Actuator of vehicle latch
By designing dual-function lever, service release lever and elastic seal in vehicle latch actuators, the problem of insufficient sealing of existing actuators is solved, and effective water and dust protection is achieved to ensure the normal operation and long life of the equipment.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202411151708.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-08-26
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-21
- Publication Date
- 2025-02-25
AI Technical Summary
The existing vehicle latch actuators have shortcomings in sealing, which cannot effectively prevent the entry of water and dust, affecting the normal operation of the equipment.
An actuator for vehicle latch is designed, using dual-function lever and service release lever, driven by a gear transmission system, and a seal is provided between the actuator housing and the cover, the seal is made of elastic material, with Peripheral seal and shaft seal functions.
Effectively prevent water and dust from entering, ensure drying and cleaning of the actuator interior, extend the service life of the equipment, and ensure normal operation under extreme environmental conditions.
Smart Images
Figure CN119507740A_ABST
Abstract
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 534,044 filed on August 22, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 534,830 filed on August 26, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated into this application. Background Art
[0002] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the technical field of vehicle latches, and more particularly, to an actuator for a vehicle latch. Summary of the invention
[0003] The present disclosure discloses an actuator for a vehicle latch, comprising: an actuator housing; an actuator cover; a dual-function lever rotatably fixed to the actuator; a service release lever rotatably fixed to the actuator, the dual-function lever and the service release lever being located outside the actuator so that they can rotate around the outside of the actuator, the dual-function lever being rotated by a gear located within the actuator housing and the actuator cover, wherein the dual-function lever, the service release lever and the gear are all capable of being driven in a first direction and a second direction; and a service release cable fixed to the service release lever, wherein the service release cable can be fixed to opposite sides of the actuator while still being fixed to the service release lever.
[0004] In addition to one or more of the above features, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, further comprising a seal located between the actuator housing and the actuator cover when the actuator housing and the actuator cover are secured together.
[0005] In addition to one or more of the above features, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, the seal is made of an elastic material or rubber.
[0006] In addition to one or more of the above features, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, the seal has a first portion that performs a peripheral sealing function between the actuator housing and the actuator cover when the actuator housing and the actuator cover are fixed together, and a second portion that performs a sealing function between the dual-function lever and the gear when the actuator housing and the actuator cover are fixed together.
[0007] In addition to one or more of the above features, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, the first portion and the second portion are integrally formed such that the seal is a single unitary structure.
[0008] Additionally or alternatively to any of the above features, or in the alternative to any of the above embodiments, the seal is molded into the actuator cover.
[0009] Additionally or alternatively to any of the above features, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, the second portion of the seal interacts with the gear to seal an interface between the gear and the dual function lever.
[0010] In addition to one or more of the above features, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, the dual-function lever is fixed to a pivot of the gear.
[0011] Additionally or alternatively to any of the above features, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, the second portion of the seal interacts with the pivot to seal an interface between the gear and the dual function lever.
[0012] Additionally or alternatively to any of the above features, the second portion of the seal has two sealing features that interact with two different diameters of the pivot shaft of the gear.
[0013] In addition to one or more of the above features, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, the second portion of the seal has a first sealing feature and a second sealing feature, and the first sealing feature and the second sealing feature are respectively in contact with the pivot of the gear.
[0014] Additionally or alternatively to any of the above features, a gap between the first sealing feature and the second sealing feature is filled with grease.
[0015] In addition to one or more of the above features, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, the first portion of the seal provides a sealed interface between the actuator cover and the actuator housing when the actuator cover and the actuator housing are secured together.
[0016] Additionally or alternatively to any of the above features, the seal interacts with the actuator housing by compressing at least two sealing features of the seal.
[0017] In addition to one or more of the above features, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, the periphery of the actuator housing has a groove, which is used to accommodate the corresponding protrusion of the first part of the seal, and the periphery of the actuator housing has a protrusion, which is used to be received in the corresponding groove of the first part of the seal.
[0018] Additionally or alternatively to any of the above features, the groove of the actuator housing is located closer to an outer periphery of the actuator housing than the corresponding groove of the first portion of the seal.
[0019] Also disclosed is an actuator for a vehicle latch, comprising: an actuator housing; an actuator cover; a dual-function lever rotatably fixed to the actuator; a service release lever rotatably fixed to the actuator, the dual-function lever and the service release lever being located outside the actuator so that they can rotate around the outside of the actuator, the dual-function lever being rotated by a gear located within the actuator housing and the actuator cover, wherein the dual-function lever, the service release lever and the gear are all capable of being driven in a first direction and a second direction; and a seal located between the actuator housing and the actuator cover, the seal having a first portion, which performs a peripheral sealing function between the actuator housing and the actuator cover when the actuator housing and the actuator cover are fixed together, and a second portion, which performs a sealing function between the dual-function lever and the gear when the actuator housing and the actuator cover are fixed together.
[0020] Additionally or alternatively to any of the above features, the first portion and the second portion are integrally formed such that the seal is a single unitary structure and the seal is molded into the actuator cover.
[0021] In addition to one or more of the above features, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, further comprising a service release cable secured to the service release lever, wherein the service release cable may be secured to opposite sides of the actuator while still being secured to the service release lever.
[0022] A method for sealing an actuator housing of an actuator with an actuator cover of the actuator is also disclosed, comprising: rotatably fixing a dual-function lever on the actuator; rotatably fixing a service release lever on the actuator, the dual-function lever and the service release lever being located on the outside of the actuator so that they can rotate around the outside of the actuator, the dual-function lever being rotated by a gear located within the actuator housing and the actuator cover, wherein the dual-function lever, the service release lever and the gear are all capable of being driven in a first direction and a second direction; and placing a seal between the actuator housing and the actuator cover, the seal having a first portion, which performs a peripheral sealing function between the actuator housing and the actuator cover when the actuator housing and the actuator cover are fixed together, and a second portion, which performs a sealing function between the dual-function lever and the gear when the actuator housing and the actuator cover are fixed together. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] The following description should not be considered as limiting in any way. Referring to the accompanying drawings, the same elements are identified by the same numbers:
[0024] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle latch actuator;
[0025] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 a front view of the actuator shown;
[0026] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 a rear view of the actuator shown;
[0027] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A top view of the actuator shown;
[0028] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 a bottom view of the actuator shown;
[0029] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 a right side view of the actuator shown;
[0030] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 a left side view of the actuator shown;
[0031] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 Shows Figure 1 The gear train of the actuator shown;
[0032] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B Shows Figure 1Movement of the actuator in a first direction;
[0033] Fig.11A and Fig. 11B Shows Figure 1 Movement of the actuator in a second direction;
[0034] Fig.12 An actuator cover and molded seal therefor according to the present disclosure are shown;
[0035] Fig.13 is along Fig.12 The view of the middle 13-13 line;
[0036] Fig.14 and Fig.15 yes Fig.13 The enlarged part of
[0037] Fig.16 An actuator cover and molded seal therefor according to the present disclosure are shown;
[0038] Fig.17 is along Fig.16 The view of the 17-17 line;
[0039] Fig.18 yes Fig.17 The enlarged part of
[0040] Fig.19 An actuator cover and molded seal therefor according to the present disclosure are shown;
[0041] Fig. 20 yes Fig.19 a cross-sectional view of the actuator cover shown;
[0042] Fig.21 yes Fig.21 The enlarged part of
[0043] Fig. 22 yes Fig.21 an enlarged portion of
[0044] Fig.23 yes Fig. 22 The enlarged part. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0045] A detailed description is provided herein by way of example and not limitation, by reference to the accompanying figures, illustrating one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and methods.
[0046] Now refer to Figures 1 to 23 , an actuator 10 for a vehicle latch is shown. In one non-limiting embodiment, the actuator 10 can be remotely connected to a vehicle hood latch 12 (at least Fig. 10B Schematically shown in FIG.
[0047] The actuator 10 has an actuator housing 12 and an actuator cover 14. A dual-function lever 16 and a service release lever 18 are rotatably fixed to the actuator 10. In addition, the dual-function lever 16 and the service release lever 18 are located outside the actuator so that they can rotate around the outside of the actuator 10. The dual-function lever 16 is driven by a gear transmission system 20, which is connected to the dual-function lever 16 at one end and to a motor 22 at the other end. The gear transmission system 20 can be a three-stage gear transmission system 20, including a first-stage gear 24, a second-stage gear 26, and a third-stage gear 28. The three-stage gear transmission system 20 is located inside the actuator housing 12 and the actuator cover 14, and the third-stage gear 28 is connected to the dual-function lever 16 located outside the actuator 10. The first-stage gear 24 is meshed with a thread 30 driven by the motor 22. The first-stage gear 24 is meshed with the second-stage gear 26, and the second-stage gear 26 is also meshed with the third-stage gear 28. The third stage gear 28 is operatively connected to the dual function lever 16 , so that rotation of the third stage gear 28 drives rotation of the dual function lever 16 .
[0048] The motor 22, the gear transmission system 20, and the dual-function lever 16 are all capable of driving in two different directions (e.g., a first direction and a second direction). The first direction is opposite to the second direction. Although the gear transmission system shown in the figure includes three gears, various embodiments of the present disclosure contemplate that the gear transmission system 20 may include more or less than three gears.
[0049] According to the present disclosure, in order to prevent water and dust from entering the interior of the actuator 10, all cables are installed outside the actuator 10 to prevent water from entering the actuator 10. In other words, in a non-limiting embodiment, when the actuator housing 12 and the actuator cover 14 are fixed together, no cables pass through the actuator housing 12 and the actuator cover 14 that define the interior of the actuator 10. Therefore, in order to completely seal the actuator 10, the actuator 10 is provided with a peripheral seal and a shaft seal.
[0050] One end of the latch release cable 32 is fixed to the service release lever 18 and the other end is fixed to the vehicle hood latch 12 so as to move the service release lever 18 through the dual function lever 16 to achieve the desired operation of the vehicle hood latch 12 .
[0051] One end of the tightening release cable 34 is fixed to the dual-function lever 16, and the other end is fixed to the vehicle hood lock 12, so that the desired operation of the vehicle hood lock 12 is achieved by moving the dual-function lever 16. For example, the tightening release cable 34 may be connected to the tightening mechanism of the lock 12.
[0052] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10BThe movement of the dual function lever 16 and the service release lever 18 in one operation is shown. Fig. 10A The actuator 10 and the dual-function lever 16 are shown in an initial position. Fig. 10B In the embodiment, the dual function lever 16 is relative to Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B The view shown is rotated clockwise. Since the dual function lever 16 is operatively connected to the service release lever 18, clockwise rotation of the dual function lever 16 will cause the service release lever to rotate counterclockwise (relative to the rotation of the dual function lever 16). Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B The service release lever 18 is moved to cause the latch release cable 32 to move (e.g., pull the latch release cable 32), thereby achieving the desired operation of the vehicle hood latch 12. In other words, as shown, the dual function lever 16 is configured to contact and push the service release lever 18 in one operation.
[0053] One end of the service release cable 36 is also fixed to the service release lever 18, and the other end is fixed to the mechanical release actuator 40 (at least Fig. 10B Schematically shown in FIG.
[0054] According to the present disclosure, the service release cable 36 can be secured to opposite sides of the actuator 10. This is due at least in part to the configuration of the service release lever 18. Fig. 10A , the service release cable 36 is fixed to the service release lever 18 so that it extends from the left side of the actuator (relative to Fig. 10A view shown).
[0055] In addition, if Fig. 10B As shown, according to the present disclosure, the service release cable 36 is fixed to the service release lever 18 so that it extends from the right side of the actuator (relative to Fig. 10B Thus, by mounting the service release cable 36 in the opposite direction, the service release lever 18 can be operated in both directions to simplify the cabling on the vehicle.
[0056] Now refer to Fig.11A and Fig. 11B , showing the movement of the dual-function lever 16 of the actuator 10 in the second direction (with Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B Since the dual-function lever 16 is connected to the tightening release cable 34, the dual-function lever 16 is opposite to the tightening release cable 34. Fig.11A and Fig. 11B Moving counterclockwise as shown will result in the desired operation of the vehicle hood latch 12 because the dual function lever 16 pulls the take-up release cable 34. Fig.11A and Fig. 11B As shown, the dual function lever 16 is Fig.11ARotate counterclockwise from the initial position shown in Fig. 11B , in which the take-up release cable is pulled by the dual-function lever 16 .
[0057] Notice: Fig.11A and Fig. 11B The service release cable 36 is shown to be secured to the service release lever 18 in two locations (e.g., left and right). However, in at least one embodiment, the service release cable 36 is secured to the service release lever 18 in only one location (e.g., left or right). Although, if applicable (e.g., due to vehicle configuration), in another embodiment, there may be two service release cables 36 secured to the service release lever 18, various embodiments of the present disclosure contemplate the service release cable 36 being secured to the service release lever 18 in only one location (e.g., left or right).
[0058] See now Figures 12 to 23 , the present disclosure shows an actuator cover 14. According to the present disclosure, the actuator cover 14 has a molded seal 42. In a non-limiting embodiment, the molded seal is made of an elastomeric material or rubber. According to the present disclosure, the molded seal 42 provides a waterproof housing that prevents moisture, dust, and debris from entering the interior of the actuator. Therefore, the waterproof housing 12 and the actuator cover 14 can protect the motor 22 and the gear transmission system 20, ensuring their normal operation under extreme environmental conditions.
[0059] According to the present disclosure, the molded seal 42 has two parts. The first part 44 is used to perform a peripheral sealing function between the actuator housing 12 and the actuator cover 14, and the second part 46 is used to perform a sealing function between the dual-function lever 16 and the gear transmission system 20, especially the third gear 28 of the gear transmission system 20. The first part 44 is located at the periphery of the entire actuator cover 14, and when the actuator cover 14 and the actuator housing 12 are fixed together, the first part 44 performs a sealing function between the actuator cover 14 and the actuator housing 12.
[0060] In one embodiment, the first portion 44 and the second portion 46 are integrally molded together so that the molded seal 42 is a single structure when molded into the actuator cover 14. In other words, the second portion 46 extends from the first portion 44. In one non-limiting embodiment, the second portion 46 extends from the first portion 44 at one location and is connected to the first portion 44 at another location. Alternatively, the molded seal 42 can include two separate parts (e.g., the first portion 44 and the second portion 46) that are molded into the actuator cover 14 separately. In another embodiment, whether a single structure or a multi-part structure, the molded seal 42 can be insert molded into the actuator cover 14 or manually installed into the actuator cover. In addition, in any of the above embodiments, the seal 42 can be fixed to the actuator housing 12 instead of the actuator cover 14.
[0061] The dual-function lever 16 is fixed to the pivot 48 of the third gear 24 , so that, as described above, the rotation of the third gear 24 will drive the dual-function lever 16 to rotate.
[0062] At least a portion of the second portion 46 of the elastomeric seal 42 interacts with the third gear 24 of the gear train 20 to seal the interface between the internal gear train 20 and the external dual-function lever 16 when the actuator cover 14 is secured to the actuator housing 12. According to one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the second portion 46 of the elastomeric seal 42 has two sealing features (e.g., a first sealing feature 50 and a second sealing feature 52) that interact with two different diameters of the pivot 48 of the third gear 24. Thus, the second portion 46 of the elastomeric seal 42 provides two contact or sealing points.
[0063] In one non-limiting embodiment, the gap 54 between the first sealing feature 50 and the second sealing feature 52 of the second portion 46 of the elastomeric seal 42 is filled with grease 56. Thus, the gap 54 between the sealing features 50 and 52 is filled with grease 56 to provide lubrication as the gears rotate and to provide a secondary seal as the elastomeric or rubber seal 42 wears.
[0064] The first portion 44 of the elastomeric seal 42 provides a sealed interface between the actuator cover 14 and the actuator housing 12 when they are secured together. Fig.17 and Fig.18As shown in FIG. 1 , the interface of the actuator housing 12 and the actuator cover 14 is sealed by an elastomeric seal 42 molded into the actuator cover 14, and the seal interacts with the periphery of the actuator housing 12 by compressing at least two sealing features of the seal. In one embodiment, the periphery of the actuator housing 12 has a groove 58 for receiving a corresponding protrusion 70 of the first portion 44 of the elastomeric seal 42, and the periphery of the actuator housing 12 also has a protrusion 72 for inserting into a corresponding groove 74 of the first portion 44 of the elastomeric seal 42. In a non-limiting embodiment, the groove 58 and the corresponding protrusion 70 are located near the outer periphery of the actuator housing 12, and the protrusion 72 and the corresponding groove 74 are located far from the outer periphery of the actuator housing 12. In another embodiment, these positions may be reversed, that is, the protrusion 72 and the corresponding groove 74 are located near the outer periphery of the actuator housing 12, and the groove 58 and the corresponding protrusion 70 are located far away. In addition, as described above, these features may also be located on the actuator cover 14 instead of the actuator housing 12 when applicable.
[0065] The term "about" is intended to include the range of error associated with the measurement of the particular quantity, based on the equipment available at the time the application was filed. For example, "about" may include a range of ±8%, 5%, or 2% of a given value.
[0066] The terms used herein are only used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. The singular forms "a", "an" and "the" used herein also include plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms "comprise" and / or "include" when used in this specification indicate the presence of the features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components and / or combinations thereof.
[0067] Although the present disclosure is described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for the elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be adapted to specific circumstances or materials according to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its basic scope. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed best mode of implementation, but covers all embodiments within the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. An actuator for a vehicle latch, comprising: Actuator housing; Actuator cover; a dual-function lever rotatably fixed to the actuator; a service release lever rotatably fixed to the actuator, the dual function lever and the service release lever being located outside the actuator so that they can rotate about the exterior of the actuator, the dual function lever being rotated by gears located within the actuator housing and the actuator cover, wherein the dual function lever, the service release lever and the gears are each drivable in a first direction and a second direction; and A service release cable is secured to the service release lever, wherein the service release cable may be secured to opposite sides of the actuator while still being secured to the service release lever.
2. The actuator according to claim 1, wherein: Also included is a seal positioned between the actuator housing and the actuator cover when the actuator housing and the actuator cover are secured together.
3. The actuator according to claim 2, wherein: The sealing element is made of elastic material or rubber.
4. The actuator according to claim 2, wherein: The seal has: a first portion that performs a peripheral sealing function between the actuator housing and the actuator cover when the actuator housing and the actuator cover are fixed together; and a second portion that performs a sealing function between the dual-function lever and the gear when the actuator housing and the actuator cover are secured together.
5. The actuator according to claim 4, wherein: The first portion and the second portion are integrally formed so that the seal is a single unitary structure.
6. The actuator according to claim 5, wherein: The seal is molded into the actuator cover.
7. The actuator according to claim 5, wherein: The second portion of the seal interacts with the gear to seal an interface between the gear and the dual function lever.
8. The actuator according to claim 5, wherein: The dual-function lever is fixed to the pivot of the gear.
9. The actuator according to claim 8, wherein: The second portion of the seal interacts with the pivot to seal the interface between the gear and the dual function lever.
10. The actuator according to claim 9, wherein: The second portion of the seal has two sealing features that interact with two different diameters of the pivot shaft of the gear.
11. The actuator according to claim 9, wherein: The second portion of the seal has a first sealing feature and a second sealing feature, and the first sealing feature and the second sealing feature are respectively in contact with the pivot of the gear.
12. The actuator according to claim 11, wherein: A gap between the first sealing feature and the second sealing feature is filled with grease.
13. The actuator according to claim 5, wherein: The first portion of the seal provides a sealed interface between the actuator cover and the actuator housing when the actuator cover and the actuator housing are secured together.
14. The actuator according to claim 13, wherein: The seal interacts with the actuator housing by compressing at least two sealing features of the seal.
15. The actuator according to claim 13, wherein: The periphery of the actuator housing has a groove for receiving a corresponding protrusion of the first portion of the seal, and the periphery of the actuator housing has a protrusion for receiving in the corresponding groove of the first portion of the seal.
16. The actuator according to claim 15, wherein: The groove of the actuator housing is located closer to an outer periphery of the actuator housing than the corresponding groove of the first portion of the seal.
17. An actuator for a vehicle latch, comprising: Actuator housing; Actuator cover; a dual-function lever rotatably fixed to the actuator; a service release lever rotatably secured to the actuator, the dual function lever and the service release lever being located on an exterior side of the actuator so that they can rotate about an exterior side of the actuator, the dual function lever being rotated by gears located within the actuator housing and the actuator cover, wherein the dual function lever, the service release lever and the gears are each drivable in a first direction and a second direction; as well as a seal located between the actuator housing and the actuator cover, the seal having a first portion that performs a peripheral sealing function between the actuator housing and the actuator cover when the actuator housing and the actuator cover are fixed together, and a second portion that performs a sealing function between the dual-function lever and the gear when the actuator housing and the actuator cover are fixed together.
18. The actuator according to claim 17, wherein: The first portion and the second portion are integrally formed such that the seal is a single unitary structure and the seal is molded into the actuator cover.
19. The actuator of claim 17, further comprising a service release cable secured to the service release lever, wherein: The service release cable may be secured to opposite sides of the actuator while still being secured to the service release lever.
20. A method of sealing an actuator housing of an actuator with an actuator cover of the actuator, comprising: rotatably fixing a dual-function lever to the actuator; a service release lever rotatably secured to the actuator, the dual function lever and the service release lever being located on an exterior side of the actuator so that they can rotate about an exterior side of the actuator, the dual function lever being rotated by gears located within the actuator housing and the actuator cover, wherein the dual function lever, the service release lever and the gears are each drivable in a first direction and a second direction; as well as A seal is placed between the actuator housing and the actuator cover, the seal having a first portion that performs a peripheral sealing function between the actuator housing and the actuator cover when the actuator housing and the actuator cover are fixed together, and a second portion that performs a sealing function between the dual-function lever and the gear when the actuator housing and the actuator cover are fixed together.