Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6328353
-
Patent Number
6,328,353
-
Date Filed
Wednesday, June 16, 199925 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, December 11, 200122 years ago
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Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 292 201
- 292 216
- 292 DIG 23
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International Classifications
-
Abstract
A vehicle door latch assembly moveable between an unlocked condition, a locked condition and a double locked condition. The door latch assembly has a support housing with a cover having a projecting block. A ratchet is mounted to the support housing between a latched position and an unlatched position. A pawl is mounted to the support housing and is moveable between a blocking position securing the ratchet in the latched position and a release position permitting the ratchet to pivot toward the unlatched position. A release mechanism is mounted to the support housing for moving the pawl into the release position. A coupler is couples between the pawl and the release mechanism. The coupler moves between an engaged position aligned with the release mechanism and a disengaged position spaced from the release mechanism. A cam is rotatably mounted to the cover and includes an integral notch defining a pair of stops for selective engagement with the block. A transfer element is mounted to the cam and engages the coupler for transferring the rotation of the cam into the movement of the coupler. A rocker is movably mounted to the cover for selectively engaging the notch of the cam. A first controller rotates the cam and moves the transfer element between a first position wherein one of the stops engages one side of the block and the rocker continues to engage the notch with the coupler aligned with the release mechanism for defining the unlatched condition of the door lock; a second position wherein the rocker engages the other stop to prevent further rotation of the cam with the coupler disengaged with the release mechanism to define the first locked condition; and a third position wherein the other stop engages the other side of the block and the rocker is released from the notch with the coupler disengaged further from the release mechanism to define the second locked condition. A second controller rotates the rocker to release the rocker from the notch during rotation of the cam from the second position to the third position.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field
The subject invention relates to vehicle door latch assemblies having both manual and power door locking features.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Vehicles, such as passenger cars, are commonly equipped with individual door latch assemblies which secure respective passenger and driver side doors to the vehicle. Each door latch assembly is typically provided with manual release mechanisms or lever for unlatching the door latch from the inside and outside of the vehicle, e.g. respective inner and outer door handles. In addition, many vehicles also include an electrically controlled actuator for remotely locking and unlocking the door latches.
As is commonly known, the release mechanisms may be actuated to lock the door latch assembly and prevent release of the outer door handle. However, a thief may break a window of the vehicle and reach inside to manually unlock the latch assembly by actuating the inner door handle. The industry has therefore developed door latch assemblies which have a “double lock” or anti-theft feature which also locks the inner door handle such that neither handle may be actuated to open the door.
The double lock or anti-theft feature is typically accomplished by the electrically controlled actuator and cannot be done manually. This helps ensure that the passengers are outside of the vehicle when the double lock feature is engaged. Examples of prior art door latch assemblies which incorporate a double lock feature are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,464,260 and 5,474,339. However, the prior art door latch assemblies incorporating the double lock feature have a number of deficiencies.
One primary deficiency relates to the electrical movement of the actuator between an unlocked condition, a locked condition and a double locked condition. A number of elements are actuated within the door latch assembly as the actuator moves between these conditions. The actuator is typically connected to an electric motor which controls the movements. The electric motor must be actuated a predetermined amount in order to move the actuator through the desired conditions. As appreciated, electric motors are susceptible to changes in temperature, moisture, and voltage such that the desired actuation of the electric motor may not be consistently and accurately achieved. Hence, it is desirable to have an electrically controlled actuator which incorporates at least three physical stops to ensure the proper movement of the actuator between the three different conditions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES
A vehicle door latch assembly moveable between an unlocked condition, a first locked condition and a second locked condition. The door latch assembly comprises a support housing. A cover is mounted to the support housing and has at least one projecting abutment. A ratchet is pivotally mounted to the support housing and moveable or pivotable between a latched position and an unlatched position. A pawl is mounted to the support housing and has first and second ends with the pawl moveable between a blocking position wherein the first end abuts the ratchet to secure the ratchet in the latched position and a release position wherein the first end disengages the ratchet to permit the ratchet to pivot toward the unlatched position. A release mechanism is mounted to the support housing for selectively moving the pawl into the release position. A coupler is selectively coupled between the second end of the pawl and the release mechanism. The coupler moves between an engaged position aligned with the release mechanism and a disengaged position spaced from the release mechanism. A cam is rotatably mounted to the cover and includes a camming surface defining at least one stop for selective engagement with the abutment. A transfer element is mounted to the cam and engages the coupler for transferring the rotation of the cam into the movement of the coupler. A rocker is movably mounted to the cover for selectively engaging the camming surface of the cam. A first controller rotates the cam and moves the transfer element between a first position wherein the stop engages the abutment and the rocker engages the camming surface with the coupler engaged with the release mechanism for defining the unlocked condition of the door lock; a second position wherein the rocker engages the stop to prevent further rotation of the cam with the coupler disengaged with the release mechanism to define the first locked condition; and a third position wherein the stop engages the abutment and the rocker is released from the camming surface with the coupler disengaged further from the release mechanism to define the second locked condition. A second controller rotates the rocker to release the rocker from the camming surface during rotation of the cam from the second position to the third position.
Accordingly, the subject invention incorporates at least three separate physical stops for ensuring that the correct rotation of the cam and transfer element is achieved. The subject invention also incorporates a novel means of providing the second locked condition or double lock feature for the door lock assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Other 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:
FIG. 1
is a perspective view of a vehicle door mounted to a passenger vehicle incorporating the subject invention;
FIG. 2
is a perspective view of a door latch assembly with an electrically controlled actuator in spaced relationship thereto;
FIG. 3
is a perspective view of the door latch assembly
FIG. 4
is a perspective view of the door latch assembly with a number of exterior covers removed to expose the working components;
FIG. 5
is an exploded view of a pawl, slider, release mechanism and outside release lever of the door latch assembly;
FIG. 6
is a detailed view of a coupler and the release mechanism of the door latch assembly in an unlocked condition;
FIG. 7
is a detailed view of the coupler and release mechanism in a first locked condition;
FIG. 8
is a detailed view of the coupler and release mechanism in a second locked condition;
FIG. 9
is an exploded perspective view of the electrically controlled actuator;
FIG. 10
is a detailed view of a cam and a rocker of the electrical actuator in the unlocked condition;
FIG. 11
is a detailed view of the cam and rocker in the first locked condition;
FIG. 12
is a detailed view of the cam and rocker in the second locked condition; and
FIG. 13
is a perspective view of an inside surface of an enclosure with the cam in exploded relationship thereto.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, a vehicle door latch assembly is generally shown at
10
in
FIGS. 1 through 4
. The door latch assembly
10
is mounted to a driver's side vehicle door
12
of a passenger vehicle
14
as is known in the art. As appreciated, the door latch assembly
10
may be mounted to the front and rear passenger side doors and may be incorporated into a sliding side door, rear door, a rear hatch or a lift gate.
Referring to
FIGS. 2 through 5
, the door latch assembly
10
comprises a support housing
16
of any suitable design or configuration. A ratchet
18
is pivotally mounted to the support housing
16
between a latched position and an unlatched position. For illustrative purposes, the ratchet
18
is shown in the unlatched position in FIG.
4
. As appreciated, a striker pin
20
, shown in phantom, extends from a door jam of the vehicle
14
to engage the ratchet
18
. An opening
22
is provided in the housing
16
for receiving the striker pin
20
. The ratchet
18
surrounds the striker pin
20
when in the latched position which secures the door latch assembly
10
, and subsequently the door
12
, to the vehicle
14
. A latch spring
24
continuously biases the ratchet
18
toward the unlocked position. The design of the ratchet
18
is of any suitable configuration as is known in the art.
A pawl
26
, having first
28
and second
30
ends, is pivotally mounted to the support housing
16
. The pawl
26
moves between a blocking position wherein the first end
28
abuts the ratchet
18
to secure the ratchet
18
in the latched position and a release position wherein the first end
28
disengages the ratchet
18
to permit the ratchet
18
to pivot toward the unlatched position. Preferably, the pawl
26
has a locking face and the ratchet
18
has at least one corresponding locking face such that the two faces engage each other during the blocking of the pawl
26
with the ratchet
18
.
A release mechanism
32
is mounted to the support housing
16
for selectively moving the pawl
26
into the release position. The door latch assembly
10
is characterized by a coupler, generally shown at
34
, selectively coupled between the second end
28
of the pawl
26
and the release mechanism
32
. The pawl
26
, release mechanism
32
and coupler
34
are illustrated best in
FIGS. 4 and 5
.
The movement of the coupler
34
in relation to the release mechanism
32
is illustrated
FIGS. 6 through 8
. For illustrative purposes, the pawl
26
is not shown in these Figures. The coupler
34
has an engaged position aligned with the release mechanism
32
for coupling the pawl
26
to the release mechanism
32
wherein movement of the release mechanism
32
moves the pawl
26
to the release position. This coupled position creates an unlocked condition as shown in FIG.
6
. As appreciated, the unlocked condition of the door latch assembly
10
shown in
FIG. 6
is also the illustrated condition of the door latch assembly
10
in
FIGS. 2
,
3
, and
4
. The coupler
34
can then move to a disengaged position spaced from the release mechanism
32
for uncoupling the pawl
26
from the release mechanism
32
wherein the pawl
26
remains in the blocking position during the movement of the release mechanism
32
to retain the ratchet
18
in the latched position. This uncoupled position creates a first locked condition as shown in FIG.
7
. Finally, the coupler
34
can move to a further disengaged position spaced farther from the release mechanism
32
which still uncouples the pawl
26
from the release mechanism
32
and creates a second locked condition or a double lock as shown in FIG.
8
.
Preferably, the coupler
34
includes a slider
36
having a projecting pin
38
with the pin
38
sliding relative to the release mechanism
32
between the engaged position and the disengaged position. As appreciated, the slider
36
and pin
38
may be of any suitable design or configuration. A guide arm
40
is commonly mounted to the support housing
16
adjacent the pawl
26
to define a channel (not numbered) for receiving the pin
38
of the slider
36
to guide the sliding movement of the pin
38
. The coupler
34
includes a locking mechanism
42
pivotally connected to the support housing
16
and engaging the slider
36
for providing the sliding movement of the slider
36
and the pin
38
. As appreciated, the preferred embodiment of the coupler
34
includes the slider
36
with the pin
38
and the locking mechanism
42
.
An outside lock lever
58
is pivotally connected to the locking mechanism
42
for rotating the locking mechanism
42
and moving the slider
36
to lock the ratchet
18
. The locking mechanism
42
further includes an integral slot
60
selectively engaged by the outside lock lever
58
to provide a lost motion connection between the locking mechanism
42
and the outside lock lever
58
. As shown in
FIGS. 6 through 8
, the outside lock lever
58
engages one side of the slot
60
of the locking mechanism
42
to move the locking mechanism
42
to the unlocked condition (FIG.
6
); then the outside lock lever
58
engages the other side of the slot
60
of the locking mechanism
42
to move the locking mechanism
42
to the first locked condition (FIG.
7
); and then the locking mechanism
42
can be moved to the double locked condition wherein the outside lock lever
58
is disposed within the slot
60
(FIG.
8
).
The release mechanism
32
includes a coupling surface
44
for selectively engaging the pin
38
of the slider
36
. The release mechanism
32
also includes a first engaging surface
46
spaced from the coupling surface
44
and a second engaging surface
48
spaced from the first engaging surface
46
. An outside release lever
50
is pivotally mounted to the support housing
16
and selectively engages the first engaging surface
46
of the release mechanism
32
for moving the release mechanism
32
to release the ratchet
18
. As appreciated, the pawl
26
, guide arm
40
, slider
36
, release mechanism
32
, and outside release lever
50
are all commonly mounted to a single shaft (not numbered). A retaining coil
52
(see
FIG. 4
) hooks about the shaft around both the release mechanism
32
and the outside release lever
50
to continuously bias the outside release lever
50
against the first engaging surface
46
of the release mechanism
32
.
An inside release lever
54
is pivotally mounted to the support housing
16
and selectively engages the second engaging surface
48
of the release mechanism
32
for moving the release mechanism
32
to also release the ratchet
18
. As appreciated, the outside release lever
50
is interconnected to an outer door handle (not shown) and the inside release lever
54
is similarly interconnected to an inner door handle (not shown). The release levers
50
,
54
may be connected to the door handles by any suitable device, such as a Bowden wire cable (not shown), as is known in the art. The inside release lever
54
also includes a return spring
56
for continuously biasing the inside release lever
54
toward a non-actuated position.
An inside lock lever
62
is mounted to the inside release lever
54
for preventing the inside release lever
54
from releasing the ratchet
18
. As appreciated, the inside release lever
54
, return spring
56
and inside lock lever
62
are commonly mounted about a single axis of rotation which is orthogonal to the common shaft for the release mechanism
32
.
An interior locking segment
64
is pivotally mounted to the support housing
16
and interconnects the inside lock lever
62
to the locking mechanism
42
. As best illustrated in
FIGS. 6 through 8
, the interior locking segment
64
includes an integral catch
66
and the locking mechanism
42
includes an engagement finger
68
with the engagement finger
68
selectively engaging the catch
66
such that pivotal movement of the locking mechanism
42
pivots the locking segment
64
and actuates the inside lock lever
62
. An over-the-center spring
70
is provided for positioning the inside lock lever
62
in either the unlocked or locked condition. Preferably the catch
66
has first
72
and second
74
legs with the finger
68
disposed between the legs
72
,
74
.
Again, referring to
FIGS. 6 through 8
, the unlocked condition of the inside lock lever
62
positions the finger
68
near the first leg
72
of the catch
66
(FIG.
6
). The first locked condition of the inside lock lever
62
has the finger
68
positioned near the second leg
74
of the catch
66
(FIG.
7
). Specifically, the locking segment
64
is toggled to the locked condition which slides the inside lock lever
62
. As appreciated, pivotal movement of the locking segment
64
back to the unlocked condition engages the first leg
72
with the finger
68
which also moves the locking mechanism
42
back to the unlocked condition. The double locked condition of the inside lock lever
62
aligns the finger
68
with the tip of the second leg
74
such that if the locking segment
64
begins to pivot, the second leg
74
engages the finger
68
which ceases any further movement of the locking segment
64
(FIG.
8
). Hence, in the double locked condition, the locking mechanism
42
cannot be manually moved back into the unlocked condition.
The general operation of the door latch assembly
10
is now discussed in detail. As discussed above, the door latch assembly
10
has an unlocked condition, a first locked condition and a second locked condition. The unlocked condition is best shown in
FIGS. 4 and 6
. In this condition, the inside
54
and outside
50
release levers may release the ratchet
18
from the latched position. The locking mechanism
42
is rotated to a rearward most position which retracts the slider
36
to align the pin
38
with the coupling surface
44
of the release mechanism
32
. During actuation of the outer door handle, the outside release lever
50
pivots in unison with the release mechanism
32
. This in turn moves the coupling surface
44
of the release mechanism
32
into engagement with the pin
38
. The pin
38
and slider
36
are then pushed against the second end
30
of the pawl
26
. The pivoting of the second end
30
of the pawl
26
pivots the first end
28
out of engagement with the ratchet
18
such that the ratchet
18
may rotate to the unlatched position.
During actuation of the inner door handle, the inside release lever
54
pivots toward the release mechanism
32
and engages the second engaging surface
48
of the release mechanism
32
. This in turn also moves the coupling surface
44
of the release mechanism
32
into engagement with the pin
38
. As stated above, the pin
38
and slider
36
are then pushed against the second end
30
of the pawl
26
. The pivoting of the second end
30
of the pawl
26
pivots the first end
28
out of engagement with the ratchet
18
such that the ratchet
18
may rotate to the unlatched position. The inside lock lever
62
, as well as the locking segment
64
, do not operate when the door latch assembly
10
is in the unlocked condition.
The first locked condition is shown in FIG.
7
. In this condition, the inside release lever
54
may release the ratchet
18
from the latched position but the outside release lever
50
is non-operable. The locking mechanism
42
is rotated to a midway position which moves the slider
36
and positions the pin
38
out of alignment with the coupling surface
44
of the release mechanism
32
. The finger
68
of the locking mechanism
42
is also moved to a position adjacent the second leg
74
. Specifically, the locking segment
64
is toggled to the locked condition which also slides the inside lock lever
62
. The rotational movement of the locking mechanism
42
, and subsequent movement of the slider
36
and locking segment
64
, may be done manually or remotely. To manually move the locking mechanism
42
, the outside lock lever
58
is actuated and engages one side of the integral slot
60
. To remotely move the locking mechanism
42
, the locking mechanism
42
is rotated by an electrically controlled actuator
76
which is discussed in greater detail hereinbelow. As appreciated, even in the manual operating mode, the electrical actuator
76
may take over the remaining operation.
During actuation of the outer door handle, the outside release lever
50
pivots in unison with the release mechanism
32
. This in turn moves the coupling surface
44
of the release mechanism
32
toward the slider
36
. However, the pin
38
of the slider
36
is now out of alignment with the coupling surface
44
. Hence, the coupling surface
44
simply pivots about the slider
36
and does not engage the slider
36
. Accordingly, the pawl
26
is not actuated and the ratchet
18
remains locked in the latched position.
During actuation of the inner door handle, the inside release lever
54
pivots toward the release mechanism
32
and engages the second engaging surface
48
of the release mechanism
32
. Simultaneously, the inside release lever
54
engages the inside lock lever
62
. Specifically, the inside release lever
54
pushes the inside lock lever
62
back to the unlocked condition which also toggles the locking segment
64
back to the unlocked condition. Accordingly, the first leg
72
of the locking segment
64
engages the finger
68
of the locking mechanism
42
and rotates the locking mechanism
42
back to the unlocked condition. The rotating of the locking mechanism
42
pulls the slider
36
back and re-aligns the pin
38
with the coupling surface
44
of the release mechanism
32
. The continued pivoting of the inside release lever
54
moves the coupling surface
44
of the release mechanism
32
into engagement with the pin
38
. As stated above, the pin
38
and slider
36
are then pushed against the second end
30
of the pawl
26
. The pivoting of the second end
30
of the pawl
26
pivots the first end
28
out of engagement with the ratchet
18
such that the ratchet
18
may rotate to the unlatched position.
The second locked, or double locked, condition is shown in FIG.
8
. In this condition, both the inside
54
and outside
50
release levers are non-operable. The locking mechanism
42
is rotated to a forward most position which moves the slider
36
and positions the pin
38
out of further alignment with the coupling surface
44
of the release mechanism
32
. The finger
68
of the locking mechanism
42
is moved further to a position aligned with the tip of the first leg
72
. The rotational movement of the locking mechanism
42
, and subsequent movement of the slider
36
, may only be done remotely. As discussed above, the remote actuation of the locking mechanism
42
is done by the electrical actuator
76
and is discussed in greater detail below.
During actuation of the outer door handle, the outside release lever
50
pivots in unison with the release mechanism
32
. This in turn moves the coupling surface
44
of the release mechanism
32
toward the slider
36
. However, the pin
38
of the slider
36
is still out of alignment with the coupling surface
44
. Hence, the coupling surface
44
simply pivots about the slider
36
and does not engage the slider
36
. Accordingly, the pawl
26
is not actuated and the ratchet
18
remains locked in the latched position.
During actuation of the inner door handle, the inside release lever
54
pivots toward the release mechanism
32
and engages the second engaging surface
48
of the release mechanism
32
. Simultaneously, the inside release lever
54
engages the inside lock lever
62
. Specifically, the inside release lever
54
pushes against the inside lock lever
62
which attempts to slide the inside lock lever
62
and toggle the locking segment
64
back to the unlocked condition. Due to the position of the finger
68
in relation to the tip of the first leg
72
, the locking segment
64
cannot pivot back to the unlocked position and the locking mechanism
42
remains in the double locked condition. The continued pivoting of the inside release lever
54
moves the coupling surface
44
of the release mechanism
32
toward the slider
36
. However, as above, the pin
38
of the slider
36
is still out of alignment with the coupling surface
44
. Hence, the coupling surface
44
simply pivots about the slider
36
and does not engage the slider
36
. Accordingly, the pawl
26
is not actuated and the ratchet
18
remains locked in the latched position.
The remote actuation of the door latch assembly
10
is now discussed in greater detail with reference to
FIGS. 9 through 13
. Specifically, the electronically controlled actuator is generally shown at
76
in
FIGS. 2 and 9
. The electrical actuator
76
moves the components of the door latch assembly
10
between the unlocked condition, the first locked condition and the second locked condition. The electrical actuator
76
comprises a cover
78
having at least one projecting abutment
80
. As shown in
FIG. 2
, the cover
78
is designed to fit over, surround, and work in conjunction with the door latch assembly
10
.
Referring back to
FIGS. 9 through 13
, a cam
82
is rotatably mounted to the cover
78
. The cam
82
includes a camming surface
84
defining at least one stop
86
for selective engagement with the abutment
80
. Specifically, the camming surface
84
comprises an integral notch
84
formed within the cam
82
. The integral notch
84
includes at least two stops
86
formed on opposing sides of the notch
84
. As appreciated, the notch
84
may be of any suitable depth or size depending upon the particular application. The projecting abutment
80
includes at least a pair of spaced abutting surfaces
88
. Preferably, the projecting abutment
80
comprises a single projecting block
80
having two opposing abutting surfaces
88
. As illustrated best in
FIG. 13
, an enclosure
90
is preferably mounted to the cover
78
wherein the abutment
80
is mounted to the enclosure
90
. The abutment
80
therefore projects outward from the enclosure
90
and into the cover
78
for selective engagement by the cam
82
.
A sector gear
92
is mounted to the cam
82
for providing rotational movement of the cam
82
. The cam
82
further includes a second integral notch
94
with the sector gear
92
movably seating within the second notch
94
to create a lost motion connection between the cam
82
and the sector gear
92
. Although not illustrated, there is preferably a 15° gap between the sector gear
92
and the cam
82
to define the lost motion connection. A cam return spring
96
, having first and second ends, has the first end selectively mounted to the sector gear
92
for continuously biasing the cam
82
to the unlocked condition. A bottom plate
98
is mounted to the second end of the cam return spring
96
. The cover
78
further includes a pair of spaced projections
100
with one of the projections engaging the bottom plate
98
to secure the bottom plate
98
in a desired rotational position and the other projection
100
engages the first end of the cam return spring
96
to limit the rotation of the cam return spring
96
.
A rocker
102
is movably mounted to the cover
78
for selectively engaging the camming surface
84
of the cam
82
. Specifically, the rocker
102
selectively rides within the integral notch
84
and engages one of the stops
86
defined by the integral notch
84
. A rocker return spring
104
is mounted to the rocker
102
for continuously biasing the rocker
102
to the engaged position within the integral notch
84
.
As illustrated in
FIGS. 10 through 12
, a first controller, generally shown at
106
, rotates the cam
82
to a first position wherein the stop
86
engages the abutment
80
and the rocker
102
engages the camming surface
84
for defining the unlatched condition of the door lock assembly
10
. Specifically, one of the stops
86
of the integral notch
84
engages one of the abutting surfaces
88
of the block
80
as shown in FIG.
10
. The first controller
106
can then move the cam
82
to a second position wherein the rocker
102
engages the stop
86
to prevent further rotation of the cam
82
and define the first locked condition. Specifically, the rocker
102
engages the opposing stop
86
within the integral notch
84
as shown in FIG.
11
. Finally, the first controller
106
can rotate the cam
82
to a third position wherein the stop
86
engages the abutment
80
and the rocker
102
is released from the camming surface
84
to define the second locked condition. Specifically, the opposing stop
86
of the integral notch
84
engages the other abutting surface
88
of the block
80
and the rocker
102
is pivoted out of the integral notch
84
as shown in
FIG. 12. A
second controller
108
rotates the rocker
102
to release the rocker
102
from the camming surface
84
during rotation of the cam
82
from the second position to the third position. This design incorporates two controllers for providing a three stop position operation.
As shown the preferred embodiment, a pair of stops
86
are formed within the cam
82
and a pair of abutting surfaces
88
are formed within the enclosure
90
of the cover
78
. As appreciated, there may be any number of stops
86
and/or abutting surfaces
88
so long as three physical stops are created for the cam
82
. In fact there may be only one stop
86
and one abutment
80
such that the cam
82
rotates a full 360°. In addition, the stop or stops
86
may be formed on the cover
78
and the abutting surface or surfaces
88
may be formed on the cam
82
without deviating from the overall scope of the subject invention. As also appreciated, the cam
82
, rocker
102
and gearing arrangement may be of any suitable design in order to accommodate a particular abutment/stop arrangement.
The first controller
106
further includes an electric motor
110
for providing the rotational motion of the cam
82
. The first controller
106
also includes a plurality of sprocket gears
112
interengaging the motor
110
with the sector gear
92
of the cam
82
. Hence, the motor
110
is geared down through the sprocket gears
112
in order to rotate the cam
82
. The second controller
108
similarly includes an electric motor
108
for providing the movement of the rocker
102
. The electric motor
108
of the second controller
108
is preferably connected directly to the rocker
102
.
A transfer element
114
is mounted to the cam
82
and engages the coupler
34
for transferring the rotation of the cam
82
into the movement of the coupler
34
. In other words, the transfer element
114
interconnects the electrical actuator
76
to the door latch assembly
10
. Specifically, the transfer element
114
engages the locking mechanism
42
for transferring the rotation of the cam
82
into the movement of the slider
36
. Preferably, the locking mechanism
42
includes an aperture
116
and the transfer element
114
includes a projecting tab
118
wherein the tab
118
engages the aperture
116
such that rotation of the transfer element
114
between the unlocked, first locked and second locked conditions rotates the locking mechanism
42
and moves the slider
36
between the engaged and disengaged positions.
The cam
82
also includes a plurality of undulations
120
disposed about an outer surface thereof between the notches
84
,
94
. A cam control switch
122
engages the undulations
120
of the cam
82
such that the rotational movement of the cam
82
may be monitored by movement of the cam control switch
122
. The cam control switch
122
may be used to set and reset the positions of the various parts of the electrical actuator
76
. A central lock switch
124
is also mounted to the cover
78
and engages the coupler
34
such that the movement of the coupler
34
may be monitored by movement of the central lock switch
124
. Specifically, the central lock switch
124
engages the locking mechanism
42
for sending a signal to the other lock assemblies in the vehicle
14
to operate. Finally, a latch control switch
126
is mounted to the cover
78
and engages the ratchet
18
such that the movement of the ratchet
18
may be monitored by movement of the latch control switch
126
. The latch control switch
126
primarily monitors whether the ratchet
18
and door
12
is fully latched against the vehicle
14
.
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 otherwise than as specifically described.
Claims
- 1. A vehicle door latch assembly comprising;a support housing, a ratchet pivotally mounted to said support housing and moveable between a latched position and an unlatched position, a pawl mounted to said support housing and having first and second ends with said pawl moveable between a blocking position wherein said first end abuts said ratchet to secure said ratchet in said latched position and a release position wherein said first end disengages said ratchet to permit said ratchet to pivot toward said unlatched position, and a release mechanism mounted to said support housing for selectively moving said pawl into said release position, a locking mechanism pivotally mounted to said support housing, a slider rotatably mounted to said locking mechanism to slidably move relative to said release mechanism and be selectively coupled between said second end of said pawl and said release mechanism, said slider slidably moveable between an engaged position aligned with said release mechanism for coupling said pawl to said release mechanism wherein movement of said release mechanism moves said pawl to said release position, and a disengaged position spaced from said release mechanism for uncoupling said pawl from said release mechanism wherein said pawl remains in said blocking position during said movement of said release mechanism to retain said ratchet in said latched position, an outside release lever and an inside release lever each pivotally mounted to said support housing and selectively engageable with said release mechanism for moving said release mechanism to release said ratchet, and an interior locking segment pivotally mounted to said support housing and interconnecting one of said outside and inside release levers to said locking mechanism.
- 2. The assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said slider includes a projecting pin with said pin sliding relative to said release mechanism between said engaged position and said disengaged position.
- 3. The assembly as set forth in claim 2 further including a guide arm mounted to said support housing adjacent said pawl to define a channel formed between said guide arm and said pawl for receiving said pin of said slider to guide said sliding movement of said pin.
- 4. The assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said slider and said locking mechanism define a coupler moveable between said engaged position aligned with said release mechanism and said disengaged position spaced from said release mechanism.
- 5. The assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein said release mechanism further includes a coupling surface for selectively engaging said pin of said slider.
- 6. The assembly as set forth in claim 5 wherein said release mechanism further includes a first engaging surface spaced from said coupling surface and a second engaging surface spaced from said first engaging surface.
- 7. The assembly as set forth in claim 6 wherein said outside release lever is selectively engageable with said first engaging surface of said release mechanism for moving said release mechanism to release said ratchet.
- 8. The assembly as set forth in claim 7 wherein said inside release lever is selectively engageable with said second engaging surface of said release mechanism for moving said release mechanism to release said ratchet.
- 9. The assembly as set forth in claim 8 further including an outside lock lever pivotally connected to said locking mechanism for rotating said locking mechanism and moving said slider to lock said ratchet.
- 10. The assembly as set forth in claim 9 wherein said locking mechanism further includes an integral slot selectively engaged by said outside lock lever to provide a lost motion connection between said locking mechanism and said lock lever.
- 11. The assembly as set forth in claim 9 further including an inside lock lever mounted to said inside release lever for preventing said inside release lever from releasing said ratchet.
- 12. The assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said locking segment interconnects said inside release lever to said locking mechanism.
- 13. The assembly as set forth in claim 12 wherein said interior locking segment includes an integral catch and said locking mechanism includes an engagement finger with said engagement finger selectively engaging said catch such that pivotal movement of said locking mechanism pivots said locking segment and actuates said inside lock lever.
- 14. The assembly as set forth in claim 1 further including an electrically controlled actuator having a rotatable cam moveable between an unlocked condition, a first locked condition and a second locked condition.
- 15. The assembly as set forth in claim 14 further including a transfer element mounted to said cam and engaging said locking mechanism for transferring said rotation of said cam into said movement of said slider.
- 16. The assembly as set forth in claim 15 wherein said locking mechanism includes an aperture and said transfer element includes a projecting tab with said tab engaging said aperture such that rotation of said transfer element between said unlocked, first locked and second locked conditions rotates said locking mechanism and moves said slider between said engaged and disengaged positions.
- 17. The assembly as set forth in claim 12 wherein said locking segment moves between an unlocked condition, a first locked condition, and a second locked condition with said inside release lever having unobstructed movement when said locking segment is in said unlocked and first locked conditions, and being prevented from releasing said ratchet when said locking segment is in said second locked condition.
- 18. A vehicle door latch assembly moveable between an unlocked condition, a first locked condition and a second locked condition, said assembly comprising;a support housing; a cover mounted to said support housing and having at least one projecting abutment; a ratchet pivotally mounted to said support housing and movable between a latched position and an unlatched position, a pawl mounted to said support housing and having first and second ends with said pawl moveable between a blocking position wherein said first end abuts said ratchet to secure said ratchet in said latched position and a release position wherein said first end disengages said ratchet to permit said ratchet to pivot toward said unlatched position, a release mechanism mounted to said support housing for selectively moving said pawl into said release position, a coupler selectively coupled between said second end of said pawl and said release mechanism for coupling said pawl to said release mechanism wherein movement of said release mechanism moves said pawl to said release position, said coupler moveable between an engaged position aligned with s aid release mechanism and a disengaged position spaced from said release mechanism for uncoupling said pawl from said release mechanism wherein said pawl remains in said blocking position during said movement of said release mechanism to retain said ratchet in said latched position; a cam rotatably mounted to said cover and including a camming surface defining at least one stop for selective engagement with said abutment; a transfer element mounted to said cam and engaging said coupler for transferring said rotation of said cam into said movement of said coupler; a rocker movably mounted to said cover for selectively engaging said camming surface of said cam; a first controller for rotating said cam and moving said transfer element between a first position wherein said stop engages said abutment and said rocker engages said camming surface for defining the unlocked condition of the door lock; a second position wherein said rocker engage s said stop to prevent further rotation of said cam to define the first locked condition; and a third position wherein said stop engages said abutment and said rocker is released from said camming surface to define the second locked condition; and a second controller for rotating said rocker to release said rocker from said camming surface during rotation of said cam from said second position to said third position.
US Referenced Citations (16)
Foreign Referenced Citations (3)
Number |
Date |
Country |
0397966 |
Nov 1990 |
EP |
0478013 |
Apr 1992 |
EP |
0834631 |
Apr 1998 |
EP |