초록 ▼

A power latching mechanism having a latch ratchet, a pawl member, a latch sector and a drive assembly. The latch ratchet is configured to selectively engage or disengage a member to secure the vehicle door to or release the vehicle door from the vehicle body. The latch ratchet is operable between a

A power latching mechanism having a latch ratchet, a pawl member, a latch sector and a drive assembly. The latch ratchet is configured to selectively engage or disengage a member to secure the vehicle door to or release the vehicle door from the vehicle body. The latch ratchet is operable between a fully unlatched position and a fully latched position. The latch sector is pivotably coupled to the latch ratchet and is operable between a first extended position, a neutral position and a second extended position. The drive assembly is coupled to the latch sector and operable for selectively moving the latch sector from the neutral position to the first and second extended positions. Placement of the latch sector in the neutral position does not effect the operation the latch ratchet. Accordingly, the latch ratchet may be actuated manually to either latch or unlatch the vehicle door when the latch sector is in the returned position. Placement of the latch sector in the first extended position causes the latch ratchet to move to the fully latched position. Placement of the latch sector in the second extended position causes the latch ratchet to move to the fully unlatched position. The preferred embodiment includes a clutch mechanism which permits the latch sector to move to the neutral position when the drive assembly is not in use. The preferred embodiment also includes an unlatching mechanism which is operable for manually releasing the latch ratchet from the fully latched position.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. In a vehicle having a body with an aperture, a closure member for selectively covering said aperture, and a striker carried by said body proximate said aperture, said closure member operable between an open position wherein said closure member substantially clears said

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. In a vehicle having a body with an aperture, a closure member for selectively covering said aperture, and a striker carried by said body proximate said aperture, said closure member operable between an open position wherein said closure member substantially clears said aperture, and a closed position wherein said closure member substantially covers said aperture, a power latching mechanism for latching said closure member in said closed position comprising:a housing coupled to said closure member;a latch member disposed within said housing, said latch member operable between a fully latched position and a fully unlatched position, said latch member adapted for engaging said striker;a pawl disposed within said housing and operable for engaging said latch member to retain said latch member in said fully latched position; anda power drive assembly fixedly coupled to said housing and operable for selectively positioning said latch member into said fully latched position, said power drive assembly having a cinch motor, a cinch clutch and a gear train, said cinch motor operable for producing a drive torque, said gear train operable for transmitting said drive torque to said latch member to position said latch member in said fully latched position, said cinch clutch operable for selectively interrupting said drive torque transmission.