Closure latch assembly

Abstract

A closure latch assembly includes a latch mechanism having a pawl moveable between a ratchet holding position, whereat a ratchet is maintained in a striker capture position, and a ratchet release position, whereat the ratchet is biased toward a striker release position. An electromagnetic actuator includes a first member, a second member, a plurality of permanent magnets fixed to one of the first and second members and a plurality of electromagnetic coils fixed to the other of the first and second members. The electromagnetic coils are energizable to attract and repel the plurality of permanent magnets to move the first member relative to the second member, whereupon the relative movement causes at least one of the following actuations: movement of the pawl between the ratchet holding and ratchet release positions; locking the pawl against movement from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet release position; and cinching the ratchet in the striker capture position.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62 / 958,147, filed January 7, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. technical field [0003] The present disclosure generally relates to power-operated closure latch assemblies of the type used in closure systems for releasably latching a closure panel to a body portion of a motor vehicle. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to closure latch assemblies having mechanisms that include electromagnetic actuators. Background technique [0004] This section provides background information that is not necessarily prior art to the inventive concepts embodied in this disclosure. [0005] Continued advancements in technology, driven by consumer demand for advanced comfort and convenience features, have resulted in more electronics being integrated in modern motor vehicles. To this end, electronic controllers a...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Although mechanical actuation of the pawl can prove effective in moving the pawl between the ratchet holding position and the ratchet release position, certain inefficiencies and undesirable aspects arise

For example, movement of gears within a gear train and components coupled to them may cause unwanted noise; frictional interactions between gears and component components coupled to the gears may cause undesired wear, which in turn may cause wear and tear of the components Position inaccuracy, jamming and / or breakage; expected wear and tear may result in the need for complex, expensive position sensors; and further, having to accommodate gears and components between the gear and pawl adds to the size and weight of the closure latch assembly , which in turn may adversely affect the fuel economy and design freedom of the closure plate assembly

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