Door latch device

Abstract

The present invention provides a novel and improved door latch device that can prevent water ingress even when the connector is located anywhere other than the bottom of the door latch device. [Solution] The door latch device comprises a case and a busbar assembly. The busbar assembly has an inner portion housed within the case's housing chamber, a connector portion exposed outside the case, and a neck portion located between the inner portion and the connector portion. The case has a surrounding portion that at least partially surrounds the neck portion, and a first opening that penetrates the neck portion in a first direction intersecting the vertical direction. A first labyrinth structure is formed in which a first wall portion provided on the neck portion and intersecting the first direction, and a second wall portion provided on the surrounding portion and intersecting the first direction, overlap in the first direction. At least a portion of a first electrical component, which is one of a plurality of electrical components, is located below the neck portion.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a door latch device is known that can switch between a locked state in which engagement between a latch provided on a vehicle door and a striker provided on a vehicle body is maintained, and an unlocked state in which the engagement of the latch with the striker can be released (Patent Document 1). Inside the case of the door latch device, electrical components such as an electric motor and a sensor are housed.

[0003] In the door latch device of Patent Document 1, the connector is provided at the lowermost part of the door latch device. Thereby, it is suppressed that water enters the case from the portion where the connector of the case is provided and affects the electrical components.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, when the connector is provided at the lowermost part of the door latch device as in Patent Document 1, the bus bar that constitutes the wiring between the electrical component located relatively above in the case and the connector extends vertically long in the case. Since the bus bar is made of a metal material such as a copper-based material, the longer the bus bar, the greater the weight of the bus bar, and consequently the door latch device becomes heavier. Also, when the bus bar extends vertically long, the bus bar and other components overlap in the case, and in some cases, the door latch device becomes thicker by the amount of the overlap.

[0006] Therefore, one of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a novel and improved door latch device that can suppress water ingress even if, for example, the connector is located at a position other than the bottom of the door latch device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention is a door latch device that, for example, is provided on a vehicle door and holds the door closed by the engagement of a latch provided on the door and a striker provided on the vehicle body, comprising: a plurality of electrical components including an electric motor that changes the state of the door latch device; a case that constitutes a housing chamber that at least partially houses each of the plurality of components including the plurality of electrical components; a busbar assembly having a plurality of busbars made of a conductor and partially housed in the case, and a body made of an insulator that holds the plurality of busbars separated from each other, wherein the busbar assembly has an inner portion housed in the housing chamber and a connector portion exposed outside the case, and the inner portion and the connector portion The case has a neck portion located between the body and the surrounding portion which has a first opening that penetrates the neck portion in a first direction intersecting the vertical direction and at least partially surrounds the neck portion, the connector portion has a plurality of connector pins provided at each of the longitudinal ends of the plurality of busbars exposed from the body, and a connector housing provided in a part of the body which surrounds the plurality of connector pins with gaps between them, a first labyrinth structure is formed in which a first wall portion provided in the neck portion intersecting the first direction and a second wall portion provided in the surrounding portion intersecting the first direction overlap in the first direction, and at least a part of the first electrical component which is one of the plurality of electrical components is located below the neck portion.

[0008] The door latch device is located above at least a portion of the first electrical component and includes a sensor as the electrical component that detects the operation of the latch, and the plurality of busbars may include a first busbar electrically connected to the electrodes of the sensor.

[0009] In the door latch device, at least one of the lower end of the first wall portion and the lower end of the second wall portion may be provided with an inclined portion that slopes downward so as it moves toward the first direction.

[0010] In the door latch device, a positioning portion for the case may be provided in the busbar assembly at a position closer to the neck portion than the sensor.

[0011] In the door latch device, the case has a first member and a second member that overlap in a second direction intersecting the first direction and the vertical direction, the housing chamber is formed between the first member and the second member, and a cover may be provided to cover the boundary between the first member and the second member.

[0012] In the door latch device, the cover has a covering wall that covers the surrounding portion between itself and the connector portion, and the covering wall is provided with a second opening that is notched downwards and through which the neck portion passes, and a rib that protrudes to a predetermined height in the first direction and extends upward from the upper end of the second opening may be provided.

[0013] In the door latch device, the case has a first member and a second member that overlap in a second direction intersecting the first direction and the vertical direction, and the storage chamber is formed between the first member and the second member, the first member has a first end wall as an end wall in the first direction, and the second member has a second end wall as an end wall in the first direction, and a second labyrinth structure may be formed in which the first end wall and the second end wall overlap in the first direction.

[0014] The door latch device includes a cover that covers the boundary between the first member and the second member, and the cover has a third end wall as an end wall in the first direction, and a third labyrinth structure may be formed in which the first end wall, the second end wall and the third end wall overlap in the first direction.

[0015] In the door latch device, the change in the state of the door latch device may be a change between a locked state in which the latch maintains engagement with the striker, and an unlocked state in which the latch can be released from engagement with the striker. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a novel and improved door latch device that can suppress water ingress even if, for example, the connector is located anywhere other than the bottom of the door latch device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an exemplary and schematic perspective view of a door latch device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an exemplary and schematic perspective view of the door latch device of the embodiment, viewed from a different direction than Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an exemplary and schematic side view showing part of the internal configuration of the door latch device of the embodiment, and shows the latch in the unlocked state. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an exemplary and schematic side view showing part of the internal structure of the door latch device of the embodiment, and shows the latch in the locked state. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an exemplary and schematic perspective view showing the busbar assembly of a door latch device according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an exemplary and schematic side view showing the busbars included in the busbar assembly of the door latch device of the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an exemplary and schematic perspective view showing the busbars and switches included in the busbar assembly of a door latch device according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an exemplary and schematic side view showing a portion of the case and busbar assembly of the door latch device of an embodiment. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the door latch device at the IX-IX position of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an exemplary and schematic perspective view (including a partial cross-sectional view) of the door latch device with the cover of the embodiment removed. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an exemplary and schematic perspective view (including a partial cross-sectional view) of the door latch device with the cover attached as shown in FIG. 10. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the door latch device at the XII-XII position of FIG. 8.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0018] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be disclosed below. The configurations of the embodiments shown below, as well as the actions and results (effects) brought about by such configurations, are examples. The present invention can also be realized by configurations other than those disclosed in the following embodiments. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain at least one of various effects (including derivative effects) obtained by the configuration.

[0019] In this specification, ordinal numbers may be given for convenience in distinguishing directions, positions, members, mechanisms, etc. Also, ordinal numbers do not indicate priorities or orders, nor do they specify numbers.

[0020] The X, Y, and Z directions, indicated by arrows in each figure, are orthogonal to each other. The X direction is perpendicular to the mounting surface 100s of the door latch device 100 to the vehicle door (see Figures 1, 3, and 4). The X direction is also the longitudinal direction of the busbar assembly 40 (see Figures 3, 6, and 8, etc.), the direction in which the neck portion 40C of the busbar assembly 40 passes through the opening 20b1 provided in the case 20, and in this embodiment, the direction in which the connector pin 41a extends. When the door latch device 100 is mounted to the vehicle (mounted to the door when the door is closed, hereinafter simply referred to as the vehicle mounting state), the X direction is within a predetermined angular range with respect to the front or rear of the vehicle. The Y direction is perpendicular to the X direction, and in the vehicle mounting state, it is within a predetermined angular range with respect to the vehicle width direction. The Z direction is perpendicular to the X and Y directions, and in the vehicle mounting state, it is within a predetermined angular range with respect to the upper part of the vehicle. In this embodiment, for convenience, it is assumed that in the vehicle-mounted state, the X direction faces approximately forward of the vehicle, the Y direction faces outward in the vehicle width direction, and the Z direction faces approximately upward of the vehicle; however, the mounting position of the door latch device 100 is not limited to this.

[0021] [Overview of Door Latch Devices] Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views of the door latch device 100 from different directions. The door latch device 100 is installed on a door that is movably mounted to the vehicle body, and the striker 200 is installed on the vehicle body. A notched and grooved recess 100a is provided on the rear side of the door latch device 100 in the vehicle width direction. The latch 10 is partially exposed within the recess 100a. As the door moves open and close relative to the vehicle body, the striker 200 moves relatively between a position inside the recess 100a and a position outside the recess 100a.

[0022] The door latch device 100 can switch between a locked state, in which the latch 10 and the striker 200 are kept engaged when the striker 200 is located within the recess 100a, and an unlocked state, in which the engagement between the latch 10 and the striker 200 can be released.

[0023] As shown in Figure 2, an inside cable 101, an outside cable 102, and a cylinder rod 103 extend outward from the door latch device 100. The inside cable 101 extends to the inside handle, the outside cable 102 extends to the outside handle, and the cylinder rod 103 extends to the key cylinder. An electric motor 50 (see Figure 3) is also housed inside the case 20 of the door latch device 100.

[0024] In this configuration, the door latch device 100 is configured to switch between the locked state and the unlocked state described above by operating the electric motor 50 with an electrical signal, or by operating the key cylinder, etc. Furthermore, the door latch device 100 is configured to release the engagement between the latch 10 and the striker 200 by operating the inside handle or the outside handle when the door is unlocked.

[0025] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the door latch device 100 includes a case 20. The case 20 has a first member 21 and a second member 22. The case 20 is formed by the integral combination of these first member 21 and second member 22. The first member 21 and second member 22 may also be referred to as divided parts of the case 20. The case 20 constitutes a housing chamber 20a (see Figure 9) that houses at least partially multiple parts. Also, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the top and part of the sides of the case 20 are covered by a cover 30. The cover 30 covers the boundary B (see Figure 11) between the first member 21 and the second member 22 at least on the top and front sides of the case 20. This prevents water from entering the case 20 through boundary B.

[0026] [Internal Configuration and Operation] Figures 3 and 4 are side views showing some of the components housed inside the case 20, i.e., within the storage chamber 20a. Figure 3 shows the unlocked state, and Figure 4 shows the locked state. The unlocked and locked states will be described later.

[0027] The door latch device 100 comprises components such as a latch 10, a busbar assembly 40, an electric motor 50, a worm gear 51, a lever lock 52, a lever link 53, and a pole 60. Each of these components is at least partially housed within the storage chamber 20a.

[0028] The electric motor 50 has a shaft 50a. The shaft 50a rotates around the pivot axis Ax1 when the electric motor 50 is energized. The worm 51 rotates together with the shaft 50a around the pivot axis Ax1. The shaft 50a may also be referred to as the rotating part.

[0029] The lever lock 52 has a gear section that meshes with the worm 51, and rotates around the pivot axis Ax2 as the worm 51 rotates. The pivot axes Ax1 and Ax2 are in a twisted position. The pivot axis Ax2 is approximately aligned with the Y direction. The pivot axis Ax1 intersects with the Y direction and is slightly inclined with respect to the Z direction.

[0030] The lever link 53 rotates around the pivot axis Ax3. The lever link 53 rotates in conjunction with the lever lock 52 via the engaging portion 55. The pivot axis Ax3 is approximately along the Y direction and approximately parallel to the pivot axis Ax2.

[0031] The latch 10 rotates around the pivot axis Ax4, allowing it to switch between a engaged state and a disengaged state with the striker 200 (see Figure 1). The pivot axis Ax4 is approximately aligned with the X direction.

[0032] The pole 60 rotates around the pivot axis Ax5. A meshing portion 57 is provided between the pole 60 and the latch 10. The pole 60 rotates between a position in which it meshes with the latch 10 at the meshing portion 57 and a position in which it does not mesh with the latch 10 at the meshing portion 57. When the pole 60 and the latch 10 are meshed at the meshing portion 57, the rotation of the latch 10 is restricted. When the pole 60 and the latch 10 are not meshed at the meshing portion 57, the latch 10 can rotate.

[0033] In this configuration, as the shaft 50a of the electric motor 50 rotates, the lever lock 52 rotates between position P11 in Figure 3 and position P12 in Figure 4, and the lever link 53 rotates between position P21 in Figure 3 and position P22 in Figure 4.

[0034] In the state shown in Figure 3, the lever link 53 is positioned at the pressing portion 56 with a gap partially below the pole 60, allowing the lever link 53 to press against the pole 60. In contrast, in the state shown in Figure 4, the lever link 53 is positioned at position P12, which is a clockwise rotation from position P21 in Figure 3. As a result, the lever link 53 is disengaged from below the pole 60 at the pressing portion 56, and the lever link 53 is unable to press against the pole 60.

[0035] In the state shown in Figure 3, when the inside handle or outside handle of the door latch device 100 is operated, the lever link 53 moves upward, i.e., in the Z direction, via a first link mechanism (not shown) while maintaining the posture shown in Figure 3. As the lever link 53 moves, the pole 60, which is pressed by the lever link 53 at the pressing part 56, rotates from a restricted position that restricts the rotation of the latch 10 to an unlocked position that releases the restriction on the rotation of the latch 10, i.e., allows the latch 10 to rotate (neither shown). This state allows switching between an engaged state and an unengaged state between the latch 10 and the striker 200 in accordance with the opening and closing operation of the door. In other words, Figure 3 shows the unlocked state in which the restriction on the rotation of the latch 10 by the pole 60 can be released.

[0036] On the other hand, in the state shown in Figure 4, even if the inside handle or outside handle is operated and the lever link 53 moves upward via the first link mechanism, the lever link 53 cannot press the pole 60 because the lever link 53 is disengaged from below the pole 60 at the pressing portion 56. Therefore, the state in which the rotation of the latch 10 by the pole 60 is restricted is maintained. In this state, it is not possible to switch between the engaged state and the disengaged state of the latch 10 and the striker 200 in accordance with the opening and closing operation of the door. In other words, Figure 4 shows a locked state in which the rotation restriction of the latch 10 by the pole 60 is maintained. Note that the internal configuration and operation described above are just one example.

[0037] [Busbar Assembly] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the busbar assembly 40. Figure 6 is a side view showing the multiple busbars 41 included in the busbar assembly 40. Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the multiple busbars 41 and multiple switches 44, 45 included in the busbar assembly 40.

[0038] The door latch device 100 includes a busbar assembly 40 as shown in Figures 3 to 7 for supplying power to the electric motor 50 and for detecting the position of movable parts using switches 44, 45, etc.

[0039] As shown in Figure 5, the busbar assembly 40 has an inner portion 40A, a connector portion 40B, and a neck portion 40C. The inner portion 40A is located inside the case 20, i.e., inside the housing chamber 20a. The connector portion 40B is exposed outside the case 20, as also shown in Figures 1 and 2. The neck portion 40C is located between the inner portion 40A and the connector portion 40B and penetrates an opening 20b1 (see Figure 10) provided in the case 20 in the X direction. The X direction is an example of a first direction. The opening 20b1 is an example of a first opening.

[0040] As shown in Figure 6, the busbar assembly 40 has a plurality of busbars 41 made of a conductor and a body 42 made of an insulator that holds the plurality of busbars 41 apart from each other. The busbars 41 are made of, for example, a copper-based material, and the body 42 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin material. The busbars 41 extend substantially along the X direction. At one longitudinal end of each busbar 41, in this embodiment, the end in the X direction, a connector pin 41a of the connector portion 40B is provided. At the other longitudinal end of each busbar 41, a terminal 41b is provided which is electrically connected to the electric motor 50 and the electrodes 44a, 45a of switches 44, 45 (see Figures 7, 8). As shown in Figure 5, the body 42 is provided with a connector housing 42b in the connector portion 40B so as to surround the connector pin 41a. The connector housing 42b has a bottomed cylindrical shape that is open in the X direction. Multiple connector pins 41a protrude from the bottom of the connector housing 42b and are exposed outside the body 42. In the connector section 40B, the side wall of the connector housing 42b surrounds the multiple connector pins 41a with gaps between them.

[0041] As shown in Figure 5, in this embodiment, switches 44 and 45 are integrated into the busbar assembly 40 while housed in recesses 42c provided in the body 42. Furthermore, while housed in the recesses 42c, as shown in Figure 7, the electrodes 44a and 45a of switches 44 and 45 and the terminals 41b of the busbar 41 are fitted together and tightly connected. Switches 44 and 45 each have movable parts 44b and 45b. The movable parts 44b and 45b are provided so as to be in contact with the outer surface of a movable member housed in a housing chamber 20a. As the movable member moves, the movable parts 44b and 45b switch between a protruding state and a retracted state, and the open / closed state of the circuit in switches 44 and 45 is switched. The movable part 44b of switch 44 is provided so as to be in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the latch 10, which is a movable member. The switch 44 functions as a sensor to detect the rotational position or operating state of the latch 10. On the other hand, the movable part 45b of the switch 45 is provided so as to be in contact with the side surface of a slide member (not shown) which is a movable member included in the first link mechanism described above. The switch 45 can function as a sensor to detect the position of the slide member in the Z direction or the operating state of the first link mechanism. In addition, the terminals 41b1(41b) of the two busbars 41B(41) are fitted and in close contact with the two electrodes 50b (see Figure 8) of the electric motor 50, thereby electrically connecting the electrodes 50b and the busbar 41. The switches 44, 45 and the electric motor 50 are examples of electrical components. The switches 44, 45 are examples of sensors. The busbar 41A(41) electrically connected to the electrode 44a of the switch 44 is an example of a first busbar.

[0042] [Enclosing section, neck section, and first labyrinth structure] As described above, in this embodiment, the busbar assembly 40 is located above the door latch device 100, that is, in the upper part of the housing chamber 20a, and the neck portion 40C of the busbar assembly 40 penetrates the opening 20b1 provided in the upper part of the case 20. Also, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the electric motor 50 and part of the switch 45 are located below the neck portion 40C. Therefore, if water enters through the gap between the outer surface 42a of the neck portion 40C and the opening 20b1, the electric motor 50 and the switch 45 may be exposed to water, potentially causing malfunction. To address this, in this embodiment, a first labyrinth structure (described later) is provided to suppress the intrusion of water through the gap between the neck portion 40C and the case 20.

[0043] Figure 8 is a side view showing the second member 22 of the case 20 and a portion of the busbar assembly 40, and Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the door latch device 100 at position XI-XI in Figure 8.

[0044] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the case 20 is provided with a surrounding portion 20b that at least partially surrounds the neck portion 40C. The surrounding portion 20b has a top wall 21a (see Figure 10), 22a, side walls 21b, 22b, partition walls 21c, 22c, end walls 21d, 22d, and intermediate walls 21e, 22e. The top wall 21a, side walls 21b, partition walls 21c, end walls 21d, and intermediate walls 21e are part of the first member 21. The top wall 22a, side walls 22b, partition walls 22c, end walls 22d, and intermediate walls 22e are part of the second member 22. The top walls 21a and 22a, the partition walls 21c and 22c, the end walls 21d and 22d, and the intermediate walls 21e and 22e are each butted together in a continuous manner in the Y direction, at least partially, and in those parts, they form a single continuous wall.

[0045] The top walls 21a and 22a are located at the ends in the Z direction and have a plate-like shape that intersects with the Z direction. The side wall 21b is located at the end opposite to the Y direction and has a plate-like shape that intersects with the Y direction. The side wall 22b is located at the end in the Y direction and has a plate-like shape that intersects with the Y direction. The partition walls 21c and 22c are located at the end of the surrounding portion 20b opposite to the X direction and have a plate-like shape that intersects with the X direction where the surrounding portion 20b is provided. The end walls 21d and 22d are located at the X direction end of the surrounding portion 20b and have a plate-like shape that intersects with the X direction. The intermediate walls 21e and 22e are located between the end walls 21d and 22d and have a plate-like shape that intersects with the X direction.

[0046] In the surrounding portion 20b, an opening 20b1 is provided through which the neck portion 40C penetrates the case 20. The opening 20b1 is formed in each of the partition walls 21c, 22c, end walls 21d, 22d, and intermediate walls 21e, 22e, which intersect with the X direction. The intermediate walls 21e, 22e may also be referred to as inward-facing flanges due to their shape.

[0047] Furthermore, in the surrounding portion 20b, a space 20c is formed that surrounds the outer circumferential surface 42a of the neck portion 40C by the top walls 21a, 22a, side walls 21b, 22b, partition walls 21c, 22c, and end walls 21d, 22d. The upper parts of the partition walls 21c, 22c, i.e., the parts adjacent to the surrounding portion 20b, function as partition walls between the storage chamber 20a and the space 20c. Below the surrounding portion 20b, the partition wall 22c and the end wall 21d are provided with a gap in the X direction in part, and in this part, a tubular space 20d extends downward together with the cover 30 (see Figure 12). As shown in Figure 8, an opening 20e that opens downward is provided at the lower part of the surrounding portion 20b, and this opening 20e communicates with the tubular space 20d. In this configuration, space 20c functions as a trap chamber to trap water in the event that water enters. The opening 20e functions as an outlet for the water trapped in space 20c, and the tubular space 20d functions as a drainage channel for the water downwards.

[0048] As shown in Figures 3-5, 8, and 9, the neck portion 40C is provided with two outward-facing flanges 43 that protrude from the outer peripheral surface 42a. Each outward-facing flange 43 has a plate-like shape that intersects with the X direction. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, of the two outward-facing flanges 43, the one closer to the housing chamber 20a (hereinafter referred to as the inner outward-facing flange 43-1) is located between the partition walls 21c, 22c and the intermediate walls 21e, 22e. On the other hand, the outward-facing flange 43 further from the housing chamber 20a (hereinafter referred to as the outer outward-facing flange 43-2) is located between the intermediate walls 21e, 22e and the end walls 21d, 22d. This configuration creates a first labyrinth structure between the outer surface of the neck portion 40C and the inner surface of the surrounding portion 20b, where a gap (boundary) is formed that reciprocates between a position close to and far from the center line C extending in the X direction at approximately the center of the opening 20b1, as the direction is moved in the opposite direction of the X direction. This first labyrinth structure prevents water from entering the case 20 through the gap between the opening 20b1 of the case 20 and the neck portion 40C. In the first labyrinth structure, the outward-facing flanges 43 (43-1, 43-2) are examples of the first wall portion, and the partition walls 21c, 22c, end walls 21d, 22d, and intermediate walls 21e, 22e are examples of the second wall portion.

[0049] Here, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the positioning portions 40a and 40b of the busbar assembly 40 relative to the case 20 are located closer to the neck portion 40C than the switch 44, which is located at the end of the busbar assembly 40 opposite to the connector portion 40B, i.e., the end in the opposite direction of the X. The positioning portions 40a and 40b are, for example, through holes. In this case, the busbar assembly 40 and the case 20 are positioned by inserting positioning protrusions (not shown) provided on the case 20 into the positioning portions 40a and 40b. If the positioning portions 40a and 40b were located closer to the switch 44 than to the neck portion 40C, the relative displacement between the first wall portion and the second wall portion in the first labyrinth structure would increase due to the distance between the positioning portions 40a and 40b from the neck portion 40C, which could make it difficult to ensure the required waterproofness. In this respect, this configuration allows the positioning parts 40a and 40b to be positioned closer to the neck part 40C, making it easier to ensure the accuracy of the relative position between the first wall and the second wall in the first labyrinth structure, and consequently making it easier to ensure the required waterproofness in the first labyrinth structure. Although both positioning parts 40a and 40b were through holes, the configuration is not limited to this, and at least one of them may be a projection or a notched opening.

[0050] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, inclined portions 43a and 22c1 are provided at both the lower end of the outward-facing flange 43 and the lower end of the partition wall 22c, which slope outward in the X direction as they move downward, i.e., in the opposite direction of the Z direction. If the inclined portions 43a and 22c1 were not provided at the lower ends of the outward-facing flange 43 and the lower end of the partition wall 22c, and for example a corner was provided instead, there is a risk that water in the space 20c would accumulate in the corner and become difficult to discharge from the space 20c. In this respect, with the configuration having inclined portions 43a and 22c1, water in the space 20c can be discharged to the outside of the space 20c more reliably and quickly by flowing along the inclined portions 43a and 22c1. Note that the inclined portions only need to be provided at least one of the first wall portion and the second wall portion.

[0051] Furthermore, in the first labyrinth structure, the outer outward-facing flange 43-2 is located between the intermediate walls 21e, 22e and the end walls 21d, 22d, and is closer to the end walls 21d, 22d than to the intermediate walls 21e, 22e. Also, the inner outward-facing flange 43-1 is located between the partition walls 21c, 22c and the intermediate walls 21e, 22e, and is closer to the intermediate walls 21e, 22e than to the partition walls 21c, 22c. With this configuration, the gap can be made narrower on the side further away from the containment chamber 20a, i.e., the upstream side, in the water intrusion path, thereby further enhancing the waterproofing performance of the first labyrinth structure.

[0052] [cover] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the upper front portion of the door latch device 100. Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the door latch device 100 with the cover 30 attached to the upper front portion shown in Figure 10. For clarity, Figures 10 and 11 include a cross-section of the neck portion 40C.

[0053] As shown in Figure 10, the first member 21 and the second member 22 of case 20 overlap in the Y direction. Therefore, the boundary B between the first member 21 and the second member 22 of case 20 extends substantially along the X direction at the top of case 20 and substantially along the Z direction at the front of case 20. An opening 20b1 is provided at the front of case 20 where the gap in boundary B is partially widened. The Y direction is an example of a second direction.

[0054] As shown in Figure 11, the cover 30 has a top wall 30a that covers the upper boundary B of the case 20 from above, and an end wall 30b that covers the front boundary B of the case 20 from the front, i.e., the connector portion 40B side. The end wall 30b is an example of a covering wall that covers the surrounding portion 20b between it and the connector portion 40B. As shown in Figure 9, the cover 30 also has two side walls 30c that cover the side walls 21b and 22b of the case 20.

[0055] As shown in Figure 11, the cover 30 covers boundary B, thereby preventing water from entering the containment chamber 20a from boundary B. In addition, the end wall 30b of the cover 30 is provided with an inverted U-shaped notch opening 30d that opens downward, i.e., in the opposite direction to the Z direction, and the neck portion 40C penetrates the opening 30d in the X direction. With this configuration, the opening edge 20b1a located at the X-direction end of the opening 20b1 can be covered from above and the side by the edge of the opening 30d of the cover 30, making it difficult for water to enter the containment chamber 20a from the opening 20b1. The opening 30d is an example of a second opening.

[0056] Furthermore, the end wall 30b is provided with a first rib 30e that extends along the edge of the opening 30d and protrudes to a predetermined height in the X direction. In addition, the end wall 30b is provided with a second rib 30f that extends in the Y direction from the Z-direction end of the first rib 30e and protrudes to a predetermined height in the X direction. With this configuration, water from above and the front can be separated by the second rib 30f in the Y direction and the opposite direction in the Y direction, keeping it away from the opening 30d and, consequently, the opening 20b1 of the case 20. Therefore, it becomes difficult for the water to reach the opening 30d of the cover 30 and, consequently, the opening 20b1, and thus it is possible to suppress the intrusion of water into the storage chamber 20a from the opening 20b1.

[0057] Furthermore, at the front of case 20, boundary B extends in the opposite direction to the Z direction at the opening 20b1, bends at the lower end of the opening 20b1, and extends in the Y direction. In addition, boundary B bends at the position covered by the end wall 30b and extends in the opposite direction to the Z direction. That is, boundary B is offset in the Y direction from the opening 30d of cover 30, so that it is not exposed at the opening 30d, but is covered by the portion of the end wall 30b adjacent to the opening 30d in the Y direction. With this configuration, water is even less likely to penetrate from boundary B into the containment chamber 20a compared to when boundary B is exposed at the opening 30d. Note that boundary B may also bend in the opposite direction to the Z direction after extending in the opposite direction to the Y direction from the lower end of the opening 20b1, and be covered by the portion adjacent to the opening 30d in the opposite direction to the Y direction.

[0058] [Second labyrinth structure and third labyrinth structure] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the door latch device 100 at position XII-XII in Figure 8. As shown in Figure 12, below the opening 20b1, the partition wall 22c of the second member 22 and the end wall 21d of the first member 21 are aligned with a gap in the X direction. A tubular space 20d is formed, surrounded by the partition wall 22c, the end wall 21d, the side wall 21b of the first member 21, and the side wall 30c of the cover 30.

[0059] Furthermore, the partition wall 22c is bent in a crank shape at the end opposite to the Y direction. The partition wall 22c is provided with a protruding wall 22f that extends in the X direction from the bent portion 22c2 and is further bent in the opposite direction to the Y direction. The end of the protruding wall 22f opposite to the Y direction is inserted between the partition wall 21c and the end wall 21d of the first member 21. This creates a second labyrinth structure in which the partition wall 21c extending in the Y direction, the protruding wall 22f extending in the opposite direction to the Y direction, and the end wall 21d extending in the Y direction overlap in the X direction. This second labyrinth structure makes it possible to suppress the intrusion of water into the case 20 from the gap between the first member 21 and the second member 22 in the part of the case 20 below the opening 20b1. In this part, the partition wall 21c and the partition wall 22c may abut in the Y direction, or the protruding wall 22f may abut the side wall 21b. End wall 21d is an example of a first end wall, and projection wall 22f is an example of a second end wall.

[0060] Furthermore, a portion 30b1 of the end wall 30b of the cover 30 that is adjacent to the opening 30d in the Y direction and extends in the opposite direction to the Y direction is adjacent in the X direction to the end wall 21d that extends in the Y direction. Therefore, in this portion, a third labyrinth structure is formed by the partition wall 21c that extends in the Y direction, the protruding wall 22f that extends in the opposite direction to the Y direction, the end wall 21d that extends in the Y direction, and the portion 30b1 that extends in the opposite direction to the Y direction. This third labyrinth structure further suppresses the intrusion of water into the case 20 from the gap between the first member 21 and the second member 22 in the portion of the case 20 below the opening 20b1. Portion 30b1 is an example of a third end wall.

[0061] As described above, in this embodiment, the first labyrinth structure is formed by the outward-facing flange 43 (first wall portion) provided on the neck portion 40C, and the partition walls 21c, 22c, end walls 21d, 22d, and intermediate walls 21e, 22e (second wall portion) provided on the surrounding portion 20b. This first labyrinth structure suppresses the intrusion of water from the gap between the neck portion 40C and the surrounding portion 20b (opening 20b1 of the case 20), and consequently suppresses water exposure to the electrical components. Therefore, it becomes possible to position at least a portion of the electric motor 50, switch 45, etc. (first electrical components) below the neck portion 40C. In other words, it becomes possible to position the neck portion 40C, or connector portion 40B, above at least a portion of the first electrical components, i.e., at a position other than the lowest part of the door latch device 100. This allows for effects such as making the bus bar 41 shorter and thus the door latch device 100 lighter, or reducing the overlap between the bus bar 41 and other parts in the case 20 to make the door latch device 100 smaller.

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the switch 44 (sensor) is positioned above at least a portion of the electric motor 50 and the switch 45 (first electrical component), and the electrode 44a of the switch 44 is electrically connected to the busbar 41A (first busbar). With this configuration, the busbar 41A allows the electrode 44a of the switch 44 and the connector pin 41a to be electrically connected over a relatively short distance above at least a portion of the first electrical component. This results in effects such as making the busbar 41A and, consequently, the door latch device 100 lighter, and reducing the overlap between the busbar 41A and other components in the case 20, thereby making the door latch device 100 smaller.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, inclined portions 43a and 22c1 are provided at least one of the lower ends of the outward-facing flange 43 (first wall portion) and the lower end of the partition wall 22c (second wall portion) provided in the surrounding portion 20b. With this configuration, water that has entered can be discharged more reliably or more quickly without remaining in the space 20c.

[0064] Furthermore, in this embodiment, positioning portions 40a and 40b between the busbar assembly 40 and the case 20 are provided on the busbar assembly 40 at a position closer to the neck portion 40C than to the switch 44 (sensor). This configuration makes it easier to ensure the accuracy of the relative position between the first wall portion and the second wall portion in the first labyrinth structure, and consequently makes it easier to ensure the required waterproofness in the first labyrinth structure.

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a cover 30 is provided to cover the boundary B between the first member 21 and the second member 22 of the case 20. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress water from entering the containment chamber 20a from the boundary B.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the end wall 30b (covering wall) of the cover 30 is provided with an opening 30d (second opening) which is provided in the shape of a notch that opens downward and through which the neck portion 40C passes, and a second rib 30f is provided which protrudes to a predetermined height in the X direction (first direction) and extends upward from the upper end of the opening 30d. With this configuration, water from above and in front can be separated by the second rib 30f in the Y direction and in the opposite direction of the Y direction and kept away from the opening 20b1, thereby suppressing water from entering the containment chamber 20a from the opening 20b1.

[0067] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a second labyrinth structure is formed by the first member 21 and the second member 22 of the case 20, and a third labyrinth structure is formed by the first member 21, the second member 22, and the cover 30. With these configurations, water exposure to the electrical components inside the case 20 is suppressed, and malfunctions of the electrical components can be prevented.

[0068] Although embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated above, these embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, combinations, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, each configuration, shape, and other specifications (structure, type, orientation, model, size, length, width, thickness, height, number, arrangement, position, material, etc.) can be modified as appropriate.

[0069] For example, the configuration of multiple parts and mechanisms, the first labyrinth structure, the second labyrinth structure, and the third labyrinth structure can be implemented with configurations different from those of the above embodiment.

[0070] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the electric motor was operated to switch between the locked and unlocked states, but it may also be operated to release the engagement of the latch with the striker. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0071] 10...Latch 20...cases 20a... Confinement chamber 20b...Enclosing part 20b1...Aperture (first aperture) 20b1a...Opening edge 20c…space 20d…tubular space 20e…Aperture 21…First component 21a, 22a... Top wall (first labyrinth structure) 21b, 22b... Side walls (first labyrinth structure) 21c, 22c… Partition walls (first labyrinth structure, second wall section) 21d...End wall (First labyrinth structure, second wall section, first end wall) 22d...End wall (first labyrinth structure, second wall section) 21e, 22e… Intermediate walls (first labyrinth structure, second wall section) 22...Second component 22c1…Slope part 22c2…Bending part 22f… Projection wall (second end wall) 30...cover 30a…Ceiling wall 30b…End wall (covered wall) 30b1...part (third end wall) 30c…side wall 30d...Aperture (second aperture) 30e...First rib 30f... Second rib (rib) 40…Bus bar assembly 40a, 40b... Positioning section 40A…Inner part 40B... Connector part 40C... Neck section 41, 41B... Bus bar 41A... Bus bar (First bus bar) 41a…Connector pins 41b, 41b1… terminals 42...Body 42a...Outer surface (first labyrinth structure) 42b…Connector housing 42c…recess 43…Outward-facing flange (first labyrinth structure, first wall section) 43-1…(Inner) Outward-facing flange 43-2…(Outer) Outward-facing flange 43a...Slope part 44…Switch (electrical component, sensor) 45…Switch (electrical component, Daiichi Electrical Components) 44a,45a...electrode 44b,45b...Movable part 50…Electric motor (electrical component, Daiichi Electrical Components) 50a...shaft 50b…electrode 51... Warm 52... Lever lock 53... Lever link 55...Engaging part 56...Pressing part 57…Interlocking part 60... Paul 100... Door latch device 100a…recess 101... Inside Cable 102... Outside Cable 103... Cylinder rod 200...Strika Ax1, Ax2, Ax3, Ax4, Ax5... Rotary axes B…boundary C…Center line P11,P12,P21,P22…Position X…direction (first direction) Y…direction (second direction) Z…direction

Claims

1. A door latch device provided on a vehicle door, wherein a latch provided on the door and a striker provided on the vehicle body engage to hold the door in a closed position, Multiple electrical components, including an electric motor that changes the state of the door latch device, A case comprising a housing chamber that houses at least partially each of the multiple components, including the multiple electrical components, A busbar assembly comprising a plurality of busbars made of a conductor and partially housed within the aforementioned case, and a body made of an insulator that holds the plurality of busbars apart from each other, Equipped with, The busbar assembly comprises an inner portion housed within the housing chamber, a connector portion exposed outside the case, and a neck portion located between the inner portion and the connector portion. The case has a first opening that penetrates the neck portion in a first direction intersecting the vertical direction, and a surrounding portion that at least partially surrounds the neck portion. The connector portion comprises a plurality of connector pins provided at the longitudinal ends of the plurality of busbars exposed from the body, and a connector housing provided in a part of the body that surrounds the plurality of connector pins with gaps between them. A first labyrinth structure is formed in which a first wall portion provided in the neck portion and intersecting the first direction, and a second wall portion provided in the surrounding portion and intersecting the first direction, overlap in the first direction. A door latch device wherein at least a portion of the first electrical component, which is one of the plurality of electrical components, is located below the neck portion.

2. The first electrical component is located above at least a portion of the aforementioned electrical component and includes a sensor as the electrical component that detects the operation of the latch, The door latch device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of busbars include a first busbar electrically connected to the electrodes of the sensor.

3. The door latch device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the lower end of the first wall portion and the lower end of the second wall portion is provided with an inclined portion that slopes toward the first direction as it extends downward.

4. The door latch device according to claim 2, wherein a positioning portion for the case is provided in the busbar assembly at a position closer to the neck portion than the sensor.

5. The case has a first member and a second member that overlap in a second direction intersecting the first direction and the vertical direction, The storage chamber is formed between the first member and the second member. A door latch device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a cover that covers the boundary between the first member and the second member.

6. The cover has a covering wall that covers the surrounding portion between it and the connector portion. The door latch device according to claim 5, wherein the covering wall is provided with a second opening in the shape of a notch that is open downwards and through which the neck portion passes, and a rib is provided that protrudes to a predetermined height in the first direction and extends upward from the upper end of the second opening.

7. The case has a first member and a second member that overlap in a second direction intersecting the first direction and the vertical direction, The storage chamber is formed between the first member and the second member. The first member has a first end wall as an end wall in the first direction, The second member has a second end wall as the end wall in the first direction, The door latch device according to claim 1, wherein the first end wall and the second end wall overlap in the first direction to form a second labyrinth structure.

8. The system includes a cover that covers the boundary between the first member and the second member, The cover has a third end wall as the end wall in the first direction, The door latch device according to claim 7, wherein the first end wall, the second end wall, and the third end wall overlap in the first direction to form a third labyrinth structure.

9. The door latch device according to claim 1, wherein the change in the state of the door latch device is a change between a locked state in which the latch maintains engagement with the striker and an unlocked state in which the latch can be released from engagement with the striker.

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