CN112727269A

CN112727269A - Door latch device

Info

Publication number: CN112727269A
Application number: CN202011159788.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 山崎浩平
Original assignee: U Shin Ltd
Current assignee: U Shin Ltd
Priority date: 2019-10-28
Filing date: 2020-10-26
Publication date: 2021-04-30
Also published as: JP7341857B2; JP2021067148A

Abstract

The invention provides a door latch device which can miniaturize the shape of the whole device. A door latch device (10) is provided with: a shift fork (26); a jaw (28); a release mechanism (35) having an opening operation member (38) and an electric motor (36); an inner lever (46) that rotates by operation of an operation member (6) on the vehicle interior side; an outer lever (48) that rotates by operation of an operation member (7) on the vehicle outside; a protection block (20) for configuring a shifting fork (26), a clamping jaw (28), an inner rod (46) and an outer rod (48); a first rotating shaft (30) which axially supports the claw (28) on the guard block (20); and a second rotating shaft (50) which extends along the first rotating shaft (30) and which axially supports the inner rod (46) and the outer rod (48) on the shield block (20).

Description

Door latch device

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a door latch device.

Background

A door latch device for latching a door of a vehicle so as to be openable includes a latch mechanism including: a shift fork that holds a striker of a vehicle body to be releasable; and a pawl for latching the fork in a full latch position. Patent document 1 discloses a door latch device in which, when the door latch device is stable, a pawl releases a fork from being locked (a door is opened) by a pawl by an electric release mechanism including a motor.

The electric release mechanism may be in an inoperative state due to insufficient power of the battery. Therefore, the door latch device of patent document 1 is provided with a manual release mechanism for emergency. The manual release mechanism includes an inner lever connected to an inner handle disposed on the vehicle interior side of the door. When stable, the inner handle is in a hidden state and is not used.

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1: international publication No. WO2016/174753

In the door latch device of patent document 1, a mechanical lock mechanism using a lever and a link member is not necessary in some cases when stable, and therefore the overall shape can be reduced in size. However, in the door latch device of patent document 1, there is room for improvement in downsizing of the entire shape.

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

The invention provides a door latch device capable of realizing miniaturization of the whole shape.

Means for solving the problems

One aspect of the present invention provides a door latch device including: a shift fork rotatable between an open position where a striker is releasable and a full-latch position where the striker is held; a pawl rotatable between a locking position where the fork is locked at the full-latch position and a non-locking position where the locking with the fork is released; a release mechanism having an opening operation member for rotating the claw at the locking position to the non-locking position and an electric motor for driving the opening operation member; an inner lever that is rotated by an operation of an operation member on the vehicle interior side and rotates the pawl at the locking position to the non-locking position; an outer lever that rotates by operation of an operation member on the vehicle outside and rotates the pawl at the locking position to the non-locking position; the protection block is used for configuring the shifting fork, the clamping jaws, the inner rod and the outer rod; a first rotation shaft that supports the jaw shaft to the guard block; and a second rotation shaft extending along the first rotation shaft and supporting the inner rod and the outer rod on the guard block.

According to the door latch device, the shift fork, the claw, the inner rod, and the outer rod are collectively arranged on the protective block, and the inner rod and the outer rod are rotatably arranged on one second rotation shaft. Therefore, one rotation shaft for pivotally supporting the inner rod and the outer rod can be eliminated. As a result, the arrangement space for one rotation shaft and the arrangement space for the inner lever or the outer lever can be reduced, and therefore the overall shape of the door latch device can be reduced.

Effects of the invention

In the door latch device according to the present invention, the overall shape of the device can be reduced in size.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a side view showing a state in which a door latch device according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted in a vehicle.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the door latch device of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the door latch device of fig. 1.

Fig. 4A is a front view of the outer side of the guard block.

Fig. 4B is a front view of the inner side of the guard block.

Fig. 5 is a front view of the second disposition portion of the housing main body.

Fig. 6 is a front view showing an open state of the latch mechanism.

Fig. 7A is a front view showing a first state of the action of the close lever.

Fig. 7B is a front view showing a second state of the action of the close lever.

Fig. 8A is a front view showing an opening action state by the electric release mechanism.

Fig. 8B is a front view showing an opening operation state by the inner lever.

Fig. 8C is a front view showing an opening action state by the outer lever.

Fig. 9 is a partially enlarged view of fig. 5.

Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing the arrangement of the operation receiving member, the opening operation member, the inner lever, and the outer lever.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing the structure of the exposed portion.

Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the connecting portion of the inner lever, the connecting portion of the outer lever, and the connecting member of the cable.

Fig. 13 is a front view showing a state in which the inner handle is operated from the state of fig. 4A.

Fig. 14 is a front view showing a state in which the key cylinder is operated from the state of fig. 4A.

Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing a modification of the inner rod and the outer rod.

Fig. 16 is a front view showing a state in which a cable is connected to the rod of fig. 15.

Fig. 17 is a front view showing a state in which the inner handle is operated from the state of fig. 16.

Fig. 18 is a front view showing a state in which the key cylinder is operated from the state of fig. 16.

Description of the reference numerals

1, a vehicle body; 1a side plate; 2, a firing pin; 3, 3 doors; 3a end plate; 3b an outer plate; 4 ECU; 5, a switch; 6 inner handle (operation member on the vehicle inner side); 7 key cylinder (operation member on the vehicle outside); 10 a door latch device; 15 a housing; 16 connectors; 17a housing body; 17a first arrangement portion; 17b a second arrangement portion; 18 covers; 19a waterproof cover; 20a protection block; 19a first portion; 19b a second portion; 20a vehicle inner side end surface; 20b outer side portion; 20c an inner side portion; 20d mounting part; 20e inserting the through groove; 20f exposed part; 20g of a first through hole; 20h second through hole; 20i a first holding portion; 20j a second holding portion; 21 cover plates; 21a inserting groove; 22 a back plate; 23 a cable cover; 24a sealing member; 24a first portion; 24b a second portion; 25 a latch mechanism; 26 shifting forks; 26a holding groove; 26b locking the step part; 26c an operation receiving unit; 27 a rotating shaft; 28, a claw; 28a locking part; 29 an operation receiving member (operation receiving portion); 29a base; 29b a first projection; 29c a second projection; 29d a restriction tab; 30 rotation shafts (first rotation shafts); 31 a spring; 35 an electric release mechanism; 36 an electric motor; 37 a worm; 38 opening the operating member; a 38a gear portion; 38b an operation part; 38c a base portion; 39 a rotating shaft; 40A, 40B switches; 45 a manual release mechanism; 46 inner rods; 46a connecting part; 46b an engaging portion; 46c mounting holes; 47 cables (first cables); a 47a pipe; line 47 b; 47c a connecting member; 47d a base portion; 47e mounting part; 47f a retaining part; 48 outer rods; 48a connecting part; 48b a step portion; 48c an operating part; 48d holding part; 48e first portion; 48f a second portion; 48g of a plug-in part; 49 cables (second cables); 49a pipe; line 49 b; 49c a connecting member; a 50-rotation shaft (second rotation shaft); 55 a securing mechanism; 56a tightening lever; 56a connecting part; 56b guide grooves; 56c an operation part; 57 a rotating shaft; 58 cables; a 58a tube; line 58 b; 59 spring; 60 a switch lever; 61A, 61B switches; 62 an actuator; 65 opening the rod; 65a base; 65b a first connection portion; 65c a second connection portion; 65d operation part; 65e holding part; 65f first portion; 65g of a second fraction; 65h through part.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 1 and 2 show a door latch device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in fig. 1, the door latch device 10 is disposed in the door 3 openable and closable with respect to the vehicle body 1. The door latch device 10 closes the door 3 in the open state, and maintains the door 3 in the closed state by holding the striker 2 of the vehicle body 1. The door 3 may be any one of a general-purpose door pivotally supported by a hinge shaft extending in the vertical direction, a gull-wing door pivotally supported by a hinge shaft extending in the horizontal direction, a slide door moving along the side plate 1a of the vehicle body 1, and the like.

Referring to fig. 2, the door latch device 10 includes: a housing 15 having an L-shape when viewed from an upper side in the Z direction; and a protective block 20 disposed on the housing 15. Referring to fig. 3 and 4B, the door latch device 10 includes a latch mechanism 25, an electric release mechanism 35, a manual release mechanism 45, and a locking mechanism 55. Referring to fig. 1, a connector 16 for electrically connecting to an ecu (electronic Control unit)4 of a vehicle is disposed in a housing 15. The ECU4 controls the electric release mechanism 35 and the tightening mechanism 55.

The latch mechanism 25 holds the striker 2 so as to be able to disengage. The electric release mechanism 35 electrically releases the holding of the striker 2 by the latch mechanism 25, and allows the door 3 to be opened. The manual release mechanism 45 is used when the electric release mechanism 35 is not operable, and manually releases the holding of the striker 2 by the latch mechanism 25 to open the door 3. The latch mechanism 55 electrically operates the latch mechanism 25 to bring the door 3 in the half-locked state (so-called "half-open door") into the full-locked state.

The manual release mechanism 45 is emergency use and is not used when stable. Referring to fig. 1, an inner handle (first operating member) 6 disposed on the vehicle interior side and a key cylinder (second operating member) 7 disposed on the vehicle exterior side are connected to the manual release mechanism 45, but these operating

members

6, 7 are hidden by a cover or the like.

A door handle exposed for manual opening operation during stabilization is not provided inside and outside the door 3 on which the door latch device 10 is mounted. When the door 3 is opened from the inside of the vehicle, the user operates the switch 5 provided in the inside of the vehicle (for example, the door 3) instead of operating the door handle. When the door 3 is opened from the outside of the vehicle, the user operates, for example, an electronic key (not shown).

As described above, since the door 3 does not have a door handle used in a stable state, the door latch mechanism 25 of the present embodiment does not include a transmission mechanism for transmitting the operating force of the door handle used in a stable state to the latch mechanism, and a lock mechanism for switching between a state in which the transmission of the operating force by the transmission mechanism is possible and a state in which the transmission of the operating force by the transmission mechanism is not possible. Thus, the electric door latch device 10 is small in size compared to a door latch device having these mechanisms.

The structure of the door latch device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described below in detail.

Referring to fig. 3, the housing 15 is made of resin, and includes: a housing main body 17 integrally having a first arrangement portion 17a and a second arrangement portion 17 b; and a cover 18. The guard block 20 is disposed at the first disposition portion 17a, the latch mechanism 25 and the manual release mechanism 45 are disposed at the guard block 20, and the electric release mechanism 35 is disposed at the second disposition portion 17 b. The second arrangement portion 17b is covered by a cover 18. The cover 18 is attached to the second arrangement portion 17b, thereby constituting an outer surface integral with the vehicle interior end surface 20a of the protective block 20.

Referring to fig. 1, the first arrangement portion 17a on which the guard block 20 including the latch mechanism 25 is arranged so as to face the end plate 3a of the door 3. The second arrangement portion 17b on which the electric release mechanism 35 is arranged along an inner plate (not shown) facing the outer plate 3 b.

Referring to fig. 2 and 3, the protection block 20 is made of resin and includes: an outer portion 20b facing the striker 2 (see fig. 1) and the end plate 3 a; and an inner portion 20c located on the opposite side of the outer portion 20B (see fig. 4B). The outer portion 20b extends in the up-down direction along the YZ plane. The guard block 20 is disposed on the first disposition portion 17a such that the inner portion 20c faces the first disposition portion 17 a. A part of the guard block 20 protrudes from the first arrangement portion 17a toward the inside of the vehicle, and the protruding portion is located in the arrangement space between the second arrangement portion 17b and the cover 18. The protection block 20 is provided with: a mounting portion 20d for mounting the latch mechanism 25; and an exposure portion 20f that exposes a part of the manual release mechanism 45 to the outside.

Referring to fig. 3 and 4A, the mounting portion 20d is a recess provided so as to open the outer portion 20 b. An insertion groove 20e is formed in the mounting portion 20d, and the striker 2 is inserted through the insertion groove 20e by opening and closing of the door 3. The insertion groove 20e extends from the vehicle interior side located on the left side in the Y direction in fig. 2 to the vehicle exterior side located on the right side in the Y direction in fig. 2, and is recessed from the outer portion 20b toward the inner portion 20 c.

The exposed portion 20f is provided to improve the assembling property of the

cables

47 and 49 to the manual release mechanism 45. The exposed portion 20f is a recess provided so as to open the outer portion 20 b. Referring to fig. 4A and 4B, the exposed portion 20f is provided with two through

holes

20g and 20h that penetrate from the outer portion 20B to the inner portion 20 c. The first through hole 20g exposes a connecting portion 46a of an inner lever 46 described later to the outside. The second through hole 20h exposes a connecting portion 48a of an outer rod 48, which will be described later, to the outside.

Referring to fig. 2 and 3, the outer side (outer side portion 20b) of the mounting portion 20d is covered with a metal cover plate (support plate) 21 having insertion grooves 21a corresponding to the insertion grooves 20 e. Referring to fig. 4B, a metal back plate 22 is disposed at a position corresponding to the attachment portion 20d of the inner portion 20c of the shield block 20. Referring to fig. 2 and 3, the outer side of the exposed portion 20f is covered with a cable cover 23 made of resin.

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, the upper portion of the casing 15 is covered with a waterproof cover 19. Further, a seal member 24 is disposed above the cover plate 21, and the seal member 24 seals between the outer shell 15 and the end plate 3a and between the outer shell 15 and the inner plate.

The waterproof cover 19 includes: a first portion 19a covering an upper side of the first arrangement portion 17 a; and a second portion 19b that covers an upper side of the second arrangement portion 17b including the cover 18.

The sealing member 24 includes a first portion 24a, and the first portion 24a is disposed across the outer surface of the protection block 20, the outer surface of the cover plate 21, and the outer surface of the waterproof cover 19. The sealing member 24 further includes a second portion 24b, and the second portion 24b is disposed across the outer surface of the cover 18 and the outer surface of the waterproof cover 19.

As shown in fig. 3, 4A, and 4B, the latch mechanism 25 includes: a shift fork 26 that holds the striker 2 so as to be disengageable; a pawl 28 that engages the fork 26 at the full latch position; and an operation receiving member 29 that rotates the pawl 28 integrally therewith.

The yoke 26 is disposed in the mounting portion 20d so as to be positioned between the shield block 20 and the cover plate 21, and is pivotally supported by a rotary shaft 27 provided above the insertion groove 20 e. The rotary shaft 27 is mounted on the cover plate 21 and the back plate 22 and extends in a direction orthogonal thereto. The fork 26 includes a holding groove 26a for holding the striker 2, and is rotatable between an open position shown in fig. 6 and a full latch position shown in fig. 7B. The fork 26 is biased toward the open position by a spring, not shown.

The claws 28 are disposed in the mounting portion 20d so as to be positioned between the guard block 20 and the cover plate 21. The dog 28 is pivotally supported by a rotary shaft 30 provided below the insertion groove 20e, and is disposed adjacent to the yoke 26. The rotary shaft 30 is erected on the cover plate 21 and the back plate 22, and extends in parallel along the rotary shaft 27 of the shift fork 26. The pawl 28 includes a locking portion 28a that locks the fork 26, and is rotatable between a locking position shown in fig. 7A and 7B and a non-locking position shown in fig. 6. The pawl 28 is biased toward the latching position by a spring 31.

Referring to fig. 4B, the operation receiving member 29 is disposed on the inner portion 20c side of the mounting portion 20d, is pivotally supported by the same rotating shaft 30 as the pawl 28, and rotates integrally with the pawl 28. The operation receiving member 29 includes: a plate-shaped base portion 29a extending along the inner side portion 20 c; a first projection 29b that receives operation of the electric release mechanism 35; and a second projection 29c that receives the operation of the manual release mechanism 45. Referring to fig. 5, the protruding

portions

29b and 29c protrude from the base portion 29a toward a direction away from the inner portion 20 c.

When the door 3 in the opened state is closed, the striker 2 enters the holding groove 26a of the shift fork 26 in the open position shown in fig. 6. Next, by the pressing of the striker 2, the shift fork 26 passes through the half latch position shown in fig. 7A and rotates to the full latch position shown in fig. 7B. In the half-latched position shown in fig. 7A, the pawl 28 is latched to one side (temporary latching portion) of the holding groove 26a, thereby holding the door 3 in the half-latched state. In the full latch position shown in fig. 7B, the pawl 28 is latched to the latching step 26B, thereby holding the door 3 in the full lock state.

When the operation receiving member 29 is operated by the electric release mechanism 35 or the manual release mechanism 45, the claw 28 rotates from the locking position shown in fig. 7B to the non-locking position shown in fig. 6. The fork 26 from which the locking by the claw 28 is released is rotated from the full latch position shown in fig. 7B to the open position shown in fig. 6 by the biasing force of the spring. Thereby, the door 3 is opened. When the operation of the operation receiving member 29 is released, the operation receiving member 29 and the pawl 28 are rotated from the non-locking position shown in fig. 6 to the locking position shown in fig. 7B by the urging force of the spring 31.

As shown in fig. 3 and 5, the electric release mechanism 35 is disposed at the second disposition portion 17b, and includes an electric motor 36, a worm 37, and an opening operation member 38.

The electric motor 36 is a dc motor capable of forward rotation and reverse rotation. The worm 37 is attached to an output shaft of the electric motor 36, and has spiral teeth on an outer peripheral portion thereof.

The opening operation member 38 is pivotally supported by a rotating shaft 39 extending in a direction orthogonal to the rotating shaft 30. The opening operation member 38 has a fan shape, and a gear portion 38a that meshes with the worm 37 is formed on the outer peripheral portion. The opening operation member 38 is provided with an operation portion 38b, and the operation portion 38b abuts against the first projection 29b and rotates the pawl 28 via the operation receiving member 29.

In response to a signal from the ECU4, the electric motor 36 is rotated forward, and the opening operation member 38 is rotated counterclockwise in fig. 5 via the worm 37. As a result, the operation receiving member 29 is rotated counterclockwise by the operation portion 38B from the angular position (locking position) shown in fig. 4B to the angular position (non-locking position) shown in fig. 8A. As a result, the pawl 28 rotates from the locking position shown in fig. 7B to the non-locking position shown in fig. 6, and the yoke 26 rotates to the open position. When this opening operation is completed, the electric motor 36 is reversed to return the opening operation member 38 to the initial position. Thereby, the operation receiving member 29 and the pawl 28 are rotated integrally from the non-locking position to the locking position by the urging force of the spring 31.

Referring to fig. 5, two

switches

40A and 40B for outputting the state of the electric release mechanism 35 to the ECU4 are disposed above the opening operation member 38. In a state where the opening operation member 38 is rotated to the initial position shown in fig. 5, the switch 40A outputs an on signal, and the switch 40B outputs an off signal. When the opening operation member 38 is rotated counterclockwise to the opening operation completion position, the switch 40A outputs an off signal, and the switch 40B outputs an on signal. Based on these signals, the ECU4 controls the electric release mechanism 35.

As shown in fig. 3 and 4B, the manual release mechanism 45 includes an inner lever 46 and an outer lever 48. The inner pole 46 is connected to the inside handle 6 on the vehicle interior side by a cable 47. The outer lever 48 is connected to the key cylinder 7 on the vehicle outside by a cable 49.

The inner lever 46 is made of metal, is disposed on the inner portion 20c side of the shield block 20 so as to be positioned below the operation receiving member 29, and is pivotally supported by the rotating shaft 50. The rotation shaft 50 is integrally provided to the shielding block 20, and extends in parallel along the rotation shaft 27 of the yoke 26 and the rotation shaft 30 of the dog 28. The inner rod 46 is provided with a connecting portion 46a for connecting the cable 47. The connecting portion 46a is disposed in the exposed portion 20f and exposed to the outside in a state where the cable cover 23 is removed. The inner lever 46 is provided with an engaging portion 46b, and the engaging portion 46b engages with the outer lever 48 to rotate the outer lever 48 and the inner lever 46 integrally by the operation of the inner handle 6.

The outer rod 48 is made of metal, is disposed on the inner portion 20c side of the shield block 20, and is pivotally supported by the same rotation shaft 50 as the inner rod 46. The outer lever 48 is provided with a connecting portion 48a for connecting a cable 49. The connection portion 48a is disposed in the exposed portion 20f and exposed to the outside in a state where the cable cover 23 is removed. The outer rod 48 is provided with a stepped portion 48b, and the stepped portion 48b projects outward around the rotation shaft 50 and is engaged with the engaging portion 46 b. The outer lever 48 is provided with an operating portion 48c, and the operating portion 48c abuts against the second projecting portion 29c and rotates the pawl 28 via the operation receiving member 29.

When the inner handle 6 is operated, the inner lever 46 rotates clockwise from the non-operation position shown in fig. 4B to the operation position shown in fig. 8B. The engagement portion 46b engages with the outer lever 48, so that the outer lever 48 and the inner lever 46 rotate together in the clockwise direction. As a result, the operation receiving member 29 is rotated counterclockwise by the operation portion 48c of the outer lever 48, and the pawl 28 is rotated from the locking position to the non-locking position integrally with the operation receiving member 29. Thereby, the fork 26 rotates from the fully latched position to the open position. That is, the outer lever 48 and the operating portion 48c operate the opening operation member 38 as a part of the inner lever 46.

When the key cylinder 7 is operated, the outer lever 48 is rotated clockwise alone as shown in fig. 8C. That is, in the operation of the key cylinder 7, the inner lever 46 does not rotate. When the outer lever 48 is rotated, the operation receiving member 29 is rotated counterclockwise by the operation portion 48c, and the pawl 28 is rotated from the locking position to the non-locking position integrally with the operation receiving member 29. Thereby, the fork 26 rotates from the fully latched position to the open position.

The locking mechanism 55 includes a locking lever 56, and the locking lever 56 is used to rotate the shift fork 26 at the half-latch position shown in fig. 7A to the full-latch position shown in fig. 7B. As shown in fig. 3 and 4A, the fastening rod 56 is connected to an actuator 62 by a cable 58. The actuator 62 is disposed in the door 3 separately from the door latch device 10.

The lock lever 56 is disposed adjacent to the fork 26 on the upper side. The locking rod 56 is pivotally supported by a rotating shaft 57 extending along the rotating shaft 27 of the yoke 26 and extending between the cover plate 21 and the back plate 22. The lock lever 56 is biased toward the non-operating position shown in fig. 4A by a spring 59 shown in fig. 4B.

The locking lever 56 has a substantially semicircular shape, and a coupling portion 56a for coupling a cable 58 is provided at one circumferential end side located on the upper side in fig. 4A. Referring to fig. 3, a guide groove 56b is provided in the outer peripheral portion of the locking lever 56 so as to be recessed radially inward, and the guide groove 56b allows a wire 58b of a cable 58 to pass through. The tube 58a of the cable 58 is disposed along the outer side surface of the protective block 20.

An operating portion 56c is provided on the other end side of the tightening lever 56 in the circumferential direction, which is located on the lower side in fig. 4A, and this operating portion 56c rotates the shift fork 26 at the half-latching position to the full-latching position. The yoke 26 is provided with an operation receiving portion 26c, which protrudes into the rotation range of the operation portion 56c, and receives an operation (pressing) by the operation portion 56c, in the operation receiving portion 26 c.

Referring to fig. 4B, the inner portion 20c (back plate 22) of the guard block 20 is provided with: a switch lever 60 that is pivotally supported by the rotary shaft 27 and rotates integrally with the yoke 26; and two

switches

61A, 61B. In the state where the yoke 26 is rotated to the open position shown in fig. 6, the switch lever 60 interferes with both of the

switches

61A and 61B, and therefore both of the

switches

61A and 61B output the on signal. In the state where the shift lever 26 is rotated to the half latch position shown in fig. 7A, the switch lever 60 interferes only with the switch 61A, and therefore the switch 61A outputs an on signal and the switch 61B outputs an off signal. In the state where the yoke 26 is rotated to the full latch position shown in fig. 7B, the switch lever 60 does not interfere with both of the

switches

61A and 61B, and therefore both of the

switches

61A and 61B output off signals.

Based on input signals from the

switches

61A, 61B, the ECU4 controls the actuator 62. As shown in fig. 6 and 7A, when the shift fork 26 in the open position is rotated to the half-latched position, the actuator 62 is driven to pull the wire 58b of the cable 58. As a result, the locking lever 56 rotates clockwise, and the operation portion 56c abuts against the operation receiving portion 26 c.

Next, as shown in fig. 7B, the operation receiving portion 26c is pressed by the operation portion 56c, and the shift lever 26 is rotated to the full latch position. When ECU4 detects that the fully locked state is achieved by the signals from

switches

61A and 61B, the drive of actuator 62 is stopped. Thereby, the locking lever 56 is returned to the non-operating position shown in fig. 4A by the biasing force of the spring 59.

In the door latch device 10 configured as described above, when stable, the electric release mechanism 35 is driven by the operation of the switch 5 or the electronic key, and the holding of the striker 2 by the latch mechanism 25 is released. This allows the door 3 to be opened with respect to the vehicle body 1.

When the electric release mechanism 35 is inoperable due to insufficient power of the battery or the like, the holding of the striker 2 by the latch mechanism 25 is released by the operation of the manual release mechanism 45. Specifically, when the user is present in the vehicle, the cover is removed and the inner handle is operated. As a result, the holding of the striker 2 by the latch mechanism 25 is released by the rotation of the inner lever 46, and the door 3 can be opened with respect to the vehicle body 1. When the user is present outside the vehicle, a dedicated mechanical key is inserted into the key cylinder 7 and rotated. As a result, the outer lever 48 is rotated, and the holding of the striker 2 by the latch mechanism 25 is released, so that the door 3 can be opened with respect to the vehicle body 1.

In the steady state, when the door 3 is closed, the door 3 may be pushed with a force to the extent that the open-position fork 26 is rotated to the half-latched position. When the shift fork 26 is rotated from the open position to the half-latch position, the locking mechanism 55 is driven to rotate the shift fork 26 at the half-latch position to the full-latch position. Thereby, the door 3 is held by the latch mechanism 25 so as not to be openable with respect to the vehicle body 1.

Next, the arrangement of the operation receiving member 29, the opening operation member 38, the inner lever 46, and the outer lever 48 will be described more specifically.

As shown in fig. 9 and 10, the operation receiving member 29, the inner lever 46, and the outer lever 48 are disposed on the inner portion 20c side of the shield block 20, and the opening operation member 38 is disposed on the second disposition portion 17 b.

The operation receiving member 29 and the pawl 28 are pivotally supported by the same rotating shaft 30, the inner lever 46 and the outer lever 48 are pivotally supported by one rotating shaft 50 extending parallel to the rotating shaft 30, and the opening operation member 38 is pivotally supported by a rotating shaft 39 extending in a direction orthogonal to the

rotating shafts

30 and 50. That is, the operation receiving member 29 is configured to rotate along the YZ plane. The inner lever 46 and the outer lever 48 are configured to rotate along the same YZ plane as the operation receiving member 29. The opening operation member 38 is configured to rotate along an XZ plane intersecting the operation receiving member 29.

As described above, the operation receiving member 29 includes the plate-like base portion 29a disposed along the inner portion 20 c. The base portion 29a is disposed on the protection block 20 so as to face the corner portions of the first and

second disposition portions

17a and 17 b. That is, the base portion 29a is arranged on the protection block 20 as follows: a part is located between the guard block 20 and the first disposition portion 17a, and the remaining part is located in a portion communicating with the disposition space between the second disposition portion 17b and the cover 18. The base portion 29a is provided with a regulating piece 29d, and the regulating piece 29d penetrates the guard block 20, is locked to the claw 28 on the outer side portion 20b side, and regulates relative rotation with respect to the claw 28. That is, the operation receiving member 29 rotates integrally with the pawl 28.

The first protruding portion 29b has a rod shape, and is disposed in a portion of the base portion 29a that faces the disposition space between the second disposition portion 17b and the cover 18. The first protrusion 29b protrudes toward the opening operation member 38 such that a part thereof is located within the rotation range of the operation portion 38 b. The second protruding portion 29c has a rod shape, and is disposed in a portion of the base portion 29a that is sandwiched between the guard block 20 and the first disposition portion 17 a. The second projecting portion 29c projects toward the first arrangement portion 17a so that a part thereof is located within the rotational range of the outer lever 48.

The opening operation member 38 includes a base portion 38c through which the rotating shaft 39 passes. The thickness of the base portion 38c corresponding to the Y direction in which the rotation shaft 39 extends is larger than the diameter of the first protrusion 29b having a rod shape. The gear portion 38a projects in a fan shape from the outer periphery of the base portion 38 c. The operating portion 38b is provided on the opposite side of the gear portion 38a with respect to the base portion 38c, and protrudes toward the protection block 20.

More specifically, the operation portion 38b protrudes in the direction opposite to the direction in which the first protrusion 29b protrudes (the direction of the arrow in the X direction) so as to be positioned below the first protrusion 29 b. The width of the operation portion 38b in the Y direction, to which the rotation shaft 39 extends, is set to the following dimension: the movement in the Y direction of the first protruding portion 29b accompanying the rotation of the operation receiving member 29 can be permitted. That is, the operating portion 38b is formed to have the following width when viewed from the upper side in the Z direction: even if the first projecting portion 29b moves in the Y direction due to the rotation of the operation receiving member 29, the first projecting portion 29b does not disengage in the Y direction. Thus, when the opening operation member 38 is rotated by the driving of the electric motor 36, the first protrusion 29b is pressed upward by the operation portion 38b, and the pawl 28 can be rotated via the operation receiving member 29.

As described above, when the inner lever 46 is rotated by the operation of the inner handle 6, the engaging portion 46b engages with the stepped portion 48b, and the outer lever 48 and the inner lever 46 are rotated integrally. When the outer lever 48 is rotated by the operation of the inner handle 6 or the key cylinder 7, the second projecting portion 29c is laterally pressed by the operating portion 48c, and the pawl 28 is rotated via the operation receiving member 29. The inner lever 46 and the outer lever 48 are disposed adjacent to each other below the operation receiving member 29. The operating portion 48c is disposed on the rear side of the second projecting portion 29c in the direction in which the operation receiving member 29 opens the pawl 28 (counterclockwise in fig. 9).

The opening operation member 38, the inner lever 46, and the outer lever 48 arranged in this manner can reliably rotate one operation receiving member 29 and rotate the pawl 28 at the locking position to the non-locking position. That is, since the operation receiving member 29 can be operated by the three types of

operation members

38, 46, and 48 to release the engagement of the fork 26 by the claw 28, the number of parts can be reduced, and the entire device can be downsized.

Next, the connection structure of the

cables

47, 49 to the inner rod 46 and the outer rod 48 will be described.

Referring to fig. 4A, 4B, and 11, the connecting portion 46a of the inner lever 46 is disposed at the end of the exposed portion 20f in the Y direction located on the vehicle interior side. The connection portion 48a of the outer lever 48 is disposed at the center in the Y direction in the exposed portion 20 f. The first through hole 20g that exposes the connection portion 46a to the outside is provided at an end portion of the exposed portion 20f in the Y direction on the vehicle interior side, and extends in the Z direction. The second through hole 20h exposing the connection portion 48a to the outside is formed in a substantially fan shape centered on the rotation shaft 50.

Referring to fig. 12, the

cables

47, 49 include

tubes

47a, 49a,

wires

47b, 49b capable of advancing and retreating within the

tubes

47a, 49a, and

coupling members

47c, 49c provided at the ends of the

wires

47b, 49 b. Referring to fig. 11, the exposed portion 20f includes: a first holding portion 20i that holds an end portion of the tube 47a of the cable 47 coupled to the inner handle 6; and a second holding portion 20j that holds an end portion of the tube 49a of the cable 49 coupled to the key cylinder 7.

As shown in fig. 12, the connecting portion 46a of the inner lever 46 protrudes on the opposite side of the engaging portion 46b with respect to the rotation shaft 50. The connecting portion 46a is formed with an attachment hole 46c for attaching a coupling member 47c of the cable 47. The mounting hole 46c is a hole penetrating in a circular shape.

The connecting member 47c of the cable 47 includes: a cylindrical base portion 47d fixed to an end of the wire 47 b; a columnar mounting portion 47e provided at the tip of the base portion 47 d; and a retaining portion 47f provided at a distal end of the mounting portion 47 e. The mounting portion 47e protrudes in a direction orthogonal to the base portion 47 d. The diameter of the mounting portion 47e is formed as large as possible within a range that can be mounted to the mounting hole 46 c. The retaining portion 47f protrudes on the opposite side of the base portion 47d with respect to the mounting portion 47 e. In a state where the coupling member 47c is attached to the connecting portion 46a, the retaining portion 47f is provided in a portion of the attachment portion 47e that is located on the opposite side of the connecting portion 46a from the base portion 47 d.

Next, referring to fig. 12, the connecting portion 48a of the outer lever 48 protrudes to the opposite side of the operating portion 48c with respect to the rotation shaft 50. The connecting portion 48a includes a holding portion 48d, and the holding portion 48d has an L-shape when viewed from a direction in which the rotating shaft 50 extends. The holding portion 48d has: a plate-like first portion 48e extending in a direction intersecting with a direction in which the line 49b extends; and a second portion 48f protruding from a lower end of the first portion 48e to a side opposite to the line 49b side. The holding portion 48d is disposed on the outer portion 20b side with the through hole 20h penetrating therethrough. The holding portion 48d is provided with an insertion portion 48g through which the wire 49b can be inserted. The insertion portion 48g is formed of a groove extending from the outer edge of the second portion 48f to the first portion 48e in a curved manner.

The connecting member 49c of the cable 49 is formed of a spherical body fixed to the end of the wire 49 b. The coupling member 49c is disposed on the second portion 48f, and the wire 49b is inserted from the second portion 48f through the first portion 48e via the insertion portion 48g, whereby the coupling member 49c is movably held by the holding portion 48 d.

As described above, when the inner handle 6 is operated, the inner lever 46 is pulled via the wire 47B, and the inner lever 46 is rotated by pressing the coupling member 47c as shown in fig. 8B and 13. As a result, the engagement portion 46b engages with the stepped portion 48b, the outer lever 48 rotates together with the inner lever 46, and the pawl 28 at the locking position can be rotated to the non-locking position via the operation receiving member 29.

At this time, since the connection portion 48a of the outer lever 48 includes the insertion portion 48g through which the wire 49b can pass and the key cylinder 7 is not operated, the wire 49b is maintained in a state of advancing to the non-operation position. When the coupling member 49c is immovably attached to the connecting portion 48a, the coupling member 49c moves together with the rotation of the outer lever 48, and therefore, the interlocking of the wire 49b with the movement becomes a resistance to the operation. In contrast, in the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 13, the coupling member 49c is separated from the holding portion 48 d. Therefore, the wire 49b is not interlocked with the rotation of the outer lever 48, and therefore, the interlocking can be prevented from becoming a resistance to the operation of the inner handle 6.

On the other hand, when the key cylinder 7 is operated, the coupling member 49c is pulled via the wire 49 b. As a result, as shown in fig. 8C and 14, the coupling member 49C held by the holding portion 48d abuts against the first portion 48e, and transmits the operation force of the key cylinder 7 to the connecting portion 48 a. As a result, the outer lever 48 is rotated by the pressing of the coupling member 49c, and the claw 28 at the locking position can be rotated to the non-locking position via the operation receiving member 29. At this time, the inner handle 6 does not rotate, and the wire 47b does not interlock with each other, so that the interlocking can be prevented from becoming a resistance to the operation of the key cylinder 7.

The door latch device 10 configured as described above has the following features.

The inner lever 46 and the operation receiving member 29 are arranged along the shield block 20 extending in the direction orthogonal to the outer panel 3 b. Therefore, when the door 3 on which the door latch device 10 is disposed is a general-purpose door, the door 3 can be secured in an openable state even if it collides with another vehicle on the side. Specifically, when another vehicle collides with the door 3, the impact and influence exerted on the inner lever 46 and the operation receiving member 29 are small compared to the impact and influence exerted on the electric release mechanism 35. This is because the electric release mechanism 35 is disposed at the second disposition portion 17b (XZ plane) extending so as to intersect the Y direction in which the load is applied by the collision, and the manual release mechanism 45 is disposed at the guard block 20(YZ plane) extending in parallel to the Y direction in which the load is applied by the collision. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an error from occurring in the assembly position of the inner lever 46 and the operation receiving member 29 due to a collision, and therefore, it is possible to ensure a state in which the door 3 can be opened by the operation of the inner handle 6. That is, the door 3 can be opened even if an unexpected impact is applied, so that a situation in which an occupant is confined in the vehicle can be prevented, and thus the reliability of the door latch device 10 can be improved.

The yoke 26, the dog 28, the inner rod 46, and the outer rod 48 are collectively disposed in the shield block 20, and the inner rod 46 and the outer rod 48 are rotatably disposed on one rotation shaft 50. Therefore, one rotation shaft for pivotally supporting the inner rod 46 and the outer rod 48 can be eliminated. As a result, the space for disposing the one rotation shaft and the space for disposing the inner lever and the outer lever can be reduced, and therefore the overall shape of the door latch device 10 can be reduced.

The guard block 20 includes an operation receiving member 29 for rotating the pawl 28 on the inner side 20c, and the inner lever 46 and the outer lever 48 are disposed adjacent to the operation receiving member 29. Therefore, one operation receiving member 29 can be reliably operated by the two

levers

46 and 48, and the pawl 28 at the locking position can be rotated to the non-locking position.

The operation receiving member 29 includes: a plate-shaped base 29a that rotates integrally with the pawl 28; a first protrusion 29b, a part of which is located within a rotation range of the opening operation member 38; and a second projection 29c, a part of which is located within a rotation range of the operating portion 48c of the manual release mechanism. Therefore, the one operation receiving member 29 can be reliably operated by either one of the manual release mechanism 45 and the electric release mechanism 35.

The inner lever 46 has an engaging portion 46b, and when the inner lever 46 is rotated by the operation of the inner handle 6, the engaging portion 46b engages with the outer lever 48 to rotate the outer lever 48 integrally with the inner lever 46, and the outer lever 48 has an operating portion 48c, and the operating portion 48c rotates the pawl 28 via the operation receiving member 29. That is, by transmitting the rotation of the inner lever 46 and the outer lever 48 from one operation portion 48c to one operation receiving member 29, the pawl 28 can be rotated from the locking position to the non-locking position. Therefore, the structure and arrangement of the outer rod 48 and the inner rod 46 can be simplified, and therefore, miniaturization can be achieved in this regard as well. Further, compared to the case where the operation portions are provided on the inner rod 46 and the outer rod 48, it is not necessary to arrange two operation portions in parallel with the operation receiving member 29, and therefore the dimension of the shield block 20 in the thickness direction can be reduced.

The connecting portion 48a of the outer lever 48 has a holding portion 48d, and the holding portion 48d includes an insertion portion 48g through which the wire 49b can be inserted. Therefore, the coupling member 49c is separated from the holding portion 48d by the operation of the inner handle 6, while the coupling member 49c is held by the holding portion 48d by the operation of the key cylinder 7 and rotates the outer lever 48. In this way, the inner lever 46 and the outer lever 48 can be rotated by the operation of the inner handle 6 and the key cylinder 7, and the pawl 28 can be reliably operated. Further, since the cable 49 connected to the outer lever 48 can be prevented from being operated by the operation of the inner handle 6, an increase in the operating force and a malfunction caused by the interlocking of other members can be prevented.

An inner lever 46 is disposed on an inner side portion 20c of the shield block 20, and an electric release mechanism 35 is disposed on a second disposition portion 17b different from the first disposition portion 17a on which the shield block 20 is disposed. That is, the operation receiving member 29 for rotating the pawl 28 is operated by the inner lever 46 and the opening operation member 38 from different directions. Therefore, both the inside lever 46 and the opening operation member 38 can be disposed in the vicinity of the operation receiving member 29, and therefore the overall shape of the door latch device 10 can be reduced in this regard as well. The electric release mechanism 35 can directly transmit the rotation of the opening operation member 38 to the claw 28, and rotate the claw 28 in the locking position to the non-locking position. Thus, a separate relay lever is not required, and therefore simplification and miniaturization of the structure of the door latch device 10 can be achieved.

Fig. 15 and 16 show a modification of the manual release mechanism 45. This modification is different from the above embodiment in that an open lever 65 is used, which has an inner lever and an outer lever integrally formed. That is, the open lever 65 is an inner lever and an outer lever of an integral structure.

The open lever 65 is pivotally supported by a rotary shaft 50 provided to protrude from the guard block 20 shown in fig. 10. The open lever 65 includes a base portion 65a, and the base portion 65a has a shaft hole. The base portion 65a is provided with: a first connecting portion 65b for connecting the cable 47 connected to the inner handle; a second connecting portion 65c for connecting the cable 49 connected to the key cylinder; and an operation portion 65d that abuts against the operation receiving member 29 to rotate the pawl 28.

The first connecting portion 65b projects laterally from the base portion 65a in fig. 16, and the second connecting portion 65c projects downward from the base portion 65a in fig. 16. Each of them includes a holding portion 65e having the same structure as the holding portion 48d shown in fig. 12. That is, the holding portion 65e includes: a plate-like first portion 65 f; a second portion 65g protruding from a lower end of the first portion 65 f; and a through portion 65h curvedly extending from an edge of the second portion 65g to the first portion 65 f.

The connecting

members

47c, 49c of the

cables

47, 49 are formed of spherical bodies fixed to the ends of the

wires

47b, 49b, respectively. The

coupling members

47c, 49c are disposed on the second portion 65g, and the

wires

47b, 49b are passed from the second portion 65g through the first portion 65f by the insertion portion 65h, whereby the

coupling members

47c, 49c are held movably by the holding portion 65 e.

The operating portion 65d protrudes upward from the base portion 65a in fig. 16. In the assembled state of being assembled to the protection block 20, the operation portion 65d is disposed adjacent to the second projection 29c of the operation receiving member 29 shown in fig. 10.

When the inner handle is operated in the non-operation state shown in fig. 16, as shown in fig. 17, the coupling member 47c of the cable 47 is pulled downward and held by the holding portion 65e of the first connecting portion 65 b. The opening lever 65 is rotated counterclockwise by the pressing of the first connecting portion 65b by the connecting member 47 c. At this time, since the coupling member 49c of the cable 49 is separated from the holding portion 65e of the second connecting portion 65c, the cable 49 on the key cylinder side is not interlocked during the operation of the inner handle.

When the lock core is operated in the non-operation state shown in fig. 16, as shown in fig. 18, the coupling member 49c of the cable 49 is pulled in the lateral direction and held by the holding portion 65e of the second connecting portion 65 c. The opening lever 65 is rotated counterclockwise by the pressing of the second connecting portion 65c by the coupling member 49 c. At this time, since the coupling member 47c of the cable 47 is separated from the holding portion 65e of the first connecting portion 65b, the cable 47 on the inner handle side does not interlock with the key cylinder during the operation of the key cylinder.

As described above, in the open lever 65 of this modification, the inner lever and the outer lever are formed as an integral structure. Thus, the structure and arrangement of the door latch device 10 can be simplified, and therefore miniaturization can be achieved. In addition, the dimension of the protective block in the thickness direction can be reduced as compared with the case where the inner rod and the outer rod are separately formed.

The connection portion 65b and the connection portion 65c of the opening lever 65 each include a holding portion 65e, and the holding portion 65e includes an insertion portion 65h through which the

wires

47b and 49b can be inserted. Therefore, the open lever 65 can be reliably operated by the operation of the inner handle and the key cylinder. Further, since it is possible to prevent one of the inner handle and the key cylinder from operating the other cable, it is possible to prevent an increase in operating force and malfunction caused by the interlocking of the other members.

The door latch device 10 according to the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and various modifications may be made.

The operation receiving member 29 may have only one protrusion for receiving an operation. Instead of providing the base portion, a projection (operation receiving portion) may be provided to directly project from the claw 28. The structure of the operation receiving member 29 may be changed to another structure as necessary.

The connecting portion 46a of the inner lever 46 and the connecting portion 48a of the outer lever 48 may be exposed to the outside through one through hole. Inner rod 46 and outer rod 48 may be pivotally supported by different rotational axes. The inner rod 46 and the outer rod 48 may be independently rotated without being linked. In this case, the operation portion 48c may be provided on the inner lever 46, the operation portion 48c of the outer lever 48 and the operation portion 48c of the inner lever 46 may be arranged side by side along the projecting direction of the second projecting portion 29c of the operation receiving member 29, and the second projecting portion 29c may be operated by each operation portion. The outer rod 48 may be provided with a coupling portion 46a and an engagement portion 46b, and the inner rod 46 may be provided with a coupling portion 48a, a stepped portion 48b, and an operation portion 48 c.

The connection structures between the inner rod 46, the outer rod 48, and the open rod 65 and the

cables

47 and 49 may be changed as needed.

The electric release mechanism 35 is not limited to the one including the opening operation member 38, and the opening operation member 38 includes the worm 37 and the gear portion 38a, and may be modified as necessary. The door latch device 10 may be configured without the locking mechanism 55.

Claims

1. A door latch device, in which,

the door latch device is provided with:

a shift fork rotatable between an open position where a striker is releasable and a full-latch position where the striker is held;

a pawl rotatable between a locking position where the fork is locked at the full-latch position and a non-locking position where the locking with the fork is released;

a release mechanism having an opening operation member for rotating the claw at the locking position to the non-locking position and an electric motor for driving the opening operation member;

an inner lever that is rotated by an operation of an operation member on the vehicle interior side and rotates the pawl at the locking position to the non-locking position;

an outer lever that rotates by operation of an operation member on the vehicle outside and rotates the pawl at the locking position to the non-locking position;

the protection block is used for configuring the shifting fork, the clamping jaws, the inner rod and the outer rod;

a first rotation shaft that supports the jaw shaft to the guard block; and

and a second rotation shaft extending along the first rotation shaft and supporting the inner rod and the outer rod on the guard block.

2. A door latch apparatus according to claim 1 wherein,

the clamping jaws are arranged at the outer side part of the protection block,

the door latch device includes an operation receiving portion that is disposed on an inner side portion of the guard block on a side opposite to the outer side portion and rotates the pawl,

the inner lever and the outer lever are disposed adjacent to the operation receiving portion so as to rotate the pawl via the operation receiving portion.

3. A door latch apparatus according to claim 2 wherein,

the operation receiving unit includes: a plate-shaped base portion that is arranged along the inner side portion and that rotates integrally with the pawl; and a protruding portion protruding from the base portion toward a direction away from the inner portion.

4. A door latch device according to claim 2 or 3 wherein,

one of the inner lever and the outer lever has an engaging portion that engages with the other of the inner lever and the outer lever when the one of the inner lever and the outer lever is rotated by operation of the corresponding operating member, and rotates the other integrally with the one,

the other of the inner lever and the outer lever has an operation portion that rotates the pawl via the operation receiving portion.

5. A door latch apparatus according to claim 4 wherein,

the other of the inner lever and the outer lever has a connecting portion for connecting a cable connected to the corresponding operating member,

the cable has: a tube having one end side held by the guard block; a wire which can advance and retreat inside the tube; and a connecting member provided at an end of the wire,

the connecting portion has a holding portion including an insertion portion through which the wire can be passed,

the coupling member is separated from the holding portion by operation of the operating member corresponding to the one of the inner lever and the outer lever, and the coupling member is held by the holding portion by operation of the operating member corresponding to the other of the inner lever and the outer lever.

6. A door latch device according to claim 2 or 3 wherein,

the interior pole with outer pole structure as an organic whole just has: a first connecting portion for connecting a first cable connected to an operating member on the vehicle interior side; a second connecting portion for connecting a second cable connected to an operating member on the vehicle outside; and an operation portion that abuts against the operation receiving portion to rotate the pawl.

7. A door latch apparatus according to claim 6 wherein,

the first cable and the second cable each have: a tube having one end side held by the guard block; a wire which can advance and retreat inside the tube; and a connecting member provided at an end of the wire,

the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion each have a holding portion including an insertion portion through which the wire can be inserted,

the coupling member of the first cable is held to the holding portion of the first connecting portion and the coupling member of the second cable is separated from the holding portion of the second connecting portion by an operation of an operating member on the vehicle interior side,

the coupling member of the second cable is held to the holding portion of the second connecting portion by the operation of the operation member on the vehicle outside, and the coupling member of the first cable is separated from the holding portion of the first connecting portion.

8. A door latch device according to any one of claims 2, 3, 5 and 7 wherein,

the door latch device is provided with:

a housing main body having a first arrangement portion in which the guard block is arranged and a second arrangement portion which extends in a direction intersecting with the first arrangement portion and in which the release mechanism is arranged; and

a third rotation shaft extending in a direction intersecting the first rotation shaft and the second rotation shaft and rotatably supporting the opening operation member in the second arrangement portion,

the opening operation member has an operation portion that abuts against the operation receiving portion to rotate the pawl.

9. A door latch apparatus according to claim 4 wherein,

the door latch device is provided with:

10. A door latch apparatus according to claim 6 wherein,

the door latch device is provided with: