JPH0649672U - Vehicle door lock device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Purpose] To obtain a vehicle door lock device that suppresses operating noise when operating regardless of the driver's consciousness. A door lock control unit 30 of a vehicle door lock device 10 is provided with a microcomputer 32, a PWM control unit 46, and a relay unit 34, and drives an actuator 26 to perform door lock / unlock. ing. A DC motor or the like is provided in the actuator, and door lock / unlock is performed by driving the DC motor. When the vehicle speed sensor 36 detects that the vehicle speed becomes equal to or higher than a certain speed, the microcomputer outputs a duty ratio reduction signal to the PWM control unit and converts the direct current of the battery 48 into a rectangular pulse. Further, the microcomputer outputs a lock signal to the relay unit 34, sends a pulse supplied from the PWM control unit to the actuator, drives the actuator, and locks the door. When the actuator is supplied with a pulse, the rotation speed is lowered, and the door is locked slowly.

Description

[Detailed description of the device]

[0001]

[Industrial applications]

 The present invention relates to a vehicle door locking device having a function of locking a vehicle door in response to a vehicle speed.

[0002]

[Prior art]

 2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a vehicle has been improved in airtightness, reduced road noise, wind noise, etc., and has been improved in quietness while traveling. This allows the driver to concentrate more on driving the vehicle.

On the other hand, some vehicles are equipped with a door lock device that locks and unlocks the doors of other seats from the driver's seat. In this door lock device, by operating a switch provided in the driver's seat, an actuator drives a link connected to a lock mechanism of each door to lock / unlock each door. In addition, the doors of the passenger seat and the rear seats can be locked and unlocked in the same manner according to the operation of the lock knob on the driver's side.

Further, in such a door lock device, when the speed of the vehicle reaches a constant value and any of the doors is not in a locked state, the actuator is automatically operated to lock the door. Some of them have a function to ensure the safety of passengers while the vehicle is running.

The operation sound when the door lock device is locked / unlocked, that is, the sound of the door lock knob or the link mechanism hitting the stopper or the like, is the lock / unlock of each door operated by the driver by operating the lock knob or the main switch. When doing, it is effective as a confirmation sound, and a crisp sound with a volume that is not too low is preferred.

[0006]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, the lock function, which operates when the vehicle reaches a certain speed, may cause a driver to feel uncomfortable as an abnormally loud noise in a cabin where the quietness is enhanced. Well, it's not liked.

In order to reduce the operating noise, the actuator may be operated slowly to reduce the noise that the lock knob or the like collides with the stopper. However, there is a method of changing the voltage for driving the actuator in order to generate an operating sound of a predetermined volume when the driver operates it and reduce the operating sound when the driver is not aware. However, the method of controlling the direct-current voltage applied to the actuator within a predetermined range to control the operating speed of the actuator has a problem that the device is large and power consumption increases.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned fact, and the driving speed of the actuator can be easily reduced by a small device, and the operating noise of the door lock can be reduced when it is not the driver's will. It is an object to obtain a vehicle door lock device.

[0009]

[Means for Solving the Problems]

 A vehicle door lock device according to the present invention comprises a vehicle speed sensor for detecting a vehicle speed, a lock mechanism provided on each door of the vehicle for locking / unlocking each door, and an occupant's operation or a vehicle speed sensor. When it is detected that the vehicle speed has reached a predetermined speed or more, a predetermined voltage is applied from a power source to rotate the lock mechanism to operate, and the vehicle speed sensor detects that the vehicle has reached a predetermined speed. Upon detection, a power supply control unit that turns on / off a voltage applied from the power source to the drive unit in a predetermined cycle to slow down the rotation speed of the drive unit compared to an operation by an occupant's operation is provided. And

[0010]

[Action]

 The vehicle door lock device of the present invention locks and unlocks each door by applying a predetermined voltage to the drive means to operate the lock mechanism. Further, when the vehicle speed sensor detects that the speed of the vehicle has exceeded a predetermined value, the power supply control section is adapted to turn on / off the voltage applied to the driving means.

Generally, a power supply used in a vehicle is a DC voltage from a battery, and a pulse is applied to the driving means by turning on / off the power supply control unit.

In general, the method of performing pulse width modulation to control the rotation speed of a DC motor is widely used in simple and small devices.

When a pulse is applied as a power source to the driving means, the rotation speed changes according to the period and pulse width of the pulse, and the rotation speed becomes slower than when a DC voltage is applied. The driving means whose rotation speed is slowed slowly actuates the lock mechanism of each door, and the lock knob or the like slowly hits the stopper, and the hitting sound becomes low. As a result, the vehicle door lock device does not cause occupant discomfort even if the vehicle door lock device operates regardless of the occupant's will.

[0014]

【Example】

 (Embodiment 1) A configuration of a vehicle door lock device 10 to which the present invention is applied will be described.

As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle door 12 is provided with a lock portion 14. The lock portion 14 can be opened by releasing the engagement with a striker (not shown) by operating the outside handle 16 or the inside handle 18. Further, a lock mechanism 24 is configured by connecting a lock knob 24 and an actuator 26 having a built-in DC motor as a driving means to the lock portion 14 via links 20 and 22. The lock mechanism 27 locks and unlocks the lock portion 14 by operating the lock knob 24 or driving the actuator 26. When the lock portion 14 is in the locked state, the engagement with the striker by the operation of the outside handle 16 or the inside handle 18 is not released, and the door 12 cannot be opened.

The actuator 26 of each door 12 is connected to the door lock control unit 30 shown in FIG. 1 via a wire harness 28. In the door lock control unit 30, the actuator 26 is connected to the relay unit 34 controlled by the micro computer 32.

The microcomputer 32 includes a CPU 80, a RAM 82, a ROM 84, an input port 86, and an output port 88.

A vehicle speed sensor 36 is connected to the input port 86 of the microcomputer 32. The vehicle speed sensor 36 is activated when the vehicle reaches a certain speed (about 20 km / h in this embodiment). Further, a lock link switch 38 for detecting the locked / unlocked state of the door 12 is provided in the actuator 26 at each door 12 of the passenger seat and the rear seat, and is connected to the input port 86.

When the microcomputer 32 receives a signal from the vehicle speed sensor 36, the microcomputer 32 detects the locked state of each door 12 of the passenger seat and the rear seat, and operates to lock when there is an unlocked door 12. It is supposed to do. The lock link switch 38 may be provided on the actuator 26 of the door 12 at the driver's seat.

A lock switch 40 is provided in the actuator 26 in the driver's seat. A key cylinder switch 42 is mechanically connected to the lock switch 40. These are connected to the input port 86 of the microcomputer 32, and when the circuit is opened, the microcomputer 32 outputs a lock signal from the output port 88 to the relay unit 34. Further, when the lock switch 40 or the key cylinder switch 42 is unlocked, the microcomputer 32 outputs an unlock signal.

Further, the main switch 44 connected to the microcomputer 32 is provided beside the driver's seat, and the driver intensively locks or unlocks the doors 12 so that the microcomputer 32 can be operated. A lock / unlock signal is output to the relay unit 34.

The lock signal and the unlock signal output from the microcomputer 32 to the relay unit 34 are output intermittently by a timer (not shown), and are output when the lock or unlock is confirmed by the lock link switch 38. It is supposed to stop.

The output port 88 of the microcomputer 32 is connected to a PWM control unit 46 which is a power supply control unit. The PWM control unit 46 is provided between the relay unit 34 and the battery 48 of the vehicle, which serves as a drive power source for the actuator 26. When the microcomputer 32 receives a signal from the vehicle speed sensor 34 indicating that the speed of the vehicle has reached a certain level or higher, it sends a duty signal to the PWM control section 46. The PWM control unit 46 receives the duty signal from the microcomputer 32, converts the DC voltage from the battery 48 into a pulse having a constant width, and outputs the pulse to the relay unit 34. When the duty signal is not input from the microcomputer 32, the PWM control unit 46 outputs a pulse with a duty ratio of "1", that is, the DC voltage of the battery as it is.

The relay unit 34 drives the actuator 26 in the lock direction by a lock signal from the microcomputer 32, and drives each actuator 26 in the unlock direction by an unlock signal. The link mechanism 27 of each door 12 operates to lock / unlock. That is, the polarity of the power source of the actuator 26 supplied from the PWM control unit 46 is changed and output is performed. Only one of the lock / unlock signals output from the microcomputer 32 is output, and both signals are not output at the same time. Further, the actuator 26 is provided with a deceleration mechanism so that the DC motor (not shown) can reliably operate the lock mechanism 27 even when the torque is low.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In the flow chart, “U” indicates door unlock, “L” indicates door lock, and “none” indicates a state in which neither door locking nor unlocking is performed.

First, in step 100, lock / unlock operation by the key cylinder switch 42 is confirmed, and in step 102, lock / unlock operation by the main switch 44 is confirmed. When unlocked by either the key cylinder switch 42 or the main switch 44, the microcomputer 32 sends an unlock signal to the relay unit 34 in step 104. As a result, the relay unit 34 supplies the power supplied from the battery 48 via the PWM control unit 46 to the actuator 26 to unlock the doors 12. In this case, since the duty signal is not output from the microcomputer 32, the DC voltage from the battery 48 is directly supplied to the actuator 26.

As a result, the actuator 26 operates at a normal speed, the lock mechanism 27 operates, and the lock of each door 12 is released.

In step 106, it is confirmed whether or not the lock switch 40 has performed the lock operation by the lock knob 24 in the driver's seat. If it is determined in any of steps 100, 102, and 106 that the lock operation is performed by any of the main switch 44, the key cylinder switch 42, and the lock knob 12 of the driver's seat door, in step 108, the micro computer 32 A lock signal is sent to the relay unit 34, a DC voltage from the battery 48 is supplied to the actuator 26, and the lock mechanism 27 of each door 12 operates at a normal speed to lock.

Since the passenger seat and the rear seat are not provided with the lock switches 40, when the lock knob 12 of each door 12 of the passenger seat and the rear seat is operated, only the door 12 is locked / unlocked. It is supposed to be done.

In step 110, when the vehicle speed sensor 36 detects that the vehicle is traveling at 20 km / h or more, in step 112 it is confirmed whether all the lock link switches 38 of each door 12 are in the locked state. However, if even one is not locked, it is determined that the door 12 is locked.

First, in step 114, the microcomputer 32 outputs a duty signal to the PWM control section 46. As a result, the PWM control unit 46 converts the DC voltage supplied from the battery 48 into a pulse having a predetermined width and supplies the pulse to the relay unit 34. Further, the microcomputer 32 sends a lock signal to the relay unit 34 to operate the actuator 26 to lock it (step 116).

The microcomputer 32 is always connected to the battery 48, and always locks and unlocks each door 12 according to the flowchart shown in FIG. .

Since a pulse is supplied to the actuator 26, the rotation speed becomes slow and the lock mechanism 27 operates slowly. For this reason, the operating sound of the lock mechanism 27 becomes low, and the operation is slow, so the sound of the lock knob 24 hitting the stopper also becomes low, and even if the lock mechanism 24 is operated by the speed of the vehicle regardless of the driver's consciousness, the driver does not You don't feel any loud noise.

The PWM control unit 46 converts the DC voltage into a rectangular pulse waveform, and when the duty signal is supplied, the pulse is output with a constant width. This method is generally used for rotation control and can be manufactured in a small size with a simple structure. In this embodiment, when the duty signal is not supplied from the microcomputer 32, the duty is output as "1". That is, the supplied DC voltage is output as it is, and when the driver intentionally locks and unlocks the door 12, it operates at a normal speed, and the lock knob 24 or the like collides with the stopper or the like. Operation noise is generated.

The vehicle door lock device 10 according to the present invention has a simple structure in which a PWM control section 46 that is operated by the vehicle speed sensor 36 is provided in a general vehicle door lock device. The operation of the PWM control unit 46 of the door lock control unit 30 can be controlled by the program recorded in the microcomputer 32.

It should be noted that the microcomputer 32 may be provided with a key binding prevention function or the like in which the door 12 is not locked when the key is inserted in the ignition switch. Alternatively, the operating speed of the lock mechanism 27 may be adjusted by adjusting the duty signal from the microcomputer 32.

Second Embodiment FIG. 4 shows a door lock control section 50 of a vehicle door lock device 10 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In the second embodiment, basically the same parts as those in the first embodiment are used, the same parts are given the same numbers, and the description thereof is omitted.

The door lock control section 50 is configured as a part of a CPU (control processing unit) 33 that controls various functions of the vehicle. A vehicle speed operating unit 52, a timer 54, drivers 56A and 56B, and a gate circuit 58 are provided in the CPU 33. The vehicle speed operating section 52 is connected to a vehicle speed sensor 36 and a lock link switch 38 for a passenger seat and a rear seat, and an output is sent to an OR gate 60 and a PWM control section 46. The lock link switch 38 is unlocked when the circuit is closed.

The output side of the vehicle speed operating unit 52 is connected to the input side of the OR gate 60, and one contact of the main switch 45 is connected via the lock switch 40 and the inverter 62 in the driver's seat. There is. A timer 54 is connected to the output side of the OR gate 60, and the timer 54 is connected to the relay unit 34 via a driver 56A. When the lock switch 40 in the driver's seat is opened, or when the vehicle speed operating unit 52 or the main switch 45 is operated, the lock signal is sent from the OR gate 60 to the relay unit 34 via the timer 54 and the driver 56A. Is output.

The other contact of the main switch 45 and the key cylinder switch 42 are connected to the input side of the inverter 64, and the output side of the inverter 64 is connected to the relay unit 34 via the timer 54 and the driver 56B. ing. When the key cylinder switch 42 is closed or the main switch 45 is unlocked, the inverter 64 outputs an unlock signal to the relay unit 34 via the timer 54 and the driver 56B.

The signal sent from the vehicle speed operating section 52 to the PWM control section 46 is a duty signal, and the PWM control section 46 is supplied with this signal to output a pulse.

The relay unit 34 is provided with a relay 66A for closing a contact by a lock signal output from the CPU 33 and a relay 66B for closing a contact by an unlock signal. By operating each of the relays 66A, 66B, the relay unit 34 is connected to the actuator 26. The polarity of the supplied power is changed and each door 12 is locked / unlocked.

When the vehicle speed sensor 36 detects that the vehicle has reached a constant speed, the vehicle speed operating unit 52 detects by the lock link switch 38 whether there is the door 12 in the unlocked state, and the door 12 in the unlocked state is detected. If there is, a signal is output to the OR gate 60 and the PWM control unit 46.

That is, only when the vehicle speed sensor 36 detects the vehicle speed and locks each door 12 regardless of the driver's consciousness, the PWM control unit 46 outputs a pulse to the actuator 26 and the operating speed of the actuator 26. Is designed to be low. As a result, the operating noise generated when the lock knob 24 or the like hits the stopper or the like can be reduced.

The power supply control unit is not limited to the PWM control unit 46 in which the PWM control unit 46 outputs the pulse width according to the duty signal to the relay unit 34. For example, when the CPU 33 is activated by the detection signal of the vehicle speed sensor 36, a preset pulse may be output, and in other cases, a DC voltage may be output.

[0046]

[Effect of device]

 As described above, the vehicle door lock device according to the present invention normally feels a crisp operation sound when the driver operates it. Further, when the vehicle speed reaches a certain speed in the unlocked state of the door, a pulse is applied to the driving means to activate the locking mechanism, so that the rotation speed of the driving means is reduced and the door is locked slowly. As a result, it is possible to reduce the operating noise when operating regardless of the occupant's consciousness, and it is possible to obtain a vehicle door lock device in which the occupant does not feel uncomfortable with this operating noise. .

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a main part of the vehicle door lock device according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation of a control unit.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a control unit according to the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 Vehicle Door Lock Device 26 Actuator (Drive Unit) 27 Lock Mechanism 30, 50 Door Lock Control Unit 32 Microcomputer (Controller) 33 CPU (Controller) 34 Relay Unit (Controller) 36 Vehicle Speed Sensor 46 PWM Control Unit (Power Supply Control Unit) )

Claims (1)

[Scope of utility model registration request] 1. A vehicle speed sensor for detecting the speed of a vehicle, a lock mechanism provided on each door of the vehicle for locking / unlocking each door, and an occupant's operation or a vehicle speed sensor for determining whether the speed of the vehicle is a predetermined value or more. Driving means for applying a predetermined voltage from a power supply to rotate and actuating the lock mechanism when it detects that the vehicle speed sensor has reached a predetermined speed, and the driving means from the power supply when the vehicle speed sensor detects that the vehicle speed has reached a predetermined speed. A door lock device for a vehicle, comprising: a power supply control unit that turns on / off a voltage applied to the vehicle in a predetermined cycle to slow down the rotation speed of the drive means as compared with an operation by an occupant.