Latch assembly for a motor vehicle

Abstract

A latch assembly for a motor vehicle, the latch assembly comprising: a ratchet assembly for holding and releasing a striker; a pawl assembly for holding the ratchet assembly in one of a primary latched position and a secondary latched position, and for allowing the ratchet assembly to move to a fully unlatched position to release the striker; and a power release mechanism having a motor and a power release gear wherein the motor is operable to rotate the power release gear in a first direction to move the pawl to allow the ratchet assembly to move from the primary latch position to the secondary latch position, and rotating the power release gear in an opposite second direction to move the pawl to allow the ratchet assembly to move from the secondary latched position to a fully unlatched position.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 645,975, filed May 13, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to closed panels for motor vehicles, and more specifically, to power actuators for use with power actuation mechanisms of closed panels. Background Technology

[0004] Motor vehicle closing panels, including various types of doors and covers, typically include power actuation mechanisms, such as door openers and latches with pull tabs. Such power actuation mechanisms are known to include features operable via selective actuation through one or more cables. Individual cables are typically actuated via separate, dedicated actuators positioned remotely from each other. Therefore, space is required for each individual actuator. Furthermore, in some cases, coordinated movement of a pair of cables configured to be operatively connected to the individual actuators within the actuators is required to ensure the desired and proper functioning of one or more power actuation mechanisms and the features associated with said one or more power actuation mechanisms. Therefore, a control mechanism must be configured to be electrically connected to the individual actuators to ensure their coordinated action, thereby ensuring proper timing actuation of the power actuation mechanisms and the features associated with them. Thus, not only do the individual actuators occupy valuable space, but the control mechanism and the wiring extending from the control mechanism to the actuators also occupy valuable space.

[0005] Although such power actuation mechanisms with separate actuators can be satisfactorily used for the intended purpose of power actuation mechanisms, there are disadvantages related to the packaging requirements, assembly and operation complexity, and associated costs.

[0006] In light of the above, there remains a need to develop alternative power actuation mechanisms and actuators that address and overcome the packaging limitations associated with known power actuation mechanisms and actuators, while providing increased applicability while reducing cost and complexity. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This section provides a general overview of this disclosure, rather than a full disclosure of its entire scope or all its features, aspects and purposes.

[0008] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a latching assembly for a motor vehicle includes a ratchet assembly having a primary pin capture position, a secondary pin capture position, and a pin release position. In the primary pin capture position, the pin is captured by the ratchet assembly and the latching assembly is in a primary latched state. In the secondary pin capture position, the pin is captured by the ratchet assembly and the latching assembly is in a secondary latched state. In the pin release position, the pin is releaseable from the ratchet assembly and the latching assembly is in a fully unlocked state. The latching assembly also includes a pawl for holding the ratchet assembly in one of the primary and secondary pin capture positions and for allowing the ratchet assembly to move to the pin release position. The latching assembly also includes a power release mechanism having a motor and a power release gear. The motor is operable to rotate the power release gear in a first direction to move the pawl in a first actuation to allow the ratchet assembly to move from the main pin capture position to the secondary pin capture position, and to rotate the power release gear in a second direction opposite to the first direction to move the pawl in a second actuation to allow the ratchet assembly to move from the secondary pin capture position to the pin release position.

[0009] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the power release gear has a first feature configured to move the pawl when the power release gear rotates in a first direction and a second feature configured to move the pawl when the power release gear rotates in a second direction.

[0010] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the first feature is located on a first surface of the power release gear, and the second feature is located on a second surface of the power release gear opposite to the first surface.

[0011] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the first feature is configured to directly engage the pawl.

[0012] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the second feature is configured to operably drive the pawl via a connecting rod.

[0013] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the connecting rod has a first leg extending away from the pivot axis for selective engagement with a second feature and a second leg extending away from the pivot axis for selective engagement with a pawl.

[0014] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the connecting rod has a connecting rod rest position and a connecting rod actuated position, wherein the connecting rod biasing member biases the connecting rod toward the connecting rod rest position.

[0015] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the second feature does not engage the first leg during the first actuation, and wherein the second feature engages the first leg during the second actuation to move the connecting rod from the connecting rod rest position to the connecting rod actuated position against the bias of the connecting rod biasing member, thereby driving the pawl from the pawl rest position to the ratchet release position by the second leg, at which the ratchet assembly is able to move from the secondary pin capture position to the pin release position.

[0016] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the second feature disengages from the first leg upon completion of the second actuation, allowing the connecting rod to return to the connecting rod rest position under the bias of the connecting rod biasing member, thereby causing the pawl to return from the ratchet release position to the pawl rest position under the bias of the pawl biasing member.

[0017] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the pawl has a pawl rest position and a ratchet release position, wherein the pawl moves from the pawl rest position to the ratchet release position and returns to the rest position during a first actuation, and the pawl moves from the pawl rest position to the ratchet release position and returns to the rest position during a second actuation.

[0018] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the ratchet assembly includes a main ratchet with a main impact groove and a secondary ratchet with a secondary impact groove, the main ratchet being supported for rotation about a main ratchet axis and the secondary ratchet being supported for rotation about a secondary ratchet axis spaced apart from the main ratchet axis.

[0019] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the main ratchet captures the strike pin in the main strike pin slot when the latching assembly is in the main latching state, and the secondary ratchet captures the strike pin in the secondary strike pin slot when the latching assembly is in the secondary latching state.

[0020] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the striker is released from the main striker slot when the latch assembly is in the secondary latching state.

[0021] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the main impact pin groove and the secondary impact pin groove face each other.

[0022] In this regard, the latch assembly is adapted to releasably secure the front luggage compartment closing panel to the vehicle body.

[0023] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the power release mechanism employs a Geneva mechanism to allow the latch to be released from the primary latch position to the secondary latch position by activating the motor in a first direction, and to open the latch from the secondary latch position to the fully open position by providing power to the motor in the opposite second direction.

[0024] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a latching assembly for a motor vehicle includes a ratchet assembly comprising a main ratchet having a main pin groove and a secondary ratchet having a secondary pin groove. The ratchet assembly has a main pin capture position, a secondary pin capture position, and a pin release position. In the main pin capture position, the pin is captured in the main pin groove of the main ratchet and the latching assembly is in a main latched state. In the secondary pin capture position, the pin is captured in the secondary pin groove of the secondary ratchet and the latching assembly is in a secondary latched state. In the pin release position, the pin is releaseable from the secondary pin groove and the latching assembly is in a fully unlocked state. The latching assembly also includes a pawl for holding the main ratchet in the main pin capture position and for holding the secondary ratchet in the secondary pin capture position, and for allowing the ratchet assembly to move to the pin release position. The latching assembly also includes a power release mechanism having a motor and a power release gear. The motor is operable to rotate the power release gear in a first direction to move the pawl in a first actuation to allow the main ratchet to move from the main pin capture position to the main pin capture position, and to rotate the power release gear in a second direction opposite to the first direction to move the pawl in a second actuation to allow the secondary ratchet to move from the secondary pin capture position to the secondary pin release position. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Other features, aspects, and advantages of this disclosure will be readily understood, as they become more readily apparent when considered in conjunction with the following detailed description, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 This is a side view of a vehicle including a latch assembly for a front trunk closing panel, according to various aspects of this disclosure.

[0027] Figure 2A and Figure 2B The illustration shows a reverse side view of the latch assembly for the front trunk in the main latch position;

[0028] Figure 3A and Figure 3B The diagram shows a reverse side view of a latch assembly for the front trunk, illustrating partial actuator travel in a first direction, wherein the pawl is engaged by a release cam and partially actuated from a rest position toward a ratchet release position, and the latch assembly is released from a primary latch state to a secondary latch state.

[0029] Figure 4A and Figure 4B The diagram shows a reverse side view of a latch assembly for the front trunk, illustrating the full actuator stroke in a first direction, wherein the pawl is fully actuated to the ratchet release position by the release cam in the first actuation, and the latch assembly is released from the main latch state to the secondary latch state.

[0030] Figure 5A and Figure 5B The illustration shows a reverse side view of the latch assembly for the front trunk released from the primary latch state to the secondary latch state, showing the full actuator stroke and the pawl biased back to the rest position by the pawl lever return spring;

[0031] Figure 6A and Figure 6B The diagram shows a reverse side view of a latch assembly for a front trunk, illustrating partial actuator travel in a second direction opposite to the first direction, wherein the pawl is re-engaged by a release cam during initial actuation from a rest position toward a ratchet release position, and the latch assembly is initially released from a sub-latched state to a fully unlatched state.

[0032] Figure 7A and Figure 7B The diagram shows a reverse side view of a latch assembly for the front trunk, illustrating a continuous partial actuator stroke in a second direction, wherein a connecting rod is engaged by an actuator cam, and wherein a release cam remains engaged with a pawl, wherein the pawl moves toward a ratchet release position.

[0033] Figure 8A and Figure 8B The illustration shows a reverse side view of the latch assembly for the front trunk, which shows a similar design to... Figure 7A and Figure 7B The view shows the snow load bar in the engagement position;

[0034] Figure 9A and Figure 9B The diagram shows a reverse side view of a latch assembly for the front trunk, which illustrates a continuous partial actuator stroke in a second direction, wherein the pawl is bypassed by a release cam, and wherein the release cam is biased to a rest position, and wherein the actuator cam remains engaged with the connecting rod.

[0035] Figure 10A and Figure 10B The diagram illustrates a reverse side view of the latch assembly for the front trunk, showing the full actuator stroke in the second direction, wherein the connecting rod is bypassed by the actuator cam, and wherein the pawl lever is biased back to the rest position by the pawl lever return spring, the connecting rod is biased back to the rest position by the connecting rod return spring, and the snow load lever is in the disengaged position; and

[0036] Figure 11A and Figure 11B The illustration is similar to Figure 10A and Figure 10B A reverse side view of the latch assembly for the front trunk, wherein the latch assembly is shown released from a sub-latch state to a fully unlocked state, wherein the motor, along with... Figure 3A and Figure 3B When powered in the opposite direction of actuation, it remains stationary. Detailed Implementation

[0037] In general, exemplary embodiments of a power actuator having a dual-cable actuation mechanism constructed according to the teachings of this disclosure and a mechanically actuable component operably coupled to the dual-cable actuation mechanism for selective and independent mechanical actuation via the cables of the dual-cable actuation mechanism will now be disclosed. Exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope to those skilled in the art. Numerous specific details, such as examples of specific components, apparatuses, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of this disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not required, that exemplary embodiments may be implemented in many different forms, and that none should be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure. In some exemplary embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail because, given the disclosure herein, those skilled in the art will readily understand these well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques.

[0038] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may also be intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and “having” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. Unless specifically indicated in the order of execution, the method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as requiring them to be performed in the particular order discussed or described. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0039] When an element or layer is referred to as “on another element or layer,” “joined to,” “connected to,” or “attached to” another element or layer, the element or layer may be directly on, joined to, connected to, or attached to the other element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as “directly on another element or layer,” “directly joined to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly attached to” another element or layer, there may be no intermediate elements or layers present. Other terms used to describe relationships between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., “between” vs. “directly between,” “adjacent” vs. “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0040] Although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another. Unless explicitly indicated by the context, terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms used herein do not imply any order or sequence. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer, or portion discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or portion without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0041] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as “inner,” “outer,” “below,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” “top,” “bottom,” etc., may be used in this document to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another element or feature illustrated in the figure. Spatial relative terms may be intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation other than those depicted in the figure. For example, if the device in the figure is flipped, an element described as “below” or “below” other elements or features will be oriented “above” other elements or features.

[0042] Therefore, the example term "below" can encompass both above and below orientations. The apparatus may be oriented in other ways (rotated by a degree or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein are interpreted accordingly.

[0043] Reference Figure 1 The illustration shows a motor vehicle 11 with a closed panel, shown by way of example and not limitation as a front hood 13, to which a snap pin 22 is securely attached. The front hood 13 may enclose the engine or front trunk 17, also referred to as the front cargo box 17, in a known manner. The front trunk 17 is used for storage in a compartment located in the front of the vehicle 11, where the engine would typically occupy the front, but is now located in another position within the vehicle. The snap pin 22 can be captured by a double-pull closed panel latch assembly, also referred to as a double-pull hood latch assembly in the case of its use in vehicle hood applications, and hereinafter generally simply referred to as the double-pull latch assembly or latch assembly 10, which is mounted on the body 15 of the motor vehicle 11.

[0044] The front cover 13 can be moved from a fully closed position to various open positions when permitted by the latching assembly 10. These open positions include a partially open position, a released position, and a fully open position. In the partially open position, the front cover 13 is prevented from fully opening without further actuation of the latching assembly 10. In the released position, the striker 22 of the front cover 13 remains within the latching assembly 10 but can be easily removed from the latching assembly 10 without further actuation. In the fully open position, the front cover 13 is lifted and the striker 22 is removed from the latching assembly 10. Figure 1 ), to provide access to the storage space or the front trunk 17.

[0045] The latch assembly 10 is illustratively a double-pull latch and can be constructed using components and configurations shown and described as in U.S. Patent Publication No. US20220106817A1, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. According to the currently preferred, non-limiting embodiment of this disclosure, the components of the latch assembly 10 are in… Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown in the figure, the latch assembly 10 is illustrated in its fully closed state, also known as the fully latched state.

[0046] The latching assembly 10 includes a power release mechanism 20 having an electric motor, hereinafter referred to as motor 24, arranged to selectively drive a motor shaft 24a and a worm gear 26 fixed to the motor shaft 24a as needed in a first direction and an opposite second direction to perform a desired latching operation. The worm gear 26 is arranged to mesh with a power release gear 28 such that when the worm gear 26 is driven in the first direction, the power release gear 28 is driven in the first direction, and when the worm gear 26 is driven in the second direction, the power release gear 28 is driven in the opposite second direction.

[0047] The latch assembly 10 includes a ratchet assembly 30 having a master pin capture position. Figure 2A and Figure 2B ), secondary impact pin capture position ( Figures 3A to 5BThe latch assembly 10 includes a primary latching position, where pin 22 is engaged by ratchet assembly 30 and latch assembly 10 is in a primary latching state with front cover 13 in its fully closed position; a secondary latching position, where pin 22 is engaged by ratchet assembly 30 and latch assembly 10 is in a secondary latching state with front cover 13 in its partially open position; and a primary latching position, where pin 22 is released from ratchet assembly 30 and latch assembly 10 is in a fully unlatched state, allowing front cover 13 to move to its fully open position. Latch assembly 10 also includes a pawl 32 for holding ratchet assembly 30 in the primary and secondary latching positions at different times and for allowing ratchet assembly 30 to move to the primary latching position.

[0048] As indicated, motor 24 is operable to rotate power release gear 28 in a first direction D1 so that pawl 32 moves in the first actuation to allow ratchet assembly 30 to move from the main pin capture position to the secondary pin capture position. Figure 5A and Figure 5B And cause the power release gear 28 to rotate in a second direction D2 opposite to the first direction D1 so that the pawl 32 moves in the second actuation to allow the ratchet assembly 30 to move from the secondary pin capture position to the pin release position. Figure 11A and Figure 11B After the power release gear 28 rotates to the actuated position in the first direction, the return of the power release gear 28 from the actuated position to the original position will cause a second actuation of the pawl 32 during the return; the return of the power release gear 28 to the original position will not be a reset action in which the pawl 32 does not move.

[0049] In operation and reference Figure 3A The power release motor is controlled to rotate the power release gear 28 clockwise, thereby causing the engagement of a first actuation feature, also known as a first release cam or first feature 34a, disposed on the first surface 36a of the power release gear 28, so that the pawl 32... Figure 4A and Figure 4B The pawl, shown as never actuated, rest position, also known as the original position, moves to the ratchet release position, allowing the ratchet assembly 30 to move from the primary pin capture position to the secondary pin capture position. After the pawl 32 has been actuated to the ratchet release position in the first actuation (e.g., the first pull), the power release gear 28 is controlled by the motor 24 to continue rotating to bypass the pawl 32. Figure 4A and Figure 4B This allows the pawl 32 to... Figure 5A and Figure 5BThe return to the pawl rest position shown is achieved, for example, via a bias applied by the pawl biasing member 32a. During the first actuation, the power release gear 28 rotates less than 360 degrees. The second actuation of the pawl 32 to release the latch assembly 10 from the sub-locked position occurs by providing power to the motor 24 to rotate it in the opposite direction to the first actuation, thereby causing engagement of the second actuation feature located on the second face 36b of the power release gear, also referred to as the second release cam or second feature 34b (see [link]). Figure 7B This allows the pawl 32 to be operably driven and moved a second time from the pawl rest position to the ratchet release position, and allows the ratchet assembly 30 to move from the secondary pin capture position to the pin release position. Figure 11A The continued rotation of motor 24 in the second direction returns the power release gear 28 to its original position. During the second actuation, the power release gear 28 rotates less than 360 degrees.

[0050] According to other aspects, the second feature 34b is configured to operably drive the pawl 32 via a connecting rod 38. The connecting rod 38 has a first leg 38a extending away from the pivot axis 40 for selective engagement with the second feature 34b, and a second leg 38b extending away from the pivot axis 40 for selective engagement with the pawl 32. The first leg 38a and the second leg 38b are shown extending in an inclined relationship relative to each other. The connecting rod 38 has a connecting rod rest position (…). Figure 6A and Figure 6B ) and the actuation position of the connecting rod ( Figure 8A and Figure 8B In this configuration, the connecting rod biasing member 38c biases the connecting rod 38 toward the connecting rod rest position.

[0051] During operation, the second feature 34b does not engage the first leg 38a during the first actuation of the pawl 32, and wherein the second feature 34b engages the first leg 38a during the second actuation of the pawl 32, so that the connecting rod 38 moves from the connecting rod rest position to the connecting rod actuated position against the bias of the connecting rod biasing member 38c. The pawl 32 is then driven from the pawl rest position to the ratchet release position by the second leg 38b of the connecting rod 38. At the ratchet release position, the ratchet assembly 32 is able to move from the secondary pin capture position to the pin release position. As the motor 24 continues to rotate the power release gear 28 in the second direction D2, the second feature 34b disengages from the first leg 38a upon completion of the second actuation, allowing the connecting rod 38 to return to the connecting rod rest position under the bias of the connecting rod biasing member 38c. The pawl 32 then returns from the ratchet release position to the pawl rest position under the bias of the pawl biasing member 32a.

[0052] According to other aspects, the ratchet assembly 30 includes a main ratchet 30a having a main pin groove 42a and a secondary ratchet 30b having a secondary pin groove 42b. The main pin groove 42a and the secondary pin groove 42b face each other. The main ratchet 30a is supported for rotation about a main ratchet axis 44a, and the secondary ratchet 30b is supported for rotation about a secondary ratchet axis 44b spaced apart from the main ratchet axis 44a. When the latch assembly 10 is in the main latching state, corresponding to the main ratchet 30a being in the main pin capture position, the main ratchet 30a captures the pin 22 in the main pin groove 42a, and when the latch assembly 10 is in the secondary latching state, corresponding to the secondary ratchet 30b being in the secondary pin capture position, the secondary ratchet 30b captures the pin 22 in the secondary pin groove 42b. When the latch assembly 10 is in the secondary latched state, corresponding to the main ratchet 30a being in the main pin release position, the pin 22 is released from the main pin groove 42a, and when the latch assembly 10 is in the unlatched state, corresponding to the secondary ratchet 30b being in the secondary pin release position, the pin 22 can be released from the secondary pin groove 42b.

[0053] According to other aspects, a snow load bar 46 is provided, which has a blocking nose 46b to hold the front cover 13 in a partially open position when the latch assembly 10 is in a sub-latched state, for example, when the load, such as snow, is on the front cover 13. The sub-ratchet 30b is held in its sub-bolt capture position by engagement of the blocking nose 46b with the sub-locking surface 31 of the sub-ratchet 30b to hold the bolt 22 in the sub-bolt capture position. Figure 8B As best shown, the snow load lever 46 facilitates the movement of the secondary ratchet 30b from the secondary pin capture position to the pin release position, where the latch assembly 10 is in its unlocked state.

[0054] During operation, Figures 3A to 5B The diagram illustrates the first actuation of the motor 24 and the first actuation of the pawl 32 for moving the latch assembly 10 from a fully latched state to a sub-latched state. Figure 2A In the diagram, the pawl 32 is illustrated as having a main retaining surface 48 that engages with the main locking surface 50 of the main ratchet 30a. During the first actuation of the motor 24, as in Figure 3A The power release gear 28 observed in the diagram is driven clockwise along the first direction D1, wherein the first actuation feature 34a fixed to the first surface 36a of the power release gear 28 rotates together with the power release gear 28 to engage with the pawl 32. Figure 3AThis causes the pawl 32 to rotate against the bias applied by the pawl biasing member 32a. When the pawl 32 is forced to rotate by the first actuation feature 34a, the main holding surface 48 moves to disengage from the main locking surface 50 of the main ratchet 30a, thus allowing the main ratchet 30a to move from its main pin capture position to its main pin release position, while the secondary ratchet 30b moves to its secondary pin capture position. As the motor 24 continues to drive the power release gear 28 in the first direction D1, the first actuation feature 34a passes around the end of the pawl 32, and the pawl 32 automatically returns to its pawl rest position under the bias applied by the pawl biasing member 32a. Figure 5A In this configuration, the latch assembly 10 is in its partially open state, and the ratchet assembly 30 is in its secondary pin capture position, wherein the secondary ratchet 30b is solely responsible for holding the pin 22 in the capture state.

[0055] Then, in order to fully release the latch assembly 10 to its unlocked state, as Figures 6A to 11B As shown, the second actuation of the actuator motor 24 reverses the rotational direction of the motor shaft 24a and the worm gear 26, thereby reversing the rotational direction of the power release gear 28, as... Figure 6A and Figure 6B As observed, this causes the power release gear 28 to now drive counterclockwise along the second direction D2. Therefore, the second actuation feature 34b, fixed to the second surface 36b of the power release gear 28, rotates together with the power release gear 28 toward the first leg 38a of the connecting rod 38 and rotates to engage with the first leg 38a of the connecting rod 38. Figure 7B This allows the connecting rod 38 to rotate about its pivot axis 40 against the bias applied by the connecting rod biasing member 38c. As the connecting rod 38 continues to rotate via the movement of the second feature 34b, the second leg 38b of the connecting rod 38 is driven to engage with the pawl 32 and, in particular, with the pawl lug 52 extending from the generally planar body of the pawl 32 in a fixed relationship. Figure 7B Therefore, the pawl 32 is rotated again in the second actuation against the bias applied by the pawl biasing member 32a, so that the auxiliary pawl rotates, thereby moving the auxiliary pawl holding surface 54a to disengage from the blocking engagement with the secondary locking surface 56 of the secondary ratchet 30b. Figure 7B When the pawl 32 rotatably drives the auxiliary pawl, the snow load lever 46 engages and holds the auxiliary pawl so as to releasably retain the auxiliary pawl's secondary holding surface 54 out of engagement with the secondary locking surface 56 of the secondary ratchet 30b. Figures 8B to 10B Thus, the secondary ratchet 30b freely rotates from the secondary pin capture position to the secondary pin release position. Figure 11A and Figure 11BThe continued rotation of the power release gear 28 in the second direction D2 causes the second feature 34b to pass around the connecting rod 38, so that the connecting rod 38 automatically returns to its connecting rod rest position under the bias applied by the connecting rod biasing member 38c, and the pawl 32 automatically returns to its pawl rest position under the bias applied by the pawl biasing member 32a. Figure 10A and Figure 10B In this configuration, the latch assembly 10 is brought to its fully open, unlocked state and the ratchet assembly 30 is in its pin-released position. Figure 11A and Figure 11B ).

[0056] The aforementioned configuration provides a latching assembly without the need for a return spring, thus achieving greater output force, a reduced gear ratio for faster activation, a lower power motor, and better reliability. Furthermore, it enables faster activation from the fully closed position to the fully open position (eliminating the need to wait for a repositioning cycle initiated by the spring via the motor).

[0057] The foregoing description of embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of this disclosure. Various elements, components / sub-components, or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but are interchangeable where applicable and can be used in selected embodiments, even if not specifically shown or described. Various elements, components / sub-components, or features of a particular embodiment may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not considered to depart from this disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure.

[0058] The embodiments of the present invention can be understood with reference to the following numbered paragraphs:

[0059] 1. A latching assembly for a motor vehicle, the latching assembly comprising:

[0060] A ratchet assembly having a primary pin capture position, a secondary pin capture position, and a pin release position, wherein in the primary pin capture position, the pin is captured by the ratchet assembly and the latching assembly is in a primary latched state; in the secondary pin capture position, the pin is captured by the ratchet assembly and the latching assembly is in a secondary latched state; and in the pin release position, the pin is releaseable from the ratchet assembly and the latching assembly is in a fully unlocked state.

[0061] A pawl, the pawl being used to hold the ratchet assembly in one of the primary pin capture position and the secondary pin capture position, and to allow the ratchet assembly to move to the pin release position; and

[0062] A power release mechanism having a motor and a power release gear, wherein the motor is operable to rotate the power release gear in a first direction to move the pawl in a first actuation to allow the ratchet assembly to move from the main pin capture position to the secondary pin capture position, and to rotate the power release gear in a second direction opposite to the first direction to move the pawl in a second actuation to allow the ratchet assembly to move from the secondary pin capture position to the pin release position.

[0063] 2. The latch assembly according to paragraph 1, wherein the power release gear has a first feature configured to move the pawl when the power release gear rotates in the first direction and a second feature configured to move the pawl when the power release gear rotates in the second direction.

[0064] 3. The latch assembly according to paragraph 2, wherein the first feature is located on a first surface of the power release gear, and the second feature is located on a second surface of the power release gear opposite to the first surface.

[0065] 4. The latch assembly according to paragraph 3, wherein the first feature is configured to directly engage the pawl.

[0066] 5. The latch assembly according to paragraph 4, wherein the second feature is configured to operably drive the pawl via a connecting rod.

[0067] 6. The latch assembly according to paragraph 5, wherein the connecting rod has a first leg extending away from the pivot axis for selective engagement with the second feature and a second leg extending away from the pivot axis for selective engagement with the pawl.

[0068] 7. The latch assembly according to paragraph 6, wherein the connecting rod has a connecting rod rest position and a connecting rod actuated position, wherein the connecting rod biasing member biases the connecting rod toward the connecting rod rest position.

[0069] 8. The latch assembly according to paragraph 7, wherein the second feature does not engage the first leg during the first actuation, and wherein the second feature engages the first leg during the second actuation to move the connecting rod from the connecting rod rest position to the connecting rod actuated position against the bias of the connecting rod biasing member, thereby driving the pawl from the pawl rest position to the ratchet release position by the second leg, at which the ratchet assembly is movable from the secondary striker capture position to the striker release position.

[0070] 9. The latch assembly according to paragraph 8, wherein the second feature disengages from the first leg upon completion of the second actuation to allow the connecting rod to return to the connecting rod rest position under the bias of the connecting rod biasing member, thereby the pawl returning from the ratchet release position to the pawl rest position under the bias of the pawl biasing member.

[0071] 10. The latch assembly according to paragraph 1, wherein the pawl has a pawl rest position and a ratchet release position, the pawl moves from the pawl rest position to the ratchet release position and returns to the rest position during a first actuation, and the pawl moves from the pawl rest position to the ratchet release position and returns to the rest position during a second actuation.

[0072] 11. The latching assembly according to paragraph 1, wherein the ratchet assembly includes a main ratchet having a main pin groove and a secondary ratchet having a secondary pin groove, the main ratchet being supported for rotation about a main ratchet axis, and the secondary ratchet being supported for rotation about a secondary ratchet axis spaced apart from the main ratchet axis.

[0073] 12. The latching assembly according to paragraph 11, wherein the primary ratchet captures the striker in the primary striker slot when the latching assembly is in the primary latching state, and the secondary ratchet captures the striker in the secondary striker slot when the latching assembly is in the secondary latching state.

[0074] 13. The latch assembly according to paragraph 12, wherein the striker is released from the main striker slot when the latch assembly is in the secondary latch state.

[0075] 14. The latch assembly according to paragraph 12, wherein the primary striker slot and the secondary striker slot face each other.

[0076] 15. The latching assembly according to paragraph 1, wherein the power release gear rotates less than 360 degrees along the first direction during the first actuation and less than 360 degrees along the second direction during the second actuation.

[0077] 16. A latching assembly for a motor vehicle, the latching assembly comprising:

[0078] A ratchet assembly includes a main ratchet with a main pin groove and a secondary ratchet with a secondary pin groove. The ratchet assembly has a main pin capture position, a secondary pin capture position, and a pin release position. In the main pin capture position, the pin is captured in the main pin groove of the main ratchet and the latching assembly is in a main latched state. In the secondary pin capture position, the pin is captured in the secondary pin groove of the secondary ratchet and the latching assembly is in a secondary latched state. In the pin release position, the pin can be released from the secondary pin groove and the latching assembly is in a fully unlocked state.

[0079] A pawl, the pawl being used to hold the main ratchet in the main pin capture position and the secondary ratchet in the secondary pin capture position, and to allow the ratchet assembly to move to the pin release position; and

[0080] A power release mechanism having a motor and a power release gear, wherein the motor is operable to rotate the power release gear in a first direction to move the pawl in a first actuation to allow the main ratchet to move from the main pin capture position to the main pin release position, and to rotate the power release gear in a second direction opposite to the first direction to move the pawl in a second actuation to allow the secondary ratchet to move from the secondary pin capture position to the secondary pin release position.

[0081] 17. The latch assembly according to paragraph 16, wherein the pawl has a pawl rest position and a ratchet release position, the pawl moves from the pawl rest position to the ratchet release position and returns to the rest position during a first actuation, and the pawl moves from the pawl rest position to the ratchet release position and returns to the rest position during a second actuation.

[0082] 18. The latch assembly according to paragraph 17, wherein a first face of the power release gear has a first feature configured to move the pawl when the power release gear rotates in the first direction, and a second face of the power release gear opposite to the first face has a second feature configured to move the pawl when the power release gear rotates in the second direction.

[0083] 19. The latch assembly according to paragraph 18, wherein the first feature is configured to directly engage the pawl to move the pawl from the rest position to the ratchet release position and then bypass the pawl to allow the pawl to return to the pawl rest position, and the second feature is configured to directly engage the connecting rod to move the connecting rod to engage the pawl to move the pawl from the rest position to the ratchet release position and then bypass the pawl to allow the pawl to return to the pawl rest position.

[0084] 20. The latch assembly according to paragraph 19, wherein the connecting rod has a first leg extending away from the pivot axis for engagement with the second feature and a second leg extending away from the pivot axis for engagement with the pawl, the first leg and the second leg extending in an inclined relationship to each other.

Claims

1. A latching assembly (10) for a motor vehicle (11), the latching assembly (10) comprising: A ratchet assembly (30) has a main pin capture position, a secondary pin capture position, and a pin release position. In the main pin capture position, the pin (22) is captured by the ratchet assembly (30) and the latch assembly (10) is in a main latched state. In the secondary pin capture position, the pin (22) is captured by the ratchet assembly (30) and the latch assembly (10) is in a secondary latched state. In the pin release position, the pin (22) can be released from the ratchet assembly (30) and the latch assembly (10) is in a completely unlatched state. A pawl (32) is used to hold the ratchet assembly (30) in one of the main pin capture position and the secondary pin capture position, and to allow the ratchet assembly (30) to move to the pin release position; as well as A power release mechanism (20) having a motor (24) and a power release gear (28), wherein the motor (24) is operable to rotate the power release gear (28) in a first direction (D1) to move the pawl (32) in a first actuation to allow the ratchet assembly (30) to move from the main pin capture position to the secondary pin capture position, and to rotate the power release gear (28) in a second direction (D2) opposite to the first direction (D1) to move the pawl (32) in a second actuation to allow the ratchet assembly (30) to move from the secondary pin capture position to the pin release position.

2. The latch assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The power release gear (28) has a first feature (34a) configured to move the pawl (32) when the power release gear (28) rotates in the first direction (D1) and a second feature (34b) configured to move the pawl (32) when the power release gear (28) rotates in the second direction (D2).

3. The latch assembly (10) according to claim 2, wherein, The first feature (34a) is located on the first surface (36a) of the power release gear (28), and the second feature (34b) is located on the second surface (36b) of the power release gear (28) opposite to the first surface (36a).

4. The latch assembly (10) according to claim 3, wherein, The first feature (34a) is configured to directly engage the pawl (32).

5. The latch assembly (10) according to claim 4, wherein, The second feature (34b) is configured to operably drive the pawl (32) via the connecting rod (38).

6. The latch assembly (10) according to claim 5, wherein, The connecting rod (38) has a first leg (38a) extending away from the pivot axis (40) for selective engagement with the second feature (34b) and a second leg (38b) extending away from the pivot axis (40) for selective engagement with the pawl (32).

7. The latch assembly (10) according to claim 6, wherein, The connecting rod (38) has a connecting rod rest position and a connecting rod actuation position, wherein the connecting rod biasing member (38c) biases the connecting rod (38) toward the connecting rod rest position.

8. The latch assembly (10) according to claim 7, wherein, The second feature (34b) does not engage the first leg (38a) during the first actuation, and wherein the second feature (34b) engages the first leg (38a) during the second actuation to cause the connecting rod (38) to move from the connecting rod rest position to the connecting rod actuated position against the bias of the connecting rod biasing member (38c), thereby driving the pawl (32) from the pawl rest position to the ratchet release position by the second leg (38b), at which the ratchet assembly (30) is able to move from the secondary pin capture position to the pin release position.

9. The latch assembly (10) according to claim 8, wherein, The second feature (34b) disengages from the first leg (38a) upon completion of the second actuation, allowing the connecting rod (38) to return to the connecting rod rest position under the bias of the connecting rod biasing member (38c), and thus the pawl (32) returns from the ratchet release position to the pawl rest position under the bias of the pawl biasing member (32a).

10. The latch assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The pawl (32) has a pawl rest position and a ratchet release position. During the first actuation, the pawl (32) moves from the pawl rest position to the ratchet release position and returns to the rest position. During the second actuation, the pawl (32) moves from the pawl rest position to the ratchet release position and returns to the rest position.

Images