Vehicle door latch device

Abstract

To provide a vehicle door latch device capable of easily coping with different operation directions of an operation force transmission member for inputting the operation force of an outside handle to the vehicle door latch device.SOLUTION: A door latch device 10 includes a latch mechanism section 20 having a latch 21 capable of engaging with a striker provided on a vehicle body, and an outside handle operating force transmission mechanism 50 for operating the latch mechanism section 20. The outside handle operating force transmission mechanism 50 has a first rotating shaft 501, a second rotating shaft 502, and a third rotating shaft 503. A sub-lever 51 for operating a release lever 24 of the latch mechanism section 20 is pivotally supported by the first rotating shaft 501. The second rotating shaft 502 can selectively and pivotally support a first input lever 52 and a lever link 53 for operating the sub-lever 51. The third rotating shaft 503 can pivotally support a second input lever 54 for operating the lever link 53.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle door latch device capable of holding a vehicle door in a closed state.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a vehicle door latch device capable of holding a vehicle door in a closed state has been known. Generally, a vehicle door is provided with an outside handle and an operating force transmission member that transmits the operating force of the outside handle. Further, a vehicle door latch device generally includes a latch mechanism portion having a latch that can engage with a striker provided on a vehicle body, and an operating mechanism portion that is connected to the operating force transmission member and operates the latch mechanism portion by the operating force of the outside handle transmitted through the operating force transmission member.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a vehicle door lock device that facilitates parts management, improves assembly properties, enables assembly, and reduces costs even when the configurations of the lock state switching means for the front side door and the lock state switching means for the rear side door are different. Further, Patent Document 2 also describes a vehicle door latch device that enables sharing of the meshing structure and the housing among different types of door latch devices.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The force transmission member that transmits the operating force of the outside handle uses Bowden cables, rods, etc. Depending on the type of force transmission member that transmits the operating force of the outside handle, the direction of operation of the force transmission member may differ. However, the vehicle door latch devices described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 have difficulty sharing the vehicle door latch device when the direction of operation of the force transmission member that inputs the operating force of the outside handle to the vehicle door latch device differs, and there was room for further consideration.

[0006] The present invention provides a vehicle door latch device that can easily accommodate vehicles with different operating directions for the force transmission member that inputs the operating force of the outside handle to the vehicle door latch device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention A latch mechanism having a latch that can engage with a striker provided on the vehicle body, A vehicle door latch device comprising an operating mechanism for operating the latch mechanism, The aforementioned latch mechanism is A ratchet that can engage with the latch, The ratchet has a release lever for disengaging the ratchet from the latch, The aforementioned operating mechanism is It has a first axis of rotation, a second axis of rotation located above the first axis of rotation and parallel to the first axis of rotation, and a third axis of rotation located below the second axis of rotation and parallel to the first and second axes of rotation. A sub-lever is pivotally supported on the first rotation axis, which engages with the release lever and rotates around the first rotation axis to operate the release lever. The second rotation axis can selectively support a first input lever that rotates around the second rotation axis to operate the sub-lever when an operating force is applied to the outside handle, and a lever link that rotates around the second rotation axis to operate the sub-lever. The third rotating shaft is capable of supporting a second input lever, which, upon receiving the operating force of an outside handle, rotates around the third rotating shaft to operate the lever link. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, by selecting whether to pivot the first input lever on the second rotation axis or pivot the lever link on the second rotation axis and pivot the second input lever on the third rotation axis, depending on the direction of movement of the member that inputs the operating force of the outside handle to the vehicle door latch device, it is possible to easily accommodate cases where the direction of movement of the operating force transmission member that inputs the operating force of the outside handle to the vehicle door latch device is different. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a left side view of the left front portion of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle door latch device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a rearward perspective view of the main part of the vehicle door latch device, as seen from the right rear. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a rearward perspective view of the main parts of the vehicle door latch device, viewed from the right rear, with the main body omitted. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of the main part of the vehicle door latch device, seen from the front left. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of the main part of the vehicle door latch device, seen from the front right. [Figure 6] Figure 1 is a front view of the main parts of a vehicle door latch device, as seen from the front, where the operating force transmission member is a Bowden cable and the first input lever is pivotally supported on the second rotating shaft. [Figure 7] Figure 1 is a front view of the main parts of a vehicle door latch device, where the operating force transmission member is a rod, the lever link is pivotally supported on the second rotation axis, and the second input lever is pivotally supported on the third rotation axis. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the vehicle door latch device of the present invention will be described based on the attached drawings. The drawings should be viewed in the direction of the reference numerals. Furthermore, in order to simplify and clarify the explanation in this specification, the front, rear, left, right, and up directions are described according to the direction as seen from the driver of the vehicle on which the vehicle door latch device is installed. In the drawings, the front of the vehicle is indicated as Fr, the rear as Rr, the left as L, the right as R, the top as U, and the bottom as D.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the door latch device 10 is mounted on the left front door 80 of the vehicle V. The left front door 80 comprises an outer panel 81 and an inner panel (not shown). On the outer surface of the upper rear of the outer panel 81, there is an outside handle 91 for opening the door latch device 10 from outside the vehicle, and a key cylinder 92 for unlocking and locking the door latch device 10 from outside the vehicle. On the inner surface of the front side of the inner panel, there is an inside handle 93 for opening the door latch device 10 from inside the vehicle, and a lock knob 94 for unlocking and locking the door latch device 10 from inside the vehicle. Furthermore, the left front door 80 is provided with a first force transmission member 71 that transmits the operating force of the outside handle 91 to the door latch device 10, a second force transmission member 72 that transmits the operating force of the key cylinder 92 to the door latch device 10, a third force transmission member 73 that transmits the operating force of the inside handle 93 to the door latch device 10, and a fourth force transmission member 74 that transmits the operating force of the lock knob 94 to the door latch device 10.

[0012] In the following, the left side may be referred to as the outer side in the vehicle width direction, and the right side as the inner side in the vehicle width direction.

[0013] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the door latch device 10 includes a latch mechanism portion 20 that can hold the left front door 80 in a closed state by engaging with a striker provided on the vehicle body, and an operation mechanism portion 30 that operates the latch mechanism portion 20. The door latch device 10 is a device in which the latch mechanism portion 20 and the operation mechanism portion 30 are integrated. FIGS. 4 to 5 show an example in which a lever link 53 is pivotally supported on a second rotation shaft 502 and a second input lever 54 is pivotally supported on a third rotation shaft 503, which will be described later.

[0014] The door latch device 10 includes a main body 41 fixed to the rear end portion of the left front door 80, a metal cover plate (not shown) that covers at least a part of the rear surface of the main body 41, and a metal back plate (not shown) that covers at least a part of the front surface of the main body 41. Therefore, the main body 41 is sandwiched in the front-rear direction between the cover plate and the back plate. The cover plate and the back plate are attached to the main body 41, and the body members of the door latch device 10 include the main body 41, the cover plate, and the back plate.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, a striker entry groove 411 into which a striker provided on the vehicle body can enter is formed in the main body 41 from the outside in the vehicle width direction. The striker entry groove 411 has a concave shape that is recessed from the end portion on the outside in the vehicle width direction of the main body 41 toward the inside in the vehicle width direction.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 3, the latch mechanism portion 20 includes a latch 21 that can engage with a striker provided on the vehicle body, a latch shaft 22 that pivotally supports the latch 21 rotatably, a ratchet 23 that can engage with the latch 21, and a release lever 24 that operates the ratchet 23.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the latch 21 is attached to the rear surface 41b of the main body 41.

[0018] The latch shaft 22 extends in the front-rear direction and is attached to the rear surface 41b of the main body 41. The front end of the latch shaft 22 is supported and fixed to the back plate of the door latch device 10, and the rear end is supported and fixed to the cover plate of the door latch device 10.

[0019] The latch 21 comprises a latch body portion 211 through which an insertion hole 212 is formed, through which a latch shaft 22 is inserted. The latch 21 is rotatably supported by the latch shaft 22, which is inserted through the insertion hole 212. Therefore, the latch 21 rotates around the latch shaft 22, which extends in the front-rear direction, as its axis of rotation.

[0020] The latch 21 is biased clockwise when viewed from the front by a coil spring 25 (see Figure 4).

[0021] The latch body portion 211 has a striker engagement groove 213 into which a striker provided on the vehicle body is inserted. When viewed from the front-rear direction, the striker engagement groove 213 has a concave shape that is recessed from the outer peripheral edge of the latch body portion 211 toward the insertion hole 212. When viewed from the front-rear direction, the striker engagement groove 213 is positioned so as to overlap at least a portion with the striker entry groove 411 formed in the main body 41.

[0022] Furthermore, a ratchet engagement portion 214 is formed on the outer periphery of the latch body portion 211, into which the ratchet 23 can engage. In this embodiment, the ratchet engagement portion 214 is formed on the clockwise side of the striker engagement groove 213 when viewed from the front.

[0023] The ratchet 23 includes a rotating shaft portion 231 extending in the front-rear direction, a contact portion 232 extending to the left from the rotating shaft portion 231 and contacting a ratchet engaging portion 214 formed on the latch body portion 211, and an input portion 233 extending to the right from the rotating shaft portion 231 and receiving input from the release lever 24 of the operating mechanism portion 30, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the input portion 233 is formed to extend to the right from the rotating shaft portion 231, forward of the contact portion 232.

[0024] The ratchet 23 is positioned such that its rotating shaft portion 231 is located to the lower right of the latch shaft 22.

[0025] The rotating shaft portion 231 has a front rotating shaft portion 231a and a rear rotating shaft portion 231b. The front rotating shaft portion 231a and the rear rotating shaft portion 231b have a coaxial cylindrical shape. In this embodiment, the rear rotating shaft portion 231b has a larger diameter than the front rotating shaft portion 231a. The front rotating shaft portion 231a is rotatably supported on the back plate, and the rear rotating shaft portion 231b is rotatably supported on the main body 41.

[0026] The ratchet 23 is rotatable clockwise and counterclockwise when viewed from the front-to-back direction, around the axis of the rotating shaft portion 231 which extends in the front-to-back direction.

[0027] The ratchet 23 is biased in a counterclockwise direction when viewed from the front by a coil spring 26.

[0028] As the left front door 80 is closed and approaches the fully closed position, a striker provided on the vehicle body enters the striker entry groove 411 of the main body 41 and also enters the striker engagement groove 213 of the latch 21. As the left front door 80 approaches the fully closed position further, the striker provided on the vehicle body approaches the bottom of the striker engagement groove 213 of the latch 21 and presses the inner wall surface of the striker engagement groove 213 outward in the vehicle width direction, causing the latch 21 to rotate counterclockwise when viewed from the front, against the biasing force of the coil spring 24.

[0029] When the left front door 80 is in the fully closed position, the contact portion 232 of the ratchet 23, which is biased in a counterclockwise direction when viewed from the front, comes into contact with the ratchet engagement portion 214 of the latch 21, which rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the front. Then, the ratchet 23, which is biased in a counterclockwise direction when viewed from the front, engages with the latch 21, which is also biased in a counterclockwise direction when viewed from the front. As a result, the rotation of the latch 21 in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from the front is restricted, and the left front door 80 is held in the closed position.

[0030] The release lever 24 is slidable in the vertical direction and includes a ratchet drive unit 24a that can contact the ratchet 23 from below. The release lever 24 is located below the input unit 233 of the ratchet 23. When the release lever 24 slides upward, the ratchet drive unit 24a contacts the input unit 233 of the ratchet 23 from below upward. An engagement hole 24b is formed in the lower region of the release lever 24, which penetrates in the left-right direction and through which an engagement unit 51a formed on the sub-lever 51 of the outside handle operating force transmission mechanism 50 (described later) is inserted.

[0031] The operating mechanism 30 further comprises various operating levers, linking levers, and motors (not shown) that are assembled to the main body 41, cover plate, back plate, and side body (not shown).

[0032] The operating mechanism 30 includes an outside handle operating force transmission mechanism 50 that transmits the operating force of the outside handle 91, which is input via the first operating force transmission member 71, to operate the release lever 24.

[0033] (Configuration of the outside handle operating force transmission mechanism) As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the outside handle operating force transmission mechanism 50 is attached to the front surface 41a of the main body 41.

[0034] The outside handle operating force transmission mechanism 50 has a sub-lever 51 that engages with the release lever 24.

[0035] The outside handle operating force transmission mechanism 50 includes a first rotation axis 501, a second rotation axis 502 located to the upper left of the first rotation axis 501 and parallel to the first rotation axis 501, and a third rotation axis 503 located to the lower left of the first rotation axis 501 and below the second rotation axis 502, and parallel to the first rotation axis 501 and the second rotation axis 502. The axial directions of the mutually parallel first rotation axis 501, second rotation axis 502, and third rotation axis 503 are in the front-rear direction. The first rotation axis 501, second rotation axis 502, and third rotation axis 503 are all provided to protrude forward from the front surface 41a of the main body 41.

[0036] A sub-lever 51 is pivotally supported on the first rotating shaft 501. The sub-lever 51 has an output-side extension 511 that extends to the right from the first rotating shaft 501 and an input-side extension 512 that extends to the left from the first rotating shaft 501.

[0037] An engaging portion 51a protruding to the right is formed at the right end of the output-side extension 511 of the sub-lever 51. The engaging portion 51a is inserted through an engaging hole 24b formed in the release lever 24, thereby engaging the sub-lever 51 with the release lever 24.

[0038] An input-side contact portion 51b is formed on the upper left end of the input-side extension portion 512 of the sub-lever 51. The input-side contact portion 51b faces upwards to the right.

[0039] The sub-lever 51 is biased in a counterclockwise direction when viewed from the front by a coil spring 513.

[0040] The second rotating shaft 502 can selectively support the first input lever 52, which rotates around the second rotating shaft 502 to operate the sub-lever 51 when an operating force is applied to the outside handle, and the lever link 53, which rotates around the second rotating shaft 502 to operate the sub-lever 51.

[0041] In this embodiment, when the first operating force transmission member 71 is a Bowden cable 711, the member pivotally supported on the second rotating shaft 502 is selected to be the first input lever 52. When the first operating force transmission member 71 is a Bowden cable 711, the first input lever 52 is pivotally supported on the second rotating shaft 502. The Bowden cable 711 has an inner cable 711a and a cable outer 711b through which the inner cable 711a is inserted. When the outside handle 91 is operated, the inner cable 711a is pulled by the operating force of the outside handle 91.

[0042] On the other hand, in this embodiment, when the first operating force transmission member 71 is a rod 712, the member pivotally supported on the second rotating shaft 502 is selected to be a lever link 53. When the first operating force transmission member 71 is a rod 712, the lever link 53 is pivotally supported on the second rotating shaft 502, and the second input lever 54 is pivotally supported on the third rotating shaft 503.

[0043] Figure 6 shows a state in which the first input lever 52 is pivotally supported on the second rotation shaft 502, and Figure 7 shows a state in which the lever link 53 is pivotally supported on the second rotation shaft 502 and the second input lever 54 is pivotally supported on the third rotation shaft 503.

[0044] First, referring to Figure 6, we will describe the state in which the first operating force transmission member 71 is a Bowden cable 711 and the first input lever 52 is pivotally supported on the second rotating shaft 502.

[0045] As shown in Figure 6, the first input lever 52 is pivotally supported on the second rotating shaft 502.

[0046] The first input lever 52 has, when viewed from the front-to-back direction, an output-side extension 521 that extends to the right from the second rotation axis 502, and an input-side extension 522 that extends downward to the left from the second rotation axis 502.

[0047] An output-side contact portion 52a is formed at the right end of the output-side extension portion 521 of the first input lever 52. The output-side contact portion 52a faces downward to the left and is opposite to the input-side contact portion 51b of the sub-lever 51.

[0048] A cable connection portion 52b is formed on the input-side extension portion 522 of the first input lever 52, to which the inner cable 711a of the Boden cable 711, which is the first operating force transmission member 71, is connected.

[0049] Furthermore, the main body 41 is provided with a cable outer fixing portion 412 above the cable connection portion 52b of the first input lever 52, which fixes the end of the cable outer 711b of the first operating force transmission member 71, which is a Boden cable 711. The end of the cable outer 711b is fixed to the cable outer fixing portion 412, thereby fixing its position relative to the latch mechanism 20 and the operating mechanism 30. The end of the cable outer 711b of the Boden cable 711, which is the first operating force transmission member 71, is fixed to the cable outer fixing portion 412 so that it faces downward.

[0050] When the outside handle 91 is operated, the inner cable 711a of the Bowden cable 711, which is the first operating force transmission member 71, is pulled upward. As a result, the inner cable 711a is connected to the cable connection portion 52b formed on the input side extension portion 522 of the first input lever 52, so the first input lever 52 rotates counterclockwise around the second rotation axis 502 when viewed from the front.

[0051] When the first input lever 52 rotates counterclockwise around the second rotation axis 502 when viewed from the front, the output side contact portion 52a of the output side extension portion 521 comes into contact with the input side contact portion 51b of the input side extension portion 512 of the sub lever 51, causing the sub lever 51 to rotate clockwise around the first rotation axis 501 when viewed from the front.

[0052] When the sub-lever 51 rotates clockwise around the first rotation axis 501 when viewed from the front, the engaging portion 51a of the output-side extension 511 comes into contact with the wall surface of the engaging hole 24b formed in the release lever 24, displacing the release lever 24 upward.

[0053] When the release lever 24 is displaced upward, the ratchet drive unit 24a contacts the input unit 233 of the ratchet 23, causing the ratchet 23 to rotate clockwise around the rotation axis 231 when viewed from the front (see Figures 2 and 3).

[0054] When the ratchet 23 rotates clockwise around the pivot shaft 231 when viewed from the front, the contact portion 232 of the ratchet 23 disengages from the ratchet engagement portion 214 of the latch 21. This releases the restriction on the latch 21's counterclockwise rotation when viewed from the front. The latch 21, which is biased to rotate counterclockwise when viewed from the front, rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the front, allowing the striker provided on the vehicle body to disengage from the striker engagement groove 213 of the latch 21 and the striker entry groove 411 of the main body 41. This enables the left front door 80 to be opened.

[0055] Next, referring to Figure 7, we will describe a state in which the first operating force transmission member 71 is a rod 712, the lever link 53 is pivotally supported on the second rotating shaft 502, and the second input lever 54 is pivotally supported on the third rotating shaft 503.

[0056] As shown in Figure 7, a lever link 53 is pivotally supported on the second rotating shaft 502.

[0057] The lever link 53 has, when viewed from the front-rear direction, an output-side extension 531 that extends to the right from the second rotation axis 502, and an input-side extension 532 that extends downward from the second rotation axis 502.

[0058] An output-side contact portion 53a is formed at the right end of the output-side extension portion 531 of the lever link 53. The output-side contact portion 53a faces downward to the left and is opposite to the input-side contact portion 51b of the sub-lever 51.

[0059] An input-side contact portion 53b is formed on the right side of the lower end of the input-side extension portion 532 of the lever link 53. The input-side contact portion 53b faces downward to the right.

[0060] The second input lever 54 is pivotally supported on the third rotating shaft 503.

[0061] The second input lever 54 has, when viewed from the front-to-back direction, an output-side extension portion 541 that extends upward and to the right from the third rotation axis 503, and an input-side extension portion 542 that extends upward and to the left from the third rotation axis 503.

[0062] An output-side contact portion 54a is formed at the upper left end of the output-side extension portion 541 of the second input lever 54. The output-side contact portion 54a faces upward to the left and is opposite to the input-side contact portion 53b of the lever link 53.

[0063] A clip 60 is assembled to the input-side extension 542 of the second input lever 54, with which the rod 712, which is the first operating force transmission member 71, engages.

[0064] The second input lever 54 is biased in a counterclockwise direction when viewed from the front by a coil spring 543.

[0065] The rod 712, which is the first operating force transmission member 71, is displaced downward when the outside handle 91 is operated. As a result, the rod 712 engages with the clip 60 attached to the input-side extension 542 of the second input lever 54, causing the second input lever 54 to rotate clockwise around the third rotation axis 503 when viewed from the front.

[0066] When the second input lever 54 rotates clockwise around the third rotation axis 503 as viewed from the front, the output side contact portion 54a of the output side extension portion 541 comes into contact with the input side contact portion 53b of the input side extension portion 532 of the lever link 53, causing the lever link 53 to rotate counterclockwise around the second rotation axis 502 as viewed from the front.

[0067] When the lever link 53 rotates counterclockwise around the second rotation axis 502 as viewed from the front, the output side contact portion 53a of the output side extension portion 531 comes into contact with the input side contact portion 51b of the input side extension portion 512 of the sub-lever 51, causing the sub-lever 51 to rotate clockwise around the first rotation axis 501 as viewed from the front.

[0068] When the sub-lever 51 rotates clockwise around the first rotation axis 501 when viewed from the front, the engaging portion 51a of the output-side extension 511 comes into contact with the wall surface of the engaging hole 24b formed in the release lever 24, displacing the release lever 24 upward.

[0069] When the release lever 24 is displaced upward, the ratchet drive unit 24a comes into contact with the input unit 233 of the ratchet 23, causing the ratchet 23 to rotate clockwise around the rotation axis 231 when viewed from the front.

[0070] When the ratchet 23 rotates clockwise around the pivot shaft 231 when viewed from the front, the contact portion 232 of the ratchet 23 disengages from the ratchet engagement portion 214 of the latch 21. This releases the restriction on the latch 21's counterclockwise rotation when viewed from the front. The latch 21, which is biased to rotate counterclockwise when viewed from the front, rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the front, allowing the striker provided on the vehicle body to disengage from the striker engagement groove 213 of the latch 21 and the striker entry groove 411 of the main body 41. This enables the left front door 80 to be opened.

[0071] Thus, when the operating force of the outside handle 91 causes the first operating force transmission member 71 to be displaced counterclockwise relative to the second rotation axis 502 when viewed from the front, the first input lever 52 is selected from the first input lever 52 and lever link 53, and the first input lever 52 is pivotally supported on the second rotation axis 502. On the other hand, when the operating force of the outside handle 91 causes the first operating force transmission member 71 to be displaced clockwise relative to the second rotation axis 502 when viewed from the front, the lever link 53 is selected from the first input lever 52 and lever link 53, and the lever link 53 is pivotally supported on the second rotation axis 502, and the second input lever 54 is pivotally supported on the third rotation axis 503.

[0072] As a result, the door latch device 10 can easily accommodate doors to which the first operating force transmission member 71 provided on the door to which the door latch device 10 is attached has a different operating direction, by selecting either the first input lever 52 or the lever link 53 and pivoting it on the second rotation shaft 502. In this embodiment, the door latch device 10 can easily accommodate doors to which the first operating force transmission member 71 is displaced counterclockwise or clockwise relative to the second rotation shaft 502 when viewed from the front, due to the operating force of the outside handle 91.

[0073] When viewed from the axial direction of the first rotation axis 501, the second rotation axis 502, and the third rotation axis 503 (i.e., the front-to-back direction in this embodiment), the rotational trajectory SP2 of the output side contact portion 52a of the first input lever 52, the rotational trajectory SP3 of the output side contact portion 53a of the lever link 53, and the rotational trajectory SP4 of the output side contact portion 54a of the second input lever 54 all overlap at least partially with the rotational trajectory SP1 of the input side contact portion 51b of the sub-lever 51.

[0074] This makes it possible to reduce the projected area of ​​the door latch device 10 when viewed from the axial direction of the first rotation axis 501, the second rotation axis 502, and the third rotation axis 503 (i.e., the front-to-back direction in this embodiment), thereby enabling miniaturization of the door latch device 10.

[0075] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the latch 21 is attached to the rear surface 41b of the main body 41, while the outside handle operating force transmission mechanism 50 is attached to the front surface 41a of the main body 41.

[0076] This allows the main body 41 to be shared regardless of the type of door to which the door latch device 10 is attached. Furthermore, by changing only the outside handle operating force transmission mechanism 50 attached to the front surface 41a of the main body 41, the door latch device 10 can be attached to a variety of doors, thus further improving the versatility of the door latch device 10.

[0077] Furthermore, the first rotating shaft 501, the second rotating shaft 502, and the third rotating shaft 503 are all positioned below the striker entry groove 411 provided in the main body 41.

[0078] This makes it possible to secure space for the first operating force transmission member 71 and reliably connect it to the outside handle, even when the door latch device 10 is installed on the rear door of a vehicle where layout constraints are severe. Furthermore, since the release lever 24 can be positioned below the striker entry groove 411, when a locking / unlocking mechanism is provided to lock the operation of the release lever 24, the locking / unlocking mechanism can be positioned below the striker entry groove 411 together with the outside handle operating force transmission mechanism 50, improving space efficiency. Therefore, various operating levers and linking levers can be arranged in a space-efficient manner in the door latch device 10, and the door latch device 10 can be made smaller.

[0079] Furthermore, while the third rotation shaft 503 is positioned below the second rotation shaft 502, a cable outer fixing portion 412 is provided above the cable connection portion 52b of the first input lever 52 to fix the end of the cable outer 711b of the Boden cable 711, which is the first operating force transmission member 71. The cable outer fixing portion 412 is provided on the main body 41 to which the operating mechanism 30 is attached. The cable outer fixing portion 412 may also be provided on a cover plate or back plate that, together with the main body 41, constitutes the body member of the door latch device 10 described above.

[0080] Therefore, the distance between the cable outer fixing part 412 and the third rotating shaft 503 can be made large, so even if the first operating force transmission member 71 is a rod 712 and the second input lever 54 is attached to the third rotating shaft 503 and the rod 712 is engaged with the second input lever 54, interference between the cable outer fixing part 412 and the rod 712 can be prevented. As a result, the main body 41 can be shared whether the door latch device 10 is installed on a door where the first operating force transmission member 71 is a Boden cable 711 or on a door where the first operating force transmission member 71 is a rod 712.

[0081] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. It is clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications or alterations can be conceived within the scope of the claims, and these are also understood to naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the components of the above embodiment may be combined in any way without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0082] This specification includes at least the following: The components and other elements corresponding to those in the embodiments described above are shown in parentheses as examples, but are not limited thereto.

[0083] (1) A latch mechanism (latch mechanism 20) having a latch (latch 21) that can engage with a striker provided on the vehicle body, A vehicle door latch device (door latch device 10) comprising an operating mechanism (outside handle operating force transmission mechanism 50) for operating the latch mechanism, The aforementioned latch mechanism is A ratchet (ratchet 23) that can engage with the latch, The ratchet has a release lever (release lever 24) that disengages the ratchet from the latch, The aforementioned operating mechanism is It has a first rotation axis (first rotation axis 501), a second rotation axis (second rotation axis 502) located above the first rotation axis and parallel to the first rotation axis, and a third rotation axis (third rotation axis 503) located below the second rotation axis and parallel to the first and second rotation axes. A sub-lever (sub-lever 51) is pivotally supported on the first rotation axis, which engages with the release lever and rotates around the first rotation axis to operate the release lever. The second rotation axis can selectively support a first input lever (first input lever 52) that rotates around the second rotation axis to operate the sub-lever when an operating force is applied to the outside handle, and a lever link (lever link 53) that rotates around the second rotation axis to operate the sub-lever. A vehicle door latch device in which the third rotating shaft is capable of supporting a second input lever (second input lever 54) that rotates around the third rotating shaft to operate the lever link when the operating force of the outside handle is input to it.

[0084] According to (1), by selecting whether to pivot the first input lever on the second rotation axis or pivot the lever link on the second rotation axis and pivot the second input lever on the third rotation axis, depending on the direction of movement of the member that inputs the operating force of the outside handle to the vehicle door latch device, it is possible to easily accommodate cases where the direction of movement of the operating force transmission member that inputs the operating force of the outside handle to the vehicle door latch device is different.

[0085] (2) A vehicle door latch device as described in (1), The sub-lever has an input-side contact portion (input-side contact portion 51b) that the first input lever or the lever link contacts when the first input lever or the lever link rotates, The first input lever has an output-side contact portion (output-side contact portion 52a) that, when rotated, contacts the input-side contact portion of the sub-lever. The lever link has an output-side contact portion (output-side contact portion 53a) that contacts the input-side contact portion of the sub-lever when it rotates, and an input-side contact portion (input-side contact portion 53b) that the second input lever contacts when the second input lever rotates. The second input lever has an output-side contact portion (output-side contact portion 54a) that, when rotated, contacts the input-side contact portion of the lever link. A vehicle door latch device wherein, when viewed from the axial direction of the first rotation axis, the second rotation axis, and the third rotation axis, the rotation trajectory of the output side contact portion of the first input lever (rotation trajectory SP2), the rotation trajectory of the output side contact portion of the lever link (rotation trajectory SP3), and the rotation trajectory of the output side contact portion of the second input lever (rotation trajectory SP4) all overlap at least in part with the rotation trajectory of the input side contact portion of the sub-lever (rotation trajectory SP1).

[0086] According to (2), the projected area of ​​the vehicle door latch device as viewed from the axial direction of the first rotation axis, the second rotation axis, and the third rotation axis 503 can be reduced, thereby enabling miniaturization of the vehicle door latch device.

[0087] (3) A vehicle door latch device as described in (2), The vehicle door latch device further comprises a body member (main body 41) to which the latch mechanism and the operating mechanism are attached. The latch is attached to the first surface (rear surface 41b) on one side of the body member. The operating mechanism is a vehicle door latch device attached to the second surface (front surface 41a) of the body member opposite to the first surface.

[0088] According to (3), the body members can be shared regardless of the type of door to which the vehicle door latch device is attached. Furthermore, by changing only the operating mechanism attached to the second surface of the body member, the vehicle door latch device can be attached to a variety of doors, thus further improving the versatility of the vehicle door latch device.

[0089] (4) A vehicle door latch device as described in (3), The body member has a striker entry groove (striker entry groove 411) formed therein, into which the striker can enter from the outside in the vehicle width direction. A vehicle door latch device wherein the first rotating shaft, the second rotating shaft, and the third rotating shaft are all positioned below the striker entry groove.

[0090] According to (4), even when installing a vehicle door latch device on a door where layout constraints are severe in a vehicle, it is possible to secure space for an operating force transmission member that transmits the operating force of the outside handle and to reliably connect it to the outside handle. Furthermore, since the release lever can be positioned below the striker entry groove, when a locking / unlocking mechanism that locks the operation of the release lever is provided, the locking / unlocking mechanism can be positioned below the striker entry groove together with the operating mechanism, improving space efficiency. Therefore, in a vehicle door latch device, various operating levers and linking levers can be arranged in a space-efficient manner, and the vehicle door latch device can be miniaturized.

[0091] (5) A vehicle door latch device as described in any of (1) to (4), The vehicle door latch device further comprises a body member (main body 41) to which the operating mechanism is attached. The first input lever is provided with a cable connection portion (cable connection portion 52b) to which the inner cable of an operating force transmission member (first operating force transmission member 71) is connected, the operating force transmission member (first operating force transmission member 71) having an inner cable (inner cable 711a) and a cable outer (cable outer 711b) through which the inner cable is inserted, transmits the operating force of the outside handle. A vehicle door latch device, wherein the body member is provided with a cable outer fixing portion (cable outer fixing portion 412) above the cable connection portion of the first input lever for fixing the end of the cable outer of the operating force transmission member.

[0092] According to (5), the distance between the cable outer fixing part and the third rotation shaft can be made large, so even if the force transmission member that transmits the operating force of the outside handle is a rod, and the second input lever is attached to the third rotation shaft and the rod is engaged with the second input lever, interference between the cable outer fixing part and the rod can be prevented. As a result, whether the vehicle door latch device is attached to a door where the force transmission member is a Bowden cable or to a door where the force transmission member is a rod, the body member to which the operating mechanism is attached can be shared. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0093] 10. Door latch device (Vehicle door latch device) 20 Latch mechanism 21 Latch 23 Ratchet 24 Release lever 41 Main body (body components) 41a Front (2nd side) 41b Back side (first side) 411 Striker entry groove 412 Cable outer fixing part 50 Outside handle operating force transmission mechanism (operating mechanism section) 501 First rotation axis 502 Second rotation axis 503 Third rotation axis 51 Sub-lever 51b Input side contact portion 52. First Input Lever 52a Output side contact portion 52b Cable connection section 53 Lever link 53a Output side contact portion 53b Input side contact portion 54. Second input lever Output side contact portion of 54a 71 First operating force transmission member (operating force transmission member) 711 Bowden Cable 711a Inner Cable 711b Cable Outer SP1 rotational trajectory SP2 rotational trajectory SP3 Rotation Trajectory SP4 Rotation Trajectory

Claims

1. A latch mechanism having a latch that can engage with a striker provided on the vehicle body, A vehicle door latch device comprising an operating mechanism for operating the latch mechanism, The aforementioned latch mechanism is A ratchet that can engage with the latch, The ratchet has a release lever for disengaging the ratchet from the latch, The aforementioned operating mechanism is It has a first axis of rotation, a second axis of rotation located above the first axis of rotation and parallel to the first axis of rotation, and a third axis of rotation located below the second axis of rotation and parallel to the first and second axes of rotation. A sub-lever is pivotally supported on the first rotation axis, which engages with the release lever and rotates around the first rotation axis to operate the release lever. The second rotation axis can selectively support a first input lever that rotates around the second rotation axis to operate the sub-lever when an operating force is applied to the outside handle, and a lever link that rotates around the second rotation axis to operate the sub-lever. A vehicle door latch device in which the third rotating shaft is capable of supporting a second input lever, which rotates around the third rotating shaft to operate the lever link when an operating force is applied to the outside handle.

2. A vehicle door latch device according to claim 1, The sub-lever has an input-side contact portion that the first input lever or the lever link contacts when the first input lever or the lever link rotates, The first input lever has an output contact portion that, when rotated, contacts the input contact portion of the sub-lever. The lever link has an output-side contact portion that contacts the input-side contact portion of the sub-lever when it rotates, and an input-side contact portion that the second input lever contacts when the second input lever rotates. The second input lever has an output contact portion that, when rotated, contacts the input contact portion of the lever link, A vehicle door latch device wherein, when viewed from the axial direction of the first rotation axis, the second rotation axis, and the third rotation axis, the rotational trajectory of the output side contact portion of the first input lever, the rotational trajectory of the output side contact portion of the lever link, and the rotational trajectory of the output side contact portion of the second input lever all overlap, at least in part, with the rotational trajectory of the input side contact portion of the sub-lever.

3. A vehicle door latch device according to claim 2, The vehicle door latch device further comprises a body member to which the latch mechanism and the operating mechanism are attached. The latch is attached to the first surface on one side of the body member. The operating mechanism is a vehicle door latch device attached to the second surface of the body member opposite to the first surface.

4. A vehicle door latch device according to claim 3, The body member is provided with a striker entry groove into which the striker can enter from the outside in the vehicle width direction. A vehicle door latch device wherein the first rotating shaft, the second rotating shaft, and the third rotating shaft are all positioned below the striker entry groove.

5. A vehicle door latch device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The vehicle door latch device further comprises a body member to which the operating mechanism is attached, The first input lever is provided with a cable connection portion to which the inner cable of an operating force transmission member, which is a Bowden cable having an inner cable and a cable outer through which the inner cable is inserted, is connected. A vehicle door latch device, wherein the body member is provided with a cable outer fixing portion above the cable connection portion of the first input lever for fixing the end of the cable outer of the operating force transmission member.

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