JP7419847B2 - Vehicle door latch device and its manufacturing method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a vehicle door latch device and a manufacturing method thereof.

For example, Patent Document 1 listed below describes a vehicle door latch device that engages with a striker provided on the inner periphery of a vehicle entrance to maintain a closed state (fully closed state) of the door. There is. Generally, a door panel of a vehicle is composed of an inner panel located on the inside of the vehicle interior and an outer panel located on the outside of the vehicle interior. A space is provided between the inner panel and the outer panel. A vehicle door latch device is disposed within a door panel. A vehicle door latch device includes a latch and a pawl. The latch is rotatably supported around a predetermined axis. An opening is provided at the end of the door panel, and during the process of closing the door, a striker enters the door panel through this opening, and the latch is pushed by the striker and rotated in a predetermined direction, causing the latch to close. It is locked (engaged) with the striker. The pawl restricts rotation (rotation in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction) of the latch that is engaged with the striker.

Specifically, the pawl, like the latch, is supported so as to be rotatable around a predetermined axis. The pole is biased using a spring so that one end thereof is directed toward the latch side. The latch includes a half latch pawl and a full latch pawl that extend substantially parallel to each other. When the door is lightly closed, the latch rotates in the predetermined direction, and the half latch pawl and the pawl engage (half latch state (half door state)). On the other hand, when the door is closed with some force, the half latch pawl passes over the pawl, the latch further rotates, and the full latch pawl and the pawl engage (full latch state (fully closed state)). In this way, the latch is prevented from disengaging from the striker. That is, the door remains closed.

The door latch device of Patent Document 1 includes an actuator (electric motor) that further rotates the latch in the predetermined direction from the half-latched state to the full-latched state. In this type of door lock device, the operating states (rotational positions) of the latch and the pawl are detected using a sensor, and the actuator is controlled based on the detection results. For example, a plurality of switches can be employed as the sensor. That is, each switch is configured such that its on/off state changes depending on, for example, the rotational position of the latch (pole).

A connector for electrically connecting the control device and the door latch device is provided at a predetermined position of the door latch device. Contact pins of this connector and terminals of the plurality of switches are connected using wires. Note that a bus bar can also be used instead of the wire. In this case, the end of the bus bar (the end opposite to the switch) may be used as a contact pin.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-9477

(Problem to be solved by the invention)
In the door latch device as described above, it is necessary to secure space for arranging a plurality of switches, wires, bus bars, etc., and the door lock device tends to become larger.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a small-sized vehicle door latch device.

(Means for solving problems)
In order to achieve the above object, a vehicle door latch device according to the present invention is disposed in a predetermined space within a vehicle door, and maintains the vehicle door in a closed state. This vehicle door latch device is rotatably supported around a first shaft extending in a predetermined direction, and when the vehicle door is closed, the vehicle door latch device comes into contact with a striker that has entered the vehicle door, a latch rotatable in a first direction around one axis and latched to the striker; and a latch rotatably supported around a second axis parallel to the first axis and latched to the striker. a pawl that restricts rotation of the latch in a second direction opposite to the first direction; a latch switch that detects a rotation angle position of the latch; and a rotation angle of the pole. The device includes a pole switch that detects a position, and a bus bar that is connected to terminals of the latch switch and the pole switch and serves as a transmission path for electrical signals representing the on/off states of the latch switch and the pole switch.
The first shaft and the second shaft are respectively arranged in a first region on one side and a second region on the other side of the approach path of the striker, and the latch switch is arranged in the first region and in the latch. The latch switch is arranged along the outer periphery of a rotational trajectory of the latch, and is configured such that the on/off state of the latch switch changes depending on the rotational angular position of the latch, and the pole switch is arranged in the second area. The pole switch is arranged along the outer periphery of the rotation locus of the pole, and is configured such that the on/off state of the pole switch changes depending on the rotation angle position of the pole, and the pole switch is arranged at one end of the bus bar . are arranged at predetermined positions in the second region to constitute contact pins , and include a base made of synthetic resin that supports the first shaft and the second shaft, excluding the ends of the bus bar. A portion is embedded within the base.

In the vehicle door latch device according to another aspect of the present invention, the bus bar is composed of a plurality of metal pieces each formed in an elongated shape, and at least two of the plurality of metal pieces are There is a three-dimensional intersection in the middle of the road.

A vehicle door latch device according to another aspect of the present invention includes a latch switch lever that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the latch switch, and the latch switch is adjusted according to the rotation angle position of the latch switch lever. It is configured so that the on/off state changes.

A vehicle door latch device according to another aspect of the present invention includes a lift lever that engages with the pawl to rotate the pawl, and the pawl switch is turned on and off according to the rotational angular position of the lift lever. The off state is configured to change.

The vehicle door latch device is arranged in a predetermined space in a vehicle door and maintains the vehicle door in a closed state, and is supported rotatably around a first axis extending in a predetermined direction. a latch that abuts a striker that has entered the vehicle door, rotates in a first direction around the first axis, and is locked to the striker when the vehicle door is closed; Rotation of the latch that is rotatably supported around a second axis parallel to the first axis and that is locked to the striker, the latch being rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction. a latch switch that detects the rotational angular position of the latch; a pole switch that detects the rotational angular position of the pole; A bus bar serving as a transmission path for an electric signal representing the on/off state of the switch and the pole switch, and a support member made of synthetic resin that supports the latch, the pole, the latch switch, the pole switch, and the bus bar. The method for manufacturing a vehicle door latch device includes a first step of forming a housing in which the support member and the bus bar are integrated using an insert molding method, and a step of forming a housing at the end of the bus bar embedded in the housing. , a second step of assembling the latch switch and the pole switch.

For example, if a rotary switch coaxially arranged with respect to the rotation axis of the latch or pawl is used to detect the rotation angle position of the latch or pawl, the overall dimensions of the vehicle door latch device (in particular, The dimension in the direction parallel to the extending direction of the rotation axis of the latch or pole tends to increase. In contrast, in the vehicle door latch device according to the present invention, the latch switch and the pawl switch are arranged along the outer periphery of the rotation trajectory of the latch and the pawl. Thereby, the dimensions of the vehicle door latch device (the dimensions in the direction parallel to the rotation axis direction of the latch or pawl) can be set relatively small.

Further, in the vehicle door latch device according to the present invention, the latch switch is arranged in the first region, and the pole switch is arranged in the second region. According to this, compared to the case where the latch switch and the pole switch are unevenly distributed on one side (first area) or the other side (second area) of the striker approach path, the space in each of the first area and the second area is reduced. can be used effectively, and the dimensions of the vehicle door latch device (the dimension in the direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the rotation axis of the latch or pole) can be set small.

1 is a schematic diagram (view from the right side of a vehicle) of a door to which a door latch device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the door lock device viewed from the inside of the vehicle (front left and diagonally downward). FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the door latch device viewed from the inside of the vehicle interior (front left and diagonally above). It is a front view of the door latch device seen from the front side. FIG. 3 is a front view of the housing seen from the front side. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a latch attachment process. It is a perspective view of a latch lever. FIG. 3 is a front view of the bus bar seen from the front side. It is a perspective view of a bus bar. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an elevated intersection of a bus bar. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a switch installation process. FIG. 3 is a front view showing the postures of the latch, pawl, and lift lever when the door is open, and the on/off states of the latch switch and the pawl switch. 10A is a front view showing the postures of the latch, pawl, and lift lever, and the on/off states of the latch switch and pawl switch when the door is slightly closed from FIG. 10A. FIG. 10B is a front view showing the postures of the latch, the pawl, and the lift lever, and the on/off states of the latch switch and the pawl switch in a state immediately before the door closes slightly and reaches the ajar state from FIG. 10B. FIG. FIG. 3 is a front view showing the postures of the latch, pawl, and lift lever in the door ajar state, and the on/off states of the latch switch and the pawl switch. FIG. 10D is a front view showing the postures of the latch, pawl, and lift lever, and the on/off states of the latch switch and pawl switch when the door is slightly closed from FIG. 10D. FIG. 10E is a front view showing the postures of the latch, pawl, and lift lever, and the on/off states of the latch switch and pawl switch when the door is slightly closed from FIG. 10E. 10F is a front view showing the postures of the latch, pawl, and lift lever, and the on/off states of the latch switch and pawl switch when the door is slightly closed from FIG. 10F and immediately before reaching the fully closed state. FIG. 10G is a front view showing the postures of the latch, the pawl, and the lift lever, and the on/off states of the latch switch and the pawl switch when the door is slightly closed from FIG. 10G and is just before reaching the fully closed state. FIG. FIG. 7 is a front view showing the attitude of the open lever when the door handle is not pulled, and the on/off state of the handle switch. FIG. 6 is a front view showing the attitude of the open lever when the door handle is pulled, and the on/off state of the handle switch.

Hereinafter, a vehicle door latch device 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as latch device 1) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, an overview of the door DR to which the latch device 1 is applied will be explained (see FIG. 1). The door DR is attached to an entrance provided on a side surface of the vehicle body. Note that although this embodiment is an example in which the present invention is implemented as the latch device 1 for the right door DR, the present invention is also applicable to other doors.

The door DR includes a door panel DP and a door frame DF. The door panel DP is composed of an outer panel DPa (vehicle outside panel) and an inner panel DPb (vehicle interior side panel). The outer peripheral edges of the outer panel DPa and the inner panel DPb are joined to each other. The outer panel DPa and the inner panel DPb are press-molded in advance so that a space is formed between them while the outer peripheral edges of the outer panel DPa and the inner panel DPb are joined together. That is, the door panel DP has a box-like (or bag-like) shape. A door frame DF as a window frame is attached to the upper part of the door panel DP.

The front end surface of the door panel DP is assembled to the inner circumference of the entrance via a hinge (not shown). The door panel DP rotates around the axis of the hinge to open and close the door panel DP. In the following description, the thickness direction of the door DR will be referred to as the X direction (see FIGS. 2, 5, 10A, etc.). Further, the vehicle height direction is referred to as the Z direction. Further, the direction perpendicular to the X direction and perpendicular to the Z direction is called the Y direction. In each figure, "+X" corresponds to the outside of the vehicle interior, and "-X" corresponds to the inside of the vehicle interior. Further, "+Y" corresponds to the front, and "-Y" corresponds to the rear. "+Z" corresponds to the upper direction, and "-Z" corresponds to the lower direction.

A door handle device DH and a door lock device DL are attached to the door panel DP.

The door handle device DH is attached to the rear of the door panel DP. The door handle device DH includes a grip DHa rotatably supported around a predetermined axis. The grip DHa projects outward from an opening provided in the outer panel DPa. Further, the door handle device DH includes a plurality of levers (cranks) not shown, and these levers are housed in a space between the inner panel DPb and the outer panel DPa. One of these levers is linked to a door lock device DL (an open lever 50, which will be described later), which will be described later, via a rod RD.

The door lock device DL is arranged at the rear inside the door panel DP. As shown in FIG. 2, the door lock device DL includes a lock/unlock device LR, a latch device 1, and an actuator AC.

The lock/unlock device LR includes a plurality of levers, cams, links, etc. for switching the door DR between a locked state in which opening/closing operations are not possible and an unlocked state in which opening/closing operations are possible. In addition, in FIG. 2, the components of the locking/unlocking device LR are not illustrated. Since the lock/unlock device LR is not directly related to the present invention, a description of its specific configuration and operation will be omitted.

Next, the outline of the latch device 1 will be explained. The latch device 1 engages with a striker ST (see FIG. 1) provided on the inner periphery of the entrance/exit of the vehicle, and maintains the door DR in a closed state (fully closed state). The latch device 1 includes a plurality of levers (a latch 20, a pawl 30, a lift lever 40, and an open lever 50, which will be described later) (see FIGS. 3A, 10A, etc.). These levers are rotatably supported around an axis extending in the Y direction.

An opening provided on the rear end surface of the door panel DP communicates with a part of the latch device 1 (strike entrance path SR to be described later). In the process of closing the door DR, the striker ST enters the door panel DP through this opening, and the latch device 1 and the striker ST engage with each other. That is, the levers constituting the latch device 1 each rotate (see FIGS. 10A to 10H). The latch device 1 includes a plurality of switches 60 (later-described latch switch 61, pole switch 62, and handle switch 63) for detecting rotational positions of various levers. These switches are arranged along the outer periphery of the rotation locus of each lever, and their on/off states change depending on the rotational position of the lever.

Next, a specific configuration of the latch device 1 will be explained. The latch device 1 includes a housing 10 (see FIGS. 3A and 3B), a latch 20, a pawl 30, a lift lever 40, an open lever 50, and a switch 60 (see FIGS. 3A, 3B, 10A, and 11A).

The housing 10 includes a latch body 11 as a case that supports (accommodates) other components of the latch device 1, and a bus bar 12 as a transmission path for signals representing the on/off states of various switches to be described later (FIG. 4). reference).

Hereinafter, among the configurations of the housing 10, first, the configuration of the main parts of the latch body 11 will be explained. Next, the configuration of the latch 20, pawl 30, lift lever 40, open lever 50, and switch 60 will be explained, and then the configuration regarding the bus bar 12 of the housing 10 will be explained again.

The latch body 11 is made of synthetic resin. The latch body 11 has a base 11a. The housing 10 is fixed to the rear part of the door DR so that the thickness direction of the base 11a coincides with the Y direction. That is, one side surface (front surface S1) of the base 11a is directed forward (+Y direction), and the other side surface (rear surface S2) is directed backward (-Y direction) (see FIG. 3A). In the process of closing the door DR, the striker ST enters into the door panel DP through an opening provided at the rear of the door DR. The striker ST enters into the latch body 11. The base 11a is provided with a groove-shaped striker entry path SR that is open to the rear and extends in the X direction (see FIG. 3A). Furthermore, a connector housing CH that constitutes a connector C to which a wire harness (not shown) is connected is provided at the lower end of the latch body 11.

Further, in the base 11a, a latch shaft LS is provided in a region A (see FIG. 4) located above the striker approach path SR (see FIG. 3B). The front half of the latch shaft LS protrudes forward from the front surface S1 of the base 11a (corresponding to the front surface side in FIG. 3B), and the rear half of the latch shaft LS projects backward from the rear surface S2 of the base 11a (corresponding to the back surface side in FIG. 3B). (equivalent to).

Further, a pole shaft PS is provided in a region B of the base 11a located below the striker approach path SR. The front half of the pole shaft PS protrudes forward from the front surface S1 of the base 11a, and the rear half of the pole shaft PS projects rearward from the rear surface S2 of the base 11a.

Further, in the region B, an open lever shaft OS is provided in a portion located below the pole shaft PS. The open lever shaft OS projects forward from the front surface S1 of the base 11a.

The latch 20 is composed of a main body portion 21 and a latch switch lever 22 (see FIG. 5). The main body portion 21 is a substantially plate-shaped member. The thickness direction of the main body portion 21 is arranged parallel to the Y direction. The main body portion 21 includes a base portion 21a, and a half latch claw 21b and a full latch claw 21c extending in substantially the same direction from the base portion 21a. A through hole TH _21a is provided in the base 21a. The half latch claw 21b and the full latch claw 21c are spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to their extending direction. In the following description, the space between the half latch claw 21b and the full latch claw 21c will be referred to as a striker groove SG. The latch 20 is biased counterclockwise in FIG. 10A toward the initial position (return position) by a torsion spring (not shown).

Further, the main body portion 21 includes a pin 21d protruding from one side surface of the base 11a. A latch switch lever 22, which will be described next, engages with the pin 21d, and the main body portion 21 and the latch switch lever 22 rotate integrally around the latch shaft LS.

The latch switch lever 22 includes a base portion 22a and a switch pressing portion 22b (see FIG. 6). The base portion 22a is a plate-shaped portion extending in the radial direction of the latch shaft LS. The thickness direction of the base portion 22a is parallel to the Y direction. A through hole TH _22a is formed in the base 22a. A switch pressing portion 22b is provided at the tip of the base 22a. The switch pressing portion 22b is a curved portion (arc-shaped portion) extending in the circumferential direction of the latch shaft LS. The switch pressing section 22b includes a first pressing section 22b1 and a second pressing section 22b2. The first pressing portion 22b1 and the second pressing portion 22b2 are offset in the Y direction. The first pressing portion 22b1 is located in front of the second pressing portion 22b2. The outer peripheral surface S 22b1 of the first pressing part _22b1 and the outer peripheral surface S _22b2 of the second pressing part 22b2 are arcuate surfaces, and the outer peripheral surface S _22b1 is closer to the center of the through hole TH _22a than the outer peripheral surface S _22b2 . The latch switch lever 22 has a hole H ₂₂ into which a pin 21d is inserted.

The main body portion 21 is brought close to the base 11a from the rear surface S2 side of the base 11a, and the rear half of the latch shaft LS is inserted into the through hole TH _21a (see FIG. 5). Note that the base 11a is provided with a substantially arc-shaped opening OP _11a , and the pin 21d passes through the opening OP _11a and projects toward the front surface S1. Further, the latch switch lever 22 is brought close to the base 11a from the front surface S1 side of the base 11a, the front half of the latch shaft LS is inserted into the through hole TH _22a , and the pin 21d is inserted into the hole H ₂₂ . . In this way, the main body part 21 is rotatably supported with respect to the latch shaft LS on the rear surface S2 side of the base 11a, and the latch switch lever 22 is supported on the front surface S1 side of the base 11a so as to be rotatable with respect to the latch shaft LS. It is rotatably supported about the axis LS. Further, the main body portion 21 and the latch switch lever 22 are connected via a pin 21d, and both rotate integrally around the latch shaft LS. Note that the latch 20 is biased to rotate counterclockwise in FIG. 10A using a torsion spring (not shown), and a predetermined portion of the main body 21 comes into contact with a stopper, and the latch 20 comes to rest. .

The configuration of the pole 30 is the same as that of a known door latch device. That is, the pole 30 is supported by the rear half of the pole shaft PS. That is, the pole 30 is arranged on the rear surface S2 side of the base 11a (below the main body part 21 of the latch 20). Further, the pawl 30 is biased clockwise in FIG. 10A toward the initial position (return position) by a torsion spring (not shown). The pawl 30 engages with the main body 21 of the latch 20 to restrict rotation of the main body 21.

The structure of the lift lever 40 is also the same as that of a known latch device. The lift lever 40 is supported by the front half of the pole shaft PS. That is, the lift lever 40 is arranged on the front surface S1 side of the base 11a. The pawl 30 and the lift lever 40 are unrotatably supported on the pawl shaft PS, and the pawl shaft PS is rotatably supported on the base 11a. Therefore, the pawl 30 and the lift lever 40 rotate integrally.

The open lever 50 is supported by the open lever shaft OS (see FIGS. 3B and 11A). That is, the open lever 50 is arranged on the front surface S1 side of the base 11a. The open lever 50 is located below the lift lever 40. The open lever 50 is urged clockwise in FIG. 11A toward an initial position (return position) by a torsion spring (not shown). As is well known, the open lever 50 is linked to the grip DHa of the door handle DH via a link mechanism (rod RD). When the grip DHa is pulled (door opening operation), the open lever 50 rotates against the urging force of the torsion spring, rotates the pawl 30 via the lift lever 40, and opens the main body of the latch 20. 21 and the pole 30 are disengaged.

The switch 60 includes a latch switch 61 (a temporary stop switch 61a and a half/full switch 61b), a pole switch 62, and a handle switch 63 (see FIG. 3B). These switches are arranged on the front surface S1 side of the base 11a. These switches are push button switches. In the latch switch 61, when the button is pressed, two internal contacts are in a conductive (short-circuited) state, and when the button is released, the two internal contacts are in an open state. On the other hand, in the pole switch 62 and handle switch 63, when the button is pressed, two internal contacts are open, and when the button is released, the two contacts are conductive (short-circuited). It is. Each switch includes a terminal TS electrically connected to each of the two contacts.

The latch switch 61 includes a stop switch 61a and a half/full switch 61b. The stop switch 61a and the half/full switch 61b are arranged along the outer periphery of the rotation locus of the latch switch lever 22. The buttons of both switches are directed toward the center of the latch shaft LS. The half/full switch 61b and the temporary stop switch 61a are offset in the rotational direction of the latch switch lever 22. Specifically, the stop switch 61a and the half/full switch 61b are arranged diagonally upward and to the left when viewed from the latch shaft LS in FIG. 3B. The half/full switch 61b is disposed at a position a little further clockwise when viewed from the stop switch 61a. Further, the stop switch 61a and the half/full switch 61b are shifted in the Y direction so as to correspond to the first pressing portion 22b1 and the second pressing portion 22b2 of the latch switch lever 22, respectively. Specifically, the half/full switch 61b is placed a little behind the stop switch 61a.

The pole switch 62 is arranged along the outer periphery of the rotation locus of the lift lever 40. The pole switch 62 is arranged on the left side (outer panel DPa side) when viewed from the pole axis PS in FIG. 3B. The button of the pole switch 62 is directed downward (diagonally downward to the right in FIG. 3B) from the center of the pole shaft PS. A thin leaf spring BS is provided between the lift lever 40 and the button of the pole switch 62, and the button of the ball switch 62 is pressed by the lift lever 40 via the leaf spring BS (FIGS. 10A to 10H). reference).

The handle switch 63 is arranged along the outer circumference of the rotation locus of the open lever 50. In FIG. 3B, the handle switch 63 is arranged diagonally downward to the left when viewed from the open lever shaft OS. The button of the handle switch 63 is directed to the right (toward the inner panel DPb side) in FIG. 3B.

The front surface S1 of the base 11a is provided with switch accommodating portions SH _61a , SH _61b , SH ₆₂ , and SH ₆₃ that accommodate the above-mentioned switches, respectively.

The bus bar 12 is composed of a plurality (five in this embodiment) of elongated thin metal pieces (ground line GL, half/full switch line HFL, temporary stop switch line TL, pole switch line PL, and handle switch line HL). (See FIGS. 7A and 7B). One end of each line functions as a contact pin CP, and the other end functions as a tab terminal TB connected to various switches. One end of each line is arranged at equal intervals in the X direction within the connector housing CH. Specifically, in the connector housing CH, when viewed from the ground line GL, the ground line GL and the handle switch line extend from one side (outer panel DPa side) to the other end (inner panel DPb side) in the HL, temporary stop switch line TL, half/full switch line HFL, and pole switch line PL are arranged in this order. Each line extends upwardly from the connector housing CH, and their other ends are located within respective switch receptacles (see FIG. 4). However, each line is curved in their middle to avoid other parts. Further, the ground line GL is commonly used for each switch. That is, the ground line GL has a short subline branched from its middle portion, and the end portion of the subline is located within each switch housing portion, and this portion functions as a tab terminal TB. In addition, a portion near one end of the ground line GL is bent so as to protrude forward (+Y direction), and the rear of this portion is connected to the handle switch line HL, half/full switch line HFL, and temporary stop switch line. TL is passing. That is, various lines intersect with each other at this location (see FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 8).

The latch body 11 and bus bar 12 described above are integrally formed using an insert molding method. That is, the portions of each line constituting the bus bar 12 except for the contact pins CP and tab terminals TB are embedded in the latch body 11. In other words, the contact pins CP are exposed in the connector housing CH, and the tab terminals TB are exposed in the switch housings SH _61a , SH _61b , SH ₆₂ , and SH ₆₃ . In this way, the housing 10 is formed, and the stop switch 61a, half/full switch 61b, pole switch 62, and handle switch ₆₃ are inserted into the switch accommodating parts SH _61a , SH _61b , SH ₆₂ , and SH 63, respectively. A tab terminal TB is electrically connected to the terminal TS of each switch (see FIG. 9). For example, the terminal TS of the switch is a leaf spring-like member, and its elastic force is used to press the terminal TS and the tab terminal TB into contact with each other. Thereafter, a synthetic resin material is poured into the connection portion between the switch terminal TS and the tab terminal TB and solidified. As a result, the joint between the terminal TS and the tab terminal TB is covered, and the region is electrically insulated. This prevents foreign matter (water droplets, dust, etc.) from adhering to the region and short-circuiting the terminals TS.

One end of a wire harness (not shown) is connected to the connector C, and the other end is connected to a control device of the vehicle. The control device detects the on/off state of each switch.

The actuator AC (see FIG. 2) includes an electric motor, a speed reduction device, and the like. The rotational driving force of the electric motor is transmitted to the latch 20 via the reduction gear, and the latch 20 is rotationally driven. The electric motor is connected to a vehicle control device (power supply device) using a wire harness (not shown). As will be described later, the control device controls the rotation speed, rotation direction, etc. of the electric motor based on the detected on/off state of the switch.

Next, the operations of the latch 20, pawl 30, and lift lever 40 and the operations of the latch switch 61 (temporary stop switch 61a and half/full switch 61b) and pawl switch 62 (on・Off state) When the door DR is open, the tip of the striker groove SG between the half latch claw 21b and the full latch claw 21c of the main body 21 of the latch 20 is located within the striker entry path SR. Further, in this state, the switch pressing portion 22b of the latch switch lever 22 is directed substantially to the left in FIG. 10A, and the button of the stop switch 61a is once pressed by the first pressing portion 22b1, and 61a is in the on state (see FIG. 10A). On the other hand, the second pressing portion 22b2 is spaced apart from the button of the half/full switch 61b, and the half/full switch 61b is in an off state. Further, the tip of the pawl 30 (the left end in FIG. 10A) is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the half latch claw 21b. Further, the button of the pole switch 62 is pressed by the lift lever 40, and the pole switch 62 is in an off state.

In the process of closing the door DR, the striker ST that has entered the door panel DP enters the striker groove SG of the latch 20 (see FIG. 10A). The main body portion 21 is pushed by the striker ST and begins to rotate clockwise in FIG. 10A. When the striker ST slightly enters the latch device 1 from the state shown in FIG. 10A (door DR is open), the latch 20 rotates slightly clockwise in FIG. 10A, and as shown in FIG. 10B. reach the state. In this state, the button of the temporary stop switch 61a is still pressed by the first pressing portion 22b1, and the temporary stop switch 61a is in the ON state. Further, the second pressing portion 22b2 is still spaced apart from the button of the half/full switch 61b, and the half/full switch 61b is in the off state. Further, the tip of the pawl 30 is pushed by the half-latch pawl 21b of the main body portion 21, and is in a state where it has rotated slightly counterclockwise from the state shown in FIG. 10A. The lift lever 40 also rotates in the same manner as the pole 30, and the button of the pole switch 62 is released, so that the pole switch 62 is in the on state. That is, in the process from FIG. 10A to FIG. 10B, the pole switch 62 changes from the off state to the on state.

When the striker ST further enters the latch device 1 from the state shown in FIG. 10B, the latch 20 rotates slightly clockwise in FIG. 10B to reach the state shown in FIG. 10C. In this state, the button of the half/full switch 61b is pressed by the second pressing portion 22b2 of the latch switch lever 22, and the half/full switch 61b is turned on. Further, the button of the stop switch 61a is still pressed by the first pressing portion 22b1, and the stop switch 61a is once in the ON state. Further, the tip of the pawl 30 is pushed by the half latch pawl 21b of the main body portion 21, and is further rotated counterclockwise from the state shown in FIG. 10B. The lift lever 40 also rotates in the same way as the pole 30. The button of the pole switch 62 is still open, and the pole switch 62 is in the on state. That is, in the process from FIG. 10B to FIG. 10C, the half/full switch 61b changes from the off state to the on state.

When the striker ST further enters the latch device 1 from the state shown in FIG. 10C, the latch 20 rotates slightly clockwise in FIG. 10C to reach the state shown in FIG. 10D. In this state, the on/off states of the stop switch 61a and the half/full switch 61b are the same as the state shown in FIG. 10C. Further, the half latch pawl 21b climbs over the tip of the pawl 30, and the pawl 30 rotates clockwise from the state shown in FIG. 10C, returns to the initial state, and comes into contact with the half latch pawl 21b. . As a result, in FIG. 10C, counterclockwise rotation of the main body portion 21 is restricted. Like the pole 30, the lift lever 40 also returns to its initial state, and the button of the pole switch 62 is pressed by the lift lever 40, so that the pole switch 62 is in the OFF state. That is, in the process from FIG. 10C to FIG. 10D, the pole switch 62 changes from the on state to the off state.

When the striker ST further enters the latch device 1 from the state shown in FIG. 10D, the latch 20 rotates slightly clockwise in FIG. 10D to reach the state shown in FIG. 10E. In this state, the first pressing portion 22b1 is temporarily separated from the button of the stop switch 61a, and the stop switch 61a is temporarily turned off. On the other hand, the button of the half/full switch 61b is still pressed by the second pressing portion 22b2, and the half/full switch 61b is in the on state. Further, the tip of the pole 30 is separated from the main body 21, the postures of the pole 30 and the lift lever 40 remain in the initial state, and the pole switch 62 remains in the on state. That is, in the process from FIG. 10D to FIG. 10E, the stop switch 61a once changes from the on state to the off state.

When the striker ST further enters the latch device 1 from the state shown in FIG. 10E, the latch 20 rotates slightly clockwise in FIG. 10E to reach the state shown in FIG. 10F. In this state, the on/off states of the stop switch 61a and the half/full switch 61b are the same as the state shown in FIG. 10E. Further, the tip of the pole 30 is pushed by the full latch claw 21c of the main body portion 21, and is in a state where it has rotated slightly counterclockwise from the state shown in FIG. 10E. The lift lever 40 also rotates in the same manner as the pole 30, and the button of the pole switch 62 is released, so that the pole switch 62 is in the on state. That is, in the process from FIG. 10E to FIG. 10F, the pole switch 62 changes from the off state to the on state.

When the striker ST further enters the latch device 1 from the state shown in FIG. 10F, the latch 20 rotates slightly clockwise in FIG. 10F to reach the state shown in FIG. 10G. In this state, the second pressing portion 22b2 is separated from the button of the half/full switch 61b, and the half/full switch 61b is in the off state. Further, the tip of the pole 30 is pushed by the full latch claw 21c of the main body portion 21, and is further rotated counterclockwise from the state shown in FIG. 10F. The lift lever 40 also rotates in the same manner as the pawl 30, and the button of the pawl switch 62 remains open, and the pawl switch 62 remains in the on state. That is, in the process from FIG. 10F to FIG. 10G, the half/full switch 61b changes from the on state to the off state.

When the striker ST further enters the latch device 1 from the state shown in FIG. 10G, the latch 20 rotates slightly clockwise in FIG. 10FG to reach the state shown in FIG. 10H. In this state, the on/off states of the stop switch 61a and the half/full switch 61b are the same as in FIG. 10G. Further, the full latch pawl 21c climbs over the tip of the pawl 30, and from the state shown in FIG. 10G, the pawl 40 rotates clockwise, returns to the initial state, and comes into contact with the full latch pawl 21c, and as shown in FIG. 10H. , counterclockwise rotation of the main body portion 21 is restricted. Like the pole 30, the lift lever 40 also returns to its initial state, and the button of the pole switch 62 is pressed by the lift lever 40, so that the pole switch 62 is in the OFF state. That is, in the process from FIG. 10G to FIG. 10H, the pole switch 62 changes from the on state to the off state.

Next, the operation of the open lever 50 and the operation of the handle switch 63 will be explained. When the grip DHa is not pulled, the button of the handle switch 63 is pressed by the open lever 50 and is in the off state. When the grip DHa is pulled outward, the lever of the door handle device DH rotates in a predetermined direction in conjunction with the grip DHa, and the rod RD is pushed down. The open lever 50 linked to the rod RD rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 11A to reach the state shown in FIG. 11B. In this state, the button of the handle switch 63 is open, and the handle switch 63 is in the on state.

The vehicle control device controls the actuator AC (electric motor) based on the transition of the combination of on/off states of the stop switch 61a, half/full switch 61b, pole switch 62, and handle switch 63. Specifically, when the control device detects that the handle switch 63 is in the off state and that the stop switch 61a, half/full switch 61b, and pole switch 62 have transitioned from the state shown in FIG. 10C to the state shown in FIG. 10D, Start measuring time using a timer. When the state of FIG. 10D has elapsed for a predetermined period of time (for example, 3 seconds), the control device operates the actuator AC (rotates the electric motor in the forward direction) to rotate the latch 20 clockwise in FIG. 10D. Once it is detected that the stop switch 61a, the half/full switch 61b, and the pole switch 62 have transitioned from the state shown in FIG. 10D to the state shown in FIG. 10E, the control device temporarily stops the actuator AC and starts measuring time using a timer. do. When a predetermined period of time (for example, 1 second) has elapsed after the actuator AC is temporarily stopped, the control device operates the actuator AC again to rotate the latch 20 clockwise in FIG. 10E. Then, once the control device detects that the stop switch 61a, the half/full switch 61b, and the pole switch 62 have transited from the states shown in FIGS. 10E to 10F and 10G to the state shown in FIG. 10H, the actuator Stop AC. In this way, the control device causes the door DR, which remains in the ajar state, to transition to the fully closed state. However, when the handle switch 63 is in the on state, the control device does not operate the actuator AC. When the control device detects a transition from the off state to the on state while the actuator AC is in operation, it stops the actuator AC even in the middle of the transition from the ajar state to the fully closed state.

Here, for example, if a rotary switch arranged coaxially with the rotation axis of the latch 20 or pawl 30 is used to detect the rotation angle position of the latch 20 or pawl 30, the overall vehicle door latch device The dimensions (particularly the dimensions in the direction parallel to the extending direction of the rotating shaft of the latch 20 or the pawl 30) tend to increase. On the other hand, in the latch device 1 according to the present embodiment, the push button type latch switch 61 and the pole switch 62 are arranged along the outer periphery of the rotation locus of the latch 20 and the pole 30. Thereby, the dimensions of the latch device 1 (especially the dimensions in the Y direction) can be set relatively small.

Furthermore, in the latch device 1 according to the present embodiment, the latch switch 61 is arranged in the first region A, and the pole switch 62 is arranged in the second region B. According to this, compared to the case where the latch switch 61 and the pole switch 62 are unevenly distributed on one side (first area A) or the other side (second area B) of the striker approach path SR, the latch switch 61 and the pole switch 62 are The spaces of the two regions B can be effectively used, and the dimensions of the latch device 1 (especially the dimensions in the X direction and the Z direction) can be set small.

Further, for example, when the latch switch 61 is arranged in the second region B, it is necessary to extend the latch switch lever 22 below the striker approach path SR while avoiding the striker approach path SR. In this case, the dimension of the latch device 1 in the Y direction becomes larger than that of the above embodiment. In contrast, in this embodiment, the latch switch 61 is arranged in the same first area A as the latch 20 (latch switch lever 22), the latch switch lever 22 is relatively small, and the dimensions of the latch device 1 ( In particular, the dimensions (in the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction) can be set small.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, instead of providing a ground line GL for each switch, one ground line GL and some other signal lines are crossed over three-dimensionally, and the ground line GL is commonly used for all switches. ing. According to this, compared to the case where a ground line GL is provided for each switch, the number of pins of the connector C can be kept to a minimum, and the space for arranging the bus bar 12 can be kept to a minimum. Thereby, the dimensions of the latch device 1 (especially the dimensions in the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction) can be set small.

Here, for example, if a switch member in which a switch is pre-assembled to a wire harness is used instead of the bus bar 12 and switch 60 of the above embodiment, the number of man-hours for arranging the wire harness is large. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the bus bar 12 is embedded in the latch body 11, and each switch may be attached to the tab terminal TB of the bus bar 12. In this way, according to this embodiment, the switch 60 can be easily attached to the latch body 11.

Furthermore, the implementation of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes can be made without departing from the purpose of the present invention.

For example, in the above embodiment, one ground line GL is commonly used for all switches in the configuration of the bus bar 12, but one ground line GL may be commonly used for at least two switches. .

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Latch device (vehicle door latch device), 10... Housing, 11... Latch body, 12... Bus bar, 20... Latch, 21... Main body part, 21b... Half Latch claw, 21c...Full latch claw, 22...Latch switch lever, 30...Pole, 40...Lift lever, 50...Open lever, 60...Switch, 61...Latch switch , 61a...Stop switch, 61b...Half/full switch, 62...Pole switch, 63...Handle switch, AC...Actuator, CH...Connector housing, CP...Contact Pin, DF...door frame, DL...door lock device, DP...door panel, DR...door, GL...ground line, HFL...half/full switch line, HL... Handle switch line, LS...latch shaft, PS...pole shaft, SG...strike groove, SR...strike entrance path, ST...striker

Claims (2)

A vehicle door latch device that is disposed in a predetermined space within a vehicle door and maintains the vehicle door in a closed state,
The vehicle door is rotatably supported around a first shaft extending in a predetermined direction, and when the vehicle door is closed, the first shaft around the first shaft abuts against a striker that has entered the vehicle door. a latch that rotates in a direction and is locked to the striker;
Rotation of the latch rotatably supported around a second axis parallel to the first axis and locked to the striker, the latch being rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A pole that regulates movement,
a latch switch that detects the rotation angle position of the latch;
a pole switch that detects the rotation angle position of the pole;
a bus bar connected to terminals of the latch switch and the pole switch and serving as a transmission path for electrical signals representing on/off states of the latch switch and the pole switch;
Equipped with
The first shaft and the second shaft are respectively arranged in a first region on one side and a second region on the other side of the approach path of the striker,
The latch switch is disposed in the first region on the outer side of the latch in the rotation radius direction,
The on/off state of the latch switch is configured to change depending on the rotation angle position of the latch,
The pole switch is located in the second region on the outside of the pole in the rotation radius direction,
The on/off state of the pole switch is configured to change depending on the rotation angle position of the pole,
one end of the bus bar is arranged at a predetermined location in the second region to constitute a contact pin ,
comprising a base made of synthetic resin that supports the first shaft and the second shaft,
A vehicle door latch device , wherein a portion of the bus bar other than an end portion is buried within the base . A vehicle door latch device that is disposed in a predetermined space within a vehicle door and maintains the vehicle door in a closed state,
The vehicle door is rotatably supported around a first shaft extending in a predetermined direction, and when the vehicle door is closed, the first shaft around the first shaft abuts against a striker that has entered the vehicle door. a latch that rotates in a direction and is locked to the striker;
Rotation of the latch rotatably supported around a second axis parallel to the first axis and locked to the striker, the latch being rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A pole that regulates movement,
a latch switch that detects the rotation angle position of the latch;
a pole switch that detects the rotation angle position of the pole;
a bus bar connected to terminals of the latch switch and the pole switch and serving as a transmission path for electrical signals representing on/off states of the latch switch and the pole switch;
a support member made of synthetic resin that supports the latch, the pole, the latch switch, the pole switch, and the bus bar;
A method for manufacturing a vehicle door latch device comprising:
a first step of forming a housing in which the support member and the bus bar are integrated using an insert molding method;
a second step of assembling a latch switch and a pole switch to the end of the bus bar embedded in the housing;
A method for manufacturing a vehicle door latch device, including:

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