Door latch device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a door latch device capable of automatically opening a door, which suppresses the generation of vibration and abnormal sound when the door is opened and is miniaturized. A door latch device (10) is provided with: a base (13B) having an insertion groove (14d); a shift fork (21) axially supported by a shift fork shaft (22) on one side of the insertion groove (14d); a pawl (25) axially supported by a pawl shaft (26) on the other side of the insertion groove (14d); an opening lever (31) disposed so as to be spaced apart from the pawl (25) in the axial direction of the pawl shaft (26); and a drive mechanism (36) that rotates the opening lever (31). The fork restricting portion (31c) restricts the rotation of the fork (21) toward the open position by the rotation of the open lever (31), and after the pawl operating portion (31f) rotates the pawl (25) from the locked position to the non-locked position, the pawl operating portion (31f) restricts the rotation of the pawl (25) toward the locked position, and the fork restricting portion (31c) releases the rotation restriction of the fork (21) toward the open position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a door latch device. Background Art

[0002] The latch device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a shift fork, a pawl, and a disc-shaped operating member. The shift fork can be rotated to an open position, a latch position, and an over latch position, wherein the open position is a position where the shift fork can disengage the striker, the latch position is a position where the shift fork holds the striker, and the over latch position is a position farther from the open position than the latch position. The pawl can be rotated to a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the locked position is a position where the pawl locks the shift fork under the latch position, and the unlocked position is a position where the locking of the pawl and the shift fork is released. The operating member includes a shift fork operating pin for rotating the shift fork and a pawl operating pin for rotating the pawl, and is rotated by a motor.

[0003] When opening the door, the operating member is rotated approximately 180 degrees in the first direction by the motor. Through this rotation, after the fork operating pin rotates the fork from the latch position to the over-latching position, the pawl operating pin rotates the pawl from the locked position to the unlatched position. After that, after the fork operating pin slowly rotates the fork toward the open position, the fork is rotated to the open position by releasing the restriction of the fork. As a result, the fork is prevented from suddenly rotating from the latch position to the open position accompanied by the elastic force of the weather strip that seals the vehicle body and the door, and the vibration of the fork caused by the rapid rotation and the generation of abnormal noise due to the resonance of the vibration with the door, etc. are suppressed.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-94346

[0007] In the latch device of Patent Document 1, the disk-shaped operating member is arranged adjacent to the fork and the pawl on the same plane. Therefore, the area required for the arrangement of the fork, the pawl and the operating member is large, so the latch device of Patent Document 1 has room for improvement in miniaturization. Summary of the invention

[0008] An object of the present invention is to miniaturize a door latch device capable of automatically opening a door.

[0009] The present invention provides a door latch device, which comprises: a base having an insertion groove into which a striker can be inserted; a shift fork assembled on a shift fork shaft and capable of rotating to a latched position and an open position, wherein a force is applied from the latched position toward the open position by a force-applying member, wherein the shift fork shaft is arranged on one side of the insertion groove relative to the base in a direction intersecting with a direction in which the insertion groove extends, the latched position is a position in which the shift fork holds the striker, and the open position is a position in which the shift fork can disengage the striker; a pawl axially supported on the pawl shaft and capable of rotating to a locked position and a non-locked position, wherein the pawl shaft is relatively The base is arranged on the other side of the insertion groove in a direction intersecting with the direction in which the insertion groove extends, and extends along the shift fork shaft, the locked position is a position in which the pawl locks the shift fork in the latch position, and the non-locked position is a position in which the locking of the pawl and the shift fork is released to allow the rotation of the shift fork by the force application member; the opening lever comprises a shift fork limiting portion and a pawl operating portion, which is supported on the other side of the insertion groove relative to the base shaft and is arranged in a manner of being spaced apart from the pawl in the axial direction of the pawl shaft, wherein the shift fork limiting portion is used to limit The pawl operating portion is used to control the shift fork to rotate toward the open position, and the pawl operating portion is used to rotate the pawl from the locked position to the unlocked position; and a driving mechanism causes the opening lever to rotate from the initial position to a first rotation position, a second rotation position and a third rotation position, wherein the first rotation position is located at a position spaced apart from the initial position, the second rotation position is farther from the initial position than the first rotation position, and the third rotation position is farther from the initial position than the second rotation position, and when the opening lever is located at the initial position, the shift fork limiting portion allows the shift fork to rotate, and the pawl The operating part maintains the pawl in the locked position, and the fork limiting part limits the rotation of the fork toward the open position by the opening rod rotating from the initial position to the first rotation position, and the pawl operating part rotates the pawl from the locked position to the non-locked position by the opening rod rotating from the first rotation position to the second rotation position, and the pawl operating part limits the rotation of the pawl toward the locked position by the opening rod rotating from the second rotation position to the third rotation position, and the pawl operating part releases the rotation restriction of the fork toward the open position.

[0010] When opening the door, the opening lever restricts the fork from rotating toward the open position through the fork restricting portion, and then the pawl operating portion rotates the pawl from the locked position to the unlocked position. After that, the pawl operating portion restricts the pawl from rotating toward the locked position, and the fork restricting portion releases the restriction on the rotation of the fork toward the open position. As a result, the fork can be rotated from the latched position to the open position, so the door can be opened automatically and reliably.

[0011] The opening rod having the fork limiting portion and the pawl operating portion is axially supported on the other side of the insertion groove like the pawl, and is arranged in a manner that a gap is left relative to the pawl in the axial direction of the pawl shaft. Therefore, it is not necessary to ensure a space for arranging the opening rod and the pawl on the same plane. In other words, by arranging the opening rod three-dimensionally relative to the fork and the pawl, when viewed from the direction in which the pawl shaft extends, the projected area of ​​the base for arranging the fork, the pawl, and the opening rod can be reduced, thereby miniaturizing the door latch device.

[0012] Effects of the Invention

[0013] In the present invention, a door latch device capable of automatically opening a door can be miniaturized. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 This is a side view of a latch device according to an embodiment of the present invention disposed on a rear door.

[0015] Figure 2 It is an exploded perspective view of the latch device.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a front view of the latch mechanism and the electric opening and closing mechanism.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the latch mechanism and electric opening and closing mechanism as viewed from the upper front.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the latch mechanism and electric opening and closing mechanism as seen from the back and above.

[0019] Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view of the latch mechanism and the electric opening and closing mechanism.

[0020] Figure 7 It is a plan view showing the relationship between the insertion groove, the opening lever in the initial position, and the fork lever in the latch position.

[0021] Figure 8 It is a plan view showing the relationship between the insertion groove, the opening lever in the restriction end position, and the shift fork lever in the latch position.

[0022] Fig. 9 This is a perspective view showing a process of operation of the latch mechanism and the electric opening and closing mechanism when the door is opened.

[0023] Fig.10 This is a perspective view showing a process of operation of the latch mechanism and the electric opening and closing mechanism when the door is closed.

[0024] Fig.11 This is a top view showing a series of movements of the latch mechanism and the electric opening and closing mechanism when the door is opened.

[0025] Fig.12 1 is a diagram showing the movement of the latch mechanism during the opening operation by the electric opening and closing mechanism.

[0026] Fig.13 yes Fig.11 Top view of the latched state.

[0027] Fig.14 yes Fig.11 A top view of the start-up state.

[0028] Fig.15 yes Fig.11 A top view of the opening working process 1.

[0029] Fig.16 yes Fig.11 A top view of the opening working process 2.

[0030] Fig.17 yes Fig.11 A top view of the opening working process 3.

[0031] Fig.18 yes Fig.11 A top view of the opening working process 4.

[0032] Fig.19 yes Fig.11 A top view of the finished working state.

[0033] Fig. 20 yes Fig.11 Top view of the opened state.

[0034] Fig.21 It is a top view showing the state of the latch mechanism and the electric opening and closing mechanism when the door closing operation starts.

[0035] Description of Reference Numerals

[0036] 1: vehicle body; 2: striker; 3: weather strip; 4: rear door; 5: outer panel; 6: inner panel; 6a: bulge; 8: ECU; 10: latch device; 12: housing; 13A: main body; 13B: base; 14: base plate; 14a: base main body; 14b: reinforcing plate; 14c: cover plate; 14d: insertion groove; 14e: bracket; 14f: opening; 15: protection block; 15a: insertion groove; 16: cover plate; 16a: bracket ; 17: cover; 18: cover body; 18a: connector part; 18b: motor configuration part; 18c: gear configuration part; 18d: spindle support part; 19: rear cover; 19a: cover part; 19b: switch assembly part; 20: latch mechanism; 21: shift fork; 21a: retaining groove; 21b: full latch locking part; 21c: half latch locking part; 22: shift fork shaft; 23: recoil spring (force member); 25: ratchet; 25a: locking part ; 25b: opening operation receiving part; 25c: emergency opening operation part; 26: ratchet shaft; 27: recoil spring; 30: electric opening and closing mechanism; 31: opening lever; 31a: lever body; 31b: opening operation receiving part; 31c: fork limiting part; 31d: base; 31e: limiting body; 31f: ratchet operating part; 32: shaft member; 33: coil spring; 34: fork lever; 34a: lever body; 34b: assembly part; 34c: 1: closing operation receiving part; 34d: limiting receiving part; 34e: switch operating part; 36: driving mechanism; 37: motor; 38: worm; 39: main shaft; 39a: screw thread; 40: worm wheel; 41: ball bearing; 42: sliding bearing; 43: sliding part; 43a: sliding part body; 43b: threaded hole; 43c: opening operating part; 43d: closing operating part; 43e: operating part; 50: switch; 51: rotary switch; 52: switch. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] Reference Figure 1 The latch device 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention is disposed on the rear door 4 that opens and closes the rear opening of the vehicle body 1, and holds the rear door 4 in a closed state relative to the vehicle body 1 in an openable manner.

[0039] The X direction in the figure is the vehicle length direction, the direction indicated by the arrow is the front side (vehicle interior side), and the direction opposite to the arrow is the rear side (vehicle exterior side). The Y direction is the vehicle width direction, and the Z direction is the vehicle height direction. The following description is based on the state in which the rear door 4 is closed relative to the vehicle body 1.

[0040] The vehicle body 1 is fixed with screws to a striker 2 having an inverted U shape and held by a latch device 10. A rubber weather strip 3 is disposed at the rear end of the vehicle body 1 in the vehicle length direction to seal the gap between the vehicle body 1 and the rear door 4.

[0041] The rear door 4 includes an outer panel 5 exposed to the outside of the vehicle and an inner panel 6 located on the front side of the outer panel 5 in the vehicle length direction (inside the vehicle). A bulging portion 6a bulging toward the inside of the vehicle is formed at the lower portion of the inner panel 6. A portion of the inner panel 6 below the bulging portion 6a is joined to the outer panel 5. The rear door 4 is a structure that is opened and closed in the vehicle height direction, and its upper end is rotatably mounted on a rotation shaft extending in the vehicle width direction and arranged on the vehicle body 1. However, the rear door 4 may also be a structure that is rotatably mounted on a rotation shaft extending in the vehicle height direction and is opened and closed in the vehicle width direction.

[0042] (Overview of latch device)

[0043] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The latch device 10 includes a latch mechanism 20 and an electric opening and closing mechanism 30 inside a housing 12 .

[0044] The outer shell 12 is substantially L-shaped when viewed from the vehicle width direction, and is fixed to the inner panel 6 by bolts. A main body 13A, which is the majority of the outer shell 12, is accommodated between the outer panel 5 and the bulging portion 6a of the inner panel 6. A base 13B, which is the remaining portion of the outer shell 12, penetrates the bulging portion 6a and protrudes toward the vehicle interior.

[0045] Reference Figures 2 to 5 The latch mechanism 20 includes a fork 21 and a claw 25, and is arranged at Figure 1 The latch mechanism 20 is switched from the electric opening and closing mechanism 30 to the base 13B of the housing 12 shown in FIG. Fig.13 The latch state and Fig. 20 Shown in open state. Fig.13 The latch mechanism 20 in the latched state shown holds the rear door 4 relative to the rear door 4 by holding the striker 2. Figure 1 The vehicle body 1 is shown in the closed state. Fig. 20 The latch mechanism 20 in the open state shown can disengage the striker 2, allowing the rear door 4 to be moved relative to the rear door 4. Figure 1 The vehicle body 1 is shown open. Fig.13 The latch state shown is similar to Fig. 20 The open state shown Fig.21 In the half latch state shown, the latch mechanism 20 is held in place by holding the striker 2. Figure 1 Rear door 4 shown.

[0046] The electric opening and closing mechanism 30 includes an open lever 31, a fork lever 34, and a drive mechanism 36. The drive mechanism 36 includes a motor 37, a spindle 39, and a slider 43. The open lever 31 and the fork lever 34 are disposed on a base 13B of the housing 12. The drive mechanism 36 is disposed in a main body 13A of the housing 12. The motor 37 is connected to Figure 1 and Figure 2 An ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 8 is shown.

[0047] For example, when configured in Figure 1 When the opening switch (not shown) of the rear door 4 is operated, the ECU 8 causes the electric opening and closing mechanism 30 to open, thereby moving the latch mechanism 20 from Fig.13 The latch state shown is switched to Fig. 20 On the other hand, when the rear door 4 in the open state is closed so that the latch mechanism 20 is Fig. 20 The open state shown changes to Fig.21 When the latch mechanism 20 is in the semi-latch state shown in FIG. 1 , the ECU 8 causes the electric opening and closing mechanism 30 to close, thereby switching the latch mechanism 20 to the semi-latch state. Fig.13 Latch status shown.

[0048] In this embodiment, the fork 21 and the pawl 25 constituting the latch mechanism 20 and the opening rod 31 and the fork rod 34 constituting the electric opening and closing mechanism 30 are arranged with a gap in the vehicle height direction relative to the base 13B. As a result, when viewed from the vehicle height direction, the XY area (projected area) required for the base 13B is reduced, and the entire latch device 10 is miniaturized.

[0049] Hereinafter, the housing 12 , the latch mechanism 20 , and the electric opening and closing mechanism 30 will be described in detail.

[0050] (Structure of the housing)

[0051] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The housing 12 is L-shaped when viewed from the vehicle width direction, and includes: a main body 13A disposed in the rear door 4; and a base 13B protruding from the lower end of the main body 13A to the front side in the vehicle length direction, which is outside the rear door 4. The housing 12 is composed of a base plate 14, a protection block 15, a cover plate 16, and a cover 17.

[0052] The base plate 14 is made of a stamped metal plate and includes a base body 14a, a reinforcing plate portion 14b, and a cover piece 14c. The rear side portion of the base body 14a in the vehicle length direction and the reinforcing plate portion 14b constitute a part of the main body 13A. The front side portion of the base body 14a in the vehicle length direction and the cover piece 14c constitute a part of the base 13B.

[0053] The base body 14a extends substantially along the XY plane along the vehicle body 1. The front side portion of the base body 14a in the vehicle length direction penetrates the bulging portion 6a of the inner panel 6 and is arranged on the vehicle inner side. The base body 14a is provided with an insertion groove 14d into which the striker 2 can be inserted, which is located substantially in the center in the vehicle width direction and extends from the front end in the vehicle length direction to the rear side. Brackets 14e for bolting the base body 14a to the inner panel 6 are provided on both sides in the vehicle width direction.

[0054] The reinforcing plate portion 14 b protrudes upward from the rear end in the vehicle length direction of the base body 14 a and extends along the YZ plane along the outer panel 5 .

[0055] The cover piece 14c protrudes upward from the front end in the vehicle length direction of the base body 14a and extends along the YZ plane. The cover piece 14c is provided with an opening 14f that allows the striker 2 to be inserted into the insertion groove 14d.

[0056] The protection block 15 is made of resin and is disposed between the base body 14a of the base plate 14 and the cover plate 16 to constitute a part of the base 13B. The protection block 15 is provided with an insertion groove 15a extending in the vehicle length direction so as to correspond to the insertion groove 14d of the base body 14a.

[0057] The cover plate 16 is made of a stamped metal plate, is arranged on the upper side of the protection block 15, and constitutes a part of the base 13B. Brackets 16a are provided on both sides of the cover plate 16 in the vehicle width direction, and the brackets 16a are overlapped with the brackets 14e of the base plate 14 and assembled to the rear door 4. The full length of the cover plate 16 in the vehicle length direction is shorter than the full length of the base body 14a in the vehicle length direction. Therefore, a space for arranging the drive mechanism 36 is ensured between the rear end of the cover plate 16 in the vehicle length direction and the reinforcing plate portion 14b of the base plate 14.

[0058] The base 13B of the housing 12 is composed of the front side portion of the base plate 14, the protection block 15, and the cover plate 16. On the lower part of the base 13B, that is, the base body 14a of the base plate 14, the fork 21 and the pawl 25 constituting the latch mechanism 20 are arranged on the same plane. On the upper part of the base 13B, that is, the cover plate 16, the opening rod 31 and the fork rod 34 constituting the electric opening and closing mechanism 30 are arranged on the same plane. In this way, by three-dimensionally arranging the opening rod 31 and the fork rod 34 relative to the fork 21 and the pawl 25, the projection area of ​​the base 13B required for arranging these components when viewed from the vehicle height direction is reduced.

[0059] The cover 17 is provided to arrange the motor 37, the spindle 39 and the slider 43 constituting the drive mechanism 36 and to cover the opening lever 31 and the fork lever 34 constituting the drive mechanism 36 and the fork 21 and the pawl 25 constituting the latch mechanism 20. The cover 17 is composed of a cover body 18 and a rear cover 19.

[0060] The cover body 18 covers the upper portion from the front end of the cover plate 16 in the vehicle length direction to the reinforcing plate portion 14b of the base plate 14. The cover body 18 is provided with a connector portion 18a, a motor placement portion 18b, a gear placement portion 18c, and a spindle support portion 18d. The connector portion 18a is provided at the upper portion of the cover body 18 and is provided at Figure 2 The door latch device 10 is connected to the ECU 8 at the right end in the vehicle width direction. The motor placement portion 18b is provided at the upper portion of the cover body 18 and is provided at Figure 2 The left end portion in the vehicle width direction accommodates the motor 37 of the drive mechanism 36. The gear arrangement portion 18c is provided on the lower side of the motor arrangement portion 18b, accommodates the worm 38 and the worm wheel 40 of the drive mechanism 36, and rotatably supports one end of the main shaft 39. The main shaft support portion 18d is provided on the lower side of the connector portion 18a, and supports the other end of the main shaft 39.

[0061] The rear cover 19 is assembled to the rear side of the cover body 18 in the vehicle length direction, and covers the rear opening of the cover body 18. The rear cover 19 is configured to be adjacent to the slider 43 of the drive mechanism 36, and the slider 43 is restricted from rotating around the main shaft 39 by abutting against the slider 43. In addition, the rear cover 19 is provided with: a cover portion 19a that covers the motor 37, the worm 38, and the worm wheel 40 of the drive mechanism 36; and a switch mounting portion 19b for mounting a rotary switch 51 described in detail later.

[0062] (Structure of latch mechanism)

[0063] Reference Figures 4 to 6 The latch mechanism 20 comprises: a shift fork 21, Figure 1 The striker 2 shown is held in a disengageable manner; and the pawl 25 is detachably engaged with the fork 21. The fork 21 and the pawl 25 are arranged on the base body 14a of the substrate 14, and are located at a position forward of the motor 37, the spindle 39 and the slide 43 constituting the drive mechanism 36 in the vehicle length direction.

[0064] The fork 21 is mounted on the fork shaft 22 and can rotate integrally with the fork shaft 22. The fork shaft 22 is arranged on one side in the vehicle width direction of the base plate 14, which is orthogonal to the insertion groove 14d extending in the vehicle length direction, so as to extend in the vehicle height direction. Fig.13 The lower end of the fork shaft 22 passes through the base body 14a of the substrate 14 and is rotatably supported on the substrate 14. The upper end of the fork shaft 22 passes through the cover plate 16 and is rotatably supported on the cover plate 16.

[0065] The shift fork 21 thus constructed can be integrally moved with the shift fork shaft 22. Fig. 20 The open positions shown are sequentially Fig.21The half-latch position shown and Fig.13 The latch position shown is turned toward A1 (clockwise) to Fig.16 In addition, the shift fork 21 can be integrally moved with the shift fork shaft 22 from Fig.16 The latch positions shown are sequentially Fig.13 Latch position shown and Fig.21 The half-latch position shown is turned toward A2 (counterclockwise) to Fig. 20 Shown in open position. Fig.21 The half-latch position shown is located relative to Fig. 20 The open position shown is a position with a gap toward A1. Fig.13 The latch position shown is in the Fig.21 The half latch position is shown away from Fig. 20 Angle of rotation for the open position shown. Fig.16 The latch position shown is at Fig.13 The latch position shown is further away Fig. 20 Angle of rotation for the open position shown.

[0066] The shift fork 21 is pushed back by the recoil spring (biasing member) 23. Fig.16 Overlatch position shown facing Fig. 20 The open position shown applies force toward A2. One end of the recoil spring 23 is locked on the fork 21, and the other end of the recoil spring 23 is locked on the protection block 15. The fork 21 passes Fig. 20 The rotation of the open position shown in the direction A2 is limited by a stopper (not shown).

[0067] The fork 21 has a retaining groove 21a extending from the outer periphery toward the fork shaft 22. Fig. 20 In the open position shown, the groove 21a is kept in a position where the opening portion at the top is located on the insertion groove 14d of the base plate 14, so that the striker 2 can be disengaged. Fig.13 Latch position shown, Fig.21 The half-latch position shown and Fig.16 In any of the latch positions shown, the retaining groove 21 a is in a posture intersecting with the insertion groove 14 d , and the striker 2 is retained so as to be unable to disengage.

[0068] Reference Figures 4 to 6 A full latch locking portion 21b and a half latch locking portion 21c are provided on the outer periphery of the shift fork 21 to which the pawl 25 can be locked. The full latch locking portion 21b is provided at the top end of the groove wall defining the retaining groove 21a, which faces the A1 side. The half latch locking portion 21c is provided in a manner that is spaced apart from the full latch locking portion 21b toward the A1 side.

[0069] Reference Figure 2 and Fig.13 The pawl 25 is rotatably supported on the pawl shaft 26. The pawl shaft 26 is arranged on the other side ( Fig.13 The pawl shaft 26 is the left side in the middle (i.e., the other side of the insertion groove 14d which is the opposite side to the fork 21), and extends along the fork shaft 22 in the vehicle height direction. The lower end of the pawl shaft 26 passes through the base body 14a of the base plate 14 and is riveted. The upper end of the pawl shaft 26 passes through the cover plate 16 and is riveted. When viewed from the vehicle height direction, the pawl shaft 26 is arranged at a position that is closer to the rear side in the vehicle length direction than the fork shaft 22, that is, on the main shaft 39 side of the drive mechanism 36. However, the pawl shaft 26 can also be arranged at the same position as the fork shaft 22 in the vehicle length direction. In other words, the distance from the main shaft 39 to the pawl shaft 26 in the vehicle length direction only needs to be less than the distance from the main shaft 39 to the fork shaft 22 in the vehicle length direction.

[0070] The pawl 25 supported in this manner can rotate around the pawl shaft 26. Fig.13 The locking position shown is through Fig.16 Turn toward B1 (counterclockwise) to the non-locking position shown. Fig.19 In addition, the pawl 25 can rotate around the pawl shaft 26 from Fig.19 The over-rotation position shown is through Fig.16 The non-detent position shown is Fig.13 The locking position shown is turned toward B2 (clockwise). Fig.16 The non-detent position shown is located relative to Fig.13 The locking position shown is a position with a gap toward B1. Fig.19 The over-rotation position shown is located at Fig.16 The unlatched position shown is away from Fig.13 The rotation angles of the locking positions are shown.

[0071] The ratchet pawl 25 is pushed back by a recoil spring (biasing member) 27. Fig.19 The over-rotation position shown is towards Fig.13 The locking position shown applies force toward B2. One end of the recoil spring 27 is locked to the pawl 25, and the other end of the recoil spring 27 is locked to the protection block 15. The pawl 25 passes over Fig.13 The rotation from the locking position shown in the direction B2 is restricted by a stopper (not shown).

[0072] Reference Figures 4 to 6 The pawl 25 has a locking portion 25a that can be locked with the full latch locking portion 21b and the half latch locking portion 21c of the shift fork 21. When the pawl 25 is rotated to the locking position, the locking portion 25a will rotate to the locking position. Fig.13 The fully latched locking portion 21b of the shift fork 21 in the latched position shown or rotated to Fig.21The half-latch locking portion 21c of the shift fork 21 is locked in the half-latch position shown. As a result, the pawl 25 overcomes the biasing force of the recoil spring 23 and restricts the shift fork 21 from moving toward Fig. 20 The open position shown is rotated. Fig.16 The non-stuck position shown is Fig.19 When the locking portion 25a is in the position between the over-rotation positions shown, the locking portion 25a cannot be locked to the full latch locking portion 21b or the half latch locking portion 21c. Thus, the pawl 25 allows the shift fork 21 to rotate by the biasing force of the recoil spring 23.

[0073] The ratchet 25 has an opening operation receiving portion 25b that receives the opening operation performed by the opening rod 31 of the electric opening and closing mechanism 30. The opening operation receiving portion 25b of this embodiment has a first portion protruding upward from the ratchet 25 and a second portion protruding from the upper end of the first portion to the rear side in the vehicle length direction. The second portion is J-shaped when viewed from the vehicle height direction and is bent toward the fork 21 side. The opening operation receiving portion 25b receives the opening operation performed by the opening rod 31 from the fork 21 side, whereby the ratchet 25 overcomes the applied force of the recoil spring 27 and is opened from the fork 21 side. Fig.13 The locking position shown is facing Fig.16 The non-detent position shown is rotated (refer to Fig. 9 ).

[0074] The ratchet 25 also includes an emergency opening operation portion 25c for opening the electric opening and closing mechanism 30 when the electric opening and closing mechanism 30 cannot open the electric opening and closing mechanism 30 due to insufficient battery capacity. Figure 1 The emergency opening operation portion 25c is L-shaped when viewed from the vehicle width direction, and includes a first portion protruding toward the front side in the vehicle length direction and a second portion protruding upward from the front end of the first portion. Figure 1 The upper end of the second portion of the emergency opening operation portion 25c is exposed to the outside through the opening of the base 13B protruding toward the inside of the vehicle. By pressing the upper end of the emergency opening operation portion 25c from the outside of the base 13B in the vehicle width direction, the ratchet 25 overcomes the force of the recoil spring 27 and moves toward the Fig.16 The non-detent position shown is rotated.

[0075] Reference Figure 2 A switch 50 for detecting the rotation position of the ratchet 25 is arranged on the rear side of the opening operation receiving portion 25b of the ratchet 25 in the vehicle length direction. The switch 50 is mounted on the cover body 18 and is activated by the ratchet 25 to rotate. Fig.13 As the switch 50, a push switch that outputs a signal when the opening operation receiving portion 25b is operated and does not output a signal when the opening operation receiving portion 25b is not operated can be used. The ECU 8 can determine whether the ratchet 25 has been rotated to the locked position shown by the input signal from the switch 50. Fig.13 The locking position is shown.

[0076] (Structure of electric opening and closing mechanism)

[0077] Reference Figures 3 to 6 The electric opening and closing mechanism 30 includes an opening lever 31 , a fork lever 34 , and a driving mechanism 36 . The driving mechanism 36 includes a motor 37 , a main shaft 39 , and a slider 43 .

[0078] The main shaft 39 is rotated forward by the motor 37, thereby moving the slider 43 along the main shaft 39 in the direction C1 in the vehicle width direction, thereby opening the opening lever 31 through the slider 43 (see Fig. 9 ). Thus, by opening the lever 31, the rotation of the fork 21 is restricted via the fork lever 34, and the pawl 25 is moved from Fig.13 The locking position shown is through Fig.16 Turn the unlatched position shown to Fig.19 The over-rotation position shown in FIG. 1 switches the latch mechanism 20 to Fig. 20 In addition, the motor 37 is used to reverse the main shaft 39, thereby moving the slide 43 along the main shaft 39 in the direction C2 in the vehicle width direction, thereby closing the fork lever 34 through the slide 43 ( Fig.10 As a result, the latch mechanism 20 is Fig.21 The half-latch state shown is switched to Fig.13 Latch status shown.

[0079] Reference Figures 4 to 6 The opening lever 31 is formed of a stamped metal plate and is rotatably supported on a shaft member 32. The shaft member 32 is located on the other side ( Fig.13 The shaft member 32 is mounted on the cover plate 16 in a manner that it is the other side of the insertion groove 14d on the same side as the pawl 25. The axial direction of the shaft member 32 extends along the fork shaft 22 and the pawl shaft 26 in the vehicle height direction. When viewed from the vehicle height direction, the shaft member 32 is arranged at a position that is closer to the front side in the vehicle length direction than the pawl shaft 26 and the fork shaft 22, that is, closer to the open end side of the insertion groove 14d of the base plate 14 than the pawl shaft 26. However, the opening lever 31 may be axially supported on the pawl shaft 26 in the same manner as the pawl 25 without using a dedicated shaft member 32.

[0080] The opening lever 31 supported in this manner can be moved about the shaft member 32. Fig.13 The initial position shown passes through Fig.14 The limit start position (first rotation position) and Fig.16 The locking release position (second rotation position) shown is rotated toward D1 (counterclockwise) to Fig.19The limit end position (third rotation position) shown in FIG. Fig.19 The limit end positions shown are passed through Fig.16 The latch release position and Fig.14 Turn the limit start position shown toward D2 (clockwise) to Fig.13 Initial position shown. Fig.14 The limit start position shown is located relative to Fig.13 The initial position shown is a position with a gap toward D1. Fig.16 The lock release position shown is Fig.14 The limit shown starts away from Fig.13 The rotation angle from the initial position shown. Fig.19 The limit end position shown is at Fig.16 The latch release position shown is further away Fig.13 The rotation angle from the initial position shown.

[0081] The opening lever 31 is pulled from the Fig.19 The limit end position shown is towards Fig.13 The initial position shown is biased toward D2. One end of the coil spring 33 is locked to the opening rod 31, and the other end of the coil spring 33 is locked to the cover plate 16. The opening rod 31 passes Fig.13 The rotation from the initial position shown to the direction D2 is limited by a stopper (not shown) formed on the protection block 15 .

[0082] Rotate to Fig.13 The opening lever 31 in the initial position shown in the figure can neither restrict the rotation of the fork 21 via the fork lever 34 nor release the locking operation of the pawl 25. Fig.14 The opening lever 31 in the restriction start position shown in the figure restricts the rotation of the fork 21 via the fork lever 34, and on the other hand, the locking release operation of the pawl 25 cannot be performed. Fig.16 The opening lever 31 in the locking release position shown restricts the rotation of the fork 21 via the fork lever 34 and releases the locking of the fork 21 by the pawl 25. Fig.19 The open lever 31 in the restriction end position shown releases the rotation restriction of the fork 21 via the fork lever 34 , and maintains the state in which the locking of the fork 21 by the pawl 25 is released.

[0083] More specifically, the opening lever 31 is disposed at a distance from the pawl 25 axially upward of the pawl shaft 26. The opening lever 31 includes a lever body 31a, an opening operation receiving portion 31b, a fork restricting portion 31c, and a pawl operating portion 31f.

[0084] The rod body 31a has a plate shape extending along the XY plane and is pivotally supported by the shaft member 32. The rod body 31a extends from the shaft member 32 toward the approximate center of the main shaft 39 in the vehicle width direction toward the rear side in the vehicle length direction along the insertion groove 14d.

[0085] The opening operation receiving portion 31b is provided at the end portion on the rear side in the vehicle length direction which is the top end of the rod body 31a, and receives the opening operation performed by the slide 43. The opening operation receiving portion 31b protrudes upward from the side edge of the rod body 31a which is located on the motor 37 side and extends in the vehicle length direction, and extends along the XZ plane. The rear end in the vehicle length direction of the opening operation receiving portion 31b is located at the front side in the vehicle length direction of the main shaft 39 with an open interval. When the opening operation receiving portion 31b is pressed toward C1 by the slide 43, the opening rod 31 is opened and rotated toward D1. When the pressure on the opening operation receiving portion 31b toward C1 is released, the opening rod 31 is rotated toward D2 by the applied force of the coil spring 33.

[0086] In order to limit the fork 21 to Fig. 20 The fork restricting portion 31c is provided to prevent the opening lever 31 from rotating to the open position shown. The fork restricting portion 31c is provided near the center of the lever body 31a in the vehicle length direction and protrudes in the vehicle width direction toward the fork lever 34. Fig.13 In the initial position shown in FIG. 1 , the fork restricting portion 31 c is located at a position spaced apart from the fork lever 34, allowing the fork lever 34 to rotate. Fig.14 The limit start position shown and Fig.16 In the locking release position shown in FIG. 1 , the fork restriction portion 31 c abuts against the fork lever 34 to restrict the rotation of the fork lever 34. Fig.19 When the restriction end position is shown, the fork restriction part 31c releases the rotation restriction of the fork lever 34. More specifically, the fork restriction part 31c includes: a base part 31d protruding in the same plane as the lever body 31a; and a restriction body part 31e protruding upward from the top end of the base part 31d.

[0087] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 The limiting main body 31e is substantially arc-shaped when viewed from the vehicle height direction, and contacts the limiting receiving portion 34d of the fork lever 34, thereby limiting the fork 21 from moving toward the fork lever 34. Fig. 20The open position shown is rotated. In addition, the rotation trajectory Ro of the limiting main body 31e formed by the rotation of the opening rod 31 toward D1 is configured to gradually move away from the limiting receiving portion 34 after gradually approaching the limiting receiving portion 34d of the fork rod 34 when the fork 21 is rotated to the latch position. Therefore, by rotating the opening rod 31 toward D1, the limiting main body 31e is configured to allow the fork 21 to slowly rotate toward A2 after the fork 21 including the fork rod 34 is slowly rotated toward A1 via the limiting receiving portion 34d. It should be noted that the relationship between the fork limiting portion 31c and the limiting receiving portion 34d will be described in detail later.

[0088] Reference Figure 6 , Fig. 9 as well as Fig.10 , in order to make the pawl 25 from Fig.13 The locking position shown is through Fig.16 Turn the unlatched position shown to Fig.19 The pawl operating part 31f is provided in the over-rotation position shown. The pawl operating part 31f is composed of a rod body which is separate from the rod body 31a and is cylindrical, and protrudes downward from the rear side of the rod body 31a in the vehicle length direction. Fig.13 In the initial position shown in FIG. 1 , the pawl operating portion 31f is located at a position spaced apart from the opening operation receiving portion 25b of the pawl 25 toward the fork 21 in the vehicle width direction. When the opening lever 31 is rotated toward the direction D1, the pawl operating portion 31f presses the opening operation receiving portion 25b (see FIG. 1 ). Fig.14 ), so that the pawl 25 faces Fig.16 The non-detent position shown is rotated.

[0089] Reference Fig. 9 and Fig.10 In order to receive the closing operation realized by the slider 43 and the limiting operation realized by the opening lever 31 and rotate the fork 21 integrally via the fork shaft 22, a fork lever 34 is provided. The fork lever 34 is mounted on the fork shaft 22 in a manner that it cannot rotate relative to the fork shaft 22. Figures 4 to 6 The fork lever 34 is disposed on the cover plate 16 of the base 13B so as to be adjacent to the opening lever 31 in the vehicle width direction. That is, the fork lever 34 is disposed so as to be spaced apart from the fork 21 toward the axial upper side of the fork shaft 22 .

[0090] The shift fork rod 34 supported by the shaft in this way can move with the shift fork 21. Fig. 20 Open position shown, Fig.21 Half-latch position shown, Fig.13 Latch position shown and Fig.16 That is, when the shift fork 21 rotates to the latch position, Fig. 20When the fork 21 is rotated to the open position shown in FIG. Fig.21 When the fork 21 is rotated to the half-latch position shown in FIG. Fig.13 When the fork 21 is rotated to the latch position shown in FIG. Fig.16 When the fork lever 34 is in the over-latch position shown in FIG. Fig. 20 When the fork lever 34 is rotated to the first corresponding position shown in FIG. Fig.21 In the second corresponding position shown in FIG. 1 , the shift fork 21 rotates to the semi-latch position. Fig.13 When the fork lever 34 is rotated to the third corresponding position shown in FIG. Fig.16 In the fourth corresponding position shown, the shift fork 21 rotates to the over-latch position.

[0091] More specifically, the fork lever 34 is made of a hard resin that can withstand operation (pressing) of the opening lever 31 and the slider 43 , and includes a lever body 34 a , a closing operation receiving portion 34 c , and a restriction receiving portion 34 d .

[0092] The lever body 34a has a mounting portion 34b at the end portion on the front side in the vehicle length direction, and the mounting portion 34b is placed on the base plate 14 and mounted to the fork shaft 22 in a manner that it cannot rotate relative to the fork shaft 22. The lever body 34a is connected to the upper end of the mounting portion 34b and extends along the XY plane. The lever body 34a is arranged at a position above the upper end of the lever body 31a of the opening lever 31 and the upper end of the restriction body portion 31e of the fork restriction portion 31c.

[0093] The closing operation receiving portion 34c is provided in a manner protruding rearward from the end portion on the rear side in the vehicle length direction, which is the top end of the rod body 34a, and receives the closing operation performed by the slider 43. The closing operation receiving portion 34c is in the shape of a plate that protrudes from the rod body 34a in the same plane and extends along the XY plane, and is located at a position spaced apart from the upper end of the opening operation receiving portion 25b of the opening lever 31 to the upper side. The rear end of the closing operation receiving portion 34c in the vehicle length direction is located at the front side in the vehicle length direction of the main shaft 39 with a spaced apart manner. When the closing operation receiving portion 34c is pressed toward C2 by the slider 43, the fork lever 34 overcomes the urging force of the recoil spring 23 and rotates toward A1 together with the fork 21. When the operation of the slider 43 toward C2 is released, the fork lever 34 rotates toward A2 together with the fork 21 by the urging force of the recoil spring 23.

[0094] The restriction receiving portion 34d is in a tapered triangular shape when viewed from the vehicle height direction, and protrudes laterally from the rod body 34a toward the opening rod 31 in the vehicle width direction, and protrudes downward toward the rod body 31a in the vehicle height direction. The lower surface of the restriction receiving portion 34d is located below the upper end of the restriction body portion 31e of the opening rod 31, and is located above the upper surface of the base portion 31d. Except for the restriction receiving portion 34d and the mounting portion 34b, there is no portion protruding downward from the rod body 34a.

[0095] The fork lever 34 is provided with a switch operating part 34e, which is used to operate the rotary switch 51 to switch the connection state of the rotary switch 51. The rotary switch 51 outputs different signals according to different rotation states achieved by the operation of the switch operating part 34e. Figure 1 The ECU 8 shown can determine that the shift fork 21 has rotated to Fig. 20 Open position shown, Fig.21 The half-latch position shown and Fig.13 Which of the latch positions is shown.

[0096] Here, the relationship among the opening operation receiving portion 25 b of the pawl 25 , the fork restricting portion 31 c and the pawl operating portion 31 f of the opening lever 31 , and the restricting receiving portion 34 d of the fork lever 34 will be described.

[0097] Fig.12 31, the fork 21 including the fork lever 34, and the movement of the pawl 25 by the opening operation of the driving mechanism 36. The opening operation receiving portion 25b of the pawl 25, the fork limiting portion 31c and the pawl operating portion 31f of the opening lever 31, and the limiting receiving portion 34d of the fork lever 34 are configured to realize Fig.12 movement.

[0098] Reference Figure 7 , Fig.12 as well as Fig.13 When the opening lever 31 is rotated to the initial position, the fork restriction portion 31c is located on the insertion groove 14d of the base plate 14. When the fork 21 is rotated to the latch position, the restriction receiving portion 34d of the fork lever 34 is located on the other side in the vehicle width direction than the restriction main body portion 31e of the opening lever 31 ( Fig.13 That is, when the opening lever 31 rotates to the initial position and the fork 21 including the fork lever 34 rotates to the latch position, the fork restricting portion 31c is located radially inward of the fork shaft 22 than the restricting receiving portion 34d.

[0099] When the opening lever 31 is rotated to the initial position and the fork 21 including the fork lever 34 is rotated to the latched position, the rotation trajectory Rf of the restriction receiving portion 34d formed by the rotation of the fork lever 34 is located radially outward of the restriction main body 31e of the opening lever 31. On the other hand, the restriction receiving portion 34d of the fork lever 34 is located on the rotation trajectory Ro of the restriction main body 31e formed by the rotation of the opening lever 31 toward D1.

[0100] Thus, when the opening lever 31 is rotated to the initial position and the fork 21 including the fork lever 34 is rotated to the latched position, the restriction receiving portion 34d cannot abut against the fork restriction portion 31c of the opening lever 31 by the rotation of the fork lever 34. In other words, the fork restriction portion 31c of the opening lever 31 allows the fork 21 including the fork lever 34 to rotate. In addition, the fork restriction portion 31c can abut against the restriction receiving portion 34d of the fork lever 34 by the rotation of the opening lever 31.

[0101] Furthermore, when the opening lever 31 is rotated to the initial position and the ratchet 25 is rotated to the locked position, the ratchet operating portion 31f of the opening lever 31 is located at a position spaced apart toward D2 relative to the opening operation receiving portion 25b of the ratchet 25 at the locked position. Therefore, in this state, the ratchet operating portion 31f of the opening lever 31 cannot operate the ratchet 25 at the locked position.

[0102] When the opening lever 31 is Fig.13 The initial position shown ( Fig.12 Pb1) Fig.14 The limit starts at the position shown ( Fig.12 When the fork restriction portion 31c is rotated, the fork restriction portion 31c abuts against the restriction receiving portion 34d of the fork lever 34. As a result, the fork restriction portion 31c restricts the fork 21 and the fork lever 34 from rotating toward the open position ( Fig.12 On the other hand, in this state, the pawl operation portion 31f of the opening lever 31 has not yet abutted against the opening operation receiving portion 25b of the pawl 25, and the pawl 25 in the locked position is not opened ( Fig.12 Pc1).

[0103] When the opening lever 31 is Fig.14 The limit starts at the position shown ( Fig.12 Pb2) towards Fig.16 The lock release position shown ( Fig.12 When the fork limiter 31c rotates, the fork limiter 31c maintains the state of contact with the limiter receiving portion 34d of the fork lever 34. In other words, the rotation restriction of the fork 21 and the fork lever 34 toward the open position is maintained. In addition, the fork limiter 31c causes the fork 21 to move from the latch position to the over latch position ( Fig.12On the other hand, the pawl operation portion 31f of the opening lever 31 abuts against the opening operation receiving portion 25b ( Fig.12 The ratchet 25 is rotated toward the non-locking position ( Fig.12 That is, the timing at which the pawl operation portion 31f abuts against the opening operation receiving portion 25b to start the rotation of the pawl 25 ( Fig.12 The timing (Pc1) of the fork restriction portion 31c of the opening lever 31 abuts against the restriction receiving portion 34d to start the rotation of the fork lever 34 Fig.12 Pd1) late ( Fig.12 of Δt).

[0104] Reference Figure 8 and Fig.19 , the rotation trajectory Ro of the limiting main body 31e formed by the rotation of the opening lever 31 toward the direction D1 is a direction that gradually moves away from the limiting receiving portion 34d of the fork lever 34. In addition, when the opening lever 31 rotates to the limiting end position, the fork limiting portion 31c is located at a position radially outside the fork shaft 22 than the limiting receiving portion 34d of the fork lever 34. Therefore, the limiting receiving portion 34d cannot abut against the fork limiting portion 31c of the opening lever 31 by the rotation of the fork lever 34. That is, in this state, the fork limiting portion 31c of the opening lever 31 allows the fork lever 34 including the fork 21 to rotate.

[0105] Thus, when the opening lever 31 is Fig.16 The lock release position shown ( Fig.12 Pb3) towards Fig.19 The limit end position shown ( Fig.12 When the fork restriction portion 31c rotates, the fork 21 including the fork rod 34 moves from the over-latch position ( Fig.12 After that, the fork restriction portion 31c moves away from the restriction receiving portion 34d ( Fig.12 The shift fork 21 is released from the rotation restriction of the shift fork 21. As a result, the shift fork 21 including the shift fork lever 34 is rotated toward the open position by the force of the recoil spring 23 ( Fig.12 On the other hand, the pawl operation portion 31f of the opening lever 31 maintains the state of contact with the opening operation receiving portion 25b, so that the pawl 25 moves to the over-rotation position ( Fig.12 That is, the pawl operating portion 31f maintains the pawl 25 toward Fig.13 The rotation limit of the locking position is shown.

[0106] In order to make the opening rod 31 Fig.13 The initial position shown is rotated to Fig.14 The limit starts at the indicated position, Fig.16The lock release position shown and Fig.19 The drive mechanism 36 is provided to adjust the limit end position (opening operation) shown in FIG. In addition, the drive mechanism 36 of this embodiment has the function of moving the fork 21 from the position of the fork lever 34 to the position of the fork 21. Fig.21 Half-latch position shown rotated to Fig.13 Function of the latch position shown (closed operation).

[0107] Reference Figures 2 to 5 The motor 37 is a driving source for rotating the main shaft 39 to move the slide 43. The motor 37 is a DC motor that can rotate forward and reverse. In the vehicle length direction, the motor 37 is arranged in the motor arrangement portion 18b of the cover body 18 in a manner that is located on the rear side of the main shaft 39, that is, on the opposite side of the pawl 25 relative to the main shaft 39. The output shaft of the motor 37 protrudes downward in a manner that protrudes into the gear arrangement portion 18c of the cover body 18. A worm (first gear) 38 is mounted on the output shaft in a manner that can rotate integrally with the output shaft.

[0108] The main shaft 39 has a spiral thread 39a and is rotated by the motor 37. A worm wheel (second gear) 40 is mounted on the end of the main shaft 39 on the side where the power supply machine 37 is arranged so as to be rotatable together with the end, and a ball bearing 41 is arranged. A sliding bearing 42 is arranged on the end of the main shaft 39 on the side opposite to the motor 37.

[0109] The worm gear 40 and the ball bearing 41 are arranged in the gear arrangement portion 18c of the cover body 18, and the sliding bearing 42 is arranged in the main shaft support portion 18d of the cover body 18. Thus, the main shaft 39 extends in the vehicle width direction orthogonal to the fork shaft 22 and the pawl shaft 26, and is supported so as to be rotatable. The main shaft 39 is arranged at the same height as the cover plate 16 as the upper end of the base 13B and is spaced to the rear side in the vehicle length direction.

[0110] The slide member 43 transmits the rotational force of the main shaft 39 generated by the driving force of the motor 37 to the latch mechanism 20 via the opening lever 31 and the shifting lever 34, switching the latch mechanism 20 to Fig.13 The latch state and Fig. 20 Shown in open state.

[0111] Reference Figures 4 to 6 The slider 43 includes a slider body 43a having a threaded hole 43b formed therein to be screwed with the thread 39a of the spindle 39. Figure 2The rear cover 19 shown abuts against the slider 43, and the slider 43 is restricted from rotating about the spindle 39. Thus, the slider 43 moves in the direction C1, which is the pawl 25 side, when the spindle 39 rotates forward, and moves in the direction C2, which is the fork 21 side, when the spindle 39 rotates backward.

[0112] The slider 43 includes an opening operation portion 43c for operating the opening lever 31 and a closing operation portion 43d for operating the fork lever 34. The opening operation portion 43c and the closing operation portion 43d are both in the shape of a quadrangular prism, protrude from the slider body 43a toward the front side in the vehicle length direction, and are arranged with a gap between the upper and lower parts (see Figure 3 ). That is, the opening operation portion 43c and the closing operation portion 43d are configured to be adjacent to each other in the vehicle height direction, and the closing operation portion 43d is located at a position higher than the opening operation portion 43c. The opening operation portion 43c is provided on the fork 21 side of the slider body 43a in the vehicle width direction in a manner that is located at the same height as the opening operation receiving portion 31b of the opening lever 31. When the slider 43 moves toward C1, the opening operation portion 43c abuts against the opening operation receiving portion 31b of the opening lever 31, and when the slider 43 moves toward C2, the opening operation portion 43c does not abut against the closing operation receiving portion 34c of the fork lever 34. The closing operation portion 43d is provided on the pawl 25 side of the slider body 43a in the vehicle width direction in a manner that is located at the same height as the closing operation receiving portion 34c of the fork lever 34. When the slide 43 moves toward C2, the closing operation portion 43d contacts the closing operation receiving portion 34c of the fork lever 34, and when the slide 43 moves toward C1, the closing operation portion 43d does not contact the opening operation receiving portion 31b of the opening lever 31. In other words, the opening operation portion 43c and the closing operation portion 43d are arranged to be adjacent to each other in the vehicle width direction, and the opening operation portion 43c is located to the right of the closing operation portion 43d. In this way, it is possible to ensure that the slide 43 is in a neutral position ( Fig.12 Pa1) to the opening work completion position ( Fig.12 The long stroke of Pa2 can increase the design freedom.

[0113] The slider 43 further includes a switch operating portion 43e for operating the switch 52 at a portion located on the rear side in the vehicle length direction of the closing operating portion 43d. Figure 2 , the switch 52 is located at Fig.13 , Fig. 20 as well as Fig.21The switch 52 is mounted on the cover body 18 in a manner such that the switch operating portion 43e of the slider 43 in the neutral position shown is positioned above the cover body 18. Here, the neutral position is a position where neither the opening operating portion 43c operates the opening lever 31 nor the closing operating portion 43d operates the fork lever 34. As the slider 43 moves to the neutral position, the switch 52 is operated by the switch operating portion 43e. As the switch 52, a push button switch that outputs a signal when operated by the switch operating portion 43e and does not output a signal when not operated by the switch operating portion 43e can be used. The ECU 8 can determine whether the slider has moved to the neutral position by the input signal from the switch 52.

[0114] (Switching of the latch mechanism by the electric opening and closing mechanism)

[0115] Next, refer to Fig.11 and Fig.12 as well as Figures 13 to 20 , the switching of the latch mechanism 20 achieved by the electric opening and closing mechanism 30 will be described in detail.

[0116] In backdoor 4 relative to Figure 1 When the vehicle body 1 is closed, Fig.13 As shown, the fork 21 including the fork lever 34 rotates to the latch position and is locked to the pawl 25 rotated to the locked position. The opening lever 31 rotates to the initial position by the applied force of the coil spring 33. The slider 43 is located in a neutral position where neither the opening lever 31 nor the fork lever 34 is operated.

[0117] when Figure 1 When the opening switch (not shown) of the rear door 4 is operated, Figure 1 The ECU 8 shown in the figure rotates the main shaft 39 in the forward direction through the motor 37. As a result, the slide 43 starts to move from the neutral position ( Fig.12 Pa1) towards the opening work completion position ( Fig.12 In this state, the shift fork 21 and the shift fork rod 34, the ratchet 25 and the opening rod 31 are maintained in the latch position, the locking position and the initial position.

[0118] As the slider 43 moves toward the direction C1, the opening operation portion 43c of the slider 43 abuts against the opening operation receiving portion 31b, and the opening lever 31 starts to rotate toward the direction D1 ( Fig.12 Then, Fig.14 As shown, when the opening lever 31 is rotated to the restriction start position ( Fig.12 The fork restriction portion 31c abuts against the restriction receiving portion 34d to press the fork 21 including the fork lever 34 toward A1 ( Fig.12As a result, the rotation of the fork 21 including the fork rod 34 toward the open position is restricted, and the fork 21 slowly rotates toward the over-latch position.

[0119] Then, if Fig.15 As shown, by the opening lever 31 continuing to rotate toward the locking release position, the pawl operating portion 31f abuts against the opening operation receiving portion 25b to rotate the pawl 25 toward the non-locking position ( Fig.12 In addition, the shift fork 21 including the shift fork rod 34 continues to rotate toward the over-latch position.

[0120] Then, if Fig.16 As shown, by turning the opening lever 31 to the locking release position, the ratchet 25 turns to the non-locking position ( Fig.12 In addition, the fork 21 including the fork rod 34 rotates to the over-latch position ( Fig.12 of Pd2).

[0121] Then, if Fig.17 As shown, the opening lever 31 is further rotated toward the limit end position toward D1 by the sliding member 43, thereby the ratchet 25 is further rotated toward the over-rotation position. In addition, the fork limit portion 31c of the opening lever 31 gradually moves away from the limit receiving portion 34d of the fork lever 34. Figure 1 The elastic force of the weather strip 3 shown and Figure 4 The applied force of the recoil spring 23 shown causes the fork 21 of the fork lever 34 to slowly rotate laterally toward A2 toward the latched position.

[0122] Then, if Fig.18 As shown, by the rotation of the opening lever 31, the restriction receiving portion 34d of the fork lever 34 is located at the end of the fork restriction portion 31c. When the opening lever 31 passes this position and rotates to the restriction end position ( Fig.12 Pb4), such as Fig.19 As shown, the abutment between the fork restriction portion 31c and the restriction receiving portion 34d is released. As a result, the rotation restriction of the fork 21 including the fork lever 34 by the opening lever 31 is released ( Fig.12 The result is that through Figure 1 The elastic force of the weather strip 3 shown and Figure 4 The force of the recoil spring 23 shown in FIG. 1 is applied to rotate the fork 21 of the fork lever 34 to the open position ( Fig.12 In addition, the pawl 25 is rotated to the over-rotation position ( Fig.12 Pc3).

[0123] Through from Figure 2The ECU 8 detects the rotation of the fork 21 and the fork rod 34 to the open position by the signal of the rotary switch 51 shown in the figure, and reverses the motor 37. As a result, the slide 43 starts to move from the open work completion position ( Fig.12 Pa3) towards the neutral position ( Fig.12 Pa4) moves toward C2.

[0124] Therefore, if Fig. 20 As shown, the opening lever 31 is moved from the restriction end position ( Fig.12 Pb5) rotates toward D2 to the initial position ( Fig.12 The ratchet 25 is linked to the rotation of the opening lever 31 and is opened from the over-rotation position ( Fig.12 Pc4) is rotated toward B2 to the locking position ( Fig.12 The fork 21 including the fork rod 34 is connected by Figure 4 The urging force of the recoil spring 23 shown is maintained in the state of being rotated to the open position.

[0125] exist Figure 1 In the open state of the rear door 4 shown in FIG. Fig. 20 As shown, the opening lever 31 rotates to the initial position, the fork 21 including the fork lever 34 rotates to the opening position, and the pawl 25 rotates to the locking position. Figure 1 When the rear door 4 shown is closed, Fig.21 As shown, the fork 21 including the fork lever 34 is rotated to the semi-latch position. Figure 2 The ECU 8 detects the above state by a signal from the rotary switch 51 shown in FIG. 1 , and reverses the motor 37 to move the slider 43 from the neutral position toward the closing operation completion position in the direction C2 (closing operation).

[0126] In the closing operation realized by the electric opening and closing mechanism 30, Fig.10 As shown, by moving the slider 43 toward C2, the closing operation portion 43d of the slider 43 contacts the closing operation receiving portion 34c, so that the fork lever 34 and the fork 21 rotate toward the direction A1. Then, when the fork 21 including the fork lever 34 rotates to the over-latch position, the slider 43 moves toward the neutral position toward C1. As a result, the fork 21 including the fork lever 34 rotates to the over-latch position. Figure 4 The recoil spring 23 shown in the figure is used to rotate to the latch position, and the pawl 25 is locked in the locked position, forming Fig.13 Latch status shown.

[0127] During the closing operation by the electric opening and closing mechanism 30, the opening lever 31 is maintained in the state of being rotated to the initial position. The pawl 25 will overcome the locking of the shift fork 21 only when the full latch locking portion 21b passes by. Figure 4 The biasing force of the recoil spring 27 shown is used to momentarily rotate toward the non-locking position.

[0128] The latch device 10 constructed in this manner has the following features.

[0129] When opening the door, the opening lever 31 restricts the fork 21 from rotating toward the open position through the fork restricting portion 31c, and then the ratchet 25 is rotated from the locked position to the unlocked position through the ratchet operating portion 31f. After that, the ratchet operating portion 31f restricts the ratchet 25 from rotating toward the locked position, and the fork restricting portion 31c releases the restriction on the rotation of the fork 21 toward the open position. As a result, the fork 21 can be rotated from the latched position to the open position, so that the rear door 4 can be opened automatically and reliably.

[0130] The opening rod 31 having the fork restricting portion 31c and the pawl operating portion 31f is axially supported on the other side of the insertion groove 14d like the pawl 25, and is arranged in a manner that is spaced apart from the pawl 25 in the axial direction of the pawl shaft 26. Therefore, it is not necessary to ensure a space for arranging the opening rod 31 and the pawl 25 on the same plane. In other words, by arranging the opening rod 31 three-dimensionally relative to the fork 21 and the pawl 25, when viewed from the vehicle height direction where the pawl shaft 26 extends, the projection area of ​​the base 13B for arranging these components can be reduced. As a result, the latch device 10 can be miniaturized.

[0131] The fork lever 34, which is installed in a manner that is spaced apart from the fork 21 in the axial direction of the fork shaft 22, is provided with a restriction receiving portion 34d for abutting against the fork restriction portion 31c of the opening lever 31. Therefore, the design freedom of the shape and arrangement of the restriction receiving portion 34d can be increased, and the size and rotation range of the opening lever 31 can be reduced, so that the door latch device 10 can be miniaturized. More specifically, in the existing door latch device, the rotation angle range of the operating member is 180 degrees, but in the present embodiment, the corresponding rotation angle range of the opening lever 31 can be reduced to 23 degrees.

[0132] When the opening rod 31 is located Fig.13 In the initial position of the fork limit portion 31c, the fork limit portion 31c is located radially inward of the fork shaft 22 relative to the limit receiving portion 34d. Fig.19 In the restriction end position shown in FIG. 1 , the fork restriction portion 31c is located radially outward of the fork shaft 22 relative to the restriction receiving portion 34d. In any state, the fork restriction portion 31c cannot abut against the restriction receiving portion 34d by the rotation of the fork lever 34. By configuring in this way, the rotation range of the opening lever 31 can be reduced, the required area of ​​the base 13B can be greatly reduced, and the latch device 10 can be miniaturized.

[0133] The shift fork 21 is located Fig.13In the latch position shown, the restriction receiving portion 34d is located on the other side of the insertion groove 14d. That is, the fork lever 34 is arranged on one side of the insertion groove 14d, and the restriction receiving portion 34d is arranged on the other side of the insertion groove 14d where the pawl 25 and the opening lever 31 are located. In this way, since the restriction receiving portion 34d is arranged close to the pawl 25 side, the opening lever 31 including the fork restriction portion 31c to be abutted against the restriction receiving portion 34d can be miniaturized.

[0134] The motor 37, the main shaft 39, and the slide 43 are arranged on the side opposite to the open end of the insertion groove 14d with respect to the pawl 25, and the opening lever 31 is supported at a position closer to the open end of the insertion groove 14d than the pawl shaft 26. As a result, the full length of the rod body 31a of the opening lever 31 can be ensured, so the driving force of the motor 37 for operating the operation receiving portion 31b of the opening lever 31 through the slide 43 can be reduced. Therefore, the opening lever 31 can be reliably opened and closed by the slide 43. Fig.13 The initial position shown is rotated to Fig.19 Therefore, the pawl 25 can be directed toward the limit end position without causing any malfunction. Fig.16 The non-locking position shown in FIG. 1 is rotated, so that the shift fork 21 can be reliably moved from Fig.13 Latch position shown turned to Fig. 20 In addition, even when the slider 43 with a limited working range moves forward and backward, the rotation stroke of the opening lever 31, that is, the moving distance of the fork limiting portion 31c and the pawl operating portion 31f, can be ensured to be sufficiently long. Therefore, the fork 21 and the pawl 25 can be operated at an appropriate timing and with an appropriate amount of work, which can improve the degree of freedom in design.

[0135] By opening the lever 31 from Fig.14 The limit start position shown is towards Fig.16 The fork restriction portion 31c moves the shift fork 21 from the locking release position shown in FIG. Fig.14 Latch position shown Fig.16 In addition, the pawl operating portion 31f causes the pawl 25 to rotate from the latch position shown. Fig.14 The locking position shown is Fig.16 That is, the pawl 25 is rotated from the non-locking position shown in the figure. In other words, when the pressure contact of the recoil spring 23 on the shift fork 21 is released, the pawl 25 is moved from the non-locking position through the pawl operating part 31f. Fig.14 The locking position shown is Fig.16 Therefore, the driving force of the motor 37 required for rotating the ratchet 25 can be reduced.

[0136] Furthermore, by opening the lever 31 from Fig.16 The unlocked position shown is Fig.19The shift fork limiting portion 31c rotates to the limit end position shown in FIG. Fig.16 The latch position shown is past Fig.17 Latch position shown facing Fig.18 After the shift fork 21 is slowly rotated to the open position shown, the rotation restriction of the shift fork 21 is released. Therefore, the shift fork 21 can be prevented from suddenly rotating from the latch position to the open position due to the elastic force of the weather strip 3 that seals between the vehicle body 1 and the rear door 4, thereby suppressing the vibration and abnormal noise of the shift fork 21.

[0137] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, and various modifications may be made.

[0138] The opening lever 31 may be configured to directly operate the fork 21 without passing through the fork lever 34. That is, the electric opening and closing mechanism 30 may be a structure without the fork lever 34.

[0139] The shape and arrangement of the fork restricting portion 31c provided on the opening lever 31 are sufficient to ensure that the fork restricting portion 31c is rotated to the position of the opening lever 31. Fig.13 When the initial position is shown and the Fig.19 The structure that does not come into contact with the restriction receiving portion 34 d of the fork lever 34 at the restriction end position shown may be used, and may be changed as needed.

[0140] The shape and arrangement of the restriction receiving portion 34d provided on the fork lever 34 are sufficient as long as the fork 21 is rotated to Fig.13 The latch position shown may be located on the rotation trajectory Ro of the fork restricting portion 31 c of the opening lever 31 , and may be changed as needed.

[0141] The drive mechanism 36 can be any structure as long as it can transmit the driving force of the motor 37 to the main shaft 39, and a common spur gear (gear) can also be used. In addition, the drive mechanism 36 can be any structure as long as it can open the opening rod 31, and can be changed as needed. In addition, the drive mechanism 36 can also be a structure that can only open the operation but not close the fork 21.

Claims

1. A door latch device, comprising: A base having an insertion slot into which the striker can be inserted; The shift fork is mounted on the shift fork shaft and can be rotated to a latch position and an open position, and a force is applied from the latch position toward the open position by a force application member, wherein: The fork shaft is arranged on one side of the insertion slot relative to the base in a direction intersecting the direction in which the insertion slot extends, the latch position is a position in which the fork holds the striker, and the open position is a position in which the fork can disengage the striker; A pawl is axially supported on a pawl shaft and can rotate to a locked position and a non-locked position, wherein the pawl shaft is arranged on the other side of the insertion groove relative to the base in a direction intersecting the direction in which the insertion groove extends, and extends along the fork shaft, the locked position is a position in which the pawl locks the fork in the latch position, and the non-locked position is a position in which the locking of the pawl and the fork is released to allow the rotation of the fork achieved by the force application member; an opening lever having a fork limiting portion and a pawl operating portion, which is supported on the other side of the insertion groove relative to the base shaft and is arranged in a manner of being spaced apart from the pawl in the axial direction of the pawl shaft, wherein the fork limiting portion is used to limit the rotation of the fork toward the open position, and the pawl operating portion is used to rotate the pawl from the locked position to the unlocked position; and The driving mechanism rotates the opening lever from an initial position to a first rotation position, a second rotation position, and a third rotation position, wherein the first rotation position is located at a position spaced apart from the initial position, the second rotation position is farther from the initial position than the first rotation position, and the third rotation position is farther from the initial position than the second rotation position. When the opening lever is located at the initial position, the fork restricting portion allows the fork to rotate, and the pawl operating portion maintains the pawl at the locking position. When the opening lever rotates from the initial position to the first rotation position, the fork restricting portion restricts the fork from rotating toward the opening position. When the opening lever rotates from the first rotation position to the second rotation position, the pawl operating portion rotates the pawl from the locking position to the non-locking position. When the open lever rotates from the second rotation position to the third rotation position, the pawl operating portion restricts the pawl from rotating toward the locking position, and the fork restricting portion releases the restriction on the rotation of the fork toward the open position.

2. The door latch device according to claim 1, wherein: The shift fork is mounted on the shift fork shaft in a manner that the shift fork can rotate integrally with the shift fork shaft. A fork lever is mounted on the fork shaft in a manner adjacent to the opening lever and spaced apart from the fork in the axial direction of the fork shaft, and the fork lever is mounted so as to be rotatable integrally with the fork shaft. The fork lever is provided with a restriction receiving portion with which the fork restriction portion abuts.

3. The door latch device according to claim 2, wherein: When the opening lever is located at the initial position, the fork restriction portion is located radially inward of the fork shaft relative to the restriction receiving portion and cannot abut against the restriction receiving portion by the rotation of the fork lever. When the open lever is located at the third rotational position, the fork restricting portion is located radially outward of the fork shaft relative to the restricting receiving portion and cannot come into contact with the restricting receiving portion by rotation of the fork lever.

4. The door latch device according to claim 3, wherein: When the shift fork is located at the latch position, the restriction receiving portion is located at the other side of the insertion groove and is located on a rotation trajectory of the shift fork restriction portion formed by the rotation of the opening lever.

5. The door latch device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The driving mechanism comprises: a motor, arranged on a side opposite to an open end of the insertion slot relative to the pawl in a direction in which the insertion slot extends; a main shaft extending in a direction intersecting the insertion slot and being rotationally driven by the motor; and A sliding member is screwed with the main shaft in a manner that allows it to move forward and backward, and is used to operate the opening rod. The opening lever has: a rod body axially supported at a position closer to the open end of the insertion groove than the pawl shaft, and extending along the insertion groove toward the main shaft; as well as The operation receiving portion is provided at the tip end of the rod body and receives the operation performed by the slider.

6. The door latch device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The shift fork can rotate from the open position through the latch position to an over-latch position farther from the open position than the latch position. The pawl can rotate from the locking position through the non-locking position to an over-rotation position farther from the locking position than the non-locking position. When the opening lever rotates from the first rotation position to the second rotation position, the shift fork restricting portion overcomes the biasing force of the biasing member and rotates the shift fork from the latch position to the over-latch position. The pawl operating portion rotates the pawl from the non-engaging position to the over-rotation position by rotating the opening lever from the second rotation position to the third rotation position, and the fork limiting portion releases the rotation restriction of the fork after slowly rotating the fork from the over-latch position through the latch position to the open position side.

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