Latches having secondary positions determined by tie rods and supported by primary pawls

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a latch having a secondary position determined by a tie rod and supported by a primary pawl. A latch assembly and system thereof configured to retain a closure panel of a motor vehicle in a closed position relative to a vehicle body during a process in which the latch assembly is subjected to an impact force and / or the latch assembly is underpowered and when the latch assembly is subjected to an impact force and / or the latch assembly is underpowered and prior to the latch assembly having been intentionally actuated to move to an unlatched state.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 451,636, filed March 12, 2023; U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 438,949, filed January 13, 2023; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 423,499, filed November 7, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to power door systems for motor vehicles. More specifically, this disclosure relates to power door systems equipped with a power latch assembly operable to power hold and release a ratchet of the power latch assembly relative to a pawl. Background Technology

[0004] This section provides background information in connection with this disclosure, which is not necessarily prior art.

[0005] Given the increasing consumer demand for motor vehicles equipped with advanced comfort and convenience features, many modern vehicles now feature power-actuated latching assemblies that can be operated via passive keyless entry systems, allowing for power locking and unlocking of the latching assembly without the use of conventional manual entry mechanisms. While such power-actuated latching assemblies provide the desired functionality under normal operating conditions, further improvements are desired to ensure that the features of the power-actuated latching assembly maintain their intended position and function upon impact, such as during a collision.

[0006] In view of the above, it remains desirable to develop alternative powered latch assemblies that address and overcome the limitations associated with known powered latch assemblies to provide enhanced functionality in the event of impact and loss of power, while minimizing the cost and complexity associated with such improvements. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This section provides a general overview of this disclosure and is not a full disclosure of its entire scope or all its features, aspects and objectives.

[0008] One aspect of this disclosure is to provide a latching assembly for selectively unlocking a vehicle closing panel to move the closing panel relative to the vehicle body from a closed position to an open or deployed position when needed, and to hold the closing panel relative to the vehicle body in a closed position and at least a partially closed position when needed.

[0009] Another aspect of this disclosure is to provide a latching assembly for holding a closed panel relative to the vehicle body in a closed or at least partially closed position when the power latching assembly is subjected to an impact force during a collision and before the power latching assembly has been intentionally signaled to move to an unlocked state.

[0010] According to these and other aspects, a power latch assembly for a motor vehicle is provided, the motor vehicle having a vehicle body defining a door opening and a vehicle swing door pivotally connected to the vehicle body for swinging movement relative to the door opening along a swing path between an open position and a closed position. The power latch assembly of this disclosure includes a power release actuator arranged to move a pawl from a ratchet holding position to a ratchet release position, in which the ratchet is held in a pin-capture position, in which the ratchet engages with a pin latch to hold the swing door in a closed position, and in the ratchet release position, the ratchet moves to a pin-release position, in which the ratchet disengages from the pin latch to allow the swing door to move from the closed position to the open position. The latch assembly includes a pull mechanism that moves the ratchet from at least a partially released position to the pin-capture position. The latching assembly includes an auxiliary ratchet link aligned to engage with the ratchet and pawl to prevent the ratchet from accidentally moving from the pin-capture position to the pin-release position when the latching assembly is impacted in a collision state and / or when the power release actuator loses power without being initially intentionally actuated to move to the ratchet-release position.

[0011] According to another aspect, a method for controlling a power latching assembly includes: using a motor to rotate a power release gear in a first direction away from a first initial position to release the power latching assembly; stopping the rotation of the power release gear in the first direction after the power release gear reaches a second initial position; using a motor to rotate the power release gear in a second direction away from the second initial position to engage the power latching assembly; and stopping the rotation of the power release gear in the second direction after the power release gear reaches the first initial position.

[0012] According to another aspect, after the power release gear reaches the second initial position, the rotation of the power release gear in the first direction is stopped in response to the detection of a stall state of the motor, and wherein, after the power release gear reaches the first initial position, the rotation of the power release gear in the second direction is stopped in response to the detection of another stall state of the motor.

[0013] According to another aspect, the rotation of the power release gear will not stop between the first original position and the second original position.

[0014] According to another method, a motor is used to rotate the power release gear in a second direction away from the second original position to pull the power latch assembly in response to detecting that the ratchet has moved from the open position to the secondary pin capture position.

[0015] According to another aspect, during the process of using a motor to rotate the power release gear in a first direction away from the first original position to release the power latch assembly, the motor is adapted to pull the power latch assembly to an overtravel position before the motor moves the pawl to the ratchet release position.

[0016] According to another aspect, during the use of a motor to rotate the power release gear in a first direction away from the first original position to release the power latch assembly, the motor is adapted to prevent the ratchet from rotating toward the pin release position after the motor has moved the pawl to the ratchet release position.

[0017] According to another aspect, a power latch assembly for a motor vehicle includes a ratchet, a pawl, a tethering mechanism, and a single motor. The single motor is adapted to actuate the pawl to release the ratchet during rotation in a first direction during a power release cycle and to actuate the tethering mechanism to tether the ratchet during rotation in a second direction during a power tethering cycle. During either the power release cycle or the power tethering cycle, the single motor is not actuated to change direction.

[0018] According to another aspect, a method is provided to prevent the ratchet of a power latch assembly for a motor vehicle swing door from unintentionally moving from a pin-captured position to a pin-released position during a collision of the motor vehicle. In the pin-captured position, the ratchet is held engaged with the pin latch to hold the motor vehicle swing door in at least a partially closed position, and in the pin-released position, the ratchet moves to disengage from the pin latch to allow the swing door to move from a closed position to an open position. The method includes configuring an auxiliary ratchet link for engagement with the ratchet and a pawl to prevent the ratchet from unintentionally moving from the pin-captured position to the pin-released position when the power latch assembly is impacted during a collision and / or when the power release actuator loses power without being initially intentionally actuated to move to the ratchet-released position.

[0019] According to another aspect, a power latch assembly for a motor vehicle includes: a power release actuator arranged to move a pawl from a ratchet holding position to a ratchet release position, in which the ratchet is held in a pin-capture position, in which the ratchet engages with a pin latch to hold a closed panel in a closed position, and in the ratchet release position, the ratchet moves to a pin-release position, in which the ratchet disengages from the pin latch to allow the closed panel to move from a closed position to an open position; and a pull mechanism that moves the ratchet from at least a partially released position to the pin-capture position. The power release gear is configured to drive the pawl from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet release position and the ratchet from the at least partially released position to the pin-capture position during a pull operation, and to place components of the power release actuator in separate release and lock positions. The power release gear does not have a single initial position from which it moves to place the power release actuator in one of separate release and lock positions.

[0020] According to the other hand, the power release gear establishes its original position at the end position (the stop position without returning to the start position) of a selected one of the release, locking, and pull actuation.

[0021] On the other hand, the power release gear can move from the original position to either the release position or the locking position in the opposite direction, regardless of the initial position of the power release gear. Attached Figure Description

[0022] These and other aspects, features, and advantages of this disclosure will be readily appreciated and better understood by referring to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0023] Figure 1A The illustration shows an example motor vehicle equipped with a power door actuation system located between the front passenger swing door and the vehicle body and configured to include a power latch assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 1B It shows the installation in conjunction with Figure 1A A partial perspective view of the power latch assembly in the passenger swing door associated with the vehicle shown;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a partial perspective view of a power latch assembly constructed according to one aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the ratchet is shown in the striker release position;

[0026] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Front view plan;

[0027] Figure 4 Is with Figure 3 A similar view illustrates the initial movement of the pin as it holds the ratchet in position.

[0028] Figure 5 Is with Figure 4 A similar view illustrates the ratchet in the secondary pin holding position;

[0029] Figure 6 Is with Figure 5 A similar view illustrates the initial movement of the tie rod used to move the ratchet to the tie position;

[0030] Figure 7 Is with Figure 6 A similar view illustrates the continued movement of the pull link that moves the ratchet toward the pull position;

[0031] Figure 8 Is with Figure 7 A similar view illustrates the continued movement of the tie link that moves the ratchet toward the tie position, wherein the ratchet is shown in the main pin catch position and the pawl is shown in the main ratchet hold position;

[0032] Figure 9 Is with Figure 8 A similar view illustrates the continued movement of the pull link that moves the ratchet to the overtravel position;

[0033] Figure 10 Is with Figure 9 A similar view illustrates the movement of the tie rod, which moves the ratchet from the overtravel position back to the main pin capture position, back toward its original position;

[0034] Figure 11 Is with Figure 10 A similar view illustrates the continued movement of the pull link, disengaged from the ratchet pin, back towards its original position;

[0035] Figure 11A Is with Figure 10 A similar view illustrates a tie rod that remains close to or connected to the ratchet pin;

[0036] Figure 12 Is with Figure 3 A similar view illustrates the ratchet of the power latch assembly in the master pin capture position;

[0037] Figure 13 This is a rear plan view illustrating the release mechanism of a power latch assembly constructed according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 13A and Figure 13B This is an enlarged perspective view of the release mechanism according to one aspect of this disclosure;

[0039] Figure 14 The figure shows a front plan view of a power latch assembly constructed according to another aspect of the present disclosure in the fully closed position;

[0040] Figure 15 The diagram shows... Figure 14 Rear plan view of the power latch assembly;

[0041] Figure 16 The diagram shows... Figure 14 and Figure 15 A perspective view of the ratchet of the power latch assembly;

[0042] Figure 17 The diagram shows... Figure 14 and Figure 15 A perspective view of the pawl of the power latch assembly;

[0043] Figure 18 The diagram shows... Figure 14 and Figure 15 A perspective view of the pawl lever of the power latch assembly;

[0044] Figure 19A and Figure 19B The diagram shows... Figure 14 and Figure 15 Opposite side view of the ratchet lever assembly of the power latch assembly;

[0045] Figure 20A and Figure 20B The diagram shows... Figure 14 and Figure 15 Opposite side view of the disconnect engagement lever assembly of the power latch assembly;

[0046] Figure 21A and Figure 21B The diagram shows... Figure 14 and Figure 15 Opposite side view of the actuator assembly of the power latch assembly;

[0047] Figure 22 The diagram shows... Figure 14 and Figure 15 The auxiliary pawl release lever of the power latch assembly;

[0048] Figure 23 The diagram shows... Figure 14 and Figure 15 The tension link of the power latch assembly;

[0049] Figure 24A and Figure 24B The diagram shows... Figure 14 and Figure 15 A perspective view of the power latch assembly in the fully closed position from the opposite side, illustrating the pull-out section facing the pull-out stop to prevent the ratchet from moving from the main pin capture position toward the pin release position when the power actuator of the power latch assembly is de-energized;

[0050] Figure 25 yes Figure 24B Side view plan;

[0051] Figures 26A to 45 The diagram shows... Figure 14 and Figure 15 The soft-opening cycle of the power latch assembly;

[0052] Figures 46A to 69 The diagram shows... Figure 14 and Figure 15 The pulling operation of the power latch assembly;

[0053] Figure 70A and Figure 70B The diagram shows... Figure 14 and Figure 15 A perspective view of the power latch assembly in the closed position from the opposite side; and

[0054] Figure 71 This is a side view of the power latch assembly in the closed position. Detailed Implementation

[0055] In general, exemplary embodiments of a power door actuation system including a power latch assembly constructed in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure will now be disclosed. These exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope to those skilled in the art. Numerous specific details, such as examples of particular components, devices, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of this disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not required, that exemplary embodiments may be implemented in many different forms, and that neither the specific details nor the exemplary embodiments should be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure. In some exemplary embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail because, in light of the disclosure herein, such well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known techniques are readily understood by those skilled in the art.

[0056] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may also be intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprising,” “containing,” “including,” and “having” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of the described features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. Unless specifically identified as the order of execution, the method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as requiring them to be performed in the particular order discussed or described. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0057] When an element or layer is referred to as “on another element or layer,” “joined to,” “connected to,” or “attached to” another element or layer, the element or layer may be directly on, directly joined to, directly connected to, or directly attached to the other element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as “directly on another element or layer,” “directly joined to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly attached to” another element or layer, there may be no intermediate elements or layers present. Other terms used to describe relationships between elements (e.g., “between” and “directly between,” “adjacent” and “directly adjacent,” etc.) should be interpreted in a similar manner. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0058] Although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or segment from another region, layer, or segment. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms used herein do not imply any order or sequence. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, the first element, first component, first region, first layer, or first segment discussed below may be referred to as a second element, second component, second region, second layer, or second segment.

[0059] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as “inside,” “outside,” “below,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” “top,” and “bottom” are used herein to describe the relationship between one element or feature illustrated in the figures and another element or feature. Spatial relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation other than those depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as “below” or “below” other elements or features will be oriented “above” other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated by a degree or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein can be interpreted accordingly.

[0060] First refer to Figure 1A Example motor vehicle 10 is shown as including a first closing panel, shown by way of example and not limitation as a front passenger side door—hereinafter simply referred to as a swing door or door 12—which is pivotally mounted to the vehicle body 14 via an upper door hinge 16 and a lower door hinge 18, shown in dashed lines, configured for swinging movement about a hinge axis. In one possible application, the latching assembly can be used in a pillarless application. The latching assembly can be used in any application requiring power release, soft opening, and latching. The first closing panel is not limited to swinging movement but can be capable of other types of movement, such as when the side door movement is controlled by a power four-bar door or sliding power door in which the door is guided to open and close via a sliding track or four-bar mechanism.

[0061] According to this disclosure, the power door actuation system 20 is associated with the swing door 12, and according to a preferred configuration, the power door actuation system 20 includes a power latch assembly 13, a door electronic control unit (ECU) 52, and if necessary, the power door actuation system 20 may also be configured with a power-operated swing door actuator 22 fixed in the internal cavity of the passenger door 12 for coordinated control of the opening and closing of the door 12. Figure 1AThe illustrated motor vehicle 10 may be configured to include a mechanically actuated outer door handle 61 and an inner door handle 61a on the door 12. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the power latch assembly 13 is configured to hold the swing door 12 at least partially closed relative to the vehicle body 14 before the power latch assembly 13 is intentionally indicated to move to an unlatched state, in the event that the vehicle body 14 and the power latch assembly 13 are affected and / or when the power latch assembly 13 experiences an unexpected power interruption, such as an impact force during a collision. Therefore, the power latch assembly 13 prevents accidental, unintentional opening of the swing door 12 when subjected to an impact force, wherein the power latch assembly 13 is also configured to allow the swing door 12 to be intentionally opened after an impact, as discussed in further detail below.

[0062] Each of the upper door hinge 16 and the lower door hinge 18 includes a door-mounted hinge component and a body-mounted hinge component that are pivotally connected to each other via hinge pins or hinge posts. Although the power door actuation system 20 is in Figure 1A The image is shown only in association with the front passenger door 12, but those skilled in the art will recognize that the power door actuation system 20 and its power latch assembly 13 can also be used with any other door, such as Figure 1B The rear passenger door 17 shown is associated with, or may be associated with, other closing panels such as a liftgate (not shown), engine hood 9, or trunk lid 19. Additionally, although door 12 is illustrated herein as pivotally mounted to vehicle body 14 for rotation relative to a vertical or generally vertical axis extending through upper hinge 16 and lower hinge 18, door 12 may be configured for rotation about a horizontal axis, as in the case of a liftgate, or about other offset (tilted) axes or similar axes. For clarity, vehicle body 14 is intended to include “non-moving” structural elements of vehicle 10, such as vehicle frames, structural support pillars and structural support members, and body panels.

[0063] Reference Figure 1B A non-limiting embodiment of a powered latch assembly 13 for doors 12, 17 of vehicle 10 is shown. The powered latch assembly 13 can be positioned on the doors 12, 17 and arranged in a suitable orientation to engage and retain a strike pin 37 mounted on the vehicle body 14 when the doors 12, 17 are closed. Figure 2 The listed components, as well as the power release actuator 29 used to control the power actuation of the latch release mechanism 24, such as an electric motor ( Figure 13The power latch assembly 13 includes a ratchet 32 ​​movable between two pin-capturing positions about a ratchet axis defined by a ratchet rivet, also referred to as ratchet pin 33, hereinafter referred to as axis A1. The ratchet 32 ​​is in a main closed position or a fully closed position (also referred to as the main pin-capturing position or main locking position) about axis A1. Figures 10 to 13 (as shown) and the secondary closed position or partial closed position, also known as the secondary ramming pin capture position or secondary locking position (as shown) Figure 5 The ratchet 32 ​​pivots between these two positions, where it retains the stop pin 37 to prevent it from being fully released. The ratchet 32 ​​can also move to the stop pin release position. Figure 3 In the released position, ratchet 32 ​​allows the bolt 37 to escape from the fish mouth portion 78 provided by the latch housing of the power latch assembly 13. Figure 1B Release, the latch housing is also referred to as frame plate 80. The ratchet biasing member 32a, for example, is spring-loaded to typically position the ratchet 32 ​​toward the ratchet 32's release pin—corresponding to, as in... Figure 2 The counterclockwise direction observed in the image is the offset. The pawl 34 is movable about a pawl axis defined by a pawl rivet, also referred to as the pawl pin 35, which is hereinafter referred to as axis A2. Figure 3 Pawl 34 is held in at least one ratchet position around axis A2. Figure 9 ) and ratchet release position ( Figure 3 Pivoting between the ratchet and the ratchet, in the at least one ratchet holding position, the pawl 34 holds the ratchet 32 ​​in the closed pin-capture position of the ratchet 32, wherein the swing door 12 remains closed and is thus restricted from being fully opened, this closed position is also referred to as the closed position. In the ratchet release position, the pawl 34 allows the ratchet 32 ​​to move to the open pin-release position of the ratchet 32, wherein the swing door 12 can move to the fully open position, this fully open position is also referred to as the open position. The pawl / pawl release lever biasing member 34a, such as a suitable spring, is configured to generally bias the pawl 34 toward the ratchet holding position of the pawl 34.

[0064] The power release actuator 29 can be used as part of a conventional passive keyless entry feature. For example, when a person carries the electronic key card 60 (in... Figure 1A (Schematally shown) When approaching vehicle 10 and actuating the outer door handle 61, the presence of key card 60 and the actuation of outer door handle 61 are both sensed (e.g., via a switch (not shown) and reference numeral 67). Figure 1AThe sensing is performed through communication between the latch electronic control unit (ECU) shown, which at least partially controls the operation of the power latch assembly 13. Furthermore, the latch ECU 67 sends a signal and actuates the power release actuator 29 via the power release gear 57. Figure 15 The driven rotation along the unlocking direction causes the latch release mechanism 24 to pivot the pawl 34 to the ratchet release position of the pawl 34, so as to release the ratchet 32 ​​to the pin release position of the ratchet 32 ​​under the bias of the ratchet biasing member 32a and switch the power latch assembly 13 to the unlocked operating state to facilitate the subsequent opening of the swing door 12. For example, when a person approaches the vehicle 10 with the electronic key card 60 and (based on the recognition of the proximity of the object, such as the recognition of touch / wave / hover / gesture or hand or finger, etc.) actuates the proximity sensor 58, such as a capacitive sensor or other touch-based / non-touch-based sensor, the power release actuator 29 can be alternatively activated as part of the proximity sensor-based entry feature (e.g., radar-based proximity detection) (e.g., via the proximity sensor 58). Figure 1A ) and a latch ECU 67 that at least partially controls the operation of the closed latch assembly 13. Figure 1A (Communication between them is enabled). Furthermore, the latch ECU 67 sends a signal to the power release actuator 29 to move the latch release mechanism 24 and cause the latch release mechanism 24 to switch the power latch assembly 13 to an unlocked operating state to facilitate the subsequent opening of the door 12. Additionally, the power release actuator 29 can be used to coordinate operation with the power-operated swing door actuator 22. Moreover, as those skilled in the art of latching will understand, the outer door handle 61 can be configured to mechanically actuate the power latch assembly 13, for example, during a power interruption and / or in the event of a collision—as an example and not a limitation—to facilitate opening the swing door 12, as discussed further below.

[0065] Door 12 may have a conventional opening lever or interior door handle 61a positioned on the interior-facing side of door 12 facing the passenger compartment C for opening door 12 (e.g., including unlocking and opening the power latch assembly 13, and controlling the operation of the power-operated swing door actuator 22). This opening lever or interior door handle 61a may trigger a switch 63a operably connected to a latch ECU 67, such that when switch 63a is actuated, the latch ECU 67 sends a signal to the power latch assembly 13 and facilitates its activation. Subsequently, the latch ECU 67 may facilitate the activation of the power-operated swing door actuator 22 (i.e., the extension member 26 is deployed or extended) to continue the automatic opening of the swing door 12. Alternatively, the power-operated swing door actuator 22 may be powered shortly before reaching the final open position to provide a seamless transition between the two phases of door opening (i.e., the two motors operate overlapping for a short period). Alternatively, the latch ECU 67 can operate the power-operated swing door actuator 22 as a door limiter (i.e., the extension member 26 is deployed or extended and remains in such a deployed or extended state) until the user manually controls the swing door 12 to further open it to the fully open position. Additionally, as those skilled in the art of latches will understand, the inner door handle 61a can be configured to mechanically actuate the power latch assembly 13 via an intermediate mechanism, for example, during a power interruption and / or in the event of a collision, to facilitate opening the swing door 12, as discussed further below.

[0066] Now return to the reference. Figure 1A The power door actuation system 20 and the power latch assembly 13 are electrically connected to the main power supply 400 of the vehicle 10 via an electrical connection element 402, such as a power cable. The main power supply 400 is, for example, a 12V battery voltage V. 电池 The main battery (main power supply 400 may also include different electrical energy sources located within the vehicle 10, such as an alternator). The electronic latch ECU 67 and / or the swing door ECU 52 are also connected to the main power supply 400 of the vehicle 10 to receive the battery voltage V. 电池 The electronic latch ECU 67 and / or swing door ECU 52 are therefore able to check the battery voltage V. 电池 The value is checked to determine whether an emergency has occurred (in which backup power may be required).

[0067] As in Figure 1AAs shown in the schematic block diagram, the backup power source 404 is configured to supply electrical energy to the power door actuation system 20 and / or power latch assembly 13 and to the same electronic control circuit of the electronic latch ECU 67 and / or swing door ECU 52 in the event of a failure or interruption of the main power supply from the main power source 400 of the vehicle 10. The backup power source 404 may be integrated as a component of the electronic control circuit of the electronic latch ECU 67 and / or swing door ECU 52, or the backup power source 404 may be separate from the electronic control circuit of the electronic latch ECU 67 and / or swing door ECU 52.

[0068] In the illustrative example, the backup energy source 404 includes a set of low-voltage supercapacitors (not shown) serving as an energy supply unit (or energy tank) to provide backup power to the power door actuation system 20 and / or the power latch assembly 13 even in the event of a power failure. The supercapacitors may include electrolytic double-layer capacitors, quasi-capacitors, or a combination of electrolytic double-layer capacitors and quasi-capacitors. Other electronic components and interconnections of the backup energy source 404, such as a booster module for increasing the voltage from the backup energy source 404 to the actuator, such as, for example, a power-operated swing door actuator, are disclosed in the commonly owned patent application US2015 / 0330116, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0069] The swing door ECU 52 can also receive additional input from a proximity sensor 64 (e.g., an ultrasonic sensor or a radar sensor) located on a portion of the swing door 12, such as on a door rearview mirror 65. Figure 1A As shown. The proximity sensor 64 assesses whether there is an obstacle, such as another car, tree, pillar, or otherwise approaching or closely approaching the door 12. If such an obstacle is present, the proximity sensor 64 sends a signal to the swing door ECU 52, and the swing door ECU 52 shuts off the electric motor 24 to stop the movement of the swing door 12, thus preventing the door 12 from hitting the obstacle.

[0070] exist Figure 2The diagram shows some components of a power latch assembly 13. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the power latch assembly 13 includes a ratchet lever 36 configured for movement relative to a ratchet 32 ​​and shown coupled to a ratchet pin 33 for pivoting about an axis A1. The ratchet lever 36 has a first arm 36a extending from axis A1 along a first radius r1 to a first arm end 39 and a second arm 36b extending from axis A2 along a second radius r2 different from the first radius r1 to a second arm end 41, wherein the first arm 36a and the second arm 36b are shown defining a generally V-shaped valley between them. By way of example and not limitation, the first radius r1 and the second radius r2 are shown to have an angle between them, which is an acute angle and is also shown to be between about 10 degrees and about 60 degrees. A ratchet lever pin 40 extends outwardly from the first arm 36a. Ratchet pin 40 is shown extending from a first arm 36a adjacent to the end of the first arm 39, wherein the ratchet pin 40 extends generally laterally relative to the plane of the first arm 36a and a first radius r1. The ratchet 36 is coupled with an auxiliary ratchet link 38 for movement between two positions about an auxiliary ratchet link axis defined by an auxiliary ratchet rivet, also referred to as auxiliary ratchet pin 45, hereinafter referred to as axis A3. Figure 15 The auxiliary ratchet link 38 pivots about axis A3 between a locked position and a released position. In the locked position, the hook-shaped end, referred to below as hook end 42, engages the ratchet teeth 44 extending radially outward from the body of the ratchet 32. In the released position, the hook-shaped end 42 releases from engagement with the ratchet teeth 44, thereby allowing the ratchet 32 ​​to move to the pin-release position under the bias of ratchet biasing member 32a. The auxiliary ratchet link 38 is biased toward the ratchet engagement position of the auxiliary ratchet link 38 by the auxiliary ratchet biasing member 38a, which, by way of example and not limitation, is, for example, a torsion spring. Therefore, when the auxiliary ratchet link 38 is in its released position, it is biased to engage with the outer peripheral surface of the ratchet 32, and when the hook end 42 and the ratchet teeth 44 are radially misaligned with each other when the ratchet 32 ​​moves to the secondary locked position of the ratchet 32, the auxiliary ratchet link 38 is automatically biased into the locked position of the auxiliary ratchet link 38, as discussed further below.

[0071] The power latch assembly 13 has a pull mechanism that includes a pull link 46 operably coupled to a pull drive gear—hereinafter referred to as pull gear 48— Figure 13In this embodiment, the pull gear 48 is configured to be driven to rotate in response to rotation of the power release gear 57. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the pull gear 48 is connected to the power release gear 57 via an intermediate gear 49, and the pull link 46 is connected to the pull gear 48 via an intermediate connecting link referred to as the intermediate link 50. The intermediate link 50 has a first end 50a driven by a drive lug 54 fixed to the pull gear 48, wherein the drive lug 54 may be formed as an integral part with the pull gear 48, or may be formed as a separate part and fixed to the pull gear 48, for example, via a welded joint. The intermediate link 50 has a second end 50b pivotally connected to the first end 46a of the pull link 46, for example, via a pin 55. As discussed further below, the pull link 46 has a second end 48b configured to engage with a ratchet pin 40 during pull-up operation.

[0072] When energized, the power release actuator 29 drives the worm gear 56, which is configured to mesh with the power release gear 57. As a result, the first pinion 57a, which is fixed to the power release gear 57 and configured to mesh with the intermediate gear 49, drives the intermediate gear 49. Then, the second pinion 49a, which is fixed to the intermediate gear 49 and configured to mesh with the pull gear 48, drives the pull gear 48. This causes the drive lug 54 to pivot the intermediate connecting rod 50 in the desired direction to realize the pull and release process.

[0073] exist Figure 3 In the diagram, ratchet 32 ​​is shown in its open, pin-released position. In this position, the tie rod 36 is disengaged from the ratchet pin 40 (the tie rod is spaced apart from the ratchet pin 40 or no force is applied to the ratchet pin 40), the hook-shaped end 42 of the auxiliary ratchet link 38 is released from the ratchet teeth 44 of ratchet 32 ​​and biased via the auxiliary ratchet biasing member 38a to engage with the peaks of the ratchet teeth 44, and the pawl 34 moves to the ratchet-released position and is biased via the pawl biasing member 34a to engage with the peak surfaces of the ratchet teeth 44. Therefore, ratchet 32 ​​is biased to the pin-released position by the ratchet biasing member 32a.

[0074] exist Figure 4 In the middle, the strike pin 37 fixed to the door 12 moves to engage with the ratchet 32, so that the ratchet 32 ​​moves about the axis A1 of the ratchet pin 33 along the... Figure 4 The pivot rotates counterclockwise as observed in the middle. The pawl 34 is disengaged from the ratchet tooth 44 and biased to engage with the ratchet 32, and the auxiliary ratchet link 38 slides along the crest of the ratchet tooth 44.

[0075] exist Figure 5In the middle, the ratchet 32 ​​moves to the secondary locking position under the forced engagement with the stop pin 37. In the secondary locking position, the auxiliary ratchet link 38 moves away from the peak of the ratchet tooth 44, wherein the hook-shaped end 42 engages with the secondary locking surface 70a of the ratchet tooth 44, and wherein the end of the pawl 34 engages with the end of the auxiliary ratchet link 38. Therefore, the hook-shaped end 42 is sandwiched between the ratchet hook 44 and the pawl 34.

[0076] exist Figure 6 In this process, when ratchet 32 ​​is in the secondary locked position, the pull operation can be initiated by selective actuation of electric motor 29. Actuation of electric motor 29 can be automated via one or more sensors configured to detect the desired time for ratchet 32 ​​to move to the secondary locked position, wherein the sensors are configured to electrically communicate with latch ECU 67, which can send a signal to electric motor 29 to energize electric motor 29 at the desired time. Electric motor 29 is energized to cause worm gear 56 to move in the pull direction (the direction discussed here is as follows). Figure 13 (Observed in the direction) drives the power release gear 57, which in turn causes the first pinion 57 fixed to the power release gear 56 to drive the intermediate gear 49 counterclockwise, which in turn causes the second pinion 49a fixed to the intermediate gear 49 to drive the pull gear 48 clockwise. When the pull gear 48 rotates clockwise, the drive lug 54 fixed to the pull gear 48 drives the intermediate connecting rod 50 counterclockwise, thereby driving the intermediate connecting rod 50 along arrow 68 ( Figure 6 The direction of the drive linkage 46 causes the second end 46b of the drive linkage 46 to engage with the ratchet pin 40, thereby driving the ratchet lever 36 clockwise around the ratchet pin 33, as shown. Figure 13 The clockwise direction observed in the middle is driven counterclockwise, as... Figure 6 The observation is counterclockwise. When the ratchet lever 36 is driven by the tie rod 46 against the bias of the ratchet lever spring 62, the auxiliary ratchet link 38 rotates counterclockwise through the ratchet lever 36. Figure 6 The ratchet 32 ​​is driven by the hook end 42 engaging with the ratchet teeth 44 in the pulling direction CD.

[0077] exist Figure 7 In, it is shown that relative to Figure 6The pulling process in the advancing state shows the ratchet 32 ​​rotated to a position just before the pawl 34 is biased to the primary locking position, also known as the primary holding position. When the ratchet 32 ​​and pawl 34 are in this position, if a loss of power or other problem causes the electric motor 29 to stop operating, the pawl 34 and the auxiliary ratchet link 38 can be brought back into engagement with each other, thereby holding the power latch assembly 13 in its secondary locking position. It should be understood that the pawl 34 has sufficient strength to withstand a sudden return to forced engagement with the auxiliary ratchet link 38 against damage, thereby reliably holding the ratchet 32 ​​in the secondary closed position, also known as the secondary snap-lock position.

[0078] exist Figure 8 In the middle, the tie rod 46 is further driven to force engagement with the ratchet pin 40, wherein, relative to Figure 7 The pulling process is in the advancing state. The pawl 34 is shown moved to the main locking position, in which the ratchet 32 ​​is in the main ramming pin capture position.

[0079] exist Figure 9 In the diagram, the tie rod 46 is shown to be driven to engage with the ratchet pin 40 at maximum force, wherein, relative to... Figure 8 The pulling process is in the advancing state. The ratchet 32 ​​rotates past the main pin capture position, causing the locking surface 72 of the pawl 34 to move and disengage from the main locking surface 70b of the ratchet 32. When brought to this position, the electric motor 29 is reversed to return to its original position, thus allowing the ratchet 32 ​​to begin moving towards the pin release position (e.g., under the bias of the ratchet biasing member 32a). Figure 9 (Observed clockwise) movement.

[0080] exist Figure 10 In this configuration, the electric motor 29 has been fully reversed to allow the ratchet 32 ​​to return to its main pin engagement position, where the locking surface 72 of the pawl 34 engages with the main locking surface 70b of the ratchet 32. According to one aspect, such as... Figure 11A As shown, at this stage, the electric motor 29 can be de-energized, allowing the second end 46b of the tie rod 46 to remain in contact with the pin 40. Alternatively, according to another aspect, the second end 46b of the tie rod 46 can be pivotally connected to the ratchet lever 36 via a pin connection with the pin 40. Furthermore, according to another aspect, as... Figure 11 As shown, the electric motor 29 can be driven in reverse to its original position, thereby moving the second end 46b of the tie rod 46 to disengage from the pin 40.

[0081] exist Figure 12In the diagram, the electric motor 29 is de-energized and the power latch assembly 13 is shown in the fully closed position, with the ratchet 32 ​​in its main pin capture position and the pawl 34 in its main ratchet hold position.

[0082] exist Figures 13 to 13B The diagram illustrates a synchronized release mechanism 30 that facilitates the movement of the power latch assembly 13 to its released open state. In a non-limiting embodiment, such as Figure 13A and Figure 13B As best shown, the release mechanism 30 includes a pull-out engagement lever 30a and a pawl engagement lever 30b, as well as power release gear cams referred to as pull cams 31a and pawl cams 31b. The pull cams 31a and pawl cams 31b are configured to engage with the pull-out engagement levers 30a and 30b respectively, synchronizing with each other to release the auxiliary ratchet link 38 from the ratchet 32 ​​and then release the pawl 34 from the ratchet 32. During the power release operation, the power release gear 57 rotates counterclockwise (…). Figures 13 to 13B Driven, the pull cam 31a first contacts the pull disconnect engagement lever 30a, thereby releasing the auxiliary ratchet link 38 from the ratchet 32. Then, as the power release gear 57 continues to rotate counterclockwise, the pawl cam 31b contacts the pawl disconnect engagement lever 30b, thereby moving the pawl 34 to the ratchet release position of the pawl 34 by the pawl release lever 92. In this ratchet release position, the ratchet 32 ​​moves freely to the pin release position of the ratchet 32 ​​under the bias applied by the ratchet biasing member 32a.

[0083] exist Figure 14 and Figure 15 The diagram shows a reverse side view of a power latch assembly 113 according to another aspect of this disclosure, wherein similar features are identified using reference numerals that are the same as but differ by 100 from those used above. The power latch assembly 113 is shown in a fully closed state, also referred to as the fully closed position.

[0084] The power latch assembly 113 includes, for example, Figure 14 and Figure 15 The portion listed herein includes a power release actuator 129, such as an electric motor, for controlling the power actuation of the latch release mechanism 124. The power latch assembly 113 includes a ratchet 132 movable about a ratchet axis A1' defined by a ratchet pin 133 between two pin-capture positions. The ratchet 132 is in a primary closed position or a fully closed position about axis A1' (e.g.,...). Figures 14 to 15 Figure 26 Figures 70A to 71 (as shown) and the secondary closed position or partial closed position ( Figures 52A to 53The ratchet 132 pivots between these two positions, where it retains the stop pin 37 to prevent it from being fully released. The ratchet 132 is also capable of moving to the stop pin release position. Figures 44A to 45 In the released position, ratchet 132 allows the striker 37 to be released from the fish-mouth portion 78 provided by the latch housing of the power latch assembly 113, also referred to as the frame plate 80. Ratchet biasing member 132a ( Figure 15 For example, the spring is configured to typically release ratchet 132 toward the pin release position of ratchet 132—corresponding to, for example, Figure 14 The clockwise direction observed in the center is the offset. The pawl 134 can move about the pawl axis A2' defined by the pawl pin 135. Figure 3 The pawl 134 pivots about axis A2' between at least one ratchet holding position and a ratchet release position, in which the pawl 134 holds the ratchet 132 in a closed pin-captured position, wherein the swing door 12 remains closed and is thus restricted from being fully opened; this closed position is also referred to as the closed position. In the ratchet release position, the pawl 134 allows the ratchet 132 to move to an open pin-release position, wherein the swing door 12 can move to a fully open position, which is also referred to as the open position. A pawl / pawl release lever biasing member 134a, such as a suitable spring, is configured to generally bias the pawl 134 toward the ratchet holding position of the pawl 134.

[0085] The power latch assembly 113 has a gear mechanism, also referred to as a gear train or multi-stage gear assembly, comprising: a main drive gear 157, also referred to as a power release gear or stage 1 gear; an intermediate gear 149, also referred to as a stage 2 gear; and an output drive gear 148, also referred to as a pull gear or stage 3 gear. Each stage of the gears in the multi-stage gear assembly may be provided with an output portion or power output feature, which may be initially formed as part of each gear, such as a lug or protrusion of each gear, or may be indirectly coupled to a gear, such as a driven lever or another gear, as will be described in more detail below. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the individual gears 157, 149, 148 of the gear train do not need to be in a single initial position before and after driving the components of the power latch assembly 113 to one of a release position, a double-locked position, a locked position, and a pull position. Conversely, by way of example and not limitation, the main drive gear 157 and other gears 149, 148 can reach their original positions from any position after performing the desired operation / actuation, such as power release actuation, placing the power latch assembly 113 in a double-locked position, placing the power latch assembly 113 in a locked position, and stopping after performing power pull actuation. In one configuration, the final gear stage 148 may define the original position at the opposite end stop of the gear. Therefore, the power release actuator 129 is not necessarily driven from the same position for the same type of operation / actuation.

[0086] In Figure 24 to Figure 45 The diagram illustrates the progress of a soft-opening cycle of the power latch assembly 113 from the closed position to the open position, wherein the ratchet 132 moves at a relatively slow speed controlled by the power actuator 129 compared to the speed at which it is allowed to move freely under the bias of the ratchet bias member 132a, thus minimizing the amount of noise generated during release, such as the noise from the seal popping out between the door 12 and the vehicle body 14. Figures 24A to 25 In this position, the power latch assembly 113 is closed, and the power actuator 129 is de-energized. When in this position, if a load is applied to the strike pin 37 that tends to pull the ratchet toward the strike pin release direction, the output stop 74 faces the pull output rod 150 fixed to the output drive gear 148 and prevents the pull output rod 150 from moving, so that the output drive gear 148 remains in its eccentric rest position.

[0087] exist Figures 26A to 27 The diagram illustrates the initial actuation of the power actuator 129, where reference... Figure 27The power release gear 157 is driven counterclockwise by the worm gear 156 of the power actuator 129. When the power release gear 157 rotates, the first pinion 157a fixed to the power release gear 157 drives the engaged intermediate gear 149 clockwise. Consequently, the second pinion 149a fixed to the intermediate gear 149 drives the output drive gear 148 counterclockwise away from the output stop 74. The movement of the output drive gear 148 causes the pull mechanism, including the pull output rod 150, to drive the pull link 146 downwards, thereby driving the ratchet lever 136 clockwise. Figure 26A As discussed above regarding ratchet lever 36, ratchet lever 136 is connected to ratchet 132 via an auxiliary ratchet link 138, which has a hook-shaped end 142 biased to engage with ratchet 132 via an auxiliary ratchet biasing member 138a, and the hook-shaped end 142 is configured to engage with the ratchet teeth 144 of ratchet 132. Therefore, the ratchet lever 136 moves in a clockwise direction (…). Figure 26A This causes the auxiliary ratchet linkage 138 to resist the bias of the ratchet biasing member 132a, pulling the ratchet 132 from the main strike pin capture position toward the overtravel position, thereby pulling the ratchet 132 out of the locking engagement with the pawl 134. Figures 28A to 29 ).

[0088] During the initial movement of the power release gear 157, such as Figure 29 As shown, the intermediate gear 149 is driven clockwise via a first pinion 157a fixed to the power release gear 157, and the intermediate gear pin 75 fixed to the intermediate gear 149, when disengaged, traverses a slot 76 in the power release output lever 82. The power release output lever 82 is supported for rotation about an axis defined by a pin 83, about which the intermediate gear 149 rotates. When the intermediate gear pin 75 engages with the end of the slot 76, as... Figure 30B and Figure 31 As shown, the intermediate gear pin 75 drives the power release output lever 82 around the pin 83. A first protrusion 84a, extending laterally from the release leg of the power release output lever 82—also referred to as the first leg 85a—enters the power release lever slot of the auxiliary power release lever 88. This power release lever slot, also referred to as the channel 86, is defined by a pair of laterally spaced arms of a Geneva mechanism (which is understood by those skilled in the art as a device that transmits continuous rotation of the first device into intermittent rotational motion of the second device). The auxiliary power release lever 88 is supported for rotation about an axis defined by a pin 89, around which the power release gear 157 rotates. The auxiliary power release lever 88 rotates counterclockwise in response to the drive of the first protrusion 84a.

[0089] When the intermediate gear 149 is driven clockwise ( Figure 29 The second pinion 149a, fixed to the intermediate gear 149, drives the output gear 148 in a counterclockwise direction. Figure 29 This causes the pull output lever 150 to drive the pull linkage 146 along arrow 89, thereby driving the ratchet lever 136 in a clockwise direction. Figure 28A When the ratchet lever 136—also illustratively referred to as the pull lever—is driven clockwise, as discussed above with respect to the ratchet lever 36 and the ratchet 32, the hook-shaped end 142 of the ratchet lever 136 pulls the ratchet teeth 144 of the ratchet 132, thereby causing the ratchet 132 to rotate toward an overtravel position and disengage from the pawl 134. Figure 29 ).

[0090] The auxiliary power release lever 88 continues to rotate counterclockwise. Figure 31 This causes the drive arm 90, which extends from the channel 86 in an inclined relationship, to engage with the pawl lever 92, so that the pawl lever 92 rotates about the axis A2 to force engagement with the pawl 134, thereby driving the pawl 134 away from the ratchet 132 to form a gap relationship with the ratchet 132.

[0091] like Figure 33 As shown, pawl 134 continues to be driven away from ratchet 132, and as pull output lever 150 passes the center, it causes pull linkage 146 to reverse in the direction of arrow 89' by being pulled by pull output lever 150. Therefore, ratchet 132 begins to move from the overtravel position in the release direction.

[0092] like Figure 35 As shown, the pawl 134 is kept away from the ratchet 132 by means of the pawl lever 92 through the continuous engagement between the drive arm 90 and the pawl lever 92, and the pull link 146 continues to move along arrow 89' by being pulled by the pull output lever 150. Therefore, the ratchet 132 continues to move in the release direction beyond the main pin capture position.

[0093] like Figure 37 As shown, when the ratchet 132 passes the pawl engagement position and continues to move toward the pin release position, the pawl lever 92 passes the auxiliary power release lever 88, and the auxiliary power release lever 88 is thus held in place by a spring member, such as a toggle spring 94.

[0094] like Figure 39 As shown, the continued clockwise rotation of the intermediate gear 149 causes the power release output lever 82 to engage with the auxiliary disconnect lever 96 and the disconnect lever 97 (in... Figure 20A and Figure 20B(Best shown in the diagram) Engagement. The disconnect engagement lever 97 is operably connected to the auxiliary disconnect engagement lever 96 via a spring member 98, such that the spring member 98 transmits torque between the auxiliary disconnect engagement lever 96 and the disconnect engagement lever 97. Therefore, the bias applied to the auxiliary disconnect engagement lever 96 by the power release output lever 82 causes the spring member 98 to act on the disconnect engagement lever 97, and the disconnect engagement lever 97 acts on the auxiliary ratchet link 138 via a slidable pin connected to a pin 100 configured to slide within the elongated slot 102 of the disconnect engagement lever 97, so as to move the hook-shaped end 142 of the auxiliary ratchet link 138 into disengagement from the ratchet teeth 144 (from... Figure 41 Transition to Figure 43 Once the hook end 142 is released from the ratchet tooth 144, the power actuator 129 is automatically de-energized by means of a sensor communicating with the latch ECU 67 to recognize the release of the auxiliary ratchet link 138 from the ratchet 132. Here, the power actuator 129 can remain de-energized until further power actuation is required. The hook end 142 of the auxiliary ratchet link 138 remains biased to engage with the outer surface of the ratchet 132, such that after the ratchet 132 returns to the locked position—including the secondary locked position and the primary locked position—the hook end 142 remains locked to the ratchet tooth 144. With the hook end 142 released from the ratchet tooth 144, the ratchet 132 rotates freely to the pin-release position under the bias applied by the ratchet biasing member 132a. Figure 45 ).

[0095] exist Figures 46A to 71 The diagram illustrates the tying and pulling operation step by step. Figures 46A to 47 In the middle, the pulling operation begins when the clasp 37 is forcibly engaged with the ratchet 132 when the clasp 132 is in the clasp release position. Then, the ratchet 132 rotates counterclockwise so that the hook-shaped end 142 of the auxiliary ratchet link 138 slides along the outer periphery of the ratchet 132 toward the ratchet teeth 144. Figure 49 ), until the ratchet 132 reaches the secondary striker capture position, where the hook-shaped end 142 engages with the ratchet tooth 144. Figure 53 Upon reaching the secondary impact pin capture position, the sensor and / or switch are activated to power the power actuator 129.

[0096] exist Figure 55 In this configuration, the power actuator 129 has been energized in response to a signal from the latch ECU 67 to drive the power release gear 157 clockwise. This, in turn, drives the intermediate link 150 counterclockwise, thereby driving the pull link 146 downwards. Figure 54A ), and thus the ratchet is moved clockwise from the secondary striker capture position toward the pull position along the pull direction ( Figure 54A ) drive.

[0097] like Figure 57 As shown, as the power release gear 157 continues to drive the intermediate gear 149 counterclockwise, the first protrusion 84a of the power release output lever 82 drives the auxiliary disconnect engagement lever 96 clockwise. Figure 59 As shown, continued rotation of the power release gear 157 drives the ratchet 132 toward the pull position to the main pin capture position, where the pawl 134, under the bias applied by the pawl biasing member 134a, descends back into engagement with the main locking surface of the ratchet 132. Simultaneously, a second protrusion 84b extending laterally from the disengagement leg of the power release output lever 82—also referred to as the second leg 85b—enters and engages with the channel 86 of the auxiliary power release lever 88. Figure 61 As also shown, the continued movement of ratchet 132 toward the pulled position causes ratchet 132 to move past the main pin capture position to the overtravel position, in which ratchet 132 moves to disengage from pawl 134. Figure 63 ), and the auxiliary power release lever 88 automatically cycles to the power release start position via the power release output lever 82.

[0098] like Figure 65 and Figure 67 As shown, with ratchet 132 in its fully overtravel position, the spring-biased connection / spring-biased connection between pawl 134 and pawl lever 92 allows the auxiliary power release lever 88 to bypass pawl lever 92. Figure 67 As shown, the pull output lever 150 passes the center and begins to pull the pull linkage 146 upward, which in turn causes the ratchet 132 to move from the overtravel position toward the main striker capture position. Figure 69 In the middle, the auxiliary power release lever 88 has moved past the pawl lever 92, so the pawl lever 92 returns to contact the pawl 134 under the bias of the pawl lever biasing member, and thus the power latch assembly 113 is brought to its fully closed position. Figure 71 In this configuration, the power actuator 129 is positioned for the next desired power operation without needing to cycle to different positions. Illustratively, as shown in Figures 50 to... Figure 71 As shown, when the tie rod 138 is engaged with the ratchet 132, for example when the pawl 134 is in the ratchet holding position and / or when the pawl 134 is biased toward the ratchet holding position and the pawl 134 can abut against the outer surface 132a of the ratchet 132 when the pawl 134 is not in the main holding position (e.g., as in...). Figure 57When viewed in the image, the pull rod 138 can be aligned with the pawl 134 (e.g., radially aligned). The pull rod 138 may include a pull rod surface 138a, which can be aligned, for example, radially aligned, such that rotation of the ratchet 132 toward the open position when the pull rod 138 is engaged with the ratchet 134 can push the pull rod 138 into contact with the pawl surface 134a. Rotation of the ratchet 132 causing the pull rod 138 to contact the pawl 132 may be due to, for example, an abnormality in the pull cycle, such as, for example, the following abnormal behavior of the motor 129: preventing the ratchet 132 from rotating toward the pull position against the sealing load of the door seal. Due to the sealing load force acting on the ratchet 132 via the striker 37, the ratchet 132 is pushed toward the open position. With the tie rod surface 138a aligned with the pawl surface 134a, when the ratchet 132 rotates, the gap G between the pawl surface 134a and the tie rod surface 138a closes, and the tie rod surface 138a abuts against the pawl surface 134a to prevent further rotation of the ratchet 132, thereby effectively stopping unintentional movement of the ratchet 132 to the open position. Setting the pawl 134 as a support stop structure component for the tie mechanism benefits from the inherent reinforcing strength of the pawl 134 structure and the pivotal connection between the pawl 134 and the frame plate 80—no separate structure is required; for example, as a non-limiting example, no separate rivets or protrusions need to be provided from the frame plate 80.

[0099] In view of the foregoing and according to another aspect of this disclosure, a method for controlling power latch assemblies 13, 113 includes: using motors 29, 129 to rotate power release gears 57, 157 away from a first initial position in a first direction to release power latch assemblies 13, 113; stopping the rotation of power release gears 57, 157 in the first direction after they reach a second initial position; using motors 29, 129 to rotate power release gears 57, 157 away from a second initial position in a second direction to engage power latch assemblies 13, 113; and stopping the rotation of power release gears 57, 157 in the second direction after they reach the first initial position. After the power release gears 57 and 157 reach the second initial position, the rotation of the power release gears 57 and 157 in the first direction is stopped in response to the detection of a stall state of the motors 29 and 129. Furthermore, after the power release gears 57 and 157 reach the first initial position, the rotation of the power release gears 57 and 157 in the second direction is stopped in response to the detection of another stall state of the motors 29 and 129. Therefore, the stopping of the rotation of the power release gears 57 and 157 does not occur between the first and second initial positions.

[0100] According to another aspect of this disclosure, motors 29 and 129 are used to rotate power release gears 57 and 157 in a second direction away from the second original position to pull power latch assemblies 13 and 113 in response to detecting that ratchet 32 ​​and 132 have moved from the open position to the secondary pin capture position.

[0101] According to another aspect of this disclosure, during the use of motors 29, 129 to rotate the power release gears 57, 157 in a first direction away from the first original position to release the power latch assembly 13, 113, motors 29, 129 are adapted to pull the power latch assembly 13, 113 to an overtravel position before motors 29, 129 move pawls 34, 134 to the ratchet release position.

[0102] According to another aspect of this disclosure, during the use of motors 29, 129 to rotate the power release gears 57, 157 away from the first original position in a first direction to release the power latch assembly 13, 113, motors 29, 129 are adapted to resist rotation of ratchet 32, 132 toward the pawl release position after motors 29, 129 have moved pawl 34, 134 to the ratchet release position.

[0103] The foregoing descriptions of various embodiments have been provided for purposes of illustration and description. These descriptions are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of this disclosure. Elements, components / sub-components, or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but are interchangeable where applicable and can be used in selected embodiments, even if not specifically shown or described. Elements, components / sub-components, or features of a particular embodiment may also vary in many ways. Such variations should not be considered as departing from this disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure.

[0104] The embodiments of the present invention can be understood with reference to the following numbered paragraphs:

[0105] 1. A power latch assembly (13, 113) for a motor vehicle (10), the power latch assembly (13, 113) comprising:

[0106] A power release actuator (29, 129) is arranged to move a pawl (34, 134) from a ratchet holding position to a ratchet release position, in which ratchet (32, 132) is held in a pin-capture position, in which the ratchet is latched to a pin (37) to hold the closed panel in a closed position, in which the ratchet (32, 132) moves to a pin-release position, in which the ratchet is disengaged from the pin (37) to allow the closed panel to move from the closed position to an open position;

[0107] A pull mechanism that moves the ratchet (32, 132) from at least a partially released position to the striker capture position;

[0108] A power release gear (57, 157) configured to drive the pawl (34, 134) from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet release position and drive the ratchet (32, 132) from the at least partially released position to the pin capture position during a pull operation, wherein the power release gear (57, 157) does not have a single initial position.

[0109] 2. The power latch assembly (13, 113) according to paragraph 1, wherein the power release gear (57, 157) establishes the original position at the end position of performing any single operation.

[0110] 3. The power latch assembly (13, 113) according to paragraph 2, wherein the power release gear (57, 157) is movable from the original position in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to move the ratchet (32, 132) from the main pin capture position to the pin release position.

[0111] 4. The power latch assembly (13, 113) according to paragraph 2, wherein the power release gear (57, 157) is movable from the original position in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to move the ratchet (32, 132) from the secondary pin capture position to the primary pin capture position.

[0112] 5. The power latch assembly (13, 113) according to paragraph 1, wherein the power release gear (57, 157) meshes with the intermediate gear (49, 149), and the intermediate gear (49, 149) meshes with the output gear (48, 148).

[0113] 6. The power latch assembly (13, 113) according to paragraph 1, wherein no sensor is provided to detect the original position of the power release gear.

[0114] 7. The power latch assembly (13, 113) according to paragraph 1, wherein the power release gear has two initial positions.

[0115] 8. The power latch assembly (13, 113) according to paragraph 1, wherein each of the original positions is defined by the power release gear abutting against a hard stop surface.

[0116] 9. The power latch assembly (13, 113) according to paragraph 8, wherein the power release gear is configured to rotate from a first initial position along a first direction to drive the pawl from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet release position until the power release gear engages with a first hard stop surface at a second initial position, and is configured to rotate from the second initial position along a second direction to move the ratchet (32, 132) from the at least partially released position to the ramming pin capture position until the power release gear engages with a second hard stop surface.

[0117] 10. The power latch assembly (13, 113) according to paragraph 1, wherein the pull mechanism is adapted to pull the power latch assembly to an overtravel position before the power release actuator moves the pawl to the ratchet release position.

[0118] 11. The power latch assembly (13, 113) according to paragraph 10, wherein the pull mechanism is adapted to prevent the ratchet from rotating toward the ram release position after the pawl has been moved to the ratchet release position.

[0119] 12. The power latch assembly (13, 113) according to paragraph 1, wherein the power latch assembly includes a single motor for controlling the pull mechanism and the power release gear.

[0120] 13. The power latch assembly (13, 113) according to paragraph 1, wherein the power latch assembly is adapted to be supported at one of the upper lintel or sill plate of the motor vehicle for engagement with a strike pin positioned at the corresponding top or bottom of the closing panel.

[0121] 14. The power latch assembly (13, 113) according to paragraph 1, wherein the tethering mechanism includes a tethering rod, wherein, when the tethering rod is engaged with the ratchet, the tethering rod is aligned with the pawl in the ratchet holding position.

[0122] 15. A method for controlling a power latch assembly (13, 113), the method comprising:

[0123] The power release gear (57, 157) is rotated away from the first original position in a first direction by a motor (29, 129) to release the power latch assembly;

[0124] After the power release gear reaches the second original position, the rotation of the power release gear along the first direction is stopped;

[0125] The motor is used to rotate the power release gear in the second direction away from the second original position to pull the power latch assembly; and

[0126] After the power release gear reaches the first original position, the rotation of the power release gear in the second direction is stopped.

[0127] 16. The method according to paragraph 15, wherein, after the power release gear reaches the second original position, the rotation of the power release gear in the first direction is stopped in response to the detection of a stall state of the motor, and wherein, after the power release gear reaches the first original position, the rotation of the power release gear in the second direction is stopped in response to the detection of another stall state of the motor.

[0128] 17. The method according to paragraph 15, wherein stopping the rotation of the power release gear does not occur between the first original position and the second original position.

[0129] 18. The method according to paragraph 15, wherein the motor is used to rotate the power release gear away from the second original position in the second direction to pull the power latch assembly in response to detecting that the ratchet has moved from the open position to the secondary pin capture position.

[0130] 19. The method according to paragraph 15, wherein, during the process of using the motor to rotate the power release gear away from the first original position in the first direction to release the power latch assembly, the motor is adapted to pull the power latch assembly to an overtravel position before the motor moves the pawl to the ratchet release position.

[0131] 20. A power latch assembly (13, 113) for a motor vehicle (10), the power latch assembly (13, 113) comprising:

[0132] Ratchet (32, 132);

[0133] Claw (34, 134);

[0134] Tie-pull mechanism; and

[0135] A single motor (29, 129) is adapted to: actuate the pawl to release the ratchet during a power release cycle, actuate the pull mechanism to pull the ratchet during a power pull cycle, actuate the pull mechanism to pull the ratchet during a power pull cycle, actuate the pull mechanism to pull the ratchet during a power pull cycle, and actuate the pull mechanism to soft open the ratchet during a power soft open cycle.

Claims

1. A power latch assembly (13, 113) for a motor vehicle (10), the power latch assembly (13, 113) comprising: A power release actuator (29, 129) is arranged to move a pawl (34, 134) from a ratchet holding position to a ratchet release position, in which ratchet (32, 132) is held in a pin-capture position, in which the ratchet is latched to a pin (37) to hold the closed panel in a closed position, in which the ratchet (32, 132) moves to a pin-release position, in which the ratchet is disengaged from the pin (37) to allow the closed panel to move from the closed position to an open position; A pull mechanism that moves the ratchet (32, 132) from at least a partially released position to the pin-capturing position; A power release gear (57, 157) is configured to drive the pawl (34, 134) from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet release position and drive the ratchet (32, 132) from the at least partially released position to the pin capture position during a pull operation, wherein the power release gear (57, 157) does not have a single original position, wherein the power release gear rotates from a first original position away from the first original position in a first direction to a second original position to release the power latch assembly, wherein the power release gear rotates from the second original position away from the second original position in a second direction to the first original position to pull the power latch assembly.

2. The power latch assembly (13, 113) according to claim 1, wherein, The power release gears (57, 157) establish one of the first and second original positions at the end position of any single operation.

3. The power latch assembly (13, 113) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The power release gear (57, 157) is capable of moving clockwise or counterclockwise from either the first original position or the second original position to move the ratchet (32, 132) from the main pin capture position to the pin release position, in which the locking surface of the pawl engages with the main locking surface of the ratchet.

4. The power latch assembly (13, 113) according to claim 3, wherein, The power latch assembly further includes a ratchet lever connected to an auxiliary ratchet link, wherein the power release gear (57, 157) is movable clockwise or counterclockwise from either the first original position or the second original position to move the ratchet (32, 132) from the secondary pin capture position to the primary pin capture position, wherein in the secondary pin capture position, the auxiliary ratchet link is disengaged from the crest of the ratchet teeth of the ratchet, wherein the hook-shaped end of the auxiliary ratchet link engages with the secondary locking surface of the ratchet teeth, and wherein the end of the pawl engages with the end of the auxiliary ratchet link.

5. The power latch assembly (13, 113) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The power release gear (57, 157) meshes with the intermediate gear (49, 149), and the intermediate gear (49, 149) meshes with the output gear (48, 148).

6. The power latch assembly (13, 113) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, No sensors are used to detect the first and second initial positions of the power release gear.

7. The power latch assembly (13, 113) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The power release gear has two initial positions.

8. The power latch assembly (13, 113) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Each of the first and second original positions is defined by the power release gear abutting against a hard stop surface.

9. The power latch assembly (13, 113) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The power release gear is configured to rotate from a first original position along a first direction to drive the pawl from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet release position until the power release gear engages with the first hard stop surface at a second original position, and is configured to rotate from the second original position along a second direction to move the ratchet (32, 132) from the at least partially released position to the ramming pin capture position until the power release gear engages with the second hard stop surface.

10. The power latch assembly (13, 113) according to claim 1 or 2. in, The pull mechanism is adapted to pull the power latch assembly to an overtravel position before the power release actuator moves the pawl to the ratchet release position; and The tethering mechanism is adapted to prevent the ratchet from rotating toward the pin release position after the power release actuator moves the pawl to the ratchet release position.

11. The power latch assembly (13, 113) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The power latch assembly includes a single motor for controlling the pull mechanism and the power release gear.

12. The power latch assembly (13, 113) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The tethering mechanism includes a tethering rod, wherein, when the tethering rod is engaged with the ratchet, the tethering rod is aligned with the pawl in the ratchet holding position.

13. The power latch assembly (13, 113) according to claim 4, wherein, The power release gear rotates from the second original position to the first original position in response to the ratchet moving from the pin release position to the secondary pin capture position.

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