Power-actuated latch assembly for a closure member of a motor vehicle and method of performing a dual actuated release of a power-actuated

Abstract

The invention relates to a power-actuated latch assembly for a closure member of a motor vehicle and a method of performing dual-actuated release of a power-actuated latch assembly. A closure latch assembly for a vehicle closure panel has a two-stage power release mechanism having a release lever configured for movement in a first direction and an opposite second direction. A first actuation of the actuator causes a first stage actuation in which the release lever moves in a first direction to move the closure latch assembly from a fully latched state to a partially latched state. A second actuation of the actuator causes a second stage actuation in which the release lever moves in a second direction to move the closure latch assembly from the partially latched state to the open state.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 720,643, filed November 14, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to closing latches for vehicle closing components. More specifically, this disclosure relates to hood / front trunk latches equipped with a two-way release mechanism. Background Technology

[0004] This section provides background information related to closing latches, but is not necessarily prior art for closing latches as disclosed herein.

[0005] Many modern latches for vehicle closures, such as hoods, trunks, and front cargo boxes, are power-actuated. Latches for vehicle hoods, whether for the trunk, engine hood, or front cargo box, are typically two-stage latches actuated in two separate stages; such latches are sometimes referred to as double-pull latches. It is known to release double-pull latches via power actuation, where the power actuator must be actuated to move twice in opposite directions. Thus, the first stage actuation moves the power actuator in the opposite direction from its original position to the released position and then back to the original position, thereby moving the latch from the primary latch state to the secondary latch state. Then, the second stage actuation moves the power actuator again in the opposite direction from its original position to the released position and then back to the original position, thereby moving the latch from the secondary latch state to the unlocked state. While such power-actuated double-pull latches are well-suited to their intended use, they have disadvantages. For example, in a dual-power reset actuation system, including the return of the power actuator from the released position to the original position, the two opposing cycles required for the power actuator to release a dual-pull latch are twice the duty cycle of a single-pull latch. Consequently, the lifespan of the power actuator in a power-actuated dual-pull latch is reduced, potentially by almost half. Furthermore, maintaining the positional accuracy of the moving part throughout the two opposing cycles is complex. Therefore, improved solutions are needed to at least address the aforementioned drawbacks. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This section provides a general overview of the disclosure and is not intended to be construed as a comprehensive and exhaustive list of the full scope of the disclosure or of all aspects, features and purposes of the disclosure.

[0007] One aspect of this disclosure is to provide a closing latch assembly for a vehicle closing panel, wherein the closing latch assembly has a two-stage power release mechanism having a power release gear configured to move in a first direction during a first actuation of an actuator to cause a first-stage actuation and in a second direction during a second actuation of an actuator to cause a second-stage actuation, wherein in the first-stage actuation, the closing latch assembly moves from a fully latched state to a partially latched state, and in the second-stage actuation, the closing latch assembly moves from the partially latched state to an open state.

[0008] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the closing latch assembly has an actuator and a power release gear operatively communicated with the actuator. The power release gear is movable from an initial position in a first direction to an actuated position, and is movable from the actuated position in a second direction opposite to the first direction back to the initial position. A pawl is movable between a primary ratchet holding position, a secondary ratchet holding position, and a ratchet release position. The ratchet is movable between a primary pin capture position, a secondary pin capture position, and a pin release position, wherein in the primary pin capture position, the pawl is in the primary ratchet holding position and the pin is captured by the ratchet to hold the closing member in a primary closed position; in the secondary pin capture position, the pawl is in the secondary ratchet holding position and the pin is captured by the ratchet to hold the closing member in a partially closed position; and in the pin release position, the pawl is in the ratchet release position and the pin is freely removed from the ratchet. The actuator's first power actuation drives the power release gear from its original position to its actuated position along a first direction. At the actuated position, the pawl moves from the main ratchet holding position to the secondary ratchet holding position, and the ratchet moves from the main impact pin capture position to the secondary impact pin capture position. Then, the actuator's second power actuation drives the power release gear from the actuated position to its original position along a second direction. At the original position, the pawl moves from the secondary ratchet holding position to the ratchet release position, and the ratchet moves from the secondary impact pin capture position to the impact pin release position.

[0009] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the cam is configured to be operably driven in communication with the power release gear to rotate about a cam pin, the cam having a first drive surface configured to operably drive the main pawl from a main ratchet holding position to a main ratchet release position, and the cam having a second drive surface configured to operably drive the secondary pawl from a secondary ratchet holding position to a secondary ratchet release position.

[0010] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the ratchet bar is configured for pivoting about a ratchet pin, wherein the main pawl is supported by a main pawl pin fixed to the ratchet bar for movement between a main ratchet holding position and a main ratchet releasing position.

[0011] According to another aspect of this disclosure, when the ratchet lever pivots about the ratchet pin, the main pawl moves in a manner that both rotates about the main pawl pin and translates together with the ratchet lever.

[0012] According to another aspect of this disclosure, when the secondary pawl pivots from the secondary ratchet holding position to the secondary ratchet releasing position, the secondary pawl moves only by pivoting about the secondary pawl pin.

[0013] According to another aspect of this disclosure, when the main pawl is in the main ratchet holding position, it is engaged by a ratchet at a first end of the main pawl and by a holding pawl at a second end of the main pawl opposite to the first end.

[0014] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the main pawl pin is located between the first end and the second end.

[0015] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the pawl extends from the cam.

[0016] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the retaining pawl is fixed for movement in conjunction with the cam.

[0017] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the first driving surface of the cam and the second driving surface of the cam are spaced apart from each other by a pawl.

[0018] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the main pawl is prevented from translating when it is in the main ratchet holding position by the holding pawl.

[0019] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the housing supports a ratchet pin, the housing has a guide groove, and the main pawl has a pin extending laterally from the main pawl for receiving in the guide groove, the pin traversing the guide groove when the main pawl moves from the main ratchet holding position to the main ratchet releasing position.

[0020] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method for double-actuated release of a power-actuated latch assembly is provided. The method includes the steps of: performing a first power actuation of the actuator and driving a power release gear from an original position to an actuated position in a first direction, and moving a main pawl from a main ratchet holding position to a main ratchet release position, thereby pivoting the ratchet about a ratchet pin and simultaneously moving it from a main pin capture position to a secondary pin capture position, where the pin is captured by the ratchet to hold the closing member in a main closed position, and at the secondary pin capture position, the pin is captured by the ratchet to hold the closing member in a partially closed position. The method further includes the step of: performing a second power actuation of the actuator and driving the power release gear from the actuated position back to the original position in a second direction, thereby moving the ratchet from the secondary pin capture position to the pin release position, where the pin is freely removed from the ratchet and the closing member is freely moved from the partially closed position to the open position.

[0021] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the method may include the following steps: driving the cam about the cam pin in a first direction in a rotatable manner by driving the power release gear from the original position to the actuated position, and causing the first drive surface of the cam to operably drive the main pawl from the main ratchet holding position to the main ratchet release position; and driving the cam about the cam pin in a second direction in a rotatable manner by driving the power release gear from the actuated position to the original position, and causing the second drive surface of the cam to operably drive the secondary pawl from the secondary ratchet holding position to the secondary ratchet release position.

[0022] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the method may include an additional step of causing a first drive surface of the cam to pivot the ratchet bar about the ratchet pin to drive the main pawl from the main ratchet holding position to the main ratchet release position.

[0023] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the method may include the step of pivoting the main pawl about a main pawl pin fixed to the ratchet bar while driving the main pawl between a main ratchet hold position and a main ratchet release position.

[0024] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the method may include an additional step: causing the main pawl to translate together with the ratchet as the ratchet lever pivots about the ratchet pin.

[0025] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the method may include the following steps: when the main pawl is in the main ratchet holding position, engaging the main pawl with the ratchet at a first end of the main pawl, and when the main pawl is in the main ratchet holding position, engaging the second end of the main pawl opposite to the first end with the holding pawl.

[0026] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the method may include an additional step of: while driving the cam in a rotatable manner about the cam pin, moving the retaining pawl in a manner that moves in conjunction with the cam.

[0027] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the method may include an additional step: when the main pawl moves from the main ratchet holding position to the main ratchet releasing position, a guide pin extending laterally from the main pawl passes through a guide groove in the housing that supports the ratchet pin.

[0028] Other application areas will become readily apparent from the descriptions provided herein. As noted, the descriptions and any specific examples in this overview are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The accompanying drawings described herein illustrate selected embodiments and their specific features, and these drawings are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. This disclosure will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a motor vehicle having a power-actuated latch assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the power-actuated latch assembly including a bidirectional, dual-actuated power release mechanism;

[0031] Figure 2A This is a perspective view of a latch assembly constructed according to a non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A Side view of the latch assembly;

[0033] Figure 3A yes Figure 2A and Figure 2B A front perspective view of the latching mechanism of the latching assembly, illustrating the latching mechanism in the main latching state, wherein the housing and other components have been removed for clarity only;

[0034] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A Rear side view of the latching mechanism;

[0035] Figure 4 It is a front perspective view of the latching mechanism, illustrating that the release cam is driven from its original position along a first direction during the first actuation of the actuator to initiate the movement of the main pawl relative to the ratchet away from the main ratchet holding position.

[0036] Figure 5 It is similar to Figure 4 The view illustrates that the cam is continuously driven in a first direction during the first actuation of the actuator and the main pawl continues to move away from the main ratchet relative to the ratchet to maintain its position.

[0037] Figure 5A It is similar to Figure 5 The view shows the main pawl release lever 35 disengaging the main pawl from the ratchet.

[0038] Figure 6 It is similar to Figure 5 The view illustrates that the cam is continuously driven in a first direction during the actuator's first actuation to actuation position and the main pawl moves relative to the ratchet to the ratchet release position, wherein the ratchet moves relative to the secondary pawl to the secondary pin capture position.

[0039] Figure 6A It is similar to Figure 6 The view shows that the main pawl release lever 35 has disengaged the main pawl from the ratchet.

[0040] Figure 7 It is similar to Figure 4The view illustrates that the release cam is driven back from the actuated position in the second direction toward the original position during the second actuation of the actuator to initiate the movement of the secondary pawl relative to the ratchet away from the secondary ratchet holding position.

[0041] Figure 8 It is similar to Figure 7 The view illustrates that during the second actuation of the actuator, the cam is continuously driven to its original position in a second direction, and the secondary pawl moves relative to the ratchet from the secondary ratchet holding position to the ratchet release position, allowing the ratchet to move from the secondary pin capture position to the pin release position; and

[0042] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for double-actuated release of a power-actuated latch assembly according to another aspect of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Example embodiments of a closing latch assembly for use in a motor vehicle door closing system 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 readily understood by those skilled in the art that specific details are not required, that the example embodiments may be implemented in many different forms, and that no example embodiment should be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.

[0044] 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” are 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 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 as 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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 explicitly indicated by the context, terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms used herein do not imply sequence or order. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer, or segment discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or segment without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0047] For ease of description, spatially related terms such as “inner,” “outer,” “below,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” “top,” and “bottom” are used herein to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another illustrated in the figures. Spatially related terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation, other than those depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as “below” or “below” to other elements or features would then be oriented “above” to other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated at an angle or in other orientations), and the spatially related descriptive terms used herein are interpreted accordingly.

[0048] Reference Figure 1The diagram illustrates a motor vehicle 11 with a closed panel, shown as a front hood and hereinafter referred to as hood 13, to which a bolt 22 is securely attached. The hood 13 may, in a known manner, enclose the engine or front trunk 17, also referred to as the front cargo box 17, for storage in a compartment located in the front of the vehicle 11, where the engine would typically occupy the front, but has been moved to another location within the vehicle. The bolt 22 may be captured by a dual-actuated power-actuated latch assembly, hereinafter generally referred to simply as latch assembly 10, which includes a bidirectional, dual-actuated power release mechanism, hereinafter referred to as latch mechanism 31. Latch assembly 10 has a housing 12 ( Figure 2A and Figure 2B The housing 12 is shown as including a first housing plate 12a ( Figure 2A , Figure 2B as well as Figures 4 to 8 ) and the second shell plate 12b ( Figure 2A and Figure 2B The housing 12 is mounted on the body 15 of the motor vehicle 11. It should be understood that, by way of example and not limitation, power actuation can be selectively actuated via any internal button or feature within the driver's cab 28 of the motor vehicle 11 and / or commanded via external features including buttons, levers, handles, or remote key KF. Figure 2A As best illustrated, actuation of the latch assembly 10 excites an electric motor, also known as actuator 14, which in turn rotates the output shaft of the worm gear 16 with a drive gear in one of two opposite directions referred to below as the first direction and the second direction—thus bidirectional—and thereby rotatably drives the driven gear, also known as the power release gear 18. Rotation of the power release gear 18 in the desired direction causes actuation of the latch assembly 10 to move it to a desired position, as discussed further below.

[0049] As permitted by the power actuation of the latch assembly 10, the cover 13 can be moved from a fully closed position to various open positions, including a partially open position and a fully open position. The partially open position is also referred to as the secondary open position. In the partially open position, the cover 13 is prevented from being fully opened without further actuation of the latch assembly 10. In the fully open position, the cover 13 can be lifted and the bolt 22 can be removed from the latch assembly 10. Figure 1 ), to provide access to the loading space or front trunk 17.

[0050] By way of example and not limitation, the latch assembly 10 is shown having a latching mechanism 31, which includes: a main ratchet 30, also referred to as a ratchet 30, pivotally connected to the housing 12 via a ratchet pin 30a supported by the housing 12, and the ratchet pin 30a is shown to be supported by a first housing plate 12a and a second housing plate 12b; a main pawl 32, pivoting about the main pawl pin 32a; and a secondary pawl 34, pivotally connected to the housing 12 via a secondary pawl pin 34a supported by the housing 12, and the secondary pawl pin 34a is shown to be supported by the first housing plate 12a and the second housing plate 12b. The ratchet 30 can be in the main pin capture position ( Figures 2A to 5 ), secondary impact pin capture position ( Figure 6 and Figure 7 ) and main impact pin release position ( Figure 8 The ratchet 30 moves between the primary and secondary pins. The primary pin capture position is also called the primary closed position or closed position, the secondary pin capture position is also called the partially closed or partially open position, and the primary pin release position is also called the pin release position or open position. The ratchet 30 is biased toward the open position by the primary ratchet biasing member 30b. The ratchet 30 has a groove S, as known, for locking the pin 22 therein when in the closed position.

[0051] The main pawl 32 can maintain the position of the main ratchet. Figures 2A to 5 ) and the main ratchet release position ( Figures 6 to 8 The main pawl 32 moves between the main ratchet and the main ratchet. In the main ratchet holding position, the first end 33 of the main pawl 32 engages with the ratchet holding surface 30c of the ratchet 30. In the main ratchet release position, the first end 33 of the main pawl 32 moves away from the ratchet holding surface 30c. The main pawl 32 is biased toward the main ratchet holding position by the main pawl biasing member 32b. Figure 3B ).

[0052] The secondary pawl 34 can hold the position in place with the secondary ratchet. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The pawl 34 moves between the secondary ratchet release position and the secondary ratchet holding position. In the secondary ratchet holding position, the secondary ratchet blocking surface 34c of the secondary pawl 34 engages with the ratchet holding surface 30c. In the secondary ratchet release position, the secondary ratchet blocking surface 34 moves away from the ratchet holding surface 30c. The secondary pawl 34 is biased toward the secondary ratchet holding position by the secondary pawl biasing member 34b. Figure 3B ).

[0053] The ratchet 30 is configured to move between a main pin capture position, a secondary pin capture position, and a pin release position. In the main pin capture position, the main pawl 32 is in the main ratchet holding position and the pin 22 is captured in the slot S of the ratchet 30 to hold the hood 13 in the main closed position. In the secondary pin capture position, the main pawl 32 is in the main ratchet release position and the secondary ratchet blocking surface 34c of the secondary ratchet 34 is in the secondary ratchet holding position. In the pin release position, the main pawl 32 is held in the main ratchet release position and the secondary pawl 34 is in the secondary ratchet release position. In the secondary ratchet release position, the pin 22 can be removed from the ratchet 30 to allow the hood 13 to move to the open position.

[0054] As described above, the latch assembly 10 is a power-actuable, bidirectional, double-actuated latch assembly, and therefore, the movement of the latch assembly 10 from the fully latched position to the unlocked position requires two actuations of the power actuator 18. During the first actuation of the actuator 14, the actuator 14 is rotatably driven in a first direction, thereby rotatably driving the power release gear 18 from its original position to the actuated position in the first direction. The power release gear 18 rotatably drives a power release cam about a cam pin 20c, hereinafter referred to as cam 20. The cam pin 20c is supported by the housing 12 and illustrated as being supported by a first plate 12a and a second plate 12b. The cam 20 is configured to be operatively driven in communication with the power release gear 18 (directly or indirectly via an intermediate member) for a driven pivoting movement in the first direction D1 from the original position to the actuated position. Figures 4 to 6 The diagram shows a counter-clockwise direction; the original position is also called the primary position, and the actuated position is also called the secondary position. When cam 20 moves from the original position to the actuated position, the first drive surface 20a of cam 20 moves relative to ratchet 24 and engages with ratchet 24, allowing ratchet 24 to pivotally move from the first position to the second position, for example, under the bias applied by ratchet biasing member 24a, about ratchet pin 30a. Figure 3A as well as Figures 4 to 6 When the ratchet 24 pivots from the first position to the second position, the main pawl 32, which is pivotally supported and connected to the ratchet 24 via the main pawl pin 32a and spaced slightly from the ratchet 24, moves together with the ratchet 24 from the main ratchet holding position to the ratchet release position. The ratchet 30, under the bias applied by the ratchet biasing member 30b, moves from the main impact pin capture position to the secondary impact pin capture position. At the secondary impact pin capture position, the secondary ratchet blocking surface 34c of the secondary pawl 34 is biased by the secondary pawl biasing member to the secondary ratchet holding position together with the ratchet holding surface 30c. Figure 6To facilitate the movement of the main pawl 32, a retaining pawl 26, extending from the cam 20 and configured to move together with the cam 20, applies torque to one end of the main pawl 32, while a ratchet 30 applies torque to the opposite end of the main pawl 32. When in the main ratchet retaining position, the main pawl 32 is engaged at the first end by the ratchet 30 and at the second end 35 opposite the first end 33 by the retaining pawl 26, and thus, the main pawl 32 is compressed between the retaining pawl 26 and the ratchet 30 when in the main ratchet retaining position. Therefore, the main pawl 32 is prevented from translating when in the main ratchet retaining position by the retaining pawl 26. However, when the main pawl 32 moves from the main ratchet holding position toward the main ratchet release position against the bias applied by the main pawl biasing member 32b, the main pawl 32 moves simultaneously with the ratchet bar 24, which is pivotally driven about the ratchet pin 30a via the ratchet bar biasing member 24a, in a manner that both rotates about the main pawl pin 32a and translates while moving together with the ratchet bar 24. Therefore, the movement of the main pawl 32 from its main ratchet hold position to its main ratchet release position is a compound movement driven by the movement of the ratchet bar 24 under the biasing force of the ratchet bar biasing member 24a and facilitated by the cam force applied by the ratchet 30 under the biasing force of the ratchet bar biasing member 30b. This movement both rotates about the main pawl pin 32a (disengagement operation) and translates during the co-movement with the ratchet bar 24 (soft-opening operation to release the sealing force before the main pawl 32 and ratchet 30 are fully disengaged). The translation during the co-movement with the ratchet bar 24 causes the ratchet 30 to rotate from the fully closed position toward the open position; in the illustrative embodiment shown, the translation during the co-movement with the ratchet bar 24 does not cause the ratchet 30 to rotate from the open position toward the fully closed position as part of the closing or tightening operation. In another possible configuration, the power release motor can be increased to perform this closing or tightening operation, or another tightening mechanism can be used to move the ratchet 30 from the secondary closed position to the primary closed position. According to Figure 5A and Figure 6AAnother possible configuration, illustrated illustratively, includes a main pawl release lever 35, which is shown by way of example as pivotally mounted about a secondary pawl pin 34a for rotation about the secondary pawl pin 34a. The main pawl release lever 35 has a driven arm 35a and a drive arm 35b. The driven arm 35a is adapted to be engaged by the cam 20 when the cam 20 rotates in the direction D1. The cam 20 may have an additional cam surface 20d dedicated to rotating the main pawl release lever 35 by acting on the driven arm 35a. The additional cam surface 20d may be a curved surface, a lug, or other shaped actuating feature. For example, the additional cam surface 20d may be arranged in a stacked relationship with the cam drive surfaces 20a and 20b. When the cam 20 rotates in the direction D1, the additional cam surface 20d will rotate the main pawl release lever 35, causing the drive arm 35b to contact the main pawl 32, for example, via pin P, and push the main pawl 32 to its released position. A service lever, also pivotally connected to the secondary pawl pin 34a, can be configured to be driven by a cable extending outside the latch, wherein the service lever can be actuated to also contact the main pawl 32, for example via pin P, to disengage the main pawl 32 from the ratchet 30. To facilitate controlled compound movement of the main pawl 32, the main pawl 32 may have a release rivet extending laterally from the main pawl 32, the release rivet also referred to as a guide pin P, for being guidedly received in a release guide feature, shown as a guide groove 36 in the housing 12, shown as formed in the second plate 12b. Figure 2A and Figure 2B This is for illustrative purposes only and not as a limitation. Therefore, as the main pawl 32 moves between its ratchet-held position and its ratchet-release position, the guide pin P guides the main pawl 32 in a guiding manner across the length of the guide groove 36 as the main pawl 32 pivots about the main pawl pin 32a. The cam 20 reaches its fully deployed position upon encountering the stop 38, in which the stop 38 is shown as fixed to the housing 12 and formed in the first plate 12s. Figure 2A and Figure 2B (This is used as an example, not a limitation.)

[0055] Then, during the second actuation of actuator 14, actuator 14 is rotatably driven along the second direction, thereby rotatably driving power release gear 18 from the actuated position to the original position along the second direction, wherein power release gear 18 rotatably drives cam 20 from the actuated position back to the original position along the second direction D2, the second direction D2 being in... Figure 7 and Figure 8 The direction is shown as clockwise. When the cam 20 moves from the actuated position to the original position, the second drive surface 20b of the cam 20, which is axially spaced from the first drive surface 20a along the cam pin 20c, moves to engage with the arm of the secondary pawl 34. Figure 7According to the illustrative example, the retaining pawl 26 extends from the cam 20 between the first drive surface 20a and the second drive surface 20b, such that the first drive surface 20a and the second drive surface 20b of the cam 20 are spaced apart from each other by the retaining pawl 26. As the cam 20 continues to rotate toward its original position, the second drive surface 20b pushes the secondary pawl 34 against the bias applied by the secondary pawl biasing member 34b, and eventually causes the secondary pawl 34 to move only by pivoting about the secondary pawl pin 34a from the secondary ratchet holding position to the secondary ratchet release position, at which the ratchet 30 moves from the secondary pin capture position to the pin release position under the bias applied by the ratchet biasing member 30b. Figure 8 The cam 20 reaches its original position when it encounters the stop 38, which is shown as extending from the housing, for example, from the second plate 12b.

[0056] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method 1000 for double-actuated release of a power-actuated latch assembly is provided. The method includes the following steps 1100: performing a first power actuation of an actuator 14, driving a power release gear 18 from an initial position to an actuated position in a first direction, and moving a main pawl 32 from a main ratchet holding position to a main ratchet release position, thereby pivoting a ratchet 30 about a ratchet pin while moving it from a main strike pin capture position to a secondary strike pin capture position. At the main strike pin capture position, the strike pin 22 is captured by the ratchet 30 to hold the closing member 13 in a primary closed position; at the secondary strike pin capture position, the strike pin 22 is captured by the ratchet 30 to hold the closing member 13 in a partially closed position. Furthermore, in step 1200: the second power actuation of the actuator 14 is performed, and the power release gear 18 is driven back from the actuated position to the original position in the second direction, thereby moving the ratchet 30 from the secondary pin capture position to the pin release position. At the pin release position, the pin 22 is freely removed from the ratchet 30 and the closing member is freely moved from the partially closed position to the open position.

[0057] The method may further include the following steps 1300: driving the cam 20 rotatably about the cam pin 20c in a first direction by driving the power release gear 18 from the original position to the actuated position, and causing the first drive surface 20a of the cam 20 to operably drive the main pawl 32 from the main ratchet holding position to the main ratchet release position; and driving the cam 20 rotatably about the cam pin 20c in a second direction by driving the power release gear 18 from the actuated position to the original position, and causing the second drive surface 20b of the cam to operably drive the secondary pawl 34 from the secondary ratchet holding position to the secondary ratchet release position.

[0058] The method may also include the following step 1400: causing the first drive surface 20a of the cam 20 to pivot the ratchet bar 24 about the ratchet pin 30a to drive the main pawl 32 from the main ratchet holding position to the main ratchet release position.

[0059] The method may also include the following step 1500: pivoting the main pawl 32 about the main pawl pin 32a fixed to the ratchet bar 24, while driving the main pawl 32 between the main ratchet holding position and the main ratchet releasing position.

[0060] The method may also include the following step 1600: when the ratchet bar 24 pivots about the ratchet pin 30a, the main pawl 32 and the ratchet bar 24 translate together.

[0061] The method may further include the following steps 1700: when the main pawl 32 is in the main ratchet holding position, the main pawl 32 engages with the ratchet 30 at the first end 33 of the main pawl 32, and when the main pawl 32 is in the main ratchet holding position, the second end 35 of the main pawl 32 opposite to the first end 33 engages with the holding pawl 26.

[0062] The method may further include the following step 1800: while driving the cam 20 rotatably about the cam pin 20c, moving the retaining pawl 26 in a manner that moves in conjunction with the cam 20.

[0063] The method may further include the following step 1900: when the main pawl 32 moves from the main ratchet holding position to the main ratchet releasing position, a guide pin P extending laterally from the main pawl 32 passes through the guide groove 36 of the housing 12 that supports the ratchet pin 30a.

[0064] 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. 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 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.

Claims

1. A power-actuated latching assembly for a closing member of a motor vehicle, comprising: Actuator; A power release gear, operably connected to the actuator, the power release gear being movable from an original position along a first direction to an actuated position, and being movable from the actuated position along a second direction opposite to the first direction back to the original position; The main pawl is movable between the main ratchet holding position and the main ratchet releasing position; A secondary pawl, which is movable between a secondary ratchet holding position and a secondary ratchet release position; A ratchet is movable about a ratchet pin between a main pin capture position, a secondary pin capture position, and a pin release position. At the main pin capture position, the main pawl is in the main ratchet holding position and the pin is captured by the ratchet to hold the closing member in a primary closed position. At the secondary pin capture position, the secondary pawl is in the secondary ratchet holding position and the pin is captured by the ratchet to hold the closing member in a partially closed position. At the pin release position, the main pawl is in the main ratchet release position, the secondary pawl is in the secondary ratchet release position, and the pin is freely removed from the ratchet. and Specifically, the first power actuation of the actuator drives the power release gear from the original position to the actuated position along the first direction. At the actuated position, the main pawl moves from the main ratchet holding position to the main ratchet release position, and the ratchet moves from the main impact pin capture position to the secondary impact pin capture position. At the secondary impact pin capture position, the secondary pawl moves to the secondary ratchet holding position. The second power actuation of the actuator drives the power release gear from the actuation position to the original position along the second direction. At the original position, the secondary pawl pivots from the secondary ratchet holding position to the secondary ratchet release position, and the ratchet moves from the secondary ramming pin capture position to the ramming pin release position.

2. The power-actuated latching assembly of claim 1, further comprising a cam configured to be operably driven in communication with a power release gear for rotation about a cam pin, the cam having a first drive surface configured to operably drive the primary pawl from the primary ratchet holding position to the primary ratchet release position, and the cam having a second drive surface configured to operably drive the secondary pawl from the secondary ratchet holding position to the secondary ratchet release position.

3. The power-actuated latch assembly of claim 2 further includes a ratchet bar configured for pivoting about the ratchet pin, wherein, The main pawl is supported by a main pawl pin fixed to the ratchet bar for movement between the main ratchet hold position and the main ratchet release position.

4. The power-actuated latching assembly according to claim 3, wherein, When the ratchet lever pivots about the ratchet pin, the main pawl moves in a manner that both rotates about the main pawl pin and translates together with the ratchet lever.

5. The power-actuated latching assembly according to claim 4, wherein, When the secondary pawl pivots from the secondary ratchet holding position to the secondary ratchet releasing position, the secondary pawl moves only by pivoting about the secondary pawl pin.

6. The power-actuated latching assembly according to claim 2, wherein, When the main pawl is in the main ratchet holding position, it is engaged by the ratchet at the first end of the main pawl and by the holding pawl at the second end of the main pawl opposite to the first end.

7. The power-actuated latching assembly according to claim 6, wherein, The main pawl pin is located between the first end and the second end.

8. The power-actuated latching assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The retaining pawl extends from the cam.

9. The power-actuated latching assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The retaining pawl is fixed for moving together with the cam.

10. The power-actuated latching assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The first driving surface and the second driving surface of the cam are spaced apart from each other by the retaining pawl.

11. The power-actuated latching assembly according to claim 6, wherein, The main pawl is prevented from translating when it is in the main ratchet holding position by the holding pawl.

12. The power-actuated latch assembly of claim 4, further comprising a housing supporting the ratchet pin, the housing having a guide groove, and the main pawl having a pin extending laterally from the main pawl for receiving in the guide groove, the pin traversing the guide groove when the main pawl moves from the main ratchet holding position to the main ratchet releasing position.

13. A method for double-actuated release of a power-actuated latch assembly, comprising: The actuator is first actuated, and the power release gear is driven from the original position to the actuated position in the first direction, and the main pawl is moved from the main ratchet holding position to the main ratchet release position, thereby causing the ratchet to pivot about the ratchet pin and move from the main impact pin capture position to the secondary impact pin capture position, where the impact pin is captured by the ratchet to hold the closing member in the main closed position, and where the impact pin is captured by the ratchet to hold the closing member in the partially closed position; as well as The actuator is actuated a second time, and the power release gear is driven back from the actuated position to the original position in a second direction, thereby moving the ratchet from the secondary pin capture position to the pin release position, where the pin is freely removed from the ratchet and the closing member is freely moved from the partially closed position to the open position.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: The cam is rotatably driven about the cam pin in a first direction by driving the power release gear from the original position to the actuated position, and the first drive surface of the cam is operable to drive the main pawl from the main ratchet holding position to the main ratchet release position. And by driving the power release gear from the actuated position to the original position, the cam is rotatably driven about the cam pin in a second direction, and the second drive surface of the cam is operably driven from the secondary ratchet holding position to the secondary ratchet release position.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: The first drive surface of the cam causes the ratchet bar to pivot about the ratchet pin, thereby driving the main pawl from the main ratchet holding position to the main ratchet release position.

16. The method of claim 13, further comprising: The main pawl is pivoted about the main pawl pin fixed to the ratchet bar, and the main pawl is driven between the main ratchet holding position and the main ratchet releasing position.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: When the ratchet lever pivots around the ratchet pin, the main pawl and the ratchet lever move together.

18. The method of claim 14, further comprising: When the main pawl is in the main ratchet holding position, the main pawl engages with the ratchet at its first end, and when the main pawl is in the main ratchet holding position, the second end of the main pawl opposite to the first end engages with the holding pawl.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: While the cam is rotatably driven around the cam pin, the retaining pawl moves in a manner that moves in conjunction with the cam.

20. The method of claim 13, further comprising: When the main pawl moves from the main ratchet holding position to the main ratchet releasing position, a guide pin extending laterally from the main pawl passes through a guide groove in the housing that supports the ratchet pin.

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