JP2018528338A - Vehicle door latch device - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle door latch device equipped with an inexpensive and efficient safety system that prevents deterioration of a latch mechanism due to external conditions. A latch release lever (3) of the latch mechanism mounted movably between an operating position for operating the latch mechanism to unlatch the door and a rest position where the latch mechanism is released; A vehicle door latch device comprising: a latch casing (5) for receiving the latch release lever (3); and a safety device (4) for sealing the latch casing (5). The device (4) includes a sealing portion (4a) for sealing the latch casing, an impact receiving portion (43, 143, 243, 343) for receiving an impact from the outside of the latch casing (5), and the latch release. In order to prevent the lever (3) from reaching the operating position, when the impact receiving portion (43, 143, 243, 343) is subjected to the impact, Blocking portion to prevent the pitch release lever (3) and a (40, 140, 240, 340). The invention further relates to a vehicle door comprising the device. [Selection] Figure 2A

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle door latch device including a safety system against automobile accidents. Such a safety system has a structure that prevents the door from opening when an impact is applied to the door panel.

Such devices are generally
-Part of a latching mechanism that allows the door to be unlocked and is movable between an actuating position in which the latching mechanism is actuated to unlock the door and a resting position in which the latching mechanism is released. A latch release lever that is attached in a removable manner;
A latch casing for receiving the latch release lever.

  This device cooperates with a door panel blocking member such as a stiffener disposed near the latch release lever, and when the door panel is deformed by a lateral impact on the door panel, the blocking member moves. The latch release lever is prevented from moving.

  In order for the blocking member to block the movement of the latch release lever, a window is usually provided in the latch casing.

  This window causes water penetration and deterioration of the latch mechanism due to external conditions such as cold, moisture and dust.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle door latch device that is provided with an efficient safety system that prevents deterioration of the latch mechanism due to external conditions and is inexpensive.

In order to solve this problem, a vehicle door latch device of the present invention includes:
-Part of a latching mechanism that allows the door to be unlocked, moving between an actuating position to actuate the latching mechanism and a resting position in which the latching mechanism is released, to unlatch the door A latch release lever attached in a flexible manner,
-A latch casing receiving said latch release lever;
A safety device adapted to close the latch casing;
The safety device is
A sealing part involved in sealing the latch casing;
An impact receiving portion adapted to receive an impact from the outside of the latch casing;
In order to prevent the latch release lever from reaching the operating position when the impact receiving portion receives the impact, the latch release lever is set at an intermediate position between the rest position and the operating position. And a blocking part for blocking,
The sealing part permanently secures the sealing of the latch casing.

  The vehicle door latch device of the present invention is advantageously sealed by a safety device so that water does not enter, and the inside includes a latch casing that is protected from the ingress of water, dust, and the like from the outside. is there.

  Furthermore, this safety device is configured to efficiently block the latch release lever when an impact is applied to the impact receiving portion.

According to further embodiments that can be considered alone or in combination,
The sealing part ensures the sealing of the latch casing during an impact and / or the sealing part is supported by the impact receiving part and / or the The sealing portion is attached to an upper portion or a side portion of the blocking portion, and / or when the shock receiving portion receives an impact, the blocking portion is configured so that the blocking portion pushes the latch release lever. The blocking part is pressed to block and / or the blocking part comprises a transmission lever blocking the latch release lever, and / or the impact receiving part is on the transmission lever And / or when the impact receiving portion is impacted, the blocking portion breaks to prevent the latch release lever and / or The blocking part deforms to block the latch release lever when the shock receiving part receives an impact, and / or the blocking part and the shock receiving part are a single unit And / or the impact receiving portion includes a ramp that receives the impact, and / or when the impact receiving portion is subjected to an impact that exceeds a rupture force threshold. The safety device includes at least one strain element for causing the blocking portion to reach an irreversible blocking position, and / or the strain element includes a snap fuse portion that breaks when the breaking force threshold is exceeded. And / or the safety device, in the direction opposite to the direction of the impact received by the impact receiver when the impact receiver receives an impact below a force threshold, And / or when the impact receiving portion receives an impact exceeding a casing force threshold, the impact is transmitted to the latch casing that drives the blocking portion; The latch casing includes a casing distortion portion that cooperates with the impact receiving portion and the blocking portion so that the latch casing reaches an irreversible blocking position and the blocking portion blocks the latch release lever. And / or the safety device has a curved shape for sealing a corner of the latch casing.

The present invention further includes
A door panel,
A vehicle door latch device according to the present invention comprising a safety device;
A vehicle door partly connected to a door panel and provided with an impact transmission member disposed near the safety device,
When the door panel is deformed by a lateral impact on the door, the impact transmitting member transmits the lateral impact to the safety device, and the blocking portion moves to block the latch release lever. And the sealing portion ensures sealing of the latch casing.

  According to one embodiment, the sealing part ensures the sealing of the latch casing while an impact is applied.

1 is a perspective view of a vehicle door latch device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view of the safety device of the vehicle door latch device of FIG. It is the perspective view which looked at the safety device of the door latch device for vehicles of Drawing 2A from the opposite side. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the safety device of FIGS. 2A and 2B. FIG. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the safety device of FIGS. 2A and 2B when subjected to an impact. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the safety device of the vehicle door latch apparatus by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the safety device of FIG. 5A when subjected to an impact. It is CC sectional view taken on the line of FIG. 5B. It is a top view of the door latch device for vehicles by a 3rd embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view of the door latch device for vehicles of Drawing 6A. It is a top view of the door latch device for vehicles by a 4th embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a safety device similar to the first and second embodiments with strain elements. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a safety device similar to the first and second embodiments with strain elements.

  Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of non-limiting embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the vehicle door latch device according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a latch release lever 3.

  The latch release lever 3 is a part of the latch mechanism of the vehicle door. The latch release lever 3 can unlatch the door and thereby open the door.

  The latch release lever 3 is attached so as to be movable between an operating position and a rest position.

  In the operating position, the latch release lever 3 operates the latch mechanism via the Bowden cable to release the door latch. More specifically, the latch release lever 3 is connected to a handle lever operated by a user, and the latch of the door can be released by moving the latch release lever 3.

  In the rest position, the latch mechanism is released. More specifically, when the user releases the handle lever, the latch release lever 3 can return from the operating position to the rest position or remain in the rest position. The handle lever is released by the user. The vehicle door latch device preferably includes return means (not shown) for urging the latch release lever 3 toward the rest position.

  The vehicle door latch device further includes a latch casing 5 that receives the latch release lever 3. Specifically, the latch casing 5 includes a part of a latch mechanism connected to the latch release lever 3 such as a Bowden cable. The latch casing 5 preferably includes a cover 51 and a housing 52 that cooperate to form a space in which the latch release lever 3 is accommodated.

  The vehicle door latch device of the present invention further includes a safety device 4 for sealing the latch casing 5. Specifically, the safety device is attached between the cover 51 and the housing 52.

  The latch casing 5 and the safety device 4 have the advantage of improving the protection of the latch release lever 3 against water ingress and external conditions such as cold, moisture, dust and the like.

  The safety device 4 includes a sealing portion 4 a that contributes to sealing of the latch casing 5. Specifically, the sealing portion 4 a has a shape that is complementary to a corresponding portion of the latch casing 5.

  According to one embodiment, the sealing portion 4a includes two ends 41 and 42a that cooperate with the cover 51 and the housing 52, respectively.

  Furthermore, the safety device 4 includes an impact receiving portion 43 and a blocking portion 40.

  The impact receiving portion 43 receives an impact from the outside of the latch casing 5. Specifically, the impact is transmitted to the safety device 4, and the safety device 4 moves toward the inside of the latch casing.

  The blocking portion 40 blocks the latch release lever 3 at a position between the rest position and the operating position when the impact receiving portion 43 receives an impact. Accordingly, the blocking unit 40 blocks the latch release lever 3 from reaching the operating position. More specifically, due to the impact transmitted to the safety device 4, the blocking unit 40 moves toward the latch release lever 3 and blocks the movement of the latch release lever 3.

  The blocking unit 40 is preferably made of rubber.

  When the impact receiving portion 43 receives an impact applied to the door, the blocking portion 40 blocks the latch release lever 3 in order to prevent the door from being undesirably opened. It has the advantage of improving the safety of the vehicle.

  Specifically, at least before receiving an impact, the sealing portion 4a ensures the sealing of the latch casing 5 permanently.

  According to one embodiment, the sealing portion 4a ensures the sealing performance of the latch casing 5 while an impact is applied. For example, the sealing portion 4a includes an elastic seal material that can be extended at this end portion.

  According to one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the sealing portion 4 a is supported by the impact receiving portion 43. Such a sealing portion 4 a may be overmolded on the impact receiving portion 43. Alternatively, the sealing portion 4a and the impact receiving portion 43 may be formed as an integral element.

  According to one embodiment, the sealing portion may be attached to the top or side of the blocking portion.

  According to one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, when the impact receiving portion 43 receives an impact, the impact receiving portion 43 pushes the blocking portion 40, whereby the blocking portion 40 causes the latch release lever 3 to move. To stop. As shown in FIG. 4, one end portion 42 remains connected to the housing 52, and the other end portion 41 slides and moves within the cover 51.

  When the impact received by the impact receiving portion 43 falls below the force threshold, the safety device 4 moves the safety device 4, specifically, the blocking portion 40 in the direction opposite to the impact received by the impact receiving portion 43. It is preferable to provide return means 46 for biasing. The return means 46, in particular the spring plate, has the advantage of restoring the sealing of the latch casing 5.

  According to one embodiment, the blocking portion 40 and the impact receiving portion 43 are a single element. These parts can be cast in a single process.

  According to one embodiment, the impact receiving portion 43 includes a ramp that receives an impact. By this ramp, a certain distance can be maintained between the impact receiving portion for transmitting the impact to the safety device and the handle lever portion. In this way, the impact receiving portion 43 responds sensitively to impacts applied at different angles.

  According to one embodiment, the safety device 4 causes the blocking unit 40 to reach the irreversible blocking position when the shock receiving unit 43 receives an impact exceeding a destructive force threshold. It has elements.

  As shown in FIGS. 2B and 3, a first strain element 42 and a second strain element 45 are provided. The first strain element 42 is located in the contact area between the safety device 4 and the latch casing 5. The second strain element 45 includes a snap fuse portion that breaks when an impact exceeding the breaking force threshold is applied from the right side in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, after receiving an impact, the first strain element 42 remains facing the inside of the latch casing 5. In this state, even if the impact is temporary, the blocking unit 40 continues to block the latch release lever 3.

  As shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C, the vehicle door latch device of the second embodiment of the present invention is similar to that of the first embodiment. However, the blocking unit 140 includes a transmission lever 144 for blocking the latch release lever 3. In particular, the transmission lever 144 is separated from the impact receiving portion 143. This embodiment has an advantage that the blocking portion 140 can be made of a specific material, for example, a material having higher rigidity, with respect to the impact receiving portion 143 or the sealing portion 4a.

  In other words, according to one embodiment, the blocking part 140 including an element different from the sealing part 4a, in particular the transmission lever 144, blocks the latch mechanism, in particular the latch release lever 13.

  The blocking portion 140 is preferably made of steel.

  The impact receiving portion 143 is preferably overmolded on the transmission lever 144.

  As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, another strain element 142 includes an inner leg and an outer leg with respect to the latch casing 15. The inner leg is attached to the latch casing 15. When the impact receiver 143 receives an impact exceeding a predetermined threshold, as shown in FIG. 5B, the inner leg is pushed inward and stays in the latch casing 15, so that the impact is temporary. However, the blocking unit 140 continues to block the latch release lever 13.

  For example, the predetermined threshold corresponds to an impact of 90N.

  As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the vehicle door latch device of the third embodiment of the present invention is similar to that of the first and second embodiments. However, when an impact is applied to the impact receiving portion 343, the blocking portion 340 of the safety device is blocked, whereby the blocking portion 340 blocks the latch release lever 33.

  The impact receiving portion 343 includes a fusible band that breaks when subjected to an impact.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the vehicle door latch device of the fourth embodiment of the present invention is similar to that of the first and second embodiments. However, when an impact is applied to the impact receiving portion 243, the safety device is configured such that the blocking portion 240 is deformed and the blocking portion 240 blocks the latch release lever 23.

  FIG. 7 shows a latch comprising a Bowden cable 62 and a lever connection 61 for connecting the Bowden cable 62 to the latch release lever 23 in order to lift the latch release lever 23 to the illustrated positions 23A, 23B and 23C. An example of the mechanism 6 is shown in more detail.

  As shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the strain element composed of another combination includes a first strain element 242 and a second strain element 242 a partially overlapping each other. For example, the first strain element 242 is located at the impact receiving portion, and the second strain element 242a is located at the transmission lever. One or both of the strain elements 242 and 242a are partially elastic. As shown in FIG. 8, the first strain element 242 may be outside or inside the second strain element 242a.

  When the impact receiving portion receives an impact exceeding a predetermined threshold, as shown in FIG. 9, the internal strain element 242 a is pressed inward and stays inward with respect to the other strain elements 242. Thereby, even if the impact is temporary, the blocking unit continues to block the latch release lever 13.

  According to one embodiment (not shown), the latch casing 5 includes a casing distortion portion that cooperates with the impact receiving portion and the blocking portion, whereby the impact receiving portion receives an impact exceeding the casing force threshold. In this case, the impact is transmitted to the latch casing 5 that drives the blocking portion. The latch casing 5 reaches an irreversible blocking position, and the blocking portion blocks the latch release lever 3. Such a casing distortion | strain part is equipped with the one or more above-mentioned distortion element in the latch casing 5 instead of a safety device.

  According to one embodiment, the safety device 4 has a curved shape to seal the corners of the latch casing 5. According to this embodiment, the freedom of movement of the safety device is improved.

  Roughly speaking, the vehicle door latch device of the present invention is a part of the vehicle door. The vehicle door includes a door panel 1 and impact transmission members 2, 22, and 32.

  At least a part of the impact transmission member 2 is connected to the door panel 1 and disposed near the safety device 4.

  When the door panel 1 is deformed by a lateral impact on the door, the impact transmission member 2 transmits the lateral impact to the safety device 4. As a result, the blocking portion is moved and the latch release lever 3 is blocked.

  Many modifications and variations will occur to those skilled in the art by reference to the foregoing exemplary embodiments. The above-described embodiments are merely examples, and do not limit the scope of the present invention. The scope of the present invention should be determined only by the claims that follow.

  In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that different features are recited in different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these features cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Door panel 2 Impact transmission member 3 Latch release lever 4 Safety device 4a Sealing part 5 Latch casing 6 Latch mechanism 13 Latch release lever 15 Latch casing 22 Shock transmission member 23 Latch release lever 32 Shock transmission member 33 Latch release lever 40 Blocking part 41 End portion 42 First strain element 42a End portion 43 Impact receiving portion 45 Second strain element 46 Return means 51 Cover 52 Housing 61 Lever connecting portion 62 Bowden cable 140 Blocking portion 142 Strain element 143 Shock receiving portion 144 Transmission lever 240 Blocking Part 242 first strain element 242a second strain element 243 impact receiving part 340 blocking part 343 impact receiving part

Claims (15)

-Part of a latching mechanism that allows the door to be unlocked and moved between an actuating position to actuate the latching mechanism and a resting position in which the latching mechanism is released to unlatch the door; A latch release lever (3, 13, 23, 33) which is attached in a movable manner;
A latch casing (5) for receiving said latch release lever (3, 13, 23, 33);
A vehicle door latch device comprising a safety device (4) adapted to close the latch casing (5),
The safety device (4)
A sealing part (4a) involved in sealing the latch casing;
An impact receiving portion (43, 143, 243, 343) for receiving an impact from the outside of the latch casing (5);
In order to prevent the latch release lever (3, 13, 23, 33) from reaching the operating position when the impact receiving portion (43, 143, 243, 343) receives the impact, A blocking portion (40, 140, 240, 340) for blocking the latch release lever (3, 13, 23, 33) at an intermediate position between the rest position and the operating position;
The sealing part (4a) is securing the sealing of a latch casing permanently, The door latch apparatus for vehicles characterized by the above-mentioned.   The vehicle door latch device according to claim 1, wherein the sealing portion (4a) ensures the sealing of the latch casing while an impact is applied.   The vehicle door latch device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sealing portion (4a) is supported by the impact receiving portion.   The vehicle door latch device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sealing portion (4a) is attached to an upper portion or a side portion of the blocking portion (140).   When the impact receiving portion (43, 143) receives an impact, the impact receiving portion (43, 143) causes the blocking portion (40, 140) to block the latch release lever (3, 13). The vehicle door latch device according to claim 4, wherein the blocking portion (40, 140) is pressed against the vehicle door latch device.   The vehicle door latch device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the blocking portion (140) includes a transmission lever (144) for blocking the latch release lever (13).   The vehicle door latch device according to claim 6, wherein the impact receiving portion (43, 143) is overmolded on the transmission lever (144).   The said blocking part (340) is fractured | ruptured when the said impact receiving part (343) receives an impact, The said latch release lever (33) is blocked | prevented, The said latch release lever (33) is characterized by the above-mentioned. The vehicle door latch device according to any one of?   The said latching part (240) deform | transforms and the said latch release lever (23) is blocked | prevented, when the said impact receiving part (243) receives an impact, The latch release lever (23) is blocked | prevented. The door latch device for vehicles given in any 1 paragraph of -8.   The vehicle door latch device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the blocking portion (40) and the impact receiving portion (43) form a single element.   When the impact receiving portion (43) receives an impact exceeding the breaking force threshold, the safety device (4) causes the blocking portion (40) to reach the irreversible blocking position (42). 45, 142, 242, 242a), the vehicle door latch device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.   The vehicle door latch device according to claim 11, wherein the strain element (45) includes a snap fuse portion that breaks when the breaking force threshold is exceeded.   When the impact receiving portion (43) receives an impact that is below a force threshold, the safety device (4) is arranged in a direction opposite to the direction of the impact received by the impact receiving portion (43). 4) The vehicle door latch device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising return means (46) for urging the blocking portion.   When the impact receiving portion receives an impact exceeding a casing force threshold, the impact is transmitted to the latch casing (5) that drives the blocking portion, and the latch casing (5) reaches an irreversible blocking position. The latch casing (5) includes a casing distortion portion that cooperates with the impact receiving portion and the blocking portion so that the blocking portion blocks the latch release lever (3). The vehicle door latch device according to any one of claims 1 to 13. Door panel (1);
The vehicle door latch device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising a safety device;
A vehicle door comprising a shock transmission member (2) partially connected to the door panel (1) and disposed near the safety device (4),
When the door panel (1) is deformed by a lateral impact on the door, the impact transmission member (2) transmits the lateral impact to the safety device (4), and the blocking unit A vehicle door that is moved to block a latch release lever and wherein the sealing portion ensures sealing of the latch casing.

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