GB2478620A

GB2478620A - Door latch with manual override locking in case of power failure

Info

Publication number: GB2478620A
Application number: GB1101125A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Yoshihiko Fujihara; Katsuyuki Ishiguro
Original assignee: Mitsui Kinzoku ACT Corp
Current assignee: Mitsui Kinzoku ACT Corp
Priority date: 2010-03-09
Filing date: 2011-01-21
Publication date: 2011-09-14
Anticipated expiration: 2031-01-21
Also published as: JP2011184949A; JP4953481B2; GB201101125D0; GB2478620B

Abstract

A door latch, for a vehicle, includes: a lock lever 19 moved by an electric driving source 17 between unlocked and locked positions; and a pivotal emergency operation member 23 which is arranged to transmit a rotational force to the lock lever 19 to move the lock lever 19 from the unlock position to the lock position and connected with the lock lever 19 through a play corresponding to an activation stroke of the lock lever 19 between the lock position and the unlock position so as not to receive the movement of the lock lever 19 when driven electrically, and which includes an engagement portion 232 located on a side surface exposing from an aperture 91, and arranged to be engaged with a tool in the rotational direction such that when installed in a vehicle the latch can be locked from the inside when existing the vehicle during power failure. Preferably a sub-key lever 24 having spaced apart protrusions (252, 253, fig.11) engage a projection (261, fig.11) on a sub-lock lever 26 to achieve lost motion. An external key operated cylinder may also be provided.

Description

DOOR LATCH APPARATUS AND VEHICULAR DOOR

EQUIPPED WITH DOOR LATCH APPARATUS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(0001] This invention relates to a door latch apparatus arranged to operate to a lock state by using a predetermined tool when a door can not be switched to the lock state by an electric driving source due to a failure and so on of an electric system, and a vehicular door equipped with the door latch apparatus.

(0002] In a conventional door latch apparatus for a vehicle, it is possible to switch between an unlock state in which a door open operation can be performed by moving a lock lever to an unlock position, and a lock state in which the door open operation can not be performed by moving the lock lever to a lock position by an electric driving source.

[0003] On the other hand, in a passenger seat door which does not have a key cylinder and a lock knob mechanically connected to the lock lever, when the electric driving source can not be activated by a failure or malfunction of an electric system such as a discharge (running-out) of a battery, there is no means for moving the lock lever to the lock position. Accordingly, when the driver is apart from the vehicle, unauthorized (unpermitted) person can open the door freely, and enter the vehicle. This is unfavorable for theft prevention.

[0004] International Publication Number WO 2006/019191 (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-57320) discloses a vehicular door latch apparatus devised to dissolve the above-mentioned problems. In this door latch apparatus, when the lock lever can not be switched to the lock position by the electric driving source, it is possible to switch the lock lever from the unlock position to the lock position by rotating an emergency operation member exposed from an opening portion formed in a housing of the door latch apparatus, in the door open state by tools such as a key plate and a driver.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] However, in this door latch apparatus, when the lock lever is activated to the lock position or the unlock position by the driving of the electric driving source, the emergency operation member which does not relate to the switching operation by the electric driving source is interlocked and pivoted with the activation of the lock lever.

This increases operation noise, and disturbs the smooth activation of the lock lever to the lock position and the unlock position.

[0006] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a door latch apparatus devised so as not to transmit a switching activation by driving of an electric driving source to an emergency operation member, and to smoothly activate a lock lever to a lock position and an unlock position, and a door equipped with this door latch apparatus.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a door latch apparatus for a vehicle, the door latch apparatus comprises: an engagement unit mounted in a door, and arranged to be engaged with or disengaged from a striker of a vehicle body; a first casing which is mounted to the engagement unit, and which confronts an inner surface of an outer panel of the door; a second casing which is mounted to the first casing, and which includes an opening portion that is formed at a position to confront an inner surface of an inner panel, and that a predetermined tool is arranged to be inserted; an electric driving source provided in a receiving space between the first casing and the second casing; a lock lever provided in the receiving space, and arranged to be moved by the electric driving source between an unlock position to enable to release the engagement state of the engagement unit, and a lock position to unable to release the engagement state of the engagement unit; and an emergency operation member which is supported at a position to correspond to the opening portion in the receiving space, which is arranged to be pivoted about an axis directing in inside and outside directions of the vehicle, and to transmit a rotational force to the lock lever so as to move the lock lever from the unlock position to the lock position, which is connected with the lock lever through a play corresponding to an activation stroke of the lock lever between the lock position and the unlock position so as not to receive the movement of the lock lever from the lock position to the unlock position, or the movement of the lock lever from the unlock position to the lock position, and which includes an engagement portion located on a side surface exposing from the opening portion, and arranged to be engaged with the predetermined tool in the rotational direction.

[0008] According to another aspect of the invention, a vehicular door comprises: an inner panel; an outer panel; and door latch apparatus includ, an engaQemt unit moUflt in th door, and arranged to be gaged lth or disengaged from a striker of a vehC bodV a first CaSiflY is mounted to the engagement flIt, fld which coflfrn5 an inner surface of the outer paflel a second casing whiCh is mounted tO the first easing; and WhiCh an open portiofl that is formed at a positiofl to confront an inner surface of the inner pafl&s and that a predetmmed toOt is arranged to be inserted, an eleCtr o driV9 source provided in a reCeiVQ space between the first casing and the second easing; a lock lever proved in the space1 and arranged to be moved bV the eleCtr riviflg source betWe an unloCk pOSt to enable to release the flggement state of the enQa9emt unit, and a lock position to unab to release the flg8gement state of the gagemt unit, and an emer9en operati0fl member which is supported at a poSltiOfl to correspond tO the opening porti0fl in the eceiV space1 which is arraflY to be pivoted about an axiS ireCt in inside and outside directions of the vehicle, and to transmit a rotatbon& force to the lock lever so as to move the lock lever from the unlock position to the lock positi0fs which is connected lth the lock lever through a play corre5P0 to an activation stroke of the loCk lever betWe the lock p0git0fl and the unlock position so as not to receive the movement of the iock lever from the lock position to the unlock poSitl0 or the movement of the lock lever from the unlock 0sti0n to the lock p0Stt10; and which includes an gagement portion tocat on a side surface expO59 from the openifl9 porti0n and arranged to be engag with the predetermined tool in the rotational direction, the inner panel including an emergency operation hole overlapped with the opening portion of the second casing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a door on an inside of a vehicle, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing a portion indicated by an arrow A in FIG. 1.

[0011] FIG. 3 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view taken along a section line Ill-Ill of FIG. 2.

[0012] FIG. 4 is an enlarged transverse sectional view taken along a section line IV-IV of FIG. 2.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a door latch apparatus according to the one embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a front view showing the door latch apparatus of FIG. 5.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a side view showing the door latch apparatus of FIG. 5 on the inside of the vehicle.

[0016] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the door latch apparatus of FIG. 5.

[0017] FIG. 9 is a side view showing an operation unit in a lock state, which is on the inside of the vehicle.

(0018] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the operation unit in an unlock state, which is on the inside of the vehicle.

(0019] FIG. 11 is a side view showing the operation unit at an emergency operation, which is on the inside of the vehicle. 5..

DETAILED DE1b0 a door latch 8pparat for a vehicle ccord to one embOdtmt of the present invefltiOfl is ustrated with reference to draWifl9 A leftWard directiofl s of FIG. 1 corresponds to a forward direCtiofl of the vehicle.

A rightWa directi0fl of FIG. I corresP° to a rearward direCtiofl of the vehiC A back side of FIG. I corresP° to an outside of the vehicle. A front side of FIG. 1 correSP05 to an inside of the vehicle.

[00213 As shown in FIGS. 1-4, a door D is supported b a vehicle body to be opened or closed. The door D includes an outer panel Dl on the outside of the vehicle, and an inner panel D2 on the inside of the vehicle. An outside handle 10 is provided to the outer panel Dl. The outside handle 10 is operated or nipu1at when the door D is opened from the 0utside of the vehicle. n inside handle 12 is proVid to the inner panel D2. The inside handle 12 is operated or manipulated when the door 0 is opened from the inside of the vehicl A door latch apparatus 1 is mounted on a rear end surface of the inner panel D2 withlfl the door 0.

O0223 The door 0 hlCh emploYs the door latch apparatus according to the embodiment is a door (first door) on a passenger seat side. A key cylinder operated for 5itchmg the door latch apparatus t to the lock state and the unlock state from the outside of the vehicle is not provided to the outer panel Dl. Moreover, a lock kflOb operated for switChlfl9 the lock state and the unlock state s not provided to the door 0 Ofl the inside of the vehicle.

[0023] In a case in which the door latch apparatus 1 is applied to a door with the key cylinder provided on the outer panel like a door (second door) on a driver's seat side, a key lever 24 (described later) of the door latch apparatus I is connected to a key cylinder 11 through an operation shaft 111 extending in the inside and outside directions of the vehicle (in a lateral direction of the vehicle), for example, as shown in two-dot chain line of FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 3, the inner panel D2 of the doorD includes a circular emergency operation hole D21 which is formed on a surface of the inner panel D2 on the inside of the vehicle, and into which a screwdriver or a key plate 14 for operating the key cylinder 11 of the door on the driver's seat side can be inserted in a horizontal direction. This emergency operation hole D21 is a small hole into which the key plate 14 can be inserted. This emergency operation hole D21 is closed (covered) in the closed state of the door D. On the other hand, this emergency operation hole D21 is exposed only in the open state of the door D. It is preferable that the emergency operation hole D21 is provided to a portion at which a door trim provided to the side surface of the inner panel D2 on the inside of the vehicle is not provided.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 5-8, the door latch apparatus 1 includes an engagement unit 2 arranged to restrict the door D to the closed state, and an operation unit 3 mounted on the engagement unit 2.

[0026] The engagement unit 2 includes a body 5 fixed on a rear end surface of the inner panel D2 within the door 7..

0 by a pluralitY of boltS 4; a latch 6 pivotallY mounted on a shaft 61 tending thifl the body 5 in the forward and rearWa directioflSf and 1ranged to be engaged with or disengaged from a striker (not shOWfl) fixed to the vehiC bodY ratchet 15 pivot&W mounted on a shaft 151 extendm9 lthfl the body 5 in the forward and rearward directi0flS and 3rrang to be engaged with or sengag from the latCh 6; an open lever 7 supP0rt on a front surface of the body 5, and arranged to rotate as a flIt with the ratchet 15. When the door 0 ls closed, the striker on the vehiC body side enters the body 5, and the striker is gaged with the latch 6. Then, the ratchet 5 is engaged with the latch 6 in a direction to prevent a pivOt movement of the latch 6 in the open direction, so that the flgagement flit 2 reStricts the door o to the closed state.

tOO2ll The operation unit 3 includes a first caSing 8 which is made of a 5thet resin, which is mounted on a front surface of the body 5, and WhICh confronts the inner surface of the outer panel Dl; and a second casing 9 whiCh is made of a synthetic res1fl, which closes an opening of the first caSin9 8 that directs the inside of the vehicle, and which confronts the inner panel 02. in a receivin9 space between the first casing B and the second casing 9, there are provided a motor 17 5ervinq as an electric driving sourCe, a worm wheel 18, a lock lever 19, first nd second lift leverS 20 and 21, an inside lever 22 a key lever 24, a sub keY lever 25, a sub lock lever 26, an outside lever 27, and an ergen operation member 23 operated at the emer9* O0281 The first casing S clud a Substanta cyindric SUPPO port0fl 81 whiCh is formed at an uppermost portiofl of the first casing 8, and which directs in the inside and outside direCtionS of the vehicle (In the ater direction of the vehiC) The second caSifl9 9 lncWdes a cyUnddc suPP0 portion 92 whiCh confronts the support porti0fl si and which directs in the inside and outside directiaflS of the vehiCl M shown In FIGS 3 and the support portiOn 92 inc'udes a circWar opening portion 91 iocated on the inside of the vehicle the support portl0fl 92, and ovedaPP with the emer9en operation hole 021 of the inner panel D2. We the door latch apparatus aCCO to this example IS applied to the door on the driver's seat side, the support portiofl 81 of the first casifl9 B is dIsposed to confront the key cylinder ii, as shown in FlG 4.

[00293 AS shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, there is provided an annular seal member 13 between a periPhY of the opefli9 portion 91 of the second asiflg 9 and a periPhY of the emer9en operation hole 021 in the inner surface of the inner pan& 02 in a mOuntmQ state in whiCh the door latch apparatus i is mounted in the door 0. The seal member i3 is arran9 to prevent the rainwater from the opening portion 91 and the emer9 operatbofl hOSe 021.

O0303 The worm wheel is is ivotaUY 5pported y a support shaft 84 which is provided to the first casing 8, and which extends in the inside and 0tside directions of the vehicle (in the lateral direct10 The worm wheel 18 is en9a9 WIth a worm 171 fIxed on a rotat0 shaft of the motor 17. With thiS the worm wheel 18 is ranged to rotate in a norm directbofl and in a reverse direction bY beifl9 driven b the motor 17.

tOO3 wo wheel 18 inclUdes first g9emt s protruQ porti0fl5 181 and 182 formed on one of side surfaces (rotation surfaces) of the worm wheel 18, and second enga9emt protrudtflQ portionS 183 and 184 formed on the other of the side surfaces of the worm wheel 18 whiCh is 0pposite to the one of the side surfaces of the worm whe& 18. Th first flggement protrUY portions 181 and 182 and the second engagement prOtrUQ portioflS 183 and 184 haVe the same shaP. Moreover, the first engagement prOtruQ portiOfl5 181 and 182 and the second flga9emt protru portions 183 and 184 are position the both side surfaces of the worm wheel 18 at the symmetfl' positOfl The lock lever 19 is pivotatlY gupport b a support shaft 83 which is provided to the first casin9 8, and which extends in the inside and outside directions of the vehic (in the laterat directb0 The loCk lever 19 iS rrang to be pivoted between a lock p0sitiOfl shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, and an unlock position shOWfl in FIG. 10 which is pivoted from the lock positiofl n a direction bY a predetermined ngte, based on the riviflg of the motor 17 or th operation of the merg operation mem 23. The lock leVer 19 iS resilienttY held at the lock positiofl and the unlock positiOfl b an urging force of a spring 28 supPorted bY the first casing 8.

tOO33) The lock lever 19 includes first and second flgagemt arms 191 and 192 tendmg from the support shaft 83 in a radiaY outwa directi0 The first flgaqemt arm 191 is 6nged to be abutted on the first flg9emt protru9 portioflS 181 and 182 by the rotatiofl of the worm wheel 18. The second flggement arm 192 is ranqed to be abutted on the second enga9emt protrud9 portions i83 and i84 by the rotatiofl of the worm wheel 18.

oO341 The sub lock lever 26 is pivotaY 5pported bV the support shaft 82 provided to the first caSing 8. The sub lock leVer 26 includeS an elOfl9at hole 262 formed in a lower portiofl of the ub lock lever 26. A protrudffl9 porti0l (not shOWn) provided to an upper end portiofl of the lock leVer 19 iS engag WIth the 0ngated hole 262.

With this, the sub lock leVer 26 is moved to the lock positl0fl shown in FIGS. 9 and tt and the unloCk positi0 shown FIG. 10 in synchr0ntbon with the pivot movement of the lock lever 19.

100351 For examPle, in the lock state in which the lock lever i and the sub lock lever 26 are in the lock position as shown in FIG. 9, the first ggement arm 191 of the lock lever 19 is positi0n inside a path (track) of the pivot movement of the first ggemt protrUd9 portiofls 181 and 182 of the worm wheel 18, and the second enga9emt arm 192 is positi0n outside the plVOt movement of the second flg9ement protrudtfl9 portiOns i83 and 184 of the worm wheel 18. in this lock state, when the operation switch provided within the vehicle or the portable operation 5WtCh is switched tO the unlock state, the worm wheel 18 is pivoted in the counterclockwise direction from the poS\t0fl shown in FIG. 9 by the driving of the motor 17.

With this, the first gagemt protrudQ porti0 182 is abutted on the first Qgement arm i91 The first ggement protrUdY portI0 182 pivOt5 the lock lever 19 from the loCk position to the unlock posittom when the IOCk lever 19 and the sub lock lever 26 are pivoted to the unlOCk posit0fi the first flg3gemt protru9 portiofl 182 of the worm wheel 18 Is sengag from the first enga9emt arm 191 of the lock lever 19, and the second ggement protrudm9 portiofl 183 iS abUtt on a UP end porti0fl of the second enYaQemt arm 192, so that the 100361 oreOVen, for examP in th unlock state in which the lock lever 19 and the sub loCk lever 26 are positioned in the unlock positi0n as shown FIGS 10, the first engagement arm 191 of the lock lever 19 iS outside the path (track) of the pivot movement of the first ga9emt protrudtflQ portiOflS 181 and 182 of the worm wheel 18, and the second flggemt arm 192 15 2051tioned inside the path (track) of the pivot movement of the second flgagemt protruY portions 183 and i84 of the worm wheel In this unlock state, when the operatbofl switch is switched to the lock state, the worm wheel 18 is pivoted in the ClOCkwise direction from the positi0 shown fl FIGS 10 b the driviflY of the motor 17.

WIth this, the second gaQemt protrU9 portiofl 183 s abutted on the second flggemt arm 192. The second ggement protruY portion 183 pivOtS the lock lever 19 from the unlock 205tt0fl tO th lock poSiti0 the lock lever t is pivoted to the loCk poSiti0flr the second gagemt protrU9 portion 183 IS disen9a9 from the second engagement arm 192 of the lock lever 19, and the first engagement protruding portion 182 is abutted on the tip end portion of the first engagement arm 191, so that the worm wheel 18 is stopped.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, in the lock state and the unlock state, the first and second engagement protruding portions 18 1-184 of the worm wheel 18 are positioned outside the paths (tracks) of the movements of the engagement arms 191 and 192. Accordingly, when the lock lever 19 is pivoted by the operation of the emergency operation member 23 from the lock position to the unlock position, or reversely from the unlock position to the lock position, the first and second engagement arms 191 and 192 of the lock lever 19 are not abutted on the engagement protruding portions 181-184. Therefore, the lock lever 19 can be pivoted to any positions by the small force without receiving the resistance to reverse the worm wheel 18 and the motor 17.

(0038] The outside lever 27 is pivotally supported by a support shaft 85 which is provided at a lower portion of the first casing 8, and which protrudes in the rearward direction. The outside lever 27 includes an activation end portion 271 which is provided at an end portion directing toward the inside of the vehicle, and an out-vehicle connection portion 272 provided at an end portion on the outside of the vehicle. Lower portions of the first and second lift levers 20 and 21 are connected to the activation end portion 271 to be swung in the forward and rearward directions by a predetermined angle. On the other hand, the out-vehicle connection portion 272 is connected to the outside handle 10 through a operation force transmitting member (not shown) extending in the upward and downward directions. With this, when the outside handle is operated for opening the door, the outside lever 27 is pivoted about the support shaft 85 by the predetermined angle from a wait position (for example, cf. FIG. 6) in an open direction (in the clockwise direction in FIG. 6) in which the activation end portion 271 is moved in the upward direction.

[0039] The inside lever 22 is pivotally supported by a support shaft 86 which is provided to the first casing 8, and which extends in the inside and outside directions of the vehicle. The inside lever 22 includes a connection portion 221 provided at a lower end portion of the inside lever 22.

This connection portion 221 is connected with an operation force transmitting member 29 such as a cable which can transmit the operation force of the inside handle 12. With this, when the inside handle 12 is operated for opening the door, the inside lever 22 is pivoted by a predetermined angle from a wait position shown in FIGS. 9-11 in the open direction (in the clockwise direction).

(0040] The inside lever 22 includes a release abutment portion 222 arranged to be abutted from the below, on a release abutted portion 273 provided to the outside lever 27 when the inside lever 22 is pivoted in the open direction.

With this, when the inside lever 22 is pivoted from the wait position in the open direction based on the open operation of the inside handle 12, the release abutment portion 222 is abutted from the below, on the release abutted portion 273 provided to the outside lever 27. The release abutment portion 222 pivots the outside lever 27 from the wait position in the open direction.

[0041] The first lift lever 20 includes an 8-shaped bearing hole 202 provided to a lower portion of the first lift lever 20. An activation end portion 271 of the outside lever 27 is freely fit in the bearing hole 202, so that the first lift lever 20 is supported to be pivoted about the activation end portion 271 in the forward and rearward directions by a predetermined angle.

[0042] The first lift lever 20 includes an elongated groove 201 which is formed in a side surface of the first lift lever 20, and which extends in the upward and downward directions. The lock lever 19 includes a protruding portion 193 provided to the upper end portion of the lock lever 19.

This protruding portion 193 of the lock lever 19 is engaged with the elongated groove 201 of the first lift lever 20 to be slid in the upward and downward directions.

[0043] When the lock lever 19 is pivoted from the lock position to the unlock position, or reversely from the unlock position to the lock position, the first lift lever 20 is swung about the activation end portion 271 of the outside lever 27.

With this, the first lift lever 20 is moved with the lock lever 19 from the lock position shown in FIG. 9 to the unlock position shown in FIG. 10, or reversely from the unlock position to the lock position. Moreover, in a case in which the outside lever 27 is pivoted from the wait position in the open direction, the first lift lever 20 is moved from the lock position in the open direction (in the upward direction) when the lock lever 19 is in the lock position, and moved from the unlock position in the open direction (in the upward direction) when the lock lever 19 is in the unlock position.

[0044] The second lift lever 21 is supported coaxially with the first lift lever 20 by the activation end portion 271 of the outside lever 27. The second lift lever 21 is arranged to be moved as a unit with the first lift lever 20 between the lock position shown in FIG. 9 and the unlock position shown in FIG. 10, in a range of an urging force of a spring 30 acted between the first lift lever 20 and the second lift lever 21. Moreover, when the outside lever 27 is moved from the wait position in the open direction, the second lift lever 21 is moved with the first lift lever 20 in the open direction (in the upward direction).

(0045] The second lift lever 21 includes a release portion 211 which is arranged to be abutted from the below, on a released portion 71 of the open lever 7. With this, in the unlock state in which the lock lever 19 is in the unlock position, when the outside handle 10 or the inside handle 12 is operated for opening the door, the second lift lever 21 in the unlock position is moved with the first lift lever in the open direction. With this, the release portion 211 of the second lift lever 21 is abutted from the below, on the released portion 71 of the open lever 7, and the release portion 211 of the second lift lever 21 pivots the open lever 7 from the wait position in the open direction.

Consequently, the ratchet 15 is disengaged from the latch 6, so that it is possible to open the door D. However, in the lock state in which the lock lever 19 is in the lock position, when the second lift lever 21 in the lock position is moved with the first lift lever 20 in the open direction, the release portion 211 does not abut on or misses the released portion 71 of the open lever 7, so that the open lever 7 can not be pivoted in the open direction. Therefore, it is not possible to open the door D. (0046] The key lever 24 includes a pivot shaft portion 242 directing in the inside and outside directions of the vehicle (in the lateral direction). This pivot shaft portion 242 is pivotally supported within the support portion 81 of the first casing 8. The key lever 24 is arranged to be pivoted by a predetermined angle from a neutral position shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 in the lock direction (in the counterclockwise direction in FIGS. 9 and 10), and in the unlock direction (in the clockwise direction in FIGS. 9 and 10).

[0047] The key lever 24 includes a cross-shaped connection recessed portion 243 formed in an end surface of the pivot shaft portion 242 on the inside of the vehicle.

This connection recessed portion 243 is connected with the emergency operation member 23.

[0048] When the door latch apparatus 1 according to this example is applied to the door on the driver's seat, the end portion of the pivot shaft portion 242 of the key lever 24 which is on the outside of the vehicle is connected through the operation shaft 111 to the key cylinder 11, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. With this, the key lever 24 is pivoted by the predetermined angle from the neutral position shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 in the lock direction (in the counterclockwise direction), based on the lock operation of the key cylinder 11. On the other hand, the key lever 24 is pivoted by the predetermined angle from the neutral position in the unlock direction (in the clockwise direction), based on the unlock operation of the key cylinder 11.

(0049] Moreover, the emergency operation member 23 is pivotally supported within support portion 92 of the second casing 9 to direct a rotation axis in the inside and outside directions of the vehicle (in the lateral direction).

The emergency operation member 23 includes a cross-shaped connection raised portion 231 formed on a side surface (rotation surface) of the emergency operation member 23 which confronts the outside of the vehicle, that is, the end surface of the emergency operation member 23 that confronts the connection recessed portion 243 of the key lever 24. The connection raised portion 231 is freely mounted in the connection recessed portion 243. With this, the emergency operation member 23 and the key lever 24 are connected with each other to pivot as a unit.

(0050] Moreover, the connection raised portion 231 of the emergency operation member 23 is freely mounted in the connection recessed portion 243 of the key lever 24 so that there is a play between the connection raised portion 231 and the connection recessed portion 243. With this, even when the rotation axis of the key lever 24 is intersected with the rotation axis of the emergency operation member 23 at a predetermined angle as shown in FIG. 3, it is possible to surely transmit the rotational force of the emergency operation member 23 to the pivot shaft portion 242 of the key lever 24. Accordingly, even when the door latch apparatus 1 of this example is applied to the door on the driver's seat, the rotation axis of the key lever 24 can correspond to the rotation axis of the key cylinder 11.

[005 1] The emergency operation member 23 includes an engagement portion 232 which is formed on a side surface (rotation surface) of the emergency operation member 23 that directs the inside of the vehicle, that is, on the end surface of the emergency operation member 23 that confronts from the emergency operation hole D21 of the inner panel D2 through the opening portion 91 of the second casing 9, and which is a liner groove arranged to be engaged with the tip end portion of the key plate 24 in the rotational direction.

[0052] The sub key lever 25 is pivotally supported coaxially with the sub lock lever 26. The sub key lever 25 includes an elongated hole 251 which is formed at an upper portion of the sub key lever 25, and which extends in the upward and downward directions. This elongated hole 251 is engaged with the protruding portion 241 provided at the lower end portion of the key lever 24. With this, the sub key lever 25 can be pivoted with the emergency operation member 23 through the key lever 24 from the neutral position in the lock direction or in the unlock direction.

[0053] The sub key lever 25 includes abutment portions 252 and 253 which are apart from each other in the rotational direction. The sub lock lever 26 pivoted as a unit with the lock lever 19 includes a protruding portion 261 located between the abutment portions 252 and 253, and arranged to be abutted on the abutment portions 252 and 253 through a clearance (play) corresponding to the activation stroke between the lock position and the unlock position of the lock lever 19.

[0054] Accordingly, in a case in which the sub key lever is stopped in the neutral position, even when the lock lever 19 is pivoted by the driving of the motor 17 from the lock position to the unlock position, or reversely from the unlock position to the lock position and the sub lock lever 26 is pivoted in synchronism with the pivot movement of the sub key lever 25, the pivot movement of the sub lock lever 26 is not transmitted to the sub key lever 25 since the protruding portion 261 is not abutted on the abutment portions 252 and 253. Accordingly, even when the lock lever 19 is pivoted by the driving of the motor 17 from the lock position to the unlock position, or reversely from the unlock position to the lock position, the pivot movement is not transmitted to the emergency operation member 23 positioned in the neutral position.

[0055] Moreover, when the sub key lever 25 is pivoted from the neutral position in the lock direction in synchronization with the pivot movement of the emergency operation member 23 as shown in FIG. 11, the abutment portion 253 of the sub key lever 25 is abutted on the protruding portion 261 of the sub lock lever 26. With this, it is possible to pivot the sub lock lever 26 to the lock position, and thereby to move the lock lever 19 to the lock position. Moreover, when the sub key lever 25 is pivoted from the neutral position in the unlock direction in synchronization with the pivot movement of the emergency operation member 23, the abutment portion 252 of the sub key lever 25 is abutted on the protruding portion 261 of the sub lock lever 26. With this, it is possible to pivot the sub lock lever 26 to the unlock position, and thereby to move the lock lever 19 to the unlock position.

[0056] Accordingly, when the lock lever 19 can not be moved by the motor 17 from the unlock position to the lock position by the inoperative of the motor 17 due to the failure of the electric system such as the discharge (running-out) of the battery, the key plate 14 is inserted into the emergency operation hole D21 of the inner panel D2 and the opening portion 91 of the second casing 9 in the open state of the door D, and the key plate 14 is engaged with the engagement portion 232 of the emergency Operation member 23. The emergency operation member 23 is pivoted from the neutral position shown in FIG. 10 in the lock direction. The rotational force of the emergency operation member 23 is transmitted through the key lever 24, the sub key lever 25, and the sub lock lever 26 to the lock lever 19. With this, the lock lever 19 and the first and second lift levers 20 and 21 are moved from the unlock position to the lock position to attain the lock state. After switching to the lock state, the key plate 14 is pulled out from the emergency operation hole D21 of the inner panel D2 and the opening portion 91 of the second casing 9 in a state in which the emergency operation member 23 is returned to the neutral position, the door D is closed in a state to keep the lock state. With this, the driver can be apart from the vehicle after the door latch apparatus 1 is switched to the lock state.

[0057] When the door D is closed, the emergency operation hole D21 of the inner panel D2 is closed (covered) between the door D and the vehicle body.

Accordingly, it is not possible to insert a fraudulent tool into the emergency operation hole D21. Therefore, unauthorized (unpermitted) person can not enter the vehicle during the driver can be apart from the vehicle.

[0058] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Following modifications and variations of the embodiments described above will occur within the scope of the present invention.

(a) In the above-described embodiments, the emergency operation member 23 is arranged to be pivoted from the neutral position in the unlock direction and the in the lock direction. However, the emergency operation member 23 may be arranged to be pivoted from the neutral position only in the lock direction so as to move the lock lever 19 from the unlock position to the lock position.

(b) The emergency operation member 23 may be integrally formed with the key lever 24.

(c) The sub key lever 25 and/or the sub lock lever 26 may be omitted. When the sub key lever 25 and the sub lock lever 26 are omitted, the emergency operation member 23 is connected through the key lever 24 to the lock lever 19.

Moreover, when the sub key lever 25 and the sub lock lever 26 are omitted and also the emergency operation member 23 is integrally formed with the key lever 24, the emergency operation member 23 is connected directly with the lock lever 19.

(d) A spring to urge to the neutral position is provided to the emergency operation member 23.

(e) When the door latch apparatus according to the embodiment is applied to the door of the driver's seat, the opening portion 91 of the second casing 9 is closed.

(f) When the door latch apparatus according to the embodiment is applied to the passenger seat door which is not provided with the key cylinder 11, the support portion 81 of the first casing 8 is closed, or the connection portion connected with the operation shaft 111 of the key cylinder 11 is not formed in the end surface portion of the pivot shaft portion 242 of the key lever 24 which is on the outside of the vehicle.

[0059] In the present invention, a door latch apparatus for a vehicle includes: an engagement unit mounted in a door, and arranged to be engaged with or disengaged from a stri.ker of a vehicle body; a first casing which is mounted to the engagement unit, and which confronts an inner surface of an outer panel of the door; a second casing which is mounted to the first casing, and which includes an opening portion that is formed at a position to confront an inner surface of an inner panel, and that a predetermined tool is arranged to be inserted; an electric driving source provided in a receiving space between the first casing and the second casing; a lock lever provided in the receiving space, and arranged to be moved by the electric driving source between an unlock position to enable to release the engagement state of the engagement unit, and a lock position to unable to release the engagement state of the engagement unit; and an emergency operation member which is supported at a position to correspond to the opening portion in the receiving space, which is arranged to be pivoted about an axis directing in inside and outside directions of the vehicle, and to transmit a rotational force to the lock lever so as to move the lock lever from the unlock position to the lock position, which is connected with the lock lever through a play corresponding to an activation stroke of the lock lever between the lock position and the unlock position so as not to receive the movement of the lock lever from the lock position to the unlock position, or the movement of the lock lever from the unlock position to the lock position, and which includes an engagement portion located on a side surface exposing from the opening portion, and arranged to be engaged with the predetermined tool in the rotational direction.

(0060] Accordingly, the emergency operation member is pivoted by the predetermined tool. Consequently, it is possible to readily activate the lock lever from the unlock position to the lock position. Moreover, when the lock lever is activated by the driving of the electric driving source to the lock position or the unlock position, the emergency operation member is not interlocked with the activation of the lock lever. Therefore, it is.possible to smoothly activate the lock lever by the driving of the electric driving source to the lock position or the unlock position.

[0061] The entire contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-05 1328 filed March 9, 2010 are incorporated herein by reference.

[0062] Although the invention has been described above by reference to certain embodiments of the invention, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Modifications and variations of the embodiments described above will occur to those skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. The scope of the invention is defined with reference to the following claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1 1. A door latch apparatus for a vehicle, the door latch 2 apparatus comprising: 3 an engagement unit mounted in a door, and arranged 4 to be engaged with or disengaged from a striker of a vehicle body; 6 a first casing which is mounted to the engagement 7 unit, and which confronts an inner surface of an outer 8 panel of the door; 9 a second casing which is mounted to the first casing, and which includes an opening portion that is formed at a 11 position to confront an inner surface of an inner panel, and 12 that a predetermined tool is arranged to be inserted; 13 an electric driving source provided in a receiving 14 space between the first casing and the second casing; a lock lever provided in the receiving space, and 16 arranged to be moved by the electric driving source 17 between an unlock position to enable to release the 18 engagement state of the engagement unit, and a lock 19 position to unable to release the engagement state of the engagement unit; and 21 an emergency operation member which is supported 22 at a position to correspond to the opening portion in the 23 receiving space, which is arranged to be pivoted about an 24 axis directing in inside and outside directions of the vehicle, and to transmit a rotational force to the lock lever so as to 26 move the lock lever from the unlock position to the lock 27 position, which is connected with the lock lever through a 28 play corresponding to an activation stroke of the lock lever 29 between the lock position and the unlock position so as not to receive the movement of the lock lever from the lock 31 position to the unlock position, or the movement of the lock 32 lever from the unlock position to the lock position, and 33 which includes an engagement portion located on a side 34 surface exposing from the opening portion, and arranged to be engaged with the predetermined tool in the rotational 36 direction.

1 2. The door latch apparatus as claimed in claim 1, 2 wherein the door latch apparatus further comprises a key 3 lever disposed in the receiving space, supported to be 4 pivoted about an axis extending in the inside and outside directions, and arranged to be connected with a key 6 cylinder which is for the lock operation and the unlock 7 operation, and which is provided to the outer panel of the 8 door; and the emergency operation member is connected 9 with a rotational shaft of the key lever so that an axis of the emergency operation member and an axis of the key 11 lever are intersected with each other at a predetermined 12 angle.

1 3. The door latch apparatus as claimed in claim 1, 2 wherein the door latch apparatus further comprises a sub 3 key lever connected with the emergency operation member 4 to pivot as a unit with the emergency operation member, a sub lock lever connected with the lock lever to pivot as a 6 unit with the lock lever; and the sub key lever includes 7 abutment portions which are apart from each other in the 8 pivot direction; the sub lock lever includes a protruding 9 portion disposed between the abutment portions of the sub key lever; and the protruding portion of the sub lock lever 11 is abutted through the play on one of the abutment 12 portions of the sub key lever to pivot the lock lever to the 13 lock position or the unlock position by the pivot movement 14 of the emergency operation member.

1 4. A vehicular door comprising: 2 an inner panel; 3 an outer panel; and 4 a door latch apparatus including; an engagement unit mounted in the door, and 6 arranged to be engaged with or disengaged from a striker 7 of a vehicle body, 8 a first casing which is mounted to the 9 engagement unit, and which confronts an inner surface of the outer panel, 11 a second casing which is mounted to the first 12 casing, and which includes an opening portion that is 13 formed at a position to confront an inner surface of the 14 inner panel, and that a predetermined tool is arranged to be inserted, 16 an electric driving source provided in a receiving 17 space between the first casing and the second casing, 18 a lock lever provided in the receiving space, and 19 arranged to be moved by the electric driving source between an unlock position to enable to release the 21 engagement state of the engagement unit, and a lock 22 position to unable to release the engagement state of the 23 engagement unit, and 24 an emergency operation member which is supported at a position to correspond to the opening 26 portion in the receiving space, which is arranged to be 27 pivoted about an axis directing in inside and outside 28 directions of the vehicle, and to transmit a rotational force 29 to the lock.lever so as to move the lock lever from the unlock position to the lock position, which is connected 31 with the lock lever through a play corresponding to an 32 activation stroke of the lock lever between the lock position 33 and the unlock position so as not to receive the movement 34 of the lock lever from the lock position to the unlock position, or the movement of the lock lever from the unlock 36 position to the lock position, and which includes an 37 engagement portion located on a side surface exposing 38 from the opening portion, and arranged to be engaged with 39 the predetermined tool in the rotational direction, the inner panel including an emergency operation hole 41 being overlapped with the opening portion of the second 42 casing.

1 5. The vehicular door as claimed in claim 4, wherein the 2 door latch apparatus includes a key lever disposed in the 3 receiving space, supported to be pivoted about an axis 4 extending in the inside and outside directions, and arranged to be connected with a key cylinder which is for 6 the lock operation and the unlock operation, and which is 7 provided to the outer panel; and the emergency operation 8 member is connected with a rotational shaft of the key 9 lever so that an axis of the emergency operation member and an axis of the key lever are intersected with each other at a predetermined angle.

6. The vehicular door as claimed in claim 4, wherein the door latch apparatus includes a sub key lever connected with the emergency operation member to pivot as a unit with the emergency operation member, a sub lock lever connected with the lock lever to pivot as a unit with the lock lever; and the sub key lever includes abutment portions which are apart from each other in the pivot direction; the sub lock lever includes a protruding portion disposed between the abutment portions of the sub key lever; and the protruding portion of the sub lock lever is abutted through the play on one of the abutment portions of the sub key lever to pivot the lock lever to the lock position or the unlock position by the pivot movement of the emergency operation member.

7. A door latch apparatus for a vehicle, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

8. A vehicular door, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.-30 -