Patent ID: 10801234

Abstract:
A locking device for a trunk in a vehicle. The locking device includes a latch configured to change a state of the trunk between locked and unlocked, and a lever configured to drive the latch to an open position. The locking device further includes a lock knob configured to be disposed outward of a vehicle body to visually determine from an outside of the vehicle whether the trunk is in the locked state or the unlocked state. The lock knob is further configured to be selectively placed in a locked position. In the locked position, the trunk is configured to be brought into the locked state by prohibiting the latch from being driven to an open position. The lock knob is further configured to be selectively placed in an unlocked position. In the unlocked position, the trunk is configured to be brought into the unlocked state by enabling the latch to be driven to the open position. The locking device further includes an actuator for enabling the lock knob to be selectively placed in one of the locked position or the unlocked position. The locking device is configured to authenticate a portable key, when the lever is operated with the trunk in the locked state. When the portable key is authenticated, the lock knob is configured to be driven into the unlocked position.