Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
CA 02619389 2008-02-04
Global Side Door Latch
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to automotive door latches. More specifically,
the
present invention relates to door latches used in driver and passenger side
door latches.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Automotive companies are looking to provide new features for their vehicles,
even on traditionally simple components such as latches. Features such as "set
and slam
latching", double-locking and power-locking are rapidly becoming standard
features. For
rear doors, child-locks are virtually mandatory. At the same time, automotive
manufacturers are looking to standardize parts in order to reduce assembly
costs.
Therefore, it is desirable to produce a door latch that can accommodate
different features
within one packaging. For instance, key-only locking (to prevent people from
locking
their keys in their car) may be desirable for some models or sales regions,
but not others.
Thus, the latch design must be able to accommodate latches that have and don't
have this
feature.
Additionally, the latch still needs to be reliable and provide manual fail
safes for
these new features. For instance, manual locking must be provided in addition
to power-
locking. Moreover, the manual locking must be able to override the power-
locking
feature when used.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide a novel latch for an automotive
door.
The latch includes a latch housing having a first and second surface. The
first surface on
the latch has a channel adapted to receive a striker. A ratchet and pawl are
pivotally
mounted to the first surface with a portion of the pawl extending through an
opening in
the housing to the second surface, the ratchet and pawl cooperatively operable
to move
between an engaged position to hold the striker in the channel, and a released
position to
permit the striker from exiting the channel, the ratchet and pawl further
being biased
towards the engaged position. In addition, a release lever is pivotally
mounted to the
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second surface of the latch housing, and movable between a resting and a
released
position. A lock lever is also pivotally mounted to the second surface, and is
movable
between a locked and an unlocked position. A lock link lever connects the
release lever to
the lock lever, having a first end pivotally mounted to the lock lever and a
second end
slidably located in a slot on the release lever. The second end is movable
between a
locked and an unlocked position in the slot by pivoting the lock lever between
its
corresponding locked and unlocked positions. Actuating the release lever while
the
second end of the lock link lever is in its locked position pivots the lock
link lever in a
first arc and actuating the release lever while the lock link lever is in its
unlocked position
pivots the lock link lever in a second arc to actuate the pawl into its
released position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way
of
example only, with reference to the attached Figures, wherein:
Figures lA and 1B are exploded views of a cable-actuated, front side door
latch in
accordance with a first embodiment of the invention;
Figures 2 is a plan view of a latch housing mounted to the latch shown in Fig.
1 A
and 1 B, with the frame plate removed;
Figures 3A, 3B and 3C are partial plan views a ratchet and pawl mounted to the
latch housing shown in Fig. 2;
Figure 4 is an isometric view of the an outside release assembly mounted to
the
latch shown in Figs lA and 1B;
Figures 5A and 5B are plan views of the unlocked latch with outside release
mechanism mounted to the latch shown in Fig. 4;
Figures 6A and 6B are isometric views of the inside release lever;
Figures 7A and 7B are isometric views of the inside release assembly mounted
to
the latch shown in Figs 5A and 5B including the latch housing;
Figures 8A and 8B are isometric views of the manual inside and outside lock
assemblies mounted to the latch shown in Figs lA and 1B;
Figure 9 is an isometric view of a power lock assembly mounted to the latch
shown in Figs 8A and 8B;
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Figures 10A and lOB are plan views of a double lock assembly and manual
double lock override mounted to the latch shown in Fig. 9;
Figure 11 is an isometric view of the latch cover mounted to the latch shown
in
Figs. 1 A and 1 B;
Figures 12A, 12B and 12C are plan views showing a door ajar and a door open
switches in relation to a switch cam that are mounted to the latch shown in
Figs 1 A and
1B with the latch housing and latch cover removed;
Figures 13A and 13B are plan views showing a door lock and a door unlock
switch in relation to outside lock lever mounted to the latch shown in Figs
12A, 12B and
12C with the latch cover removed;
Figures 14A and 14B are plan views showing a key-only lock assembly mounted
to a side door latch in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;
Figure 15 is an exploded view of a cable-actuated, rear side door latch in
accordance with another embodiment of the invention;
Figure 16 shows an isometric view of a child lock assembly mounted to the
latch
shown in Fig. 15;
Figures 17A and 17B are cutaway views of the child lock assembly shown in Fig
16;
Figure 18 is an exploded view of a rod-actuated, rear side door latch in
accordance with another embodiment of the invention;
Figures 19A to 19D are plan views of a child lock assembly in isolation in
accordance with another embodiment of the invention;
Figure 20 is an isometric cutaway view of an alternate embodiment of a door
latch
with a power release actuator in accordance with another embodiment of the
invention;
Figure 21 is an exploded view of the power release actuator shown in Fig. 20;
Figures 22A, 22B, and 22C are isolated views of a power release assembly for
the
door latch shown in Fig. 20;
Figure 23 is an isolated view of a double lock override assembly for the door
latch
shown in Fig. 20;
Figures 24A and 24B are isometric views of an alternate embodiment of a door
latch having a living hinge shown in both the closed and open positions
respectively;
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Figure 25 is an isometric view of a motor housing adapted for the latches
shown
in Figures 1-24; and
Figure 26 is a top profile view of an alternate embodiment of a door latch
having
a modified pawl.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring now to Figs. 1A and 1B, a global latch is shown generally at 10.
Latch
is adapted to mount to a front side door on a motor vehicle. As is described
in greater
detail below, latch 10 is rod-actuated via the outside door handle, and cable-
actuated via
10 the inside door handle. Latch 10 includes a clam-shell latch housing 12, a
complementary
latch cover 14, and a frame plate 16. An outer chamber 18 is formed in a
recessed area of
latch housing 12, and is covered by frame plate 16 (Fig. lA). An inner chamber
20 is
formed between latch housing 12 and latch cover 14 (Fig. 1B). Both latch
housing 12 and
latch cover 14 are preferably formed from a rigid thermoplastic material.
Housing and Striker Retention
Referring now to Fig. 2, latch housing 12 includes a substrate 22 and
peripheral
walls 24, which along with frame plate 16 (Fig. 1 A) defme outer chamber 18. A
ratchet
26 and paw128 are disposed within outer chamber 18. A frusto-trapezoidal
channel,
referred to as a "fishmouth" 30 bisects substrate 22. Fishmouth 30 is designed
to receive
a striker (not shown), which engages a hook arm 32 of ratchet 26, as known to
those of
skill in the art. Preferably, an elasomeric or rubber overslam bumper 34 is
mounted at the
apex end of fishmouth 30 (Fig. 1B). Overslam bumper 34 functions to receive
and absorb
the impact of the striker thus reducing the stresses on the latch and reducing
noise. Also
preferably, an outer seal 36 is mounted around the orifice of fishmouth to
seal the latch
opening of the door frame.
Ratchet 26 is pivotally mounted to substrate 22 via a ratchet rivet 38
inserted into
aligned holes 40 provided in substrate 22, ratchet 26 and frame plate 16 (Fig.
1B). As can
be seen in Figs. 3A, 3B and 3C, ratchet 26 is pivotable between a "primary
engagement"
position (Fig 3A), a "secondary engagement" position (Fig. 3B), and a
"released"
position (Fig 3C). The angular travel of ratchet 26 is delimited by an open
position stop
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bumper 42 (Fig. 2) on outer seal 36 (the released position), and an overslam
post 44
depending from frame plate 16 in the overslam position (Fig. 1). When a
striker enters
fishmouth 30, it rotates ratchet 26 towards the primary engagement position. A
ratchet
spring 46 (Fig. lA) urges ratchet 26 towards the released position. Ratchet
spring 46 is
retained within a spring channe147 within substrate 22 (Fig. lA). One end of
ratchet
spring 46 abuts a sidewall 48 of substrate 22 and the other end abuts a tab 50
(Fig. 1B)
depending from ratchet 26 into spring channel 47. Rotating ratchet 26 towards
the
engagements positions compresses ratchet spring 46.
Pawl 28 is pivotally mounted to substrate 22 via a pawl rivet 52 that is
inserted
into aligned holes 54 that are provided in substrate 22, ratchet 26 and frame
plate 16 (Fig.
1B). Paw128 is movable between an "engaged" position where it abuts ratchet 26
or
housing 22 and a released position, where it is rotated away from ratchet 26
to permit
ratchet 26 to rotate towards the released position. A ratchet shoulder 56 on
pawl 28 abuts
a primary tooth 58 on ratchet 26 when ratchet 26 is in its primary engagement
position,
preventing ratchet 26 from rotating towards the released position. Ratchet
shoulder 56
abuts a secondary tooth 60 when ratchet 26 is in its secondary position, again
preventing
ratchet 26 from rotating to the released position. A pawl spring 62 urges pawl
28 towards
the engaged position (Fig. 1B). One end of pawl spring 62 abuts a sidewall 64
of
substrate 22, and the other end abuts a spring shoulder 66 on paw128. Rotating
paw128
to the released position compresses pawl spring 62.
Ratchet 26 and paw128 are preferably constructed out of metal but covered with
a
plastic material in order to reduce noise during operation. Certain portions
subject to
wear, such as primary tooth 58 are not covered by plastic. Also preferably,
hollow sound
dampeners 68 are provided in ratchet 26 and paw128 proximate the engaging
surfaces.
Other forms of sound dampening are within the scope of the invention.
Frame plate 16 is mounted over outer chamber 18 on latch housing 12 (Fig. 1
A),
and provides a tight seal. Frame plate 16 is secured in place via ratchet and
pawl rivets 38
and 52 and screws that pass through aligned fastener holes 70 provided in
frame plate 16,
latch housing 12 and latch cover 14, and thus hold the structural components
of global
latch 10 together. Inner chamber 20 (Fig. 1B) is defined by substrate 22 and
peripheral
sidewalls 72. Latch cover 14 abuts against an inner lip 73 formed by
peripheral sidewalls
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72. As described above, latch cover 14 is secured against latch housing 12 via
screws in
fastener holes 70.
Outside Release Assembly
Latch 10 includes an outside release assembly actuated by the outside door
handle, and an inside release assembly actuated by the inside door handle.
Both the
outside and the inside release assemblies act upon paw128 to release ratchet
26.
Referring now to Fig. 4, 5A and 5B the outside release assembly is described
in
greater detail. Pulling the outside door handle (not shown) actuates a door
rod (also not
shown). The other end of the door rod terminates in an adjustable rod clip 74,
rotatably
mounted to a clip arm 75 extending from outside release lever 76. Outside
release lever
76 is pivotally mounted around pawl rivet 52. The angular travel of outside
release lever
76 is delimited by a depending tab 78 that rotates between sidewalls 80 and 81
formed in
substrate 22 (Fig. 1B), and is pivotable between a "resting" position (Fig.
5A), where tab
78 abuts sidewall 80 and an "actuated" position (Fig. 5B) where tab 78 abuts
sidewall 81.
A release lever 82 is pivotally mounted around pawl rivet 52, adjacent outside
release lever 76. A depending tab 84 on release lever 82 abuts a shoulder 85
on outside
release lever 76. A release lever spring 86, pivotally mounted around a hollow
post 87
formed in substrate 22 around hole 56 (Fig. 1B), provides a hook 88 wrapped
around
depending tab 84, thereby coupling release lever 82 with outside release lever
76. As
such, actuating outside release lever 76 also actuates release lever 82, and
further limits
its motion accordingly. In addition, release lever spring 86 biases both
outside release
lever 76 and release lever 82 towards their resting positions.
A lock link slot 90 is provided in release lever 82, and a lock link tab 92
depending from a lock link lever 94 is situated therein. Lock link lever 94 is
slidable
between an "unlocked" position where it is maximally retracted into lock link
slot 90, and
"locked" position where it extends out to near the mouth of lock link slot 90.
Fig. 5A
shows lock link lever in the unlocked position. (Fig. 8B shows lock link lever
94 in the
locked position.) When located in the unlocked position, lock link tab 92
abuts a pawl
insert 95 that depends from pawl 28 through a slot 96 in substrate 22 (Fig.
1B). Actuating
release lever 82 when lock link tab 92 is in the unlocked position actuates
pawl insert 95,
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thus releasing ratchet 26 to its released position. When located in the locked
position,
lock link tab 92 is displaced away from pawl insert 95. Thus, actuating
release lever 82
when lock link tab 92 is in the locked position does not actuate pawl insert
95 to release
ratchet 26. As is described in greater detail below with reference to the
outside lock,
actuating release lever 82 does not inhibit the outside handle
locking/unlocking function.
Inside Release Assembly
Referring now to Figs. 5A, 513, 6A, 6B, Fig. 7A and 7B, the inside release
assembly will now be described in greater detail. Pulling the inside door
handle (not
shown) actuates an inside door cable 97. A ball end 98 of the inside door
cable 97 is
attached to a hook arm 99 on inside release lever 100. Inside release ever 100
is pivotally
mounted around a lever rivet 101 that is mounted in a hole provided in the
surface of
latch cover 14 (Fig. 1B), and is movable between a resting position (shown in
Fig. 5A,
6A and 7A) and an actuated position (Fig 5B, 6B and 7B). The angular travel of
inside
release lever 100 is delimited by a tab 102 on latch cover 14 and ball end 98.
An inside
release lever spring 104, pivotally mounted around a post 106 formed in the
substrate of
latch cover 14, provides arms 108 that abut a sidewall portion 109 on latch
cover 14 and a
tab 110 on inside release lever 100, thereby biasing inside release lever 100
towards the
resting position. A depending tab 112 on inside release lever 100 abuts an
inside release
arm 114 on release lever 82 (Fig. 5A). Thus, actuating inside release lever
100 also
actuates release lever 82 (Fig 5B). As described above, actuating release
lever 82 when
link lock tab 92 is in the unlocked position actuates pawl insert 95 to
release the latch.
Inside Lock/Unlock Assembly
Referring now to Figs. 4, 8A and 8B, the inside lock/unlock assembly will now
be
described in greater detail. Manually releasing the inside lock switch (not
shown)
actuates a lock rod (also not shown). The other end of the lock rod is
attached to a loop
118 on inside lock lever 122. Inside lock lever 122 is pivotally mounted
around a lever
rivet 126 (Fig. 1B) that is mounted in aligned rivet holes 130 provided in
inside lock
lever 122, and the surface of latch cover 14. Inside lock lever pivots between
a "locked"
position (Fig. 8A) and an "unlocked" position (Fig. 8B). A lock toggle spring
132 having
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a first spring arm 133 mounted within a lever post hole 134 depending from
inside lock
lever 122, and a second spring arm 133 mounted within a cover post hole 136
depending
from latch cover 14 (Fig. 1A) biases inside lock lever 122 to either the
locked or the
unlocked positions.
A lock lever 138 is pivotally mounted to a post 140 extending from substrate
22
within inner chamber 20. An arm 142 extends from lock lever 138 and is
actuated by a
claw 144 provided at the end of inside lock lever 122. The angular travel of
lock lever
138 is delimited by a shoulder 146 and 148 formed from substrate 22. Lock
lever 138 is
movable between a locked position, where arm 142 abuts shoulder 146 (Fig. 8A),
and an
unlocked position where arm 142 abuts shoulder 148 (Fig. 8B). To reduce noise
and
wear, a lock lever bumper 149 is preferably mounted around arm 142. When lock
lever
138 moves into either the locked or the unlocked position, bumper 149 abuts
one of
shoulder 146 and 148.
A slot 150 is provided in lock lever 138. A link lock tab 152 formed from the
end
of lock link lever 94 opposite lock link tab 92 is retained within slot 150.
As can be more
clearly seen in Figs. 5A and 5B a lock link spring 153 is pivotally mounted
around post
140 and urges link lock tab 152 against sidewall 154 of slot 150. This
arrangement
translates the rotational movement of lock lever 138 into linear motion of
lock link lever
94, so that lock link lever 94 is in the unlocked position when lock lever 138
is in the
unlocked position, and lock link lever 94 is in the locked position when lock
lever 138 in
the locked position.
Should release lever 82 be actuated (i.e., someone is pulling on the inside or
outside door handles) when lock lever 138 is moved from the locked to the
unlocked
position, ratchet 26 does not release. However, once release lever 82 is
released (i.e., the
inside or outside door handle is released), lock link spring 153 moves lock
link lever 94
to the unlocked position, so that re-actuating release lever 82 by pulling on
the inside or
outside door handle will now release ratchet 26.
Outside Lock/Unlock Assembly
Still referring to Fig. 8A and 8B, the outside lock/unlock assembly will now
be
described. Turning the outside lock key cylinder (not shown) actuates an
outside lock rod
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(also not shown). The other end of the outside lock rod is attached to a loop
156 on an
outside lock lever 158. Outside lock lever 158 is pivotally mounted to post
140 over lock
lever 138. The angular motion of outside lock lever 158 is delimited by
shoulder stops
160 and 162 formed from substrate 22 (Fig. lB). As outside lock lever 158
pivots
between these two shoulders, it engages one of outside shoulders 164 and 166
formed on
lock lever 138, pivoting lock lever 138 as well. Thus, by pivoting outside
lock lever 158,
lock lever 13 8 is moved between the locked and unlocked positions.
Power Lock/Unlock Assembly
In addition to manually locking and unlocking latch 10 via the inside or
outside
lock levers, a user can electrically lock and unlock the latch. Referring now
to Fig. 9, the
power lock/unlock assembly will now be described. Activating a power
lock/unlock
switch inside the passenger cabin or on a remote key fob (not shown) engages a
lock
motor 168, housed in a lock chamber 170, integrally formed from substrate 22.
Lock
motor 168 is a DC motor, and reversibly drives a worm 172. Worm 172, in turn
meshes
with a worm gear 174, connected to a pinion 176 (Fig. 5A and 5B) which in
turn, is
rotatably mounted to a pin 178 located in a hole 180 in substrate 22 (Fig.
1B),. Pinion 176
meshes with a gear spur 182. Gear spur 182 is rotatably mounted to a pin 184,
located in
a hole 186 in substrate 22 (Fig. 113).
A cam 188 is mounted to gear spur 182. Engaging lock motor 168 drives worm
172, which in turn drives worm gear 174. Worm gear 174 drives gear spur 182,
rotating
cam 188 rotates as well. When cam 188 is rotated in a first direction
(clockwise), a cam
arm 190 on cam 188 engages a side surface of cam shoulder 191 on lock lever
138,
pivoting lock lever 138 to the locked position. When lock lever 138 moves into
the
locked position, a cam arm 192 abuts against cam shoulder 193, preventing
further
rotation clockwise. Engaging lock motor 168 in reverse causes cam 188 to
rotate in the
other direction (counterclockwise). Cam arm 190 engages a side surface of cam
shoulder
193, pivoting lock lever 138 into the unlocked position. When lock lever 138
moves into
the unlocked position, cam arm 192 abuts against cam shoulder 191, preventing
further
rotation counterclockwise. A radial bumper 194 mounted between cam 188 and
gear spur
182 (Fig. 1 B) provides a dampening effect. If desired, a frictional spring
195 (Fig. 9B),
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located around a post 197 can be wrapped around cam 188 to further reduce
bounce-back
of the cam arms at the end of travel.
Double Lock Assembly and Deadbolt Override Assemblies
Still referring to Fig. 9, the double locking assembly will now be described.
The
double lock assembly disables the inside and outside release assemblies. The
double lock
assembly can be engaged only electrically and only when the latch is already
in locked
position. It can be disengaged electrically or by operating outside key
cylinder as
described below. The double lock assembly includes a double lock motor 196,
housed in
a double lock chamber 198, integrally formed from substrate 22. Double lock
motor 196
is a DC motor, and reversibly drives a worm 200. Worm 200, in turn meshes with
a
deadbolt sector gear 202, rotatably mounted around a post 203 located in a
hole 204 in
substrate 22 (Fig. IB). The angular motion of deadbolt sector gear 202 is
limited by
deadbolt sidewalls 205 and 206, formed from substrate 22, so that deadbolt
sector gear
202 is movable between an unlocked position when it abuts deadbolt sidewall
205, and a
locked position when it abuts deadbolt sidewall 206.
A deadbolt arm 207 extending from deadbolt sector gear 202 is adjacent lock
link
lever 94. When deadbolt sector gear 202 is in the unlocked position, lock link
lever 94
operates normally. When the lock lever 138 is in locked position and deadbolt
sector 202
is moved to its locked position the tip of deadbolt arm 207 engages a side
face 208 on
lock link lever 94, thereby blocking lock link lever 94 in its position. Thus,
lock link
lever 94 remains in its locked position even when lock lever 138 is pivoted to
its
unlocked position. When deadbolt sector gear 202 returns to the unlocked
position, link
lock spring 153 returns link lock lever 94 to its starting position adjacent
sidewall 154, so
that lock link lever 138 actuates link lock lever 94 normally.
Referring now to Figs. l0A and l OB, a manual override for the double lock is
provided, should power or double lock motor 196 fail. If outside lock lever
158 is
actuated to the unlocked position while deadbolt sector gear 202 is in the
locked position
(i.e., by turning the key cylinder), a shoulder 209 on outside lock lever 158
actuates a
release arm 210 on deadbolt sector gear 202, pivoting it back to the unlocked
position
(Fig. I OB), and allowing lock lever 138 and link lock lever 94 to operate
normally.
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Electrical Assemblies
Power and control for the electrical systems of latch 10 are provided via a
wiring
harness (not shown) that communicates with the interior of latch 10 via
connector
passage 211 in latch cover 14 (Fig. 1B). The wiring harness connects to lock
motor 168
and dead bolt motor 196. Referring now to Fig. 11, 12A, 12B and 12C, a number
of
sensor switches are also provided, mounted to latch housing 12. These include
door ajar
switch 212 (having a closed and an ajar state), door open switch 214 (having a
closed and
an open state). Door ajar switch 212 and door open switch 214 are mounted
within switch
niches 216 that are integrally formed from the inner surface of latch cover
14, adjacent to
a switch cam 218 that extends outwards from latch housing 12. Switch cam 218
is
mounted to ratchet rivet 38, so that switch cam 218 rotates in tandem with
ratchet 26.
When ratchet 26 is pivoted into the primary engagement position (Fig. 12A),
switch cam
218 does not contact either switch, so both door ajar switch 212 and door open
switch
214 are in the closed state. When ratchet 26 is pivoted into the secondary
engagement
position (Fig 12B), indicating that the door is only partially closed, switch
cam 218
engages door ajar switch 212, placing it in the ajar state. When ratchet 26 is
pivoted into
the released position (Fig. 12C), switch cam engages both switches, so door
ajar switch
212 is in the ajar state, and door open switch 214 is in the open state. Other
arrangements
of switches in relation to switch cam 218 will occur to those of skill in the
art.
Referring now to Fig. 13A and 13B, an outside lock switch 220 and an outside
unlock switch 222 are mounted within switch niches 216, in addition to door
ajar switch
212 and door open switch 214. Both switches have an engaged and disengaged
state.
Outside lock switch 220 and outside unlock switch 222 are not actuated by
switch cam
218, but rather by outside lock lever 158. When outside lock lever 158 is in
the locked
position (Fig. 13A), outside lock switch 220 is in the engaged state and
outside unlock
switch 222 is in the disengaged state. When outside lock lever 158 is in the
unlocked
position (Fig. 13B), outside unlock switch 222 is in the engaged state and
outside lock
switch 220 is in the disengaged state. When outside lock lever 158 is between
the locked
and unlocked positions, both outside lock switch 220 and outside unlock switch
222 are
in the disengaged state. Moving outside lock switch 220 to the engaged state
engages
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door lock motor 168 and double lock motor 196 to lock all the other latches 10
in the
vehicle. Moving outside lock switch 220 to the disengaged state engages lock
motor 168
and double lock motor 196 to unlock all the other latches 10 in the vehicle.
It is possible to provide outside lock switch 220 and outside unlock switch
222 in
some latches 10 on the vehicle, but omit them in other latches 10. For
example, the latch
on the driver side may be equipped with outside lock switch 220 and outside
unlock
switch 222, but the latch 10 on the passenger side is not. Other arrangements
of switches
in relation to outside lock lever 158 will occur to those of skill in the art.
10 Key Only Locking and Set and Slam Locking
The above description of latch 10 describes one embodiment of the invention,
specifically a front side door latch. Other embodiments of latch 10 are within
the scope of
the invention. For example, latch 10 can be locked both when the door is
closed (i.e.,
ratchet 26 is in the primary or secondary engagement position), or when the
door is open
(i.e., ratchet 26 is in the released position). This latter method of locking
is referred to as
"set and slam locking. However, an optional key-only locking system can be
provided to
help prevent occupants from locking themselves out of the vehicle. Latch l OB
provides a
key-only locking system. Referring now to Fig. 14A and 14B, switch cam 218B
(which
replaces switch cam 218) includes a lockout tab 222 that extends outwards
radially from
ratchet rivet 38. As can be seen in Fig. 14A, when ratchet 26 is in either of
the primary or
secondary engagement positions, lock lever 138 operates normally, and can move
between the locked and unlocked positions. (Specifically, Fig. 14A shows
ratchet 26 in
the primary engagement position). As can be seen in Fig 14B, when ratchet 26
rotates to
the released position, switch cam 218B also rotates so that lockout tab 222
abuts a
lockout shoulder 223 on lock lever 138, thereby preventing lock lever 122 from
moving
to the locked position. (Lock lever 138 must be in the unlocked position to
release latch
l OB.) Thus, it is impossible to lock latch l OB when ratchet 26 is in the
released position.
When ratchet 26 is in either of the primary or secondary engagement positions,
then
normal movement of lock lever 122 between the locked and unlocked positions is
possible.
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Rear Door Latch with Child Lock
In addition to being mounted to a front driver-side and front passenger-side
door,
latch 10 can also be adapted for a rear side door. Latch l OC shares many of
the
components of latch 10. Referring now to Fig 15 and 16 a rear-door latch 10C
is shown.
Latch lOC is not normally equipped with an outside lock switch 220 or outside
unlock
switch 222. In addition, latch IOC does not include outside lock lever 158
(since rear
doors typically lack key cylinders).
Inside release lever 100C lacks a depending tab 112 to actuate release lever
82.
Instead, an auxiliary inside release lever 225 with a depending tab 112C is
rotatably
mounted to lever rivet 101 adjacent to inside release lever 100C. Thus,
actuating
auxiliary inside release lever 225 actuates release lever 82. As described
above, actuating
release lever 82 when link lock tab 92 is in the unlocked position actuates
pawl insert 95
to release the latch.
Preferably, latch lOC includes a child lock mechanism to disable the inside
release assembly. Referring to Fig. 16, 17A and 17B, a child lock lever 226 is
pivotally
mounted around a child lock pin 227 located in a hole 229 (Fig. 15) within
latch cover
14. Child lock lever 226 is movable between a locked (Fig 17A) and an unlocked
position
(Fig. 17B). A tab 228 depending from a first end of a child lock link lever
230 is retained
within a claw 232 on child lock lever 226. A second tab 233 on child lock link
lever 226
is slidably retained within a slot 234 on auxiliary inside release lever 225.
As child lock
lever 226 pivots between the locked and unlocked positions, child lock link
lever 230
slides between a locked and an unlocked position within slot 234. When in the
locked
position, tab 233 on child lock link lever 230 abuts endwall 236 on auxiliary
inside
release lever 225. When in the unlocked position, tab 233 on child lock link
lever 230
abuts against endwall 238.
When child lock link lever 230 is in the unlocked position, tab 233 abuts
against
inside release lever 100C. Thus, actuating inside release lever 100C actuates
child lock
link lever 230, which in turn actuates auxiliary inside release lever 225. As
described
above, actuating auxiliary inside release lever 204 actuates release lever 82
(Fig. 15) to
release the latch (assuming link lock tab 92 is in the unlocked position).
When child lock
link lever 230 is in the locked position, tab 233 is displaced away from
inside release
13
CA 02619389 2008-02-04
lever 100C. Thus, actuating inside release lever 100C does not actuate child
lock link
lever 230, nor auxiliary inside release lever 225. Latch lOC is not released,
regardless of
whether link lock tab 92 is in the locked or the unlocked position. The rear
inside release
assembly is decoupled from ratchet 26 and paw128, preventing accidental door
openings.
A child lock knob 240 is rotatably mounted to child lock lever 226, and
extends
through a hole 242 in latch cover 14 to the exterior surface of latch 10C
(Fig. 11). A tab
244 (Fig 14B) depending from child lock knob 240 fits within a slot 246 on
child lock
lever 226 so that rotating child lock knob 240 rotates child lock lever 226
between the
locked and the unlocked position, providing a manual control for the child
lock. An
external groove 248 allows a person to manually rotate child lock knob 240
(typically
with a slotted screwdriver).
In addition to the manual child lock feature, latch 10C can optionally provide
a
power child lock feature as well. Preferably, a child lock motor 250 is housed
within a
child lock motor housing 252, provided within latch cover 14 (Fig. 11). Child
lock motor
250 is connected to the wiring harness (not shown). Child lock motor 252 is a
DC motor
that reversibly drives a worm 254. In turn, worm 254 meshes with gear teeth
256
extending out from child lock lever 226 (Fig. 15). Activating child lock motor
250
actuates child lock lever 226 to either the locked or the unlocked positions.
Rod Actuated Latch
The above-described latches 10 are have cable-actuated inside release
assemblies.
However, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that the inside
release assemblies
for both front and rear side door latches 10 can be modified to become rod-
actuated.
Referring now to Fig. 18, a rod-actuated, rear side door latch l OD is shown.
Both the
inside and outside release assemblies on latch 10D are rod actuated. A door
rod (not
shown) that is connected to the inside door handle (also not shown) is
attached to a loop
arm 258 on inside release lever 100D. Child link lock lever 230 selectively
couples the
rotation of inside release lever 100D with auxiliary inside release lever
225D.
14
CA 02619389 2008-02-04
Alternative Rear Door Latch with Child Lock
Referring now to Fig 19A to 19D, a portion of a rear-door latch I OE is shown
featuring an alternate embodiment of a child lock mechanism to disable the
inside release
assembly is shown. Inside release lever 100E pivots normally along rivet 101,
thereby
moving a depending arm 259 along an arc. An inside release lever spring 104E
is
provided to bias inside release lever 100E to the resting position. An
auxiliary inside
release lever 225E with a depending tab 112E is rotatably mounted to lever
rivet 101
adjacent to inside release lever 100E. Auxiliary inside release lever 225E
includes a slot
234E.
Child lock motor 250 meshes with a sector gear 260, and is operable to pivot
sector gear 260 between a "child unlocked" position (Figs. 19A and 19B) and a
"child
locked" (Figs. 19C and 19D). A spring toggle 261 abuts against a gear shoulder
263 on
sector gear 260 and is provided to bias sector gear 260 to its full child
unlocked or child
locked positions. A sector arm 262 extends out radially from sector gear 260
and includes
a slot 264. A child lock link lever 230E spans between sector arm 262 and
auxiliary
inside release lever 225E. A first tab 266 depending from one end of child
lock link lever
230E is located within slot 234E on inside release lever 225E, and a second
tab 268
depending from the other end of child lock link lever 230E is located within
slot 264 on
sector arm 262. As sector gear 260 pivots between its child locked and child
unlocked
positions, child lock link lever 230E is translated so that first tab 266
slides between an
unlocked (Figs. 19A and 19B) and a locked position (Figs. 19C and 19D) within
slot
234E.
When child lock link lever 230E is in the unlocked position (Figs. 19A and
19B),
tab 266 abuts against an engagement surface 270 on the end of inside release
lever 100E.
Thus, pulling inside door cable 97 and actuating inside release lever 100E
(Fig 19B)
pivots child lock link lever 230E, which in turn actuates auxiliary inside
release lever
225E. As described earlier, actuating auxiliary inside release lever 225E
causes
depending tab 112E to actuate release lever 82 (Fig. 15) and release the latch
(assuming
link lock tab 92 is in the unlocked position).
When child lock link lever 230E is in the locked position (Figs. 19C and 19D),
tab 266 is displaced away from engagement surface 270. Thus, actuating inside
release
CA 02619389 2008-02-04
lever 100E (Fig. 19D) does not actuate child lock link lever 230E, nor
auxiliary inside
release lever 225E. Latch l0E is not released, regardless of whether link lock
tab 92 is in
the locked or the unlocked position. The rear inside release assembly is
decoupled from
ratchet 26 and pawl 28, preventing accidental door openings.
Power Release Function with Engage and Double Lock override
Latch 10 can also be adapted to include a power release function. The power
release function actuates paw128 directly, resulting in a faster latch release
than when
waiting for the latch to unlock. To use power release, the user carriers an RF
transponder
(not shown), typically a key fob. When the user steps within range of the
vehicle, and
actuates the vehicle door handle (not shown) the power release function is
engaged.
Referring now to Figs. 20 and 21, a latch lOF is shown. Latch lOF includes an
outboard
power release actuator 280. Actuator 280 is adapted to be mounted onto latch
housing 12,
and includes a clam-shell actuator housing 282 and a complementary actuator
cover 284.
Fasteners 286 mount actuator 282 to latch housing 12 (Fig. 20), and additional
fasteners
288 are used to fully secure actuator housing 282 and actuator cover 284
together. Both
actuator housing 282 and actuator cover 284 are preferably formed from a rigid
thermoplastic material. A rubberized seal 290 is provided between actuator
housing 282
and actuator cover 284.
Actuator 280 includes a power release motor 292, which is activated when the
outside door handle (not shown) is actuated and the remote transponder (not
shown) is in
range. Power release motor 292 is a unidirectional DC motor, and drives an
output gear
294 via an output shaft 295. Output gear 294, in turn meshes with a two stage
gear train
296. Those of skill in the art will recognize that the output gear 294 and
gear train 296 are
not particularly limited and other output gears (for example, a worm gear) and
other gear
train configurations could be used without departing from the scope of the
invention. A
Cam shaft 298 extends through and is freely pivotable within an aperture 297
in actuator
housing 282. Cam shaft 298 is fixedly located into a axial mount 304 in gear
train 296. A
cam 300 is located on the end of cam shaft 298 outside of latch cover 284. The
angular
travel of cam 300 is delimited by a depending tab 302 abutting against a
shoulder on stop
303 on latch cover 284, and is pivotable between a "resting" position against
one side of
16
CA 02619389 2008-02-04
stop 303 and an "actuated" position against the other. A return spring (not
shown) is
located within a spring housing 306 on power release motor 292 that is coaxial
with
output shaft 295. Activating the motor loads the return spring 306, and when
the motor
stops, the return spring reversibly drives the output shaft 295, returning cam
300 to its
resting position.
Referring now to Figs. 22A to 22C, a set of linkages 308 is interconnected
between cam 300 and outside release lever 76. Collectively, linkages 308 are
operable to
move between a "bypass" position (Fig 22A), wherein activating actuator 280
does not
actuate paw128 and an "engage" position (Fig 22B and 22C), wherein activating
actuator
280 actuates paw128 to release the latch l OF. Linkages 308 include a power
release lever
310 that is pivotally mounted on an eccentric boss 311 (Fig 21) on cam 300,
and extends
generally towards paw128. Linkages 308 further include a pawl engage lever 312
that is
pivotally mounted on power release lever 310 opposite boss 311. A pawl hook
313 is
located on an end of pawl engage lever 312. An engagement spring 314 is
mounted
around power release lever 310 and pawl engage lever 312, and it urges pawl
hook 313
on pawl engage lever 312 towards an engagement catch 316 on paw128. As is
described
in greater detail below, when linkages 308 are in the bypass position, pawl
hook 313
remains displaced away from engagement catch 316, and when linkages 308 are in
the
engage position, pawl hook 313 abuts against engagement catch 316.
Linkages 308 further include an engage lever 320 that is pivotally mounted to
a
post 312 on latch housing 12. When linkages 308 are in the bypass position, an
arm 322
on engage lever 320 abuts against a sidewall 324 on pawl engage lever 312
forcing pawl
hook 313 away from engagement catch 316. When linkages 308 are in the engage
position, arm 322 on engage lever 320 is rotated away from sidewal1324, so
that
engagement spring 314 pivots pawl engage lever 312 adjacent to paw128.
Linkages 308 further include an engage link lever 321 that is pivotally
connected
at one end engage lever 320 and, at the other end to outside release lever 76.
The
rotational movement of engage lever 320 is therefore coupled to the movement
of outside
release lever 76. When outside release lever 76 is in its resting position,
linkages 308 are
pivoted to the bypass position. When outside release lever 76 is pivoted
towards its
actuated position (indicated by the arrow labeled 'A'), linkages 308 are
pivoted to the
17
CA 02619389 2008-02-04
engage position. Arm 322 on engage lever 320 rotates away from sidewall 324,
and
engagement spring 314 pivots the pawl hook 313 to abut against engagement
catch 316.
In the presently illustrated embodiment, outside release lever 76 does not
need to fully
reach its actuated position for linkages 308 to move into the engage position.
When
outside release lever 76 returns to its resting position, linkages 308 pivot
back to the
bypass position.
When actuator 280 activates, power release motor 292 pivots cam 300 from its
resting to its actuate position. If linkages 308 are in the bypass position,
the movement of
pawl hook 313 is displaced away from engagement catch 316 so that paw128 is
not
actuated. Thus, if actuator 280 is accidentally activated, the latch is not
released. If
linkages 308 are in the engage position (i.e., a user pulls on the outside
handle to actuate
outside release lever 76 while carrying a valid transponder), pawl hook 313
catches
engagement catch 316, and paw128 is actuated to release the latch.
When actuator 280 actuates paw128 to release latch IOF, it also disengages the
double lock on the latch so that the latch is double-unlocked. Double-
unlocking is not
required to release the latch, but it enables the inside and outside door
handles (not
shown) for future releases. Referring now to Fig. 23, an override lever 326 is
pivotally
mounted within a claw 328 on power release lever 310. A first end 330 of an
override rod
332 is pivotally mounted to override lever 326 on the end opposite claw 328.
Override
rod 332 extends through an opening in latch 10F (not shown) so that a second
end 334 of
override rod 312 is located within a slot 336 on deadbolt sector gear 202.
When deadbolt
sector gear 202 is in its double locked position, second end 334 abuts against
a sidewall
338 at one end of slot 336. When cam 300 rotates to activate the power
release, the
second end 334 of override rod 332 pushes against sidewall 338 to pivot
deadbolt sector
gear 202 to its un-double locked position, thereby unlocking latch l OF. The
override rod
332 does not replace double lock motor 196, but instead provides a redundant
failsafe.
When double lock motor 196 later pivots deadbolt sector gear 202 to its double
locked
position, second end 334 moves freely within slot 336.
18
CA 02619389 2008-02-04
Improved Housing
Referring now to Figs. 24A and 24B, an improved latch l OG is shown that uses
a
living hinge to provide access to inside release lever 100 and inside door
cable 97. A side
cover 109G attached to latch cover 14G includes a living hinge 338 that allows
a flap 340
to pivot between a closed position (shown in 24A), and an open position (shown
in 24B).
A elastomeric sheath 342 is provided for inside release cable 97 which
terminates in a
bushing 344. Bushing 344 includes a plurality of flanges 345 that are nested
into niches
346 in latch cover 14G, thereby retaining inside door cable 97 in place. Flap
340 includes
a slot 347 that is aligned with an integral tab 348 extending from one of the
flanges 345.
Thus, when flap 340 is in the closed position, tab 348 extends through slot
347, retaining
the flap in the closed position via a snap fit. Flap 340 can be manually
opened or closed
(to allow an assembler to connect inside release cable 97 to inside release
lever 100), but
will not open accidentally during normal use of the latch.
Latch I OG can thus be assembled and shipped without an inside door cable 97,
and inside cable 97 can be attached without removing side cover 109G. Instead,
flap 340
can be pivoted to the open position, exposing inside release lever 100. The
end of inside
door cable 97 (typically a hook or ball end) is connected to inside release
lever 100. Once
inside door cable 97 is attached to inside release lever 100, an assembler can
simply
apply pressure to bushing 344 so that flanges 345 slide into niches 346,
ensuring a solid
fit. Once inside cable 97 is lodged into place, flap 340 is moved to the
closed position and
tab 348 passes through slot 347 to lock flap 340 in the closed position. Those
of skill in
the art will appreciate that while only a single flap 340 is illustrated,
latch 10G could be
equipped with multiple living hinges, thereby providing access to the interior
of the latch.
Improved Motor Housing
Referring now to Figs. 25, an improved housing for a motor is shown at 350.
Motor housing 350 is operable to locate and retain power release motor 292.
Motor
housing 350 is formed from molded plastic and contains all the electrical
traces 351 for
the motor. A recessed chamber 352 is formed on a side of motor housing 350
opposite
the motor. A clock spring 354 is located within chamber 352 and abuts against
chamber
sidewa11355. A motor axle 356 extends through an aperture in motor housing 350
and is
19
CA 02619389 2008-02-04
connected to an end of clock spring 354 via an arbour 357. Engaging the motor
winds
clock spring 354 so that when the motor disengages, clock spring 354 unwinds
and
returns the motor to its starting position.
Improved pawl
Referring now to Fig 26, a latch 10H is shown having an improved pawl 28H.
Pawl 28H includes a spring locator 358 that is sized as to coaxially mount a
helical spring
(not shown) that is retained within spring chamber 359, and thus biases
paw128H to the
engaged position. Pawl 28H further includes a flexible finger 360 which
extends out from
the pawl proximate pawl rivet 52. As pawl 28H moves from the released position
to its
engaged position, finger 360 is dragged against sidewall portion 362 on
housing 22,
slowing the motion of the pawl and reducing unwanted noise. A pillow bumper
364 is
provided to dampen the sounds of pawl 28G when it moves from the released
position.
As pawl 28H returns to rest position due to spring pressure, bumper 364
impacts against
sidewall portion 366, dampening unwanted noise.
While the embodiments discussed herein are directed specific embodiments of
the
invention, it will be understood that combinations, sub-stets and variations
of the
embodiments of the invention are within the scope of the invention.
CA 02619389 2008-02-04
Parts List clip arm 75 lever post hole 134
latch 10 outside release lever 76 cover post hole 136
latch lOB depending tab 78 lock lever 138
latch lOC sidewall 80 post 140
latch lOD sidewa1181 arm 142
latch l0E release lever 82 claw 144
latch lOF depending tab 84 shoulder 146
latch lOG release lever spring 86 shoulder 148
latch l OH hollow post 87 lock lever bumper 149
latch housing 12 hook 88 slot 150
latch cover 14 lock link slot 90 link lock tab 152
latch cover 14G lock link tab 92 lock link spring 153
frame plate 16 lock link lever 94 sidewall 154
outer chamber 18 pawl insert 95 loop 156
inner chamber 20 slot 96 outside lock lever 158
substrate 22 inside door cable 97 shoulder stop 160
peripheral walls 24 ball end 98 shoulder stop 162
ratchet 26 hook arm 99 outside shoulder 164
paw128 inside release lever 100 outside shoulder 166
paw128H inside release lever lock motor 168
fishmouth 30 100C lock chamber 170
hook arm 32 inside release lever worm 172
overslam bumper 34 100D worm gear 174
outer seal 36 inside release lever pinion 176
ratchet rivet 38 l 00E pin 178
holes 40 lever rivet 101 hole 180
open position stop tab 102 gear spur 182
bumper 42 inside release lever pin 184
overslam post 44 spring 104 hole 186
ratchet spring 46 inside release lever cam 188
spring channe147 spring 104E cam arm 190
sidewa1148 post 106 cam shoulder 191
tab 50 arms 108 cam arm 192
pawl rivet 52 sidewall portion 109 cam shoulder 193
holes 54 side cover 109G radial bumper 194
ratchet shoulder 56 tab 110 frictional spring 195
primary tooth 58 depending tab 112 double lock motor 196
secondary tooth 60 depending tab 112C post 197
pawl spring 62 depending tab 112E double lock chamber
sidewal164 inside release arm 114 198
spring shoulder 66 loop 118 worm 200
sound dampeners 68 inside lock lever 122 deadbolt sector gear 202
fastener holes 70 lever rivet 126 post 203
peripheral sidewalls 72 rivet holes 130 hole 204
inner lip 73 lock toggle spring 132 deadbolt sidewall 205
adjustable rod clip 74 spring arm 133 deadbolt sidewa11206
21
CA 02619389 2008-02-04
deadbolt arm 207 slot 246 pawl engage lever 312
side face 208 external groove 248 pawl hook 313
shoulder 209 child lock motor 250 engagement spring 314
release arm 210 child lock motor engagement catch 316
connector passage 211 housing 252 housing post 316
door ajar switch 212 worm 254 engage lever 320
door open switch 214 adjustable rod clip 256 first arm 321
switch niches 216 loop arm 258 second arm 322
switch cam 218 arm 259 sidewall 324
switch cam 218B sector gear 260 override lever 326
outside lock switch 220 spring toggle 261 calw 328
outside unlock switch sector arm 262 first end 330
222 gear shoulder 263 override rod 332
lockout tab 223 slot 264 second end 334
lockout shoulder 224 tab 266 slot 336
auxiliary inside release tab 268 sidewall 338
lever 225 engagement surface 270 living hinge 339
auxiliary inside release actuator 280 flap 340
lever 225D actuator housing 282 elasometric sheath 342
auxiliary inside release actuator cover 284 bushing 344
lever 225E fasteners 286 flanges 345
child lock lever 226 fasteners 288 niches 346
child lock pin 227 seal 290 slot 347
tab 228 power release motor 292 integral tab 348
hole 229 output gear 294 motor housing 350
child lock link lever 230 output shaft 295 electrical traces 351
child lock link lever gear train 296 recessed chamber 352
230E cam shaft 298 clock spring 354
claw 232 aperture 297 chamber sidewall 355
second tab 233 cam 300 motor axle 356
slot 234 depending tab 302 arbor 357
slot 234E stop 303 spring located 358
endwall 236 axial mount 304 spring chamber 359
endwa11238 spring housing 306 flexible finger 360
child lock knob 240 linkages 308 sidewall portion 362
hole 242 power release lever 310 pillow bumper 364
tab 244 boss 311 sidewall portion 366
22
