Daimlerchrysler Corporation

Jaime N Jyawook

Robert J Faubert

Richard C Kapes

Waine T Brock

Richard A Manning

Todd H Wludyka

Kenneth E Spieles

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.

Latching mechanism for a motor vehicle door

A vehicle door system having a vehicle door, a stationary handle fixed to the vehicle door, a door switch, a power latching mechanism and a wiring harness with a sealing grommet is provided. The door switch is mounted to the stationary handle in a manner which permits the door switch to be actuated when the stationary handle is gripped to open the vehicle door. The wire harness extends from the door switch through an aperture in the vehicle door and couples the door switch to a control module. The sealing grommet substantially seals the aperture to inhibit the infiltration of water and dust into the vehicle door. Actuation of the door switch causes the generation of a door switch signal which is received by the control module. Upon receipt of the switch signal, the control module determines the latched condition of the power latching mechanism and controls its operation according to a predetermined control methodology.

Electronically-controlled vehicle door system

Growing community of inventors

Waterford, MI, United States of America

Jaime N Jyawook