Vehicle latch mechanism

Abstract

A latch mechanism for a vehicle comprises a latch that is rotated by a striker and locks the striker in a locking position; a lever that locks or releases the latch; and a drive module that rotates the lever to a latch locking angle after the latch is rotated to a locking angle that locks the striker in the locking position, wherein the lever is not in contact with the latch when the lever is at the latch locking angle.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a latch mechanism for a vehicle capable of locking a striker.[Background Art]

[0002] A vehicle may be provided with moving parts, such as doors, hoods, deck lids, trunk lids, lift gates, and displays.

[0003] A latch is a fastener that supports a clasp, fastener, or jig plate. The vehicle may be equipped with a latch capable of locking the moving part.

[0004] A moving part for the vehicle, as well as the body or cockpit, may be equipped with a striker and a latch. When the moving part is locked, the striker and latch engage to maintain the closed position of the moving part.

[0005] An example of a striker and a latch is a striker buffer device for a vehicle hood latch disclosed in Korean Utility Model Publication No. 20-1999-0007107 U (published on February 25, 1999).

[0006] The striker buffer device for a vehicle hood latch comprises a plate installed on a vehicle body, a striker provided on the central portion of the inner side of the hood, a main locker formed with an insertion groove in which the striker is engaged and pivoted by the restoring force of a return spring so that the striker is raised by a predetermined distance, an auxiliary locker formed with a handle and configured to double open and close the striker, and a pawl selectively engaging the main locker and having a release cable connected thereto. The latch assembly comprises an elastic member that absorbs shock by elastic force when in contact with the striker within the plate of the latch, and a member capable of fixing the elastic member within the plate. It constitutes a fixed part.[Disclosure][Technical Problem]

[0007] The present embodiment provides a latch mechanism for a vehicle capable of minimizing noise.[Technical Solution]

[0008] A latch mechanism for a vehicle according to the present embodiment comprises a latch that is rotated by a striker and locks the striker in a locking position; a lever that locks or releases the latch; and a drive module that rotates the lever to a latch locking angle after the latch is rotated to a locking angle that locks the striker in the locking position, the lever may not be in contact with the latch when the lever is at the latch locking angle.

[0009] The drive module may comprise a cam gear connected to the lever; a worm gear meshed with the cam gear; and a drive source that rotates the worm gear.

[0010] The latch mechanism for a vehicle may further comprises a housing having a housing space configured to accommodate the latch, the lever, the cam gear, and the worm gear.

[0011] The latch mechanism for a vehicle may further comprises a first spring installed between the housing and the latch; and a second spring installed between the housing and the lever.

[0012] A fastening body to which the drive source is fastened is formed on an outer surface of the housing.

[0013] A through hole through which a rotational shaft of the drive source passes is formed in the housing

[0014] The housing may comprise a bottom plate; and a cover plate coupled to the bottom plate.

[0015] The latch mechanism for a vehicle may further comprises a worm gear supporter disposed in the housing and supporting the worm gear.

[0016] The drive module may further comprise a detection unit that detects a position of the striker or an angle of the latch; and a control board that controls the drive source based on a detection result of the detection unit.

[0017] The drive module may further comprise a timer.

[0018] The latch mechanism of for a vehicle may further comprises a first sensor that detects a latch locking release angle of the lever; and a second sensor that detects the latch locking angle of the lever.

[0019] The first sensor and the second sensor are disposed on a surface of the control board facing the lever.

[0020] The control board may control the drive source to a locking mode, when the detection unit detects that the striker is in the locking position or the latch is at the locking angle, and after a time set by the timer has elapsed.

[0021] A protrusion may be formed on one of the lever and the cam gear,

[0022] A cam path guided by the protrusion may be formed on the other of the lever and the cam gear.

[0023] The lever may be made of metal, the cam gear may be made of synthetic resin,

[0024] The protrusion may be formed on one surface of the lever, and the cam path may penetrate the cap gear.

[0025] The cam path may comprise a first region spaced apart from a center of rotation of the cam gear by a first distance, and a second region extending from the first region and spaced apart from the center of rotation of the cam gear by a distance shorter than the first distance.[Advantageous Effect]

[0026] According to this embodiment, when the striker is in the locking position and the lever is at the latch locking angle, the lever is not in contact with the latch, thereby minimizing noise that may occur when the striker is locked.

[0027] Furthermore, the drive source of the drive module for rotating the lever is located outside the housing, facilitating service of the drive source.

[0028] Furthermore, since the worm gear is supported by a worm gear supporter located within the housing, worm gear deflection can be minimized, enabling the worm gear to reliably rotate the cam gear, and minimizing cam gear malfunction.

[0029] Furthermore, the detection unit detects that the striker is in the locking position or the latch is at the locking angle, and after a time set by a timer has elapsed, since the drive source is controlled to the locking mode, a collision between the lever and latch or noise can be minimized, and the lever can be easily rotated to the latch locking angle.

[0030] Furthermore, the protrusions protrude from one surface of the lever made of metal, and the cam path penetrates the cap gear made of synthetic resin, making it easy to form the protrusions and cam paths.[Description of Drawings]

[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a latch mechanism for a vehicle according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a front view of a latch mechanism for a vehicle according to the present embodiment, FIG. 3 is a rear view of a latch mechanism for a vehicle according to the present embodiment, FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a latch mechanism for a vehicle according to the present embodiment, FIG. 5 is a front view illustrating the interior of a latch mechanism for a vehicle according to the present embodiment, FIG. 6 is a view illustrating the operation of a latch mechanism for a vehicle according to the present embodiment, FIG. 7 is a control block diagram of a latch mechanism for a vehicle according to the present embodiment. [Best Mode]

[0032] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a latch mechanism for a vehicle according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a front view of a latch mechanism for a vehicle according to the present embodiment, FIG. 3 is a rear view of a latch mechanism for a vehicle according to the present embodiment, FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a latch mechanism for a vehicle according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a front view illustrating the interior of a latch mechanism for a vehicle according to the present embodiment.

[0034] A latch mechanism for a vehicle may comprise a housing 1 forming an exterior of the vehicle latch mechanism.

[0035] The housing 1 may comprise a bottom plate 2 and a cover plate 3.

[0036] An accommodating space S may be formed in the housing 1. The accommodating space S may be formed between the bottom plate 2 and the cover plate 3.

[0037] The bottom plate 2 may have the accommodating space S.

[0038] The housing 1 may have a fastening portion 21 that can be fastened to a vehicle. An example of the fastening portion 21 may be a fastening piece having a fastening hole through which a fastening portion 22, such as a screw, may pass.

[0039] The fastening portion 21 may be formed in the bottom plate 2.

[0040] A plurality of fastening portions 21 may be formed on the bottom plate 2. The plurality of fastening portions 21 may comprise a left fastening portion protruding leftward from the bottom plate 2, a right fastening portion protruding rightward from the bottom plate 2, and a lower fastening portion protruding downward from the bottom plate 2.

[0041] A recessed body 23 may be formed on the outer surface of the housing 1. The recessed body 23 may be recessed into the housing 1 in a stepped manner. The recessed body 23 may be formed on each of the bottom plate 2 and the cover plate 3.

[0042] The cover plate 3 may be coupled to the bottom plate 2. The cover plate 3 may cover the accommodating space S.

[0043] The cover plate 3 may be coupled to the bottom plate 2 by a coupling portion 31.

[0044] An example of a connecting portion 31 may be a polygonal ring that engages a protrusion 24 protruding from the bottom plate 2.

[0045] A plurality of connecting portions 31 may be formed on the cover plate 3. The plurality of connecting portions 31 may comprise an upper connecting portion protruding from the upper portion of the cover plate 3, a right connecting portion protruding from the right portion of the cover plate 3, a lower connecting portion protruding from the lower portion of the cover plate 3, and a left connecting portion protruding from the left portion of the cover plate 3.

[0046] A striker through-hole 25, shown in FIG. 3 through which a striker 4, shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5 passes may be formed in the housing 1.

[0047] The striker through-hole 25 may be formed in the bottom plate 2. The striker through-hole 25 may be an opening that is open in the front-rear direction in the bottom plate 2.

[0048] The striker 4 can be raised or lowered while inserted into the striker through-hole 25.

[0049] The striker 4 may be provided on a movable component installed in a vehicle.

[0050] An example of a movable component may be a display that provides information to passengers. The display may be movably disposed in the vehicle, and the display may be provided with a striker that may be locked to a latch mechanism for a vehicle. Any movable component that can be rotatably or movably disposed in the vehicle may be used, comprising speaker, handle, and door.

[0051] The latch mechanism for a vehicle may comprise a latch 5, a lever 6, and a drive module 7.

[0052] The latch mechanism for a vehicle may further comprise a latch 5, shown in FIG. 3 that may lock the striker 4. The latch 5 may be rotatably disposed in the housing 1. The latch 5 may lock the striker 4.

[0053] The latch 5 may be rotated by the striker 4. The latch 5 may hold the striker 4 in the locking positionP1.

[0054] The latch 5 may be rotated to a locking angle θ1 or a locking release angle θ2.

[0055] When the striker 4 is lowered, the latch 5 may be rotated to the locking angle θ1 by the striker 4.

[0056] The latch 5 may be locked by the lever 6 while the latch 5 is at the locking angle θ1, and the latch 5 may hold the striker 4 in the locking position P1.

[0057] The locking position P1 may be defined as the position at which the striker 4 is locked by the latch 5.

[0058] The locking angle θ1 may be defined as the angle of the latch 5 when the striker 4 is locked by the latch 5 at the locking position P1. In other words, the locking angle θ1 may be the angle of the latch 5 when the latch 5 locks the striker 4 at the locking position P1.

[0059] The striker 4 disposed at the locking position P1 may be raised, and if the lever 6 is at an angle that does not restrict the latch 5, the striker 4 may be raised without being locked by the latch 5.

[0060] When the striker 4 is raised, the latch 5 may be rotated by the striker 4 to a locking release angle θ2.

[0061] The locking release angle θ2 may be defined as the angle of the latch 5 when the latch 5 does not lock the striker 4.

[0062] When the latch 5 is at the locking release angle θ2, the striker 4 may not be locked by the latch 5.

[0063] That is, when the striker 4 is lowered, the latch 5 may be rotated to the locking angle θ1, and when the lever 6 does not impede the rotation of the latch 5, the striker 4 may be rotated to the locking release angle θ2.

[0064] The latch 5 may be provided with a striker groove 51 into which a portion of the striker 4 may be inserted. The striker groove 51 may be recessed into the outer periphery of the latch 5.

[0065] The striker 4 may be inserted into the striker groove 51, and the striker 4 may press against the periphery 52 of the striker groove 51.

[0066] The latch 5 may be provided with a spring groove 53 into which the latch spring 12 may be engaged. The spring groove 53 may be recessed into the outer periphery of the latch 5. The spring groove 53 may be spaced apart from the striker groove 51.

[0067] The latch 5 may have a through hole 55 through which a latch central shaft 54 passes. The latch central shaft 54 may be supported by the housing 1.

[0068] The housing 1 may be provided with a shaft supporter 57 that supports the latch central shaft 54. The shaft supporter 57 may be disposed on the bottom plate 2.

[0069] The latch 5 may be rotated around the latch central shaft 54.

[0070] The latch mechanism for a vehicle may comprise a lever 6 that may restrict the latch 5.

[0071] The lever 6 may lock or release the latch 5.

[0072] The lever 6 may be rotated at a latch locking angle θ3 or a latch locking release angle θ4.

[0073] The latch locking angle θ3 may be defined as the angle of the lever 6 when the lever 6 restricts the return of the latch 5.

[0074] The lever 6 may not be in contact with the latch 5 at the latch locking angle θ3. The lever 6 may be spaced from the latch 5 at the latch locking angle θ3. The lever 6 may be spaced from the latch 5 by a set distance at the latch locking angle θ3. An example of the set distance may be 0.5 mm.

[0075] When the lever 6 is at the latch locking angle θ3, the latch 5 may be locked by the lever 6. Even if the striker 4 is raised, the latch 5 may be blocked by the lever 6 and may not rotate further. The latch 5 may maintain the striker 4 in the locking position P1.

[0076] When the lever 6 is at the latch locking release angle θ4, the lever 6 may be spaced apart from the latch 5. When the lever 6 is at the latch locking release angle θ4, the latch 5 is not locked by the lever 6 and may rotate to the locking release angle θ2.

[0077] The lever 6 may comprise a stopper 61 that can restrict the arbitrary rotation of the latch 5. The stopper 61 may be a protruding shape on the lever 6, and when the lever 6 is at the latch locking angle θ3, the stopper 61 may face the latch 5.

[0078] The lever 6 may be provided with a protrusion 62. The protrusion 62 may protrude from one surface of the two surfaces of the lever 6.

[0079] The latch 5 may be provided with a spring groove 63 into which the lever spring 13 may be engaged. The spring groove 63 may be recessed into the outer periphery of the latch 5. The spring groove 63 may be spaced apart from the stopper 61.

[0080] The lever 6 may be provided with a through hole 65 through which the lever center shaft 64 passes. The lever center shaft 64 may be supported by the housing 1.

[0081] The housing 1 may be provided with a shaft supporter 67 that supports the lever central shaft 64. The shaft supporter 67 may be disposed on the bottom plate 2.

[0082] The lever 6 may rotate around the lever central shaft 64.

[0083] As illustrated in FIG. 5, when the latch 5 is at a locking angle θ1 and the lever 6 is at a latch locking angle θ3, the periphery 52 of the striker groove 51 of the latch 5 may face the stopper 61, and a set gap T may be formed between the periphery 52 of the striker groove 51 and the stopper 61. An example of the set gap T may be 0.5 mm.

[0084] The latch mechanism for a vehicle may comprise a drive module 7 capable of rotating the lever 6.

[0085] The drive module 7 may rotate the lever 6 at a latch locking angle θ3. The drive module 7 may rotate the lever 6 at a latch locking release angle θ4.

[0086] While the latch 5 rotates from the locking release angle θ2 to the locking angle θ1, the lever 6 may maintain at the latch locking release angle θ4. Once the latch 5 has completed rotation to the locking angle θ1, the lever 6 may rotate to the latch locking angle θ3.

[0087] That is, after the latch 5 has completed rotation to the locking angle θ1, it is preferable for the drive module 7 to rotate the lever 6 to the latch locking angle θ3.

[0088] In this case, the latch mechanism for a vehicle may not generate or may only generate minimal noise, such as a "click" noise, that may occur when the striker 4 is locked. The latch mechanism for a vehicle may be a low-noise latch mechanism or a noiseless latch mechanism.

[0089] After the lever 6 is rotated to the latch locking release angle θ4, the latch 5 may be rotated to the locking release angle θ2 by the striker 4.

[0090] The drive module 7 may comprise a cam gear 8 connected to the lever 6; a worm gear 9 meshed with the cam gear 8; and a drive source 10 that rotates the worm gear 9.

[0091] When the drive source 10 is driven, the worm gear 9 may be rotated, and the cam gear 8 meshed with the worm gear 9 may be rotated. The lever 6 may be rotated to the latch locking angle θ3 or to the latch locking release angle θ4.

[0092] The cam gear 8 may have gear teeth formed on its outer periphery.

[0093] The cam gear 8 can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise around the gear center shaft 84.

[0094] The gear center shaft 84 may be rotatably disposed on the bottom plate 2.

[0095] A protrusion 62 may be formed on one of the lever 6 and the cam gear 8, and a cam path 82 guided by the protrusion 62 may be formed on the other of the lever 6 and the cam gear 8.

[0096] The lever 6 may be made of metal, such as SUS, and the cam gear 8 may be made of a synthetic resin, such as plastic.

[0097] Since forming the cam path 82 on the metal lever 6 may be difficult, it may be preferable to form the cam path 82 in cam gear 8 made of the synthetic resin.

[0098] The protrusion 62 may protrude from one surface of the lever 6.

[0099] The cam path 82 may be formed in the cam gear 8. The cam path 82 may be formed to penetrate the cam gear 8 or may be formed to be recessed in a surface of the cam gear 8 facing the protrusion 62.

[0100] The cam path 82 may comprise a first region 82A and a second region 82B.

[0101] The first region 82A may be a region spaced apart from the center of rotation of the cam gear 8 i.e., the gear central shaft 84 by a first distance.

[0102] The first region 82A may be a region spaced apart from the center of rotation of the cam gear 8 i.e., the gear central shaft 84 by a first distance.

[0103] The second region 82B may extend from the first region 82A. The second region 82B may be a region spaced apart from the center of rotation of the cam gear 8 i.e., the gear center shaft 84 by a distance shorter than the first distance. The distance from the center of rotation of the cam gear 8 may gradually decrease from one end of the second region 82B to the other end of the second region 82B. The second region 82B may be a region where the distance from the center of rotation of the cam gear 8 gradually decreases from one end to the other end.

[0104] The worm gear 9 may be disposed lengthwise in the accommodating space S of the housing 1.

[0105] One end of the worm gear 9 may be connected to the rotational shaft 101 of the motor 102.

[0106] The other end of the worm gear 9 may be supported by a worm gear support 11.

[0107] The drive source 10 may comprise a motor 102 having a rotational shaft 101 that rotates the worm gear 9.

[0108] The drive source 10 may further comprise a motor mounter 103 on which the motor 102 is mounted.

[0109] The drive source 10 may further comprise at least one elastic member 104 mounted on the motor mounter 103.

[0110] The elastic member 104 may be disposed to penetrate the motor mounter 103.

[0111] The elastic member 104 may be fastened to the fastening body 26 using a fastening portion 105, such as a screw.

[0112] At least a portion of the drive source 10 may be inserted into and accommodated within the recessed body 23 and may be protected by the recessed body 23.

[0113] The housing 1 may have a rotation shaft through-hole formed therein, through which the rotation shaft 101 of the drive source 10 passes. The rotation shaft through-hole may be formed in the bottom plate 2.

[0114] A fastening body 26 to which the drive source 10 is fastened may be formed on the outer surface of the housing 1.

[0115] The fastening body 26 may protrude from the recessed body 23. The fastening body 26 may protrude from the bottom plate 2.

[0116] An example of the fastening body 26 may be a fastening boss to which the drive source 10 may be fastened using a fastening portion such as a screw.

[0117] A worm gear supporter 11 may be disposed in the housing 1 and rotatably support the worm gear 9.

[0118] The worm gear supporter 11 may be fitted into a fitting portion formed in the bottom plate 2.

[0119] The latch 5, lever 6, cam gear 8, and worm gear 9 may be accommodated in the accommodating space S of the housing 1. The motor 102 may be disposed outside the housing 1, facilitating easy service of the motor 102.

[0120] The latch mechanism for a vehicle may further comprise a latch spring 12 and a lever spring 13.

[0121] The latch spring 12 may be installed between the housing 1 and the latch 5. The latch spring 12 may be disposed between the bottom plate 2 and the latch 5. The latch spring 12 may elastically support the latch 5. An example of a latch spring 12 may be a torsion spring. The latch spring 12 may be provided with a first hook portion that engages the housing 1 and a second hook portion that engages the latch 5.

[0122] The latch spring 12 may rotate the latch 5 to a locking angle θ1 or an locking release angle θ2 when no external force is applied to the latch 5. It is preferable that the latch spring 12 rotate the latch 5 to an locking release angle θ2 when no external force is applied to the latch 5.

[0123] The lever spring 13 may be installed between the housing 1 and the lever 6. The lever spring 13 may be disposed between the bottom plate 2 and the lever 6.

[0124] The lever spring 13 may elastically support the lever 6. An example of a lever spring 13 may be a torsion spring. The lever spring 13 may be provided with a first hook portion that engages the housing 1 and a second hook portion that engages the lever 6.

[0125] When no external force is applied to the lever 6, the lever spring 13 may rotate the lever 6 to a latch locking angle θ3 or a latch locking release angle θ4. It is preferable that the lever spring 13 rotates the lever 6 to a latch locking release angle θ4 when no external force is applied to the lever 6.

[0126] The drive module may further comprise a control board 14 that controls the drive source 10.

[0127] The control board 14 may be accommodated in the accommodating space S of the housing 1, along with the latch 5, the lever 6, the cam gear 8, and the worm gear 9.

[0128] The latch mechanism for a vehicle may further comprise a first sensor 15 and a second sensor 16.

[0129] The first sensor 15 may detect the latch locking release angle θ4 of the lever 6.

[0130] The second sensor 16 may detect the latch locking angle θ3 of the lever 6.

[0131] The first sensor 15 and the second sensor 16 may be disposed on the lever-facing surface 14a of the control board 14 facing the lever 6.

[0132] Each of the first sensor 15 and the second sensor 16 may be a PI sensor having a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit.

[0133] FIG. 6 is a view illustrating the operation of a latch mechanism for a vehicle according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 7 is a control block diagram of a latch mechanism for a vehicle according to the present embodiment.

[0134] Fig. 6 (a) is a view illustrating a latch mechanism for a vehicle according to the present embodiment in open mode, Fig. 6 (b) is a view when a striker rotates the latch according to the present embodiment, and Fig. 6 (c) is a view illustrating a latch mechanism for a vehicle according to the present embodiment in locking mode.

[0135] When the latch mechanism for a vehicle is in open mode, the drive module 7 may maintain the lever 6 at the latch locking release angle θ4, as illustrated in Fig. 6 (a), and the latch 5 may maintain the locking release angle θ2.

[0136] As illustrated in Fig. 6 (b), a moving component having a striker 4 may lower the striker 4, and the latch 5 may be rotated to the locking angle θ1 by the striker 4.

[0137] The drive module 7 may further comprise a detection unit 17 that detects the position of the striker 4 or the angle of the latch 5; and a control board 14 that controls the drive source 10 based on the reception result of the detection unit 17.

[0138] The moving component having the striker 4 can output a signal to the control board 14 when the striker 4 descends, and the control board 14 may obtain information on the position (ascending or descending) of the striker 4 through the signal output from the moving component.

[0139] An example of the detection unit 17 may be a signal receiving unit that receives a signal output from a moving component.

[0140] Another example of the detection unit 17 may be a sensor that senses the descent of the striker 4. The detection unit 17 may be a PI sensor that detects the descent of the striker 4.

[0141] The other example of the detection unit 17 may comprise a sensor capable of sensing the locking angle θ1 of the latch 5. The sensor may be a PI sensor that detects the latch 5 when the latch 5 is at the locking angle θ1.

[0142] The drive module 7 may further comprise a timer 18.

[0143] The timer 18 may count a set time after the striker 4 has completed lowering to the locking position P1 or the latch 5 has completed rotating to the locking angle θ1. The control board 14 may control the drive source 10 of the drive module 7 after a set time has elapsed after receiving the detection result from the detection unit 17.

[0144] The latch mechanism for a vehicle may further comprise a user input unit 19.

[0145] The user input unit 19 may be a button, switch, voice recognition module, or the like installed in the vehicle.

[0146] The user can input a locking command, etc., through the user input unit 19, and the latch mechanism for a vehicle may be controlled according to the command input through the user input unit 19.

[0147] The control board 14 may control the motor 102 of the drive source 10 into the locking mode, as illustrated in c of FIG. 6, when the sensor 17 detects that the striker 4 is in the locking position P1 or the latch 5 is at the locking angle θ1, and after the time set by the timer 18 has elapsed.

[0148] In the locking mode, the lever 6 may be rotated by the drive module 7 from the latch locking angle θ3 to the latch locking release angle θ4, and the stopper 61 of the lever 6 can face the periphery 52 of the striker groove 51 while being spaced apart from the periphery 52 of the striker groove 51.

[0149] When the lever 6 is at the latch locking angle θ3, the latch 5 cannot be restored to the locking release angle θ2 by the lever 6 and may be locked at the locking position P1.

[0150] The above description is merely an example of the technical idea of the present disclosure, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations may be made without departing from the essential characteristics of the present disclosure.

[0151] Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure are not intended to limit the technical idea of the present disclosure but to explain it, and the scope of the technical idea of the present disclosure is not limited by these embodiments.

[0152] The scope of protection of the present disclosure should be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical ideas within a scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the rights of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A latch mechanism for a vehicle comprising: a latch that is rotated by a striker and locks the striker in a locking position; a lever that locks or releases the latch; and a drive module that rotates the lever to a latch locking angle after the latch is rotated to a locking angle that locks the striker in the locking position, wherein the lever is not in contact with the latch when the lever is at the latch locking angle.

2. The latch mechanism for a vehicle of claim 1, wherein the drive module comprises a cam gear connected to the lever; a worm gear meshed with the cam gear; and a drive source that rotates the worm gear.

3. The latch mechanism for a vehicle of claim 2, further comprising: a housing having an accommodating space configured to accommodate the latch, the lever, the cam gear, and the worm gear.

4. The latch mechanism for a vehicle of claim 3, further comprising: a first spring installed between the housing and the latch; and a second spring installed between the housing and the lever.

5. The vehicle latch mechanism for a vehicle of claim 3, Wherein a fastening body to which the drive source is fastened is formed on an outer surface of the housing, and wherein a through hole through which a rotational shaft of the drive source passes is formed in the housing6. The latch mechanism for a vehicle of claim 3, wherein the housing comprises a bottom plate; and a cover plate coupled to the bottom plate.

7. The latch mechanism for a vehicle of claim 3, further comprising: a worm gear supporter disposed in the housing and supporting the worm gear.

8. The latch mechanism for a vehicle of claim 2, wherein the drive module further comprises: a detection unit that detects a position of the striker or an angle of the latch; and a control board that controls the drive source based on a detection result of the detection unit.

9. The latch mechanism for a vehicle of claim 8, wherein the drive module further comprises a timer.

10. The latch mechanism of for a vehicle claim 9, further comprising: a first sensor that detects a latch locking release angle of the lever; and a second sensor that detects the latch locking angle of the lever.

11. The latch mechanism for a vehicle of claim 10, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are disposed on a surface of the control board facing the lever.

12. The latch mechanism for a vehicle of claim 9, wherein the control board controls the drive source to a locking mode, when the detection unit detects that the striker is in the locking position or the latch is at the locking angle, and after a time set by the timer has elapsed.

13. The latch mechanism for a vehicle of claim 2, wherein a protrusion is formed on one of the lever and the cam gear, wherein a cam path guided by the protrusion is formed on the other of the lever and the cam gear.

14. The latch mechanism for a vehicle of claim 13, wherein the lever is made of metal, the cam gear is made of synthetic resin, wherein the protrusion is formed on one surface of the lever, and the cam path penetrates the cap gear.

15. The latch mechanism for a vehicle of claim 14, wherein the cam path comprises: a first region spaced apart from a center of rotation of the cam gear by a first distance, and a second region extending from the first region and spaced apart from the center of rotation of the cam gear by a distance shorter than the first distance.

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