Door latch device

Abstract

The present invention provides a door latch device that allows for disengagement from the striker and release of the open-hold state with simple operation and a simple structure. [Solution] The door latch device 1, which is attached to the door D of the vehicle V, comprises an engagement mechanism 20, an electrical release mechanism 40, a mechanical release mechanism 60, and a key cylinder 5. The external operating force transmission mechanism 60B of the mechanical release mechanism 60, when an operating force is input to the key cylinder 5 from the neutral position in a first direction, moves the pole 32 from the engagement position to the retracted position, thereby releasing the engagement between the latch 24 and the pole 32 and releasing the engagement between the striker S and the latch 24, and maintains the pole 32 in the retracted position by the holding lever 73, creating an open hold state, and when an operating force is input to the key cylinder 5 from the neutral position in a second direction, the open hold state is released.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a door latch device mounted on a vehicle door and engageable with a striker. BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Among vehicle door latch devices, there is known an electric door latch device (also referred to as an E-latch) that can release the engagement between a meshing mechanism and a striker by the driving force of a motor. In addition to an electric release mechanism, an electric door latch device is generally provided with a mechanical release mechanism that can release the engagement between the meshing mechanism and the striker by manual operation, as a countermeasure for when the motor cannot be driven due to a power outage or the like.

[0003] For example, Patent Documents 1 to 3 describe a door latch device provided with a mechanical release mechanism that can release the engagement between a meshing mechanism and a striker by manually operating a key with respect to a key cylinder provided on the vehicle exterior side.

[0004] In the door latch device of Patent Document 1, after the key cylinder is operated to open the door and the door is then closed, the closed state of the door is maintained. Therefore, if the key is left behind in the vehicle interior and the door is closed, there is a risk that the door cannot be opened from the outside of the vehicle.

[0005] In the door latch device of Patent Document 2, when the key cylinder is operated, the engagement between the meshing mechanism and the striker is maintained in a released state (open hold state), resulting in a structure that prevents the door from being closed. For this reason, it is possible to avoid the risk that the door cannot be opened due to the aforementioned misplacement of the key. The release of the open hold state can be achieved by operating an operation portion separate from the key cylinder with the key. However, there are two operation portions to be operated with the key, which poses a problem that the operation becomes complicated.

[0006] In the door latch device of Patent Document 3, similar to Patent Document 2, operating the key cylinder maintains the open-hold state. In Patent Document 3, operating the key cylinder in one direction disengages the engagement mechanism from the striker and maintains the open-hold state. Operating the key cylinder in the other direction releases the open-hold state. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4617588 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 11421454 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 9938755 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] In the door latch device described in Patent Document 3, the pawl, which engages with the ratchet (latch) to maintain the engagement between the ratchet and the striker, is always biased in a direction that disengages it from the ratchet. In such a structure, it is necessary to use a motor or the like to return the pawl to the position where it engages with the ratchet, which presents the problem of complicating the structure.

[0009] One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a door latch device that allows for disengagement from the striker and release of the open-hold state with simple operation and a simple structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The present invention A door latch device that is attached to the door of a vehicle and engages with a striker, An engagement mechanism that includes a latch that engages with the striker, and a pole that is biased in a direction to engage with the latch and maintains the engaged state in which the striker and the latch are engaged, and which maintains the door in a closed state relative to the vehicle body, An electrical release mechanism that can electrically release the engagement state using the power of a motor, It comprises a mechanical release mechanism that allows the engagement state to be mechanically released by manual operation, The mechanical release mechanism includes an external operating force transmission mechanism that transmits the operating force input to an external operating section provided on the outside of the vehicle to the meshing mechanism. The aforementioned external operating unit can be operated in two directions from the neutral position. The aforementioned external operating force transmission mechanism is, When an operating force is applied to the external operating part from the neutral position in the first direction, the pole is moved from the engaged position where it engages with the latch to the retracted position where the engagement is released, thereby releasing the engagement between the latch and the pole and releasing the engagement between the striker and the latch, and the holding member maintains the pole in the retracted position, creating an open hold state. When an operating force is applied to the external operating unit from the neutral position in the second direction, the open hold state is released.

[0011] Furthermore, the present invention is A door latch device that is attached to the door of a vehicle and engages with a striker, A locking mechanism comprising a latch that engages with the striker, and a pole biased in a direction that engages with the latch, and which maintains the engaged state in which the striker and the latch are engaged, for maintaining the door in a closed state relative to the vehicle body, An electrical release mechanism that can electrically release the engagement state using the power of a motor, It comprises a mechanical release mechanism that allows the engagement state to be mechanically released by manual operation, The mechanical release mechanism has a mounting section to which either a first external operating force transmission mechanism that transmits two-directional operating forces input to an external operating section provided on the outside of the vehicle to the meshing mechanism, or a second external operating force transmission mechanism that transmits one-directional operating force input to the external operating section to the meshing mechanism can be selectively attached. The first external operating force transmission mechanism is, When an operating force is applied to the external operating part from the neutral position in the first direction, the pole is moved from the engaged position where it engages with the latch to the retracted position where the engagement is released, thereby releasing the engagement between the latch and the pole and releasing the engagement between the striker and the latch, and the pole is maintained in the retracted position by the holding member, creating an open hold state. When an operating force is applied to the external operating unit from the neutral position in the second direction, the open hold state is released. The second external operating force transmission mechanism is, When an operating force is applied to the external operating part from the neutral position in the first direction, the pole is moved from the engagement position to the retracted position, thereby disengaging the latch from the pole and releasing the engagement between the striker and the latch, and preventing the open hold state. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, disengagement from the striker and release from the open hold state can be achieved with simple operation and a simple structure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a right-side view of a vehicle equipped with a door latch device according to each embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a rear view of the door latch device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the electrical release mechanism and the in-vehicle operating force transmission mechanism as viewed from inside the vehicle. [Figure 4]Figure 4 is a perspective view of an electrical component mounted on a door latch device. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a rear view of the meshing mechanism. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a front view of the meshing mechanism. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the meshing mechanism in a state where the body, cover plate, and back plate are removed. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an operation diagram of the electric release mechanism when performing a door opening operation. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an operation diagram of the pawl lever when performing a door opening operation. [Figure 10A] Figure 10A is a first operation diagram of the meshing mechanism when performing a door opening operation. [Figure 10B] Figure 10B is a second operation diagram of the meshing mechanism when performing a door opening operation. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of the external operation force transmission mechanism. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a rear view of the meshing mechanism and the external operation force transmission mechanism in the set position. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a first operation diagram of the meshing mechanism and the external operation force transmission mechanism when the key cylinder is operated in the first direction. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a second operation diagram of the meshing mechanism and the external operation force transmission mechanism when the key cylinder is operated in the first direction. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a third operation diagram of the meshing mechanism and the external operation force transmission mechanism when the key cylinder is operated in the first direction. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a fourth operation diagram of the meshing mechanism and the external operation force transmission mechanism when the key cylinder is operated in the first direction. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a first operation diagram of the meshing mechanism and the external operation force transmission mechanism when the key cylinder is operated in the second direction. [Figure 18]Figure 18 is an operational diagram (part 2) of the meshing mechanism and the external operating force transmission mechanism when the key cylinder is operated in the second direction. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is an operational diagram (part 3) of the meshing mechanism and the external operating force transmission mechanism when the key cylinder is operated in the second direction. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is a front view of a door latch device with a non-open-hold specification. [Figure 21] Figure 21 is a rear view of the engagement mechanism and the external operating force transmission mechanism in the door latch device of the second embodiment. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is an operational diagram (part 1) of the meshing mechanism and the external operating force transmission mechanism when the key cylinder is operated in the first direction. [Figure 23] Figure 23 is an operational diagram (part 2) of the meshing mechanism and the external operating force transmission mechanism when the key cylinder is operated in the first direction. [Figure 24] Figure 24 is an operational diagram (part 3) of the meshing mechanism and the external operating force transmission mechanism when the key cylinder is operated in the first direction. [Figure 25] Figure 25 is an operational diagram (part 4) of the meshing mechanism and the external operating force transmission mechanism when the key cylinder is operated in the first direction. [Figure 26] Figure 26 is an operational diagram (part 1) of the meshing mechanism and the external operating force transmission mechanism when the key cylinder is operated in the second direction. [Figure 27] Figure 27 is an operational diagram (part 2) of the meshing mechanism and the external operating force transmission mechanism when the key cylinder is operated in the second direction. [Figure 28] Figure 28 is an operational diagram (part 3) of the meshing mechanism and the external operating force transmission mechanism when the key cylinder is operated in the second direction. [Figure 29] Figure 29 is an operational diagram (part 4) of the meshing mechanism and the external operating force transmission mechanism when the key cylinder is operated in the second direction. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] The door latch devices of each embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings should be viewed in the direction of the reference numerals. The door latch devices illustrated here are vehicle door latch devices mounted on the left and right doors (including the front and rear doors) of an automobile. In the drawings, the front of the vehicle is indicated as Fr, the rear as Rr, the top as U, and the bottom as D. Also, the inside of the vehicle in the left-right direction (vehicle width direction) is indicated as IN, and the outside of the vehicle as OUT. In this description, front, rear, inside of the vehicle, and outside of the vehicle refer to directions relative to the fully closed state when the door is completely closed.

[0015] Figure 1 is a side view of a vehicle V to which a door latch device 1 is installed. The door latch device 1 is installed, for example, on the rear end inside the right-hand door D of the vehicle V and engages with a striker S provided on the vehicle body. The door latch device 1 is an electric door latch device that can open the door D by a motor 41 (see Figure 3, etc.) driven by the operation of an interior switch 2 provided inside the vehicle interior or an exterior switch 6 provided on an outside handle 9 outside the vehicle interior, and is also called an E-latch.

[0016] The door latch device 1 allows the door D to be opened not only by an electric opening operation using the motor 41, but also by a manual operation by the user U. Specifically, the door D can be opened by physical operations such as operating the inner handle 3 located on the inside of the vehicle or by using the mechanical key 7 on the key cylinder 5 located on the outside of the vehicle. Opening the door D using the inner handle 3 or the mechanical key 7 is basically done in emergencies such as when the power runs out or the motor 41 fails, while normal opening of the door D is done electrically by the switch 2 on the inside of the vehicle or the switch 6 on the outside of the vehicle.

[0017] The key cylinder 5 is provided so as to be operable in two directions from the neutral position. The key cylinder 5 is an example of an external operating part of the present invention. Details on the operation of the key cylinder 5 will be described later.

[0018] (First Embodiment) Next, the door latch device 1 of the first embodiment will be described. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the door latch device 1 comprises a housing 11 made of synthetic resin or the like, a meshing mechanism 20 that maintains the door D in a closed state relative to the vehicle body, an electrical release mechanism 40 that electrically makes the door D openable by the drive of a motor 41, and a mechanical release mechanism 60 that mechanically makes the door D openable by manual operation from inside and outside the vehicle. The electrical release mechanism 40 and the mechanical release mechanism 60 are arranged in a space S1 provided on the inside of the vehicle of the housing 11 and are housed in the housing 11 by being covered with a cover (not shown) that is attached from the inside of the vehicle. The meshing mechanism 20 is assembled to the housing 11 from the rear.

[0019] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the door latch device 1 further includes electrical components 90 that operate the electrical release mechanism 40. The electrical components 90 include, for example, a circuit board 91, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 92 mounted on the circuit board 91 that controls the drive of the motor 41, and a capacitor or other storage device 93 that stores the power supplied to the motor 41 and the ECU 92. The electrical components 90 are located in a space S2 provided above the housing 11 and on the outside of the vehicle, and are housed in the housing 11 by being covered with a cover (not shown).

[0020] [Matching mechanism] Figures 5 to 7 show the components of the meshing mechanism 20. Figures 5 to 7 show the engaged state (also called the latched state) in which the striker S (not shown) and the latch 24 are engaged.

[0021] The engagement mechanism 20 includes a body 21 made of synthetic resin or the like, a metal cover plate 22 (see Figure 2) positioned on the rear side of the body 21, a metal back plate 23 positioned on the front side of the body 21, a latch 24 that is rotatably mounted around a latch shaft 24a and engages with the striker S when the door D is closed, and a pole mechanism 30 including a pole 32 that can engage with the latch 24.

[0022] A recessed housing portion 26 is provided on the rear side of the body 21 to accommodate the latch 24 and part of the pole mechanism 30. The cover plate 22 is fixed inside the door D by bolts (not shown) and is positioned to cover the housing portion 26 of the body 21.

[0023] The body 21 and cover plate 22 are provided with striker entry grooves 27. The striker entry groove 27 is the portion into which the striker S enters when the door D is closed, extends in the vehicle width direction, and opens toward the inside of the vehicle. The latch 24 is provided above the striker entry groove 27, and the pole mechanism 30 is provided below the striker entry groove 27.

[0024] The latch 24 has a recessed area 25 on its outer surface toward the latch shaft 24a, which can accommodate the striker S. A torsion spring 24s is wound around the latch shaft 24a, and the latch 24 is biased by the spring 24s in a direction that releases the striker S (clockwise in Figure 5).

[0025] The outer surface of the latch 24 is provided with a full latch portion 24b and a half latch portion 24c. The position of the latch 24 when the pole 32 engages with the full latch portion 24b is also called the full latch position, and the door D is completely closed by the engagement mechanism 20. The position of the latch 24 when the pole 32 engages with the half latch portion 24c is also called the half latch position, and the door D is in a half-open state. In this way, the pole 32 engages with the half latch portion 24c or the full latch portion 24b of the latch 24, maintaining an engaged state (latch state) in which the striker S and the latch 24 are engaged. The state in which the latch 24 is not engaged with the striker S is also called the unlatch state, and the door D is in an openable state in which it can move toward full opening.

[0026] The pole mechanism 30 includes a ratchet 31 rotatable around a ratchet shaft 31a, a pole 32 biased in a direction to engage with the latch 24 and maintaining the engaged state between the striker S and the latch 24, a retaining lever 33 rotatable around a lever shaft 33a, and a pole lever 34 that transmits the driving force of the motor 41 or the operating force from manual operation to the pole 32. In this specification, when describing the direction of operation of each element of the pole mechanism 30, the direction in which the pole 32 operates away from the latch 24 and does not engage is called the "release direction," and the direction opposite to the release direction, in which the pole 32 operates to engage with the latch 24, is also called the "engagement direction." The engagement direction corresponds to the biasing direction by the spring, which will be described later.

[0027] In the latched state, the pawl 32 is in a engaged position that engages with the latch 24, and the ratchet 31, retaining lever 33, and pawl lever 34 are in a set position (standby position) that is waiting in a predetermined position.

[0028] The ratchet 31, pawl 32, and retaining lever 33 are housed in the housing 26 of the body 21. The pawl lever 34 is positioned on the front of the back plate 23.

[0029] The ratchet 31 is rotatably mounted around the ratchet shaft 31a. A torsion spring, the spring 31s, is wound around the ratchet shaft 31a. The ratchet 31 is biased by the spring 31s in the meshing direction (counterclockwise in Figure 5).

[0030] The ratchet 31 further has an input portion 31b that can contact the pole lever 34. As shown in Figure 7, the input portion 31b has a cylindrical shape extending in the front-rear direction. When the pole lever 34 rotates, the pole lever 34 contacts the input portion 31b from below and presses the input portion 31b upward. The input portion 31b receives input from the driving force of the motor 41 and the operating force from manual operation inside the vehicle via the pole lever 34.

[0031] The pawl 32 is rotatably mounted around a pawl shaft 32a, which is inserted into a shaft hole provided at the end of the ratchet 31. A torsion spring, spring 32s, is wound around the pawl shaft 32a, and the spring 32s is hooked onto the ratchet 31. The pawl 32 is biased by the spring 32s in the meshing direction (counterclockwise in Figure 5).

[0032] When the ratchet 31 rotates in the release direction, the pole 32 rotates with the ratchet 31 against the biasing force of the spring 32s, moving from the engaged position to the retracted position (see Figure 10A) and away from the full latch portion 24b of the latch 24. When the engagement between the latch 24 and the pole 32 is released, the engagement between the striker S and the latch 24 is released, and the door D becomes openable.

[0033] The retaining lever 33 is located below the ratchet 31 and is rotatable around the retaining lever shaft 33a. A torsion spring, the spring 33s, is wound around the retaining lever shaft 33a. The retaining lever 33 is biased in the meshing direction (counterclockwise in Figure 5) by the biasing force of the spring 33s, and in the set position, it contacts the stopper portion 21a provided on the body 21.

[0034] The retaining lever 33 is provided so as to be in contact with the pole lever 34 and has an input part 33b that receives input of the driving force of the motor 41 or the operating force from manual operation via the pole lever 34, and a retaining part 33c that contacts the ratchet 31 from below and prevents the ratchet 31 from rotating in the release direction.

[0035] In the set position, the retaining lever 33 has a retaining portion 33c that contacts the ratchet 31 from below. When the input portion 33b receives input from the pole lever 34, the retaining lever 33 rotates in the release direction (clockwise in Figure 5), moving away from the ratchet 31 and allowing the ratchet 31 to rotate in the release direction.

[0036] The pole lever 34 is rotatably mounted around the pole lever shaft 34a. A torsion spring, the spring 34s, is wound around the pole lever shaft 34a. The pole lever 34 is biased clockwise in Figure 6 by the biasing force of the spring 34s, and in the set position, it contacts the stopper portion 23a provided on the back plate 23.

[0037] As shown in Figure 9, the pole lever 34 has an in-vehicle input section 34b that receives the driving force of the motor 41 and the operating force of the inner handle 3, an out-vehicle input section 34c that receives the operating force of the key cylinder 5, a retaining lever operating section 34d that presses the input section 33b of the retaining lever 33 to rotate the retaining lever 33, and a ratchet operating section 34e that presses the input section 31b of the ratchet 31 to rotate the ratchet 31. The in-vehicle input section 34b is located on the inside of the vehicle relative to the pole lever shaft 34a, and the out-vehicle input section 34c is located on the outside of the vehicle relative to the pole lever shaft 34a.

[0038] As shown in Figures 6 and 11, the pole lever 34 is attached to the back plate 23 from the front. The exterior input portion 34c and the retaining lever operating portion 34d of the pole lever 34 extend rearward and are inserted through a through hole formed in the back plate 23.

[0039] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the pole mechanism 30 further includes a third latch lever 35 and a biasing lever 36. The third latch lever 35 is rotatably mounted around a lever shaft 35a provided on the body 21 and is configured to engage with a third latch portion 24d formed on the outer circumferential surface of the latch 24. The biasing lever 36 is rotatably mounted integrally with the pole lever 34 around the pole lever shaft 34a, and when the door D is opened, the biasing lever 36 rotates clockwise to retract the third latch lever 35 out of the rotational trajectory of the third latch portion 24d. Details of the third latch lever 35 and the biasing lever 36 are omitted in this specification, and they are also omitted from the illustration as appropriate.

[0040] [Electrical release mechanism] As shown in Figure 3, the electrical release mechanism 40 includes a motor 41, a worm gear 42 provided on the drive shaft of the motor 41, a cam wheel 43 that meshes with the worm gear 42 via teeth formed on its outer circumference and has a cam portion 43a, and an electrical release lever 44 that operates by contacting the cam portion 43a.

[0041] The electrical release mechanism 40 transmits the driving force of the motor 41 to the pawl lever 34 of the meshing mechanism 20 via the worm gear 42, cam wheel 43, and electrical release lever 44, thereby releasing the meshing between the latch 24 and the pawl 32 and releasing the engagement between the striker S and the latch 24. Each element of the electrical release mechanism 40 shown in Figure 3 is in the set position (standby position).

[0042] The motor 41 is positioned such that the drive shaft, which has a worm gear 42, faces forward and downward. The motor 41 is driven based on the operation of the in-vehicle switch 2 and the out-vehicle switch 6. The ECU 92 controls the motor 41 so that it does not drive even if the in-vehicle switch 2 or the out-vehicle switch 6 is operated, for example, when the speed of the vehicle V is above a predetermined speed.

[0043] The cam wheel 43 is rotatably mounted around an axis extending in the vehicle width direction and is positioned below the motor 41 and worm gear 42. The cam portion 43a is provided on the vehicle-side surface of the cam wheel 43 and protrudes inward toward the vehicle. The cam portion 43a is formed such that its distance from the center of the cam wheel 43 increases when the cam wheel 43 rotates clockwise. In this specification, clockwise rotation of the cam wheel 43 is also referred to as forward rotation, and counterclockwise rotation is also referred to as reverse rotation.

[0044] The electrical release lever 44 includes a drive-side lever 51 that is operated by the motor 41, and a release-side lever 52 that is linked to the drive-side lever 51 and moves the meshing mechanism 20 in the release direction.

[0045] The drive-side lever 51 is rotatably mounted around a lever shaft 53 located below the cam wheel 43. The drive-side lever 51 has a cam contact portion 51a that can contact the cam portion 43a and a connecting portion 51b that connects to the release-side lever 52. The cam contact portion 51a and the connecting portion 51b are located on opposite sides of the lever shaft 53. When viewed from the axial direction of the lever shaft 53, at least the cam contact portion 51a of the drive-side lever 51 is positioned to overlap the cam wheel 43. The drive-side lever 51 is biased in a direction toward contact with the cam portion 43a, specifically in a clockwise direction, by the biasing force of a spring 51s provided in the housing 11.

[0046] The release lever 52 is rotatable around the lever shaft 53, that is, it is rotatable coaxially with the drive lever 51. The release lever 52 is positioned so that at least a portion of it overlaps with the drive lever 51 when viewed from the axial direction of the lever shaft 53. Furthermore, the release lever 52 is positioned so as not to overlap with the cam wheel 43 when viewed from the axial direction of the lever shaft 53, and does not directly contact the cam wheel 43. The release lever 52 is positioned closer to the pole lever 34 of the engagement mechanism 20 than the drive lever 51, and has an operating part 52a at its rear end that contacts the in-vehicle input part 34b of the pole lever 34 to operate the pole lever 34.

[0047] The release lever 52 is biased away from the pole lever 34 of the engagement mechanism 20, specifically in a clockwise direction, by the biasing force of the spring 52s provided in the housing 11.

[0048] As shown in Figure 8, when the cam wheel 43 rotates forward from its set position and the drive lever 51 rotates, the connecting portion 51b of the drive lever 51 pushes up the connecting pin 55, causing the release lever 52 to rotate. The operating portion 52a of the release lever 52 pushes up the in-vehicle input portion 34b of the pole lever 34.

[0049] As shown in Figures 9 and 10A, when the in-vehicle input section 34b is pushed up, the pole lever 34 rotates in the release direction. First, the retaining lever operating section 34d contacts the input section 33b of the retaining lever 33, causing the retaining lever 33 to rotate in the release direction. The retaining lever 33 moves away from the ratchet 31. Next, the ratchet operating section 34e contacts the input section 31b of the ratchet 31, causing the ratchet 31 to rotate in the release direction. As the ratchet 31 rotates, the pole 32 provided on the ratchet 31 rotates in the release direction. The pole 32 moves from the engaged position where it engages with the latch 24 to the retracted position where the engagement is released, and the engagement between the pole 32 and the latch 24 is released. The latch 24 rotates in the direction that releases the striker S due to the biasing force of the spring 24s, and the door D becomes openable (unlatched state).

[0050] After door D becomes ready to open, the cam wheel 43 rotates in the reverse direction and returns to the set position. At this time, the drive lever 51 and the release lever 52 rotate due to the biasing force of their respective springs 51s and 52s and return to the set position. The operating part 52a of the release lever 52 moves downward, releasing the upward push-up state of the in-vehicle input part 34b of the pole lever 34 by the operating part 52a. As shown in Figure 10B, the ratchet 31 and the retaining lever 33 rotate in the engagement direction due to the biasing force of their respective springs and return to the set position. At this time, the pole 32 moves from the retracted position to the set position and contacts the outer surface of the latch 24.

[0051] [Mechanical release mechanism] As shown in Figures 3 and 6, the mechanical release mechanism 60 includes an in-vehicle operating force transmission mechanism 60A that transmits the operating force input to the inner handle 3 to the meshing mechanism 20, and an out-of-vehicle operating force transmission mechanism 60B that transmits the operating force input to the key cylinder 5 to the meshing mechanism 20.

[0052] As shown in Figure 3, the in-vehicle operating force transmission mechanism 60A includes an inner lever 61 that is operated by manually operating the inner handle 3, and a link member 65 that is connected to the inner lever 61 and can contact the in-vehicle input portion 34b of the pole lever 34.

[0053] The inner lever 61 is positioned below and behind the electrical release mechanism 40. The inner lever 61 is supported by the housing 11 so as to be rotatable around a lever shaft 61a located at its upper part. The inner lever 61 is biased toward the set position (counterclockwise in Figure 3) by the biasing force of a spring 61s provided in the housing 11.

[0054] The inner lever 61 is connected to the inner handle 3 via the inner cable 4 and has an input section 61b that receives operating force input from the inner handle 3, and a connecting section 61c that is connected to the link member 65.

[0055] The link member 65 extends in the vertical direction, and its lower end is connected to the connecting portion 61c of the inner lever 61. The link member 65 has an operating portion 66 that contacts the in-vehicle input portion 34b of the pole lever 34 to operate the pole lever 34.

[0056] When the operating force of the inner handle 3 is applied to the input section 61b, the inner lever 61 rotates clockwise in Figure 3. The link member 65 moves upward in conjunction with the inner lever 61, and the operating section 66 of the link member 65 contacts the interior input section 34b of the pole lever 34 from below, pushing up the interior input section 34b. When the interior input section 34b is pushed up, as described above, the pole 32 moves from the engaged position to the retracted position, the engagement between the pole 32 and the latch 24 is released, and the engagement between the striker S and the latch 24 is released. As a result, the door D becomes openable.

[0057] When the operating force on the inner handle 3 is released, the inner lever 61 returns to the set position due to the biasing force of the spring 61s. At this time, the operating part 66 of the link member 65 moves downward, releasing the upward push-up state of the in-vehicle input part 34b of the pole lever 34 by the operating part 66. The ratchet 31 and the retaining lever 33 rotate in the engagement direction due to the biasing force of their respective springs and return to the set position. At this time, the pole 32 moves from the retracted position to the set position and contacts the outer surface of the latch 24.

[0058] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the external operating force transmission mechanism 60B includes a first transmission lever 71 that receives the operating force input to the key cylinder 5, a second transmission lever 72 that transmits the operating force input to the key cylinder 5 via the first transmission lever 71 to the meshing mechanism 20, a holding lever 73 that holds the second transmission lever 72 in an open-hold position (described later), and a cable holder 74 connected to the first transmission lever 71 and holding the outer cable 8. Each element of the external operating force transmission mechanism 60B is positioned between the body 21 and the back plate 23 in the front-rear direction.

[0059] In the latched state, the first transmission lever 71, the second transmission lever 72, and the holding lever 73 are positioned in a predetermined set position (standby position).

[0060] The first transmission lever 71 and the second transmission lever 72 are rotatably mounted around a common lever shaft 68 (see Figure 6) that extends in the front-rear direction from the body 21. The second transmission lever 72 is positioned rearward of the first transmission lever 71, and partially overlaps it when viewed from the axial direction. In this specification, the direction in which the first transmission lever 71 and the second transmission lever 72 are operated to move the pole 32 from the engaged position to the retracted position and disengage the pole 32 from the latch 24 is referred to as the "disengagement direction," and the direction opposite to the disengagement direction, in which the first transmission lever 71 and the second transmission lever 72 are operated to move the pole 32 from the retracted position to the set position and enable the pole 32 from engaging with the latch 24, is also referred to as the "reset direction."

[0061] Since the rotation axes of the first transmission lever 71 and the second transmission lever 72 are arranged coaxially, the space efficiency of the arrangement of the first transmission lever 71 and the second transmission lever 72 is improved, and the door latch device 1 can be miniaturized. Furthermore, if the rotation axes of the first transmission lever 71 and the second transmission lever 72 were on separate axes, a transmission loss of operating force would occur due to variations between the axes, but by arranging these rotation axes coaxially, such transmission losses can be reduced.

[0062] The first transmission lever 71 is inserted through the lever shaft 68 and has a shaft portion 71a that serves as the center of rotation, an input portion 71b that receives the operating force of the key cylinder 5 via the outer cable 8, a first operating portion 71c that contacts and operates the second transmission lever 72, and a second operating portion 71d that contacts and operates the holding lever 73.

[0063] A cable holder 74 is attached to the input section 71b, and the cable holder 74 is connected to the outer cable 8.

[0064] The second transmission lever 72 is inserted through the lever shaft 68 and has a shaft portion 72a that serves as the pivot point, an input portion 72b that contacts the first operating portion 71c of the first transmission lever 71 and receives the operating force input of the key cylinder 5, an operating portion 72c that contacts and operates the pole lever 34, and a engaged portion 72d that engages with the holding lever 73.

[0065] A torsion spring, a spring 72s, is provided around the shaft portion 72a of the second transmission lever 72. The input portion 72b is formed by bending in the axial direction and is biased by the spring 72s in a direction that contacts the first operating portion 71c of the first transmission lever 71. When the second transmission lever 72 contacts the first transmission lever 71, it moves in conjunction with the first transmission lever 71.

[0066] The retaining lever 73 is rotatably mounted on the body 21 around a lever shaft 69 (see Figure 6) that extends in the front-rear direction. The lever shaft 69 is located below the lever shaft 68 and on the inside of the vehicle.

[0067] The retaining lever 73 is inserted through the lever shaft 69 and has a shaft portion 73a that serves as the pivot point, a meshing portion 73b that engages with the meshing portion 72d of the second transmission lever 72, and an input portion 73c that contacts the second operating portion 71d of the first transmission lever 71 and receives the operating force input of the key cylinder 5. The input portion 73c has a cylindrical shape that extends in the front-rear direction.

[0068] A torsion spring, a spring 73s, is provided around the shaft portion 73a of the retaining lever 73. The retaining lever 73 is biased by the spring 73s in a direction such that the input portion 73c contacts the second operating portion 71d of the first transmission lever 71.

[0069] The cable holder 74 is attached to the input section 71b of the first transmission lever 71. The cable holder 74 has a through hole 74a that extends vertically and through which the outer cable 8 is inserted, and holds the outer cable 8 loosely.

[0070] More specifically, the outer cable 8 is provided with a connecting portion 81 that is held by the cable holder 74. The connecting portion 81 has a tip portion 81a (lower part) and a base portion 81b (upper part) which are larger in diameter than the diameter of the through hole 74a, and an insertion portion 81c formed between the tip portion 81a and the base portion 81b and inserted into the through hole 74a of the cable holder 74.

[0071] The insertion portion 81c is longer than the length of the through hole 74a in the through direction. Therefore, in the latched state, gaps G1 and G2 are formed between the tip portion 81a and the cable holder 74, and between the base portion 81b and the cable holder 74. In the latched state, the gap G1 between the tip portion 81a and the cable holder 74 is smaller than the gap G2 between the base portion 81b and the cable holder 74.

[0072] When the outer cable 8 is pulled upward, the outer cable 8 moves freely until its tip 81a contacts the cable holder 74, and the first transmission lever 71 is not activated. When the outer cable 8 is pushed downward, the outer cable 8 moves freely until its base end 81b contacts the cable holder 74, and the first transmission lever 71 is not activated. In this way, the outer cable 8 is movably connected to the external operating force transmission mechanism 60B (cable holder 74). Therefore, the ease of assembly of the outer cable 8 in the door latch device 1 is improved.

[0073] Next, referring to Figures 13 to 19, the operation of the external operating force transmission mechanism 60B and the meshing mechanism 20 when opening the fully closed door D by operating the key cylinder 5 will be explained. In each figure, the thick solid arrows indicating the rotation of each element show how it rotates due to the operating force of the key cylinder 5, and the thick dashed arrows show how it rotates due to the biasing force of the spring.

[0074] First, with reference to Figures 13 to 16, we will explain the case when the key cylinder 5 is operated from the neutral position to the first direction. Operation in the first direction corresponds to pulling the outer cable 8 upwards. Figures 13 to 15 show the state of the key cylinder 5 during operation in the first direction. Figure 16 shows the state after the key cylinder 5 has been operated in the first direction and has been returned to the neutral position.

[0075] As shown in Figure 13, when the key cylinder 5 is operated from the neutral position to the first direction, the outer cable 8 is pulled upward. The outer cable 8 moves freely until its tip 81a contacts the cable holder 74. When the tip 81a of the outer cable 8 contacts the cable holder 74, the first transmission lever 71 rotates in the release direction (counterclockwise) as its input portion 71b is pulled upward by the outer cable 8, disengaging the pole 32 from the latch 24. The second transmission lever 72 rotates in the release direction (counterclockwise) as its input portion 72b is pushed up by the first operating portion 71c of the first transmission lever 71 in conjunction with the rotation of the first transmission lever 71.

[0076] As shown in Figure 14, as the second transmission lever 72 rotates, the operating portion 72c of the second transmission lever 72 contacts the vehicle-side input portion 34c of the pole lever 34, pressing the vehicle-side input portion 34c downward. The pole lever 34 rotates in the release direction. As the pole lever 34 rotates, the retaining lever operating portion 34d contacts the input portion 33b of the retaining lever 33, causing the retaining lever 33 to rotate in the release direction. The retaining lever 33 moves away from the ratchet 31. Subsequently, the ratchet operating portion 34e of the pole lever 34 contacts the input portion 31b of the ratchet 31, causing the ratchet 31 to rotate in the release direction. The pole 32 provided on the ratchet 31 rotates in the release direction as the ratchet 31 rotates.

[0077] As shown in Figure 15, as the pole 32 rotates, it moves from the engaged position where it engages with the full latch portion 24b of the latch 24 to the retracted position, and the engagement with the latch 24 is released. The latch 24 rotates in the direction that releases the striker S due to the biasing force of the spring 24s. As a result, the engagement between the striker S and the latch 24 is released, and the door D becomes openable (unlatched state).

[0078] As shown in Figure 16, after operation in the first direction, when the key cylinder 5 is returned to the neutral position, the outer cable 8 moves downward and its tip 81a separates from the cable holder 74. The outer cable 8 is free to move relative to the first transmission lever 71 and the cable holder 74 and does not exert any operating force on the first transmission lever 71.

[0079] The operation of the retaining lever 73 in Figures 13 to 16 will be explained below. In the set position, the retaining lever 73 contacts the surface (contact surface) of the second operating portion 71d of the first transmission lever 71 due to the biasing force of the spring 73s. When the first transmission lever 71 is rotated by the operation of the key cylinder 5, the retaining lever 73 rotates counterclockwise due to the biasing force of the spring 73s, and the input portion 73c slides on the contact surface with the first transmission lever 71 (Figure 13). As the rotation of the first transmission lever 71 and the second transmission lever 72 progresses, the meshing portion 73b of the retaining lever 73 contacts the second transmission lever 72 and slides on the contact surface with the second transmission lever 72 (Figure 14). When the engagement between the pole 32 and the latch 24 is released, the meshing portion 73b of the retaining lever 73 engages with the engaged portion 72d of the second transmission lever 72 (Figure 15). In this specification, the position of the retaining lever 73 when it engages with the second transmission lever 72 is also referred to as the "block position". In the block position, the retaining lever 73 prevents the second transmission lever 72 from rotating clockwise due to the biasing force of the spring 72s (Figure 16).

[0080] When the retaining lever 73 is in the block position, the second transmission lever 72 is maintained in a state where the operating portion 72c is pressing down the vehicle-side input portion 34c of the pole lever 34. That is, the retaining lever 73 in the block position maintains the pole 32 in the retracted position and maintains a state in which the engagement between the pole 32 and the latch 24 is released. In this state, the pole 32 is separated from the outer surface of the latch 24 and does not make contact, so even if the door D is closed and the striker S is housed in the housing groove 25 of the latch 24, the pole 32 will not engage with the latch 24, and the striker S and the latch 24 will not be able to engage. In this specification, the state in which the retaining lever 73 maintains the pole 32 in the retracted position is also called the "open hold state", and the position of the second transmission lever 72 in the open hold state is also called the "open hold position".

[0081] If the door latch device 1 is in the open hold state, even if the mechanical key 7 is left inside the vehicle and the door D is closed, the striker S and the latch 24 will not engage. Therefore, after opening the door D by operating the key cylinder 5 with the mechanical key 7, the risk of accidentally closing the door D while the mechanical key 7 is left inside the vehicle and being unable to open the door D can be avoided.

[0082] Next, with reference to Figures 17 to 19, the case in which the key cylinder 5 is operated from the neutral position to the second direction will be described. Operation in the second direction corresponds to pushing the outer cable 8 downwards. Figures 17 and 18 show the state in which the key cylinder 5 is being operated in the second direction. Figure 19 shows the state in which the key cylinder 5 has been returned to the neutral position after being operated in the second direction.

[0083] As shown in Figure 17, when the key cylinder 5 is operated from the neutral position to the second direction, the outer cable 8 is pushed downward. The outer cable 8 moves freely until its base end 81b contacts the cable holder 74. When the base end 81b of the outer cable 8 contacts the cable holder 74, the input portion 71b of the first transmission lever 71 is pushed downward by the outer cable 8 and rotates in the reset direction (clockwise). As the rotation of the first transmission lever 71 progresses, the second operating portion 71d contacts the input portion 73c of the retaining lever 73, causing the retaining lever 73 to rotate in the reset direction (clockwise) from the block position back to the set position.

[0084] As shown in Figure 18, as the retaining lever 73 rotates, the engagement between the retaining lever 73 and the second transmission lever 72 is released. The second transmission lever 72 rotates from the open-hold position in the reset direction (clockwise) due to the biasing force of the spring 72s, and its input portion 72b contacts the first operating portion 71c of the first transmission lever 71. When the operating portion 72c of the second transmission lever 72 moves away from the vehicle-side input portion 34c of the pole lever 34, the ratchet 31, pole 32, retaining lever 33, and pole lever 34 rotate in the engagement direction due to the biasing force of their respective springs. As a result, the pole 32 moves from the retracted position to the set position and contacts the outer surface of the latch 24, making it possible for the pole 32 and the latch 24 to engage, i.e., the open-hold state is released. Therefore, when closing the door D, the striker S and the latch 24 engage and enter the engaged state.

[0085] As shown in Figure 19, after operation in the second direction, when the key cylinder 5 is returned to the neutral position, the outer cable 8 moves upward and its base end 81b separates from the cable holder 74. The outer cable 8 is free to move relative to the first transmission lever 71 and the cable holder 74 and does not exert any operating force on the first transmission lever 71.

[0086] The effects and benefits of the door latch device 1 of the first embodiment described above will now be explained.

[0087] When an operating force is applied to the key cylinder 5 from the neutral position in a first direction, the external operating force transmission mechanism 60B not only releases the engagement between the striker S and the latch 24, but also maintains the pole 32 in the retracted position by the holding lever 73, creating an open-hold state. When an operating force is applied to the key cylinder 5 from the neutral position in a second direction, the external operating force transmission mechanism 60B releases the open-hold state.

[0088] With the external operating force transmission mechanism 60B having this configuration, the engagement between the latch 24 and the striker S and the release of the open-hold state can be achieved with a simple operation (two-way operation) on the key cylinder 5. Furthermore, since the pole 32 is biased in the direction of engaging with the latch 24 by the biasing force of the spring 32s, there is no need for a mechanism to return the pole 32 to the state of contact with the latch 24 by a motor or the like after the engagement between the latch 24 and the striker S is released. In this way, the door latch device 1 can release engagement with the striker S and release the open-hold state with simple operation and a simple structure.

[0089] When an operating force is applied to the key cylinder 5 in the first direction, the retaining lever 73 of the external operating force transmission mechanism 60B moves from the set position to a block position that engages with the second transmission lever 72, maintaining the pole 32 in the retracted position and creating an open hold state.

[0090] Thus, the open-hold state, in which the pole 32 is maintained in the retracted position, is achieved by a simple mechanism in which the retaining lever 73 engages with the second transmission lever 72, resulting in high operational reliability. Furthermore, since the retaining lever 73 only needs to be large enough to engage with the second transmission lever, it is possible to miniaturize the retaining lever 73.

[0091] When an operating force is applied to the key cylinder 5 in the second direction from the open-hold state, the first transmission lever 71 contacts the retaining lever 73, moving the retaining lever 73 from the block position to the set position and releasing the open-hold state.

[0092] The first transmission lever 71 is positioned upstream of the transmission path in the external operating force transmission mechanism 60B. Since the first transmission lever 71 receives the operating force from the key cylinder 5 at a close position, it directly operates the retaining lever 73 in the block position, thereby increasing the reliability of returning the retaining lever 73 from the block position to the set position.

[0093] When an operating force is applied to the key cylinder 5 in the first direction, the retaining lever 73 moves to the block position by sliding along the contact surfaces with the first transmission lever 71 and the second transmission lever 72 due to the biasing force of the spring 73s.

[0094] The retaining lever 73 is always biased toward the block position by the biasing force of the spring 73s, and while in contact with the first transmission lever 71 and the second transmission lever 72, it is linked to the operation of the first transmission lever 71 and the second transmission lever 72, so that the movement of the retaining lever 73 toward the block position can be reliably performed.

[0095] In the set position, the first transmission lever 71 is sandwiched between the biased second transmission lever 72 and the holding lever 73. Specifically, in the set position, the first operating portion 71c of the first transmission lever 71 contacts the input portion 72b of the biased second transmission lever 72, and the second operating portion 71d of the first transmission lever 71 contacts the input portion 73c of the biased holding lever 73.

[0096] Since the first transmission lever 71 is stably held in the set position by the biased second transmission lever 72 and the holding lever 73, vibrations of the first transmission lever 71 are reduced when the vehicle V is in motion, and the generation of abnormal noises can be prevented.

[0097] [Changes to the specifications of the door latch device] The door latch device 1 described above is an open-hold type in which, when the key cylinder 5 is operated in the first direction, the engagement between the striker S and the latch 24 is released, and the holding lever 73 maintains the pole 32 in the retracted position, resulting in an open-hold state. The door latch device 1 of this embodiment can also be changed from an open-hold type to a non-open-hold type in which the pole 32 is not maintained in the retracted position by replacing predetermined parts.

[0098] Specifically, the change from the open-hold specification to the non-open-hold specification is made by removing the external force transmission mechanism 60B and installing another external force transmission mechanism 60C. All parts other than the external force transmission mechanism 60B are common to both specifications.

[0099] Figure 20 is a front view of a non-open-hold door latch device 1 equipped with an external operating force transmission mechanism 60C. The back plate 23 is not shown in Figure 20.

[0100] The external operating force transmission mechanism 60C includes a third transmission lever 75 that receives the operating force input to the key cylinder 5 and transmits the operating force to the meshing mechanism 20. In the non-open-hold door latch device 1, the first transmission lever 71, the second transmission lever 72, and the retaining lever 73 are removed, and a single third transmission lever 75 is installed in their place.

[0101] The third transmission lever 75 has a shaft portion 75a that serves as the center of rotation, an input portion 75b that receives the operating force of the key cylinder 5 via the outer cable 8, and an operating portion 75c that operates the pole lever 34. The input portion 75b may be connected to the outer cable 8 via a cable holder 74 as shown in the figure, or it may be connected directly to the outer cable 8 without a cable holder 74. The operating portion 75c operates the pole lever 34 by contacting the vehicle-side input portion 34c of the pole lever 34, similar to the operating portion 72c of the second transmission lever 72.

[0102] The shaft portion 75a of the third transmission lever 75 is inserted through the lever shaft 68 provided on the body 21, similar to the first transmission lever 71 and the second transmission lever 72. On the other hand, the retaining lever 73 is not attached to the lever shaft 69 provided on the body 21.

[0103] Thus, the mechanical release mechanism 60 of the door latch device 1 has lever shafts 68 and 69 (an example of mounting parts) provided on the body 21, and either the external operating force transmission mechanism 60B or the external operating force transmission mechanism 60C is selectively mounted on the lever shafts 68 and 69. Therefore, the specifications can be changed simply by swapping the external operating force transmission mechanisms 60B and 60C. In this case, since other parts are common to both specifications, the cost of changing specifications can be reduced.

[0104] (Second Embodiment) The door latch device 1 of the second embodiment will now be described. In the door latch device 1 of the second embodiment, the configuration of the engagement mechanism 20, the electrical release mechanism 40, the in-vehicle operating force transmission mechanism 60A, and the electrical components 90 are the same as in the first embodiment, but the configuration of the out-of-vehicle operating force transmission mechanism 60B is different from that of the first embodiment. In the following description, components common to the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0105] Figure 21 shows the components of the meshing mechanism 20 and the external operating force transmission mechanism 60B of the second embodiment. Figure 21 shows the engaged state in which the striker S and the latch 24 are engaged.

[0106] The external operating force transmission mechanism 60B of the second embodiment includes a transmission lever 76 that receives the operating force input to the key cylinder 5 and transmits the operating force to the meshing mechanism 20, a retaining spring 77 that biases the transmission lever 76 and holds the transmission lever 76 in the open-hold position, and the aforementioned cable holder 74.

[0107] In the latched state, the transmission lever 76 and the retaining spring 77 are positioned in a predetermined set position (standby position).

[0108] The transmission lever 76 is rotatably mounted on the body 21 around a lever shaft 68 that extends in the front-rear direction.

[0109] The transmission lever 76 is inserted through the lever shaft 68 and has a shaft portion 76a that serves as the center of rotation, an input portion 76b that receives the operating force of the key cylinder 5 via the outer cable 8, an operating portion 76c that operates the pole lever 34, and a spring connecting portion 76d to which the retaining spring 77 is connected. The input portion 76b corresponds to the input portion 71b of the first transmission lever 71 in the first embodiment, and the operating portion 76c corresponds to the operating portion 72c of the second transmission lever 72 in the first embodiment.

[0110] The spring connecting portion 76d is located at the lower end of the extension portion 76d1 that extends downward from the shaft portion 76a. The distance between the spring connecting portion 76d and the shaft portion 76a is longer than the distance between the input portion 76b and the shaft portion 76a, and the distance between the operating portion 76c and the shaft portion 76a. This makes it possible to increase the rotational torque of the transmission lever 76 generated by the biasing force of the retaining spring 77.

[0111] The retaining spring 77 is a torsion spring having a coil portion 77a and a leg portion 77b provided at one end of the coil portion 77a, which serves as the center of rotation. The other end of the coil portion 77a is connected to the spring connecting portion 76d of the transmission lever 76. The leg portion 77b is supported by the back plate 23 or the body 21, and the retaining spring 77 is provided so as to be rotatable around the leg portion 77b.

[0112] The coil portion 77a of the retaining spring 77 is positioned offset from the transmission lever 76 in the axial direction of the rotation center (leg portion 77b). This allows the coil portion 77a to overlap with the transmission lever 76 when the transmission lever 76 is operated, as viewed from the axial direction.

[0113] The retaining spring 77 selectively biases the transmission lever 76 in either a first biasing direction that biases the transmission lever 76 away from the meshing mechanism 20, or a second biasing direction that biases the transmission lever 76 toward the meshing mechanism 20.

[0114] To explain in more detail, with respect to the imaginary line XL connecting the shaft portion 76a and the leg portion 77b, if the spring connecting portion 76d is on the -X side (inside the vehicle) as shown in Figure 20, the retaining spring 77 biases the transmission lever 76 in a direction that separates the operating portion 76c of the transmission lever 76 from the outside input portion 34c of the pole lever 34 (first biasing direction). With respect to the imaginary line XL, if the spring connecting portion 76d is on the +X side (outside the vehicle), the retaining spring 77 biases the transmission lever 76 in a direction that moves the operating portion 76c of the transmission lever 76 toward the outside input portion 34c of the pole lever 34 (second biasing direction).

[0115] In the set position, the spring connection portion 76d is on the -X side with respect to the imaginary line XL, and the transmission lever 76 is biased in the first biasing direction by the retaining spring 77.

[0116] When the spring connection portion 76d is on the imaginary line XL, the position of the transmission lever 76 is the position where the biasing direction by the retaining spring 77 is reversed, and is also called the "biasing direction reversal position". The biasing direction by the retaining spring 77 changes during the operation of the transmission lever 76, with the biasing direction reversal position as the dividing line.

[0117] Next, referring to Figures 22 to 29, the operation of the external operating force transmission mechanism 60B and the meshing mechanism 20 when opening the fully closed door D by operating the key cylinder 5 will be explained. In each figure, the white dashed arrows near the spring connection portion 76d indicate the direction of biasing the transmission lever 76 by the retaining spring 77. The thick solid arrows indicating the rotation of each element show how it rotates due to the operating force of the key cylinder 5, and the thick dashed arrows show how it rotates due to the biasing force of the spring.

[0118] First, with reference to Figures 22 to 25, we will explain the case where the key cylinder 5 is operated from the neutral position to the first direction. Figures 22 to 24 show the state of the key cylinder 5 during operation in the first direction. Figure 25 shows the state after the key cylinder 5 has been operated in the first direction and has been returned to the neutral position.

[0119] As shown in Figure 22, when the key cylinder 5 is operated from the neutral position in the first direction, the outer cable 8 is pulled upward. The outer cable 8 moves freely until its tip 81a contacts the cable holder 74. When the tip 81a of the outer cable 8 contacts the cable holder 74, the transmission lever 76 rotates in the release direction (counterclockwise) as the input portion 76b is pulled upward by the outer cable 8, disengaging the pole 32 from the latch 24. The retaining spring 77 biases the transmission lever 76 in the first biasing direction (clockwise), so the outer cable 8 rotates the transmission lever 76 against the biasing force of the retaining spring 77.

[0120] As shown in Figure 23, as the transmission lever 76 rotates, it moves to a position where the biasing direction is reversed. This biasing direction reversal position is located between the set position and the open-hold position. That is, the biasing direction by the retaining spring 77 changes from the first biasing direction to the second biasing direction before the engagement between the pole 32 and the latch 24 is released.

[0121] As shown in Figure 24, after passing the biasing direction reversal position, the biasing direction by the retaining spring 77 becomes the second biasing direction, and a biasing force acts in a direction that assists the rotation of the transmission lever 76 by the outer cable 8. As the rotation of the transmission lever 76 progresses, the operating part 76c of the transmission lever 76 presses downwards against the vehicle-side input part 34c of the pole lever 34, causing the retaining lever 33, ratchet 31, and pole 32 to rotate in the release direction. Then, the pole 32 moves from the engagement position where it engages with the full latch portion 24b of the latch 24 to the retracted position, and the engagement with the latch 24 is released. The latch 24 rotates in a direction that releases the striker S due to the biasing force of the spring 24s. As a result, the engagement between the striker S and the latch 24 is released, and the door D becomes openable (unlatched state).

[0122] As shown in Figure 25, after operation in the first direction, when the key cylinder 5 is returned to the neutral position, the outer cable 8 moves downward, its tip 81a separates from the cable holder 74, and returns to the set position. The outer cable 8 is free to move relative to the transmission lever 76 and the cable holder 74, and does not impart any operating force to the transmission lever 76. Since the transmission lever 76 is biased in the second biasing direction by the retaining spring 77, the pole 32 is maintained in the retracted position by the retaining spring 77, that is, the engagement between the pole 32 and the latch 24 is released. In this way, the external operating force transmission mechanism 60B is in an open-hold state with the pole 32 maintained in the retracted position by the retaining spring 77.

[0123] Next, with reference to Figures 26 to 29, we will explain the case when the key cylinder 5 is operated from the neutral position to the second direction. Figures 26 to 28 show the state of the key cylinder 5 during operation in the second direction. Figure 29 shows the state after the key cylinder 5 has been operated in the second direction and has been returned to the neutral position.

[0124] As shown in Figure 26, when the key cylinder 5 is operated from the neutral position to the second direction, the outer cable 8 is pushed downward. The outer cable 8 moves freely until its base end 81b contacts the cable holder 74. When the base end 81b of the outer cable 8 contacts the cable holder 74, the transmission lever 76 is rotated in the reset direction (clockwise) as the input portion 76b is pushed downward by the outer cable 8. Since the retaining spring 77 biases the transmission lever 76 in the second biasing direction (counterclockwise), the outer cable 8 rotates the transmission lever 76 against the biasing force of the retaining spring 77.

[0125] As the transmission lever 76 rotates in the reset direction, the pawl lever 34 rotates back to the set position due to the biasing force of the spring 34s. As a result, the ratchet 31, pawl 32, and retaining lever 33 rotate in the meshing direction due to the biasing force of their respective springs.

[0126] As shown in Figure 27, as the transmission lever 76 rotates, it moves to a position where the biasing direction is reversed.

[0127] As shown in Figure 28, the transmission lever 76 moves beyond the biasing direction reversal position, and the biasing direction of the retaining spring 77 changes from the second biasing direction to the first biasing direction. The biasing force of the retaining spring 77 acts in a direction that assists the rotation of the transmission lever 76 by the outer cable 8. As the transmission lever 76 rotates, the operating part 76c moves away from the vehicle-side input part 34c of the pole lever 34, and the pole 32 moves from the retracted position to the set position and contacts the outer surface of the latch 24. As a result, the pole 32 and the latch 24 become able to engage, that is, the open hold state is released. Therefore, when closing the door D, the striker S and the latch 24 engage and become engaged.

[0128] As shown in Figure 29, after operation in the second direction, when the key cylinder 5 is returned to the neutral position, the outer cable 8 moves upward and its base end 81b separates from the cable holder 74. The outer cable 8 is free to move relative to the transmission lever 76 and the cable holder 74 and does not exert any operating force on the transmission lever 76. Since the transmission lever 76 is biased in the first biasing direction by the retaining spring 77, the transmission lever 76 does not operate the pole lever 34.

[0129] The effects and benefits of the door latch device 1 of the second embodiment described above will now be explained.

[0130] In the door latch device 1 of the second embodiment, when an operating force is applied to the key cylinder 5 from the neutral position in the first direction, the external operating force transmission mechanism 60B not only releases the engagement between the striker S and the latch 24, but also maintains the pole 32 in the retracted position by the retaining spring 77, resulting in an open-hold state. Then, when an operating force is applied to the key cylinder 5 from the neutral position in the second direction, the external operating force transmission mechanism 60B releases the open-hold state.

[0131] Therefore, similar to the first embodiment, the door latch device 1 of the second embodiment also allows for disengagement from the striker S and release of the open hold state with simple operation and a simple structure.

[0132] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the biasing direction of the transmission lever 76 changes during operation due to the retaining spring 77, so the retaining spring 77 can assist the operating force in the direction that releases the engagement between the pole 32 and the latch 24. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the operating force on the key cylinder 5 and to ensure that the engagement between the striker S and the latch 24 is reliably released. In addition, since the retaining spring 77 has the function of a biasing member for the transmission lever 76 as well as a retaining member that holds the transmission lever 76 in the open hold position, a door latch device 1 that can be in the open hold state can be realized with a small number of parts. Moreover, since the transmission lever 76 is always biased in either the first biasing direction or the second biasing direction by the retaining spring 77, there is no risk of malfunction and the operational reliability is high.

[0133] Furthermore, when an operating force is applied to the key cylinder 5 from the neutral position in the first direction, the biasing direction of the retaining spring 77 changes from the first biasing direction to the second biasing direction before the engagement between the latch 24 and the pawl 32 is released. In other words, since the assisting force of the retaining spring 77 is applied before the engagement between the latch 24 and the pawl 32 is released, the reliability of achieving an open-hold state can be increased.

[0134] As a variation, the biasing direction by the retaining spring 77 may change from the first biasing direction to the second biasing direction at the same time that the engagement between the latch 24 and the pawl 32 is released when an operating force is applied to the key cylinder 5 from the neutral position in the first direction.

[0135] As shown in Figure 25, at least a portion of the coil portion 77a of the retaining spring 77 is positioned to overlap the transmission lever 76 when viewed from the axial direction of the leg portion 77b in the open-hold position. This arrangement improves space efficiency in the door latch device 1 and allows for miniaturization of the door latch device 1.

[0136] As a variation, at least a portion of the coil portion 77a may be positioned to overlap the transmission lever 76 when viewed from the axial direction of the leg portion 77b in the set position.

[0137] In the door latch device 1 of the second embodiment, it is also possible to change from an open-hold specification to a non-open-hold specification. The specification change is made in the door latch device 1 of the second embodiment by removing the external operating force transmission mechanism 60B (transmission lever 76, retaining spring 77) and installing the external operating force transmission mechanism 60C. The parts other than the external operating force transmission mechanism 60B are common to both the open-hold specification and the non-open-hold specification.

[0138] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. It is clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications or alterations can be conceived within the scope of the claims, and these will naturally also fall within the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the components of the above embodiments may be combined in any way without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0139] For example, in each of the embodiments described above, the outer cable 8 was loosely connected to the external operating force transmission mechanism 60B (first transmission lever 71, transmission lever 76), but it is not limited to this, and may also be loosely connected to the key cylinder 5.

[0140] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the second transmission lever 72 is provided with a meshing portion 72d, and the retaining lever 73 meshes with the second transmission lever 72 in the block position, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the first transmission lever 71 may be provided with a meshing portion, in which case the retaining lever 73 may mesh with the first transmission lever 71. Also, both the first transmission lever 71 and the second transmission lever 72 may be provided with meshing portions, in which case the retaining lever 73 may mesh with both the first transmission lever 71 and the second transmission lever 72.

[0141] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, when an operating force in the first direction is applied to the key cylinder 5, the retaining lever 73 moves to the block position while sliding on the contact surfaces with the first transmission lever 71 and the second transmission lever 72, but it is not limited to this. For example, the retaining lever 73 may slide only on the contact surface with the first transmission lever 71 before engaging with the second transmission lever 72 and moving to the block position, or it may move to the block position while sliding only on the contact surface with the second transmission lever 72.

[0142] This specification includes at least the following: The components and other elements corresponding to those in the embodiments described above are shown in parentheses as examples, but are not limited thereto.

[0143] (1) A door latch device (door latch device 1) that is attached to the door (door D) of a vehicle (vehicle V) and engages with a striker (striker S), A meshing mechanism (mechanism 20) that maintains the door in a closed state relative to the vehicle body includes a latch (latch 24) that engages with the striker, and a pole (pole 32) that is biased in a direction to mesh with the latch and maintains the engaged state in which the striker and the latch are engaged, An electrical release mechanism (electrical release mechanism 40) that can electrically release the engagement state using the power of a motor (motor 41), It includes a mechanical release mechanism (mechanical release mechanism 60) that can mechanically release the engagement state by manual operation, The mechanical release mechanism includes an external operating force transmission mechanism (external operating force transmission mechanism 60B) that transmits the operating force input to an external operating part (key cylinder 5) located on the outside of the vehicle to the engagement mechanism. The aforementioned external operating unit can be operated in two directions from the neutral position. The aforementioned external operating force transmission mechanism is, When an operating force is applied to the external operating part from the neutral position in the first direction, the pole is moved from the engaged position where it engages with the latch to the retracted position where the engagement is released, thereby releasing the engagement between the latch and the pole and releasing the engagement between the striker and the latch, and the pole is maintained in the retracted position by the retaining member (retaining lever 73, retaining spring 77) in an open hold state. When an operating force is applied to the external operating part from the neutral position in the second direction, the open hold state is released. Door latch device.

[0144] According to (1), the engagement between the latch and the striker, and the release of the open-hold state, can be achieved with a simple operation (two-way operation) on the external operating part. Furthermore, since the pole is biased in the direction of engaging with the latch, a mechanism to return the pole to the state of contact with the latch by a motor or the like after the engagement between the pole and the latch is released is unnecessary. In this way, disengagement from the striker and the release of the open-hold state can be achieved with simple operation and a simple structure.

[0145] (2) The door latch device described in (1), The vehicle also includes a transmission member (outer cable 8) which is connected to the vehicle exterior operating unit and the vehicle exterior operating force transmission mechanism, and transmits the operating force input to the vehicle exterior operating unit to the vehicle exterior operating force transmission mechanism. The transmission member is movably connected to the external operating force transmission mechanism or the external operating part. Door latch device.

[0146] According to (2), the transmission member is movably connected to the external operating force transmission mechanism or the external operating part, which improves the ease of assembly of the transmission member in the door latch device.

[0147] (3) A door latch device as described in (1) or (2), The external operating force transmission mechanism includes a first transmission lever (first transmission lever 71) that receives the operating force input to the external operating unit, and a second transmission lever (second transmission lever 72) that transmits the operating force of the external operating unit input via the first transmission lever to the meshing mechanism. The rotation axes of the first transmission lever and the second transmission lever are arranged coaxially. Door latch device.

[0148] According to (3), since the rotation axes of the first and second transmission levers are arranged coaxially, the door latch device can be miniaturized. Furthermore, if the rotation axes of the first and second transmission levers are on separate axes, a loss in the transmission of operating force occurs due to variations between the axes, but by arranging the rotation axes of the first and second transmission levers coaxially, such a loss in the transmission can be reduced.

[0149] (4) A door latch device as described in any of (1) to (3), The external operating force transmission mechanism includes a first transmission lever that receives the operating force input to the external operating unit, and a second transmission lever that transmits the operating force of the external operating unit, input via the first transmission lever, to the meshing mechanism. When an operating force is applied to the external operating part in the first direction, the holding member of the external operating mechanism moves from the set position to a block position that engages with at least one of the first transmission lever and the second transmission lever, thereby achieving the open hold state. Door latch device.

[0150] According to (4), the open hold state, in which the pole is maintained in the retracted position, is achieved by a simple mechanism in which the holding member engages with the first transmission lever and / or the second transmission lever, thus providing high operational reliability and allowing for miniaturization of the holding member.

[0151] (5) The door latch device described in (4), When an operating force in the second direction is applied to the external operating part from the open-hold state, the first transmission lever contacts the holding member, moves the holding member from the block position to the set position, and releases the open-hold state. Door latch device.

[0152] According to (5), the first transmission lever, which receives the operating force from the external operating unit at a close position, directly operates the retaining member in the block position, thereby increasing the reliability of returning the retaining member from the block position to the set position.

[0153] (6) A door latch device as described in (4) or (5), The aforementioned retaining member is The first biasing member (spring 73s) is biased in the direction toward the block position, When an operating force in the first direction is applied to the external operating part, the biasing force of the first biasing member causes it to move to the block position while sliding along the contact surface with at least one of the first transmission lever and the second transmission lever. Door latch device.

[0154] According to (6), the retaining member is always biased toward the block position and operates in accordance with the operation of the first transmission lever and / or the second transmission lever, so that the movement of the retaining member toward the block position can be reliably achieved.

[0155] (7) The door latch device described in (6), The second transmission lever is biased by the second biasing member (spring 72s) in a direction that brings it into contact with the first transmission lever. The first transmission lever is sandwiched between the biased second transmission lever and the holding member in the set position. Door latch device.

[0156] According to (7), the first transmission lever is sandwiched between the biased second transmission lever and the retaining member when in the set position, so that vibrations of the first transmission lever during vehicle operation are reduced and the generation of abnormal noises can be prevented.

[0157] (8) A door latch device as described in (1) or (2), The external operating force transmission mechanism includes a transmission lever (transmission lever 76) that receives the operating force input to the external operating unit and transmits the operating force to the meshing mechanism. The retaining member of the external operating force transmission mechanism is a spring (retaining spring 77) that biases the transmission lever, and selectively biases the transmission lever in either a first biasing direction that biases the transmission lever away from the meshing mechanism, or a second biasing direction that biases the transmission lever toward the meshing mechanism. The biasing direction by the spring changes during the operation of the transmission lever. Door latch device.

[0158] According to (8), the biasing direction of the transmission lever changes during operation due to the spring, which is a retaining member, so the operating force in the direction of releasing the engagement between the pole and the latch can be assisted by the spring. Therefore, the operating force can be reduced and the engaged state can be reliably released. In addition, since the spring also serves as a biasing member for the transmission lever in addition to the retaining member, a door latch device that can be in an open-hold state can be realized with a small number of parts. Furthermore, since the transmission lever is always biased in either the first biasing direction or the second biasing direction by the spring, there is no risk of malfunction and the operational reliability is high.

[0159] (9) The door latch device described in (8), The biasing direction by the spring changes from the first biasing direction to the second biasing direction when an operating force is applied to the external operating part from the neutral position in the first direction, before the engagement between the latch and the pole is released. Door latch device.

[0160] According to (9), the biasing direction of the spring is changed to the second biasing direction before the engagement between the latch and the pole is released to assist in releasing the engagement, thereby increasing the certainty of putting the latch into an open-hold state by an operating force in the first direction on the external operating part.

[0161] (10) A door latch device as described in (8) or (9), The spring has a coil portion (coil portion 77a) and a leg portion (leg portion 77b) provided at the end of the coil portion, which serves as the center of rotation. At least a portion of the coil section is positioned to overlap the transmission lever when viewed from the axial direction of the rotation center, in at least one of the set position and the open-hold position when the coil is in the open-hold state. Door latch device.

[0162] According to (10), by arranging the coil and the transmission lever in an overlapping manner, the space efficiency of the door latch device can be improved, and the door latch device can be made smaller.

[0163] (11) A door latch device according to any of (1) to (10), The mechanical release mechanism has mounting parts (lever shafts 68, 69) to which either a first external operating force transmission mechanism (external operating force transmission mechanism 60B) that transmits two-directional operating forces input to the external operating part to the meshing mechanism, or a second external operating force transmission mechanism (external operating force transmission mechanism 60C) that transmits one-directional operating force input to the external operating part to the meshing mechanism can be selectively attached. The first external operating force transmission mechanism is an external operating force transmission mechanism that, when an operating force is input to the external operating part from the neutral position in the first direction, uses the holding member to put it into the open hold state. When an operating force is input to the external operating part from the neutral position in the first direction, the second external operating force transmission mechanism moves the pole from the engagement position to the retracted position, thereby disengaging the latch from the pole and releasing the engagement between the striker and the latch, and preventing the open hold state. Door latch device.

[0164] According to (11), the mechanical release mechanism has a mounting section that allows for the selective attachment of either the first external operating force transmission mechanism with an open-hold specification or the first external operating force transmission mechanism with a non-open-hold specification, so the specification can be changed simply by replacing the external operating force transmission mechanism. In addition, since other parts are common to both specifications, the cost of changing the specification can be reduced.

[0165] (12) A door latch device attached to the door of a vehicle and engaging with a striker, A locking mechanism comprising a latch that engages with the striker, and a pole biased in a direction that engages with the latch, and which maintains the engaged state in which the striker and the latch are engaged, for maintaining the door in a closed state relative to the vehicle body, An electrical release mechanism that can electrically release the engagement state using the power of a motor, It comprises a mechanical release mechanism that allows the engagement state to be mechanically released by manual operation, The mechanical release mechanism has a mounting section to which either a first external operating force transmission mechanism that transmits two-directional operating forces input to an external operating section provided on the outside of the vehicle to the meshing mechanism, or a second external operating force transmission mechanism that transmits one-directional operating force input to the external operating section to the meshing mechanism can be selectively attached. The first external operating force transmission mechanism is, When an operating force is applied to the external operating part from the neutral position in the first direction, the pole is moved from the engaged position where it engages with the latch to the retracted position where the engagement is released, thereby releasing the engagement between the latch and the pole and releasing the engagement between the striker and the latch, and the pole is maintained in the retracted position by the holding member, creating an open hold state. When an operating force is applied to the external operating unit from the neutral position in the second direction, the open hold state is released. The second external operating force transmission mechanism is, When an operating force is applied to the external operating part from the neutral position in the first direction, the pole is moved from the engagement position to the retracted position, thereby disengaging the latch from the pole and releasing the engagement between the striker and the latch, and preventing the open hold state. Door latch device.

[0166] According to (12), when the first external operating force transmission mechanism is installed, engagement with the striker and release of the open hold state can be achieved with simple operation and a simple structure. Furthermore, when the second external operating force transmission mechanism is installed, a non-open hold specification can be achieved. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0167] 1. Door latch device 5. Key cylinder (external operating part) 8. Outer cable (transmission component) 20 Meshing mechanism 24 Latch 32 poles 40 Electrical release mechanism 41 Motor 60 Mechanical release mechanism 60B External Operating Force Transmission Mechanism (First External Operating Force Transmission Mechanism) 60C External Operating Force Transmission Mechanism (Second External Operating Force Transmission Mechanism) 68 Lever shaft (mounting part) 69 Lever shaft (mounting part) 71. First transmission lever 72 Second transmission lever 72s Spring (Second biasing member) 73s Spring (First biasing member) 76 Transmission lever 77 Retaining spring (spring) 77a Coil section 77b Legs D Door S Strika V Vehicle

Claims

1. A door latch device that is attached to the door of a vehicle and engages with a striker, An engagement mechanism that includes a latch that engages with the striker, and a pole that is biased in a direction to engage with the latch and maintains the engaged state in which the striker and the latch are engaged, and which maintains the door in a closed state relative to the vehicle body, An electrical release mechanism that can electrically release the engagement state using the power of a motor, It includes a mechanical release mechanism that allows the engagement state to be mechanically released by manual operation, The mechanical release mechanism includes an external operating force transmission mechanism that transmits the operating force input to an external operating section provided on the outside of the vehicle to the meshing mechanism. The aforementioned external operating unit can be operated in two directions from the neutral position. The aforementioned external operating force transmission mechanism is, When an operating force is applied to the external operating part from the neutral position in the first direction, the pole is moved from the engaged position where it engages with the latch to the retracted position where the engagement is released, thereby releasing the engagement between the latch and the pole and releasing the engagement between the striker and the latch, and the pole is maintained in the retracted position by the holding member, creating an open hold state. When an operating force is applied to the external operating part from the neutral position in the second direction, the open hold state is released. Door latch device.

2. A door latch device according to claim 1, The vehicle's external operating unit and the vehicle's external operating force transmission mechanism are connected, and the vehicle's external operating force transmission mechanism is further provided with a transmission member that transmits the operating force input to the vehicle's external operating unit to the vehicle's external operating force transmission mechanism. The transmission member is movably connected to the external operating force transmission mechanism or the external operating part. Door latch device.

3. A door latch device according to claim 1 or 2, The external operating force transmission mechanism includes a first transmission lever that receives the operating force input to the external operating unit, and a second transmission lever that transmits the operating force of the external operating unit, input via the first transmission lever, to the meshing mechanism. The rotation axes of the first transmission lever and the second transmission lever are arranged coaxially. Door latch device.

4. A door latch device according to claim 1 or 2, The external operating force transmission mechanism includes a first transmission lever that receives the operating force input to the external operating unit, and a second transmission lever that transmits the operating force of the external operating unit, input via the first transmission lever, to the meshing mechanism. When an operating force is applied to the external operating part in the first direction, the holding member of the external operating mechanism moves from the set position to a block position that engages with at least one of the first transmission lever and the second transmission lever, thereby achieving the open hold state. Door latch device.

5. A door latch device according to claim 4, When an operating force in the second direction is applied to the external operating part from the open-hold state, the first transmission lever contacts the holding member, moves the holding member from the block position to the set position, and releases the open-hold state. Door latch device.

6. A door latch device according to claim 4, The aforementioned retaining member is The first biasing member biases the block toward the block position, When an operating force in the first direction is applied to the external operating part, the biasing force of the first biasing member causes it to move to the block position while sliding along the contact surface with at least one of the first transmission lever and the second transmission lever. Door latch device.

7. A door latch device according to claim 6, The second transmission lever is biased by the second biasing member in a direction that brings it into contact with the first transmission lever. The first transmission lever is sandwiched between the biased second transmission lever and the holding member in the set position. Door latch device.

8. A door latch device according to claim 1 or 2, The external operating force transmission mechanism includes a transmission lever that receives the operating force input to the external operating unit and transmits the operating force to the meshing mechanism. The holding member of the external operating force transmission mechanism is a spring that biases the transmission lever, and selectively biases the transmission lever in either a first biasing direction that biases the transmission lever away from the meshing mechanism, or a second biasing direction that biases the transmission lever toward the meshing mechanism. The biasing direction by the spring changes during the operation of the transmission lever. Door latch device.

9. A door latch device according to claim 8, The biasing direction by the spring changes from the first biasing direction to the second biasing direction when an operating force is applied to the external operating part from the neutral position in the first direction, before the engagement between the latch and the pole is released. Door latch device.

10. A door latch device according to claim 8, The spring has a coil portion and a leg portion provided at the end of the coil portion, which serves as the center of rotation. At least a portion of the coil section is positioned to overlap the transmission lever when viewed from the axial direction of the rotation center, in at least one of the set position and the open-hold position when the coil is in the open-hold state. Door latch device.

11. A door latch device according to claim 1 or 2, The mechanical release mechanism has a mounting section to which either a first external operating force transmission mechanism that transmits two operating forces input to the external operating section to the meshing mechanism, or a second external operating force transmission mechanism that transmits one operating force input to the external operating section to the meshing mechanism can be selectively attached. The first external operating force transmission mechanism is an external operating force transmission mechanism that, when an operating force is input to the external operating part from the neutral position in the first direction, uses the holding member to put it into the open hold state. When an operating force is input to the external operating part from the neutral position in the first direction, the second external operating force transmission mechanism moves the pole from the engagement position to the retracted position, thereby disengaging the latch from the pole and releasing the engagement between the striker and the latch, and preventing the open hold state. Door latch device.

12. A door latch device that is attached to the door of a vehicle and engages with a striker, A locking mechanism comprising a latch that engages with the striker, and a pole biased in a direction that engages with the latch, and which maintains the engaged state in which the striker and the latch are engaged, for maintaining the door in a closed state relative to the vehicle body, An electrical release mechanism that can electrically release the engagement state using the power of a motor, It includes a mechanical release mechanism that allows the engagement state to be mechanically released by manual operation, The mechanical release mechanism has a mounting section to which either a first external operating force transmission mechanism that transmits two-directional operating forces input to an external operating section provided on the outside of the vehicle to the meshing mechanism, or a second external operating force transmission mechanism that transmits one-directional operating force input to the external operating section to the meshing mechanism can be selectively attached. The first external operating force transmission mechanism is, When an operating force is applied to the external operating part from the neutral position in the first direction, the pole is moved from the engaged position where it engages with the latch to the retracted position where the engagement is released, thereby releasing the engagement between the latch and the pole and releasing the engagement between the striker and the latch, and the pole is maintained in the retracted position by the holding member, resulting in an open hold state. When an operating force is applied to the external operating unit from the neutral position in the second direction, the open hold state is released. The second external operating force transmission mechanism is, When an operating force is applied to the external operating part from the neutral position in the first direction, the pole is moved from the engagement position to the retracted position, thereby disengaging the latch from the pole and releasing the engagement between the striker and the latch, and preventing the open hold state. Door latch device.

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