Latch assembly for closure panel of motor vehicle

Abstract

A latch assembly for a closure panel of a motor vehicle includes a latch mechanism having a pawl movable from a ratchet retaining position to a ratchet release position to move a ratchet from a striker capture position in which the ratchet is released from the ratchet retaining position to a striker release position in which the ratchet is released from the striker release position. The ratchet is in latched engagement with the striker to maintain the closure panel in the closed position, and a striker release position in which the ratchet is disengaged from the striker to allow the closure panel to move from the closed position to the open position. The at least one lever is operable to tie the ratchet to the striker capture position during a tie operation, and is operable to present the ratchet to the striker release position during an icebreaking / presentation operation.

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 770,191, filed March 11, 2025, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 706,243, filed October 11, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to vehicle latches. More specifically, this disclosure relates to vehicle latches having a power-operated pull mechanism and an ice-breaking mechanism. Background Technology

[0003] This section provides background information related to automotive door latches and is not necessarily prior art related to the concepts associated with this disclosure.

[0004] Modern motor vehicle doors with latching systems are known to include latching assemblies comprising a pull mechanism and a separate ice-breaking mechanism. While such latching systems are suitable for performing the desired pull and ice-breaking functions, a drawback of these known latching systems is that separate cables and associated drive gears and / or levers must be used to operate the separate pull and ice-breaking mechanisms. Furthermore, the aforementioned issues lead to increased package size requirements and complexity in design, manufacturing, assembly, and operation, thereby limiting design flexibility and increasing costs.

[0005] Therefore, there is still a need to develop alternative latching mechanisms for use in vehicle door latches that optimize the ability to move the ratchet to the pin capture and release positions under the power of a motor, while enhancing design flexibility, reducing the number of parts and package size, and lowering the costs associated with vehicle door latches. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This section provides a general overview of the disclosure and is not intended to be a comprehensive and exhaustive enumeration of all features or the full scope of the disclosure.

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a power latch assembly for motor vehicle closing applications that overcomes at least the disadvantages associated with known power latch assemblies discussed above.

[0008] In accordance with the foregoing objectives, and according to a non-limiting aspect of this disclosure, a latching assembly for a closed panel of a motor vehicle includes: a latching mechanism having a pawl movable from a ratchet holding position to a ratchet release position to move a ratchet from a pin-capture position to a pin-release position, wherein in the pin-capture position the ratchet is latched to hold the closed panel in a closed position, and in the pin-release position the ratchet is disengaged from the pin to allow the closed panel to move from the closed position to an open position; and at least one lever operable during a tethering operation to tether the ratchet to the pin-capture position, and operable during an ice-breaking operation to present the ratchet to the pin-release position.

[0009] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the at least one lever is configured to move between an initial position and a deployment position, wherein in the initial position the lever moves to a first position for operably engaging with the ratchet to pull the ratchet train to a striker capture position, and in the deployment position the lever moves to a second position in a disengaged relationship from the ratchet.

[0010] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the latch assembly also includes a cable operably connected to the linkage.

[0011] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the latch assembly also includes a pull / feed lever connected to the linkage, wherein a cable is directly connected to the pull / feed lever.

[0012] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the latch assembly further includes a delivery lever operably coupled to the ratchet, wherein the pull / delivery lever is arranged to operably drive the delivery lever and move the ratchet to the striker release position.

[0013] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the delivery lever is connected to the ratchet via a cable.

[0014] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the link has a first drive feature configured for drive engagement with the delivery rod.

[0015] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the linkage has a second drive feature configured to drive the ratchet to the striker capture position.

[0016] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the linkage pivots relative to the pull / delivery lever between an initial position and a deployment position. In the initial position, a second drive feature is positioned to drive the ratchet to a pin-capturing position, while in the deployment position, a first drive feature is positioned for actuated engagement with the delivery lever.

[0017] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the link is biased toward the initial position by an offset member.

[0018] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the tether / delivery lever is arranged to engage with the delivery lever in a driven manner.

[0019] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the tethering / delivery rod and the delivery rod each have teeth arranged to engage with each other.

[0020] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the latch assembly also includes a connecting link configured to act on the ratchet to present the ratchet to the striker release position.

[0021] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the delivery rod has a groove, and the connecting rod has a drive member disposed in the groove to idle within the groove between a disaligned engagement position relative to the driven shoulder of the ratchet and an aligned engagement position relative to the driven shoulder of the ratchet.

[0022] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the linkage has a drive member configured to move between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the drive member is positioned to operably engage with a ratchet to drive the ratchet to a snap-pin capture position, while in the disengaged position, the drive member disengages from operably engaging with the ratchet.

[0023] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the driving member of the link is configured as a hook-shaped end of the link.

[0024] According to another aspect of this disclosure, at least one lever has a drive member configured for driven engagement with a driven surface of a link to disengage the drive member from operable engagement with a ratchet.

[0025] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the driving member is a protrusion extending laterally from at least one link, and the driven surface is an elongated protrusion extending laterally from the link.

[0026] According to another aspect of this disclosure, at least one lever is configured to directly engage with a pawl to move the pawl from a ratchet holding position to a ratchet release position.

[0027] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the latching assembly further includes a power release gear having a first cam and a second cam, the first cam being operable to drive at least one lever to directly engage with a pawl, thereby moving the pawl from a ratchet holding position to a ratchet releasing position, and the second cam being operable to drive a connecting link between a misaligned disconnected engagement position relative to the driven shoulder of the pawl and an aligned engagement position with the driven shoulder of the pawl.

[0028] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided for pulling a ratchet of a power latch assembly of a closing panel of a motor vehicle toward a pin-capture position and presenting the ratchet toward a pin-release position. The power latch assembly includes a pawl configured to move between a ratchet holding position and a ratchet release position, wherein in the ratchet holding position the ratchet holds the ratchet in the pin-capture position, and in the ratchet release position the pawl releases the ratchet to move the ratchet to the pin-release position. The method includes actuating a power actuator operably coupled to the ratchet to move the ratchet toward the pin-capture position, and actuating a power actuator operably coupled to the ratchet to move the ratchet toward the pin-release position.

[0029] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the method further includes operably connecting a power actuator to a ratchet using a single cable and a plurality of levers, wherein some of the levers are used to move the ratchet toward a pin-capturing position during a pull operation, and some of the levers are used to move the ratchet toward a pin-releasing position during a delivery operation.

[0030] Other application areas will become apparent from the description provided herein. The descriptions and specific examples in this invention are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only, illustrating selected non-limiting embodiments, and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. In this regard, the drawings include:

[0032] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of a vehicle door equipped with a closing latch assembly according to one aspect of this disclosure;

[0033] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A side view of the latching mechanism of the closed latch assembly, showing the latching mechanism operably coupled for communication with a power actuator and a single cable, wherein the latching mechanism is shown in the master latching state;

[0034] Figure 3 It is similar to Figure 2 The view illustrates that a power actuator is activated to rotate a power release cam to abut against a control lever and a pawl, thereby moving the pawl from a main ratchet holding position to a ratchet release position, and wherein a cable is pulled to move a tether rod and a tether linkage, the tether linkage being pivotally connected to the tether rod together with an icebreaker rod, the icebreaker rod being configured to engage the tether rod in a driven manner;

[0035] Figure 4 It is similar to Figure 3The view illustrates the continuous movement of the power release cam and cable, wherein the icebreaker is continuously driven by the tie rod to forcefully engage the ratchet, causing the ratchet to be biased from the pin capture position toward the pin release position;

[0036] Figure 5 The diagram illustrates a latching mechanism in a fully unlocked state, in which the ratchet is in the release pin position.

[0037] Figure 6 The diagram illustrates a power actuator returning to its initial position, in which a spring returns the connecting rod to its initial position, and the tie rod is reset via a deactivated cable;

[0038] Figure 7 The diagram illustrates how the strike pin causes the ratchet to return to the secondary strike pin capture position, where the overdrive lever returns to its initial position and the tie rod is biased to engage the ratchet.

[0039] Figure 8 The diagram illustrates a cable acting on the tie rod, which forces the tie rod to engage the ratchet and drives the ratchet to the master pin capture position. In the master pin capture position, the pawl returns to the master ratchet holding position to releasably hold the latching mechanism in place. Figure 2 The main latch is in a locked state;

[0040] Figure 9 This is a rear perspective view of a power latch assembly embodying the teachings of this disclosure, according to another aspect of the disclosure, showing that the ratchet is in the striker-captured position, and that some components are removed only for clarity purposes.

[0041] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Rear front view of the power latch assembly, wherein the ratchet is in the strike pin capture position, and wherein the tie-up overrun linkage is moved to the tie-up overrun position;

[0042] Figures 11 to 14 Is with Figure 10 A similar view illustrates the progress of a delivery operation that moves the ratchet from the pin-capture position toward the pin-release position;

[0043] Figure 15 yes Figure 9 A rear front view of the power latch assembly, wherein the ratchet is shown in the secondary striker capture position, and wherein the tether overdrive linkage is moved to the tethered position;

[0044] Figures 16 to 19 Is with Figure 15 A similar view illustrates the progress of the pull operation, moving the ratchet from the secondary pin catch position to the primary pin catch position; and

[0045] Figure 20 It is similar to Figure 19 The view shows the tie-up control link moving from the tie-up position (dashed line) to the tie-up control position (solid line).

[0046] Throughout all the accompanying drawings, corresponding reference numerals are used to indicate the corresponding parts. Detailed Implementation

[0047] Example embodiments of a closing panel of a motor vehicle and a latching assembly for a closing panel of a motor vehicle will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. For this purpose, example embodiments of the latching assembly are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the intended scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Therefore, numerous specific details, such as examples of specific components, apparatuses, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of particular embodiments of the disclosure. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that specific details are not required, the example embodiments may be implemented in many different forms, and the example embodiments should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure. In some parts of the example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques have not been described in detail.

[0048] 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 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 described features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, 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.

[0049] When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “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 being “directly on,” “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 the same 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.

[0050] Although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or segment from another region, layer, or segment. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms used herein do not imply any order or sequence. Therefore, the first element, first component, first region, first layer, or first segment discussed below may be referred to as a second element, second component, second region, second layer, or second segment without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0051] For ease of description, spatially related terms such as “inside,” “outside,” “below,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” “top,” “bottom,” etc., may be used herein to describe the relationship between one element or feature illustrated in the accompanying drawings and another element or feature. Spatially relative terms may be intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation other than those depicted in the accompanying drawings. For example, if the device in the accompanying drawings is flipped, an element described as “below” or “below” other elements or features will then be oriented “above” other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (degrees of rotation or in other orientations), and the spatially related descriptive terms used herein are interpreted accordingly.

[0052] Now refer to Figure 1The diagram illustrates a motor vehicle 14 having a closing panel 12—illustrated by way of example but not limitation as a rear passenger swing door and referred to as a door or simply a door—for closing an opening formed on the vehicle body 22, such as a doorway 20. A powered closing latch assembly, hereinafter referred to as latch assembly 10, is provided on the door 12 to engage a striker 18 fixedly attached to the vehicle body 22, such as to a side sill or a face 20a of the doorway 20a, thereby securing the door 12 against a seal 25 provided on the vehicle body 12 and extending around the doorway 20 in a closed latched state. The latch assembly 18 is shown at least on a vertically extending closing face 16A of the door 16. An external actuation mechanism—illustrated by way of example but not limitation as an external door handle 21—can be used to mechanically or electrically release the latch assembly 18 from a locked and latched state to an unlocked and unlocked state, thereby allowing the door 16 to move from a closed position to an open position. Similarly, an internal actuation mechanism—shown by way of example but not in a limiting sense as an internal door handle 24—can be used to release the latch assembly 10 from a latched state to an unlocked state. A locking element 27 can be used to control the state of the latch assembly 10 between a locked and unlocked state.

[0053] Now refer to Figure 2 The latch assembly 10 is illustrated and includes a strength module, also referred to as latch 15. Latch 15 has a latching mechanism 16, which is operable via a single electrically released actuator—also referred to as an electrically released motor, latching motor, or motor 30—and also mechanically operable via an outer door handle 26 and an inner door handle 24. Latch motor 30 is operably coupled to latching mechanism 16 via a power-release gear 51 having a first cam 51a, wherein the first cam 51a is actuated to drive a pair of pull / delivery links—also referred to as override levers 44, which, depending on their position, i.e., the initial position or deployment position described below, facilitates both delivery and pull operations. Override lever 44 is actuated to drive a pair of pull rods—also referred to as pull linkages 66—in a first position, also referred to as the initial position (…). Figure 2 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 ) and the second location, also known as the deployment location ( Figures 3 to 6 The latch mechanism 16 is driven between the ratchet and the pawl 34. If needed, the power release gear 51 can be driven by the latch motor 30 during selective power actuation of the latch motor 30 for power actuation of the latch assembly 10, such as actuating the pull / delivery mechanism 11, as discussed in more detail below. The latch mechanism 16 includes a pawl 34 that is capable of being pulled from a ratchet-held position (…). Figure 2 and Figure 8Move to the ratchet release position. Figures 3 to 7 This causes ratchet 32 ​​to move from the pin-capture position to the pin-release position. In the pin-capture position, ratchet 32 ​​is latched to the pin 18 to hold the closed panel 12 in the closed position, while in the pin-release position, ratchet 32 ​​is disengaged from the pin 18 to allow the closed panel 12 to move from the closed position to the open position. Pad 34 is biased toward the ratchet by a pad biasing member, such as a pad spring 34a. Ratchet 32 ​​is biased toward the pin-release position by a pad biasing member 32a, such as a ratchet spring.

[0054] exist Figure 3 In the middle, the latch motor 30 is energized, thereby driving the first cam 51a to engage with the overdrive lever 44 in a drive-type manner, so that the overdrive lever 44 is pivotally moved from the initial pull position to the deployment and delivery position. The overdrive lever 44 then moves to engage with the pawl 34 in a direct drive-type manner, so that the pawl 34 rotates from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet release position against the bias of the pawl biasing member 34a. During the movement of the control lever 44, the drive member 44a of the control lever 44—shown as a laterally extending protrusion or pin—also engages in a driven manner with the driven surface 66a—shown as a laterally extending protrusion, such as the elongated convex portion of the tie rod 66—thus moving the tie rod 66 from a first position to a second position, thereby moving the drive member 66b of the tie rod 66—shown as a hook-shaped end—to a disengaged position spaced away from the ratchet 32, thus disengaging the tie rod 66 from the ratchet 32 ​​and thus disengaging it from its operative engagement. Furthermore, a single cable 46 is operably connected to the tie rod 66, wherein the cable 46 is shown as directly connected to the tie / delivery lever 48, also simply referred to as the delivery lever or tie rod, depending on the operation performed, such that… Figure 3 As shown, when cable 46 is pulled, the delivery / tethering lever 48 is pivotally driven clockwise, engaging in a driven manner. This engagement is shown via a gear-like interface—also referred to as a gear-type interface—between the delivery / tethering lever 48 and the icebreaker lever 58, thereby causing the icebreaker lever 58 to rotate counterclockwise in response to the driving motion of the delivery / tethering lever. Figure 3 As shown in the diagram. The icebreaker 58 is operably coupled to the ratchet 32 ​​and is shown, by way of example but not limitation, coupled for pivoting rotation about a common pin P—which also supports the ratchet 32 ​​for pivoting motion. Additionally, as... Figure 3As shown, as the power release gear 51 is driven counterclockwise, the second cam 51b of the power release gear 51 moves away from the driven member 58b, shown as a pin, of the ice-breaking connecting link—also referred to as the connecting link 61—to allow the connecting link 61 to be biased to the right by the biasing member—shown as a torsion spring 59, as... Figure 3 As seen in the diagram, as the connecting link 61 is pushed to the right, the drive member 61b of the connecting link 61, shown as a pin, is positioned in the groove 58a of the icebreaker 58 and is caused to move freely within the groove 58a. Thus, the drive member 61b moves from an out-of-alignment disengagement position relative to the driven shoulder 32a of the ratchet 32 ​​to an engaged position aligned with the driven shoulder 32a of the ratchet 32.

[0055] exist Figure 4 In the middle, a delivery or tie rod, and in this case used as a delivery rod or ice stick 48, such as Figure 4 As shown, continued clockwise rotation drives the icebreaker 58 counterclockwise, causing the drive member 61b to drive the driven shoulder 32a of the ratchet 32, and thus forcibly driving the ratchet 32 ​​from the pin-holding position toward the pin-release position. This overcomes any resistance that tends to limit the movement of the ratchet 32 ​​toward the pin-release position, such as resistance that might be caused by ice buildup on or around the ratchet 32 ​​or elsewhere in the latch assembly 10. Figure 5 In the image, latching mechanism 16 is shown in a fully released and unlocked state, with ratchet 32 ​​in the striker release position and striker 18 shown to be removed from this position.

[0056] exist Figure 6 In the middle, the latch motor 30 is energized again, but in the process of... Figure 3 The power release gear 51 is driven in the opposite direction of the clockwise reset direction, thereby driving the first cam 51a away from the override lever 44 and disengaging it. As the first cam 51a moves away from the override lever 44 and disengages it, the override lever 44 returns from its deployed position to its initial position, at which point the tie rod 66 is allowed to return to engagement with the ratchet 32 ​​under the bias applied by the bias member 59. During the return of the power release gear 51 to its initial position, the second cam 51b forcefully pushes the driven member 61a of the connecting rod 61, thereby driving the connecting rod 61 to the left against the bias applied by the bias member 59, as... Figure 6 As seen, at this point, the drive member 61b of the connecting rod 61 moves relative to the shoulder 32a of the ratchet 32 ​​to its misaligned disengaged position. The tie rod 48 is deactivated and reset via the cable 46.

[0057] exist Figure 7In the diagram, the pawl 18 is shown returning to the pawl groove 40 of the ratchet 32, thereby causing the ratchet 32 ​​to return toward its primary pawl capture position, or at least to the secondary pawl capture position located between the pawl release position and the primary pawl capture position. Then, as... Figure 8 As shown, with ratchet 32 ​​in the secondary pin capture position, a tethering operation can be performed. Cable 46 is activated to pivot the presenting / tethering lever 48 clockwise and, in this case, acts as a tethering link 48, thereby pulling the tethering link 66, which is pivotally connected to the tethering lever 48, and causing the drive member 66b of the tethering link 66 to engage with the driven tethering surface 32b of the ratchet 32 ​​while the drive member 66b is in the engaged position. Cable 46 pulls the tethering lever 48, which results in... Figure 8 As seen, the drive member 66b of the pull linkage 66 causes the ratchet 32 ​​to rotate clockwise until the pawl 34 is biased by the pawl biasing member 34a and returns to its main ratchet holding position.

[0058] Therefore, in view of the above, the tethering and ice-breaking / delivery operations can be performed via a single cable 46 and a single motor 30. Furthermore, the power release operation via the motor 30 can be performed from any position within the tethering mechanism provided by the tethering rod 48 and tethering linkage 66 during the tethering process, via the coordinated movement between the power release gear 51, the control lever 44, the pawl 34, the tethering linkage 66, and the tethering rod 48. Moreover, given the disclosure herein, as will be understood by those skilled in the art of latching systems, a mechanical release operation of the latching assembly 10 can be performed even during tethering.

[0059] Reference Figure 9 This illustration shows another non-limiting embodiment of the latch assembly 110 and the latch mechanism 116, wherein similar features are identified using reference numerals that are the same as those used above but differ by a factor of 100. The latch mechanism 116 includes a ratchet 132, a pawl 134, and a release lever 136. The ratchet 132 is movable between a primary pin-capture position, a secondary pin-capture position, and a pin-release position. In the primary pin-capture position, the ratchet 132 secures the pin 18 and holds the swing door 12 in a fully closed position via its pin groove 140. In the secondary pin-capture position, the ratchet 132 secures the pin 18 within the pin groove 140 to hold the swing door 12 in a semi-closed / semi-open position. In the pin-release position, the ratchet 132 allows the pin 18 to escape from the fish-mouth portion 19 provided by the latch housing of the latch assembly 110. Figure 1 Released from the ratchet, allowing the swing door 12 to move to the open position. A ratchet biasing member 132a is provided (in...). Figure 10(Illustrated schematically), for example, a spring, to properly bias ratchet 132 toward its pin-release position. Pad 134 is movable between a ratchet holding position and a ratchet release position. In the ratchet holding position, pad 134 holds ratchet 132 in its pin-capture position, while in the ratchet release position, pad 134 allows ratchet 132 to move to its pin-release position. A pad biasing member 134a is provided (in... Figure 10 (Illustrated in the diagram) For example, a suitable spring is used to keep the pawl 134 properly offset toward the striker of the pawl 134.

[0060] The latch assembly 110 includes a pull / delivery mechanism 111, which is operable via actuation of a single actuator / cable device 113 and can be selectively actuated via an inner door handle 24, an outer door handle 26, and / or remotely selectively actuated via a key fob for release. As described below, the latch assembly 110 is configured for powered operation via selective actuation of a power release actuator—also referred to as a power actuator, such as an electric motor, and hereinafter simply referred to as motor 130—in combination with a single pull / delivery power actuator 131.

[0061] The tethering / delivering mechanism 111 includes a tethering / delivering link, also referred to as a connecting rod 144, which can facilitate both delivery and tethering operations depending on its position, i.e., an initial position or a deployment position, as described below. When a bias is applied to position the connecting rod 144 in the initial tethering position, the connecting rod 144 is pushed against the bias to the deployment delivery position, also referred to as the icebreaking position. Figure 10 When the connecting rod 144 is in the presenting position ( Figures 10 to 14 In the case of [the following], the pull / delivery actuator 131 is energized, for example, in response to a signal from the ECU, by way of example but not limitation, so that the actuator 131 of the pull / delivery mechanism 111 delivers the ratchet 132 toward the pin release position during the delivery operation. It will be understood that this process also effectively removes any friction, such as ice, that tends to prevent the ratchet 132 from moving under the bias of the ratchet biasing member 132a, thus being as effective as an ice-breaking operation.

[0062] During the delivery operation, when the tether / delivery actuator 131 is activated, in the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, a single cable 146 connected to the actuator rod—also referred to as the tether / delivery rod 148—is pulled under tension, for example via Figure 10 Arrow 148a schematically shows a spring member that causes the tie / feed rod 148 to resist an offset applied to the tie / feed rod 148 along arrow 150 ( Figure 10The direction of the drive lever 144 is pivoted in a driven manner, thereby operably causing the connecting rod 144 to move synchronously in the direction indicated by arrow 152, for example, by energizing the drive lever 130. When the connecting rod 144 is pushed laterally, a drive lug that is pivotally connected to and extends from the tethering / delivery lever 148—also referred to as a first drive feature or drive pin 166a fixed to the tethering / delivery drive arm or tethering / delivery lever or tethering / delivery link, or simply drive arm, drive rod / drive link 166—engages with the outer peripheral arcuate surface 144a of the connecting rod 144 and is pivotally pushed and guided into alignment by the arcuate surface 144a, thereby engaging with the drive feature, such as the extension, also referred to as the arm 156, of the icebreaker lever / delivery lever—also referred to as the icebreaker lever or delivery lever 158 of the tethering / delivery mechanism 111. Arm 156 is fixed to the delivery rod 158, such that the two revolve around the delivery rod axis 59. Figure 9 They rotate together. Arm 156 and delivery lever 158 can be formed from separate pieces of material and fixed together, or arm 156 and delivery lever 158 can be formed as a single piece of material as needed. Thus, the pull / delivery lever 148 is arranged to operably drive the delivery lever 158 during delivery operation and cause ratchet 132 to move to the pin release position, as discussed further below. Drive lever 166 is biased toward a first position—also referred to as the initial position—by a drive arm biasing member schematically shown by arrow 166c, so that the engagement of drive pin 166a with arcuate surface 144a overcomes the bias applied by spring member 166c, causing drive arm 166 to pivot relative to pull / delivery lever 148. Simultaneously, the drive arm 166 pivots away from its initial position to a second position, also referred to as the deployment position, against the bias of the bias member 166c. The drive surface of the drive rod 166—also referred to as the second drive feature or drive shoulder 166b—disengages from the alignment state of the drive feature, such as the drive extension, also referred to as the drive arm 160, of the pull / delivery driven rod 162 of the pull / delivery mechanism 111, and thus disengages the drive rod 166 from the operably engaged ratchet 132. As the delivery operation continues, drive pin 166a forcibly engages arm 156, and thus causes delivery lever 158 to be rotatably driven about delivery lever axis 158a defined by delivery lever pin. This rotatably drives ratchet drive member, also referred to as ratchet drive lever 164, which is operably coupled to ratchet 132, thereby forcibly driving ratchet 132 rotatably toward the pin release position, thereby overcoming any friction / obstruction that otherwise prevents ratchet 132 from moving to the pin release position under the bias of ratchet bias member 132a. Figures 11 to 14Therefore, the delivery lever 158 is operably coupled to the ratchet 132, and is shown by way of example but not limitation as coupled to the ratchet 132 via a rod or cable 63. During the delivery operation, as the drive arm 166 pivots away from its initial position to its deployed position, the drive shoulder 166b passes around the drive arm 160 of the tether / delivery drive lever 162. Then, when the delivery / icebreaking operation is completed, the actuator 130 reverses direction to allow the connecting lever 144 to return to its initial position opposite to the direction indicated by arrow 152 under the bias applied by the biasing member on the connecting lever 144, and the tether / delivery lever 148 returns to its initial position via the bias applied to the tether / delivery lever 148 by the spring member 148a when the actuator 131 reverses. Figures 16 to 19 ) or ice-breaking location (e.g. Figure 10 , Figure 11 Alternatively, it could be the disconnection / joint position corresponding to the icebreaking position. Figure 20 The drive lever 166 can move away from the centered disengaged position in one direction toward the tethered position, or move away from the centered disengaged position and move in the opposite direction to the ice-breaking position. Therefore, the drive lever 166 can directly contact and indirectly move the ratchet 132 in the tethered position, rather than directly contacting the ratchet 132 via the ice-breaking components 156, 158, 63, 164.

[0063] like Figures 15 to 20 As shown, the tethering / delivering mechanism 111, while effectively performing the aforementioned delivery operation, is also used to perform a tethering operation via a single cable 146 and actuator 131. Figures 16 to 19 As shown, when the connecting rod 144 returns to its initial position under bias and the drive rod 166 returns to its initial position under bias via the bias member 166c, the drive shoulder 166b remains aligned with the drive arm 160 to engage with the drive arm 160 of the pull drive rod 162. Therefore, the drive rod 166, while in its initial position, is positioned for operably engaging with the ratchet 132. Then, by way of example but not limitation, such as via an ECU signal, the pull / present actuator 131 is activated, for example via a cable sleeve 146a provided in a sleeve recess in the pull / present rod 148b, and a single cable 146 connected to the pull / present rod 148b is pulled via the actuator 131, causing the pull / present rod 148b to move along arrow 150 (…). Figures 16 to 18 The direction of the drive shoulder 166b is pivoted in a driven manner, thereby moving the drive shoulder 166b into a driven engagement with the arm 160 of the pull follower 162 of the pull / presentation mechanism 111. Figure 18When the drive lever 166 is held in its initial position under the bias applied by the biasing member 166c, the drive pin 166a remains spaced from the outer peripheral arcuate surface 144a of the connecting lever 144 and passes around the arm 156 extending from the presenting lever 158, and thus the arm 156 of the presenting lever 158 is not engaged by the drive pin 166a, thereby causing the presenting lever 158 to remain stationary during the tying process. When the drive shoulder 166b engages with the arm 160, the tying drive lever 162—in which the arm 160 is driven and fixedly connected to the ratchet 132 to move together—is rotatably driven, thereby forcing the ratchet 132 to be rotatably driven toward and ultimately driven to the main pin capture position during the tying operation. Figure 18 and Figure 19 Then, upon completion of the tethering operation, actuator 131 reverses as described above for the delivery operation, and tethering / delivery lever 148 returns to its initial position via a bias applied to it by spring assembly 148a. Thus, drive arm 166 pivots relative to tethering / delivery lever 148 between its initial position and its deployed position, where in its initial position the second drive feature 166b is positioned to drive ratchet 132 to the pin-capturing position, and in its deployed position the first drive feature 166a is positioned to engage driveably with delivery lever 158.

[0064] A prior description of various embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. The prior description is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of this disclosure. Elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but are interchangeable where applicable and can be used in selected embodiments, even if not specifically shown or described. Elements or features of a particular embodiment can 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.

[0065] The embodiments of the present invention can be understood with reference to the following numbered paragraphs: 1. A latching assembly for a closing panel of a motor vehicle, comprising: A latching mechanism having a pawl movable from a ratchet holding position to a ratchet release position, such that the ratchet moves from a pin engaging position to a pin release position, wherein in the pin engaging position, the ratchet and the pin are in a latching engagement to hold the closed panel in a closed position, and in the pin release position, the ratchet and the pin are disengaged from the latching engagement to allow the closed panel to move from the closed position to an open position; and At least one lever, operable during a tethering operation to tether the ratchet to the pin-capturing position, and operable during an ice-breaking operation to present the ratchet to the pin-releasing position. 2. The latch assembly according to paragraph 1, wherein the at least one lever is configured to move between an initial position and a deployment position, wherein in the initial position the lever moves to a first position for operably engaging the ratchet to pull the ratchet to the striker capture position, and in the deployment position the lever moves to a second position in a disengaged relationship from the ratchet. 3. The latch assembly according to paragraph 2 further includes a cable operably connected to the link. 4. The latch assembly according to paragraph 3 further includes a pull / delivery rod connected to the link, wherein the cable is directly connected to the pull / delivery rod. 5. The latch assembly according to paragraph 4 further includes a delivery lever operably coupled to the ratchet, wherein the pull / delivery lever is arranged to operably drive the delivery lever and move the ratchet to the striker release position. 6. The latch assembly according to paragraph 5, wherein the delivery lever is connected to the ratchet via a cable. 7. The latch assembly according to paragraph 5, wherein the link has a first drive feature configured for drive engagement with the delivery rod. 8. The latch assembly according to paragraph 7, wherein the link has a second drive feature configured to drive the ratchet to the striker capture position. 9. The latch assembly according to paragraph 8, wherein the link pivots relative to the pull / delivery lever between an initial position and a deployment position, wherein in the initial position the second drive feature is positioned to drive the ratchet to the pin capture position, and in the deployment position the first drive feature is positioned for driven engagement with the delivery lever. 10. The latch assembly according to paragraph 9, wherein the link is biased toward the initial position by an biasing member. 11. The latch assembly according to paragraph 5, wherein the pull / delivery lever is arranged to engage in a driven manner with the delivery lever. 12. The latch assembly according to paragraph 11, wherein the pull / delivery rod and the delivery rod each have teeth arranged to engage with each other. 13. The latch assembly according to paragraph 11 further includes a connecting link configured to act on the ratchet to present the ratchet to the striker release position. 14. The latch assembly according to paragraph 13, wherein the delivery rod has a slot and the connecting link has a drive member disposed in the slot to idle within the slot between a disengaged position misaligned relative to the driven shoulder of the ratchet and an engaged position aligned with the driven shoulder of the ratchet. 15. The latch assembly according to paragraph 14, wherein the link has a drive member configured to move between an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein in the engaged position the drive member is positioned for operably engaging the ratchet to drive the ratchet to the striker capture position, and in the disengaged position the drive member is disengaged from operably engaging the ratchet. 16. The latch assembly according to paragraph 15, wherein the drive member of the link is configured as a hook-shaped end of the link. 17. The latch assembly according to paragraph 15, wherein the at least one lever has a drive member configured for driven engagement with a driven surface of the link to disengage the drive member from operably engaged with the ratchet. 18. The latch assembly according to paragraph 17, wherein the drive member is a protrusion extending laterally from at least one of the links, and the driven surface is an elongated protrusion extending laterally from the links. 19. The latch assembly according to paragraph 14, wherein the at least one lever is configured to directly engage with the pawl to move the pawl from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet releasing position. 20. The latch assembly according to paragraph 19 further includes a power release gear having a first cam and a second cam, the first cam being operable to drive the at least one lever to directly engage the pawl, thereby moving the pawl from the ratchet holding position to the ratchet releasing position, and the second cam being operable to drive the connecting link between the misaligned disengaged engagement position relative to the driven shoulder of the pawl and the aligned engagement position with the driven shoulder of the pawl.

Claims

1. A latch assembly (10, 110) for a closing panel (12) of a motor vehicle (14), comprising: A latching mechanism (16, 116) having pawls (34, 134) movable from a ratchet holding position to a ratchet release position, such that ratchet (32, 132) moves from a pin-capture position to a pin-release position, wherein in the pin-capture position, ratchet (32, 132) is latched to the pin (18) to hold the closed panel (12) in a closed position, and in the pin-release position, ratchet (32, 132) is disengaged from the pin (18) to allow the closed panel (12) to move from the closed position to an open position; as well as At least one lever (44, 144) is operable during a tying operation to pull the ratchet (32, 132) to the pin capture position and is operable during an ice-breaking operation to present the ratchet (32, 132) to the pin release position.

2. The latch assembly (10, 110) according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one lever (44, 144) is configured to move between an initial position and a deployment position, wherein in the initial position, the lever (66, 166) moves to a first position for operably engaging the ratchet (32, 132) to pull the ratchet (32, 132) to the pin-capturing position, and in the deployment position, the lever (66, 166) moves to a second position in a disengaged relationship from the ratchet.

3. The latch assembly (10, 110) according to claim 2 further includes a cable (46, 146) operably connected to the link (66, 166).

4. The latch assembly (10, 110) according to claim 3 further includes a pull / delivery rod (48, 148) connected to the connecting rod (66, 166), wherein, The cables (46, 146) are directly connected to the pull / delivery rods (48, 148).

5. The latch assembly (10, 110) according to claim 4, further comprising a delivery lever (58, 158) operably coupled to the ratchet (32, 132), wherein, The pull / delivery levers (48, 148) are arranged to operably drive the delivery levers (58, 158) and move the ratchet (32, 132) to the pin release position.

6. The latch assembly (110) according to claim 5, wherein, The rod (158) is connected to the ratchet (132) via a cable (63).

7. The latch assembly (110) according to claim 5, wherein, The link (166) has a first drive feature (166a) configured to engage with the presenting rod (158) in a driven manner.

8. The latch assembly (110) according to claim 7, wherein, The link (166) has a second drive feature (166b) configured to drive the ratchet (132) to the pin capture position.

9. The latch assembly (110) according to claim 8, wherein, The link (166) pivots relative to the pull / delivery lever (148) between an initial position and a deployment position, in which the second drive feature (166b) is positioned to drive the ratchet (132) to the pin capture position, and in the deployment position, the first drive feature (166a) is positioned for drive engagement with the delivery lever (158).

10. The latch assembly (110) according to claim 9, wherein, The link (166) is biased toward the initial position by an offset member (166c).

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