, the operation of the door lock driving device 1, particularly the engagement / disengagement device 7, will be described below with reference to FIGS.

Note that FIG. 3 shows a half door (see FIG. 3) in which an occupant of the vehicle tries to close the door from the open state (see FIG. 3A).
The door lock control circuit 8 which detects the ON state of the signal of the half-latch switch 310 through the (see (b)) performs the closer function by the drive control of the drive motor 4 (operations of FIGS. 3B to 3D). FIG. 4 shows a process in which the door is closed so that it can be manually opened / closed after the closing of the closer function is performed, and FIG. 5 shows an operation process in which the unlatch function is performed. is there.

(Operating process of the closer function when an occupant tries to close the door from the door open state) As shown in FIG. 3A, when the door is open, the engagement / disengagement device 7 of the door lock drive device 1 is operated. Indicates that the output lever 73 and the ratchet 72 are engaged at the neutral position. The arrow directions F1, F2, and F3 shown in FIG. 3A are respectively the first biasing means 73a, the second biasing means 71e, and the third biasing means 72c.
Represents the urging direction of the urging force of. In this state, the second biasing means 71e causes the output lever 73 to pass through the drive pin 71d.
Therefore, the neutral position formed by the output lever 73 and the ratchet 72 is the resultant force F1 + F2 of the biasing forces of the first biasing means 73a and the second biasing means 71e and the biasing force F3 of the third biasing means 72c. And are in balance. That is, in this door open state, the drive motor 4 is not energized and can be manually opened / closed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 3B, when the occupant tries to close the door from the open state, the striker 100 shown in FIG. 3A is lifted upward. At this time,
The striker 100 enters the opening 71a of the latch 71 and abuts on the opening 71a.
The upward movement of 00 causes the latch 71 to rotate counterclockwise. Due to the counterclockwise rotation of the latch 71, the first engaging portion 71b of the latch 71 causes the pawl portion 72a of the ratchet 72 to move.
By engaging with, the engagement / disengagement device 7 forms a half-door state, that is, a half-latch state. At this time, the latch 71 rotates counterclockwise to disengage the output lever 73 from the drive pin 71d, so that the neutral position between the output lever 73 and the ratchet 72 is set to the first urging means 73a. It is formed by a balance between the urging force F1 and the urging force F3 of the third urging means 72c. Therefore, the rotation of the ratchet 72 rotates counterclockwise about the ratchet rotation shaft 75. Therefore, even in this half-door state, if the drive motor 4 is not energized, it can be manually opened and closed.

Here, the door lock drive device 1 of the present invention.
Has an actuator 3 that performs a closer function and an unlatch function, the door lock control circuit 8 energizes the drive motor 4 when it detects a half-door state from the ON state of the half-latch switch 310.
Driving to perform the closer function is performed from the half-latch state (see FIG. 3B) to the full-latch state (see FIG. 3D).

At this time, when the drive motor 4 is energized, the drive motor 4 is rotated, and the centrifugal force of the centrifugal clutch 6 causes the reduction gear 5 and the engagement / disengagement device 7 to be engaged. As shown in (c), the output lever 73 to which the output shaft 53 of the engagement / disengagement device 7 is fixed rotates counterclockwise by the rotational force of the drive motor 4. Further, when the output lever 73 that rotates in the counterclockwise direction comes into contact with the drive pin 71d, the latch 71 is provided with the drive pin 71 so that the striker 100 shown in FIG.
The rotational force of the drive motor 4 is transmitted via d and rotates counterclockwise.

By the counterclockwise rotation of the latch 71, the second engaging portion 71c of the latch 71 engages with the claw portion 72a of the ratchet 72, as shown in FIG. , Form a full latch state. At this time, the latch 71 which rotates integrally with the output lever 73 and which is rotated by the rotational force of the drive motor 4 is prevented from being excessively rotated, and is brought into contact with the stopper 76 provided for detecting the fully latched state.

(Process of reaching door-closed state where manual opening / closing is possible after closing of the closer function) FIG. 4 (a) is a door closed state in which the closer function is completed, and FIG. 4 (b) is a neutral state in which manual operation is possible. The door is in the closed position.

As shown in FIG. 4A, when the latch 71 comes into contact with the stopper 76 in the full-latch state shown in FIG. 3D, the engaging / disengaging device 7 causes the latch 71, that is, the output lever 73. Since the rotation is stopped, the centrifugal force of the centrifugal clutch 6 disappears, and the engagement with the speed reducer 5 that transmits the rotational force of the drive motor is released. As a result, the rotational force of the drive motor 4 is not transmitted to the output lever 73, so that the output lever 73 is automatically rotated clockwise by the urging force F1 of the first urging means 73a acting on the output lever 73. This clockwise rotation causes the output lever 73
Engages the ratchet 72 in the neutral position via the passive pin 72b (see FIG. 4 (b)). That is, FIG. 4 (b)
The engagement / disengagement device 7 shown in FIG. 2 is in a door closed state in which it can be manually opened and closed.

(Operation Process for Performing Unlatch Function) FIG. 5
(A) is a door closed state in a neutral position where manual operation is possible,
FIG. 5B shows the door open state.

As shown in FIG. 5A, in the door open state shown in FIG. 4B, when the passenger opens the door closed state, the door open switch 320 is turned on by operating the inner or outer handle. When the state is detected, the door lock control circuit 8 energizes the drive motor 4 so that the door lock control circuit 8 is driven by the reverse rotation to perform the unlatch function so that the door is closed and the door is opened.

At this time, when the drive motor 4 is energized, reverse rotation of the drive motor 4 occurs, and the centrifugal force of the centrifugal clutch 6 causes the reduction gear 5 and the engagement / disengagement device 7 to engage with each other. The output lever 73, to which the output shaft 53 of the detachment device 7 is fixed, rotates clockwise by the rotational force of the drive motor 4 that rotates in the reverse direction. The output lever 73 that rotates in the clockwise direction rotates the ratchet 72 in the clockwise direction via the passive pin 72b, and the second engagement of the latch 71 that rotates integrally with the output lever 73 via the drive pin 71d. The engagement between the portion 71c and the claw portion 72a of the ratchet 72 is released (FIG. 5B). Specifically, the latch 71 itself is rotated clockwise by the urging force F2 of the second urging means 71e acting on the latch 71. Since the striker 100 moves, the striker 100 is released from the latch 71 by being disengaged from the opening 71a.

At this time, the ratchet 71 that rotates in conjunction with the output lever 73 to which the rotational force of the drive motor 4 is transmitted.
To prevent over-rotation and contact with a stopper 76 provided for detecting an unlatched state. As a result, the rotation of the lever 73 is stopped, so that the centrifugal force of the centrifugal clutch 6 disappears and the engagement with the reduction gear transmission 5 that transmits the rotational force of the drive motor is released. That is, FIG.
As shown in (b), the engagement / disengagement device 7 is in a door open state in which it can be manually opened / closed.

(Modification 2) As Modification 2, as shown in FIG. 7, a configuration in which the output shaft 53 and the latch rotary shaft 74 described in the above embodiment are arranged substantially coaxially in series is as shown in FIG. The output shaft 53 and the latch rotation shaft 74 may be arranged in parallel in parallel. Note that FIG. 7 shows an operation process between the door open state and the door closed state, and FIGS. 7A to 7C show a process from the door open state to the door closed state, particularly a process when the closer function is activated. , FIG. 7 (d) to FIG. 7 (e)
Shows a process from a door closed state to a door closed state at a neutral position where manual operation is possible.

As a result, the output shaft 53 and the latch rotary shaft 7
4 are arranged substantially parallel to each other in parallel, so that the output shaft 53 and the latch rotary shaft 74 can be shortened while shortening the overall length in the axial direction.
The rotational force of the drive motor 4 can be transmitted to the latch 71 via.

In implementing the present invention, the present invention is applied to the vehicle door lock drive device 1. However, the present invention is applied to a vehicle door that performs a closer function and an unlatch function for doors of vehicles other than automobiles, airplanes and ships. It may be applied to a lock drive device. Further, the present invention may be applied to a door lock drive device that performs a closer function and an unlatch function of a door of a building structure.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic vertical sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a door lock drive device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a door lock driving device as seen from the direction II-II in FIG.

3 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing a process from a door open state to a door closed state in the door lock driving device viewed from the direction III-III in FIG. 1, particularly a process at the time of closing function operation; 3A is a door open state, FIG. 3B is a half-door state by manual operation, FIG. 3C and FIG.
(D) is a schematic diagram which shows a closer function operation process.

4 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing a process of reaching a door-closed state in which manual operation is possible after completion of the closer function operation in the door lock driving device viewed from the direction of III-III in FIG. FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram showing a door closed state in which the closer function has ended, and FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram showing a door closed state in a neutral position where manual operation is possible.

5 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing a process from a door closed state to a door opened state in the door lock driving device viewed from the direction of III-III in FIG. 1, and FIG. The door is closed at the neutral position, and FIG. 5B is a schematic view showing the door open.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a centrifugal clutch related to a door lock drive device viewed from a VI-VI direction in FIG. 1, and formation and release of engagement between a reduction gear of an actuator and an output shaft of an engagement / disengagement device. FIG.

FIG. 7 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing a main part of a door lock driving device of a modified example, showing an operation process between a door open state and a door closed state according to the modified example, and FIG. 7
FIG. 7C is a process from the door open state to the door closed state, particularly when the closer function is activated, and FIGS. 7D to 7E show a door closed state from a door closed state in a neutral position where manual operation is possible. It is a schematic diagram which shows the process.

FIG. 8 is a circuit configuration diagram showing a control circuit as a control means relating to the door lock driving device of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a circuit configuration diagram showing a control circuit as a control means according to a modification.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Door Lock Driving Device 2 Door Lock 3 Actuator 4 Drive Motor 5 Reduction Gears 51, 52 Input Gear, Output Gear 52a Cylindrical End 53 Output Shaft 54 Peripheral Wall Part (Part of Output Shaft) 54a Inner Surface 54b Protrusion 6 Centrifugal Clutch 61 Locking portion 62 Return spring 7 Engaging device 71 Latches 71a, 71b, 71c Opening portion, first engaging portion, second engaging portion 71d Drive pin 71e Second biasing means 72 Ratchet 72a Claw portion 72b Passive pin 72c Third urging means 73 Output lever 73a First urging means 74 Latch rotation shaft 75 Ratchet rotation shafts 76, 77 Stopper in full latch state, stopper in unlatched state 8 Door lock control circuit (control means) 8a Flow to drive motor 4 Judgment circuit for judging energization / non-energization based on current value 100 Striker 310 Half-latch switch 320 door open switch 400 current detecting means F1, F2, F3 biasing force and biasing direction of the first biasing means, biasing force and biasing direction of the second biasing means, biasing force and biasing of the third biasing means direction

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A member for forming one of a half-latch state in which a striker is locked in a half-door state, a full-latch state in which a striker is locked in a door-closed state, and an unlatch state in which the striker is opened. A door lock having a disengagement device, and a closer function for operating the engagement / disengagement device from the half-latch state to the full-latch state,
In a door lock drive device including an actuator that performs an unlatch function that operates the engagement / disengagement device from the full-latch state to the unlatch state, the actuator includes a drive motor that can rotate in forward and reverse directions,
A speed reducer for transmitting a rotational force generated by forward / reverse rotation of the drive motor to the engagement / disengagement device, wherein the speed reducer has a centrifugal clutch, and when the drive motor rotates, the speed reducer protrudes in a radial direction according to the rotation. By engaging with the engaging portion of the centrifugal clutch, the engagement / disengagement device is operated, and when the drive motor is stopped, the engagement between the reduction gear and the engagement / disengagement device via the centrifugal clutch. The door lock drive device is characterized in that the engagement / disengagement device can be manually operated by disengaging. 2. The speed reducer includes the centrifugal clutch in an output gear that meshes with an input gear fixed to a drive shaft of the drive motor, and the rotational force of the drive motor is transmitted through the centrifugal clutch. The output shaft of the engaging / disengaging device, which is transmitted, has a peripheral wall portion rotatably accommodating the locking portion protruding in the radial direction according to rotation, and a part of the peripheral wall portion engaging with the locking portion. The door lock drive device according to claim 1, further comprising: a protrusion that can be fitted. 3. The engagement / disengagement device is an output lever that is fixed to the output shaft and is rotatable forward and backward, and is urged against the forward and reverse rotational force of the output lever that is engageable with the output lever. A ratchet having a biasing force for driving, a drive pin that receives the rotational force of the drive motor via the output lever, a first engaging portion that engages with a pawl portion of the ratchet in the half door state, and a door closing state A second engaging portion that engages with the pawl portion of the ratchet, an opening portion that can hold the striker, and a latch that has a rotatable latch rotation shaft, and the output shaft and the latch rotation shaft are substantially The door lock drive device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the door lock drive devices are coaxially arranged in series. 4. The engagement / disengagement device is an output lever that is fixed to the output shaft and is rotatable forward and backward, and is urged against the forward and reverse rotational force of the output lever that is engageable with the output lever. A ratchet having an urging force for driving, a drive pin that receives the rotational force of the drive motor via the output lever, a first engaging portion that engages with a pawl portion of the ratchet in a half-door state, and a door closed state A second engaging portion that engages with the pawl portion of the ratchet, an opening portion that can hold the striker, and a latch that has a rotatable latch rotation shaft, and the output shaft and the latch rotation shaft are substantially The door lock drive device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the door lock drive devices are arranged in parallel in parallel. 5. When the engagement / disengagement device can be manually operated, the output lever, the latch, and the ratchet each urge the output lever in a rotation angle direction from a full latch position to an unlatch position. A first urging means, a second urging means for urging the latch in a rotation angle direction from a full latch position to an unlatch position, and a third urging means for urging the output lever in a rotation angle direction from an unlatch position to a full latch position. The door lock drive device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the output lever and the ratchet, which are provided with a biasing means and are engaged with each other, are in a balanced state. 6. A current detecting means for detecting a current flowing through the drive motor, and a control means for controlling the drive of the drive motor according to a current value detected by the current detecting means, the control means comprising: The door lock according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein when the current value is equal to or less than a first predetermined value or equal to or more than a second predetermined value, the driving of the drive motor is stopped. Drive.