Motor module for power latch assemblies

Abstract

A motor module for use in a latch assembly is configured to add a power mode of operation to the latch assembly. The latch assembly has a handle pivotably coupled to a main plate and pivotable between an unactuated position and an actuated position. The motor module includes an electric motor driveably coupled to a lead screw, a nut pivotably coupled to the handle and having a threaded hole meshingly engaged with the lead screw, and a motor arm pivotably coupling the electric motor to the main plate. While the electric motor is energized, the electric motor rotates the lead screw causing the nut to be transposed along the lead screw which causes the handle to rotate from the unactuated position to the actuated position.

Description

MOTOR MODULE FOR POWER LATCH ASSEMBLIESCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 63 / 556,205, filed on February 21, 2024. the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a seat assembly for use in an automotive vehicle. More particularly, the invention relates to a latch assembly for use on a seat assembly which includes a motor module configured to add a power mode to the latch assembly.DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

[0003] Automotive vehicles typically include one or more seat assemblies having a seat cushion and a seat back for supporting a passenger above a vehicle floor. In sedan type or other vehicles, rear seating assemblies are often fixedly secured to the vehicle floor and have limited adjustability due to the limited space within the rear compartment of the vehicle. It is common for these rear seat assemblies to include a seat back coupled to a seat cushion by a pivot assembly for providing selective pivotal folding of the seat back relative to the seat cushion between a use position and a fold-flat position overlying the seat cushion to provide additional storage space within the vehicle rear compartment. It is also common to include a recliner assembly operatively coupled between the seat back and the seat cushion to provide selective pivotal adjustment of the seat back between the use position and a rearward reclined position to provide seat occupant comfort. Alternatively, vehicle rear seat assemblies are also known that have a seat back secured to a fixed striker on the vehicle by a high latch. The high latch is selectively decoupled from the fixed striker allowing the seat back to be rotated from an upright position towards the fold-flat position.

[0004] It is common for certain seat assemblies to include a high latch which is manually released by the occupant to decouple the seat back from the fixed striker. Further, other known seat assemblies include a power high latch having an integrated power actuator configured to selectively release the seat back from the striker. Other known seat assemblies include a power release actuator added to a manual high latch, which increases the cost of the manual high latch.It is common for base level vehicles to include a manual high latch and for luxury vehicles to include a power high latch.

[0005] However, the manual high latch and the power high latch may have different space requirements within a seat assembly. It is common that the seat back having a manual high latch has to be modified to accommodate the power high latch. This increases the cost and complexity in order to provide both the manual high latch and the power high latch in seat assemblies.

[0006] It is desirable, therefore, to have a manual high latch which can optionally include a power release without affecting the space requirements within a seat assembly.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] According to one embodiment, there is provided a motor module for use in a latch assembly having a handle pivotably coupled to a main plate and actuatable between an unactuated position with the latch assembly coupled with a striker and an actuated position which decouples the latch assembly from the striker. The motor module includes an electric motor driveably coupled to a motor shaft which is driveably coupled to a lead screw having a screw thread extending between a near end and a far end. The electric motor is configured to rotate the lead screw in a first rotational direction. The motor module also includes a nut pivotably coupled to the handle and having a threaded hole meshingly engaged with the screw thread on the lead screw. The motor module also includes a motor arm configured to support and contain the electric motor and pivotably coupled to the main plate. While the electric motor is energized, the electric motor rotates the lead screw' causing the nut to be transposed along the lead screw7towards the far end which causes the handle to rotate to the actuated position and causes the latch assembly to decouple from the striker.

[0008] According to another embodiment, there is provided a latch assembly which includes a main plate, a handle pivotably coupled to the main plate and pivotable betw een an unactuated position and an actuated position, and a strength hook pivotably coupled to the main plate by a lower pivot and pivotable between a down position and an up position. The strength hook is operatively coupled to the handle such that pivoting the handle between the unactuated position and the actuated position causes the strength hook to pivot between the down position and the up position. The latch assembly also includes a motor module comprising an electric motor, a lead screw having a screw thread, a nut, and a motor arm. The electric motor is driveablycoupled to the lead screw and configured to rotate the lead screw in a first rotational direction while the electric motor is energized. The nut includes a threaded hole meshingly engaged with the lead screw. The nut is pivotably coupled to the handle. The motor arm supports and contains the electric motor and pivotably couples the electric motor to the lower pivot. The motor arm is free to rotate about the lower pivot as the handle is rotated between the unactuated position and the actuated position. While the electric motor is energized, the electric motor rotates the lead screw causing the nut to be transposed along the lead screw away from the electric motor which causes the handle to rotate from the unactuated position to the actuated position and causes the strength hook to pivot from the down position to the up position.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0010] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of an automotive seat assembly having a high latch, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] Figure 2 is an enlarged front perspective view of the high latch of Figure 1;

[0012] Figure 3 is a partially exploded view of the high latch of Figure 2;

[0013] Figure 4 is a left perspective view of the high latch of Figure 2, showing the high latch coupled to a rear striker and in an unactuated condition;

[0014] Figure 5 is a left perspective view of the high latch of Figure 4, showing the high latch decoupled from the striker after using a manual mode of operation;

[0015] Figure 6 is a left perspective view of the high latch of Figure 5, showing the high latch coupled to a front striker after using the manual mode of operation;

[0016] Figure 7 is a left perspective view of the high latch of Figure 6, showing the high latch decoupled from the front striker after using a power mode of operation;

[0017] Figure 8 is a left perspective view of a high latch, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 9 is a semi-transparent cutaway right side view of the high latch of Figure 8;

[0019] Figure 10 is a cutaway left side view of the high latch of Figure 9;

[0020] Figure 11 is a cutaway left side view of the high latch of Figure 10, showing the high latch coupled to a striker; and

[0021] Figure 12 is a cutaway left side view of the high latch of Figure 11, showing the high latch decoupled from the striker.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Figures 1-12 illustrate a power high latch 10 for a seat assembly 12 for use in an automotive vehicle, according to embodiments described herein. Directional references employed or shown in the description, figures, or claims, such as top, bottom, upper, lower, upward, downward, lengthwise, widthwise, left, right, and the like, are relative terms employed for ease of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any respect. Referring to the Figures, like numerals indicate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views.

[0023] As depicted in Figure 1, the seat assembly 12 includes a seat back 14 and a seat cushion16. Figure 1 illustrates the seat assembly 12 in a design position, or generally upright seating position. The seat back 14 is rotatably coupled to the seat cushion 16 by opposing free pivots17. The seat back 14 is pivotable between a reclined position 18, an upright position 19 rotated forward of the reclined position 18, and a fold-flat position 20 with the seat back 14 overlying the seat cushion 16. The seat assembly 12 may include a seat back spring 21 operatively coupled between the seat back 14 and the seat cushion 16, as is commonly known in the art. The seat back spring 21 applies a forward-biasing force to rotationally bias the seat back 14 in a forward direction (arrow 22) around the free pivots 17 towards the fold-flat position 20. The seat assembly 12 also includes a striker 26 attached to a support wall 28 behind the seat back 14. The striker 26 is generally U-shaped and includes a rear striker 29 spaced apart from a forward striker 30. It w ill be appreciated that the shape and structure of the striker 26 can vary without departing from the scope of the present invention. The seat assembly 12 further includes the power high latch 10 (hereinafter, "‘high latch’7) fixedly coupled to the seat back 14 and configured to selectively couple to the striker 26. The seat back 14 is pivotable between the reclined position 18, the upright position 19, and the fold-flat position 20 while the high latch 10 is decoupled from the striker 26. The seat assembly 12 also includes an input switch 31 configured to selectively actuate the high latch 10, as further described below. It will beappreciated that the terms "couple / decouple" may be used interchangeably with the terms “latch / unlatch” and ’lock / unlock". without altering the scope of the present invention.

[0024] Referring to Figures 1-3, the high latch 10 includes a latch assembly 32 configured to releasably couple the high latch 10 to the striker 26 when the seat back 14 is in the reclined position 18 or in the upright position 19. Further, the latch assembly 32 is configured to provide a manual mode of operation for the high latch 10. It will be appreciated that the latch assembly 32 may vary in components and might be configured to releasably couple with a striker 26 in alternate locations, such as a vehicle floor and the like, without altering the scope of the present invention. The latch assembly 32 includes a main plate 34, a handle 36, a bolt 38, a handle spring 40, a strength cam 42. a cam spring 43, and a release rod 44. The main plate 34 is fixedly coupled to the seat back 14. In addition, the main plate 34 supports and contains the high latch 10. The handle 36 is positioned adjacent an upper surface 46 of the seat back 14 and pivotably coupled to the main plate 34 by the bolt 38. In addition, the handle 36 is pivotable between an unactuated position (shown as reference numeral 36 in Figure 2) and an actuated position (shown as reference numeral 48 in Figure 2). In addition, the handle 36 includes an actuator arm 50 and an actuator boss 51. The actuator arm 50 extends radially away from the bolt 38. The actuator boss 51 projects laterally away from a distal end of the actuator arm 50. The handle spring 40 is operatively coupled between the handle 36 and the main plate 34. Further, the handle spring 40 biases the handle 36 rearwardly (arrow 56) about the bolt 38 towards the unactuated position. It will be appreciated that the handle spring 40 might be an extension spring, a torsion spring, a leaf spring, a compression spring, or the like without altering the scope of the present invention. The strength cam 42 is pivotably coupled to the main plate 34 by an upper pivot 58. The cam spring 43 rotationally biases the strength cam 42 about the upper pivot 58. It will be appreciated that the cam spring 43 might be an extension spring, a torsion spring, a leaf spring, a compression spring, or the like without altering the scope of the present invention. The release rod 44 has an upper end 60 pivotably coupled to the actuator arm 50 and a lower end 62 pivotably coupled to the strength cam 42.

[0025] The latch assembly 32 also includes a lower pivot 63, a strength hook 64, a cinch hook 66, a hook spring 70, and a lower spring 72. The lower pivot 63 has a generally cylindrical shape, extends in a lateral direction, and is fixedly coupled to the main plate 34. Further, the lower pivot 63 includes a rim 73 extending in a circumferential direction therearound. The strength hook 64 and the cinch hook 66 are pivotably coupled to the lower pivot 63. Thestrength hook 64 is pivotable about the lower pivot 63 between a down position (Figure 4) and an up position (Figure 5). The strength hook 64 includes a hook slot 74, a strength tab 76, and a cam protrusion 78. The hook slot 74 is formed in a lower portion of the strength hook 64 and configured to couple or latch with the striker 26 when the latch assembly 32 is in a latched condition (Figure 2) and the strength hook 64 is in the down position. The strength tab 76 projects generally laterally from a proximal portion of the strength hook 64 and is spaced between the lower pivot 63 and a side portion 80 of the main plate 34. The cam protrusion 78 extends along a top portion of the strength hook 64. The strength cam 42 is spring-biased towards the strength hook 64 and abuts against the cam protrusion 78 when the latch assembly 32 is in the latched condition (Figure 2). In addition, the cinch hook 66 includes a cam surface 82, a rear tab 84, and a hook pin 86. The cam surface 82 is formed along a distal end of the cinch hook 66 and is configured to abut against or otherwise engage with the striker 26 when the latch assembly 32 is in the latched condition (Figure 2). The rear tab 84 projects outwardly from a proximal end of the cinch hook 66. The rear tab 84 is configured to abut against the strength tab 76 as the cinch hook 66 is rotated upward in the clockwise direction about the lower pivot 63. The hook pin 86 projects laterally from the cinch hook 66 and is adjacent to the cam surface 82. The hook spring 70 and the low er spring 72 bias the strength hook 64 and the cinch hook 66, respectively, about the lower pivot 63 towards the down position. It will be appreciated that the hook spring 70 and the lower spring 72 might be one or more of an extension spring, a torsion spring, a leaf spring, a compression spring, or the like without altering the scope of the present invention.

[0026] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the latch assembly 32 also includes a release link 92 operatively coupled between the handle 36 and the cinch hook 66. In more detail, the release link 92 has an elongated shape extending between a top end 94 and a bottom end 96. The top end 94 of the release link 92 is pivotably coupled to the actuator boss 51 on the actuator arm 50. Further, the release link 92 includes a release slot 98 extending betw een a distal end 100 and a proximal end 102. The hook pin 86 extends laterally through the release slot 98 and is repositionable between the distal and proximal ends 100, 102.

[0027] Depicted in Figures 2 and 3, the latch assembly 32 also includes a kickstand 103, a bottom pivot 104, and a bottom spring 105. The kickstand 103 is configured to hold the latch assembly 32 in the unlatched condition (Figure 5) while the latch assembly 32 is spaced apart from the striker 26. The kickstand 103 is pivotably coupled to a bottom pivot 104, which inturn is fixedly coupled to the main plate 34. The bottom spring 105 biases the kickstand 103 upwards towards the strength hook 64. It will be appreciated that the bottom spring 105 might be an extension spring, a torsion spring, a leaf spring, a compression spring, or the like without altering the scope of the present invention.

[0028] Depicted in Figures 2 and 3, the high latch 10 also includes a motor module 106 which is configured to provide a power mode of operation to the latch assembly 32 having a manual mode of operation. It will be appreciated that the motor module 106 might be assembled with a floor latch assembly (not shown), a recliner assembly (not shown), a high latch assembly 10, a disc assembly (not shown) for locking a cushion pivot (not shown), or the like, which have a manual mode of operation in order to add a power mode, without altering the scope of the present invention. The motor module 106 includes an electric motor 107, a motor shaft 108, and a lead screw' 110. The electric motor 107 is driveably coupled to the motor shaft 108 and configured to rotate the motor shaft 108 in one or more of a first rotational direction 116 and an opposing second rotational direction 118. Further, the electric motor 107 is able to be back- driven and has a relatively low cogging torque. The electric motor 107 is electrically connected to the input switch 31. The lead screw 110 has a generally cylindrical shape extending betw een a near end 120 and a far end 122. The near end of the lead screw 110 is driveably coupled to the motor shaft 108. In addition, the lead screw 110 includes a screw thread 124 with a high pitch design. In one embodiment, the screw thread 124 has a pitch equal to or greater than 6 mm. The high pitch design of the lead screw 1 10 allows the lead screw' 1 10 to be back-driven under the spring load from internal components of the latch assembly 32. It will be appreciated that the electric motor 107 might be configured to rotate the lead screw 110 in the first rotational direction 116 when energized by activating the input switch 31 and that the lead screw 110 might be rotated in the second rotational direction 118 by the spring load from internal components of the latch assembly 32.

[0029] Depicted in Figure 3. the motor module 106 also includes a nut 125 driveably coupled to the lead screw 1 10. The nut 125 includes a base 126, a threaded hole 128, a flange 130, and a lost motion slot 132. The base 126 has a generally rectangular shape with the threaded hole 128 extending axially therethrough. The threaded hole 128 is meshingly engaged with the screw thread 124 on the lead screw 110. The flange 130 projects from the base 126 towards a flange end 134 and extends in the axial direction of the lead screw 110. The lost motion slot 132 extends laterally through the flange 130 and extends longitudinally between an outer end136 adjacent the flange end 134 and an inner end 138 adjacent the base 126. Referring to Figure 2, the actuator boss 51 extends laterally through the lost motion slot 132 and is slidably coupled thereto.

[0030] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the motor module 106 also includes a motor arm 139 which pivotably couples the electric motor 107 to the lower pivot 63. In more detail, the motor arm 139 includes a motor frame 140. a motor ring 142, and a ring aperture 144. The motor frame 140 is configured to be fixedly coupled to a distal end of the electric motor 107. Further, the motor frame 140 supports and contains the electric motor 107. The motor ring 142 has a generally ring-shape and includes an outer surface 146 extending in a circumferential direction and is attached to the motor frame 140. The ring aperture 144 extends axially through the motor ring 142. Further, the ring aperture 144 includes an inner surface 148 extending circumferentially around the ring aperture 144 and configured to pivotably couple with the rim 73 on the lower pivot 63.

[0031] The operation of the high latch 10 is described with reference to Figures 1 and 4-7. The seat back 14 can be repositioned upon demand by the occupant between the reclined position 18, the upright position 19, and the fold-flat position 20 when the high latch 10 is decoupled from the striker 26. Further, the seat back 14 can be repositioned upon demand by the occupant from the fold-flat position 20 back to the upright position 19. In addition, the high latch 10 can be operated in a manual mode or a power mode, as further described below.

[0032] Initially, the high latch 10 is coupled to the striker 26 and in the latched condition with the seat back 14 in the reclined position 18 (Figure 1). As depicted in Figure 4, the handle 36 is in the unactuated position with the actuator boss 51 abutted against the inner end 138 of the lost motion slot 132, the strength hook 64 and the cinch hook 66 are coupled to the rear striker 29, the hook pin 86 is spaced apart from the distal and proximal ends 100, 102 of the release slot 98. the cam protrusion 78 is abutted against the strength cam 42, the rear tab 84 is spaced apart from the strength tab 76, and the kickstand 103 is disengaged from the strength hook 64. The handle spring 40 biases the handle 36 about the bolt 38 and towards the unactuated position. The cam spring 43 biases the strength cam 42 about the upper pivot 58 towards an engaged condition with the cam protrusion 78 on the strength hook 64. The hook spring 70 biases the strength hook 64 about the lower pivot 63 towards an engaged condition with the striker 26. The lower spring 72 biases the cinch hook 66 downward and towards an engagedcondition with the striker 26. The bottom spring 105 biases the kickstand 103 towards an engaged condition with the strength hook 64.

[0033] The manual mode of operating the high latch 10 is described in reference to Figures 1 and 4-6. Initially, the high latch 10 is coupled to the rear striker 29, as depicted in Figure 4. Using the manual mode of operation, the occupant actuates the high latch 10 by pivoting the handle 36 in the forward direction (arrow 22) from the unactuated position (Figure 4) to the actuated position (Figure 5) while the electric motor 107 is de-energized and the input switch 31 is de-activated. The rotation of the handle 36 in the forward direction (arrow 22) causes the actuator arm 50 rotate upward (arrow 152), which in turn causes the actuator boss 51 to be transposed or repositioned along the lost motion slot 132 towards the outer end 136 of the lost motion slot 132 (arrow 154). The motor arm 139 is free to pivot about the lower pivot 63 as the actuator boss 51 is rotated upward (arrow 152) and transposed outward along the lost motion slot 132 (arrow 154). The relative position of the nut 125 along the lead screw 110 is not affected by the motion of the actuator boss 51 since the actuator boss 51 is spaced apart from the outer and inner ends 136, 138 of the lost motion slot 132. Further, the handle 36 can freely rotate without affecting the electric motor 107 or the nut 125 since the motor arm 139 pivots about the lower pivot 63 as the actuator boss 51 is transposed along the lost motion slot 132. The actuator arm 50 also repositions the release rod 44 as the actuator arm 50 is rotated upward (arrow 152). which in turn causes the strength cam 42 to be rotated about the upper pivot 58 causing the strength cam 42 to disengage from the cam protrusion 78 on the strength hook 64. The strength hook 64 is allowed to rotate upward (arrow 152) after the strength cam 42 disengages from the cam protrusion 78. The actuator boss 51 also repositions the release link 92 upward (arrow 152), which in turn causes the hook pin 86 to be repositioned along the release slot 98 towards the distal end 100. As the handle 36 continues to rotate in the forw ard direction (arrow 22), the distal end 100 of the release slot 98 abuts against the hook pin 86 and causes the hook pin 86 to rotate upward (arrow 152) with the release link 92, which in turn causes the cinch hook 66 to rotate upward (arrow 152) about the lower pivot 63. As the cinch hook 66 rotates upward (arrow 152), the rear tab 84 abuts against the strength tab 76. Additional upward rotation (arrow 152) of the cinch hook 66 causes the rear tab 84 to push the strength tab 76 downward, which in turn causes the strength hook 64 to rotate upward (arrow7152). The upward rotation (arrow7152) of the strength and cinch hooks 64, 66 causes the strength and cinch hooks 64, 66 to disengage from the rear striker 29 which decouples the high latch 10 from the striker 26 and places the high latch 10 in the unlatched condition (Figure 5). Further,the kickstand 103 is rotated about the bottom pivot 104 by the bottom spring 105 towards an engaged condition with the strength cam 64. The kickstand 103 holds the high latch 10 in the unlatched condition (Figure 5) while the high latch 10 is spaced apart from the striker 26.

[0034] After the high latch 10 is decoupled from the rear striker 29, the occupant may rotate the seat back 14 forward (arrow 22) to the upright position 19 while holding the handle 36 in the actuated position. Next, the occupant releases the handle 36. which causes the high latch 10 to couple to the forward striker 30. In more detail, as the high latch 10 approaches the forward striker 30, the forward striker 30 rotates the kickstand 103 away from the strength hook 64. Next, the handle spring 40 rotates the handle 36 in the rearward direction (arrow 56), which in turn causes the actuator arm 50 to rotate downward (arrow 158) and causes the actuator boss 51 to be repositioned downward along the lost motion slot 132 towards the inner end 138 (arrow 160). The release link 92 is repositioned downw ard (arrow 158) as the actuator boss 51 moves towards the inner end 138 of the lost motion slot 132. Next, the cinch hook 66 is rotated downward (arrow 158) in response to the downward movement of the release link 92 and the spring-bias provided by the lower spring 72. In addition, the downward rotation (arrow 158) of the actuator arm 50 repositions the release rod 44 downward. Next, the strength cam 42 rotates about the upper pivot 58 and towards an engaged condition with the cam protrusion 78 in response to the downw ard movement of the release rod 44 and the spring-bias applied by the cam spring 43. Next, the strength and cinch hooks 64, 66 couple with the forward striker 30, as depicted in Figure 6. The occupant may decouple the high latch 10 from the forward striker 30 in a similar manner described above to decouple the high latch 10 from the rear striker 29.

[0035] To rotate the seat back 14 from the reclined position 18 or the upright position 19 to the fold-flat position 20 using the manual mode of operation, the occupant manually decouples the high latch 10 from the striker 26 as described above. Next, the occupant rotates the seat back 14 past vertical tow ards the fold-flat position 20 and releases the handle 36. The weight of the seat back 14 causes the seat back 14 to rotate forward (arrow 22) to the fold-flat position 20. The kickstand 103 holds the high latch 10 in the actuated condition while engaged with the strength hook 64. As shown in Figure 5, the handle 36 is prevented from returning to the unactuated position since the strength cam 42 is engaged with the strength hook 64 which is prevented from pivoting downward by the kickstand 103.

[0036] To return the seat back 14 to the upright position 19 from the fold-flat position 20, the occupant rotates the seat back 14 upward and rearward (arrow 56) from the fold-flat position20 towards the upright position 19. As the high latch 10 is rotated rearward (arrow 56), the forward striker 30 rotates the kickstand 103 away from the strength hook 64. Next, the hook spring 70 and the lower spring 72 cause the strength hook 64 and the cinch hook 66, respectively, to rotate downward (arrow 158) towards an engaged condition with the forward striker 30. In addition, the cam spring 43 rotates the strength cam 42 downward to an engaged condition with the cam protrusion 78 on the strength hook 64, which also locks the strength hook 64 against the forward striker 30. Further, the handle spring 40 rotates the handle 36 rearward (arrow 56) to the unactuated position, which also repositions the release link 92 and the release rod 44 downward (arrow 158), repositions the actuator boss 51 downward along the lost morion slot 132 (arrow 160), and returns the high latch 10 to the latched and unactuated condition.

[0037] The power mode of operation is described below7in reference to Figures 1, 6, and 7. The high latch 10 is initially in the latched condition engaged with the forw ard striker 30 with the seat back 14 in the upright position 19. Using the power mode of operation, the occupant initiates actuation of the high latch 10 by activating the input switch 31. It will be appreciated that the power mode might be initiated by a remote function instead of activating the input switch 31, without altering the scope of the present invention. The electric motor 107 is energized while the input switch 31 is activated and de-energized while the input switch 31 is de-activated. While the electric motor 107 is energized, the electric motor 107 rotates the lead screw? 110 in the first rotational direction 1 16, which in turn causes the nut 125 to be transposed upward along the lead screw7110 (arrow 154). As the nut 125 is transposed upward (arrow 154), the lost motion slot 132 is transposed upward along the actuator boss 51 until the actuator boss 51 abuts against the inner end 138 of the lost motion slot 132. Additional movement of the nut 125 along the lead screw7110 in the upward direction (arrow 154) causes the actuator arm 50 to rotate upward which in turn causes the handle 36 to rotate in the forward direction (arrow 22) from the unactuated position (Figure 6) to the actuated position (Figure 7).

[0038] The motor arm 139 is free to pivot about the lower pivot 63 as the upward movement of the lost motion slot 132 causes the actuator boss 51 to move upward (arrow7152). The actuator arm 50 also repositions the release rod 44 as the actuator arm 50 is rotated upward (arrow 152), which in turn causes the strength cam 42 to be rotated about the upper pivot 58 to disengage from the cam protrusion 78 on the strength hook 64. The strength hook 64 is allowed to be rotated upw ard (arrow 152) after the strength cam 42 disengages from the cam protrusion78. The upward movement of the actuator boss 51 also repositions the release link 92 upward (arrow 152), which in turn causes the hook pin 86 to be repositioned along the release slot 98 towards the distal end 100 of the release slot 98. As the nut 125 continues to be transposed upward (arrow 154) along the lead screw 110, the distal end 100 of the release slot 98 abuts against the hook pin 86 and causes the hook pin 86 to rotate upward (arrow 152) with the release link 92. which in turn causes the cinch hook 66 to rotate upward (arrow 152) about the lower pivot 63. As the cinch hook 66 rotates upward (arrow 152). the rear tab 84 abuts against the strength tab 76 and pushes the strength tab 76 downward, which in turn causes the strength hook 64 to rotate upw ard (arrows 152). The upward rotation (arrow 152) of the strength and cinch hooks 64, 66 causes the strength and cinch hooks 64, 66 to disengage from the forward striker 30, which decouples the high latch 10 from the striker 26, and places the high latch 10 in the unlatched condition (Figure 7). Further, the bottom spring 105 rotates the kickstand 103 towards an engaged condition with the strength cam 64. The kickstand 103 holds the high latch 10 in the unlatched condition (Figure 7) while the high latch 10 is spaced apart from the striker 26. The occupant is able to adjust the position of the seat back 14 between the reclined position 18. the upright position 19. and the fold-flat position 20 while the high latch 10 is in the unlatched condition.

[0039] To reposition the seat back 14 to the fold-flat position 20 after the power mode decouples the high latch 10 from the striker 26. the occupant releases or deactivates the input switch 31 which de-energizes the electric motor 107. Next, the occupant rotates the seat back 14 past vertical towards the fold-flat position 20. The weight of the seat back 14 causes the seat back 14 to rotate forward (arrow' 22) to the fold-flat position 20. After the occupant releases the input switch 31 , the high latch 10 is held in the unlatched condition while spaced apart from the striker 26 since the kickstand 103 is engaged with the strength hook 64 and the strength cam 42 is abutted against the cam protrusion 78, as previously described above.

[0040] To reposition the seat back 14 from the fold-flat position 20 to the upright position 19 after using the power mode to unlatch the high latch 10, the occupant rotates the seat back 14 from the fold-flat position 20 upward and rearward (arrow- 56) towards the upright position 19. As the high latch 10 is rotated rearward (arrow 56), the forward striker 30 rotates the kickstand 103 away from the strength hook 64. The high latch 10 has at least one spring operatively coupled to the latch assembly 32, such as the internal latch springs 40, 43, 70, 72 as nonlimiting examples, which assists with repositioning the high latch 10 to unactuated conditioncoupled to the striker 26 and back-drives the electric motor 107. The lead screw 110 has a high pitch angle which allows the at least one spring 40, 43, 70, 72 to back-drive the electric motor 107. In more detail, the handle spring 40 causes the handle 36 to rotate rearw ard (arrow 56) causing the actuator boss 51 to apply downw ard pressure onto the nut 125. Further, the cam spring 43 rotates the strength cam 42 downward, which in turn applies downward pressure to the release rod 44. The downward pressure applied to the release rod 44 by the cam spring 43 also applies downward pressure to the actuator arm 50. In addition, the hook spring 70 and the lower spring 72 rotate the strength hook 64 and the cinch hook 66, respectively, downward (arrow 158) towards the striker 26. The downw ard movement of the cinch hook 66 causes the hook pin 86 to reposition the release link 92 downward, which in turn applies downward pressure onto the actuator boss 51. The combined downward pressures applied to the nut 125 from the internal latch springs 40, 43, 70, 72 cause the nut 125 to travel downward (arrow' 160) along the lead screw 110, which in turn causes the lead screw 110 to rotate in the second rotational direction 118 and back-drive the electric motor 107. The motor arm 139 is free to pivot about the lower pivot 63 as the nut 125 is transposed downward (arrow 160) along the lead screw 110 and the handle 36 is rotated toward the unactuated position. The high latch 10 is coupled to the forward striker 30 as the handle 36 returns to the unactuated position.

[0041] To reposition the seat back 14 between the reclined position 18 and the upright position 19 after the power mode decouples the high latch 10 from the striker 26, the occupant repositions the seat back 14 to either of the reclined position 18 and the upright position 19. Next, the occupant releases the input sw itch 3 1 as described above which allows the high latch 10 to couple with the striker 26, as described above.

[0042] A second embodiment of the high latch 10' is illustrated in Figures 8-12, where like primed reference numerals represent similar elements or elements with similar function as those described above. Only significant differences between the tw o embodiments are reflected in the Figures and the description below. The second embodiment of the high latch 10' includes an actuator arm 50' pivotably coupled to a nut 125' configured to be transposed along a lead screw' 110'. In contrast, the high latch 10 of the first embodiment includes the actuator arm 50 slidably coupled to the lost motion slot 132 in the nut 125.

[0043] Referring to Figures 8-10. the high latch 10' includes a latch assembly 32' and a motor module 106' supported and contained by a main plate 34', a cover 162', and a handle frame 164'. The latch assembly 32' is configured to provide a manual mode of operation for the highlatch 10'. The latch assembly 32' includes a handle 36' pivotably coupled to a bolt 38' which is fixedly coupled to the main plate 34' and the cover 162'. The handle 36' includes an actuator arm 50' and a release arm 166' extending therefrom. The latch assembly 32' also includes a handle spring 40', a strength hook 64', a cam protrusion 78', a hook slot 74', a release slot 98', a cinch hook 66', a pin slot 168', and a lower pivot 63'. The handle spring 40' biases the handle 36' towards an unactuated position (Figure 10). The cam protrusion 78' and the hook slot 74' are spaced along an upper edge and a lower edge, respectively, of the strength hook 64'. In addition, the release slot 98' extends laterally through the strength hook 64' and has a proximal end 100' spaced apart from a distal end 102'. The pin slot 168' extends upward from a lower edge of the cinch hook 66' and laterally aligns with the release slot 98' in the strength hook 64'. The strength hook 64' and the cinch hook 66' are pivotably coupled to the lower pivot 63'.

[0044] The latch assembly 32' also includes a hook spring 70', a lower spring 72', a strength cam 42', an upper pivot 58', and a cam spring 43'. The hook spring 70' and the lower spring 72' bias the strength hook 64' and the cinch hook 66', respectively, in a downward direction (arrow 158'). The strength cam 42' is pivotably coupled to the upper pivot 58' and biased towards an engaged condition with the cam protrusion 78' on the strength hook 64' by the cam spring 43'. The latch assembly 32' also includes a release rod 44', a cam pin 170', a hook pin 86', a release link 92', an arm pin 172', a kickstand 103', a bottom pivot 104', and a bottom spring 105'. The release rod 44' has an upper end pivotably coupled to the strength cam 42' by the cam pin 170' and a lower end pivotably coupled to the hook pin 86'. The release link 92' has an upper end pivotably coupled to the release arm 166' by the arm pin 172' and a lower end pivotably coupled to the hook pin 86'. The kickstand 103' is pivotably coupled to the bottom pivot 104' and spring- biased towards an engaged condition with the strength hook 64' by the bottom spring 105'.

[0045] The motor module 106' is optionally a separate module with a power mode of operation which can be selectively added to the latch assembly 32' having the manual mode of operation. The motor module 106' includes an electric motor 107'. a motor shaft 108', a lead screw 110', a screw thread 124', anut 125', a threaded hole 128', and acoupler 174'. The electric motor 107' is driveably coupled to the motor shaft 108' and configured to rotate the motor shaft 108' in one or more of a first rotational direction 116' and a second rotational direction 118'. The electric motor 107' is able to be back-driven and has relatively low cogging torque. The motor shaft 108' is driveably coupled to a near end 120' of the lead screw 110'. The screw thread 124' extends betw een the near end 120' and a far end 122' of the lead screw 110'. Thescrew thread 124' has a high pitch design, such as a pitch equal to or greater than 6 mm, which allows the lead screw 110' to be back-driven under the spring load from internal components of the latch assembly 32'. The threaded hole 128' extends axially through the nut 125' and is meshingly engaged with the screw thread 124' on the lead screw 11 O'. In addition, the nut 125' is pivotably coupled to a lower portion of the actuator arm 50’ by the coupler 174'.

[0046] The motor module 106' also includes a motor arm 139' having a motor frame 140'. a motor ring 142', and a ring aperture 144'. The motor arm 139' is configured to pivotably couple the electric motor 107' to the lower pivot 63'. In more detail, the motor frame 140' is configured to support and contain the electric motor 107'. The motor ring 142' is attached to a lower end of the motor frame 140'. The ring aperture 144' extends laterally through the motor ring 142' and is configured to matingly engage with the rim 73' on the lower pivot 63'.

[0047] The operation of the high latch 10' is described in reference to Figures 1 and 9-12. The seat back 14' can be repositioned upon demand by the occupant between the reclined position 18' and the fold-flat position 20' while the high latch 10' is decoupled from the striker 26'. Further, the seat back 14' can be repositioned upon demand by the occupant from the fold-flat position 20' back to the reclined position 18'. In addition, the high latch 10' can be operated in a manual mode and a power mode, as further described below.

[0048] Initially, the high latch 10' is coupled to the striker 26' and in the latched condition with the seat back 14' in the reclined position 18' (Figure 1). As depicted in Figures 9-11, the handle 36' is in the unactuated position with the nut 125' adjacent the near end 120' of the lead screw 110', the strength hook 64' and the cinch hook 66' are coupled to the striker 26'. the hook pin 86' is adjacent the distal end 100' of the release slot 98', the cam protrusion 78' is abutted against the strength cam 42', and the kickstand 103' is disengaged from the strength hook 64'. The handle spring 40' biases the handle 36' about the bolt 38' towards the unactuated position. The cam spring 43' biases the strength cam 42' about the upper pivot 58' towards an engaged condition with the cam protrusion 78' on the strength hook 64'. The hook spring 70' and the lower spring 72' bias the strength hook 64' and the cinch hook 66', respectively, about the lower pivot 63' towards an engaged condition with the striker 26'. The bottom spring 105' biases the kickstand 103' towards an engaged condition with the strength hook 64'.

[0049] The manual mode of operating the high latch 10' is described in reference to Figures 11 and 12. Initially, the high latch 10' is coupled to the striker 26', as depicted in Figure 11.Using the manual mode of operation, the occupant actuates the high latch 10' by pivoting the handle 36' in the forward direction (arrow 22') from the unactuated position (Figure 11) to the actuated position (Figure 12). The rotation of the handle 36' in the forward direction (arrow 22') causes the actuator arm 50' rotate upward (arrow 152'), which in turn causes the nut 125' to be transposed or repositioned along the lead screw 110' in the upward direction (arrow 154') towards the far end 122' of the lead screw 110'. The motor arm 139' is free to pivot about the lower pivot 63' as the nut 125' is transposed upward (arrow 154') and the handle 36' is rotated towards the actuated position. The movement of the nut 125' along the lead screw 110' causes the lead screw 110' to rotate in the first rotational direction 116' and back-drive the electric motor 107'. The release arm 166' also repositions the release link 92' as the handle 36' is rotated forward (arrow 22'), which in turn causes the hook pin 86' to be transposed along the release slot 98' and abut against the proximal end 102'. The release rod 44' is repositioned upward as the hook pin 86' is transposed upw ard, which in turn causes the strength cam 43' to rotate away from the cam protrusion 78'. Additional rotation of the handle 36' in the forward direction (arrow 22') causes the strength hook 64' to be rotated upward (arrow 152') and disengage from the striker 26'. Further, as the strength hook 64' continues to rotate upward, the hook pin 86' abuts against the upper end of the pin slot 168', which causes the cinch hook 66' to rotate upward (arrow7152'). The kickstand 103' engages with the strength hook 64' after the strength hook 64' is decoupled from the striker 26'.

[0050] After the high latch 10' is decoupled from the striker 26', the occupant rotates the seat back 14' forward (arrow722') while holding the handle 36' in the actuated position. Next, the occupant rotates the seat back 14' past vertical towards the fold-flat position 20' and releases the handle 36'. The weight of the seat back 14' causes the seat back 14' to rotate forward (arrow 22') to the fold-flat position 20'. The kickstand 103' holds the high latch 10' in the unlatched condition (Figure 12) while the high latch 10' is spaced apart from the striker 26'. The strength hook 64' is prevented from pivoting downward (arrow7158') while engaged with the kickstand 103', which also prevents the handle 36', the release rod 44', the release link 92', the strength cam 42', and the cinch hook 66' from returning to the initial unactuated positions.

[0051] To return the seat back 14’ to the reclined position 18' from the fold-flat position 20' after using the manual mode to decouple the high latch 10' from the striker 26', the occupant rotates the seat back 14' from the fold-flat position 20' upward and rearward (arrow 56') towards the reclined position 1 '. As the high latch 10' is rotated rearward (arrow 56'), thestriker 26' rotates the kickstand 103' away from the strength hook 64'. Next, the internal latch springs 40', 43', 70', 72' in the high latch 10' cause the high latch 10' to return to the latched condition with the striker 26' and return the high latch 10' to the unactuated condition. In more detail, the hook spring 70' and the lower spring 72' cause the strength hook 64' and the cinch hook 66', respectively, to rotate downward (arrow 158') and couple with the striker 26'. Next, the handle spring 40' rotates the handle 36' in the rearward direction (arrow 56') towards the unactuated position, which in turn repositions the nut 125' downward (arrow 160') along the lead screw 1 10', which causes the lead screw 1 10' to rotate in the second rotational direction 118' and back-drive the electric motor 107'. The motor arm 139' is free to rotate about the lower pivot 63' as the nut 125' travels downward (arrow 160') along the lead screw 110'. The rotation of the handle 36' in the rearward direction (arrow 56') also repositions the release link 92' and the release rod 44' downward until the hook pin 86' abuts against the distal end 100' of the release slot 98'. The downward movement of hook pin 86' and the spring-bias provided by the cam spring 43' cause the strength cam 42' to engage with the cam protrusion 78', which also locks the strength hook 64' coupled to the striker 26'.

[0052] The power mode of operating the high latch 10' is described in reference to Figures 11 and 12. Initially, the high latch 10' is coupled to the striker 26', as depicted in Figure 11. Using the power mode of operation to decouple the high latch 10' from the striker 26', the occupant initiates actuation of the high latch 10' by activating the input switch 31'. It will be appreciated that the power mode might be initiated by a remote function instead of activating the input switch 31', without altering the scope of the present invention. Activating the input switch 31' energizes the electric motor 107' causing the lead screw 110' to rotate in the first rotational direction 116', which in turn causes the nut 125' to be transposed upward along the lead screw 110' (arrow 154'). The handle 36' is rotated in the forward direction (arrow 22') towards the actuated position (Figure 12) as the nut 125' is transposed upward (arrow 154') along the lead screw' 110'. The motor arm 139’ is free to pivot about the lower pivot 63' as the nut 125' is transposed upward (arrow 154') and the handle 36' is rotated towards the actuated position. The rotation of the handle 36' in the forward direction (arrow 22') also repositions the release link 92', which in turn causes the hook pin 86' to be transposed along the release slot 98' and abut against the proximal end 102'. The release rod 44' is repositioned upward as the hook pin 86' is transposed upward, which in turn causes the strength cam 42' to rotate away from the cam protrusion 78'. Additional rotation of the handle 36' in the forward direction (arrow 22') causes the strength hook 64' to be rotated upward (arrow 152') and disengage from the striker 26'.Further, as the strength hook 64' continues to rotate upward, the hook pin 86' abuts against the upper end of the pin slot 168', which causes the cinch hook 66' to rotate upward (arrow 152'). The kickstand 103' engages with the strength hook 64' after the strength hook 64' is decoupled from the striker 26'.

[0053] After the high latch 10' is decoupled from the striker 26', the occupant rotates the seat back 14' forward (arrow 22') past vertical towards the fold-flat position 20' and releases the input switch 31'. The weight of the seat back 14' causes the seat back 14' to rotate forw ard (arrow 22') to the fold-flat position 20'. The kickstand 103' holds the high latch 10' in the unlatched condition (Figure 12) while the high latch 10' is spaced apart from the striker 26'. The strength hook 64' is prevented from pivoting downward (arrow 158') while engaged with the kickstand 103', which also prevents the handle 36', the release rod 44', the release link 92', the strength cam 42', and the cinch hook 66' from returning to the initial unactuated positions.

[0054] To return the seat back 14’ to the reclined position 18' from the fold-flat position 20' after using the power mode to decouple the high latch 10' from the striker 26', the occupant rotates the seat back 14' from the fold-flat position 20' upward and rearward (arrow' 56') towards the reclined position 18'. As the high latch 10' is rotated rearward (arrow 56'), the striker 26' rotates the kickstand 103' away from the strength hook 64'. Next, the internal latch springs 40', 43', 70'. 72' in the high latch 10' cause the high latch 10' to return to the latched condition with the striker 26' and return the high latch 10' to the unactuated condition. In more detail, the hook spring 70' and the low er spring 72' cause the strength hook 64' and the cinch hook 66'. respectively, to rotate downward (arrow 158') and couple with the striker 26'. Next, the handle spring 40' rotates the handle 36' in the rearward direction (arrow 56') towards the unactuated position, which in turn repositions the nut 125' downward (arrow 160') along the lead screw 110', which causes the lead screw 110' to rotate in the second rotational direction 118' and back-drive the electric motor 107'. The rotation of the handle 36' in the rearward direction (arrow 56') also repositions the release link 92' and the release rod 44' downward until the hook pin 86' abuts against the distal end 100' of the release slot 98'. The downward movement of hook pin 86' and the spring-bias provided by the cam spring 43' cause the strength cam 42' to engage with the cam protrusion 78', which also locks the strength hook 64 against the forward striker 30.

[0055] As discussed above, the high latch 10, 10' of the present invention includes a latch assembly 32, 32' and a motor module 106, 106'. The latch assembly 32, 32' has a manual modeof releasing the latch assembly 32. 32' from a striker 26, 26'. The motor module 106. 106' has a power mode of operation. The motor module 106, 106' is configured to be operatively coupled to the latch assembly 32, 32' and provide the power mode of releasing the latch assembly 32, 32' from a striker 26, 26' without affecting the space requirements within the seat assembly 12. The latch assembly 32, 32' has a handle 36, 36' pivotably coupled to a main plate 34, 34' and actuatable or pivotable between an unactuated position with the latch assembly 32, 32' coupled with a striker 26, 26' and an actuated position which decouples the latch assembly 32, 32' from the striker 26, 26'. The motor module 106, 106' includes an electric motor 107, 107' driveably coupled to a motor shaft 108, 108' which is driveably coupled to a lead screw 110, 110' having a screw thread 124, 124' extending between a near end 120, 120' and a far end 122, 122'. The electric motor 107. 107' is configured to rotate the lead screw 110, 110' in afirst rotational direction 116, 116' while energized. The motor module 106, 106' also includes a nut 125, 125' pivotably coupled to the handle 36, 36' and having a threaded hole 128, 128' meshingly engaged with the screw' thread 124, 124’ on the lead screw 110, 110' and a motor arm 139, 139' configured to support and contain the electric motor 107, 107' and which is pivotably coupled to the main plate 34. 34'. While the electric motor 107, 107' is energized, the electric motor 107, 107' rotates the lead screw 110, 110' causing the nut 125, 125' to be transposed along the lead screw' 110, 110' towards the far end 122, 122', which causes the handle 36, 36' to rotate to the actuated position and causes the high latch 10, 10' to decouple from the striker 26, 26'.

[0056] The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology', which has been used, is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A motor module for use in a latch assembly having a handle pivotably coupled to a main plate and actuatable between an unactuated position with the latch assembly coupled with a striker and an actuated position which decouples the latch assembly from the striker, the motor module comprising: an electric motor driveably coupled to a motor shaft which is driveably coupled to a lead screw having a screw thread extending between a near end and a far end, wherein the electric motor is configured to rotate the lead screw in a first rotational direction; a nut pivotably coupled to the handle and having a threaded hole meshingly engaged with the screw thread on the lead screw; and a motor arm configured to support and contain the electric motor, the motor arm pivotably coupled to the main plate; wherein while the electric motor is energized, the electric motor rotates the lead screw causing the nut to be transposed along the lead screw towards the far end which causes the handle to rotate to the actuated position and causes the latch assembly to decouple from the striker.

2. The motor module as set forth in claim 1, wherein: the screw thread on the lead screw has a pitch equal to or greater than 6 mm.

3. The motor module as set forth in claim 2, wherein: the electric motor is configured to be back-driven.

4. The motor module as set forth in claim 3, wherein: the latch assembly includes at least one spring operatively coupled to the latch assembly; and the nut is transposed away from the far end towards the near end of the lead screw by the at least one spring while the electric motor is de-energized and the latch assembly is coupled to the striker.

5. The motor module as set forth in claim 4. wherein: the latch assembly further comprises a lower pivot attached to the main plate; the motor arm is configured to be pivotably coupled to the lower pivot; and the motor arm is free to rotate about the lower pivot as the handle is rotated between the unactuated position and the actuated position.

6. The motor module as set forth in claim 5, the motor arm further comprising: a motor frame which supports and contains the electric motor; a motor ring extending from the motor frame; a ring aperture extending laterally through the motor ring; and said ring aperture pivotably coupled to the lower pivot.

7. The motor module as set forth in claim 6. wherein: the electric motor is electrically connected to an input switch; and while the input switch is activated, the electric motor is energized which causes the lead screw to rotate in the first rotational direction.

8. The motor module as set forth in claim 7, further comprising: a flange fixedly coupled to the nut and having a lost motion slot; and an actuator boss slidably coupled to the lost motion slot and coupled to the handle; wherein pivoting the handle to the actuated position while the electric motor is deenergized causes the actuator boss to be transposed along the lost motion slot and causes the latch assembly to be decoupled from the striker without causing the nut to be repositioned along the lead screw.

9. The latch assembly having the motor module as set forth in one of claims 1-8.

10. A latch assembly for use in a seat assembly, comprising: a main plate; a handle pivotably coupled to the main plate and pivotable between an unactuated position and an actuated position; a strength hook pivotably coupled to the main plate by a lower pivot and pivotable between a down position and an up position, wherein the strength hook is operatively coupled to the handle such that pivoting the handle between the unactuated position and the actuated position causes the strength hook to pivot between the down position and the up position; and a motor module comprising an electric motor, a lead screw having a screw thread, a nut, and a motor arm, wherein the electric motor is driveably coupled to the lead screw and configured to rotate the lead screw in a first rotational direction while the electric motor is energized, the nut includes a threaded hole meshingly engaged with the lead screw, the nut is pivotably coupled to the handle, the motor arm supports and contains the electric motor, and the motor arm pivotably couples the electric motor to the lower pivot, wherein the motor armis free to rotate about the lower pivot as the handle is rotated between the unactuated position and the actuated position; wherein while the electric motor is energized, the electric motor rotates the lead screw causing the nut to be transposed along the lead screw away from the electric motor which causes the handle to rotate from the unactuated position to the actuated position and cause the strength hook to pivot from the down position to the up position.

11. The latch assembly as set forth in claim 10, further comprising at least one spring operatively coupled to the latch assembly; wherein the at least one spring biases the nut towards the electric motor along the lead screw.

12. The latch assembly as set forth in claim 11, the motor module further comprising: a flange fixedly coupled to the nut and having a lost motion slot; and an actuator boss slidably coupled to the lost motion slot and coupled to the handle; wherein pivoting the handle from the unactuated position to the actuated position while the electric motor is de-energized causes the actuator boss to be transposed along the lost motion slot and causes the strength hook to be rotated to the up position without causing the nut to be repositioned along the lead screw.

13. The latch assembly as set forth in claim 12, the motor arm further comprising: a motor frame which supports and contains the electric motor; a motor ring extending from the motor frame; and a ring aperture extending laterally through the motor ring; wherein the ring aperture is pivotably coupled to the lower pivot.

14. The latch assembly as set forth in claim 13, wherein: the electric motor is electrically connected to an input switch; and while the input switch is activated, the electric motor is energized causing the lead screw to rotate in the first rotational direction.

Images