DE102022111754A1 - LOCKING LOCKING ASSEMBLY WITH A SUIT LATCH POWER OPERATED SUIT MECHANISM - Google Patents

Abstract

A latch assembly for a vehicle includes a latch housing, a ratchet, a master pawl, and a cinching mechanism including a cinching pawl and a cinching link lever operably coupled to the master pawl. The ratchet is in an open position with the main pawl biased against the ratchet and the pull lever biased against the ratchet. When the ratchet moves to a secondary closer catch position, the tightening lever is disengaged from the ratchet and allows the tightening pawl to move to a blocked position to hold the ratchet. The tightening pawl is blocked by a stop formed in the latch housing, which counteracts an opening force exerted on the ratchet. The tightening pawl is operable by a tightening lever to place the ratchet in a normally open catch position and the main pawl in a ratchet control position. Actuation of the main pawl to a ratchet release position also moves the tightening pawl out of the way of the ratchet, allowing the ratchet to move to the open position.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to a closure system for a vehicle closure panel, and more particularly to a power latch assembly having a power pull system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With increased consumer demand for automobiles equipped with advanced convenience features, many modern automobiles are now equipped with passive entry systems that allow locking and unlocking of closure panels (i.e., doors, liftgates, hatchbacks, and decklids) without using a traditional key-type entry system . Popular vehicle locking system features include electric lock/unlock, electric release and electric pull. These "powered" functions are provided by a closure panel mounted latch assembly that includes a ratchet and pawl type latch mechanism controlled by at least one electric actuator. Typically, the closure panel is held in a closed position by positioning the ratchet in a striker-catching position to releasably retain a striker attached to a structural member of the vehicle. The ratchet is held in its closer catching position by the pawl engaging the ratchet in a ratchet holding position. In most ratchet and pawl locking mechanisms, the pawl is operable in its ratchet holding position to hold the ratchet in a secondary closer catch position and a primary closer catch position. Locking arrangements that have an electric locking function are usually equipped with a locking mechanism that is operated by an electric actuator. Typically, the locking mechanism is directly connected to the ratchet and, when actuated, can move the ratchet from its secondary closer catch position to its primary or locked closer catch position, thereby locking the closure panel in its closed position. To subsequently release the latch panel from its closed position, a release mechanism is actuated to move the pawl from its ratchet holding position to a ratchet release position, whereby a ratchet cocking assembly forces the ratchet from its primary closer catch position to an open position or pivots to NO release position to release NO. In locking assemblies that have an electrical release function, the release mechanism is controlled by an electrical actuator. A common electric actuator or separate electric actuators can be used in conjunction with the power release and power lock functions.

In most latch assemblies equipped with a power latching feature, the latching mechanism is normally held in an unactuated or "stand by" state and placed in an actuated state once the sensors indicate the ratchet is in its secondary closer catch position located. Upon completion of the tightening process, when the sensors indicate that the ratchet is in its primary normally open catch position, the tightening mechanism is "reset" into its ready state to permit subsequent free movement of the ratchet to its normally open position. To allow release position by actuating the release mechanism. An example of a power operated latch assembly is shown in U.S. Patent No. 6,341,448 disclosed with a cable-type locking mechanism.

To ensure that precipitation and road debris do not enter the vehicle, virtually all vehicle closures are equipped with seals on their peripheral edge which are designed to seal against a mating surface of the vehicle body surrounding the closure opening. These seals also serve to reduce wind noise. The seals are typically made of an elastomeric material and are designed to contract when the closure panel is closed by the latch assembly. It is known that increasing the compressive force applied to the seals results in improved noise reduction within the passenger compartment. When the seals are maintained in a highly compressed state, they tend to urge the closure panel to its open position, and this "opening" force is resisted by the pawl and ratchet latching mechanism of the power latch assembly. As the sealing loads placed on the locking mechanism are increased, the forces required to release the locking mechanism are also increased, which in turn impacts the size and power requirements of the electric drive.

During closure of the closure panel, the ratchet moves from its open position toward the secondary closure catch position before closing in the tightened closure ßer snap position. In the secondary position and prior to a closing operation, it is possible for forces to be exerted on the closure panel urging the closure panel open and exerting an opening force on the ratchet. The mechanism that holds the ratchet in the secondary closed position must therefore be able to withstand such a load. This loading can be increased as high seal loads are desired to achieve the benefits described above. This loading of the locking mechanism can lead to a stress on the kinematic chain of the locking mechanism, up to the power pull actuator.

Latch assemblies have also been developed to allow the seal load to be released from the primary closer catch position in a controlled manner in coordination with the release of the latch mechanism. European publication no. EP1176273 for example, discloses a single ratchet, dual pawl power operated locking mechanism configured to allow progressive release of the ratchet to reduce the noise associated with release. In addition, in the European release EP0978609 uses an eccentric mechanism in conjunction with a single pawl locking mechanism to reduce seal loads prior to ratchet release. A single motor latching assembly and latching system with electrical latching and electrical release having a soft opening function is disclosed in US Pat U.S. Patent No. 10,767,397 disclosed.

Although current latch assemblies are sufficient to meet regulatory requirements and provide greater comfort and convenience, there is still a need to advance the technology and offer alternative latch assemblies and assemblies that address at least some of the known deficiencies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present disclosure is the provision of a power latch assembly for an automotive latch system configured to provide a tightening system with a hard stop for a tightening pawl for holding the ratchet in a secondary locked position.

In one aspect, there is provided a latch assembly for a motor vehicle, comprising: a ratchet positioned between a striker release position in which the ratchet is positioned to release a striker, and at least two striker catch positions in which the ratchet is positioned so positioned to retain the latch, is movable, the at least two latch catch positions including a secondary latch position and a latch latch tightened position, a ratchet biasing member for normally biasing the ratchet toward its latch release position, a pawl disposed between a ratchet - control position in which the pawl is positioned to hold the ratchet in the closed catch position and a ratchet release position in which the pawl allows movement of the ratchet to its closed release position is movable, a pawl biasing member, to latch normally in Ric towards its ratchet control position, a lock-up mechanism including a tightening linkage lever having a first position that engages a first engagement member on the ratchet when the ratchet is in its closer release position, and biased toward the first engagement member, wherein movement of the ratchet toward the ratchet-release position causes the tightening linkage to move to a second position, a tightening pawl coupled to the tightening linkage and a first position disengaged from the ratchet when the tightening linkage is in its first position, movement of the tightening linkage to its second position moving the tightening pawl to a second position thereof, a tightening lever associated with coupled to the pull-in pawl and having an unactuated and an actuated position, an override lever el coupled to the suit linkage lever, wherein movement of the override lever causes movement of the suit linkage lever and wherein movement of the override lever is consistent with movement of the suit linkage lever from its first position to its second position in response to the Movement of the ratchet from the open position to the secondary closer catch position is permitted, wherein movement of the ratchet from its open position toward its secondary closer catch position causes the pull-up linkage lever, pull-on pawl and override lever to their second positions move, wherein after movement of the ratchet to its secondary closer catch position, actuation of the tightening lever to its actuated position causes sliding movement of the tightening pawl relative to the tightening linkage lever, the tightening pawl contacting a second engagement member of the ratchet, thereby forcing the ratchet into its tightened closer catch position is moved, and wherein the pawl moves to its ratchet control position, wherein the latch assembly a frame and the frame having a stop projecting from an inner surface thereof, wherein upon movement of the ratchet to its secondary closer catch position the stop blocks the tightening pawl and the tightening pawl prevents the second engagement member from moving in response to move towards the ratchet release position in response to an opening force applied to the ratchet.

In one case the stop is integral with the frame.

In one aspect, the stop has an annular shape and defines a through hole adapted to receive a fastener for attaching the frame.

In one instance, the pawl engages the ratchet on the opposite radial side of the ratchet relative to the engagement between the tightening pawl and the ratchet.

In one instance, the override lever is biased toward its second position and is held in the first position by the tightening lever when the tightening lever is in its first position and the ratchet is in the open position.

In one aspect, the override lever contacts an override sensor when in its first position to indicate that the ratchet is in the open position and the tightening linkage lever is in its first position, and the override lever has no contact with the Has an override sensor when in the second position and the tightening linkage lever is in the second position to indicate that the ratchet is in the normally open secondary catch position or in the normally closed closed position.

In one aspect, the pawl contacts a pawl sensor when in the actuated position, the pawl being in contact with the ratchet to indicate the ratchet is in the open position and the pawl being out of contact with moved out from the pawl sensor when the ratchet is in the closed catch position and the pawl in the ratchet control position is in contact with the notch of the ratchet to indicate that the ratchet is in the closed catch position.

In one aspect, both the override sensor and the pawl sensor are contacted when the ratchet is in the open position, the override sensor is out of contact and the pawl sensor is contacted when the ratchet is in the secondary closer catch position, and wherein the The override sensor and the pawl sensor are both out of contact when the ratchet is in the normally open catch position

In one aspect, the override sensor provides a signal to a controller to perform a pull-in operation when the override sensor is not in contact with the override lever.

In one aspect, the pawl sensor provides a signal to the vehicle controller to stop cinching operation when the pawl sensor is not in contact with the pawl.

In one instance, when the ratchet is in the normally closed catching position and the master pawl is in the ratchet control position, actuation of the pawl by manual operation or release of power operation causes both the pawl and the engagement pawl to disengage loosen with the ratchet and the ratchet will move to the open position.

In one aspect, the second engagement member is on a first side of the tightening pawl when the ratchet is in the open position and the second engagement member is on a second side of the tightening pawl when the ratchet is in the secondary closer - tucked position or the tightened closer tucked position, wherein the ratchet and second engagement member are biased toward the first side of the tightening pawl such that the tightening pawl prevents the ratchet and second engagement member from moving toward the open position to move when the pull-in pawl is in the path of the second engagement member.

In one instance, when the tightening lever and tightening pawl are actuated, actuation of the pawl to release the ratchet causes the tightening pawl to disengage the ratchet and allow the ratchet to move to the open position.

In one aspect, upon actuation of the pawl to the ratchet release position and corresponding movement of the ratchet to the open position, the tightening linkage lever and tightening pawl are biased toward the ratchet by the override lever and the tightening pawl is disengaged from the held path of the second engagement element.

Another aspect is the provision of a locking arrangement for a motor vehicle, the latch assembly comprising: a ratchet biased toward an open position and movable from the open position to a secondary closer catch position and from the secondary closer catch position to a tightened closer catch position, a main pawl movable toward the ratchet is preloaded and is operable between a ratchet locking position in which the main pawl holds the ratchet in the closed catching, tightened position and a ratchet release position in which the main pawl allows movement of the ratchet to the open position Tightening pawl biased toward the ratchet and between a blocking position in which the tightening pawl blocks movement of the ratchet from the secondary normally open catch position to the open position and a release position in which the tightening pawl blocks movement the ratchet from the secondary closer catch position in di e open position allows operable, a stop feature formed on a latch housing, wherein the tightening pawl is disposed between the stopping feature and the ratchet along a rotational path of the ratchet when the tightening pawl is in the blocking position, wherein the stop feature resists an opening force applied to the ratchet when the tightening pawl is in the blocked position and in contact with the stop feature.

In one aspect, the cinching mechanism includes a cinching linkage coupled to the cinching pawl, the cinching linkage being biased toward an unactuated position and moveable to an actuated position in response to actuation of the main pawl wherein the tightening link lever moves the tightening pawl to the release position in response to actuation of the tightening link lever during actuation of the main pawl.

In one aspect, the tightening linkage lever is biased against the ratchet and maintained in the actuated position when the ratchet is in the open position, with the tightening linkage lever moving from the open to the secondary position in response to movement of the ratchet moves the normally open catch position to the de-actuated position, wherein the pull-in latch moves to the blocking position in response to movement of the pull-in linkage lever to the de-actuated position.

In one aspect, the cinching pawl is movable from the blocking position to an actuated position and away from the stop feature in response to actuation by a cinching lever coupled to the cinching pawl, wherein movement of the cinching pawl to the actuated position moves the ratchet to the closer catch tightened position, with the main pawl moving to the ratchet control position in response to movement of the ratchet to the closer catch tightened position.

In one aspect, there is provided a method of operating a latch mechanism having a ratchet, a master pawl and a tightening pawl, the method comprising the steps of providing a ratchet that is movable from an open position to a secondary closer catch position and from the secondary closer - catching position is movable to the open position, positioning the ratchet in the open position, in the open position a main pawl biased into engagement with the ratchet and a tightening link lever biased into engagement with the ratchet, the tightening link lever with coupled to a tightening pawl and holding the tightening pawl in a release position disengaged from the ratchet, moving the ratchet from the open position to the secondary closer catch position and, in response thereto, releasing the tightening linkage lever from biased engagement with the ratchet and moving the tightening link lever in a a non-actuated position, wherein the tightening pawl moves to a blocking position and biased engagement with the ratchet, wherein the tightening pawl prevents the ratchet from moving to the open position, contacting a stop feature formed in a housing of the latch assembly is, with the tightening pawl when the tightening pawl is in the blocked position, wherein the stop feature resists an opening force applied to the ratchet, actuating a tightening lever coupled to the tightening pawl when the tightening pawl is in is in the blocking position, and in response thereto, moving the tightening pawl away from the lifeline and moving the ratchet from the secondary closer catch position to the tightened closer catch position, moving the main pawl into a notch of the ratchet when the ratchet is in the tightened closer catch position, and holding the ratchet in the tightened closer catch position.

In one aspect, the method includes actuating the main pawl by power or manual operation and in response moving the main pawl against its bias and out of engagement with the ratchet, wherein moving the main pawl causes actuation of the tightening linkage lever to move against to move its bias and to its actuated position, thereby disengaging the tightening pawl from the ratchet and to the release position is moved and in response the ratchet is moved to the open position.

Another aspect is the provision of a latch assembly for a motor vehicle, comprising: a ratchet, which is positioned between a striker release position in which the ratchet is positioned to release a striker, and at least two striker catch positions in which the ratchet is positioned to hold the latch in place, is movable, the at least two latch catch positions including a secondary latch position and a tightened latch catch position, a ratchet biasing member for normally biasing the ratchet toward its latch release position, the ratchet carried by and rotatable about a pivot pin to move between the closer release position and the at least two closer catch positions,

a pawl moveable between a ratchet control position in which the pawl is positioned to hold the ratchet in the closed catch position and a ratchet release position in which the pawl permits movement of the ratchet to its closed release position, a pawl biasing member for normally biasing the pawl toward its ratchet control position, a latching cinching mechanism including a cinching link lever movable between a first position and a second position and biased toward the first position, a tightening pawl pivotally coupled to one end of the tightening link and movable between a first position and a second position and biased toward the ratchet, a tightening lever pivotally attached to a second end of the tightening link and has an unactuated and an actuated position, an overhang a control lever coupled to the tightening pawl and movable between a first position and a second position and biased toward the ratchet, the tightening linkage lever being carried by and fixed to the ratchet pivot and about the pivot between the first position and the second position with one side of the tightening pawl biased into engagement with an engagement feature that projects outwardly from a surface of the ratchet when the tightening pawl is in the first position and the ratchet is in the closer release position, and movement of the ratchet to the second closer release position causes movement of the tightening pawl to the second position, the tightening pawl blocking the engagement feature and the ratchet from movement toward the closer release position, wherein actuation of the suit lever to the second position causes movement of the suit linkage lever to the second position and the pull pawl forces the engagement feature and the ratchet toward the closer tuck tightened position, the pawl moving to the ratchet control position and holding the ratchet in the closer tuck tightened position.

In one aspect, the override lever and the pull-on pawl are coupled for movement together from the first position to the second position. In one aspect, the pull-in pawl includes a pin extending outwardly therefrom and received in a slot defined by the override lever.

In one case, the bias of the pull pawl towards the ratchet is generated by the override lever.

In one instance, movement of the override lever from the second position to the first position moves the pawl out of blocking the engagement function, allowing the ratchet to move to the closer release position.

In one aspect, a pin of the tightening pawl extends through a slot defined by the tightening linkage such that the tightening pawl is movable between the first position and the second position relative to the tightening linkage.

In one instance, movement of the pull lever from the first position to the second position pulls the pull latch and the pin of the pull latch slides along the slot defined by the override lever while the override lever remains in the second position.

In one aspect, in the secondary locking position, an opening force on the ratchet is transmitted to the tightening linkage via engagement between the tightening pawl and the engagement member, with both the ratchet and tightening linkage being subjected to torques about the pivot pin.

In one case, the pull lever is stacked between the pull latch and the override lever.

In one case, the override lever is forced from the second position to the first position by both a power release and a manual release, thereby moving the pull-on pawl to the first position, to allow the ratchet to move to the closer release position when the pawl moves to the ratchet release position.

In another aspect, there is provided a method of operating a latching mechanism, the latching mechanism having a ratchet, a main pawl and a tightening pawl, the method comprising the steps of: providing a ratchet that is movable from an open position to a secondary make position catching position and movable from the secondary closer catching position to a tightened closer catching position, positioning the ratchet in the open position, wherein in the open position a main pawl is biased into engagement with the ratchet and a tightening pawl is biased into engagement with a ratchet pin, extending outwardly from a surface of the ratchet, moving the ratchet from the open position to the secondary closer catch position and, in response, pivoting the tightening pawl inwardly into a rotational path of the ratchet pivot in an opening direction, wherein the tightening - Latch in a blocking position ion and moved into engagement with the ratchet pin, the tightening pawl preventing the ratchet from moving to the open position, actuating a tightening lever coupled to a tightening linkage lever, the tightening linkage lever pivotally mounted on a pivot pin wherein the pivot supports both the ratchet and the tightening linkage for rotation, actuation of the tightening lever causing rotation of the tightening linkage about the pivot, rotation of the tightening linkage causing movement of the tightening pawl in a tightening direction, moving the tightening pawl in the tightening direction and pushing against the ratchet pin with the tightening pawl and, in response, rotating the ratchet to the normally open catch position, in response to moving the ratchet to the normally open catch position, Moving the main pawl into a notch of the ratchet when the ratchet is in the tightened closer catch position is on, and holding the ratchet in the tightened closer catch position.

According to another aspect, there is provided a latch assembly for a motor vehicle, the latch assembly including a latch housing, a ratchet supported on the latch housing and biased toward an open position and from the open position to a secondary striker catch position and from the secondary striker - catching position is movable to a primary closer catch position, a main pawl carried on the latch housing and biased towards the ratchet and between a ratchet control position in which the main pawl holds the ratchet in the primary closer catch position, and a ratchet release position in which the main pawl allows movement of the ratchet to the open position, and a tightening mechanism having a tightening pawl biased toward the ratchet and between a blocking position in which the tightening -Latch the movement of the ratchet e blocked from the normally open secondary catch position to the open position, and a release position in which the tightening pawl allows movement of the ratchet from the normally open secondary catch position to the open position, with an opening force acting on the Ratcheting when the tightening pawl holds the ratchet in the second closer catch position causes the tightening pawl to be compressed between the ratchet and the latch housing.

character list

• 1A ist eine isometrische Ansicht eines Fahrzeugs mit einer Verschlussplatte mit einem Verschlusssystem gemäß einem Aspekt der Offenbarung,
• 1B ist eine perspektivische Ansicht des Inneren eines Verschlusssystems, die eine Unteransicht einer Ratsche und ein Anzug-System mit einer Anzug-Klinke zeigt,
• 2 ist eine perspektivische Ansicht der Ratsche und des Anzug-Systems von unten, einschließlich einer Hauptklinke auf einer Seite der Ratsche und der Anzug-Klinke auf der gegenüberliegenden Seite der Ratsche,
• 3 ist eine perspektivische Ansicht des Verschlusssystems von oben, die einen mit der Anzugklinke gekoppelten Anzug-Verbindungshebel zeigt, der außerdem mit einem Übersteuerungshebel gekoppelt ist,
• 4 ist eine perspektivische Ansicht von oben ähnlich wie 3, wobei der Anzughebel zur Verdeutlichung entfernt wurde und ein harter Anschlag an einem Rahmen des Verschlusssystems zur Blockierung der Anzugklinke und zum Halten der Ratsche in einer sekundär verriegelten Position dargestellt ist,
• 5 ist eine perspektivische Ansicht des Verschlusssystems von unten, die den Anschlag zeigt,
• 6 ist eine Draufsicht auf die Ratsche und das Anzug-System, wobei sich die Ratsche in der sekundären Verriegelungsposition befindet,
• 7 ist eine Draufsicht ähnlich wie 6, die den Anschlag zeigt, der die Anzug-Klinke blockiert und die Ratsche in der sekundär verriegelten Position hält, und
• 8 zeigt ein Verfahren zum Betrieb einer Verriegelungsanordnung gemäß einem Aspekt der Offenbarung.
• 9 ist eine perspektivische Ansicht des Innenraums eines anderen Verschlusssystems, das eine Ratsche und ein Anzug-System mit einem Anzug-Verbindungshebel zeigt, der koaxial zur Ratsche angeordnet ist,
• 10 ist eine perspektivische Ansicht der Ratsche und des Anzug-Systems von 9 mit einer Anzahl von Hebeln des Anzug-Systems,
• 11 ist eine perspektivische Ansicht der Ratsche, des Anzug-Systems und einer Hauptklinke der Verriegelungsanordnung von 9, einschließlich eines Paares von Sensoren,
• 12 ist eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Anzahl von miteinander verbundenen Hebeln des Anzug-Systems von 9, einschließlich des Anzug-Verbindungshebels, der koaxial mit der Ratsche ist,
• 13 ist eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Anzahl von miteinander verbundenen Hebeln des Anzug-Systems von 9, einschließlich des Anzug-Verbindungshebels, der koaxial mit der Ratsche ist,
• 14 ist eine Draufsicht auf das Verschlusssystem und das Anzug-System, die die Ratsche in einer offenen Position und die Hebel des Anzug-Systems in einer ersten Position zeigt,
• 15 ist eine Draufsicht auf das Verschlusssystem, die die Ratsche in einer sekundären Schließer-Fangposition zeigt, wobei die Ratsche teilweise geschlossen ist und sich einige der Hebel des Anzug-Systems in einer zweiten Position befinden,
• 16 ist eine Draufsicht auf die Verriegelung, die die Ratsche in einer Position zeigt, in der der Schließer gefangen ist, und zusätzliche Hebel des Anzug-Systems in einer zweiten Position, und
• 17 ist ein Verfahren zum Betreiben eine Verriegelung die in Übereinstimmung mit Aspekten der vorliegenden Offenbarung.

The drawings described herein are only for the purpose of illustrating selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, so the drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

• 1A 14 is an isometric view of a vehicle having a closure panel with a closure system according to an aspect of the disclosure.
• 1B Figure 14 is a perspective view of the interior of a latch system showing a bottom view of a ratchet and tightening system with a tightening pawl.
• 2 Figure 12 is a bottom perspective view of the ratchet and tightening system including a main pawl on one side of the ratchet and the tightening pawl on the opposite side of the ratchet.
• 3 12 is a top perspective view of the latch system showing a suit linkage lever coupled to the suit latch which is also coupled to an override lever;
• 4 is a top perspective view similar to 3 , with the tightening lever removed for clarity and showing a hard stop on a frame of the latch system to lock the tightening latch and hold the ratchet in a secondary locked position,
• 5 is a perspective view of the locking system from below showing the stop,
• 6 Figure 12 is a top view of the ratchet and tightening system with the ratchet in the secondary locking position,
• 7 is a plan view similar to 6 , showing the stop locking the tightening pawl and holding the ratchet in the secondary locked position, and
• 8th 10 shows a method of operating a latch assembly according to an aspect of the disclosure.
• 9 Figure 14 is a perspective view of the interior of another closure system showing a ratchet and tightening system with a tightening linkage lever coaxial with the ratchet.
• 10 12 is a perspective view of the ratchet and tightening system of FIG 9 with a number of levers of the tightening system,
• 11 12 is a perspective view of the ratchet, tightening system, and a master pawl of the latch assembly of FIG 9 , including a pair of sensors,
• 12 12 is a perspective view of a number of interconnected levers of the suit system of FIG 9 , including the tightening linkage lever which is coaxial with the ratchet,
• 13 12 is a perspective view of a number of interconnected levers of the suit system of FIG 9 , including the tightening linkage lever which is coaxial with the ratchet,
• 14 Figure 14 is a top plan view of the locking system and tightening system showing the ratchet in an open position and the tightening system levers in a first position;
• 15 Figure 12 is a top plan view of the locking system showing the ratchet in a secondary closer catch position with the ratchet partially closed and some of the tightening system levers in a second position;
• 16 Figure 12 is a plan view of the latch showing the ratchet in a position capturing the closer and additional levers of the tightening system in a second position, and
• 17 is a method of operating a latch consistent with aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring to 1A Referring first to the drawings, a motor vehicle 10 is shown having a vehicle body 12 defining an opening 14 to an interior passenger compartment. A closure panel 16 (e.g., a door as shown, but other vehicle closure panels as well) is pivotally attached to the body 12 and can be moved between an open position (shown) and a fully closed position to close the opening 14 open or close. A power latch assembly 18 is rigidly attached to the closure panel 16 near an edge portion 16A and is releasably engageable with a striker 20 fixedly attached to a recessed edge portion 14A of the opening 14 . As will be explained in more detail below, the power latch assembly 18 is engageable with the striker 20 to releasably move the closure panel 16 to its fully closed position. An outer handle 22 and an inner handle 24 are provided for actuating the latch assembly 18 to release the striker 20 and allow subsequent movement of the closure panel 16 to its open position. One or both of the outer handle 22 and the inner handle can also operate the latch assembly 18 manually. An optional lock button 26 is depicted which visually indicates the locked condition of the lock assembly 18 and which is also operable to mechanically change the locked condition of the lock assembly 18 . A weatherseal 28 is attached to the edge portion 14A of the opening 14 in the vehicle body 12 and is configured to be resiliently compressed upon engagement with a corresponding sealing surface of the closure panel 16 when the closure panel 16 is held in its closed position by the latch assembly 18 to to create a sealed interface between them, designed to prevent rain and debris from entering the passenger compartment while minimizing audible wind noise.

the 1B-5 show the closure system 500 (which is associated with the closure 18 of 1A or other vehicle closures) including a motor 582, the worm 586, and a gear assembly 188 (including a compound gear 188a that meshes with the worm 586 and a second gear 188b that meshes with the compound gear 188a). The latch system 500 also includes the main latch 38 pivotable toward the Ratchet 36 is biased and operable to slide along an outer edge of ratchet 36 as ratchet 36 moves toward the closed position and further operable to engage ratchet 36 to provide a ratchet retention function perform to hold the ratchet 36 in a tightened closer catch position. The main pawl 38 can also be power actuated via the linkage connecting the main pawl 38 to the motor 582 to release the ratchet 36, allowing the ratchet 36 to open to a ratchet release position as the ratchet 36 moves toward the ratchet Release position is biased.

A roller element 37 can be provided between the pawl 38 and the ratchet 36 in order to reduce the release effort. Illustrative examples of roller elements or bearings and associated roller support configurations are disclosed in co-owned U.S. Patent Application No. 2019/0242163 entitled "Closure latch assembly with latch mechanism having roller pawl assembly" and commonly owned U.S. Patent No. 10745947B2 entitled "Automotive latch including bearing to facilitate release effort". An anti-reverse configuration with a pull-in mechanism, as described below, can provide a separate and additional closer catch mechanism for the ratchet 36 in the event that the primary pawl 38 moves, e.g. B. solves in an accident.

In relation to 3 For example, the tightening functionality may be provided by a number of tightening components that can be actuated by an actuator (not explicitly shown) to tighten the latch assembly. The tightening components can also be actuated or manipulated in response to a release function to allow the ratchet to be released regardless of the tightening condition. The multiple suit components include the suit lever 535, the suit pawl 537, the override lever 539, and the suit linkage lever 541, each of which is operatively coupled to one another.

The tightening lever 535 is shown as L-shaped and has a first end 535a adapted to be pulled or otherwise actuated, for example via a cable 542 connected to the tightening actuator 504, by the tightening actuator. A second end 535b is connected to the pull pawl 537 . The pull lever 535 is pivotable about the pivot pin 535c which may be fixed to the frame 501. The tightening lever 535 is in 3 biased clockwise about pin 535c by spring 535d. How out 3 As can be seen, actuating the first end 535a of the pull lever 535 to the left causes the second end 535b to move upward.

As in 4 As shown, the tightening pawl 537 is pivotally connected to the second end 535b of the tightening lever 535 such that actuation of the tightening lever 535 about its pivot axis at pin 535c results in movement of the tightening pawl 537 toward the ratchet 36 and against the corresponding structure of the ratchet 36 causes. Specifically, the first end 537a of the tightening pawl 537 is coupled to the tightening lever 535 and the second end 537b is configured to engage the ratchet 36 .

The pull-on pawl 537 further includes a pin 537c protruding from the second end 537b of the pull-on pawl 537 and slidably coupled to the pull-on linkage lever 541 (as in Fig 3 shown) so that the tightening pawl 537 can be moved toward and toward the ratchet 36 in response to actuation by the tightening lever 535 while sliding relative to the tightening linkage lever 541 .

As in 3 As shown, the pull lever 541 has an L-shape and includes a first end 541a and a second end 541b, and an arcuate slot 541c disposed along the first end 541a. In addition, the tightening link lever 541 is coupled to the override lever 539 such that the override lever 539 is pivotally moved about its axis in response to pivotal movement of the tightening link lever 541 . Pin 537c, which protrudes from tightening pawl 537, extends into and is retained in slot 541, allowing tightening pawl 537 to move and pin 537c to slide along slot 541c. The tightening lever 541 can be swiveled around the pin 541 d (in 4 shown), which may be attached to frame 501. The tightening linkage 541 also includes an opening 541e adjacent the pin 541 that allows a fastener of the latch 500 to extend through the body of the tightening linkage 541 and still allow the tightening linkage 541 to pivot.

The tightening linkage lever 541 further includes a pin 541f protruding from the second end 541b. Pivot 541f couples tightening linkage lever 541 to override lever 539 such that pivotal actuation of override lever 539 pulls pivot 541f upward and pivotal movement (in 3 counterclockwise) of the tightening connecting lever 541. The override lever 539 is biased towards its unactuated position, this biased movement also being transmitted to the pull-up linkage lever 541 to oppose the set movement of tightening linkage lever 541 (clockwise in 3 ) to effect.

As in 4 As shown, the ratchet 36 includes an elongated arcuate projection or first engagement feature 36a ( 3 ) on the same side of the ratchet 36 as the tightening lever 541 protruding from the face of the ratchet 36. The ratchet 36 also includes a tab or second engagement member 36b which projects radially outwardly from the ratchet 36 and is adapted to be contacted by the second end 537b of the tightening pawl 537 during a tightening operation when the tightening -Pawl 537 moved up. The lug 36b is also formed so that it extends in the direction of opening of the ratchet (in 4 counterclockwise) is blocked by the second end 537b of the cinching pawl 537 when the ratchet 36 is in the secondary closer catching position (and when the cinching pawl 537 is in the corresponding position). Tab 36b and protrusion 36a may also be referred to as engagement features. As described below, when the tightening linkage lever 541 is actuated, the tightening pawl 541 can be moved out of the way of the lug 36b, allowing the ratchet 36 to move past the tightening pawl 541 second end 541b.

When the ratchet 36 is in an open position (e.g., after being released and in a position to receive the latch striker during a door closing operation), the first end 541b of the pull lever 541 can rest against the curved outer surface of the projection 36a (via the unactuated bias of the override lever 539 pulling down on the second end 541b of the pull lever 541). Specifically, the side surface 541g of the tightening lever is in contact with the projection 36a. In this position of the pull lever 541, the override lever 539 is prevented from fully returning to its unactuated position.

Therefore, in this locked position of the tightening linkage lever 541, when the ratchet is in the open position, the override lever 539 is pivoted to such a position that the projection 539c of the override lever 539 contacts the override lever switch 540, representing a lock controller or indicates to another vehicle controller 503 that the ratchet 36 is open. When the ratchet 36 is open, the tightening linkage lever 541 keeps the tightening pawl 537 out of the way of the ratchet 36 nose 36b and the ratchet 36 can be rotated from the open position to the secondary locked position, with the tightening - Link lever 541 moves inward as projection 36a moves past the end of side surface 541g, and pull-in pawl 537 moves inward together with pull-in link lever 541 via pin 537c and slot 541c. In addition, the second end 541b of the tightening linkage lever 541 will pivot downward in conjunction with rotation of the override lever 539 and the switch 540 will no longer be engaged with the override lever 539, signaling that the ratchet is in the secondary catch position and is no longer in the open position. The inwardly pushed pawl 537 is therefore pushed to a position where it blocks the tab 36b in the opening direction via the second end 537b and holds the ratchet 36 in the secondary closer catch position. This movement of the override lever 539, the pull-in link lever 541 and the pull-in pawl 537 occurs due to the biasing of the override lever 539.

In relation to 2 On the opposite side of ratchet 36 from tightening pawl 537, a first end 38a of main pawl 38 is biased against an outer curved surface 36c of pawl 36 when ratchet 36 is in the open position (ratchet 36 is in 2 shown in the primary normally open catch position or pull-in normally open catch position and would be in 2 rotated clockwise to the open position). In this open position of the ratchet 36, the second end 38b of the main pawl 38 is in contact with the sensor or switch 39, indicating that the ratchet 36 is not in the fully closed position or in the normally open catch position. The master pawl 38 contacts the switch 39 during a closing movement of the ratchet 36 until the ratchet 36 reaches the "tighten" position and the master pawl 38 moves to a ratchet control position (in 2 shown) and moved into contact with ratchet notch 36d, thereby holding ratchet 36 in position. Specifically, when the ratchet 36 is moving from the open position to the secondary closer catch position, the ratchet 36 can be restrained by the tightening pawl 537 against movement toward the open position. After the tightening pawl 537 moves to this ratchet-locking position, the sensor or switch 540 indicates that the ratchet is no longer in the open position. In this position, the switch 39 still indicates that the fully locked position has not yet been reached because the first end of the main pawl 38a is still in contact with the curved outer surface 36c of the ratchet. Once rotation of the ratchet 36 causes further rotation, the main pawl 38 is brought out of contact with the switch 39. In the 2 and 3 switches 39 and 540 are shown out of contact with the main latch 38 and override lever 539, respectively, as shown in the energized normally open catch position happens. The function of the pull-on pawl 537, which holds the ratchet in the secondary locking position, is described below.

the 6 and 7 Figure 12 shows the ratchet 36 after it has been rotated from its open position to the secondary locking position (also known as the first detent position). In this state, the projection 36a (in 6 and 7 clockwise) has pushed past the pull-up linkage lever 541 (which was in contact with the boss 36a) and the lug 36b has pushed past the pull-on pawl 537 (so that the lug 36b is in 6 shown to the left of tightening pawl 537) and tightening pawl 537 has moved inward toward ratchet 36. In this position, a reverse force F on the ratchet 36 (e.g., from the closer when the door is being forced open manually or by a sealing load) would pull the lug 36b counterclockwise to the right against the pull pawl 537 , which is now in the path of lug 36b following inward pivotal movement of tightening linkage lever 541 (after protrusion 36a no longer blocks this pivoting movement of tightening linkage lever 541).

In this in the 6 and 7 In the position shown, the tightening pawl 537 is locked and prevented from rotating in the ratchet opening direction (in Figs 6 and 7 counterclockwise). When the tightening pawl 537 is blocked and prevented from allowing rotational movement in the ratchet opening direction, the tightening pawl 537 may be compressed or compressed between the ratchet 36 and the frame 501 . An opening force applied by the ratchet 36 to the pull pawl 537 can therefore be transferred to the latch housing or frame 501, thereby reducing or eliminating such forces applied to a pivot point of the pull lever 535. As a result, the pull-in pawl 537 can withstand higher opening forces since the pull-in pawl 537 is not subjected to a pulling force and the higher opening forces are not acting on the pivot axis or pin of the pull-in lever 535 . Rather, the opening forces may be applied by the latch 537 to the latch housing or frame 501, for example directly to the structure or stamped metal of the frame 501 by abutting the latch 537 against a feature of the frame 501. In addition, the portion of the frame 501 , such as B. the stop 502, be designed as a high-strength feature of the frame 501 and be provided, for example, as an attachment point for receiving a fastener for attaching the frame 501 to the vehicle door 16.

Referring to the 5-7 the latch assembly 500 includes a frame 501 containing an annular stop 502 provided in the path of the pull pawl 537 . Stop 502 locks tightening pawl 537 in response to an opening force F applied to ratchet 36 and causes lug 36b to exert a corresponding force on tightening pawl 537 .

The stop 502 can be formed by the frame structure 501 itself and can be manufactured by a metal stamping operation or the like. The annular stop 502 may form a through opening or hole 502a through which a fastener may extend. The fastener may also extend through the opening 541e of the pull lever 541 to attach the frame 501 to the corresponding latch housing structure enclosing the latch components. The stop 502 therefore provides a robust locking device for the tightening pawl 537 which can withstand large opening forces applied to the ratchet 36.

In the in the 6 and 7 In the "first detent" position shown, the ratchet 36 is not yet locked and fully closed. In this position, the pawl 537 is also able to tighten the ratchet 36 in response to actuation of the tightening function. As described above and in 3 As shown, the tightening linkage lever 541 is pivoted inward toward the ratchet 36 from the open position to the first detent position in response to the closing movement of the ratchet 36 . Such movement of the pull-up linkage lever 541 (once released by the boss 36a) is effected by a corresponding pivoting of the override lever 539 in accordance with its bias away from the switch 540 (counterclockwise in 3 ) caused. Specifically, the first end 539a of the override lever 539 is coupled to the tightening linkage lever 541 via the slot 539d (which receives the pin 541c) and is biased away from the ratchet 36, and the second end 539b of the override lever 539 is biased toward the ratchet 36 and moves away from switch 540 when tightening linkage lever 541 is allowed to pivot inward toward ratchet 36.

Accordingly, in response to the allowable movement of the override lever 539, the controller receives a signal that the ratchet 36 is moving out of the open position and has reached the "first detent" position and that tightening should now occur. Accordingly, the tightening lever 535 is actuated (via a tightening cable or other actuating mechanism) whereby tightening lever 535 pivots about its axis at pin 535x, causing tightening pawl 537 to push on lug 36b of ratchet 36, rotating ratchet 36 to its fully closed and tightening position (clockwise in the 4 , 6 and 7 ). 2-4 Figure 13 shows the ratchet 36 in the fully closed and tightened position and with the tightening mechanism reset after actuation, with the tightening lever 537 spaced from the lug 36b but in the path of the lug 36b.

As in 2 As illustrated, when the ratchet 36 has reached its fully closed and tightened position, the main pawl 38 engages the notch 36d on the opposite side of the ratchet 36 from the tightening pawl 537, thereby holding the ratchet 36 in position and against a Movement towards the open position. In response to the main pawl 38 pivoting inward toward the ratchet 36 and holding the ratchet 36 in place, the pawl 38 is no longer in contact with the switch 39, thereby sending a signal to the vehicle controller to terminate the tightening function target. The ratchet 36 is now held in the primary closer catch position or in the tightened closer catch position. Following the cinching operation, cinching lever 535 and cinching pawl 537 may return to their nominal or unactuated position, such as in FIG 3 shown.

The process for releasing the ratchet 36 from the tightened closer catch position is shown in the figures, e.g. B. 2-4 , evident. To release the ratchet 36, the gear system 188 can be actuated by the motor 586 to pull the pawl lever 551 ( 3 ). The latch lever 551 includes a first leg 551a coupled to a latch link lever 553, a second leg 551b for contact with the override lever 539, and a third leg 551c for contact with the manual release lever 555 and for actuating the main latch 38.

The pawl lever 553 has a first end 553a connected to the first leg 551a and a second end 553b connected to the gear mechanism 188 . The first end 553a has a slot 553c which engages the peg 551d extending from the first leg 551a. Thus, when the gear mechanism 188 is actuated, the ratchet lever 553 pulls on the first leg 551a, causing pivotal movement of the ratchet lever 551 about its pivot axis at the pin 551e.

The pawl lever 551 serves both to move the pawl 38 from its ratchet control position and to move the override lever 539 in response to actuation and pivotal movement about pin 551e. Specifically, leg 551b exerts a force on override lever 539, which in turn pivots and moves tightening linkage lever 541 and tightening pawl 537 out of the way of boss 36a and lug 36b, respectively, so that ratchet 36 moves to its open position position can rotate. Leg 551c includes a flange 551f which contacts leg 38c of main pawl 38 to pivot pawl 38 and first end 38a out of notch 36d of ratchet 36. Thus, the ratchet 36 is released from both the main pawl 38 and the tightening pawl 537 on its opposite sides.

The latch lever 551 can also be manually actuated from its ratchet control position by the inside or outside door handle via the manual release lever 555 . In particular, the manual release lever 555 can be replaced by an unlocking element, such as e.g. a cable 555a, may be actuated so that the opposite end of the lever 555 contacts the third leg 551c of the pawl lever 551 which similarly actuates the override lever 539, the pull-in link lever 541 and the pull-in pawl 537. Manual operation of also operates the main latch 38 . During manual operation of the latch lever 555, the pin 551d slides in the slot 553c without operating the gear mechanism.

After the opening command (electrical or manual) has been given and the ratchet 36 has been moved to the open position after being released by the main pawl 38 and the tightening pawl 537, the tightening connecting lever 541 is again biased against the outer surface of the projection 36a, and the pull-in pawl 537 is correspondingly pivoted out of the way of the lug 36b. Movement of the ratchet 36 toward the secondary closer catch position and then toward the tightened closer catch position can therefore occur subsequently.

It will be appreciated that the above description can be used in a number of locking positions where pull-in functionality is desired. It is further recognized that alternative actuating mechanisms for the pawl lever 551 and/or the pull lever 535 can also be used. The use of the ring nut on the frame 501 to support the tightening pawl 537 and to lock the ratchet 36 against opening from the secondary closer catch position provides an improved ratchet holding function while allowing for responsiveness to a desired Slightly release actuation.

In 8th Illustrated is a method 1000 of operating a locking mechanism having a ratchet, a master pawl, and a tightening pawl, the method including, in one aspect, the following steps. In step 1002, a ratchet is provided that is movable from an open position to a secondary closure catch position and from the secondary closure catch position to a tightened closure catch position and the open position, respectively. In step 1004, positioning the ratchet in the open position, wherein in the open position a main pawl is biased into engagement with the ratchet and a tightening linkage lever is biased into engagement with the ratchet, wherein the tightening linkage lever couples to a tightening pawl and holding the tightening pawl in a release position disengaged from the ratchet. In step 1006, positioning the ratchet in the open position, wherein in the open position a main pawl is biased into engagement with the ratchet and a tightening linkage lever is biased into engagement with the ratchet, wherein the tightening linkage lever couples to a tightening pawl and holding the tightening pawl in a release position disengaged from the ratchet. In step 1008, moving the ratchet from the open position to the secondary closer catch position and, in response, releasing the suit linkage lever from biased engagement with the ratchet and moving the suit linkage lever to an unactuated position, wherein the The tightening pawl is moved to a blocking position and biased engagement with the ratchet, the tightening pawl preventing the ratchet from moving to the open position. In step 1010, a stop member formed in a housing of the latch assembly is brought into contact with the latch when the latch is in the blocking position, the stop member resisting an opening force applied to the ratchet. In step 1012, operating a tightening lever coupled to the tightening pawl when the tightening pawl is in the blocking position and, in response, moving the tightening pawl away from the lifeline and moving the ratchet away from the secondary latch -catch position to the tightened closer catch position. In step 1014, moving the main pawl into a notch of the ratchet when the ratchet is in the closer catch position and holding the ratchet in the tightened closer catch position.

now to 9-17 : 9-13 FIG. 15 shows another embodiment of a closure system 1500 that can be used with the latch 18 of FIG 1A or other vehicle locks, similar to the lock 500 described above. It includes a motor 1582, a worm 1586, and a gear assembly 1188 (having a compound gear 1188a that meshes with the worm 586 and a second gear 1188b that meshes with compound gear 1188a). The latch system 1500 also includes the main latch 1038 which is pivotally biased toward the ratchet 1036 and operable to slide along an outer edge of the ratchet 1036 as the ratchet 1036 moves toward the closed position and further operable to do so that it engages the ratchet 1036 and performs a ratchet holding function to hold the ratchet 1036 in a cinched closer catch position. The main latch 1038 can also be power actuated to release the ratchet 1036 so that the ratchet 1036 can open to a ratchet-released position. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain components of the latch systems 500 and 1500 may be interchangeable, including but not limited to the illustrated ratchets, sensors, triggers, housings, cables, controllers, and gear assemblies of the 500 and 1500 systems.

The cinching function is provided by a number of operatively linked cinching levers, at least one of which is pivotable about the same axis as the ratchet 1036 (or coaxial with the ratchet 1036) of the latch assembly 1500. The multiple pull levers include pull lever 1535, auxiliary or pull link lever 1536, secondary pull pawl 1537 (see 10 ) and override lever 1539. The ratchet 1036 includes an engagement member or pin 1050 which is contacted or engaged by the tightening pawl 1537 during the tightening operation, thereby urging the ratchet 1036 toward and into the tightened closer catch position . The tightening linkage lever 1536 is pivotable about the ratchet pivot axis 1040, which is the axis about which the ratchet 1036 pivots during opening and closing. The ratchet pivot axis 1040 is designed to withstand high loads due to the requirements and function of the ratchet 1036 in holding the closer 20 in place. Accordingly, the pivot pin 1040 can also be relied upon to have similar strength as the tightening linkage lever 1536 when the tightening linkage lever 1536 is attached to and supported by the same pivot pin 1040 . As described below, the ratchet 1036 is closed in response to a door closing event in which the closer 20 ( 1A , typically mounted on the vehicle structure) strikes the ratchet 1036, the various tightening levers described are actuated at various stages of the position of the ratchet 1036, so that a tightening operation is performed on the ratchet 1036, in particular via the Tightening pawl 1537 and the ratchet pin 1050 (which may protrude out of the plane of the ratchet 1036 as in 10 shown). The protrusion of the ratchet pin 1050, which protrudes outwardly from the plane of the ratchet 1036, is distinct from the engagement member or nose 36b of the ratchet 36, described above, which protrudes generally coplanar with the ratchet 36.

As in 10 As shown, the override lever 1539 is positioned above the suit linkage lever 1536. The cinching linkage lever 1536 includes opposite legs or ends that engage the cinching lever 1535 and the cinching pawl 1537, respectively. The tightening link lever 1536 has relatively bent portions arranged in different planes so that its ends can be placed adjacent to the connected components. Tightening pawl 1537 is positioned below tightening linkage lever 1536 and aligned with ratchet pin 1050 in height. A pin 1537a is attached to the suit pawl 1537 and extends through the slot 1536a of the suit linkage lever 1536 and into the slot 1539a of the override lever 1539. In this manner, the suit linkage lever 1536 is rotatable and movable relative to the override lever 1539, where pin 1537a slides along slot 1539a thereby moving pull-in pawl 1537. In addition, the pull-on pawl 1537 pivots relative to the pull-on link lever 1536, moving along the slot 1536a and thereby being operably coupled to the override lever 1539 such that pivoting of the override lever 1539 causes pivotal movement of the pull-on pawl 1537 (e.g., example, to release the ratchet 1036 by moving the tightening pawl 1537 out of the way of the ratchet pin 1050).

14 Figure 10 shows the latch system 1500 with the ratchet 1036 in the fully open position. The main latch 1038 is connected to the latch sensor or switch 1039 (similar to the arrangement of the locking system 500). The override lever 1539 is engaged to the override lever sensor or switch 1540 (similar to the latch system 500). The ratchet pin 1050 is offset from the pawl 1537, and the pawl 1537 is biased toward the ratchet pin 1050 and abuts the ratchet pin 1050 side. The bias on the pawl 1537 can be created by the override lever 1539 being biased inward. The cinching lever 1535, cinching link lever 1536 and override lever 539 are in a unactuated position (or first position) and are ready to perform a cinching function in response to manipulation of the cinching lever 1535.

In 14 pin 1537a is located at an outer end of slot 1536a and at an outer end of slot 1539a. Pin 1537a is prevented from moving inward along slot 1536a by ratchet pin 1050 and is also prevented from moving inward along slot 1539a by the bias of tightening linkage lever 1536.

15 12 shows the ratchet 1036 in a secondary striker catch position after a door closing operation in which a striker (not shown) entered the slot of the ratchet 1036 and rotated the ratchet 1036 against its bias. Rather, the pin 1050 has moved past the end of the pull pawl 1537 also. Pull-in pawl 1537, which is pivotally biased toward pin 1050, has pivoted inwardly relative to pull-in linkage lever 1536 after pin 1050 moves past the end of pull-in pawl 1537. The end of tightening pawl 1537 is in a position to prevent ratchet pin 1050 (and ratchet 1036) from pivoting in a direction to release the ratchet (Fig 15 counterclockwise), and the ratchet 1036 is held in the secondary closer catch position (which may also be referred to as the first detent position).

Pull-on pawl 1537 includes pin 1537a (which extends through slot 1536a of pull-on linkage lever 1536 as shown in Figs 10-12 shown and allowing pin 1537a to move with pull pawl 1537 relative to pull link lever 1536). Pin 1537a also extends through slot 1539a of override lever 1539, thereby coupling pull latch 1537 to override lever 1539 in certain directions. For example, when pull-on pawl 1537 rotates, pin 537a pulls override lever 1539 toward ratchet 1036. When ratchet pin 1050 moves past the end of pull-on pawl 1537, override lever 1036 pushes pin 1537a and the pull-on Latch 1537 inside. The override lever 1539 is pivotable about axis 1539b and in response to movement of the ratchet 1036 along with movement of the pull-in pawl 1537 during a ratchet closing operation, the override lever 1539 disengages from the override lever switch 1540, thereby providing a signal to the latch controller (not explicitly shown here, but with reference to the system 500, which is also applicable here), given that the tightening process should begin. As pin 1537a moves inward along with override lever 1539, pin 1537a also moves slightly inward along slot 1539a.

In response to receipt of the signal to the latch controller, the pull lever 1535 is actuated via the pull cable 1542, e.g. B. by a power operation caused by a power actuator pulling on the pull-in cable 1542, and the pull-in lever 1535 pivots about axis 1535a (in 16 counterclockwise). The tightening lever 1535 is coupled to the tightening linkage lever 1536, thereby pulling on the end of the tightening linkage lever 1536 and pivoting the tightening linkage lever 1536 clockwise about the ratchet pivot 1040 (which is the same pivot 1040 as carrying the ratchet 1036). Rotation of tightening linkage lever 1536 simultaneously pulls tightening pawl 1537 which exerts a compressive force on ratchet pin 1050 since the end of tightening pawl 1537 is aligned with ratchet pin 1050 and is coplanar. In this position, tightening pawl 1537 overlaps the surface of ratchet 1036 (unlike tightening pawl 537 of latch system 500). The ratchet pin 1050 accordingly rotates and further locks the ratchet 1036 in a clockwise direction simultaneously with the movement of the locking lever 1536 and locking pawl 1537 caused by the locking function.

As the ratchet 1036 continues to rotate, the main pawl 1038 continues to press against the outer surface of the ratchet 1036. Once the ratchet 1036 rotates a sufficient amount to the closed catcher tightened position (or second detent position), the pawl 1038 pivots inward and in Engages notch 1036a of ratchet 1036. This inward pivotal movement of pawl 1038 and into engagement with notch 1036a disengages pawl 1038 from switch 1039, thereby sending a signal to the latch controller to terminate the tightening function. The ratchet 1036 is held in the primary catch position and the tightened catch position (second detent position).

During the shifting process between the first detent position and the second detent position, pin 1537a slides along slot 1539a so that override lever 1539 remains generally in its inboard position and disengaged from sensor 1540. As in 16 As shown, pin 1537a is at the inner end of slot 1539 and override lever 1539 is not engaged with switch 1540. The override lever 1539 is located in 16 in the same position as in 15 , while the other moving components relative to 15 panned, rotated or moved. 16 shows the pull lever 1535 still in its actuated position.

Thereafter, the pull lever 1535 and pull link lever 1536 can be reset after the pawl 1038 is in its in 16 ratchet control position shown. In response to receiving the signal from the sensor 1039, a signal to stop actuation of the pull lever 1535 may be sent to the power actuator, causing the pull lever 1535 to move clockwise relative to its bias in accordance with 16 can be rotated causing a corresponding movement of the tightening linkage lever 1536 and tightening pawl 1537 away from the ratchet pin 1050 . The ratchet 1036 remains in its second detent position due to the main pawl 1038 . The override lever 1539 remains in its inner position and the end of the pull-on pawl 1537 remains aligned with the ratchet pin 1050 but away from it.

To use the ratchet 1036 from the in 16 To release the closed second detent position shown, the lock can be actuated either manually or by force. In power actuation, the gear system 1188 can be actuated by the motor 1586 to operate on the ratchet lever 1551 ( 11 ) which moves both the pawl 1038 out of its ratchet control position and the override lever 1539 and hence the tightening pawl 537 outwardly away from the ratchet 1036 and back to its first, in 14 , so that the ratchet notch 1036a and the pin 1050 are no longer blocked by the pawl 1038 and the tightening pawl 1537, respectively, and the ratchet 1036 can rotate about the pivot pin 1040 towards the open position according to its preload. When the override lever 1539 is pulled away, the pull pawl 1537 is correspondingly pulled out of the way of the pin 1050, allowing the ratchet 36 to be released and opened. When the override lever 1539 is in its out position, the switch 1540 is activated again. The override lever 1539 remains in its outboard position after the ratchet 1036 moves to its open position because the tightening pawl 1537 is prevented from inward movement by the ratchet pin 1050 pointing inward relative to the tightening pawl 1537 .

The latch lever 1551 can also be manually actuated from its ratchet control position by the inside or outside door handle. When operated manually, for example, the Latch lever 1550 is pulled, causing the same movement of pawl 1038, override lever 1539, and tightening pawl 1537 as in the power actuation, similarly pushing override lever 1539 and tightening pawl 1537 away from ratchet pin 1050, causing ratchet 1036 can be released manually. The gear system 1188 includes a slot as in 9 shown, which allows the ratchet lever 1551 to be actuated and pivoted relative to the gears which are not actuated.

Referring to 17 A method 2000 of operating a locking mechanism having a ratchet, a master pawl and a tightening pawl is provided, the method comprising the following steps according to one aspect. In step 2002, a ratchet is provided that is movable from an open position to a secondary closure catch position and from the secondary closure catch position to a tightened closure catch position and the open position, respectively. In step 2004, positioning the ratchet in the open position, wherein in the open position a master pawl is biased into engagement with the ratchet and a tightening pawl is biased into engagement with a ratchet pin extending outwardly from a surface of the ratchet. In step 2006, moving the ratchet from the open position to the secondary closer catch position and, in response, pivoting the tightening pawl inwardly in a rotational path of the ratchet pin in an opening direction, with the tightening pawl moving to a blocking position and in engagement with the ratchet pivot with the tightening pawl preventing the ratchet from moving to the open position. In step 2008, actuating a tightening lever coupled to a tightening linkage lever, the tightening linkage lever being pivotally mounted on a pivot pin, the pivot pin supporting both the ratchet and the tightening linkage lever for rotation, thereby actuating the tightening lever causes rotation of the cinching linkage about the pivot, rotation of the cinching linkage causing movement of the cinching pawl in a cinching direction. In step 2010, moving the tightening pawl in the tightening direction and pushing against the ratchet pin with the tightening pawl and, in response, rotating the ratchet to the closer-tight tightened position. In step 2012, in response to moving the ratchet to the closer catch position, moving the main pawl into a notch of the ratchet when the ratchet is in the closer catch position and holding the ratchet in the closer catch position.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent Literature Cited

• US6341448 [0003]
• EP 1176273 [0006]
• EP 0978609 [0006]
• US10767397 [0006]
• US2019/0242163 [0045]
• US 10745947 B2 [0045]

Claims (10)

Locking arrangement (500) for a motor vehicle, the locking arrangement comprising: a ratchet (36) biased toward an open position and moveable from the open position to a secondary closer catch position and from the secondary closer catch position to a primary closer catch position, a main pawl (38) biased toward the ratchet (36) and between a ratchet hold position in which the main pawl holds the ratchet in the primary closer catch position and a ratchet release position in which the main pawl permits movement of the ratchet in the open position can be actuated a tightening mechanism (535, 537, 539, 541) having a tightening pawl (537) biased toward the ratchet (36) and between a blocking position in which the tightening pawl restrains movement of the ratchet from the secondary normally open catch position blocked to the open position, and a release position in which the tightening pawl allows movement of the ratchet from the secondary normally open catch position to the open position, is operable, and a stop feature (502) formed on a latch housing (501), the cinching pawl (537) being positioned between the stop feature and the ratchet (36) when the cinching pawl is in the blocking position, the stop feature resists an opening force applied to the ratchet when the tightening pawl is in the blocked position and in contact with the stop feature. Locking arrangement according to claim 1 wherein the tightening mechanism (535, 537, 539, 541) includes a tightening linkage (541) coupled to the tightening pawl (537), the tightening linkage being biased toward an unactuated position and moveable to an actuated position in response to actuation of the main pawl (38), wherein the tightening linkage lever moves the tightening pawl to the release position in response to actuation of the tightening linkage lever during actuation of the main ratchet. Locking arrangement according to claim 2 wherein the tightening linkage lever (541) is biased against the ratchet (36) and maintained in the actuated position when the ratchet is in the open position, the tightening linkage lever disengaging in response to movement of the ratchet from the open position to the secondary make catch position with the pull latch (537) moving to the blocking position in response to movement of the pull linkage lever to the unactuated position. Locking arrangement according to one of Claims 1 until 3 wherein the cinching pawl (537) is movable from the blocking position to an actuated position and away from the stop feature (502) in response to actuation by a cinching lever (535) coupled to the cinching pawl, movement of the Pulling pawl to the actuated position moves the ratchet (36) to the primary closer catch position, with the main pawl (38) moving to the ratchet control position in response to movement of the ratchet to the primary closer catch position. Locking arrangement according to one of Claims 1 until 4 , wherein the stopper (502) is formed integrally with the frame (501). Locking arrangement according to claim 5 wherein the stopper (502) has an annular shape and defines a through hole (502a) adapted to receive a fastener for fastening the frame (501). Locking arrangement according to one of Claims 1 until 6 , wherein the pawl (537) is biased against the stop. Locking arrangement according to one of Claims 1 until 7 , wherein a roller is provided between the ratchet and the pawl. Locking arrangement according to one of Claims 1 until 8th wherein with the ratchet (36) in the primary closer catch position and the pawl in the ratchet control position, the tightening pawl is aligned with and spaced from a second engagement member (36b) of the ratchet. Locking arrangement according to one of Claims 1 until 9 wherein with the ratchet (36) in the secondary closer catch position and the pawl in the ratchet release position, the tightening pawl is compressed between a second engagement member (36b) of the ratchet and the stop, the second engagement member (36b) being preferred is a tab extending from the ratchet.

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