Dual actuated latch mechanism for a vehicle

A vehicle hood latching mechanism is disclosed. The latching mechanism includes a housing securable to the vehicle body, a latch member pivotally connected to the first side of the housing, the latch member includes an external surface defining an abutment surface, a fork bolt adjustably connected to the second side of the housing and movable between a fully latched position, and an actuator assembly pivotally connected to the second side of the housing. The actuator assembly includes a first lever configured to selectively abut against the engagement surface of the fork bolt and a second lever configured to selectively engage the abutment surface of the latch member. The first lever is pivotally connected proximal to a first end of the mounting plate and the second lever is pivotally connected proximal to a second end of the mounting plate.

INTRODUCTION

The disclosure relates to a hood latch mechanism for a motor vehicle, more particularly to a dual actuated hood latch mechanism having a remotely operated primary latching member and a secondary latching member.

In motor vehicles, a hood or bonnet is a moveable, typically hinged, panel that selectively covers and permits access to a compartment defined by the vehicle body. Vehicle hood latch systems typically include a striker on the hood, a primary latching member on the vehicle body engageable with the striker to hold the hood in the closed position, and a secondary latching member on the vehicle body in the path taken by the striker from the latched condition. The secondary latching member acts as a redundant safety device to prevent the hood from opening in the event that the primary latching member might not be properly latched or disengage during service.

For vehicle hood latches that use dual pull latches, both the primary latching member and the secondary latching member are typically cable-actuated from within the vehicle. The motorist is not required to leave the vehicle and insert his hand into a restricted space at the front edge of the hood in order to disengage the secondary latching member from the striker.

Thus, while dual pull latches achieve their intended purpose, there is a need for continuous improvement of the dual pull latch mechanism that achieves less latching and unlatching efforts as compared to current dual pull latches.

SUMMARY

According to several aspects, a vehicle having a hood latching mechanism is disclosed. The vehicle includes a vehicle body defining a compartment; a hood panel adjustably mounted to the vehicle body and configured to selectively cover and uncover the compartment, the hood panel includes a striker; and a latching mechanism configured to selectively engage and release the striker. The latching mechanism includes a housing secured to the vehicle body, wherein the housing includes a first side, an opposing second side; a latch member pivotally connected to the first side of the housing, the latch member includes an external side surface defining an abutment surface; a fork bolt pivotally connected to the second side of the housing, the fork bolt includes an engagement surface; and an actuator assembly pivotally connected to the second side of the housing. The actuator assembly includes a first lever configured to selectively abut against the engagement surface of the fork bolt and a second lever configured to selectively engage the abutment surface of the latch member.

In an additional aspect of the present disclosure, the actuator assembly includes an elongated mounting plate pivotally connected to the housing. The elongated mounting plate includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first lever is pivotally connected proximal to the first end of the mounting plate and the second lever is pivotally connected proximal to the second end of the mounting plate.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the elongated mounting plate and first lever are co-axially pivotally connected to the housing

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the first lever and the second lever are pivotally connected to the mounting plate between the mounting plate and the housing

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the elongated mounting plate includes a side surface defining a stop tab configured to cooperate with an abutment surface defined on the housing to limit the pivotal rotation of the mounting plate with respect to the housing.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the second lever includes a first arm and a second arm defining a substantially C-shaped profile. The first arm includes a distal end configured to ride against the external cam surface of the fork bolt.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the second arm includes a distal end having a projection configured to engage the abutment surface defined on the latch member.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the latching mechanism includes a biasing member having a first end attached to the housing and a second end attached to the second arm of the second housing such that the biasing member rotatably biases the mounting plate in a first direction.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the second lever is adapted to cooperate with the mounting plate such that the projection on the second arm of the second lever selectively moves in translational direction clearing the abutment surface of the latch member.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the biasing member is a coiled spring under tension.

According to several aspects, a hood latching mechanism for releasably engaging a striker of a hood panel to a vehicle body is disclosed. The latching mechanism includes a housing securable to the vehicle body, the housing includes a first side, an opposing second side, and at least one housing cam surface; a latch member pivotally connected to the first side of the housing, the latch member includes an external surface defining an abutment surface; a fork bolt adjustably connected to the second side of the housing and movable between a fully latched position, wherein the fork bolt secures the striker to fasten the hood panel to the vehicle body, and a first actuated position, wherein the striker is released from the fork bolt, and wherein the fork bolt includes an external cam surface and an engagement surface; and an actuator assembly pivotally connected to the second side of the housing, the actuator assembly includes a first lever configured to selectively abut against the engagement surface of the fork bolt and a second lever configured to selectively engage the external cam surface of the fork bolt.

In an additional aspect of the present disclosure, the actuator assembly includes a pivotal elongated mounting plate having a first end, an opposite second end, and a side surface. The first lever and the second lever are pivotally connected to the mounting plate between the mounting plate and the housing.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the first lever is pivotally connected on the mounting plate proximal to the first end and the second lever is pivotally connected on the mounting plate proximal to the second end.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the first lever includes a first distal end configured to selectively abut against the engagement surface of the fork bolt to retain the fork bolt in the latched position.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the second lever includes a first arm and a second arm cooperating with the first arm defining a substantially C-shaped profile.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the first arm includes a distal end configured to ride against the external cam surface of the fork bolt.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the second arm includes a distal end having a projection configured to engage the abutment surface defined on the latch member.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the latching mechanism includes a spring having a first end attached to the housing and a second end attached to the second arm of the second housing such that the spring rotatably biases the mounting plate in a first direction.

According to several aspects, a vehicle having a hood latching mechanism is disclosed. The latching mechanism includes a housing having a first side and an opposing second side defining an abutment surface; a latch member pivotally connected to the first side of the housing, the latch member includes an external surface defining an abutment surface; a fork bolt rotatably connected to the second side of the housing, wherein the fork bolt includes an external cam surface and an engagement surface; and a mounting plate rotatably connected to the second side of the housing, the mounting plate includes a rotatable first lever having a distal configured to selectively engage the engagement surface of the fork bolt, and a rotatable second lever having a first arm configured to selectively engage the external cam surface of the fork bolt and a second arm having a projection configured to selectively engage the abutment surface of the latch member.

In an additional aspect of the present disclosure, the mounting plate and the first lever are co-axially rotatable.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. The illustrated embodiments are disclosed with reference to the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several drawings. The figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular features. The specific structural and functional details disclosed are not intended to be interpreted as limiting, but as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art as to how to practice the disclosed concepts.

Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers correspond to like or similar components throughout the several Figures, an example vehicle10is shown schematically inFIG. 1. The vehicle10may include, but not be limited to, a commercial vehicle, industrial vehicle, passenger vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, train or any mobile platform. It is also contemplated that the vehicle10may be any mobile platform, such as an airplane, all-terrain vehicle (ATV), boat, personal movement apparatus, robot and the like to accomplish the purposes of this disclosure. For purposes of convenience and clarity, directional terms such as top, bottom, left, right, up, over, above, below, beneath, rear, and front, may be used with respect to the drawings. These and similar directional terms are not to be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.

The vehicle10inFIG. 1is positioned relative to a road surface12. The vehicle10includes a first end or front end16, an opposing second end or rear end18, a first lateral portion or left side20generally extending between the first and second ends16,18, and an opposing second lateral portion or right side22. The vehicle body14further includes a top body portion24, which may include at least a vehicle roof portion, and an opposing lower body portion or underbody26. A passenger compartment28is defined in the vehicle body14. As understood by those skilled in the art, the first or front end16may face oncoming ambient airflow30when the vehicle10is in motion relative to the road surface12. Each of the left side, right side, top, and underbody body sections,20,22,24, and26, respectively, spans a distance32between the front and rear ends16,18of the body14.

The vehicle10includes one or more wheels36,38arranged between the first and second vehicle body ends16,18, proximate the left and right sides20,22. The one or more wheels includes a first set of wheels36disposed proximate the first or front end16of the vehicle10and a second set of one or more wheels38disposed proximate the second or rear end18of the vehicle10. As shown inFIG. 1, the first set of one or more wheels36includes a pair of front wheels that are rotatably connected to the vehicle10and rotate about an axis while the second set of one or more wheels38includes a pair of rear wheels that are rotatably connected to the vehicle10and rotate about an axis.

The vehicle body14defines a compartment46for housing a powertrain40. The powertrain40that may include an internal combustion engine42for generating engine torque and a transmission44operatively connecting the engine42to at least some of the road wheels36,38for transmitting engine torque thereto. For an electric or hybrid vehicle, the powertrain40may include one or more motor-generators, none of which are shown, but the existence of which can be appreciated by those skilled in the art. However, it is understood that the compartment46may be configured as a storage compartment or other vehicle space if the powertrain40of the vehicle10is positioned in a central or rear portion of the vehicle10.

As shown, the vehicle body14also includes a vehicle fascia48arranged at the front end16. The fascia48defines at least one opening50receiving at least some of the oncoming ambient airflow30, which may be used for cooling the powertrain40. Generally, the at least one opening50that is provided in the front end16of the vehicle10, such as the grille openings50, as well as various protruding features on the surface of the vehicle body14, tend to impact the vehicle's10aerodynamic signature. Although one grille opening50is depicted and described, nothing precludes the vehicle10from having a greater number of grille openings for admitting the ambient airflow30into the compartment46from the ambient atmosphere.

The vehicle10also includes a hood panel or bonnet52adjustably mounted to the vehicle body14and movable between at least one open position where the hood panel52is unfastened from the vehicle body14to provide access to the compartment46and a closed position wherein the hood panel52extends at least partially above and across to cover the compartment46to restrict access to the compartment46. The hood panel52may be pivotally mounted to one or more load-bearing body frame members of the body14of the vehicle10to provide access to and securely close the top portion of the compartment46. The vehicle10may also include a vehicle roof, generally represented by numeral56, and a trunk lid58. Corresponding to the specifically shown front-engine configuration of the vehicle10, the hood panel52is depicted as arranged generally proximate the front end16, while the trunk lid58is arranged generally proximate the rear end18of the vehicle body14of the vehicle10.

The vehicle10is equipped with a latch and lock system that employs a concealed hood latching mechanism100movable between a latched position to secure the hood panel52in a closed position relative to the vehicle body14, as shown inFIG. 1and at least one unlatched or actuated position. It is contemplated that the latching mechanism100is mounted to the front or forward portion of the vehicle10with a hood panel52that opens from the forward portion of the vehicle10. The latching mechanism100cooperates with the hood panel52to secure the hood panel52proximate to the compartment46in the vehicle body14. Further, it is contemplated that the latching mechanism100of the present disclosure may be configured for use without an external handle or member cooperating with the latching mechanism100to releasably secure the hood panel52to the latching mechanism100and thereby, the hood panel52to the vehicle10.

Referring to theFIGS. 2A-2B through 7A-7B, while the latching mechanism100is illustrated in one non-limiting configuration, it is understood that the latching mechanism100may be installed in a variety of positions and arrangements depending upon the configuration of the vehicle10. For example, the front or forward view may be reversed with the rear or rearward views such that the latching mechanism100may be mounted to either the front or the rear of a tie bar structure. Further, the latching mechanism100may be configured for use in right hand drive and left-hand drive vehicle configurations in order to dictate the cable going to the driver's side of the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle10may feature more than one latching mechanism100located at a distance from a centerline of the vehicle10on either side of a tie bar member, or may be oriented right to left rather than front to back. Alternatively, the latching mechanism100may be mounted to the hood panel52of the vehicle10.

Referring toFIG. 2A-2B, the latching mechanism100is shown in a fully latched position. The latching mechanism100includes a latch member102and a fork bolt104, both of which are pivotally connected to a housing106via a fastener, such as a rivet or the likes. The housing106is in turn mounted to a portion of the vehicle body14. The housing106includes a first side108shown inFIG. 2Aand an opposing second side110shown inFIG. 2B. The first side108of the housing106receives the latch member102pivotally connected thereto and the second side110receives the fork bolt104pivotally connected thereto. The housing106further includes a housing cam surface112extending between the first side108and second side110adjacent a central region of the housing106defining a striker channel114extending along an A-axis. The striker channel114is configured to receive and guide a striker115therethrough.

The latch member102includes a first lever arm116, a second lever arm118extending from the first lever arm116at an acute angle, and a latch side surface120extending through the first lever arm116and the second lever arm118. The latch side surface120defines a primary catch portion122between the intersection of the first lever arm116and the second lever arm118, and a secondary catch portion124on the first lever arm116facing the primary catch portion122. The primary catch portion122is defined adjacent the striker channel114in the central region of the housing106. The secondary catch portion124is defined above an upper portion of the housing106. The latch member102further includes an external side surface defining an abutment surface125, also referred to as a ratchet tooth125.

The latching mechanism100includes a first biasing member126such as an over-center spring126(best shown inFIG. 5A) or the like, operating bi-directionally and applying a force to selectively preload the latch member102to selectively rotate in opposing directions. The first biasing member126may also be that of torsional toggle spring, a pin acting on a bent leaf spring that compresses against the pin going over a hump in the middle, and/or other extension/compression springs that have a similar over-center characteristic. The first biasing member126may be configured such that, depending on the position of the latch member102, the force of the first biasing member126may be applied in one direction, or another, opposite direction. For example, as shown inFIG. 2Athe force of the first biasing member126is applied in a first direction, a counter-clockwise direction, to maintain the primary catch portion122in a latched position to facilitate closure of the under-hood compartment54via the hood panel52. Also, for example, inFIG. 5A, the force of the first biasing member126is applied in a second direction, shown as a clockwise direction, to maintain the primary catch portion122in an unlatched position spaced apart from the path of travel of the striker115.

Referring back toFIGS. 2A and 2B, the latching mechanism100may also include a limiter128configured to travel in a slot130defining a range of motion for the latch member102. The limiter128is shown extending from the housing106. The slot130may be formed in a portion of the latching mechanism100and may be formed in a variety of geometries and positions. In one non-limiting example, slot130may be arcuate in shape configured to define a predetermined angle of rotation for the latch member102relative to a pivot center. The slot130may be sized to allow the limiter128to travel therein and thereby, limit the range of motion of the limiter128within the geometry defined by the slot130.

The latching mechanism100further includes a cancel lever132pivotally mounted to an end of the second lever arm118spaced apart from the primary catch portion122. The cancel lever132includes a second biasing member134, such as a spring, urging the cancel lever132to rotate in a first direction, shown as a clockwise direction inFIG. 2A, causing the cancel lever132to abut the second lever arm118thus limiting the rotation of the cancel lever132. The cancel lever132(best shown inFIG. 6A) further includes an exterior cam surface138transitioning through an apex139to a first interior surface140, which transitions to a second interior surface142. The first interior surface140faces in a direction away from the exterior cam surface138and toward the second interior surface142. The exterior cam surface138is configured such that a force applied along the A-axis onto the exterior cam surface138induces a moment M onto the second lever arm118causing the latch member102to rotate in a second direction, counter-clockwise as viewed inFIG. 2A.

Referring toFIG. 2B, the fork bolt104defines a fork bolt channel146configured to receive and secure the striker115in the latched position to fasten the hood panel52to the vehicle body14. The fork bolt104is positioned on the housing106such that the fork bolt104and fork bolt channel146of the fork bolt104are disposed proximal to the striker channel114. In one non-limiting embodiment, the fork bolt104is pivotally connected to the second side110of the housing106on the opposing surface from the latch member102and is movable between a locked position wherein the fork bolt channel146of the fork bolt104secures the striker115to fasten the hood panel52to the vehicle body14in the latched position and an unlocked position allowing the striker115to be released from the fork bolt channel146. The fork bolt104includes an engagement surface157and an external cam surface158configured to cooperate with an actuator assembly200to selectively receive and release the striker115from the fork bolt channel146. The release of the fork bolt104frees the hood panel52to separate from the vehicle body14at least a predetermined distance and thereby establish an opening between the vehicle body14and the hood panel52.

The latching mechanism100includes a third biasing member (not shown), which may be a clock spring or the like, operatively connected to the fork bolt104to allow the fork bolt104to selectively rotate relative to the housing106. The third biasing member may apply a preload force directed to bias the fork bolt104to rotate from a locked position to an unlocked position where the fork bolt104releases the striker115and permits the hood panel52to move away from the vehicle body14in response to a first actuation of a device150. The fork bolt104along with the third biasing member may be operatively connected to the housing106via a suitable fastener, such as a rivet or the like.

The actuator assembly200includes an elongated mounting plate202having a first end204, an opposite second end206, and a side surface212. The elongated mounting plate202is pivotally connected to the housing106about a rotational axis B proximal to the first end204of the elongated mounting plate202. The side surface212defines a stop tab214configured to cooperate with an abutment surface149of the housing106to limit the pivotal rotation of the mounting plate202with respect to the housing106.

The mounting plate202further includes a first lever216, also referred to as a detent lever216, configured to selectively engage the engagement surface157of the fork bolt104, and a second lever218(best shown inFIG. 3B), also referred to as a pull lever218or double-pull lever218, configured to selectively engage the external cam surface158(best shown inFIG. 3B) of the fork bolt104. In the embodiment shown, both the first lever216and the second lever218are pivotally mounted on the mounting plate202and sandwiched between the mounting plate202and the housing106. The actuator assembly200may be actuated by a cable, a lever with a catch, and/or a solenoid actuated by the operator of the vehicle10.

The first lever216is pivotally connected, co-axial with the rotational axis B, proximal to the first end204of mounting plate202. In the embodiment shown, the first lever216is sandwiched between the mounting plate202and the housing106. The first lever216includes a first distal end220configured to selectively abut against the engagement surface157of the fork bolt to retain the fork bolt104in the latched position. The second lever218includes a first arm222and a second arm224defining a substantially C-shaped profile. The second lever218is pivotally connected proximal to the second end206of the mounting plate202. The first arm222includes a distal end226configured to ride against the external cam surface158of the fork bolt104. The second arm224includes a distal end228having a projection230configured to selectively engage the abutment surface125defined on the latch member102.

A fourth biasing member156is provided to rotatably bias the actuator assembly200in a first direction, which is shown as a clockwise direction inFIG. 2B. The fourth biasing member156may be a coiled spring under tension or the likes configured to apply a force to bias the actuator assembly200to rotate in a first direction, which is shown as a clock-wise position inFIG. 2B. A first end159of the fourth biasing member156(best shown inFIG. 3B) is connected to the housing and a second end161of the fourth biasing member is shown connected to the second arm of the second lever218.

In a mechanical system architecture, pulling on the hood latch release mechanism such as a release lever applies a tensile force to a hood latch release cable (not shown), such as a Bowden-type cable, connected to the actuator assembly200. The release cable pulls on the actuator assembly200to actuate the latching mechanism100to unlatch the striker115by disengaging the first lever216from the engagement surface157of the fork bolt, thereby allowing the hood panel52to be moved to an open position. Other hood latch release mechanisms, including mechanical, electrical, and electro-mechanical configurations, are envisioned as being within the scope of this disclosure. For instance, the release cable may be representative of a cable, rod, or lever actuated by an electrical or pneumatic actuator in applications where the hood latching mechanism100is embodied as a power hood latch.

In a dual actuated system, the first actuation places the latching mechanism100in a first actuated position as shown inFIGS. 4A-4B. In the first actuated position, the striker115is released from the fork bolt104and cooperates with the latch member102to maintain the hood panel at least a predetermined distance from the vehicle body. A second pull of the release cable places the latching mechanism100in a second actuated position where the secondary catch portion124of the latch member102pivots away from the A-axis as shown inFIGS. 5A-5B. The striker115is held in position between the interior surfaces140,142of the cancel lever132. In the second actuated position, the hood may be manually lifted to overcome the biasing force of the second biasing member134such that the cancel lever132rotates out of the way as shown inFIGS. 6A-6B.

Referring back toFIGS. 2A-2B, in the fully latched position, the primary catch portion122of the latch member102is configured to cooperates with the fort bolt104to facilitate or maintain closure of the under-hood compartment54via a striker115cooperating with the hood panel52such that the panel52is being positioned adjacent or against the vehicle body14. The actuator assembly200is shown disposed on one side of the housing106while the latch member102is disposed on an opposing side of the housing106.

From the fully latch position shown inFIGS. 2A-2B, the actuator assembly200may be actuated by a pull cable or other manners to release the fork bolt104from engagement with the actuator assembly200. The actuator assembly200selectively rotates between an engaged position as shown inFIG. 2Band a disengaged position as shown inFIG. 3B. In the disengaged position, the third biasing member applies a force to shift or selectively rotate the fork bolt104in a counterclockwise manner from the locked position to an unlocked position where the fork bolt104releases the striker115when the distal end of the first lever216of the actuator assembly200disengages from the engagement surface157of the fork bolt104. Referring toFIGS. 3A and 3B, in response to movement of the actuator assembly200, the second lever218rotates such that the projection230on the second arm224translates to clear the abutment surface125of the latch member102before returning to engage the abutment surface125of the latch member102when the fork bolt104is fully disengaged as shown inFIG. 4A.

Referring now to bothFIGS. 4A-4B, the latching mechanism100is shown in a first actuated position, also known as the first unlatched position. The latch member102is configured such that the secondary catch portion124extends generally above a central region of the latching mechanism100to releasably engage and receive the striker115in the secondary catch portion124as the striker115moves to the full travel position of the second catch portion124. The secondary catch portion124may also provide physical feedback to the actuator assembly200and related components to indicate completion of the second position movement. In response to positioning of the striker115in the secondary catch portion124, the projection230of the second arm224of the second lever218of the actuator assembly200is repositioned adjacent the abutment surface125.

Referring now toFIGS. 5A-5B, the latching mechanism100is shown in a second actuated position or second unlatched position. In the transition from the first unlatched position, as shown inFIGS. 4A-4B, to the second unlatched position, as shown inFIGS. 5A-5B, the second lever218is adjusted such that projection230engages the abutment surface125of the latch member102when the actuator assembly200is actuated, thereby translating or rotating the latch member102from the first unlatched position to the second unlatched position. In response to second actuation of the actuator assembly200, the latch member102is selectively rotated or translated relative to the housing106such that the secondary catch portion124is translated away from a position adjacent the central region of the latching mechanism100.

The latching mechanism100in the second actuated position, as shown inFIG. 5A-5Bmay be repositioned back into the fully latched position, as shown inFIGS. 2A-2B, without the need to first fully releasing the striker from the latching mechanism100from the second actuated position. This can be accomplished by pushing the hood of the vehicle into the closed position, causing the striker115to travel along the striker channel114to engage the second interior surface142of the cancel lever132and then into the fork bolt channel146, thereby causing both the latch member102and fork bolt104to rotate back into the fully latch position as shown inFIGS. 2A-2B.

FIG. 6A-6B, the latching mechanism100is shown with the striker115transitioning into a fully unlatch position positioned apart from the latching mechanism100, these enabling the full opening of the hood from the vehicle body. The cancel lever132rotates back to a position proximate the central region102of the latching mechanism100after the striker115is removed from the latching mechanism100. As shown inFIG. 6A, the apex139extends sufficiently into the path of travel of the striker115along the A-axis when the latching mechanism100in the fully unlatched position such that the striker115will contact the exterior cam surface138upon the closing of the hood.

As shown inFIGS. 7A-7B, the latch member102, the latching mechanism100is shown transitioning into back a latched position as the striker115is positioned in the latching mechanism100to re-latch the striker115in the fork bolt104. The fork bolt104is positioned on the housing106such that the fork bolt104is aligned with the at least one cam surface112. When the hood52is positioned adjacent the vehicle body14, the striker115travels through the striker channel114into and a portion of the fork bolt104to place the fork bolt104in the latched position as shown inFIG. 2B. As the folk bolt104is rotated into the fully latched position, the distal end226of the first arm222of the second lever218rides against the external cam surface158of the fork bolt104causing the second lever218to rotate counter-clockwise, as shown inFIG. 7B, such that the projection230clears the abutment surface125of the latch member102, as shown in7A.

Additionally as the folk bolt104is rotated into the fully latched position, the engagement surface157of the fork bolt104acts on the distal end220of the first lever216causing the first lever216to rotate in a counter clock-wise, as shown inFIG. 7B, independent of the motion of the mounting plate202. This can be seen by the second distal end220of the first lever216separating from the first end204of the mounting plate202. The independent rotation of the first lever216with respect to the mounting plate202enables the return of the latch member102to the fully latched position without causing the second lever218to move in a translational direction, thus avoiding the projection230from impacting the abutment surface125.