The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 21, 2001
Filed:
Jun. 29, 1999
Jaime N. Jyawook, Waterford, MI (US);
Robert J. Faubert, Rochester Hills, MI (US);
Waine T. Brock, Troy, MI (US);
Richard C. Kapes, Shelby Township, MI (US);
Richard A. Manning, Sterling Heights, MI (US);
Kenneth E. Spieles, Shelby Township, MI (US);
DaimlerChrysler Corporation, Auburn Hills, MI (US);
Abstract
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.