JP2004204491A - Door latch device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the anti-theft performance of a vehicle without impairing submergence preventiveness and an assembling property nor causing a notable increase in manufacturing cost. <P>SOLUTION: This door latch device is provided with a lock mechanism accommodated inside a housing and invalidating operation by a door handle in a lock state while validating operation by the door handle in an unlock state, and a plurality of operating levers capable of changing the lock mechanism in the lock state over to the unlock state in the case of being operated by a link means. Connection parts to at least the link means are exposed to the outside. The plurality of operating levers are disposed inside the housing in a state of being adjacent to each other, and the parts, exposed to the outside of the housing, of the plurality of operating levers are covered with a cover member formed integrally with the housing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a door latch device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As a door latch device applied to a vehicle such as a four-wheeled vehicle, a door latch device generally including a latch mechanism and a lock mechanism is generally used. The latch mechanism is for maintaining the door closed with respect to the vehicle body, and is usually engaged with a latch provided on the vehicle body side and engaged with the latch to engage the latch with the striker. And a ratchet for holding the latched state. The lock mechanism switches between a locked state and an unlocked state by a key operation from the outside of the vehicle or an operation of a lock button from the inside of the vehicle.When the lock state is established, the operation by the door handle is invalidated, In the unlocked state, the operation by the door handle is validated and transmitted to the above-mentioned latch mechanism.
[0003]
In this door latch device, when the lock mechanism is in the unlocked state, if a door handle, for example, an outside door handle provided on the outside of the door, or an inside door handle provided on the indoor side of the door is opened, any of the door handles can be opened. Also, the latch and the ratchet are disengaged from each other and the latched state is released, so that the door can be opened.
[0004]
On the other hand, when the lock mechanism is in the locked state, the door opening operation by the door handle is invalidated and is not transmitted to the latch mechanism. Therefore, unless the lock mechanism is unlocked by a key operation from the outside of the vehicle, the latch mechanism remains in the latched state even when the outside door handle is opened, and the vehicle cannot be opened. Can be locked.
[0005]
In this type of door latch device, conventionally, various measures have been taken to prevent the occurrence of a problem due to being wet. For example, a door latch device in which the above-described latch mechanism and lock mechanism are housed inside a housing is one of them.
[0006]
Here, the lock lever, which is operated by operating the lock button and switches the lock mechanism between the locked state and the unlocked state, is transmitted when the lock lever is actually assembled to the vehicle door. It is necessary to connect to linking means such as a link or a wire for performing the operation. Similarly, the inside handle lever which is operated by the opening operation of the inside door handle to release the latch state of the latch mechanism is transmitted to the inside door handle when the door handle is assembled to the door. It is necessary to connect with a linking means such as a link or a wire for connection.
[0007]
For this reason, conventionally, a lock lever is disposed inside the housing in such a manner that a connection portion with the linking means is exposed to the outside of the housing, and a cover member is provided on the housing to interconnect the lock lever and the linking means with each other. After this, the cover member is covered with the cover member, so that the workability of the connection between the lock lever and the linking means is ensured while ensuring the waterproofness. On the other hand, the inside handle lever is entirely disposed outside the housing, so that the workability with the linking means is ensured while ensuring the prevention of being wet (for example, see Patent Document 1). ).
[0008]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2002-129813
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Incidentally, some of the door latch devices described above are provided with a so-called one-motion function in order to improve the convenience. That is, when the inside door handle is opened, the locked lock mechanism is switched to the unlocked state, and the latch mechanism in the latched state is switched to the released state.
[0010]
According to such a one-motion function, even when the lock mechanism is locked, if the inside door handle is opened, the door can be opened by a single operation without operating the lock button. Therefore, convenience is remarkably improved.
[0011]
However, this one-motion function is realized by adding a function of switching a locked lock mechanism to an unlocked state with respect to an inside handle lever provided outside the housing. Therefore, for example, when a malicious person inserts a foreign object from the gap between the door and the glass and directly operates the above-described inside handle lever, the lock mechanism may be in an unlocked state. It is not always preferred.
[0012]
Of course, in order to prevent such a situation, the entire inside handle lever may be covered by a cover member provided on the housing, similarly to the lock lever. However, in the door latch device described above, the connection portion of the lock lever with the linking means is provided at the lower portion of the housing, while the inside handle lever is provided at the center of the outside of the housing. Therefore, in order to ensure the vehicle anti-theft property, a cover member extending from the lower part of the housing to the central part and having a size sufficient to cover the entire inside handle lever is required, and the manufacturing cost is reduced. Is very disadvantageous.
[0013]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a door latch device capable of improving the vehicle antitheft property without impairing the wettability and assemblability and without significantly increasing the manufacturing cost. And
[0014]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The door latch device according to the first aspect of the present invention is housed in the housing and invalidates the operation by the door handle when in the locked state, and enables the operation by the door handle when in the unlocked state. A lock mechanism and a plurality of operating levers that can switch the lock mechanism in the locked state to the unlocked state when operated via the linking means, and expose at least the connecting portions with the linking means to the outside, The plurality of operation levers are arranged inside the housing in a manner close to each other, and portions of the plurality of operation levers exposed to the outside of the housing are covered by a cover member.
[0015]
Further, the door latch device according to a second aspect of the present invention is the door latch device according to the first aspect, wherein the latch mechanism that maintains the closed door in the latched state and allows the door to be opened in the released state. A lock mechanism further provided inside the housing, wherein the plurality of operation levers are connected to first linkage means for transmitting an operation of the inside door handle, and are locked when operated via the first linkage means; Is switched to an unlocked state, and a first operating lever for switching a latch mechanism in a latched state to a released state is connected to a second linking means for transmitting an operation of a lock button, and is operated via the second linking means. And a second operation lever for switching the lock mechanism in the locked state to the unlocked state when the lock mechanism is in the locked state.
[0016]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the door latch device according to the first or second aspect, the cover member is formed integrally with the housing.
[0017]
The door latch device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the door latch device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the operation levers are juxtaposed in such a manner that the operation directions of the plurality of operation levers are the same. It is characterized by having done.
[0018]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the door latch device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the rotation of the key cylinder by a key operation from outside the housing is transmitted to the lock mechanism as a rotational driving force. And an operation input unit for switching the lock mechanism between an unlocked state and a locked state. The operation input unit is provided on an upper portion of the housing, and a connection part of the plurality of operation levers with a linking means is provided. It is provided at the lower part of the housing.
[0019]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a door latch device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0020]
1 to 4 show a door latch device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The door latch device exemplified here is provided on a rear surface of a side door of a front hinge disposed on a right side of a front seat of a four-wheeled vehicle (in a right-hand drive vehicle, a rear surface of a driver seat side door), and includes a main case 2 and a sub-case. 3 is provided. The main case 2 and the sub case 3 are formed of, for example, a synthetic resin, and after joining together, the housing 1 is configured by fastening each other by fastening means 4 such as screws. An O-ring 5 is interposed between the joining surfaces of the main case 2 and the sub case 3 to ensure desired water-repelling property (see FIG. 7).
[0021]
The housing 1 constituted by the main case 2 and the sub case 3 has a latch mechanism accommodating portion 10 extending along the left-right direction of the door, and an end of the latch mechanism accommodating portion 10 located on the indoor side of the door. A lock mechanism accommodating portion 20 extending in the front-rear direction, and has a substantially L-shape when viewed from above.
[0022]
The latch mechanism accommodating portion 10 has a horizontal cutout groove 11 extending substantially horizontally from the indoor side to the outdoor side at a position substantially at the center in the height direction, and the latch mechanism 30 is provided therein. The ratchet lever 40 is supported on the outside while being accommodated.
[0023]
The latch mechanism 30 is for engaging and holding the striker S provided on the vehicle body side of the four-wheeled vehicle, and includes a latch 31 and a ratchet 32 as shown in FIG.
[0024]
The latch 31 is rotatably disposed at a position above the horizontal notch groove 11 of the latch mechanism accommodating portion 10 via a latch shaft 33 extending substantially horizontally along the front-rear direction of the vehicle body. In FIG. 6, it is constantly urged clockwise in FIG. 6 by the elastic force of a latch spring (not shown) interposed between the latch mechanism accommodating portion 10 and the latch mechanism accommodating portion 10. The latch 31 has an engagement groove 31a, a hook portion 31b, and a locking portion 31c.
[0025]
The engagement groove 31a is a groove formed from the outer peripheral surface of the latch 31 toward the latch shaft 33, and has a width capable of accommodating the striker S.
[0026]
The hook portion 31b is a portion located closer to the indoor side than the engaging groove 31a when the engaging groove 31a is opened downward. As shown in FIG. 6C, when the latch 31 is rotated counterclockwise against a pressing force of a latch spring (not shown), the hook portion 31b is provided with a horizontal notch groove of the latch mechanism accommodating portion 10. When the latch 31 is rotated clockwise, as shown in FIG. 6A, it stops at the position where the horizontal cutout groove 11 is opened (open position). It is configured in.
[0027]
The locking portion 31c is a portion that is located on the outdoor side of the engagement groove 31a when the engagement groove 31a is opened downward. As shown in FIG. 6A, when the latch 31 is rotated clockwise, the locking portion 31c traverses the horizontal cutout groove 11 and faces toward the back (outdoor side) of the horizontal cutout groove 11. It is configured to stop in a state of being gradually inclined upward.
[0028]
The ratchet 32 extends through the ratchet shaft 34 extending substantially horizontally along the front-rear direction of the vehicle main body at a position below the horizontal notch groove 11 of the latch mechanism accommodating portion 10 and at a position closer to the indoor side than the latch shaft 33. It is provided so as to be rotatable and has an engaging portion 32a and a connecting pin 35.
[0029]
The engaging portion 32a is a portion extending radially outward from the ratchet shaft 34 toward the outside of the room. When the ratchet 32 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. Can be engaged with the hook portion 31b and the locking portion 31c.
[0030]
The connecting pin 35 extends substantially horizontally toward the front of the vehicle body from a position substantially in the middle of the engaging portion 32a, and extends through the arc-shaped notch groove 12 formed in the latch mechanism receiving portion 10 to form the latch mechanism receiving portion. 10 project outside.
[0031]
As shown in FIG. 5A, the ratchet lever 40 is rotatably disposed via the above-described ratchet shaft 34 on a surface on the vehicle front side outside the latch mechanism housing portion 10. In FIG. 5A, the ratchet spring 41 is urged in a clockwise direction by the elastic force of the ratchet spring 41 interposed between the portion 10. The ratchet lever 40 is provided with a pin connecting portion 40a, a first operating portion 40b, and a second operating portion 40c.
[0032]
As shown in FIG. 5A, the pin connecting portion 40a extends from the ratchet shaft 34 toward the outside of the room, and a pin mounting hole 40d And is connected to the ratchet 32 by mounting the connecting pin 35 of the ratchet 32 in the pin mounting hole 40d.
[0033]
As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the first action portion 40b is a portion extending from the ratchet shaft 34 toward the indoor side.
[0034]
The second action portion 40c is a portion that is bent from the tip of the first action portion 40b and extends toward the vehicle front side.
[0035]
As described above, the ratchet lever 40 is disposed outside the latch mechanism accommodating section 10, but is provided at a position covered by the lock mechanism accommodating section 20. Absent.
[0036]
Hereinafter, the operation of the above-described latch mechanism 30 will be briefly described. First, when the door is in the open state with respect to the vehicle body, the latch 31 is located at the open position as shown in FIG. When the door is closed from this state, the striker S provided on the vehicle body enters the horizontal cutout groove 11 of the latch mechanism accommodating portion 10, and the striker S comes into contact with the locking portion 31 c of the latch 31. . As a result, the latch 31 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 6 against the elastic force of the latch spring (not shown). During this time, the protruding end surface of the engaging portion 32 a of the ratchet 32 slides on the outer peripheral surface of the latch 31 by the elastic force of the ratchet spring 41, and the axis of the ratchet shaft 34 is appropriately adjusted according to the outer peripheral surface shape of the latch 31. Rotate around.
[0037]
When the door is further closed from the above-described state, the amount of the striker S entering the horizontal notch groove 11 gradually increases, so that the latch 31 further rotates counterclockwise, and as shown in FIG. Of the engagement groove 32a of the latch 31 reaches the back of the engagement groove 31a provided in the latch 31. In this state, the latching portion 31c of the latch 31 comes into contact with the portion of the ratchet 32 located at the engaging portion 32a, so that the latch 31 has an elastic restoring force against a latch spring (not shown). The rotation returning clockwise will be prevented. Moreover, since the hook portion 31b of the latch 31 is disposed so as to cross the horizontal cutout groove 11 on the indoor side of the striker S, the striker S moves in a direction deviating from the horizontal cutout groove 11 by the hook portion 31b. That is, the opening operation of the door with respect to the vehicle body is prevented (semi-latched state).
[0038]
When the door is completely closed through the above-mentioned half-latch state, the striker S entering the horizontal notch groove 11 further rotates the latch 31 counterclockwise through the locking portion 31c, and the striker S is moved horizontally. It reaches the back (outdoor side) of the notch groove 11. During this time, the ratchet 32 rotates clockwise in FIG. 6 against the elastic force of the ratchet spring 41 by the hook portion 31b of the latch 31 abutting on the upper surface of the engaging portion 32a, and the hook portion 31b of the latch 31 At the time of passing, the ratchet spring 41 immediately rotates counterclockwise due to the elastic restoring force. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6C, the hook portion 31b of the latch 31 comes into contact with the engaging portion 32a of the ratchet 32, so that the hook portion 31b resists the elastic restoring force of the latch spring (not shown). The rotation of the latch 31 returning clockwise is prevented. Even in this state, since the hook portion 31b of the latch 31 is disposed so as to cross the horizontal cutout groove 11, the striker S is moved by the hook portion 31b in a direction deviating from the depth (outside of the room) of the horizontal cutout groove 11. As a result, the door is kept closed with respect to the vehicle body (full latch state).
[0039]
Further, when the first operating portion 40b or the second operating portion 40c of the ratchet lever 40 is rotated upward in FIG. 6 against the elastic force of the ratchet spring 41 from the above-mentioned half-latched state or the fully latched state, the connecting pin Since the engaging portion 32a of the ratchet 32 connected by 35 moves downward, the abutting engagement state between the hook portion 31b of the latch 31 and the engaging portion 32a of the ratchet 32 is released, and the latch 31 is latched. It rotates clockwise in FIG. 6 due to the elastic restoring force (not shown). As a result, as shown in FIG. 6A, the horizontal notch groove 11 is opened, the striker S can move in a direction deviating from the horizontal notch groove 11, and the door can be opened with respect to the vehicle body. Become like
[0040]
On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 3, 7, and 8, the lock mechanism housing portion 20 of the housing 1 has therein an open lever 50, an inside handle lever (first operation lever) 60, a cancel lever 70, an input shaft. A member 80 and a lock mechanism 90 are provided.
[0041]
The open lever 50 is rotatably disposed at a position below the ratchet 32 of the latch mechanism 30 in the main case 2 via an open lever shaft 51 extending substantially horizontally along the front-rear direction of the vehicle body. In FIG. 3, it is constantly urged clockwise in FIG. 3 by the elastic force of the open lever spring 52 interposed between the lock mechanism accommodating portion 20 and the lock mechanism housing portion 20. The open lever 50 is provided with an open operation section 50a and an open operation section 50b.
[0042]
The open action portion 50a is a portion that extends radially outward from the open lever shaft 51 toward the outside of the room, and its extending end protrudes outside the lock mechanism housing portion 20. An outside door handle linking means 7a such as a link or a wire for linking with the outside door handle 7 provided on the door is connected to a portion of the open action section 50a protruding outside the lock mechanism housing section 20. It is. More specifically, an outside door handle linking means 7a is provided so that when the outside door handle 7 is opened, the open lever 50 rotates counterclockwise in FIG.
[0043]
The open operation portion 50b is a portion that extends radially outward from the open lever shaft 51 toward the indoor side, and the extending end portion of the first operation portion 40b of the ratchet lever 40 inside the lock mechanism housing portion 20. It is located in the lower region of.
[0044]
The inside handle lever 60 is swingably disposed at a position below the open lever 50 in the sub case 3 via an inside lever shaft 61 extending substantially horizontally along the left-right direction of the vehicle body. And has an inside working portion 60a and an inside pressing portion 60b.
[0045]
The inside action portion 60a is a portion that extends downward from the inside lever shaft 61 toward the vehicle front side, and its extending end is exposed to the outside through an inner slit 3a provided in the sub case 3. ing. A portion of the inside action portion 60a exposed to the outside of the lock mechanism accommodating portion 20 includes an inside door handle linking means (a first link) such as a link or a wire for linking with the inside door handle 8 provided on the indoor side of the door. (Linking means) 8a is connected. More specifically, an inside door handle linking means 8a is provided so that the inside handle lever 60 swings counterclockwise in FIG. 8 when the inside door handle 8 is opened.
[0046]
The inside pressing portion 60b is a portion extending upward from a position between the inside of the inside acting portion 60a, and its extending end reaches further above the inside lever shaft 61.
[0047]
The cancel lever 70 is rotatably disposed at a position above the inside lever shaft 61 in the sub case 3 via a cancel lever shaft 71 extending substantially horizontally along the left-right direction of the vehicle body. In FIG. 8, it is constantly urged clockwise in FIG. 8 by the elastic force of the cancel lever spring 72 interposed between the lock mechanism accommodating portion 20 and the lock mechanism housing portion 20. The cancel lever 70 is provided with a cancel pressure receiving portion 70a and a cancel protrusion 70b.
[0048]
The cancel pressure receiving portion 70a is a portion extending from the cancel lever shaft 71 toward the rear side of the vehicle, and a pressure receiving surface 70c serving as a lower end thereof faces the inside pressing portion 60b of the inside handle lever 60. The cancel pressure receiving portion 70a is provided with a cancel action groove 70d. The canceling action groove 70d is a groove portion formed from the end face located on the rear side of the vehicle toward the cancel lever shaft 71. When the main case 2 and the sub case 3 are joined to each other, the canceling action groove 70d is As shown, the second operating portion 40c of the ratchet lever 40 is configured to be located inside.
[0049]
The cancel projection 70b is a small-diameter cylindrical portion projecting from the surface facing the main case 2 below the cancel lever 70.
[0050]
As shown in FIG. 3, the input shaft member 80 serves as an operation input unit from a key cylinder KC provided on the door, and has a key lever shaft portion 80a and a key lever portion 80b integrally formed.
[0051]
The key lever shaft portion 80a is a portion for engaging a key rod KR (see FIG. 3) extending from the key cylinder KC, and has a columnar shape having a mounting hole 80c for mounting the key rod KR at an axial center portion. Has formed. The mounting hole 80c is a bottomed hole opened on the distal end surface. For example, when the distal end portion of the key rod KR is formed in a cross shape, the key rod KR is formed so that the cross section becomes a cross shape so as to be fitted therein. It is.
[0052]
The key lever portion 80b is a portion extending radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the key lever shaft portion 80a, and has a connecting shaft portion 80d at its extending end. The connection shaft portion 80d is a columnar portion protruding toward the outdoor side.
[0053]
The lock mechanism 90 is in an unlocked state (see FIG. 10) in which the rotation operation of the open lever 50 by the opening operation of the outside door handle 7 is transmitted to the latch mechanism 30 (see FIG. 10), and the open lever by the opening operation of the outside door handle 7. This switches to a locked state (see FIG. 11) in which the rotation operation of 50 is not transmitted to the latch mechanism 30. The surface of the main case 2 facing the sub-case 3, that is, the surface of the main case 2 covered by the sub-case 3 is , A lock lever (second operation lever) 910, a worm wheel 920, a link lever 930, a connect lever 940, and a key sub-lever 950.
[0054]
The lock lever 910 is rotatably disposed in a side region of the open operation portion 50b of the open lever 50 via a lock lever shaft 911 extending substantially horizontally along the left-right direction of the vehicle body. It has a connecting portion 912, a button connecting portion 913, and a driven gear portion 914.
[0055]
The link connecting portion 912 is a portion extending in a radially outward direction from the lock lever shaft 911, and has a linking pin portion 915 at a distal end thereof. The connecting groove 916 is provided. The link pin portion 915 is a portion that extends substantially horizontally along the left-right direction of the vehicle body from a surface located on the indoor side at the tip end of the button connecting portion 913. The connecting concave groove 916 is a long hole-shaped concave portion formed on a surface of the button connecting portion 913 located on the outdoor side.
[0056]
The button connecting portion 913 extends radially outward from the lock lever shaft 911 in a direction opposite to the link connecting portion 912, and mutually moves in a position close to the inside action portion 60a of the inside handle lever 60 described above. Are portions arranged side by side in the same manner. The button connecting portion 913 is provided with a connecting column 917. The connecting column 917 is a portion protruding toward the indoor side, and is exposed to the outside through the lock lever slit 3b provided in the sub case 3 when the main case 2 and the sub case 3 are joined to each other. ing. Lock button linking means (second linking means) such as a link or a wire for linking with the inside lock button 9 provided on the indoor side of the door is provided at a portion of the connecting column 917 exposed to the outside of the lock mechanism housing portion 20. ) 9a are connected. More specifically, when the inside lock button 9 is locked, the lock lever 910 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 10, and when the inside lock button 9 is unlocked, the lock lever 910 is turned into FIG. , A lock button linking means 9a is provided so as to rotate clockwise.
[0057]
As shown in FIG. 9, the driven gear portion 914 is formed in a fan shape between the link connecting portion 912 and the button connecting portion 913 about the lock lever shaft 911, and has a pair of outer teeth 914a, 914b, a first passive tooth 914c and a second passive tooth 914d. The pair of outer teeth 914a and 914b, the first passive tooth 914c, and the second passive tooth 914d are provided at three different positions along the extending direction of the lock lever shaft 911 at different heights. The pair of outer teeth 914a and 914b are provided on both sides of the driven gear portion 914, and are arranged at a position closest to the indoor side. The first passive tooth 914c is provided at a position close to one outer tooth 914a between the pair of outer teeth 914a and 914b, and is disposed at an intermediate position along the extending direction of the lock lever shaft 911. I have. The second passive tooth 914d is provided at a position between the other outer tooth 914b and the first passive tooth 914c, and is disposed at the most outdoor position.
[0058]
The worm wheel 920 is rotatably disposed in a lateral area of the lock lever 910 via a worm shaft 921 extending substantially horizontally along the left-right direction of the vehicle body. Meshing with the worm 962 fixed to the worm. An intermittent gear 922 is fixed to the worm wheel 920 on the same axis. The intermittent gear 922 has a basic tooth 922a, a pair of first driving teeth 922b, and a pair of second driving teeth 922c, and a pair of outer teeth 914a, 914b provided on the driven gear portion 914, and a first passive tooth 914c. A one-way power transmission means is formed between the first and second passive teeth 914d. That is, the basic teeth 922a, the pair of first driving teeth 922b, and the pair of second driving teeth 922c of the intermittent gear 922 are formed by the pair of outer teeth 914a, 914b, the first passive tooth 914c, and the second passive tooth of the driven gear portion 914. Similarly to 914d, the worm shaft 921 is provided at three different positions along the extending direction of the worm shaft 921, the basic teeth 922a mesh only with the outer teeth 914a, 914b, and the first driving teeth 922b are The second driven tooth 922c meshes only with the first passive tooth 914c, and the second driving tooth 922c meshes only with the second passive tooth 914d. Although not explicitly shown in the drawing, a state in which the basic teeth 922a of the intermittent gear 922 of the worm wheel 920 are directed toward the axis of the lock lever shaft 911 between the worm wheel 920 and the lock mechanism accommodating portion 20 (hereinafter, referred to as an axis). , Simply referred to as a neutral state).
[0059]
In the power transmission means using the driven gear portion 914 and the intermittent gear 922, the lock lever 910 is moved counterclockwise from the position shown in FIG. 10 (hereinafter simply referred to as an unlock position) to the position shown in FIG. 11 (hereinafter simply referred to as a locked position). When rotated around, the worm wheel 920 does not rotate because the teeth of the driven gear 914 do not mesh with any of the teeth of the intermittent gear 922. Similarly, when the lock lever 910 is rotated clockwise from the lock position to the unlock position, the worm wheel 920 does not rotate.
[0060]
On the other hand, for example, when the worm wheel 920 is rotated clockwise from the state shown in FIG. 10, after the basic tooth 922a meshes with the outer tooth 914a, the first driving tooth 922b becomes the first passive tooth 914c. The second drive tooth 922c meshes with the second passive tooth 914d, and the lock lever 910 is rotated counterclockwise via the driven gear 914 to be displaced to the lock position. Become. After the lock lever 910 is displaced from the unlock position to the lock position by the rotation of the worm wheel 920, the lock lever 910 can no longer be rotated by the intermittent gear 922, and a neutral return spring (not shown) is used. The worm wheel 920 returns to the neutral state without rotating the lock lever 910 due to the elastic restoring force of.
[0061]
Similarly, when the worm wheel 920 is rotated counterclockwise from the state shown in FIG. 11, after the basic tooth 922a meshes with the outer tooth 914b, the second drive tooth 922c becomes the second passive tooth 914d. Then, the first driving tooth 922b meshes with the first passive tooth 914c, and the lock lever 910 is rotated clockwise via the driven gear 914 to be displaced to the unlock position. After the lock lever 910 is displaced from the lock position to the unlock position by the rotation of the worm wheel 920, the lock lever 910 can no longer be rotated by the intermittent gear 922, and a neutral return spring (not shown) The worm wheel 920 returns to the neutral state without rotating the lock lever 910 due to the elastic restoring force of.
[0062]
The link lever 930 has a mounting hole 931 at the base end thereof, and by allowing the open operating portion 50b of the open lever 50 to pass through the mounting hole 931, the link lever 930 can move up and down together with the open operating portion 50b. The open operation portion 50b is supported so as to be swingable around an axis along the left-right direction of the vehicle body. The link lever 930 is provided with a lock lever connecting portion 930a, a ratchet driving portion 930b, and a link pressure receiving portion 930c.
[0063]
The lock lever connecting portion 930a is a portion extending radially outward with respect to the axis of the mounting hole 931. The linking pin portion 915 of the lock lever 910 is inserted into a connecting groove 930d formed at the extending end thereof. By penetrating, it is linked to the lock lever 910. Specifically, when the above-described lock lever 910 is arranged at the unlock position, as shown in FIG. 10, while the lock lever connecting portion 930a of the link lever 930 extends substantially vertically upward, the lock lever 910 When the lock lever 930 is arranged at the lock position, the link lever 930 swings counterclockwise, and as shown in FIG. 11, the lock lever connecting portion 930a is linked so as to extend diagonally upward to the left. .
[0064]
As shown in FIG. 10, when the above-described lock lever 910 is disposed in the unlock position, the ratchet driving unit 930b is disposed in the lower region of the first operating portion 40b of the ratchet lever 40, and locks the lock lever 910. When it is arranged at the position, as shown in FIG. 11, it is a portion arranged at a position deviating from the lower region of the first operating portion 40b of the ratchet lever 40.
[0065]
The link pressure receiving portion 930c is a portion provided between the lock lever connecting portion 930a and the base end and provided on the vehicle front side of the ratchet driving portion 930b in a wall shape. As shown in FIG. 11, when the lock lever 910 is disposed at the lock position, the link pressure receiving portion 930c comes into contact with the cancel protrusion 70b of the cancel lever 70 via the pressure receiving surface located on the front side of the vehicle. It is provided.
[0066]
The connect lever 940 is swingably disposed above the lock mechanism accommodating portion 20 via a connect lever shaft 941 extending substantially horizontally along the left-right direction of the vehicle main body, and is disposed downward from the connect lever shaft 941. It is a part extending toward. The connecting lever 940 is provided with a connecting convex portion 942 and a switching pressure receiving portion 943. The connecting protrusion 942 is a columnar portion that protrudes substantially horizontally along the left-right direction of the vehicle main body from a surface located on the indoor side at the distal end of the connect lever 940, and the connecting groove of the lock lever 910 described above. 916 is engaged. The switching pressure receiving portion 943 is a step formed on a surface located on the outdoor side at the base end portion of the connect lever 940, and includes two pressure receiving surfaces extending along a radial direction around the connect lever shaft 941. Have.
[0067]
The key sub-lever 950 is a part that is swingably disposed via the above-described connect lever shaft 941 and extends upward from the connect lever shaft 941. The key sub-lever 950 is provided with a key lever portion connecting hole 951, a lock position switching projection 952, and an unlock position switching projection 953. The key lever portion connecting hole 951 is a long hole formed at the tip end of the key sub lever 950 along the extending direction of the key sub lever 950, and the connecting shaft portion 80d provided in the key lever portion 80b of the input shaft member 80 is not used. Inserted and placed. The lock position switching projection 952 and the unlock position switching projection 953 are portions extending radially outward from the center of the connect lever shaft 941 at the base end of the key sub-lever 950, respectively. The locking position switching projection 952 and the unlock position switching projection 953 are provided with the switching pressure receiving portion 943 of the connect lever 940 described above interposed therebetween.
[0068]
In the lock mechanism 90 configured as described above, when in the unlocked state illustrated in FIG. 10, the ratchet driving unit 930 b of the link lever 930 is disposed in the lower region of the first operating unit 40 b of the ratchet lever 40 as described above. Is done.
[0069]
Therefore, if the outside door handle 7 is opened from the closed door state and the open lever 50 is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 3, the ratchet driving of the link lever 930 is caused by the upward movement of the open operation portion 50b. The portion 930b moves the first action portion 40b of the ratchet lever 40 upward, so that the contact and engagement between the hook portion 31b of the latch 31 and the engagement portion 32a of the ratchet 32 is released, and the door is moved to the vehicle body. Opening operation can be performed on the other hand.
[0070]
Further, when the lock mechanism 90 is in the unlocked state, the door can be opened with respect to the vehicle body also by the opening operation of the inside door handle 8. That is, when the inside door handle 8 is operated to open the door, the inside handle lever 60 swings clockwise in FIG. 10, and the inside pressing portion 60b presses the cancel pressure receiving portion 70a of the cancel lever 70 to cancel the cancel operation. The lever 70 is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 10, and the second action portion 40c of the ratchet 32 located in the cancel action groove 70d is moved upward, so that the hook portion 31b of the latch 31 is moved in the same manner as described above. And the ratchet 32 can be released from contact with the engaging portion 32a.
[0071]
When the key sub-lever 950 is swung clockwise from this unlocked state, the lock position switching projection 952 of the key sub-lever 950 presses the switching pressure receiving portion 943 of the connect lever 940, and the connect lever 940 is moved. It will swing clockwise. When the connect lever 940 swings clockwise, the lock lever 910 connected via the connecting protrusion 942 and the connecting concave groove 916 rotates counterclockwise, and the rotation of the lock lever 910 further follows. As a result, the link lever 930 swings counterclockwise, and the lock mechanism 90 enters the locked state shown in FIG.
[0072]
Further, the transition from the unlocked state shown in FIG. 10 to the locked state shown in FIG. 11 is not necessarily limited to the swinging of the key sub-lever 950, and the lock is achieved by rotating the worm wheel 920 clockwise by the drive motor 960. Regardless of whether the lever 910 is directly rotated counterclockwise or if the lock lever 910 is directly rotated counterclockwise by operating the inside lock button 9, the rotation of the lock lever 910 is accompanied. Since the link lever 930 swings counterclockwise, the same operation can be performed.
[0073]
In this locked state, even when the outside door handle 7 is opened from the closed door state and the open lever 50 is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 3, the ratchet driving portion 930b of the link lever 930 and the ratchet The first action portion 40b of the lever 40 does not abut against each other, and the contact engagement between the hook portion 31b of the latch 31 and the engagement portion 32a of the ratchet 32 is not released. As a result, the door is kept closed with respect to the vehicle body, and the vehicle can be locked.
[0074]
On the other hand, even in the locked state described above, if the inside door handle 8 is opened from the closed door state, the inside handle lever 60 swings clockwise in FIG. By pressing the cancel pressure receiving portion 70a, the cancel lever 70 is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. As a result, the link lever 930 that contacts the cancel protrusion 70b of the cancel lever 70 via the link pressure receiving portion 930c swings clockwise, and the locked lock mechanism 90 switches to the unlocked state. At the same time, the second action portion 40c of the ratchet 32 located in the cancel action groove 70d of the cancel lever 70 is moved upward, so that the hook portion 31b of the latch 31 and the engagement portion 32a of the ratchet 32 come into contact with each other. The state is released, and the door can be opened with respect to the vehicle body (one-motion function).
[0075]
Further, when the lock mechanism 90 is in the locked state in the opened state, when the door is closed thereafter, the ratchet 32 rotates around the axis of the ratchet shaft 34 with the rotation of the latch 31 due to the entry of the striker S, The ratchet lever 40 rotates so as to move the second action portion 40c upward, and the cancel lever 70 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 11 through the second action portion 40c. As a result, the link lever 930 that contacts the cancel protrusion 70b of the cancel lever 70 via the link pressure receiving portion 930c swings clockwise, and the locked lock mechanism 90 switches to the unlocked state (cancel function). .
[0076]
When the key sub lever 950 is swung counterclockwise from the above-described locked state, the unlock position switching projection 953 of the key sub lever 950 presses the switching pressure receiving portion 943 of the connect lever 940, and the connect lever 940 will be swung counterclockwise. When the connect lever 940 swings counterclockwise, the lock lever 910 connected via the connecting convex portion 942 and the connecting concave groove 916 rotates clockwise, and with the rotation of the lock lever 910. As a result, the link lever 930 swings clockwise, and the lock mechanism 90 enters the unlocked state shown in FIG.
[0077]
When the lock lever 910 is directly rotated clockwise by rotating the worm wheel 920 counterclockwise by the drive motor 960, or the lock lever 910 is directly rotated clockwise by operating the inside lock button 9. In either case, since the link lever 930 swings clockwise with the rotation of the lock lever 910, the lock mechanism 90 enters the unlocked state shown in FIG.
[0078]
On the other hand, in the door latch device, as shown in FIG. 7, a cover member 100 is provided integrally with a main case 2 which is a component of the housing 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cover member 100 is mounted on the outer surface of the sub case 3 so as to be detachable from the sub case 3. A portion of the portion 20 exposed to the outside from the sub-case 3 and a portion of the lock mechanism housing portion 20 exposed to the outside from the sub-case 3 by the lock lever 910, and an outer tube of the inside door handle linking means 8 a in the sub-case 3. And a size that can cover the portion that holds the outer tube of the lock button linking means 9a in the sub case 3 in the sub case 3.
[0079]
Here, according to the door latch device configured as described above, the worm wheel 920, the link lever 930, the connect lever 940 and the key sub-lever 950, which are the components of the lock mechanism 90, and the operation input unit of the lock mechanism 90 The input shaft member 80 is housed inside the housing 1 and the key rod KR that rotates about its own axis is exposed to the outside from the key cylinder KC to the input shaft member 80 and the lock mechanism 90. Therefore, it is extremely advantageous in terms of antitheft property.
[0080]
Moreover, all the operation levers that can switch the lock mechanism 90 in the locked state to the unlocked state when operated through the linking means, that is, in the present embodiment, the lock lever 910 and the inside handle lever 60 are: While this is disposed inside the housing 1, the connecting portions 60 a and 917 to the respective linking means 8 a and 9 a are respectively exposed to the outside, and the connecting portions 60 a and 917 exposed to the outside are further covered by the cover member 100. I have to. Therefore, when assembling the door latch device, the work of connecting the linking means 8a and 9a can be performed with the cover member 100 opened, so that the connection workability can be ensured. On the other hand, after the linking means 8a and 9a are connected, by closing the cover member 100, it becomes possible to secure the water-proofing property and the vehicle anti-theft property.
[0081]
Further, since the lock lever 910 and the inside handle lever 60 are arranged inside the housing 1 so as to be close to each other, the above-described operation and effect can be obtained without requiring a large cover member as before. Therefore, there is no possibility that the manufacturing cost of the door latch device is significantly increased.
[0082]
Further, since the lock lever 910 and the inside handle lever 60 are arranged side by side so that the swinging directions are the same, the lock button linking means 9a and the inside door handle linking means 8a, which are linking means, respectively. Can be arranged in substantially the same direction. In the present embodiment, the linking means 8a, 9a can be routed in an oblique direction that gradually increases toward the front side of the vehicle. Therefore, when assembling the door latch device, the handleability of the inside door handle linking means 8a and the lock button linking means 9a can be improved, and assembling workability can be improved.
[0083]
Moreover, in the door latch device in which the input shaft member 80 serving as the operation input unit is provided in the upper part of the housing 1, the lock lever 910 and the inside handle lever 60 are provided in the lower part of the housing 1, so that, for example, in the present embodiment, Even when a vehicle to which the door latch device is applied is seriously damaged by a side collision, the possibility of the door being opened carelessly is extremely reduced. That is, in the case of a side collision, damage such as a large deformation is applied to the outside door handle 7 that protrudes most toward the outside of the room. However, the lock button linking means 9a connected to the lock lever 910 and the inside door handle linking means 8a connected to the inside handle lever 60 are greatly separated from the input shaft member 80 provided together with the outside door handle 7. Since they are arranged at the lower position, there is no possibility that these linking means 8a and 9a are affected by side collision.
[0084]
In the above-described embodiment, a door of a four-wheeled vehicle is illustrated as an application target of the door latch device, but a door provided in a vehicle other than the four-wheeled vehicle may be used. Further, the present invention is not limited to the door provided on the lateral surface of the vehicle, but is applicable to a rear door. Further, the present invention is not necessarily required to be a front hinge, and may be applied to a door that opens and closes in other manners, such as an upper hinge door, a rear hinge door, a lower hinge door, and a sliding door.
[0085]
In addition, the detailed configuration of the door latch device illustrated in the above-described embodiment is merely an example, and is not necessarily limited to the configuration to which these configurations are applied. For example, a configuration in which a cancel function is omitted may be employed. . However, among the constituent elements of the door latch device, as for a plurality of operating levers that can switch the lock mechanism in the locked state to the unlocked state when operated via the linking means, at least the connecting portions with the linking means are respectively provided outside. As described above, it is necessary to dispose the components in the housing in such a manner as to be exposed to the outside and to be close to each other, and to cover portions of the plurality of operation levers exposed to the outside of the housing with the cover member.
[0086]
Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, since the cover member is formed integrally with the housing, the number of components is not increased, but the cover member is not necessarily formed integrally with the housing. Although the cover member is detachably attached to the housing, it is not always necessary to attach the cover member detachably to the housing. Further, not only the portion of the operation lever exposed to the outside of the housing but also the portion holding the linking means in the housing is covered by the cover member. However, if the cover member covers only the front vehicle, It is enough.
[0087]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the door latch device according to claims 1 and 2 of the present invention, the plurality of operation levers that can switch the lock mechanism in the locked state to the unlocked state when operated through the linking means. Since at least the connecting portion with the linking means is exposed to the outside and arranged inside the housing in a manner to be close to each other, and the portion exposed to the outside of the housing is covered by the cover member. It is possible to improve the vehicle antitheft property without impairing the water prevention property and the assembling property and without significantly increasing the manufacturing cost.
[0088]
Further, according to the door latch device of the third aspect of the present invention, since the cover member is formed integrally with the housing, a situation in which the number of parts increases is not caused.
[0089]
According to the door latch device of the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the operation levers are arranged side by side in such a manner that the operation directions of the plurality of operation levers are the same as each other, the wiring direction of the linking means can be changed. It is possible to make the directions substantially the same, and it is possible to improve the handleability of the linking means when assembling the door latch device, thereby improving the assembling workability.
[0090]
Further, according to the door latch device of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the operation input unit is provided at the upper part of the housing, while the connection parts of the plurality of operation levers with the linking means are provided at the lower part of the housing. In addition, even when a side collision occurs in the vehicle to which the present invention is applied, it is possible to prevent the door from being opened carelessly.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external view of a door latch device according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the indoor side.
FIG. 2 is an external view of the door latch device shown in FIG. 1 with a cover member opened, as viewed from the indoor side.
FIG. 3 is an external view of the door latch device shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from a vehicle front side.
FIG. 4 is an external view of the door latch device shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the outdoor side.
5A is a view of the latch mechanism of the door latch device shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the front side of the vehicle, and FIG. 5B is an enlarged perspective view showing a ratchet lever of the door latch device shown in FIG.
6 (a) to 6 (c) are conceptual views of the operation of the latch mechanism shown in FIG. 5 as viewed from the rear side of the vehicle.
FIG. 7 is a view showing the inside of a main case constituting a housing of the door latch device shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 8 is a view showing the inside of a sub case constituting the housing of the door latch device shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 9 is an enlarged view showing a part of a lock mechanism applied to the door latch device shown in FIG.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an unlocked state of a lock mechanism applied to the door latch device shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 11 is a view showing a locked state of a lock mechanism applied to the door latch device shown in FIG. 1;
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Housing
2 Main case
3 Vice case
3a Inner slit
3b Lock lever slit
4 fastening means
5 O-ring
7 Outside door handle
7a Outside door handle linking means
8 Inside door handle
8a Inside door handle linking means
9 Inside lock button
9a Lock button linking means
10 Latch mechanism housing
11 Horizontal notch groove
12 arc-shaped notch grooves
20 Lock mechanism housing
30 Latch mechanism
31 Latch
31a engagement groove
31b Hook
31c Locking part
32 ratchet
32a engaging part
33 Latch axis
34 ratchet shaft
35 Connecting pin
40 Ratchet lever
40a Pin connection
40b 1st working part
40c 2nd action part
40d pin mounting hole
41 Ratchet spring
50 Open lever
50a Open action section
50b Open operation section
51 Open lever shaft
52 Open lever spring
60 Inside handle lever
60a Inside working part (connection part)
60b Inside pressing part
61 Inside lever shaft
70 Cancel lever
70a Cancel pressure receiving part
70b Cancel projection
70c pressure receiving surface
70d Cancel action groove
71 Cancel lever shaft
72 Cancel lever spring
80 Input shaft member
80a Key lever shaft
80b key lever
80c mounting hole
80d connecting shaft
90 Lock mechanism
100 cover member
910 Lock lever
911 Lock lever shaft
912 link connection
913 button connection
914 Driven gear section
914a, 914b Outer teeth
914c 1st passive tooth
914d 2nd passive tooth
915 link pin
916 Groove for connection
917 Connecting pillar (connecting part)
920 worm wheel
921 worm shaft
922 Intermittent gear
922a Basic tooth
922b 1st drive tooth
922c Second drive tooth
930 link lever
930a Lock lever connection
930b Ratchet drive
930c link pressure receiving part
930d Slot for connection
931 mounting hole
940 Connect lever
941 connect lever shaft
942 Connecting protrusion
943 Pressure receiving part for switching
950 key sub lever
951 Key lever connection hole
952 Lock position switching projection
953 Unlock position switching projection
960 drive motor
961 output shaft
962 Warm
KC key cylinder
KR key rod
S striker

Claims (5)

A lock mechanism that is housed inside the housing and disables operation by the door handle when in the locked state, and enables operation by the door handle when in the unlocked state;
A plurality of operating levers that can switch the lock mechanism in the locked state to the unlocked state when operated via the linking means, wherein at least the connecting portions with the linking means are exposed to the outside and are close to each other. A door latch device according to an aspect, wherein the plurality of operation levers are disposed inside the housing, and portions of the plurality of operation levers exposed to the outside of the housing are covered by a cover member. While maintaining the closed door when in the latched state, further comprising a latch mechanism inside the housing that allows the door to be opened when released, and the plurality of operation levers,
The lock mechanism is connected to a first linkage for transmitting the operation of the inside door handle, and when operated through the first linkage, switches the lock mechanism in the locked state to the unlocked state, and switches the latch mechanism in the latched state to the unlocked state. A first operation lever for switching to a release state;
A second operating lever connected to the second link for transmitting the operation of the lock button, and switching the locked lock mechanism to the unlocked state when operated through the second link. The door latch device according to claim 1, wherein The door latch device according to claim 1, wherein the cover member is formed integrally with the housing. The door latch device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the operation levers are arranged side by side so that the operation directions of the plurality of operation levers are the same. An operation input unit that transmits the rotation of the key cylinder by a key operation from the outside of the housing to the lock mechanism as a rotational driving force, and switches the lock mechanism between an unlocked state and a locked state. The door latch device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a connection portion of the plurality of operation levers with a linking means is provided at a lower portion of the housing while being provided at an upper portion of the housing.

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