WO2022245866A1

WO2022245866A1 - Vehicle door latch

Info

Publication number: WO2022245866A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/029689
Authority: WO
Inventors: George Stephen KOURTAKIS; Stephen Jones
Original assignee: Motown Engineering, Inc.
Priority date: 2021-05-17
Filing date: 2022-05-17
Publication date: 2022-11-24

Abstract

A vehicle door latch device including an inside release lever mechanism, an outside release lever mechanism, a motorized drivetrain, a sliding transfer member configured to translate in a first translation direction and transmit a sliding member force based on receiving at least one of the inside release lever force from the inside release lever mechanism, the outside release lever force from the outside release lever mechanism, and the motorized drivetrain force from the motorized drivetrain, a pawl assembly configured to transmit a rotational release force based on receiving the sliding member force and, and a ratchet configured to release a door striker retained by the ratchet from a latched state to an unlatched state based on receiving the rotational release force.

Description

VEHICLE DOOR LATCH

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Embodiments of the invention pertain to door latches for vehicles.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/189,553 filed on May 17, 2021. The disclosure of the application listed above is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Various forms of vehicular latches are known. There are a variety of features and attributes that are desired in such latches. Among these features are: small size; low weight; multiple functions; reduction of noises caused by external inputs that reaches the interior of the vehicle; strength in vehicle impact conditions, and ability to accommodate “smart” features for integration with other vehicle systems that are highly instrumented and integrated with vehicle electronics. Accordingly, there remains room for further innovation, improvement and development, as technology advances towards automated latching systems such as door open/close functionality without the use of door handles.

[0004] In many automobiles, the side doors are attached to vehicles so as to have a hinged end and a latched end. The hinged type of automobile side door typically has the hinges mounted at the front of the doors, and the vehicle door latch mounted at the rear of the door. This layout allows for the doors to swing between open and closed positions. These positions are used as an entry and exit for the vehicle.

In another version, it is also known to use side doors that slide along a defined track that guides the doors through their motion. This style of automobile side door is typically seen on minivan type vehicles, but may also be deployed on other types of vehicles. Sliding doors may also have the primary side door latch mounted at the rear face of the door. Hatchbacks and still other types of doors are also used in certain vehicles. Still other versions include “Gull-Wing” doors having the hinge attached horizontally along the length of the vehicle at the roof of the vehicle and the vehicle door latch at the lower edge of the door, as well as doors that would open on a horizontal hinge along the width of the vehicle, such that the doors in these versions swing in a vertical arc rather than the more conventional horizontal arc as first described herein.

[0005] The automobile side door latch is intended to keep the door closure in its closed position, while also providing the ability to lock the door either by disabling the release mechanism or by virtual lock in the case of an electronic release latch. The side door latch also provides the ability to unlock and release the vehicle door latch from the striker on the vehicle to provide access to and from the vehicle, whether by manual or powered operation.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0006] It should be appreciated that this Brief Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0007] In one embodiment disclosed herein, a vehicle door latch device includes an inside release lever mechanism configured to transmit an inside release lever force received from an inside release lever, an outside release lever mechanism configured to transmit an outside release lever force received from an outside release lever, and a motorized drivetrain configured to transmit a motorized drivetrain force based on receiving an electric signal. The vehicle door latch device further includes a sliding transfer member configured to translate in a first translation direction and transmit a sliding member force based on receiving at least one of: the inside release lever force from the inside release lever mechanism; the outside release lever force from the outside release lever mechanism; and the motorized drivetrain force from the motorized drivetrain. The vehicle door latch device further includes a pawl assembly configured to transmit a rotational release force based on receiving the sliding member force and, and a ratchet configured to release a door striker retained by the ratchet from a latched state to an unlatched state based on receiving the rotational release force.

[0008] In another embodiment disclosed herein, the vehicle door latch device includes a sliding transfer member configured to slide in a linear direction between a first and a second position, the sliding transfer member configured to receive an unlatching force from: 1) an inside release lever mechanism configured to transmit an inside release lever force from an inside release lever; 2)an outside release lever mechanism configured to transmit an outside release lever force from an outside release lever, and 3) a motorized drivetrain configured to transmit a motorized drivetrain force based receiving an electric signal. The vehicle door latch device further includes the sliding transfer member further configured to mechanically convert the unlatching force in the linear direction between the first and the second positions to a rotational direction to be received by a pawl assembly in mechanical communication with a ratchet configured to release a door striker retained by the ratchet from a latched state to an unlatched state.

[0009] In another embodiment disclosed herein, a method of operating a vehicle door latch includes providing a door latch including: an inside release lever mechanism configured to rotate in a first rotational direction by receiving an inside release lever force from an inside release lever; a sliding transfer member configured translate in a first translation direction by receiving the inside release lever force from the inside release lever mechanism; a pawl assembly configured to rotate in a second rotational direction by receiving the inside release lever force from the sliding transfer member; and a ratchet configured to release a door striker retained in a latched state by the ratchet when the inside release lever force is received from the pawl assembly. The method of operating the vehicle door latch further includes receiving, via the inside release lever mechanism, and transmitting the inside release lever force to the sliding transfer member, receiving, via the sliding transfer member, and transmitting the inside release lever force to the pawl assembly, and receiving, via the ratchet, the inside release lever force configured to release the door striker retained by the ratchet from the latched state to an unlatched state.

[0010] In another embodiment disclosed herein, a method of operating a vehicle door latch includes providing a door latch including: an outside release lever mechanism configured to rotate in a first rotational direction by receiving an outside release lever force from an outside release lever; a sliding transfer member configured translate in a first translation direction by receiving the outside release lever force from the outside release lever mechanism; a pawl assembly configured to rotate in a second rotational direction by receiving the outside release lever force from the sliding transfer member; and a ratchet configured to release a door striker retained in a latched state by the ratchet by receiving the outside release lever force from the pawl assembly. The method of operating the vehicle door latch further includes receiving, via the outside release lever mechanism, and transmitting the outside release lever force to the sliding transfer member, receiving, via the sliding transfer member, and transmitting the outside release lever force to the pawl assembly, and receiving, via the ratchet, the outside release lever force configured to release a door striker retained by the ratchet from a latched state to an unlatched state. [0011] In another embodiment disclosed herein, a method of operating a vehicle door latch includes providing a door latch including a motorized drivetrain configured to output a motorized drivetrain force in a first rotational direction based on receiving an electric signal, a sliding transfer member configured translate in a first translation direction by receiving the motorized drivetrain force from the motorized drivetrain, a pawl assembly configured to rotate in a second rotational direction by receiving the motorized drivetrain force from the sliding transfer member, and a ratchet configured to release a door striker retained in a latched state by the ratchet by receiving the motorized drivetrain force from the pawl assembly. The method of operating the vehicle door latch further includes receiving, via the motorized drivetrain, and transmitting the motorized drivetrain force to the sliding transfer member, receiving, via the sliding transfer member, and transmitting the motorized drivetrain force to the pawl assembly, and receiving, via the ratchet, the motorized drivetrain force configured to release a door striker retained by the ratchet from a latched state to an unlatched state.

[0012] In another embodiment disclosed herein, a vehicle door latch device includes an inside release lever mechanism configured to transmit an inside release lever force received from an inside release lever on a vehicle door, a bellcrank configured to receive a rotational motion in a first rotational axis from the inside release lever mechanism in response to the inside release lever force and convert the rotational motion to a second rotational motion in a second rotational axis, the second rotational axis perpendicular to the first rotational axis, and a sliding transfer member configured to slide in a linear direction along a first linear axis between a first and a second position, the sliding transfer member configured to receive the inside release lever force in the second rotational motion from the bellcrank. The method of operating the vehicle door latch further includes the sliding transfer member further configured convert the inside release lever force in the second rotational motion into the linear direction along the first linear axis, the first linear axis being perpendicular to the second rotational axis, the inside release lever force configured to be received by a pawl assembly in mechanical communication with a ratchet and configured to release a door striker retained by the ratchet.

[0013] In another embodiment disclosed herein, a vehicle door latch device includes an inside release lever mechanism configured to transmit an inside release lever force received from an inside release lever on a vehicle door, a bellcrank configured to receive a rotational motion in a first rotational axis from the inside release lever mechanism in response to the inside release lever force and convert the rotational motion to a second rotational motion in a second rotational axis, the second rotational axis perpendicular to the first rotational axis, a child lock actuator including an eccentric cam surface on a distal end, wherein an end opposite the distal end is configured to be rotated about a longitudinal axis to engage the eccentric cam surface with a first portion of the bellcrank and thereby translate, in an axial direction of the bellcrank, the first portion of the bellcrank away from a second portion of the bellcrank such that the inside release lever force is prevented from being transferred between the first and second portions of the bellcrank, and a sliding transfer member configured to slide in a linear direction along a first linear axis between a first and a second position, the sliding transfer member configured to receive the inside release lever force in the second rotational motion from the bellcrank when the eccentric cam surface of the child lock actuator is not engaging the first portion of the bellcrank. The vehicle door latch device including the sliding transfer member further configured convert the inside release lever force in the second rotational motion into the linear direction along the first linear axis, the first linear axis being perpendicular to the second rotational axis, the inside release lever force configured to be received by a pawl assembly in mechanical communication with a ratchet and configured to release a door striker retained by the ratchet.

[0014] In another embodiment disclosed herein, a vehicle door latch device includes a ratchet configured to receive, retain and release a vehicle door striker, the ratchet including a ratchet projection disposed orthogonal to a first axis of rotation of the ratchet, the projection having at least two contact surfaces, a first pawl rotating on a second axis of rotation and configured to contact the ratchet on a first ratchet contact surface and a second ratchet contact surface, the first pawl further including a first pawl projection disposed orthogonal to the second axis of rotation, and a second pawl rotating on the second axis of rotation and configured 1) to engage the first pawl projection of the first pawl in a bounded window within the second pawl, and 2) to engage one of the two contact surfaces of the ratchet projection with a second pawl guide surface at a first time, and engage the other of the two contact surfaces of the ratchet projection with a second pawl engagement surface at a second time.

[0015] In another embodiment disclosed herein, a vehicle door latch device includes an inside release lever mechanism configured to transmit an inside release lever force received from an inside release lever, an outside release lever mechanism configured to transmit an outside release lever force received from an outside release lever, and a sliding transfer member configured to translate in a first translation direction and transmit a sliding member force based on receiving at least one of the inside release lever force from the inside release lever mechanism, the outside release lever force from the outside release lever mechanism. The vehicle door latch device further including a pawl assembly configured to transmit a rotational release force based on receiving the sliding member force, and a ratchet configured to release a door striker retained by the ratchet from a latched state to an unlatched state based on receiving the rotational release force. The vehicle door latch device further including the sliding transfer member configured to be translated into a first position where the inside release lever mechanism and the outside lever release mechanism are prevented from transmitting the sliding member force to the pawl assembly. The vehicle door latch device further including the sliding transfer member configured to be translated into a second position where the outside lever release mechanism are prevented from transmitting the sliding member force to the pawl assembly and the inside release lever mechanism may transmit the sliding member force to the pawl assembly. The vehicle door latch device further including the sliding transfer member configured to be translated into a third position where the outside lever release mechanism and the inside release lever mechanism may transmit the sliding member force to the pawl assembly. [0016] In another embodiment disclosed herein, a vehicle door latch device includes an inside release lever mechanism configured to transmit an inside release lever force received from an inside release lever, an outside release lever mechanism configured to transmit an outside release lever force received from an outside release lever, a motorized drivetrain configured to transmit a motorized drivetrain force based on receiving an electric signal, a sliding transfer member configured to translate in a first translation direction and transmit a sliding member force based on receiving at least one of: 1) the inside release lever force from the inside release lever mechanism, 2) the outside release lever force from the outside release lever mechanism, and 3) the motorized drivetrain force from the motorized drivetrain. The vehicle door latch device further including a pawl assembly including a first pawl and a second pawl configured to transmit a rotational release force based on receiving the sliding member force, and a ratchet configured to release a door striker retained by the ratchet from a latched state to an unlatched state based on receiving the rotational release force. The vehicle door latch device further including a first position sensor for sensing a position of the first pawl to generate a door ajar signal, a second position sensor for sensing a position of the second pawl to generate a latch cinching signal, a third position sensor for sensing a position of the outside release lever to generate a power assisted release signal; and a fourth position sensor for sensing a position of the sliding transfer member to generate a latch state signal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The embodiments will be better understood from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, which are not necessarily drawing to scale and in which:

[0018] FIG. l is a perspective illustration of an automobile showing the location of a latch of an embodiment of the invention including an XYZ axis orientation diagram used throughout the remainder of this disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 2 is a logic flowchart illustrating the interaction of various components of the vehicle door latch contained within a vehicle door of an embodiment of the invention;

[0020] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of components of the vehicle door latch of an embodiment of the invention;

[0021] FIGs. 4A-4D illustrates four perspective views of the housing according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0022] FIGs. 5A-5D illustrates four perspective views of the frame plate according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0023] FIGs. 6A-6D illustrates four perspective exploded views of the housing and frame plate according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0024] FIGs. 7A-7D illustrates four perspective exploded views of the housing, frame plate and pivot pins according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0025] FIGs. 8A-8D illustrates four perspective views of the housing, frame plate and pivot pins in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0026] FIGs. 9A-9D illustrates four perspective views of the backplate according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0027] FIGs. 10A-10D illustrates four perspective views of the housing, frame plate, pivot pins and backplate in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0028] FIGs. 11A-11D illustrates four perspective views of the transmission housing according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0029] FIGs. 12A-12D illustrates four perspective views of the transmission housing, drivetrain and bellcrank in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0030] FIGs. 13A-13D illustrates four perspective views of the front and rear switch housings according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0031] FIGs. 14A-14D illustrates four perspective views of the front and rear switch housings and corresponding sensor switches according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein; [0032] FIGs. 15A-15D illustrates four perspective views of the switch housings, frame plate and backplate in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0033] FIGs. 16A-16D illustrates four perspective views of the frame plate, switch housings, backplate and housing in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0034] FIGs. 17A-17D illustrates four perspective views of the multi-link according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0035] FIGs. 18A-18D illustrates four perspective views of the multi-link, backplate, pivot pin, bushing and transmission housing in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0036] FIGs. 19A-19B illustrates two perspective views of the multi-link, backplate, pivot pin and bushing in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0037] FIG. 20A illustrates a top view of the multi -link and inertia catch, and FIG. 20B illustrates a cross-section view along line (A-A) of FIG. 20A of the multi-link and the inertia catch in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0038] FIGs. 21A-21B illustrates two perspective views of the multi-link, backplate, recess and switch in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein; [0039] FIG. 22A illustrates a perspective view of the multi -link, multi -link position switch, outside release lever spring, bushing, drive transmission assembly and backplate, where FIG. 22B is a side view of the assembled configuration of FIG. 22A according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0040] FIGs. 23A-23B illustrates two perspective views of the multi-link with position detents to engage with outside release lever spring in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0041] FIGs. 24A-24B illustrates two perspective views of the multi-link with a teeth engaging gear drive in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0042] FIGs. 25A-25B illustrates two perspective views of the multi-link with the drive transmission in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0043] FIGs. 26A-26B illustrates two perspective views of the multi-link with bellcrank tooth of the upper bellcrank in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0044] FIGs. 27A-27D illustrates four perspective views of the multi-link with an inertia catch supported by the transmission housing in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0045] FIGs. 28A-28D illustrates four perspective views of the lower bellcrank according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0046] FIGs. 29A-29B illustrates two perspective views of the child lock actuator in a non-engaged position in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0047] FIGs. 30A-30B illustrates two perspective views of the child lock actuator in an engaged position in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein; [0048] FIGs. 31A-31D illustrates four perspective views of the ratchet according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0049] FIGs. 32A-32D illustrates four perspective views of the secondary pawl according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0050] FIGs. 33A-33D illustrates four perspective views of the primary pawl according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0051] FIGs. 34A-34D illustrates four perspective views of the pawl assembly and ratchet in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0052] FIGs. 35A-35D illustrates four perspective views of the pawl assembly in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0053] FIGs. 36A-36D illustrates four perspective views of the pawl assembly, outside lever pivot pin and bushing and the multi-link in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0054] FIGs. 37A-37B illustrates two perspective views of he pawl assembly, outside lever pivot pin and bushing, the multi-link and frame plate in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0055] FIGs. 38A illustrates a cross-section view of the striker engaged with the ratchet along line (A-A) of FIG. 38B which illustrates the frame plate, striker, ratchet and ratchet pivot pin in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0056] FIGs. 38C illustrates a cross-section view of the striker disengaged from the ratchet along line (B-B) of FIG. 38D which illustrates the frame plate, striker, ratchet and ratchet pivot pin in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0057] FIGs. 39A-39D illustrates four perspective views of the pawl assembly, multi -link and outside lever pivot pin and bushing in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0058] FIGs. 40A-40D illustrates four perspective views of the child lock actuator according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0059] FIGs. 41A-41D illustrates four perspective views of the child lock actuator, bellcrank and transmission assembly in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0060] FIGs. 42A-42D illustrates four perspective views of the upper bellcrank according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0061] FIGs. 43A-43D illustrates four perspective views of the lower bellcrank according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0062] FIGs. 44A-44B illustrates two perspective views of the frame plate, the inside release lever, bellcrank assembly and unengaged child lock actuator in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0063] FIGs. 45A-45B illustrates two perspective views of the inside release lever, the bellcrank assembly and the child lock actuator in an engaged disposition in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0064] FIG. 46A illustrates a cross-section view of the lower bellcrank with engaging fingers and a corresponding multi-link engagement recess along line (A-A) of FIG. 46B illustrating a side view of the lower bellcrank, inside release lever, child lock actuator and multi-link recess engagement in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0065] FIGs. 47A-47B illustrates two perspective views of the inertia catch supported on the transmission assembly configured to interface with the multi-link in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0066] FIGs. 47C-47D illustrates two perspective views of the inertia catch and multi-link in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0067] FIG. 48A illustrates a cross-section view of a double locked functional state of the vehicle door latch where the outside release lever biasing spring engages a first section on an underside the multi-link along a line (A-A) of FIG. 48B illustrating a top view of the multi -link and the inertia catch in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0068] FIG. 48C illustrates a cross-section view of a locked functional state of the vehicle door latch where the outside release lever biasing spring engages a first section on an underside the multi-link along a line (B-B) of FIG. 48D illustrating a top view of the multi-link and the inertia catch in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0069] FIG. 48E illustrates a cross-section view of a unlocked functional state of the vehicle door latch where the outside release lever biasing spring engages a first section on an underside the multi-link along a line (C-C) of FIG. 48F illustrating a top view of the multi -link and the inertia catch in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein; [0070] FIG. 48G illustrates a cross-section view of an open functional state of the vehicle door latch where the outside release lever biasing spring engages a first section on an underside the multi-link along a line (D-D) of FIG. 48H illustrating a top view of the multi-link and the inertia catch in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0071] FIGs. 49A-49D illustrates four perspective views of the sensor switch housing with corresponding sensor switches located therein in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0072] FIGs. 50A-50D illustrates four perspective views of the outside lever pivot pin and bushing, outside release lever and bias spring, and switch in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0073] FIGs. 51A-51D illustrates four perspective views of the bushing, pawl assembly, switch housing in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein; [0074] FIG. 52 illustrates a front view of switch housing, sensor switches and pawl assembly in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0075] FIGs. 53A-53D illustrates four perspective views of the ratchet, pawl assembly and corresponding sensor switches, inside release lever, bellcrank and multi-link in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0076] FIGs. 54A-54D illustrates four perspective views of the multi -link, outside release lever, pivot pin and bushing, and locking lever in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0077] FIGs. 55A-55C illustrates a side view and two perspective views, accordingly, of the multi-link with the inertia catch and biasing spring in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0078] FIGs. 56A-56D illustrates four perspective views of the ratchet and bias spring, rear switch housing and backplate in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein; [0079] FIGs. 57A-57D illustrates four perspective views of the pawl assembly and biasing springs, rear switch housing, backplate in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0080] FIGs. 58A-58D illustrates four perspective views of the pawl assembly and corresponding biasing springs and the outside release pivot pin and bushing in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0081] FIGs. 59A-59D illustrates four perspective views of the primary pawl, primary pawl biasing spring, and outside release lever pivot pin and bushing in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0082] FIGs. 60A-60D illustrates four perspective views of the secondary pawl, secondary pawl biasing spring, pawl pivot pin and backplate in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0083] FIGs. 61A-61C illustrates three front hidden line views corresponding to a double locked configuration, a locked configuration, and an unlocked configuration, respectively, according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0084] FIG. 62 illustrates a side view of a double locked configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0085] FIG. 63 illustrates a side view of a locked configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0086] FIG. 64 illustrates a side view of an unlocked configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0087] FIG. 65 illustrates a side view of an open configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0088] FIG. 66 illustrates a perspective cross-section of the vehicle door latch in an open configuration state depicting the outside release lever spring engaging a ramp portion of the multi-link engagement surface according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein; [0089] FIG. 67 illustrates a perspective cross-section of the vehicle door latch in an open configuration state, similar to FIG. 66, depicting the secondary pawl engagement with an engagement portion of the multi-link according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0090] FIG. 68 illustrates a perspective cross-section of pre -engagement striker with the pawl assembly and ratchet according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0091] FIG. 69 illustrates a perspective cross-section of pre -engagement striker with the primary pawl and ratchet according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0092] FIG. 70 illustrates a perspective view of a pre -engagement striker with pawl assembly, ratchet and the locking lever engaging the multi-link to prevent the multi-link from translating according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0093] FIG. 71 illustrates a perspective view of the locking lever disengaged the multi-link thereby enabling the multi-link to translate according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein; [0094] FIG. 72 illustrates a perspective view of a striker path for a target ratchet engagement surface on the ratchet according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0095] FIG. 73 illustrates a perspective view of the ratchet and pivot pin, and primary pawl and pivot pin in open position where the ratchet slides along an upper surface of the primary pawl according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0096] FIG. 74 illustrates a perspective view of a ratchet and pivot pin, the pawl assembly and pivot pin in an open position where the secondary pawl engages a ratchet engagement surface according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0097] FIG. 75 illustrates a top perspective view of the outside release lever, the multi-link, the switch housing and the backplate wherein the outside release lever is engaged with the multi-link and configured to translate the multi-link accordingly, according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0098] FIG. 76 illustrates a bottom perspective view of FIG. 75 of the outside release lever, the multi link, the switch housing and the backplate wherein the outside release lever is engaged with the multi-link and configured to translate the multi-link accordingly, according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0099] FIG. 77 illustrates a perspective view of a secondary lock configuration where the outside lever release bias spring engages a first detent portion of the underside of the multi-link, according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0100] FIG. 78 illustrates a perspective cross-section view of the secondary lock configuration of FIG. 77 with the secondary pawl not engaging multi-link engagement surface according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0101] FIG. 79 illustrates a perspective cross-section view the secondary lock configuration of FIGs. 77-78 with the secondary pawl engaging the ratchet engaging surface according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0102] FIG. 80 illustrates a perspective cross-section view the secondary lock configuration of FIGs. 77-79 with the primary pawl engaging a lower sliding ratchet engaging surface according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0103] FIG. 81 illustrates a perspective view of the secondary lock configuration of FIGs. 77-80 with the secondary pawl engaging the ratchet engaging surface according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0104] FIG. 82 illustrates a perspective cross-section view of the secondary lock configuration of FIGs. 77-81 with the primary pawl engaging a lower sliding ratchet engaging surface according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0105] FIG. 83 illustrates a perspective view the secondary lock configuration of FIGs. 77-82 with the primary pawl engaging a lower sliding ratchet engaging surface further illustrating position sensor switches portions for each of the primary and secondary pawls according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0106] FIG. 84 illustrates a perspective view of the secondary lock configuration of FIGs. 77-83 with the primary pawl engaging a lower sliding ratchet engaging surface further illustrating the outside release lever engaging a corresponding portion on the multi-link according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0107] FIG. 85 illustrates perspective cross-section view of a double locked configuration where the outside lever release bias spring engages a pre-detent portion of the underside of the multi-link and the multi-link is moved to right-most position, according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0108] FIG. 86 illustrates a perspective cross-section view of the double locked configuration of FIG. 85 with the secondary pawl not engaging a multi-link engagement surface according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0109] FIG. 87 illustrates a perspective cross-section view the double locked configuration of FIG. 85-

86 with the secondary pawl engaging a rear sensor switch housing limit surface according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0110] FIG. 88 illustrates a perspective cross-section view the double locked configuration of FIGs. 85-

87 with the primary pawl disengaged from the lower sliding ratchet engaging surface, and the primary pawl engaging a rear sensor switch housing limit surface according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0111] FIG. 89 illustrates of perspective view of the double lock configuration of FIGs. 85-88 where the outside release lever is non-engageable with the multi-link engagement surface according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0112] FIG. 90 illustrates an alternate perspective view to FIG. 89 of the double lock configuration of FIGs. 85-88 where the outside release lever is non-engageable with the multi-link engagement surface according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0113] FIG. 91 illustrates an alternate perspective view to FIGs. 89-90 of the double lock configuration of FIGs. 85-88 where the outside release lever is non-engageable with the multi -link engagement surface according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0114] FIG. 92 illustrates an alternate perspective view to FIGs. 89-91 of the double lock configuration of FIGs. 85-88 where the outside release lever is non-engageable with the multi -link engagement surface according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0115] FIG. 93 illustrates a perspective cross-section view of an outside release lever acting on a secondary lock configuration where the outside lever release bias spring engages a detent portion of the underside of the multi-link and the multi-link is moved in a leftward direction from the rightmost double locked configuration of FIGs. 85-92, according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0116] FIG. 94 illustrates a perspective cross-section view of the outside release lever acting on a secondary lock configuration of FIG. 93 with a secondary pawl not engaging a multi -link engagement surface according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0117] FIG. 95 illustrates a perspective cross-section view of the outside release lever acting on a secondary lock configuration of FIGs. 93-94 with the secondary pawl engaging a rear sensor switch housing limit surface according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0118] FIG. 96 illustrates a perspective cross-section view of the outside release lever acting on a secondary lock configuration of FIGs. 93-95 with the primary pawl disengaged from the lower sliding ratchet engaging surface, and the primary pawl engaging a rear sensor switch housing limit surface according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0119] FIG. 97 illustrates of perspective view of the outside release lever acting on a secondary lock configuration of FIGs. 93-96 where the outside release lever is non-engageable with the multi-link engagement surface according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0120] FIG. 98 illustrates an alternate perspective view to FIG. 97 of the outside release lever acting on a secondary lock configuration of FIGs. 93-97 where the outside lock lever is engaged with the multi -link engagement surface according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0121] FIG. 99 illustrates an alternate perspective view to FIG. 98 of the outside release lever acting on a secondary lock configuration of FIGs. 93-98 where the outside lock lever is moved to disengage from the multi-link engagement surface according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein; [0122] FIG. 100 illustrates a perspective view of the outside release lever acting on a secondary lock configuration of FIGs. 93-99 where the outside release lever is non-engageable with the multi-link engagement surface according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0123] FIG. 101 illustrates a perspective cross-section view of a child lock actuator acting on a secondary lock configuration where the outside lever release bias spring engages a detent portion of the underside of the multi-link and the multi-link is moved in a leftward direction from the rightmost double locked configuration of FIGs. 85-92, according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0124] FIG. 102 illustrates a perspective cross-section view of the child lock actuator acting on a secondary lock configuration of FIG. 101 with a secondary pawl not engaging a multi-link engagement surface according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0125] FIG. 103 illustrates a perspective cross-section view of the child lock actuator acting on a secondary lock configuration of FIGs. 101-102 with the secondary pawl engaging a rear sensor switch housing limit surface according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0126] FIG. 104 illustrates a perspective cross-section view of the child lock actuator acting on a secondary lock configuration of FIGs. 101-103 with the primary pawl disengaged from the lower sliding ratchet engaging surface, and the primary pawl engaging a rear sensor switch housing limit surface according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0127] FIG. 105 illustrates of perspective view of the child lock actuator acting on a secondary lock configuration of FIGs. 101-104 where the primary and secondary pawls include distal sensor switch activation projections according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0128] FIG. 106 illustrates an upper perspective view of the child lock actuator acting on a secondary lock configuration of FIGs. 101-105 where the child lock actuator engages the lower bellcrank to disengage a corresponding clutch mechanism from the upper bellcrank to thereby prevent the inside door release lever from rotating the upper bellcrank to thereby engage the corresponding recess in the multi link and translate the multi-link toward an unlock configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0129] FIG. 107 illustrates a lower perspective view of the child lock actuator of FIG. 106 acting on a secondary lock configuration of FIGs. 101-105 where the child lock actuator engages the lower bellcrank to disengage a corresponding clutch mechanism from the upper bellcrank to thereby prevent the inside door release lever from rotating the upper bellcrank to thereby engage the corresponding recess in the multi-link and translate the multi-link toward an unlock configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0130] FIG. 108 illustrates a side view diagram of the vehicle door latch in a double locked state where the outside release lever bias spring engages pre-detent area of the underside of the multi-link according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0131] FIG. 109 illustrates a side view diagram of the vehicle door latch in a locked state where the outside release lever bias spring engages a first detent area of the underside of the multi-link according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0132] FIG. 110 illustrates a side view diagram of the vehicle door latch in an unlocked state where the outside release lever bias spring engages a second detent area of the underside of the multi-link according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0133] FIG. Ill illustrates a side view diagram of the vehicle door latch in a latch release state where the outside release lever bias spring engages a spring overtravel portion of the underside of the multi-link according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0134] FIG. 112 illustrates a composite side view diagram of a latch release state diagram illustrating an engagement interaction between the multi-link to the secondary pawl engagement, and a guidance engagement between the multi-link and a guiding slot in the backplate according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0135] FIG. 113 illustrates a side view of the vehicle door latch functioning in a closed primary position where the primary pawl engages the leading edge of the ratchet according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein; [0136] FIG. 114 illustrates a side view of the vehicle door latch functioning in a closed primary position of FIG. 113 further including the rear switch housing including a primary and second pawl limit stop according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0137] FIG. 115 illustrates a side view of the vehicle door latch functioning in a closed primary position of FIGs. 113-114 further illustrating the primary pawl pin/post engaging the secondary pawl window according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0138] FIG. 116 illustrates a side view of the vehicle door latch functioning in a closed primary position of FIGs. 113-115 further illustrating the engagement surface of the secondary pawl and the corresponding engagement functional surface on the back side of the multi-link according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0139] FIG. 117 illustrates a side view of the vehicle door latch functioning in a closed primary position of FIGs. 113-116 further illustrating the double locked state configuration where the multi -link is moved to the right-most position thereby preventing the inside release lever and the outside release lever from engaging the multi-link to unlock the ratchet from the striker according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0140] FIG. 118 illustrates a side view of the vehicle door latch functioning in a closed primary position of FIGs. 113-116 further illustrating the locked state configuration where the multi -link is moved incrementally leftward from the right-most position thereby preventing the outside release lever from engaging the multi-link to unlock the ratchet from the striker, but allowing the inside release lever to engage the recess in the multi-link to move the multi-link to the unlock state according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0141] FIG. 119 illustrates a side view of the vehicle door latch functioning in a closed primary position of FIGs. 113-116 further illustrating the unlocked state configuration where the multi-link is further moved incrementally leftward from the locked state position of FIG. 118 thereby allowing the outside release lever and the inside release lever to engage the multi-link recess in the multi-link to move the multi-link to the unlock state according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein; [0142] FIG. 120A-120D illustrates four side-by-side hidden-line side views of the vehicle door latch states of FIGs. 117-119 according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0143] FIGs. 121A-121B illustrates two side-by-side hidden-line views of the vehicle door latch transition between the unlocked state and the release state by interaction between the secondary pawl engagement surface with the functional surface of the multi-link according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0144] FIGs. 122A-122B illustrates two side-by-side views of the vehicle door latch transition between the unlocked state and the release state by interaction between the secondary pawl engagement surface with the functional surface of the multi-link wherein the secondary pawl engages the pin of the primary pawl in the secondary pawl window to rotate the primary pawl away from the ratchet to thereby release the striker from ratchet retention according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein; [0145] FIG. 123 illustrates a side view of the pawl assembly and ratchet retaining the striker demonstrating a latch opening direction function where the primary pawl engages a leading edge of ratchet and prevents the ratchet from rotating to thereby release the striker from engagement with the ratchet according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0146] FIG. 124 illustrates a side view of the pawl assembly and ratchet retaining the striker of FIG. 123 demonstrating a latch opening direction function where the secondary pawl engages the pin/post of the primary ratchet to rotate the primary pawl to clear the engaging edge of the ratchet according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0147] FIG. 125 illustrates a side view of the pawl assembly and ratchet retaining the striker of FIGs. 123-124 demonstrating a latch opening direction function where the ratchet rotates to engage an upper surface of the primary pawl according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0148] FIG. 126 illustrates a side view of the pawl assembly and ratchet retaining the striker of FIGs. 123-125 demonstrating a latch opening direction function where the ratchet continues to rotate to engage the upper surface of the primary pawl and engage an upper surface of the secondary pawl with an engagement portion on the ratchet according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein; [0149] FIG. 127 illustrates a side view of the pawl assembly and ratchet retaining the striker of FIGs. 123-126 demonstrating a latch opening direction function where the ratchet continues to rotate to engage the upper surface of the primary pawl and continues to engage the upper surface of the secondary pawl with the engagement portion on the ratchet according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0150] FIG. 128 illustrates a side view of the pawl assembly and ratchet retaining the striker of FIGs. 123-127 demonstrating a latch opening direction function where the ratchet continues to rotate to engage the upper surface of the primary pawl and continues to engage the upper surface of the secondary pawl with the engagement portion on the ratchet to thereby release the striker from ratchet retention according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0151] FIG. 129 illustrates a side view of the pawl assembly and ratchet demonstrating a latch closing direction function and a striker path to a striker contact portion of the ratchet according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0152] FIG. 130 illustrates a side view of the pawl assembly and ratchet demonstrating the vehicle door latch closing direction function of FIG. 129 wherein the striker contacts the striker contact portion of the ratchet according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0153] FIG. 131 illustrates a side view of the pawl assembly and ratchet demonstrating the vehicle door latch closing direction function of FIGs. 129-130 wherein the striker rotates the ratchet toward a ratchet retention condition of the striker, wherein the primary pawl slides along a bottom surface of the ratchet and the secondary pawl slides along an engagement portion of the ratchet according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0154] FIG. 132 illustrates a side view of the pawl assembly and ratchet demonstrating the vehicle door latch closing direction function of FIGs. 129-131 wherein the striker rotates the ratchet toward a ratchet retention condition of the striker, wherein the primary pawl continues to slide along a bottom surface of the ratchet and the secondary pawl reaches an end of the engagement portion of the ratchet according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein; [0155] FIG. 133 illustrates a side view of the pawl assembly and ratchet demonstrating the vehicle door latch closing direction function of FIGs. 129-132 wherein the striker rotates the ratchet toward a ratchet retention condition of the striker, wherein the primary pawl continues to slide along a bottom surface of the ratchet and the secondary pawl is rotated by the secondary pawl bias spring to another surface of the engagement portion of the ratchet while the pin/post of the primary pawl is release from any perimeter edge of the window of the secondary pawl according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0156] FIG. 134 illustrates a side view of the pawl assembly and ratchet demonstrating the vehicle door latch closing direction function of FIGs. 129-133 wherein the striker rotates the ratchet toward a ratchet retention condition of the striker, wherein the primary pawl continues to slide along a bottom surface of the ratchet and the pin/post of the primary pawl continued to be released from any perimeter edge of the window of the secondary pawl according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein; [0157] FIG. 135 illustrates a side view of the pawl assembly and ratchet demonstrating the vehicle door latch closing direction function of FIGs. 129-134 wherein the striker rotates the ratchet toward a ratchet retention condition of the striker, wherein the primary pawl reaches a final engagement point with the bottom surface of the ratchet and the pin/post of the primary pawl continued to be released from any perimeter edge of the window of the secondary pawl according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0158] FIG. 136 illustrates a side view of the pawl assembly and ratchet demonstrating the vehicle door latch closing direction function of FIGs. 129-135 wherein the primary pawl rotates upward to engage a forward surface of the ratchet to thereby lock the ratchet from moving into an unlock states, and the pin/post of the primary pawl engages the window of the secondary pawl according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0159] FIG. 137 illustrates a side view of the pawl assembly and ratchet demonstrating the vehicle door latch closing direction function of FIGs. 129-136 wherein the striker continues to rotate the ratchet to overtravel position until rear portion of ratchet engages a stop portion on the frame plate according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0160] FIG. 138 illustrates conventional causes of latch chucking by a free-body diagram where the conventional ratchet pivot axis is disposed in front of and under the striker;

[0161] FIG. 139 illustrates conventional causes of latch chucking by a free-body diagram where the conventional ratchet pivot axis is disposed in front of and over the striker;

[0162] FIG. 140 illustrates non-chucking ratchet design by a free-body diagram where the ratchet pivot axis is disposed behind and over the striker according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0163] FIG. 141 illustrates non-chucking ratchet design by a free-body diagram similar or in the alternative to FIG. 140 where the ratchet pivot axis is disposed behind and over the striker according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein;

[0164] FIG. 142A illustrates a door flushness verses seal load graph of conventional latch designs corresponding to closing and opening efforts/forces;

[0165] FIG. 142B illustrates a door flushness verses seal load graph of latch designs corresponding to closing and opening efforts/forces according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein; and

[0166] FIGs. 143A-143D illustrates four perspective views of the no pawl "walk-out" according a latch embodiment presented herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0167] In an embodiment of the invention, there may be provided a vehicular door latch 10 that includes a ratchet 300; a primary pawl 800 and a secondary pawl 1000, with the pawls being used for retaining the ratchet 300 in the primary or secondary positions of a vehicle side door; and various mechanisms such as: a mechanism for moving the pawls in a manner that will release the ratchet 300 from the striker 8 on the vehicle; a manually operated mechanism that includes levers that will change the state of the door latch 10 from one of its defined states to another of its defined states; and an electric motor 3200 that responds to electrical inputs from the vehicle that will change the vehicle door latch state from one of its defined states to another of its defined states. One of the defined states is the double lock state to disengage the release mechanism from the inside of the vehicle. There may also be provided an inertia catch 3900 that disables the vehicle door latch release mechanism in the event that an acceleration higher than a specified amount is imparted into the vehicle door latch, thereby preventing the ratchet 300 from disengaging the striker 8 during impact loads greater than the specified acceleration or “g” load.

[0168] FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of an automobile showing the location of a latch of an embodiment of the invention including an XYZ axis orientation diagram used throughout the remainder of this disclosure. FIG. 1 schematically shows a vehicle 2 and its vehicle door 4 and the basic features of a side door latch 10 of an embodiment of the invention, along with a general identification 1 of a coordinate system. For purposes of directional and reference consistency herein, a coordinate system, identified in FIG. 1 as reference number 1, is defined as the following: “X” represents a direction of travel of the vehicle and is positive proceeding rearward in the vehicle; “Y” represents a side-to-side direction of the vehicle, being positive toward the passenger; and “Z” represents a vertical direction, being positive upwardly.

[0169] Description of latches is given here with reference to a side door latch 10, on the passenger side or driver side of the vehicle. It may be understood that the same or similar latches may be used in other places in the vehicle possibly with other orientations, such as on the symmetrically opposite side of the vehicle, in either hinged or sliding doors, or in a vehicle rear access door such as those in vehicles that include hatchback, sport utility vehicle, minivan, etc.

I. GENERAL INTERACTION OF COMPONENTS

[0170] In regard to embodiments of the door latch 10, FIG. 2 is a logic flowchart 20 illustrating the interaction of various components of the vehicle door latch contained within a vehicle door of an embodiment of the invention. A vehicle 2, (see for example, FIG. 1), may contain the some or all of the components of the door latch 10 within a vehicle door 4 to engage a door striker 10 mounted on a door frame 6 of the vehicle 2.

[0171] The vehicle door latch 10 may include a ratchet 300 that may be acted upon by both a primary pawl 800 and/or a secondary pawl 1000. The primary pawl 800 may further be acted upon by the secondary pawl 1000 to rotate the ratchet between a striker engaged state and a striker released state. The primary pawl 800 may have a “door ajar” position sensor switch 900 that senses, (indicated by the dashed lines), a position of the primary pawl 800. The secondary pawl 1000 may have a “cinching” position sensor switch 1100 that senses, (indicated by the dashed lines), a position of the secondary pawl 1000. [0172] The vehicle door latch 10 may further include a multi-link 2100 that transfers input energy to the secondary pawl 1000 and may be prevented from transferring input energy to the secondary pawl 1000 as briefly discussed below and in further detail later in this disclosure. The multi -link 2100 may have a position sensing switch 2200 that senses, (indicated by dashed lines), a position of the multi-link 2100. [0173] The vehicle door latch 10 may further include three input sources to transfer energy through the vehicle door latch via the multi-link 2100 to the ratchet 300 via the pawl assembly (800 and 1000). A first input may include an inside release lever 2400 that operates on a bell crank assembly having a lower bellcrank 2800 with a lower bellcrank clutch 2804 that engages with a corresponding upper bellcrank clutch 2904 of an upper bellcrank 2900 that transfers input energy to the multi-link 2100. A child lock actuator 3100 engages and disengages the corresponding clutch portions 2804 and 2904 of the lower 2800 and upper 2900 bellcrank, respectively.

[0174] Another input may include an outside release lever 1800 that transfers input energy to the multi link 2100. The outside release lever 1800 may further include a position sensor switch 1900 that senses, (indicated by dashed lines), a position of the outside release lever 1800.

[0175] Another input may include an electric motor 3200 connected to motor drivetrain 3400 and 3600 that transfers input energy from the electric motor 3200 responsive to a wired or wireless signal,

(indicated by dot-dashed line), to the multi -link 2100.

[0176] An outside lock lever 1600 may restrict movement and therefore prevent the transfer of input energy through the multi -link 2100 by physically locking, (indicated by bold dashed line), the motion of the multi-link 2100 from responding to any input source or path as indicated in FIG. 2.

[0177] An inertia catch 3900 may further restrict movement and therefore prevent the transfer of input energy through the multi -link 2100 by physically locking, (indicated by bold dashed line), the motion of the multi-link 2100 from responding to any input source or path as indicated in FIG. 2.

[0178] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of components of the vehicle door latch of an embodiment of the invention. In an embodiment, there may be a ratchet 300, which may be rotatable around a ratchet rotational axis, and may be rotatable between a closed position, in which the ratchet 300 engages a striker 8 mounted on a fixed point on the vehicle frame, and an open position, in which the ratchet 300 opens a path allowing the striker 8 to move past and out of the ratchet 300 and out of the vehicle door latch, thereby releasing the vehicle door. Rotation of the ratchet 300 may be influenced or limited by a pawl or by a pawl assembly that may comprise a primary pawl 800 and a secondary pawl 1000. The primary pawl 800 and the secondary pawl 1000 may be rotatable around a common rotational axis. The primary pawl 800 and the secondary pawl 1000 may have some ability to rotate independently of each other, but that ability to rotate independently may have limits or constraints so that under certain conditions the primary pawl 800 and the secondary pawl 1000 rotate together with each other. The primary pawl 800 and the secondary pawl 1000 may interact in different respective ways with the ratchet 300. In turn, rotation of the pawl or one of the pawls may be influenced by a translatable member, which may also be called a multi-link 2100.

[0179] The translatable member or multi -link 2100 may be caused to translate or may be influenced in its translation by any one or more of several mechanisms. One of these mechanisms may be an outside release lever 1800. Another of these mechanisms may be an outside lock lever 1600. Another of these mechanisms may be an inside release lever 2400, whose behavior may be modified by a child lock actuator 3100 interacting with a Bellcrank comprising an upper bellcrank 2900 and a lower bellcrank 2800. Another of these mechanisms may be an electrical or motorized component, whose actions may be controlled by electronics and software. Finally, another of these mechanisms may be an inertia catch 3900, whose function may be to immobilize the translatable member or multi -link 2100 upon occurrence of an acceleration that exceeds a defined magnitude in a defined direction.

II. COMPONENTS THAT ARE FIXED, STRUCTURAL OR STATIC [0180] Embodiments of the invention may be described in terms of certain individual structural components and certain subassemblies. As an initial matter, it is useful to first describe certain parts that are fixed or structural or static, such as: housing 4100; frame plate 100; backplate 500; transmission housing 3800; front switch housing 1500; and rear switch housing 700.

[0181] FIGs. 4A-4D illustrates four perspective views of the housing 4100 according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch 10 disclosed herein. A housing 4100. housing 4100 may generally enclose various other parts of the door latch 10 and may protect them from handling and damage and from intrusion of water. Housing 4100 also may support certain other components, as described elsewhere herein.

[0182] FIGs. 5A-5D illustrates four perspective views of the frame plate 100 according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein. Frame plate 100 may serve as a structural support or foundation for various other components as described elsewhere herein. For example, frame plate 100 may support an end of certain shafts or pins, as described elsewhere herein. Frame plate 100 may contain therein an opening 102 referred to as a “fishmouth,” configured to permit entry of striker 8. The term “fishmouth” refers to the part of a latch that accepts and guides the striker 8 into the ratchet 300 as the vehicle door is closing. Frame plate 100 may structurally connect with housing 4100. A subassembly of housing 4100 and frame plate 100 is shown in FIGs. 6, 7 and 8.

[0183] FIGs. 6A-6D illustrates four perspective exploded views of the housing 4100 and frame plate 100 according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein. FIGs. 7A-7D illustrates four perspective exploded views of the housing 4100, frame plate 100 and ratchet pivot pin 200, pawl assembly pivot pin 400 and outside release lever pivot pin 1200 according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein. FIGs. 8A-8D illustrates four perspective views of the housing 4100, frame plate 100 and ratchet pivot pin 200, pawl assembly pivot pin 400 and outside release lever pivot pin 1200 in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein.

[0184] FIGs. 9A-9D illustrates four perspective views of the backplate 500 according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein. Backplate 500 may serve as a structural support or foundation for certain components as described elsewhere herein. For example, frame plate 100 may support an end of certain shafts and other components, as described elsewhere herein, and may have therein a striker guide 504 suitable for entry of a striker 8. Backplate 500 may have a slot or groove 502 suitable to interact with multi -link boss 2102 of multi -link 2100. Backplate 500 may structurally connect with frame plate 100.

II.A. OVERVIEW OF FRAME PLATE, BACKPLATE AND HOUSING [0185] FIGs. 10A-10D illustrates four perspective views of the housing, frame plate, pivot pins and backplate in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein. It is illustrated that, in an embodiment, three major structural components may comprise structural planes or surfaces that are generally parallel to each other. In sequence along a generally horizontal direction, these components are frame plate 100 and backplate 500 and housing 4100.

[0186] In an embodiment, housing 4100 and frame plate 100 are the two most exterior of these and are structurally connected to each other. Backplate 500 may be structurally connected to both frame plate 100 and housing 4100.

[0187] These three components define two side-by-side compartments. A first compartment is defined by the generally parallel surfaces of backplate 500 and the housing 4100. In this compartment the multi link 2100 exists and is able to perform its primary motion which is linear translation along the Y- direction. A second compartment is defined by the generally parallel surfaces of the backplate 500 and the frame plate 100. In this compartment, the ratchet 300, primary pawl 800 and secondary pawl 1000 exist and are able perform their various motions which are generally rotational motions around certain axes of rotation.

B. PIVOT PINS

[0188] There may further be provided the following pivot pins: ratchet pivot pin 200; pawl pivot pin 400; outside release lever pivot pin 1200. These pivot pins may, as illustrated, pass through the housing 4100, backplate 500 and frame plate 100. These pivot pins are shown in FIGs. 10A-10D. [0189] Ratchet pivot pin 200 may be structurally connected to housing 4100. Ratchet pivot pin 200 may define a ratchet pivot pin axis of rotation 202, (see FIGs. 7A-7D), for the ratchet 300, and ratchet 300 may be rotatable around ratchet pivot pin 200. Ratchet bias spring 600, (see FIG. 3), may be provided and may rotationally urge or bias ratchet 300 toward or away from specific rotational positions. Ratchet 300 may be rotatable between a latched rotational position in which ratchet 300 surrounds enough of striker 8 to establish a latching relationship with striker 8, and an unlatched rotational position in which ratchet 300 does not surround the striker 8.

[0190] The pawl pivot pin 400 may define a pawl assembly pivot pin axis of rotation 402, (see FIGs. 7A-7D), for the primary pawl 800 and the secondary pawl 1000, which may be rotatable around pawl pivot pin 200.

[0191] The outside release lever pivot pin 1200 may define an outside release lever pivot pin axis of rotation 1202, (see FIGs. 7A-7D), for the outside release lever 1200 and the outside lock lever 1600, which may be rotatable around outside release lever pivot pin 1200.

[0192]

C. HOUSING TRANSMISSION

[0193] FIGs. 11A-11D illustrates four perspective views of the transmission housing 3800 according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein. The transmission housing 3800 provides a support point for motors, gears, etc. As illustrated, transmission housing 3800 is structurally connected to frame plate 100. Transmission housing 3800 is shown first in isolation in FIGs. 11A-11D.

[0194] FIGs. 12A-12D illustrates four perspective views of the transmission housing 3800, a drivetrain, (generally denoted as reference number 3204, that may include electric motor 3200, motor drive gear 3300, idler gear 3400, idler gear pin 3500, gear drive 3600 and gear drive pin 3700), and bellcrank assembly, (including lower bellcrank 2800 and upper bellcrank 2900), in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein. Transmission housing 3800 is shown together with various components that are connected to it. In the transmission housing 3800, the gear train provides a power lock and unlock feature responsive to any signal sent to the vehicle door latch 10, which may drive the electric motor 3200, which drives the gears that move the multi -link 2100 (see also FIGs. 25A-25B). The powered drivetrain 3204 also may provide a powered release assist function. [0195] FIGs. 13A-13D illustrates four perspective views of the front 1500 and rear 700 switch housings according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein. Front 1500 and rear 700 switch housings may provide a support point for various sensor switches, and may exist in two parts, a front housing portion 1500 and a rear housing portion 700. In FIGs. 13A-13D, the front switch housing 1500 and rear switch housing 700 are shown separated away from each other.

[0196] FIGs. 14A-14D illustrates four perspective views of the front 1500 and rear 700 switch housings and corresponding sensor switches S according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein are shown in their assembled configuration, along with the associated switches that are supported by front switch housing 1500 and rear switch housing 700. In embodiments of the invention, various switches may detect the position of multi -link 2100, as well detecting various other information about the state of the vehicle door latch. It is also possible that front switch housing 1500 and rear switch housing 700 may provide a structural and supporting role involving components other than switches.

[0197] FIGs. 15A-15D illustrates four perspective views of the front switch housing 1500 and rear switch housing 700, frame plate 100 and backplate 500 in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein front switch housing 1500 and rear switch housing 700 assembled to each other and shows rear switch housing 700 also being connected to frame plate 100 by tabs, with backplate 500 also being shown.

[0198] FIGs. 16A-16D illustrates four perspective views of the frame plate 100, front switch housing 1500 and rear switch housing 700, backplate 500 and housing 3400 in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein. The following components are illustrated together: housing 4100; frame plate 100; backplate 500; transmission housing 3800; front switch housing 1500; rear switch housing 700. It may be understood that other structural designs are also possible.

III. MOVABLE COMPONENTS [0199] In general, the just-described housing 4100; frame plate 100; backplate 500; transmission housing 3800; front switch housing 1500; and rear switch housing 700 provide structural support for various internal or movable components of door latch 10. Next, description is given of some of the components or groups of components that are movable and whose position changes as a function of the various states and positions of the door latch 10. In general, these movable components are, either directly or indirectly, supported by or constrained by some individual component or some combination of components of the just-described housing 4100; frame plate 100; backplate 500; transmission housing 3800; front switch housing 1500; rear switch housing 700. However, it may be understood that other ways of mounting or supporting the various internal or movable components are also possible, and modifications to the just- described fixed or structural components are possible.

A. MULTI-LINK

[0200] Multi -link 2100 is illustrated in FIGs. 17A through FIG. 27D. Multi -link 2100, (also referred to herein as a translatable component), may be a component that is capable of translational motion and that may occupy various different positions corresponding to respective major states or conditions of the vehicle door latch. Multi -link 2100 may be slidable in a direction that is horizontal in the illustrated orientation and may be in the Y -direction with respect to the vehicle coordinate system 1. Multi -link 2100 may interact with various surrounding components that provide translational guidance for the multi link 2100 and limit the translation of the multi -link 2100 to one degree of freedom.

[0201] Multi -link 2100 may have a multi -link first functional surface 2104 that is suitable for interaction with the secondary pawl 1000. Multi -link 2100 may have multi-link first functional surface teeth 2106 that are suitable to interact with lobes of two-lobed gear portion of gear drive 3600, which may be driven indirectly or directly by an electrical device such as electric motor 3200. Multi-link 2100 may also have multi-link bell crank interface (or recess) 2108 that are suitable to be driven by the upper bellcrank 2900 (which may in turn be driven by lower bellcrank 2800). Multi -link 2100 may have features that are suitable to interact with outside lock lever 1600.

[0202] Multi -link 2100 may have a multi-link second functional surface 2110 for interaction with a switch or switches that will change state when the multi -link 2100 translates to the next desired position. This change of switch state may either open or close an electrical circuit and may inform the electronic control system of the position of the multi -link 2100 and thus the “state” of the vehicle door latch 10. [0203] FIGs. 17A-17D illustrates four perspective views of the multi-link 2100 according to an embodiment of the vehicle door latch disclosed herein. Multi -link 2100 may have a multi-link fourth functional surface 2116 for interaction with the outside release lever 1800 and a multi-link fifth functional surface 2118 for interaction with the outside lock lever 1600. The outside release lever 1800 and the outside lock lever 1600 may interact with the multi -link 2100 in order to provide mechanical input to the multi-link 2100. Both the outside release lever 1800 and the outside lock lever 160 are user interfaces from the outside of the vehicle through other mechanical devices not described herein.

[0204] In embodiments, the outside lock lever 1600 is used to lock and unlock the vehicle door 4 using a key cylinder and a key from the outside of the vehicle 2. The lock cylinder in the vehicle door 4 itself, when turned by the key, will pull and push either a rod or cable to move the outside lock lever 1600 to interact with the multi -link 2100 into a position where the door latch 10 is either in a locked or unlocked state. This feature is typically only found on the driver side of the vehicle, but may be located on any of the doors as desired.

[0205] FIGs. 18A-18D illustrates four perspective views of the multi-link 2100, backplate 500, outside release lever pivot pin 1200, outside release lever bushing 1700 and transmission housing 3800 in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein where the multi-link 2100 may be, in the “X” direction, (i.e., the fore-aft direction), loosely trapped between backplate 500 and transmission housing 3800.

[0206] FIGs. 19A-19B illustrates two perspective views of the multi-link 2100, backplate 500, outside release lever pivot pin 1200 and outside release lever bushing 1700 in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein where the multi -link 2100 moves in the “Y” direction, (i.e., side-to-side direction in the vehicle coordinate system 1), the multi-link boss 2102 of multi-link 2100 rides in a backplate groove 502 of backplate 500. FIGs. 19A-19B the multi-link boss 2102 of multi -link 2100 is shown as having a racetrack-shaped cross-section. FIGs. 19A-19B also show a portion of the bottom surface of the multi -link 2100 may ride on a surface of the outside release lever bushing 1700

B. OUTSIDE RELEASE LEVER

[0207] FIG. 20A illustrates atop view of the multi -link 2100 and inertia catch 3900, and FIG. 20B illustrates a cross-section view along line (A-A) of FIG. 20A of the multi-link 2100 and the inertia catch 3900 in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein where the multi -link 2100 is partly supported on the outside release lever bushing 1700. Also shown in FIGs. 20A-20B is the interaction of the inertia catch extending rods 3902 with the multi-link scallop shaped catch surfaces 2114.

[0208] FIGs. 21A-21B illustrates two perspective views of the multi-link 2100, backplate 500, multi link bellcrank interface 2108 and multi-link position sensing switch 2200 in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein shows a sliding interaction involving the top of multi -link 2100 and backplate 500, as well as showing the multi -link state switch 2200. It also shows a multi -link bell crank interface 2108 for interaction with upper bellcrank 2900.

[0209] FIG. 22A illustrates a perspective view of the multi -link 2100, multi -link position switch, outside release lever bias spring 2000, outside release lever bushing 1700, drive transmission assembly and backplate 500, where FIG. 22B is a side view of the assembled configuration of FIG. 22A according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein and shows an outside release lever bias spring 2000 provides definition of some of the discrete positions of multi-link 2100 during its translation in the “Y” (side-to-side) direction. Outside release lever bias spring 2000 cooperates with a multi-link third functional surface 2112 of the bottom surface of multi-link 2100. Outside release lever bias spring 2000 is shown as having an end 2002 shaped like a shepherd’s hook somewhat corresponding to the recessed shapes of the multi -link third functional surface 2112 on the bottom surface of multi-link 2100. Thus, outside release lever bias spring 2000 may create a detent action in the translation of multi -link 2100. [0210] FIGs. 22A-22B, multi-link 2100 may have the multi-link third functional surface 2112 for interaction with a spring (or springs) that impart a force into the multi -link 2100. This interaction may define or help to define a positional location for the multi -link 2100. The multi-link third functional surface 2112 may define detents such as to encourage multi-link 2100 to occupy one of the preferred positions in which the shepherd’s hook shape of outside release lever bias spring 2000 settles in to one of the local recesses of the multi-link third functional surface 2112. The shape of the shepherd’s hook may approximately match (complement) the shape of the recess of the multi-link third functional surface 2112. There may be a preferred range of the slope of those local recesses, such that the shepherd’s hook may settle into the recess when entering a detent, but also is able to leave the detent position sufficiently easily when it is desired that the multi -link 2100 move to a different location. Such angle, with respect to the direction of translation of the multi-link 2100, may be in the range of from 25 degrees to 55 degrees, or more generally, 20 degrees to 60 degrees. Angles of interacting with the spring may include one of the angles being a sliding surface for translating the multi-link 2100 in one direction and the other of the angles being a sliding surface for translating the multi -link 2100 in the opposite direction.

[0211] FIGs. 23A-23B illustrates two perspective views of the multi-link 2100 with position detents of the multi -link third functional surface 2112 to engage with outside release lever spring 2000 in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein and shows the locations of detent recesses of the multi -link third functional surface 2112 in multi -link 2100. These recesses of the multi -link third functional surface 2112 may provide, in combination with outside release lever bias spring 2000, detent actions for the position of multi -link 2100.

[0212] FIGs. 24A-24B illustrates two perspective views of the multi-link 2100 with a portion of multi link teeth 2106 engaging a gear drive 3600 in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein

[0213] FIGs. 25A-25B illustrates two perspective views of the multi-link 2100 with the drive transmission in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein, where the gear drive 3600 may have an upper toothed gear that interacts with an idler gear 3400 connected to a motor drive gear 3300, and may have a lower gear drive two-lobe gear 3602. The two- lobe gear may be suitable to interact with the multi -link first functional surface teeth 2106 on multi -link 2100 so as to urge multi -link 2100 among various of its states. The two-lobe gear may also be suitable to non-engaged with the teeth on multi -link 2100 if the two-lobe gear is at an appropriate rotational angle. The non-engagement may allow the multi-link 2100 to translate independently of the gear, if the gear is in an appropriate angular position. When gear drive 3600 is rotated to a rotational position somewhat different from what is shown in FIGs. 24A-25B, it will engage with the multi-link first functional surface teeth 2106 of multi-link 2100 to thereby cause the multi-link 2100 to translate in a corresponding direction.

C. MULTI-LINK TO TRANSLATE IN A HORIZONTAL DIRECTION ALONG THE

“Y”-DIRECTION (VEHICLE SIDE-TO-SIDE)

[0214] FIGs. 26A-26B illustrates two perspective views of the multi-link 2100 with bellcrank tooth of the upper bellcrank 2900 in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein where multi -link 2100 may also interact with an upper bellcrank finger 2902 as described elsewhere herein and also may interact with inertia catch 3900 as described elsewhere herein. Multi -link 2100 may have the multi -link bell crank interface 2108 for such interaction with upper bellcrank 2900.

[0215] FIGs. 27A-27D illustrates four perspective views of the multi-link 2100 with an inertia catch 3900 supported by the transmission housing 3800 in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein showing the inertia catch 3900 configured to interact with multi -link 2100, and under certain conditions of acceleration, configured rotate and thereby immobilize any translation of the multi-link 2100. This is discussed further elsewhere herein.

[0216] FIGs. 28A-28D illustrates four perspective views of the lower bellcrank 2800 according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein where the lower bellcrank 2800, the “finger” or lower bellcrank protrusion 2802 may interact with the inside release lever 2400. As shown in FIGs. 29A- 29B and FIGs. 26A-26B, the upper bellcrank 2900 may interact with the multi-link bell crank interface 2108 of multi-link 2100 if the rotational position of the lower bellcrank 2800 is appropriate. Inside release lever 2400 may comprise an inside release lever window 2402.

[0217] FIGs. 29A-29B illustrates two perspective views of the child lock actuator 3100 in a non- engaged position in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein showing further views of the upper bellcrank 2900, the lower bellcrank 2800 and the child lock actuator 3100 interacting with the multi -link 2100. FIGs. 29A-29B illustrate the child lock actuator 3100 in the child lock non-engaged position, and therefore upper bellcrank 2900 and lower bellcrank 2800 are engaged with each other suitably to transmit rotation.

[0218] FIGs. 30A-30B illustrates two perspective views of the child lock actuator 3100 in an engaged position in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein where the child lock actuator 3100 is in a child lock engaged position by the rotation of a child lock actuator eccentric cam 3102 disposed on a distal end of the child lock actuator 3100 and configured to rotate between an engaged position, (as illustrated in FIGs. 30A-30B), and an unengaged position, (as illustrated in FIGs. 29A-29B). The child lock actuator eccentric cam 3102 in the engaged configuration is configured to push a top portion of the lower bellcrank 2800 that protrudes through the upper bellcrank 2900 such that a lower bellcrank clutch 2804 is separated from a corresponding upper bellcrank clutch 2904 so that any actuation by the inside release lever 2400 does not transmit rotation through the lower bellcrank 2800 to the upper bellcrank 2900 and the corresponding upper bellcrank fingers 2902 configured to engage the multi-link bellcrank interface (recess) 2108 on the multi-link 2100.

D. RATCHET

[0219] FIGs. 31A-31D illustrates four perspective views of the ratchet 300 according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein, where the ratchet 300 may be a generally flat part that is rotatable around ratchet pivot pin 200 having a ratchet pivot pin rotational axis 202. Ratchet 300 may have an external shape that generally comprises a hook shape that is suitable to at least partially surround a striker 8 that may be mounted on one of the pillars of the vehicle. Ratchet 300 may have a hole therethrough suitable to receive ratchet pivot pin 200. Ratchet 300 may have a ratchet boss 302 projecting from ratchet 300 suitably to surround ratchet pivot pin 200 and suitably to be surrounded by the ratchet bias spring 600. Ratchet 300 may have a ratchet triangular tip 304 that is adapted to hold the primary pawl 800 in a locked position. Ratchet 300 may further have a ratchet triangular boss 306 protruding therefrom. The ratchet triangular boss 306 may extend out of a plane of a remainder of the ratchet 300 and may be located such that it does not include the ratchet rotational axis. The ratchet triangular boss 306 may be adapted to interact with secondary pawl 1000. Ratchet 300 may further comprise further ratchet sound deadening features, which may be a thin-walled slightly flexible local feature proximate a striking engagement surface of the ratchet 300.

[0220] In embodiments of the invention, the ratchet 300, shown in isolation in FIGs. 31A-31D, may be an overmold, in the form of plastic (polymer) over steel. The plastic may be provided for sound deadening and may be provided in the locations where the ratchet 300 interacts with the striker 8 or other non-wear surfaces. The ratchet triangular tip 304 may be exposed steel that is not over molded with plastic. Such areas may be areas of high stress or high wear, where the use of exposed steel is helpful to allow repeated normal function. The metal ratchet triangular tip 304 of ratchet 300 may be a Chromoly SAE 4142 stamping made by fine blanking for improved dimensional control. Selection of this material and process may be done for strength, longevity and high dimensional accuracy of the manufacturing processes. In an embodiment, the majority of the metallic portion of the ratchet 300 may be “overmolded” with polyetheretherketone (PEEK) plastic (shown as the regions of ratchet 300). The purpose of the overmold may be to serve as a sound deadening feature integral to the vehicle door latch function as well as to provide stability during operation of the vehicle door latch due to the molded-in integral bushing.

[0221] FIGs. 32A-32D illustrates four perspective views of the secondary pawl 1000 according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein showing the secondary pawl 1000 may be rotatable around pawl pivot pin 400 (see FIG. 3). There may be a secondary pawl out-of-plane portion 1002 for interacting with a multi -link first functional surface 2104. There may be secondary pawl distal surfaces 1006 that interacts, in certain positions, with ratchet triangular boss 306 of ratchet 300. There may also be a secondary pawl switch functional surface 1008 for interacting with the secondary pawl "cinching" position sensing switch 1100. FIGs. 32A-32D further illustrate a relationship, involving secondary pawl window 1004, between the secondary pawl 1000 and the primary pawl 800.

[0222] FIGs. 33A-33D illustrates four perspective views of the primary pawl 800 according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein where the primary pawl 800 may be rotatable around pawl pivot pin 400 (see FIG. 3). There may be a primary pawl distal locking surface 806 for interacting with ratchet 300, and a pass-by surface for ratchet 300. There may be a primary pawl switch engaging extension 810 for interacting with the primary pawl "door ajar" position sensing switch 900.

[0223] FIGs. 34A-34D illustrates four perspective views of the primary pawl 800 and secondary pawl 1000 assembly and ratchet 300 in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein where a there is a relationship involving primary pawl post 802 between the primary pawl 800 and the secondary pawl window 1004 of secondary pawl 1000.

[0224] FIGs. 34A-34D show details of the interrelationship between primary pawl 800 and secondary pawl 1000. FIGs. 34A-34D show a detail of a secondary pawl window 1004 and the primary pawl post 802 occupying portion of the secondary pawl window 1004. The relationship between these features determines limits of relative rotational motion between the primary pawl 800 and the secondary pawl 1000

[0225] In embodiments, the primary pawl 800, secondary pawl 1000 and ratchet 300 are located in the same compartment as each other defined by the frame plate 100 and the backplate 500. In embodiments, the ratchet 300 rotates around ratchet pivot pin 200. In embodiments, the primary pawl 800 and secondary pawl 1000 rotate around pawl pivot pin 400.

E. RELATION OF PRIMARY PAWL AND SECONDARY PAWL [0226] Primary pawl 800 and secondary pawl 1000 may be rotatable around a common axis of rotation, which is the axis of pawl pivot pin 400. As illustrated, pawl pivot pin 400 serves as an axle around which primary pawl 800 rotates. As illustrated, primary pawl 800, near pawl pivot pin 400, has a primary pawl bushing 804, which has a cylindrical exterior that serves as a bushing for the secondary pawl 1000 may be rotatable around the primary pawl bushing 804 that extends from primary pawl 800, which in turn makes secondary pawl 1000 rotatable around pawl pivot pin 400 and its axis.

[0227] Secondary pawl 1000 may have a secondary pawl out-of-plane portion 1002 which may engage with (ride on) the multi-link first functional surface 2104 of multi -link 2100. The secondary pawl out-of- plane portion 1002 of secondary pawl 1000 may have a curved surface that approximately complements a complementary multi-link first functional surface 2104. The movement of the multi -link 2100 acting on secondary pawl out-of-plane portion 1002 of secondary pawl 1000 may cause rotation of the secondary pawl 1000, ultimately allowing the vehicle door to open by releasing the striker 8.

[0228] As just described, primary pawl 800 and secondary pawl 1000 are both rotatable around their pawl assembly pivot pin axis of rotation 402, which is pawl pivot pin 400. Also, primary pawl 800 and secondary pawl 1000 may be rotatable relative to each other around that common axis of rotation, but only to a limited extent. The limits may be determined by a secondary pawl window 1004 in secondary pawl 1000 and the primary pawl post 802 on primary pawl 800 that extends from primary pawl 800 and occupies some of the space of the secondary pawl window 1004. This is illustrated in FIGs. 34A-34D.

As illustrated, the permitted relative rotation of secondary pawl 1000 relative to primary pawl 800 is less than approximately 1 or 2 degrees of rotation around the common axis on which both primary pawl 800 and secondary pawl 1000 rotate. This amount of relative rotation between primary pawl 800 and secondary pawl 1000 may relate to the difference between a fully locked condition and a “secondary lock” or “door ajar” condition. The total rotation of both the primary pawl 800 and secondary pawl 1000, (whose rotations are similar to each other although not identical), during change among the various conditions of the door latch 10 may be in the range of about 8 degrees.

[0229] FIGs. 34A-34D further illustrate where the primary pawl 800 occupies approximately the same plane of rotation as the main portion of ratchet 300, and the secondary pawl 1000 occupies approximately the same plane of rotation as the ratchet triangular boss 306 that protrudes from the main portion of ratchet 300.

[0230] FIGs. 35A-35D illustrates four perspective views of the primary pawl 800 and secondary pawl 1000 assembly in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein

[0231] FIGs. 36A-36D illustrates four perspective views of the primary pawl 800 and secondary pawl 1000 assembly, outside release lever pivot pin 1200 and outside release lever bushing 1700 and the multi link 2100 in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein where a functional surface where the multi -link 2100 interfaces to the secondary pawl 1000 to cause rotation of secondary pawl 1000 to ultimately release ratchet 300 and striker 8.

[0232] FIGs. 37A-37B illustrates two perspective views of the primary pawl 800 and secondary pawl 1000 assembly, outside release lever pivot pin 1200 and outside release lever bushing 1700, the multi-link 2100 and frame plate 100 in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein where, on frame plate 100, a frame plate raised ridge 104, (see also FIGs. 5A-5D), is configured to position and guide ratchet 300 and primary pawl 800.

F. INTERACTION OF RATCHET, PRIMARY PAWL AND SECONDARY PAWL [0233] Ratchet 300 may have a thickness such that primary pawl 800 may engage with an appropriate shape in the perimeter of ratchet 300. Ratchet 300 may have extending therefrom the ratchet triangular boss 306 that may interact with secondary pawl 1000.

[0234] In some configurations secondary pawl 1000 interacts with the ratchet triangular boss 306 that may be extruded from ratchet 300 to lock the ratchet 300 in a secondary lock position. A side surface of ratchet triangular boss 306 may have a shape that is complementary to curved surface of secondary pawl 1000 for interacting with secondary pawl 1000.

G. INTERACTION OF FRAME PLATE WITH RATCHET AND PRIMARY PAWL [0235] FIGs. 37A-37B further illustrate the frame plate 100 may have a frame plate raised ridge 104 to help guide the rotation of ratchet 300. Ratchet 300 may rotate around the ratchet pivot pin axis 202 of ratchet pivot pin 200, which may be held at one of its ends by frame plate 100 and at its other end by the housing 4100. The frame plate raised ridge 104 of frame plate 100 may also be suitable to help guide the rotation of primary pawl 800. Primary pawl 800 may rotate on the pawl pivot pin 400, which may be held at one of its ends by frame plate 100 and at its other end by the backplate 500. [0236] FIG. 38A illustrates a cross-section view of the striker engaged with the ratchet 300 along line (A-A) of FIG. 38B which illustrates the frame plate 100, striker, ratchet 300 and ratchet pivot pin 200 in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein. FIG. 38C illustrates a cross-section view of the striker disengaged from the ratchet 300 along line (B-B) of FIG. 38D which illustrates the frame plate 100, striker, ratchet 300 and ratchet pivot pin 200 in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein. The , striker 8 may be a component that is mounted to the vehicle door frame 6 (see FIG. 1) of the vehicle, such as the B-pillar of the vehicle, so that upon closure of the vehicle door 4, the door latch 10 may engage with the striker 8 to hold the vehicle door 4 in the closed position. More specifically, in an embodiment of the invention, door latch 10 may include a ratchet 300. The ratchet 300 may be rotatable around an axis of rotation 202 suitably to engage the striker 8 in certain states of the door latch 10.

[0237] FIGs. 39A-39D illustrates four perspective views of the primary pawl 800 and secondary pawl 1000 assembly, multi-link 2100 and outside release lever pivot pin 1200 and outside release lever bushing 1700 in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein shows the multi-link 2100, the secondary pawl 1000 and the primary pawl 800. It may be seen that the lower edge of multi-link 2100 may ride on the outside release lever bushing 1700.

[0238] FIGs. 39A-39D further illustrates the multi -link first functional surface 2104 of the multi -link 2100 interacts with the secondary pawl 1000 such that translation of the multi-link 2100 causes the secondary pawl 1000 to rotate, which in turn influences the ratchet 300.

H. CHILD LOCK ACTUATOR

[0239] FIGs. 40A-40D illustrates four perspective views of the child lock actuator 3100 according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein where a child lock actuator 3100 may include a child lock actuator central body region 3104, (centrally located with respect to the length of child lock actuator 3100) that is generally cylindrical and defines an axis of rotation of the child lock actuator 3100. At a user-facing end, child lock actuator 3100 may have a child lock actuator user interface feature 3106. The user interface feature may be suitable for entry of a key, screwdriver or tool in order to rotate the child lock actuator 3100. child lock actuator 3100 also may have child lock actuator flex tabs 3108 that provide a desired amount of friction and keep child lock actuator 3100 assembled into its supporting part and position. Child lock actuator flex tabs 3108 may be involved in a detent action that helps to define the two extreme rotational positions child lock actuator 3100.

[0240] At its non-user-facing end, child lock actuator 3100 may have a child lock actuator eccentric cam 3102 that is non-axisymmetric, such that a cam follower following the camming surface would occupy different radial positions, (radial with respect to the axis of rotation of the child lock actuator 3100), for different rotational angles of child lock actuator 3100 around its own axis. As illustrated, the range of positions of cam follower could range from approximately the axis of rotation of child lock actuator 3100, to approximately the outer circumference of the cylindrical part of child lock actuator 3100. The angle of rotation for changing from one extreme position of the cam follower to the other extreme position of the cam follower may be approximately 90-degrees.

[0241] Child lock actuator 3100 may be mounted in, and rotatable with respect to, frame plate 100.

There may be child lock actuator flex tabs 3108 that may maintain mechanical trapping of the child lock actuator 3100 in frame plate 100.

[0242] The cam follower, which may interact in sliding contact with child lock actuator 3100, which so far has been referred to generically as a cam follower, may be a surface of a bellcrank assembly of the lower 2800 and upper 2900 bellcranks, such as an upper distal surface of lower bellcrank 2800, as described elsewhere herein.

I. BELLCRANK ASSEMBLY

[0243] FIGs. 41A-41D illustrates four perspective views of the child lock actuator 3100, lower bellcrank 2800 and upper bellcrank 2900 and transmission assembly in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0244] FIGs. 42A-42D illustrates four perspective views of the upper bellcrank 2900 according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein further including a plurality of upper bellcrank fingers 2902 and upper bellcrank clutch 2904 mechanism for engaging the corresponding lower bellcrank cluck 2804 mechanism.

[0245] FIGs. 43A-43D illustrates four perspective views of the lower bellcrank 2800 according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein further including a lower bellcrank protrusion 2802 for engaging the inside release lever and a lower bellcrank clutch 2804 for engaging the corresponding upper bellcrank clutch 2904 mechanism.

[0246] In an embodiment, the upper bellcrank 2900 may have two upper bellcrank fingers 2902 that both interact with the multi -link bellcrank interface (recess) 2108 while the multi -link 2100 moves through the various latching states, described below. The upper bellcrank fingers 2902 may have differing sizes and shapes because of clearance allowances. The particular purpose for the upper bellcrank fingers 2902 is for releasing the door using the inside release lever 2400. In embodiments, the reason why the bellcrank is subdivided into the upper bellcrank 2900 and the lower bellcrank 2800 is so that when the child lock actuator 3100 is engaged, the bellcrank assembly, (lower 2800 and upper 2900 bellcranks), may prevent the upper bellcrank fingers 2902 of upper bellcrank 2900 from interacting with the multi -link 2100, thereby rendering the bellcrank assembly nonfunctional.

[0247] The lower 2800 and upper bellcrank 2900 assembly is able to rotate as the multi -link 2100 changes positions and the upper bellcrank fingers 2902 on the upper bellcrank 2900 interact with the multi -link 2100. The multi-link 2100 may change its position due to influence of the inside handle, outside handle, key cycle, or motor engagement.

[0248] Lower bellcrank 2800 and upper bellcrank 2900 may share a common axis, and a lower bellcrank shaft 2806 of lower bellcrank 2800 may be disposed within a central hole of upper bellcrank 2900. The central hole in upper bellcrank 2900 may be axisymmetric and the portion of the shaft of lower bellcrank 2800 that is disposed within the hole may be axisymmetric. As a result, there may be permitted to be relative rotational motion between the lower 2800 and upper 2900 bellcrank components around the axis of the shaft, and also relative translational motion along the direction of the shaft of lower bellcrank 2800. [0249] Lower bellcrank 2800 and upper bellcrank 2900 may have engaging clutch surfaces (2804 and 2904), (surfaces facing each other), such that if the facing surfaces of lower bellcrank 2800 and upper bellcrank 2900 touch each other, then lower bellcrank 2800 and upper bellcrank 2900 are rotationally engaged with each other for rotation in at least one direction. However, if the facing clutch surfaces of lower bellcrank 2800 and upper bellcrank 2900 are separated from each other along the axial direction, (the direction of the shaft of lower bellcrank 2800), by a sufficient distance, then there is no rotational coupling between lower bellcrank 2800 and upper bellcrank 2900.

[0250] The specific shape of the lower bellcrank protrusion 2802 on the lower bellcrank 2800 may be provided for clearance issues and for interacting with the inside release lever 2400. In embodiments, the middle, (smallest width), of the inside release lever window 2402, (see FIGs. 44A-44B), are the interaction surfaces between the inside release lever 2400 and the upper 2900 and lower 2800 bellcrank assembly. When the child lock actuator 3100 is not activated, the upper bellcrank 2900 and the lower bellcrank 2800 may be fully engaged with each other. Thus, when the inside handle is pulled, the inside release lever 2400 may move the lower bellcrank 2800 by interacting with the lower bellcrank protrusion 2802 to rotate the lower bellcrank 2800, which in turn may rotate the upper bellcrank 2900, which in turn may interact with multi-link bell crank interface 2108 to move the multi -link 2100 into the open position. [0251] In embodiments, if the child lock actuator 3100 is activated, the inside release lever 2400 will still rotate the lower bellcrank 2800, but the upper bellcrank 2900 and the lower bellcrank 2800 are now separated along the axial direction, so the lower bellcrank 2800 will not cause rotation of the upper bellcrank 2900 to move the multi -link 2100.

[0252] The axial position of lower bellcrank 2800, relative to upper bellcrank 2900, may be driven by the camming action of the child lock actuator eccentric cam 3102 of the child lock actuator 3100 as described elsewhere herein.

[0253] FIGs. 44A-44B illustrates two perspective views of the frame plate 100, the inside release lever 2400, lower bellcrank 2800 and upper bellcrank 2900 assembly and unengaged child lock actuator 3100 in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein. Specifically, in this configuration, child lock actuator 3100 is in a position such that the child lock actuator eccentric cam 3102 does not engage the lower bellcrank 2800 to activate the bellcrank clutch mechanism so that the lower bellcrank clutch 2804 is configured to be engaged with the upper bellcrank clutch mechanism 2904 of the upper bellcrank 2900.

[0254] FIGs. 45A-45B illustrates two perspective views of the inside release lever 2400, the lower bellcrank 2800 and upper bellcrank 2900 assembly and the child lock actuator 3100 in an engaged disposition in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein. Specifically, in this configuration, child lock actuator 3100 is in a position such that the child lock actuator eccentric cam 3102 engages the lower bellcrank 2800 to activate the bellcrank clutch mechanism so that the lower bellcrank clutch 2804 is configured to be disengaged with the upper bellcrank clutch mechanism 2904 of the upper bellcrank 2900.

[0255] The upper bellcrank 2900 may be held in a complementary shape in the transmission housing 3800. This may constrain upper bellcrank 2900 in all or most directions of translation, while allowing it to rotate around its own axis of rotation. For the lower bellcrank 2800, there may be a constraint provided by the concentricity of its shaft inside the axial hole in upper bellcrank 2900. Also, the lower end of the lower bellcrank 2800 may be held by the housing 4100.

[0256] FIG. 46A illustrates a cross-section view of the lower bellcrank 2800 with engaging fingers and a corresponding multi-link engagement recess along line (A-A) of FIG. 46B illustrating a side view of the lower bellcrank 2800, inside release lever 2400, child lock actuator 3100 and multi-link recess engagement in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein. The upper bellcrank 2900 may have a “finger” (or fingers) on the upper bellcrank fingers 2902, shown in this cross-section in FIG. 46A, that may interact with corresponding features of the multi-link bellcrank interface (recess) 2108 to urge multi -link 2100 to translate in a horizontal direction.

J. INERTIA CATCH

[0257] FIGs. 47A-47 illustrate two perspective views of the inertia catch 3900 supported on the transmission assembly configured to interface with the multi-link 2100 in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein. Likewise, FIGs. 47C-47D illustrate two perspective views of the inertia catch 3900 and multi-link 2100 in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0258] In embodiments, the door latch 10 may comprise an inertia catch 3900 that functions when vehicle acceleration greater than a specified “g” (acceleration) is acting upon the door latch 10, as defined by FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) and NHSTA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), and as specified by the Original Equipment Manufacturer. The inertia catch 3900 may be able to achieve any of multiple functions while disabling normal latch release and lock functions during an event.

[0259] In embodiments of the invention, the functioning of the inertia catch 3900 is further described as follows.

[0260] i.) The door latch 10 will remain in the state in which the latch was set prior to a lateral force acting upon the door latch 10, held in the nominal position by the inertia spring.

[0261] ii.a.) The inertia catch 3900 will allow the latch functional state to change from the lock state to the unlock state on the same side of the vehicle that the force is acted upon, or

[0262] ii.b.) The inertia catch 3900 will prevent the latch functional state from changing to the lock state from the unlock state on the opposite side of the vehicle that the load is acted upon by preventing the movement of the multi -link 2100.

[0263] iii.) The inertia catch 3900 will always prevent the vehicle door latch from change in state or position or being acted upon by either the inside, outside, or automated release mechanisms until forces in the event subside.

[0264] iv.) The inertia catch 3900 will disengage the vehicle door latch release mechanism when the inertia forces fall below a specified “g” (acceleration compared to gravitational acceleration), allowing normal functions of the door latch 10 to resume.

[0265] The door latch 10 may include within the system mechanism; a transversal (crosscar) inertia catch 3900 that functions when a vehicle lateral load (acceleration) greater than a specified g (gravitational acceleration) is acting upon the vehicle door latch. The inertia catch 3900 is able to achieve any of multiple functions while disabling normal latch release and lock functions. [0266] The inertia catch 3900 may have a pivot having a pivot axis oriented in the fore-aft direction (x- direction), and may have a mass or center of gravity that is located away from the pivot axis, thereby providing a pendulum-like action such that a lateral acceleration (lateral with respect to the overall vehicle directions) causes the inertia catch 3900 to rotate around the pivot axis. The inertia catch 3900 also may have a pair of inertia catch extending rods 3902 that are suitable to engage multi -link scallop shaped catch surfaces 2114 in multi-link 2100 upon existence of suitable acceleration. The inertia catch 3900 may be biased by an inertia catch bias spring 4000 to assume an unlocked state in which none of the inertia catch extending rods 3902 engage with the multi-link scallop shaped catch surfaces 2114. The inertia catch 3900 may respond to either positive or negative accelerations in the direction of its sensitivity.

[0267] The inertia catch 3900 may be configured to operate between various positions where the inertia catch 3900 may engage the multi-link 2100, and illustrating both the nominal position of the inertia catch 3900 and its position during acceleration events. FIGs. 47A-47B shows the inertia catch 3900 with respect to certain structural elements of the door latch 10, particularly the transmission housing 3800 that support the connection point and pivot axis of the inertia catch 3900. FIG. 47C-47D shows the inertia catch 3900 with respect to the multi-link 2100 during nominal acceleration conditions when the inertia catch 3900 does not cause any inertial locking.

[0268] FIG. 48A illustrates a cross-section view of a double locked functional state of the latch where the outside release lever biasing spring 2000 engages a pre-detent portion of a multi-link third functional surface 2112 on an underside the multi -link 2100 along a line (A-A) of FIG. 48B illustrating a top view of the multi -link 2100 and the inertia catch 3900 in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0269] FIG. 48C illustrates a cross-section view of a locked functional state of the latch where the outside release lever biasing spring 2000 engages a first detent portion of a multi-link third functional surface 2112 on an underside the multi -link 2100 along a line (B-B) of FIG. 48D illustrating atop view of the multi -link 2100 and the inertia catch 3900 in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0270] FIG. 48E illustrates a cross-section view of a unlocked functional state of the latch where the outside release lever biasing spring 2000 engages a second detent portion of a multi-link third functional surface 2112 on an underside the multi -link 2100 along a line (C-C) of FIG. 48F illustrating a top view of the multi-link 2100 and the inertia catch 3900 in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0271] FIG. 48G illustrates a cross-section view of an open functional state of the latch where the outside release lever biasing spring 2000 engages an overtravel portion of a multi-link third functional surface 2112 on an underside the multi -link 2100 along a line (D-D) of FIG. 48H illustrating a top view of the multi -link 2100 and the inertia catch 3900 in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0272] FIGs. 48A-48H illustrate that for one direction of lateral acceleration the inertia catch 3900 may swing and rotate about an inertia catch rotation axis 3904 in one direction, (see angular arrowed dash lead lines), and inertia catch extending rods 3902 interact with an upper shape of the multi-link scallop shaped catch surfaces 2114 in multi-link 2100, while for an opposite direction of lateral acceleration, (see arrowed dash lead lines), the inertia catch 3900 swings in the opposite direction and its inertia catch extending rods 3902 interact with a lower multi -link scallop shaped catch surfaces 2114 in multi -link 2100

K. SWITCHES

[0273] In embodiments of the invention, sensor switches may be provided to sense the position of certain components. There may be provided: a primary pawl “door ajar” switch 900 for the primary pawl 800; a secondary pawl “cinching” switch 1100 for the secondary pawl 1000; a multi -link position switch 2200 for the multi-link 2100; and an outside release lever switch 1900 for the outside release lever 1800.

[0274] FIGs. 49A-49D illustrates four perspective views of the sensor switch housing with corresponding sensor switches located therein in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein. Primary pawl “door ajar” switch 900 may be mounted on the front switch housing 1500, (only shown in here for clarity purposes), and rear switch housing 700 and may be located so as to interact with and sense the position of primary pawl 800. Secondary pawl “cinching” switch 1100 also may be located so as to interact with and sense the position of secondary pawl 1000. The position of secondary pawl 1000 and of primary pawl 800 may cause deflection of the secondary pawl “cinching” switch 1100 and the primary pawl “door ajar” switch 900, respectively, to allow the vehicle to understand or detect the state of the door latch 10.

[0275] The primary pawl “door ajar” switch 900 may interacts with the primary pawl 800 when the ratchet 300 is in the open, released state.

[0276] The secondary pawl “cinching” switch 1100 (further discussed elsewhere herein) may be activated by the secondary pawl 1000 when the ratchet 300 reaches a position where the ratchet 300 and striker 8 are in the closed position.

[0277] The multi-link position switch 2200 may interact with the multi -link 2100 to detect the position of the multi -link 2100 to report the state of the vehicle door latch.

[0278] The outside release lever switch 1900 may interact with the outside release lever 1800 allowing the interaction to activate the power assisted release as the outside door handle is actuated.

[0279] FIGs. 50A-50D illustrates four perspective views of the outside release lever pivot pin 1200 and outside release lever bushing 1700, outside release lever 1800 and outside release lever bias spring 2000, and outside release lever position sensing switch 1900 in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0280] FIGs. 51A-51D illustrates four perspective views of the outside release lever bushing 1700, primary pawl 800 and secondary pawl 1000 assembly, front position sensing switch housing 1500, primary pawl "door ajar" position sensing switch 900 and secondary pawl "cinching" position sensing switch 1100 in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0281] FIG. 52 illustrates a front view of front the outside release lever bushing 1700, the position sensing switch housing 1500, outside release lever position sensing switch 1900, multi -link position sensing switch 2200, secondary pawl "cinching" position sensing switch 1100, primary pawl "door ajar" position sensing switch 900, ratchet 300, primary pawl 800, secondary pawl 1000, multi-link 2100, and outside release lever 1800, in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

L. SPRINGS

[0282] In embodiments of the invention, there may be provided springs as appropriate to influence the rotation or other motion of certain components of the vehicle door latch. Such springs may be torsional springs. Such springs may bias a desired member in a desired direction.

[0283] FIGs. 53A-53D illustrate four perspective views of the ratchet 300, primary pawl 800 and secondary pawl 1000 assembly and corresponding sensor switches, inside release lever 2400, lower bellcrank 2800 and upper bellcrank 2900 and multi-link 2100 in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein. FIGs. 53A-53D illustrate the following springs in an assembled working configuration: ratchet bias spring 600; primary pawl bias spring 1300; secondary pawl bias spring 1400, (see FIGs. 3 and 57A-57D); outside release lever bias spring 2000; inside release lever bias spring 2500; lower bellcrank bias spring 3000; and inertia catch bias spring 4000. [0284] In regard to the lower bellcrank 2800, the lower bellcrank bias spring 3000 may wrap around lower bellcrank 2800 and may bias the lower bellcrank 2800 upward to maintain engagement of lower bellcrank 2800 with upper bellcrank 2900, unless disengagement is caused by child lock actuator 3100. lower bellcrank bias spring 3000 also may provide a torsional effect and may bias lower bellcrank 2800 rotationally.

[0285] In regard to inside release lever 2400, inside release lever bias spring 2404 may wrap around inside release lever pivot pin 2300 and may bias inside release lever 2400 to rotate into a closed/locked position, (which may be forward with respect to the overall vehicle).

[0286] FIGs. 54A-54D illustrate four perspective views of the multi-link 2100, outside release lever 1800, outside release lever pivot pin 1200 and outside release lever bushing 1700, and the outside release lever bias spring 2000 in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein. In regard to multi -link 2100, outside release lever bias spring 2000 having a shepherd’s hook-shaped outside release lever bias spring end 2002 may interact with shapes in the lower edge of the multi -link 2100 such as to define detent positions that may be occupied by the multi-link 2100.

[0287] In regard to outside release lever 1800, outside release lever bias spring 2000 may wrap around outside release lever pivot pin 1200 and may bias outside release lever 1800 to rotate into an open/unlocked position, (which may be upward with respect to the overall vehicle).

[0288] FIGs. 55A-55C illustrate a side view and two perspective views, accordingly, of the multi-link 2100 with the inertia catch 3900 and inertia catch bias spring 4000 in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein. The inertia catch bias spring 4000 may cause the inertia catch 3900 to normally occupy a middle position, such that inertia catch 3900 is capable of rotating in either direction from the middle position as a result of an imposed acceleration in a particular direction. In the middle position, in the absence of a defined acceleration, the inertia catch 3900 may be non-interacting with the translatable member multi -link 2100. In either extreme position, the inertia catch 3900 may interact with the multi -link scallop-shaped catch surfaces 2114 of the translatable member multi-link 2100 so as to immobilize the translatable member multi-link 2100.

[0289] FIGs. 56A-56D illustrate four perspective views of the ratchet 300, ratchet bias spring 600, rear switch housing 1500 and backplate 500 in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein. In regard to the ratchet 300, a ratchet bias spring 600 may bias the ratchet 300 to the open position, such that the motion of the vehicle door closing may cause the ratchet 300 to rotate to its closed position.

[0290] FIGs. 57A-57D illustrate four perspective views of the primary pawl 800, secondary pawl 1000 assembly, primary pawl bias spring 1300; secondary pawl bias spring 1400, rear switch housing 700 and backplate 500 in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein. In regard to primary pawl 800, primary pawl bias spring 1300 may bias primary pawl 800 to a locked position.

[0291] FIGs. 58A-58D illustrate four perspective views of the primary pawl 800 and secondary pawl 1000 assembly, corresponding primary pawl bias spring 1300; secondary pawl bias spring 1400, outside release lever pivot pin 1200 and outside release lever bushing 1700 in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0292] FIGs. 59A-59D illustrate four perspective views of the primary pawl 800, ; primary pawl bias spring 1300, and outside release lever pivot pin 1200 and outside release lever bushing 1700 in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0293] FIGs. 60A-60D illustrate four perspective views of the secondary pawl 1000, secondary pawl bias spring 1400, pawl pivot pin 400 and backplate 500 in an assembled configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

IV. MATERIALS OF CONSTRUCTION

[0294] In embodiments of the invention, many of the described parts may be made of stamped or milled steel or aluminum or another appropriate metal or alloy.

V. STATES AND POSITIONS

[0295] Now that the various parts have been described and their interrelationships have been described in some detail, it is possible to describe specific states and positions that the various parts and the vehicle door latch overall may occupy. The multi-link 2100, and ratchet 300, and primary pawl 800 and secondary pawl 1000 may be capable of occupying three states and four relative positions.

[0296] In embodiments, the ratchet triangular boss 306 of the steel ratchet 300, (which may be stamped), may aid in the positioning of the primary pawl 800 and secondary pawl 1000, which may dictate the ratchet 300 position regarding the ratchet 300 lock/unlock state. The short lower side of the ratchet triangular boss 306 of the ratchet 300 may slide along the complementary swept curved secondary pawl distal surfaces 1006 of the secondary pawl 1000, which also engages the primary pawl 800 indicating the door release open state.

[0297] The three states and four relative positions of these components may be as shown in FIGs. 61A- 61C illustrating three front hidden line views corresponding to a double locked configuration, FIG. 61A, a locked configuration, FIG. 61B, and an unlocked configuration, FIG. 61C, respectively, according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0298] FIGs. 62-65 more specifically illustrate various configurations of the primary pawl post 802 and the secondary pawl window 1004 that interrelate the primary pawl 800 and the secondary pawl 1000. [0299] FIG. 62 illustrates a side view of a double locked configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein, where a principal usage of the primary pawl post 802 and secondary pawl window 1004 relationship is in the “secondary lock” position, (when the door is not completely closed). In this situation there is a slight gap between the primary pawl post 802 and the secondary pawl window 1004. In the “secondary lock” configuration, in which the vehicle door 4 has not been closed all the way to full closure, the secondary pawl 1000 is allowed to rotate to its nominal position, but the primary pawl 800 is not rotated fully back to the locked position. Thus, the primary pawl post 802 and the secondary pawl window 1004 are separated from each other.

[0300] FIG. 63 illustrates a side view of a locked configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein, the primary pawl post 802 on primary pawl 800 may sit slightly clear of the secondary pawl window 1004 on the secondary pawl 1000.

[0301] FIG. 64 illustrates a side view of an unlocked configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein, where the secondary pawl window 1004 has made contact with the primary pawl post 802 on primary pawl 800. Multi -link 2100 is shown in position to allow the outside release lever 1800 to open the vehicle door latch 10.

[0302] FIG. 65 illustrates a side view of an open configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein where the multi-link 2100 has caused secondary pawl 1000 to rotate causing the primary pawl 800 to rotate together with the secondary pawl 1000.

VI. OUTSIDE RELEASE CONFIGURATION

[0303] Referring now to FIGs. 66-76, there is illustrated the outside release configuration.

[0304] FIG. 66 illustrates a perspective cross-section of the latch 10 in an open configuration state depicting the outside release lever spring 2000 engaging an overtravel ramp portion of the multi-link third functional surface 2112 according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein. [0305] FIG. 67 illustrates a perspective cross-section of the latch in an open configuration state, similar to FIG. 66, depicting the secondary pawl out-of-plane portion 1002 of the secondary pawl 1000 engaging with a multi -link first functional surface 2104 of the multi -link 2100 according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0306] FIG. 68 illustrates a perspective cross-section of pre -engagement striker with the primary pawl 800 and secondary pawl 1000 assembly and ratchet 300 according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0307] FIG. 69 illustrates a perspective cross-section of pre -engagement striker with the primary pawl 800, (similar to FIG. 68 but without the secondary pawl 1000 for illustration purposes only), and ratchet 300 according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0308] FIG. 70 illustrates a perspective view of a pre -engagement striker with the primary pawl 800, the secondary pawl 1000 assembly, the ratchet 300 and the outside lock lever 1600 engaging the multi-link fifth functional surface 2118 of the multi -link 2100 to prevent the multi -link 2100 from translating according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0309] FIG. 71 illustrates a perspective view of the outside lock lever 1600 disengaged from the multi link fifth functional surface 2118 of the multi -link 2100 thereby enabling the multi -link 2100 to translate according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0310] FIG. 72 illustrates a perspective view of a striker 8 path 9 for a target ratchet 300 engagement surface on the ratchet 300 according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0311] FIG. 73 illustrates a perspective view of the ratchet 300 and ratchet pivot pin 200, and primary pawl 800 and pawl pivot pin 400 in open position where the ratchet 300 slides along an upper primary pawl pass-by surface 808 of the primary pawl 800 according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0312] FIG. 74 illustrates a perspective view of a ratchet 300 and ratchet pivot pin 200, the primary pawl 800 and secondary pawl 1000 assembly and pawl pivot pin 400 in an open position where a secondary pawl distal surface 1006 of the secondary pawl 1000 engages a first surface of a ratchet triangular boss 306 of the ratchet 300 according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0313] FIG. 75 illustrates a top perspective view of the outside release lever 1800, the multi-link 2100, the front switch housing 1500 and the backplate 500 wherein the outside release lever 1800 is engaged with the multi-link 2100 and configured to translate the multi-link 2100 accordingly, according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0314] FIG. 76 illustrates a bottom perspective view of FIG. 75 of the outside release lever 1800, the multi -link 2100, wherein the outside release lever 1800 is engaged with the multi -link 2100 and configured to translate the multi-link 2100 accordingly, according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

VII. SECONDARY LOCK CONFIGURATION

[0315] Referring now to FIGs. 77-84, there is illustrated the secondary lock configuration. In the secondary lock configuration, only the secondary pawl 1000 is engaged with the ratchet 300, which is not in the full double lock position as illustrated in FIGs. 85-92 below. This configuration will prevent the vehicle door from opening, but it is different from the fully locked and latched position.

[0316] FIG. 77 illustrates a perspective view of a secondary lock configuration where the outside lever release bias spring engages a first detent portion of the multi-link third functional surface 2112 of the multi -link 2100, according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0317] FIG. 78 illustrates a perspective cross-section view of the secondary lock configuration of FIG.

77 with the secondary pawl out-of-plane portion 1002 of the secondary pawl 1000 not engaging the multi link first functional surface 2104 according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0318] FIG. 79 illustrates a perspective cross-section view the secondary lock configuration of FIG. 77-

78 where a first secondary pawl distal surface 1006 of the secondary pawl 1000 engages the ratchet triangular boss 306 of the ratchet 300 according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0319] FIG. 80 illustrates a perspective cross-section view the secondary lock configuration of FIGs. 77-79 where the primary pawl pass-by surface 808 of the primary pawl 800 engages a lower sliding engaging portion of the ratchet 300 according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein. [0320] FIG. 81 illustrates a perspective view of the secondary lock configuration of FIGs. 77-80 where the secondary pawl distal surfaces 1006 of the secondary pawl 1000 engage the ratchet triangular boss 306 of the ratchet 300 according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0321] FIG. 82 illustrates a perspective cross-section view of the secondary lock configuration of FIGs. 77-81 with the primary pawl 800 engaging a lower sliding ratchet 300 engaging surface according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0322] FIG. 83 illustrates a perspective view the secondary lock configuration of FIGs. 77-82 with the primary pawl 800 engaging a lower sliding ratchet 300 engaging surface further illustrating position sensor switches portions 810 and 1008 for the primary pawl 800 and secondary pawl 1000, respectively, according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0323] FIG. 84 illustrates a perspective view of the secondary lock configuration of FIGs. 77-83 with the primary pawl 800 engaging a lower sliding ratchet 300 engaging surface further illustrating the outside release lever 1800 engaging a corresponding portion on the multi -link 2100 according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

VIII. DOUBLE LOCK CONFIGURATION

[0324] Referring now to FIGs. 85-92, there is illustrated the “double lock” configuration. In the double lock configuration, the multi-link 2100 is in the most outboard position, blocking the movement of the inside release lever 2400 and the outside release lever 1800, thereby disabling the function of the outside and inside door handles, rendering those handles inoperative.

[0325] FIG. 85 illustrates perspective cross-section view of a double locked configuration where the outside lever release bias spring 2000 engages a pre-detent portion of the multi-link third functional surface 2112 of the underside of the multi-link 2100 and the multi -link 2100 is moved to right-most position, according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0326] FIG. 86 illustrates a perspective cross-section view of the double locked configuration of FIG. 85 with the secondary pawl 1000 not engaging a multi-link first functional surface 2104 of the multilink 2100 according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0327] FIG. 87 illustrates a perspective cross-section view the double locked configuration of FIG. 85-

86 with the secondary pawl 1000 engaging a rear position sensing switch housing limit surface 702 of the rear position sensing switch housing 700 according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0328] FIG. 88 illustrates a perspective cross-section view the double locked configuration of FIGs. 85-

87 with the primary pawl 800 disengaged from the lower sliding ratchet 300 engaging surface, and the primary pawl 800 engaging a rear position sensing switch housing limit surface 702 of the rear position sensing switch housing 700 according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0329] FIG. 89 illustrates of perspective view of the double lock configuration of FIGs. 85-88 where the outside release lever 1800 is non-engageable with the multi -link engagement surface according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0330] FIG. 90 illustrates an alternate perspective view to FIG. 89 of the double lock configuration of FIGs. 85-88 where the outside release lever 1800 is non-engageable with the multi -link fifth functional surface 2118 of the multi -link 2100 according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein. [0331] FIG. 91 illustrates an alternate perspective view to FIGs. 89-90 of the double lock configuration of FIGs. 85-88 where the outside release lever 1800 is non-engageable with the multi-link fifth functional surface 2118 of the multi -link 2100 according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein; [0332] FIG. 92 illustrates an alternate perspective view to FIGs. 89-91 of the double lock configuration of FIGs. 85-88 where the outside release lever 1800 is non-engageable with the multi -link engagement surface according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein IX. OUTSIDE LOCK CONFIGURATION

[0333] Referring now to FIGs. 93-100, there is illustrated the outside lock configuration. FIG. 107 illustrates that in the outside lock configuration, the outside lock lever 1600 may move the multi-link 2100 in the illustrated direction during key function in both the lock and unlock position. In this configuration, the key may also be used to complete movement of the ratchet 300 to the open position without use of an outside handle.

[0334] FIG. 93 illustrates a perspective cross-section view of an outside release lever 1800 acting on a secondary lock configuration where the outside lever release bias spring engages a first detent portion of the underside of the multi -link 2100 and the multi -link 2100 is moved in a leftward direction from the rightmost double locked configuration of FIGs. 85-92, according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0335] FIG. 94 illustrates a perspective cross-section view of the outside release lever 1800 acting on a secondary lock configuration of FIG. 93 with a secondary pawl 1000 not engaging a multi-link engagement surface according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0336] FIG. 95 illustrates a perspective cross-section view of the outside release lever 1800 acting on a secondary lock configuration of FIGs. 93-94 with the secondary pawl 1000 engaging a rear sensor switch housing limit surface according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0337] FIG. 96 illustrates a perspective cross-section view of the outside release lever 1800 acting on a secondary lock configuration of FIGs. 93-95 with the primary pawl 800 disengaged from the lower sliding ratchet 300 engaging surface, and the primary pawl 800 engaging a rear sensor switch housing limit surface according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0338] FIG. 97 illustrates of perspective view of the outside release lever 1800 acting on a secondary lock configuration of FIGs. 93-96 where the outside release lever 1800 is non-engageable with the multi link engagement surface according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0339] FIG. 98 illustrates an alternate perspective view to FIG. 97 of the outside release lever 1800 acting on a secondary lock configuration of FIGs. 93-97 where the outside lock lever 1600 is engaged with the multi-link engagement surface according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0340] FIG. 99 illustrates an alternate perspective view to FIG. 98 of the outside release lever 1800 acting on a secondary lock configuration of FIGs. 93-98 where the outside lock lever 1600 is moved to disengage from the multi -link engagement surface according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0341] FIG. 100 illustrates a perspective view of the outside release lever 1800 acting on a secondary lock configuration of FIGs. 93-99 where the outside release lever 1800 is non-engageable with multi -link fifth functional surface 2118 of the multi -link 2100 according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

X. CHILD LOCK CONFIGURATION

[0342] Referring now to FIGs. 101-107, there is illustrated the child lock configuration.

[0343] FIG. 101 illustrates a perspective cross-section view of a child lock actuator 3100 acting on a secondary lock configuration where the outside lever release bias spring engages a detent portion of the underside of the multi -link 2100 and the multi-link 2100 is moved in a leftward direction from the rightmost double locked configuration of FIGs. 85-92, according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0344] FIG. 102 illustrates a perspective cross-section view of the child lock actuator 3100 acting on a secondary lock configuration of FIG. 101 with a secondary pawl 1000 not engaging a multi -link engagement surface according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0345] FIG. 103 illustrates a perspective cross-section view of the child lock actuator 3100 acting on a secondary lock configuration of FIGs. 101-102 with the secondary pawl 1000 engaging a rear position sensing switch housing limit surface 702 of the rear position sensing switch housing 700 according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0346] FIG. 104 illustrates a perspective cross-section view of the child lock actuator 3100 acting on a secondary lock configuration of FIGs. 101-103 with the primary pawl 800 disengaged from the lower sliding ratchet 300 engaging surface, and the primary pawl 800 engaging a rear sensor switch housing limit surface according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0347] FIG. 105 illustrates of perspective view of the child lock actuator 3100 acting on a secondary lock configuration of FIGs. 101-104 where the primary pawl 800 and secondary pawl 1000 include primary pawl switch engaging extension 810 and secondary pawl switch functional surface 1008, respectively, according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0348] FIG. 106 illustrates an upper perspective view of the child lock actuator 3100 acting on a secondary lock configuration of FIGs. 101-105 where the child lock actuator 3100 engages the lower bellcrank 2800 to disengage a corresponding clutch mechanism from the upper bellcrank 2900 to thereby prevent the inside door release lever 3400 from rotating the upper bellcrank 2900 to thereby engage the corresponding recess in the multi-link 2100 and translate the multi -link 2100 toward an unlock configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0349] FIG. 107 illustrates a lower perspective view of the child lock actuator 3100 of FIG. 106 acting on a secondary lock configuration of FIGs. 101-105 where the child lock actuator 3100 engages the lower bellcrank 2800 to disengage a corresponding clutch mechanism from the upper bellcrank 2900 to thereby prevent the inside door release lever from rotating the upper bellcrank 2900 to thereby engage the corresponding recess in the multi-link 2100 and translate the multi -link 2100 toward an unlock configuration according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein;

XI. SYSTEMS ASPECTS AND INTERACTIONS

[0350] In an embodiment of the invention, the side door latch 10 may be functioned by the vehicle operator from both the exterior and the interior of the vehicle. The functions of door latch 10 may be remotely accessed using either manual systems provided on the vehicle or by an electrical device that is either on the vehicle or carried by the vehicle operator. The manual systems provided are typically in the form of a handle that pivots about an axis, or a button that acts upon a Bellcrank and is connected to the vehicle door latch using cables or rods.

[0351] Also provided may be components that allow for the vehicle operator to lock and unlock the vehicle door latch. From the exterior of the vehicle, the manual lock and unlock functions are typically engaged by inserting a coded key into a provided key cylinder that is connected to the vehicle door latch using a rod or cable. From the interior of the vehicle, typically a sliding or rotating button connected to the vehicle door latch using a rod or cable is used to lock or unlock the vehicle door latch. Occasionally, the inside handle itself is used to lock and unlock the vehicle door latch on the inside of the vehicle. Electrical systems on the vehicle provided to lock and unlock the vehicle are typically visible, and require a code known to the operator, or may be secretly located in a location known only to the operator. Alternatively, the electrical system may be operated through a device that is carried by the operator and is not directly connected to the car, allowing for the vehicle door latch functions to be accessed while at some distance from the vehicle. This device will transmit a signal to a receiver in the vehicle, and, depending on the signal received, will provide an electrical input to the vehicle door latch to change the state of the vehicle door latch to the desired state as identified by the signal. The various powered states are described below in Definition of Latch States.

[0352] FIGs. 108-112 illustrate the range of travel for the double lock state, lock state, unlock state and release state.

[0353] FIG. 108 illustrates a side view diagram of the latch in a double locked state where the outside release lever 1800 bias spring engages pre-detent area of the underside of the multi -link 2100 according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein. The inside release is disabled by the multi-link 2100 position where the spring 2000 is in a pre-detent portion and the multi -link sensing switch 2200 senses a position switch open state.

[0354] FIG. 109 illustrates a side view diagram of the latch in a locked state where the outside release lever 1800 bias spring engages a first detent area of the underside of the multi-link 2100 according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein. The inside release is disabled by the multi -link 2100 position where the spring 2000 is in a first detent position and the multi-link sensing switch 2200 senses a position switch closed state.

[0355] FIG. 110 illustrates a side view diagram of the latch in an unlocked state where the outside release lever 1800 bias spring engages a second detent area of the underside of the multi -link 2100 according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein. The inside release is enabled by the multi -link 2100 position where the spring 2000 is in a second detent position and the multi -link sensing switch 2200 senses a position switch open state with the secondary pawl “cinching” switch detecting a close state. [0356] FIG. Ill illustrates a side view diagram of the latch in a latch release state where the outside release lever 1800 bias spring engages a spring overtravel portion of the underside of the multi -link 2100 according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein. The inside release is actuated by pushing the multi -link 2100 to an overtravel position where the spring 2000 is in an overtravel position and the multi-link sensing switch 2200 senses a position switch closed state with the primary pawl “door ajar” switch detecting a close state.

[0357] FIG. 112 illustrates a composite side view diagram of a latch release state diagram illustrating an engagement interaction between the multi -link first functional surface 2104 of the multi -link 2100 to the secondary pawl out-of-plane portion 1002 of the secondary pawl 1000, and a guidance engagement between the multi-link boss 2102 of the multi -link 2100 and a guiding slot or backplate groove 502 of the backplate 500 according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

A. LATCH POSITIONS

[0358] In embodiments of the invention, the door latch 10 may have the following three different positions:

[0359] 1) Primary position.

[0360] The vehicle door latch is closed, which will hold the striker, being attached to the vehicle, which in turn holds the vehicle door closed, secured and flush with the vehicle body, and flush with surrounding body panels. FIGs. 113-120D illustrate the primary position.

[0361] FIG. 113 illustrates a side view of the latch functioning in a closed primary position where the primary pawl 800 engages the leading edge of the ratchet 300 according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0362] FIG. 114 illustrates a side view of the latch functioning in a closed primary position of FIG. 113 further including the rear switch housing including a primary and second pawl limit stop according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0363] FIG. 115 illustrates a side view of the latch functioning in a closed primary position of FIGs. 113-114 further illustrating the primary pawl 800 pin/post engaging the secondary pawl 1000 window according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0364] FIG. 116 illustrates a side view of the latch functioning in a closed primary position of FIGs. 113-115 further illustrating the engagement surface of the secondary pawl 1000 and the corresponding engagement functional surface on the back side of the multi -link 2100 according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0365] FIG. 117 illustrates a side view of the latch functioning in a closed primary position of FIGs. 113-116 further illustrating the double locked state configuration where the multi-link 2100 is moved to the right-most position thereby preventing the inside release lever 2400 and the outside release lever 1800 from engaging the multi-link 2100 to unlock the ratchet 300 from the striker according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0366] FIG. 118 illustrates a side view of the latch functioning in a closed primary position of FIGs. 113-117 further illustrating the locked state configuration where the multi-link 2100 is moved incrementally leftward from the right-most position thereby preventing the outside release lever 1800 from engaging the multi-link 2100 to unlock the ratchet 300 from the striker, but allowing the inside release lever 2400 to engage the recess in the multi-link 2100 to move the multi-link 2100 to the unlock state according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0367] FIG. 119 illustrates a side view of the latch functioning in a closed primary position of FIGs. 113-118 further illustrating the unlocked state configuration where the multi -link 2100 is further moved incrementally leftward from the locked state position of FIG. 118 thereby allowing the outside release lever 1800 and the inside release lever 2400 to engage the multi -link recess in the multi -link 2100 to move the multi -link 2100 to the unlock state according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0368] FIG. 120A-120D illustrates four side-by-side hidden-line side views of the latch states of FIGs. 117-119 according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0369] 2) Secondary position.

[0370] The vehicle door latch is holding the striker but has allowed the striker to travel towards the Release position by approximately 6 mm with the door still secured. This position is defined as: The vehicle door is ajar (partially open).

[0371] 3) Released position.

[0372] The vehicle door has released the striker, allowing the vehicle door to open, providing ingress to, and egress from, the vehicle.

[0373] FIGs. 121A-121B illustrates two side-by-side hidden-line views of the latch transition between the unlocked state and the release state by interaction between the secondary pawl 1000 engagement surface with the functional surface of the multi -link 2100 according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0374] FIGs. 122A-122B illustrates two side-by-side views of the latch transition between the unlocked state and the release state by interaction between the secondary pawl 1000 engagement surface with the functional surface of the multi -link 2100 wherein the secondary pawl 1000 engages the pin of the primary pawl 800 in the secondary pawl 1000 window to rotate the primary pawl 800 away from the ratchet 300 to thereby release the striker from ratchet 300 retention according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

B. Latch States

[0375] Definition of Latch States: In embodiments of the invention, the door latch 10 may have at least the following four different States of function in the vehicle door latch closed primary position:

[0376] 1) Double Locked State.

[0377] Opening of the vehicle door is prevented when using the Outside Release mechanism and the Inside Release mechanism.

[0378] 2) Locked State.

[0379] Opening of the vehicle door is prevented from the Outside Release mechanism BUT may be moved to the Unlock State from inside the vehicle.

[0380] 3) Unlocked state.

[0381] Opening of the vehicle door is possible when using the Outside Release mechanism AND is possible when using the Inside Release mechanism.

[0382] 4) Released State. The vehicle door latch has released the striker, allowing the vehicle door to open, providing ingress to, and egress from, the vehicle.

[0383] Embodiments of the invention may be further described in terms of the various states in which the vehicle door latch may exist, with reference to FIGs. 108-112.

[0384] The “double lock state,” is the state of the vehicle door latch in which both the inside release mechanism and the outside release mechanism are disabled. In an embodiment of the invention, the double lock state may be engaged electrically by an actuator; by receiving an electrical input from the vehicle electrical architecture. In an embodiment, the double lock state of the vehicle door latch may be disengaged either electrically or mechanically (using the key cylinder of the vehicle side door or child lock mechanism). See FIG. 108.

[0385] The “lock state” may be achieved using the outside lock lever 1600 (through the key cylinder of the vehicle side door). The lock state may also be invoked electrically by receiving an electrical input from the vehicle electrical architecture. The lock state is engaged from either the unlocked or double locked states. In the lock state the outside release lever 1800 is disabled. The inside release lever 2400 is able disengage the lock state, placing the vehicle door latch in the unlock state. See FIG. 109.

[0386] The “unlock state” may be achieved manually from the inside release lever 2400, and, for front doors only, from the outside release lever 1800 (when starting with the vehicle door latch in the locked state or double locked state). The unlock state may also be invoked electrically by receiving an electrical input from the vehicle electrical architecture. See FIG. 110.

[0387] The “latch release state” may be invoked manually both from the inside release lever 2400 and from the outside release lever 1800. Optionally, the vehicle door latch mechanism may also be assisted to engage the release state electrically by receiving an electrical input from the vehicle electrical architecture. See FIGs. 111-112.

[0388] For the rear door only, the “child lock state” is achieved by rotating the child lock actuator 3100. This disables the inside release mechanism without disabling the inside lock mechanism. When the door is in this state, the door latch 10 may mechanically engage the locked and unlocked states from the inside handle and the power lock mechanism without the release of the door. When the vehicle door latch is in the child lock state along with being in the unlocked state, only the outside release lever 1800 will release the vehicle door latch.

[0389] For rear door applications, the multi -link 2100 is also capable of creating yet another particular state. This is the “powered double lock state.” When the vehicle door latch is in this state, the inside release lever is disengaged, and may not release the rear door latch 10. This is an optional feature, selectable by the vehicle driver using controls available only to the driver. When this feature is engaged, the outside release lever 1800 is also disengaged.

[0390] “Cinching” function or state. Cinching is an optional capability that may be provided in some vehicles, such that the vehicle door latch tightens in/down automatically, progressing from a situation similar to the Door Ajar or Secondary Latch state to a fully closed state. The vehicle door may be shut very lightly and the vehicle door latch will automatically draw in the striker 8 by activating the door latch 10 to rotate to the closed position. The cinching switch 1100 is activated by the secondary pawl 1000 when the Ratchet 300 reaches a position where the Ratchet 300 and striker 8 are in the closed position. Such a latch is capable of engaging the striker 8 and pulling the door or element the rest of the way to the fully latched position. Typically, the door must be closed to the secondary latched position for cinching to begin.

[0391] “Locked” function or state. The multi -link position switch 2200 is activated by the bumps multi link second functional surface 2110 on the multi -link 2100, allowing the logic of the switch being opened or closed to provide information about the state of the vehicle door latch. When the vehicle door latch is in the "locked" position, the door handle on the outside of the car is disconnected from the opening mechanism, which prevents a person on the outside of the car from opening and closing the door without a key.

[0392] “Door Ajar” warning or state. The primary pawl "door ajar" switch 900 interacts with the primary pawl 800. The primary pawl "door ajar" switch 900 is in the depressed position when the vehicle door latch is open and is in the open state when the vehicle door latch is in the closed position. In regard to “door ajar” switches, it may be realized that an embodiment of the invention, each door of a vehicle may have a “door ajar” switch inside the vehicle door latch of the door. Thus, overall in a vehicle, there may be a total of as many as five (5) door ajar switches, namely: driver’s side door ajar switch; passenger’s side door ajar switch; right rear door ajar switch; left rear door ajar switch; and rear latch hatchback or trunk door ajar switch. (It may be understood that the same or similar latches may be used in various places in the vehicle possibly with other orientations, such as on the symmetrically opposite side of the vehicle, in either hinged, sliding door, or hatchback applications.) In the message center of the vehicle, the “door ajar” warnings could indicate a number of things. Usually, the door ajar warnings or states are an indication that one or more of the vehicle doors are open. However, there are some cases when a “door ajar” warning could be an indication of another problem.

C. OPENING DIRECTION FUNCTIONALITY [0393] FIG. 123 illustrates a side view of the primary pawl 800 and secondary pawl 1000 assembly and ratchet 300 retaining the striker demonstrating a latch opening direction function where the primary pawl 800 engages a leading edge of ratchet 300 and prevents the ratchet 300 from rotating to thereby release the striker from engagement with the ratchet 300 according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0394] FIG. 124 illustrates a side view of the primary pawl 800 and secondary pawl 1000 assembly and ratchet 300 retaining the striker of FIG. 123 demonstrating a latch opening direction function where the secondary pawl 1000 engages the pin/post of the primary ratchet 300 to rotate the primary pawl 800 to clear the engaging edge of the ratchet 300 according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0395] FIG. 125 illustrates a side view of the primary pawl 800 and secondary pawl 1000 assembly and ratchet 300 retaining the striker of FIGs. 123-124 demonstrating a latch opening direction function where the ratchet 300 rotates to engage an upper surface of the primary pawl 800 according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein. [0396] FIG. 126 illustrates a side view of the primary pawl 800 and secondary pawl 1000 assembly and ratchet 300 retaining the striker of FIGs. 123-125 demonstrating a latch opening direction function where the ratchet 300 continues to rotate to engage the upper surface of the primary pawl 800 and engage an upper surface of the secondary pawl 1000 with an engagement portion on the ratchet 300 according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0397] FIG. 127 illustrates a side view of the primary pawl 800 and secondary pawl 1000 assembly and ratchet 300 retaining the striker of FIGs. 123-126 demonstrating a latch opening direction function where the ratchet 300 continues to rotate to engage the upper surface of the primary pawl 800 and continues to engage the upper surface of the secondary pawl 1000 with the engagement portion on the ratchet 300 according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0398] FIG. 128 illustrates a side view of the primary pawl 800 and secondary pawl 1000 assembly and ratchet 300 retaining the striker of FIGs. 123-127 demonstrating a latch opening direction function where the ratchet 300 continues to rotate to engage the upper surface of the primary pawl 800 and continues to engage the upper surface of the secondary pawl 1000 with the engagement portion on the ratchet 300 to thereby release the striker from ratchet 300 retention according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

D. CLOSING DIRECTION FUNCTIONALITY [0399] FIG. 129 illustrates a side view of the primary pawl 800 and secondary pawl 1000 assembly and ratchet 300 demonstrating a latch closing direction function and a striker path to a striker contact portion of the ratchet 300 according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0400] FIG. 130 illustrates a side view of the primary pawl 800 and secondary pawl 1000 assembly and ratchet 300 demonstrating the latch closing direction function of FIG. 129 wherein the striker contacts the striker contact portion of the ratchet 300 according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0401] FIG. 131 illustrates a side view of the primary pawl 800 and secondary pawl 1000 assembly and ratchet 300 demonstrating the latch closing direction function of FIGs. 129-130 wherein the striker rotates the ratchet 300 toward a ratchet 300 retention condition of the striker, wherein the primary pawl 800 slides along a bottom surface of the ratchet 300 and the secondary pawl 1000 slides along an engagement portion of the ratchet 300 according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0402] FIG. 132 illustrates a side view of the primary pawl 800 and secondary pawl 1000 assembly and ratchet 300 demonstrating the latch closing direction function of FIGs. 129-131 wherein the striker rotates the ratchet 300 toward a ratchet 300 retention condition of the striker, wherein the primary pawl 800 continues to slide along a bottom surface of the ratchet 300 and the secondary pawl 1000 reaches an end of the engagement portion of the ratchet 300 according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0403] FIG. 133 illustrates a side view of the primary pawl 800 and secondary pawl 1000 assembly and ratchet 300 demonstrating the latch closing direction function of FIGs. 129-132 wherein the striker rotates the ratchet 300 toward a ratchet 300 retention condition of the striker, wherein the primary pawl 800 continues to slide along a bottom surface of the ratchet 300 and the secondary pawl 1000 is rotated by the secondary pawl 1000 bias spring to another surface of the engagement portion of the ratchet 300 while the pin/post of the primary pawl 800 is release from any perimeter edge of the window of the secondary pawl 1000 according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0404] FIG. 134 illustrates a side view of the primary pawl 800 and secondary pawl 1000 assembly and ratchet 300 demonstrating the latch closing direction function of FIGs. 129-133 wherein the striker rotates the ratchet 300 toward a ratchet 300 retention condition of the striker, wherein the primary pawl 800 continues to slide along a bottom surface of the ratchet 300 and the pin/post of the primary pawl 800 continued to be released from any perimeter edge of the window of the secondary pawl 1000 according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0405] FIG. 135 illustrates a side view of the primary pawl 800 and secondary pawl 1000 assembly and ratchet 300 demonstrating the latch closing direction function of FIGs. 129-134 wherein the striker rotates the ratchet 300 toward a ratchet 300 retention condition of the striker, wherein the primary pawl 800 reaches a final engagement point with the bottom surface of the ratchet 300 and the pin/post of the primary pawl 800 continued to be released from any perimeter edge of the window of the secondary pawl 1000 according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0406] FIG. 136 illustrates a side view of the primary pawl 800 and secondary pawl 1000 assembly and ratchet 300 demonstrating the latch closing direction function of FIGs. 129-135 wherein the primary pawl 800 rotates upward to engage a forward surface of the ratchet 300 to thereby lock the ratchet 300 from moving into an unlock states, and the pin/post of the primary pawl 800 engages the window of the secondary pawl 1000 according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0407] FIG. 137 illustrates a side view of the primary pawl 800 and secondary pawl 1000 assembly and ratchet 300 demonstrating the latch closing direction function of FIGs. 129-136 wherein the striker continues to rotate the ratchet 300 to overtravel position until rear portion of ratchet 300 engages a stop portion on the frame plate 100 according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

E. LATCH CHUCKING PREVENTATIVE DESIGN [0408] FIG. 138 illustrates conventional causes of latch chucking by a free-body diagram where the conventional ratchet 300 pivot axis is disposed in front of and under the striker.

[0409] Scenario 1: Negative Vehicle Body Motion (Z-)

[0410] Latch chucking is caused when a ratchet is disposed under striker, i.e., a primary latched striker position outboard of ratchet pivot. Chucking is caused when the vehicle drops into a trough (road speed restriction) or pothole. The downward acceleration of the vehicle cannot exceed l”g” in the negative direction. If the vehicle suspension has insufficient travel (bottoms out) to absorb the load, the below (Z+) scenario occurs. If the vehicle suspension is particularly stiff - high spring constant - the g-force could be higher than lg. The vehicle will need to have a low seal load and a door that easily deflects. (Thinner sheet metal at hinge mounting.) Potential noise 1 : the striker would likely contact the throat of the ratchet (deflecting the latch housing), or the striker could impact the frameplate if sufficient clearance to the ratchet is available. Clearance between the ratchet and striker is required to prevent the "over center" effect with misaligned striker. Potential noise 2: The striker causes the ratchet to rotate clockwise (low seal load increases likelihood for occurrence). This would disengage the pawl interface from the ratchet face. 8 On the return to normal position the ratchet would then strike the pawl causing a noise.

[0411] FIG. 139 illustrates conventional causes of latch chucking by a free-body diagram where the conventional ratchet 300 pivot axis is disposed in front of and over the striker.

[0412] Scenario 2: Positive Vehicle Body Motion (Z+)

[0413] Chucking is caused when the vehicle wheels are forced upward when striking a solid object (raised surface). The resulting upward acceleration into the body can exceed lg in the positive direction. The resultant effect is to force the vehicle body upward, while inertia keeps the door in place (deflection). The striker moves upward relative to the door and closes the gap between the striker and ratchet. The gap between ratchet and striker is required to prevent the "over center toggle" effect when striker is misaligned. During striker upward motion, the latch housing is deflected and the moment induced by the striker causes the ratchet to rotate counter-clockwise. in the graphic above. This event would disengage the pawl interface from the ratchet face. On the return to normal position the ratchet would then strike the pawl causing a noise. With further travel, the striker would contact either the throat of the ratchet or the frameplate, whichever is first.

[0414] Scenario 3: Combined positive and negative motion (Z+ & Z-)

[0415] All conditions listed in scenarios 1 & 2 exist but occur sequentially and at varying frequencies.

As the frequency varies, the effect of any increased amplitude on the inertia of the components and their respective spring rates will increase both the likelihood of chucking noise and multiple impact sounds (buzz & rattle).

[0416] FIG. 140 illustrates non-chucking ratchet 300 design by a free-body diagram where the ratchet 300 pivot axis is disposed behind and over the striker according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein.

[0417] FIG. 141 illustrates non-chucking ratchet 300 design by a free-body diagram similar or in the alternative to FIG. 140 where the ratchet 300 pivot axis is disposed behind and over the striker according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein. [0418] The embodiments presented herein dispose the ratchet over the striker, where the primary latched striker position is inboard of ratchet pivot.

[0419] Scenario 1: Positive body motion (Z+)

[0420] Load inputs occur when the vehicle wheels are forced upward when striking a solid object.

(raised surface). The resulting upward acceleration into the body can exceed lg in the positive direction. The resultant effect is to force the vehicle body upward, while inertia attempts to keep the door in place. The striker moves upward, but because there is no design gap between the ratchet and the striker, the latch moves with the striker (the door moves with the vehicle). During striker upward motion, the force is transmitted into the ratchet, which causes the inherent clockwise moment in FIG. 141. The pawl resists rotation, and the input load is imparted directly into the latch structure. Because there is no relative motion between the striker and the latch, no chucking can occur. Because there is no impact event, the duration of the load input is the same as that being experienced by the vehicle. With this longer input duration, the potential for fatigue is greatly reduced.

[0421] Scenario 2: Negative body motion (Z-)

[0422] Load inputs occur when the vehicle drops into a trough (road speed restriction) or pothole. The downward acceleration of the vehicle cannot exceed lg in the negative direction. If the vehicle suspension has insufficient travel (bottoms out) to absorb the load, Z+ scenario occurs. The shape of the throat of the ratchet creates a load that imparts a clockwise moment into the pawl. The pawl resists rotation, and the input load is imparted directly into the latch structure. A scenario exists where the striker moves down relative to the ratchet: the shape of the ratchet requires that the door move to an underflush condition (compress the door seals); and there could be a force sufficient enough to overcome the seal load of the door system. This force would come from the elastic release of the system after a Z+ load input. This force requires that the system has compressed sufficiently to create a rebound effect.

The latch is designed to exceed a 25,000 N static load. (Federal requirements are 11,120 N).

[0423] Scenario 3: Combined positive and negative motion (Z+ & Z-)

[0424] All conditions listed in scenarios 1 & 2 exist but occur sequentially and at varying frequencies. As the frequency varies, the effect of any increased amplitude on the inertia of the components and their respective spring rates will increase both the likelihood of chucking noise and multiple impact sounds (buzz & rattle).

[0425] Based on the latch designed with the ability to control door chucking

[0426] The vehicle could now have a low seal load and a lighter door. (Thinner sheet metal at hinge mounting.)

[0427] The sealing system can be tailored to a specific load curve characteristic.

[0428] Vertical door alignment is better controlled through removing the variation in the system.

[0429] Latch secondary position maximizes door movement as audible feedback that door is not closed to primary position.

F. IMPROVED CLOSING AND OPENING EFFORT DESIGN [0430] FIG. 142A illustrates a door flushness verses seal load graph of conventional latch designs corresponding to closing and opening efforts/forces.

[0431] FIG. 142B illustrates a door flushness verses seal load graph of latch designs corresponding to closing and opening efforts/forces according to an embodiment of the vehicle latch 10 disclosed herein. [0432] No overtravel required for pawl engagement to ratchet during dynamic slam. (Pawl is not excited enough to disengage.) For a conventional door 380 N input results in about an equivalent of 250N output - not 380N (estimated typical seal load profde). No over-center effect of striker engagement (D/EW98) Minimized striker misalignment with striker mount positioning to pillar. For equal closing efforts (energy) when compared to current vehicles, higher door seal loads are achievable. With higher door seal loads, opening efforts must be controlled, and/or assisted. Conventional latches have a 6 to 8% efficiency, contributing 15 to 20 N to release efforts at 250 N seal load. The M2 latch will have 4 ± 1 % efficiency Thus a 380 N seal load will contribute between 11.5 and 19 N to release efforts.

[0433] Inside Release - Highly Flexible. Integral to Design

[0434] Designed to be push-pull for lock and release: cable, latch housing has pocket receiver to eliminate molding on sleeve, cable end is spherical making the attachment orientation non specific; rod, direct connect to handle - FMVSS 206 not affected, the latch is equipped with an inertia lock, rod end is orientation specific requiring left and right components; double-lock, I/S release is disabled when double- lock function is selected. (Function is blocked); and lock vs. unlock indicator, no inside lock rod is planned for this latch. Beltline LED is recommended to indicate change of lock / unlock status.

[0435] Typical Features (Power lock, O/S release, Manual O/S lock etc.)

[0436] Door ajar alert signal. Power Lock and Unlock. Central Lock (all doors to lock when driver door locks). Secure unlock. (Only driver door unlocks with first signal from key fob, all doors on second signal). Door lock override with inside handle actuation. Front door, standard - 100% of latches Rear door, standard - but with optional designs :- blocked handle travel; freewheel handle travel.

[0437] Specific feature of latch: latch confirms change of lock state vs. system confirmation that signal to latch has been sent. Security feature prevents doors being unlocked from the inside of vehicle.

(Outside handle is already disabled at central lock.) Anti-theft feature to prevent unauthorized door opening. Double lock is typically power activated and deactivated but can be manually invoked through the key cylinder

[0438] Double-lock Deployment

[0439] User activated double-lock: where operator may invoke double-lock. Operator functions fob lock twice within 3 - 5 seconds. All doors are signaled to go to double lock state. Key cylinder mechanically drives to double lock. Sensor determines intended function, signals all doors to double-lock.

[0440] Automatic double-lock: conditional double-lock Activation within 30 seconds of lock function, (programmable function). Key is not in ignition engine is not running. Vehicle is not in motion. Interior motion sensor is not activated. Seat belt sensor detects engaged seatbelt (assumes child seats are both anchored by seat belts) Seat sensors should not be used. Operator may have inanimate load on seat.

[0441] Double-lock deactivation: Any motion is detected inside vehicle. (Interior motion detector required) Key fob signal to unlock. Driver door changes from double-lock to unlock, passenger doors change from double-lock to lock. Key is used to mechanically unlock. Key cylinder door is unlocked, passenger doors are powered from double-lock to lock. Slight effort is felt before normal detent. Key cylinder rotation angle is the same as normal unlock function. If vehicle battery is dead, mechanical unlock of key cylinder door only, other doors remain in double-lock until power is restored.

[0442] Electrical power loss to latch: Double-lock status cannot be changed electrically if power is not available at the latch. Only doors with key cylinders can mechanically be put into, or brought out of, double-lock. Doors without key cylinders cannot be brought out of or put into double lock. · Because double-lock is unlockable from the key cylinder, the key cylinder needs strong anti-theft protection. [0443] Powered Child Lock

[0444] Available option for rear door latches. Must only be available during vehicle operation. Electronic architecture allows for: driver electrically switches rear door latches into, or out of, child lock mode (manual operation of switch each time); selectable automatic option, rear doors go to child lock state every time front doors go to lock state. Ref. pass air bag; (driver switch is still required for selectable automatic option - manual operation required when automatic is turned off); deactivates inside release of latch, but still allows for latch unlock from I/S release handle (IRH)

[0445] Switch, available only to the driver, powers the rear door latches from either unlock or lock state into child lock state. Putting a latch into the child lock state disables latch release from the inside release handle (not lock and unlock). Depending on customer preference, any unlock signal could change the latch from the child lock state to either the locked or unlocked state.

[0446] Suggested use: driver operated child lock switch changes the latch state from lock to child lock and reverse from child lock to lock; universal unlock signal (driver door trim panel switch, either of the front doors opening, key cylinder or key fob RKE); changes latch state from child lock to unlock; on vehicles where the first signal from the key fob unlocks the driver door only, the vehicle can poll the rear door latches to detect child lock status. If latches are in child lock, they would change state from child lock into lock state; upon the second fob signal, all door latches change state from lock to unlock; Once vehicle is in motion, power child lock is automatically selected (optional selectable feature); if airbag deployment signal detected, a signal should be sent to unlock all latches, changing the rear door latch state. G. PAWL “WALK OUT” PREVENTATIVE DESIGN

[0447] FIGs. 143A-143D illustrates four perspective views of the no pawl "walk-out" according a latch embodiment presented herein.

[0448] The ratchet, the pawl and the respective pivot axes require sufficient tolerance to ensure rotation in all conditions. Lateral, longitudunal and vertical load inputs between the striker and the ratchet tend to rock the ratchet on it's pivot. Both the pawl and the ratchet have flat faces that interface with each other. As the ratchet rocks, ratchet and pawl alignment is affected, causing a point contact between the ratchet and pawl and an angular variation between the ratchet and the pawl. As the ratchet rocks in the other direction, the angular variation causes the contact point on the pawl to be slightly lower on the alternate edge of the ratchet, The ratchet cannot rotate due to seal load, so the pawl rotates toward the release position at each rock of the ratchet.

[0449] Changing the material and the manufacturing process, the pawl interface to the ratchet can be made with a curved surface. The curved surface precludes the ability to switch point contacts on the ratchet as it rocks from side to side. By maximizing the interface to the pivot shaft also reduces the ability of the ratchet to rock side to side.

VII. FURTHER COMMENTS

[0450] The terms “multi-link” and translatable member are used as synonymous herein. The term “pawl” refers to either the “primary pawl” and the “secondary pawl,” or to both of (or the assembly of) the “primary pawl” and the “secondary pawl.”

[0451] In general, any combination of disclosed features, components and methods described herein is possible. Steps of a method may be performed in any order that is physically possible.

[0452] Although embodiments have been disclosed for vehicular latches, it is also possible for similar constructs to be used for other applications.

[0453] A vehicle door latch device include an inside release lever mechanism configured to transmit an inside release lever force received from an inside release lever, an outside release lever mechanism configured to transmit an outside release lever force received from an outside release lever, and a motorized drivetrain configured to transmit a motorized drivetrain force based on receiving an electric signal. The vehicle door latch device further includes a sliding transfer member configured to translate in a first translation direction and transmit a sliding member force based on receiving at least one of: the inside release lever force from the inside release lever mechanism; the outside release lever force from the outside release lever mechanism; and the motorized drivetrain force from the motorized drivetrain. The vehicle door latch device further includes a pawl assembly configured to transmit a rotational release force based on receiving the sliding member force and, and a ratchet configured to release a door striker retained by the ratchet from a latched state to an unlatched state based on receiving the rotational release force.

[0454] The vehicle door latch device further includes an inertial lock configured to be activated by an inertial momentum, wherein the inertial lock is configured to be activated by the inertial momentum to prevent the sliding transfer member from translating in the first translation direction.

[0455] The vehicle door latch device further includes a bell crank assembly having a clutch, and a child lock actuator configured to selectively engage and disengage the clutch; wherein actuating the child lock actuator prevents the inside release lever force from being transmitted from the inside release lever mechanism to the sliding transfer member when the inside release lever is actuated.

[0456] The vehicle door latch device further includes an outside locking lever configured to rotate in a rotational direction by receiving an outside locking lever force from an outside locking mechanism, wherein actuating the outside locking lever prevents the outside release lever force from being transmitted from the outside release lever mechanism to the sliding transfer member.

[0457] The vehicle door latch device further includes a first sensor in contact with the outside release lever mechanism and configured to sense at least one position of the outside release lever mechanism in a rotational direction.

[0458] The vehicle door latch device further includes a second sensor in contact with the sliding transfer member and configured to sense at least one position of the slider transfer member over the first translation direction. [0459] The vehicle door latch device further includes a third sensor in contact with the pawl assembly and configured to sense at least one position of the pawl assembly in a rotational direction.

[0460] The vehicle door latch device includes a sliding transfer member configured to slide in a linear direction between a first and a second position, the sliding transfer member configured to receive an unlatching force from: 1) an inside release lever mechanism configured to transmit an inside release lever force from an inside release lever; 2)an outside release lever mechanism configured to transmit an outside release lever force from an outside release lever, and 3) a motorized drivetrain configured to transmit a motorized drivetrain force based receiving an electric signal. The vehicle door latch device further includes the sliding transfer member further configured to mechanically convert the unlatching force in the linear direction between the first and the second positions to a rotational direction to be received by a pawl assembly in mechanical communication with a ratchet configured to release a door striker retained by the ratchet from a latched state to an unlatched state.

[0461] The vehicle door latch device further includes the sliding transfer member further having a first rotational interface for the inside release lever force transmitted by the inside release lever mechanism. [0462] The vehicle door latch device further includes the first rotational interface having a slot.

[0463] The vehicle door latch device further includes the sliding transfer member further having a first sliding interface for the outside release lever force transmitted by the outside release lever mechanism. [0464] The vehicle door latch device further includes the first sliding interface having a protrusion. [0465] The vehicle door latch device further includes the sliding transfer member further having a second rotational interface for the motorized drivetrain force transmitted by the motorized drivetrain. [0466] The vehicle door latch device further includes the second rotational interface having a toothed rack.

[0467] The vehicle door latch device further includes the sliding transfer member is further configured to receive a locking force from an inertial lock configured to be activated by an inertial momentum, and an outside lever locking member configured to be activated by an outside lever lockset, wherein the locking force is configured to prevent the sliding transfer member from translating in the linear direction between the first and second positions.

[0468] The vehicle door latch device further includes the sliding transfer member further having an internal lock catch interface configured to be engaged by the inertial lock being rotated about an inertial lock axis of rotation.

[0469] The vehicle door latch device further includes the sliding transfer member further having an outside locking member protrusion configured to be engaged by the outside lever locking member.

[0470] The vehicle door latch device further includes the sliding transfer member is further configured to transmit the unlatching force via a protrusion to the pawl assembly.

[0471] The vehicle door latch device further includes the sliding transfer member is further configured to engage a position sensing switch via an indentation as the sliding transfer member moves in the linear direction between the first and second positions.

[0472] A method of operating a vehicle door latch including providing a door latch including: an inside release lever mechanism configured to rotate in a first rotational direction by receiving an inside release lever force from an inside release lever; a sliding transfer member configured translate in a first translation direction by receiving the inside release lever force from the inside release lever mechanism; a pawl assembly configured to rotate in a second rotational direction by receiving the inside release lever force from the sliding transfer member; and a ratchet configured to release a door striker retained in a latched state by the ratchet when the inside release lever force is received from the pawl assembly. The method of operating the vehicle door latch further includes receiving, via the inside release lever mechanism, and transmitting the inside release lever force to the sliding transfer member, receiving, via the sliding transfer member, and transmitting the inside release lever force to the pawl assembly, and receiving, via the ratchet, the inside release lever force configured to release the door striker retained by the ratchet from the latched state to an unlatched state.

[0473] The method of operating the vehicle door latch further includes providing an inertial lock configured to be activated by an inertial momentum, and configuring the inertial lock to prevent the sliding transfer member from translating in the first translation direction when the inertial lock is activated by the inertial momentum.

[0474] The method of operating the vehicle door latch further includes providing a bell crank assembly having a clutch, providing a child lock actuator configured to selectively engage and disengage the clutch; and actuating the child lock actuator to prevent the inside release lever force being transmitted from the inside release lever mechanism to the sliding transfer member when the inside release lever is actuated. [0475] The method of operating the vehicle door latch further includes providing a first sensor in contact with the sliding transfer member and configured to sense at least one position of the sliding transfer member over the first translation direction, and sensing, via the first sensor, the at least one position of the sliding transfer member.

[0476] The method of operating the vehicle door latch further includes providing a second sensor in contact with the pawl assembly and configured to sense at least one position of the pawl assembly in the second rotational direction, and sensing, via the second sensor, the at least one position of the pawl assembly.

[0477] A method of operating a vehicle door latch including providing a door latch including: an outside release lever mechanism configured to rotate in a first rotational direction by receiving an outside release lever force from an outside release lever; a sliding transfer member configured translate in a first translation direction by receiving the outside release lever force from the outside release lever mechanism; a pawl assembly configured to rotate in a second rotational direction by receiving the outside release lever force from the sliding transfer member; and a ratchet configured to release a door striker retained in a latched state by the ratchet by receiving the outside release lever force from the pawl assembly. The method of operating the vehicle door latch further includes receiving, via the outside release lever mechanism, and transmitting the outside release lever force to the sliding transfer member, receiving, via the sliding transfer member, and transmitting the outside release lever force to the pawl assembly, and receiving, via the ratchet, the outside release lever force configured to release a door striker retained by the ratchet from a latched state to an unlatched state.

[0478] The method of operating the vehicle door latch further includes providing an inertial lock configured to be activated by an inertial momentum, and configuring the inertial lock to prevent the sliding transfer member from translating in the first translation direction when the inertial lock is activated by the inertial momentum.

[0479] The method of operating the vehicle door latch further includes providing an outside locking lever configured to rotate in a third rotational direction by receiving an outside locking lever force from an outside locking mechanism, and actuating the outside locking lever to prevent the outside release lever force from being transmitted from the outside release lever mechanism to the sliding transfer member. [0480] The method of operating the vehicle door latch further includes a first sensor in contact with the outside release lever mechanism and configured to sense at least one position of the outside release lever mechanism over the first rotational direction, and sensing, via the first sensor, the at least one position of the outside release lever mechanism.

[0481] The method of operating the vehicle door latch further includes providing a second sensor in contact with the sliding transfer member and configured to sense at least one position of the slider transfer member over the first translation direction, and sensing, via the second sensor, the at least one position of the sliding transfer member.

[0482] The method of operating the vehicle door latch further includes providing a third sensor in contact with the pawl assembly and configured to sense at least one position of the pawl assembly in the second rotational direction, and sensing, via the third sensor, the at least one position of the pawl assembly.

[0483] A method of operating a vehicle door latch including providing a door latch including a motorized drivetrain configured to output a motorized drivetrain force in a first rotational direction based on receiving an electric signal, a sliding transfer member configured translate in a first translation direction by receiving the motorized drivetrain force from the motorized drivetrain, a pawl assembly configured to rotate in a second rotational direction by receiving the motorized drivetrain force from the sliding transfer member, and a ratchet configured to release a door striker retained in a latched state by the ratchet by receiving the motorized drivetrain force from the pawl assembly. The method of operating the vehicle door latch further includes receiving, via the motorized drivetrain, and transmitting the motorized drivetrain force to the sliding transfer member, receiving, via the sliding transfer member, and transmitting the motorized drivetrain force to the pawl assembly, and receiving, via the ratchet, the motorized drivetrain force configured to release a door striker retained by the ratchet from a latched state to an unlatched state.

[0484] The method of operating the vehicle door latch further includes providing an inertial lock configured to be activated by an inertial momentum, and configuring the inertial lock to prevent the sliding transfer member from translating in the first translation direction when the inertial lock is activated by the inertial momentum.

[0485] The method of operating the vehicle door latch further includes providing a first sensor in contact with the sliding transfer member and configured to sense at least one position of the slider transfer member over the first translation direction, and sensing, via the first sensor, the at least one position of the sliding transfer member.

[0486] The method of operating the vehicle door latch further includes providing a second sensor in contact with the pawl assembly and configured to sense at least one position of the pawl assembly in the second rotational direction, and sensing, via the second sensor, the at least one position of the pawl assembly.

[0487] A vehicle door latch device including an inside release lever mechanism configured to transmit an inside release lever force received from an inside release lever on a vehicle door, a bellcrank configured to receive a rotational motion in a first rotational axis from the inside release lever mechanism in response to the inside release lever force and convert the rotational motion to a second rotational motion in a second rotational axis, the second rotational axis perpendicular to the first rotational axis, and a sliding transfer member configured to slide in a linear direction along a first linear axis between a first and a second position, the sliding transfer member configured to receive the inside release lever force in the second rotational motion from the bellcrank. The method of operating the vehicle door latch further includes the sliding transfer member further configured convert the inside release lever force in the second rotational motion into the linear direction along the first linear axis, the first linear axis being perpendicular to the second rotational axis, the inside release lever force configured to be received by a pawl assembly in mechanical communication with a ratchet and configured to release a door striker retained by the ratchet.

[0488] A vehicle door latch device including an inside release lever mechanism configured to transmit an inside release lever force received from an inside release lever on a vehicle door, a bellcrank configured to receive a rotational motion in a first rotational axis from the inside release lever mechanism in response to the inside release lever force and convert the rotational motion to a second rotational motion in a second rotational axis, the second rotational axis perpendicular to the first rotational axis, a child lock actuator including an eccentric cam surface on a distal end, wherein an end opposite the distal end is configured to be rotated about a longitudinal axis to engage the eccentric cam surface with a first portion of the bellcrank and thereby translate, in an axial direction of the bellcrank, the first portion of the bellcrank away from a second portion of the bellcrank such that the inside release lever force is prevented from being transferred between the first and second portions of the bellcrank, and a sliding transfer member configured to slide in a linear direction along a first linear axis between a first and a second position, the sliding transfer member configured to receive the inside release lever force in the second rotational motion from the bellcrank when the eccentric cam surface of the child lock actuator is not engaging the first portion of the bellcrank. The vehicle door latch device including the sliding transfer member further configured convert the inside release lever force in the second rotational motion into the linear direction along the first linear axis, the first linear axis being perpendicular to the second rotational axis, the inside release lever force configured to be received by a pawl assembly in mechanical communication with a ratchet and configured to release a door striker retained by the ratchet.

[0489] A vehicle door latch device including a ratchet configured to receive, retain and release a vehicle door striker, the ratchet including a ratchet projection disposed orthogonal to a first axis of rotation of the ratchet, the projection having at least two contact surfaces, a first pawl rotating on a second axis of rotation and configured to contact the ratchet on a first ratchet contact surface and a second ratchet contact surface, the first pawl further including a first pawl projection disposed orthogonal to the second axis of rotation, and a second pawl rotating on the second axis of rotation and configured 1) to engage the first pawl projection of the first pawl in a bounded window within the second pawl, and 2) to engage one of the two contact surfaces of the ratchet projection with a second pawl guide surface at a first time, and engage the other of the two contact surfaces of the ratchet projection with a second pawl engagement surface at a second time.

[0490] A vehicle door latch device including an inside release lever mechanism configured to transmit an inside release lever force received from an inside release lever, an outside release lever mechanism configured to transmit an outside release lever force received from an outside release lever, and a sliding transfer member configured to translate in a first translation direction and transmit a sliding member force based on receiving at least one of the inside release lever force from the inside release lever mechanism, the outside release lever force from the outside release lever mechanism. The vehicle door latch device further including a pawl assembly configured to transmit a rotational release force based on receiving the sliding member force, and a ratchet configured to release a door striker retained by the ratchet from a latched state to an unlatched state based on receiving the rotational release force. The vehicle door latch device further including the sliding transfer member configured to be translated into a first position where the inside release lever mechanism and the outside lever release mechanism are prevented from transmitting the sliding member force to the pawl assembly. The vehicle door latch device further including the sliding transfer member configured to be translated into a second position where the outside lever release mechanism are prevented from transmitting the sliding member force to the pawl assembly and the inside release lever mechanism may transmit the sliding member force to the pawl assembly. The vehicle door latch device further including the sliding transfer member configured to be translated into a third position where the outside lever release mechanism and the inside release lever mechanism may transmit the sliding member force to the pawl assembly.

[0491] A vehicle door latch device including an inside release lever mechanism configured to transmit an inside release lever force received from an inside release lever, an outside release lever mechanism configured to transmit an outside release lever force received from an outside release lever, a motorized drivetrain configured to transmit a motorized drivetrain force based on receiving an electric signal, a sliding transfer member configured to translate in a first translation direction and transmit a sliding member force based on receiving at least one of: 1) the inside release lever force from the inside release lever mechanism, 2) the outside release lever force from the outside release lever mechanism, and 3) the motorized drivetrain force from the motorized drivetrain. The vehicle door latch device further including a pawl assembly including a first pawl and a second pawl configured to transmit a rotational release force based on receiving the sliding member force, and a ratchet configured to release a door striker retained by the ratchet from a latched state to an unlatched state based on receiving the rotational release force. The vehicle door latch device further including a first position sensor for sensing a position of the first pawl to generate a door ajar signal, a second position sensor for sensing a position of the second pawl to generate a latch cinching signal, a third position sensor for sensing a position of the outside release lever to generate a power assisted release signal; and a fourth position sensor for sensing a position of the sliding transfer member to generate a latch state signal.

[0492] The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has been described with reference to specific arrangements and configurations. However, the illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit embodiments of the disclosed subject matter to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the disclosure provided herein. The embodiments and arrangements were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and their practical applications. Various modifications may be used without departing from the scope or content of the disclosure and claims presented herein.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A vehicle door latch device comprising: an inside release lever mechanism configured to transmit an inside release lever force received from an inside release lever; an outside release lever mechanism configured to transmit an outside release lever force received from an outside release lever; a motorized drivetrain configured to transmit a motorized drivetrain force based on receiving an electric signal; a sliding transfer member configured to translate in a first translation direction and transmit a sliding member force based on receiving at least one of the inside release lever force from the inside release lever mechanism, the outside release lever force from the outside release lever mechanism, and the motorized drivetrain force from the motorized drivetrain; a pawl assembly configured to transmit a rotational release force based on receiving the sliding member force and; and a ratchet configured to release a door striker retained by the ratchet from a latched state to an unlatched state based on receiving the rotational release force.

2. The vehicle door latch device of claim 1 further comprising: an inertial lock configured to be activated by an inertial momentum, wherein the inertial lock is configured to be activated by the inertial momentum to prevent the sliding transfer member from translating in the first translation direction.

3. The vehicle door latch device of claim 1 further comprising: a bell crank assembly having a clutch; and a child lock actuator configured to selectively engage and disengage the clutch; wherein actuating the child lock actuator prevents the inside release lever force from being transmitted from the inside release lever mechanism to the sliding transfer member when the inside release lever is actuated.

4. The vehicle door latch device of claim 1 further comprising: an outside locking lever configured to rotate in a rotational direction by receiving an outside locking lever force from an outside locking mechanism, wherein actuating the outside locking lever prevents the outside release lever force from being transmitted from the outside release lever mechanism to the sliding transfer member.

5. The vehicle door latch device of claim 1 further comprising: a first sensor in contact with the outside release lever mechanism and configured to sense at least one position of the outside release lever mechanism in a rotational direction.

6. The vehicle door latch device of claim 1 further comprising: a second sensor in contact with the sliding transfer member and configured to sense at least one position of the slider transfer member over the first translation direction.

7. The vehicle door latch device of claim 1 further comprising: a third sensor in contact with the pawl assembly and configured to sense at least one position of the pawl assembly in a rotational direction.

8. A vehicle door latch device comprising: a sliding transfer member configured to slide in a linear direction between a first and a second position, the sliding transfer member configured to receive an unlatching force from an inside release lever mechanism configured to transmit an inside release lever force from an inside release lever, an outside release lever mechanism configured to transmit an outside release lever force from an outside release lever, and a motorized drivetrain configured to transmit a motorized drivetrain force based receiving an electric signal, wherein the sliding transfer member is further configured to mechanically convert the unlatching force in the linear direction between the first and the second positions to a rotational direction to be received by a pawl assembly in mechanical communication with a ratchet configured to release a door striker retained by the ratchet from a latched state to an unlatched state.

9. The vehicle door latch of claim 8, wherein the sliding transfer member further comprises a first rotational interface for the inside release lever force transmitted by the inside release lever mechanism.

10. The vehicle door latch of claim 9, wherein the first rotational interface comprises a slot.

11. The vehicle door latch of claim 8, wherein the sliding transfer member further comprises a first sliding interface for the outside release lever force transmitted by the outside release lever mechanism.

12. The vehicle door latch of claim 11, wherein the first sliding interface comprises a protrusion.

13 The vehicle door latch of claim 8, wherein the sliding transfer member further comprises a second rotational interface for the motorized drivetrain force transmitted by the motorized drivetrain.

14. The vehicle door latch of claim 13, wherein the second rotational interface comprises a toothed rack.

15. The vehicle door latch of claim 8, wherein the sliding transfer member is further configured to receive a locking force from an inertial lock configured to be activated by an inertial momentum; and an outside lever locking member configured to be activated by an outside lever lockset, wherein the locking force is configured to prevent the sliding transfer member from translating in the linear direction between the first and second positions.

16. The vehicle door latch of claim 15, wherein the sliding transfer member further comprises an internal lock catch interface configured to be engaged by the inertial lock being rotated about an inertial lock axis of rotation.

17. The vehicle door latch of claim 15, wherein the sliding transfer member further comprises an outside locking member protrusion configured to be engaged by the outside lever locking member.

18. The vehicle door latch of claim 8, wherein the sliding transfer member is further configured to transmit the unlatching force via a protrusion to the pawl assembly.

19. The vehicle door latch of claim 8, wherein the sliding transfer member is further configured to engage a position sensing switch via an indentation as the sliding transfer member moves in the linear direction between the first and second positions.

20. A method of operating a vehicle door latch comprising: providing a door latch including an inside release lever mechanism configured to rotate in a first rotational direction by receiving an inside release lever force from an inside release lever, a sliding transfer member configured translate in a first translation direction by receiving the inside release lever force from the inside release lever mechanism, a pawl assembly configured to rotate in a second rotational direction by receiving the inside release lever force from the sliding transfer member, and a ratchet configured to release a door striker retained in a latched state by the ratchet when the inside release lever force is received from the pawl assembly; receiving, via the inside release lever mechanism, and transmitting the inside release lever force to the sliding transfer member; receiving, via the sliding transfer member, and transmitting the inside release lever force to the pawl assembly; and receiving, via the ratchet, the inside release lever force configured to release the door striker retained by the ratchet from the latched state to an unlatched state.

21. The method of claim 20 further comprising: providing an inertial lock configured to be activated by an inertial momentum; and configuring the inertial lock to prevent the sliding transfer member from translating in the first translation direction when the inertial lock is activated by the inertial momentum.

22. The method of claim 20 further comprising: providing a bell crank assembly having a clutch; providing a child lock actuator configured to selectively engage and disengage the clutch; and actuating the child lock actuator to prevent the inside release lever force being transmitted from the inside release lever mechanism to the sliding transfer member when the inside release lever is actuated.

23. The method of claim 20 further comprising: providing a first sensor in contact with the sliding transfer member and configured to sense at least one position of the sliding transfer member over the first translation direction; and sensing, via the first sensor, the at least one position of the sliding transfer member.

24. The method of claim 20 further comprising: providing a second sensor in contact with the pawl assembly and configured to sense at least one position of the pawl assembly in the second rotational direction; and sensing, via the second sensor, the at least one position of the pawl assembly.

25. A method of operating a vehicle door latch comprising: providing a door latch including an outside release lever mechanism configured to rotate in a first rotational direction by receiving an outside release lever force from an outside release lever; a sliding transfer member configured translate in a first translation direction by receiving the outside release lever force from the outside release lever mechanism, a pawl assembly configured to rotate in a second rotational direction by receiving the outside release lever force from the sliding transfer member, and a ratchet configured to release a door striker retained in a latched state by the ratchet by receiving the outside release lever force from the pawl assembly; receiving, via the outside release lever mechanism, and transmitting the outside release lever force to the sliding transfer member; receiving, via the sliding transfer member, and transmitting the outside release lever force to the pawl assembly; and receiving, via the ratchet, the outside release lever force configured to release a door striker retained by the ratchet from a latched state to an unlatched state.

26. The method of claim 25 further comprising: providing an inertial lock configured to be activated by an inertial momentum; and configuring the inertial lock to prevent the sliding transfer member from translating in the first translation direction when the inertial lock is activated by the inertial momentum.

27. The method of claim 25 further comprising: providing an outside locking lever configured to rotate in a third rotational direction by receiving an outside locking lever force from an outside locking mechanism; and actuating the outside locking lever to prevent the outside release lever force from being transmitted from the outside release lever mechanism to the sliding transfer member.

28. The method of claim 25 further comprising: a first sensor in contact with the outside release lever mechanism and configured to sense at least one position of the outside release lever mechanism over the first rotational direction; and sensing, via the first sensor, the at least one position of the outside release lever mechanism.

29. The method of claim 25 further comprising: providing a second sensor in contact with the sliding transfer member and configured to sense at least one position of the slider transfer member over the first translation direction; and sensing, via the second sensor, the at least one position of the sliding transfer member.

30. The method of claim 25 further comprising: providing a third sensor in contact with the pawl assembly and configured to sense at least one position of the pawl assembly in the second rotational direction; and sensing, via the third sensor, the at least one position of the pawl assembly.

31. A method of operating a vehicle door latch comprising: providing a door latch including a motorized drivetrain configured to output a motorized drivetrain force in a first rotational direction based on receiving an electric signal; a sliding transfer member configured translate in a first translation direction by receiving the motorized drivetrain force from the motorized drivetrain, a pawl assembly configured to rotate in a second rotational direction by receiving the motorized drivetrain force from the sliding transfer member, and a ratchet configured to release a door striker retained in a latched state by the ratchet by receiving the motorized drivetrain force from the pawl assembly; receiving, via the motorized drivetrain, and transmitting the motorized drivetrain force to the sliding transfer member; receiving, via the sliding transfer member, and transmitting the motorized drivetrain force to the pawl assembly; and receiving, via the ratchet, the motorized drivetrain force configured to release a door striker retained by the ratchet from a latched state to an unlatched state.

32. The method of claim 31 further comprising: providing an inertial lock configured to be activated by an inertial momentum; and configuring the inertial lock to prevent the sliding transfer member from translating in the first translation direction when the inertial lock is activated by the inertial momentum.

33. The method of claim 31 further comprising: providing a first sensor in contact with the sliding transfer member and configured to sense at least one position of the slider transfer member over the first translation direction; and sensing, via the first sensor, the at least one position of the sliding transfer member.

34. The method of claim 31 further comprising: providing a second sensor in contact with the pawl assembly and configured to sense at least one position of the pawl assembly in the second rotational direction; and sensing, via the second sensor, the at least one position of the pawl assembly.

35. A vehicle door latch device comprising: an inside release lever mechanism configured to transmit an inside release lever force received from an inside release lever on a vehicle door; a bellcrank configured to receive a rotational motion in a first rotational axis from the inside release lever mechanism in response to the inside release lever force and convert the rotational motion to a second rotational motion in a second rotational axis, the second rotational axis perpendicular to the first rotational axis; and a sliding transfer member configured to slide in a linear direction along a first linear axis between a first and a second position, the sliding transfer member configured to receive the inside release lever force in the second rotational motion from the bellcrank, wherein the sliding transfer member is further configured convert the inside release lever force in the second rotational motion into the linear direction along the first linear axis, the first linear axis being perpendicular to the second rotational axis, the inside release lever force configured to be received by a pawl assembly in mechanical communication with a ratchet and configured to release a door striker retained by the ratchet.

36. A vehicle door latch device comprising: an inside release lever mechanism configured to transmit an inside release lever force received from an inside release lever on a vehicle door; a bellcrank configured to receive a rotational motion in a first rotational axis from the inside release lever mechanism in response to the inside release lever force and convert the rotational motion to a second rotational motion in a second rotational axis, the second rotational axis perpendicular to the first rotational axis; a child lock actuator including an eccentric cam surface on a distal end, wherein an end opposite the distal end is configured to be rotated about a longitudinal axis to engage the eccentric cam surface with a first portion of the bellcrank and thereby translate, in an axial direction of the bellcrank, the first portion of the bellcrank away from a second portion of the bellcrank such that the inside release lever force is prevented from being transferred between the first and second portions of the bellcrank; and a sliding transfer member configured to slide in a linear direction along a first linear axis between a first and a second position, the sliding transfer member configured to receive the inside release lever force in the second rotational motion from the bellcrank when the eccentric cam surface of the child lock actuator is not engaging the first portion of the bellcrank, wherein the sliding transfer member is further configured convert the inside release lever force in the second rotational motion into the linear direction along the first linear axis, the first linear axis being perpendicular to the second rotational axis, the inside release lever force configured to be received by a pawl assembly in mechanical communication with a ratchet and configured to release a door striker retained by the ratchet.

37. A vehicle door latch device comprising: a ratchet configured to receive, retain and release a vehicle door striker, the ratchet including a ratchet projection disposed orthogonal to a first axis of rotation of the ratchet, the projection having at least two contact surfaces; a first pawl rotating on a second axis of rotation and configured to contact the ratchet on a first ratchet contact surface and a second ratchet contact surface, the first pawl further including a first pawl projection disposed orthogonal to the second axis of rotation; and a second pawl rotating on the second axis of rotation and configured to engage the first pawl projection of the first pawl in a bounded window within the second pawl, and to engage one of the two contact surfaces of the ratchet projection with a second pawl guide surface at a first time, and engage the other of the two contact surfaces of the ratchet projection with a second pawl engagement surface at a second time.

38. A vehicle door latch device comprising: an inside release lever mechanism configured to transmit an inside release lever force received from an inside release lever; an outside release lever mechanism configured to transmit an outside release lever force received from an outside release lever; a sliding transfer member configured to translate in a first translation direction and transmit a sliding member force based on receiving at least one of the inside release lever force from the inside release lever mechanism, the outside release lever force from the outside release lever mechanism, and a pawl assembly configured to transmit a rotational release force based on receiving the sliding member force and; and a ratchet configured to release a door striker retained by the ratchet from a latched state to an unlatched state based on receiving the rotational release force, wherein the sliding transfer member is configured to be translated into a first position where the inside release lever mechanism and the outside lever release mechanism are prevented from transmitting the sliding member force to the pawl assembly, wherein the sliding transfer member is configured to be translated into a second position where the outside lever release mechanism are prevented from transmitting the sliding member force to the pawl assembly and the inside release lever mechanism may transmit the sliding member force to the pawl assembly, wherein the sliding transfer member is configured to be translated into a third position where the outside lever release mechanism and the inside release lever mechanism may transmit the sliding member force to the pawl assembly.

39. A vehicle door latch device comprising: an inside release lever mechanism configured to transmit an inside release lever force received from an inside release lever; an outside release lever mechanism configured to transmit an outside release lever force received from an outside release lever; a motorized drivetrain configured to transmit a motorized drivetrain force based on receiving an electric signal; a sliding transfer member configured to translate in a first translation direction and transmit a sliding member force based on receiving at least one of the inside release lever force from the inside release lever mechanism, the outside release lever force from the outside release lever mechanism, and the motorized drivetrain force from the motorized drivetrain; a pawl assembly including a first pawl and a second pawl configured to transmit a rotational release force based on receiving the sliding member force; a ratchet configured to release a door striker retained by the ratchet from a latched state to an unlatched state based on receiving the rotational release force; a first position sensor for sensing a position of the first pawl to generate a door ajar signal; a second position sensor for sensing a position of the second pawl to generate a latch cinching signal; a third position sensor for sensing a position of the outside release lever to generate a power assisted release signal; and a fourth position sensor for sensing a position of the sliding transfer member to generate a latch state signal.