Latching device, vehicle seat and vehicle

Abstract

Provided are a latch device, a vehicle seat, and a vehicle with which it is possible to reduce the number of components, manufacturing man-hours, and cost.　A latch device (L) comprises: a latch (40) capable of transitioning between a locked state engaged with a striker (St), and an unlocked state disengaged from the striker (St); an unlocking operation knob (20) for changing the latch (40) from the locked state to the unlocked state; an indicator (22) which is provided on the unlocking operation knob (20) to indicate each of the locked state and the unlocked state of the latch (40); a link (30) for transferring the respective state of the latch (40) to the indicator (22); and a pin (23) which engages with the link (30) to transfer the respective state of the latch (40) conveyed from the link (30) to the indicator (22). The pin (23) is provided on the unlocking operation knob (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a latch device, a vehicle seat, and a vehicle, and more particularly to a latch device that engages with a striker installed on a vehicle seat or a vehicle body on which an occupant sits, a vehicle seat, and a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in order to effectively utilize the space inside the vehicle or to improve the riding comfort of the seated person, techniques for making the inclination state or the standing state of the vehicle seat variable are generally known. And, in order to maintain the state of the vehicle seat, it is known to fix a striker to the vehicle body side and provide an engagement device that engages with this striker on the vehicle seat side.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 or Patent Document 2 describes a latch device including a latch (hook) that engages with a striker, an operation member that operates the latch, an indicator that indicates the locked state of the latch, and a link that transmits the locked state of the latch to the indicator. In the latch device described in Patent Document 1, a pin is provided on a link (intermediate link) and displaced within an elongated hole of a striker detection member to transmit the locked state of the latch to the indicator. In the latch device (seat lock device) described in Patent Document 2, a pin provided on the latch is displaced within a long hole-shaped cam groove of a link (cam plate) to transmit the locked state of the latch to the indicator.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the latch device described in Patent Document 1 has a pin for indicator operation provided on a separate component from the operating member, which increases the number of parts, weight, and manufacturing man-hours, potentially leading to higher costs. Furthermore, the sheet lock device described in Patent Document 2 has an elongated hole shape for the engaging portion that engages with the pin provided on the latch, which could reduce ease of assembly and increase manufacturing man-hours.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a latch device, a vehicle seat, and a vehicle that can reduce the number of parts, manufacturing man-hours, and costs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The aforementioned problems are solved by the latch device of the present invention, a vehicle seat equipped with the latch device, and a vehicle seat equipped with the vehicle seat, wherein the latch device engages with a striker installed on the vehicle body or vehicle seat, and the latch device comprises a latch that can transition between a locked state in which it is engaged with the striker and an unlocked state in which it is disengaged from the striker, a release operation knob for moving the latch from the locked state to the unlocked state, an indicator provided on the release operation knob that indicates the respective states of the latch, the locked state and the unlocked state, a link that transmits the respective states of the latch to the indicator, and a pin that engages with the link and transmits the respective states of the latch transmitted from the link to the indicator, wherein the pin is provided on the release operation knob. With the above configuration, since the pin is provided on the unlock operation knob, the number of parts, manufacturing time, and cost can be reduced compared to a configuration where the pin is a separate part.

[0008] Furthermore, it is preferable that the link has an engaging portion at the end of the link on the side of the unlocking operation knob that engages with the pin, and that one end of the engaging portion on the pin side is open. The above configuration improves ease of assembly compared to an engagement part with an elongated hole shape surrounding the pin.

[0009] Furthermore, it is preferable that the pin is integrally molded with the unlock operation knob. According to the above configuration, since the lock release operation knob is integrally molded, the number of parts, manufacturing time, and cost can be reduced compared to the case where a metal pin member is crimped and fixed to a resin operation knob.

[0010] Furthermore, it is preferable that one end of the engaging portion on the pin side is open in a U-shape. With the above configuration, the engaging portion on which the pin slides has a U-shape with one end of the elongated hole open, which absorbs the misalignment between the movement of the unlocking knob and the latch, allowing the unlocking knob and the latch to operate smoothly.

[0011] Furthermore, the latch device comprises a housing that houses the latch inside, and a lock-off detection sensor that detects the unlocked state and the lock-off state in which the striker is outside the latch device. The latch is pivotally supported in the housing and has a sensor contact pin that contacts the lock-off detection sensor. The lock-off detection sensor has a sensor projection that contacts the sensor contact pin. Preferably, the sensor contact pin restricts the rotation of the latch by contacting the sensor projection in the lock-off state. With the above configuration, the latch contacts the pin of the lock-off detection sensor, allowing the indicator to show whether the latch is in a locked-off or locked state with a simple configuration.

[0012] Furthermore, the lock-off detection sensor comprises a sensor protrusion, a housing contact portion rotatably supported by the housing, and a striker detection portion that extends from the housing contact portion toward the striker in the lock-off state and contacts the striker, wherein the striker detection portion preferably extends in a curved direction opposite to the direction in which it contacts the striker in the lock-off state. With the above configuration, because the lock-off detection sensor is curved away from the striker, the friction between the lock-off detection sensor and the striker is reduced, thereby suppressing component deterioration due to friction. Furthermore, by curving towards the center of the housing, the entire latching device can be made more compact.

[0013] Furthermore, it is preferable that the lock-off detection sensor is housed inside the housing. According to the above configuration, the entire latching device can be miniaturized by housing the components of the latching device inside the casing.

[0014] Furthermore, it is preferable that the striker detection unit be positioned between the latch and the housing contact portion in the axial direction in which the latch and the housing contact portion are pivotally supported by the housing. With the above configuration, since the striker detection unit is positioned at a distance from the housing, interference between the striker detection unit and the pad material of the vehicle seat can be suppressed.

[0015] Furthermore, the latch device comprises a housing that houses the latch, the housing having a housing body portion that houses the latch, and a flange provided on the outer circumference of the housing body portion, the housing body portion having a first through hole that pivots the pivot axis of the latch, the flange having a second through hole, and preferably the latch device is fixed to the vehicle seat by a first fastener that passes through the first through hole and a second fastener that passes through the second through hole. According to the above configuration, the latching device can be mounted compactly and securely by fixing the housing body, which corresponds to the pivot axis of the thick latch, and the flange, which is thinner, to the housing.

[0016] Further, it is preferable that the tightening torque of the first fixture is higher than the tightening torque of the second fixture. According to the above configuration, the latch device can be more firmly attached at a position corresponding to the rotation axis of the latch.

[0017] Further, the housing has a third through hole at a position different from the first through hole and the second through hole, and it is preferable that the latch device is fixed to the vehicle seat by a first fixture, a second fixture, and a third fixture that passes through the third through hole. According to the above configuration, in the housing, by fixing the housing main body portion corresponding to the rotation axis of the thick latch and the flange with less thickness respectively, the latch device can be attached compactly and more firmly.

[0018] Further, the latch device includes a housing that houses the latch therein, and a lock-off detection sensor that detects the unlocked state and the lock-off state in which the striker is outside the latch device. Each of the latch, the link, and the lock-off detection sensor is pivotally supported by the housing so as to be rotatable, and the housing has a plurality of biasing members that bias the latch, the link, and the lock-off detection sensor in one direction in their respective rotation directions. At least one of the plurality of biasing members is preferably a spiral spring. According to the above configuration, the spiral spring can reduce the thickness of the spring without being affected by the number of turns and the diameter of the spring core material, and the entire latch device can be miniaturized.

Advantages of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, there are provided a latch device, a vehicle seat, and a vehicle capable of reducing the number of parts, manufacturing man-hours, and cost. Also, the assemblability can be improved as compared with an engagement portion having an elongated hole shape surrounding the periphery of the pin. Also, the number of parts, manufacturing man-hours, and cost can be further reduced. In addition, it is possible to absorb the deviation between the unlocking operation knob and the movement of the latch, and smoothly operate the unlocking operation knob and the latch. In addition, with a simple configuration, it is possible to display with an indicator that the latch is in the lock-off state. In addition, the engagement of the lock-off detection sensor with the striker is reduced, and deterioration of components due to friction can be suppressed. Further, by curving toward the center of the housing, the entire latch device can be made smaller. In addition, the entire latch device can be made smaller. In addition, it is possible to prevent interference between the striker detection portion and the padding material of the vehicle seat. In addition, the latch device can be attached compactly and firmly. In addition, the latch device can be attached more firmly at a position corresponding to the rotation axis of the latch. In addition, the latch device can be attached compactly and even more firmly. In addition, the thickness of the spring can be reduced, and the entire latch device can be made smaller.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1A] It is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle seat and a vehicle equipped with a latch device, and shows a state in which the seat back is held by the latch device at the most inclined engagement position. [Figure 1B] It is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle seat and a vehicle equipped with a latch device, and shows a state in which the seat back is held by the latch device at an intermediate position. [Figure 1C] It is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle seat and a vehicle equipped with a latch device, and shows a state in which the seat back is reclined at the release position where the holding of the seat back by the latch device is released. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of the latch device. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view of the latch device, showing a state in which the housing is removed. [Figure 4] It is an exploded perspective view of the latch device. [Figure 5] This is a front view of the latching device. [Figure 6] This is a front view of the latching device, showing it with the housing removed. [Figure 7] This is a side view of the latching device. [Figure 8] This is a rear view of the latching device. [Figure 9A] This diagram shows the unlocked state of the latch device in the release position. [Figure 9B] This diagram shows the locked state of the latching device in an intermediate position. [Figure 9C] This diagram shows the unlocked state of the latching device at an intermediate position. [Figure 9D] This diagram shows the unlocked state of the latch device in the engaged position. [Figure 9E] This diagram shows the locked state of the latch device in the engaged position. [Figure 10] This is a front view of the latch device of modified example 1. [Figure 11] This is a rear view of the latch device of modified example 2. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle equipped with a latching device on the vehicle body and a striker on the vehicle's seat. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0021] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1A to 9E. As an example of a vehicle, we will describe a vehicle V, which is a four-wheeled electric vehicle (EV), and explain its configuration. Vehicle V may be not only a four-wheeled electric vehicle, but also an engine-powered vehicle, a hybrid vehicle equipped with both a motor and an engine for driving, a vehicle equipped with a battery and a fuel cell as a power source, etc.

[0022] In the following explanation, "forward-backward direction" refers to the forward-backward direction when an occupant is seated in the vehicle seat S. "Inward-outward direction" refers to the left-right direction when an occupant of the vehicle V and vehicle seat S is seated in the vehicle seat S and looks forward, or the direction that coincides with the width direction of the seat (seat back S2). "Up-down direction" refers to the up-down direction of the vehicle V, and when the vehicle V is traveling on a horizontal plane, it coincides with the vertical direction.

[0023] <Overview of latching device> First, the mounting position and function of the latch device L according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figures 1A to 1C. Vehicle V includes a vehicle seat S in which an occupant sits, and a latch device L for fixing the vehicle seat S to the vehicle body (inner wall B of the vehicle body). The vehicle seat S consists of a seat cushion S1 and a seat back S2 that is rotatably attached to the seat cushion S1.

[0024] The latch device L is provided on the vehicle seat S and engages with a striker St installed on the inner wall B of the vehicle body. Specifically, the latch device L is attached to the outer mounting portion S2a of the seat back S2 in the inward-outward direction (seat width direction) at a position facing the inner wall B of the vehicle body.

[0025] The striker St is a U-shaped engaging member installed on the inner wall B of the vehicle body V, and protruding inward from the inner wall B in the inward-outward direction. The latch device L engages with the striker St, thereby fixing the vehicle seat S to the inner wall B of the vehicle body.

[0026] More specifically, the latch device L is configured to engage with the striker St at the position shown in Figure 1A or Figure 1B, and has the function of adjusting the tilt position of the seat back S2. Furthermore, by disengaging from the striker St, the latch device L has the function of allowing the seat back S2 to be folded down, as shown in Figure 1C. Figure 1A shows the locked state where the latch device L is engaged with the striker St at the most inclined engagement position of the seat back S2. Figure 1B shows the locked state where the latch device L is engaged with the striker St at the intermediate position of the seat back S2. Figure 1C shows the unlocked state (lock-off state) where the latch device L is disengaged from the striker St at the release position where the latch device L is disengaged from the striker St.

[0027] <Configuration of the latching device> Next, the configuration of the latch device L will be explained with reference to Figures 2 to 8. The latch device L mainly comprises a housing 10 attached to the seat back S2, a lock release operation knob 20 operated by the occupant, a link 30 operated by the lock release operation knob 20, a latch 40 that engages with the striker St, a lock-off detection sensor 50 that detects the locked state of the latch device L relative to the striker St, and a fixing device 60 that secures the latch device L to the seat back S2. The latch device L is fixed to the seat back S2 of the vehicle seat S by fasteners 60 such as bolts.

[0028] <Enclosure> The housing 10 is a resin cover member that covers the link 30, latch 40, and lock-off detection sensor 50 from the outside. As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the housing 10 mainly consists of a housing body 11 that houses the latch 40 and lock-off detection sensor 50 inside, and a flange 12 for attaching the housing 10 to the vehicle seat S. The housing 10 is attached inside the mounting portion S2a by fasteners 60 (first fastener 61, second fastener 62) and positioned to cover the outside of the latch 40 and the lock-off detection sensor 50.

[0029] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the housing body 11 has a flat base portion 11a and a rib portion 11b that bends inward from the base portion 11a in the inward-outward direction. The housing body 11 also has a latch shaft hole 11c for supporting the latch 40, a link shaft hole 11d for supporting the link 30, a sensor shaft hole 11e for supporting the lock-off detection sensor 50, and a receiving groove 11f for receiving the striker St.

[0030] As shown in Figure 2, the base portion 11a is positioned so as to overlap with the latch 40 and the lock-off detection sensor 50 in the inward and outward directions. The rib portion 11b is positioned to overlap with the side surface in the front-rear direction and the bottom surface in the up-down direction of the latch 40 and the lock-off detection sensor 50. As described above, the base portion 11a and the rib portion 11b create an internal space, allowing the housing body portion 11 to accommodate the latch 40 and the lock-off detection sensor 50. This enables the latch device L to be miniaturized. Furthermore, interference between components such as the link 30, latch 40, and lock-off detection sensor 50 and the pad material of the vehicle seat S, which is positioned around the latch device L, can be suppressed.

[0031] Furthermore, the housing body 11 has rib portions 11b formed around the latch 40, which restricts the latch 40 from moving outward from the housing body 11. In addition, the housing body 11 has rib portions 11b formed integrally with the base portion 11a, which increases the rigidity of the housing body 11.

[0032] As shown in Figure 2, the latch shaft hole 11c is formed in the upper part of the housing body 11 so as to penetrate the base portion 11a in an inward and outward direction. The latch shaft hole 11c is a first through hole that pivotably supports the latch 40. The link shaft hole 11d is formed in the lower front portion of the housing body 11 so as to penetrate the base portion 11a in an inward and outward direction. The link shaft hole 11d pivotally supports the link 30 so as to be rotatable. The sensor shaft hole 11e is formed in the rear portion of the housing body 11 so as to penetrate the base portion 11a in an inward and outward direction. The sensor shaft hole 11e rotatably supports the lock-off detection sensor 50.

[0033] As shown in Figure 2, the receiving groove 11f is formed by cutting out a section from the rear end forward, slightly below the midpoint of the vertical length of the housing body 11. The receiving groove 11f receives the striker St that enters the housing 10 when the latching device L is operated.

[0034] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the flange 12 is a thin plate-like structure and is a fixing part provided at the lower end of the housing body 11. The flange 12 has a mounting hole 12a, which is a second through hole. As shown in Figure 5, the latch device L is fixed to the seat back S2 by a first fixing device 61 that passes through the latch shaft hole 11c of the housing body 11 and a second fixing device 62 that passes through the mounting hole 12a. The tightening torque of the first fastener 61 is higher than that of the second fastener 62. In this way, the latch device L can be more securely attached in the latch shaft hole 11c corresponding to the pivot axis of the latch 40.

[0035] As shown in Figure 7, the thickness of the flange 12 is less than the thickness of the housing body 11. In other words, the length of the fasteners 60 required to fix the latch device L to the vehicle seat S is such that the second fastener 62, which is inserted through the mounting hole 12a of the flange 12, is shorter than the first fastener 61, which is inserted through the latch shaft hole 11c of the housing body 11. Therefore, attaching the fasteners 60 to the thinner flange 12 reduces the length of the bolts compared to attaching multiple fasteners 60 to the thicker housing body 11. In other words, when fixing at two points, the housing body 11 and the flange 12, the number of bolts can be reduced while ensuring sufficient fixing strength.

[0036] <Lock release operation knob> The unlock operation knob 20 is an operating member for moving the latch 40 from the locked state to the unlocked state. As shown in Figures 2 to 6, the unlock operation knob 20 mainly consists of an operating part 21 operated by the occupant, an indicator 22 that shows the position of the latch 40, and a pin 23 that transmits the operation of the unlock operation knob 20 to the link 30. The unlocking knob 20 is made of resin, for example, and the operating part 21, indicator 22, and pin 23 are integrally molded to form a single component. By manufacturing the resin parts by integral molding, the number of parts, manufacturing time, and cost can be reduced while maintaining a lightweight design. The unlocking operation knob 20 is rotatably mounted on the mounting portion S2a of the seat back S2 by an operating shaft portion 20a.

[0037] The operating part 21 is operated by the occupant when displacing the latch 40 from the locked state to the unlocked state. As shown in Figures 2 to 6, the operating part 21 rotates when pulled up, releasing the engagement between the latch 40 and the striker St via the pin 23 and link 30.

[0038] The indicator 22 is a part that indicates the locked and unlocked states of the latch 40. A portion of the indicator 22 is positioned so that it is visible from outside the mounting part S2a when it is attached to the seat back S2. This visible portion is colored red or another color to make it stand out. Therefore, the indicator 22 indicates that the device is unlocked when the colored portion is exposed and visible from the mounting portion S2a, and indicates that the device is locked when the colored portion is not visible.

[0039] As shown in Figure 2, pin 23 is a part that is displaced when the operating part 21 is pulled up. Pin 23 is located in the lower part of the unlocking operation knob 20 and is positioned to engage with the link 30. Pin 23 displaces the latch 40 via the engaging link 30. It also transmits the locked and unlocked states of the latch 40, as communicated by the link 30, to the indicator 22.

[0040] More specifically, when the latch 40 is in the unlocked state (Figures 9A, 9C, and 9D), the unlock operation knob 20 rotates upward via the pin 23, and the indicator 22 becomes visible. When the latch 40 is in the locked state (Figures 9B and 9E), the unlock operation knob 20 rotates downward via the pin 23, and the indicator 22 becomes invisible.

[0041] In this way, by providing the pin 23 on the unlock operation knob 20, the number of parts can be reduced, thereby lowering manufacturing man-hours and costs. Furthermore, by integrally molding the pin 23 from the same material as the unlock operation knob 20, the number of parts, manufacturing man-hours, and costs can be further reduced. Furthermore, the unlock operation knob 20 has an integrated operating section 21, indicator 22, and pin 23, and the position of the indicator 22 allows for visual confirmation of the locked and unlocked states, thus enabling confirmation of the locked and unlocked states of the latch 40 with a simple configuration.

[0042] <link> Link 30 is a link member that transmits the operation of the unlocking operation knob 20 and the latch 40. Link 30 is a plate-shaped metal member and, as shown in Figures 3 to 6, has an engaging portion 31 that engages with the pin 23, a link shaft portion 32 that is pivotally supported by the housing body portion 11, and a contact portion 33 that contacts the latch 40. As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the link shaft portion 32 and the contact portion 33 are positioned to overlap with the housing body portion 11 in the inward and outward directions. In this way, a part of the link 30 is covered by the housing body portion 11, which prevents interference between the link 30 and the pad material of the vehicle seat S, etc., which is arranged around the latch device L.

[0043] Link 30 is rotated via pin 23 when the operating part 21 of the unlocking operation knob 20 is pulled up. As link 30 rotates, the engagement between the latch 40 and the striker St is released. Furthermore, the link 30 transmits the locked and unlocked states of the latch 40 to the indicator 22 via the pin 23. Specifically, when the latch 40 is in the unlocked state (Figures 9A, 9C, and 9D), the latch 40 contacts the contact portion 33, causing the engaging portion 31 to rotate around the link shaft portion 32, and the indicator 22 to rotate upward via the pin 23. When the latch 40 is in the locked state (Figures 9B and 9E), the contact between the latch 40 and the contact portion 33 is released, causing the engaging portion 31 to rotate around the link shaft portion 32, and the indicator 22 to rotate downward via the pin 23.

[0044] As shown in Figure 3, the engaging portion 31 is provided at the end of the link 30 on the side of the unlocking operation knob 20 and is positioned to engage with the pin 23. One end of the engaging portion 31 on the side of the pin 23 is formed in an open U-shape. Thus, unlike configurations where the engaging portion surrounds the pin member, the engaging portion 31 is formed in an open U-shape at one end, which improves the ease of assembly between the unlocking knob 20 and the link 30.

[0045] As shown in Figure 2, the link shaft portion 32 is rotatably supported in the link shaft hole 11d of the housing body portion 11. As shown in Figure 8, a spiral spring 32a is provided on the inner side of the link shaft portion 32 in the inward-outward direction. The link 30 is biased by the spiral spring 32a in a direction that causes the engaging portion 31 to rotate downward.

[0046] As shown in Figure 3, when the unlock operation knob 20 is operated, the contact portion 33 rotates forward around the link shaft portion 32 and comes into contact with the latch 40. When the contact portion 33 comes into contact, the latch 40 rotates forward, and the engagement between the latch 40 and the striker St is released.

[0047] <Latch> The latch 40 is a locking member that engages with the striker St to lock the position of the seat back S2. The latch 40 is, for example, a metal plate-shaped member and is provided inside the housing body 11. As shown in Figures 3 to 6, the latch 40 has a contact portion 41 that contacts the link 30, a latch shaft portion 42 that is pivotally supported by the housing body portion 11, an engagement groove 43 that engages with the striker St, a relief groove 44 into which the striker St enters, and a sensor contact pin 45 that contacts the lock-off detection sensor 50.

[0048] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the latch 40 is positioned so as to overlap with the housing body 11 in the inward and outward directions. In this way, since the latch 40 is covered by the housing body 11, interference between the latch 40 and the pad material of the vehicle seat S, etc., which is arranged around the latch device L, can be suppressed.

[0049] The latch 40 is pivotally supported on the housing body 11 and can transition between a locked state in which it is engaged with the striker St and an unlocked state in which it is disengaged from the striker St. Specifically, when the unlock operation knob 20 is pulled up, it is rotated upward via the link 30. Then, when the unlock operation knob 20 is lowered in the intermediate or engaged position, it is rotated downward via the link 30. Furthermore, the latch 40 transmits the locked and unlocked states to the indicator 22 via the link 30.

[0050] As shown in Figure 3, the contact portion 41 is provided at the upper end of the latch 40 and protrudes outward. When the contact portion 33 comes into contact with the contact portion 41, the contact portion 41 rotates upward and forward, releasing the engagement between the engagement groove 43 and the striker St.

[0051] As shown in Figure 2, the latch shaft portion 42 is provided at the front end of the latch 40 and protrudes outward. The latch shaft portion 42 is rotatably supported in the latch shaft hole 11c of the housing body portion 11. As shown in Figure 8, a coil spring 42a is provided on the outside of the latch shaft portion 42 and on the inside of the housing body portion 11. The latch 40 is biased by the coil spring 42a in a direction that causes the engagement groove 43 and the relief groove 44 to rotate downward.

[0052] As shown in Figure 3, the engagement groove 43 is provided at the rear end of the latch 40 and is formed by cutting out an upward notch from the lower end. In the intermediate position (Figure 9B), the engagement groove 43 engages with the front striker St and locks. In the engagement position (Figure 9E), the engagement groove 43 engages with the rear striker St and locks.

[0053] As shown in Figure 3, the relief groove 44 is provided in the middle of the latch 40 in the front-rear direction and is formed by cutting out an upward notch from the lower end. In the engagement position (Figure 9E), the front striker St enters the relief groove 44.

[0054] As shown in Figure 6, the sensor contact pin 45 is provided at the upper end of the intermediate portion in the front-rear direction of the latch 40 and protrudes outward. In the unlocked state (lock-off state) at the release position, the sensor contact pin 45 contacts the lock-off detection sensor 50 (sensor protrusion 51, described later), thereby restricting the rotation of the latch 40.

[0055] <Lock-off detection sensor> The lock-off detection sensor 50 is a sensor member that detects a lock-off state where the striker St is outside the latch device L and the device is unlocked. The lock-off detection sensor 50 is a tomoe-shaped plate member and is installed inside the housing body 11. As shown in Figures 3 to 6, the lock-off detection sensor 50 includes a sensor protrusion 51 that contacts the sensor contact pin 45, a sensor shaft 52 that is pivotally supported by the housing body 11, a housing contact portion 53 that contacts the housing body 11, and a striker detection portion 54 that contacts the striker St.

[0056] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the lock-off detection sensor 50 is positioned so as to overlap with the housing body 11 in the inward and outward directions. In this way, since the lock-off detection sensor 50 is housed inside the housing body 11, interference between the lock-off detection sensor 50 and the pad material of the vehicle seat S, which is positioned around the latch device L, can be suppressed.

[0057] The sensor projection 51 is located on the upper side of the lock-off detection sensor 50 in the lock-off state shown in Figure 6, and protrudes upward from the housing contact portion 53. In the lock-off state, the sensor projection 51 contacts the sensor contact pin 45 of the latch 40, thereby restricting the downward rotation of the latch 40.

[0058] As shown in Figure 2, the sensor shaft portion 52 is located in the front central part of the lock-off detection sensor 50 and is rotatably supported in the sensor shaft hole 11e of the housing body portion 11. A spiral spring 52a is provided inside the sensor shaft portion 52, as shown in Figure 8. The lock-off detection sensor 50 is biased by the spiral spring 52a in a direction that causes the sensor projection 51 to rotate forward.

[0059] As shown in Figure 2, the housing contact portion 53 is provided around the sensor shaft portion 52 and is the portion that contacts the base portion 11a of the housing body portion 11. As shown in Figures 3 and 7, a step is formed in the housing contact portion 53 so that it is on the outside in the inward-outward direction compared to the striker detection portion 54.

[0060] The striker detection unit 54 is an elongated member that extends downward from the housing contact portion 53 in the lock-off state shown in Figure 6. Specifically, in the lock-off state, the striker detection unit 54 curves and extends in the opposite direction (forward side) from the direction in which it contacts the striker St. Furthermore, when the striker St enters the latch device L (see Figures 8 and 9E), the striker detection unit 54 rotates to a position extending forward from the housing contact portion 53 by coming into contact with the striker St.

[0061] In the lock-off state (see Figure 9A), the sensor contact pin 45 of the latch 40 rides up on the sensor protrusion 51, preventing the unlock operation knob 20 from returning to its original position. The unlock operation knob 20 remains halfway up, and the indicator 22 indicates that the lock-off state is being displayed. In the locked state (see Figure 9B), the sensor contact pin 45 is positioned below the sensor protrusion 51, and the unlock operation knob 20 returns to its original position, causing the indicator 22 to lower and become hidden, thus indicating that the device is locked. In this way, the lock-off state of the latch device L can be detected by the position of the striker detection unit 54.

[0062] Referring to Figure 7, the positional relationship between the housing 10, the latch 40, and the lock-off detection sensor 50 will be explained. The latch 40 is pivotably supported on the housing body 11 by the latch shaft 42. The housing contact portion 53 is pivotally supported on the housing body 11 by the sensor shaft 52. The striker detection unit 54 is positioned between the latch 40 and the housing contact portion 53 in the axial direction (inward-outward direction) in which the latch 40 and the housing contact portion 53 are pivotally supported on the housing body 11. In this way, since the striker detection unit 54 is positioned in a location that is spaced inward from the main housing unit 11, interference between the striker detection unit 54 and the members provided around the latch device L can be suppressed.

[0063] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the housing 10 has a plurality of biasing members (spiral spring 32a, coil spring 42a, spiral spring 52a) that bias the latch 40, link 30, and lock-off detection sensor 50 in one direction in their respective rotational directions. Compared to coil springs, spiral springs allow for a reduction in spring thickness without affecting the number of turns or the diameter of the spring core. Therefore, by using a spiral spring for at least one of the multiple biasing members, the latch device L can be miniaturized.

[0064] <About Locked and Unlocked States> The engagement state between the latch device L and the striker St will be explained with reference to Figures 9A to 9E. Figure 9A shows the unlocked state (lock-off state) in which the latch device L is in the released position and the latch 40 is not engaged with the striker St. When the operating part 21 of the unlocking operation knob 20 is pulled up in the direction of arrow A1 from the locked state, the engaging part 31 is rotated in the direction of arrow A2 via the pin 23. Then, the contact part 33 rotates in the direction of arrow A3 around the link shaft part 32 and comes into contact with the contacted part 41 of the latch 40. As a result, the latch 40 is rotated in the direction of arrow A4, and the engaging groove 43 enters a locked-off state where it is disengaged from the striker St.

[0065] Figure 9B shows the first-stage locked state in which the engagement groove 43 of the latch 40 is engaged with the striker St in the front, at an intermediate position of the latch device L. From the state shown in Figure 9A, the engaging portion 31 is rotated in the direction of arrow B2 by the biasing force of the spiral spring 32a. At this time, the unlock operation knob 20 is rotated in the direction of arrow B1 by the pin 23. Then, the contact portion 33 rotates in the direction of arrow B3 around the link shaft portion 32, releasing the contact between the latch 40 and the contacted portion 41. The latch 40 is rotated in the direction of arrow B4 by the biasing force of the coil spring 42a, and the engaging groove 43 enters the first stage locked state, engaged with the striker St in front. At this time, the striker detection unit 54 comes into contact with the striker St in front, causing the lock-off detection sensor 50 to rotate in the direction of arrow B5 around the sensor shaft 52.

[0066] Figure 9C shows the first stage unlocked state in which the latch device L is in an intermediate position and the latch 40 is not engaged with the striker St. When the operating part 21 of the unlock operation knob 20 is pulled up in the direction of arrow C1 from the first stage locked state, the engaging part 31 is rotated in the direction of arrow C2 via the pin 23. Then, the contact part 33 rotates in the direction of arrow C3 around the link shaft part 32 and comes into contact with the contacted part 41 of the latch 40. As a result, the latch 40 is rotated in the direction of arrow C4, and the engaging groove 43 is released from engagement with the striker St in front, entering the first stage unlocked state.

[0067] Figure 9D shows the second stage unlocked state in which the latch 40 is not engaged with the striker St at the engagement position of the latch device L. With the latch 40 rotated upward, when the latch device L moves from the first stage unlocked state in the direction of arrow D1 (rearward), the engagement groove 43 is positioned above the rear striker St and the relief groove 44 is positioned above the front striker St, resulting in the second stage unlocked state. At this time, the striker detection unit 54 comes into contact with the upper part of the striker St in front, causing the lock-off detection sensor 50 to rotate in the direction of arrow D2 around the sensor shaft 52.

[0068] Figure 9E shows the second-stage locked state in which the engagement groove 43 of the latch 40 is engaged with the rear striker St in the engagement position of the latch device L. From the state shown in Figure 9D, the engaging portion 31 is rotated in the direction of arrow E2 by the biasing force of the spiral spring 32a. At this time, the unlocking operation knob 20 is rotated in the direction of arrow E1 by the pin 23. Then, the contact portion 33 rotates in the direction of arrow E3 around the link shaft portion 32, releasing the contact between the contacted portion 41 of the latch 40. The biasing force of the coil spring 42a causes the latch 40 to rotate in the direction of arrow E4, and the engaging groove 43 engages with the rear striker St, resulting in the second stage locked state. The front striker St also enters the relief groove 44. At this time, the striker detection unit 54 comes into contact with the striker St in front, causing the lock-off detection sensor 50 to maintain the rotated state shown in Figure 9D.

[0069] In this way, the latch 40 can be switched between a locked state and an unlocked state with a simple configuration via the pin 23 provided on the unlock operation knob 20, and the indicator 22 can appropriately display that the latch 40 is in the locked-off state. Therefore, compared to a design where the unlocking knob 20 and pin 23 are separate parts, the number of parts, manufacturing time, and cost can be reduced.

[0070] <Example 1> Next, a modified example of the latch device L (Part 1) will be explained based on Figure 10. Note that explanations that overlap with those of the latch device L described above will be omitted (the same applies hereafter).

[0071] As shown in Figure 10, the housing 10 of the latch device L in the modified example 1 has a housing body 11, a flange 12 to which the housing 10 is attached, and a fixing flange 13. The fixing flange 13 is a thin plate-like fixing part provided at the upper rear end of the housing body portion 11. The fixing flange 13 has a fixing mounting hole 13a, which is a third through hole.

[0072] The latch device L in the modified example 1 is fixed to the vehicle seat S by a first fixing device 61 that passes through the latch shaft hole 11c of the housing body 11, a second fixing device 62 that passes through the mounting hole 12a, and a third fixing device 63 that passes through the fixing mounting hole 13a.

[0073] In this way, by fixing it with a flange 12 that is not very thick, the bolt length can be reduced, and by fixing it at three points—the housing body 11, the flange 12, and the fixing flange 13—a stronger fixation can be achieved.

[0074] <Modification 2> Next, a modified example 2 of the latch device L will be described based on Figure 11. In the modified example 2, the latch device L has a spiral spring 42b provided inside the latch shaft portion 42, as shown in Figure 11. The latch 40 is biased by the spiral spring 42b in a direction that causes the engagement groove 43 and the relief groove 44 to rotate downward.

[0075] As mentioned above, spiral springs, compared to coil springs, allow for a reduction in spring thickness without affecting the number of turns or the diameter of the spring core. Therefore, by using spiral spring 42b, the latch device L can be made smaller.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the striker St was described as being installed on the inner wall B of the vehicle body and the latch device L was attached to the seat back S2. However, it is possible to attach it to various parts of the vehicle seat S, such as the seat cushion S1, headrest, and armrest. Furthermore, the location where the striker St is installed is not limited to the inner wall B of the vehicle body, but may also be the floor or other parts of the vehicle body. For example, as shown in Figure 12, a latch device L may be attached to the inner wall B of the vehicle body, and a striker St may be installed on the mounting portion S2a of the seat back S2.

[0077] The above embodiments mainly described the latch device, vehicle seat, and vehicle according to the present invention. However, the embodiments described above are merely examples to facilitate understanding of the present invention and do not limit it. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from its spirit, and of course, equivalents thereof are included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0078] V Vehicle S Vehicle Seat S1 Seat Cushion S2 Seatback S2a Mounting section B. Inner wall of the vehicle body (vehicle body) St. Striker L-Latching Device 10 cabinets 11. Main body of the enclosure 11a Base section 11b Rib section 11c Latch shaft hole (first through hole) 11d Link shaft hole 11e Sensor shaft hole 11f Receiving groove 12 flanges 12a Mounting hole (second through hole) 13 Fixed flange 13a Fixing mounting hole (third through hole) 20. Unlock operation knob 20a Operation shaft part 21 Control section 22 Indicators 23 pins 30 links 31 Engaging part 32 Link shaft section 32a Spiral spring (biasing member) 33 Contact part 40 latches 41 Abutted part 42 Latch shaft 42a Coil spring (biasing member) 42b Spiral spring (biasing member) 43 Engagement groove 44 Escape ditch 45 Sensor contact pin 50 Lock-off detection sensors 51 Sensor protrusion 52 Sensor shaft 52a Spiral spring (biasing member) 53 Housing contact portion 54 Striker detection unit 60 Fixtures 61 1st fixture 62 Second fixture 63 Third fixture

Claims

1. A latching device that engages with a striker installed on the vehicle body or vehicle seat, The latching device is A latch that can transition between a locked state in which it is engaged with the striker and an unlocked state in which it is disengaged from the striker, A release operation knob for moving the latch from the locked state to the unlocked state, An indicator is provided on the unlocking operation knob to show the locked state and the unlocked state of the latch, respectively. A link that transmits the respective states of the latches to the indicator, The system includes a pin that engages with the link and transmits the respective states of the latches, as transmitted from the link, to the indicator, A latching device characterized in that the pin is provided on the unlocking operation knob.

2. The link has an engaging portion at the end of the link on the side of the unlocking operation knob that engages with the pin. The latch device according to claim 1, characterized in that one end of the engaging portion on the pin side is open.

3. The latch device according to claim 1, characterized in that the pin is integrally molded with the unlocking operation knob.

4. The latch device according to claim 2, characterized in that the one end of the engaging portion on the pin side is open and U-shaped.

5. The latching device is A housing that houses the aforementioned latch inside, The system includes a lock-off detection sensor that detects the unlocked state and the lock-off state in which the striker is outside the latching device, The latch is rotatably supported in the housing and has a sensor contact pin that contacts the lock-off detection sensor. The lock-off detection sensor has a sensor protrusion that contacts the sensor contact pin, The latch device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor contact pin contacts the sensor protrusion in the lock-off state to restrict the rotation of the latch from the unlocked state to the locked state.

6. The lock-off detection sensor comprises the sensor protrusion, the housing contact portion rotatably supported by the housing, and the striker detection portion which extends from the housing contact portion toward the striker and contacts the striker in the lock-off state. The latch device according to claim 5, characterized in that the striker detection unit extends in a curved direction opposite to the direction in which it contacts the striker in the lock-off state.

7. The latch device according to claim 5, characterized in that the lock-off detection sensor is housed inside the housing.

8. The latch device according to claim 6, characterized in that the striker detection unit is positioned between the latch and the housing contact portion in the axial direction in which the latch and the housing contact portion are pivotally supported by the housing.

9. The latching device comprises a housing that houses the latch inside, The housing comprises a housing body portion that houses the latch inside, and a flange provided on the outer circumference of the housing body portion. The housing body has a first through hole that pivots the pivot axis of the latch, The flange has a second through hole, The latch device according to claim 1, characterized in that the latch device is fixed to the vehicle seat by a first fastener that passes through the first through hole and a second fastener that passes through the second through hole.

10. The latch device according to claim 9, characterized in that the tightening torque of the first fastener is higher than the tightening torque of the second fastener.

11. The housing has a third through hole at a position different from the first and second through holes, The latch device according to claim 9, characterized in that the latch device is fixed to the vehicle seat by the first fastener, the second fastener, and the third fastener that passes through the third through hole.

12. The latching device is A housing that houses the aforementioned latch inside, The system includes a lock-off detection sensor that detects the unlocked state and the lock-off state in which the striker is outside the latching device, Each of the latch, link, and lock-off detection sensor is rotatably supported in the housing. The housing has a plurality of biasing members that bias the latch, the link, and the lock-off detection sensor in one direction in their respective rotational directions. The latch device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the plurality of biasing members is a spiral spring.

13. A vehicle seat equipped with the latch device described in claim 1.

14. A vehicle equipped with the vehicle seat described in claim 13.

Images