Double locking lock actuator

Abstract

An improved structure for an actuator for the lock mechanism of a latch assembly, such as a vehicle door latch assembly. The actuator includes a housing having an output arm moveable relative thereto between a lock position and an unlock position, to lock and unlock, respectively, the latch mechanism. An output gear having a pawl formed thereon is rotatably mounted adjacent the output arm. The output gear is adapted to rotate about an axis to cause the pawl to engage a first one of the pair of drive surfaces to urge the output arm toward the lock position. The output gear may be rotated in a second direction to cause the pawl to engage the other of the pair of drive surfaces to urge the output arm toward the unlock position. The output arm is coupled to a blocking member adapted for movement relative thereto. The blocking member may be moved to a blocking position when the output arm is in the lock position. In the blocking position, the blocking member is adapted to engage the housing to prevent the output arm from moving from the lock position. A cam fixed to the output gear is adapted to urge the blocking member into the blocking position when the output gear is rotated into a double lock position. Additionally, the actuator incorporates switches for both latch mechanism position indication and lock mechanism position indication in a single assembly.