Dual-motor locking arrangement with powered pull-in and powered release with a soft-open function

Abstract

Powered locking arrangement (18; 18') for a motor vehicle with: a ratchet (36) which is movable between a closer release position in which the ratchet (36) is arranged to release a closer (20) and three different closer catch positions in which the ratchet (36) is positioned to hold the closer (20), wherein the three different closer catch positions comprise a soft closing closer catch position, a hard closing closer catch position and a tightened closer catch position, a ratchet preloading element (54) for normal preloading of the ratchet (36) to its closing release position, a latch (38) which is movable between a ratchet control position, in which the latch (38) is positioned to hold the ratchet (36) in one of its soft-closing and hard-closing closing catch positions, and a ratchet release position, in which the latch (38) allows movement of the ratchet (36) into its closing release position, a latch preloading element for normal preloading of the latch (38) to its ratchet control position, a locking-tightening mechanism (130) with a tightening lever (134) and a tightening connecting lever (136), which is pivotably connected to the pull lever (134), wherein the pull connecting lever (136) has a first engagement element (144) which is configured to selectively engage a second engagement element (50) on the ratchet (36) when the ratchet (36) is initially rotated into one of its soft-closing and hard-closing closing catch positions, and an actuating mechanism (180) with an electric motor (182) and a pull-out gear (188) which is operated by the electric motor (182), wherein the pull-out gear (188) has a drive slot (192) with a drive post (198) extending from the pull-out lever (134) which is arranged inside the drive slot (192) to coordinate a pivoting movement of the pull-out lever (134) and the pull-out connecting lever (136) with the rotation of the pull-out gear (188), wherein a driven tightening function is created by actuating the electric motor (182) to rotate the tightening mechanism (188) in a tightening direction from a tightening start position to a tightening stop position, wherein the driven tightening function is initiated when the ratchet (36) is rotated by the closer (20) into one of its soft-closing and hard-closing closer catch positions and the pawl (38) is in its ratchet control position, such that a rotation of the tightening mechanism (188) from its tightening start position to its tightening stop position causes a pivoting movement of the tightening lever (134) and the tightening connecting lever (136), which forcibly rotates the ratchet (36) into its tightened closer catch position due to the engagement of the first and second engagement elements, and wherein the pawl (38) is positioned in its ratchet control position but out of engagement with the ratchet (36) is,when the ratchet (36) is turned and held in its tightened closing catch position.

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a locking mechanism for a closure flap and in particular to a driven locking arrangement which provides at least one feature of a driven pull and one feature of a driven release with a soft opening function. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This section provides background information relating to the present disclosure and is not necessarily prior art.

[0003] In response to increasing consumer demand for vehicles equipped with advanced comfort and convenience features, many vehicles today are fitted with passive access systems to allow locking and unlocking of access panels (such as doors, tailgates, hatches, and trunk lids) without the use of a traditional key-type access system. In this regard, some popular features now available in vehicle locking systems include powered locking / unlocking, powered release, and powered engagement. These "powered" features are created by a locking assembly mounted on the access panel, comprising a ratchet-and-latch locking mechanism controlled by at least one electrical actuator.Typically, the locking flap is held in a closed position by the ratchet, which is positioned in a normally closed catch position to hold a normally closed latch mounted on a structural part of the vehicle. The ratchet is held in its normally closed catch position by the pawl, which engages the ratchet in a ratchet-hold position. In most ratchet-and-pawl locking mechanisms, the pawl can be operated in its ratchet-hold position to hold the ratchet in an initial or soft-closing normally closed catch position and a primary or hard-closing normally closed catch position. Locking assemblies featuring a powered pull-in characteristic typically incorporate a pull-in mechanism operated by an electrical actuator.Normally, the tightening mechanism is directly connected to the ratchet and, when actuated, moves the ratchet from its initial normally closed catch position to its primary normally closed catch position, thereby pulling the latch into its closed position. To subsequently release the latch from its closed position, a release mechanism is actuated to move the latch from its ratchet holding position to a ratchet release position, with a ratchet tensioning assembly forcibly pivoting the ratchet from its primary normally closed catch position to a normally closed release position to disengage the latch. In latching arrangements that create a powered release feature, the release mechanism is controlled by an electrical actuator.A common electrical actuator or separate electrical actuators can be used in conjunction with the driven release and driven engagement features. However, the driven release feature is typically independent of the driven engagement feature. Alternatively, it is also known to employ a double-latch locking mechanism to reduce the release effort required for the electrical actuator to release the locking mechanism.

[0004] In most locking devices that incorporate a powered pull function, the pull mechanism is normally held in an unactuated or "standby" state and is only moved into an actuated state once the sensors indicate that the ratchet is positioned in its initial normally closed catch position. Following completion of the pull operation, when the sensors indicate that the ratchet is in its primary normally closed catch position, the pull mechanism must be "reset," that is, returned to its standby state, to allow the subsequent unimpeded movement of the ratchet to its normally closed release position by actuating the release mechanism.If the locking flap is initially closed with sufficient closing force to position the ratchet in its primary closing catch position, the tightening process is skipped, and the tightening mechanism is held in its ready state. An example of a powered tightening locking arrangement is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,341,448, which incorporates a cable-type tightening mechanism.

[0005] To ensure that precipitation and road grime do not enter the vehicle, virtually all vehicle locking flaps are fitted with weatherproof seals around their circumferential edge. These seals are designed to seal against the adjacent surface of the vehicle body surrounding the locking opening. These weatherproof seals also help to reduce wind noise. The seals are typically made of an elastomeric material and are designed to be compressed when the locking flap is closed by the locking mechanism. It should be noted that increasing the compressive clamping force exerted on the weatherproof seals will result in increased noise reduction within the passenger compartment.It should be noted that weatherproof seals, when held in a highly compressed state, tend to force the flap into its open position, and this "opening force" is resisted by the pawl and ratchet locking mechanism of the driven locking assembly. As the seal loads exerted on the locking mechanism increase, so do the forces required to release the locking mechanism, which in turn affects the size and power requirements of the electrical actuator.Furthermore, an audible “click” sound is sometimes generated following the actuation of the electrical actuator during a driven release process due to the rapid release of the sealing loads, while the ratchet of the locking mechanism is forcibly moved from its primary normally closed catch position to its normally closed release position.

[0006] To resolve this conflict between high sealing loads and low release costs, it is known to provide an arrangement for the controlled release of the sealing load coordinated with the release of the locking mechanism. For example, European Publication EP1176273 discloses a driven single-ratchet / double-pawl locking mechanism designed to provide a progressive release of the ratchet to reduce noise associated with its release. Furthermore, European Publication EP0978609 employs an eccentric mechanism together with a single-pawl locking mechanism to reduce the sealing loads before the ratchet releases.

[0007] While today's powered locking arrangements are sufficient to meet regular requirements and provide increased comfort and convenience, there remains a need to advance the technology and create alternative powered locking arrangements and arrangements that address and overcome at least some of the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0008] From DE 699 04 936 T2, a vehicle door lock with a rotatable bolt is known, which is locked in a primary or an intermediate secondary locking position by a detent. The detent is actuated by an intermittent lever, which is actuated by a transmission lever triggered by the interior or exterior door handles. The door lock further comprises a locking lever that prevents the door handles from actuating the intermittent lever when it is in the locked position. The door lock also includes a locking mechanism that automatically engages the fork bolt in the primary locking position when the intermediate secondary position is reached. The locking mechanism comprises a connecting element, one end of which is connected to a locking pawl and the other end of which is connected to the locking assembly.The connecting link pulls on the pawl to release it from a locking gear so that the locking gear can return to the ready or starting position during an unlocking operation.

[0009] From US patent 5,918,917, a vehicle door lock is known, comprising a rotatable fork bolt that is locked in the primary or an intermediate secondary locking position by a detent. The detent is actuated by an intermittent lever, which is actuated by a transmission lever, which is actuated by interior and exterior door handles via a suitable mechanical linkage. The door lock includes a locking lever that prevents the door handles from actuating the intermittent lever when it is in the locked position. The door lock also includes a locking mechanism that automatically engages the fork bolt in the primary locking position when the intermediate secondary locking position is reached. The locking mechanism moves out of the way in response to an unlocking operation to provide a failsafe.

[0010] US 9,670,700 B2 discloses a door locking system for a vehicle with a latch locking mechanism arranged to be actuated in a release-release direction from a neutral position to lock with the pivoting movement of the latch in a predetermined direction, and a release-release mechanism arranged to be actuated from a connected state, in which an operating power transmission path for transmitting the power of the electric drive mechanism to the latch is connected, to a disconnected state, in which the operating power transmission path is disconnected, by actuating the latch locking mechanism in the release-release direction from the neutral position, wherein the release-release mechanism is arranged to be actuated from the connected state to the disconnected state when the latch is in a release-restriction state.to allow the handle to return to the engagement position. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] This section provides a general summary and is not intended to be a comprehensive disclosure of all the features, advantages, aspects and tasks associated with the inventive concepts described and explained in the detailed description presented here.

[0012] It is an aspect of the present invention to provide a driven locking arrangement for a motor vehicle locking system which is configured to provide at least one feature of a driven pull and one feature of a soft-opening driven release.

[0013] It is a related aspect of the present disclosure to provide a driven locking arrangement with a power-operated locking tightening mechanism that is operable to move a closer held in a ratchet of a ratchet and latch locking mechanism by moving the ratchet from a soft-closing closer catch position and a hard-closing closer catch position to a tightened closer catch position.

[0014] It is a further related aspect of the present disclosure to employ the power-operated locking-tightening mechanism to form a first or tightening mode and a second or release / unlock mode. The tightening mode is formed when the power-operated locking-tightening mechanism engages the ratchet and forcibly moves the ratchet from one of its soft-closing and hard-closing normally closed catch positions to the tightened normally closed catch position. The release / unlock mode is formed when the power-operated locking-tightening mechanism initially moves the ratchet from its tightened normally closed catch position to a tighten-release normally closed catch position, and subsequently moves the ratchet from its tighten-release normally closed catch position to a ratchet release position.

[0015] It is another related aspect of the present disclosure to employ the power-operated locking mechanism to mechanically hold the ratchet in its tightened closing catch position.

[0016] It is another related aspect of the present disclosure to employ the power-operated locking tightening mechanism to maintain the engagement with the ratchet during the movement of the ratchet from its tightened closer-catch position to its tighten-release closer position in order to release the closer and subsequently to release the engagement with the ratchet during the movement of the ratchet from its tighten-release closer-catch position to its ratchet-release position.

[0017] It is a further related aspect of the present disclosure to provide the driven locking arrangement with a power-operated locking release mechanism, which can be operated together with the locking tightening mechanism, to enable the movement of the ratchet from its tightened closer catch position to its tightening release closer catch position to release the closer, prior to enabling the movement of the ratchet from its ratchet release position to a closer release position, in order to create the feature of soft-opening driven release.

[0018] It is another related aspect of the present disclosure to provide the driven locking arrangement with an actuating mechanism that is operable to coordinate the driven pull feature and the soft-opening driven release feature.

[0019] In accordance with these and other aspects, a driven locking arrangement is provided, comprising: a ratchet (36) movable between a normally closed release position, in which the ratchet is positioned to release a normally closed contact, and three distinct normally closed catch positions, in which the ratchet is positioned to hold the normally closed contact, wherein the three distinct normally closed catch positions include a soft-closing normally closed catch position, a hard-closing normally closed catch position, and a tightened normally closed catch position; a ratchet tensioning element for normally pre-tensioning the ratchet into its normally closed release position; a latch movable between a ratchet control position, in which the latch is positioned to hold the ratchet in one of its soft-closing and hard-closing normally closed catch positions, and a ratchet release position, in which the latch is arranged.to enable movement of the ratchet into its normally closed release position, a pawl tensioning element for normally pre-tensioning the pawl to its ratchet control position, a locking release mechanism that engages the pawl and is operable in a first locking release mode for positioning the pawl in its ratchet control position and a second locking release mode for positioning the pawl in its detented release position, a locking tightening mechanism with a tightening connecting lever having an engagement surface designed to selectively engage a ratchet projection extending from the ratchet when the ratchet is initially rotated by the closer from its normally closed release position into one of its soft-closing normally closed catch and hard-closing normally closed catch positions, and an actuating mechanism,which is functionally movable in a tightening direction from a tightening start position to a tightening stop position to create a driven tightening function after the ratchet has been moved by the closer into one of its soft-closing closer catch and hard-closing closer catch positions and the pawl has moved into its ratchet control position, wherein a movement of the actuating mechanism from its tightening start position to its tightening stop position causes a pivoting movement of the tightening connecting lever, which forcibly rotates the ratchet into its tightened closer catch position by continued engagement of the ratchet projection with the engagement surface of the tightening connecting lever, and wherein the pawl is positioned in its ratchet control position but is disengaged from the ratchet when the ratchet is held in its tightened closer catch position. The driven locking assembly is also designed toto create a soft release function for releasing the closer before releasing the ratchet projection from the engagement surface on the tightening connecting lever by moving the actuating mechanism in a release direction from its tightening stop position to its tightening start position to move the ratchet from its tightened closer catch position to a tightening release closer catch position.

[0020] In accordance with these and other aspects, a driven locking arrangement is provided, comprising: a ratchet (36) movable between a normally closed release position, in which the ratchet is arranged to release a normally closed contact, and three distinct normally closed catch positions, in which the ratchet is arranged to hold the normally closed contact, wherein the three distinct normally closed catch positions of the ratchet are a first or soft-closing normally closed catch position, a second or hard-closing normally closed catch position, and a third or tightened normally closed catch position; a ratchet preload element configured to preload the ratchet normally to its normally closed release position; and a pawl movable between a ratchet control position, in which the pawl is positioned to hold the ratchet in one of its soft-closing and hard-closing normally closed catch positions, and a ratchet release position.movable, in which the pawl is arranged to allow movement of the ratchet into its normally closed release position, a pawl preloading element configured to normally preload the pawl into its ratchet control position, a locking pull-tightening mechanism comprising a pull-tightening lever and a pull-tightening linkage lever, wherein the pull-tightening lever has a first segment pivotably mounted on a pull-tight pivot pin, and a second segment pivotably connected to the first segment of the pull-tightening linkage lever, wherein a second segment of the pull-tightening linkage lever is configured to have an engagement shoulder configured to selectively engage and retain a ratchet projection extending from the ratchet in response to the closer moving the ratchet from its normally closed release position to its soft-closing normally closed catch position, and an actuating mechanism,which is operable to create a driven tightening function, wherein the actuating mechanism comprises an electric motor driving a gearbox with a drive slot, within which a drive post is received on the second segment of the tightening lever, for coordinating the pivoting movement of the tightening lever with the rotation of the gearbox, wherein the driven tightening function is created by actuating the electric motor to rotate the gearbox in a tightening direction from a tightening start position to a tightening stop position, causing the locking tightening mechanism to forcibly rotate the ratchet from its soft-closing closer catch position or its hard-closing closer catch position to its tightened closer catch position due to the engagement between the ratchet projection and the engagement shoulder on the tightening linkage lever, while the pawl is held in its ratchet control position.

[0021] In accordance with the driven locking device constructed as described above, a driven release function is also obtained by further providing: a locking release mechanism with a latch lever and a release lever, wherein the latch lever engages the latch and is movable between a first latch lever position in which the latch is in its ratchet release position, and a second latch lever position in which the latch is in its ratchet release position.The release lever can be selectively engaged with the pawl lever and a cam segment formed on the transmission, which is movable between an unactuated position in which the pawl lever is arranged in its first pawl lever position, and an actuated position in which the pawl lever is arranged in its second pawl lever position, and a tightening and releasing mechanism including a release lever with a first segment pivotably mounted on the tightening pivot pin, and a second segment with a follower arranged in a dead-pass slot formed in the tightening connecting lever.The driven release function is triggered by actuating the electric motor to rotate the gearbox in a release direction from its tightening stop position to its tightening start position, causing its cam segment to move the release lever from its unactuated position to its actuated position. This movement of the release lever causes the pawl lever to move the pawl from its ratchet control position to its ratchet release position, simultaneously acting on the tightening release mechanism to cause the tightening linkage lever to move to a released position where the ratchet projection is disengaged from the engagement shoulder. This allows the ratchet to rotate from its ratchet release position to its normally closed release position due to the preload of the ratchet preload element.The soft-opening feature is achieved by initially rotating the ratchet from its tightened closer-catch position to its tighten-release closer-catch position, dependent on the initial rotation of the gearbox in the release direction from its tightening stop position to a released position, while the ratchet projection is held engaged with the shoulder on the tightening linkage lever. This limited rotation of the gearbox in the release direction sets the locking tightening mechanism in motion and allows the ratchet to rotate from its tightening closer-catch position to its tightening-release closer-catch position, thereby disengaging the closer from its ratchet release position to the closer release position before the ratchet is released, allowing for unimpeded movement.

[0022] In accordance with these and other aspects, a single-motor version of a driven locking device is created, comprising a ratchet movable between a normally closed release position, in which the ratchet is positioned to release a normally closed contact, and three distinct normally closed catch positions, in which the ratchet is positioned to hold the normally closed contact, wherein the three distinct normally closed catch positions include a soft-closing normally closed catch position, a hard-closing normally closed catch position, and a tightened normally closed catch position; a ratchet preloading element for normally preloading the ratchet to its normally closed release position; and a latch movable between a ratchet control position, in which the latch is positioned to hold the ratchet in one of its soft-closing and hard-closing normally closed catch positions, and a ratchet release position, in which the latch is arranged.to allow movement of the ratchet into its normally closed release position, a latch preloading element for normally preloading the latch to its latch control position, a locking release mechanism with a latch lever and a release lever, wherein the latch lever engages the latch and is movable between a first latch lever position in which the latch is in its ratchet control position and a second latch lever position in which the latch is in its ratchet release position, wherein the release lever is selectively engageable with the latch lever and is movable between a non-actuated position in which the latch lever is in its first latch lever position and an actuated position in which the latch lever is moved to its second latch lever position, a locking pull-tightening mechanism with a pull-tightening lever and a pull-tightening connecting lever,wherein the pull lever has a first segment pivotably mounted on a pull pivot pin, and a second segment pivotably connected to the first segment of the pull connecting lever, wherein a second segment of the pull connecting lever has an engagement shoulder configured to selectively engage a ratchet projection extending from the ratchet when the ratchet is in its soft-closing closer catch position, a pull release mechanism comprising a release lever with a first segment pivotably mounted on the pull pivot pin, and a second segment with a follower arranged in a dead-run slot formed in the pull connecting lever, and an actuating mechanism operable to create a driven pull function and a driven release function,wherein the actuating mechanism comprises an electric motor and a gear set with a first gear driven by the motor and meshing with a second gear which is mounted for rotation on the pull-out pivot pin, wherein the second gear has an edge section defining a drive slot, a recessed segment and a cam segment, and wherein a drive post extending from the second end of the pawl lever is arranged within the drive slot to coordinate the pivoting motion of the pull-out lever with the rotation of the second gear.

[0023] In accordance with the single-motor version of the driven locking assembly, which is constructed as described above, the driven tightening function is created by actuating the electric motor to rotate the second gearbox in one tightening direction from a tightening start position to a tightening stop position. The driven tightening function is initiated after the ratchet has been rotated by the closer into one of its soft-closing and hard-closing closer catch positions, while the latch is in its ratchet control position.Such a rotation of the second gear into its tightening stop position causes a pivoting movement of the tightening lever and the tightening connecting lever, which forcibly rotates the ratchet into its tightened closer-catch position due to the engagement of the ratchet projection with the engagement shoulder on the tightening connecting lever, and wherein the pawl is arranged in its ratchet control position, but is released from the ratchet when the ratchet is rotated into its tightened closer-catch position.

[0024] In accordance with the single-motor version of the driven locking device, constructed as above, the driven release function is created by actuating the electric motor to rotate the second gear in a release direction from its tightening stop position to its tightening start position, while the ratchet is held in its tightened normally closed catch position by the locking tightening mechanism. This rotation of the second gear causes the cam segment on the release lever to engage and move it from its unactuated position to its actuated position, causing the pawl lever to move the pawl from its ratchet control position to its ratchet release position.This movement of the pawl lever further causes the tightening-release mechanism to engage the tightening-connecting lever and forcibly move it into a release position where the tightening-connecting lever is disengaged from the ratchet projection, thus releasing the ratchet and allowing it to rotate from its ratchet release position to its normally closed release position. To create the soft-opening function, the second gear is initially rotated in the release / unlock direction from its tightening stop position to a disengaged position. Such rotation of the second gear causes the locking tightening mechanism to initially rotate the ratchet from its tightened normally closed catch position to a tightened normally closed catch position, while the ratchet projection remains engaged with the shoulder on the tightening-connecting lever, thus disengaging the normally closed catch.A continued rotation of the second gear in the release / unlock direction causes the ratchet to move from its tightening-unlocking closer-catch position to its ratchet release position, while the ratchet protrusion disengages from the shoulder on the tightening linkage lever, thus releasing the ratchet for a subsequent movement into its closer-release position following the loosening process.

[0025] In accordance with these and other aspects, a two-motor version of a driven locking arrangement is created, comprising a ratchet movable between a normally closed release position, in which the ratchet is positioned to release a normally closed contact, and three distinct normally closed catch positions, in which the ratchet is positioned to hold the normally closed contact, wherein the three distinct normally closed catch positions are a soft-closing normally closed catch position, a hard-closing normally closed catch position, and a tightened normally closed catch position; a ratchet preloading element for normally preloading the ratchet to its normally closed release position; and a latch movable between a ratchet control position, in which the latch is positioned to hold the ratchet in one of its soft-closing and hard-closing normally closed catch positions, and a ratchet release position.in which the latch allows movement of the ratchet into its normally closed release position, a latch preloading element for normally preloading the latch to its ratchet control position, a locking release mechanism with a latch lever, a release lever and a locking lever, wherein the latch lever engages the latch and is movable between a first latch lever position, in which the latch is arranged in its ratchet control position, and a second latch lever position, in which the latch is arranged in its ratchet release position, wherein the release lever is selectively engageable with the locking lever and is movable between a non-actuated position, in which the locking lever is arranged in a first position, and an actuated position, in which the locking lever is moved to a second position, a locking pull-in mechanism with a pull-in lever and a pull-in connecting lever,wherein the tightening lever has a first segment pivotably mounted on a tightening pivot pin, and a second segment pivotably connected to the first segment of the tightening connecting lever, wherein a second segment of the tightening connecting lever has an engagement shoulder configured to selectively engage a ratchet rivet fixed to the ratchet when the ratchet is in its soft-closing closer catch position, a tightening release mechanism with a release lever having a first segment pivotably mounted on the tightening pivot pin and a second segment with a follower arranged in a dead-run slot formed in the tightening connecting lever, and an actuating mechanism with a driven tightening actuating element and a driven release actuating element, wherein the driven tightening actuating element comprises a first electric motor and a tightening gearbox,which is driven by the first electric motor, wherein the pull-out gear has an edge section defining a drive slot, a recessed element and a cam segment, and wherein a drive post extending from the second end of the pull-out lever is arranged within the drive slot to coordinate the pivoting movement of the pull-out lever with the rotation of the second gear, and wherein the driven release actuator has a second electric motor and a driven release gear operated by the second electric motor to move the pawl lever between its first and second pawl lever positions.

[0026] In accordance with the two-motor version of the driven locking assembly, constructed as described above, the driven tightening function is achieved by actuating the driven tightening actuator to rotate the tightening mechanism in one tightening direction from a tightening start position to a tightening stop position. The driven tightening function is subsequently initiated by the ratchet being rotated by the closer into one of its soft-closing and hard-closing closer catch positions, while the pawl is in its ratchet control position.Such a rotation of the tightening mechanism into its tightening stop position causes a pivoting movement of the tightening lever and the tightening connecting lever, which forcibly rotates the ratchet into its tightened closing position due to the engagement of the ratchet projection with the engagement shoulder of the tightening connecting lever, while the pawl is held in its ratchet control position but is disengaged from the ratchet.

[0027] In accordance with the two-motor version of the driven locking device, constructed as described above, the driven release function is achieved by initially actuating the driven release actuator to rotate the driven release gear in a release direction, pivoting the pawl of the locking release mechanism from its first pawl position to its second pawl position, thus moving the pawl from its ratchet control position to its ratchet release position. The driven pull actuator is also actuated to cause the pull gear to rotate in a release direction from its pull stop position to its pull start position.Such a rotation of the tightening mechanism causes the release lever to rotate from its disengaged position to an engaged position, which in turn forces the internal locking lever to pivot from a first position to a second position. This pivoting movement of the internal locking lever causes it to act on the tightening linkage lever, moving it to disengage the ratchet projection from the shoulder on the tightening linkage lever, thus allowing the ratchet to rotate from its detented position to its normally open release position. A rotation of the tightening mechanism simultaneously acts on the tightening release mechanism to assist in the movement of the tightening linkage lever out of engagement with the ratchet.

[0028] Further areas of application will become apparent from the detailed description provided here. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended solely for illustrative purposes and are not meant to limit the scope of this disclosure. DRAWINGS

[0029] The drawings described here serve only to illustrate selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, so the drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 1 is a partial perspective view of a motor vehicle with a locking flap equipped with a driven locking arrangement constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, Fig. Figure 2 is an isometric view of a driven single-motor locking arrangement constructed in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention, and shows various components associated with the latch and ratchet type locking mechanism. Fig. Figure 3 is another isometric view of the driven single-motor locking assembly, showing various components of a locking release mechanism that is associated with the locking mechanism of the Fig. 2 is operable, Fig. Figure 4 is another isometric view of the driven single-motor locking assembly, showing various components of a locking pull-in mechanism that, in association with the locking release mechanism of the Fig. 3 and the locking mechanism of the Fig. 2 is operable, Fig. Figure 5 is another isometric view of the driven single-motor locking assembly, showing various components of a tightening-release mechanism associated with the locking tightening mechanism of the Fig. 4 is operable, Fig. Figure 6 is another isometric view of the driven single-motor locking assembly, showing various components of an actuating mechanism that is associated with the locking pull-in mechanism of the Fig. 4 and the locking release mechanism of the Fig. 3 is operable, Fig. Figure 7 is another isometric view of the driven single-motor locking assembly, showing various components of an internal release mechanism that, in association with the locking release mechanism of the Fig. 3 is operable, Fig. Figure 8 is another isometric view of the driven single-motor locking assembly, showing various components of an external release mechanism that, together with the locking release mechanism of the Fig. 3 is operable, Fig. 9A and Fig. Figure 9B shows views of the driven single-motor locking assembly, showing the position of its various components when the locking flap is in an open position. Fig. 10A and Fig. Figure 10B shows illustrations of the driven single-motor locking assembly, showing the position of its various components when the locking flap has moved from the open position to a first or “soft” closed position. Fig. 11A and Fig. Figure 11B shows views of the driven single-motor locking assembly, showing the position of its various components as the locking flap moves from the first locked position to a second or “hard” closed position. Fig. 12A and Fig. Figure 12B shows illustrations of the driven single-motor locking assembly, showing the position of its various components when the locking flap has moved from the second closed position to a third or “tightened” closed position. Fig. Sections 13A to 13C each explain the orientations of the ratchet latch components of the locking mechanism for forming the first, second and third closed positions of the flap. Fig. 14A and Fig. Figure 14B illustrates different orientations of the ratchet and pawl components of the locking mechanism and the pawl lever and pull-link lever components of the locking pull-tightening mechanism during a driven pull-tightening operation of the driven locking assembly, showing a movement of the locking flap from its first closed position to its third closed position ( Fig. 14 A) and from their second closed position to their third closed position ( Fig. 14 B), Fig. Figures 15A to 15K show a series of successive isometric views illustrating the interaction and relative motion of various components of the driven single-motor locking assembly during a movement of the locking flap from its open position to its third closed position by operation of a driven locking feature in accordance with the present disclosure. Fig. Figures 16A to 16K are sequences of successive enlarged top views of the driven single-motor locking assembly, which show the Fig. 15A to 15K correspond and further explain the driven pull-in characteristic, Fig. Figures 17A to 17K are sequences of successive enlarged views of the driven single-motor locking assembly, which also belong to the Fig. 15A to 15K correspond and further explain the driven attracting characteristic, Fig. 15L, Fig. 16L and Fig. Figure 17L shows an isometric view and enlarged top and bottom views of the powered single-motor locking assembly, illustrating a safety locking feature designed for the event of a vehicle collision. Fig. Figures 18A to 18G illustrate a sequence of successive isometric representations showing the interaction and relative motion of the components of the driven single-motor locking arrangement when the locking flap is moved from its third closed position to its open position by the operation of a driven release feature, and which creates a soft opening function in accordance with the present disclosure. Fig. Figures 19A to 19G illustrate a sequence of successive enlarged top views that depict the Fig. 18A to 18G correspond to, furthermore, the soft opening function created by the driven release feature of the single-motor locking arrangement, Fig. Figures 20A to 20G illustrate a sequence of successive enlarged bottom views, which also show the Fig. 18A to 18G correspond to, in order to further explain, the soft opening function created by the driven release feature, Fig. Figures 21A to 21E illustrate a sequence of successive isometric representations showing the interaction and relative motion of various components of the driven single-motor locking assembly when an internal locking release mechanism is mechanically actuated to move the locking flap from its third closed position to its open position in order to create an internal release feature in accordance with the present disclosure. Fig. Figures 22A to 22E show a sequence of successive isometric representations illustrating the interaction and relative movement of various components of the driven single-motor locking assembly when the external locking release mechanism is mechanically actuated to move the locking flap from its third closed position to its door-open position in order to create an external release feature in accordance with the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 23 is an isometric representation of an alternative version of the driven single-motor locking arrangement, constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present disclosure, and shows its components positioned when the locking flap is in its third or tightened closed position. Fig. Figure 24 is an isometric view of another alternative version of the driven single-motor locking arrangement, constructed in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention, and shows the position of its components when the locking flap is in its third or engaged closed position. Fig. Figure 25 is an isometric representation showing components of a latch and ratchet locking mechanism associated with a two-motor locking arrangement constructed according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 26 is an isometric view showing components of a locking release mechanism associated with the two-motor locking arrangement of the present invention. Fig. Figure 27 is an isometric representation showing components of a locking-tightening mechanism associated with the driven two-motor locking arrangement of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 28 is an isometric representation showing components of a pull-out release mechanism associated with the driven two-motor locking arrangement of the present invention. Fig. Figure 29 is an isometric representation showing components of a driven release actuation mechanism associated with the two-motor locking arrangement of the present invention. Fig. Figure 30 is an isometric representation showing components of a driven pull-in actuation mechanism associated with the two-motor locking arrangement of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 31 is an isometric representation showing components of an internal release mechanism associated with the driven two-motor locking arrangement of the present disclosure. Fig. Figures 32A to 32F illustrate a sequence of successive isometric drawings showing the interaction and relative motion of various components of the two-motor locking arrangement when the locking flap is moved from its third closed position to its open position by operation of the driven release feature, which creates the soft opening function in accordance with the present disclosure. Fig. Figures 33A to 33F illustrate a sequence of successive enlarged bottom views of the two-motor locking assembly, which the Fig. 32A to 32F correspond, for a better explanation of the driven release feature, and Fig. Figures 34A to 34E explain a sequence of successive isometric drawings showing the interaction and relative motion of various components of the driven two-motor locking assembly when the inner release mechanism is mechanically actuated to allow the movement of the locking element from its third closed position to its open position to create the inner release feature.

[0030] Corresponding reference numbers are used to consistently designate components corresponding to the various representations in the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Exemplary embodiments are now described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. To this end, the exemplary embodiments are presented so that this disclosure is comprehensive and conveys the intended scope to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, a large number of specific details, as well as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are presented to provide a thorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. However, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be implemented, that exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many different forms, and that they are not to be considered as limiting the scope of this disclosure. In some exemplary embodiments, known processes, known device structures, and known technologies are not described in detail.

[0032] In the following detailed description, the term "powered locking assembly" is used to generally refer to any energy-operated locking device suitable for use with a vehicle locking flap to create a powered closing feature in combination with a soft-opening function, with or without a powered release feature. Furthermore, the term "locking flap" is used to refer to any element movable between an open position and at least one closed position, thereby opening and closing access to an interior compartment of the motor vehicle, and thus including, without limitation, trunk lids, rear doors, tailgates, bonnets, and sunroofs, in addition to sliding or pivoting side doors of a motor vehicle, to which the following description refers explicitly only as examples.

[0033] Initially referring to Fig. Figure 1 of the drawings shows a motor vehicle 10 comprising a vehicle body 12 that defines an opening 14 to an inner passenger compartment. A closing flap 16 is pivotally mounted on the body 12 to move between an open position (shown) and a fully closed position, thereby opening and closing the opening 14. A driven locking device 18 is fixedly attached to the closing flap 16 adjacent to its edge region 16A and can be releasably engaged with a closer 20, which is fixedly mounted on a recessed edge portion 14A of the opening 14. As detailed below, the driven locking device 18 can be operated to engage with the closer 20 and releasably moves the closing flap 16 to its fully closed position.An outer handle 22 and an inner handle 24 are provided for actuating the driven locking assembly 18 to release the closer 20 and allow subsequent movement of the locking flap 16 into its open position. An optional locking button 26 is shown, which provides a visual indication of the locking status of the locking assembly 18 and can also be used to mechanically change the locking status of the locking assembly 18.A weatherproof seal 28 is mounted on an edge portion 14A of the opening 14 in the vehicle body 12 and is designed to be elastically compressed when it comes into contact with a matching sealing surface of the closure flap 16 when the closure flap 16 is held in its closed position by the locking arrangement 18, thus creating a sealed interface between them. This seal is designed to prevent the ingress of rain and dirt into the passenger compartment while minimizing audible wind noise. For clarity and to reflect its functional association with the motor vehicle 10, the closure flap will be referred to as the passenger door 16 in the following.

[0034] A detailed description of non-limiting embodiments of a driven single-motor locking arrangement 18, constructed in accordance with the teaching of the present disclosure, is now given. In general, the Fig. Figures 2 to 8 show a series of similar illustrations, successively depicting a “assembly” construction of the driven locking assembly 18, comprising: a locking mechanism 32 ( Fig. 2), a locking release mechanism 72 ( Fig. 3), a locking-tightening mechanism 130 ( Fig. 4) a suit release mechanism 160 ( Fig. 5), an actuating mechanism 180 ( Fig. 6), an internal release mechanism 210 ( Fig. 7) and an external release mechanism 230 ( Fig. 8). The Fig. 9A and Fig. Figure 9B shows various components of the driven locking assembly 18, which are arranged to create a "released" mode when the door 16 is in an open position. Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B explains various components of the driven locking assembly 18, which are designed to create a “first secure locked” mode when the door 16 is in a first or soft-closed position. Fig. 11A and Fig. Figure 11B shows various components of the driven locking assembly 18, which are designed to create a “second secure locked” mode when the door 16 is in a second or hard-locked position. Finally, the Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B various components of the driven locking device 18 which are configured to create a ‘drawn locked’ mode when the door 16 is in a third or drawn locked position.

[0035] The Fig. 15A to 15K, which Fig. 16A to 16K and the Fig. Figures 17A to 17K provide a coordinated sequence of successive illustrations that clearly show the relative motion of the various components associated with the driven locking assembly 18 to create a feature of a "driven pull" and to form the pulled-lock mode. Additionally, the Fig. 15 L, Fig. 16L and Fig. 17L various components of the powered locking assembly 18, which are configured to provide a feature of a mechanical lock when a motor vehicle 10 undergoes a collision impact, to form a “blocking safe locked” mode. Similarly, the Fig. 18A to 18G, which Fig. 19A to 19G and the Fig. Figures 20A to 20G are coordinated sequences of successive representations showing the relative motion of various components associated with the driven locking assembly 18 to create a feature of a "driven release" and to form the released mode. As described in detail, the Fig. 18 A-18 C, the Fig. 19 A-19C and the Fig. 20 A-20C also includes the various components of the driven locking device 18, which are positioned to switch from the tightened locked mode to a “tightened released” mode as part of a release / soft opening function created by the driven release feature. Fig. Figures 21A to 21B create a sequence of consecutive representations showing the actuation of the internal release mechanism 210 to open the door 16 using the internal door handle 24 under various unpowered conditions. Finally, the Fig. Figures 22A to 22E are a sequence of consecutive illustrations that demonstrate the actuation of the external release unit 32 to open the door 16 using the external door handle 22 during various unpowered conditions.

[0036] Now referring to Fig. Figure 2 shows a single-motor version of the driven locking assembly 18, comprising a frame plate 30 and a locking mechanism 32. The frame plate 30 is a rigid component configured to be fixedly attached to an edge portion 16A of the door 16 and defines an access opening 34 through which a closer 20 moves as the door 16 moves toward and away from its closed position. In this non-limiting example, the locking mechanism 32 is shown as a single latch assembly, generally comprising a ratchet 36 and a latch 38. The ratchet 36 is supported for pivoting motion on a ratchet pivot pin 40 extending outward from the frame plate 30. The ratchet 36 is designed to encompass a contoured guide channel 42 terminating in a closer catch pocket 44, a first safety locking surface 46 and a second safety locking surface 48.A projection, such as a raised ratchet tab or rivet 50, extends outwards from a leg segment 52 of the ratchet 36. The ratchet 36 is further configured to have a first cam edge surface 53 between the leg segment 52 and the first safety locking surface 46, and a second cam edge surface 55 formed between the first safety locking surface 46 and the second safety locking surface 48. A ratchet preloading element, shown schematically by an arrow 54, is configured to normally preload the ratchet 36 to engage in a first or released direction (counterclockwise in the direction shown). Fig. 2) to turn. The ratchet 36 is in Fig. 2 is shown rotated and held in a second or locked direction, so that the closer 20 is held in the catch pocket 44 and prevented from being released by the guide channel 42. As described in detail, the ratchet 36 is pivotable between a number of different positions, including a closer release position ( Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B), a first or “soft closing” closing catch position ( Fig. 10A and Fig. 10 B), a second or “hard-closing” closing catch position ( Fig. 11A and Fig. 11 B) and a third or “tightened” closing catch position ( Fig. 12A and Fig. 12 B) movable.

[0037] The latch 38 is mounted for pivoting movement on a latch pivot pin 60, which extends outwards from the frame plate 30. The latch 38 is configured to comprise a body segment 61 with an engagement surface 62, which is configured to selectively and releasably engage, under certain conditions, one of the first safety surface 46 and the second safety locking surface 48 of the ratchet 36. The latch 38 further comprises a leg segment 64, which extends outwards from the body segment 61. A latch preload element and a helical spring 66 are provided to normally rotate the latch 38 in a first direction (clockwise). Fig. 2) to pre-tension to a ratchet control position. The pawl 38 is in its ratchet control position in Fig. 2 shown, while the latch 38 is in the Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B is shown rotated in a second direction of rotation into a ratchet release position.

[0038] The Fig. 3 is generally similar to Fig. Figure 2 further shows the driven locking device 18 with a locking housing 70 and a locking release mechanism 72, which is installed on the frame plate 30. The locking housing 70 is configured to define an ascending tunnel section 74, which lies above a guide channel 42, a first head section 76 through which the ratchet pivot pin 40 extends, a second head section (not shown) through which the latch pivot pin 60 extends, a first guide slot 78 through which the ratchet rivet 50 extends, and a second guide slot 80. The locking housing is configured to be attached to the frame plate 30 and is configured to position the locking mechanism 32 between a plate segment 82 of the frame plate 30 and a plate segment 84 of the locking housing 70.

[0039] For the engagement of the latch 38, the locking release mechanism 72 is best positioned in Fig. The locking release mechanism 72 is shown in Figure 3 and can be operated in a first locking-release mode for positioning the latch 38 in its ratchet control position and in a second locking-release mode for positioning the latch 38 in its ratchet release position. To create these two operating modes, the locking release mechanism 72 shown comprises a latch lever 90 and a release lever 92, both mounted on the latch pivot pin 60 for independent pivoting movement. The latch lever 90 comprises an elongated plate segment 94 and a flange segment 96, each forming a common pivot bore (not shown) through which the latch pivot pin 60 extends. The plate segment 94 and the flange segment 96 are either formed as a single piece or can be fixedly joined to one another for common pivoting movement about the latch pivot pin 60.The plate segment 94 is configured to have a first curved end segment 98, a second curved end segment 100, an intermediate tab segment 102, and a chamfered cam segment 103. The second curved end segment 10 extends through the second guide slot 80 of the locking housing 70 and engages directly with the leg segment 64 of the latch 38. An arrow 104 indicates that the latch preload element 66 acts to normally preload the latch lever 90 in a first (clockwise) direction of rotation based on direct engagement of the leg segment 64 of the flap 38 with the end segment 100 of the latch lever 90. As explained in detail below, the latch lever 90 is pivotable through a range of motion defined between a first latch lever position and a second latch lever position. In particular, the first pawl lever position is formed when the pawl 38 is in its ratchet control position ( ). Fig. 2), while the second pawl lever position is formed when the pawl 38 is positioned in its ratchet release position. A pair of upright tabs 106 108 are shown, formed on a flange segment 96 of the pawl lever 90 with a position sensor device such as a magnet 110 mounted on the first tab 106. The magnet 110 and a pawl position sensor 112 work together with a controller 113, which is connected to a locking control system 114 ( Fig. 6) is assigned to detect and coordinate the movement of the pawl 38 and the pawl lever 90, as will be described in greater detail later.

[0040] The in Fig. The release lever 92, as shown in Figure 3, comprises a tubular body segment 116, which is pivotably mounted on the pawl pivot pin 60, a first drive arm segment 118, and a second drive arm segment 120. Arrows 122A and 120B schematically illustrate an over-center biasing element designed to normally bias the release lever 92 into a "centered" unactuated position (shown), with the intermediate tab segment 102 of the pawl lever 90 engaging the second drive arm segment 120 of the release lever 92. As described in detail, the release lever 92 can be rotated in a first direction (clockwise) Fig. 3) can be rotated from its centered unactuated position into a first actuated position and can be rotated in a second direction of rotation (counterclockwise) into a second actuated position, both against the preloading of the over-center preloading element 122.

[0041] Fig. 4 is generally similar to Fig. Figure 3 shows the driven locking arrangement 18 with an additional locking tightening mechanism 130 in association with the locking release mechanism 72 and the locking mechanism 32. The tightening mechanism 130 shown generally comprises a tightening pivot pin 132, a tightening lever 134, and a tightening connecting lever 136. The tightening lever 134 shown includes a first segment 134A, which is pivotably mounted on the tightening pivot pin 132. A pull-lever pivot pin 138 pivotably connects a second segment 134B of the pull-lever 134 to a first end segment 140 of the pull-connecting lever 136. A second end segment 134 of the pull-connecting lever 136 is shown to be designed to include an engagement shoulder 144 which engages with the ratchet rivet 50 to hold the ratchet 36 in the tightened closing catch position.A contoured follower slot 146 and an external cam surface 148 are formed on an intermediate segment 150 of the pull-connecting lever 136. The intermediate segment 150 of the illustrated pull-connecting lever 136 generally lies above the second curved end segment 100 and the cam segment 103 of the pawl lever 90. An arrow 125 schematically represents a pull-connecting lever preload element, which, as in . Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the drawbar connecting lever 136 is normally pre-tensioned in a first (clockwise) direction of rotation. The pivot pin 132 can be rigidly mounted to the locking housing 70 or a cover element (not shown).

[0042] Now referring to Fig. The driven locking device 18 further comprises a tightening-release mechanism 160, which is operationally associated with the locking tightening mechanism 130 and has a J-shaped release lever 162. A first end segment 164 of the release lever 162 is mounted on the tightening pivot pin 132 for pivoting movement. A second end segment 166 of the release lever 162 has a follower 168, which is arranged within a follower slot of the tightening connecting lever 136 and selectively engages edge portions of the follower slot 146 in the tightening connecting lever 136. A release lever preloading element, schematically identified by an arrow 170, is designed to normally preload the release lever 162 in a first (clockwise) direction of rotation.

[0043] The driven locking device 18, which is in Fig. The assembly shown in Figure 6 further comprises an actuating mechanism 180 with an electric motor 182 and a gear set 184. In this non-limiting example, the gear set 184 includes a worm 186 driven by an output rotary shaft of the electric motor 182 and a worm gear 188 in constant meshing engagement with the worm 186. The gear 188 shown is rotatably mounted on the drawbar pivot pin 132. A cam flange 190 is attached to or integrally formed with the gear 188 to rotate with it. The cam flange 190 has an edge portion formed to define a radial drive slot 192, a recessed segment 194, and a cam segment 196.A drive post 198, extending outwards from the pull-lever pivot pin 138, is held within the drive slot 192 to coordinate the movement of the pull-lever 134 and the pull-connecting lever 136 with the rotation of the gear 188. As also described in detail, the first drive arm segment 118 of the release lever 92 is designed to be selectively held within the retractable segment 194 or to engage with the cam segment 196 of the cam flange 190 to coordinate the pivoting movement of the release lever 92 between its first and second actuated positions with the rotation of the gear 188. A rotation of the worm 186 in a first direction of rotation, caused by actuation of the electric motor 182, will result in a rotation of the gear 188 in a first or "attracting" direction (counterclockwise in . Fig. 6) cause, while a rotation of the worm 186 in a second direction of rotation causes a rotation of the gear 188 in a second or “releasing” direction (clockwise in Fig. 6) caused. A position detector device, such as a magnet 200, is mounted on the worm gear 188 and works in cooperation with a first pull-in sensor 202 and a second pull-in sensor 204 to supply the control unit 113 of the locking control system 114 with signals indicating the rotational position of the gear 188. In general, the locking control system 114 is configured to receive sensor input signals from the pawl position sensor 112 and the pull-in sensors 202 and 204 (collectively referred to as input signals 115) and to control the actuation of the electric motor 182 accordingly.

[0044] Primarily referring to Fig. 7, the driven locking assembly 18 is additionally equipped with an internal release mechanism 210 to create a mechanical safety release system that can be operated to move the latch 38 from its ratchet control position to its ratchet release position, thus allowing the ratchet 36 to rotate into its normally closed release position, enabling the door 16 to be opened manually. The illustrated internal release mechanism 210 comprises an internal release lever 212 with a first end segment 214 pivotally connected to the locking housing 70 via a pivot pin 216, and a second end segment 218 designed to be mechanically connected to the internal handle 24 via a suitable internal connection mechanism (not shown).An internal release lever preloading device, for example a spring 220, acts between the internal release lever 212 and the housing 70 to normally preload the internal release lever 212 in a first direction of rotation (counterclockwise in . Fig. 7) to pre-tension into the unactuated position (not shown). With the inner release lever 212 in its unactuated position, a drive lug 222 on the first end segment 214 is disengaged from an engagement lug 224, which is formed on the first curved end segment 98 of the plate segment 94 of the latch lever 90. A rotation of the inner release lever 212 in a second direction of rotation (clockwise) Fig. 7) to an actuated position (not shown) causes the drive tab 222 to engage the engagement tab 224 and forcibly pivots the pawl lever 90 in a counterclockwise direction from its first pawl lever position to its second pawl lever position, which in turn causes the pawl 38 to forcibly pivot from its ratchet control position to its ratchet release position, because the second curved end segment 100 of the pawl lever 90 engages the leg segment 64 of the pawl 38, and in contrast to the preload of the pawl spring 66

[0045] Referring to Fig. Figure 8 further comprises the illustrated driven locking arrangement 18 with an external release mechanism 230, which is operable to create a mechanical safety release system for moving the latch from its ratchet control position to its ratchet release position, thus enabling the ratchet 36 to rotate from its normally closed catch positions to its normally closed release position, allowing the door 16 to be manually released and opened. The illustrated external release mechanism 230 comprises an external locking lever 232 and an external locking link 234. The lever 232 comprises a head intermediate segment 236 and first and second leg segments 238, 240, which extend outwards from the head segment 236. The head segment 236 includes an opening through which the ratchet pivot pin 40 extends to support the external locking lever 232 for pivoting movement.The first leg segment 238 of the lever 232 is connected to the outer door handle 22 via a rod 242 (and possible other connecting components), while the second leg segment 240 has a pivot post 244. A first end segment 246 of the outer locking connection 234 is pivotally mounted on the pivot post 244. A second end segment 248 of the outer locking connection 234 includes a dead-run slot 250, within which the pin 108 extends on the flange segment 96 of the latch lever 90. When the latch 38 is in its ratchet control position, the pin 108 engages in a first end of the dead-run slot 250 (as shown in Figure 1). Fig. (as shown in Figure 8). Actuation of the lever 232 via the outer door handle 22 causes the lever 232 to rotate in a first (counterclockwise) direction, so that the connection 234 causes the latch lever 90 to pivot in the counterclockwise direction, which in turn causes the latch 38 to pivot from its ratchet control position to its ratchet release position, again due to the second curved segment 100 of the latch lever 90 engaging the leg segment 64 of the latch 38. It should be noted that the preload exerted by the latch spring 66 on the latch 38 and the latch lever 90 also serves to preload the outer return lever 232 and the outer locking connection 234 to be positioned in the unactuated positions, as shown in Figure 8. Fig. 8 is shown.

[0046] Another feature of the present disclosure, which is evident from the drawings and this detailed description, is that a powered tightening process is used to move the ratchet 36 from each of its “low energy” soft-closing closer catch position ( Fig. 10 A, Fig. 10B and Fig. 13 A) and their “high-energy” hard-closing closer catch position ( Fig. 10 A, Fig. 10B and Fig. 13 B) into their fully closed / tightened closing catch position ( Fig. 12 A, Fig. 12B and Fig. 13C). This powered tightening process is an improvement over conventional powered tightening locking arrangements, which only function to tighten the closer by rotating the ratchet from its initial closer-catch position (equivalent to the soft-closing closer-catch position described here) to its primary closer-catch position (equivalent to the hard-closing closer-catch position described here). Thus, the locking arrangement 18 always functions to create a perceptible amount of tightness, referred to as "perceived" tightness, which is noticeable to the driver. In this respect, the Fig. 14A the angular movement of the ratchet 36 required by the driven tightening process of the driven locking device 18 to rotate the ratchet 36 from its low-energy / soft-closing normally closed catch position (solid lines) to its fully closed / tightened normally closed catch position (dashed lines). This amount of ratchet rotation, referred to as "soft-closing tightening perception", is shown in Fig. 14A is designated as an angle "A". Illustrated accordingly. Fig. 14B the angular movement of the ratchet 36 required for the driven tightening process to move the ratchet 36 from its high-energy / hard-closing closer catch position (solid lines) to its fully closed / tightened closer catch position (dashed lines). This smaller amount of ratchet rotation, or the “hard-closing perception”, is in Fig. 14B is identified as angle “B”. As mentioned in the background section, conventional driven pull-lock assemblies rely on the pawl to hold the ratchet in the primary normally closed catch position and must be designed to reset the pull-lock mechanism to a ready state. In contrast, the driven pull-lock device 18 of the present disclosure is designed to employ the pull-lock mechanism 31 to hold the ratchet 36 in its fully closed / retracted normally closed catch position while the pawl 38 is disengaged from its engagement with the ratchet 36.

[0047] The Fig. 9A and Fig. Figure 9B provides enlarged views of various components of the driven locking assembly 18, which is oriented to form the release mode when the door 16 is in its open position. In particular, the ratchet 36 shown is in its normally closed release position due to the normal preload of the ratchet preload element 54. With the ratchet 36 in the normally closed release position, the latch 38 is biased to its ratchet control position by the latch spring 66, so that the latch engagement surface 62 engages with the first cam edge surface 53 of the ratchet 36. In the normally closed release position of the ratchet 36, it is further shown that the ratchet rivet 50 on the arm segment 52 of the ratchet 36 is in close proximity to, or engages with, the cam surface 148 on the pull-in connecting lever 136.The coordinated preload of the ratchet preload element 54, the tightening-connecting lever preload element 152, and the release lever preload element 170 act to support the maintenance of engagement of the ratchet rivet 50 with the cam surface 148. Furthermore, it is shown that the follower 168 of the release lever 162 is positioned within a retaining segment 147 of the contoured follower slot 146 in the tightening-connecting lever 136.

[0048] The Fig. 10A and Fig. 10 B, Fig. 13A and Fig. Figure 14A illustrates various components of the driven locking assembly 18, which are positioned to form the first locked safety mode when the door 16 is in its first closed position. This mode is formed when the door 16 has been closed with a low-energy closing force, so that the closer 20 engages an edge face within the guide channel 42 and forcibly rotates the ratchet 36 from its closer release position to its first / soft-closing closer catch position. In this ratchet position, the latch 38 is biased into its ratchet control position, so that its engagement surface 62 engages the first safety locking surface 46 of the ratchet 36, preventing the closer 20 from being released from the catch pocket 44.Furthermore, such an initial rotation of the ratchet 36, caused by the engagement with the closer 20, causes the ratchet rivet 50 on the ratchet 36 to engage with the engagement shoulder 144 of the tightening connecting lever 136. As described in detail, the actuation of the driven tightening feature can now be initiated to cause a further rotation of the ratchet 36 in its locking direction, to move the ratchet 36 from its first / soft-closing closer catch position through its second / hard-closing closer catch position and finally into its third / tightened closer catch position, in order to move the door 16 from its first closed position to its third closed position.This driven tightening function is operable to compress the weatherproof seal 28 from a first or soft compression state (associated with the door 16, which is in its first closed position) into a third or tightened compression state (associated with the door 16, which is in its third closed position) by the driven tightening of the door 16 from its first closed position to its third closed position. Fig. Figure 13A shows the positioning of the closer 20, the ratchet 36, and the latch 38 to form the first locked safety mode of the driven locking assembly 18 when the door 16 is in its first closed position, to apply an initial or slight compression force to the weatherproof seal 28. Similarly, the Fig. 14A the relative movement of the locking components from the first locked safety mode (solid lines) to the locked tightening mode (dashed lines) to illustrate the angular movement of the ratchet 36 through the angle “A” associated with this driven tightening process.

[0049] Now referring to the Fig. 11A and Fig. 11B, the Fig. 13B and Fig. Figure 14B shows that the components of the driven locking assembly 18 are positioned to form the second locked safety mode, with the door 16 in its second closed position. This mode is established when the door 16 is closed with a high-energy closing force, causing the closer 20 to forcibly rotate the ratchet 36 from its closer release position to its second / hard-closing closer catch position. In this ratchet position, the latch 38 is biased into its ratchet control position, so that its engagement surface 62, after traveling along the first and second cam edge faces 53 and 55 of the ratchet 36, engages the second safety locking surface 48 of the ratchet 36 due to the forcible rotation of the ratchet 36.Obviously, such a rotation of the ratchet 36 again causes the ratchet rivet 50 to move into engagement with the engagement shoulder 144 on the tightening connecting lever 136. As described in detail, the driven tightening function can now be initiated to cause the locking tightening mechanism 130 to rotate the ratchet 36 from its second / hard-closing closer catch position to its third / tightened closer catch position, in order to move the door 16 from its second closed position to its third closed position. This driven tightening function can be operated to compress the weatherproof seal 28 from a second or hard compression state (associated with the door 16, which is in its second closed position) to its tightened compression state during the driven tightening of the door 16 from its second closed position to its third fully closed position. Fig. Figure 13B illustrates the positioning of the closer 20, the ratchet 36, and the latch 38 to form the second locked safety mode of the locking assembly 18 when the door 16 is in its second closed position and exerts a second or high compression force on the weatherproof seal 28. Similarly, the Fig. 14B the relative movement of the components from the second locked safety mode (solid lines) to the locked tightening mode (dashed lines) to illustrate the angular movement of the ratchet 36 through the angle “B” associated with this driven tightening process.

[0050] The Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B and the Fig. Figure 13C provides various views of the components of the driven locking assembly 18, arranged to form the locked-engage mode, with the door 16 in its first, fully closed position. Specifically, the ratchet 36 is positioned and held in its third / engaged closer catch position, while the latch 36 is in its ratchet control position. As best seen in the Fig. 12B and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 13C, a rotation of the ratchet 36 into its third / tightened closing catch position (via the driven tightening process) releases the ratchet 36 from mechanical engagement with the pawl 38. As noted, a rotation of the ratchet 36 from either its first / soft-closing closing catch position ( Fig. 13A) or its second / hard-closing normally closed catch position is achieved solely via the driven pull-in function of the locking arrangement 18. Thus, the first locked safety mode, which is in the Fig. Figure 13A shows a first mechanical interlock for the event of a power failure and no driven closing function being available, with the door 16 in its first closed position. In such a case, the door 16 can be mechanically opened via the inner locking release mechanism 210 or the outer locking release mechanism 230 and then closed again with high energy to place the door 16 in its second closed position.

[0051] In accordance with the present disclosure, when the driven tightening feature of the driven locking arrangement 18 is available, the soft-closing position formed by closing the door 16 with low energy is not intended to define a first mechanically locked position, but rather forms a first door-closing position from which the driven tightening process can be initiated. Similarly, the hard-closing position of the Fig. Position 13B, formed by closing the door with high energy (i.e., slamming), is not intended to define a mechanically locked position, but rather forms a second door-closing position from which the driven closing process can also be initiated. Fig. Section 13C explains the relationship between the pawl 38 and the ratchet 36 at the end of the driven tightening process. As described in detail, components other than the pawl 38, for example the locking tightening mechanism 130, are used to engage the ratchet 36 in its third / tightened normally closed catch position. Fig. 13C to hold. However, holding the latch 38 in its ratchet control position when the ratchet 36 is in its engaged closer catch position creates a mechanical failsafe or the “blocking safety locking” mode, since the rotation of the ratchet 36 in its release direction from its third / engaged closer catch position to its second / hard closer catch position, depending on a vehicle collision, for example, results in a mechanical (i.e., “blocking”) engagement of the ratchet with the latch 38, thus preventing the door 16 from being opened unintentionally.

[0052] Now referring to the Fig. Figures 15 to 17 each show a coordinated sequence of successive illustrations to explain the relative motion of the components of the driven locking assembly 18, which is associated with the driven pull-in function for moving the door 16 from its first closed position to its third fully closed position. In particular, the Fig. 15 A-15K isometric representations, while the Fig. 16 A-16K and the Fig. Figures 17A-17K show corresponding enlarged top and bottom views of the components of the driven locking assembly 18. The following description is intended to provide sufficient detail, when considered in conjunction with these figures, to clearly reveal the interaction of components and their motion associated with the driven locking assembly 18 to create the driven tightening function.

[0053] Initially starting with the Fig. 15A, Fig. 16A and Fig. Figure 17A shows the components of the driven locking assembly 18 to form the release mode when the door is opened, such that the ratchet 36 is biased into its normally closed release position and the latch 38 is held in its ratchet release position by the engagement of the latch engagement surface 62 with the ratchet edge surface 53. It is further shown that the ratchet rivet 50 can be held in engagement with the cam surface 148 on the pull-in connecting lever 136 and that the gear 188 is in a "pulling start" position, with the magnet 200 offset relative to the first pull-in sensor 202. With the pawl 38 in its ratchet release position, the release lever 92 is held in its centered unactuated position, so that the tab segment 102 on the pivot pawl 90 comes out of engagement with the second drive arm segment 120 of the release lever 92.

[0054] The Fig. 15B-15D, the Fig. 16B-16D and the Fig. 17B-17D explain the initial mechanical rotation of the ratchet 36 due to the engagement with the closer 20 when the door 16 moves from its open position to its first closed position ( Fig. 15D, Fig. 16D, Fig. 17D), wherein the engagement surface 62 of the latch 38 disengages from the first cam edge surface 53 and engages with the first safety locking surface 46 of the ratchet 36, so that the latch 38 is subsequently pre-tensioned into its ratchet control position. The ratchet 36 is shown positioned in its first / soft-closing closing catch position, so that the ratchet rivet 50 is also moved away from the cam surface 148 and is now positioned and held against the engagement shoulder 144 of the tightening connecting lever 136. The tightening connecting lever spring 152 assists in holding the rivet 50 within the engagement shoulder 144. A movement of the pawl 38 into its ratchet control position simultaneously causes a counterclockwise rotation of the pawl lever 90, so that its tab segment 120 is again engaged with the second drive arm segment 120 of the release lever 92.Movement of the pawl 38 into its ratchet control position further causes the magnet 110 on the pawl lever 90 to be positioned above the pawl sensor 112, cooperating to create an input signal for the locking control unit 113, which is associated with the locking control system 114. This signal indicates the position of the pawl and initiates the driven engagement function. Specifically, the locking control unit 113 powers the electric motor 182, causing the gear 188 to be driven in the first direction (counterclockwise) from its locking start position. This process initiates a locking mode.

[0055] The Fig. 15E, Fig. 16E and Fig. Figure 17E illustrates that this initial actuation of the electric motor 182 causes the gear 188 to rotate in the first direction of rotation, as indicated by arrow 270, from its engagement start gear position (in Fig. (shown in Figure 15D). Depending on such gear rotation, the tightening connecting lever 136 is caused to rotate clockwise, thus forcibly rotating the ratchet 36, which in turn causes the engagement surface 62 of the pawl 38 to slide against the second cam edge surface 55 on the ratchet 36. Since, in particular, the drive post 198 is held within the drive slot 192 of the cam flange 190, this rotation of the gear 188 in the first direction from its tightening starting position simultaneously causes a pivoting movement of the tightening lever 134 about the tightening pivot pin 132, which in turn causes a pivoting and sliding movement of the tightening connecting lever 136.Such a movement of the tightening connecting lever 136 causes the engagement shoulder 144 to engage with the ratchet rivet 50, thereby forcibly rotating the ratchet 36 from its first / soft-closing closing catch position to its second / hard-closing closing catch position. As further shown in the... Fig. 15L, Fig. 16F and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 17F, a first drive arm segment 118 of the release lever 92 runs within the receding segment 194 of the cam flange 190 in order to hold the release lever 92 in its centered position. As mentioned, the arrow 270 indicates the rotation of the gear 188 during the driven tightening function.

[0056] The Fig. 15G, Fig. 16G and Fig. 17G explain the continued rotation of the gear 188 in its locking direction due to the continued power supply to the electric motor 182, until the ratchet 36 is forcibly rotated into and then behind its second / hard-closing normally closed catch position (compare Fig. 15H, Fig. 16H and Fig. 17H). These illustrations further show the continued rotation of the tightening lever 134 about the tightening pivot 132 due to the interaction between the drive post 138 and the drive slot 192 on the cam flange 190. The release lever 92 is held in its centered, unactuated position, with the first drive arm segment 118 continuing to run within the retracted segment 194 of the cam flange 190. As noted, the contact between the engagement shoulder 144 on the tightening connecting lever 136 and the ratchet rivet 50 causes the ratchet 36 to continue rotating from its first closing catch position ( Fig. 17 D) into their second closing catch position (compare Fig. 11 C) and then via its second closing catch position ( Fig. 17H) due to the movement of the tightening connecting lever 136, which results from the rotation of the gear 188.

[0057] The Fig. 15I, Fig. 16I and Fig. 17I as well as the Fig. 15 years Fig. 16 years and Fig. Section 17J explains the continued rotation of the gear 188 in its tightening direction when the ratchet 36 is forcibly rotated behind its second / hard-closing closer catch position and to its third / tightened closer catch position. This continued rotation of the gear 188 has now caused the first drive arm segment 118 of the release lever 92 to engage with the cam segment 196 on the cam flange 190. Such engagement causes the release lever 92 to forcibly rotate in the clockwise direction ( Fig. 15I, Fig. 16I) is rotated from its centered, unactuated position to its first actuated position. Furthermore, the pivoting and translational movement of the tightening connecting lever 136 causes the engagement shoulder 144 to remain continuously engaged with the ratchet rivet 50, and causes the ratchet 36 to continue rotating while the pawl 38 is held in its ratchet control position by the pawl preload element 66. In the illustrated ratchet control position, the pawl engagement surface 62 is disengaged from the ratchet 36.

[0058] The Fig. 15K, Fig. 16K and Fig. Figure 17K shows the ratchet 36 fully rotated into its third / tightened locking position when the gear 188 reaches its "tightening stop" position. As such, the magnet 200, in conjunction with the second tightening sensor 204, signals to the locking control unit 113 of the locking control system 114 that the gear 188 has reached its tightening stop position. The locking control unit 113 then switches off the motor 182, and the driven tightening function is terminated, and the tightening mode is established. The ratchet 36 is mechanically held in its third / tightened locking position by the locking tightening mechanism 130, as the engagement shoulder 144 of the tightening connecting lever 136 is engaged with the ratchet rivet 50.Furthermore, the first drive arm 118 of the release lever 92 is disengaged from the cam segment 196 of the transmission cam flange 190, thus allowing the release lever 92 to rotate from its first actuated position to its centered, unactuated position. Additionally, a comparison of the... Fig. 17H to 17K, it is best that the tightening connecting lever 136 moves into an "over-center" position relative to the tightening pivot post 132 and the tightening lever 134. Furthermore, the release lever 92 is able to return to its centered, unactuated position when the first drive arm segment 118 moves behind the cam segment 192 of the cam flange 190 and disengages.

[0059] It should also be noted that in the event of a collision, directional forces are exerted on the closer 20 (in a door opening direction), as indicated by arrow 180, and on the ratchet 36, as indicated by arrow 282. Fig. 15L is indicated. The force line, indicated by arrow 282, acting through the ratchet rivet 50, is oriented to forcibly rotate the gear 188 in the tightening direction, as indicated by arrow 284, which in turn causes a continued rotation of the tightening lever 134. The resulting action between the connected components, especially considering the over-center relationship between the tightening connecting lever 136 and the pivot point 132 (compare Fig. 17 L), will ultimately cause the ratchet 36 to rotate in its release direction until its second safety locking surface 48 engages the engagement surface 62 of the latch 38, thus preventing unintentional opening of the door 16. In this way, the driven locking device 18 creates a mechanically locked safety or “blocking” mode.

[0060] Now referring to the Fig. Figures 18-20 show a coordinated sequence of successive views from multiple orientations to illustrate the relative movement of various components of the actuated locking assembly 18, which are connected to the actuated release functions and are designed to create a "release" or "soft opening" feature. In general, this soft opening feature is designed to slowly and continuously release the compression forces exerted on the weatherproof seal 28 prior to the release of the closer 20 from locked engagement with the ratchet 36, thereby eliminating or significantly reducing the audible "click" noise associated with conventional actuated locking release systems. As shown in the drawings, the Fig. Figures 18A-18G are a sequence of successive isometric views designed to clearly show the interaction of the various components of the driven locking assembly 18 to facilitate the movement of the ratchet 36 from its engaged normally closed catch position to its normally closed release position as the driven locking assembly 18 moves from its engaged locking mode (the door 16 is in its third closed position) to its locking release mode (the door 16 is in its open position). Fig. 19A-19G and the Fig. 20A-20G are enlarged bottom and top views, which belong to the Fig. 18A-18G correspond to better explain the movement of the components during the driven release process.

[0061] Starting with the Fig. 18A, Fig. 19A and Fig. 20A are the components of the driven locking arrangement 18 before the actuation of a current release switch 117 ( Fig. 6) shown, with the gear 188 in its tightening stop position, the ratchet 36 held in its tightened tightening catch position by the tightening connecting lever 136, and the pawl 38 held in its ratchet control position. The power release switch 117 may, in accordance with the non-limiting examples, be associated with the outer door handle 22 or with a remote control operated by the vehicle user. When the power release switch 117 is actuated, the motor 182 is energized to rotate the gear 188 in its second or releasing direction of rotation, as indicated by the arrow 290. This action initiates the "release" mode.The initial rotation of the gear 188 in the second direction causes the cam segment 196 on the drive flange 190 to engage the first drive arm segment 118 of the release lever 92 and begin to rotate the release lever 92 counterclockwise from its centered, unactuated position to its second actuated position. Such a rotation of the release lever 42 causes its second drive arm segment 120 to engage with the tab segment 102 and rotate the pawl lever 90 from its first pawl lever position to its second pawl lever position, which in turn forcibly pivots the pawl 38 from its ratchet control position to its ratchet release position. Fig. 18B, Fig. 19B and Fig. 20B explains the orientation of the components during the initial rotation of gear 188 in its release direction, while the Fig. 18C, Fig. 19C and Fig. 20C show the same components after the continued rotation of the gear 188 until the pawl 38 is in its ratchet release position. Furthermore, such a pivoting movement of the pawl lever 90 into its second pawl lever position causes its cam segment 103 to engage with the follower 168 and pivot the release lever 162 around the pull-in pivot pin 132 until the follower 168 engages with an edge portion of the slot in the pull-in connecting lever 136.This engagement, in combination with the pivoting movement of the tightening lever 134 about the tightening pivot point 132 in response to the rotation of the gear 180, begins to move the engagement shoulder 144 on the tightening connecting lever 136 out of engagement with the ratchet rivet 50 and allows a limited amount of a “release” rotation of the ratchet 36 from its tightened closer-catch position to a “tightened released” closer-catch position, thereby forming a “tightened released” mode for the driven locking assembly 18.

[0062] The Fig. 18D, Fig. 19D and Fig. Figure 20D explains that the continued rotation of the gear 188 causes the first drive arm segment 118 to continuously engage the cam segment 196 and rotate the release lever 92, so that the second drive arm segment 120 is forcibly engaged with the tab 102 of the pawl lever 90 to limit and hold the pawl 38 (via engagement of the curved end segment 10 of the pawl lever 90 and the pawl leg 94) in its ratchet release position, with the ratchet rivet 50 shown released from engagement with the engagement shoulder 144 on the drawbar connection 136. In this position, the ratchet 36 is in a "ratchet released" position. As such, the ratchet 36 is subsequently allowed to rotate from its ratchet release position to its closer release position due to the ratchet preload mechanism 54. The rotation of gear 188 is stopped when it reaches its engagement starting position, which is in the Fig. 18G, Fig. 19G and Fig. 20G is shown. As also shown in these views, the drive arm segment 118 of the release lever 92 is disengaged from the cam segment 196 and can return to its centered, unactuated position. It should also be noted that the pawl 38 has been biased towards its ratchet control position, so that its engagement surface 62 is shown to be gripping the edge surface 53 of the ratchet 36.

[0063] The Fig. Figures 21A-21E illustrate a sequence of isometric views showing the actuation of the inner release mechanism 210 via a pivoting movement of the inner locking lever 212 from its unactuated position (Figure 20A) to its actuated position ( Fig. 21E), which in turn represents a pivoting movement of the latch lever 90 from its first latch lever position ( Fig. 21A) to its second latch lever position ( Fig. 21E). As previously noted, such a movement of the pawl lever 90 causes a simultaneous movement of the pawl 38 from its ratchet control position to its ratchet release position due to the engagement of the second curved end segment 100 with the pawl leg 64. The Fig. 21D and Fig. Figure 21E illustrates that such a movement of the latch lever 90 also causes a sliding and pivoting movement of the tightening connecting lever 136 due to the chamfered cam segment 103 of the latch lever 90, which acts on the follower 168 of the release lever 162. In particular, the follower 168 engages the edge surface of the slot 146, which forcibly moves the tightening connecting lever 136. This movement of the tightening connecting lever 136, in turn, releases the ratchet rivet 50 from the engagement with the shoulder 144 of the tightening connecting lever 136, thus enabling the ratchet 36 to rotate from its ratchet release position to its closing release position.

[0064] The Fig. Figures 22A to 22E illustrate a sequence of isometric views showing the actuation of the outer release mechanism 230 via a pivoting movement of the outer locking lever 232 from its unactuated position ( Fig. 22A) into its actuated position ( Fig. Figure 20D) shows what, on the other hand, causes a pivoting movement of the latch lever 90 from its first latch lever position to its second latch lever position. As shown, a pivoting movement of the safety lever 232 causes the outer safety connection 234 to pivot and slide, so that an engagement of the tab 108 on the latch lever 90 with the edge of the dead-run slot 250 results in a coordinated movement of the latch lever 90 with the safety lever 23. Again, such a movement of the latch lever 90 leads to a movement of the pawl 38 from its ratchet control position ( Fig. 22A) into their ratchet release position (see Fig. 22E). Such movement of the latch lever 90 also causes its cam segment 103 to forcibly engage the follower 168 and pivot the release lever 162 to cause sufficient movement of the tightening connecting lever 136 to release the ratchet rivet 50, thereby releasing the ratchet 36 for a pre-tensioned movement to its closing release position.

[0065] Now referring to Fig. 23 A second embodiment of the driven single-motor locking arrangement 18 is generally referred to as the driven locking arrangement 18A. As is clear, the components of the driven locking arrangement 18A are essentially similar to those shown for the driven locking arrangement 18, and as is shown in particular in the Fig. Figure 12A illustrates the locked tightening mode. For this, the ratchet 36 is held in its tightened, normally closed position by the locking tightening mechanism 130, while the pawl 38 (not shown) is in its ratchet control position. The tightening gear is shown in its tightening stop position, with the motor 182 not powered. As can be seen, a mechanical end stop 400, configured to be rigidly connected to a structural frame part of the locking assembly 18A, is located in close proximity to a magnetic hub 402 formed on the gear 188. The direction of force resulting from the sealing loads or strength conditions, as indicated by arrows 404, attempts to rotate the gear 188 in the tightening direction (shown by arrow 406) as opposed to the release direction (indicated by arrow 408).This arrangement prevents the gear 188 from rotating in the release direction in the event of a collision. The sensor 204 is again used to stop the motor 182, thus positively positioning the gear 188 in its tightening-stop position, so that the gear hub 402 engages the end stop 400 or is slightly displaced from it. Preferably, the tightening-stop position is chosen at a position where the forces and components create an "over-center" arrangement. This over-center arrangement and the arrangement of the mechanical end stop together help the ratchet 36 to remain in its tightened, normally closed, catch position without relying on the gear geometry of the gear set 184 or the motor resistance. Those skilled in the art will recognize that this mechanical stop arrangement can be similarly integrated into a power-operated tightening actuation arrangement 321, which is provided with a two-motor locking arrangement 18'.

[0066] The Fig. Reference 24 describes a further alternative version of the driven single-motor locking arrangement 18, which is referred to as driven locking arrangement 18B. This arrangement is generally similar to the one described in the Fig. 23 is shown for the driven locking arrangement 18A, except that the mechanical end stop 400 is now arranged to interact with the draw lever 134 instead of the draw gear 188 to create identical functions.

[0067] Now referring to the Fig. Figures 25 to 34 of the drawings provide a detailed description of another alternative embodiment of a driven locking arrangement, designated by reference numeral 18', constructed in accordance with the present disclosure. In general, the driven locking arrangement 18' is similar in structure and function to the driven locking arrangement 18, but includes an alternative actuating mechanism configured to use a pair of electrically driven actuators to provide the driven engagement and release features disclosed and described in detail above. For this purpose, common components are hereafter designated by the same reference numerals, and no further description is required.Similarly, “apostrophized” reference numerals are used to identify components of the driven two-motor locking assembly 18’ that are somewhat modified in terms of function and / or structure, but which directly relate to components of the driven locking assembly 18.

[0068] In general, the driven two-motor locking arrangement 18' is in a "mounted" construction in the Fig. 25 to 31 shown and includes: a locking mechanism 32 ( Fig. 25), a locking release mechanism 72' ( Fig. 26), a draw-up mechanism 130 ( Fig. 27), a suit release mechanism 160 ( Fig. 28), an actuating mechanism 180' with a release actuating arrangement 320 ( Fig. 29) and a pull-out actuation arrangement ( Fig. 31) and an internal release mechanism 210' ( Fig. 32). Although not shown, the driven two-motor locking assembly 18' is designed to also include the outer release mechanism 230, which was previously disclosed and illustrated in connection with the driven locking assembly 18 ( Fig. 8) was.

[0069] Referring to the Fig. 25 the locking mechanism 32 is essentially identical to the one that is in Fig. 2 is shown and described above, so that the structure, function and positions of the components of the locking arrangement 32 are assumed to be understood.

[0070] Now referring to the Fig. Figure 26 of the illustrated driven two-motor locking assembly 18' comprises a locking release mechanism 72' with a pawl lever 90', a release lever 92', and an inner locking lever 300, all three mounted on the pawl pivot pin 60 for independent pivoting motion. The pawl lever 90' comprises an elongated plate segment 94' and a flange segment 96'. The plate segment 94' of the pawl lever 90' is designed to define a first curved end segment 98', a second curved end segment 100', an intermediate segment defining an arcuate dead-run slot 302, and an actuating lug 304. The arrow 104 indicates that the pawl spring 66 acts again to normally bias the pre-tensioned pawl lever 90' in a first direction of rotation (clockwise). The 90° latch lever is pivotable and can be moved between the first and second latch lever positions.The second curved end segment 100' extends through the second guide slot 80 in the locking housing 70 and engages directly with the leg segment 64 of the latch 38. In this way, the latch lever 90' is in its first latch lever position when the latch 38 is in its ratchet control position, and the second latch lever position is assumed when the latch 38 is in its ratchet release position. Tabs 106' and 108' are formed on the flange segment 96'. A magnet 110' is fixed to the tab 106' and works in conjunction with a latch sensor 112 to detect and provide a position signal indicating the position of the latch lever 90' and thus the position of the latch 38.

[0071] A release lever 92' comprises a first drive arm segment 118' and a second drive arm segment 306 configured to extend through the dead-travel slot 302 in the latch lever 90'. Arrows 122A and 122B illustrate an over-center biasing element configured to normally bias the release lever 92' into a centered, unactuated position. As above, the release lever 92' can be rotated in either direction from its unactuated position. The inner locking lever 300 is designed to have a first end segment 112, a second end segment 314 and an intermediate segment 316, with a dead-pass slot 318 which is generally aligned with a part of the dead-pass slot 302 which is formed in the latch lever 90' and into which the second drive arm segment 306 of the release lever 92' extends.

[0072] The Fig. Figure 27 shows the components of the locking-tensioning mechanism 31, which is associated with the two-motor locking assembly 18'. Additionally, the Fig. 28 the components of the pull-out release mechanism 160. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the structure and function of these components have been previously described with reference to the driven single-motor locking arrangement 18 and perform the same functionality in connection with the driven two-motor locking arrangement 18'.

[0073] Referring to the Fig. 29 and Fig. 30 The disclosed actuating mechanism 180' provides a first electrically operated actuating arrangement 320 for controlling the driven release function and a second electrically operated actuating arrangement 321 for controlling the driven engagement function. Thus, the driven locking arrangement 18' is designed as a two-motor version of the driven single-motor locking arrangement 18. The locking control system 114 is again shown schematically in the Fig. 29 and the Fig. 31 shown.

[0074] The electrically operated actuating arrangement or the electrically operated release actuating element 320, which is in Fig. Figure 29 is designed to generally comprise an electric motor 122, a gear set 324, a pawl release lever 326, and a pawl release lever preloading element 128. The gear set 324 comprises a worm 330 driven by the output of the electric motor 322 and a driven release gear 332 driven by the worm 330. The driven release gear is supported for rotation about a gear pivot post 334 and comprises a toothed section 136 and a body section 338. The toothed section 336 comprises a sector of gear teeth 340 that are in constant meshing engagement with the turns of the worm 130. The body section 338 is shown to comprise an elongated drive arm 342.The pawl release lever 326 is supported by the locking housing 70 for rotation about a pivot point 344 and is configured to have a first tab segment 346, a second tab segment 348, and a spring-retaining segment 150. The pawl release lever preloading element 328 acts between the spring-retaining segment 350 and the locking housing 70 to normally preload the pawl release lever 326 in a first direction of rotation (counterclockwise) to an unactuated position (shown). As can be seen, the first tab segment 346 on the pawl release lever 126 is arranged in close proximity to the drive arm 342 of the driven release gear 132, while the second tab segment 348 is arranged in close proximity to the first curved end segment 98' of the pawl lever 90'.As described, the latch lever 90' is in its first latch lever position when the latch release lever 326 is in its unactuated position. Similarly, the latch lever 90' is in its second latch lever position when the latch release lever 326 is in an actuated position.

[0075] A rotation of the latch release lever 326 between its unactuated position and its actuated position is caused by rotation of the driven release gear 332 between a "release start" position and a "release stop" position, depending on the control unit 113 of the locking control system 114 receiving a release signal from the current release switch 117. The electric motor 322 controls the direction of rotation of the driven release gear 332. In particular, rotation of the driven release gear 332 in a release direction (counterclockwise) causes Fig. 29) from its release start position to its release stop position, the drive arm 342 engages the first tab segment 346 and forcibly rotates the pawl release lever 126 against the preload of the spring 328, from its unactuated position to its actuated position. Such rotation of the pawl release lever 126 causes the second tab segment 148 to engage the first curved end segment 98' of the pawl lever 90' and forcibly rotates the pawl lever 90' about pivot point 60 from its first pawl lever position to its second pawl lever position, thereby forcibly pivoting the pawl 38 from its ratchet control position to its ratchet release position.

[0076] Now referring to the Fig. Figure 30 shows the driven two-motor locking assembly 18' further equipped with a second electrically operated actuating assembly or an electrically operated pull-up actuating element 321, which is configured to include many components of the actuating mechanism 180 associated with the driven locking assembly 18. As before, the electric motor 182 still controls the rotation of the pull-up gear 188 between its pull-up start and pull-up stop positions. The pull-up gear 188 comprises the integral drive flange 190 with a drive slot 192, a recoil segment 194, and a cam segment 196. A drive post 198 on the pull-up lever 134 is again held within the drive slot 192 to coordinate the movement of the pull-up mechanism 31 with the rotation of the pull-up gear 188.

[0077] The in Fig. The driven locking arrangement 18' shown in Figure 31 further comprises an internal release mechanism 210' with an internal release lever 212, which is configured to provide a mechanical safety release system for moving the latch 83 from its ratchet control position to its ratchet release position and for actuating the release mechanism 160 to cause the ratchet rivet 50 to be released from the engagement shoulder 144 on the pull-in connecting lever 136, thus enabling the ratchet 36 to rotate into its normally closed release position. A first end segment 214 of the internal release lever 212 is pivotably attached to the locking housing 70 about a pivot point 344, and a second end segment 218 is configured to be mechanically coupled to the internal door handle 24.A spring 328 acts on the inner release lever 212, in addition to the pawl release lever 326, and normally biases the inner release lever 212 in a first direction (counterclockwise) to its unactuated position (shown). In its unactuated position, the drive tab 222 on the inner release lever 212 is disengaged from the first end segment 312 of the inner locking lever 300, which is normally in a first inner locking lever position. A rotation of the inner release lever 212 in a direction (clockwise) to its actuated position (not shown) causes its drive tab 222 to engage the end segment 312 of the inner locking lever 300 and forcibly pivots the inner locking lever 300 into a second inner locking lever position.As described, such a movement of the inner locking lever 300 from its first inner locking lever position to its second inner locking lever position acts to coordinate the movement of the latch 38 from its ratchet control position to its ratchet release position with the release of the ratchet rivet 50 on the ratchet 36 from the engagement shoulder 144 on the tightening connecting lever 136, in order to allow the ratchet 36 to move into its closing release position.

[0078] The driven locking device 18' is designed to perform a driven tightening operation solely by actuating the electrically driven tightening actuator 321 and a soft driven opening release operation via coordinated actuation of the two electrically driven actuators 320 and 321. As before, the driven tightening operation is used to move the ratchet 36 from either its low-energy / soft-closing normally closed catch position ( Fig. 13) or their high-energy / hard-closing closer catch position ( Fig. 13B) into their fully closed / tightened closing catch position ( Fig. 13C). In this context, the perception of the softly closing suit (angle A in Fig. 14A) and the perception of the tight-fitting suit (angle B in Fig. 14B) again created with the ratchet 36, which is mechanically held in its tightened closing catch position by the tightening mechanism 130. The driven tightening process is again triggered when the sensor 112 detects that the pawl 38 is in its pawl control position, and the control unit 113 of the locking control system 114 actuates the electric motor 182 to rotate the tightening gear 188 from its tightening start position to its tightening stop position.

[0079] Now referring to the Fig. Figures 32A to 32F and 33A to 33F provide two corresponding sequences of successive views of the driven two-motor locking assembly 18' to illustrate the relative motion of the components required to complete the driven locking function. In this context, the Fig. 32A and Fig. 33A The ratchet 36 is held in its tightened, normally closed position by the engagement of the ratchet rivet 50 with the engagement shoulder 144 on the tightening connecting lever 136. Furthermore, the pawl 38 is in its ratchet control position, the tightening gear 188 is in its tightening stop position, and the driven release mechanism 332 is in its release start position. Upon receiving a signal from the driven release switch 117, the driven release motor 322 is actuated to drive the driven release mechanism 332 in the direction indicated by arrow 360, rotating the pawl release lever 326 from its unactuated position to its actuated position. A position sensor 333 provides a position signal to the locking control system 114, indicating the position of the driven release mechanism 332.Furthermore, the pull-in motor 182 is actuated to rotate the pull-in gearbox 188 in the direction indicated by arrow 362 from its pull-in stop position to its pull-in start position.

[0080] The order of the illustrations that appear in the Fig. 32 and Fig. 33 are given below, it is shown that the actuation of the driven release motor 322 to rotate the driven release gear 332 in the release direction (arrow 360) from its release start position ( Fig. 32A, Fig. 33A) into its release stop position ( Fig. 32C, Fig. 33C) results in a pivoting movement of the pawl lever 90' from its first pawl lever position to its second pawl lever position, which in turn serves to forcibly pivot the pawl 36 from its ratchet control position to its ratchet release position. In coordination with this rotation of the driven release gear 332, the pull-in motor 182 is actuated to move the pull-in gear 188 in the release direction (arrow 362) from its pull-in stop position ( Fig. 32A, Fig. 33A) in his suit starting position ( Fig. 32F, Fig. 33F). This works to initially move the ratchet 36 from its tightened closer-catch position to its released closer-catch position to release the closer 20 (the soft-opening feature) and subsequently causes the ratchet rivet 50 to be released from engagement with the engagement shoulder 144, thus allowing the ratchet 36 to move into its closer-release position ( Fig. 32F, Fig. 33F) rotates.

[0081] In particular, the rotation of the draw-up gear 188 in the direction of arrow 362 causes the cam segment 196 on the draw-up gear 188 to first engage the first drive arm segment 188' and forcibly pivot the release lever 92' from its centered, unactuated position to its second actuated position. Such a pivoting movement of the draw-up lever 92' about the pivot point 60 causes its second drive arm segment 306 to engage the end face of the dead-run slot 118 formed in the inner locking lever 300, and forcibly causes the inner locking lever 300 to pivot about the pivot point 60 in a first direction (counterclockwise) from its first inner locking lever position to its second inner locking lever position.Such a pivoting movement of the inner locking lever 300 causes its cam edge surface 315 to engage the follower 168 and forcibly move the follower 168 into engagement with the edge surface of the guide slot 146 in the tightening connecting lever 146. This cam action, together with the pivoting movement of the tightening lever 134 about the pivot point 132 due to the holding of the drive post 198 with the tightening gear drive slot 192, causes the tightening connecting lever 136 to pivot and translates the movement of the engagement shoulder 144 out of engagement with the ratchet rivet 50. Since the pawl 38 is held in its ratchet release position by the pawl lever 90', the ratchet 36 is subsequently allowed to move into its normally closed release position.

[0082] When the pull-in gear 188 reaches its pull-in starting position ( Fig. 32F, Fig. 33F), the pull-in motor 182 is stopped, and the pull-in release motor 322 is reversed to rotate the driven release gear 332 back into its release-start position. It should be noted that the rotation of the pull-in gear 188 into its pull-in start position allows the first drive arm segment 118' of the release lever 92' to disengage from the cam segment 196 of the drive gear 188 and engage the rebounding segment 194, which acts to return the release lever 92' to its centered, unactuated position, and allows the inner locking lever 300 to pivot back into its first inner locking lever position, in which it engages the curved tab 104 formed on the pawl lever 90'.

[0083] Since the electrically driven components associated with the driven tightening function are not modified, it is evident that the ratchet 36 is still configured to be mechanically positioned in either of its soft-closing closer-catch or hard-closing closer-catch positions upon initial contact with the closer 20 during a closing condition. As indicated, this action results in the ratchet rivet 50 engaging the shoulder 144 on the tightening pawl lever 136. Subsequently, the tightening motor 182 is actuated to rotate the tightening gear 188 in its tightening direction from its tightening start position to its tightening stop position, resulting in a continued rotation of the ratchet 36 into its tightened closer-catch position due to the interaction of the tightening mechanism components.As noted, the tightening mechanism 130 functions to hold the ratchet 36 in its third / engaged closing catch position while the pawl 38 is positioned in its ratchet control position. However, in accordance with the driven tightening feature of this invention, the pawl surface 62 is not engaged with the ratchet 36.

[0084] Now referring to the Fig. Figures 34A to 34E are a sequence of successive isometric views to illustrate the manual opening of the door by actuating the internal release mechanism 210'. Fig. Figure 34A shows the ratchet 36 in its tightened closing catch position, the pawl 38 in its ratchet control position, the tightening gear 188 in its tightening stop position, and the driven release gear 332 in its release start position, all of which are assumed when the driven two-motor locking assembly 18' is in its locked tightening mode. As can be seen, a pivoting movement of the inner release lever 212 about the axis 344 from its unactuated position ( Fig. 34A) into its actuated position ( Fig.30E) a pivoting movement of the inner locking lever 300 between its first position and its second position due to the engagement of the drive tab 222 with the end segment 312. Such a pivoting movement of the inner locking lever 300 causes a coordinated movement of the pawl lever 90' from its first pawl lever position to its second pawl lever position due to the engagement of the inner locking lever 300 with the curved tab 304 on the pawl lever 90'. This movement of the pawl lever 90' causes the pawl to pivot forcibly from its ratchet control position to its ratchet release position. Furthermore, such a pivoting movement of the locking lever 300 causes its cam edge 315 to engage with the follower pin 168 and causes the ratchet latch lever 136 to pivot about its axis 136 with the pull lever 134 in order to move the engagement shoulder 144 out of engagement with the ratchet rivet 50.Once the ratchet rivet 50 is released, with the latch 38 held in its ratchet release position, the ratchet 36 is able to rotate into its closing release position.

[0085] Each of the above-described driven locking arrangements is designed to overcome the known disadvantages of conventional driven locking devices, including the elimination of the audible "click" noise generated during a rapid release of the sealing loads and the use of the pull-in actuator to always assist in the completion of the door closing function, regardless of the closing energy applied to the door. The pull-in actuator associated with the driven locking arrangement of the present invention is designed to slowly drive the ratchet in a release direction from its engaged closer-catch position to its disengaged closer-catch position, in order to create a predetermined amount of closer movement selected to significantly reduce the sealing load before the ratchet is fully released.While the locking control system 114 is shown only schematically in connection with the control 113 and various sensors configured to provide input signals for the coordinated control of the electric motor 82 in the single-motor version of the driven holding device 18, 18A and 18B, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that any suitable control systems, sensors and control schemes can be used to provide the required functionality disclosed here.

[0086] Furthermore, each of the above-described driven locking arrangements is configured to create a mechanical coupling arrangement between the ratchet and the tightening connecting lever, configured to cause movement of the ratchet into its tightened normally closed catch position during the driven tightening operation, to hold the ratchet in its tightened normally closed catch position, and to cause movement of the ratchet from its tightened normally closed catch position to its tightened normally closed catch position during the driven soft-opening release operation. While this mechanical coupling arrangement has been described to have a projection extending from the ratchet in releasable engagement with an engagement shoulder formed on the tightening connecting lever, those skilled in the art will understand that the present disclosure considers and includes alternative mechanical coupling arrangements.For example, a projection could extend from the tightening connecting lever to the releasable engagement with an engagement shoulder formed on the ratchet. Alternatively, engaging tabs could be formed on each of the ratchet and the tightening connecting lever, configured to create a releasable mechanical coupling arrangement. In this way, the present disclosure comprises a mechanical coupling arrangement with a first engagement element associated with the tightening connecting lever, which can be releasably engaged with a second engagement element associated with the ratchet.

[0087] The foregoing description of the embodiments is given for illustrative and descriptive purposes. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but are, where applicable, interchangeable and may be used in any chosen embodiment, even if it is not specifically illustrated or described. They may also be modified in many ways. Such modifications are not to be considered a departure from the disclosure, and it is intended that such modifications be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

[1] Powered locking arrangement (18; 18') for a motor vehicle with: a ratchet (36) which is movable between a closer release position in which the ratchet (36) is arranged to release a closer (20) and three different closer catch positions in which the ratchet (36) is positioned to hold the closer (20), wherein the three different closer catch positions comprise a soft closing closer catch position, a hard closing closer catch position and a tightened closer catch position, a ratchet preloading element (54) for normal preloading of the ratchet (36) to its closing release position, a latch (38) which is movable between a ratchet control position, in which the latch (38) is positioned to hold the ratchet (36) in one of its soft-closing and hard-closing closing catch positions, and a ratchet release position, in which the latch (38) allows movement of the ratchet (36) into its closing release position, a latch preloading element for normal preloading of the latch (38) to its ratchet control position, a locking-tightening mechanism (130) with a tightening lever (134) and a tightening connecting lever (136), which is pivotably connected to the pull lever (134), wherein the pull connecting lever (136) has a first engagement element (144) which is configured to selectively engage a second engagement element (50) on the ratchet (36) when the ratchet (36) is initially rotated into one of its soft-closing and hard-closing closing catch positions, and an actuating mechanism (180) with an electric motor (182) and a pull-out gear (188) which is operated by the electric motor (182), wherein the pull-out gear (188) has a drive slot (192) with a drive post (198) extending from the pull-out lever (134) which is arranged inside the drive slot (192) to coordinate a pivoting movement of the pull-out lever (134) and the pull-out connecting lever (136) with the rotation of the pull-out gear (188), wherein a driven tightening function is created by actuating the electric motor (182) to rotate the tightening mechanism (188) in a tightening direction from a tightening start position to a tightening stop position, wherein the driven tightening function is initiated when the ratchet (36) is rotated by the closer (20) into one of its soft-closing and hard-closing closer catch positions and the pawl (38) is in its ratchet control position, such that a rotation of the tightening mechanism (188) from its tightening start position to its tightening stop position causes a pivoting movement of the tightening lever (134) and the tightening connecting lever (136), which forcibly rotates the ratchet (36) into its tightened closer catch position due to the engagement of the first and second engagement elements, and wherein the pawl (38) is positioned in its ratchet control position but out of engagement with the ratchet (36) is,when the ratchet (36) is turned and held in its tightened closing catch position. [2] A driven locking arrangement (18; 18') according to claim 1 further comprising a locking release mechanism (72) with a latch lever (90) and a release lever (92), wherein the latch lever (90) engages the latch (38) and is movable between a first latch lever position in which the latch (38) is positioned in its ratchet control position and a second latch lever position in which the latch (38) is arranged in its ratchet release position, wherein the release lever (92) is movable between an unactuated position and an actuated position for moving the latch lever (90) between its first and second latch lever positions. [3] A driven locking arrangement (18; 18') according to claim 2, wherein a driven release function is created by actuating the electric motor (182) to rotate the tightening gear (188) in a release direction from its tightening stop position to its tightening start position when the ratchet (36) is held in its tightened normally closed release position by the locking tightening mechanism (130), and wherein the tightening gear (188) has a cam segment (196) such that a rotation of the tightening gear (188) from its tightening stop position to its tightening start position causes the cam segment (196) to engage the release lever (92) and move it from its unactuated position to its actuated position to cause the pawl lever (90) to move the pawl (38) from its ratchet control position to its ratchet release position, while the draw-lock connecting lever (136) is moved simultaneously,to release the first engagement element from engagement with the second engagement element, thereby enabling the ratchet (36) to rotate into its closing release position. [4] Driven locking arrangement (18; 18') Claim 3, wherein the driven release function is operable to rotate the ratchet (36) from its tightened closer catch position to a tightened closer catch position while the first engagement element is held engaged with the second engagement element to release the closer (20) in order to create a soft opening feature prior to releasing the ratchet (36) into its closer release position. [5] Powered locking device according to claim 1 further comprising: a locking release mechanism with a latch lever (90) and a release lever (92), wherein the latch lever (90) engages the latch (38) and is movable between a first latch lever position, in which the latch (38) is arranged in its ratchet control position, and a second latch lever position, in which the latch (38) is arranged in its ratchet release position, wherein the release lever (92) is movable between an unactuated position and an actuated position, a tightening and releasing mechanism (160) with a release lever (162) having a first segment pivotably mounted on the tightening pivot pin and a second segment with a follower pin (168) arranged in a guide slot (146) formed in the tightening connecting lever (136). [6] A driven locking arrangement (18; 18') according to claim 5, wherein the locking release mechanism has an internal locking lever (300), wherein the actuating mechanism (180) further comprises a pawl release lever (92) mounted for movement between an unactuated position and an actuated position, and a second electric motor (182) for moving the pawl release lever (92), wherein a driven release function is created by actuating the second electric motor (182) to move the pawl release lever (92) into its actuated position, causing the pawl release lever (92) to move the pawl lever (90) into its second pawl lever position to move the pawl (38) into its ratchet release position,and wherein the driven release function is further created by actuating the first electric motor (182) to rotate the tightening gear (188) from its tightening stop position to its tightening start position, causing a cam segment on the tightening gear (188) to engage the release lever (92) and move it from its unactuated position to its actuated position, causing a locking lever to engage with the follower pin (168) to forcibly drive the tightening connecting lever (136) into a position that causes the first engagement element to disengage from the second engagement element, thereby enabling the ratchet (36) to rotate into its normally closed release position. [7] Driven locking arrangement (18; 18') of claim 6, wherein a gear set (234) connects the second electric motor (182) to the release lever (92) and wherein the release lever (92) is normally biased to its unactuated position by a release lever bias element. [8] A driven locking arrangement (18; 18') according to claim 6, wherein the release lever (92) has a first drive arm segment (118; 118') that can engage the cam segment of the draw-up gear (188), and a second drive arm segment (120) that engages the inner locking lever (300), such that a movement of the release lever (92) from its unactuated position to its actuated position causes a corresponding movement of the inner locking lever (300) from its first position, in which a cam edge portion thereof is disengaged from the follower pin (168), and a second position, in which the cam edge portion engages the follower pin (168) and moves the draw-up connecting lever (136) to the position in which the first engagement element (144) is released from the second engagement element (50). [9] A driven locking arrangement (18; 18') according to claim 6, further comprising an inner release mechanism which connects the inner locking lever (300) to an inner door handle (24) and which is movable to move the inner locking lever (300) into its second position to cause the latch lever (90) to move the latch (38) into its ratchet release position and to move the pull-in connecting lever (136) into a position in which the first engagement element (144) is released from engagement with the second engagement element (50) in order to release the ratchet (36) for movement into its closer release position depending on an actuation of the inner door handle (24). [10] A driven locking arrangement (18; 18') according to claim 6 further comprising an external release mechanism which connects the latch lever (90) to an external door handle (22) and is operable to move the latch lever (90) into its second latch lever position, to move the latch (38) into its ratchet release position and to move the pull-in connecting lever (136) into a position in which the first engagement element is released from engagement with the second engagement element, in order to release the ratchet (36) for movement into its closer release position depending on an actuation of the external door handle (22). [11] A driven locking arrangement (18; 18') according to claim 5, wherein the latch lever (90) has a latch position sensor (112) for detecting the movement of the latch (38) and wherein the pull mechanism (188) has a first pull position sensor (202) that detects the positioning of the pull mechanism in its pull start position and a second pull position sensor (204) that detects the positioning of the pull mechanism (188) in its pull stop position. [12] Driven locking device according to claim 1, wherein the first engagement element is an engagement shoulder (144) formed on an end segment of the pull-in connecting lever (136), and wherein the second engagement element is a projection (50) extending from the ratchet (36). [13] Powered locking device with: a ratchet (36) which is movable between a closer release position in which the ratchet (36) is positioned to release a closer (20) and three different closer catch positions in which the ratchet (36) is positioned to hold the closer (20), wherein the three different closer catch positions include a soft closing closer catch position, a hard closing closer catch position and a tightened closer catch position, a ratchet preloading element (54) for normal preloading of the ratchet (36) to its closing release position, a latch (38) which is movable between a ratchet control position, in which the latch (38) is positioned to hold the ratchet (36) in one of its soft-closing and hard-closing closing catch positions, and a ratchet release position, in which the latch (38) allows movement of the ratchet (36) into its closing release position, a latch preloading element for normal preloading of the latch (38) to its ratchet control position, a locking release mechanism with a latch lever (90), a release lever (92) and a safety lever, wherein the latch lever (90) engages the latch (38) and is movable between a first latch lever position in which the latch (38) is positioned in its ratchet control position and a second latch lever position in which the latch (38) is positioned in its ratchet release position, wherein the release lever (92) can be selectively engaged with the safety lever and between an unactuated position, in which the locking lever is arranged in a first position, and an actuated position, in which the locking lever is positioned in a second position, a locking-tightening mechanism (130) with a tightening lever (134) and a tightening connecting lever (136), which is pivotably mounted on the pull lever (134), wherein the pull connecting lever (136) has a first engagement element designed to selectively engage a second engagement element on the ratchet (36) when the ratchet (36) is positioned in its soft-closing closer catch position, and an actuating mechanism (180) with a driven pull-in actuating element and a driven release actuating element, wherein the driven pull-in actuating element comprises a first electric motor (182) and a pull-in gear (188) driven by the first electric motor (182), wherein the pull-in gear (188) comprises a first drive slot (192) and a cam segment, wherein a drive post (198) extending from the pull-in lever (134) is arranged within the drive slot (192) to coordinate a pivoting movement of the pull-in lever (134) and the pull-in connecting lever (136) with a rotation of the pull-in gear (188), and wherein the driven release actuating element comprises a second electric motor (182) and a driven release gear driven by the second electric motor (182) to move the pawl lever (90) between its first and second to move the latch lever position. [14] A driven locking arrangement (18; 18') according to claim 13 further comprising a pull-out release mechanism (160) with a pivotable release lever having a follower pin (168) arranged in a guide slot (146) formed on the pull-out connecting lever (136). [15] Powered locking arrangement (18;18') according to claim 14, wherein the driven tightening function is created by actuating the driven tightening actuator to rotate the tightening mechanism (188) in a tightening direction from a tightening start position to a tightening stop position, wherein the driven tightening function is triggered after the ratchet (36) has been rotated by the closer (20) into one of its soft-closing and hard-closing closer catch positions, while the pawl (38) is moved into its ratchet control position, and wherein a rotation of the tightening mechanism (188) into its tightening stop position causes a pivoting movement of the tightening lever (134) and the tightening connecting lever (136) which forcibly rotates the ratchet (36) into its tightened closer position due to the engagement of the first engagement element and the second engagement element, while the pawl (38) is held in its ratchet control position, but except Intervention with the ratchet (36) is; [16] A driven locking arrangement (18; 18') according to claim 14, wherein the driven release function is created by initially actuating the driven release actuator to rotate the driven release gear in a release direction to pivot the pawl lever (90) of the locking release mechanism from its first pawl lever position to its second pawl lever position to move the pawl (38) from its ratchet control position to its ratchet release position, wherein the driven pull actuator is also actuated to cause the pull gear (188) to move in a release direction from its pull stop position to its pull position, causing the release lever (92) to rotate from its unactuated position to an actuated position, which in turn forcibly pivots the inner locking lever from a first position to a second position.wherein such a pivoting movement of the inner locking lever causes it to engage and move the tightening connecting lever (136), causing the first engagement element to be released from the second engagement element to allow the ratchet (36) to rotate from its ratchet position to its normally closed release position, and wherein a simultaneous rotation of the tightening gear (188) acts on the tightening release mechanism to assist the movement of the tightening pawl lever (90) into a position in which an engagement between the first and the second engagement element is released. [17] A driven locking arrangement (18; 18') according to claim 13, wherein the first engagement element is an engagement shoulder (144) formed on the pull-in connecting lever (136) and the second engagement element is a tab (50) extending from the ratchet (36).

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