Vehicle door latch device

Abstract

A door latch device (1) is provided with a device body (2) having a latch mechanism (11), an electric motor (12), a main frame (10), and an open lever (16). The open lever (16) is mechanically connected to the latch mechanism (11), and is capable of operating the latch mechanism (11) with a displacement of the open lever (16). A first operation force input mechanism (20A) or a second operation force input mechanism (20B) is selectively attached to the device body (2), in order to transmit an operation force, which is input by the user of a vehicle, to the open lever (16). The main frame (10) has both frame fixing parts (10a, 10b) for fixing a sub-frame (30) of the first operation force input mechanism (20A), and a through-hole (10c) for passing a cable (41) of the second operation force input mechanism (20B).

Description

Vehicle door latch device

[0001] The present invention relates to a door latch device for a vehicle.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a door latch device configured to drive a latch mechanism with an electric motor. To enable the latch mechanism to operate and the door to open even when the electric motor cannot operate, the door latch device has an inside lever mechanically connected to the latch mechanism. An inside handle is provided on the inside of the door as an input unit through which a user inputs an operating force. When a user operates the inside handle, the inside lever is actuated, thereby opening the door.

[0003] International Publication No. 2016 / 132464

[0004] The input unit is located in various places depending on the vehicle model. Accordingly, there are various types of mechanisms for transmitting the operating force input to the input unit to the latch mechanism. Manufacturing door latch devices individually for each different mechanism would complicate production management.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to simplify the manufacturing management of a vehicle door latch device.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a device comprising: a device main body having a latch mechanism that releasably engages with a striker provided on a vehicle body, an electric motor that drives the latch mechanism, and a main frame that supports the latch mechanism and the electric motor; an open lever that is displaceably supported on the main frame; an operating force input mechanism that displaces the open lever with an operating force input by a vehicle user; and an operating force transmission mechanism that mechanically connects the open lever to the latch mechanism and activates the latch mechanism so that it disengages from the striker when the open lever is displaced, The present invention provides a vehicle door latch device in which a first operating force input mechanism or a second operating force input mechanism is selectively attached to the device main body, the first operating force input mechanism has a subframe fixed to the main frame and a lever supported by the subframe and operated by the user, the second operating force input mechanism has a cable connecting a handle arranged on the vehicle body away from the device main body and operated by the user to the open lever, and the main frame has a frame fixing portion for fixing the subframe and a through hole for passing the cable through.

[0007] According to the above configuration, the first operating force input mechanism or the second operating force input mechanism is selectively attached to the device main body. The main frame has both a frame fixing portion for fixing the subframe of the first operating force input mechanism and a through-hole for passing the cable of the second operating force input mechanism. Therefore, at least two types of vehicle door latch devices can be provided simply by replacing the assembly (operational force input mechanism) from the open lever to the input portion where the operating force is input by the user. Since many of the parts of vehicle door latch devices can be shared among various types, manufacturing management of door latch devices is simplified.

[0008] According to the present invention, the manufacturing management of vehicle door latch devices can be simplified.

[0009] 1 is a conceptual diagram of a door latch device according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a door latch device equipped with a first operation force input mechanism. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of a door latch device equipped with a second operation force input mechanism. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a door latch device equipped with a first operation force input mechanism. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a door latch device shown in a state where the cover has been separated from the device main body and the first operation force input mechanism has been assembled to the device main body. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a door latch device shown in a state where the cover and the first operation force input mechanism have been separated from the device main body. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the first operation force input mechanism. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the first operation force input mechanism showing the rear side of the lever and the rod when separated from the subframe. FIG. 8 is a partial side view of a door latch device shown in a state where the cover has been separated from the device main body and the first operation force input mechanism has been assembled to the device main body. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a door latch device equipped with a second operation force input mechanism. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a door latch device shown in a state where the cover has been separated from the device main body and the second operation force input mechanism has been assembled to the device main body. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a door latch device shown in a state where the cover and the second operation force input mechanism have been separated from the device main body. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a second operation force input mechanism, and FIG. 2 is a partial side view of a door latch device shown in a state where the cover is separated from the device body and the second operation force input mechanism is assembled to the device body.

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the same or corresponding elements are designated by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0011] 1 to 3, a vehicle door latch device 1 according to this embodiment locks or unlocks a vehicle door. The door latch device 1 includes a device main body 2, a cover 3, an operation unit 4, a controller 5, and an operation force input mechanism 20.

[0012] The device body 2 has a main frame 10. For convenience of illustration, Figures 1 to 3 show the main frame 10 in a box-like configuration, but the main frame 10 may be in a frame or plate shape. For example, a latch mechanism 11, an electric motor 12, a drive force transmission mechanism 13, a connector 14, and a manual release mechanism 15 are supported by the main frame 10 and also partially constitute the device body 2. A cover 3 covers the device body 2.

[0013] The latch mechanism 11 releasably engages with a striker 81 provided on the vehicle body. The latch mechanism 11 includes a fork 11a and a claw 11b. The fork 11a is rotatable between a latched position where it engages with the striker 81 and an open position where the engagement is released. The claw 11b is rotatable between a holding position where it holds the fork 11a in the latched position and an unholding position where the engagement is released. Note that FIGS. 1 to 3 show a state in which the fork 11a is in the latched position and engaged with the striker 81, and the claw 11b is in the holding position, i.e., the door latch device 1 or the latch mechanism 11 is locked. The claw 11b is rotatable counterclockwise from the holding position shown in the figure to the unholding position, and the fork 11a is rotatable counterclockwise from the latched position shown in the figure to the open position. This allows the striker 81 to disengage from the latch mechanism 11 through the passage hole 2a of the device main body 2. In other words, the door latch device 1 or the latch mechanism 11 is unlocked.

[0014] The electric motor 12 is connected to the claw 11b of the latch mechanism 11 via a driving force transmission mechanism 13. The electric motor 12 is rotatable in both forward and reverse directions. The driving force transmission mechanism 13 transmits the rotational driving force generated by the electric motor 12 to the claw 11b. The driving force transmission mechanism 13 is composed of a shaft, a lever, a gear, a cam, or the like, and forms a power transmission path that transmits the rotational driving force to the claw 11b.

[0015] The operation unit 4 is operated by a vehicle user to lock or unlock the vehicle doors. The controller 5 is connected to the operation unit 4 and the electric motor 12. The controller 5 is a computer having a CPU, memory, and an input / output interface. The operation unit 4 includes, for example, a button switch provided on a smart key or a door lock switch provided on a door. Although FIGS. 1 to 3 schematically show a configuration in which the operation unit 4 is wirelessly connected to the controller 5, the operation unit 4 may also be connected to the controller 5 via a wire. Although FIGS. 1 to 3 schematically show a configuration in which the controller 5 is provided outside the device main body 2, the controller 5 may also be supported by the main frame 10 to constitute the device main body 2. When the controller 5 is provided outside the device main body 2, a connector 14 provided on the device main body 2 is used. The connector 14 is detachably connected to a wire harness 6a extending from the controller 5 and is connected to the electric motor 12 via wiring 6b within the device main body 2. An on-board battery 82 may be used as a power source for the controller 5 and the electric motor 12 , in which case the connector 14 is interposed on the power supply line 7 connecting the battery 82 to the electric motor 12 .

[0016] When the operating unit 4 is operated by a user, a start command for the electric motor 12 is output from the operating unit 4. The controller 5 operates the electric motor 12 in response to the start command. This causes the claw 11b to rotate. The claw 11b is rotated from the holding position to the non-holding position, or from the non-holding position to the holding position, depending on the rotation direction of the electric motor 12. In other words, the state of the door latch device 1 or the latch mechanism 11 is switched between a locked state and an unlocked state.

[0017] The manual release mechanism 15 is provided in the device body 2 so that the latch mechanism 11 can be switched from a locked state to an unlocked state even when the electric motor 12 is not operating normally. The operating force input mechanism 20 transmits an operating force manually input by a vehicle user to an input unit external to the device body 2 to the manual release mechanism 15. The manual release mechanism 15 further transmits the transmitted operating force to the claw 11b. As a result, the claw 11b can be manually rotated from the holding position to the non-holding position even when the electric motor 12 is stopped.

[0018] The manual release mechanism 15 is configured with a shaft, a lever, a gear, a cam, or the like, and forms a power transmission path that transmits the operating force to the claw 11b. Figures 1 to 3 schematically show a configuration in which the manual release mechanism 15 is shared with the driving force transmission mechanism 13 on the downstream side in the power transmission direction, but the manual release mechanism 15 may form a power transmission path that is completely independent from the driving force transmission mechanism 13.

[0019] The manual release mechanism 15 has an open lever 16 at its upstream end in the power transmission direction. The open lever 16 is displaceably supported on the main frame 10 and constitutes part of the device body 2. The open lever 16 is rotatably displaceable between an initial position and an operating position, and is normally positioned at the initial position. The open lever 16 has a connecting portion 16a that is connected to the operating force input mechanism 20.

[0020] In this door latch device 1, a first operating force input mechanism 20A or a second operating force input mechanism 20B is selectively attached to the device main body 2 as the operating force input mechanism 20. The first operating force input mechanism 20A is a "frame-fixed type" or a "lever type." The second operating force input mechanism 20B is a "frame-separated type" or a "cable type." A plurality of different types of operating force input mechanisms 20A, 20B are interchangeably attached to the device main body 2 of the door latch device 1.

[0021] Figure 2 (and Figures 4A to 4F) shows the first operating force input mechanism 20A or the door latch device 1A to which it is attached. Figure 3 (and Figures 5A to 5E) shows the second operating force input mechanism 20B or the door latch device 1B to which it is attached.

[0022] Referring to Figure 2, the first operating force input mechanism 20A has a subframe 30 fixed to the main frame 10, a lever 31 swingably supported on the subframe 30, and a rod 32 connecting the lever 31 to the open lever 16.

[0023] An input unit 31a that is operated by a user is integrally provided on the lever 31. The subframe 30 is box-shaped with an opening at one end, and the opening of the subframe 30 is covered by a vehicle-side member. An inner panel 83 of a door is a suitable example of such a vehicle-side member. The inner panel 83 is provided with an opening 83a that exposes the input unit 31a to the interior of the vehicle.

[0024] The subframe 30 has locking portions 30a and 30b for being fixed to the main frame 10. The base end of the rod 32 is connected to the lever 31. The rod 32 passes through a rod insertion hole 30c formed in the subframe 30 and extends outside the subframe 30.

[0025] When the first operating force input mechanism 20A is attached, the locking portions 30a, 30b engage with frame fixing portions 10a, 10b provided on the main frame 10, thereby fixing the subframe 30 to the main frame 10. Then, the rod insertion hole 30c communicates with the through hole 10c formed in the main frame 10. The rod 32 passes through the rod insertion hole 30c and the through hole 10c and enters the device main body 2. The tip of the rod 32 is connected to the connecting portion 16a of the open lever 16.

[0026] When an operating force is input to the input portion 31a, the lever 31 swings. The rotational displacement of the lever 31 is transmitted to the open lever 16 via the rod 32, causing the open lever 16 to swing from the initial position to the operating position. As a result, the claw 11b is rotationally driven by the manual release mechanism 15 and displaced from the holding position to the non-holding position.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 3 , the second operating force input mechanism 20B includes a cable 41 connecting a handle 85 provided on a door panel member 84 to the open lever 16, a block 42 provided on the cable 41, and a biasing member 43 biasing the open lever 16 toward its initial position. The handle 85 is an example of an input unit disposed on the vehicle body outside the device main body 2 and into which an operating force is manually input by a vehicle user. Unlike the subframe 30 (see FIG. 2 ), the handle 85 is disposed away from the device main body 2. The door panel member 84 may be an outer panel or an inner panel, and the handle 85 may be disposed outside or inside the vehicle cabin. Unless otherwise specified, the handle 85 is assumed to be disposed inside the vehicle cabin. The handle 85 is pivotally attached to the door panel member 84 via a hinge (not shown) and biased toward its non-operating position by a biasing member such as a torsion spring. The base end of the cable 41 is connected to the handle 85.

[0028] When the second operating force input mechanism 20B is attached, the cable 41 passes through the through-hole 10c, and the tip of the cable 41 is connected to the connecting portion 16a of the open lever 16. When the handle 85 is operated from the non-operating position, the cable 41 is pulled by the handle 85. The open lever 16 follows this and swings from the initial position to the operating position. As a result, the claw 11b is rotationally driven by the manual release mechanism 15 and displaces from the holding position to the non-holding position.

[0029] A cable fixing portion 10d, into which a block 42 is fitted, is provided around the through-hole 10c of the main frame 10. A biasing member 43 is supported by the block 42 and the tip of the cable 41. When the cable 41 is pulled, the block 42 abuts against the cable fixing portion 10d, while the biasing member 43 is compressed and stores a biasing force. When the operating force is released, the handle 85 returns to the non-operating position. The cable 41 follows suit and returns to its pre-operation state, and the open lever 16 returns to its initial position due to the biasing force of the biasing member 43.

[0030] In this way, the first operating force input mechanism 20A or the second operating force input mechanism 20B is selectively connected to the connecting portion 16a of the open lever 16 and selectively attached to the device main body 2. The main frame 10 has frame fixing portions 10a, 10b for fixing the subframe 30 of the first operating force input mechanism 20A and a through-hole 10c for passing the cable 41 of the second operating force input mechanism 20B. This makes it possible to selectively provide at least two types of door latch devices 1A, 1B. Since many of the parts of the door latch device 1 can be shared between different types, manufacturing management of the door latch device 1 can be simplified.

[0031] In particular, the main frame 10 and the latch mechanism 11 supported thereon can be shared among different types. When the cable-type second operating force input mechanism 20B is selected, the subframe 30 is unnecessary, and there is no need to secure space for the subframe 30 around the device main body 2. When the lever-type first operating force input mechanism 20A is selected, a member (i.e., the rod 32) that transmits the displacement of the lever 31 to the open lever 16 can be placed using the through-hole 10c through which the cable 41 passes. The cable 41 and the rod 31 are placed in approximately the same position. Therefore, there is no need to secure separate space for each type of member in different locations around the main frame 10, and the main frame 10, and therefore the door latch device 1, can be made smaller.

[0032] The through-hole 10c is provided on the same surface as the surface on which the connector 14 of the device main body 2 is arranged. The sub-frame 30 is fixed to this surface. The cover 3 has a slit 3a to avoid the connector 14. The slit 3a extends to the periphery of the through-hole 10c. This prevents the sub-frame 30 and rod 32 from interfering with the cover 3, and also prevents the cable 41 from interfering with the cover 3.

[0033] The following further describes the configurations of the door latch device 1A equipped with the first operating force input mechanism 20A and the door latch device 1B equipped with the second operating force input mechanism 20B. For the sake of convenience, the X direction in Figures 4A and 5A is defined as the front-to-rear direction, the Y direction as the width direction, and the Z direction as the height direction (up-down direction). However, the definitions of these directions may be changed as appropriate depending on the installation orientation of the door latch device 1A relative to the vehicle, etc.

[0034] Referring to Figures 4A to 4C, the device main body 2 is L-shaped in a plan view and has a first part 2b extending in the up-down and front-to-back directions, and a second part 2c extending from the front end of the first part 2b to the other side in the width direction and extending in the up-down and width directions.

[0035] The passage hole 2a for the striker 81 (see FIG. 1) is provided in the vertical center of the corner between the first portion 2b and the second portion 2c. The connector 14 protrudes rearward from the upper part of the rear side of the first portion 2b (i.e., the opposite side from the passage hole 2a in the front-rear direction).

[0036] The first portion 2b has a main body opening 2d at its lower end. The main body opening 2d is a space extending in the front-rear direction at the lower end of the first portion 2b and is open to one side in the width direction. The main body opening 2d is located below the passage hole 2a and the connector 14.

[0037] The open lever 16 is rotatably supported by the main frame 10 and has a protrusion 16b that protrudes into the main body open section 2d. The thickness direction of the protrusion 16b and the rotation axis A16 of the open lever 16 are oriented in the width direction. The connecting portion 16a of the open lever 16 is formed by a through hole formed in the protrusion 16b.

[0038] A cylindrical portion 2e protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the first portion 2b. The cylindrical portion 2e protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the first portion 2b to the same extent as the connector 14. Both ends of the cylindrical portion 2e in the axial direction (front-rear direction) are open. The aforementioned through hole 10c is formed by this cylindrical portion 2e. The front opening of the cylindrical portion 2e (through hole 10c) communicates with the main body open portion 2d. The rear opening of the cylindrical portion 2e (through hole 10c) opens the device main body 2 rearward and outward.

[0039] Like the main body open portion 2d, the cylindrical portion 2e is also open on one side in the width direction. In other words, the cross section of the cylindrical portion 2e perpendicular to the axial direction is not annular but C-shaped, open on one side in the width direction.

[0040] The cylindrical portion 2e has a stepped cylindrical shape with the inner diameter of its front portion being larger than the inner diameter of its rear portion. A circular annular stepped surface facing forward is provided between the larger-diameter front portion and the smaller-diameter rear portion. This stepped surface serves as the cable fixing portion 10d described above.

[0041] Two frame fixing portions 10a and 10b are provided on the rear side of the first portion 2b of the device body 2, spaced apart in the vertical direction.

[0042] The upper frame fixing portion 10a is provided on the back surface of the first portion 2b and is located between the connector 14 and the cylindrical portion 2e in the vertical direction. The frame fixing portion 10a has a first protrusion that protrudes rearward from the back surface of the first portion 2b and a second protrusion that extends downward from the tip of the first protrusion, and is inverted L-shaped when viewed in the width direction.

[0043] The lower frame fixing portion 10b is provided at the lower tip of the cylindrical portion 2e and is located rearward of the upper frame fixing portion 10a. The frame fixing portion 10b has a first protrusion protruding downward from the lower tip of the cylindrical portion 2e, a second protrusion extending rearward from the tip of the first protrusion, and a third protrusion extending upward from the tip of the second protrusion, and is J-shaped when viewed in the width direction.

[0044] 4C to 4F, the subframe 30 of the first operating force input mechanism 20A has a sidewall 30d on the other side in the width direction and a peripheral wall 30e that protrudes from the peripheral edge of the sidewall 30d to one side in the width direction, and is open to one side in the width direction similar to the main body open portion 2d. In other words, the subframe 30 has a base portion 30f that is formed in a fan shape when viewed in the width direction, and a protruding portion 30g that protrudes forward from the upper front portion of the base portion 30f.

[0045] The base portion 30f has a front wall extending in the front-rear and up-down directions, an arc wall extending rearward from the lower end of the front wall and having an arc shape when viewed in the width direction, and an inclined wall extending forward and upward from the rear end of the arc wall. The protruding portion 30g has a protruding upper wall extending forward from the upper end of the inclined wall, a protruding end wall extending downward from the front end of the protruding upper wall, and a protruding lower wall connecting the lower end of the protruding end wall to the upper end of the front wall of the base portion 30f. The peripheral wall 30e is composed of the front wall, the arc wall, the inclined wall, the protruding upper wall, the protruding end wall, and the protruding lower wall.

[0046] Two locking portions 30a, 30b are provided on the front side of the subframe 30, spaced apart in the vertical direction.

[0047] The upper locking portion 30a protrudes upward from the front end of the protruding upper wall of the protruding portion 30g. In other words, the locking portion 30a is formed by extending the protruding end wall of the protruding portion 30a upward from the corner where the protruding end wall meets the protruding upper wall. The lower locking portion 30b is provided at the lower end of the front wall of the base portion 30f and is located rearward of the upper locking portion 30a. The locking portion 30b has a first protruding portion protruding forward from the front wall of the base portion 30f and a second protruding portion protruding downward from the first protruding portion, and is inverted L-shaped when viewed in the width direction.

[0048] The subframe 30 is fixed to the mainframe 2 by moving it widthwise relative to the mainframe 10. During this relative movement, the upper locking portion 30a is inserted into the upper frame fixing portion 10a, and the lower locking portion 30b is inserted into the lower frame fixing portion 10b. This causes each locking portion 30a, 30b to be locked to the corresponding frame fixing portion 10a, 10b. The protrusion 30g is located above the cylindrical portion 2e, and the rear end of the cylindrical portion 2e faces the front-lower portion of the base portion 30f in the front-rear direction.

[0049] The rod insertion hole 30c described above is provided in the lower front portion of the base portion 30f. The rod insertion hole 30c penetrates the front wall of the base portion 30f and is open to one side in the width direction. The rod insertion hole 30c is aligned with the rear end opening of the cylindrical portion 2e. This allows the main body open portion 2d to communicate with the interior of the subframe 30 via the through-hole 10c (cylindrical portion 2e) and the rod insertion hole 30c.

[0050] The main body open portion 2d, the through-hole 10c (cylindrical portion 2e), the rod insertion hole 30c, and the interior of the subframe 30 form a space that is continuous in the front-to-rear direction in this order, and the lever 31 and rod 32 of the first operating force input mechanism 20A are housed in this space. The space that houses the lever 31 and the rod 32 is open to one side in the width direction (although it is ultimately closed by the cover 3 and the inner panel 83). Because the space that houses the lever 31 and the rod 32 forms an open portion that is open to one side in the width direction and is continuous in the front-to-rear direction during the assembly process of the door latch device 1A, the work of assembling the first operating force input mechanism 20A to the device main body 2 can be easily performed.

[0051] One end of the lever 31 is rotatably supported on a swing shaft 30h provided at the upper end of the base portion 30f and protruding from the side wall 30d to one side in the width direction. The lever 31 swings within the base portion 30f around a rotation axis A31, the central axis of the swing shaft 30h being the rotation axis A31. A restricting protrusion 30j protruding from the side wall 30d is provided at the front of the base portion 30f. The lever 31 is rotatable between an initial position in which it abuts against the restricting protrusion 30j and an operating position, which is a counterclockwise rotation position from the initial position as viewed from one side in the width direction and in which it abuts against the inclined wall.

[0052] The first operating force input mechanism 20A is provided with a retaining mechanism 33 that prevents the lever 31 from falling off the subframe 30. A cylindrical portion 33a, coaxial with the pivot shaft 30h, protrudes from the side wall 30d of the lever 31 toward one side in the width direction. The cylindrical portion 33a is hollow, and a Y-shaped slit 33b is formed in the center of the protruding end wall of the cylindrical portion 33a. The slit 33b opens toward one side in the width direction and expands radially into a circular shape at an axially intermediate portion of the cylindrical portion 33a. The pivot shaft 30h passes through the center of the slit 33b and protrudes toward one side in the width direction beyond the cylindrical portion 33a. Meanwhile, a shaft insertion hole 31b into which the pivot shaft 30h is inserted and a Y-shaped protrusion 33c protruding radially from the periphery of the shaft insertion hole 31b are provided on the back side (the other side in the width direction) of one end of the lever 31. When the pivot shaft 30h is inserted into the shaft insertion hole 31b, the protrusion 33c passes through the slit 33b, and the lever 31 is further rotated around the rotation axis A31. As a result, the protrusion 33c is positioned inside the cylindrical portion and is positioned between the slits 33b in the circumferential direction on the back side of the protruding end wall of the cylindrical portion 33a. Therefore, even if the lever 31 is pulled to one side in the width direction, the protrusion 33c abuts against the protruding end wall of the cylindrical portion 33a, preventing the lever 31 from falling off.

[0053] A rod locking hole 31c is provided at the other end of the lever 31. The rod locking hole 31c has a circular portion that is circular when viewed in the width direction, and an arc-shaped portion that is continuous with the circular portion rearward.

[0054] The rod 32 passes through the rod insertion hole 30c and the through-hole 10c (cylindrical portion 2e). The base end of the rod 32 is housed inside the subframe 30, and the tip end of the rod 31 is housed in the main body open portion 2d. A base end hook 34 is provided at the base end of the rod 32, and a tip end hook 35 is provided at the tip end of the rod 32. The base end hook 34 is engaged with the rod engagement hole 31c of the lever 31, and the tip end hook 35 is engaged with the connecting portion 16a of the open lever 16.

[0055] The base-end hook 34 has a tubular portion 34a that fits onto the base end of the rod 32, a pin portion 34b that extends from the tubular portion 34a in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rod 32 and the tubular portion 34a, and an engagement portion 34c that extends from the tip of the pin portion 34b to the opposite side of the rod 32. With the rod 32 and the tubular portion 34a positioned on one side in the width direction relative to the lever 31, the pin portion 34b is inserted into the rod locking hole 31c, and the engagement portion 34c is positioned on the other side in the width direction relative to the lever 31. By fitting the pin portion 34b into the circular portion of the rod locking hole 31c, the base end of the rod 32 can swing around the center of the circular portion of the rod locking hole 31c. Because the engagement portion 34c is positioned on the back side of the lever 31, the base end of the rod 32 can be prevented from falling off the lever 32 to one side in the width direction.

[0056] Similar to the base hook 34, the tip hook 35 also has a tubular portion 35a, a pin portion 35b, and an engaging portion 35c. With the rod 32 and the tubular portion 35a positioned on one side in the width direction relative to the open lever 16, the pin portion 35b is inserted into the connecting portion 16a, which serves as a through hole, and the engaging portion 35c is positioned on the other side in the width direction relative to the open lever 16. By fitting the pin portion 35b into the connecting portion 16a, the tip of the rod 32 can swing around the center of the connecting portion 16a. Because the engaging portion 35c is positioned on the back side of the open lever 16, it is possible to prevent the tip of the rod 32 from falling off the open lever 16 to one side in the width direction.

[0057] An input portion 31a is provided on the front side (one side in the width direction) of one end of the lever 31. The input portion 31a is configured with a slit extending in the diameter direction centered on the rotation axis A31. A vehicle user can grip a flathead screwdriver, a coin, or the like, and screw it into the slit serving as the input portion 31a, and twist the gripped object together with the input portion 31a to input an operating force to the input portion 31a, thereby causing the lever 31 to swing.

[0058] 4A and 4B , the cover 3 has walls that form a space that houses the device main body 2. The space is open downward, and the cover 3 is placed over the device main body 2 to cover the device main body 2. For example, the cover 3 has a side wall 3b that covers the side surface on one side in the width direction of the first portion 2b, an upper wall 3c that covers the upper surface of the first portion 2b, and a rear wall 3d that is continuous with the side wall 3b and upper wall 3c and covers the back surface of the first portion 2b. One side in the width direction of the main body open portion 2d is closed by the side wall 3b.

[0059] The rear wall 3d is cut away from the bottom edge to form a slit 3a. When the cover 3 is placed over the device body 2, the first operating force input mechanism 20A including the subframe 30 and the connector 14 are positioned within the slit 3a and protrude rearward relative to the cover 3 without interfering with the cover 3.

[0060] Conversely, even with the cover 3 provided, the cylindrical portion 2e and the subframe 30 remain open on one side in the width direction. They are closed by the inner panel 83, which is an example of a vehicle-side member. The use of a vehicle-side member simplifies the configuration of the door latch device 1A. This eliminates the need to separately manufacture the cover 3, which has an additional shape to cover the cylindrical portion 2e and the subframe 30, further facilitating manufacturing management.

[0061] The input portion 31a is exposed to the vehicle interior through an opening 83a formed by the inner panel 83. A user inside the vehicle can unlock the door by inserting a tool or the like into the slit in the input portion 31a and turning the tool, even when the electric motor 12 cannot be operated. Even when the tool is turned clockwise, the lever 31 remains in contact with the restricting protrusion 30j and does not move from its initial position. The user must turn the tool counterclockwise. This causes the lever 31 to move counterclockwise around the rotation axis A31 from its initial position. The other end of the lever 31 moves rearward, and the rod 32 follows. The protrusion 16b of the open lever 16 also moves rearward following this movement. This swing of the open lever 16 causes the claw 11b to move from the holding position to the non-holding position, switching the latch mechanism 11 from the locked state to the unlocked state. Even if the center of the rotational force input by the user is inclined with respect to the rotation axis A31, the lever 31 will not come off the subframe 30 due to the action of the retaining mechanism 33.

[0062] 5A to 5E, when the second operating force input mechanism 20B is attached, the subframe 30 is omitted. The rear end opening of the through-hole 10c is open to the outside of the device main body 2. The cable 41 passes through the through-hole 10c. The tip end of the cable 41 is housed in the main body opening 2d. The base end of the cable 41 extends rearward from the through-hole 10c and is connected to a handle 85 (see FIG. 3) that is spaced apart from the device main body 2. In this case, too, the main body opening 2d and the through-hole 10c are open to one side in the width direction during the assembly process of the door latch device 1B, making it easy to install the cable 41.

[0063] The cable 41 includes a tube-shaped outer cable 41a and a wire-shaped inner cable 41b that is movably inserted through the outer cable 41a. A block 42 is provided at the distal end of the outer cable 41a. The block 42 has a cable insertion hole 42a through which the inner cable 41b is inserted and an elastic claw 42b that protrudes from the distal end toward the other widthwise side. The block 42 is disposed forward of the stepped surface (cable fixing portion 10d) of the cylindrical portion 2e of the main frame 10. The cable 41 can pass through the rear portion, which is the smaller diameter side of the cylindrical portion 2e, without any hindrance, while the block 42 is larger than the rear portion. Even when pulled rearward, the block 42 abuts against the stepped surface of the cable fixing portion 10d and cannot pass through the rear portion of the cylindrical portion 2e, preventing it from falling rearward from the cylindrical portion 2e. Furthermore, the elastic claws 42b engage with engagement holes (not shown) formed on the other side in the width direction inside the cylindrical portion 2e, so that the block 42 does not fall off to the other side in the width direction.

[0064] A tip hook 44 is provided at the tip of the inner cable 41b. Similar to the tip hook 35 (see FIG. 4F ) of the first operating force input mechanism 20A, the tip hook 44 has a tubular portion 44a, a pin portion 44b, and an engaging portion 44c. With the inner cable 41b and the tip hook 44 positioned on one side in the width direction relative to the open lever 16, the engaging portion 44c and the pin portion 44b are inserted into the connecting portion 16a, which serves as a through hole, and the engaging portion 44c is positioned on the other side in the width direction relative to the open lever 16. By fitting the pin portion 44b into the connecting portion 16a, the tip of the inner cable 41b can swing around the center of the connecting portion 16a. Because the engaging portion 44c is positioned on the back side of the open lever 16, the tip of the inner cable 41b can be prevented from falling off the open lever 16 to one side in the width direction.

[0065] The biasing member 43 is a long coil spring. The inner cable 41 b is inserted into the biasing member 43. One end of the biasing member 43 is supported on the front surface of the block 42, and the other end of the biasing member 43 is supported on the rear end surface of the cylindrical portion 44 a of the tip hook 44.

[0066] When the cover 3 is placed on the device body 2 from above, one widthwise side of the body opening 2d is closed by the side wall 3b, so that the portion of the cable 41 that is further to the tip side than the block 42 is covered by the cover 3 together with the open lever 16.

[0067] A vehicle occupant can unlock the door by swinging the handle 85 from the non-operating position, even in a situation where the electric motor 12 cannot be operated. When the user operates the handle, the inner cable 41b of the cable 41 is pulled by the handle and pulled rearward. In response to this, the protrusion 16b of the open lever 16 is displaced rearward. This swinging of the open lever 16 displaces the claw 11b from the holding position to the non-holding position, and the latch mechanism 11 is switched from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0068] At this time, the block 42 abuts against the stepped surface (cable fixing portion 10d) of the cylindrical portion 2e and does not displace rearward. As a result, the biasing member 43 is compressed. When the user releases the operating force applied to the handle 85, the handle 85 returns to the non-operating position. The biasing force of the compressed biasing member 43 pushes the tip hook 44 forward, thereby returning the open lever 16 to its initial position.

[0069] As described above, according to this embodiment, the device body 2 and the cover 3 can be shared between the different types of door latch devices 1A and 1B, which simplifies manufacturing management.

[0070] Although the embodiments have been described above, the above configurations can be appropriately changed, deleted, or added within the scope of the present invention.

[0071] In this embodiment, the cable fixing portion 10d is provided within the through hole 10c, but this is not limited to this and it may also be arranged adjacent to the through hole 10c, for example, within the main body opening 2d in front of the through hole 10c.

[0072] In this embodiment, the input portion 31a is formed with a slit, but it may also be provided with a handle or knob that can be held by fingers.

[0073] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1, 1A, 1B Door latch device 2 Device main body 2a Pass-through hole 2b First portion 2c Second portion 2d Main body opening portion 2e Cylindrical portion 3 Cover 3a Slit 3b Side wall 3c Upper wall 3d Rear wall 4 Operation portion 5 Controller 6a Wire harness 6b Wiring 7 Power supply line 10 Main frame 10a, 10b Frame fixing portion 10c Through hole 10d Cable fixing portion 11 Latch mechanism 11a Fork 11b Claw 12 Electric motor 13 Drive force transmission mechanism 14 Connector 15 Manual release mechanism 16 Open lever 16a Connecting portion 16b Protrusion 20 Operation force input mechanism 20A First operation force input mechanism 20B Second operation force input mechanism 30 Subframe 30a, 30b Locking portion 30c Rod insertion hole 30d Side wall 30e Peripheral wall 30f Base portion 30g Protrusion 30h Swing shaft 30j Restricting projection 31 Lever 31a Input portion 31b Shaft insertion hole 31c Rod locking hole 32 Rod 33 Anti-slip mechanism 33a Cylindrical portion 33b Slit 33c Projection 34 Base end hook 34a Cylinder portion 34b Pin portion 34c Engagement portion 35 Tip hook 35a Cylinder portion 35b Pin portion 35c Engagement portion 41 Cable 41a Outer cable 41b Inner cable 42 Block 42a Cable insertion hole 42b Elastic claw portion 43 Urging member 44 Tip hook 44a Cylinder portion 44b Pin portion 44c Engagement portion 81 Striker 82 Battery 83 Inner panel 83a Opening 84 Door panel member 85 Handle

Claims

1. A device comprising: a device main body having a latch mechanism which releasably engages with a striker provided on a vehicle body, an electric motor which drives the latch mechanism, and a main frame which supports the latch mechanism and the electric motor; an open lever which is displaceably supported on the main frame; an operating force input mechanism which displaces the open lever with an operating force input by a vehicle user; and a manual release mechanism which mechanically connects the open lever to the latch mechanism and operates the latch mechanism so as to disengage from the striker when the open lever is displaced; wherein a first operating force input mechanism or a second operating force input mechanism is selectively attached to the device main body as the operating force input mechanism; the first operating force input mechanism has a subframe which is fixed to the main frame, and a lever which is supported by the subframe and which is operated by the user; the second operating force input mechanism has a cable which connects a handle which is disposed on the vehicle body apart from the device body and which is operated by the user, to the open lever; and the main frame has a frame fixing portion for fixing the subframe, and a through hole through which the cable passes. A vehicle door latch device.

2. A vehicle door latch device as described in claim 1, further comprising a cover covering said device body, said cover being provided with a slit for allowing said subframe to be fixed to said main frame when said first operating force input mechanism is attached to said device body as said operating force input mechanism.

3. A vehicle door latch device as described in claim 1, wherein the first operating force input mechanism further has a rod connecting the lever to the open lever, the rod passing through the through hole of the main frame and a rod insertion hole of the subframe communicating with the through hole.

4. The vehicle door latch device according to claim 1, wherein the subframe is box-shaped with one end open, and the opening of the subframe is covered by a vehicle side member.

5. The vehicle door latch device according to claim 1, wherein the main frame is provided with a cable fixing portion for holding the cable within or adjacent to the through hole.

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