Door latch device

Abstract

Miniaturizing a door latch device that features a single outer lever composed of a pair of levers. [Solution] The door latch device 10 includes a fork 21 and a claw 24 positioned on the door-outside side of the fence block 15, and an outer lever 51 including a first lever 52 and a second lever 53 pivotally supported on the door-inside side of the fence block 15. The fence block 15 is provided with a through portion 15e, and the first lever 52 has a first input portion 52c positioned on the door-outside side of the fence block 15 that passes through the through portion 15e, and a first output portion 52d positioned on the door-inside side of the fence block 15, and is rotatable in a first direction in conjunction with the operation of the outer door handle 7. The second lever 53 has a second input portion 53c and a second output portion 53e positioned on the door-inside side of the fence block 15, and is rotatable in a second direction different from the first direction by receiving the rotation of the first lever 52 at the second input portion 53c.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A door latch device for use in a vehicle includes a latch mechanism, a lock mechanism, and a release mechanism. The latch mechanism is switchable between a latched state that maintains the door in a closed state relative to the vehicle body and an unlatched state that allows the door to be opened relative to the vehicle body. The lock mechanism is switchable between an unlocked state, in which an operating force from a door handle provided on the door can be transmitted to the latch mechanism, and a locked state, in which the operating force cannot be transmitted. When the lock mechanism is in the unlocked state, the release mechanism transmits the operating force from the door handle to the latch mechanism via the lock mechanism, and switches the latch mechanism to the unlatched state.

[0003] In the door latch device disclosed in Patent Document 1, an outer lever constituting the release mechanism is configured by a first lever and a second lever. The first lever is connected via a cable to a door handle provided on the door. The second lever includes an operation receiving portion that receives an operation from the first lever, and an operating portion that operates a link included in the lock mechanism. The first lever and the second lever are rotatably disposed on the same arrangement surface of a housing with an interval provided therebetween so as not to interfere with each other. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020-23815 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0005] In the door latch device described in Patent Document 1, a pair of levers must be spaced apart to prevent interference with each other, requiring a large installation space within the housing. As a result, the door latch device becomes large. Therefore, there is room for improvement in miniaturizing the door latch device described in Patent Document 1.

[0006] The present invention aims to miniaturize a door latch device that has one outer lever composed of a pair of levers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention comprises a fence block installed inside a door; a fork positioned on the outside of the door of the fence block and rotatable between a holding position that holds a striker provided on the vehicle body and an open position that can release the striker, thereby maintaining the door closed relative to the vehicle body by holding the striker; a claw pivotally supported adjacent to the fork on the outside of the door of the fence block and rotatable between a locking position that locks the fork in the holding position and an unlocked position that releases the lock from the fork; an outer lever including a first lever pivotally supported on a first pivot axis on the inside of the door of the fence block and a second lever pivotally supported on a second pivot axis on the inside of the door of the fence block, wherein the fence block includes the first lever The present invention provides a door latch device comprising: a through-hole provided at a position corresponding to the bar, extending from the inside of the door to the outside of the door; a first lever having a first input section that passes through the through-hole and is located on the outside of the door of the fence block, to which the other end of a cable, one end of which is connected to an outer door handle attached to the door, is connected; and a first output section located on the inside of the door of the fence block, which is rotatable in a first direction in conjunction with the operation of the outer door handle; a second lever having a second input section and a second output section located on the inside of the door of the fence block, which receives the rotation of the first lever at the second input section and rotates in a second direction different from the first direction, and the second output section is capable of rotating the claw to the unlocked position.

[0008] The first lever, which constitutes the outer lever, has a first input section located on the outside side of the door of the fence block, passing through the through section, and a first output section located on the inside side of the door of the fence block. The second lever, which also constitutes the outer lever, has a second input section and a second output section located on the inside side of the door of the fence block. The second input section receives the rotation of the first lever and rotates it in a second direction different from that of the first lever, and the second output section can rotate the claw to the unlocked position. Thus, since the first input section of the first lever is located on the outside side of the door of the fence block, and the second lever, including the second input section and second output section, is located on the inside side of the door of the fence block, the first input section of the first lever does not interfere with the second lever. Therefore, the first lever and the second lever can be placed close together. Thus, the projected area required for arranging the outer lever with a pair of levers can be reduced, and the door latch device can be miniaturized. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] This invention makes it possible to miniaturize a door latch device that has one outer lever composed of a pair of levers. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Block diagram of a door latch device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Front view of the door latch mechanism. [Figure 3] Disassembled perspective view of the door latch mechanism. [Figure 4] Front perspective view of the door latch mechanism with the housing removed. [Figure 5] Rear perspective view of the door latch device with the housing removed. [Figure 6] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view. [Figure 7] Figure 5 shows an exploded perspective view. [Figure 8] Figure 4 shows an exploded perspective view of the locking mechanism, switching mechanism, and release mechanism. [Figure 9]An exploded perspective view of the lock mechanism, switching mechanism, and releasing mechanism in Fig. 5. [Figure 10] A rear view showing the postures of the lock mechanism and the outer lever in an unlocked state where the door handle is not operated. [Figure 11] A rear view showing the postures of the lock mechanism and the outer lever in a locked state where the door handle is not operated. [Figure 12] A rear view showing the postures of the lock mechanism and the outer lever in a locked state where the door handle is operated. [Figure 13] A rear view showing the postures of the lock mechanism, the rotor, and the inner lever in an unlocked state where the door handle is not operated. [Figure 14] A rear view showing the postures of the lock mechanism, the rotor, and the inner lever in an unlocked state where the door handle is operated. [Figure 15] A rear view showing the postures of the lock mechanism, the rotor, and the inner lever in a locked state where the door handle is not operated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0012] Referring to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3, a door latch device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is attached to a vehicle door 1 and configured to releasably maintain the door 1 in a closed state with respect to a vehicle body (not shown).

[0013] In the accompanying drawings, the X direction is the vehicle length direction, the direction indicated by the arrow is the front side, and the direction opposite to the arrow is the rear side. The Y direction is the vehicle width direction, the direction indicated by the arrow is the vehicle exterior side, and the direction opposite to the arrow is the vehicle interior side. The Z direction is the vehicle height direction, the direction indicated by the arrow is the upper side, and the direction opposite to the arrow is the lower side.

[0014] First, a vehicle door 1 includes an inner space defined by an inner panel 2 located on the inner side in the vehicle width direction, an outer panel (not shown) located on the outer side of the inner panel 2 in the vehicle width direction, and an end panel (not shown) located on the rear side in the vehicle length direction. The inner space is located on the front side in the vehicle length direction with respect to the end panel. The inner space side with respect to the end panel is the door inner side in the present invention, and the rear side in the vehicle length direction with respect to the end panel is the door outer side in the present invention.

[0015] The door latch device 10 of the present embodiment is for a right side door that is rotatable around a hinge axis extending in the vehicle height direction. However, the door latch device 10 may be for a left side door or may be for a hatchback. Further, the door 1 may be a gull-wing door rotatable around a rotation axis extending in the vehicle length direction, or may be a slide door movable along the vehicle body.

[0016] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the door latch device 10 is attached to the door 1 along the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the inner panel 2 and along the front side in the vehicle length direction of the end panel. The door latch device 10 includes, in a housing 12, a latch mechanism 20, a lock mechanism 30, a switching mechanism 40, and an opening mechanism 50.

[0017] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the latch mechanism 20 includes a fork 21 and a claw 24, and is switchable between a latched state shown in FIG. 4 and an unlatched state shown in FIG. 2. In the latched state shown in FIG. 4, the fork 21 has rotated to a holding position, and the claw 24 has rotated to a locking position. The fork 21 holds a striker 3 (see FIG. 2) attached to the vehicle body, and the claw 24 locks the fork 21 in the holding position, whereby the door 1 is maintained in a closed state. In the unlatched state shown in FIG. 2, the claw 24 has rotated to an unlocked position, and the fork 21 has rotated to an open position. The claw 24 releases the locking of the fork 21, and the fork 21 releases the striker 3, whereby the door 1 becomes openable.

[0018] Referring to Figures 1, 10, and 11, the locking mechanism 30 comprises a locking plate 31 and a link 34, and is switchable between the unlocked state shown in Figure 10 and the locked state shown in Figure 11. In the unlocked state shown in Figure 10, the link 34 is moved to the unlocked position by the locking plate 31. In the unlocked position, the link 34 can be moved upward by the release mechanism 50 to move the claw 24 to the unlocked position (see Figures 2 and 14). In the locked state shown in Figure 11, the link 34 is moved to the locked position by the locking plate 31. In the locked position, even if the link 34 is moved upward by the release mechanism 50, it is not possible to move the claw 24 to the unlocked position (see Figure 12).

[0019] Referring to Figures 1 and 5, the switching mechanism 40 is configured to switch the locking mechanism 30 between an unlocked state (see Figure 10) and a locked state (see Figure 11), and comprises a rotor 41, a motor 42, and a key lever 44. The rotor 41 is connected to the lock plate 31 and is also connected to a lock knob 4 mounted on the door 1 via a knob cable 46 (see Figure 13). The motor 42 is mechanically connected to the rotor 41 and is also communicatively connected to an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 5 mounted on the vehicle. The key lever 44 is mechanically connected to the rotor 41 and is also connected to a key cylinder 6 mounted on the door 1 via a key rod (not shown).

[0020] The operating force of the lock knob 4, the driving force of the motor 42, and the operating force of the key cylinder 6 are transmitted to the link 34 via the rotor 41. As a result, the link 34, together with the lock plate 31, moves to either the unlocked position (see Figure 10) or the locked position (see Figure 11). Consequently, the locking mechanism 30 is switched between the unlocked and locked states.

[0021] Continuing to refer to Figures 1 and 5, the release mechanism 50 includes an open lever for switching the latch mechanism 20 to an unlatched state (see Figure 2) via a link 34. The open lever includes an outer lever 51 and an inner lever 56. The outer lever 51 is connected to the link 34 (see Figure 10) and is connected to an outer door handle 7 attached to the door 1 via an outer door cable 55. The inner lever 56 is operably mounted to the link 34 (see Figure 13) and is connected to an inner door handle 8 attached to the door 1 via an inner door cable 57.

[0022] The operating force of the door handles 7 and 8 can be transmitted to the claw 24 via the link 34 when the locking mechanism 30 is in the unlocked state (see Figure 10). This switches the latching mechanism 20 to the unlatched state (see Figure 2), allowing the door 1 to be opened. On the other hand, the operating force of the door handles 7 and 8 cannot be transmitted to the claw 24 via the link 34 when the locking mechanism 30 is in the locked state (see Figure 11) (see Figure 12). Therefore, the latching mechanism 20 remains in the latched state (see Figure 4), and the door 1 cannot be opened.

[0023] Next, the configurations of the housing 12, latch mechanism 20, lock mechanism 30, switching mechanism 40, and release mechanism 50 will be described in more detail.

[0024] (Basic housing configuration) Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the housing 12 comprises a housing body 13, a housing cover 14, and a fence block 15. The housing body 13 is L-shaped when viewed from the vehicle height direction and comprises a first portion 13a extending in the vehicle width direction and vehicle height direction along the end panel, and a second portion 13b extending in the vehicle length direction and vehicle height direction along the inner panel 2. The housing cover 14 is attached to the housing body 13 so as to cover the second portion 13b. The fence block 15 is attached to the first portion 13a of the housing body 13. The internal space of the housing 12 defined by the first portion 13a and the fence block 15 is in communication with the internal space defined by the second portion 13b and the housing cover 14.

[0025] Referring to Figures 2 to 4, the fence block 15 is plate-shaped and extends along the end panel in the vehicle width direction and vehicle height direction. The fence block 15 has an insertion groove 15a into which the striker 3 (see Figure 2) can be inserted. The insertion groove 15a is recessed from the rear to the front in the vehicle length direction and extends from the inside to the outside in the vehicle width direction. The outer side of the fence block 15 in the vehicle length direction is covered by a metal protective cover 16. The protective cover 16 has an insertion groove 16a that corresponds to the insertion groove 15a. A metal set plate 17 is attached to the front side of the fence block 15 in the vehicle length direction.

[0026] (Configuration of the latch mechanism) Referring to Figures 4 and 6, the fork 21 and claw 24 constituting the latch mechanism 20 are rotatably mounted on the rear side (outside the door side) in the vehicle length direction of the fence block 15. The fork 21 is pivotally supported on a fork shaft 22 located on the upper side of the insertion groove 15a of the fence block 15. The claw 24 is pivotally supported on a claw shaft 25 located on the lower side of the insertion groove 15a of the fence block 15, adjacent to the fork 21. The fork shaft 22 and claw shaft 25 are made of metal and are crimped through the protective cover 16, the fence block 15, and the set plate 17, respectively. The claw shaft 25 is positioned inward in the vehicle width direction compared to the fork shaft 22.

[0027] Referring to Figure 7, a spring 23 is attached to the fork shaft 22, which biases the fork 21 to the open position (see Figure 2). One end of the spring 23 is locked to the fork 21, and the other end of the spring 23 is locked to the fence block 15. A spring 26 is attached to the claw shaft 25, which biases the claw 24 to the locked position (see Figure 4). One end of the spring 26 is locked to the claw 24, and the other end of the spring 26 is locked to the fence block 15.

[0028] Referring to Figures 6, 7, and 13, the claw 24 is provided with a locking portion 24a that locks onto the locking portion 21a of the fork 21, and an opening operation receiving portion 24b that receives operation by the link 34. The opening operation receiving portion 24b is provided at the inner end of the claw 24 in the vehicle width direction, opposite to the locking portion 24a. The opening operation receiving portion 24b is rod-shaped and protrudes from the rear to the front in the vehicle length direction, passing through the fence block 15. Corresponding to the opening operation receiving portion 24b, the fence block 15 is provided with a through portion 15b. The through portion 15b has a shape and size that allows the movement of the opening operation receiving portion 24b due to the rotation of the claw 24 between the locked position (see Figure 4) and the unlocked position (see Figure 2).

[0029] (Configuration of the locking mechanism) Referring to Figures 5 and 7, the lock plate 31 and link 34 that constitute the lock mechanism 30 are rotatably mounted on the front side (door side) in the vehicle length direction of the fence block 15.

[0030] Referring to Figures 7 to 9, the lock plate 31 includes a plate-shaped base portion 31a that extends along the fence block 15 in the vehicle width direction and the vehicle height direction. The base portion 31a is integrally provided with a pivot shaft 31b, a connecting receiving portion 31d, an insertion groove 31e, and a positioning portion 31f. The lock plate 31 also includes a separate connecting spring 33 for connecting the link 34.

[0031] The pivot shaft 31b protrudes from the upper part of the base plate portion 31a toward the rear in the vehicle length direction. The pivot shaft 31b is supported by a bearing portion 15c provided on the fence block 15. The bearing portion 15c is cylindrical and protrudes toward the front in the vehicle length direction. The pivot shaft 31b, including the bearing portion 15c, and the fork shaft 22 of the fork 21 extend parallel to each other in a direction perpendicular to the plate-shaped fence block 15. By inserting the pivot shaft 31b into the bearing portion 15c, the lock plate 31 can rotate between a first position in which the link 34 is rotated to the unlocked position, as shown in Figure 10, and a second position in which the link 34 is rotated to the locked position, as shown in Figure 11. However, the pivot shaft 31b, including the bearing portion 15c, does not need to extend geometrically parallel to the fork shaft 22 of the fork 21, as long as the link 34 can be rotated to the unlocked position by operating the lock plate 31.

[0032] As is most clearly shown in Figure 8, the lock plate 31 is biased to a first position (see Figure 10) and a second position (see Figure 11) by an action spring 32. The action spring 32 comprises a winding portion 32a and a pair of arm portions 32b and 32c protruding from the winding portion 32a. The winding portion 32a is pivotally supported on the fence block 15. The first arm portion 32b is locked to the fence block 15 (see Figure 7). The second arm portion 32c has a mountain-shaped biasing projection 32d that biases a projection 31c that protrudes from the base portion 31a toward the rear in the vehicle length direction. By biasing the projection 31c at the base end side of the second arm portion 32c (winding portion 32a side) rather than the top of the biasing projection 32d, the lock plate 31 is biased to the first position shown in Figure 10. By biasing the protruding portion 31c of the biasing projection 32d at the tip side of the second arm portion 32c rather than at the top, the lock plate 31 is biased to the second position shown in Figure 11.

[0033] Referring to Figures 7 and 9, the connecting receiver 31d is configured to receive operation from the switching operation unit 41c of the rotor 41 and rotate the lock plate 31 to a first position (see Figure 10) and a second position (see Figure 11). The connecting receiver 31d has a U-shaped cross-section and protrudes from the upper part of the base plate 31a toward the front in the vehicle length direction.

[0034] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the insertion groove 31e is configured for movably inserting the connecting spring 33. The insertion groove 31e is provided in the stepped portion at the bottom of the base plate portion 31a, and extends in the vehicle width direction, penetrating the stepped portion at the bottom of the base plate portion 31a in the thickness direction.

[0035] The positioning portion 31f is configured to position the link 34 in the vehicle width direction in cooperation with the connecting spring 33. The positioning portion 31f is provided at the inner end of the insertion groove 31e in the vehicle width direction, which is the direction of biasing by the connecting spring 33, and protrudes forward in the vehicle length direction. The positioning portion 31f abuts against the inner side of the link 34 in the vehicle width direction, which is biased by the connecting spring 33, and also has the function of supporting the link 34 so that it can move in the vertical direction.

[0036] Continuing to refer to Figures 8 and 9, the connecting spring 33 is configured to movably connect the upper part of the link 34. The connecting spring 33 is mainly attached to the front surface of the base plate 31a in the vehicle length direction. The connecting spring 33 comprises a winding portion 33a and a pair of arm portions 33b and 33c protruding from the winding portion 33a. The winding portion 33a is attached to a shaft portion 31g that protrudes from the upper part of the base plate 31a toward the front in the vehicle length direction. The first arm portion 33b is locked to a locking portion 31h provided on the base plate 31a.

[0037] The second arm portion 33c protrudes downward from the lock plate 31. More specifically, the second arm portion 33c passes through the insertion groove 31e and then protrudes downward from the base portion 31a. At the lower end of the second arm portion 33c, there is a connecting portion (first connecting portion) 33d that movably connects the upper part of the link 34. The connecting portion 33d protrudes forward in the vehicle length direction and also has the function of guiding the link 34 when the link 34 moves in the vertical direction. However, the connecting portion 33d is not limited to a configuration in which a connecting spring 33 separate from the lock plate 31 is provided, and can be changed as needed as long as it is a configuration in which the link 34 can be connected to the lock plate 31.

[0038] Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the link 34 is configured to allow operation of the opening operation receiving portion 24b of the claw 24 when moved to the unlocked position (see Figure 10), and to prevent operation of the opening operation receiving portion 24b of the claw 24 when moved to the locked position (see Figure 11). The link 34 is an elongated plate shape extending in the vertical direction. The upper end of the link 34 is movably connected to the connecting spring 33, and the lower end of the link 34 is rotatably connected to the outer lever 51. As a result, the upper part of the link 34 is rotatable around the shaft portion 34b, which is the connection part with the outer lever 51. The link 34 is also movable in the vertical direction by the outer lever 51 or the inner lever 56.

[0039] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the upper part of the link 34 is provided with a guide groove 34a that is connected to and held by the connecting portion 33d of the connecting spring 33. The guide groove 34a extends vertically with a groove width that allows the connecting portion 33d to pass through, and allows relative movement of the link 34 with respect to the connecting portion 33d. The lower end of the link 34 is provided with a shaft portion 34b that is connected to and held by the outer lever 51. The shaft portion 34b is cylindrical and protrudes to the rear in the vehicle length direction.

[0040] Referring together to Figures 6 and 13, an unlatching operation part 34c for operating the opening operation receiving part 24b of the claw 24 is provided between the guide groove 34a and the shaft portion 34b of the link 34. The unlatching operation part 34c protrudes toward the rear in the vehicle length direction toward the claw 24.

[0041] Referring to Figures 10 and 13, the unlatching operation part 34c is located directly below the opening operation receiving part 24b when the link 34 is in the unlocked position. Therefore, when the link 34 is moved upward, the unlatching operation part 34c moves the opening operation receiving part 24b upward (see Figure 14). As a result, as shown in Figure 2, the claw 24 can be rotated to the unlocked position, and the locking mechanism 30 can be switched to the unlatched state.

[0042] Referring to Figure 11, the unlatching operation part 34c is positioned outward in the vehicle width direction relative to the opening operation receiving part 24b when the link 34 is in the locked position. Therefore, even if the link 34 is moved upward, the unlatching operation part 34c fails to contact the opening operation receiving part 24b and swings in the wrong direction (see Figure 12). As a result, as shown in Figure 4, the claw 24 is maintained in the locked position, and the locking mechanism 30 cannot be switched to the unlatched state (see Figure 2).

[0043] In this embodiment, the door latch device 10 is electrically operated, and under normal circumstances, a user carrying a specific electronic key (not shown) performs a predetermined operation, causing the ECU 5 (see Figure 1) to operate the motor 42 and switch the locking mechanism 30 between the unlocked state (see Figure 10) and the locked state (see Figure 11). The mechanical key (not shown) that operates the key cylinder 6 (see Figure 1) is incorporated into the electronic key and is not used under normal circumstances.

[0044] On the other hand, in emergencies where the motor 42 cannot switch the lock mechanism 30, such as when the battery (not shown) installed in the vehicle has low charge capacity, the mechanical key removed from the electronic key is used to operate the key cylinder 6 (see Figure 1). This allows the lock mechanism 30 to be switched between the unlocked state (see Figure 10) and the locked state (see Figure 11). However, the operation of removing the mechanical key from the electronic key is cumbersome as it requires the use of tools, etc. Therefore, it is not suitable for situations where one needs to leave the vehicle and quickly lock the door 1 (see Figure 2). Also, for example, the door latch device 10 of the rear door 1 of the vehicle may not have a key cylinder 6 (see Figure 1) and a lock knob 4 (see Figure 1). In that case, when the battery (not shown) has low charge capacity, the lock mechanism 30 cannot be switched between the unlocked state (see Figure 10) and the locked state (see Figure 11).

[0045] Therefore, as shown in Figures 2, 4, and 6, the door latch device 10 of this embodiment is provided with a locking operation unit 31i for directly locking the locking mechanism 30.

[0046] The locking mechanism 31i is provided on the base portion 31a of the lock plate 31 so as to correspond to the insertion groove 15a of the fence block 15. The locking mechanism 31i is provided at a distance from the pivot shaft 31b and protrudes toward the rear in the vehicle length direction (outside the door). When viewed from the rear in the vehicle length direction, the locking mechanism 31i is arc-shaped and protrudes (curves) toward the outward in the vehicle width direction corresponding to the locking operation direction.

[0047] The fence block 15 is provided with an opening 15d that exposes the locking mechanism 31i to the outside of the door 1. The opening 15d is located at the bottom of the insertion groove 15a so as to be situated within the insertion groove 15a. The opening 15d extends along the insertion groove 15a. More specifically, the opening 15d is an arc shape that extends circumferentially around the bearing portion 15c (see Figure 7) corresponding to the pivot shaft 31b, and allows movement (operation) of the locking mechanism 31i along the direction of extension.

[0048] Furthermore, the substrate portion 31a of the lock plate 31 is formed in a fan shape within an angular range that allows it to close the opening 15d from the first position (see Figure 10) to the second position (see Figure 11). The gap between the substrate portion 31a and the opening 15d is set to a size that prevents the intrusion of foreign matter such as dust.

[0049] In the lock mechanism 30 configured in this way, when in the unlocked state shown in Figure 10, the lock operating part 31i can be operated outward in the vehicle width direction from the rear end side (outside the door side) of the door 1 (see Figure 2) in the vehicle length direction. This transmits the operating force of the lock operating part 31i directly to the lock plate 31, allowing the lock plate 31 to rotate from the first position shown in Figure 10 to the second position shown in Figure 11. As a result, the link 34 is rotated together, and the lock mechanism 30 can be switched to the locked state shown in Figure 11. Therefore, the user can manually lock the door 1 (see Figure 2) when they need to leave the vehicle. Thus, user convenience can be improved.

[0050] (Configuration of the switching mechanism) Referring to Figures 3 and 7, the rotor 41, motor 42, and key lever 44 that constitute the switching mechanism 40 are attached to the second part 13b of the housing body 13.

[0051] The rotor 41 is pivotally supported on a rotor shaft 13c provided on the housing body 13. Referring to Figures 8, 9, and 13, the rotor 41 extends in the vehicle length direction and vehicle height direction and has a fan-shaped base portion 41a with an angular range of more than a semicircle (approximately 135 degrees). The base portion 41a is provided with an axial hole portion 41b that is pivotally supported on the rotor shaft 13c (see Figure 3). On the outer circumference of the base portion 41a, at a position facing the lock plate 31, is a switching operation portion (second connecting portion) 41c that is connected to the connecting receiving portion 31d of the lock plate 31 and switches the lock mechanism 30 between a locked state and an unlocked state. The switching operation portion 41c protrudes from the base portion 41a toward the rear in the vehicle length direction and has a generally spherical connecting portion at its tip.

[0052] The rotor 41 further includes a gear portion 41d for connection to the motor 42, a connecting projection 41e for connection to the key lever 44, and an operating receiving portion 41f for receiving operations from other components. The gear portion 41d is composed of a part of a worm wheel and is provided on a part of the front side in the vehicle length direction of the base plate portion 41a. The connecting projection 41e is cylindrical and protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction from the upper part of the base plate portion 31a. The operating receiving portion 41f is plate-shaped and extends in the vehicle length direction and vehicle height direction, and protrudes downward from the outer circumference of the base plate portion 41a.

[0053] The operating receiver portion 41f is provided with a cable connection portion 41g, which consists of a through-hole and connects to the knob cable 46. The other end of the wire 46a of the knob cable 46, one end of which is connected to the lock knob 4 (see Figure 1), is connected to the cable connection portion 41g. Here, the knob cable 46 is composed of a push-pull cable with a wire 46a that can push and pull the operating receiver portion 41f.

[0054] The rotor 41 rotates clockwise from the unlocked position shown in Figure 13 by the locking operation of the lock knob 4 (see Figure 1), and the switching operation unit 41c rotates the lock plate 31 clockwise in Figure 10. This switches the lock mechanism 30 to the locked state shown in Figure 11. On the other hand, the rotor 41 rotates counterclockwise from the locked position shown in Figure 15 by the unlocking operation of the lock knob 4 (see Figure 1), and the switching operation unit 41c rotates the lock plate 31 counterclockwise in Figure 11. This switches the lock mechanism 30 to the unlocked state shown in Figure 10.

[0055] Motor 42 is mounted adjacent to the front side of rotor 41 in the vehicle length direction. A worm 43 that meshes with the gear portion 41d of rotor 41 is attached to the output shaft of motor 42. Motor 42 rotates rotor 41 clockwise from the unlocked position shown in Figure 13 by forward rotation. On the other hand, motor 42 rotates rotor 41 counterclockwise from the locked position shown in Figure 15 by reverse rotation. This allows the locking mechanism 30 to be switched between the locked state shown in Figure 11 and the unlocked state shown in Figure 10, similar to the switching operation by the lock knob 4 (see Figure 1).

[0056] Referring to Figures 3 and 7, the key lever 44 is positioned adjacent to the inner side of the rotor 41 in the vehicle width direction and is pivotally supported by a pivot shaft 13d provided in the housing body 13. The key lever 44 is connected to a rod connecting member 45 that is rotatably positioned in the housing body 13. Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the key lever 44 has a shaft hole portion 44a pivotally supported by the pivot shaft 13d (see Figure 3) and a connecting recess 44b connected to a connecting projection 41e of the rotor 41. The connecting recess 44b is fan-shaped, recessing inward from the surface of the key lever 44 located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction and extending in the circumferential direction around the shaft hole portion 44a. When the key lever 44 is rotated clockwise in Figure 9 by key operation, it rotates the rotor 41 counterclockwise from the locked position shown in Figure 15 to the unlocked position shown in Figure 13. On the other hand, when the key lever 44 is rotated counterclockwise in Figure 9 by a key operation, it rotates the rotor 41 clockwise from the unlocked position shown in Figure 13 to the locked position shown in Figure 15. This allows the locking mechanism 30 to be switched between the locked state shown in Figure 11 and the unlocked state shown in Figure 10, similar to the switching operation by the lock knob 4 (see Figure 1).

[0057] (Configuration of the outer lever of the release mechanism) Referring to Figures 4, 5, and 7, the outer lever 51 constituting the opening mechanism 50 is rotatably mounted on the front side (inside the door) in the vehicle length direction of the fence block 15. The outer lever 51 comprises a first lever 52 and a second lever 53.

[0058] Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the fence block 15 is provided with a through-hole 15e that extends in the vehicle length direction at a position corresponding to the placement of the first lever 52, which is below the insertion groove 15a. The through-hole 15e extends in the vehicle width direction along the insertion groove 15a.

[0059] A pivot shaft (first pivot shaft) 15f for supporting the first lever 52 is integrally provided in the portion of the fence block 15 located above the penetration portion 15e. A pivot shaft (second pivot shaft) 15g for supporting the second lever 53 is integrally provided in the portion of the fence block 15 located below the penetration portion 15e. In other words, the pivot shafts 15f and 15g are provided on both the upper and lower sides of the penetration portion 15e, spaced apart. These pivot shafts 15f and 15g protrude forward in the vehicle length direction, which is perpendicular to the extension direction (YZ plane) of the fence block 15, and extend parallel to each other.

[0060] Referring to Figures 4 and 6, the rear side of the fence block 15 in the vehicle length direction (outside the door) is provided with a housing section 15h that rotatably accommodates the first input section 52c of the first lever 52, which will be described in detail later. The housing section 15h is located below the through section 15e, recesses from the rear side in the vehicle length direction towards the front side, and extends in the vehicle width direction along the through section 15e. The inside of the housing section 15h and the inside of the through section 15e are spatially connected. The opening of the housing section 15h on the rear side in the vehicle length direction (outside the door) is closed by a cover 18 (see Figure 2).

[0061] A cable fixing section 15i is provided on the outer wall in the vehicle width direction that defines the housing section 15h of the fence block 15. The cable fixing section 15i is made up of a notch that is open on the rear side in the vehicle length direction and fixes the end of the tube 55b through which the wire 55a of the outer door cable 55 is inserted so as to be able to move back and forth.

[0062] Referring to Figures 7 to 9, the first lever 52 has a base portion 52a with a shaft hole portion 52b that is pivotally supported on the pivot shaft 15f. The first lever 52 also has a first input portion 52c to which the outer door cable 55 is connected, and a first output portion 52d that operates the second lever 53, and transmits the operating force of the outer door handle 7 (see Figure 1) to the second lever 53.

[0063] The first input section 52c penetrates the through section 15e and is located within the housing section 15h (outside the door) on the rear side in the vehicle length direction of the fence block 15 (see Figure 4). The first input section 52c bends towards the rear in the vehicle length direction from the lower part of the outer circumference of the base section 52a, and then bends downward. When viewed from the rear side in the vehicle length direction, the first input section 52c is an arc shape that curves inward in the vehicle width direction, away from the cable fixing section 15i (see Figure 4). The tip of the first input section 52c protrudes on the opposite side of the pivot axis 15f of the first lever 52 relative to the pivot axis 15g of the second lever 53. The tip of the first input section 52c protrudes below the pivot axis 15g of the second lever 53 (see Figure 10). The other end of the wire 55a (see Figure 4) of the outer door cable 55, which has one end connected to the outer door handle 7 (see Figure 1), is connected to the tip of the first input section 52c.

[0064] Referring to Figure 10, the first input unit 52c is pulled outward in the vehicle width direction (left side in Figure 10) via the outer door cable 55 when the outer door handle 7 (see Figure 1) is operated. As a result, the entire first lever 52 rotates around the pivot axis 15f in direction A (first direction), which is clockwise in Figure 10. When the outer door handle 7 (see Figure 1) is not operated, the first input unit 52c is located on the axis of the pivot axis 15g of the second lever 53. As a result, the rotation trajectory of the first input unit 52c due to the rotation of the first lever 52 intersects with the axis of the pivot axis 15g of the second lever 53. In other words, the pivot axis 15g that supports the second lever 53 is provided so as to be located on the front side in the vehicle length direction of the first input unit 52c.

[0065] The first output unit 52d is located on the front side (door side) in the vehicle length direction of the same fence block 15 as the base unit 52a. The first output unit 52d is a flat plate and is bent forward in the vehicle length direction from the outer circumference of the base unit 52a, which is located on the inside in the vehicle width direction and above the center in the vehicle height direction. Referring to Figure 10, the first output unit 52d moves clockwise downward when the first lever 52 is rotated in direction A.

[0066] Referring to Figures 5 to 7, the second lever 53 has a base portion 53a in which an axial hole portion 53b is formed, which is pivotally supported on the pivot shaft 15g. The second lever 53 also has a second input portion 53c that receives operation from the first lever 52 and a second output portion 53e that is connected to the link 34, and receives the operating force of the outer door handle 7 (see Figure 1) from the first lever 52 and transmits it to the link 34. The entire second lever 53, including the second input portion 53c and the second output portion 53e, is positioned on the front side (inside the door) in the vehicle length direction of the fence block 15.

[0067] Referring to Figures 8 to 10, the second input section 53c is located directly below the first output section 52d of the first lever 52, that is, on the rotational trajectory in direction A, which is the direction in which the first output section 52d rotates when the outer door handle 7 (see Figure 1) is operated. The second input section 53c is located at the tip of the arm section 53d that protrudes radially outward from the base section 53a, and protrudes toward the rear side in the vehicle width direction (outside the door side). As is most clearly shown in Figure 10, the second input section 53c is arc-shaped, and the flat first output section 52d can slide into line contact with it.

[0068] When the first lever 52 rotates in direction A, the second input unit 53c is pressed to the left in Figure 10 by the first output unit 52d. As a result, the second lever 53 rotates counterclockwise around the pivot axis 15g from the initial position shown in Figure 10 to the operating position (see Figure 12) in direction B (the second direction). In other words, the second lever 53 rotates in direction B, which is different from the direction A in which the first lever 52 rotates. As is most clearly shown in Figure 8, a spring 54 is attached to the pivot axis 15g to bias the second lever 53 to the initial position shown in Figure 10. One end of the spring 54 is locked to the second lever 53, and the other end of the spring 54 is locked to the fence block 15.

[0069] As is most clearly shown in Figure 10, the second input unit 53c and the first output unit 52d are positioned between the pivot axis 15g of the second lever 53 and the pivot axis 15f of the first lever 52, respectively. Furthermore, the second input unit 53c and the first output unit 52d are positioned inward in the vehicle width direction with respect to the reference line L connecting the axis of the pivot axis 15g of the second lever 53 and the axis of the pivot axis 15f of the first lever 52, that is, on the opposite side from the direction in which the first lever 52 is pulled by the outer door cable 55 (see Figure 4) (outward in the vehicle width direction). This ensures that the rotational force of the first lever 52 is reliably transmitted to the second lever 53.

[0070] The second output section 53e protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction toward the link 34 from the outer circumference of the base section 53a. A support section 53f is provided at the tip of the second output section 53e, which rotatably supports the shaft section 34b of the link 34. The support section 53f is cylindrical and is provided to protrude forward in the vehicle length direction by burring. When the second lever 53 is rotated toward direction B, the second output section 53e moves counterclockwise upward in Figure 10. This allows the second output section 53e to move the link 34 upward, rotate the claw 24 to the unlocked position, and switch the latch mechanism 20 to the unlatched state (see Figure 2).

[0071] As described above, the first input section 52c of the first lever 52 is located on the rear side (outside the door) in the vehicle length direction of the fence block 15, and the second lever 53, which includes the second input section 53c and the second output section 53e, is located on the front side (inside the door) in the vehicle length direction of the fence block 15. Therefore, the first input section 52c of the first lever 52 does not interfere with the second lever 53 when it rotates. This allows the first lever 52 and the second lever 53 to be located close together in the vehicle width direction. Thus, the projected area required for arranging the outer lever 51, which comprises a pair of levers 52 and 53, can be reduced.

[0072] (Configuration of the inner lever of the release mechanism) Referring to Figures 3, 5, and 7, the inner lever 56 constituting the release mechanism 50 is rotatably supported on a lever shaft 13e provided on the housing body 13.

[0073] The lever shaft 13e is positioned below the rotor shaft 13c relative to the housing body 13, with a gap between them. The lever shaft 13e protrudes inward from the housing body 13 in the vehicle width direction and extends parallel to the rotor shaft 13c that pivotally supports the rotor 41. However, as will be described in detail later, the lever shaft 13e does not need to be geometrically parallel to the rotor shaft 13c as long as it is possible to rotate the inner lever 56 by contacting the rotor 41.

[0074] Referring to Figures 8, 9, and 13, the inner lever 56 includes a base portion 56a in which an axial hole portion 56b is formed, which is pivotally supported on the lever shaft 13e. The inner lever 56 includes a cable connection portion (first cable connection portion) 56c and an opening operation portion 56e protruding from the base portion 56a, and is L-shaped when viewed from the direction in which the lever shaft 13e extends.

[0075] The cable connection portion 56c protrudes upward from the base portion 56a. The upper end of the cable connection portion 56c is provided with a connecting hole 56d for connecting the inner door cable (first cable) 57. The other end of the wire 57a of the inner door cable 57, one end of which is connected to the inner door handle 8 (see Figure 1), is connected to the connecting hole 56d. The upper end of the cable connection portion 56c is located between the lever shaft 13e and the rotor shaft 13c of the rotor 41 in the vehicle height direction. When the inner door handle 8 (see Figure 1) is operated, the cable connection portion 56c is pulled to the right in Figure 13. As a result, the inner lever 56 rotates clockwise around the lever shaft 13e in Figure 13.

[0076] The opening operation part 56e protrudes from the base part 56a toward the rear in the vehicle length direction and extends to below the link 34. The tip of the opening operation part 56e is provided with a pressing part 56f that presses against the lower end of the link 34 and moves it upward. The pressing part 56f has a semicircular cross-section and protrudes upward toward the link 34. When the inner lever 56 is rotated by the operation of the inner door handle 8 (see Figure 1), the opening operation part 56e moves upward, thereby moving the link 34 upward. In other words, the opening operation part 56e transmits the operating force of the inner door handle 8 (see Figure 1) to the latch mechanism 20 via the link 34 of the unlocked lock mechanism 30, switching the latch mechanism 20 to the unlatched state (see Figure 2).

[0077] Here, the operating receiver portion 41f of the rotor 41 of the aforementioned switching mechanism 40 protrudes downward from the outer circumference of the base plate portion 41a and is located between the lever shaft 13e and the rotor shaft 13c. The operating receiver portion 41f is positioned at a distance from the cable connection portion 56c of the inner lever 56 in the axial direction of the lever shaft 13e and the rotor shaft 13c. Moreover, the operating receiver portion 41f is provided at a position where its rotational trajectory overlaps with that of the cable connection portion 56c when viewed from the axial direction of the lever shaft 13e and the rotor shaft 13c.

[0078] Thus, the cable connection portion 56c of the inner lever 56 and the operating receiving portion 41f of the rotor 41 are positioned between the lever shaft 13e and the rotor shaft 13c, respectively. Therefore, it is not necessary to individually secure rotational space for the cable connection portion 56c of the inner lever 56 and the operating receiving portion 41f of the rotor 41. Also, as shown in Figure 3, since the two cables 46 and 57 are located close together, these positioning structures can be assembled together in the same position without having to individually provide them in the housing 12.

[0079] Furthermore, a cable connection portion 41g is formed on the operating receiving portion 41f of the rotor 41 in this embodiment. Therefore, by connecting a knob cable (second cable) 46 to the cable connection portion 41g, a door latch device 10 with a lock knob specification can be configured, which switches the lock mechanism 30 between a locked state and an unlocked state by operating the lock knob 4 (see Figure 1).

[0080] On the other hand, automobile manufacturers sometimes request that the door latch device 10 be equipped with an override function that switches the locking mechanism 30 to the unlocked state by operating the inner door handle 8 (see Figure 1). Therefore, in this embodiment, the presence or absence of an override function, as determined by the automobile manufacturer's request, can be easily accommodated without changing the basic configuration.

[0081] Specifically, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 8 and 13, a contact receiving portion 41h is further provided on the operating receiving portion 41f of the rotor 41, and a contact portion 56g is further provided on the inner lever 56. This makes it possible to realize both a lock knob specification in which the state of the lock mechanism 30 can be switched by the lock knob 4 (see Figure 1), and an override specification in which the lock mechanism 30 can be switched to the unlocked state by the inner door handle 8 (see Figure 1).

[0082] Continuing to refer to Figures 8 and 13, the contact portion 56g of the inner lever 56 is located on the upper part of the cable connection portion 56c, on the rear side in the vehicle length direction. The contact portion 56g is plate-shaped and protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction. As the inner lever 56 rotates to move the claw 24 to the unlocked position (see Figures 2 and 14), the contact portion 56g rotates within an angular range α.

[0083] The contact portion 41h of the rotor 41 is provided at the lower end of the operating portion 41f. The contact portion 41h is cylindrical and protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction from the plate-shaped base portion 41a. When the rotor 41 is rotated to the unlock operation position shown in Figures 13 and 14, the contact portion 41h is positioned at a distance from the angle range α of the contact portion 56g toward the front in the vehicle length direction. Therefore, even if the inner lever 56 is rotated in this state, the contact portion 56g cannot contact the contact portion 41h, and the rotor 41 cannot be operated.

[0084] On the other hand, when the rotor 41 is rotated to the locked position shown in Figure 15, the contact portion 41h moves to the rear in the vehicle length direction and is located within the angular range α of the contact portion 56g. Therefore, when the inner lever 56 rotates in this state, the contact portion 56g comes into contact with the contact portion 41h, rotating the rotor 41 to the unlocked position shown in Figure 14. This allows the lock plate 31 to be switched to the unlocked state (see Figure 10). At this time, the link 34 has moved to the upper position shown in Figure 12, so the unlatching operation portion 34c interferes with the side of the opening operation receiving portion 24b, preventing it from being switched to the unlocked state. Then, when the inner lever 56 returns to the initial position shown in Figure 13, the link 34 moves downward from the upper position shown in Figure 12 towards the initial position shown in Figure 10 due to the biasing force of the spring 54. As a result, interference between the opening operation receiving part 24b and the unlatching operation part 34c is eliminated, and the link 34 moves from the locked position to the unlocked position due to the biasing force of the connecting spring 33. Therefore, in order to switch the latch mechanism 20 to the unlatched state, the inner door handle 8 (see Figure 1) must be operated once more (twice) (2 motions). However, by adjusting the positions of the contact receiving part 41h and the contact part 56g, it is also possible to perform both the unlocking of the lock mechanism 30 and the unlatching of the latch mechanism 20 with a single operation of the inner door handle 8 (see Figure 1) (1 motion).

[0085] In the door latch device 10 configured in this way, the state of the lock mechanism 30 can be switched by rotating the rotor 41 with the lock knob 4 (see Figure 1) (lock knob specification). Also, as shown in Figures 11 and 15, when the lock mechanism 30 is in the locked state, the lock mechanism 30 can be switched to the unlocked state shown in Figures 10 and 13 by operating the inner door handle 8 (see Figure 1) and rotating the inner lever 56 (override specification).

[0086] On the other hand, if the door latch device 10 is not fitted with a lock knob 4 (see Figure 1) and the knob cable 46 is not connected to the rotor 41, the door latch device 10 can be configured as an override specification in which the lock mechanism 30 cannot be switched by the lock knob 4 (see Figure 1), but the lock mechanism 30 can be unlocked by the inner door handle 8 (see Figure 1).

[0087] Furthermore, if the inner lever 56 is not provided with a contact portion 56g, the door latch device 10 can be configured such that the locking mechanism 30 cannot be unlocked by the inner door handle 8 (see Figure 1), but the locking mechanism 30 can be switched using the lock knob 4 (see Figure 1). In other words, by providing a first inner lever 56 with a contact portion 56g and a second inner lever 56 without a contact portion 56g, and using either the first or second inner lever 56 according to the specifications of the automobile manufacturer, it is possible to accommodate the presence or absence of an override function.

[0088] The door latch device 10 of this embodiment has the following features.

[0089] The first lever 52, which constitutes the outer lever 51, has a first input section 52c that passes through the through section 15e and is located on the outside side of the door of the fence block 15, and a first output section 52d located on the inside side of the door of the fence block 15. The second lever 53, which also constitutes the outer lever 51, has a second input section 53c and a second output section 53e located on the inside side of the door of the fence block 15. The second input section 53c receives the rotation of the first lever 52 and rotates it in a second direction different from that of the first lever 52, and the second output section 53e can rotate the claw 24 to the unlocked position. Thus, since the first input section 52c of the first lever 52 is located on the outside side of the door of the fence block 15, and the second lever 53, including the second input section 53c and the second output section 53e, is located on the inside side of the door of the fence block 15, the first input section 52c of the first lever 52 does not interfere with the second lever 53. Therefore, the first lever 52 and the second lever 53 can be placed close together. As a result, the projected area required for arranging the outer lever 51, which has a pair of levers, can be reduced, and thus the door latch device 10 can be made smaller.

[0090] The axis of the pivot shaft 15g of the second lever 53 intersects with the rotational trajectory of the first input part 52c of the first lever 52. In other words, the first lever 52 and the second lever 53 are positioned close together to the point where the axis of the pivot shaft 15g of the second lever 53 and the rotational trajectory of the first input part 52c of the first lever 52 intersect. Therefore, the projected area required for arranging the outer lever 51, including the pair of levers 52 and 53, can be reduced, and the door latch device 10 can be miniaturized.

[0091] The tip of the first input portion 52c of the first lever 52 protrudes on the opposite side of the pivot axis 15f of the first lever 52 relative to the pivot axis 15g of the second lever 53. This ensures that the full length of the first input portion 52c of the first lever 52 is secured, allowing the first lever 52 to be reliably rotated via the outer door cable 55 by operating the outer door handle 7. Therefore, the claw 24 can be reliably rotated to the unlocked position via the second lever 53.

[0092] The pivot shaft 15f of the first lever 52 and the pivot shaft 15g of the second lever 53 are provided on either side of the through-port 15e with a gap between them, and the first output portion 52d of the first lever 52 and the second input portion 53c of the second lever 53 are provided between the pivot shafts 15f and 15g, respectively. This allows the operating force of the outer door handle 7 to be transmitted to the second lever 53 via the first lever 52, and the rotation of the first lever 52 in a first direction rotates the second lever 53 in a second direction, thereby reliably rotating the claw 24 to the unlocked position.

[0093] The first output section 52d of the first lever 52 and the second input section 53c of the second lever 53 are positioned on the opposite side of the reference line L connecting the axis of the pivot shaft 15f and the axis of the pivot shaft 15g, from the direction in which the first lever 52 is pulled by the outer door cable 55. This ensures that by operating the outer door handle 7, the first lever 52 is rotated in a first direction via the outer door cable 55, thereby reliably rotating the second lever 53 in a second direction.

[0094] On the door-external side of the fence block 15, there is a housing portion 15h that extends along the penetration portion 15e and rotatably accommodates the first input portion 52c of the first lever 52. This prevents water and dust from entering the door-inside side of the fence block 15 through the penetration portion 15e.

[0095] The storage section 15h is provided with a cable fixing section 15i for securing the outer door cable 55. As a result, the cable fixing section 15i does not protrude outward from the fence block 15, allowing the door latch device 10 to be made smaller.

[0096] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible.

[0097] For example, if the first input section 52c of the first lever 52 is positioned on the outside of the door relative to the fence block 15, and the first output section 52d of the first lever 52 and the second lever 53 are positioned on the inside of the door, the positional relationship between the first input section 52c and the pivot axis 15g of the second lever 53 can be changed as needed. Also, the positional relationship between the tip of the first input section 52c and the pivot axis 15g of the second lever 53 can be changed as needed.

[0098] If the rotational force of the first lever 52 can be transmitted to the second lever 53, the positional relationship between the pivot axes 15f and 15g of the levers 52 and 53 with respect to the penetration portion 15e of the fence block 15, and the positional relationship between the first output portion 52d of the first lever 52 and the second input portion 53c of the second lever 53 with respect to the pivot axes 15f and 15g can be changed as needed.

[0099] If it is possible to prevent dust and other debris from entering the area around the first input section 52c of the first lever 52, including the outer door cable 55, the fence block 15 may not have a housing section 15h capable of accommodating the first input section 52c on the door-side side. Also, if there is sufficient space inside the door 1, a cable fixing section 15i may be provided so as to protrude outward from the fence block 15. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0100] 1 door 2 Inner Panel 3 Striker 4 lock knobs 5 ECU 6 Key Cylinders 7. Outer door handle 8. Inner door handle 10 Door latch device 12 Housing 13 Housing body 13a Part 1 13b Part 2 13c rotor shaft 13d Rotary axis 13e Lever shaft 14 Housing Cover 15 Fence Blocks 15a Insertion groove 15b Penetration 15c bearing part 15d opening 15e Penetration 15f Rotating axis (first rotating axis) 15g pivot axis (second pivot axis) 15h Detention area 15i Cable fixing part 16 protective cover 16a Insertion groove 17 Set Plates 18 Cover 20 Latch mechanism 21 Forks 21a Locked part 22 Fork axle 23 Spring 24 Claws 24a Locking part 24b Opening operation receiver 25 Claw axis (rotating axis) 26 Spring 30 Locking mechanism 31 Lock Plate 31a Board part 31b Rotary shaft 31c protrusion 31d Connecting receiver 31e Through groove 31f Positioning section 31g shaft 31h Locking part 31i Lock Operation Unit 32 Action Springs 32a Winding section 32b First Arm Section 32c Second Arm Section 32d biasing protrusion 33 Linked Springs 33a Winding section 33b First Arm Section 33c Second Arm Section 33d Connecting part (1st connecting part) 34 links 34a Guide groove 34b Shaft 34c Unlatching operation section 40 Switching mechanism 41 Rotor 41a Substrate section 41b Shaft hole 41c Switching operation part (second connection part) 41d Gear section 41e Connection protrusion 41f Operation receiver 41g Cable connection part 41h Contact receiving part 42 motors 43 Warm 44 Key Lever 44a Shaft hole 44b Connection recess 45 Rod connecting member 46 Knob Cable (Second Cable) 46a Wire 50 Opening mechanism 51 Outer Lever 52. First lever 52a base 52b Shaft hole 52c First Input Section 52d First Output Section 53. Second lever 53a base 53b Shaft hole 53c Second Input Section 53d Arm section 53e Second Output Section 53f Support part 54 Spring 55 Outer door cable 55a wire 55b Tube 56 Inner Lever 56a Base 56b Shaft hole 56c Cable connection section (first cable connection section) 56d connecting hole 56e Opening operation part 56f Pressing part 56g Contact part 57 Inner door cable (1st cable) 57a Wire L reference line A. The direction in which the first lever rotates (first direction) B. The direction in which the second lever rotates (second direction)

Claims

1. A fence block that is installed inside the door, A fork positioned on the outside of the door of the fence block, which is rotatable between a holding position that holds a striker provided on the vehicle body and an open position that allows the striker to be released, and which maintains the door in a closed state relative to the vehicle body by holding the striker, A claw is pivotally supported adjacent to the fork on the outer side of the door of the fence block, and is rotatable between a locking position that engages the fork in the holding position and a release position that releases the engagement with the fork. An outer lever including a first lever pivotally supported on a first pivot shaft on the inside of the door of the fence block, and a second lever pivotally supported on a second pivot shaft on the inside of the door of the fence block. Equipped with, The fence block is provided with a through portion that extends from the inside of the door to the outside of the door at a position corresponding to the first lever. The first lever has a first input section, which passes through the through section and is located on the door-outside side of the fence block, and to which the other end of a cable, one end of which is connected to an outer door handle attached to the door, is connected; and a first output section, which is located on the door-inside side of the fence block, and is rotatable in a first direction in conjunction with the operation of the outer door handle. The second lever has a second input section and a second output section located on the inside side of the door of the fence block, and the second input section receives the rotation of the first lever and rotates it in a second direction different from the first direction, and the second output section can rotate the claw to the unlocked position. Door latch device.

2. The second pivot axis of the second lever is provided on the portion of the fence block located on the door-inside side of the first input portion of the first lever. The door latch device according to claim 1, wherein the axis of the second pivot shaft of the second lever and the rotational trajectory of the first input part of the first lever intersect.

3. The door latch device according to claim 2, wherein the tip of the first input portion of the first lever protrudes from the second pivot axis of the second lever on the side opposite to the first pivot axis of the first lever.

4. The aforementioned through portion extends along the insertion groove into which the striker is inserted. The first pivot shaft of the first lever and the second pivot shaft of the second lever are provided on both sides of the through portion with a gap between them. The first output section of the first lever and the second input section of the second lever are provided between the first pivot shaft and the second pivot shaft, respectively. A door latch device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The door latch device according to claim 4, wherein the first output section of the first lever and the second input section of the second lever are arranged on the opposite side with respect to a reference line connecting the axis of the first pivot shaft and the axis of the second pivot shaft, in the direction in which the first lever is pulled by the cable.

6. The door latch device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fence block is provided on the door-external side with a housing that extends along the penetration and rotatably houses the first input portion of the first lever.

7. The door latch device according to claim 6, wherein the housing portion is provided with a cable fixing portion for fixing the cable.

8. The locking mechanism includes a link that can move between an unlocked position in which the operating force of the outer door handle can be transmitted to the claw via the outer lever, and a locked position in which the force cannot be transmitted. The door latch device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second output section of the second lever is rotatable to the claw in the unlocked position via the link.

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