Door latch device

Abstract

To provide a door latch device that can improve operability when opening a door by releasing a swinging restriction of a link by a restriction portion.SOLUTION: A door latch device 10 includes a regulation portion 35 that locks a spring member 33 to regulate a swing movement of a link 31 toward the unlock position by a spring member 33 when the link 31 swings toward the lock position against the biasing force of the spring member 33 by the action of the inertial force equal to or larger than a set value. The link 31 has a regulation release portion 38 that releases the regulation of the swing movement of the link 31 by moving at least part of the spring member 33 to release the locking with the regulation portion 35 when the swing movement is regulated by the regulation portion 35 and the link is moved from the retreat position to the advance position by receiving the rotational force of an open lever 41.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A door latch device is attached to a vehicle door to hold the door openably relative to the vehicle body. The door latch device includes a latch mechanism that can be switched from a latched state to an unlatched state by operating the door handle, and a lock mechanism that can be switched between a locked state and an unlocked state by operating a key or knob. Switching from the latched state to the unlatched state is possible when the lock mechanism is in the unlocked state, but not when the lock mechanism is in the locked state. In the latched state, the claw lever holds the fork in a position where it is engaged with the striker. In the unlatched state, the claw lever releases the hold of the fork, and the fork disengages from the striker. Unlatching allows the door to be opened.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a door latch device that prevents the door from opening even when the locking mechanism is in an unlocked state during a collision, particularly a side collision, and a movement similar to that performed when switching to the latch release state occurs due to deformation of the door panel caused by the input of a collision load. The locking mechanism of this door latch device includes a link for operating the latch mechanism, a lock lever for swinging the link between the unlocked position and the locked position, and a spring member for engaging the link with the lock lever.

[0004] The link is a mass body that can move toward the locked position against the biasing force of the spring member when an inertial force is applied due to a collision load input while the link is in the unlocked position. The fence block on which the latch mechanism and lock mechanism are mounted is provided with a restricting portion that engages the spring member that moves integrally with the link due to the action of inertial force and restricts the link from swinging toward the unlocked position. This prevents the link from operating the latch mechanism and prevents the door from opening even if a movement similar to that required to switch the link to the unlocked position occurs after the link has moved and held in the locked position due to the input of a collision load. The lock lever also has a restricting release portion that releases the spring member from engaging the restricting portion and releases the restriction on the link's swing when the link is swung from the unlocked position to the locked position. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-3305 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the door latch device of Patent Document 1, the door cannot be opened unless the lock mechanism is switched to the locked state by operating a key or knob, the restriction on swinging of the link by the restricting unit is released, and then the lock mechanism is switched to the unlocked state. In other words, the door cannot be opened unless the door handle is operated to open after switching the lock mechanism twice. Therefore, the door latch device of Patent Document 1 leaves room for improvement in terms of operability when releasing the restriction on swinging of the link by the restricting unit and opening the door.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a door latch device that can improve operability when opening a door by releasing the restriction on swinging of the link by the restriction portion. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention provides a latch mechanism that can engage and disengage a striker and has an operation receiving portion that receives an operation for releasing the engagement of the striker; an open lever that rotates in conjunction with the operation of a door handle; a link that can advance and retreat along a first direction between an advanced position where it receives the rotational force of the open lever and moves toward the operation receiving portion, and a retracted position where it is spaced apart from the operation receiving portion, and that can swing along a second direction intersecting the first direction between an unlocked position where the rotational force of the open lever can be transmitted to the operation receiving portion, and a locked position where the rotational force of the open lever cannot be transmitted; and a mechanism that biases the link from the locked position side to the unlocked position side, and that biases the link when an inertial force equal to or greater than a set value acts on the link. a spring member that allows the link to swing from the unlocked position toward the locked position, and a regulating portion that engages the spring member and regulates the swing of the link toward the unlocked position by the spring member when the link swings toward the locked position against the biasing force of the spring member due to the action of an inertial force equal to or greater than the set value, wherein the link has a restriction release portion that moves at least a part of the spring member to release the engagement with the restriction portion and releases the restriction on the swing of the link when the link is moved from the retracted position to the advanced position by receiving the rotational force of the open lever.

[0009] When a collision load is applied, the link, which is in the unlocked position, swings toward the locked position against the biasing force of the spring member, and the link's swing toward the unlocked position is restricted by the engagement of the spring member with the restricting portion. In this state, even if the link advances, the rotational force of the open lever cannot be transmitted to the operation receiving portion of the latch mechanism. Therefore, even if deformation of the door panel causes a movement similar to that occurring when switching the latch mechanism to the unlatched state, the door is prevented from opening.

[0010] When the restricting portion restricts the swing of the link, rotating the open lever by operating the door handle moves the link from the retracted position to the advanced position, and the release portion of the link moves at least a portion of the spring member. This disengages the spring member from the restricting portion, releasing the restriction on swing of the link imposed by the restricting portion. As a result, the link retracts to the retracted position and swings to the unlocked position due to the biasing force of the spring member. Therefore, when the door handle is stopped and then operated again, the link from the retracted position moves to the advanced position via the open lever, and the operation receiving portion of the latch mechanism is operated to disengage the striker.

[0011] In this way, the link swing restriction can be released by operating the door handle once, and the door can be opened by operating the door handle a second time, improving operability when opening the door. Moreover, because the operation to release the link restriction is the same door handle operation as when opening the door, there is no risk of operational mistakes or misoperations. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] In the present invention, the restriction on the swinging of the link by the restricting portion can be released, thereby improving the operability when opening the door. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the door latch device assembled to the door. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the locking mechanism in an unlocked state. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a lock lever, a return spring, and a link. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a front view of the lock lever, return spring, and link. [Figure 7] Cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in Figure 6. [Figure 8]FIG. [Figure 9] Cross-sectional view of line IX-IX in Figure 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a front view of the locking mechanism when the outer lever is operated in the unlocked state. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a front view of the locking mechanism in a normal locked state. [Figure 12] Cross-sectional view of line XII-XII in Figure 11. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a front view of the locking mechanism in an emergency lock state. [Figure 14] Cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV in Figure 13. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a front view of the locking mechanism in an emergency unlocking operation state. [Figure 16] Cross-sectional view taken along line XVI-XVI in Figure 15. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0015] In the accompanying drawings, the X direction is the vehicle width direction, with the arrow pointing outward and the opposite direction being inward. The Y direction is the vehicle length direction, with the arrow pointing forward and the opposite direction being rearward. The Z direction is the vehicle height direction, with the arrow pointing upward and the opposite direction being downward.

[0016] 1, a door latch device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is disposed within a vehicle door 1 and holds the door 1 closed relative to a vehicle body (not shown). The door latch device 10 is switchable between an unlocked state in which the door 1 can be opened relative to the vehicle body, and a locked state in which the door cannot be opened. In the unlocked state, the door 1 can be opened by operating a door handle (not shown), and in the locked state, the door 1 cannot be opened even by operating the door handle.

[0017] The door 1 includes an outer panel 2 extending along the YZ plane, an inner panel 3 located on the vehicle widthwise inner side of the outer panel 2, and an end panel 4 connected to the vehicle lengthwise rear ends of the outer panel 2 and inner panel 3 and extending along the XZ plane. The outer panel 2, inner panel 3, and end panel 4 define a closed space in which the door latch device 10 is disposed.

[0018] The door latch device 10 includes an L-shaped housing 12 when viewed from the vehicle height direction. Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the door latch device 10 includes a latch mechanism 20, a lock mechanism 30, an opening mechanism 40, and an operating mechanism (not shown).

[0019] 2 and 3, the latch mechanism 20, lock mechanism 30, and release mechanism 40 are all disposed in a fence block 15 serving as a base member, and are housed in a first housing portion 13 disposed along the end panel 4 of the housing 12 shown in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 1, the rear end of the fence block 15 in the vehicle length direction is covered by a metal cover 16. The operating mechanism is housed in a second housing portion 14 disposed along the inner panel 3 of the housing 12 shown in FIG. 1.

[0020] 1 and 2, the latch mechanism 20 includes a fork 21 and a claw 22, and is disposed on the rear side of the fence block 15 in the vehicle length direction. The fork 21 is biased by a spring (not shown) from an engaged position shown by a dashed line in FIG. 2 toward an open position shown by a solid line in FIG. 2, and can engage and disengage a U-shaped striker 5 attached to the vehicle body. The claw 22 is biased by a spring (not shown) from a non-engaged position shown by a dashed line in FIG. 2 toward an engaged position shown by a solid line in FIG. 2, and engages the fork 21 that has rotated to the engaged position. Referring to FIG. 3, the claw 22 penetrates the fence block 15 and protrudes forward in the vehicle length direction, and includes a rod-shaped operation receiver 23 that is operated to release the engagement of the striker 5 by the fork 21.

[0021] Continuing to refer to Figure 3, the locking mechanism 30 includes a link 31, a locking lever 32, and a return spring (spring member) 33, and is disposed on the front side in the vehicle length direction of the fence block 15. The locking mechanism 30 can be switched between an unlocked state shown in Figure 8 and a locked state shown in Figure 11, and this switching is performed by changing the position of the link 31 via the return spring 33 by rotating the locking lever 32.

[0022] In the unlocked state shown in FIG. 8 , the link 31 receives the operating force of the opening mechanism 40 and moves from the retracted position shown in FIG. 8 to the advanced position shown in FIG. 10 to operate the operation receiving portion 23 of the latch mechanism 20. This releases the engagement of the fork 21 by the claw 22 and disengages the striker 5 from the fork 21, allowing the door 1 to be opened. In the locked state shown in FIG. 11 , the link 31 receives the operating force of the opening mechanism 40 and moves forward from the retracted position shown in FIG. 8 in the vehicle height direction, but swings idle without coming into contact with the operation receiving portion 23 of the latch mechanism 20. As a result, the engagement of the fork 21 by the claw 22 cannot be released and the engagement of the striker 5 by the fork 21 cannot be released, preventing the door 1 from being opened. In both the unlocked state and the locked state, the link 31 moves from the advanced position to the retracted position when the transmission of the operating force from the opening mechanism 40 is interrupted.

[0023] 3, the opening mechanism 40 includes an outer lever 41 and an inner lever 42, which are open levers, and is rotatably disposed at the bottom of the fence block 15. Referring to FIGS. 8 and 10, the outer lever 41 rotates in conjunction with the operation of an outer door handle (not shown) connected via a rod 6, and transmits the operating force of the outer door handle to the link 31. The inner lever 42 rotates in conjunction with the operation of an inner door handle (not shown) connected via a wire (not shown), and transmits the operating force of the inner door handle to the link 31.

[0024] The operating mechanism includes a motor as a drive source and a transmission mechanism made up of multiple rotating members, and switches the lock mechanism 30 between the unlocked state shown in Fig. 8 and the locked state shown in Fig. 11. The transmission mechanism is mechanically connected to the motor, a knob (not shown) located on the interior side of the door 1, and a key cylinder (not shown) located on the exterior side of the door 1, and is also mechanically connected to the lock lever 32 of the lock mechanism 30. By transmitting the driving force of the motor, the operating force of the knob, and the operating force of the key cylinder, the lock lever 32 rotates to the unlocked rotation position shown in Fig. 8 and the locked rotation position shown in Fig. 11.

[0025] In the door latch device 10 configured as described above, if a collision load IF (see FIG. 13) is applied to the door 1 due to a side collision or the like, the outer panel 2 may deform, causing the rod 6 to move downward. At this time, if the lock mechanism 30 is in the unlocked state shown in FIG. 8, the latch mechanism 20 may switch from the latched state to the unlatched state, opening the door 1. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the collision load IF is input, the lock mechanism 30 can be switched to the emergency lock (inertia lock) state shown in FIG. 13, in which the latch mechanism 20 cannot be switched from the latched state to the unlatched state, thereby preventing the door 1 from opening unintentionally.

[0026] The locking mechanism 30 will now be described in detail.

[0027] 3 and 4, the locking mechanism 30 includes a link 31 disposed at the bottom of the fence block 15, a locking lever 32 disposed at the top of the fence block 15, and a return spring 33 disposed on the front side of the locking lever 32 in the vehicle length direction. The return spring 33 is a kick spring including a winding portion 33a, a first arm portion 33b, and a second arm portion 33c.

[0028] 8, 10, and 11, under normal circumstances when no collision load IF is input, the link 31 is biased inward in the vehicle width direction, i.e., toward the unlocked position, with respect to the lock lever 32 by the return spring 33, and is held in the initial position. Referring to FIGS. 8 and 11, the rotational force of the lock lever 32, which is rotated by the operating mechanism, is transmitted to the link 31 via the return spring 33, causing the link 31 to swing in the vehicle width direction (second direction) between the unlocked position shown in FIG. 8 and the locked position shown in FIG. 11. Referring to FIGS. 8 and 10, the link 31 receives operating forces from the outer lever 41 and the inner lever 42 and advances and retreats in the vehicle height direction (first direction) between the retreated position shown in FIG. 8 and the advanced position shown in FIG. 10.

[0029] Referring to Figure 13, in an emergency when a collision load IF is input, the lock mechanism 30, which is in the unlocked state shown in Figure 8, switches to the emergency locked state shown in Figure 13. Referring to Figure 15, in the emergency locked state, the link 31 receives the operating force of the outer lever 41 and can advance from the reverse position in the vehicle height direction, but swings idle without coming into contact with the operation receiving portion 23 of the latch mechanism 20. Therefore, the locking of the fork 21 by the claw 22 cannot be released, and the engagement of the striker 5 by the fork 21 cannot be released, so the door 1 cannot be opened.

[0030] In order to enable switching from the unlocked state shown in FIG. 8 to the emergency locked state shown in FIG. 13 in an emergency, in the locking mechanism 30 of this embodiment, the link 31 is formed by a mass body, and a restricting protrusion (restricting portion) 35 is provided on the fence block 15.

[0031] Link 31, which is a mass body, is made of a material with a higher specific gravity than the resin used to form the other components, and is configured to remain in its current position when an inertial force is applied due to the input of a collision load IF. In other words, link 31 can swing outward in the vehicle width direction relative to lock lever 32 from the unlocked position shown in FIG. 8 toward the restricted position (locked position side) shown in FIG. 13 against the biasing force of return spring 33 due to the action of an inertial force equal to or greater than a set value. In other words, return spring 33 allows link 31 to move from the unlocked position shown in FIG. 8 to the restricted position shown in FIG. 13 due to the action of an inertial force equal to or greater than a set value.

[0032] The set value that allows movement of link 31 outward in the vehicle width direction is determined by the impact force applied to door 1, the mass of link 31, and the biasing force of return spring 33. If this set value is too large, it becomes difficult for link 31 to move outward in the vehicle width direction when an impact is applied. If the set value is too small, link 31 will move outward in the vehicle width direction even when an impact occurs when door 1 is opened or closed. In other words, a set value that is too large or too small is not preferable. Therefore, in this embodiment, the mass of link 31 and the biasing force of return spring 33 are set so that link 31 moves relatively outward in the vehicle width direction when an impact force that deforms outer panel 4 is applied to door 1.

[0033] When the link 31 swings from the unlocked position shown in Fig. 8 to the restricted position shown in Fig. 13 due to the input of a collision load IF, the restricting protrusion 35 locks the second arm portion 33c of the return spring 33, which moves in conjunction with this swing (see Fig. 14). In this way, the restricting protrusion 35 restricts the swing of the link 31 toward the initial position (unlocked position) via the return spring 33.

[0034] 13 during normal operation, the lock lever 32 is provided with a holding portion 36 that holds the second arm portion 33c of the return spring 33 in a position where it cannot be engaged with the restricting protrusion 35. The lock lever 32 also has a guide piece (guide portion) 37 that guides the second arm portion 33c to the restricting protrusion 35 during an emergency. The link 31 also has a ridge portion (restriction release portion) 38 that releases the emergency lock state shown in FIG.

[0035] The link 31, the lock lever 32, the return spring 33, the restricting projection 35, the guide piece 37, the holding portion 36, and the ridge portion 38 will be specifically described below.

[0036] The link 31 is a plate extending in the vehicle height direction, and includes an input portion 31a connected to the outer lever 41, a connected portion 31c connected to the return spring 33, and an operating portion 31e that operates the operation receiving portion 23 of the claw 22. In other words, the link 31 is disposed on the fence block 15 with its lower end connected to the outer lever 41 and its upper end connected to the lock lever 32 via the return spring 33. The link 31 also has a ridge portion 38 that releases the lock of the second arm portion 33c of the return spring 33 by the restricting protrusion 35 and releases the restriction on the swing of the link 31.

[0037] 4 and 5, the input portion 31a has a shaft portion 31b that protrudes toward the fence block 15. The shaft portion 31b is inserted into a shaft hole 41a of the outer lever 41, which is biased by a spring 43 from the operating position shown in FIG. 10 to the non-operating position shown in FIG. 8. As a result, the link 31 is rotatably supported by the outer lever 41, can swing between the unlocked position shown in FIG. 8 and the locked position shown in FIG. 11, and can move forward and backward in the vehicle height direction by receiving the rotational force of the outer lever 41. The input portion 31a is disposed above the inner lever 42, and is pushed upward by the rotation of the inner lever 42. In other words, the link 31 can move forward and backward in the vehicle height direction by receiving the rotational force of the inner lever 42.

[0038] 3 and 5, the coupled part 31c is arranged to overlap the front side of the lock lever 32 in the vehicle length direction. The coupled part 31c is provided with a guide groove 31d into which the return spring 33 is inserted. The guide groove 31d extends in the vehicle height direction, which is the direction in which the link 31 advances and retreats, and allows the link 31 to move relative to the lock lever 32. The width of the guide groove 31d is set within a range that does not interfere with the swing of the link 31, which is linked to the rotation of the lock lever 32 via the return spring 33, or the advance and retreat of the link 31.

[0039] The operating unit 31e protrudes toward the fence block 15 from between the input unit 31a and the coupled unit 31c. Referring to FIGS. 8 and 10, when the link 31 is in the unlocked position and the reversed position, the operating unit 31e is located below the operation receiving unit 23 of the claw 22 in the vehicle height direction, and can operate the operation receiving unit 23 upward by moving the link 31 to the advanced position. When the link 31 is in the locked position shown in FIG. 11 and when the link 31 is in the emergency locked position shown in FIG. 13, the operating unit 31e is located at a distance outward in the vehicle width direction from the operation receiving unit 23, and cannot operate (contact) the operation receiving unit 23 even when the link 31 moves from the reversed position to the advanced position. In other words, the position of the link 31 in which the operation receiving unit 23 is located on the movement path of the operating unit 31e is set to the unlocked position, and the position of the link 31 in which the operation receiving unit 23 is not on the movement path of the operating unit 31e is set to the locked position or the emergency locked position.

[0040] The ridge portion 38 is provided on the connected portion 31c at a portion on the outer side of the guide groove 31d in the vehicle width direction. The specific structure of the ridge portion 38 will be described in detail later.

[0041] 4 and 5, the lock lever 32 is a plate body arranged on the upper part of the fence block 15, and is rotated by an operating mechanism between an unlocked rotation position shown in FIG. 8 and a locked rotation position shown in FIG. 11. In conjunction with the rotation of the lock lever 32, the link 31 rotates to the unlocked position and the locked position via the return spring 33. The lock lever 32 is held in the unlocked rotation position and the locked rotation position by an action spring 34 arranged in the fence block 15.

[0042] 4 and 5, the lock lever 32 includes a shaft portion 32a and a connecting portion 32b. The shaft portion 32a is inserted into the bearing portion 15a, so that the lock lever 32 is rotatably supported by the fence block 15. The mechanical connection of the transmission mechanism to the connecting portion 32b rotates the lock lever 32 between the unlock rotation position and the lock rotation position.

[0043] 4 and 6, the lock lever 32 includes a protrusion 32c, a locking portion 32d, an insertion groove 32e, and a restriction frame 32f, which are used to attach the return spring 33. The protrusion 32c is coaxial with the shaft 32a and protrudes forward in the vehicle length direction, and the wound portion 33a of the return spring 33 is fitted into the protrusion 32c. The locking portion 32d is spaced apart from the protrusion 32c on the outer side in the vehicle width direction and locks the first arm portion 33b of the return spring 33. The protrusion 34a of the action spring 34 is pressed against the locking portion 32d, thereby holding the lock lever 32 in the unlock rotation position and the lock rotation position. The insertion groove 32e is provided on the lower side of the protrusion 32c, which is on the link 31 side, and extends in the vehicle width direction. The second arm portion 33c of the return spring 33 is inserted into the insertion groove 32e, allowing movement of the second arm portion 33c in the vehicle width direction. The restriction frame 32f is provided below the insertion groove 32e and extends in the vehicle width direction along the insertion groove 32e. The second arm portion 33c is movably disposed on the rear side of the restriction frame 32f in the vehicle length direction, and the connected portion 31c of the link 31 is slidably disposed on the front surface of the restriction frame 32f in the vehicle length direction.

[0044] 6, the lock lever 32 has a stopper portion 32g that protrudes forward in the vehicle length direction. The stopper portion 32g positions the link 31, which is biased by the second arm portion 33c of the return spring 33, in its initial position.

[0045] The lock lever 32 further includes a holding portion 36 that holds the second arm portion 33c in a position where it cannot be locked by the restricting protrusion 35, and a guide piece 37 that guides the second arm portion 33c to the restricting protrusion 35. The specific structures of these will be described in detail later.

[0046] 5 and 6, the return spring 33 includes a wound portion 33a, a first arm portion 33b, and a second arm portion 33c. The return spring 33 is attached to the front surface of the lock lever 32 in the vehicle length direction, and biases the link 31 inward in the vehicle width direction toward the stopper portion 32g.

[0047] The winding portion 33a is fitted into the protrusion 32c, and the first arm portion 33b is locked to the locking portion 32d. The winding portion 33a is contracted by the movement of the second arm portion 33c outward in the vehicle width direction, and is expanded to move the second arm portion 33c inward in the vehicle width direction.

[0048] 5 to 7, the second arm portion 33c passes through the insertion groove 32e, bypassing the lock lever 32 from the front to the rear in the vehicle length direction, and protrudes from the outer edge of the restriction frame 31f toward the link 31. The extension of the winding portion 33a causes the second arm portion 33c to move inward in the vehicle width direction, thereby biasing the link 31 toward the initial position (unlock position side) with respect to the lock lever 32.

[0049] The second arm portion 33c includes a main body 33d, a locked portion 33e, an insertion portion 33f, and a receiving portion 33g.

[0050] The locked portion 33e is a portion of the second arm portion 33c located on the rear side of the regulating frame 32f in the vehicle length direction. The locked portion 33e bends from the lower end of the main body 33d connected to the winding portion 33a toward the fence block 15 toward the rear side in the vehicle length direction, then bends downward in the vehicle height direction toward the link 31, and extends in the vehicle height direction. In the normal state shown in FIG. 6 where the main body 33d is held by the holding portion 36 of the lock lever 32, the locked portion 33e is positioned forward in the vehicle length direction (third direction) and spaced apart from the regulating protrusion 35 shown by the dashed-dotted line in FIG. 7. Therefore, when the second arm portion 33c is held by the holding portion 36, the locked portion 33e cannot be locked by the regulating protrusion 35. Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, when the second arm portion 33c moves outward in the vehicle width direction relative to the lock lever 32, the holding of the main body 33d by the holding portion 36 is released. As a result, the locked portion 33e is allowed to move rearward in the vehicle length direction relative to the lock lever 32, and can be locked by the restricting protrusion 35.

[0051] 5 to 7, the insertion portion 33f is connected to the lower end of the locked portion 33e and protrudes forward in the vehicle length direction. Insertion of the insertion portion 33f into the guide groove 31d allows the link 31 to move forward and backward in the vehicle height direction relative to the lock lever 32 and the return spring 33. The insertion portion 33f presses against the groove wall of the guide groove 31d, thereby urging the link 31 inward in the vehicle width direction. As the link 31 swings outward in the vehicle width direction relative to the lock lever 32, the second arm portion 33c moves outward in the vehicle width direction relative to the lock lever 32 in conjunction with the insertion portion 33f. The overall length of the insertion portion 33f in the vehicle length direction is longer than the thickness of the connected portion 31c in the vehicle length direction excluding the protruding strip portion 38.

[0052] The receiving portion 33g is connected to the front end of the insertion portion 33f in the vehicle length direction and protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction. In other words, the receiving portion 33g protrudes toward the connected portion 31c of the link 31 where the ridge portion 38 is provided. The length of the receiving portion 33g in the vehicle width direction is longer than the width of the ridge portion 38 in the vehicle width direction. When the link 31 is in the restricted position and the rearward position shown in FIG. 13 , the receiving portion 33g is located above the ridge portion 38 with a gap therebetween. When the link 31 is in the extended position shown in FIG. 15 , the receiving portion 33g is located on the ridge portion 38, i.e., on the front side of the ridge portion 38 in the vehicle length direction. In this way, the receiving portion 33g is located on the movement path of the ridge portion 38 when the link 31 moves from the rearward position to the extended position.

[0053] 9 and 12, in the normal state shown in FIGS. 8 and 11 when the main body 33d is held by the holding portion 36, the receiving portion 33g is located at a distance forward of the ridge portion 38 in the vehicle length direction. Therefore, in the unlocked state shown in FIG. 8 and the locked state shown in FIG. 11, even if the link 31 moves from the rearward position to the forward position, the restricting protrusion 35 does not interfere with the receiving portion 33g. On the other hand, with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, in an emergency state when the holding of the main body 33d by the holding portion 36 is released, the second arm portion 33c moves rearward in the vehicle length direction, and the locked portion 33e is locked by the restricting protrusion 35. In this emergency locked state, the receiving portion 33g is located rearward in the vehicle length direction from the front surface of the ridge portion 38 in the vehicle length direction, and is located at a distance from the connected portion 31c. Therefore, as shown in Figures 15 and 16, when the link 31 in the emergency lock state is moved from the retracted position to the advanced position, the receiving portion 33g is moved forward in the vehicle length direction by the convex portion 38 so that the locked portion 33e is separated from the regulating protrusion 35.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 4, the restricting protrusion 35 is provided on the front surface of the fence block 15 in the vehicle length direction, facing the lock lever 32. The restricting protrusion 35 is a ridge that protrudes forward in the vehicle length direction and extends in the vehicle width direction. Referring to FIGS. 9 and 14, the height of the restricting protrusion 35 in the vehicle length direction is greater than the diameter of the locked portion 33e of the return spring 33, and is sized to ensure a gap between the restricting protrusion 35 and the locked portion 33e in the normal state shown in FIGS. 8 and 11, where the main body 33d of the second arm portion 33c is held by the holding portion 36. A locking portion 35a that locks the locked portion 33e is provided at the outer end of the restricting protrusion 35 in the vehicle width direction. The locking portion 35a is claw-shaped, with a locking claw that protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction at its front end in the vehicle length direction.

[0055] The main body 33d of the second arm portion 33c held by the holding portion 36 moves outward in the vehicle width direction and rearward in the vehicle length direction, whereby the locked portion 33e is locked to the locking portion 35a. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 , the pivot angle position of the link 31 when the locked portion 33e is locked to the locking portion 35a is the restricted position of the link 31. When the link 31 is in the restricted position, the operating portion 31e of the link 31 is positioned spaced apart from the operation receiving portion 23 of the claw 22 outward in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, even if the link 31 moves from the retracted position to the advanced position, the operating portion 31e cannot contact the operation receiving portion 23. In other words, the position of the locking portion 35a in the vehicle width direction is set to a position other than the unlocked position and the locked position, where the operation receiving portion 23 cannot be operated by the operating portion 31e, even if the link 31 moves from the retracted position to the advanced position. However, the restricted position and the locked position may be set to the same position.

[0056] When the angular position of the link 31 in the unlocked position and reversed position shown in FIG. 8 is used as a reference, the swing angle of the link 31 in the restricted position and reversed position shown in FIG. 13 is smaller than the swing angle of the link 31 in the locked position and reversed position shown in FIG. 11. That is, under normal circumstances, the lock lever 32 causes the link 31 to swing from the unlocked position through the restricted position to the locked position via the return spring 33. The lock lever 32 also causes the link 31 to swing from the locked position through the restricted position to the unlocked position via the return spring 33. At this time, the main body 33d of the second arm portion 33c held by the holding portion 36 cannot move rearward in the vehicle length direction, and the locked portion 33e, which is positioned at a distance from the restricting protrusion 35, is not locked by the locking portion 35a. On the other hand, in an emergency situation in which a collision load IF is input, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, the second arm portion 33c moves outward in the vehicle width direction relative to the lock lever 32 in conjunction with the swinging of the link 31, and the retention of the main body 33d by the retaining portion 36 is released, so that the retained portion 33e is retained by the retaining portion 35a.

[0057] 6 and 7, the retaining portion 36 is provided between the protrusion 32c and the insertion groove 32e of the lock lever 32 and adjacent to the stopper portion 32g. The retaining portion 36 bulges forward in the vehicle length direction from the base surface 32h of the lock lever 32, and the front surface in the vehicle length direction is flat. The thickness of the retaining portion 36 from the base surface 32h to the front surface in the vehicle length direction of the retaining portion 36 is greater than the thickness in the vehicle length direction of the regulating protrusion 35. As a result, when the main body 33d of the second arm portion 33c is held by the retaining portion 36, the locked portion 33e cannot be locked by the regulating protrusion 35. However, when the second arm portion 33c is released from the holding portion 36, the locked portion 33e can be locked by the regulating protrusion 35.

[0058] The outer end of the retaining portion 36 in the vehicle width direction is provided with an inclined portion 36a that is inclined toward the base surface 32h as it extends outward in the vehicle width direction. The retaining portion 36, including this inclined portion 36a, also functions as a restriction release portion that releases the engagement of the locked portion 33e by the restricting protrusion 35 and releases the restriction on the swing of the link 31. Specifically, referring to FIG. 13 , in the emergency locked state, the second arm portion 33c is released from the retention by the retaining portion 36 and is positioned on the base surface 32h. In this state, when the lock lever 32, which is in the unlocked rotation position, rotates counterclockwise toward the locked rotation position, the inclined portion 36a enters the rear side of the main body 33d of the second arm portion 33c in the vehicle length direction. As a result, the second arm portion 33c is moved forward in the vehicle length direction by the inclined portion 36a and then retained by the retaining portion 36. As a result, the engagement between the locked portion 33e, which moves integrally with the main body 33d, and the restricting projection 35 is released, so that the restriction on the swinging of the link 31 can be released.

[0059] 5 and 6, the guide piece 37 is provided at a portion of the insertion groove 32e located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction, and protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction. The guide piece 37 is provided with an inclined portion 37a that is inclined toward the rear side in the vehicle length direction, i.e., toward the restricting protrusion 35, as it moves from the inner side to the outer side in the vehicle width direction. When the second arm portion 33c of the return spring 33 moves outward in the vehicle width direction via the link 31 due to the input of a collision load IF, the inclined portion 37a can guide the second arm portion 33c rearward in the vehicle length direction toward the restricting protrusion 35. Therefore, the input of the collision load IF can reliably lock the locked portion 33e to the restricting protrusion 35.

[0060] 4 and 6, the convex rib portion 38 is provided on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the guide groove 31d of the link 31. This convex rib portion 38 is a protrusion that protrudes from the connected portion 31c toward the front in the vehicle length direction, that is, in a direction away from the restricting protrusion 35. When the link 31 is in the emergency lock state shown in FIG. 13, when the link 31 moves from the retracted position to the advanced position due to rotation of the outer lever 41 or the inner lever 42, the convex rib portion 38 releases the lock of the locked portion 33e by the restricting protrusion 35, and releases the restriction on the swing of the link 31.

[0061] Specifically, when the link 31 is in the restricted position and the retracted position shown in Fig. 13, the protruding rib portion 38 is located below the receiving portion 33g of the return spring 33 with a gap therebetween. When the link 31 is in the extended position shown in Fig. 15, the protruding rib portion 38 is located between the lock lever 32 and the receiving portion 33g, i.e., on the rear side of the receiving portion 33g in the vehicle length direction. The protruding rib portion 38 is provided with an inclined portion 38a that is inclined in a direction away from the restricting protrusion 35 as it moves from the upper side to the lower side in the vehicle height direction. In other words, the inclined portion 38a is inclined in a direction away from the restricting protrusion 35 as it moves from the extended position to the retracted position.

[0062] The height of the ridge portion 38 in the vehicle length direction is equal to or greater than the height of the restricting projection 35 in the vehicle length direction. A gap smaller than the height of the ridge portion 38 is secured between the connected portion 31c, which is located above the ridge portion 38, and the receiving portion 33g. As a result, when the link 31 moves from the retracted position to the advanced position, the upper end of the inclined portion 38a enters the gap between the connected portion 31c and the receiving portion 33g, moving the receiving portion 33g forward in the vehicle length direction in accordance with the inclination of the inclined portion 38a, and in conjunction with this, moving the locked portion 33e away from the restricting projection 35 to release the lock.

[0063] 13, when the locking mechanism 30 is in the emergency lock state and the link 31 is in the reverse position, the shortest distance between the outer surface of the ridge 38 in the vehicle length direction that is farthest from the restricting protrusion 35 and the receiving portion 33g is S1. Referring to FIG. 8, when the locking mechanism 30 is in the unlock state and the link 31 is in the reverse position, the distance between the operating portion 31e of the link 31 and the operation receiving portion 23 of the claw 22 is S2. Referring to FIGS. 8 and 13, the distance S1 between the ridge 38 and the receiving portion 33g is greater than the distance S2 between the operating portion 31e and the operation receiving portion 23. In other words, the first stroke (distance S1) at which the link 31 in the restricted position moves toward the advanced position to release the restriction on swing of the link 31 by the restricting protrusion 35 is longer than the second stroke (distance S2) at which the link 31 in the unlocked position moves toward the advanced position to bring the link 31 into contact with the operation receiving portion 23. This prevents the operation receiving portion 23 from being continuously operated by the link 31, which has returned to its initial position (unlocked position) due to the force of the return spring 33, immediately after the rocking restriction of the link 31 is released by operating the outer lever 41 or the inner lever 42.

[0064] In this locking mechanism 30, under normal conditions when no collision load IF is being input, the main body 33d of the second arm portion 33c of the return spring 33 is held by the holding portion 36, and therefore the locked portion 33e cannot be locked by the restricting protrusion 35. Therefore, the locked portion 33e and the restricting protrusion 35 do not interfere with each other to rotate the locking lever 32 using the operating mechanism and switch the locking mechanism 30 between the unlocked state shown in Fig. 8 and the locked state shown in Fig. 11.

[0065] On the other hand, when the locking mechanism 30 is in the unlocked state shown in FIG. 8 and a collision load IF is applied, the link 31 moves from the unlocked position toward the locked position due to the action of inertial force. This movement also moves the second arm portion 33c of the return spring 33 outward in the vehicle width direction. At this time, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 , the second arm portion 33c moves outward in the vehicle width direction along the insertion groove 32e and is then guided rearward in the vehicle length direction by the guide piece 37, thereby reliably engaging the locked portion 33e with the restricting protrusion 35. This restricts the link 31, through which the insertion portion 33f is inserted, from swinging toward the unlocked position. Therefore, even if the rod 6 moves downward due to deformation of the outer panel 2 and the link 31 moves from the retreated position to the advanced position, the operating portion 31e cannot operate the operating receiving portion 23. This reliably prevents the door 1 from being unintentionally opened.

[0066] When the lock mechanism 30 is in the emergency lock state shown in FIG. 13, operating the inner door handle or the outer door handle to move the link 31 to the advanced position via the inner lever 42 or the outer lever 41 causes the convex rib portion 38 to move the receiving portion 33g of the return spring 33 forward in the vehicle length direction, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. This causes the locked portion 33e to also move forward in the vehicle length direction, thereby releasing the lock with the restricting protrusion 35 and releasing the restriction on the swing of the link 31 by the restricting protrusion 35. Therefore, the link 31 swings to the unlocked position shown in FIG. 8. As a result, the door 1 can be opened by stopping the operation of the inner door handle or the outer door handle and operating it again.

[0067] The door latch device 10 configured in this manner has the following features.

[0068] When a collision load IF is input, the link 31 in the unlocked position swings toward the locked position against the biasing force of the return spring 33, and the swinging of the link 31 toward the unlocked position is restricted by the engagement of the return spring 33 with the restricting protrusion 35. In this emergency locked state, even if the link 31 in the retracted position advances, the rotational force of the outer lever 41 cannot be transmitted to the operation receiving portion 23 of the latch mechanism 20. Therefore, even if deformation of the outer panel 2 causes a movement similar to that of switching the latch mechanism 20 to the unlatched state, the door 1 can be prevented from opening.

[0069] When the swinging of the link 31 is restricted by the restricting protrusion 35, if the outer lever 41 is rotated by operating the door handle, the link 31 moves from the retracted position to the advanced position, and the convex portion 38 of the link 31 moves a part of the return spring 33. This disengages the return spring 33 from the restricting protrusion 35, and the restriction on the swinging of the link 31 by the restricting protrusion 35 can be released. Therefore, the link 31 moves back to the retracted position and swings to the unlocked position due to the biasing force of the return spring 33. Therefore, if the operation of the door handle is stopped and then operated again, the link 31 from the retracted position moves to the advanced position via the outer lever 41, and the operation receiver 23 of the latch mechanism 20 is operated, thereby disengaging the striker 5.

[0070] In this way, the restriction on the swing of the link 31 can be released by operating the door handle once, and the door 1 can be opened by operating the door handle a second time, improving operability when opening the door 1. Moreover, the operation to release the restriction on the link 31 is the same door handle operation as when opening the door 1, so there is no risk of operational errors or misoperations.

[0071] The link 31 can swing in conjunction with the movement of the lock lever 32 via the return spring 33, and when its swing is restricted by the restricting protrusion 35, it is located at a restricted position where the rotational force of the outer lever 41 cannot be transmitted to the operation receiving portion 23. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the door 1 from opening due to the input of the collision load IF.

[0072] The first stroke (S1) at which the restriction on swing of the link 31 by the restricting protrusion 35 is released is longer than the second stroke (S2) at which the link 31 abuts against the operation receiving portion 23. As a result, a movement similar to that when switching to latch release due to the input of a collision load IF occurs, and even if the return spring 33 is released as the link 31 advances and the restriction on swing of the link 31 is released, it is not possible for the link 31 to subsequently operate the operation receiving portion 23 of the latch mechanism 20. This reliably prevents the door 1 from being unintentionally opened due to the input of the collision load IF.

[0073] The return spring 33 includes an engaged portion 33e that can be engaged with and disengaged from the restricting protrusion 35, an insertion portion 33f that is inserted into the guide groove 31d of the link 31, and a receiving portion 33g that is moved by the ridge portion 38. Therefore, the single return spring 33 can achieve the following: swinging of the link 31 in conjunction with the movement of the lock lever 32, restriction of the swinging of the link 31 when a collision load IF is input, and release of the restriction on the swinging of the link 31 by the ridge portion 38.

[0074] Since the restricting protrusion 35 is a ridge that protrudes in the vehicle length direction and extends in the vehicle width direction, it can reliably lock the locked portion 33e of the return spring 33, and restrict swing of the link 31 toward the unlocked position. Since the ridge portion 38 is a protrusion having an inclined portion 38a that moves the receiving portion 33g, it can reliably release the locked portion 33e from the restricting protrusion 35, and the restriction on swing of the link 31 by the restricting protrusion 35 can be released.

[0075] The inclined portion 38a of the convex ridge portion 38 is inclined in a direction away from the restricting protrusion 35 as it moves from the advanced position to the retracted position, and a gap is formed between the receiving portion 33g and the link 31 into which the convex ridge portion 38 can be inserted. Moreover, the height of the convex ridge portion 38 is equal to or greater than the height of the restricting protrusion 35. Therefore, the engagement of the locked portion 33e with the restricting protrusion 35 can be reliably released, and the restriction on the swing of the link 31 by the restricting protrusion 35 can be released.

[0076] The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible.

[0077] For example, the link 31 and the return spring 33 may be connected via another plate.

[0078] The position where the link 31 is restricted by the restricting protrusion 35 may be the same angular position as the lock position, as long as it is a position where the operation portion 31e cannot operate the operation receiving portion 23 of the latch mechanism 20 when advanced.

[0079] The spring member that biases the link 31 may be a leaf spring, and may have any configuration that can bias the link 31 from the locked position to the unlocked position. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 1 door 2 Outer panel (door panel) 3 Inner panel 4 End Panels 5 Striker 6 rods 10 Door latch device 12 Housing 13 First storage section 14 Second storage section 15 Fence Block 15a Bearing part 16 Cover 20 Latch mechanism 21 Fork 22 Claws 23 Operation receiver 30 Locking mechanism 31 Links 31a Input section 31b Shaft 31c Connected part 31d Guide groove 31e Control unit 32 Lock lever 32a Shaft 32b connection 32c convex part 32d Locking part 32e Insertion groove 32f regulatory framework 32g stopper part 32h base surface 33 Return spring (spring member) 33a Winding section 33b First arm 33c Second arm 33d main body 33e Locked part 33f Insertion part 33g receiving part 34 Action Spring 34a Protrusion 35 Restriction protrusion (restriction part) 35a Locking part 36 Holding part 36a Slope 37 Guide piece 37a Slope 38 Convex stripe (deregulation section) 38a Slope 40 Opening mechanism 41 Outer lever (open lever) 41a Shaft hole 42 Inner lever (open lever) 43 Spring X Vehicle width direction (second direction) Y Vehicle length direction (third direction) Z Vehicle height direction (1st direction)

Claims

1. a latch mechanism that can engage and disengage a striker and has an operation receiving portion that receives an operation for releasing the engagement of the striker; An open lever that rotates in conjunction with the operation of the door handle, a link that is movable along a first direction between an advanced position where the link receives a rotational force of the open lever and moves toward the operation receiving portion, and a retracted position where the link is spaced apart from the operation receiving portion, and that is swingable along a second direction intersecting the first direction between an unlocked position where the rotational force of the open lever can be transmitted to the operation receiving portion, and a locked position where the rotational force of the open lever cannot be transmitted; a spring member that biases the link from the locked position side to the unlocked position side, and allows the link to swing from the unlocked position side to the locked position side when an inertial force equal to or greater than a set value acts on the link; a restricting portion that, when the link swings toward the locked position against the biasing force of the spring member due to the action of an inertial force equal to or greater than the set value, engages the spring member and restricts the link from swinging toward the unlocked position due to the spring member; Equipped with a restriction release portion that moves at least a portion of the spring member to release the engagement with the restriction portion and releases the restriction on the swing of the link when the link is restricted in swing by the restriction portion and is moved from the retracted position to the advanced position by the rotational force of the open lever.

2. The spring member is disposed on a movable lock lever, 2. The door latch device according to claim 1, wherein the link is capable of swinging in conjunction with the movement of the lock lever via the spring member, and when swinging is restricted by the restricting portion, the link is positioned in a restricted position where the rotational force of the open lever cannot be transmitted to the operation receiving portion.

3. 3. The door latch device of claim 2, wherein a first stroke, by which the link in the restricted position moves toward the advanced position to release the restriction on the swing of the link by the restriction portion, is longer than a second stroke, by which the link in the unlocked position moves toward the advanced position to abut against the operation receiving portion.

4. the link includes a coupled portion provided with a guide groove extending along the first direction, The spring member is a locked portion that can be engaged with and disengaged from the restricting portion by movement in a third direction that intersects both the first direction and the second direction; an insertion portion inserted into the guide groove to allow the link to advance and retreat along the first direction; a receiving portion that is located on a moving path of the restriction release portion when the link, which is in the restriction position, moves from the retracted position to the advanced position, and is moved in the third direction by the restriction release portion so that the locked portion moves away from the restriction portion; The door latch device according to claim 2 or 3, comprising:

5. the restricting portion is a protruding ridge that protrudes in the third direction and extends in the second direction, The deregulation portion has an inclined portion that moves the receiving portion and is formed of a protrusion that protrudes in the third direction from the connected portion. The door latch device according to claim 4.

6. The door latch device according to claim 5, wherein the inclined portion of the deregulation portion is inclined in a direction away from the restriction portion from the advanced position toward the retracted position.

7. A door latch device as described in claim 5 or 6, wherein when the link is in at least the restricting position and the retracted position, there is a gap between the receiving portion and the link that is smaller than the height of the deregulating portion in the third direction and through which the deregulating portion can enter.

8. The door latch device according to claim 5 , wherein a height of the deregulation portion in the third direction is equal to or greater than a height of the restriction portion in the third direction.

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