Latch device in a vehicle

• Main Authors: NAOYA SETO, KIYOHIKO KAMATA
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 07.09.2011
• Subjects: ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; BOLTS OR FASTENING DEVICES FOR WINGS, SPECIALLY FOR DOORS ORWINDOWS; FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS; HANDCUFFS; KEYS; LOCKS; PERFORMING OPERATIONS; SAFES; SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; TRANSPORTING; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDEDFOR; VEHICLES IN GENERAL; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS

A latch device comprising a spring 10 biased latch 5 pivotal from a disengaged position in which the latch disengages from a striker to an engaged position in which the latch engages the striker. A pivotal locking plate (pawl) 6 having hook 61 to retain the latch in the engaged position. The latch has a limiting portion 57 which contacts the locking plate at 63 to prevent contact between hook of pawl 6 from contacting the latch 5. Upon engagement with the striker the latch rotates and limiting portion 57 disengages from the pawl 6 to allow rotation of the pawl and hook 61 to engage the latch. The contact portion 63 of locking plate may be on an elongate arm 62; the limiting and contact portions may comprise a pin 57 following an arcuate surface 63; the centre point of the arc being the pivot 9 of the latch such that the force exerted is directed centrifugally. The location of the pin and arc may be interchanged, see fig.15. Ensuring there is no contact and pawl 6 is kept separate from latch 5 during rotation of the latch minimizes any resistance due to friction between the latch and the pawl. A pivotal cam plate 7 may be provided to engage the latch and move the latch into an overrunning position.