Vehicle latch device

Abstract

The door latch device (1) is provided with a device main body (2). The device main body (2) is provided with a latch mechanism (11), an electric motor (12), a main frame (10) and an opening lever (16). The opening lever (16) is mechanically connected to the latch mechanism (11), and the latch mechanism (11) can be operated by the displacement of the opening lever (16). The first operating force input mechanism (20A) or the second operating force input mechanism (20B) is selectively attached to the device body (2) in order to transmit an operating force input by a user of the vehicle to the opening lever (16). The main frame (10) has frame fixing parts (10a, 10b) for fixing the sub-frame (30) of the first operating force input mechanism (20A), and a through-hole (10c) through which the cable (41) of the second operating force input mechanism (20B) passes.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a door latch device for a vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a door latch device configured to drive a latch mechanism by an electric motor. In order that the latch mechanism can be operated and the door can be opened even when the electric motor cannot work, the door latch device has an inner lever mechanically linked to the latch mechanism. An inner handle is provided on the inner side of the door as an input portion of an operation force input by a user. When the user operates the inner handle, the inner lever operates, whereby the door is opened.

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT DOCUMENT

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2016 / 132464 SUMMARY

[0006] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] The above input portion is disposed at different places according to different vehicle models and the like. Correspondingly, mechanisms for transmitting an operation force input to the input portion to the latch mechanism also have various types. If the door latch devices are manufactured respectively according to the differences in the mechanisms, manufacturing management becomes complicated.

[0008] An object of the present application is to make manufacturing management of a door latch device for a vehicle easy.

[0009] MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM

[0010] One aspect of the present application provides a door latch device for a vehicle, including: a device main body having a latch mechanism that engages with a striker provided on a vehicle body in a releasable manner, an electric motor that drives the latch mechanism, and a main frame that supports the latch mechanism and the electric motor; an opening lever that is supported to the main frame in a displaceable manner; an operation force input mechanism that displaces the opening lever by an operation force input by a user of the vehicle; and an operation force transmission mechanism that mechanically links the opening lever to the latch mechanism to operate the latch mechanism in a manner to be released from the striker when the opening lever is displaced, the operation force input mechanism being selectively attached to the device main body as a first operation force input mechanism or a second operation force input mechanism, the first operation force input mechanism having a sub-frame fixed to the main frame and a lever supported to the sub-frame and operated by the user, the second operation force input mechanism having a cable that connects a handle to the opening lever, the handle being disposed in the vehicle body in a manner to be separated from the device main body and operated by the user, the main frame having a frame fixing portion for fixing the sub-frame and a through-hole through which the cable passes.

[0011] According to the above-described structure, the first operation force input mechanism or the second operation force input mechanism is selectively attached to the device main body. The main frame has the frame fixing portion for fixing the sub-frame of the first operation force input mechanism and the through-hole through which the cable of the second operation force input mechanism passes. Therefore, at least two kinds of door latch devices for a vehicle can be provided by only replacing the assembly (operation force input mechanism) from the opening lever to the input portion of the operation force input by the user. Since most of the components of the door latch device for a vehicle can be commonly used among the various types, the manufacturing management of the door latch device becomes easy.

[0012] Means for solving the problem

[0013] Effects of the Invention

[0014] According to the present application, the manufacturing management of the door latch device for a vehicle can be made easy. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 is a conceptual view of a door latch device of an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 is a conceptual view of a door latch device to which a first operation force input mechanism is attached.

[0017] Figure 3 is a conceptual view of a door latch device to which a second operation force input mechanism is attached.

[0018] Figure 4A is a perspective view of a door latch device to which a first operation force input mechanism is attached.

[0019] Figure 4B FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the door latch device, shown in a state in which the cover is separated from the device main body and the first operation force input mechanism is assembled to the device main body.

[0020] Figure 4C FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the door latch device, shown in a state in which the cover and the first operation force input mechanism are separated from the device main body.

[0021] Figure 4D FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the first operation force input mechanism.

[0022] Figure 4E FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the first operation force input mechanism, showing the back side of the lever and the rod in a state in which the lever is separated from the sub-frame.

[0023] Figure 4F FIG. 10 is a partial side view of the door latch device, shown in a state in which the cover is separated from the device main body and the first operation force input mechanism is assembled to the device main body.

[0024] Figure 5A FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the door latch device, in which the second operation force input mechanism is assembled.

[0025] Figure 5B FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the door latch device, shown in a state in which the cover is separated from the device main body and the second operation force input mechanism is assembled to the device main body.

[0026] Figure 5C FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the door latch device, shown in a state in which the cover and the second operation force input mechanism are separated from the device main body.

[0027] Figure 5D FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the second operation force input mechanism.

[0028] Figure 5E FIG. 15 is a partial side view of the door latch device, shown in a state in which the cover is separated from the device main body and the second operation force input mechanism is assembled to the device main body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference signs in all drawings, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted.

[0030] REFERENCE Figures 1-3 The door latch device 1 of the present embodiment locks or unlocks a door of a vehicle. The door latch device 1 includes a device main body 2, a cover 3, an operation portion 4, a controller 5, and an operation force input mechanism 20.

[0031] The device main body 2 has a main frame 10. For ease of illustration, Figures 1-3The main frame 10 is schematically shown as a box-shaped structure, but the main frame 10 can also be a frame-shaped or a plate-shaped structure. For example, the latch mechanism 11, the electric motor 12, the drive force transmission mechanism 13, the connector 14, and the manual opening mechanism 15 are supported by the main frame 10, and they also constitute a part of the device main body 2. The cover 3 covers the device main body 2.

[0032] The latch mechanism 11 is disengageably engaged with the striker 81 provided to the vehicle body. The latch mechanism 11 has a yoke 11a and a pawl 11b. The yoke 11a is rotationally displaceable between a latching position in which the yoke 11a is engaged with the striker 81 and an opening position in which the engagement with the striker 81 is released. The pawl 11b is rotationally displaceable between a holding position in which the yoke 11a is held in the latching position and a non-holding position in which the holding is released. It is to be noted that, Figures 1-3 A state in which the yoke 11a is positioned in the latching position and engaged with the striker 81 and the pawl 11b is positioned in the holding position, that is, a state in which the door latch device 1 or the latch mechanism 11 is locked. The pawl 11b is rotationally displaceable from the illustrated holding position to the non-holding position in a counterclockwise direction, and the yoke 11a is rotationally displaceable from the illustrated latching position to the opening position in a counterclockwise direction. Thus, the striker 81 is disengaged from the latch mechanism 11 via the through hole 2a of the device main body 2. That is, the door latch device 1 or the latch mechanism 11 is in an unlocked state.

[0033] The electric motor 12 is coupled to the pawl 11b of the latch mechanism 11 via the drive force transmission mechanism 13. The electric motor 12 is rotationally displaceable in both directions. The drive force transmission mechanism 13 transmits a rotational drive force generated by the electric motor 12 to the pawl 11b. The drive force transmission mechanism 13 is constituted by a shaft, a lever, a gear, or a cam, and the like, thereby forming a power transmission path that transmits the rotational drive force to the pawl 11b.

[0034] The operation portion 4 is operated by a user of the vehicle to lock or unlock the door of the vehicle. The controller 5 is connected to the operation portion 4 and the electric motor 12. The controller 5 is a computer having a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, and an input / output interface. The operation portion 4 includes, for example, a button switch provided to a smart key, a door lock switch provided to the door, and the like. Figures 1-3 The operation portion 4 is schematically shown as being wirelessly connected to the controller 5, but the operation portion 4 can also be connected to the controller 5 by wire. Figures 1-3The diagram schematically shows a structure where the controller 5 is located outside the main body 2, but the controller 5 can also be supported on the main frame 10 to form the main body 2. When the controller 5 is located outside the main body 2, a connector 14 is used within the main body 2. The connector 14 is detachably connected to a wiring harness 6a extending from the controller 5 and connected to the electric motor 12 via wiring 6b within the main body 2. Alternatively, an onboard battery 82 can be used as a power source for both the controller 5 and the electric motor 12; in this case, the connector 14 is present on the power supply line 7 connecting the battery 82 to the electric motor 12.

[0035] When the operation unit 4 is operated by the user, a start command for the electric motor 12 is output from the operation unit 4. The controller 5 operates the electric motor 12 according to the start command. As a result, the pawl 11b is driven to rotate. Depending on the rotation direction of the electric motor 12, the pawl 11b is driven to rotate from the holding position to the non-holding position or from the non-holding position to the holding position. That is, the state of the latch device 1 or the latch mechanism 11 switches between the locked state and the unlocked state.

[0036] A manual opening mechanism 15 is provided on the main body 2 of the device so that the latch mechanism 11 can be switched from the locked state to the unlocked state even if the electric motor 12 is not working properly. The operating force input mechanism 20 transmits the operating force manually input by the vehicle user to the input part outside the main body 2 to the manual opening mechanism 15. The manual opening mechanism 15 further transmits the transmitted operating force to the pawl 11b. Thus, even if the electric motor 12 stops, the pawl 11b can be manually rotated from the holding position to the non-holding position.

[0037] The manual opening mechanism 15 consists of a shaft, lever, gear or cam, etc., thereby forming a power transmission path to transmit the operating force to the pawl 11b. Figures 1-3 The manual opening mechanism 15 is schematically shown as having a structure that is common to the drive force transmission mechanism 13 on the downstream side of the power transmission direction, but the manual opening mechanism 15 can also form a power transmission path that is completely independent of the drive force transmission mechanism 13.

[0038] The manual opening mechanism 15 has an opening lever 16 at its upstream end in the power transmission direction. The opening lever 16 is supported on the main frame 10 in a displaceable manner and forms part of the device body 2. The opening lever 16 can rotate between an initial position and an operating position, and is normally positioned in the initial position. The opening lever 16 has a connecting part 16a that connects to the operating force input mechanism 20.

[0039] In this latch device 1, a first operating force input mechanism 20A or a second operating force input mechanism 20B, serving as an operating force input mechanism 20, is selectively mounted to the device body 2. The first operating force input mechanism 20A is either a "frame-fixed type" or a "lever type." The second operating force input mechanism 20B is either a "frame-isolated type" or a "cable type." These various operating force input mechanisms 20A and 20B, which are different from each other, are interchangeably mounted to the device body 2 of the latch device 1.

[0040] Figure 2 (and Figures 4A-4F The diagram shows a first operating force input mechanism 20A or a latch device 1A to which the first operating force input mechanism 20A is attached. Figure 3 (and Figures 5A-5E The diagram shows a second operating force input mechanism 20B or a latch device 1B to which the second operating force input mechanism 20B is attached.

[0041] Reference Figure 2 The first operating force input mechanism 20A has: a sub-frame 30 fixed to the main frame 10; a lever 31 supported on the sub-frame 30 in a swingable manner; and a rod 32 connecting the lever 31 to the opening lever 16.

[0042] The lever 31 is integrally provided with an input section 31a operated by the user. The sub-frame 30 is a box-shaped structure with one open end, and the opening of the sub-frame 30 is covered by the vehicle side member. The inner panel 83 of the door is a preferred example of such a vehicle side member. The inner panel 83 is provided with an opening 83a that exposes the input section 31a into the passenger compartment.

[0043] The subframe 30 has locking portions 30a and 30b for securing it to the main frame 10. The base end of the rod 32 is connected to the lever 31. The rod 32 passes through a rod insertion hole 30c formed in the subframe 30 and extends outward from the subframe 30.

[0044] With the first operating force input mechanism 20A installed, the locking parts 30a and 30b engage with the frame fixing parts 10a and 10b provided on the main frame 10, thereby fixing the sub-frame 30 to the main frame 10. Then, the rod insertion through hole 30c communicates with the through hole 10c formed in the main frame 10. The rod 32 passes through the rod insertion through hole 30c and the through hole 10c into the device body 2. The front end of the rod 32 is connected to the connecting part 16a of the opening lever 16.

[0045] When an operating force is applied to the input unit 31a, the lever 31 swings. The rotational displacement of the lever 31 is transmitted to the opening lever 16 via the rod 32, causing the opening lever 16 to swing from the initial position to the operating position. As a result, the pawl 11b is rotated and driven by the manual opening mechanism 15, displacing from the holding position to the non-holding position.

[0046] ReferenceFigure 3 The second operating force input mechanism 20B includes: a cable 41 connecting a handle 85 provided on the door panel member 84 to an opening lever 16; a block 42 provided on the cable 41; and a force-applying member 43 applying force to the opening lever 16 towards its initial position. The handle 85 is an example of an input unit disposed outside the main body 2 on the vehicle body and manually input by the vehicle user. (Refer to subframe 30) Figure 2 Unlike other door panels, handle 85 is configured to be detached from the main body 2. The door panel component 84 can be either an outer or inner panel, and handle 85 can be located either outside or inside the carriage. Unless otherwise specified, handle 85 is located inside the carriage. Handle 85 is mounted to the door panel component 84 in a swingable manner via a hinge (not shown), and is forced to a non-operating position by a force-applying component such as a torsion spring. The base of cable 41 is connected to handle 85.

[0047] With the second operating force input mechanism 20B installed, the cable 41 passes through the aforementioned through hole 10c, and the front end of the cable 41 is connected to the connecting portion 16a of the opening lever 16. When the handle 85 is operated from the non-operating position, the cable 41 is pulled by the handle 85. The opening lever 16 then swings from the initial position to the operating position. As a result, the pawl 11b is rotated and driven by the manual opening mechanism 15, displacing from the holding position to the non-holding position.

[0048] A cable fixing part 10d is provided around the through hole 10c of the main frame 10 for the block 42 to fit into. A force-applying member 43 is supported on the block 42 and the front end of the cable 41. When the cable 41 is pulled, the block 42 abuts against the cable fixing part 10d, while the force-applying member 43 is compressed, accumulating applied force. When the operating force is released, the handle 85 returns to the non-operating position. The cable 41 then returns to its pre-operation state, and the opening lever 16 returns to its initial position through the applied force of the force-applying member 43.

[0049] Thus, the first operating force input mechanism 20A or the second operating force input mechanism 20B is selectively connected to the connecting portion 16a of the opening lever 16 and selectively mounted to the device body 2. The main frame 10 also has frame fixing portions 10a and 10b for fixing the sub-frame 30 of the first operating force input mechanism 20A and a through hole 10c for the cable 41 of the second operating force input mechanism 20B to pass through. Therefore, at least two types of latch devices 1A and 1B can be selectively provided. Since most of the components of the latch device 1 can be shared between different types, the manufacturing management of the latch device 1 can be simplified.

[0050] In particular, the main frame 10 and the latching mechanism 11 supported on the main frame 10 can be shared between different types. When the cable-type second operating force input mechanism 20B is selected, the sub-frame 30 is not required, and there is no need to ensure space for the sub-frame 30 around the device body 2. When the lever-type first operating force input mechanism 20A is selected, the displacement of the lever 31 can be transmitted to the opening lever 16 via the through hole 10c through which the cable 41 passes (i.e., the rod 32). The cable 41 and the rod 31 are positioned approximately in the same location. Therefore, it is not necessary to ensure space for each type of component in different locations around the main frame 10, allowing for miniaturization of the main frame 10 and even the latching device 1.

[0051] A through hole 10c is provided on the same surface of the device body 2 as the surface where the connector 14 is disposed. The sub-frame 30 is fixed to this surface. The cover 3 has a slit 3a to avoid interference with the connector 14. The slit 3a extends to the periphery of the through hole 10c. Therefore, interference between the sub-frame 30 and the rod 32 and the cover 3 can be avoided, and interference between the cable 41 and the cover 3 can also be avoided.

[0052] The following description further explains the structures of the latch device 1A equipped with the first operating force input mechanism 20A and the latch device 1B equipped with the second operating force input mechanism 20B. For ease of explanation only, the following descriptions will be provided. Figure 4A and Figure 5A The X direction is set as the front-to-back direction, the Y direction as the width direction, and the Z direction as the height direction (vertical direction). However, the definition of these directions may be appropriately changed depending on the mounting posture of the latch device 1A relative to the vehicle.

[0053] Reference Figures 4A-4C When viewed from above, the main body 2 of the device is L-shaped and has: a first part 2b that extends in the vertical and horizontal directions and the front and back directions; and a second part 2c that extends from the front end of the first part 2b to the other side in the width direction and then extends in the vertical and horizontal directions and the width direction.

[0054] For firing pin 81 (reference) Figure 1 The through hole 2a is located at the center of the corner between the first part 2b and the second part 2c in the vertical direction. The connector 14 protrudes rearward from the upper part of the back side of the first part 2b (i.e., the side opposite to the through hole 2a in the front-rear direction).

[0055] The first part 2b forms a main body opening 2d at its lower end. The main body opening 2d is a space extending in the front-back direction from the lower end of the first part 2b, opening to one side in the width direction. The main body opening 2d is located below the through hole 2a and the connector 14.

[0056] The opening lever 16 is supported on the main frame 10 in a rotatable manner and has a protrusion 16b that protrudes into the opening portion 2d of the main body. The thickness direction of the protrusion 16b and the rotation axis A16 of the opening lever 16 are oriented in the width direction. The connecting portion 16a of the opening lever 16 is formed by a through hole formed in the protrusion 16b.

[0057] A cylindrical portion 2e protrudes rearward from the back of the first part 2b. The cylindrical portion 2e protrudes rearward from the back of the first part 2b to the same extent as the connector 14. Both ends of the cylindrical portion 2e are open in the axial (front-rear direction). The aforementioned through hole 10c is formed by this cylindrical portion 2e. The front opening of the cylindrical portion 2e (through hole 10c) communicates with the main body opening 2d. The rear opening of the cylindrical portion 2e (through hole 10c) opens the device main body 2 rearward and outward.

[0058] Similar to the main body opening 2d, the cylindrical part 2e is also open on one side in the width direction. That is, the cross section of the cylindrical part 2e orthogonal to the axial direction is not annular, but C-shaped, opening to one side in the width direction.

[0059] The cylindrical portion 2e is a stepped cylinder with an inner diameter at its front that is larger than its inner diameter at its rear. A forward-facing annular stepped surface is provided between the front portion on the larger diameter side and the rear portion on the smaller diameter side. This stepped surface functions as the aforementioned cable fixing portion 10d.

[0060] On the back side of the first part 2b of the main body 2 of the device, two frame fixing parts 10a and 10b are provided in a manner that is separated in the vertical direction.

[0061] The upper frame fixing part 10a is provided on the back of the first part 2b and is located between the connector 14 and the cylindrical part 2e in the vertical direction. The frame fixing part 10a has a first protrusion that protrudes rearward from the back of the first part 2b and a second protrusion that extends downward from the front end of the first protrusion, and is in the shape of an inverted L when viewed in the width direction.

[0062] The lower frame fixing part 10b is located at the lower front end of the cylindrical part 2e, and is positioned further rearward than the upper frame fixing part 10a. The frame fixing part 10b has a first protrusion protruding downward from the lower front end of the cylindrical part 2e, a second protrusion extending rearward from the front end of the first protrusion, and a third protrusion extending upward from the front end of the second protrusion, and is J-shaped when viewed in the width direction.

[0063] Reference Figures 4C-4FThe sub-frame 30 of the first operating force input mechanism 20A has a side wall 30d on the other side in the width direction and a peripheral wall 30e protruding from the periphery of the side wall 30d in the width direction, opening in the width direction in the same way as the main body opening 2d. In other words, the sub-frame 30 has a base 30f that is fan-shaped when viewed in the width direction and a protrusion 30g that protrudes forward from the upper front part of the base 30f.

[0064] The base 30f has a front wall extending in the front-rear and vertical directions, an arcuate wall extending rearward from the lower end of the front wall and appearing arcuate when viewed in the width direction, and an inclined wall extending forward and upward from the rear end of the arcuate wall. The protrusion 30g has a protruding upper wall extending forward from the upper end of the inclined wall, a protruding end wall extending downward from the front end of the protruding upper wall, and a protruding lower wall connecting the lower end of the protruding end wall to the upper end of the front wall of the base 30f. The peripheral wall 30e is composed of these front walls, arcuate walls, inclined walls, protruding upper walls, protruding end walls, and protruding lower walls.

[0065] On the front surface side of the subframe 30, two locking parts 30a and 30b are provided in a manner that separates them in the vertical direction.

[0066] The upper locking portion 30a protrudes upward from the front end of the protruding upper wall of the protrusion 30g. In other words, the locking portion 30a is constructed by extending the protruding end wall of the protrusion 30a upward from the corner with the protruding upper wall. The lower locking portion 30b is provided at the lower end of the front wall of the base 30f, located further rearward than the upper locking portion 30a. The locking portion 30b has a first protrusion protruding forward from the front wall of the base 30f and a second protrusion protruding downward from the first protrusion, and is inverted L-shaped when viewed in the width direction.

[0067] The sub-frame 30 is fixed to the main frame 2 by moving relative to the main frame 10 in the width direction. During this relative movement, the upper locking part 30a is inserted into the upper frame fixing part 10a, and the lower locking part 30b is inserted into the lower frame fixing part 10b. Thus, each locking part 30a, 30b is locked to the corresponding frame fixing parts 10a, 10b. The protrusion 30g is located on the cylindrical part 2e, and the rear end of the cylindrical part 2e is opposite the lower front part of the base 30f in the front-rear direction.

[0068] The aforementioned rod insertion through hole 30c is provided at the lower front part of the base 30f. The rod insertion through hole 30c penetrates the front wall of the base 30f and opens to one side in the width direction. The rod insertion through hole 30c is aligned with the rear end opening of the cylindrical part 2e. Thus, the main body opening 2d communicates with the interior of the sub-frame 30 via the through hole 10c (cylindrical part 2e) and the rod insertion through hole 30c.

[0069] The main body opening 2d, the through hole 10c (cylindrical part 2e), the rod insertion through hole 30c, and the interior of the sub-frame 30 form a continuous space in the front-to-back direction from the front, as described above. The lever 31 and rod 32 of the first operating force input mechanism 20A are accommodated in this space. The space accommodating the lever 31 and rod 32 (although ultimately closed by the cover 3 and the inner plate 83) is open to one side in the width direction. During the assembly of the latch device 1A, the space accommodating the lever 31 and rod 32 constitutes an opening that is open to one side in the width direction and continuous in the front-to-back direction, thus allowing for easy assembly of the first operating force input mechanism 20A to the device body 2.

[0070] One end of the lever 31 is rotatably supported on a swing shaft 30h, which is located at the upper end of the base 30f and protrudes from the side wall 30d in the width direction. The lever 31 rotates about the central axis A31 of the swing shaft 30h within the base 30f. A limiting protrusion 30j protruding from the side wall 30d is provided at the front of the base 30f. The lever 31 can rotate between an initial position abutting against the limiting protrusion 30j and an operating position, which is a counterclockwise rotational position relative to the initial position when viewed from the width direction and abutting against the inclined wall.

[0071] It should be noted that the first operating force input mechanism 20A is provided with an anti-dislodgement mechanism 33 to prevent the lever 31 from falling off the sub-frame 30. In this regard, a cylindrical portion 33a, coaxial with the swing shaft 30h, protrudes in the width direction from the side wall 30d of the lever 31. The cylindrical portion 33a is hollow, and a Y-shaped slit 33b is formed in the center of the protruding end wall of the cylindrical portion 33a. The slit 33b opens in the width direction and expands radially in the axial middle portion of the cylindrical portion 33a. The swing shaft 30h passes through the center of the slit 33b and protrudes in the width direction from a position greater than that of the cylindrical portion 33a. On the other hand, a shaft insertion hole 31b for inserting the swing shaft 30h and a Y-shaped protrusion 33c protruding radially from the periphery of the shaft insertion hole 31b are provided on the back side (the other side in the width direction) of one end of the lever 31. When the swing shaft 30h is inserted into the shaft insertion hole 31b, the protrusion 33c passes through the slit 33b, causing the lever 31 to rotate around the rotation axis A31. Thus, the protrusion 33c is positioned inside the cylindrical portion, on the back side of the protruding end wall of the cylindrical portion 33a, and circumferentially positioned between the slits 33b. Therefore, even if the lever 31 is pulled to one side in the width direction, the protrusion 33c will abut against the protruding end wall of the cylindrical portion 33a, preventing the lever 31 from falling off.

[0072] A rod locking hole 31c is provided at the other end of the lever 31. The rod locking hole 31c has a circular part that is circular when viewed from the width direction and an arc-shaped part that is continuous behind the circular part.

[0073] Rod 32 passes through rod insertion hole 30c and through hole 10c (cylindrical part 2e). The base end of rod 32 is accommodated inside sub-frame 30, and the front end of rod 31 is accommodated in main body opening 2d. A base end hook 34 is provided at the base end of rod 32, and a front end hook 35 is provided at the front end of rod 32. The base end hook 34 is engaged with rod engaging hole 31c of lever 31, and the front end hook 35 is engaged with connecting part 16a of opening lever 16.

[0074] The base hook 34 has: a cylindrical portion 34a that engages with the base end of the rod 32; a pin portion 34b that extends from the cylindrical portion 34a in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the rod 32 and the cylindrical portion 34a; and a locking portion 34c that extends from the front end of the pin portion 34b toward the side opposite to the rod 32. With the rod 32 and the cylindrical portion 34a positioned relative to the lever 31 on one side in the width direction, the pin portion 34b is inserted into the rod locking hole 31c, and the locking portion 34c is positioned relative to the lever 31 on the other side in the width direction. By engaging the pin portion 34b with the circular portion of the rod locking hole 31c, the base end of the rod 32 can swing around the center of the circular portion of the rod locking hole 31c. Since the locking portion 34c is positioned on the back side of the lever 31, it prevents the base end of the rod 32 from falling off the lever 32 toward the width direction.

[0075] The front hook 35, like the base hook 34, has a cylindrical portion 35a, a pin portion 35b, and a locking portion 35c. With the rod 32 and the cylindrical portion 35a positioned on one side of the width direction relative to the opening lever 16, the pin portion 35b is inserted into the connecting portion 16a, which serves as a through hole, and the locking portion 35c is positioned on the other side of the width direction relative to the opening lever 16. By engaging the pin portion 35b with the connecting portion 16a, the front end of the rod 32 can swing around the center of the connecting portion 16a. Since the locking portion 35c is positioned on the back side of the opening lever 16, it prevents the front end of the rod 32 from falling off the opening lever 16 to one side of the width direction.

[0076] Furthermore, an input section 31a is provided on the front side (the side in the width direction) of one end of the lever 31. The input section 31a is composed of a slit extending along the diameter direction centered on the rotation axis A31. When the user of the vehicle holds a flathead screwdriver, coin, or the like and screws it into the slit that serves as the input section 31a, the user can twist the object along with the input section 31a, thereby inputting an operating force into the input section 31a, which causes the lever 31 to swing.

[0077] return Figure 4A and Figure 4BThe cover 3 has walls that form a space for accommodating the main body 2. The space opens downwards, and the cover 3 covers the main body 2 from above. For example, the cover 3 has: a side wall 3b that covers one side of the first part 2b in the width direction; an upper wall 3c that covers the upper surface of the first part 2b; and a rear wall 3d that continuously covers the back of the first part 2b along with the side wall 3b and the upper wall 3c. It should be noted that one side of the main body opening 2d in the width direction is closed by the side wall 3b.

[0078] The rear wall 3d is cut out from the bottom upwards, thus forming a slit 3a. When the cover 3 is placed on the device body 2 from above, the first operating force input mechanism 20A, including the sub-frame 30, and the connector 14 are positioned within the slit 3a, protruding rearward relative to the cover 3 without interfering with it.

[0079] Conversely, even with the cover 3, the cylindrical portion 2e and the sub-frame 30 remain open to one side in the width direction. The cylindrical portion 2e and the sub-frame 30 are closed by an inner plate 83, which is an example of a vehicle side member. Because a vehicle side member is used, the structure of the latch device 1A becomes simple. Therefore, there is no need to separately manufacture a cover 3 that covers the shape of the cylindrical portion 2e and the sub-frame 30, making manufacturing management easier.

[0080] The input section 31a is exposed in the carriage through the opening 83a formed by the inner plate 83. Even if the electric motor 12 is not working, the user in the carriage can unlock the door by inserting a tool or the like into the slit of the input section 31a and turning the tool. At this time, even if the tool is turned clockwise, the lever 31 remains in contact with the limiting protrusion 30j, and the lever 31 will not move from its initial position. The user needs to turn the tool counterclockwise. Thus, the lever 31 moves counterclockwise from its initial position around the rotation axis A31. The other end of the lever 31 moves backward, and the rod 32 follows the lever 31. The protrusion 16b of the opening lever 16 moves backward along with the rod 32. By swinging the opening lever 16, the pawl 11b moves from the holding position to the non-holding position, and the latching mechanism 11 switches from the locked state to the unlocked state. Even if the center of the rotational force input by the user is tilted relative to the rotation axis A31, the lever 31 will not fall off the subframe 30 due to the action of the anti-disengagement mechanism 33.

[0081] Next, refer to Figures 5A-5E With the second operating force input mechanism 20B installed, the subframe 30 is omitted. The rear opening of the through hole 10c opens outwards towards the device body 2. The cable 41 passes through the through hole 10c. The front end of the cable 41 is received in the opening 2d of the body. The base end of the cable 41 extends rearwards from the through hole 10c and connects to the handle 85 (see reference) which is isolated from the device body 2. Figure 3In this case, during the assembly of the latch device 1B, the main body opening 2d and the through hole 10c also open to one side in the width direction, thus making it easy to install the cable 41.

[0082] The cable 41 comprises a tubular outer cable 41a and a linear inner cable 41b that can be inserted into the outer cable 41a in a retractable manner. A block 42 is provided at the front end of the outer cable 41a. The block 42 has a cable insertion hole 42a for the inner cable 41b to pass through and an elastic claw portion 42b protruding from the front end in the width direction to the other side. The block 42 is positioned at the front relative to the stepped surface (cable fixing portion 10d) of the cylindrical portion 2e of the main frame 10. The cable 41 can pass unimpeded through the rear portion of the cylindrical portion 2e, which is the smaller diameter side; however, the block 42 is larger than this rear portion. Even if the block 42 is pulled backward, it will abut against the stepped surface of the cable fixing portion 10d and will not pass through the rear portion of the cylindrical portion 2e, thus preventing it from falling backward from the cylindrical portion 2e. Furthermore, by engaging the elastic claw portion 42b with an engagement hole (not shown) formed on the other side of the width direction within the cylindrical portion 2e, the block 42 will not fall off to the other side of the width direction.

[0083] A front hook 44 is provided at the front end of the inner cable 41b. The front hook 44 is connected to the front hook 35 of the first operating force input mechanism 20A (see reference). Figure 4F It also has a cylindrical portion 44a, a pin portion 44b, and a locking portion 44c. With the inner cable 41b and the front hook 44 positioned on one side of the width direction relative to the opening lever 16, the locking portion 44c and the pin portion 44b are inserted into the connecting portion 16a, which serves as a through hole, and the locking portion 44c is positioned on the other side of the width direction relative to the opening lever 16. By engaging the pin portion 44b with the connecting portion 16a, the front end of the inner cable 41b can swing around the center of the connecting portion 16a. Since the locking portion 44c is positioned on the back side of the opening lever 16, it can prevent the front end of the inner cable 41b from falling off the opening lever 16 to one side of the width direction.

[0084] The force-applying component 43 is a slender helical spring. The inner cable 41b is inserted into the force-applying component 43. One end of the force-applying component 43 is supported on the front surface of the block 42, and the other end of the force-applying component 43 is supported on the rear end face of the cylindrical part 44a of the front end hook 44.

[0085] When the cover 3 is placed over the main body 2 from above, one side of the open portion 2d of the main body in the width direction is closed by the side wall 3b. As a result, the portion of the cable 41 near the front end of the block 42 is covered by the cover 3 along with the opening lever 16.

[0086] Even if the electric motor 12 is not working, the user inside the vehicle can unlock the door by swinging the operating handle 85 from the non-operating position. When the user operates the handle, the inner cable 41b of the cable 41 is pulled backward by the handle. Subsequently, the protrusion 16b of the opening lever 16 moves backward. By swinging the opening lever 16, the pawl 11b moves from the holding position to the non-holding position, and the latch mechanism 11 switches from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0087] At this time, block 42 abuts against the stepped surface (cable fixing part 10d) of cylindrical part 2e and will not move backward. Therefore, the force-applying member 43 is compressed. When the user releases the operating force input to handle 85, handle 85 returns to the non-operating position. The force applied by the compressed force-applying member 43 of the front hook 44 pushes forward, thereby opening lever 16 to return to the initial position.

[0088] Thus, according to this embodiment, the device body 2 and cover 3 can be shared between latch devices 1A and 1B of different types. Therefore, manufacturing management can be simplified.

[0089] The implementation methods have been described above, but the above structures can be appropriately modified, deleted, or added within the scope of this invention.

[0090] In this embodiment, the cable fixing part 10d is provided in the through hole 10c, but it is not limited to this. The cable fixing part 10d may also be disposed adjacent to the through hole 10c in, for example, the main body opening 2d on the front side of the through hole 10c.

[0091] In this embodiment, a slit is formed in the input section 31a, but a handle or knob that can be gripped with fingers may also be provided.

[0092] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0093] 1, 1A, 1B: Door latch device; 2: Device body; 2a: Through hole; 2b: First part; 2c: Second part; 2d: Open part of the body; 2e: Cylindrical part; 3: Cover; 3a: Slit; 3b: Side wall; 3c: Top wall; 3d: Rear wall; 4: Operating part; 5: Controller; 6a: Wiring harness; 6b: Wiring; 7: Power supply line; 10: Main frame; 10a, 10b: Frame fixing part; 10c: Through hole; 10d: Cable fixing part; 11: latching mechanism; 11a: shift fork; 11b: pawl; 12: electric motor; 13: drive force transmission mechanism; 14: connector; 15: manual opening mechanism; 16: opening lever; 16a: connecting part; 16b: protrusion; 20: operating force input mechanism; 20A: first operating force input mechanism; 20B: second operating force input mechanism; 30: sub-frame; 30a, 30b: locking part; 30c 30d: Rod insertion hole; 30e: Side wall; 30f: Peripheral wall; 30g: Base; 30h: Swing shaft; 30j: Restriction protrusion; 31: Lever; 31a: Input part; 31b: Shaft insertion hole; 31c: Rod locking hole; 32: Rod; 33: Anti-detachment mechanism; 33a: Cylindrical part; 33b: Slit; 33c: Protrusion; 34: Base hook; 34a: Cylindrical part; 34b: Pin part; 34c: Engaging part; 3 5: Front hook; 35a: Cylindrical part; 35b: Pin part; 35c: Engaging part; 41: Cable; 41a: External cable; 41b: Internal cable; 42: Block; 42a: Cable insertion hole; 42b: Elastic claw part; 43: Force-applying component; 44: Front hook; 44a: Cylindrical part; 44b: Pin part; 44c: Engaging part; 81: Strike pin; 82: Battery; 83: Inner panel; 83a: Opening; 84: Door panel component; 85: Handle.

Claims

1. A door latch device for a vehicle, comprising: The main body of the device has a latching mechanism that can be disengaged from a striker located on the vehicle body, an electric motor that drives the latching mechanism, and a main frame that supports the latching mechanism and the electric motor. Open the lever to allow for displacement support on the main frame; An operating force input mechanism displaces the opening lever by an operating force input by the user of the vehicle. as well as A manual opening mechanism mechanically connects the opening lever to the latching mechanism, so as to activate the latching mechanism by disengaging it from the striker when the opening lever is displaced. The first or second operating force input mechanism, serving as the operating force input mechanism, is selectively mounted on the main body of the device. The first operating force input mechanism has a sub-frame fixed to the main frame and a lever supported on the sub-frame and operated by the user. The second operating force input mechanism has a cable connecting a handle to the opening lever, the handle being disposed on the vehicle body in a manner isolated from the main body of the device and operated by the user. The main frame has a frame fixing part for fixing the sub-frame and a through hole for the cable to pass through.

2. The vehicle latch device according to claim 1, wherein, It also includes a cover that covers the main body of the device. The cover is provided with a slit, which allows the sub-frame to be fixed to the main frame when the first operating force input mechanism is attached to the main body of the device.

3. The vehicle latch device according to claim 1, wherein, The first operating force input mechanism also has a rod connecting the lever to the opening lever, the rod passing through the through hole of the main frame and the rod insertion hole of the sub-frame communicating with the through hole.

4. The vehicle latch device according to claim 1, wherein, The subframe is a box-shaped structure with an opening at one end, and the opening of the subframe is covered by the vehicle side component.

5. The vehicle latch device according to claim 1, wherein, In the main frame, a cable fixing part is provided in or adjacent to the through hole to hold the cable.

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