Powered latch assembly

Abstract

A powered latch assembly and a system having the same are configured for holding a closure panel of a motor vehicle in a closed position relative to a vehicle body and for releasing the closure panel to allow the closure panel to move from the closed position to an open position. The powered latch assembly has a dual lock / child lock condition in which actuation of the inboard release mechanism does not release the closure panel to move the closure panel to the open position, and in which actuation of the outboard release mechanism allows release of the closure panel to move the closure panel to the open position.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 542,346, filed on October 4, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to a power door system for a motor vehicle. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a power door system equipped with a power latch assembly operable for power holding and power releasing of a power double lock and a power child lock. Background Art

[0004] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

[0005] In view of the increasing consumer demand for motor vehicles equipped with advanced comfort and convenience features, many modern vehicles are now provided with power-actuated latch assemblies that can be operated via a passive keyless entry system to allow the latch assembly to be powered locked and powered released without the use of a conventional manual entry mechanism. Although such power-actuated latch assemblies provide the desired function under normal operating conditions, further improvements are desired to ensure that the features of the power-actuated latch assemblies repeatedly and reliably achieve their intended position and function in a quick and efficient manner, while minimizing the size, cost and number of parts of the power-actuated latch assemblies, while further providing a manual override function via an outside release mechanism in the locked state.

[0006] In view of the foregoing, it remains desirable to develop an alternative powered door latch assembly that addresses and overcomes the limitations associated with known powered door latch assemblies to provide enhanced power and manual override functionality while minimizing the size, cost and complexity associated with such improvements. Summary of the invention

[0007] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features, aspects, and objects.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a powered latch assembly for selectively releasing a vehicle closure panel from a latched state via a manually actuated outside release mechanism to desirably move the closure panel from a closed position to an open or deployed position relative to a vehicle body when desired.

[0009] 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 closed opening and a vehicle closed panel pivotally connected to the vehicle body for movement between an open position and a closed position relative to the closed opening. The power latch assembly of the present disclosure includes a power release actuator arranged to move a power release gear from an original position to a released position, to move a pawl from a ratchet holding position to a ratchet releasing position, and to move the ratchet from a striker capturing position in which the ratchet engages with the striker latch to hold the closed panel in a closed position to a striker releasing position in which the ratchet disengages the striker latch to allow the closed panel to move from the closed position to the open position. The power release actuator is arranged to move the power release gear from the original position to the locked position. The outside door release mechanism is arranged to mechanically move the pawl from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet release position when the power release gear is in the original position, and the outside door release mechanism is operable to mechanically move the pawl from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet release position when the power release gear is in the locked position.

[0010] According to another aspect, the outside door release mechanism includes an outside door handle, which is operably connected to an outside release rod so that the outside release rod can move between a deactivated position and an activated position, and the outside release rod is pivotally connected to a locking link, which can move between an unlocked position and a locked position, in which the power release gear is in an original position and in which the power release gear is in a locked position.

[0011] According to another aspect, the power release gear has a locking cam arranged to move the locking link from the unlocking position to the locking position when moving from the original position to the locking position.

[0012] According to another aspect, the toggle spring is arranged for engaging with the locking cam to releasably retain the power release gear in the locked position.

[0013] According to another aspect, when the power release gear is in the locked position, the first movement of the outer release lever from the deactivated position to the activated position causes the locking cam to overcome the bias applied by the toggle spring, whereupon the power release gear moves from the locked position to the original position, at which the locking link moves to the unlocked position.

[0014] According to another aspect, a second movement of the outer release lever from the deactivated position to the activated position moves the pawl from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet releasing position.

[0015] According to another aspect, the inside door release mechanism is arranged to move the pawl from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet release position when the power release gear is in the original position, and when the power release gear is in the locked position, the inside door release mechanism cannot be operated to move the pawl from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet release position.

[0016] According to another aspect, the inside door release mechanism includes an inside door handle operably connected to an inside release rod so that the inside release rod moves between a deactivated position and an activated position, the inside release rod having an arm arranged to drive the locking link when the locking link is in an unlocked position, in which the locking link drives an outside release rod which drives a pawl rod and moves the pawl from a ratchet holding position to a ratchet releasing position.

[0017] According to another aspect, the arm of the inside release lever is inoperable to drive the locking link when the locking link is in the locked position.

[0018] According to another aspect, the inside release lever and the outside release lever are arranged for pivotal movement about a first axis, and the locking link pivots relative to the outside release lever about a second axis spaced apart from the first axis.

[0019] According to another aspect, the outside door release mechanism is not associated with the outside door handle.

[0020] According to another aspect, an outside door release mechanism is associated with the lock cylinder.

[0021] According to another aspect, a method of mechanically moving a powered latch assembly of a motor vehicle from a latched state to an unlatched state to allow a closure panel to move from a closed position to an open position is provided. The method includes the steps of arranging a power release actuator to move a power release gear from an original position to a released position to move a pawl from a ratchet holding position to a ratchet release position, wherein the ratchet engages with the striker latch in a striker capture position to hold the closure panel in a closed position, and at a ratchet release position, the ratchet moves from the striker capture position to a striker release position where the ratchet disengages the striker from the latch engagement to allow the closure panel to move from the closed position to the open position. Further steps include arranging the power release actuator to move the power release gear from the original position to a locked position, and arranging an outer door release mechanism to mechanically move the pawl from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet release position when the power release gear is in the original position. Furthermore, the step of arranging the outer door release mechanism to mechanically move the pawl from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet releasing position when the power release gear is in the locked position is included.

[0022] According to another aspect, the method may include the steps of operably connecting the outside door handle to the outside release rod so that the outside release rod moves between a disabled position and an enabled position in response to actuation of the outside door handle, and the steps of connecting the outside release rod to the locking link so that the locking link moves between an unlocked position when the power release gear is in the original position and a locked position when the power release gear is in the locked position.

[0023] According to another aspect, the method may include the step of providing a power release gear having a locking cam arranged to move the locking link from the unlocked position to the locked position when moving from the home position to the locked position.

[0024] According to another aspect, the method may include the step of providing a toggle spring arranged to engage with the locking cam to releasably retain the power release gear in the locked position.

[0025] According to another aspect, the method may include the following steps: when the power release gear is in the locked position, during the first movement of the outer release lever from the deactivated position to the activated position, causing the locking cam to overcome the bias applied by the toggle spring; and causing the power release gear to move from the locked position to the original position; and causing the locking link to move to the unlocked position.

[0026] According to another aspect, the method may include the step of moving the pawl from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet releasing position during a second movement of the outside release lever from the deactivated position to the activated position.

[0027] According to another aspect, the method may include the step of associating the exterior door release mechanism with a mechanism other than the exterior door handle.

[0028] According to another aspect, the method may include the step of associating an exterior door release mechanism with the lock cylinder. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] These and other aspects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be readily appreciated and become better understood by referring to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] Figure 1A An example motor vehicle is illustrated that is equipped with a power door actuation system located between a front passenger swing door and a vehicle body and configured to include a power latch assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 1B is shown installed with Figure 1A A partial perspective view of a powered latch assembly in a passenger swing door associated with the vehicle shown;

[0032] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D illustrates a front view of a powered latch assembly according to the present disclosure, wherein the powered latch assembly is shown in a progressively disassembled state to illustrate its various components;

[0033] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C illustrates a rear view of a powered latch assembly according to the present disclosure, wherein the powered latch assembly is shown in a progressively disassembled state to illustrate its various components;

[0034] Figure 4 yes Figures 2A to 3C A perspective view of a power release gear of a power latch assembly;

[0035] Figure 4A Pictured Figure 4 A partial plan view of a powered latch assembly of , wherein the powered release gear is shown in a pre-travel release position;

[0036] Figure 4B is similar to Figure 4A , wherein the power release gear is shown in a full travel locked position;

[0037] Figure 5A is similar to Figure 4A , wherein the power release gear is shown in an original position;

[0038] Figure 5B is similar to Figure 5A a view of the power release gear being moved to a pre-travel release position;

[0039] Figure 5C is similar to Figure 5B a view of the power release gear as it continues to move to a full travel release position, at which the pawl lever moves to the full travel release position, thereby moving the pawl to the ratchet release position, thereby moving the ratchet from the striker capture position to the striker release position;

[0040] Fig. 6A is similar to Figure 5A 's view;

[0041] Figure 6B The power release gear is illustrated as being moved to the pre-travel lock position;

[0042] Figure 6C is similar to Figure 6B a view of the invention in which the power release gear continues to move to the double lock / child lock position in which the pawl lever is blocked from moving to the release position, thereby blocking the pawl from moving to the ratchet release position in response to actuation of the inside release mechanism, thereby blocking the ratchet from moving from the striker capture position to the striker release position;

[0043] Figure 7 illustrates a partial plan view of a powered latch assembly, wherein a powered release gear is shown in an original position and a pawl lever is moved to a released position in response to manual actuation of an outboard release mechanism;

[0044] Figure 8 illustrates a partial plan view of a powered latch assembly, wherein a powered release gear is shown in an original position and a pawl lever is moved to a released position in response to manual actuation of an inboard release mechanism;

[0045] Fig. 9 illustrates a partial plan view of a powered latch assembly wherein the powered release gear is shown in a dual lock / child lock position with the pawl lever blocked from moving to a released position in response to manual actuation of an inside release mechanism;

[0046] Fig. 10A illustrates a partial view of a power latch assembly with the power release gear in the double lock / child lock position;

[0047] Fig. 10B illustrates a first actuation of the outside release mechanism with the power release gear in the double lock / child lock position, whereupon the power release gear moves from the double lock / child lock position to the home position; and

[0048] Fig. 10C The diagram shows the response to Fig. 10B The first actuation of the outside release mechanism moves the locking link to the unlocked position, where a second actuation of the outside release mechanism causes the pawl lever to move to the released position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] In general, example embodiments of a power door actuation system including a power latch assembly constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure will now be disclosed. These example embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope to those skilled in the art. Many specific details such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that the example embodiments may be implemented in many different forms, and that neither the specific details nor the example embodiments should be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail because these well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known techniques are readily understood by those skilled in the art in view of the disclosure herein.

[0050] The terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific example embodiments and are not intended to be restrictive. As used herein, the singular forms of "one", "a kind of" and "the" may also be intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "include", "contain", "comprise" and "have" are inclusive, and therefore specify the existence of the features, wholes, steps, operations, elements and / or parts described, but do not exclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or their combinations. Unless specifically identified as the order of execution, the method steps, processes and operations described herein should not be interpreted as necessarily requiring them to be performed in the specific order discussed or described. It should also be understood that additional steps or alternative steps may be adopted.

[0051] When an element or layer is referred to as "on another element or layer", "engaged to", "connected to" or "coupled to" another element or layer, the element or layer may be directly on another element or layer, directly engaged, directly connected or directly coupled to another element or layer, or there may be an intermediate element or layer. Conversely, when an element is referred to as "directly on another element or layer", "directly engaged to", "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intermediate element or layer. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements (for example, "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 items in the associated enumerated items.

[0052] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. can be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms can only be used to distinguish an element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Unless the context clearly indicates, terms such as "first", "second" and other numerical terms do not imply order or sequence when used in this article. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments, the first element, first component, first region, first layer or first section discussed below can be referred to as the second element, second component, second region, second layer or second section.

[0053] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "inside," "outside," "below," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," "top," "bottom," and the like may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature illustrated in the figures to another element or feature. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation other than the orientation depicted in the accompanying drawings. For example, if the device in the figure is turned over, elements described as being "below" or "beneath" other elements or features will be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example term "below" may encompass both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated a certain degree or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptions used herein may be interpreted accordingly.

[0054] First refer to Figure 1A , the example motor vehicle 10 is shown to include a first closure panel, which is shown as a front passenger swing door by way of example and not limitation, which is hereinafter referred to as the passenger door, 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 phantom. According to the present disclosure, a 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 vehicle door electronic control unit (ECU) 52, and if desired, the power door actuation system 20 can also be configured to have a power-operated swing door actuator 22 fixed within the interior cavity of the passenger door 12 for coordinated control of the opening and closing of the door 12. Figure 1A The motor vehicle 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 may be configured to include, for example but not limited to, a mechanically actuatable outside release mechanism on the door 12 , such as an outside door handle 61 , and an inside release mechanism, such as an inside door handle 61 a .

[0055] 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 by a hinge pin or a hinge column. Figure 1A 12, but those skilled in the art will recognize that the power door actuation system 20 and its power latch assembly 13 may also be associated with any other door, such as Figure 1B14, or may be associated with a rear passenger door 17 as shown, or may also be associated with other closure panels such as a liftgate (not shown), hood 9, or decklid 19. Additionally, while door 12 is illustrated herein as being pivotally mounted to vehicle body 14 for rotation about a vertical or substantially vertical axis extending through upper door hinge 16 and lower door hinge 18, door 12 may be configured for rotation about a horizontal axis as is the case with a liftgate, or about other offset (tilted) axes or the like. For greater clarity, vehicle body 14 is intended to include "non-movable" structural elements of vehicle 10, such as the vehicle frame, structural support columns and structural support members, and body panels.

[0056] Reference Figure 1B , shows a non-limiting embodiment of a powered latch assembly 13 for a door 12, 17 of a vehicle 10. The powered latch assembly 13 may be positioned on the door 12, 17 and arranged in a suitable orientation to engage and retain a striker 37 mounted on the vehicle body 14 when the door 12, 17 is closed.

[0057] The power latch assembly 13 is configured for a power release operation. The power latch assembly 13 includes a power actuator 29 (also referred to as a power actuator) for controlling the power actuation of the latch release mechanism 24. Figure 2B ) of a powered release actuator 29, such as an electric motor. The powered latch assembly 13 includes a ratchet 32 ​​that is movable between two striker capture positions about a ratchet axis defined by a ratchet rivet, also referred to as a ratchet pin 33, hereinafter referred to as the axis. The ratchet 32 ​​is movable between a primary closed position or a fully closed position, also referred to as a primary striker capture position or a primary locking position, about the axis. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B The ratchet 32 ​​is also capable of pivoting between a secondary closed position or partially closed position (not shown) also referred to as a secondary striker captured position or secondary locked position, where the ratchet 32 ​​retains the striker 37 in both positions to prevent the striker 37 from being fully released. The ratchet 32 ​​is also capable of pivoting to a striker release position (not shown) where the ratchet 32 ​​allows the striker 37 to be released from the fishmouth 78 ( Figure 1B and Figure 3A ) release, the latch housing is also referred to as frame plate 80. A ratchet biasing member (not shown) such as a spring is provided to normally bias the ratchet 32 ​​toward the striker release position of the ratchet 32 ​​- corresponding to the latch housing as in Figure 3A and Figure 3B Counterclockwise direction when viewed in the middle - offset. Figure 3B ) is capable of moving about a pawl axis defined by a pawl rivet also referred to as a pawl pin 35 ( Figure 3B and Figure 3C The pawl 34 is in at least one ratchet holding position ( Figure 3B ) and a ratchet release position, in which the pawl 34 holds the ratchet 32 ​​in a closed striker capture position of the ratchet 32, wherein the swing door 12 is held in a closed state, thereby being restricted from being fully opened, which is also referred to as the closed position, and in which the pawl 34 allows the ratchet 32 ​​to move to an open striker release position of the ratchet 32, wherein the swing door 12 can move to a fully open state, which is also referred to as the open position. The pawl biasing member 40, such as a suitable spring, is provided to normally bias the pawl 34 toward the ratchet holding position of the pawl 34.

[0058] The power release actuator 29 can be used as part of a conventional passive keyless entry feature. For example, when a person is carrying an electronic key card 60 (in Figure 1A When a key card 60 (schematically shown in FIG. 1 ) approaches the vehicle 10 and actuates the outside door handle 61, both the presence of the key card 60 and the actuation of the outside door handle 61 are sensed (e.g., via a switch (not shown) and a control unit 67 ( Figure 1A ) is sensed by communication between the latch ECU 67 and a latch electronic control unit (ECU) shown in Figure 6, which at least partially controls the operation of the powered latch assembly 13). In turn, the latch ECU 67 sends a signal and actuates the powered release actuator 29 to cause the latch release mechanism 24 to pivot the pawl 34 to the ratchet release position of the pawl 34 to release the ratchet 32 ​​to move to the striker release position of the ratchet 32 ​​under the bias of the ratchet biasing member and convert the powered latch assembly 13 to an unlatched operating state to facilitate subsequent opening of the swing door 12. For example, when a person approaches the vehicle 10 with an electronic key card 60 and actuates the proximity sensor 58, such as a capacitive sensor or other touch-based / non-touch-based sensor (based on recognition of the proximity of an object, such as recognition of a touch / swing / hover / gesture or a hand or finger, etc.), the powered release actuator 29 can be alternatively enabled (e.g., via the proximity sensor 58 ( Figure 1A ) and a latch ECU 67 ( Figure 1A) are enabled). In turn, 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 transition the powered latch assembly 13 to an unlatched operational state to facilitate subsequent opening of the vehicle door 12. In addition, the power release actuator 29 can be used to coordinate operation with the power-operated swing door actuator 22. Moreover, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the latch art, the outside door handle 61 can be configured to mechanically actuate the powered latch assembly 13 to facilitate opening of the swing door 12, such as during a power outage and / or when a crash condition is experienced, by way of example and not limitation, as discussed further below.

[0059] The door 12 may have a conventional opening lever or inside door handle 61a positioned on the interior-facing side of the door 12 facing the interior of the passenger compartment C for opening the 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). The opening lever or inside door handle 61a may trigger a switch 63a operably connected to the latch ECU 67, so that when the switch 63a is actuated, the latch ECU 67 sends a signal to the power latch assembly 13 and facilitates the activation of the power latch assembly 13. 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. In an alternative, the power-operated swing door actuator 22 may be powered at a time before reaching the final open position to provide a seamless transition between the two stages of door opening (i.e., the two motors overlap operation for a short period of time). Alternatively, the latch ECU 67 can facilitate the power-operated swing door actuator 22 to be operated as a door check (i.e., the extension member 26 is deployed or extended and remains in such a deployed or extended condition) until the user manually controls the swing door 12 to further open the swing door 12 to the fully open position. In addition, as will be understood by those skilled in the art of latches, the inside door handle 61a can be configured to mechanically actuate the power latch assembly 13 via an intermediate mechanical mechanism to facilitate opening the swing door 12, such as during a power outage and / or when a crash condition is experienced, as further discussed below.

[0060] Now return to reference Figure 1A The power door actuation system 20 and the power latch assembly 13 are electrically connected to a main power source 400 of the motor vehicle 10 via an electrical connection element 402, such as a power cable. The main power source 400, for example, provides a 12V battery voltage V 电池The main power source 400 may also include a different electrical energy source located within the motor 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 source 400 of the motor vehicle 10 to receive the battery voltage V 电池 The electronic latch ECU 67 and / or the swing door ECU 52 can therefore check the battery voltage V 电池 decreases below a predetermined threshold so as to quickly determine whether an emergency situation has occurred (in which case a backup energy source may be required).

[0061] As in Figure 1A As shown in the schematic block diagram of , the backup energy source 404 is configured to supply electrical energy to the power door actuation system 20 and / or the power latch assembly 13 and to supply electrical energy to the same electronic control circuit of the electronic latch ECU 67 and / or the swing door ECU 52 in the event of a failure or interruption in the main power supply from the main power source 400 of the motor vehicle 10, wherein the backup energy source 404 can be integrated as a component of the electronic control circuit of the electronic latch ECU 67 and / or the swing door ECU 52, or the backup energy source 404 can be separated from the electronic control circuit of the electronic latch ECU 67 and / or the swing door ECU 52.

[0062] In the illustrative example, the backup energy source 404 includes a group of low-voltage supercapacitors (not shown) 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, pseudo-capacitors, or a combination of electrolytic double layer capacitors and pseudo-capacitors. Other electronic components and interconnects 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.

[0063] The swing door ECU 52 may also receive additional input from a proximity sensor 64 (e.g., an ultrasonic sensor or a radar sensor) positioned on a portion of the swing door 12, such as a door mirror 54, etc. Figure 1A The proximity sensor 64 evaluates whether there is an obstacle, such as another car, tree, pole, or otherwise close to or in close proximity to the vehicle door 12. If such an obstacle is present, the proximity sensor 64 will send a signal to the swing door ECU 52, and the swing door ECU 52 will shut off the electric motor 24 to stop the movement of the swing door 12 and thus prevent the vehicle door 12 from hitting the obstacle.

[0064] The power release actuator 29 is arranged to move the power release gear 38 from the original position ( Figure 5A ) to the release position ( Figure 5C ). When the power release gear 38 is driven toward the release position, the first cam, also referred to as the release cam 30, engages the pawl rod 34a and drives the pawl rod 34a, whereupon the pawl rod 34a drives the pawl 34 from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet release position via an operative connection with the pawl 34, such as via the pawl drive pin 34b, thereby causing the ratchet 32 ​​to move from the striker capture position in which the ratchet 32 ​​is latched with the striker 37 to hold the closing panel 12 in the closed position to the striker release position in which the ratchet 32 ​​is disengaged from the latch engagement with the striker 37 to allow the closing panel 12 to move from the closed position to the open position. The power release actuator 29 is also arranged to move the power release gear 38 from the original position ( Fig. 6A ) to the locked position ( Figure 6C ).like Figure 8 As shown in , the inside door release mechanism, such as the inside door handle 61a, is arranged to move the pawl 34 from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet release position via the inside release cable 65a connected to the inside release rod 65b when the power release gear 38 is in the original position. The inside release rod 65 is arranged to pivotally move about the first axis A1 in response to actuation of the inside release cable 65a. During the pivotal movement of the inside release rod 65b about the first axis A1, the arm 65c of the inside release rod 65b drives the double lock / child lock link, also referred to as the locking link 68, about a second axis A2 spaced apart from the first axis A1, which in turn drives the outside release rod 66b to pivotally move about the first axis A1, whereupon the arm 66c of the outside release rod 66b drives the protrusion 34c of the pawl rod 34a, causing the pawl rod 34a to drive the pawl 34 from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet release position. As shown in Fig. 9 As shown in , when the power release gear 38 is in the locked position, the inside door release mechanism 61a cannot be operated to move the pawl 34 from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet releasing position. During the movement of the power release gear 38 to the locked position, the arm 65c of the inside release lever 65b moves out of the driving engagement with the locking link 68, thereby failing to drive the locking link 68 and thus failing to cause the driven movement of the outside release lever 66b, which in turn prevents the arm 66c from driving the protrusion 34c or the pawl lever 34a.

[0065] like Figure 7As shown in , the outside door release mechanism 61 is arranged to mechanically move the pawl 34 from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet release position via direct movement of the outside release lever 66b under the action of the outside release cable 66a when the power release gear 38 is in the home position, wherein the arm 66c of the outside release lever 66b drives the protrusion 34c as described above for the inside release lever 65b. FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C As shown sequentially in FIG. 1 , the outside door release mechanism 61 is operable to mechanically move the pawl 34 from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet releasing position when the power release gear 38 is in the locked position.

[0066] The outside door release mechanism includes an outside door handle 61, which is operably connected to an outside release lever 66b via an outside release cable 66a to move the outside release lever 66 between a deactivated position and an activated position. The outside release lever 66b is pivotally connected to a locking link 68 for relative pivotal movement of the locking link 68 about the second axis A2. The locking link 68 can be in the unlocked position ( FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C , Fig. 6A ) and locked position ( Figure 6C ), in the unlocked position, the power release gear 38 is in the original position, and in the locked position, the power release gear 38 is in the locked position.

[0067] The power release gear 38 has a second cam, also referred to as a locking cam 70, which is arranged to engage the locking link 68 and move the locking link 68 from the unlocked position to the locked position when the power release gear 38 moves from the home position to the locked position. The locking cam 70 extends from the same side of the power release gear 38 as the release cam 30 in a circumferentially spaced relationship with the release cam 30. The locking cam 70 is also shown as being located radially outward of the release cam 30 relative to the rotational axis of the power release gear 38. The toggle spring 72 is arranged for biasing engagement with the locking cam 70 to releasably retain the power release gear 38 in the locked position ( Figure 6C and Fig. 9 ). When the power release gear 38 is in the locked position, the first movement of the outside release lever 66b from the disabled position to the enabled position via the selective actuation of the outside actuating member, such as the outside door handle 61 (it is conceivable that the movement of the outside release lever 66b may be caused by reasons other than the actuation of the outside door handle 61, such as by the outside lock cylinder 61b or other reasons) causes the locking cam 70 to overcome the bias applied by the toggle spring 72, so that the power release gear 38 moves from the locked position to the original position, at which the locking link 68 moves to the unlocked position, such as FIG. 10A to FIG. 10CThe second movement of the outside release lever 66b from the deactivated position to the activated position via the selective actuation of the outside door handle 61 causes the pawl lever 34a to drive the pawl 34 from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet releasing position, thereby allowing the ratchet 32 ​​to move to the striker release position under the bias of the ratchet biasing member, as described above with respect to Figure 7 Thus, although the door 12 is in the double locked / child locked state, the door 12 can be opened via mechanical actuation of the outside actuating member 61 to move the locking link 68 to the unlocked position, regardless of whether power is supplied to the powered latch assembly 13. Thus, as described above, activation of the outside actuating member 61 is used to bypass the locked state to allow the door 12 to be intentionally opened.

[0068] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for mechanically moving a powered latch assembly (13) of a motor vehicle (10) from a locked state to an unlatched state to allow a closure panel to move from a closed position to an open position is provided. The method includes the steps of arranging a powered release actuator 29 to move a powered release gear 38 from an original position to a released position to move a pawl 34 from a ratchet holding position to a ratchet release position, wherein the ratchet 32 ​​is latchedly engaged with a striker 37 in a striker capture position to hold the closure panel 12 in the closed position, and wherein the ratchet 32 ​​is moved from the striker capture position to a striker release position in which the striker 37 is unlatched to allow the closure panel 12 to move from the closed position to the open position. In addition, the method includes the step of arranging the powered release actuator 29 to move the powered release gear 38 from the original position to the locked position. In addition, the method includes the step of arranging the outer door release mechanism 61 to mechanically move the pawl 34 from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet release position when the power release gear 38 is in the original position. In addition, the method includes the step of arranging the outer door release mechanism 61 to mechanically move the pawl 34 from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet release position when the power release gear 38 is in the locked position.

[0069] According to another aspect, the method may include the following steps: operably connecting the outside door handle 61 to the outside release rod 66b so that the outside release rod 66b moves between a disabled position and an enabled position in response to actuation of the outside door handle, and connecting the outside release rod 66b to the locking link 68 so that the locking link 68 moves between an unlocked position when the power release gear 38 is in the original position and a locked position when the power release gear 38 is in the locked position.

[0070] According to another aspect, the method may include the step of providing the power release gear 38 with a locking cam 70 arranged to move the locking link 68 from the unlocked position to the locked position when moving from the home position to the locked position.

[0071] According to another aspect, the method may include the step of providing a toggle spring 72 arranged for engagement with the locking cam 70 to releasably retain the power release gear 38 in the locked position.

[0072] According to another aspect, the method may include the following steps: when the power release gear 38 is in the locked position, during the first movement of the outer release rod 66b from the disabled position to the enabled position, the locking cam 70 overcomes the bias applied by the toggle spring 72, and the power release gear 38 moves from the locked position to the original position, and the locking link 68 moves to the unlocked position.

[0073] According to another aspect, the method may include the step of moving the pawl 34 from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet releasing position during the second movement of the outer release lever 66b from the deactivated position to the activated position.

[0074] According to another aspect, the method may include the step of providing the outside door release mechanism 61 in association with a mechanism other than the outside door handle.

[0075] According to another aspect, the method may include the step of associating the outside door release mechanism 61 with the lock cylinder 61 b.

[0076] The foregoing description of each embodiment has been provided for the purpose of illustration and description. These descriptions are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure. Each element, component / subassembly or feature of a particular embodiment is generally not limited to the particular embodiment, but is interchangeable where applicable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. Each element, component / subassembly or feature of a particular embodiment can also be changed in many ways. Such a variation should not be considered as departing from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0077] The embodiments of the present invention can be understood with reference to the following numbered paragraphs:

[0078] 1. A powered latch assembly for a motor vehicle, the powered latch assembly comprising:

[0079] a power release actuator arranged to move the power release gear from an original position to a released position, to move the pawl from a ratchet holding position to a ratchet releasing position, and to move the ratchet from a striker capturing position in which the ratchet engages with the striker latch to hold the closure panel in a closed position to a striker releasing position in which the ratchet disengages the striker latch to allow the closure panel to move from the closed position to the open position, the power release actuator further arranged to move the power release gear from the original position to a locked position; and

[0080] An outside door release mechanism is arranged to mechanically move the pawl from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet release position when the power release gear is in the original position, and the outside door release mechanism is operable to mechanically move the pawl from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet release position when the power release device is in the locked position.

[0081] 2. A power latch assembly according to paragraph 1, wherein the outside door release mechanism includes an outside door handle, which is operably connected to an outside release rod so that the outside release rod can move between a disabled position and an enabled position, and the outside release rod is pivotally connected to a locking link, and the locking link can move between an unlocked position and a locked position, in which the power release gear is in the original position and in which the power release gear is in the locked position.

[0082] 3. A powered latch assembly according to paragraph 2, wherein the powered release gear has a locking cam arranged to move the locking link from the unlocked position to the locked position when moving from the original position to the locked position.

[0083] 4. The powered latch assembly of paragraph 3, further comprising a toggle spring arranged to engage the locking cam to releasably retain the powered release gear in the locked position.

[0084] 5. A power latch assembly according to paragraph 4, wherein, when the power release gear is in the locked position, the first movement of the outer release rod from the deactivated position to the activated position causes the locking cam to overcome the bias applied by the toggle spring, whereupon the power release gear moves from the locked position to the original position, at which the locking link moves to the unlocked position shown.

[0085] 6. The powered latch assembly of paragraph 5, wherein second movement of the outside release lever from the deactivated position to the activated position moves the pawl from the ratchet retaining position to the ratchet releasing position.

[0086] 7. The power latch assembly according to paragraph 2 further includes an inner door release mechanism, which is arranged to move the pawl from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet release position when the power release gear is in the original position, and when the power release gear is in the locked position, the inner door release mechanism cannot be operated to move the pawl from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet release position.

[0087] 8. A power latch assembly according to paragraph 7, wherein the inside door release mechanism includes an inside door handle, which is operably connected to an inside release rod so that the inside release rod moves between a deactivated position and an activated position, and the inside release rod has an arm, which is arranged to drive the locking link when the locking link is in the unlocked position, and in the unlocked position, the locking link drives the outside release rod, and the outside release rod drives the pawl rod and moves the pawl from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet releasing position.

[0088] 9. The powered latch assembly of paragraph 8, wherein the arm of the inside release lever is inoperable to drive the locking link when the locking link is in the locked position.

[0089] 10. The powered latch assembly of paragraph 8, wherein the inside release lever and the outside release lever are arranged for pivotal movement about a first axis, and the locking link pivots relative to the outside release lever about a second axis spaced apart from the first axis.

[0090] 11. The powered latch assembly of paragraph 1, wherein the outside door release mechanism is not associated with an outside door handle.

[0091] 12. The powered latch assembly of paragraph 11, wherein the outside door release mechanism is associated with a lock cylinder.

[0092] 13. A method of mechanically moving a powered latch assembly for a motor vehicle from a latched state to an unlatched state to allow a closure panel to move from a closed position to an open position, comprising:

[0093] a power release actuator arranged to move the power release gear from an original position to a release position to move the pawl from a ratchet holding position, wherein the ratchet engages with the striker latch in a striker capture position to hold the closure panel in a closed position, to a ratchet release position, wherein the ratchet moves from the striker capture position to a striker release position in engagement with the striker disengagement latch to allow the closure panel to move from the closed position to the open position;

[0094] arranging the power release actuator to move the power release gear from the home position to a locked position;

[0095] arranging an outer door release mechanism to mechanically move the pawl from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet releasing position when the power release gear is in the home position; and

[0096] The outside door release mechanism is arranged to mechanically move the pawl from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet releasing position when the power release gear is in the locked position.

[0097] 14. The method according to paragraph 13 further includes connecting the outside door handle to the outside release rod in an operably connected manner so that the outside release rod moves between a disabled position and an enabled position in response to actuation of the outside door handle; and connecting the outside release rod to a locking link so that the locking link moves between an unlocked position when the power release gear is in the original position and a locked position when the power release gear is in the locked position.

[0098] 15. The method of paragraph 14, further comprising providing a power release gear having a locking cam, the locking cam being arranged to move the locking link from the unlocked position to the locked position when said moving from the home position to the locked position.

[0099] 16. The method of paragraph 15, further comprising providing a toggle spring arranged to engage the locking cam to releasably retain the power release gear in the locked position.

[0100] 17. The method according to paragraph 16 also includes: when the power release gear is in the locked position, during the first movement of the outer release rod from the deactivated position to the activated position, causing the locking cam to overcome the bias applied by the toggle spring; and causing the power release gear to move from the locked position to the original position; and causing the locking link to move to the unlocked position shown.

[0101] 18. The method of paragraph 17, further comprising moving the pawl from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet releasing position during a second movement of the outside release lever from the deactivated position to the activated position.

[0102] 19. The method of paragraph 13, further comprising arranging the exterior door release mechanism to be associated with a mechanism other than an exterior door handle.

[0103] 20. The method of paragraph 19, further comprising associating the exterior door release mechanism with a lock cylinder.

Claims

1. A powered latch assembly (13) for a motor vehicle (10), the powered latch assembly (13) comprising: a power release actuator (29) arranged to move the power release gear (38) from an original position to a release position, so as to move the pawl (34) from a ratchet holding position to a ratchet release position, and to move the ratchet (32) from a striker capture position in which the ratchet (32) latches with the striker (37) to hold the closure panel (12) in a closed position to a striker release position in which the ratchet (32) disengages from the striker (37) to allow the closure panel (12) to move from the closed position to the open position, and the power release actuator (29) is further arranged to move the power release gear (38) from the original position to a locked position; and An outer door release mechanism (61), wherein the outer door release mechanism (61) is arranged to mechanically move the pawl (34) from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet release position when the power release gear (38) is in the original position, and the outer door release mechanism (61) is operable to mechanically move the pawl (34) from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet release position when the power release gear (38) is in the locked position.

2. The powered latch assembly (13) of claim 1, wherein: The outside door release mechanism (61) includes an outside door handle (61), which is operably connected to an outside release rod (66b) so that the outside release rod (66b) can move between a disabled position and an enabled position, and the outside release rod (66b) is pivotally connected to a locking link (68), and the locking link (68) can move between an unlocked position and a locked position. In the unlocked position, the power release gear (38) is in the original position, and in the locked position, the power release gear (38) is in the locked position.

3. The powered latch assembly (13) of claim 2, wherein: The power release gear (38) has a locking cam (70) arranged to move the locking link (68) from the unlocking position to the locking position when moving from the original position to the locking position.

4. The power latch assembly (13) according to claim 3 further includes a toggle spring (72), which is arranged to engage with the locking cam (70) to releasably retain the power release gear (38) in the locked position.

5. The powered latch assembly (13) of claim 4, wherein: When the power release gear (38) is in the locked position, the first movement of the outer release rod (66b) from the disabled position to the enabled position causes the locking cam (70) to overcome the bias applied by the toggle spring (72), whereupon the power release gear (38) moves from the locked position to the original position, at which the locking link (68) moves to the unlocked position.

6. The powered latch assembly (13) of claim 5, wherein: A second movement of the outer release lever (66b) from the deactivated position to the activated position moves the pawl (34) from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet releasing position.

7. The power latch assembly (13) according to claim 2 further includes an inner door release mechanism (61a), which is arranged to move the pawl (34) from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet release position when the power release gear (38) is in the original position, and when the power release gear (38) is in the locked position, the inner door release mechanism (61a) cannot be operated to move the pawl (34) from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet release position.

8. The powered latch assembly (13) of claim 7, wherein: The inside door release mechanism (61a) includes an inside door handle (61a), which is operably connected to an inside release rod (65b) to move the inside release rod (65b) between a deactivated position and an activated position, and the inside release rod (65b) has an arm (65c), which is arranged to drive the locking link (68) when the locking link (68) is in the unlocked position, and in the unlocked position, the locking link (68) drives the outside release rod (66b), and the outside release rod (66b) drives the pawl rod (34a) and moves the pawl (34) from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet releasing position.

9. The powered latch assembly (13) of claim 8, wherein: When the locking link (68) is in the locked position, the arm (65c) of the inside release lever (65b) is inoperable to drive the locking link (68).

10. The powered latch assembly (13) of claim 8, wherein: The inner release lever (65b) and the outer release lever (66b) are arranged for pivotal movement about a first axis (A1), and the locking link (68) pivots relative to the outer release lever (66b) about a second axis (A2) spaced apart from the first axis (A1).

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