Vehicle latch

Abstract

A vehicle latch is provided that includes: only a single motor for driving a worm operably coupled to the single motor, the worm meshingly engaging a wheel, the wheel rotatably mounted to a housing of the latch; during the motorized release of the latch, the single motor rotates the wheel in a first direction from a reset position, and then, in order to return the wheel to the reset position, the single motor rotates the wheel in a second direction opposite the first direction; and rotation of the wheel from the reset position in the second direction by the single motor will cause the latch to be in an electric child lock and / or double lock position, then the wheel is rotated back to the reset position by a spring, rerotation of the wheel from the reset position by the single motor in the second direction will disengage the latch from the electric child lock and / or the double lock position, making mechanical opening of the latch operable, and then the wheel is rotated back to the reset position by the spring.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Exemplary embodiments of the present utility model relate to door latch technology. Background Art

[0002] A door latch includes a plurality of cooperating components to provide the operation of the door latch. In some applications, the latch is electrically opened by a motor operably coupled to the latch. In these applications, a second motor is typically required to position the latch so that the latch can be mechanically operated or opened in the event of a power failure to the latch.

[0003] For example, in an electrically released door latch, when a mechanical redundancy spare part is required, a second motor is needed to manage the disengagement / re-engagement of the mechanical linkage, such as the double-lock function of an electric child lock or an internal mechanical spare part or the locking / unlocking of an external release spare part.

[0004] Reducing the number of components in the latch assembly and using them or using them for multiple functions is a difficult task.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need to provide an improved door latch in which the latch can be operated as needed while reducing the number of components required for latch operation. Summary of the Utility Model

[0006] There is provided a vehicle latch, characterized in that the vehicle latch includes: only a single motor for driving a worm operably coupled to the single motor, the worm meshingly engaging a wheel rotatably mounted on a housing of the latch; during an electric release of the latch, the single motor rotates the wheel from a reset position in a first direction, and then, in order to return the wheel to the reset position, the single motor rotates the wheel in a second direction opposite to the first direction; and rotation of the wheel from the reset position by the single motor in the second direction will cause the latch to be in an electric child lock and / or double-lock position, and then, the wheel is rotated back to the reset position by a spring, and a further rotation of the wheel from the reset position by the single motor in the second direction will disengage the latch from the electric child lock and / or the double-lock position, enabling mechanical opening of the latch, and then, the wheel is rotated back to the reset position by the spring.

[0007] According to an exemplary embodiment, the worm meshingly engages a plurality of teeth arranged around a periphery of the wheel.

[0008] According to an exemplary embodiment, the wheel further has a cam portion on one side of the wheel and a drive feature on an opposite side of the wheel.

[0009] According to an exemplary embodiment, the cam portion is configured to engage a first release lever, and the drive feature is configured to engage a first blocking lever.

[0010] According to an exemplary embodiment, the first release lever and the first blocking lever are rotatably mounted to the latch.

[0011] According to an exemplary embodiment, the first release lever is operatively coupled to a pawl such that movement of the cam portion of the wheel by the first release lever will cause movement of the pawl, the pawl being configured to engage a claw of the latch to hold the claw in a closed or secondary position or a primary position, and wherein movement of the pawl from the engaged position to the disengaged position will allow the claw to pivot or rotate to an open position.

[0012] According to an exemplary embodiment, when the vehicle latch is reset and in an original position, the electric child lock feature and the double lock feature are closed and the double pull feature is open, and by movement of the single motor in the first direction, the latch is released from this position, and thereafter and in order to return the latch to the original position, the single motor rotates in the second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0013] According to an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle latch further includes: a locking link; and a locking lever, wherein the locking link has a locking link pin protruding upward from a surface of the locking link, the locking link pin being configured to pass through a cam transition of the locking lever.

[0014] According to an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle latch further includes: an emergency release lever; a locking link; a back plate; a blocking link; a rear drive spring; a second blocking lever; a locking lever spring; a locking lever; a temporary release lever spring; a temporary release lever; a pawl switch lever; a release link; and a second release lever.

[0015] According to an exemplary embodiment, the locking link has a locking link pin protruding upward from a surface of the locking link, the locking link pin being configured to pass through a cam transition of the locking lever.

[0016] According to an exemplary embodiment, the worm meshingly engages a plurality of teeth disposed around a periphery of the wheel. Description of the Drawings

[0017] The following description should not be regarded as limiting in any way. Referring to the drawings, like elements are numbered in like manner:

[0018] Figure 1 and Figure 2 shows various parts of a vehicle latch according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3is a graphical representation of the operation of a vehicle latch according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figures 4A to 4F shows the operation of a vehicle latch according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 5A and Figure 5B is an exploded view of the components of a vehicle latch according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 6A and Figure 6B shows the movement of the latch pin of the vehicle latch within the cam feature of the locking lever;

[0023] Figure 7 shows a portion of the vehicle latch in the closed door position, wherein the door latch is operable for electric release and for mechanical release by double pull or single pull operations;

[0024] Figures 8 to 10 shows a portion of the vehicle latch in the closed door position, wherein the door latch is not operable for double pull or single pull operations;

[0025] Figures 11 to 12 shows a portion of the vehicle latch in the closed door position, wherein the door latch is operable for double pull or single pull operations;

[0026] Figure 13A shows a portion of the vehicle latch, wherein the door latch is not operable for double pull or single pull operations;

[0027] Figure 13B shows a portion of the vehicle latch, wherein the door latch is operable for double pull or single pull operations;

[0028] Figures 14A to 14C shows a portion of the vehicle latch in the closed door position, wherein the door latch is operable for double pull or single pull operations;

[0029] Figures 15A to 15C shows a portion of the vehicle latch in the closed door position during the first pull of a handle operably connected to the vehicle latch when the latch is operable for mechanical release;

[0030] Figures 16A to 16C shows a portion of the vehicle latch in the closed door position after the first pull of a handle operably coupled to the vehicle latch when the latch is operable for mechanical release;

[0031] Figures 17A to 17C shows a portion of the vehicle latch in the closed door position after the first pull of a handle operably coupled to the vehicle latch when the latch is operable for mechanical release; and

[0032] Figures 18A to 18C Shows a portion of a vehicle latch in a door closed position during a second pull of a handle operatively coupled to the vehicle latch when the latch is available for mechanical release. Detailed Description

[0033] One or more embodiments of the devices and methods of the present invention are described in detail herein by way of example and not limitation, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0034] The present invention relates to a vehicle door latch (vehicle door latch or latch) that can be electrically released from the interior of the vehicle and re - engage a mechanical backup release device using only one motor instead of two motors. This is particularly useful for rear doors equipped with child locks and / or all doors equipped with a super lock or double - lock version.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the latch has at least three predefined positions (closed / main position, partially open / secondary position, or fully open position).

[0036] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when the pawl of the latch is in the open position, a temporary mechanical stop is provided for the release actuator when the release actuator is in a floating position corresponding to the rest or original position of the release actuator.

[0037] When the latch is in the closed position, the release motor of the release actuator rotates in one direction from this "floating" position to open the latch, or rotates in the opposite direction to disengage or re - engage the mechanical backup. When the door is opened by electric release, the motor is powered again in the opposite direction to restart the release actuator to electrically open the latch again or disengage or re - engage the mechanical backup. When the pawl of the latch is in the open position, the latch will prevent the release actuator from reaching the position corresponding to disengaging or re - engaging the mechanical backup.

[0038] The present invention relates to using one motor for powered release and disengaging / re - engaging a mechanical backup release device.

[0039] In addition, the present invention utilizes the rotation direction of the motor for powered release, and utilizes the re - rotation of the motor to achieve the disengagement or re - engagement of the mechanical release linkage through a specific cam design and spring.

[0040] Now referring to Figures 1 to 18C , various aspects of the present invention will be discussed.

[0041] Figure 1Shows a portion of a vehicle latch 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle latch 10 has only a single motor 12 for driving a worm 14 operatively coupled to the motor 12. In other words, there is only one motor in the latch 10. The worm 14 meshingly engages a wheel 16 that is rotatably mounted to the housing 18 of the latch 10. The worm 14 meshingly engages a plurality of teeth 20 disposed around the perimeter of the wheel 16. The wheel 16 also has a cam portion 22 on one side of the wheel 16 and a drive feature 24 on the opposite side of the wheel 16.

[0042] The cam portion 22 is configured to engage a first release lever 26, while the drive feature 24 is configured to engage a first blocking lever 28. Both the first release lever 26 and the first blocking lever 28 are rotatably mounted to the latch 10. The first release lever 26 is operatively coupled to a pawl 30 such that movement of the first release lever 26 by movement of the cam portion 22 of the wheel 16 will cause movement of the pawl 30. The pawl 30 is configured to engage a claw 32 of the latch 10 to hold the claw 32 in a closed or secondary position or a primary position. Movement of the pawl 30 from an engaged position to a disengaged position will allow the claw 32 to pivot or rotate to an open position, as is known in the related art.

[0043] This movement is at least shown in Figures 4A to 4C where an electric or e-release of the latch 10 is performed. During the electric release, the single motor 12 with the worm 14 and the wheel 16 rotate counterclockwise relative to the view shown at least in Figures 4D to 4F Figures 4A - 4F Shows the power release, reset, and engagement / disengagement of the mechanical release linkage.

[0044] In addition, an emergency release lever 34, a locking linkage 36, a backplate 38, a blocking linkage 40, a rear drive spring 42, a second blocking lever 44, a locking lever spring 46, a locking lever 48, a temporary release lever spring 50, a temporary release lever 52, a pawl switch lever 54, a release linkage 56, and a second release lever 58 are shown at least in Figure 1 and Figure 2

[0045] Now refer to Figure 3 , which is a graphical representation of the operational aspects of a vehicle latch according to an embodiment of the present invention. When the latch 10 is reset and in its original position as shown in region 70, the electric child lock and double lock functions are off, while the double pull feature is on. This can also be referred to as the unlocked position of the latch 10. By the single motor 12 in a first direction as shown by arrow 72 (as in Figure 3 ​​In the movement in the counterclockwise direction (as shown), the latch 10 can be electrically released from this position. The electrical release of the latch 10 is shown by region 74. Then, in order to return the latch 10 to the position corresponding to region 70, the single motor 12 rotates along a second direction opposite to the first direction (as shown in the clockwise direction). The second direction is indicated by arrow 76. Figure 3 In another operation starting from the position shown in region 70, the release lever of the latch 10 is pulled for the first time, and the latch 10 is in a position where the double-pull function is off and the electric child lock and double-lock function are off. This position is indicated by region 78. From this position, the latch 10 can be electrically released by the movement of the motor 12 along the first direction (arrow 72), causing the latch 10 to be in the position shown in region 74, or the latch 10 can be mechanically released by a second pull of the release lever, such that the latch is in the position shown in region 80. Then, the latch 10 can be returned to the position shown in region 70 by mechanically closing the vehicle door.

[0046] In addition, the latch 10 can be switched to a position where the electric child lock and / or double-lock are open and the latch 10 is locked. This can also be referred to as the locked latch 10. This position is shown by region 82. Now returning to the position shown in region 70, by moving the single motor 12 with the worm gear 14 along the second direction 76 (as shown in the clockwise direction), the latch 10 can be transitioned to the position defined by region 82, thereby driving the wheel 16 to move the locking lever 48, causing the locking link to engage in the locked position, thus preventing the mechanical opening of the latch. Then, as shown by arrow 84, the wheel 16 returns to the reset position under the drive of the spring. Arrow 84 shows the reverse driving movement of the spring on the wheel 16. After this movement, in order to move the latch 10 back to the position specified by region 70, the single motor 12 with the worm gear 14 rotates again along the second direction 76 (as shown in the clockwise direction), thereby driving the wheel 16 to move the locking lever 48, disengaging the locking link, so that the mechanical opening of the latch is operable. As before, the return of the wheel 16 to the reset position is achieved by the spring. This is indicated by arrow 86 (as shown in the counterclockwise direction).

[0047] Moreover, when the latch 10 returns from the position shown in region 78 to the position shown in region 70, by moving along the second direction 76 (as shown in the clockwise direction). Figure 3 In the movement shown in the clockwise direction), the single motor 12 with the worm gear 14 can be moved to transition the latch 10 to the position defined by region 82, thereby driving the wheel 16 to move the locking lever 48, causing the locking link to engage in the locked position, thus preventing the mechanical opening of the latch. Then, as shown by arrow 84, the wheel 16 returns to the reset position under the drive of the spring. Arrow 84 shows the reverse driving movement of the spring on the wheel 16. After this movement, in order to move the latch 10 back to the position specified by region 70, the single motor 12 with the worm gear 14 rotates again along the second direction 76 (as shown in the clockwise direction), thereby driving the wheel 16 to move the locking lever 48, disengaging the locking link, so that the mechanical opening of the latch is operable. As before, the return of the wheel 16 to the reset position is achieved by the spring. This is indicated by arrow 86 (as shown in the counterclockwise direction). Figure 3 In the movement shown in the clockwise direction), the single motor 12 with the worm gear 14 can be moved to transition the latch 10 to the position defined by region 82, thereby driving the wheel 16 to move the locking lever 48, causing the locking link to engage in the locked position, thus preventing the mechanical opening of the latch. Then, as shown by arrow 84, the wheel 16 returns to the reset position under the drive of the spring. Arrow 84 shows the reverse driving movement of the spring on the wheel 16. After this movement, in order to move the latch 10 back to the position specified by region 70, the single motor 12 with the worm gear 14 rotates again along the second direction 76 (as shown in the clockwise direction), thereby driving the wheel 16 to move the locking lever 48, disengaging the locking link, so that the mechanical opening of the latch is operable. As before, the return of the wheel 16 to the reset position is achieved by the spring. This is indicated by arrow 86 (as shown in the counterclockwise direction). Figure 3 In the counterclockwise direction).

[0048] In addition, when the latch 10 returns from the position shown in region 78 to the position shown in region 70, by moving along the second direction 76 (as shown in the clockwise direction). Figure 3Moving a single motor 12 with a worm gear 14 in the clockwise direction (shown in the figure) can cause the latch 10 to transition from the position shown in area 78 to the position shown in area 82, thereby driving the wheel 16 to move the locking lever 48, engaging the locking link in the locked position, and thus preventing the mechanical opening of the latch. This movement is represented by arrow 77. Then, the wheel 16 returns to the reset position under the drive of the spring. This is represented by arrow 88. After this movement, in order to move the latch 10 back to the position shown in area 70, the single motor 12 with the worm gear 14 rotates again along the second direction 76, thereby driving the wheel 16 to move the locking lever 48, disengaging the locking link, and making the mechanical opening of the latch operable. As before, the return of the wheel 16 to the reset position is achieved by the spring. This is represented by arrow 86. This operation is at least represented by area 89.

[0049] As used herein, double-pull release refers to releasing the vehicle door latch from the inside in two actions applied to the door handle or other internal release control device. The first action applied to the interior door handle or other internal release control device unlocks the vehicle door latch, and the second action applied to the door handle or other internal release control device opens the vehicle door latch, thereby releasing the vehicle door.

[0050] As used herein, an electric child lock is an additional locking device that the rear side door latch should be equipped with. When engaged, it can prevent the operation of the interior door handle or other internal latch release control device, and a separate action is required to unlock the vehicle door and operate the interior door handle or other internal latch release control device.

[0051] As used herein, a double lock is an additional locking device for the side door latch. When engaged, it can prevent the operation of the interior door handle or other internal latch release control device. The additional locking device can only be engaged when the main locking device is engaged.

[0052] Now referring to Figure 5A and 5B , a locking lever 48, a locking link 36, a temporary release lever 52, and a release link 56 are shown. The release link 56 is pivotally mounted to the temporary release lever 52. The locking link 36 has a locking link pin 90 that projects upward from the surface of the locking link 36. The locking link pin 90 is configured to transition through the heart-shaped cam 92 of the locking lever 48.

[0053] Figure 5A and 5B are exploded views of the components of a vehicle latch according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 6A and 6BShows the movement of the latch pin of the vehicle latch within the cam feature of the locking lever. The locking link pin is driven by the heart-shaped cam feature, and the locking lever spring enables the engagement / disengagement of the mechanical release kinematics. Figure 6A The arrows in

[0055] In Figure 6B show the "motor operation", "spring operation", "mechanical operation", and "spring force vector". Also shown by the circles are the latch pin neutral position and the locking link pin force.

[0056] Figure 7 Shows a portion of the vehicle latch in the door closed position, where the door latch can be used for double-pull or single-pull operation. Figure 7 Shows the engagement / disengagement of the mechanical linkage. Figure 7 Shows the normal door closed state, where the mechanical release spare part is operable for double-pull or single-pull actions, and the locking link rod pin is engaged in the locking lever.

[0057] Figures 8 to 10 Shows a portion of the vehicle latch in the door closed position, where the door latch is not available for double-pull or single-pull operation. Figure 8 Shows the disengagement of the mechanical linkage and the normal door closed condition, with the wheel rotating counterclockwise to disengage the mechanical linkage and the locking link pin engaged in the locking lever slot. Figure 9 Shows the disengagement of the mechanical linkage and the normal door closed condition, with the mechanical release spare part disengaged and the locking link pin blocked in the locking lever. Figure 10 Shows the disengagement of the mechanical linkage and the normal door closed condition, with the mechanical release spare part disengaged, the locking link pin blocked in the locking lever, and the wheel returned to the rest position by the rear drive spring.

[0058] Figures 11 to 12 Shows a portion of the vehicle latch in the door closed position, where the door latch can be used for double-pull or single-pull operation. Figure 11 Shows the re-engagement of the mechanical linkage and the normal door closed condition, with the wheel rotating counterclockwise to disengage the mechanical linkage and the locking link pin engaged in the locking lever slot. Figure 12 Shows the re-engagement of the mechanical linkage and the normal door closed condition, with the mechanical release spare part re-engaged - ready for mechanical release, and the locking link pin engaged on the locking lever.

[0059] Figure 13A Shows a portion of the vehicle latch where the door latch is not available for double-pull or single-pull operation. Figure 13A Shows that mechanical override is not possible.

[0060] Figure 13BShows a portion of a vehicle latch, wherein the door latch can be used for double-pull or single-pull operations. Figure 13B Shows the mechanical override enabled.

[0061] Figures 14A to 14C Shows a portion of the vehicle latch in the door closed position, wherein the door latch can be used for double-pull or single-pull operations. Figures 14A to 14C Shows the mechanical release - double-pull function. In the normal door closed state, the mechanical release spare part is operable for double-pull operation on the handle.

[0062] Figures 15A to 15C Shows the various parts of the vehicle latch in the door closed position during the first pull of the handle operably coupled to the vehicle latch when the latch is operable for mechanical release. Figures 15A to 15C Shows the first pull of the mechanical release - handle. In the normal door closed state, the first pull of the mechanical release spare part.

[0063] Figures 16A to 16C Shows the portion of the vehicle latch in the door closed position after the first pull of the handle operably coupled to the vehicle latch when the latch is available for mechanical release. Figures 16A to 16C Shows the mechanical release - return of the handle after the first pull. In the normal door closed state, the return handle remains in the engaged position with the locking lever.

[0064] Figures 17A to 17C Shows the portion of the vehicle latch in the door closed position after the first pull of the handle operably coupled to the vehicle latch when the latch is available for mechanical release. Figures 17A to 17C Shows the mechanical release - return of the handle after the first pull. In the normal door closed state, and the release link is engaged in the release lever.

[0065] Figures 18A to 18C Shows the portion of the vehicle latch in the door closed position during the second pull of the handle operably coupled to the vehicle latch when the latch is available for mechanical release. Figures 18A to 18C Shows the mechanical release - second pull of the handle, door released.

[0066] The term "about" is intended to include the degree of error associated with the measurement of a particular quantity based on the equipment available at the time of filing the application. For example, "about" can include a range of ±8% or 5% or 2% of a given value.

[0067] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present utility model. As used herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are also intended to include the plural forms. It should be further understood that when the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" are used in this specification, the presence of the specified features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components is indicated, but the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof is not excluded.

[0068] Although the present utility model has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments or implementations, those skilled in the art should understand that various changes can be made and elements thereof can be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of the present utility model. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present utility model without departing from its basic scope. Therefore, the present utility model is not limited to the particular embodiments that are disclosed as the best mode for carrying out the present utility model, but rather the present utility model will include all embodiments that fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle latch (10), characterized in that, Comprising: Only a single motor (12) for driving a worm (14) operatively coupled to the single motor (12), the worm (14) meshingly engaging a wheel (16), the wheel (16) being rotatably mounted to a housing (18) of the latch (10); During an electric release of the latch (10), the single motor (12) rotates the wheel (16) from a reset position along a first direction (72), and then, in order to return the wheel (16) to the reset position, the single motor (12) rotates the wheel (16) along a second direction (76) opposite to the first direction (72); and Rotation of the wheel (16) from the reset position along the second direction (76) by the single motor (12) will cause the latch (10) to be in an electric child lock and / or double lock position, and then, the wheel (16) is rotated back to the reset position by a spring, and a further rotation of the wheel (16) from the reset position along the second direction (76) by the single motor (12) will disengage the latch (10) from the electric child lock and / or the double lock position, enabling mechanical opening of the latch (10), and then, the wheel (16) is rotated back to the reset position by the spring.

2. The vehicle latch (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The worm (14) meshingly engages a plurality of teeth (20) arranged around a periphery of the wheel (16).

3. The vehicle latch (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wheel (16) further has a cam portion (22) located on one side of the wheel (16) and a drive feature (24) located on an opposite side of the wheel (16).

4. The vehicle latch (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cam portion (22) is configured to engage a first release lever (26), while the drive feature (24) is configured to engage a first blocking lever (28).

5. The vehicle latch (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first release lever (26) and the first blocking lever (28) are rotatably mounted to the latch (10).

6. The vehicle latch (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first release lever (26) is operatively coupled to a pawl (30) such that movement of the first release lever (26) by the cam portion (22) of the wheel (16) will cause movement of the pawl (30), the pawl (30) being configured to engage a pawl (32) of the latch (10) to hold the pawl (32) in a closed or secondary position or a primary position, and wherein movement of the pawl (30) from an engaged position to a disengaged position will allow the pawl (32) to pivot or rotate to an open position.

7. The vehicle latch (10) according to claim 6, wherein, When the vehicle latch (10) is reset and in an original position, the electric child lock feature and the double lock feature are closed and the double pull feature is open, and by movement of the single motor (12) along the first direction, the latch (10) is released from this position, and thereafter and in order to return the latch (10) to the original position, the single motor (12) rotates along the second direction opposite to the first direction.

8. The vehicle latch (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that, Further comprising: A locking link (36); And A locking lever (48), wherein the locking link (36) has a locking link pin (90) protruding upward from the surface of the locking link (36), and the locking link pin (90) is configured to transition through a cam (92) of the locking lever (48).

9. The vehicle latch (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that, Further comprising: An emergency release lever (34); A locking link (36); A back plate (38); A blocking link (40); A rear drive spring (42); A second blocking lever (44); A locking lever spring (46); A locking lever (48); A temporary release lever spring (50); A temporary release lever (52); A pawl switch lever (54); A release link (56); And A second release lever (58).

10. The vehicle latch (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The locking link (36) has a locking link pin (90) protruding upward from the surface of the locking link (36), and the locking link pin (90) is configured to transition through a cam (92) of the locking lever (48).

11. The vehicle latch (10) according to claim 10, wherein, The worm (14) meshingly engages a plurality of teeth (20) arranged around the periphery of the wheel (16).

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