Abstract

An electrical latch for a closure system of a motor vehicle and method of operating are provided. The electrical latch includes a latching mechanism having a pawl and ratchet, a cinching mechanism having a cinching lever, and an electric actuator mechanism for actuating at least the cinching lever. The electrical latch further includes a control unit powered by a main power source and having a control circuit controlling operation of the actuator mechanism to affect the position of the cinch lever, and a backup energy source providing power to the control circuit and the actuator mechanism in the event a fault condition is experienced by the main power source. The electrical latch is configured to return the cinching lever to a home uncinched position in response to switching of power from the main power source to the backup energy source.

IPC Classes  ?

• E05B 81/86 - Electrical circuits characterised by the power supplyEmergency power operation using capacitors
• E05B 81/04 - Electrical
• E05B 81/20 - Power-actuated vehicle locks characterised by the function or purpose of the powered actuators for assisting final closing or for initiating opening
• E05B 81/74 - Monitoring or sensing, e.g. by using switches or sensors the lock status, i.e. locked or unlocked condition by sensing the state of the actuator
• E05B 81/64 - Monitoring or sensing, e.g. by using switches or sensors
• E05B 81/76 - Detection of handle operationDetection of a user approaching a handleElectrical switching actions performed by handles

Abstract

A vehicle hood latch and method of unlatching a vehicle hood is provided. The vehicle hood latch includes a housing; a ratchet pivotally mounted on the housing; a pawl pivotally mounted on the housing and biased into engagement with the ratchet; a pin fixed for conjoint movement with the pawl; a double pull lever operably mounted to the housing and having an abutment surface configured for operable engagement with the pin, and a primary safety catch lever operably mounted to the housing. The primary safety catch lever is configured to pivot from a locked first position to an unlocked second position. The primary safety catch lever moves from the first locked position to the second unlocked position in response to translational movement of the double pull lever caused by engagement of the pin with the abutment surface of the double pull lever.

IPC Classes  ?

• E05B 83/24 - Locks for luggage compartments, car boot lids or car bonnets for car bonnets
• E05B 77/08 - Arrangements for protection of pedestrians
• E05B 79/08 - Mounting of individual lock elements in the lock, e.g. levers
• E05C 19/02 - Automatic catches, i.e. released by pull or pressure on the wing

Abstract

A method of making an electrical latch assembly for a door of a vehicle. The method includes providing an electrical housing having a fluid-tight open interior and an opening. The method also includes positioning a printed circuit board in the fluid-tight open interior, wherein the printed circuit board has an electrical control unit. The method further includes connecting a latch mechanism to the electrical housing about the opening, the latch mechanism including an electric motor. The method also includes extending an electrical connector from the printed circuit board, through the opening of the latch mechanism and to the electrical motor to establish an electrical connection between the printed circuit board and the electric motor.

IPC Classes  ?

• H05K 5/00 - Casings, cabinets or drawers for electric apparatus
• E05B 77/34 - Protection against weather or dirt, e.g. against water ingress
• E05B 85/02 - Lock casings
• E05B 81/06 - Electrical using rotary motors
• E05B 81/56 - Control of actuators
• H05K 5/06 - Hermetically-sealed casings
• E05B 81/30 - Rotary elements
• E05B 81/54 - Electrical circuits

Abstract

A latch release backup system for a latch assembly of a motor-vehicle door is provided with a key cylinder configured to receive a vehicle key and which is rotatably mounted to the motor-vehicle door, and a mechanical coupling arrangement mounted within the motor-vehicle door and operable to convert a rotation of the key cylinder into actuation of an actuation group of the latch assembly for causing latch release. The key cylinder defines an electrical interface socket designed to receive the vehicle key. An electronic control unit is mounted within the motor-vehicle door and is electrically connected to the electrical interface socket to receive identification information (Id) from the vehicle key when plugged into the electrical interface socket. The mechanical coupling arrangement is normally disengaged from the actuation group of the latch assembly, and the electronic control unit is configured to control selective engagement of the mechanical coupling arrangement to the actuation group of the latch assembly based on the identification information (Id) received from the vehicle key.

IPC Classes  ?

• G07C 9/00 - Individual registration on entry or exit
• E05B 81/08 - Electrical using electromagnets or solenoids
• E05B 81/56 - Control of actuators
• E05B 81/72 - Monitoring or sensing, e.g. by using switches or sensors the lock status, i.e. locked or unlocked condition
• E05B 83/28 - Locks for glove compartments, console boxes, fuel inlet covers or the like
• E05B 83/18 - Locks for luggage compartments, car boot lids or car bonnets for car boot lids or rear luggage compartments
• E05B 83/24 - Locks for luggage compartments, car boot lids or car bonnets for car bonnets
• E05B 47/06 - Controlling mechanically-operated bolts by electromagnetically-operated detents
• E05B 81/90 - Manual override in case of power failure
• E05B 85/06 - Lock cylinder arrangements
• E05B 81/46 - Clutches

Abstract

A low release effort eccentric double ratchet, double pawl vehicle latch includes a ratchet, a primary pawl, an auxiliary ratchet and a secondary pawl. A drive mechanism including a gear cam wheel sequences movement of the secondary pawl to open and reset the latch. Upon reset, the drive mechanism actuates the auxiliary ratchet back to a closed state in a soft manner without using a hard stop; instead the latch has a cushioning spring that is used to softly stop the gear train during the reset absorbing motor energy and thus eliminating impact noise.

IPC Classes  ?

• E05B 81/42 - Cams
• E05B 15/04 - Spring arrangements in locks
• E05B 77/36 - Noise preventionAnti-rattling means
• E05B 81/06 - Electrical using rotary motors
• E05B 81/14 - Power-actuated vehicle locks characterised by the function or purpose of the powered actuators operating on bolt detents, e.g. for unlatching the bolt
• E05B 81/34 - Details of the actuator transmission of geared transmissions
• E05B 77/38 - Cushion elements, elastic guiding elements or holding elements, e.g. for cushioning or damping the impact of the bolt against the striker during closing of the wing
• E05B 81/90 - Manual override in case of power failure

Abstract

An electrical latch for a closure system of a motor vehicle and method of operating are provided. The electrical latch includes a latching mechanism having a pawl and ratchet, a cinching mechanism having a cinching lever, and an electric actuator mechanism for actuating at least the cinching lever. The electrical latch further includes a control unit powered by a main power source and having a control circuit controlling operation of the actuator mechanism to affect the position of the cinch lever, and a backup energy source providing power to the control circuit and the actuator mechanism in the event a fault condition is experienced by the main power source. The electrical latch is configured to return the cinching lever to a home uncinched position in response to switching of power from the main power source to the backup energy source.

IPC Classes  ?

• E05B 81/86 - Electrical circuits characterised by the power supplyEmergency power operation using capacitors
• E05B 81/04 - Electrical
• E05B 81/20 - Power-actuated vehicle locks characterised by the function or purpose of the powered actuators for assisting final closing or for initiating opening
• E05B 81/74 - Monitoring or sensing, e.g. by using switches or sensors the lock status, i.e. locked or unlocked condition by sensing the state of the actuator
• E05B 81/64 - Monitoring or sensing, e.g. by using switches or sensors
• E05B 81/76 - Detection of handle operationDetection of a user approaching a handleElectrical switching actions performed by handles

Abstract

A latch assembly for a closure member is provided. The latch assembly includes a housing and a ratchet pivotally coupled to the housing for selectively retaining a striker to secure the closure member. A cinch lever assembly is coupled to the housing and includes a cinch lever for engaging the ratchet. The cinch lever cinches the striker in the ratchet in response to the cinch lever being actuated by a cable coupled to the cinch lever assembly to move the closure panel from a partially closed position to a fully closed position. A cinch subassembly is operatively coupled to the cinch lever assembly with the cable coupled to the cinch lever assembly. The cinch subassembly is configured to freely move between a plurality of positions relative to the housing to accommodate a plurality of orientations of the cable coupled to the cinch lever assembly.

IPC Classes  ?

• E05C 3/16 - Fastening devices with bolts moving pivotally or rotatively with latching action with operating handle or equivalent member moving otherwise than rigidly with the latch
• E05B 81/20 - Power-actuated vehicle locks characterised by the function or purpose of the powered actuators for assisting final closing or for initiating opening
• E05B 79/20 - Connections between movable lock parts using flexible connections, e.g. Bowden cables
• E05B 85/02 - Lock casings
• F16H 37/12 - Gearings comprising primarily toothed or friction gearing, links or levers, and cams, or members of at least two of these three types

Abstract

A power latch assembly for a motor vehicle closure system configured to provide a power cinching feature and a power release feature. The power cinching feature is configured to retain the ratchet in a cinched striker capture position with the pawl engaged from the ratchet. The power release feature is configured to move the ratchet from its cinched striker capture position to a cinch release striker capture position for unloading the seals prior to release of the ratchet to its striker release position.

IPC Classes  ?

• E05B 81/20 - Power-actuated vehicle locks characterised by the function or purpose of the powered actuators for assisting final closing or for initiating opening
• E05B 77/04 - Preventing unwanted lock actuation, e.g. unlatching, at the moment of collision
• E05B 81/06 - Electrical using rotary motors
• E05B 81/16 - Power-actuated vehicle locks characterised by the function or purpose of the powered actuators operating on locking elements for locking or unlocking action
• E05B 81/34 - Details of the actuator transmission of geared transmissions
• E05B 81/36 - Geared sectors, e.g. fan-shaped gears
• E05B 85/26 - Cooperation between bolts and detents

Abstract

An e-latch assembly for a closure member and a method of operating the e-latch assembly coupled to a closure member are provided. The e-latch assembly includes an actuation group operable to selectively secure the closure member. An electronic control circuit is coupled to the actuation group and includes a control unit configured to manage a plurality of handle activation signals. The control unit is also configured to receive a plurality of signals indicative of the state of a vehicle. Additionally, the control unit is configured to control the actuation group to selectively allow the closure member to be opened in response to receiving the plurality of signals indicative of the state of the vehicle and based on the plurality of handle activation signals.

IPC Classes  ?

• E05B 81/56 - Control of actuators
• E05B 77/30 - Functions related to actuation of locks from the passenger compartment of the vehicle allowing opening by means of an inner door handle, even if the door is locked
• E05B 81/76 - Detection of handle operationDetection of a user approaching a handleElectrical switching actions performed by handles
• E05B 77/54 - Automatic securing or unlocking of bolts triggered by certain vehicle parameters, e.g. exceeding a speed threshold
• E05B 77/22 - Functions related to actuation of locks from the passenger compartment of the vehicle
• E05B 81/06 - Electrical using rotary motors
• E05B 81/58 - Control of actuators involving time control, e.g. for controlling run-time of electric motors

Abstract

An electrical vehicle latch including a support assembly, a releasable closure mechanism carried by the support assembly and adapted to releasably engage a striker, an electrically-operated actuator assembly carried by the support assembly and which can be selectively activated to release the closure mechanism from the striker or to lock the closure mechanism in a condition of engagement with the striker, and an electrical control unit having a printed circuit board for controlling operation of the actuator assembly. The support assembly including a first support body carrying at least a ratchet of the closure mechanism in a position parallel to a first plane (P1), and a second support body carrying at least the printed circuit board in a position parallel to a second plane (P2) transvere to the first plane (P1).

IPC Classes  ?

• E05C 3/06 - Fastening devices with bolts moving pivotally or rotatively without latching action with operating handle or equivalent member moving otherwise than rigidly with the bolt
• E05B 81/56 - Control of actuators
• E05B 77/34 - Protection against weather or dirt, e.g. against water ingress
• E05B 81/06 - Electrical using rotary motors
• E05B 81/14 - Power-actuated vehicle locks characterised by the function or purpose of the powered actuators operating on bolt detents, e.g. for unlatching the bolt
• E05B 85/02 - Lock casings
• E05B 81/54 - Electrical circuits
• E05B 85/24 - Bolts rotating about an axis
• E05B 85/26 - Cooperation between bolts and detents

Abstract

A power latch assembly for a motor vehicle closure system configured to provide a power cinching feature and a power release feature. The power cinching feature is configured to retain the ratchet in a cinched striker capture position with the pawl disengaged from the ratchet. The power release feature is configured to move the ratchet from its cinched striker capture position to a cinch release striker capture position for unloading the seals prior to release of the ratchet to its striker release position.

IPC Classes  ?

• E05B 81/20 - Power-actuated vehicle locks characterised by the function or purpose of the powered actuators for assisting final closing or for initiating opening
• E05B 85/26 - Cooperation between bolts and detents
• E05B 85/24 - Bolts rotating about an axis
• E05B 81/68 - Monitoring or sensing, e.g. by using switches or sensors the bolt position, i.e. the latching status by sensing the position of the detent
• E05B 81/06 - Electrical using rotary motors
• E05B 81/18 - Power-actuated vehicle locks characterised by the function or purpose of the powered actuators to effect movement of bolts
• E05B 77/36 - Noise preventionAnti-rattling means
• E05B 81/16 - Power-actuated vehicle locks characterised by the function or purpose of the powered actuators operating on locking elements for locking or unlocking action
• E05B 79/04 - Mounting of lock casings to the vehicle, e.g. to the wing
• E05B 81/14 - Power-actuated vehicle locks characterised by the function or purpose of the powered actuators operating on bolt detents, e.g. for unlatching the bolt
• E05B 77/06 - Preventing unwanted lock actuation, e.g. unlatching, at the moment of collision by means of inertial forces

Abstract

A two-motor power latch assembly for a motor vehicle closure system configured to provide a power cinching feature and a power release feature. The power cinching feature is configured to retain the ratchet in a cinched striker capture position with the pawl disengaged from the ratchet. The power release feature is configured to move the ratchet from its cinched striker capture position to a cinch release striker capture position for unloading the seals prior to release of the ratchet to its striker release position.

IPC Classes  ?

• E05B 81/20 - Power-actuated vehicle locks characterised by the function or purpose of the powered actuators for assisting final closing or for initiating opening
• E05B 81/06 - Electrical using rotary motors
• E05B 85/26 - Cooperation between bolts and detents
• E05B 85/24 - Bolts rotating about an axis
• E05B 81/68 - Monitoring or sensing, e.g. by using switches or sensors the bolt position, i.e. the latching status by sensing the position of the detent
• E05B 81/18 - Power-actuated vehicle locks characterised by the function or purpose of the powered actuators to effect movement of bolts
• E05B 77/36 - Noise preventionAnti-rattling means
• E05B 81/16 - Power-actuated vehicle locks characterised by the function or purpose of the powered actuators operating on locking elements for locking or unlocking action

Abstract

An electrical latch assembly for a vehicle door is provided. The assembly includes an electrical housing having a fluid-tight open interior and an opening. A printed circuit board is disposed in the fluid-tight open interior between the first and second cover pieces and includes an electrical control unit. A latch mechanism is connected with the electrical housing around the opening and includes an electric motor. At least one electrical connector extends from the printed circuit board through the opening and establishes an electrical connection between the printed circuit board in the open interior of the electrical housing and the electric motor of the latch mechanism.

IPC Classes  ?

• H05K 5/00 - Casings, cabinets or drawers for electric apparatus
• E05B 77/34 - Protection against weather or dirt, e.g. against water ingress
• E05B 85/02 - Lock casings
• E05B 81/06 - Electrical using rotary motors
• E05B 81/56 - Control of actuators
• H05K 5/06 - Hermetically-sealed casings
• E05B 81/30 - Rotary elements
• E05B 81/54 - Electrical circuits

Abstract

A latch for a door of motor vehicle having a closing assembly adapted to cooperate with a latch striker comprising: a ratchet which can assume an opening position, in which ratchet enables engagement and disengagement between latch striker and a seat of ratchet, and a closing position, in which ratchet holds latch striker within seat; a first pawl rotatable about a first axis (B) and in a first rotation direction from a coupled position, in which it keeps, at least indirectly, ratchet in closing position and prevents disengagement of striker from seat, and a decoupled position, in which it permits the movement of ratchet from closing position to opening position; and a second pawl which cooperates with first pawl, cooperates with ratchet at least in a contact point (P) at least when ratchet is in closing position, and which is rotatable about a second axis (D) distinct from first axis (B).

IPC Classes  ?

• E05B 85/26 - Cooperation between bolts and detents
• E05B 77/36 - Noise preventionAnti-rattling means
• E05B 79/10 - Connections between movable lock parts
• E05B 85/24 - Bolts rotating about an axis

Abstract

A safety-relevant system (S) in a vehicle comprises an electrical unit (EE) with at least one signal line input (SE). The signal line input (SE) is connected to a signal line. The electrical unit (EE) additionally comprises a supply connection (VA) for feeding the electrical unit (EE) with electrical energy. For supplying electrical energy to the electrical unit (EE), the signal line is in addition electrically coupled to the supply connection (VA) of the electrical unit (EE).

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 16/03 - Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided forArrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric for supply of electrical power to vehicle subsystems
• B60R 21/017 - Electrical circuits for triggering safety arrangements in case of vehicle accidents or impending vehicle accidents including arrangements for providing electric power to the safety arrangements
• E05B 81/80 - Electrical circuits characterised by the power supplyEmergency power operation
• H02J 9/06 - Circuit arrangements for emergency or stand-by power supply, e.g. for emergency lighting in which the distribution system is disconnected from the normal source and connected to a standby source with automatic change-over

Abstract

A latch release backup system for a latch assembly of a motor-vehicle door is provided with a key cylinder configured to receive a vehicle key and which is rotatably mounted to the motor-vehicle door, and a mechanical coupling arrangement mounted within the motor-vehicle door and operable to convert a rotation of the key cylinder into actuation of an actuation group of the latch assembly for causing latch release. The key cylinder defines an electrical interface socket designed to receive the vehicle key. An electronic control unit is mounted within the motor-vehicle door and is electrically connected to the electrical interface socket to receive identification information (Id) from the vehicle key when plugged into the electrical interface socket. The mechanical coupling arrangement is normally disengaged from the actuation group of the latch assembly, and the electronic control unit is configured to control selective engagement of the mechanical coupling arrangement to the actuation group of the latch assembly based on the identification information (Id) received from the vehicle key.

IPC Classes  ?

• G07C 9/00 - Individual registration on entry or exit
• E05B 81/08 - Electrical using electromagnets or solenoids
• E05B 81/56 - Control of actuators
• E05B 81/72 - Monitoring or sensing, e.g. by using switches or sensors the lock status, i.e. locked or unlocked condition
• E05B 83/28 - Locks for glove compartments, console boxes, fuel inlet covers or the like
• E05B 83/18 - Locks for luggage compartments, car boot lids or car bonnets for car boot lids or rear luggage compartments
• E05B 83/24 - Locks for luggage compartments, car boot lids or car bonnets for car bonnets
• E05B 47/06 - Controlling mechanically-operated bolts by electromagnetically-operated detents
• E05B 81/90 - Manual override in case of power failure
• E05B 85/06 - Lock cylinder arrangements
• E05B 81/46 - Clutches

Abstract

A system for determining the position of a moving part driven by an electric motor: a single position sensor, coupled to the electric motor, incrementally detects an amount of movement thereof; a direction switching arrangement controls a direction of movement of the electric motor; and a control unit, coupled to the single position sensor and the direction switching arrangement, at each incremental amount of movement detected by the single position sensor, determines a current position of the moving part based on a previous position thereof and the current direction of movement controlled by the direction switching arrangement.

IPC Classes  ?

• H02P 3/00 - Arrangements for stopping or slowing electric motors, generators, or dynamo-electric converters
• H02P 7/18 - Arrangements for regulating or controlling the speed or torque of electric DC motors for regulating or controlling an individual DC dynamo-electric motor by varying field or armature current by master control with auxiliary power
• G05B 19/4061 - Avoiding collision or forbidden zones
• H02P 7/03 - Arrangements for regulating or controlling the speed or torque of electric DC motors for controlling the direction of rotation of DC motors

Abstract

An electrical latch assembly for a vehicle door is provided. The assembly includes an electrical housing having a fluid-tight open interior and an opening. A printed circuit board is disposed in the fluid-tight open interior between the first and second cover pieces and includes an electrical control unit. A latch mechanism is connected with the electrical housing around the opening and includes an electric motor. At least one electrical connector extends from the printed circuit board through the opening and establishes an electrical connection between the printed circuit board in the open interior of the electrical housing and the electric motor of the latch mechanism.

IPC Classes  ?

• E05B 77/34 - Protection against weather or dirt, e.g. against water ingress
• E05B 85/02 - Lock casings

Abstract

There is described a latch (1) for a door of motor vehicle (2), comprising a closing assembly (12) adapted to cooperate with a latch striker (8); closing assembly (12) comprising: a ratchet (20) which can assume an opening position, in which ratchet (20) enables engagement and disengagement between latch striker (8) and a seat (17) of ratchet (20), and a closing position, in which ratchet (20) holds latch striker (8) within seat (17); and a first pawl (21) rotatable about a first axis (B) and in a first rotation direction from: a coupled position, in which it keeps, at least indirectly, ratchet (20) in closing position and prevents disengagement of striker (8) from seat (6); and a decoupled position, in which it permits the movement of ratchet (20) from closing position to opening position; latch (1) comprises a second pawl (40) which cooperates with first pawl (21), cooperates with ratchet (20) at least in a contact point (P) at least when ratchet (20) is in closing position, and which is rotatable about a second axis (D) distinct from first axis (B), so that second pawl (40) may eccentrically rotate with respect to said first axis (B).

IPC Classes  ?

• E05B 77/36 - Noise preventionAnti-rattling means

Abstract

A safety-relevant system (S) in a vehicle comprises an electrical unit (EE) with at least one signal line input (SE). The signal line input (SE) is connected to a signal line. The electrical unit (EE) additionally comprises a supply connection (VA) for feeding the electrical unit (EE) with electrical energy. For supplying electrical energy to the electrical unit (EE), the signal line is in addition electrically coupled to the supply connection (VA) of the electrical unit (EE).

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 16/03 - Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided forArrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric for supply of electrical power to vehicle subsystems
• B60R 21/017 - Electrical circuits for triggering safety arrangements in case of vehicle accidents or impending vehicle accidents including arrangements for providing electric power to the safety arrangements
• H02J 9/00 - Circuit arrangements for emergency or stand-by power supply, e.g. for emergency lighting
• E05B 81/80 - Electrical circuits characterised by the power supplyEmergency power operation

Abstract

A vehicle door latch assembly including a vehicle door latch having a ratchet and pawl combination. The vehicle door latch assembly also includes a key receiver in which a key is rotatable. In addition, the vehicle door latch assembly includes a key receiver mechanical advantage means that is mechanically connected to the key receiver. The key receiver is operatively connected mechanically via the key receiver mechanical advantage means to the ratchet and pawl combination for release of the ratchet and pawl combination under movement of at least a part of the key receiver when mechanically engaged by the key.

IPC Classes  ?

• E05B 47/06 - Controlling mechanically-operated bolts by electromagnetically-operated detents
• E05B 81/06 - Electrical using rotary motors
• E05B 81/90 - Manual override in case of power failure

Abstract

r) to the generation unit (24).

IPC Classes  ?

• H02K 41/02 - Linear motorsSectional motors
• H02K 5/16 - Means for supporting bearings, e.g. insulating supports or means for fitting bearings in the bearing-shields
• H02P 5/68 - Arrangements specially adapted for regulating or controlling the speed or torque of two or more electric motors controlling two or more DC dynamo-electric motors
• H02P 6/14 - Electronic commutators
• H02P 6/16 - Circuit arrangements for detecting position
• H02P 6/15 - Controlling commutation time

Abstract

An electrical vehicle latch including a support assembly, a releasable closure mechanism carried by the support assembly and adapted to releasably engage a striker, an electrically-operated actuator assembly carried by the support assembly and which can be selectively activated to release the closure mechanism from the striker or to lock the closure mechanism in a condition of engagement with the striker, and an electrical control unit having a printed circuit board for controlling operation of the actuator assembly. The support assembly including a first support body carrying at least a ratchet of the closure mechanism in a position parallel to a first plane (P1), and a second support body carrying at least the printed circuit board in a position parallel to a second plane (P2) transvere to the first plane (P1).

IPC Classes  ?

• E05C 3/06 - Fastening devices with bolts moving pivotally or rotatively without latching action with operating handle or equivalent member moving otherwise than rigidly with the bolt
• E05B 81/56 - Control of actuators
• E05B 81/06 - Electrical using rotary motors
• E05B 81/14 - Power-actuated vehicle locks characterised by the function or purpose of the powered actuators operating on bolt detents, e.g. for unlatching the bolt
• E05B 85/02 - Lock casings
• E05B 81/54 - Electrical circuits
• E05B 77/34 - Protection against weather or dirt, e.g. against water ingress

Abstract

A low release effort eccentric double ratchet, double pawl vehicle latch includes a ratchet, a primary pawl, an auxiliary ratchet and a secondary pawl. A drive mechanism including a gear cam wheel sequences movement of the secondary pawl to open and reset the latch. Upon reset, the drive mechanism actuates the auxiliary ratchet back to a closed state in a soft manner without using a hard stop; instead the latch has a cushioning spring that is used to softly stop the gear train during the reset absorbing motor energy and thus eliminating impact noise.

IPC Classes  ?

• E05C 3/06 - Fastening devices with bolts moving pivotally or rotatively without latching action with operating handle or equivalent member moving otherwise than rigidly with the bolt
• E05B 81/42 - Cams
• E05B 77/36 - Noise preventionAnti-rattling means
• E05B 81/06 - Electrical using rotary motors
• E05B 81/14 - Power-actuated vehicle locks characterised by the function or purpose of the powered actuators operating on bolt detents, e.g. for unlatching the bolt
• E05B 81/34 - Details of the actuator transmission of geared transmissions
• E05C 3/16 - Fastening devices with bolts moving pivotally or rotatively with latching action with operating handle or equivalent member moving otherwise than rigidly with the latch
• E05B 15/04 - Spring arrangements in locks

Abstract

A vehicle latch (1) comprising a ratchet (15); a primary pawl (25) movable between a ratchet checking position and a ratchet release position; an auxiliary ratchet (26) movable between an enabling position and a disabling position; a secondary pawl (27) movable between an auxiliary ratchet holding position, in which the secondary pawl (27) is positioned to hold the auxiliary ratchet (26) in its enabling position, and an auxiliary ratchet release position; electrically-operated actuator means (6) for moving the secondary pawl (27) to the auxiliary ratchet release position and the auxiliary ratchet (26) to the enabling position; a back-up mechanism (7) for moving the secondary pawl (27) to the auxiliary ratchet release position or the auxiliary ratchet (26) to the enabling position; and an inhibiting lever (81) for selectively preventing interaction of the back-up mechanism (7) with the auxiliary ratchet (26).

IPC Classes  ?

• E05C 3/06 - Fastening devices with bolts moving pivotally or rotatively without latching action with operating handle or equivalent member moving otherwise than rigidly with the bolt
• E05B 81/06 - Electrical using rotary motors
• E05B 77/34 - Protection against weather or dirt, e.g. against water ingress
• E05B 81/14 - Power-actuated vehicle locks characterised by the function or purpose of the powered actuators operating on bolt detents, e.g. for unlatching the bolt
• E05B 81/90 - Manual override in case of power failure
• E05B 77/16 - Preventing locking with the bolt in the unlatched position, i.e. when the door is open

Abstract

A vehicle door latch assembly including a vehicle door latch having a ratchet and pawl combination. The vehicle door latch assembly also includes a key receiver in which a key is rotatable. In addition, the vehicle door latch assembly includes a key receiver mechanical advantage means that is mechanically connected to the key receiver. The key receiver is operatively connected mechanically via the key receiver mechanical advantage means to the ratchet and pawl combination for release of the ratchet and pawl combination under movement of at least a part of the key receiver when mechanically engaged by the key.

IPC Classes  ?

• E05B 65/12 - for vehicles (E05B 71/00 takes precedence;locking arrangements for non-fixed vehicle roofs B60J 7/185)

Abstract

A system for detecting the operative condition of a latch for a door of a motor-vehicle, comprises a magnetic field generating element adapted to generate a magnetic field which is associated to the operative condition of latch; a support which defines a housing for magnetic field generating element; and a sensor magnetically coupled with magnetic field generating element and adapted to sense the magnetic field. The generating element is snap-fitted to the housing.

IPC Classes  ?

• G08B 13/08 - Mechanical actuation by opening, e.g. of door, of window, of drawer, of shutter, of curtain, of blind
• G01M 17/00 - Testing of vehicles
• E05B 81/14 - Power-actuated vehicle locks characterised by the function or purpose of the powered actuators operating on bolt detents, e.g. for unlatching the bolt
• E05B 81/34 - Details of the actuator transmission of geared transmissions
• E05B 81/90 - Manual override in case of power failure
• E05B 81/64 - Monitoring or sensing, e.g. by using switches or sensors
• B23P 11/02 - Connecting or disconnecting metal parts or objects by metal-working techniques, not otherwise provided for by first expanding and then shrinking or vice versa, e.g. by using pressure fluidsConnecting or disconnecting metal parts or objects by metal-working techniques, not otherwise provided for by making force fits

Abstract

A low release effort eccentric double ratchet, double pawl vehicle latch includes a ratchet, a primary pawl, an auxiliary ratchet and a secondary pawl. A drive mechanism including a gear cam wheel sequences movement of the secondary pawl to open and reset the latch. Upon reset, the drive mechanism actuates the auxiliary ratchet back to a closed state in a soft manner without using a hard stop; instead the latch has a cushioning spring that is used to softly stop the gear train during the reset absorbing motor energy and thus eliminating impact noise.

IPC Classes  ?

• E05B 65/20 - for passenger or like doors
• E05B 17/00 - Accessories in connection with locks

Abstract

In one aspect, the invention is directed to a closure latch for a vehicle door. The closure latch includes an emergency lock actuator to permit a person to lock the door in the event that the power lock actuator is unusable. The latch also includes an ‘impatient passenger’ feature, which permits the doors to be unlocked using the remote keyless-entry feature on the key fob even in a situation where an ‘impatient passenger’ had prematurely lifted the door handle of the vehicle. In some prior art latches, such an action by an ‘impatient passenger’ would prevent the drive motor on the latch from unlocking the latch, thereby necessitating the owner to press the unlock button on the key fob a second time. There is some overlap in the components that used for the ‘impatient passenger’ feature and the components used for the emergency lock actuator, thereby reducing cost and complexity of the latch.

IPC Classes  ?

• E05B 47/00 - Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means

Abstract

A low release effort eccentric double pawl vehicle latch includes a ratchet (24), primary pawl (64), auxiliary ratchet (44) and secondary pawl (84) in combination with a secure lock lever (104). The secure lock lever (104) selectively inhibits movement of the secondary pawl (84) to prevent premature or unintended opening of the latch. A drive mechanism (140) sequences movement of the secure lock lever (104) and secondary pawl to open the latch. Upon reset, the drive mechanism (140) drives the auxiliary ratchet (44) back to its closed state and in the process the auxiliary ratchet (44) can engage and return the secondary pawl (84) back to a closed state in the event of an insufficient bias force thereon.

IPC Classes  ?

• E05B 65/34 - in which the member engaging the keeper is shaped as a lockable toothed wheel or the like
• E05B 65/20 - for passenger or like doors

Abstract

A vehicle latch including a ratchet (18), a first pawl (20), a cam (22), a second pawl (24) and a drive mechanism (50,52,54,56,58). The ratchet is movable between a striker (12) release position wherein the ratchet is positioned to receive a striker, and a striker holding position wherein the ratchet is positioned to retain the striker. The ratchet is biased to the striker release position. The first pawl is movable between a ratchet locking position wherein the first pawl is positioned to hold the ratchet in the striker holding position, and a ratchet release position wherein the first pawl permits the movement of the ratchet out of the striker holding position. The first pawl is biased towards the ratchet locking position. The cam is operatively connected to the first pawl, wherein the cam is movable between an first pawl enabling position in which the first pawl is enabled to move to the ratchet locking position, and a first pawl disabling position in which the cam positions the first pawl in the ratchet release position. The cam is biased towards the first pawl disabling position. The second pawl is movable between a cam locking position in which the second pawl is positioned to hold the cam in the first pawl enabling position, and a cam release position wherein the second pawl is positioned to permit the movement of the cam to the first pawl disabling position. The second pawl is biased towards the cam locking position. The drive mechanism is configured for moving the second pawl into the cam release position.

IPC Classes  ?

• E05C 3/16 - Fastening devices with bolts moving pivotally or rotatively with latching action with operating handle or equivalent member moving otherwise than rigidly with the latch

Abstract

In one aspect, the invention is directed to a closure latch for a vehicle door, wherein during a crash event, the closure latch has an inertia member that prevents the vehicle door from opening. The inertia member may only temporarily prevent the vehicle door from opening, or alternatively it may cause a lock lever to move to a locked position, so that the vehicle door remains locked even after the inertia member is no longer actuated.

IPC Classes  ?

• E05C 3/06 - Fastening devices with bolts moving pivotally or rotatively without latching action with operating handle or equivalent member moving otherwise than rigidly with the bolt

Abstract

In a first aspect, the invention is directed to a vehicle latch including a ratchet, a main pawl, a cam, and at least one auxiliary pawl, wherein a secondary engagement is provided between the cam and the at least one auxiliary pawl in case a primary engagement between the cam and at least one auxiliary pawl is missed. In a particular embodiment of the first aspect, the ratchet is movable between a ratchet open position wherein the ratchet is positioned to receive a striker and a ratchet locking position wherein the ratchet is positioned to retain the striker. The ratchet is biased towards the ratchet open position. The main pawl is movable between a main pawl locking position wherein the main pawl is positioned to hold the ratchet in the ratchet locking position and a main pawl release position wherein the main pawl permits the movement of the ratchet out of the ratchet locking position. The main pawl is biased towards the main pawl locking position. The cam is operatively connected to the main pawl. The cam is movable between at least two main pawl enabling positions in which the main pawl is enabled to move to the main pawl locking position, and a main pawl disabling position in which the cam positions the main pawl in the main pawl release position. The cam is biased towards the main pawl disabling position. The at least one auxiliary pawl is movable to hold the cam in each of the at least two main pawl enabling positions and movable to permit the cam to move to the main pawl disabling position.

IPC Classes  ?

• E05C 3/06 - Fastening devices with bolts moving pivotally or rotatively without latching action with operating handle or equivalent member moving otherwise than rigidly with the bolt

Abstract

A vehicle latch including a ratchet (18), a first pawl (20), a cam (22), a second pawl (24) and a drive mechanism (50,52,54,56,58). The ratchet is movable between a striker (12) release position wherein the ratchet is positioned to receive a striker, and a striker holding position wherein the ratchet is positioned to retain the striker. The ratchet is biased to the striker release position. The first pawl is movable between a ratchet locking position wherein the first pawl is positioned to hold the ratchet in the striker holding position, and a ratchet release position wherein the first pawl permits the movement of the ratchet out of the striker holding position. The first pawl is biased towards the ratchet locking position. The cam is operatively connected to the first pawl, wherein the cam is movable between an first pawl enabling position in which the first pawl is enabled to move to the ratchet locking position, and a first pawl disabling position in which the cam positions the first pawl in the ratchet release position. The cam is biased towards the first pawl disabling position. The second pawl is movable between a cam locking position in which the second pawl is positioned to hold the cam in the first pawl enabling position, and a cam release position wherein the second pawl is positioned to permit the movement of the cam to the first pawl disabling position. The second pawl is biased towards the cam locking position. The drive mechanism is configured for moving the second pawl into the cam release position.

IPC Classes  ?

• E05B 65/12 - for vehicles (E05B 71/00 takes precedence;locking arrangements for non-fixed vehicle roofs B60J 7/185)
• E05B 17/00 - Accessories in connection with locks
• E05B 47/00 - Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means