Door latch device

Abstract

The invention provides a door latch device. Even if an unlockable state occurs, the unlockable state can be released with good operability. A door latch device (1) is provided with a latch mechanism (20), an electric release mechanism (40), and a manual release mechanism (60). The electric release mechanism (40) has an electric release lever (44) that operates according to the driving of a motor (41), and the electric release lever (44) has a first lever (51) and a second lever (52). The door latch device (1) is further provided with a cancelling mechanism (100) which is provided independently from the motor (41), cancels the connection state between the first lever (51) and the second lever (52) by means of the operating force of the inner handle (3) transmitted via the inner lever (61) of the manual cancelling mechanism (60), and allows the second lever (52) to retreat from a predetermined position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a door latch device for installation on a vehicle door. Background Technology

[0002] Among the door latch devices installed on vehicle doors, there is a known electrically operated door latch device (also called an electronic lock) that can release the engagement of the latch mechanism and the striker using the driving force of a motor. In the electrically operated door latch device, in addition to the electrically operated engagement and disengagement mechanism, as a countermeasure in case the motor cannot be driven due to power failure, a mechanical engagement and disengagement mechanism is provided that can release the engagement of the latch mechanism and the striker by manual operation of a handle or the like (for example, Patent Documents 1-3).

[0003] In an electric latch device, if the motor cannot drive the latch mechanism when the electric engagement release mechanism is operating to move the latch mechanism from the locked state to the unlocked state, the latch mechanism remains in a state where it cannot engage with the striker (also known as the non-locking state), and the door may not be able to close.

[0004] In the door lock device described in Patent Document 3, a cancellation mechanism is provided as a countermeasure against the situation where the door cannot be locked. When the inner door handle is operated, the movable rod rotates, and the connection between the release rod and the cancellation rod is released by the cancellation pin, which can change the door from the open state to the closed state.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 7385435

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 4617588

[0009] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent No. 7035709 Summary of the Invention

[0010] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0011] In Patent Document 3, the aforementioned movable lever has a gear engagement hole through which a gear protrusion extends, and this gear protrusion is formed in the gear of the electric operating mechanism. The movable lever moves between a locked position and an unlocked position by rotating the gear, thus also functioning as a locking mechanism. If the door handle is operated while the motor is in a non-driving state, the movable lever operates with the gear protrusion of the fixed gear in contact with the gear engagement hole of the movable lever, resulting in high frictional resistance, which is problematic from an operability point of view.

[0012] The present invention provides a latch device that can be easily released from a non-locking state even when a non-locking state has occurred.

[0013] Solution for solving the problem

[0014] This invention is a door latch device installed in a vehicle door, wherein,

[0015] The latch device includes:

[0016] A latch mechanism having a latch capable of engaging a striker provided on the vehicle body, which is maintained in a closed state relative to the vehicle body by becoming a locked state in which the latch is engaged with the striker;

[0017] An electrically operated release mechanism, which can release the locking state by being driven by a motor; and

[0018] The manual release mechanism allows the locking state to be released manually.

[0019] The electric release mechanism has an electric release lever that actuates according to the drive of the motor.

[0020] The electrically operated release lever has:

[0021] The first lever, which is driven by the motor, moves accordingly; and

[0022] The second lever, when in a connected state that operates in conjunction with the first lever, engages with the latch mechanism to release the locking state.

[0023] The manual release mechanism has an inner lever, which is operated manually via an in-vehicle control unit located inside the carriage.

[0024] The latch device also includes a release mechanism, which is independently configured relative to the motor, and releases the connection between the first lever and the second lever by the operating force of the in-vehicle operating unit transmitted via the inner lever, allowing the second lever to retract from a predetermined position.

[0025] The effects of the invention

[0026] According to the present invention, since the door latch device has a cancellation mechanism that operates according to manual operation of the in-vehicle operating unit, even if the motor cannot be driven due to power failure, malfunction, or other reasons and the door remains in an unlocked state, the unlocked state can be released by manually operating the in-vehicle operating unit. Therefore, the door can be reliably closed even in emergencies, thus improving anti-theft performance and the reliability of the door latch device. Furthermore, since the cancellation mechanism is provided independently of the motor, it can operate without being affected by the motor being in a fixed state, and the unlocked state can be released with better operability. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a right-side side view of a vehicle V equipped with a latch device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the latch device 1 as seen from the rear and inside the vehicle.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the latch device 1 with the latch mechanism 20 installed before the housing 11 is installed.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the electrical component 80 mounted on the latch device 1.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a diagram obtained by observing the latch mechanism 20 from the rear.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the latch mechanism 20 (fuselage 21 is not shown) obtained from the front view.

[0033] Figure 7 This diagram is obtained by observing the pawl rod 34 and the outer rod 71 from the rear.

[0034] Figure 8 The diagram is obtained by observing the electric release mechanism 40, the manual release mechanism 60, and the cancellation mechanism 100 from the inside of the vehicle.

[0035] Figure 9 This is an exploded perspective view of the elements of the electric release mechanism 40, the manual release mechanism 60, and the cancellation mechanism 100.

[0036] Figure 10 This diagram shows the electric release mechanism 40 (left) and latch mechanism 20 (right) in the standby position.

[0037] Figure 11 This diagram shows the electrically operated release mechanism 40 (left) and latch mechanism 20 (right) that move in the release direction.

[0038] Figure 12This diagram shows the electrically operated release mechanism 40 (left) and latch mechanism 20 (right) that move in the standby direction.

[0039] Figure 13 This diagram shows the manual release mechanism 60 (left) and the latch mechanism 20 (right) that move in the release direction.

[0040] Figure 14 This diagram shows the manual release mechanism 60 (left) and the latch mechanism 20 (right) that move towards the standby direction.

[0041] Figure 15 This is diagram (1) showing the operation of the cancellation mechanism 100 (left) and the latch mechanism 20 (right) when the non-locking state is released.

[0042] Figure 16 This is diagram (2) showing the operation of the cancellation mechanism 100 (left) and the latch mechanism 20 (right) when the non-locking state is released.

[0043] Figure 17 This is diagram (3) showing the operation of the cancellation mechanism 100 (left) and the latch mechanism 20 (right) when the non-locking state is released.

[0044] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0045] 1. Door latch device; 3. Inner handle (in-vehicle operating unit); 5. Lock cylinder (out-of-vehicle operating unit); 7. Mechanical key (prop); 20. Latch mechanism; 24. Latch; 32. Pawl; 34. Pawl lever; 34b1. Electric side engaging part (engaging part); 34b2. Manual side engaging part (engaging part); 40. Electric release mechanism; 41. Motor; 44. Electric release lever; 51. First lever; 52. Second lever; 55. Connecting pin; 60. Manual release mechanism; 61. Inner lever; 61c. Lock release part; 61d. Cancellation operation part; 65. Linkage member; 71. Outer lever; 82. ECU (control device); 83. Battery; 100. Cancellation mechanism; 101. Cancellation lever; 103. Pin retainer; D. Door; S. Strike pin. Detailed Implementation

[0046] Hereinafter, a door latch device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings are viewed in the directions indicated by the reference numerals. The door latch device illustrated here is a vehicle door latch device mounted on the left and right doors (including the front door and the rear door) of an automobile. In the drawings, the front of the vehicle is denoted as Fr, the rear of the vehicle as Rr, the top of the vehicle as U, and the bottom of the vehicle as D. Furthermore, the inner side of the vehicle in the left-right direction (vehicle width direction) is denoted as IN, and the outer side of the vehicle as OUT. In addition, the front, rear, inner side of the vehicle, and outer side of the vehicle in the description are directions based on the fully closed state of the door.

[0047] [Overall structure of the latch mechanism]

[0048] Figure 1 This is a side view of a vehicle V equipped with a latch device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The latch device 1 is installed, for example, at the rear end of the interior of the right-side door D of the vehicle V. The latch device 1 is capable of being powered by a motor 41 (see reference 41). Figure 3 The electric latch device, also known as an electronic lock, is used to open door D. The motor 41 is driven by the operation of the car interior switch 2 located inside the car and the car exterior switch 6 located on the exterior handle 9 outside the car.

[0049] The latch device 1 allows door D to be opened manually by user U, without the need for an electric opening operation using motor 41. Specifically, door D can also be opened physically by operating the inner handle 3 (an example of an in-car control unit) located inside the car, or by using the mechanical key 7 to operate the lock cylinder 5 (an example of an external control unit) located outside the car. Furthermore, the opening of door D using the inner handle 3 and the mechanical key 7 is primarily used in emergencies such as power outages or motor 41 malfunctions; normally, door D is opened electrically using the in-car switch 2 and the external switch 6.

[0050] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the latch device 1 includes: a housing 11 formed of synthetic resin or the like; a latch mechanism 20 that holds the door D in a closed state relative to the vehicle body; an electric release mechanism 40 that electrically opens the door D by being driven by a motor 41; and a manual release mechanism 60 that mechanically opens the door D by manual operation from inside and outside the vehicle body. The electric release mechanism 40 and the manual release mechanism 60 are housed within the housing 11 by being disposed in a space S1 provided inside the vehicle body and covered by a first cover 17 installed from inside the vehicle body. The latch mechanism 20 is assembled into a space S2 provided at the rear of the housing 11.

[0051] In addition, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the latch device 1 also includes an electrical component 80 that actuates the electric release mechanism 40. The electrical component 80 includes, for example, a circuit board 81, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 82 mounted on the circuit board 81 for controlling the drive of the motor 41, and an energy storage device 83 such as a capacitor for storing the power supplied to the motor 41 and the ECU 82. The electrical component 80 is housed within the housing 11 through a space S3 located on the upper side of the housing 11 and on the outer side of the vehicle, and is covered by a second cover 18 mounted from above and a third cover (not shown) mounted from the outer side of the vehicle.

[0052] The motor 41, ECU 82 and accumulator 83 are positioned above the upper part of the latch device 1, specifically above the striker entry groove 27 described later, which can prevent rainwater or other liquids from seeping into the striker entry groove 27.

[0053] [Latch mechanism]

[0054] Figure 5 This is a rear view of the latch mechanism 20, obtained from the rear side. Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the latch mechanism 20 (fuselage 21 is not shown) obtained from the front view. Figure 5 and Figure 6 This indicates the state in which the latch mechanism 20 is engaged with the striker S located on the vehicle body.

[0055] The latch mechanism 20 includes: a body 21 formed of synthetic resin or the like; a metal cover 22 disposed at the rear of the body 21; a metal back plate 23 disposed at the front of the body 21; a latch 24 rotatable about a latch axis 24a, which engages with a striker S on the vehicle body when the door D is closed; and a pawl mechanism 30 having a pawl 32 capable of engaging with the latch 24. The latch 24 and the pawl mechanism 30 are supported by the body 21, the cover 22, and the back plate 23.

[0056] A recessed storage portion 26, comprising a storage latch 24 and a portion of a ratchet mechanism 30, is provided on the rear surface of the fuselage 21. A cover plate 22 is fixed inside the door D by bolts (not shown) and is configured to cover the storage portion 26 of the fuselage 21. A back plate 23 supports the latch 24, the ratchet mechanism 30, and the outer rod 71 (described later) from the front side of the fuselage 21.

[0057] A striker entry groove 27 is provided approximately at the center of the fuselage 21 and the cover plate 22 in the vertical direction. The striker entry groove 27 is the part through which the striker S enters when the door D is closed. It extends in the vehicle width direction and opens towards the inside of the vehicle. The latch 24 is located above the striker entry groove 27, and the pawl mechanism 30 is located below the striker entry groove 27.

[0058] The latch 24 has a receiving groove 25, which is recessed from the outer peripheral surface of the latch 24 toward the latch shaft 24a, and is capable of receiving the firing pin S. A helical spring 24s is wound on the latch shaft 24a. The latch 24 is opened by the force exerted by the helical spring 24s in the direction of disengaging from the firing pin S and opening the door D, specifically towards... Figure 5 Apply force in a clockwise direction.

[0059] The outer peripheral surface of the latch 24 is provided with a fully locking engagement portion 24b and a partially locking engagement portion 24c. When the pawl 32 engages with the fully locking engagement portion 24b, the latch 24 is in a fully locked state corresponding to the fully closed state of the door D (see reference). Figure 5 Furthermore, when the pawl 32 engages with the semi-locking engagement part 24c, the latch 24 is in a semi-locked state corresponding to the half-open state (not shown). The fully locked state and the semi-locked state are states in which the latch 24 is engaged with the striker S by the pawl 32, and the fully locked state and the semi-locked state are collectively referred to as the locked state. In addition, when the latch 24 is not engaged with the striker S and the pawl 32 is not used to engage the latch 24 with the striker S, it is in an unlocked state corresponding to the fully open state of the door D (see reference). Figure 12 wait).

[0060] When the latch 24 engages with the firing pin S, the pawl mechanism 30 maintains a locked state that engages the latch 24 with the firing pin S. The pawl mechanism 30 includes: a ratchet 31, which is rotatable about a ratchet axis 31a; a pawl 32, which is located at the end of the ratchet 31 and is capable of engaging with the latch 24; a lever 33, which is rotatable about a lever axis 33a; and a pawl lever 34, which transmits the driving force of the motor 41 and the operating force generated by manual operation to the pawl 32 to release the locked state. In addition, when describing the direction of operation of each element of the pawl mechanism 30 below, the direction of operation that engages the pawl 32 with the latch 24 will be referred to as the "engaging direction", and the direction of operation that disengages the pawl 32 from the latch 24 will be referred to as the "releasing direction".

[0061] The ratchet 31, pawl 32 and pressure bar 33 are housed in the storage part 26 of the body 21, and the pawl bar 34 is disposed on the front surface of the back plate 23.

[0062] The ratchet 31 is supported in a manner that allows it to rotate about the ratchet shaft 31a. The ratchet 31 is driven in the engaging direction by the force exerted by a helical spring 31s wound around the ratchet shaft 31a. Figure 5 The ratchet 31 applies force in a counter-clockwise direction. Furthermore, the ratchet 31 has an input section 31b that extends in the front-to-back direction, allowing the pawl lever 34 to engage from below. The input section 31b receives the driving force from the motor 41 and the operating force generated by manual operation via the pawl lever 34.

[0063] The pawl 32 is designed to rotate about a pawl shaft 32a, which passes through a shaft hole at the end of the ratchet 31. The pawl 32 is directed in an engaging direction with the latch 24 by the force exerted by a helical spring (not shown) engaged with the ratchet 31. Figure 5 A counterclockwise force is applied to the ratchet 31, which normally abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the latch 24. Furthermore, in the release direction (…), Figure 5 When the ratchet 32 ​​rotates clockwise, it overcomes the force of the helical spring and rotates together with the ratchet 31 in the release direction.

[0064] The pressure lever 33 is located below the ratchet 31 and is designed to rotate around the lever shaft 33a. The pressure lever 33 includes: an input portion 33b, which is configured to engage with a pawl lever 34, receiving input from the motor 41's driving force and manual operation force via the pawl lever 34; and a pressing portion 33c, which abuts against the ratchet 31 from below, preventing the ratchet 31 from rotating in the release direction. The pressure lever 33 is pressed towards the direction where the pressing portion 33c engages with the ratchet 31 by the force applied by the helical spring 33s wound around the lever shaft 33a. Figure 5 The lever 33 normally abuts against the ratchet 31 from below, preventing the ratchet 31 from rotating in the release direction. On the other hand, the lever 33 applies force in the release direction (counterclockwise) according to the input received by the input unit 33b. Figure 5 When the ratchet rotates clockwise, it does not engage with the ratchet 31, allowing the ratchet 31 to rotate in the release direction.

[0065] The pawl lever 34 is configured to engage with both the electrically operated release mechanism 40 and the manually operated release mechanism 60, and is also configured to rotate about the lever axis 34a. The pawl lever 34 is propelled by the force applied by the helical spring 34s coiled around the lever axis 34a. Figure 5 Apply force in a counterclockwise direction.

[0066] Also refer to Figure 7 The ratchet lever 34 includes: a first input section 34b, which receives the driving force of the motor 41 and the operating force of the inner handle 3; a second input section 34c, which receives the operating force of the lock cylinder 5 located outside the vehicle; a lever operating section 34d, which is configured to engage with the input section 33b of the lever 33 to rotate the lever 33; and a ratchet operating section 34e, which is configured to engage with the input section 31b of the ratchet 31 to rotate the ratchet 31. The first input section 34b is located on the inner side of the lever shaft 34a, and the second input section 34c is located on the outer side of the lever shaft 34a.

[0067] Furthermore, the first input portion 34b of the ratchet lever 34 includes: an electrically engaged portion 34b1, which engages with the electrically released mechanism 40 and receives the driving force input from the motor 41; and a manually engaged portion 34b2, which engages with the manually released mechanism 60 and receives the operating force input from the inner handle 3. The electrically engaged portion 34b1 and the manually engaged portion 34b2 are located in different positions.

[0068] When the latch 24 is locked and there is driving force from the motor 41 or operating force from the inner handle 3, the first input part 34b is pushed up by the electric release mechanism 40 or the manual release mechanism 60, and the pawl lever 34 rotates around the lever axis 34a. As a result, the pressure lever operating part 34d engages with the input part 33b of the pressure lever 33, causing the pressure lever 33 to rotate in the release direction against the force of the coil spring 33s. Next, the ratchet operating part 34e engages with the input part 31b of the ratchet 31, causing the ratchet 31 to rotate in the release direction against the force of the coil spring 31s, and also causing the pawl 32 provided on the ratchet 31 to rotate in the release direction. As a result, the pawl 32 is separated from the latch 24 and is not engaged (non-abutting state), the locking state is released, and the door D is opened.

[0069] Furthermore, an outer rod 71, supported on the back plate 23, is provided on the outer side and lower side of the latch mechanism 20. The outer rod 71 is rotatable about a rod axis 71a. The outer rod 71 is pushed away from the second input portion 34c of the pawl lever 34 by the force exerted by a helical spring (not shown) wound around the rod axis 71a. Specifically, Figure 7 Apply force in a clockwise direction.

[0070] The outer lever 71 has: an input section 72, which is connected to the lock cylinder 5 via a cable 8 to receive the operating force input from the lock cylinder 5; and an operating section 73, which is configured to engage with the second input section 34c of the pawl lever 34 to rotate the pawl lever 34. The operating section 73 is located on the side opposite to the input section 72 relative to the lever axis 71a.

[0071] When the lock cylinder 5 is operated with the latch 24 in the locked state, the input part 72 of the outer rod 71 is pulled upward by the cable 8, and the outer rod 71 rotates around the rod axis 71a. The operating part 73 of the outer rod 71 engages with the second input part 34c of the pawl lever 34, pressing down the second input part 34c. As a result, the pawl lever 34 rotates around the rod axis 34a, and the pressure lever operating part 34d engages with the input part 33b of the pressure lever 33, overcoming the force of the coil spring 33s and causing the pressure lever 33 to rotate in the release direction. Next, the ratchet operating part 34e engages with the input part 31b of the ratchet 31, overcoming the force of the coil spring 31s and causing the ratchet 31 to rotate in the release direction, and the pawl 32 provided on the ratchet 31 also rotates in the release direction. As a result, the pawl 32 is separated from the latch 24 and is not engaged (non-abutting state), the locking state is released, and the door D is opened.

[0072] [Electric release mechanism]

[0073] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the electric release mechanism 40 includes: a motor 41; a worm gear 42 disposed on the drive shaft of the motor 41; a cam 43 that meshes with the worm gear 42 by means of teeth formed on its outer peripheral surface and has a cam portion 43a; and an electric release lever 44 that abuts against the cam portion 43a to perform an action. The electric release mechanism 40 transmits the driving force of the motor 41 to the pawl lever 34 of the latch mechanism 20 via the worm gear 42, the cam 43, and the electric release lever 44, thereby releasing the locking state. Furthermore, Figure 8 All elements of the electrically released mechanism 40 shown are in the standby position.

[0074] Motor 41 is configured with its drive shaft, which has a worm gear 42, facing forward and downward. Motor 41 is driven based on the operation of the interior switch 2 and the exterior switch 6. ECU 82 performs control as follows: for example, if the vehicle V's speed is above a predetermined speed, motor 41 will not be driven even if the interior switch 2 or the exterior switch 6 is operated.

[0075] The cam 43 is configured to rotate about an axis extending in the vehicle width direction and is positioned below the motor 41 and below the worm gear 42. A cam portion 43a is located on the inner side of the cam 43 and protrudes towards the inner side of the vehicle. The cam portion 43a is formed such that, on the cam 43... Figure 8 When rotated clockwise, the distance between the cam portion 43a and the center of the cam 43 increases. Furthermore, in the following description, the cam 43 will also be rotated clockwise... Figure 8 The clockwise rotation of cam 43 is called forward rotation. Figure 8 The counterclockwise rotation of the cam is called reversal. Furthermore, the direction in which the electric release lever 44 operates when the cam 43 rotates clockwise from the standby position is called the release direction, and the direction in which the electric release lever 44 operates when the cam 43 reverses and faces the standby position is called the standby direction.

[0076] The electric release lever 44 has a first lever 51 that is driven by a motor 41 and a second lever 52 that engages with the latch mechanism 20 when in a connected state that is linked to the first lever 51. The second lever 52 is configured to be able to switch between a connected state that is linked to the first lever 51 and a non-connected state that is independent of the first lever 51, as detailed below.

[0077] The first lever 51 is configured to rotate about a lever axis 53 located below the cam 43. The first lever 51 has a cam abutment portion 51a that abuts against the cam portion 43a and a connecting portion 51b that connects to the second lever 52. The cam abutment portion 51a and the connecting portion 51b are located on opposite sides, separated by the lever axis 53. When viewed axially from the lever axis 53, at least the cam abutment portion 51a of the first lever 51 overlaps with the cam 43. The first lever 51 is directed towards abutting against the cam portion 43a by the force applied by a helical spring 51s provided in the housing 11. Specifically, Figure 8 Apply force in a clockwise direction.

[0078] The second lever 52 is configured to rotate about the lever axis 53, that is, to rotate coaxially with the first lever 51. When viewed axially from the lever axis 53, the second lever 52 is configured to overlap at least partially with the first lever 51. Furthermore, the second lever 52 is positioned so as not to overlap with the cam 43 when viewed axially from the lever axis 53, and does not directly engage with the cam 43. The second lever 52 is positioned closer to the pawl lever 34 of the latching mechanism 20 than the first lever 51, and has an operating part 52a at its rear end. This operating part 52a engages with the first input part 34b (electrically operated engaging part 34b1) of the pawl lever 34 to operate the pawl lever 34.

[0079] The second lever 52 is directed away from the pawl lever 34 of the latch mechanism 20 by the force exerted by the helical spring 52s provided in the outer casing 11. Specifically, Figure 8 The force is applied clockwise. When the first lever 51 and the second lever 52 are connected, if the motor 41 rotates clockwise, the second lever 52 overcomes the force of the helical spring 52s and rotates counterclockwise around the lever axis 53. The operating part 52a engages with the first input part 34b (electric side engaging part 34b1) of the pawl lever 34 from below and pushes up the first input part 34b.

[0080] The second lever 52 is configured to be in a connected state, which is connected to the first lever 51 via the connecting pin 55 and operates in conjunction with the first lever 51, and in a non-connected state, which is disconnected via the connecting pin 55 and operates independently of the first lever 51. Here, the connected state will be explained in detail first, and the non-connected state will be explained together with the cancellation mechanism 100 described later.

[0081] A through hole 105 is formed in the second rod 52, which extends axially through the rod shaft 53 for the connecting pin 55 to pass through. The through hole 105 is divided into a connecting region 105A, which is slightly larger than the diameter of the connecting pin 55, and a non-connecting region 105B, which is continuous with and larger than the connecting region 105A. When the connecting pin 55 is located in the connecting region 105A, the second rod 52 is in a connected state; when the connecting pin 55 is located in the non-connecting region 105B, the second rod 52 is in a disconnected state. The connecting region 105A is located further from the rod shaft 53 than the non-connecting region 105B, and is located on the clockwise side of the rotation direction. A notch is formed in the connecting portion 51b of the first rod 51, which has a roughly U-shaped notch for the connecting pin 55 to enter. When the connecting pin 55 is located in the connecting area 105A, when the first rod 51 rotates around the rod axis 53 in the release direction (counterclockwise), the connecting part 51b and the connecting pin 55 together cause the second rod 52 to rotate in the release direction.

[0082] Figures 10-12 This diagram illustrates the operation of the electric release mechanism 40 (left figure) and the operation of the latch mechanism 20 (right figure) when the operating door D is opened using the electric release mechanism 40. Figure 11 and Figure 12 The thick arrows in the text indicate the direction of movement for each element.

[0083] When cam 43 rotates forward from the standby position and lever 51 rotates in the release direction, the connecting part 51b of lever 51 pushes up the connecting pin 55, causing lever 52, which is in the connected state, to rotate in the release direction. Then, the operating part 52a of lever 52 pushes up the first input part 34b (electrically engaged part 34b1) of pawl lever 34. When the first input part 34b is pushed up, as described above, pawl 32 is separated from latch 24 in a non-abutting state, the locking state is released, and door D opens.

[0084] After door D is opened, when cam 43 reverses and returns to the standby position, levers 51 and 52 rotate around axis 53 in the standby direction under the force of their respective coil springs 51s and 52s, returning to the standby position. At this time, because the operating part 52a of lever 52 moves downward, the pushing state of the first input part 34b (electrically engaged part 34b1) of pawl lever 34 pushed up by operating part 52a is released. Therefore, pawl 32 abuts against the outer peripheral surface of latch 24 under the force of the coil spring, and can engage with latch 24 when door D is closed.

[0085] [Manual Deactivation Mechanism]

[0086] Return to Figure 8 and Figure 9The manual release mechanism 60 includes: an inner rod 61, which is actuated by manually operating the inner handle 3; a connecting rod member 65, which is connected to the inner rod 61 and can engage with the pawl rod 34; and an outer rod 71 (see reference). Figure 7 (etc.), which is operated manually by the lock cylinder 5 located outside the carriage.

[0087] The inner rod 61 is positioned below and rear of the electric release mechanism 40. The inner rod 61 is supported on the outer casing 11 in a manner that allows it to rotate about a rod axis 61a located at the top. The inner rod 61 is directed towards the standby position by the force exerted by a helical spring 61s located on the outer casing 11. Figure 8 Apply force in the counterclockwise direction.

[0088] The inner rod 61 has an input section 61b, which is connected to the inner handle 3 (see reference 4) via a cable 4. Figure 3 The inner lever 61 receives the operating force input from the inner handle 3; and the locking release part 61c transmits the operating force of the inner handle 3 to the pawl lever 34 via the linkage member 65 to release the locking state. The input part 61b is located at the lower end of the inner lever 61 and receives the operating force input from the inner handle 3. The locking release part 61c is located between the lever shaft 61a and the input part 61b, and the linkage member 65 is connected to the locking release part 61c.

[0089] The linkage member 65 extends vertically, and its lower end is connected to the locking release part 61c of the inner rod 61. The linkage member 65 has an operating part 66, which engages with the first input part 34b (manual side engagement part 34b2) of the pawl lever 34 to operate the pawl lever 34.

[0090] Figure 13 and Figure 14 This diagram illustrates the operation of the manual release mechanism 60 (left figure) and the operation of the latch mechanism 20 (right figure) when the operating door D is opened using the manual release mechanism 60. Figure 13 and Figure 14 The thick arrows in the text indicate the direction of movement for each element.

[0091] When the operating force of the inner handle 3 is input to the input section 61b, the inner rod 61 overcomes the force of the coil spring 61s and rotates around the rod axis 61a in the release direction (clockwise). The connecting rod member 65 moves upward in conjunction with the inner rod 61, and the operating part 66 of the connecting rod member 65 engages with the first input section 34b (manual side engagement part 34b2) of the pawl lever 34, pushing up the first input section 34b. When the first input section 34b is pushed up, as described above, the pawl 32 is separated from the latch 24 in a non-abutting state, the locking state is released, and the door D is opened.

[0092] When the operating force of the inner handle 3 disappears after door D is opened, the inner rod 61 returns to the standby position by the force of the coil spring 61s. At this time, since the operating part 66 of the linkage member 65 moves downward, the pushing state of the first input part 34b (manual side engaging part 34b2) of the pawl lever 34 pushed up by the operating part 66 is released. Therefore, the pawl 32 abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the latch 24 under the action of the coil spring, and can engage with the latch 24 when door D is closed.

[0093] Here, the operation of the connecting pin 55 when the locking state is released by operating the inner handle 3 will be explained. When the inner lever 61 rotates in the release direction, the cancel lever 101 also rotates counterclockwise, causing the connecting pin 55 to move. At this time, the connecting pin 55 temporarily moves from the connecting area 105A to the non-connecting area 105B. When the inner lever 61 returns to the standby position, the cancel lever 101 also returns to the standby position in conjunction, and the connecting pin 55 moves from the non-connecting area 105B to the connecting area 105A.

[0094] [Cancellation of Institution]

[0095] When the locking state is released by the action of the electric release mechanism 40, such as Figure 11 As shown, the operating part 52a of the second lever 52 pushes up the first input part 34b (electrically engaged part 34b1) of the pawl lever 34. In the following description, the positions of each element of the electric release mechanism 40 in this state will also be referred to as the operating positions. When the elements of the electric release mechanism 40 are in the operating positions, if the motor 41 is stuck (cannot be driven) due to power failure, malfunction, etc., the pawl 32 can be kept from abutting against the latch 24. When this state is maintained, even if the door D is moved in the closing direction, the latch 24 cannot engage with the striker S (hereinafter also referred to as the non-locking state), and the door D cannot be closed.

[0096] Furthermore, the latch device 1 also includes a release mechanism 100. When the release mechanism 100 is configured to engage with the inner rod 61 and maintain a non-locking state, the non-locking state can be released by manually operating the inner handle 3.

[0097] like Figures 15-17 As shown, the cancellation mechanism 100 uses the operating force of the inner handle 3 transmitted via the inner rod 61 to release the connection between the first rod 51 and the second rod 52, allowing the second rod 52 to retract from the operating position. With the retraction of the second rod 52, the engagement between the operating part 52a and the first input part 34b (electrically engaged part 34b1) of the pawl lever 34 is released, and the non-locking state is disengaged.

[0098] In this way, the cancellation mechanism 100 releases the non-locking state by manually operating the inner handle 3 to activate the second lever 52 fixed in the operating position. Therefore, even if a non-locking state occurs due to power failure, malfunction, etc., the door D can be reliably closed by manual operation from inside the carriage, improving the anti-theft performance and enhancing the reliability of the door latch device 1.

[0099] Furthermore, the release mechanism 100 is provided independently of the motor 41. Specifically, since the release mechanism 100 is not driven by the motor 41, but is provided independently of the motor 41 and the cam 43, it is not affected by the motor 41 when operated using the operating force of the inner handle 3. Therefore, even when the components of the electric release mechanism 40, including the motor 41, are fixed in the operating position, the release mechanism 100 does not experience significant frictional resistance caused by the fixed position when operated using the operating force of the inner handle 3, thus enabling more operable release from the non-locking state.

[0100] Next, while explaining the structure of the inner rod 61 and the electric release rod 44, the specific structure of the cancellation mechanism 100 will be explained in detail.

[0101] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the inner rod 61, in addition to the aforementioned locking release part 61c, also has a cancellation operation part 61d that actuates the cancellation mechanism 100. The cancellation operation part 61d is located between the input part 61b and the locking release part 61c, transmitting the operating force of the inner handle 3 to the cancellation mechanism 100 to actuate it. Since the inner rod 61 has both the locking release part 61c and the cancellation operation part 61d, the locking state can be released and the cancellation mechanism 100 can be actuated using a common inner rod 61. Therefore, in the latch device 1, the number of components can be reduced.

[0102] The cancellation mechanism 100 has a cancellation lever 101, which is actuated by pressing against the cancellation operation portion 61d of the inner lever 61. The cancellation lever 101 is disposed between the inner lever 61 and the electrically released lever 44. The cancellation lever 101 is configured to rotate about a lever axis 101a disposed below the electrically released lever 44, and at least a portion of it overlaps with the electrically released lever 44 when viewed axially. The cancellation lever 101 is pushed by the force of a helical spring 101s provided in the housing 11. Figure 8 Apply force in a clockwise direction.

[0103] The cancel lever 101 includes: an input section 102, which is configured to engage with the cancel operation section 61d of the inner lever 61, and to receive the operating force input from the inner handle 3 via the inner lever 61; and a pin retaining section 103, which is used to retain the connecting pin 55. When the inner lever 61 is rotated clockwise by manual operation of the inner handle 3, the cancel lever 101 is actuated by pressing the cancel operation section 61d of the inner lever 61 against the input section 102, and rotates counterclockwise against the force exerted by the coil spring 101s.

[0104] The cancel lever 101 does not normally operate in response to the drive of the motor 41. Specifically, an elongated hole 103a is formed in the pin retaining portion 103 to allow the connecting pin 55 to move. The elongated hole 103a is formed along the rotation direction of the first lever 51, and when the cancel lever 101 is in the standby position, the movement trajectory of the connecting pin 55 under the drive of the motor 41 is consistent with the elongated hole 103a. Therefore, even if the motor 41 is driven, only the connecting pin 55 moves within the elongated hole 103a, and the cancel lever 101 does not operate.

[0105] Cancellation lever 101 disengages the second lever 52 from its connected state by moving connecting pin 55, thus changing it to an unconnected state and allowing the second lever 52 to retract from its operating position.

[0106] Reference Figures 15-17 To explain in detail, when the cancel lever 101 presses against the inner lever 61, the connecting pin 55 moves from the connecting area 105A formed in the second lever 52 to the non-connecting area 105B (see reference). Figure 15 When the connecting pin 55 moves to the non-connected area 105B, the second lever 52 changes to a non-connected state that is not linked to the first lever 51, and can move independently relative to the first lever 51.

[0107] Under the force of the coil spring 52s, the second lever 52 rotates clockwise toward the standby position, and the engagement between the operating part 52a and the first input part 34b (electrically engaged part 34b1) of the pawl lever 34 is released (see reference). Figure 16 At this time, according to the movement of the inner rod 61, the operating part 66 of the connecting rod member 65 moves to a position higher than the standby position, close to the first input part 34b (manual side engagement part 34b2) of the pawl lever 34. Therefore, at the position close to the point where the engagement between the operating part 52a and the electric side engagement part 34b1 of the pawl lever 34 is released, the operating part 66 of the connecting rod member 65 engages the manual side engagement part 34b2 of the pawl lever 34. In this way, even after the engagement with the operating part 52a of the second rod 52 is released, the pawl lever 34 can be prevented from violently rotating to the standby position, the impact applied to the pawl lever 34 can be suppressed, and the generation of impact noise can be suppressed.

[0108] As the inner lever 61 returns to the standby position according to the operation of the inner handle 3, the first input part 34b (manual side engagement part 34b2) of the pawl lever 34, which is engaged by the operating part 66 of the linkage member 65, moves downward and returns to the standby position (see reference). Figure 17 As a result, the pawl 32 changes to a state of contact with the latch 24, and the inability to lock is released.

[0109] Thus, the cancellation mechanism 100 is configured to include a cancellation lever 101, a connecting pin 55, and a through hole 105 formed in the second lever 52, allowing the second lever 52 to rotate freely relative to the first lever 51 according to the operation of the inner handle 3. Since the cancellation lever 101 can change the first lever 51 and the second lever 52 from a connected state to a disconnected state simply by moving the connecting pin 55, the non-locking state can be reliably released with good operability. Furthermore, since the connecting pin 55 is disposed within the projected area of ​​the first lever 51 and the second lever 52, the cancellation mechanism 100 can be established within a limited area within the housing 11 to release the non-locking state, thereby simplifying the latch device 1.

[0110] Furthermore, since the cancel lever 101 has a pin retaining portion 103 for retaining the connecting pin 55 as described above, the connecting pin 55 moves integrally with the cancel lever 101 when the cancel lever 101 is activated. Therefore, the responsiveness for operations to release the non-locking state is improved.

[0111] Furthermore, in the first input section 34b of the ratchet lever 34, the electrically operated engagement portion 34b1, which engages with the electrically operated release mechanism 40, and the manually operated engagement portion 34b2, which engages with the manually operated release mechanism 60, are located in different positions. With this structure, the electrically operated release mechanism 40 does not affect the transmission path of the operating force from the manually operated release mechanism 60 to the inner handle 3 of the ratchet lever 34. Therefore, even if the motor 41 remains in a non-driven state after the locking state has been released, the locking state can always be released manually from inside the vehicle, improving the reliability of the latch device 1.

[0112] Furthermore, the latch device 1 described above is structured without a locking mechanism that can invalidate the release of the locking state performed by the manual release mechanism 60. Since it lacks a locking mechanism, the number of components in the latch device 1 can be reduced, thus simplifying the process.

[0113] In the latch device 1, which lacks a locking mechanism, it is particularly important to ensure sufficient anti-theft capability against manual operation from outside the vehicle. As mentioned above, the operation of the outer lever 71 of the manual release mechanism 60 of the latch device 1 requires physical operation using the mechanical key 7. Therefore, even without a locking mechanism, the latch device 1 can ensure sufficient anti-theft capability. Furthermore, even if the electric release mechanism 40 fails to operate due to a malfunction of the motor 41, the locked state can be released manually from outside the vehicle using the mechanical key 7, thus improving the reliability of the latch device 1. In this way, the latch device 1 of this embodiment can ensure both anti-theft capability and reliability while simplifying the structure by not including a locking mechanism.

[0114] Furthermore, in the latch device 1 of this embodiment, the motor 41, ECU 82, and accumulator 83 are positioned above the striker entry groove 27, closer to the latch 24 than the pawl 32. Additionally, the manual release mechanism 60 and the cancellation mechanism 100 are positioned below the striker entry groove 27, closer to the pawl 32 than the latch 24. Because the manual release mechanism 60 and the cancellation mechanism 100 are positioned close to the pawl 32, the structure for transmitting the operating force of the inner handle 3 to the pawl 32 is simplified. Furthermore, because electrical components such as the motor 41, ECU 82, and accumulator 83 are positioned close to the latch 24, which is positioned above the pawl 32, the infiltration of liquids such as rainwater into these electrical components is prevented. Thus, due to the optimized arrangement of the various elements of the latch device 1, miniaturization of the latch device 1 is achieved.

[0115] The present invention has been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but it is self-evident that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. Obviously, those skilled in the art will be able to conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims, and will understand that these modifications or alterations also fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the constituent elements of the above-described embodiment can be combined arbitrarily without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0116] At least the following items are described in this specification. The elements in parentheses are shown as examples of components corresponding to the above embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0117] (1) A latch device (latch device 1) installed in a door (door D) of a vehicle (vehicle V), wherein,

[0118] The latch device (latch device 1) includes:

[0119] A latch mechanism (latch mechanism 20) having a latch (latch 24) capable of engaging with a striker (striker S) provided on the vehicle body, is maintained in a closed state relative to the vehicle body by becoming a locked state in which the latch is engaged with the striker;

[0120] An electrically operated release mechanism (electric release mechanism 40) is provided, which can release the locking state by being driven by a motor (motor 41); and

[0121] A manual release mechanism (manual release mechanism 60) is provided, which allows the locking state to be released manually.

[0122] The electric release mechanism has an electric release lever (electric release lever 44) that operates according to the drive of the motor.

[0123] The electrically operated release lever has:

[0124] The first lever (lever 51) operates according to the drive of the motor; and

[0125] The second lever (lever 52), when in a connected state that operates in conjunction with the first lever, engages with the latch mechanism to release the locking state.

[0126] The manual release mechanism has an inner rod (inner rod 61), which is operated manually by an in-vehicle operating unit (inner handle 3) located inside the carriage.

[0127] The latch device further includes a cancellation mechanism (cancellation mechanism 100), which is independently provided relative to the motor and releases the connection between the first rod and the second rod by the operating force of the in-vehicle operating part transmitted via the inner rod, allowing the second rod to retract from a predetermined position.

[0128] According to (1), since the door latch device has a cancellation mechanism that operates according to the manual operation of the in-vehicle operating unit, even if the motor cannot be driven due to power failure, malfunction, or other reasons and the door remains in an unlocked state, the unlocked state can be released by manually operating the in-vehicle operating unit. Therefore, the door can be reliably closed even in an emergency, thus improving the anti-theft capability and the reliability of the door latch device. Furthermore, since the cancellation mechanism is set independently of the motor, it can operate without being affected by the motor being in a fixed state, and the unlocked state can be released more easily.

[0129] (2) The latch device according to (1), wherein,

[0130] The inner rod of the manual release mechanism has:

[0131] A locking release part (locking release part 61c) transmits the operating force of the in-vehicle operating part to the latch mechanism to release the locking state; and

[0132] The cancellation operation unit (cancellation operation unit 61d) transmits the operating force of the in-vehicle operation unit to the cancellation mechanism, thereby causing the cancellation mechanism to operate.

[0133] According to (2), since the inner rod has a locking release part for releasing the locking state and a cancellation operation part for actuating the cancellation mechanism, the locking state can be released and the cancellation mechanism can be actuated using a common inner rod, thus reducing the number of parts.

[0134] (3) The latch device according to (2), wherein,

[0135] The second lever of the electric release lever is configured to be in a connected state, which is connected to the first lever via a connecting pin (connecting pin 55) and operates in conjunction with the first lever, and in a non-connected state, which is released from the connection via the connecting pin and can operate independently relative to the first lever.

[0136] The cancellation mechanism has a cancellation lever (cancellation lever 101), which presses against the cancellation operation part of the inner rod to perform the action.

[0137] The cancellation lever releases the electrically operated release lever from its engaged state by moving the connecting pin, thus changing it to its disengaged state and allowing the second lever to retract from the predetermined position.

[0138] According to (3), since the canceling lever can change the first and second levers from the connected state to the unconnected state by moving the connecting pin, the non-locking state can be released with good operability. In addition, since the connecting pin is arranged within the projected area of ​​the first and second levers, the canceling mechanism can be established within a limited range, which can simplify the latch device.

[0139] (4) The latch device according to (3), wherein,

[0140] The cancellation lever has a pin retaining part (pin retaining part 103) for retaining the connecting pin.

[0141] According to (4), since the cancel lever retains the connecting pin, the connecting pin moves integrally with the cancel lever when the cancel lever is activated. Therefore, the responsiveness for operations used to release the non-locking state is improved.

[0142] (5) The latch device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein,

[0143] The latching mechanism also has:

[0144] A pawl (pawl 32), which is forced in a direction abutting against the outer peripheral surface of the latch, is capable of engaging with the latch; and

[0145] A pawl lever (pawl lever 34) is configured to engage with both the manual release mechanism and the electric release mechanism, thereby releasing the pawl from the latch using either the manual release mechanism or the electric release mechanism.

[0146] In the ratchet lever, the engaging part (manual side engaging part 34b2) with the manual release mechanism and the engaging part (electric side engaging part 34b1) with the electric release mechanism are located in different positions.

[0147] According to (5), since the engagement part with the manual release mechanism and the engagement part with the electric release mechanism are located in different positions in the ratchet lever, the electric release mechanism does not affect the transmission path of the operating force from the manual release mechanism to the in-vehicle operating part of the ratchet lever. Therefore, even if the electric release mechanism continues to malfunction due to power failure or other reasons, the locking state can always be released manually from inside the vehicle, thus improving the reliability of the latch device.

[0148] (6) The latch device according to (5), wherein,

[0149] The manual release mechanism also includes a connecting rod member (connecting rod member 65), which is connected to the inner rod and can engage with the ratchet lever.

[0150] When the in-vehicle operating unit is manually operated, the linkage component moves in a manner close to the engaging portion of the ratchet lever.

[0151] When the cancellation mechanism is activated by the operating force of the in-vehicle operating unit and the second lever retracts from the predetermined position, the linkage member engages with the pawl lever, which has been released from engagement with the second lever.

[0152] According to (6), since the linkage member that moves close to the pawl when the non-locking state is released, it can suppress the pawl from violently rotating to the standby position, suppress the impact applied to the pawl, and suppress the generation of impact sound.

[0153] (7) The latch device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein,

[0154] The manual release mechanism also includes an outer rod (outer rod 71), which is operated manually using a tool (mechanical key 7) to operate the external control unit (lock cylinder 5) located outside the carriage.

[0155] The outer rod is operated manually via the external control unit, engaging with the latch mechanism to release the locking state.

[0156] When the latch device is simplified by omitting a locking mechanism, sufficient anti-theft capability must be ensured for manual operation from outside the carriage. According to (7), a tool (such as a mechanical key) is required to manually unlock the latch from outside the carriage, thus ensuring anti-theft capability even in a latch device without a locking mechanism. Furthermore, even if the electric unlocking mechanism fails to operate due to a power outage, the latch can still be unlocked manually from outside the carriage using a tool, thus improving the reliability of the latch device. In this way, both anti-theft capability and reliability can be ensured while simplifying the latch device by omitting a locking mechanism.

[0157] (8) The latch device according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein,

[0158] The latch device also includes:

[0159] Control device (ECU82), which controls the motor; and

[0160] An energy storage device (energy storage device 83) that stores electricity capable of supplying power to the motor and the control device.

[0161] The latching mechanism also has a pawl (pawl 32) positioned below the latch and capable of engaging with it.

[0162] The motor, the control device, and the energy storage device are positioned closer to the latch than the pawl, and the manual release mechanism and the cancellation mechanism are positioned closer to the pawl than the latch.

[0163] According to (8), since the manual release mechanism and the cancellation mechanism are positioned close to the pawl, the structure for transmitting the operating force from the in-vehicle operating unit to the pawl can be simplified. Furthermore, since electrical components such as the motor, control unit, and accumulator are positioned close to the latch, which is positioned above the pawl, the infiltration of liquids such as rainwater into these electrical components can be prevented. Thus, by optimizing the configuration of the various elements of the latch device, miniaturization of the latch device can be achieved.

Claims

1. A door latch device installed in a vehicle door, wherein, The latch device includes: A latch mechanism having a latch capable of engaging a striker provided on the vehicle body, which is maintained in a closed state relative to the vehicle body by becoming a locked state in which the latch is engaged with the striker; An electrically operated release mechanism, which can release the locking state by being driven by a motor; and The manual release mechanism allows the locking state to be released manually. The electric release mechanism has an electric release lever that actuates according to the drive of the motor. The electrically operated release lever has: The first lever, which is driven by the motor, moves accordingly; and The second lever, when in a connected state that operates in conjunction with the first lever, engages with the latch mechanism to release the locking state. The manual release mechanism has an inner lever, which is operated manually via an in-vehicle control unit located inside the carriage. The latch device also includes a release mechanism, which is independently configured relative to the motor, and releases the connection between the first lever and the second lever by the operating force of the in-vehicle operating unit transmitted via the inner lever, allowing the second lever to retract from a predetermined position.

2. The latch device according to claim 1, wherein, The inner rod of the manual release mechanism has: A locking release unit that transmits the operating force of the in-vehicle operating unit to the latch mechanism to release the locking state; and The cancellation operation unit transmits the operating force of the in-vehicle operation unit to the cancellation mechanism, causing the cancellation mechanism to operate.

3. The latch device according to claim 2, wherein, The second lever of the electric release lever is configured to be in a connected state, which is connected to the first lever via a connecting pin and operates in conjunction with the first lever, and in a non-connected state, which is released from the connection via the connecting pin and can operate independently relative to the first lever. The cancellation mechanism has a cancellation lever that presses against the cancellation operating part of the inner rod to perform an action. The cancellation lever releases the electrically operated release lever from its engaged state by moving the connecting pin, thus changing it to its disengaged state and allowing the second lever to retract from the predetermined position.

4. The latch device according to claim 3, wherein, The cancellation lever has a pin retaining portion that holds the connecting pin.

5. The latch device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The latching mechanism also has: A pawl, which, when force is applied in a direction abutting against the outer peripheral surface of the latch, is capable of engaging the latch; and A pawl lever is configured to engage with both the manual release mechanism and the electric release mechanism, thereby releasing the pawl from the latch using either the manual or electric release mechanism. In the ratchet lever, the engagement portion with the manual release mechanism and the engagement portion with the electric release mechanism are located in different positions.

6. The latch device according to claim 5, wherein, The manual release mechanism also includes a connecting rod component, which is connected to the inner rod and can engage with the ratchet lever. When the in-vehicle operating unit is manually operated, the linkage component moves in a manner close to the engaging portion of the ratchet lever. When the cancellation mechanism is activated by the operating force of the in-vehicle operating unit and the second lever retracts from the predetermined position, the linkage member engages with the pawl lever, which has been released from engagement with the second lever.

7. The latch device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The manual release mechanism also includes an external lever, which is operated manually using a tool to activate an external control unit located outside the carriage. The outer rod is operated manually via the external control unit, engaging with the latch mechanism to release the locking state.

8. The latch device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The latch device also includes: Control device, which controls the motor; and An energy storage device that stores electricity capable of supplying power to the motor and the control device. The latching mechanism also has a pawl positioned below the latch, capable of engaging with the latch. The motor, the control device, and the energy storage device are positioned closer to the latch than the pawl. The manual release mechanism and the cancellation mechanism are positioned closer to the pawl than the latch.

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