Actuator of vehicle latch

Abstract

The utility model relates to an executor for a vehicle latch. The executor comprises an executor shell; an actuator cover; the dual-function lever is rotatably fixed on the actuator; the utility model relates to a dual-function actuator comprising an actuator housing and an actuator cover, a service release lever rotatably fixed to the actuator, the dual-function lever and the service release lever being located outside the actuator such that they can rotate about the exterior of the actuator, the dual-function lever being rotated by gears located within the actuator housing and within the actuator cover, the dual-function lever, the service release lever and the gear can be driven in a first direction and a second direction; and a service release cable secured to the service release lever, where the service release cable can be secured to opposite sides of the actuator while still being secured to the service release lever.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 534,044, filed August 22, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 534,830, filed August 26, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the technical field of vehicle latches, and in particular to an actuator for a vehicle latch. BACKGROUND

[0004] The actuator for a vehicle latch is used to drive the opening and closing of the latch. In general, the structural cooperation between the gear transmission system, the motor and the dual-function lever in the actuator is complex, and it is a difficult problem to reasonably set the positions of various structures and the transmission combination. SUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure discloses an actuator for a vehicle latch, comprising: an actuator housing; an actuator cover; a dual-function lever rotatably fixed on the actuator; a service release lever rotatably fixed on the actuator, the dual-function lever and the service release lever being located on the outside of the actuator so that they can rotate outside the actuator, the dual-function lever rotating through a gear located inside the actuator housing and the actuator cover, wherein the dual-function lever, the service release lever and the gear can be driven in a first direction and a second direction; and a service release cable fixed on the service release lever, wherein the service release cable can be fixed on opposite sides of the actuator while still being fixed on the service release lever.

[0006] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative. In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the embodiments described above, there is a seal located between the actuator housing and the actuator cover when the actuator housing and the actuator cover are fixed together.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the embodiments described above, the seal is made of an elastic material or rubber.

[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the embodiments described above, the seal has a first portion that performs a peripheral sealing function between the actuator housing and the actuator cover when the actuator housing and the actuator cover are fixed together, and a second portion that performs a sealing function between the dual-function lever and the gear when the actuator housing and the actuator cover are fixed together.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the embodiments described above, the first portion and the second portion are integrally formed such that the seal is a single unitary structure.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the embodiments described above, the seal is molded into the actuator cover.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the embodiments described above, the second portion of the seal interacts with the gear to seal an interface between the gear and the dual function lever.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the embodiments described above, the dual function lever is fixed to a pivot of the gear.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the embodiments described above, the second portion of the seal interacts with the pivot to seal an interface between the gear and the dual function lever.

[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the embodiments described above, the second portion of the seal has two sealing features that interact with two different diameters of the pivot of the gear.

[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the embodiments described above, the second portion of the seal has a first sealing feature and a second sealing feature that are in contact with the pivot of the gear, respectively.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the embodiments described above, a gap between the first sealing feature and the second sealing feature is filled with grease.

[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the embodiments described above, the first portion of the seal provides a sealed interface between the actuator cover and the actuator housing when the actuator cover and the actuator housing are fixed together.

[0018] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the embodiments described above, the seal interacts with the actuator housing by compressing at least two sealing features of the seal.

[0019] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the embodiments described above, the perimeter of the actuator housing has a groove for receiving a corresponding protrusion of the first portion of the seal, and the perimeter of the actuator housing has a protrusion for being received in a corresponding groove of the first portion of the seal.

[0020] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the embodiments described above, the groove of the actuator housing is located closer to the perimeter of the actuator housing than the corresponding groove of the first portion of the seal.

[0021] An actuator for a vehicle latch is also disclosed, comprising: an actuator housing; an actuator cover; a dual function lever rotatably fixed to the actuator; a service release lever rotatably fixed to the actuator, the dual function lever and the service release lever being located on the outside of the actuator so that they can rotate about the outside of the actuator, the dual function lever being rotated by a gear located within the actuator housing and the actuator cover, wherein the dual function lever, the service release lever, and the gear are all capable of being driven in a first direction and a second direction; and a seal located between the actuator housing and the actuator cover, the seal having a first portion that performs a perimeter sealing function between the actuator housing and the actuator cover when the actuator housing and the actuator cover are fixed together, and a second portion that performs a sealing function between the dual function lever and the gear when the actuator housing and the actuator cover are fixed together.

[0022] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the embodiments described above, the first portion and the second portion are integrally formed so that the seal is a single unitary structure, and the seal is molded into the actuator cover.

[0023] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the embodiments described above, a service release cable is fixed to the service release lever, wherein the service release cable can be fixed to opposite sides of the actuator while still being fixed to the service release lever.

[0024] Also disclosed is a method of sealing an actuator housing of an actuator with an actuator cover of the actuator, comprising: rotatably securing a dual function lever on the actuator; rotatably securing a service release lever on the actuator, the dual function lever and service release lever being located on the outside of the actuator so that they can rotate around the outside of the actuator, the dual function lever rotating through a gear located within the actuator housing and the actuator cover, wherein the dual function lever, the service release lever, and the gear are all capable of being driven in a first direction and a second direction; and placing a seal between the actuator housing and the actuator cover, the seal having a first portion that performs a perimeter sealing function between the actuator housing and the actuator cover when the actuator housing and the actuator cover are secured together, and a second portion that performs a sealing function between the dual function lever and the gear when the actuator housing and the actuator cover are secured together. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] The following description should not be read as any form of limitation. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the various figures:

[0026] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle latch actuator;

[0027] Figure 2 is Figure 1 is a front view of the actuator shown in

[0028] Figure 3 is Figure 1 is a rear view of the actuator shown in

[0029] Figure 4 is Figure 1 is a top view of the actuator shown in

[0030] Figure 5 is Figure 1 is a bottom view of the actuator shown in

[0031] Figure 6 is Figure 1 is a right side view of the actuator shown in

[0032] Figure 7 is Figure 1 is a left side view of the actuator shown in

[0033] Figure 8 and Figure 9 shows Figure 1 is a gear train of the actuator shown in

[0034] Figure 10A and Figure 10B shows Figure 1movement of the actuator shown in the first direction;

[0035] Figure 11A and Figure 11B shown Figure 1 movement of the actuator shown in the second direction;

[0036] Figure 12 An actuator cover and its molded seal according to the present disclosure are shown;

[0037] Figure 13 is an enlarged portion of Figure 12 is a view along line 13-13 in

[0038] Figure 14 and Figure 15 is an enlarged portion of Figure 13

[0039] Figure 16 An actuator cover and its molded seal according to the present disclosure are shown;

[0040] Figure 17 is a view along line 17-17 in Figure 16

[0041] Figure 18 is an enlarged portion of Figure 17

[0042] Figure 19 An actuator cover and its molded seal according to the present disclosure are shown;

[0043] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of the actuator cover shown in Figure 19

[0044] is an enlarged portion of Figure 21 Figure 21 is an enlarged portion of

[0045] Figure 22 is an enlarged portion of Figure 21 and

[0046] Figure 23 is an enlarged portion of Figure 22 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and methods is provided herein by way of example only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0048] Reference will now be made to Figures 1 to 23 , an actuator 10 for a vehicle latch is shown. In one non-limiting embodiment, the actuator 10 can be remotely connected to a vehicle hood latch 12 (shown schematically at least in Figure 10B .​​​​​

[0049] The actuator 10 has an actuator housing 12 and an actuator cover 14. A dual function lever 16 and a service release lever 18 are rotatably secured to the actuator 10. In addition, the dual function lever 16 and the service release lever 18 are located outside of the actuator 10 so that they can rotate about the exterior of the actuator 10. The dual function lever 16 is driven by a gear train 20 that is connected at one end to the dual function lever 16 and at the other end to an electric motor 22. The gear train 20 can be a three stage gear train 20 that includes a first stage gear 24, a second stage gear 26, and a third stage gear 28. The three stage gear train 20 is located inside the actuator housing 12 and the actuator cover 14, and the third stage gear 28 is connected to the dual function lever 16 that is located outside of the actuator 10. The first stage gear 24 is engaged with a threaded shaft 30 that is driven by the electric motor 22. The first stage gear 24 is engaged with the second stage gear 26, which is also engaged with the third stage gear 28. The third stage gear 28 is operatively connected to the dual function lever 16 so that rotation of the third stage gear 28 causes rotation of the dual function lever 16.

[0050] The electric motor 22, the gear train 20, and the dual function lever 16 are all capable of being driven in two different directions (e.g., a first direction and a second direction). The first direction is opposite the second direction. Although the gear train shown in the figures includes three gears, various embodiments of the present disclosure contemplate that the gear train 20 can include more or less than three gears.

[0051] According to the present disclosure, in order to prevent water and dirt from entering the interior of the actuator 10, all cables are mounted on the exterior of the actuator 10 to prevent water from entering the actuator 10. In other words, in one non-limiting embodiment, when the actuator housing 12 and the actuator cover 14 are secured together, there are no cables that pass through the actuator housing 12 and the actuator cover 14 that define the interior of the actuator 10. Thus, in order to completely seal the actuator 10, the actuator 10 is provided with a perimeter seal and a shaft seal.

[0052] One end of a latch release cable 32 is secured to the service release lever 18 and the other end is secured to the vehicle hood latch 12 so that desired operation of the vehicle hood latch 12 is achieved by moving the service release lever 18 via the dual function lever 16.

[0053] One end of a cinch release cable 34 is secured to the dual function lever 16 and the other end is secured to the vehicle hood lock 12 so that desired operation of the vehicle hood lock 12 is achieved by moving the dual function lever 16. For example, the cinch release cable 34 can be connected to a cinching mechanism of the lock 12.

[0054] Figure 10A and Figure 10BThe movement of the dual function lever 16 and the service release lever 18 in one operation is shown. Figure 10A The actuator 10 and the dual function lever 16 are shown in the initial position. In Figure 10B the dual function lever 16 is shown in the initial position relative to Figure 10A and Figure 10B the view shown in FIG. 1. The service release lever 18 is shown in the initial position relative to Figure 10A and Figure 10B the view shown in FIG. 1.In other words, as shown, the dual function lever 16 is configured to contact and push the service release lever 18 in one operation.

[0055] One end of the service release cable 36 is also fixed to the service release lever 18 and the other end is fixed to the mechanical release actuator 40 (shown schematically at least in Figure 10B .

[0056] According to the present disclosure, the service release cable 36 can be fixed on opposite sides of the actuator 10. This is due at least in part to the configuration of the service release lever 18. In Figure 10A , the service release cable 36 is fixed to the service release lever 18 such that it extends from the left side of the actuator (relative to the view shown in FIG. 1). Figure 10A

[0057] Additionally, as shown in Figure 10B , according to the present disclosure, the service release cable 36 is fixed to the service release lever 18 such that it extends from the right side of the actuator (relative to the view shown in FIG. 1). Thus, by installing the service release cable 36 in opposite directions, the service release lever 18 can be operated in both directions to simplify the cabling on the vehicle. Figure 10B

[0058] Reference is now made to Figure 11A and Figure 11B , showing the movement of the dual function lever 16 of the actuator 10 in a second direction (opposite to the direction shown in Figure 10A and Figure 10B ). Since the dual function lever 16 is connected to the cinch release cable 34, the movement of the dual function lever 16 counter-clockwise relative to the view shown in Figure 11A and Figure 11B will result in the desired operation of the vehicle cover latches 12 since the dual function lever 16 pulls the cinch release cable 34. Thus, as shown at least in Figure 11A and Figure 11B , the dual function lever 16 is shown in the initial position relative to Figure 11A ​the initial position shown in FIG. 1 is rotated counterclockwise to at least Figure 11B the second position shown in FIG. 1, where the cinch release cable is pulled by the dual function lever 16.

[0059] Note: Figure 11A and Figure 11B The service release cable 36 is shown secured to the service release lever 18 in two positions (e.g., left and right). However, in at least one embodiment, the service release cable 36 is secured to the service release lever 18 in only one position (e.g., left or right). Nonetheless, if applicable (e.g., due to vehicle configuration), in another embodiment, there can be two service release cables 36 secured to the service release lever 18, but various embodiments of the present disclosure contemplate the service release cable 36 being secured to the service release lever 18 in only one position (e.g., left or right).

[0060] Referring now to Figures 12 to 23 The present disclosure shows the actuator cover 14. According to the present disclosure, the actuator cover 14 has a molded seal 42. In one non-limiting embodiment, the molded seal is made of an elastomeric material or rubber. According to the present disclosure, the molded seal 42 provides a water-tight enclosure that prevents moisture, dirt, and debris from entering the interior of the actuator. Thus, the water-tight enclosure 12 and the actuator cover 14 are able to protect the motor 22 and the gear train 20, ensuring their proper operation in extreme environmental conditions.

[0061] According to the present disclosure, the molded seal 42 has two parts. The first part 44 is used for a perimeter sealing function between the actuator enclosure 12 and the actuator cover 14, and the second part 46 is used for a sealing function between the dual function lever 16 and the gear train 20, specifically the third gear 28 of the gear train 20. The first part 44 is located around the perimeter of the entire actuator cover 14 and performs a sealing function between the actuator cover 14 and the actuator enclosure 12 when the actuator cover 14 and the actuator enclosure 12 are secured together.

[0062] In one embodiment, the first portion 44 and the second portion 46 are integrally formed together, thus the molded seal 42 is a single structure when molded into the actuator cover 14. In other words, the second portion 46 extends from the first portion 44. In one non-limiting embodiment, the second portion 46 extends away from the first portion 44 at one location and connects to the first portion 44 at another location. Alternatively, the molded seal 42 can include two separate portions (e.g., the first portion 44 and the second portion 46) that are each molded into the actuator cover 14. In another embodiment, whether a single structure or a multi-portion structure, the molded seal 42 can be inserted molded into the actuator cover 14 or manually installed into the actuator cover. Further, in any of the above embodiments, the seal 42 can be secured to the actuator housing 12 instead of the actuator cover 14.

[0063] The dual function lever 16 is secured to the pivot 48 of the third gear 24, thus as described above, rotation of the third gear 24 will cause rotation of the dual function lever 16.

[0064] At least a portion of the second portion 46 of the elastomeric seal 42 interacts with the third gear 24 of the gear train 20 to seal the interface between the inner gear train 20 and the outer dual function lever 16 when the actuator cover 14 is secured to the actuator housing 12. According to one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the second portion 46 of the elastomeric seal 42 has two sealing features (e.g., the first sealing feature 50 and the second sealing feature 52) that interact with two different diameters of the pivot 48 of the third gear 24. Thus, the second portion 46 of the elastomeric seal 42 provides two points of contact or sealing.

[0065] In one non-limiting embodiment, the gap 54 between the first sealing feature 50 and the second sealing feature 52 of the second portion 46 of the elastomeric seal 42 is filled with the grease 56. Thus, the gap 54 between the sealing features 50 and 52 is filled with the grease 56 to provide lubrication when the gears are rotating and a secondary seal when the elastomeric or rubber seal 42 wears out.

[0066] The first portion 44 of the elastomeric seal 42 provides a sealed interface of the actuator cover 14 and the actuator housing 12 when they are secured together. As Figure 17 and Figure 18As shown in FIG. 1, the interface of the implement housing 12 and the implement cover 14 is sealed by a resilient seal 42 molded into the implement cover 14, the seal interacting with the perimeter of the implement housing 12 by compressing at least two sealing features of the seal. In one embodiment, the perimeter of the implement housing 12 has a groove 58 for receiving a corresponding protrusion 70 of the first portion 44 of the resilient seal 42, and a protrusion 72 for insertion into a corresponding groove 74 of the first portion 44 of the resilient seal 42. In one non-limiting embodiment, the groove 58 and corresponding protrusion 70 are located closer to the outer perimeter of the implement housing 12, and the protrusion 72 and corresponding groove 74 are located further from the outer perimeter of the implement housing 12. In another embodiment, these locations can be reversed, with the protrusion 72 and corresponding groove 74 located closer to the outer perimeter of the implement housing 12, and the groove 58 and corresponding protrusion 70 located further from the outer perimeter of the implement housing 12. Further, as noted above, these features can also be located on the implement cover 14, if applicable, rather than the implement housing 12.

[0067] The term "about" is intended to encompass a range of error of ±8%, ±5%, or ±2% of a given value, based on the equipment available at the time of filing the application.

[0068] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0069] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, the disclosure is not limited to the disclosed best mode for carrying it out, but encompasses all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An actuator for a vehicle latch, characterized by, including: an actuator housing; an actuator cover; a dual function lever rotatably fixed to the actuator; a service release lever rotatably fixed to the actuator, the dual function lever and the service release lever being located on the outside of the actuator so that they can rotate around the outside of the actuator, the dual function lever rotating through a gear located within the actuator housing and the actuator cover, wherein the dual function lever, the service release lever, and the gear are all capable of being driven in a first direction and a second direction; and a service release cable fixed to the service release lever, wherein the service release cable can be fixed on opposite sides of the actuator while still being fixed to the service release lever.

2. The actuator of claim 1, wherein, The actuator further includes a seal located between the actuator housing and the actuator cover when the actuator housing and the actuator cover are fixed together.

3. The actuator of claim 2, wherein, The seal is made of an elastomeric or rubber material.

4. The actuator of claim 2, wherein, The seal has a first portion that performs a perimeter sealing function between the actuator housing and the actuator cover when the actuator housing and the actuator cover are fixed together; and a second portion that performs a sealing function between the dual function lever and the gear when the actuator housing and the actuator cover are fixed together.

5. The actuator of claim 4, wherein, The first portion and the second portion are integrally formed so that the seal is a single unitary structure.

6. The actuator of claim 5, wherein, The seal is molded into the actuator cover.

7. The actuator of claim 5, wherein, The second portion of the seal interacts with the gear to seal the interface between the gear and the dual function lever.

8. The actuator of claim 5, wherein, The dual function lever is fixed to a pivot of the gear.

9. The actuator according to claim 8, characterized in that The second portion of the seal interacts with the pivot of the gear to seal the interface between the gear and the dual function lever.

10. The actuator of claim 9, wherein, The second portion of the seal has two sealing features that interact with two different diameters of the pivot of the gear.

11. The actuator of claim 9, wherein, The second portion of the seal has a first sealing feature and a second sealing feature that each contact the pivot of the gear.

12. The actuator of claim 11, wherein, A gap between the first sealing feature and the second sealing feature is filled with grease.

13. The actuator of claim 5, wherein, The first portion of the seal provides a sealed interface between the actuator cover and the actuator housing when the actuator cover and the actuator housing are fixed together.

14. The actuator of claim 13, wherein, The seal interacts with the actuator housing by compressing at least two sealing features of the seal.

15. The actuator of claim 13, wherein, A perimeter of the actuator housing has a groove for receiving a corresponding protrusion of the first portion of the seal, and the perimeter of the actuator housing has a protrusion for being received in a corresponding groove of the first portion of the seal.

16. The actuator of claim 15, wherein, The groove of the actuator housing is located closer to the perimeter of the actuator housing than the corresponding groove of the first portion of the seal.

17. An actuator for a vehicle latch, characterized by including: an actuator housing; an actuator cover; a dual function lever rotatably fixed to the actuator; a service release lever rotatably secured to the actuator, the dual function lever and the service release lever being located on an outside of the actuator so that they can rotate about the outside of the actuator, the dual function lever being rotated by a gear located within the actuator housing and the actuator cover, wherein the dual function lever, the service release lever and the gear are all drivable in a first direction and a second direction; and a seal located between the actuator housing and the actuator cover, the seal having a first portion that performs a perimeter sealing function between the actuator housing and the actuator cover when the actuator housing and the actuator cover are secured together, and a second portion that performs a sealing function between the dual function lever and the gear when the actuator housing and the actuator cover are secured together.

18. The actuator of claim 17, wherein, the first portion and the second portion being integrally formed so that the seal is a single unitary structure, and the seal is molded into the actuator cover.

19. The actuator of claim 17, wherein, the actuator further comprising a service release cable secured to the service release lever, wherein the service release cable can be secured on opposite sides of the actuator while still being secured to the service release lever.

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