Vehicle latch

Abstract

A vehicle latch is provided that includes: only a single motor for driving a worm operably coupled to the single motor, the worm meshingly engaging a wheel, the wheel rotatably mounted to a housing of the latch; during a motorized release of the latch, the single motor rotates the wheel in a first direction from a reset position, and then, in order to return the wheel to the reset position, the single motor rotates the wheel in a second direction opposite the first direction; and rotation of the wheel in the second direction from the reset position by the single motor will cause the latch to be in an electric child lock and / or double lock position, then the wheel is rotated back to the reset position by a spring, rerotation of the wheel from the reset position by the single motor in the second direction will disengage the latch from the electric child lock and / or the double lock position, making mechanical opening of the latch operable, and then the wheel is rotated back to the reset position by the spring.

Description

Technical Background

[0001] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to vehicle door latch technology.

[0002] Vehicle door latches include a number of components that cooperate with each other to provide operation of the vehicle door latch. In some applications, the latch is electrically opened by a motor operably coupled to the latch. In these applications, a second motor is often required to place the latch in a position so that the latch can be mechanically operated or opened in the event of a power failure to the latch.

[0003] For example, in a power release door latch, a second motor is required to manage the disengagement / reengagement of the mechanical linkage when a mechanical redundant backup is required, such as an electric child lock or a dual lock function for an interior mechanical backup or locking / unlocking for an exterior release backup.

[0004] Reducing the number of parts in a latch assembly and using them or using them for multiple functions is a difficult task.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need to provide an improved vehicle door latch wherein the latch can be operated as desired while reducing the number of components required for latch operation. Summary of the invention

[0006] A vehicle latch is provided, characterized in that the vehicle latch includes: only a single motor for driving a worm operably connected to the single motor, the worm meshingly engaging a wheel, and the wheel is rotatably mounted on the housing of the latch; during the electric release of the latch, the single motor rotates the wheel from a reset position in a first direction, and then, in order to return the wheel to the reset position, the single motor rotates the wheel in a second direction opposite to the first direction; and the rotation of the wheel from the reset position by the single motor in the second direction will put the latch in an electric child lock and / or double lock position, and then, the wheel is rotated back to the reset position by a spring, and the further rotation of the wheel from the reset position by the single motor in the second direction will disengage the latch from the electric child lock and / or the double lock position, making the mechanical opening of the latch operable, and then, the wheel is rotated back to the reset position by the spring.

[0007] A method for opening a vehicle latch using only a single motor is provided, characterized in that the method includes: operably connecting the single motor to drive a worm operably connected to the single motor, the worm meshingly engaging a wheel, the wheel being rotatably mounted to the housing of the latch; electrically releasing the latch using the single motor by rotating the wheel from a reset position in a first direction and then returning the wheel to the reset position by rotating the single motor in a second direction opposite to the first direction; rotating the wheel from the reset position by the single motor in the second direction to place the latch in an electric child lock and / or double lock position and then rotating the wheel back to the reset position by a spring; and rotating the wheel from the reset position again by the single motor in the second direction to disengage the latch from the electric child lock and / or the double lock position so that mechanical opening of the latch is operable, and then rotating the wheel back to the reset position by the spring. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The following description should not be considered limiting in any way. Referring to the accompanying drawings, like elements are numbered in the same manner:

[0009] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The parts of a vehicle latch according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown;

[0010] Figure 3 is a graphical representation of operational aspects of a vehicle latch according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4F The operation of a vehicle latch according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0012] Figure 5A and Figure 5B is an exploded view of components of a vehicle latch according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B shows movement of a locking pin of a vehicle latch within a cam feature of a locking lever;

[0014] Figure 7 A portion of a vehicle latch is shown in a door closed position, wherein the door latch is operable for electric release as well as for mechanical release by double pull or single pull operation;

[0015] Figures 8 to 10 A portion of a vehicle latch is shown in a door closed position, wherein the door latch is not operable for double pull or single pull operation;

[0016] Figure 11 to Figure 12A portion of a vehicle latch is shown in a door closed position, wherein the door latch can be used for double pull or single pull operation;

[0017] Fig.13A A portion of a vehicle latch is shown wherein the door latch is not operable for double pull or single pull operation;

[0018] Fig. 13B A portion of a vehicle latch is shown, wherein the vehicle door latch can be used for double pull or single pull operation;

[0019] FIG. 14A to FIG. 14C A portion of a vehicle latch is shown in a door closed position, wherein the door latch can be used for double pull or single pull operation;

[0020] FIG. 15A to FIG. 15C showing a portion of a vehicle latch in a door closed position during a first pull of a handle operably connected to the vehicle latch when the latch is operable for mechanical release;

[0021] FIG. 16A to FIG. 16C showing a portion of a vehicle latch in a door closed position after a first pull on a handle operably coupled to the vehicle latch when the latch is available for mechanical release;

[0022] FIG. 17A to FIG. 17C showing a portion of a vehicle latch in a door closed position after a first pull on a handle operably coupled to the vehicle latch when the latch is available for mechanical release; and

[0023] 18A to 18C Portions of a vehicle latch are shown in a door closed position during a second pull on a handle operably coupled to the vehicle latch when the latch is available for mechanical release. Specific embodiments

[0024] One or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method are described in detail herein by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle door latch that can electrically release the door latch and reengage the mechanical backup release from inside the vehicle using only one motor instead of two motors. This is particularly useful for rear doors equipped with child locks and / or all vehicle doors equipped with super lock or dual lock versions.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the latch has at least three predefined positions (a closed / primary position, a partially open / secondary position, or a fully open position).

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, when the pawl of the latch is in the open position, a temporary mechanical stop is provided for the release actuator when the release actuator is in a floating position corresponding to a rest or home position of the release actuator.

[0028] When the latch is in the closed position, the release motor of the release actuator rotates from this "floating" position in one direction to open the latch, or in the opposite direction to disengage or reengage the mechanical backup. When the door is opened by the electric release, the motor is again powered in the opposite direction, restarting the release actuator to electrically open the latch again or disengage or reengage the mechanical backup. When the latch's pawl is in the open position, the latch will prevent the release actuator from reaching the position corresponding to the disengagement or reengagement of the mechanical backup.

[0029] The present disclosure relates to disengagement / reengagement of a powered release and mechanical backup release using one electric motor.

[0030] In addition, the present disclosure utilizes the rotation direction of the motor for power release, and utilizes the re-rotation of the motor to achieve the disengagement or re-engagement of the mechanical release link through a specific cam design and a spring.

[0031] Reference now Figures 1 to 18C , various aspects of the present disclosure will be discussed.

[0032] Figure 1 A portion of a vehicle latch 10 is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The vehicle latch 10 has only a single motor 12 for driving a worm 14 operably coupled to the motor 12. In other words, there is only one motor in the latch 10. The worm 14 meshingly engages a wheel 16 that is rotatably mounted to a housing 18 of the latch 10. The worm 14 meshingly engages a plurality of teeth 20 disposed about the periphery of the wheel 16. The wheel 16 also has a cam portion 22 on one side of the wheel 16 and a drive feature 24 on an opposite side of the wheel 16.

[0033] The cam portion 22 is configured to engage a release lever 26, while the drive feature 24 is configured to engage a blocking lever 28. Both the release lever 26 and the blocking lever 28 are rotatably mounted to the latch 10. The release lever 26 is operably coupled to a pawl 30 such that movement of the release lever 26 by the cam portion 22 of the wheel 16 will result in movement of the pawl 30. The pawl 30 is configured to engage a claw 32 of the latch 10 so as to hold the claw 32 in the closed or secondary position or the primary position. Movement of the pawl 30 from the engaged position to the disengaged position will allow the claw 32 to pivot or rotate to the open position, as is known in the related art.

[0034] The movement is at least FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C1, wherein an electric release of the latch 10 is performed. During the electric release, a single motor 12 with a worm 14 and a wheel 16 are moved relative to at least FIG. 4D to FIG. 4F The view shown is a counter-clockwise rotation. Figures 4A-4F The power release, reset and engagement / disengagement of the mechanical release link are shown.

[0035] In addition, the emergency release lever 34, the locking link 36, the back plate 38, the blocking link 40, the rear drive spring 42, the blocking lever 44, the locking lever spring 46, the locking lever 48, the temporary release lever spring 50, the temporary release lever 52, the pawl switch lever 54, the release link 56 and the release lever 58 are at least Figure 1 and Figure 2 Shown in.

[0036] Reference now Figure 3 , which is a graphical representation of the operational aspects of a vehicle latch according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. When the latch 10 is reset and in the home position as shown in area 70, the electric child lock and dual lock functions are turned off, and the dual pull feature is turned on. This may also be referred to as the unlocked position of the latch 10. The latch 10 is rotated by a single motor 12 in a first direction as shown by arrow 72 (as shown in FIG. 1 ). Figure 3 The latch 10 can be electrically released from this position by moving the latch 10 in a counterclockwise direction as shown. The electrically released latch 10 is shown by area 74. Then, to return the latch 10 to the position corresponding to area 70, the single motor 12 is moved in a second direction opposite to the first direction (as shown in FIG. Figure 3 The second direction is indicated by arrow 76.

[0037] In another operation from the position shown in area 70, the release lever of the latch 10 is pulled for the first time, and the latch 10 is in a position where the dual pull function is off and the electric child lock and dual lock functions are off. This position is represented by area 78. From this position, the latch 10 can be electrically released by movement of the motor 12 in the first direction (arrow 72), resulting in the latch 10 being in the position shown in area 74, or the latch 10 can be mechanically released by a second pull of the release lever, resulting in the latch being in the position shown in area 80. The latch 10 can then be returned to the position shown in area 70 by mechanically closing the vehicle door.

[0038] In addition, the latch 10 can be converted to a position where the electric child lock and / or dual lock is unlocked and the latch 10 is locked. This can also be referred to as a locked latch 10. This position is shown by area 82. Now return to the position shown in area 70 by moving along the second direction 76 (such as Figure 3The latch 10 is transitioned to the position defined by region 82 by moving the single motor 12 with the worm gear 14 in a clockwise direction (as shown in FIG. 1 ), thereby driving the wheel 16 to move the locking bar 48, causing the locking link to engage in the locked position, thereby preventing mechanical opening of the latch. The wheel 16 is then returned to the reset position under the drive of the spring, as shown by arrow 84. Arrow 84 shows the reverse drive movement of the spring on the wheel 16. After this movement, in order to move the latch 10 back to the position specified by region 70, the single motor 12 with the worm gear 14 is again moved in the second direction 76 (as shown in FIG. 1 ). Figure 3 The wheel 16 is rotated in the clockwise direction (as shown in FIG. 1 ), thereby driving the wheel 16 to move the locking rod 48, disengaging the locking link, thereby making the mechanical opening of the latch operable. As before, the return of the wheel 16 to the reset position is achieved by a spring. This is indicated by arrow 86 (as shown in FIG. 1 ). Figure 3 counterclockwise as shown in the figure).

[0039] Additionally, when the latch 10 is returned from the position shown in region 78 to the position shown in region 70, the latch 10 is moved in the second direction 76 (eg, Figure 3 By moving the single motor 12 with the worm gear 14 (in the clockwise direction shown in FIG. 1 ), the latch 10 can be transitioned from the position shown in area 78 to the position shown in area 82, thereby driving the wheel 16 to move the locking rod 48, so that the locking link engages in the locked position, thereby preventing the mechanical opening of the latch. This movement is represented by arrow 77. The wheel 16 then returns to the reset position under the drive of the spring. This is represented by arrow 88. After this movement, in order to move the latch 10 back to the position shown in area 70, the single motor 12 with the worm gear 14 is rotated again in the second direction 76, thereby driving the wheel 16 to move the locking rod 48, so that the locking link disengages and the mechanical opening of the latch is operable. As before, the return of the wheel 16 to the reset position is achieved by a spring. This is represented by arrow 86. This operation is represented at least by area 89.

[0040] As used herein, double pull release means releasing a vehicle door latch from the inside in a locked state in two motions applied on the door handle or other interior release control. The first motion applied on the interior door handle or other interior release control unlocks the vehicle door latch, and the second motion applied on the door handle or other interior release control opens the vehicle door latch, thereby releasing the vehicle door.

[0041] As used herein, a power child lock is an additional locking device that the rear door latch should be equipped with that, when engaged, prevents operation of the interior door handle or other interior latch release control and requires separate actions to unlock the door and operate the interior door handle or other interior latch release control.

[0042] As used herein, a dual lock is an additional locking device for a side door latch that, when engaged, prevents operation of the interior door handle or other interior latch release control. The additional locking device can only be engaged when the primary locking device is engaged.

[0043] Reference now Figure 5A and 5B , showing the locking lever 48, the locking link 36, the temporary release lever 52 and the release link 56. The release link 56 is pivotally mounted to the temporary release lever 52. The locking link 36 has a locking link pin 90 protruding upward from the surface of the locking link 36. The locking link pin 90 is configured to transition through the heart-shaped cam 92 of the locking lever 48.

[0044] Figure 5A and 5B is an exploded view of components of a vehicle latch according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Fig. 6A and 6B The movement of the locking pin of a vehicle latch within the cam feature of the locking lever is shown. The locking link pin is driven by the heart-shaped cam feature and the locking lever spring achieves the engagement / disengagement of the mechanical release kinematics. Fig. 6A The arrows in the diagram show the "motor operation", "spring operation", "mechanical operation" and "spring force vector". Also shown by circles is the lock pin neutral position and the lock link pin force.

[0046] exist Figure 6B , the super lock / child lock disengaged and double pull position, the super lock / child lock engaged position, and the super lock / child lock disengaged and single pull position are shown.

[0047] Figure 7 Portions of a vehicle latch are shown in a door closed position, wherein the door latch may be used for double pull or single pull operation. Figure 7 The engagement / disengagement of the mechanical linkage is shown. Figure 7 The door is shown in a closed normal condition, with the mechanical release backup operable for either a double pull or single pull action, and the locking link rod pin engaged in the locking bar.

[0048] Figures 8 to 10 Portions of a vehicle latch are shown in a door closed position, wherein the door latch is not available for double pull or single pull operation. Figure 8 Shown is the disengagement of the mechanical link and door closed normally, with the wheel rotated counterclockwise to disengage the mechanical link and the locking link pin engaged in the locking bar slot. Fig. 9 Shows the mechanical link and door closed normally disengaged, the mechanical release backup disengaged, and the locking link pin blocked in the locking rod. Fig.10Shows the mechanical link and door closed normally disengaged, the mechanical release standby disengaged, the locking link pin blocked in the locking bar, and the wheel returned to the rest position by the rear drive spring.

[0049] Figure 11 to Figure 12 Portions of a vehicle latch are shown in a door closed position, wherein the door latch may be used for double pull or single pull operation. Fig.11 Shown is the reengagement of the mechanical link and door closed normally, with the wheel turned counterclockwise to disengage the mechanical link and the locking link pin engaged in the locking bar slot. Fig.12 Shown reengaging the mechanical link and door closed normally, mechanical release standby reengaging - ready for mechanical release, locking link pin engaged on locking bar.

[0050] Fig.13A Portions of a vehicle latch are shown where the door latch is not available for double pull or single pull operation. Fig.13A Shows that mechanical override is not possible.

[0051] Fig. 13B Portions of a vehicle latch are shown, wherein the door latch may be used for double pull or single pull operation. Fig. 13B Shown with mechanical override enabled.

[0052] FIG. 14A to FIG. 14C Portions of a vehicle latch are shown in a door closed position, wherein the door latch may be used for double pull or single pull operation. FIG. 14A to FIG. 14C The mechanical release-double pull function is shown. In the normal state of the door being closed, the mechanical release backup part can be operated for double pull operation on the handle.

[0053] FIG. 15A to FIG. 15C Portions of a vehicle latch are shown in a door closed position during a first pull of a handle operably coupled to the vehicle latch when the latch is operable for a mechanical release. FIG. 15A to FIG. 15C The first pull of the mechanical release-handle is shown, with the door in the normal closed state, and the first pull of the mechanical release standby part.

[0054] FIG. 16A to FIG. 16C Portions of a vehicle latch are shown in a door closed position after a handle operably coupled to the vehicle latch is first pulled when the latch is available for mechanical release. FIG. 16A to FIG. 16C The mechanical release is shown - the handle returns after the first pull, and when the door is normally closed, the return handle remains in an engaged position with the locking rod.

[0055] FIG. 17A to FIG. 17C Portions of a vehicle latch are shown in a door closed position after a handle operably coupled to the vehicle latch is first pulled when the latch is available for mechanical release. FIG. 17A to FIG. 17CShown is the mechanical release - the handle returns after the first pull, with the door normally closed and the release link engaged in the release lever.

[0056] 18A to 18C Portions of a vehicle latch are shown in a door closed position during a second pull on a handle operably coupled to the vehicle latch when the latch is available for mechanical release. 18A to 18C Mechanical release shown - pull the handle a second time and the door releases.

[0057] The term "about" is intended to include the degree of error associated with the measurement of a particular quantity based on the equipment available at the time the application was filed. For example, "about" may include a range of ± 8% or 5% or 2% of a given value.

[0058] The terms used herein are only used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are also intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should be further understood that when the terms "include" and / or "comprise" are used in this specification, the presence of the features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components is specified, but the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and / or groups thereof is not excluded.

[0059] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments or embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and elements thereof may be substituted with equivalents without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt specific circumstances or materials to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its basic scope. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed as the best mode for implementing the present disclosure, but the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle latch (10), characterized in that: include: only a single motor (12) for driving a worm (14) operably coupled to the single motor (12), the worm (14) meshingly engaging a wheel (16) rotatably mounted to a housing (18) of the latch (10); During an electrically powered release of the latch (10), the single motor (12) rotates the wheel (16) from a reset position in a first direction (72), and then, in order to return the wheel (16) to the reset position, the single motor (12) rotates the wheel (16) in a second direction (76) opposite to the first direction (72); and Rotation of the wheel (16) from the reset position by the single motor (12) along the second direction (76) will place the latch (10) in the electric child lock and / or double lock position, and then the wheel (16) is rotated back to the reset position by the spring, and rotation of the wheel (16) from the reset position again by the single motor (12) along the second direction (76) will disengage the latch (10) from the electric child lock and / or the double lock position, making the mechanical opening of the latch (10) operable, and then the wheel (16) is rotated back to the reset position by the spring.

2. The vehicle latch (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The worm (14) meshingly engages a plurality of teeth (20) arranged around the periphery of the wheel (16).

3. The vehicle latch (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The wheel (16) also has a cam portion (22) located on one side of the wheel (16) and a drive feature (24) located on an opposite side of the wheel (16).

4. The vehicle latch (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that The cam portion (22) is configured to engage a release lever (26) and the drive feature (24) is configured to engage a blocking lever (28).

5. The vehicle latch (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that The release lever (26) and the blocking lever (28) are rotatably mounted to the latch (10).

6. The vehicle latch (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that The release lever (26) is operably coupled to a pawl (30) such that movement of the release lever (26) through the cam portion (22) of the wheel (16) will result in movement of the pawl (30), the pawl (30) being configured to engage a claw (32) of the latch (10) to retain the claw (32) in a closed or secondary position or a primary position, and wherein movement of the pawl (30) from the engaged position to the disengaged position will allow the claw (32) to pivot or rotate to an open position.

7. The vehicle latch (10) of claim 6, wherein: When the vehicle latch (10) is reset and in the original position, the electric child lock feature and the double lock feature are closed and the double pull feature is opened, the latch (10) is released from this position by movement of the single motor (12) in the first direction, and thereafter and in order to return the latch (10) to the original position, the single motor (12) is rotated in the second direction opposite to the first direction.

8. The vehicle latch (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that Also includes: Locking link (36); and A locking lever (48) wherein the locking link (36) has a locking link pin (90) protruding upwardly from a surface of the locking link (36), the locking link pin (90) being configured to transition through a cam (92) of the locking lever (48).

9. The vehicle latch (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that Also includes: Emergency release lever (34); Locking link (36); Back plate (38); Blocking connecting rod (40); rear drive spring (42); A blocking rod (44); Locking lever spring (46); A locking lever (48); Temporary release lever spring (50); A temporary release lever (52); Ratchet switch lever (54); a release link (56); and Release lever (58).

10. The vehicle latch (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that The locking link (36) has a locking link pin (90) protruding upward from a surface of the locking link (36), and the locking link pin (90) is configured to transition through a cam (92) of the locking lever (48).

11. The vehicle latch (10) of claim 10, wherein: The worm (14) meshingly engages a plurality of teeth (20) disposed around the periphery of the wheel (16).

12. A method of opening a vehicle latch (10) using only a single motor (12), characterized in that: include: the single motor (12) being operably coupled to drive a worm (14) operably coupled to the single motor (12), the worm (14) meshingly engaging a wheel (16) rotatably mounted to a housing (18) of the latch (10); electrically releasing the latch (10) using the single motor (12) by rotating the wheel (16) in a first direction (72) from a reset position and then returning the wheel (16) to the reset position by rotating the single motor (12) in a second direction (76) opposite the first direction (72); Rotating the wheel (16) from the reset position in the second direction (76) by the single motor (12) to place the latch (10) in an electric child lock and / or double lock position, and then rotating the wheel (16) back to the reset position by a spring; and The wheel (16) is rotated again from the reset position in the second direction (76) by the single motor (12), so that the latch (10) is disengaged from the electric child lock and / or the double lock position, thereby making the mechanical opening of the latch (10) operable, and then the wheel (16) is rotated back to the reset position by the spring.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The wheel (16) also has a cam portion (22) located on one side of the wheel (16) and a drive feature (24) located on an opposite side of the wheel (16).

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The cam portion (22) is configured to engage a release lever (26) and the drive feature (24) is configured to engage a blocking lever (28).

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The vehicle latch (10) comprises: a locking link (36); and A locking lever (48) wherein the locking link (36) has a locking link pin (90) protruding upwardly from a surface of the locking link (36), the locking link pin (90) being configured to transition through a cam (92) of the locking lever (48).

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