Inertial device for vehicle latches

Abstract

An inertial device for a vehicle latch includes: an inertial rod movably mounted to the vehicle latch for movement between a first position and a second position; a clutch lever movably mounted to the vehicle latch for movement between a first position and a second position; and a spring operably coupled to the inertial rod and the clutch lever, the spring biasing the inertial rod to its first position and the clutch lever to its second position, wherein when the inertial rod is in the first position, the clutch lever prevents the inertial rod from moving to its second position, and when the clutch lever is in its second position, the clutch lever prevents the inertial rod from moving from its second position to its first position, and the movement of the inertial rod from its first position to its second position allows the clutch lever to move from its first position to its second position.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 202311089326, filed on December 28, 2023, and Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 202411049744, filed on June 28, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] Various embodiments of this disclosure relate to vehicle latches, and more specifically, to vehicle latches with inertial devices. Background Technology

[0004] Vehicles typically include movable panels, such as doors, hoods, trunk lids, hatches, etc., which are fixed to the main body and engaged by hinge, pivot, sliding, or movability. A cooperative system of latches and strikers is usually provided to ensure that these panels remain fixed in their fully closed position when closed.

[0005] Door latches typically include a pawl that pivots between an unlocked position and a main locked position when the door is closed to lock the door in the closed position. The pawl is typically held in the main locked position by a ratchet that pivots between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The ratchet is spring-biased to the engaged position, so that when in the engaged position, the pawl remains in the main locked position, and when the pawl moves to the disengaged position, the pawl releases so that the door can be opened.

[0006] When the door is closed, the pawl pivots to the main locking position via a striker connected to, for example, the relevant door frame. Once in the main locking position, the pawl engages to ensure the component remains locked.

[0007] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a latching assembly in which the pawl is prevented from accidentally moving to the disengaged position. Utility Model Content

[0008] An inertial device for a vehicle latch is disclosed, comprising: an inertial rod movably mounted to the vehicle latch for movement between a first position and a second position; a clutch lever movably mounted to the vehicle latch for movement between a first position and a second position; and a spring operably coupled to the inertial rod and the clutch lever, the spring biasing the inertial rod to a first position and the clutch lever to a second position, wherein when the inertial rod is in the first position, the inertial rod prevents the clutch lever from moving to the second position, and when the clutch lever is in the second position, the clutch lever prevents the inertial rod from moving from the second position to the first position, and the inertial rod moving from the first position to the second position allows the clutch lever to move from the first position to the second position.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, the clutch lever has a first stepped portion for contacting a post of the inertia lever in order to hold the inertia lever in the first position.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, the clutch lever has a second stepped portion for contacting the post of the inertia lever in order to hold the inertia lever in its second position.

[0011] A vehicle latch is also disclosed, comprising: an external release lever movably mounted to a housing of the vehicle latch for moving between a first position and a second position, the second position of the external release lever causing the vehicle latch to be in an unlocked state; and an inertial device preventing undesired movement of the external release lever from its first position to its second position, the inertial device comprising: an inertial rod movably mounted to the housing for moving between the first position and the second position, the second position of the inertial rod preventing undesired movement of the external release lever from its first position to its second position, and the first position of the inertial rod allowing the external release lever to move from its first position to its second position. The desired movement of its second position; a clutch lever movably mounted to the housing for movement between a first position and a second position; and a spring operably coupled to the inertia lever and the clutch lever, the spring biasing the inertia lever to its first position and the clutch lever to its second position, wherein when the inertia lever is in the first position, the clutch lever prevents the inertia lever from moving from its first position to its second position, and when the clutch lever is in its second position, the clutch lever prevents the inertia lever from moving from its second position to its first position, and the movement of the inertia lever from its first position to its second position allows the clutch lever to move from its first position to its second position.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, the clutch lever has a first stepped portion for contacting a post of the inertia lever in order to hold the inertia lever in the first position.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, the clutch lever has a second stepped portion for contacting the post of the inertia lever in order to hold the inertia lever in its second position.

[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, the inertial rod has a pin that is slidably received within the opening of the external release rod.

[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, the opening of the external release lever has a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being connected to the second portion via a connecting portion, wherein movement of the inertial lever from its first position to its second position causes the pin to slide within the connecting portion of the opening.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, the first portion extends further from the connecting portion than the second portion, and the first portion is an elongated opening configured to allow the pin to slide therein while the external release lever moves from its first position to its second position.

[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, the movement of the external release lever from its first position to its second position is caused by the actuation of an external rod operably coupled to the external release lever.

[0018] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, the clutch lever has a first stepped portion for contacting a post of the inertia lever in order to hold the inertia lever in the first position.

[0019] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, the clutch lever has a second stepped portion for contacting the post of the inertia lever in order to hold the inertia lever in its second position.

[0020] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, when the clutch lever is in its second position and the external release lever moves from its first position to its second position, the external release lever has a cam surface that contacts the clutch lever.

[0021] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the embodiments described above, the external release lever is elastically biased to its first position by the spring.

[0022] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, when the clutch lever is in its second position and the external release lever moves from its first position to its second position, the external release lever has a cam surface that contacts the clutch lever.

[0023] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the embodiments described above, the external release lever is elastically biased to its first position by the spring.

[0024] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, the inertial rod has a stud pivotally mounted to a bushing of the housing, and the clutch rod is rotatably mounted to a post of the housing.

[0025] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the embodiments described above, the external release lever is elastically biased to its first position by the spring.

[0026] Also disclosed is an inertial device for a vehicle latch, comprising: an inertial rod movably mounted to the vehicle latch for movement between a first position and a second position; a clutch lever movably mounted to the vehicle latch for movement between a first position and a second position; a first spring operably coupled to the inertial rod, the first spring biasing the inertial rod to its first position; and a second spring operably coupled to the clutch lever, the second spring biasing the clutch lever to its second position, wherein when the inertial rod is in its first position, the clutch lever prevents the inertial rod from moving to its second position, and when the clutch lever is in its second position, the clutch lever prevents the inertial rod from moving from its second position to its first position, and the movement of the inertial rod from its first position to its second position allows the clutch lever to move from its first position to its second position.

[0027] A method for preventing accidental activation of a vehicle latch is also disclosed, comprising: using an inertial device to prevent an external release lever movably mounted to a housing of the vehicle latch from moving from a first position to a second position, the inertial device comprising: an inertial rod movably mounted to the housing for movement between the first and second positions, the second position of the inertial rod preventing undesired movement of the external release lever from its first position to its second position, and the first position of the inertial rod allowing desired movement of the external release lever from its first position to its second position; movably mounted to the housing for movement between the first and second positions... A clutch lever that moves between a first position and a second position; and a spring operatively coupled to the inertia lever and the clutch lever, the spring biasing the inertia lever to a first position and the clutch lever to a second position, wherein when the inertia lever is in the first position, the clutch lever prevents the inertia lever from moving from its first position to its second position, and when the clutch lever is in its second position, the clutch lever prevents the inertia lever from moving from its second position to its first position, and the movement of the inertia lever from its first position to its second position allows the clutch lever to move from its first position to its second position.

[0028] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, the method includes slidably mounting a pin of the inertia rod in an opening of the external release rod, the opening having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being connected to the second portion via a connecting portion, wherein movement of the inertia rod from its first position to its second position causes the pin to slide within the connecting portion of the opening. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The following description should not be construed as limiting in any way. Referring to the accompanying drawings, identical elements are numbered in the same manner:

[0030] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a portion of a vehicle latch according to this disclosure, with the cover removed;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a top view of a portion of a vehicle latch according to this disclosure, with the cover removed;

[0032] Figure 3 It is a bottom view of a part of the vehicle, showing the claw and pawl;

[0033] Figure 4 The components of the vehicle latch are shown;

[0034] Figure 5 The operation of the inertial device for a vehicle latch according to the present disclosure is shown, with the external release lever in a first position;

[0035] Figure 6 The operation of the inertial device for a vehicle latch according to the present disclosure is shown, wherein when force is normally applied, the external release lever moves from a first position toward a second position;

[0036] Figure 7 The operation of the inertial device for a vehicle latch according to the present disclosure is shown, in which, when excessive force is applied, the external release lever moves from a first position toward a second position;

[0037] Figure 8 The operation of the inertial device for a vehicle latch according to this disclosure is shown, in which, when an excessive force is applied, the external release lever moves from a first position toward a second position, and the clutch lever rotates in the opposite direction;

[0038] Figure 9 The operation of the inertial device for a vehicle latch according to this disclosure is shown, in which the inertial device is reset;

[0039] Figure 10-10A The diagram shows the operation of the inertial device for a vehicle latch according to the present disclosure, with the pin of the inertial lever beginning to move within the opening of the external release lever from various perspectives.

[0040] Figure 11-11A The diagram shows the operation of the inertial device for a vehicle latch according to the present disclosure, with various views of the inertial device in the clutch position.

[0041] Figure 12-12A The diagram shows various perspectives of the operation of the inertial device for a vehicle latch according to the present disclosure, with the clutch lever rotating back to its first position;

[0042] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of a portion of a vehicle latch according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the cover has been removed;

[0043] Figure 14 It is based on Figure 13 A top view of a portion of the vehicle latch in the illustrated embodiment, with the cover removed;

[0044] Figure 15 It is a bottom view of part of the vehicle, showing the claws and pawls;

[0045] Figure 16 It shows according to Figure 13 and 14 Components of the inertial device shown in the embodiment;

[0046] Figure 17 It shows according to Figure 13 and 14 In the operation of the inertial device for the vehicle latch in the illustrated embodiment, when force is normally applied, the external release lever moves from the first position toward the second position;

[0047] Figure 18 It shows according to Figure 13 and 14 When the operation of the inertial device for the vehicle latch in the illustrated embodiment is excessively applied, the external release lever moves from the first position toward the second position;

[0048] Figure 19 It shows according to Figure 18 In the illustrated embodiment, when an excessive amount is applied, the movement of the external release lever is restricted;

[0049] Figure 20 The figure shows Figure 19 The direction of rotation of the clutch lever in the illustrated embodiment;

[0050] Figure 21 It shows according to Figure 13 and 14 The operation of the inertial device for vehicle latching in the illustrated embodiment resets the inertial device;

[0051] Figure 22-22A It shows according to Figure 21Schematic diagrams of the inertial device of the clutch lever in the illustrated embodiment from various perspectives;

[0052] Figure 23-23A It shows according to Figure 13 and 14 The operation of the inertial device for vehicle latching in the illustrated embodiment is shown in schematic diagrams from various perspectives with the inertial device in the clutch position.

[0053] Figure 24-24A It shows according to Figure 13 and 14 The operation of the inertial device for vehicle latching in the illustrated embodiment is shown in schematic diagrams from various angles with the inertial device in the clutch position, and the external release lever continues to rotate. Detailed Implementation

[0054] This document describes one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and methods in detail by way of example and not limitation, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0055] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a portion of the vehicle latch or latch 10, with the cover removed. Figure 2 This is a top view of a portion of the vehicle latch 10, with the cover removed. The vehicle latch 10 has a housing 12. Figure 3 As shown, pawl 14 is pivotally mounted to housing 12 to move between an unlocked position and a primary locked position. In the primary position, the pawl engages with a striker fixed to a portion of the vehicle. Pawl 14 is held in the primary locked position by pawl 16, which is also pivotally mounted to housing 12. Pawl 16 pivots between an engaged position and a disengaged position. Pawl 16 is resiliently biased to the engaged position, so that when in the engaged position, pawl 14 remains in the primary locked position, and when pawl 14 moves to the disengaged position, pawl 14 is released, allowing the door to be opened.

[0056] Figure 4 The assembly of latch housing 12 and inertial device 18 is shown. Inertial device 18 includes an inertial rod 20, an inertial spring 22, and a clutch lever 24. The inertial rod 20 is pivotally mounted to housing 12. The clutch lever 24 is also pivotally mounted to housing 12. The inertial spring 22 provides a biasing force for the clutch lever 24 and the inertial rod 20. Therefore, only a single spring is required to provide the desired movement of the clutch lever 24 and the inertial rod 20. The inertial rod 20 has a stud 26 that is pivotally mounted to a bushing 28 of housing 12. The clutch lever 24 is pivotally or rotatably mounted to a stud or post 30 of housing 12.

[0057] Now for reference Figures 5 to 12AThe diagram illustrates the operation of the inertial device 18 according to the present disclosure. The inertial lever 20 also has a pin 32 slidably received within an opening 34 of an external release lever 36. The external release lever 36 is also pivotally mounted to the housing 12. The external release lever 36 is also operatively coupled to a pawl 16, such that the external release lever 36 is released from at least Figure 1 , 2 Moving the first position shown in Figures 5 and 6 to the second position will move the pawl 16 from the engaged position to the unlocked position. In the engaged position, the pawl 16 prevents the pawl 14 from moving from the main locking position to the unlocked position. In the unlocked position, the striker can be released from the pawl 14 and the latch 10. As will be discussed herein, the inertial device 18 is configured to prevent undesirable movement of the external release lever of the vehicle latch 10.

[0058] During an unexpected event (e.g., sudden deceleration or collision), a force is applied to the inertial rod 20, causing the inertial rod 20 to move from its first position ( Figure 6 (As shown in the image) Move along the direction of arrow 38 to at least Figure 11 The second position is shown in the figure. This causes the inertial rod pin 32 to move within the opening 34. As shown, the opening 34 has a first portion 40 and a second portion 42, with the first portion 40 connected to the second portion 42 via a connecting portion 44. The movement of the inertial rod 20 from its first position to its second position causes the pin 32 to slide within the connecting portion 44 of the opening 34.

[0059] As shown, the first portion 40 is an elongated opening configured to allow the pin 32 to slide within it as the external release lever 36 moves from its first position to its second position in the direction of arrow 46 and returns to its first position. The movement of the external release lever 36 in the direction of arrow 46 is caused by the actuation of an external lever 48 (schematically shown), which is operatively connected to the external release lever 36 via, for example, a cable or any other equivalent means. The first portion 40 is configured to allow the external lever 48 to actuate the external release lever 36, and as described above, the actuation of the external release lever 36 causes the pawl 16 to move from an engaged position to a disengaged position, thereby allowing the pawl 14 to release the firing pin.

[0060] When the inertia rod 20 is in Figure 6 In the first position shown, the external release lever 36 can move in the direction of arrow 46, which in turn allows the external release lever 36 to move the pawl 16 from the engaged position to the disengaged position, so that the latch 10 can be released from the firing pin.

[0061] However, if the latch 10 is subjected to excessive force, this force may cause the external release lever 36 to rotate in the direction of arrow 46. This rotational movement is not caused by the actuation of the external lever 48 and is therefore undesirable. In this case, the inertial lever 20 will move in the direction of arrow 38 when the external release lever 36 is in... Figure 6 As shown in the first position and when the inertial rod 20 moves from its first position to its second position, the pin 32 will move approximately in the direction of arrow 38 within the connecting portion 44 of the opening 34. Thus, when the inertial rod 20 is in its second position, the pin 32 is now aligned with the second portion 42 of the opening 34, such that the rotational movement of the outer release rod 36 in the direction of arrow 46 now causes the pin 32 to travel within the second portion 42 of the opening 34, rather than within the first portion 40 of the opening 34. At least in Figure 7 This movement is illustrated in the image.

[0062] At least as Figures 5 to 12 As shown, the first portion 40 of the opening 34 is longer than the second portion 42 of the opening 34, or in other words, the first portion 40 of the opening 34 extends further from the connecting portion 44 than the second portion 42. Therefore, the movement of the pin 32 in the second portion 42 of the opening 34 limits the movement of the external release lever 36 in the direction of arrow 46. This movement limitation is at least as follows: Figure 7 As shown. The movement restriction of the release lever 36 prevents the external release lever 36 from unintentionally moving the pawl 16 from the engaged position to the disengaged position. In other words, the external release lever 36 rotates in the direction of arrow 46 to... Figure 7 and 8 The position shown is insufficient to move the pawl from the engaged position to the disengaged position. Furthermore, when pin 32 reaches the end of the second portion 42 of opening 34, pin 32 will contact one side of the second portion 42 of opening 34, which will require additional force to continue rotating the outer release lever 36 in the direction of arrow 46.

[0063] Furthermore, as described below, when the external release lever 36 travels in the direction of arrow 46 and the inertia lever 20 is in its second position, the external release lever 36 will eventually contact the clutch lever 24, thereby further suppressing any accidental or unintended movement of the external release lever 36 in the direction of arrow 46. The aforementioned contact between the pin 32 and one side of the second portion 42 of the opening 34 and / or the aforementioned contact between the external release lever 36 and the inertia lever 20 will occur before the external release lever reaches its second position, causing the pawl 16 to move from its engaged position to its disengaged position.

[0064] Now back Figure 6 The inertia rod spring 22 provides a biasing force to the inertia rod 20 in the direction of arrow 50, while the other end of the inertia rod spring 22 provides a biasing force to the clutch rod 24 in the direction of arrow 52. Thus, when the biasing force in the direction of arrow 50 is overcome by the force applied to the inertia rod 20, the inertia rod 20 moves from its first position to its second position in the direction of arrow 38, while the biasing force in the direction of arrow 52 causes the clutch rod 24 to move from at least... Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 The first position shown is moved to at least Figure 7 , 8 And the second position shown in 11.

[0065] This movement causes the first stepped feature 56 of the clutch lever 24 to no longer engage with the post 58 of the inertia lever 20, allowing the clutch lever 24 to rotate in the direction of arrow 52 (e.g., from its first position to its second position). As the clutch lever 24 moves in the direction of arrow 52 and the inertia lever 20 moves in the direction of arrow 38 (e.g., from its first position to its second position), the post 58 now engages with the second stepped feature 60 of the clutch lever 24. The second stepped feature 60 of the clutch lever 24 will keep the inertia lever 20 at least Figure 11 and 11A The position shown (e.g., the second position of the inertia lever 20) is caused by the clutch lever also being in its second position.

[0066] Therefore, when the inertia rod 20 is in this position and the external release rod 36 moves in the direction of arrow 46, the pin 32 will move within the second portion 42 of the opening 34. See also Figure 10 , Figure 10A , Figure 11 and Figure 11A Once the inertia rod 20 is at least Figure 11 , Figure 11A The position shown can be referred to as the engaged / disengaged position of the inertial device 18. In this engaged / disengaged position, pin 32 will be at least... Figure 11 and Figure 11A The position shown is such that the rotational movement of the external release lever 36 in the direction of arrow 46 will cause the pin 32 to move in the shorter second portion 42 of the opening 34, thereby preventing accidental release of the vehicle latch 10.

[0067] In order to reset the inertial device 18 and move the clutch lever 24 back to at least Figure 6 In the indicated position (e.g., its first position), the cam surface or feature 70 of the outer release lever contacts the cam surface or feature 72 of the clutch lever 24 to rotate the clutch lever 24 back to its first position. This contact occurs at least in... Figure 7 , 8As shown in Figure 12, and caused by applying a force to the outward release lever 36 in the direction of arrow 74, this is achieved by the operation of the outer lever 48. During this movement, the clutch lever 24 rotates in the direction opposite to arrow 52, ​​causing the first step portion 56 and the second step portion 60 to move away from the post 58 in the direction of arrow 76, and the spring 22 provides a biasing force to the inertia lever 20 in the direction of arrow 50, causing the inertia lever 20 to move in the direction opposite to arrow 38. This then causes the first step feature 56 to engage with the post 58, at which point no force is applied to the outward release lever 36 in the direction of arrow 74, and the outer release lever moves back to its first position, which at least... Figure 5 As shown in the diagram, the external release lever 36 is spring-biased to its first position by, for example, a spring 78.

[0068] Therefore, the inertial device 18 is reset, and the external release lever 36 is in its first position, at least as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown. In these positions, the inertial device 18 is reset, and the external release lever 36 is in its first position, and the vehicle latch 10 can be operated and released by intentional movement of the external release lever 36, and the inertial device 18 is also reset and can prevent the vehicle latch from being accidentally released by accidental movement of the external release lever 36.

[0069] Now for reference Figures 13 to 24A Alternative embodiments of this disclosure are shown.

[0070] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of a part of a vehicle latch or latch 110, with the cover removed. Figure 14 This is a top view of the vehicle latch 110 portion with the cover removed. The vehicle latch 110 has a housing 112. (As shown) Figure 15 As shown, pawl 114 is pivotally mounted to housing 112 to move between an unlocked position and a primary locked position. In the primary position, the pawl engages with a striker fixed to a portion of the vehicle. Pawl 114 is held in the primary locked position by pawl 116, which is also pivotally mounted to housing 112. Pawl 116 pivots between an engaged position and a disengaged position. Pawl 116 is resiliently biased to the engaged position, thus holding pawl 114 in the primary locked position when engaged and releasing pawl 114 when it moves to the disengaged position so that the door can be opened.

[0071] Figure 16The components of an inertial device 118 are shown. The inertial device 118 includes an inertial rod 120, an inertial rod spring 122, and a clutch lever 124. The inertial rod 120 is pivotally mounted to a housing 112. The clutch lever 124 is also pivotally mounted to the housing 112. The inertial rod spring 122 provides a biasing force to the inertial rod 120, while the clutch lever spring 125 provides a biasing force to the clutch lever 124.

[0072] Now for reference Figures 17 to 24A The diagram illustrates the operation of the inertial device 118 according to this disclosure. The inertial lever 120 also has a pin 132 slidably received within an opening 134 of an external release lever 136. The external release lever 136 is also pivotally mounted to the housing 112. The external release lever 136 is also operatively connected to a pawl 116, such that the external release lever 136 is released from at least Figure 13 , Figure 14 , Figure 16 and Figure 17 Moving the first position to the second position, as shown, will move the pawl 116 from the engaged position to the unlocked position. In the engaged position, the pawl 116 prevents the pawl 114 from moving from the main locked position to the unlocked position. In the unlocked position, the striker can be released from the pawl 114 and the latch 110. As will be discussed herein, the inertial device 118 is configured to prevent undesirable movement of the external release lever of the vehicle latch 110.

[0073] During an unexpected event (e.g., sudden deceleration or collision), a force may be applied to the inertial rod 120, causing the inertial rod 120 to move from its first position (e.g., Figure 16 (As shown) Move along the direction of arrow 138 to at least as shown Figure 18 The second position is shown. This causes the inertia rod pin 132 to move within the opening 134. As shown, the opening 134 has a first portion 140 and a second portion 142, with the first portion 140 connected to the second portion 142 via a connecting portion 144. The movement of the inertia rod 120 from its first position to its second position causes the pin 132 to slide within the connecting portion 144 of the opening 134.

[0074] As shown, the first portion 140 is an elongated opening configured to allow the pin 132 to slide within it as the external release lever 136 moves from its first position to its second position in the direction of arrow 146 and returns to its first position. The movement of the external release lever 136 in the direction of arrow 146 is caused by the actuation of an external lever 148 (schematically shown), which is operatively connected to the external release lever 136 via, for example, a cable or any other equivalent means. The first portion 140 is configured to allow the external lever 148 to actuate the external release lever 136, and as described above, the actuation of the external release lever 136 causes the pawl 116 to move from an engaged position to a disengaged position, thereby allowing the pawl 114 to release the firing pin.

[0075] When the inertial rod 120 is in Figure 17 In the first position shown, the external release lever 136 can move in the direction of arrow 146, which in turn allows the external release lever 136 to move the pawl 116 from the engaged position to the disengaged position, so that the latch 110 can be released from the firing pin.

[0076] However, if the latch 110 is subjected to excessive force, this force may cause the external release lever 136 to rotate in the direction of arrow 146. This rotational movement is not caused by the actuation of the external lever 148 and is therefore undesirable. In this case, the inertial lever 120 will move in the direction of arrow 138 when the external release lever 136 is in... Figure 17 As shown in the first position and when the inertial rod 120 moves from its first position to its second position, the pin 132 will move approximately in the direction of arrow 138 within the connecting portion 144 of the opening 134. Thus, when the inertial rod 120 is in its second position, the pin 132 is now aligned with the second portion 142 of the opening 134, such that the rotational movement of the outer release rod 136 in the direction of arrow 146 now causes the pin 132 to travel in the second portion 142 of the opening 134 opposite to the movement in the first portion 140 of the opening 134. This movement is at least in... Figure 18 As shown in the image.

[0077] At least as Figures 17 to 21 As shown, the first portion 140 of the opening 134 is longer than the second portion 142 of the opening 134, or in other words, the first portion 140 of the opening 134 extends further from the connecting portion 144 than the second portion 142. Therefore, the movement of the pin 132 within the second portion 142 of the opening 134 restricts the movement of the external release lever 136 in the direction of arrow 146. This movement restriction is at least as follows: Figure 19 As shown. The movement restriction of the release lever 136 prevents the outer release lever 136 from unintentionally moving the pawl 116 from the engaged position to the disengaged position. In other words, the outer release lever 136 rotates in the direction of arrow 146 to... Figure 19 The position shown is insufficient to move the pawl from the engaged position to the disengaged position. Furthermore, when pin 132 reaches the end of the second portion 142 of opening 134, pin 132 will contact one side of the second portion 142 of opening 134, which will require additional force to continue the rotation of the external release lever 136 in the direction of arrow 146.

[0078] Furthermore, as described below, when the outer release lever 136 travels in the direction of arrow 146 and the inertia lever 120 is in its second position, the outer release lever 136 will eventually contact the clutch lever 124, thereby further suppressing any accidental or undesirable movement of the outer release lever 136 in the direction of arrow 146. The aforementioned contact between the pin 132 and one side of the second portion 142 of the opening 134 and / or the aforementioned contact between the outer release lever 136 and the inertia lever 120 will occur before the outer release lever reaches its second position, causing the pawl 116 to move from its engaged position to its disengaged position.

[0079] Now return to the reference Figure 17 The inertia rod spring 122 provides a biasing force to the inertia rod 120 in the direction of arrow 150, while the clutch rod spring 125 provides a biasing force to the clutch rod 124 in the direction of arrow 152. Thus, when the biasing force in the direction of arrow 150 is overcome by the force applied to the inertia rod 120, the inertia rod 120 moves from its first position to its second position in the direction of arrow 138, while the biasing force in the direction of arrow 152 causes the clutch rod 124 to move from at least... Figure 16 , Figure 17 The first position shown is moved to at least Figure 18 The second position shown.

[0080] This movement causes the first stepped feature 156 of the clutch lever 124 to engage with the post 158 ​​of the inertia lever 120, which allows the clutch lever 124 to rotate in the direction of arrow 154 (e.g., from its first position to its second position). This occurs when the clutch lever 124 moves in the direction of 154 and the inertia lever 120 moves in the direction of arrow 138 (e.g., from its first position to its second position).

[0081] Therefore, when the inertial rod 120 is in Figure 18 As shown in the diagram, and as the external release lever 136 moves in the direction of arrow 46, pin 132 will move within the second portion 142 of opening 134. See also Figures 23 to 23A Once the inertia rod 120 is at least Figure 23 , Figure 23A The position shown can be referred to as the engaged / disengaged position of the inertial device 118. In this engaged / disengaged position, pin 132 will be at least... Figure 23 and Figure 23A The position shown is such that rotational movement of the external release lever 136 in the direction of arrow 146 will cause the pin 132 to move in the shorter second portion 142 of the opening 134, thereby preventing accidental release of the vehicle latch 110.

[0082] In order to reset the inertial device 118 and move the clutch lever 124 back at least Figure 17 and Figure 21In the indicated position (e.g., its first position), the external release lever 136 is operated after a collision event or an inertia-induced event, and as the external release lever 136 rotates in the direction of arrow 146, it resets the clutch lever 124. The clutch lever 124 then disengages the inertia lever 120, so that the inertia lever 120 returns to the disengaged position with the aid of spring 122.

[0083] During this movement, clutch lever 124 rotates in the direction of arrow 155 in the opposite direction to arrow 154, and spring 122 provides a biasing force to inertia lever 120 in the direction of arrow 157, causing inertia lever 120 to move in the direction of arrow 139, opposite to arrow 138. When the force in the direction of arrow 146 is no longer applied to external release lever 136, external release lever 136 returns to its first position, at least during... Figure 17 As shown in the diagram, the external release lever 136 is spring-biased to its first position by, for example, a spring 178.

[0084] Therefore, the inertial device 118 is reset, and the external release lever 136 is in its first position, at least until Figure 16 , Figure 17 and Figure 21 As shown in the diagram. In these positions, the inertial device 118 is reset, and the external release lever 136 is in its first position, and the vehicle latch 110 can be operated and released by intentional movement of the external release lever 136, and the inertial device 118 is also reset and can prevent the vehicle latch from being accidentally released by unintentional movement of the external release lever 136.

[0085] The term “about” is intended to include the degree of error associated with a measurement of a specific quantity based on the equipment available at the time of application submission. For example, “about” could include a range of ±8%, 5%, or 2% for a given value.

[0086] The terminology used herein is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “described” are intended to include the plural forms as well. It should be further understood that when the terms “comprising” and / or “including” are used in this specification, the presence of the stated feature, integer, step, operation, element, and / or component is specified, but the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and / or groups thereof is not excluded.

[0087] While this disclosure has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure, and its elements can be substituted with equivalents. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of this disclosure without departing from its essential scope. Therefore, this disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed as the best mode for carrying out this disclosure, but rather this disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An inertial device for a vehicle latch, characterized by, include: An inertia rod, which is movably mounted to the vehicle latch to move between a first position and a second position; A clutch lever, which is movably mounted to the vehicle latch to move between a first position and a second position; as well as A spring operatively coupled to the inertia rod and the clutch rod, the spring biasing the inertia rod to a first position and the clutch rod to a second position, wherein when the inertia rod is in the first position, the inertia rod prevents the clutch rod from moving to the second position, and when the clutch rod is in the second position, the clutch rod prevents the inertia rod from moving from the second position to the first position, and the inertia rod moving from the first position to the second position allows the clutch rod to move from the first position to the second position.

2. The inertial device of claim 1, wherein, The clutch lever has a first stepped portion for contacting the post of the inertia lever to hold the inertia lever in its first position.

3. The inertial device of claim 2, wherein, The clutch lever has a second stepped portion for contacting the post of the inertia lever to hold the inertia lever in its second position.

4. A vehicle latch characterized by, include: An external release lever, movably mounted to the housing of the vehicle latch, is used to move between a first position and a second position, wherein the second position of the external release lever causes the vehicle latch to be in an unlocked state; An inertial device that prevents undesirable movement of the external release lever from its first position to its second position, the inertial device comprising: An inertial rod, movably mounted to the housing, is used to move between a first position and a second position, wherein the second position of the inertial rod prevents undesired movement of the external release rod from its first position to its second position, and the first position of the inertial rod allows desired movement of the external release rod from its first position to its second position. A clutch lever, movably mounted to the housing, for movement between a first position and a second position; and A spring operatively coupled to the inertia rod and the clutch rod, the spring biasing the inertia rod to a first position and the clutch rod to a second position, wherein when the inertia rod is in the first position, the clutch rod prevents the inertia rod from moving from the first position to the second position, and when the clutch rod is in the second position, the clutch rod prevents the inertia rod from moving from the second position to the first position, and the movement of the inertia rod from the first position to the second position allows the clutch rod to move from the first position to the second position.

5. The vehicle latch of claim 4, wherein, The clutch lever has a first stepped portion for contacting the post of the inertia lever to hold the inertia lever in its first position.

6. The vehicle latch of claim 5, wherein, The clutch lever has a second stepped portion for contacting the post of the inertia lever to hold the inertia lever in its second position.

7. The vehicle latch of claim 4, wherein, The inertial rod has a pin that can be slidably received within the opening of the external release rod.

8. The vehicle latch of claim 7, wherein, The opening of the external release lever has a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being connected to the second portion via a connecting portion, wherein movement of the inertial lever from its first position to its second position causes the pin to slide within the connecting portion of the opening.

9. The vehicle latch of claim 8, wherein, The first portion extends further from the connecting portion than the second portion, and the first portion is an elongated opening configured to allow the pin to slide therein while the external release lever moves from its first position to its second position.

10. The vehicle latch of claim 9, wherein, The movement of the external release lever from its first position to its second position is caused by the actuation of an external rod operably coupled to the external release lever.

11. The vehicle latch of claim 8, wherein, The clutch lever has a first stepped portion for contacting the post of the inertia lever to hold the inertia lever in its first position.

12. The vehicle latch of claim 11, wherein, The clutch lever has a second stepped portion for contacting the post of the inertia lever to hold the inertia lever in its second position.

13. The vehicle latch of claim 12, wherein, When the clutch lever is in its second position and the external release lever moves from its first position to its second position, the external release lever has a cam surface that contacts the clutch lever.

14. The vehicle latch of claim 13, wherein, The external release lever is elastically biased to its first position by the spring.

15. The vehicle latch of claim 4, wherein, When the clutch lever is in its second position and the external release lever moves from its first position to its second position, the external release lever has a cam surface that contacts the clutch lever.

16. The vehicle latch of claim 15, wherein, The external release lever is elastically biased to its first position by the spring.

17. The vehicle latch of claim 4, wherein, The inertia rod has a stud pivotally mounted to a bushing of the housing, and the clutch rod is rotatably mounted to a post of the housing.

18. The vehicle latch of claim 4, wherein, The external release lever is elastically biased to its first position by the spring.

19. An inertial device for a vehicle latch, characterized by include: An inertia rod, which is movably mounted to the vehicle latch to move between a first position and a second position; A clutch lever, which is movably mounted to the vehicle latch to move between a first position and a second position; as well as A first spring, operably coupled to the inertial rod, biases the inertial rod to its first position; A second spring, operably coupled to the clutch lever, biases the clutch lever to a second position whereby, when the inertia lever is in its first position, the clutch lever prevents the inertia lever from moving to its second position, and when the clutch lever is in its second position, the clutch lever prevents the inertia lever from moving from its second position to its first position, while allowing the clutch lever to move from its first position to its second position.

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