WO2020230017A1

WO2020230017A1 - Closure latch assembly for motor vehicles having crash safety mechanism with inertia lever

Info

Publication number: WO2020230017A1
Application number: PCT/IB2020/054473
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bernardo Erices; Jan Holbein
Original assignee: Magna BOCO GmbH
Priority date: 2019-05-13
Filing date: 2020-05-12
Publication date: 2020-11-19
Also published as: DE112020002391T8; DE112020002391T5

Abstract

A closure latch assembly for automotive closure systems includes a latch mechanism, a latch release mechanism, a handle-actuated release mechanism, and an inertia-activated blocking mechanism disposed between the handle- actuated release mechanism and the latch release mechanism. The inertia- activated blocking mechanism is operable in a non-blocking mode to permit the latch release mechanism to actuate the latch mechanism and is further operable in a blocking mode to inhibit actuation of the latch release mechanism. An inertia force above a predetermined acceleration threshold applied to a blocking component of the blocking mechanism causes shifting from the non-blocking mode into the blocking mode, thereby inhibiting unintended release of the latch mechanism.

Description

CLOSURE LATCH ASSEMBLY FOR MOTOR VEHICLES HAVING CRASH SAFETY MECHANISM WITH INERTIA LEVER

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001 ] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62/846,948, filed May 13, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to closure latch assemblies of the type used in motor vehicle closure systems. More particularly, the closure latch assembly of the present disclosure is equipped with a crash safety mechanism having an inertia-activated blocking lever.

BACKGROUND

[0003] This section provides background information related to motor vehicle closure systems and is not necessarily prior art to the closure latch assembly of the present disclosure.

[0004] A vehicle closure panel, such as a door for a vehicle passenger compartment, is hinged to swing between open and closed positions and includes a closure latch assembly mounted within the door. The closure latch assembly functions in a well-known manner to latch the door when it is closed and lock the door in its closed position, and to unlatch the door to permit subsequent movement of the door to its open position. As is also well known, the closure latch assembly is configured to include a latch mechanism for latching the door, a lock mechanism interacting with the latch mechanism for locking the door, and a latch release mechanism interacting with the lock mechanism and the latch mechanism for unlocking/unlatching the door. These mechanisms can be manually operated and/or power-operated to provide the desired level of standard features.

[0005] During a vehicle crash or other emergency situation, the vehicle doors must be kept closed independently of unintended handle activations or other user or external interventions (i.e. deformation of the door handles and/or latch release components that can cause the latch mechanism of the closure latch assembly to prematurely unlatch during the crash event). Thus, it is also known to configure closure latch assemblies to inhibit the unintended opening of the door in the event of high inertial loading being applied thereto due to rapid acceleration/deceleration of the vehicle and/or due to a vehicular collision. In many instances, the closure latch assembly is equipped with some type of additional "safety" mechanism or device to provide this feature. Some such safety devices employ an inertial member that swings into a blocking position relative to a moveable component of the latch release mechanism or the latch mechanism, as a result of predefined accelerations occurring during a crash event for example, to inhibit unintended release of the latch mechanism. Other safety devices for door latch assemblies employ a control system configured to detect a high acceleration event and actuate a power-operated device to drive a blocking member into the blocking position. As an option to integrating the safety device into the closure latch assembly, it is also known to incorporate an inertia locking device into the release cable interconnecting a door handle to the latch release mechanism. In such "blocking" type of inertial safety devices, the blocking component must be configured to withstand collision forces as well as permit release of the blocking function to permit subsequent opening of the door.

[0006] In view of the above, a need exists to develop alternative inertia- type safety devices for motor vehicle closure latch assemblies that provide enhanced operation without increasing latch complexity, cost and packaging requirements.

SUMMARY

[0007] This section provides a general summary and is not intended to be an exhaustive and comprehensive listing of all possible aspects, features and objectives associated with the present disclosure.

[0008] It is an objective of the present disclosure to provide a vehicle closure system having an inertia-activated safety arrangement configured to obviate or mitigate at least some of the shortcomings associated with the above-noted safety systems.

[0009] It is an aspect of the present disclosure to provide a closure latch assembly equipped with a latch mechanism, a latch release mechanism, a handle- actuated release mechanism, and an inertia-activated blocking mechanism operably disposed between the outside latch release mechanism and the handle-actuated release mechanism.

[0010] In accordance with these and other aspects and objectives, the present disclosure is directed to a closure latch assembly comprising: a latch mechanism including a ratchet moveable between a striker capture position and a striker release position, a pawl moveable between a ratchet holding position for holding the ratchet in its striker capture position and a ratchet releasing position for permitting the ratchet to move to its striker release position, a ratchet biasing member operable to bias the ratchet toward its striker release position, and a pawl biasing member operable to bias the pawl toward its ratchet holding position; a latch release mechanism having a latch release lever moveable between a rest position and an actuated position, and a latch release lever spring operable to bias the latch release lever toward its rest position, the latch release lever being operatively coupled to the pawl such that movement of the latch release lever from its rest position into is actuated position results in corresponding movement of the pawl from its ratchet holding position into its ratchet releasing position; a handle-actuated latch release mechanism having a translational component coupled to a handle and a handle release lever coupled to the translational component; and an inertia-activated blocking mechanism including a blocking lever pivotably coupled to the handle release lever and having an unbalanced inertia configuration. The unbalanced inertial configuration causes the blocking lever to move from a rest position to a blocking position in response to an acceleration above a predetermined acceleration threshold applied to the translational component. The blocking lever is operable in its blocking position to inhibit the latch release lever from moving to its actuated position.

[001 1 ] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a closure latch assembly for a motor vehicle closure member is provided including: a housing and a latch mechanism including a ratchet operably supported by the housing for movement between a striker capture position and a striker release position and a pawl operably supported for movement between a ratchet holding position for holding the ratchet in its striker capture position and a ratchet releasing position for permitting the ratchet to move to its striker release position. A ratchet biasing member is operable to bias the ratchet toward its striker release position and a pawl biasing member is operable to bias the pawl toward its ratchet holding position. A latch release mechanism is provided having a pawl release lever moveable between a non-actuated position and an actuated position. The pawl release lever is operatively coupled to the pawl such that movement of the pawl release lever from its non- actuated position into its actuated position results in corresponding movement of the pawl from its ratchet holding position to its ratchet releasing position. A handle- actuated release mechanism is provided having a translational component coupled to a handle and a handle release lever coupled to the translational component. The handle release lever is moveable between a non-actuated position and an actuated position, whereat the pawl release lever is moved to its actuated position when the handle release lever is in the actuated position. An inertia-activated blocking mechanism is provided including a blocking lever coupled to the handle release lever, with the blocking lever having an unbalanced inertia configuration, wherein the unbalanced inertial configuration causes the blocking lever to move from a rest position to a blocking position in response to an acceleration of the translational component above a predetermined acceleration threshold, wherein the blocking lever is operable in its blocking position to inhibit the handle release lever from moving to its actuated position.

[0012] In accordance with another aspect, the blocking lever moves from its rest position to a non-blocking position in response to an acceleration of the translational component below the predetermined acceleration threshold in response to actuation of the handle-actuated release mechanism, whereat the blocking lever is operable in its non-blocking position to allow the handle release lever to move to its actuated position.

[0013] In accordance with another aspect, the blocking lever can be pivotably coupled to the handle release lever for pivoting movement about a pivot axis between the rest position, the blocking position and the non-blocking position.

[0014] In accordance with another aspect, a blocking member can be fixed to the housing, with the blocking member being configured to not obstruct movement of the blocking lever while in its non-blocking position to allow the handle release lever to move to its actuated position and to obstruct movement of the blocking lever while in its blocking position to inhibit movement of the handle release lever to its actuated position.

[0015] In accordance with another aspect, the blocking member can be spaced from a guide member to define a gap therebetween, wherein the blocking lever is configured to pass through the gap between the blocking member and the guide member while in its non-blocking position to allow the handle release lever to move to its actuated position.

[0016] In accordance with another aspect, the blocking lever is configured to be misaligned with the gap while in its blocking position so as to not pass through the gap while in its blocking position to inhibit movement of the handle release lever to its actuated position.

[0017] In accordance with another aspect, the blocking lever can be provided having a stop post and the blocking member can be provided having a stop hook configured to obstruct the stop post to inhibit movement of the handle release lever to its actuated position when the blocking lever is in its blocking position. [0018] In accordance with another aspect, the blocking lever can be provided having a shoulder configured to engaged a rib fixed to the housing to initiate pivotal movement of the blocking lever when the blocking lever moves from its rest position in response to movement of the translational component.

[0019] In accordance with another aspect, the blocking member can be arranged to be between the pivot axis of the blocking lever and the stop post when the blocking lever is in its blocking position.

[0020] In accordance with another aspect, the stop post is configured to pivot beneath the stop hook, out of engagement with the stop hook, to allow movement of the handle release lever to its actuated position when the blocking lever is in its non-blocking position.

[0021 ] In accordance with another aspect, the blocking lever can be configured having a first lug portion and a second lug portion extending away from the pivot axis away from one another, with the second lug portion being configured to engage the blocking member when the blocking lever is in its blocking position.

[0022] In accordance with another aspect, the second lug portion can be configured to be positioned between the blocking member and the pivot axis when the blocking lever is in its blocking position.

[0023] In accordance with another aspect, the first lug portion of blocking lever can be configured to engage a rib on the housing when the blocking lever is in its rest position, wherein engagement of the first lug portion with the rib causes blocking lever to pivot toward its non-blocking position in response to an acceleration of the translational component below the predetermined acceleration threshold and to pivot to its blocking position in response to an acceleration of the translational component above the predetermined acceleration threshold.

[0024] In accordance with a further aspect of the disclosure, a method of inhibiting unintended unlatching of a closure latch assembly of a motor vehicle closure member is provided, wherein the closure latch assembly has a housing operably supporting a ratchet of a latch mechanism for movement between a striker capture position and a striker release position and a pawl for movement between a ratchet holding position for holding the ratchet in its striker capture position and a ratchet releasing position for permitting the ratchet to move to its striker release position; a pawl release lever moveable between a non-actuated position and an actuated position, the pawl release lever being operatively coupled to the pawl such that movement of the pawl release lever from its non-actuated position into its actuated position results in corresponding movement of the pawl from its ratchet holding position to its ratchet releasing position; and a handle-actuated release mechanism having a translational component coupled to a door handle and a handle release lever coupled to the translational component, the handle release lever being moveable between an actuated position, whereat the pawl release lever is moved to its actuated position, and a non-actuated position, is provided. The method includes steps of: coupling an inertia-activated blocking mechanism including blocking lever having an unbalanced inertia configuration to the handle release lever; configuring the blocking lever to move from a rest position to a blocking position in response to an acceleration above a predetermined acceleration threshold applied to the translational component, wherein the blocking lever is operable in its blocking position to inhibit the latch release lever from moving to its actuated position; and configuring the blocking lever to move from its rest position to a non-blocking position in response to an acceleration below the predetermined acceleration threshold applied to the translational component in response to actuation of the handle- actuated release mechanism, wherein the blocking lever is operable in its non- blocking position to allow the handle release lever to move to its actuated position.

[0025] The method can further include a step of fixing a blocking member to the housing and configuring the blocking member to not obstruct movement of the blocking lever while in its non-blocking position to allow the handle release lever to move to its actuated position and to obstruct movement of the blocking lever while in its blocking position to inhibit movement of the handle release lever to its actuated position.

[0026] The method can further include a step of providing the blocking lever having a first lug portion and a second lug portion extending away from a pivot axis of the blocking lever and away from one another and configuring the second lug portion to engage the blocking member when the blocking lever is in its blocking position.

[0027] The method can further include a step of configuring the second lug portion to be between the blocking member and the pivot axis when the blocking lever is in its blocking position.

[0028] The method can further include a step of configuring the first lug portion of blocking lever to engage a rib on the housing when the blocking lever is in its rest position, wherein engagement of the first lug portion with the rib causes blocking lever to pivot toward its non-blocking position in response to an acceleration below the predetermined acceleration threshold applied to the translational component and to pivot to its blocking position in response to an acceleration above the predetermined acceleration threshold applied to the translational component.

[0029] The method can further include a step of providing the blocking lever having a stop post and providing the blocking member having a stop hook and configuring the stop hook to obstruct the stop post to inhibit movement of the handle release lever to its actuated position when the blocking lever is in its blocking position.

[0030] The method can further include a step of arranging the blocking member to be between the pivot axis of the blocking lever and the stop post when the blocking lever is in its blocking position and configuring the stop post to pivot beneath the stop hook and out of engagement with the stop hook to allow movement of the handle release lever to its actuated position when the blocking lever is in its non-blocking position.

[0031 ] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the detailed description provided herein. As noted, the description provided in this summary section are intended for purposes of illustration only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure 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: [0033] FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a motor vehicle equipped with a door having a closure latch assembly constructed in accordance with and embodying the teachings of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a latch mechanism associated with the closure latch assembly of the present disclosure;

[0035] FIGS. 3A-3C are plan views of the latch mechanism shown in FIG. 2 respectively illustrating a primary latched state, a secondary latched state, and an unlatched state;

[0036] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a closure latch assembly having an inertia-actuated blocking mechanism constructed in accordance with a first, non limiting embodiment;

[0037] FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial view of the closure latch assembly of FIG. 4 illustrating a blocking lever of the inertia-actuated blocking mechanism located in a rest position when an OS release lever associated with the outside latch release mechanism is located in a rest position;

[0038] FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate a low-speed actuation of the handle- actuated cable release mechanism permitting movement of the blocking lever from its rest position to a non-blocking position during normal operating conditions;

[0039] FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate a high-speed actuation of the handle- actuated cable release mechanism showing movement of the blocking lever from its rest position to a blocking position during a crash situation;

[0040] FIG. 8 is a plan view similar to FIG. 5, but now illustrating integration of the inertia-actuated blocking mechanism constructed in accordance with a second, non-limiting embodiment; [0041 ] FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate a low-speed actuation of the handle- actuated cable release mechanism for permitting movement of a blocking lever of the blocking mechanism of FIG. 8 from its rest position into a non-blocking position during normal operating conditions;

[0042] FIGS. 10A-10D illustrate a high-speed actuation of the cable release mechanism showing movement of the blocking lever from its rest position into a blocking position during a crash situation; and

[0043] FIG. 1 1 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of inhibiting unintended unlatching of a closure latch assembly of a motor vehicle closure member in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure.

[0044] Corresponding reference numerals are used throughout the several views of the drawings to indicate corresponding components, unless otherwise indicated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0045] Example embodiments of closure latch assemblies for motor vehicle closure panels will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. To this end, the example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey its intended scope to those who are skilled in the art. Accordingly, numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of a particular embodiment of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that the example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and that the example embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some parts of the example embodiments, well-known processes, well- known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

[0046] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms“a,”“an,” and“the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms“comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0047] When an element or layer is referred to as being“on,”“engaged to,”“connected to,” or“coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,”“directly engaged to,”“directly connected to,” or“directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g.,“between” versus“directly between,”“adjacent” versus“directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term“and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0048] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as“first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0049] Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,”“lower,”“above,”“upper,”“top”,“bottom”, and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element’s or feature’s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as“below” or“beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented“above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term“below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptions used herein interpreted accordingly. [0050] FIG. 1 is a partial isometric view of a motor vehicle 10 having a vehicle body 12 and at least one closure member, shown as vehicle passenger door 14, by way of example and without limitation. Vehicle door 14 is hinged to vehicle body 12 for movement between closed and open positions. Vehicle door 14 includes an inside door handle 16, an outside door handle 17, a lock knob 18, and a closure latch assembly 20 positioned on an edge face 15 of door 14. As will be detailed, closure latch assembly 20 includes a latch mechanism 40 configured to releasably latch a striker 31 fixed to vehicle body 12, a latch release mechanism configured to selectively release the latch mechanism 40, a lock mechanism configured to selectively lock the latch mechanism 40, an inside (IS) handle-actuated release mechanism 101 configured to connect inside door handle 16 to the latch release mechanism, and an outside (OS) handle-actuated release mechanism 1 1 1 configured to connect outside door handle 17 to the latch release mechanism. However, it should be understood that the particular construction of these specific mechanisms is not critical or limiting to the present disclosure which relates to integration of an inertia-activated blocking mechanism between components of at least one of the handle-actuated release mechanisms and components of the latch release mechanism. As will be detailed hereafter, the inertia-activated blocking mechanism is configured to include an unbalanced inertia-weighted device operable to prevent unintended and unwanted unlatching of closure latch assembly 20, such as during an event causing a high acceleration of outside door handle 17 or components, including a release cable, of the OS handle-actuated release mechanism 1 1 1 , wherein such high accelerations are typically encountered during a crash event, by way of non-limiting example. [0051 ] While the closure member is illustrated as a passenger door 14, it is to be understood that closure latch assembly 20 to be described can likewise be adapted for use with alternative closure members such as, and without limitation, liftgates, tailgates, hatch doors, sliding doors, trunk lids and engine compartment hoods.

[0052] Referring initially to FIGS. 2 and 3A-3C, latch mechanism 40 of closure latch assembly 20 is shown, in a non-limiting embodiment, located within a latch housing 42 and configured as a traditional ratchet-pawl arrangement having a ratchet 44 and a pawl 46. Ratchet 44 is pivotably mounted via a ratchet pivot post 48 to a plate section 50 of latch housing 42. Likewise, pawl 46 is pivotably mounted via a pawl pivot post 54 to plate section 50 of latch housing 42. A frusto-trapezoidal channel, commonly referred to as fishmouth 60, is formed in plate segment 50 of latch housing 42 and is configured to receive striker 31 upon movement of door 14 toward its closed position. Specifically, striker 31 is configured to engage a striker retention slot 62 and a striker capture notch 64 formed in ratchet 44.

[0053] Ratchet 44 is shown in FIG. 3A rotated by striker 31 to a primary striker capture position, corresponding to a fully closed state of door 14, with pawl 46 located in a primary ratchet holding position such that a latch shoulder 66 formed on pawl 46 engages a primary latch notch 68 formed in ratchet 44, whereby striker 31 is held within striker capture notch 64. Ratchet 44 is shown in FIG. 3B rotated to a secondary striker capture position, corresponding to a partially open state of door 14, with pawl 46 located in a secondary ratchet holding position such that latch shoulder 66 on pawl 46 now engages a secondary latch notch 70 formed in ratchet 44, whereby striker 31 is located within retention slot 62. Finally, ratchet 44 is shown in FIG. 3C rotated to a striker release position, corresponding to an open state of door 14, and pawl 46 is shown located in a ratchet releasing position. Pawl 46 is normally biased toward its primary ratchet holding position via a pawl biasing member, shown by way of example and without limitation as a pawl spring 72 (FIG. 2), while ratchet 44 is normally biased toward its striker release position via a ratchet biasing member, shown by way of example and without limitation as a ratchet spring shown schematically by arrow 74. FIG. 3A illustrates closure latch assembly 20 operating in a primary latched mode with door 14 fully closed. FIG. 3B illustrates closure latch assembly 20 operating in a secondary latched mode with door 14 partially closed. FIG. 3C illustrates closure latch assembly 20 operating in an unlatched mode with door 14 permitted to move to its open position.

[0054] FIG. 2 illustrates pawl 46 to further include a pawl lug segment 76 which extends through a slot 78 formed in plate section 50 of latch housing 42. The locking mechanism associated with closure latch assembly 20 is operable to releasably retain pawl 46 in one of its ratchet holding positions. The lock mechanism includes a lock lever that is moveable (manually or via a power-operated lock actuator) between a first or "unlocked" position and a second or "locked" position with respect to pawl lug segment 76 of pawl 46. With the lock lever located in its unlocked position, a "latched/unlocked" mode is established for closure latch assembly 20 such that movement of pawl 46 to its ratchet releasing position is permitted. In contrast, location of the lock lever in its locked position establishes a "latched/locked" mode for closure latch assembly 20 and prevents movement of pawl 46 to its ratchet releasing position. Additionally, the latch release mechanism associated with closure latch assembly 20 is operable to move pawl 46 from its ratchet holding position into its ratchet releasing position to establish the unlatched mode. The latch release mechanism includes a pawl release lever 77 that is moveable (manually or via a power- operated release actuator) between a first or "rest" position and a second or "actuated" position with respect to pawl lug segment 76 of pawl 46. With the pawl release lever 77 located in its rest position, the latched/unlocked mode is established with pawl 46 maintained in its ratchet holding position. In contrast, movement of the pawl release lever 77 to its actuated position causes pawl release lever 77 to operably (indirectly) or directly engage pawl lug segment 76 and cause pawl 46 to move to its ratchet releasing position which, in turn, permits ratchet 44 to rotate to its striker release position for establishing the unlatched mode.

[0055] The IS handle-actuated release mechanism 101 and the OS handle-actuated release mechanism 1 1 1 associated with closure latch assembly 20 are configured to directly or indirectly cause movement of pawl 46 from its ratchet holding position to its ratchet releasing position when intended, which, in turn, permits ratchet spring 74 to move ratchet 44 to its striker release position. FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a translational component, such as a release cable 22, interconnecting inside door handle 16 to the IS handle-actuated release mechanism 101 within closure latch assembly 20. A similar translational component, such as a release cable 23, interconnects outside door handle 17 to the OS handle-actuated release mechanism 1 1 1. Obviously, alternative arrangements for mechanically interconnecting inside door handle 16 to the IS handle-actuated release mechanism 101 , as well as outside door handle 17 to the OS handle-actuated release mechanism 1 1 1 , within closure latch assembly 20 are contemplated and available.

[0056] FIG. 4 illustrates various components of closure latch assembly 20 including an IS lever 100 associated with the IS handle-actuated mechanism 101 , an IS coupling lever 102 provided in the kinematic chain between IS lever 100 and the pawl release lever 77, and the inside release cable 22 connected to IS lever 100 and inside handle 16. In addition, closure latch assembly 20 is shown to include a handle release lever, shown as an OS handle release lever, and referred to hereafter as OS lever 1 10, associated with the OS handle-actuated mechanism 1 1 1 , an OS coupling lever 1 12 provided in the kinematic chain between OS lever 1 10 and the pawl release lever 77, and the outside release cable 23 interconnecting OS lever 1 10 to outside handle 17.

[0057] Referring now to FIGS. 5-7D, a first, non-limiting embodiment of an inertia-activated blocking mechanism 120 is shown to generally include a blocking lever 122 connected to OS lever 1 10 for movement relative to OS lever 1 10. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, blocking lever 122 is pivotably connected to OS lever 1 10 for relative pivoting movement therewith about a pivot axis PA, both during normal, intended low acceleration actuation of outside door handle 17 (e.g. person lifts on outside door handle 17 to intentionally open door 14), and during unintended, high acceleration movement of outside door handle 17, as discussed hereafter. It is to be understood that the“high” acceleration is relative to the“low” acceleration, wherein the“high” acceleration is typically generated from a sudden, unintended movement of outside door handle 17, such as in a vehicle crash situation, while“low” acceleration is generated during normal, intentional actuation of outside door handle 17 to unlatch closure latch assembly 20. Accordingly, the“high” acceleration is typically unable to be generated by a person pulling on outside door handle 17 in normal use. Blocking lever 122 is configured as an unbalanced component. FIG. 5 illustrates blocking lever 122 located in a rest position when OS lever 1 10 is located in its non-actuated, rest position. FIG. 5 shows a first lug portion 123 of blocking lever 122 engaging a fixed first member, referred to hereafter as pivot member or first rib 124, and for example to an engagement surface 121 of first rib 124, fixed to latch housing 42 while inertia-activated blocking mechanism 120 and OS lever 1 10 are in their respective rest positions. Engagement surface 121 may be formed from a notch, a protrusion, a projection, a cut-out, as non-limiting examples. First rib 124 can be fixed as a monolithic piece of material with housing 42, or formed from a separate piece of material and subsequently fixed thereto, such as via any suitable fixing mechanism, e.g. weld, adhesive, fastener.

[0058] FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate a release of latch mechanism 40 and the OS latch release mechanism via actuation of outside handle 17 during intended, normal (i.e. non-crash) situations. FIG. 6A illustrates slight rotation of blocking lever 122 from its rest position and relative to first rib 124, as is indicated by arrow 126 in response to pivotal movement of OS lever 1 10 from its non-actuated position toward an actuated position. During the initial pulling action of OS release cable 23, along the direction of low acceleration force arrow LA, on OS lever 1 10, first lug portion 123 of blocking lever 1 10 is caused to pivot blocking lever 1 10 via engagement with first rib 124. FIG. 6B illustrates continued rotation of blocking lever 122 as OS release cable 23 continues to pull via lower acceleration force LA on OS lever 1 10, such that first lug portion 123 ramps along first rib 124 as OS lever 1 10 is moved from its non- actuated position toward its actuated position via release cable 23 due to actuation of outside handle 17. Note that a second lug portion 128 of blocking lever 122 is aligned for movement within and through a gap G defined between a fixed second member, referred to hereafter as stop member, blocking member or second rib 130, and a fixed guide member, referred to hereafter as third rib 132, formed on latch housing 42. As discussed above with regard to first rib 124, second and third ribs 130, 132 can be formed as monolithic pieces of material with latch housing 42 or from separate pieces of material subsequently fixed thereto. Finally, FIG. 6C illustrates blocking lever 122 fully moved through gap G and between second rib 130 and third rib 132 and located in its non-blocking position upon OS lever 1 10 being located in its actuated position as a result of intended, low acceleration force LA actuation of outside door handle 17. Accordingly, blocking lever 122 is not obstructed by either of second and third ribs 130, 132, such that pawl release lever 77 is able to be moved to release pawl 46 from its ratchet holding position to its ratchet release position, thereby allowing door 14 to be opened.

[0059] In contrast to the normal operation discussed above with regard to FIGS. 6A-6C, FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate an attempt to unintentionally actuate the OS handle-actuated mechanism 1 1 1 during a high-speed (high acceleration) situation, such as during a crash situation. FIG. 7A is similar to FIG. 6A and shows blocking lever 122 in its rest position at the initiation of a crash event. FIG. 7B illustrates the beginning of "inertial" rotation of blocking lever 122 about the pivot axis PA caused by high acceleration force movement of release cable 23 along the direction of high acceleration force arrow HA resulting from a sudden, unintended movement of outside door handle 17, as indicated by arrow 134. Blocking lever 122 may be biased about the pivot axis PA by a biasing member, such as a spring, illustratively represented as arrow 109 to generate a bias force to urge the blocking lever 123 in a counterclockwise direction as shown in FIG. 5 from its rest position. The high acceleration force causes the blocking lever 122 to move from its rest position to an unbalanced condition against the bias of biasing member 109 in response to the blocking lever 122 pivoting about pivot axis PA caused by first lug portion 123 of blocking lever 122 in releasably latched engagement with a first rib 124 on latch housing 22 initially inhibiting first lug portion 123 from moving along with the downward movement of lever 1 10. Such an initial resistance on first lug portion 123 causes uninhibited second lug portion 128 to rotate about fulcrum point defined by pivot axis PA in a clockwise direction as shown in FIG. 6A towards one of a balance configuration and an unbalanced configuration. Such an induced rotation of the of blocking lever 122 caused by the releasably latched engagement of blocking lever with a first rib 124 swings the first lug portion 123 out of latched engagement with the first tab 124 (as is imminently shown in FIG. 6A), while second lug portion 128 of blocking lever 122 is caused to swing. The degree of the swing of blocking lever 122 is based upon the amount of bias force due to biasing member 109 and the mass of the second lug portion 128 resisting a clockwise rotation of second lug portion 128 towards the gap G and the acceleration force arrow HA resulting from a sudden, unintended movement of outside door handle 17. When the acceleration force arrow HA resulting from a sudden, unintended movement of outside door handle 17 is sufficient to cause rotation of the blocking lever 122 and overcome the bias force due to biasing member 109 and the inertial resistance of the second lug portion 128 such that the second lug portion 128 is caused to rotate a certain degree so as to align the second lug portion 128 with the Gap G as shown in FIG. 6B placing the blocking lever 122 in a balanced inertia configuration. When so aligned with the Gap G, blocking lever 122 in its balanced inertia configuration may be received within Gap G. Due to the speed of rotation of blocking lever 122 and its downwards movement caused by movement of the lever 1 10, second lug portion 128 may be restricted from further rotation by abutment with second rib 130 as seen in FIG. 6B. FIG. 7C illustrates continued rotation (arrow 134) due to the high momentum and high inertia of blocking lever 122 produced from the high acceleration such that second lug portion 128 of blocking lever 122 is caused to swing above and beyond gap G into misaligned relation with gap G so as to not pass through gap G, such that blocking lever 122 registers in confronting alignment with a stop shoulder 131 formed on second rib 130 while in its blocking position. When so misaligned with the Gap G, blocking lever 122 in an unbalanced inertia configuration may be prevented from being received within Gap G. Due to a higher speed of rotation of blocking lever 122 and its downwards movement caused by a higher movement of the lever 1 10, second lug portion 128 is caused to overshoot an alignment with Gap G as shown in FIG. 7C. The higher acceleration force arrow HA resulting from a sudden, unintended movement of outside door handle 17 is sufficient to cause rotation of the blocking lever 122 and overcome the bias force due to biasing member 109 and the inertial resistance of the second lug portion 128 such that the second lug portion 128 is caused to further rotate a certain degree so as to misalign the second lug portion 128 with the Gap G. The balancement of any one of the force bias force due to biasing member 109 and the inertial mass of the second lug portion 128, and the width of the Gap G can define what acceleration force arrow HA places the blocking lever into its balanced inertia configuration or unbalanced inertia configuration. FIG. 7D illustrates forcible engagement of second lug portion 128 with stop shoulder 131 resulting from the high acceleration pulling force of OS release cable 23, which inhibits and stops continued rotation of OS lever 1 10 towards its actuated position, thereby preventing unintended release of latch mechanism 40.

[0060] FIG. 8 is similar to FIG. 5 and differs in that it now shows an inertia-activated blocking mechanism 120' for closure latch assembly 20 constructed in accordance with a second, non-limiting embodiment. Similar components of closure latch assembly 20 are identified with common reference numbers, with similar components of blocking mechanism 120' being identified with primed (') common reference numbers. Blocking mechanism 120' includes a blocking lever 122' connected to OS lever 1 10, and shown as being pivotably connected to OS lever 1 10 for relative pivotable movement about a pivot axis PA therewith. FIG. 8 illustrates blocking lever 122' located in its rest position when OS lever 1 10 is located in its non- actuated, rest position. Note, adjacent first lug portion 123' of blocking lever 122' is a notched, recessed or protruding shoulder 125 in releasably latched engagement with a first rib 124' on latch housing 22, and for example an engagement surface 121’ of first rib 124’. Engagement surface 121’ may be formed from a notch, a protrusion, a projection, a cut-out, as non-limiting examples. Blocking lever 122' also includes a stop member, also referred to as stop post 129.

[0061 ] FIGS. 9A-9C are a series of sequential views showing a low- speed, normal use, handle-operated actuation of OS release mechanism as OS lever 1 10 moves from its non-actuated position into its actuated position, corresponding to similar views discussed above for FIGS. 6A-6C. Rotation of blocking lever 122' into one of its balanced inertial configuration or unbalanced inertial configuration is induced in a like manner as described herein above with reference to rotation of blocking lever 122. FIG. 9A shows initial rotation of blocking lever 122', indicated by arrow 126', wherein blocking lever 122' is pulled with OS lever 1 10 during the initial pulling action of OS release cable 23, along the direction of low acceleration force arrow LA, and caused to pivot via shoulder 125 engaging first rib 124' (illustratively engaging an engagement surface 121’ of first rib 124’) . FIG. 9B illustrates stop post 129 of a second lug segment 128' displaced out of engagement with a stop member, also referred to as stop hook 131 ' on a stop member, also referred to as blocking member or second rib 130', as first lug segment 123' of blocker lever 122' rides along a guide member, also referred to as third rib 132'. As such, with stop post 129 being cleared from hooked engagement with stop hook 131 ', OS lever 1 10 is free to continue being pulled in translation with the low acceleration pulling force LA of OS release cable 23. FIG. 13C illustrates blocking lever 122' in its unblocking position when OS lever 1 10 is located in its fully actuated position with latch mechanism 40 released.

[0062] In contrast, FIGS. 10A-10D are a series of sequential views showing a high-speed (inertial) actuation attempt as a result of a crash situation, corresponding to similar views discussed above for FIGS. 7A-7D. FIG. 10A is similar to FIG. 9A and shows blocking lever 122' in its rest position and OS lever 1 10 in its non-actuated position. FIGS. 10B and 10C show rotation of blocking lever 122' (arrow 134') as OS lever 1 10 rotates from its non-actuated position towards its actuated position due to the sudden high acceleration forces HA (high acceleration forces generated above a predetermined acceleration threshold, with the acceleration threshold being an expected maximum acceleration encountered during normal use, and the high acceleration forces only encountered in a condition resembling a crash situation) and/or unintended movement of release cable 23 encountered in a crash condition and not during normal use. Finally, FIG. 10D illustrates stop post 129 hooked in engagement on blocking lever 122' being pivoted and retained on stop shoulder/hook 131 ' of second rib 130', such that second rib 130' obstructs stop post 129, thereby preventing any further rotation of OS lever 1 10 and preventing unintended release of latch mechanism 40. It is to be recognized that the inertia of stop post 129 needed for stop post 129 to become locked and hooked against stop hook 131 ' is only provided by being pivoted under the high acceleration forces HA discussed above, such as produced in a crash condition.

[0063] It is to be recognized that in the embodiments of inertia activated blocking mechanisms 120, 120' discussed above, that inertia activated blocking mechanisms 120, 120' can automatically reset after the high acceleration condition has ceased, thereby allowing latch mechanism 40 to be unlatched via intended, normal use actuation of outside door handle 17.

[0064] In accordance with a further aspect of the disclosure, as diagramed in FIG. 1 1 , a method 1000 of inhibiting unintended unlatching of a closure latch assembly 20 of a motor vehicle closure member 14 is provided. The method 1000 is applicable to wide variety of closure latch assemblies, such as, by way of example and without limitation, a closure latch assembly 20 having housing 42 operably supporting a ratchet 44 of a latch mechanism 40 for movement between a striker capture position and a striker release position and a pawl 46 for movement between a ratchet holding position for holding the ratchet 44 in its striker capture position and a ratchet releasing position for permitting the ratchet 44 to move to its striker release position; a pawl release lever 77 moveable between a non-actuated position and an actuated position, the pawl release lever 77 being operatively coupled to the pawl 46 such that movement of the pawl release lever 77 from its non- actuated position into its actuated position results in corresponding movement of the pawl 46 from its ratchet holding position to its ratchet releasing position; and a handle-actuated release mechanism 1 1 1 having a translational component 23 coupled to a door handle 17 and a handle release lever 1 10 coupled to the translational component 23, the handle release lever 1 10 being moveable between an actuated position, whereat the pawl release lever 77 is moved to its actuated position, and a non-actuated position. The method 1000 includes: a step 1 100 of coupling an inertia-activated blocking mechanism 120, 120' including blocking lever 122, 122' having an unbalanced inertia configuration to the handle release lever 1 10; a step 1200 of configuring the blocking lever 122, 122' to move from a rest position to a blocking position in response to an acceleration of the translational component above a predetermined acceleration threshold, wherein the blocking lever 122, 122' is operable in its blocking position to inhibit the handle release lever 1 10 from moving to its actuated position; and a step 1300 of configuring the blocking lever 122, 122' to move from its rest position to a non-blocking position in response to an acceleration of the translational component below the predetermined acceleration threshold in response to actuation of the handle-actuated release mechanism 1 1 1 , wherein the blocking lever 122, 122' is operable in its non-blocking position to allow the handle release lever 1 10 to move to its actuated position. [0065] The method 1000 can further include a step 1400 of fixing a blocking member 130, 130' to the housing 42 and configuring the blocking member 130, 130' to not obstruct movement of the blocking lever 122, 122' while in its non- blocking position to allow the handle release lever 1 10 to move to its actuated position and to obstruct movement of the blocking lever 122, 122' while in its blocking position to inhibit movement of the handle release lever 1 10 to its actuated position.

[0066] The method 1000 can further include a step 1500 of providing the blocking lever 122, 122' having a first lug portion 123, 123' and a second lug portion 128, 128' extending from a pivot axis PA of the blocking lever 122, 122' away from one another and configuring the second lug portion 128, 128' to engage the blocking member 130, 130' when the blocking lever 122, 122' is in its blocking position.

[0067] The method 1000 can further include a step 1600 of configuring the second lug portion 128 to be between the blocking member 130 and the pivot axis PA when the blocking lever 122 is in its blocking position.

[0068] The method 1000 can further include a step 1700 of configuring the first lug portion 123, 123' of blocking lever 122, 122' to engage a rib 124, 124' on the housing 42 when the blocking lever 122, 122' is in its rest position, wherein engagement of the first lug portion 123, 123' with the rib 124, 124' causes blocking lever 122, 122' to pivot toward its non-blocking position in response to an acceleration of the translational component 23 below the predetermined acceleration threshold and to pivot to its blocking position in response to an acceleration of the translational component 23 above the predetermined acceleration threshold. [0069] The method 1000 can further include a step 1800 of providing the blocking lever 122' having a stop post 129 and providing the blocking member 130' having a stop hook 13T and configuring the stop hook 13T to obstruct the stop post 129 to inhibit movement of the handle release lever 1 10 to its actuated position when the blocking lever 122' is in its blocking position.

[0070] The method 1000 can further include a step 1900 of arranging the blocking member 130' to be between the pivot axis PA of the blocking lever 122' and the stop post 129 when the blocking lever 122' is in its blocking position and configuring the stop post 129 to pivot beneath the stop hook 13T and out of engagement with the stop hook 13T to allow movement of the handle release lever 1 10 to its actuated position when the blocking lever 122' is in its non-blocking position.

[0071 ] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A closure latch assembly (20), comprising;

a housing (42);

a latch mechanism (40) including a ratchet (44) operably supported by the housing (42) for movement between a striker capture position and a striker release position, a pawl (46) operably supported for movement between a ratchet holding position for holding the ratchet (44) in its striker capture position and a ratchet releasing position for permitting the ratchet (44) to move to its striker release position, a ratchet biasing member (74) operable to bias the ratchet (44) toward its striker release position, and a pawl biasing member (72) operable to bias the pawl (46) toward its ratchet holding position;

a latch release mechanism having a pawl release lever (77) moveable between a non-actuated position and an actuated position, the pawl release lever (77) being operatively coupled to the pawl (46) such that movement of the pawl release lever (77) from its non-actuated position into its actuated position results in corresponding movement of the pawl (46) from its ratchet holding position to its ratchet releasing position;

a handle-actuated release mechanism (1 1 1 ) having a translational component (23) coupled to a handle (17) and a handle release lever (1 10) coupled to the translational component (23), the handle release lever (1 10) being moveable between a non-actuated position and an actuated position, whereat the pawl release lever (77) is moved to its actuated position; and an inertia-activated blocking mechanism (120, 120') including a blocking lever (122, 122') coupled to the handle release lever (1 10) and having an unbalanced inertia configuration,

wherein the unbalanced inertial configuration causes the blocking lever (122, 122') to move from a rest position to a blocking position in response to an acceleration of the translational component (23) above a predetermined acceleration, wherein the blocking lever (122, 122') is operable in its blocking position to inhibit the handle release lever (1 10) from moving to its actuated position.

2. The closure latch assembly (20) of Claim 1 , wherein the blocking lever (122, 122') moves from its rest position to a non-blocking position in response to an acceleration of the translational component (23) below the predetermined acceleration threshold in response to actuation of the handle-actuated release mechanism (1 1 1 ), whereat the blocking lever (122, 122') is operable in its non- blocking position to allow the handle release lever (1 10) to move to its actuated position.

3. The closure latch assembly (20) of Claim 2, wherein the blocking lever (122, 122') is pivotably coupled to the handle release lever (1 10) for pivoting movement about a pivot axis (PA) between the rest position, the blocking position and the non-blocking position.

4. The closure latch assembly (20) of Claim 3, further including a blocking member (130, 130') fixed to the housing, the blocking member being configured to not obstruct movement of the blocking lever (122, 122') while in its non-blocking position to allow the handle release lever (1 10) to move to its actuated position and to obstruct movement of the blocking lever (122, 122') while in its blocking position to inhibit movement of the handle release lever (1 10) to its actuated position.

5. The closure latch assembly (20) of Claim 4, wherein the blocking member (130) is spaced from a guide member (132) to define a gap (G) therebetween, wherein the blocking lever (122) passes through the gap (G) between the blocking member (130) and the guide member (132) while in its non- blocking position to allow the handle release lever (1 10) to move to its actuated position.

6. The closure latch assembly (20) of Claim 5, wherein the blocking lever (122) is misaligned with the gap (G) while in its blocking position so as to not pass through the gap (G) while in its blocking position to inhibit movement of the handle release lever (1 10) to its actuated position.

7. The closure latch assembly (20) of Claim 4, wherein the blocking lever (122') has a stop post (129) and the blocking member (130') has a stop hook (13T) configured to obstruct the stop post (129) to inhibit movement of the handle release lever (1 10) to its actuated position when the blocking lever (122') is in its blocking position.

8. The closure latch assembly (20) of Claim 7, wherein the blocking lever (122') has a shoulder (125) configured to engaged a rib (124') fixed to the housing (42) to initiate pivotal movement of the blocking lever (122') when the blocking lever (122') moves from its rest position in response to movement of the translational component (23).

9. The closure latch assembly (20) of Claim 7, wherein the blocking member (130') is between the pivot axis (PA) of the blocking lever (122') and the stop post (129) when the blocking lever (122') is in its blocking position.

10. The closure latch assembly (20) of Claim 7, wherein the stop post (129) pivots beneath the stop hook (13T) and out of engagement with the stop hook (13T) to allow movement of the handle release lever (1 10) to its actuated position when the blocking lever (122') is in its non-blocking position.

1 1. The closure latch assembly (20) of Claim 4, wherein the blocking lever (122) has a first lug portion (123) and a second lug portion (128) extending away from the pivot axis (PA) away from one another, the second lug portion (128) being configured to engage the blocking member (130) when the blocking lever (122) is in its blocking position.

12. The closure latch assembly (20) of Claim 1 1 , wherein the second lug portion (128) is between the blocking member (130) and the pivot axis (PA) when the blocking lever (122) is in its blocking position.

13. The closure latch assembly (20) of Claim 1 1 , wherein the first lug portion (123) of blocking lever (122) engages a rib (124) on the housing (42) when the blocking lever (122) is in its rest position, wherein engagement of the first lug portion (123) with the rib (124) causes blocking lever (122) to pivot toward its non- blocking position in response to an acceleration below the predetermined acceleration threshold applied to the translational component (23) and to pivot to its blocking position in response to an acceleration above the predetermined acceleration threshold applied to the translational component.

14. A method (1000) of inhibiting unintended unlatching of a closure latch assembly (20) of a motor vehicle closure member (14) having a housing (42) operably supporting a ratchet (44) of a latch mechanism (40) for movement between a striker capture position and a striker release position and a pawl (46) for movement between a ratchet holding position for holding the ratchet (44) in its striker capture position and a ratchet releasing position for permitting the ratchet (44) to move to its striker release position, a pawl release lever (77) moveable between a non-actuated position and an actuated position, the pawl release lever (77) being operatively coupled to the pawl (46) such that movement of the pawl release lever (77) from its non-actuated position into its actuated position results in corresponding movement of the pawl (46) from its ratchet holding position to its ratchet releasing position, a handle-actuated release mechanism (1 1 1 ) having a translational component (23) coupled to a door handle (17) and a handle release lever (1 10) to the translational component (23), the handle release lever (1 10) being moveable between an actuated position, whereat the pawl release lever (77) is moved to its actuated position, and a non-actuated position, comprising:

coupling an inertia-activated blocking mechanism (120, 120') including blocking lever (122, 122') having an unbalanced inertia configuration to the handle release lever (1 10);

configuring the blocking lever (122, 122') to move from a rest position to a blocking position in response to an acceleration of the translational component (23) above a predetermined acceleration threshold, wherein the blocking lever (122, 122') is operable in its blocking position to inhibit the handle release lever (1 10) from moving to its actuated position; and

configuring the blocking lever (122, 122') to move from its rest position to a non-blocking position in response to an acceleration of the translational component (23) below the predetermined acceleration threshold in response to actuation of the handle-actuated release mechanism (1 1 1 ), wherein the blocking lever (122, 122') is operable in its non-blocking position to allow the handle release lever (1 10) to move to its actuated position.

15. The method of Claim 14, further including fixing a blocking member (130, 130') to the housing (42) and configuring the blocking member (130, 130') to not obstruct movement of the blocking lever (122, 122') while in its non-blocking position to allow the handle release lever (1 10) to move to its actuated position and to obstruct movement of the blocking lever (122, 122') while in its blocking position to inhibit movement of the handle release lever (1 10) to its actuated position.

16. The method of Claim 14, further including providing the blocking lever (122, 122') having a first lug portion (123, 123') and a second lug portion (128, 128') extending away from a pivot axis (PA) of the blocking lever (122, 122') and away from one another and configuring the second lug portion (128, 128') to engage the blocking member (122, 122') when the blocking lever (122, 122') is in its blocking position.

17. The method of Claim 16, further including configuring the second lug portion (128) to be between the blocking member (130) and the pivot axis (PA) when the blocking lever (122) is in its blocking position.

18. The method of Claim 17, further including configuring the first lug portion (123, 123') of blocking lever (122, 122') to engage a rib (124, 124') on the housing (42) when the blocking lever (122, 122') is in its rest position, wherein engagement of the first lug portion (123, 123') with the rib (124, 124') causes blocking lever (122, 122') to pivot toward its non-blocking position in response to an acceleration of the translational component (23) below the predetermined acceleration threshold and to pivot to its blocking position in response to an acceleration of the translational component (23) above the predetermined acceleration threshold.

19. The method of Claim 14, further including providing the blocking lever (122') having a stop post (129) and providing the blocking member (130') having a stop hook (13T) and configuring the stop hook (13T) to obstruct the stop post (129) to inhibit movement of the handle release lever (1 10) to its actuated position when the blocking lever (122') is in its blocking position.

20. The method of Claim 19, further including arranging the blocking member (130') to be between the pivot axis (PA) of the blocking lever (122') and the stop post (129) when the blocking lever (122') is in its blocking position and configuring the stop post (129) to pivot beneath the stop hook (13T) and out of engagement with the stop hook (13T) to allow movement of the handle release lever (1 10) to its actuated position when the blocking lever (122') is in its non- blocking position.