Patent Publication Number: US-10767397-B2

Title: Single motor latch assembly with power cinch and power release having soft opening function

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/120,451, filed Feb. 25, 2015 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/157,088 filed May 5, 2015. The entire disclosure of each of the above applications is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure relates generally to a closure latch for a vehicle closure panel and, more particularly, to a power latch assembly providing at least one of a power cinching feature and a power release feature having a soft opening function. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art. 
     In view of increased consumer demand for motor vehicles equipped with advanced comfort and convenience features, many modern motor vehicles are now provided with passive entry systems to permit locking and release of closure panels (i.e., doors, tailgates, liftgates and decklids) without use of a traditional key-type entry system. In this regard, some popular features now available with vehicle latch systems include power locking/unlocking, power release and power cinching. These “powered” features are provided by a latch assembly mounted to the closure panel and which includes a ratchet and pawl type of latching mechanism controlled via at least one electric actuator. Typically, the closure panel is held in a closed position by virtue of the ratchet being positioned in a striker capture position to releasably retain a striker that is mounted to a structural portion of the vehicle. The ratchet is held in its striker capture position by the pawl engaging the ratchet in a ratchet holding position. In most ratchet and pawl type of latching mechanisms, the pawl is operable in its ratchet holding position to retain the ratchet in one of an initial or soft close striker capture position and a primary or hard close striker capture position. Latch assemblies providing a power cinching feature are typically equipped with a cinching mechanism operated by an electric actuator. Commonly, the cinching mechanism is directly connected to the ratchet and, when actuated, is operable for moving the ratchet from its initial striker capture position into its primary striker capture position, thereby cinching the closure panel in its closed position. To subsequently release the closure panel from its closed position, a release mechanism is actuated for moving the pawl from its ratchet holding position into a ratchet release position, whereby a ratchet biasing arrangement forcibly pivots the ratchet from its primary striker capture position into a striker release position so as to release the striker. In latch assemblies providing a power release feature, the release mechanism is controlled by an electric actuator. A common electric actuator or separate electric actuators can be used in associated with the power release and power cinching features. However, the power release feature is typically independent from the power cinch feature. As an alternative, it is also known to employ a double pawl type of latching mechanism to reduce the release effort required for the electric actuator to release the latching mechanism. 
     In most latch assemblies equipped with a power cinching feature, the cinching mechanism is normally maintained in a non-actuated or “stand-by” condition and is only shifted into an actuated condition once the sensors indicate that the ratchet is located in its initial striker capture position. Following completion of the cinching operation, when the sensors indicate that the ratchet is located in its primary striker capture position, the cinching mechanism must be “reset”, that is returned to its stand-by condition, to permit subsequent uninhibited movement of the ratchet to its striker release position via actuation of the release mechanism. If the closure panel is initially closed with a sufficient closing force to locate the ratchet in its primary striker capture position, then the cinching operation is bypassed and the cinching mechanism is retained in its stand-by condition. One example of a power cinching latch assembly is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,341,448 as having a cable-type cinching mechanism. 
     To ensure that precipitation and road debris do not enter the vehicle, virtually all vehicle closure panels are equipped with weather seals around their peripheral edge and which are configured to seal against a mating surface of the vehicle body surrounding the closure opening. These weather seals also function to reduce wind noise. The seals are typically made from an elastomeric material and are configured to compress upon closing the closure panel by virtue of the latch assembly. As is recognized, increasing the compressive clamping force applied to the weather seals provides improved noise reduction within the passenger compartment. As will be appreciated, with the weather seals held in a highly compressed condition, they tend to force the closure panel toward its open position and this “opening” force is resisted by the pawl and ratchet latching mechanism of the power latch assembly. Because the seal loads exerted on the latching mechanism are increased, the forces required to release the latching mechanism are also increased which, in turn, impacts the size and power requirements of the electric actuator. Further, an audible “pop” sound is sometimes generated following actuation of the electric actuator during a power release operation due to the quick release of the seal loads while the ratchet of the latching mechanism is forcibly driven from its primary striker capture position into its striker release position. 
     To address this dichotomy between high seal loads and low release efforts, it is known to provide an arrangement for controllably releasing the seal loading in coordination with release of the latching mechanism. For example, European Publication No. EP1176273 discloses a single ratchet/double pawl type of power-operated latching mechanism that is configured to provide a progressive releasing of the ratchet for reducing noise associated with its release. In addition, European Publication EP0978609 utilizes an eccentric mechanism in association with a single pawl latching mechanism to reduce seal loads prior to release of the ratchet. 
     While current power latch assemblies are sufficient to meet regulatory requirements and provide enhanced comfort and convenience, a need still exists to advance the technology and provide alternative power latch assemblies and arrangements that address and overcome at least some of the known shortcomings. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This section provides a general summary of the disclosure and is not intended to be a comprehensive disclosure of all features, advantages, aspects and objectives associated with the inventive concepts described and illustrated in the detailed description provided herein. 
     It is an aspect of the present disclosure to provide a power latch assembly for a motor vehicle closure system configured to provide at least one of a power cinching feature and a soft opening power release feature. 
     It is a related aspect of the present disclosure to provide the power latch assembly with a power-operated latch cinch mechanism operable to cinch a striker retained by a ratchet of a ratchet and pawl latch mechanism by moving the ratchet from one of a soft close striker capture position and a hard close striker capture position into a cinched striker capture position. 
     It is another related aspect of the present disclosure to utilize the power-operated latch cinch mechanism to establish a first or Cinch mode and a second or Uncinch/Release mode. The Cinch mode is established when the power-operated latch cinch mechanism engages and forcibly drives the ratchet to move from one of its soft close and hard close striker capture positions into its cinched striker capture position. The Uncinch/Release mode is established when the power-operated latch cinch mechanism initially moves the ratchet from its cinched striker capture position to a cinch release striker capture position and subsequently moves the ratchet from its cinch release striker capture position to a ratchet released position. 
     It is another related aspect of the present disclosure to utilize the power-operated latch cinch mechanism to mechanically hold the ratchet in its cinched striker capture position. 
     It is another related aspect of the present disclosure to utilize the power-operated latch cinch mechanism to maintain engagement with the ratchet during movement of the ratchet from its cinched striker capture position into its cinch release striker position for uncinching the striker and to subsequently release engagement with the ratchet upon movement of the ratchet from its cinch release striker capture position into its ratchet release position. 
     It is yet another related aspect of the present disclosure to provide the power latch assembly with a power-operated latch release mechanism operable, in cooperation with the latch cinch mechanism, to permit movement of the ratchet from its cinched striker capture position into its cinch release striker capture position for uncinching the striker prior to permitting movement of the ratchet from its ratchet release position to a striker release position so as to provide the soft opening power release feature. 
     It is another aspect of the present disclosure to provide the power latch assembly with an actuation mechanism operable to coordinate the power cinching feature and the soft opening power release feature. 
     In accordance with these and other aspects, a power latch assembly is provided which comprises: a ratchet moveable between a striker release position whereat the ratchet is positioned to release a striker and three distinct striker capture positions whereat the ratchet is positioned to retain the striker, wherein the three distinct striker capture positions include a soft close striker capture position, a hard close striker capture position and a cinched striker capture position; a ratchet biasing member for normally biasing the ratchet toward its striker release position; a pawl moveable between a ratchet checking position whereat the pawl is positioned to hold the ratchet in one of its soft close and hard close striker capture positions and a ratchet release position whereat the pawl is located to permit movement of the ratchet to its striker release position; a pawl biasing member for normally biasing the pawl toward its ratchet checking position; a latch release mechanism engaging the pawl and operable in a first latch release mode for locating the pawl in its ratchet checking position and a second latch release mode for locating the pawl in its ratchet release position; a latch cinch mechanism including a cinch link lever having an engagement surface configured to selectively engage a ratchet projection extending from the ratchet when the ratchet is initially rotated by the striker from its striker release position into one of its soft close striker capture and hard close striker capture positions; and an actuation mechanism operably moveable in a cinching direction from a cinch start position to a cinch stop position to provide a power cinching function after the ratchet has been rotated by the striker into one of its soft close striker capture and hard close striker capture positions and the pawl has moved into its ratchet checking position, wherein movement of the actuation mechanism from its cinch start position to its cinch stop position causes pivotal movement of the cinch link lever which forcibly rotates the ratchet into its cinched striker capture position due to continued engagement of the ratchet projection with the engagement surface of the cinch link lever, and wherein the pawl is located in its ratchet checking position but is disengaged from the ratchet when the ratchet is held in its cinched striker capture position. The power latch assembly is also configured to provide a soft release function for uncinching the striker prior to release of the ratchet projection from the engagement surface on the cinch link lever by moving the actuation mechanism in a releasing direction from its cinch stop position toward its cinch start position for moving the ratchet from its cinched striker capture position to a cinch release striker capture position. 
     In accordance with these and other aspects, a power latch assembly is provided which comprises: a ratchet moveable between a striker release position whereat the ratchet is positioned to release a striker and three distinct striker capture positions whereat the ratchet is positioned to retain the striker, wherein the three distinct striker capture positions of the ratchet include a first or soft close striker capture position, a second or hard close striker capture position, and a third or cinched striker capture position; a ratchet biasing member configured to normally bias the ratchet toward its striker release position; a pawl moveable between a ratchet checking position whereat the pawl is positioned to hold the ratchet in one of its soft closed and hard closed striker capture positions and a ratchet release position whereat the pawl is located to permit movement of the ratchet to its striker release position; a pawl biasing member configured to normally bias the pawl toward its ratchet checking position; a latch cinch mechanism having a cinch lever and a cinch link lever, the cinch lever having a first segment pivotably mounted to a cinch pivot pin and a second segment pivotably connected to a first segment of the cinch link lever, wherein a second segment of the cinch link lever is configured to include an engagement shoulder adapted to selectively engage and retain a ratchet projection extending from the ratchet in response to the striker moving the ratchet from its striker release position into its soft close striker capture position; and an actuation mechanism operable for providing a power cinching function, wherein the actuation mechanism includes an electric motor driving a gear having a drive slot within which a drive post on the second segment of the cinch lever is retained for coordinating pivotal movement of the cinch lever with rotation of the gear, wherein the power cinching function is provided by actuating the electric motor to rotate the gear in a cinching direction from a cinch start position to a cinch stop position which causes the latch cinch mechanism to forcibly rotate the ratchet from its soft close striker capture position or its hard close striker capture position into its cinched striker capture position due to engagement between the ratchet projection and the engagement shoulder on the cinch link lever while the pawl is maintained in its ratchet checking position. 
     In accordance with the power latch assembly constructed as described above, a power release function is also made available by further providing: a latch release mechanism having a pawl lever and a release lever, the pawl lever engaging the pawl and being moveable between a first pawl lever position whereat the pawl is located in its ratchet release position and a second pawl lever position whereat the pawl is located in its ratchet release position. The release lever being selectably engageable with the pawl lever and a cam segment formed on the gear and moveable between a non-actuated position whereat the pawl lever is located in its first pawl lever position and an actuated position whereat the pawl lever is located in its second pawl lever position; and a cinch disengage mechanism including a disengage lever having a first segment pivotably mounted on the cinch pivot pin and a second segment with a follower disposed in a lost motion slot formed in the cinch link lever. The power release function is provided by actuating the electric motor to rotate the gear in a releasing direction from its cinch stop position toward its cinch start position for causing its cam segment to move the release lever from its non-actuated position into its actuated position. Such movement of the release lever causes the pawl lever to move the pawl from its ratchet checking position toward its ratchet release position while concurrently acting on the cinch disengage mechanism to cause movement of the cinch link lever toward a released position whereat the ratchet projection is released from engagement with the engagement shoulder, thereby permitting the ratchet to rotate from its ratchet release position into its striker release position due to the biasing of the ratchet biasing member. The soft open feature is provided by the ratchet being initially rotated from its cinched striker capture position to its cinch release striker capture position in response to initial rotation of the gear in the releasing direction from it cinch stop position toward an uncinch position while the ratchet projection is maintained in engagement with the shoulder on the cinch link lever. This limited rotation of the gear in the releasing direction causes the latch cinch mechanism to move and permit rotation of the ratchet from its cinch striker capture position into its cinch release striker capture position, thereby uncinching the striker prior to release of the ratchet for uninhibited movement from its ratchet release position into its striker release position. 
     In accordance with these and other aspects, a one-motor version of a power latch assembly is provided which comprises a ratchet moveable between a striker release position whereat the ratchet is positioned to release a striker and three distinct striker capture positions whereat the ratchet is positioned to retain the striker, wherein the three distinct striker capture positions include a soft close striker capture position, a hard close striker capture position and a cinched striker capture position; a ratchet biasing member for normally biasing the ratchet toward its striker release position; a pawl moveable between a ratchet checking position whereat the pawl is positioned to hold the ratchet in one of its soft close and hard close striker capture positions and a ratchet release position whereat the pawl is positioned to permit movement of the ratchet to its striker release position; a pawl biasing member for normally biasing the pawl toward its ratchet checking position; a latch release mechanism having a pawl lever and a release lever, the pawl lever engaging the pawl and being moveable between a first pawl lever position whereat the pawl is located in its ratchet checking position and a second pawl lever position whereat the pawl is located in its ratchet release position, the release lever being selectably engageable with the pawl lever and moveable between a non-actuated position whereat the pawl lever is positioned in its first pawl lever position and an actuated position whereat the pawl lever is moved to its second pawl lever position; a latch cinch mechanism having a cinch lever and a cinch link lever, the cinch lever having a first segment pivotably mounted to a cinch pivot pin and a second segment pivotably connected to a first segment of the cinch link lever, wherein a second segment of the cinch link lever includes an engagement shoulder configured to selectively engage a ratchet projection extending from the ratchet when the ratchet is positioned in its soft close striker capture position; a cinch disengage mechanism including a disengage lever having a first segment pivotably mounted on the cinch pivot pin and a second segment with a follower disposed in a lost motion slot formed in the cinch link lever; and an actuation mechanism operable for providing a power cinching function and a power release function, the actuation mechanism including an electric motor and a gearset having a first gear driven by the motor and which is meshed with a second gear supported for rotation on the cinch pivot pin, wherein the second gear includes an edge section defining a drive slot, a recessed segment and a cam segment, and wherein a drive post extending from the second end of the cinch lever is disposed within the drive slot for coordinating pivotal movement of the cinch lever with rotation of the second gear. 
     In accordance with the one-motor version of the power latch assembly constructed as described above, the power cinching function is provided by actuating the electric motor to rotate the second gear in a cinching direction from a cinch start position to a cinch stop position. The power cinching function is initiated following the ratchet being rotated by the striker into one of its soft close and hard close striker capture positions while the pawl is located in its ratchet checking position. Such rotation of the second gear to its cinch stop position causes pivotal movement of the cinch lever and the cinch link lever which forcibly rotates the ratchet into its cinched striker capture position due to engagement of the ratchet projection with the engagement shoulder on the cinch link lever, and wherein the pawl is positioned in its ratchet checking position but is disengaged from the ratchet when the ratchet is rotated to its cinched striker capture position. 
     In accordance with the one-motor version of the power latch assembly constructed as above, the power release function is provided by actuating the electric motor to rotate the second gear in a releasing direction from its cinch stop position toward its cinch start position while the ratchet is held in its cinched striker capture position by the latch cinch mechanism. This rotation of the second gear causes the cam segment to engage and move the release lever from its non-actuated position toward its actuated position for causing the pawl lever to move the pawl from its ratchet checking position toward its ratchet release position. This movement of the pawl lever also causes the cinch disengage mechanism to engage the cinch link lever and forcibly move it to a release position whereat the cinch link lever is released from engagement with the ratchet projection, whereby the ratchet is released and permitted to rotate from its ratchet released position to its striker release position. To provide the soft open function, the second gear is initially rotated in the releasing/uncinching direction from its cinch stop position into an uncinch position. Such rotation of the second gear causes the latch cinch mechanism to permit the ratchet to be initially rotated from its cinched striker capture position to a cinch released striker capture position while the ratchet projection is maintained in engagement with the shoulder on the cinch link lever, thereby uncinching the striker. Continued rotation of the second gear in the releasing/uncinching direction causes the ratchet to move from its cinch released striker capture position into its ratchet release position whereat the ratchet projection is disengaged from the shoulder on the cinch link lever, thereby releasing the ratchet for subsequent movement to its striker release position following the uncinching process. 
     Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the detailed description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations such that the drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1  is a partial perspective view of a motor vehicle having a closure panel equipped with a power latch assembly that is constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is an isometric view of a one-motor power latch assembly constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present disclosure and showing various components associated with a pawl and ratchet type of latch mechanism; 
         FIG. 3  is another isometric view of the one-motor power latch assembly showing various components of a latch release mechanism operably associated with the latch mechanism of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is another isometric view of the one-motor power latch assembly showing various components of a latch cinch mechanism operably associated with the latch release mechanism of  FIG. 3  and the latch mechanism of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5  is another isometric view of the one-motor power latch assembly showing various components of a cinch disengage mechanism operably associated with the latch cinch mechanism of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is another isometric view of the one-motor power latch assembly showing various components of an actuator mechanism operably associated with the latch cinch mechanism of  FIG. 4  and the latch release mechanism of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 7  is another isometric view of the one-motor power latch assembly showing various components of an inside release mechanism operably associated with the latch release mechanism of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 8  is another isometric view of the one-motor power latch assembly showing various components of an outside release mechanism operably associated with the latch release mechanism of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIGS. 9A and 9B  are views of the one-motor power latch assembly showing the position of its various components when the closure panel is located in an open position; 
         FIGS. 10A and 10B  are views of the one-motor power latch assembly showing the position of its various components when the closure panel has moved from the open position into a first or “soft” closed position; 
         FIGS. 11A and 11B  are views of the one-motor power latch assembly showing the position of its various components when the closure panel has moved from the first closed position into a second or “hard” closed position; 
         FIGS. 12A and 12B  are views of the one-motor power latch assembly showing the position of its various components when the closure panel has moved from the second closed position into a third or “cinch” closed position; 
         FIGS. 13A through 13C  respectively illustrate orientations of the ratchet and pawl components of the latch mechanism for establishing the first, second and third closed positions of the closure panel; 
         FIGS. 14A and 14B  illustrate different orientations of the ratchet and pawl components of the latch mechanism and the cinch lever and cinch link lever components of the latch cinch mechanism during a power cinching operation of the power latch assembly causing movement of the closure panel from its first closed position into its third closed position ( FIG. 14A ) and from its second closed position into its third closed position ( FIG. 14B ); 
         FIGS. 15A through 15K  illustrate a series of sequential isometric views showing the interaction and relative movement of various components of the one-motor power latch assembly upon movement of the closure panel from its open position into its third closed position via operation of a power cinching feature in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 16A through 16K  are a series of sequential top elevational views of the one-motor power latch assembly which correspond to  FIGS. 15A through 15K  and which further illustrate the power cinching feature; 
         FIGS. 17A through 17K  are a series of sequential bottom elevational views of the one-motor power latch assembly which also correspond to  FIGS. 15A through 15K  and which further illustrate the power cinching feature; 
         FIGS. 15L, 16L and 17L  are an isometric view and top and bottom elevational views of the one-motor power latch assembly illustrating a safety latching feature provided during a vehicular collision event; 
         FIGS. 18A through 18G  illustrate a series of sequential isometric views showing the interaction and relative movement of the components of the one-motor power latch assembly upon movement of the closure panel from its third closed position into its open position via operation of a power release feature and which provides a soft open function in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 19A through 19G  illustrate a series of sequential top elevational views corresponding to  FIGS. 18A through 18G  to further illustrate the soft open function provided by the power release feature of the one-motor power latch assembly; 
         FIGS. 20A through 20G  illustrate a series of sequential bottom elevational views also corresponding to  FIGS. 18A through 18G  to further illustrate the soft open function provided by the power release feature; 
         FIGS. 21A through 21E  illustrate a series of sequential isometric views showing the interaction and relative movement of various components of the one-motor power latch assembly upon mechanical actuation of an inside latch release mechanism for moving the closure panel from its third closed position to its open position to provide an inside release feature in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 22A through 22E  illustrate a series of sequential isometric views showing the interaction and relative movement of various components of the one-motor power latch assembly upon mechanical actuation of the outside latch release mechanism for moving the closure panel from its third closed position to its door open position to provide an outside release feature in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 23  is an isometric view of an alternative version of the one-motor power latch assembly constructed in accordance with a third embodiment of the present disclosure and showing the components thereof positioned when the closure panel is located in its third or cinched closed position; and 
         FIG. 24  is an isometric view of another alternative version of the one-motor power latch assembly constructed in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure showing the position of its components when the closure panel is located in its third or cinched closed position. 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference numerals are used to indicate corresponding components throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. To this end, the example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey its intended scope to those who are skilled in the art. Accordingly, numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail. 
     In the following detailed description, the expression “power latch assembly” will be used to generally indicate any power-operated latch device adapted for use with a vehicle closure panel to provide a power cinch feature in combination with a soft opening function with or without a power release feature. Additionally, the expression “closure panel” will be used to indicate any element moveable between an open position and at least one closed position, respectively opening and closing an access to an inner compartment of a motor vehicle and therefore includes, without limitations, decklids, tailgates, liftgates, bonnet lids, and sunroofs in addition to the sliding or pivoting side passenger doors of a motor vehicle to which the following description will make explicit reference, purely by way of example. 
     Referring initially to  FIG. 1  of the drawings, a motor vehicle  10  is shown to include a vehicle body  12  defining an opening  14  to an interior passenger compartment. A closure panel  16  is pivotably mounted to body  12  for movement between an open position (shown) and a fully closed position to respectively open and close opening  14 . A power latch assembly  18  is rigidly secured to closure panel  16  adjacent to an edge portion  16 A thereof and is releasably engageable with a striker  20  that is fixedly secured to a recessed edge portion  14 A of opening  14 . As will be detailed, power latch assembly  18  is operable to engage striker  20  and releasably move closure panel  16  into its fully closed position. An outside handle  22  and an inside handle  24  are provided for actuating power latch assembly  18  to release striker  20  and permit subsequent movement of closure panel  16  to its open position. An optional lock knob  26  is shown which provides a visual indication of the locked state of latch assembly  18  and which may also be operable to mechanically change the locked state of latch assembly  18 . A weather seal  28  is mounted on edge portion  14 A of opening  14  in vehicle body  12  and is adapted to be resiliently compressed upon engagement with a mating sealing surface of closure panel  16  when closure panel  16  is held by latch assembly  18  in its closed position so as to provide a sealed interface therebetween which is configured to prevent entry of rain and dirt into the passenger compartment while minimizing audible wind noise. For purpose of clarity and functional association with motor vehicle  10 , the closure panel is hereinafter referred to as passenger door  16 . 
     A detailed description of non-limiting embodiments of a single-motor power latch assembly  18 , constructed in accordance with the teaching of the present disclosure, will now be provided. In general,  FIGS. 2 through 8  illustrate a series of similar views sequentially showing a “built-up” construction of power latch assembly  18  comprising: a latch mechanism  32  ( FIG. 2 ); a latch release mechanism  72  ( FIG. 3 ); a latch cinch mechanism  130  ( FIG. 4 ); a cinch disengage mechanism  160  ( FIG. 5 ); an actuator mechanism  180  ( FIG. 6 ); an inside release mechanism  210  ( FIG. 7 ); and an outside release mechanism  230  ( FIG. 8 ).  FIGS. 9A and 9B  illustrate various components of power latch assembly  18  oriented to establish a “released” mode when door  16  is located in an open position.  FIGS. 10A and 10B  illustrate various components of power latch assembly  18  oriented to establish a “first safety latched” mode when door  16  is located in a first or soft closed position.  FIGS. 11A and 11B  illustrate various components of power latch assembly  18  oriented to establish a “second safety latched” mode when door  16  is located in a second or hard closed position. Finally,  FIGS. 12A and 12B  illustrate various components of power latch assembly  18  oriented to establish a “cinch latched” mode when door  16  is located in a third or cinched closed position. 
       FIGS. 15A through 15K ,  FIGS. 16A through 16K  and  FIGS. 17A through 17K  provide a coordinated series of sequential views which clearly illustrate the relative movement of various components associated with power latch assembly  18  to provide a “power cinch” feature and establish the cinch latched mode. Additionally,  FIGS. 15L, 16L and 17L  illustrate various components of power latch assembly  18  oriented to provide a mechanical latching feature upon motor vehicle  10  experiencing a collision impact for establishing a “blocking safety latched” mode. Similarly,  FIGS. 18A through 18G ,  FIGS. 19A through 19G  and  FIGS. 20A through 20G  provide a coordinated series of sequential views illustrating the relative movement of various components associated with power latch assembly  18  to provide a “power release” feature and establish the released mode. As will be detailed,  FIGS. 18A-18C ,  FIGS. 19A-19C  and  FIGS. 20A-20C  also illustrate the various components of power latch assembly  18  positioned for shifting from the cinch latched mode into a “cinch released” mode as part of an uncinching/soft opening function provided by the power release feature.  FIGS. 21A through 21E  provide a series of sequential views illustrating actuation of inside release mechanism  210  for opening door  16  using inside door handle  24  during certain non-powered conditions. Finally,  FIGS. 22A  through  22 E provide a series of sequential views illustrating actuation of outside release unit  230  for opening door  16  using outside door handle  22  during certain non-powered conditions. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the one-motor version of power latch assembly  18  is shown to include a frame plate  30  and latch mechanism  32 . Frame plate  30  is a rigid component configured to be fixedly secured to edge portion  16 A of door  16  and defines an entry aperture  34  through which striker  20  travels upon movement of door  16  toward and away from its closed positions. Latch mechanism  32  is shown, in this non-limiting example, as a single pawl arrangement generally including a ratchet  36  and a pawl  38 . Ratchet  36  is supported for pivotal movement on a ratchet pivot pin  40  extending outwardly from frame plate  30 . Ratchet  36  is configured to include a contoured guide channel  42  which terminates in a striker capture pocket  44 , a first safety latch surface  46  and a second safety latch surface  48 . A projection, such as an upstanding ratchet lug or rivet  50 , extends outwardly from a leg segment  52  of ratchet  36 . Ratchet  36  is further configured to include a first cam edge surface  53  formed between leg segment  52  and first safety latch surface  46 , and a second cam edge surface  55  formed between first safety latch surface  46  and second safety latch surface  48 . A ratchet biasing member, schematically shown by arrow  54 , is adapted to normally bias ratchet  36  to rotate in a first or releasing direction (counterclockwise in  FIG. 2 ). Ratchet  36  is shown in  FIG. 2  rotated and held in a second or latching direction such that striker  20  is retained in capture pocket  44  and prevented from release through guide channel  42 . As will be detailed, ratchet  36  is pivotably moveable between a plurality of distinct positions including a striker release position ( FIGS. 9A and 9B ), a first or “soft close” striker capture position ( FIGS. 10A and 10B ), a second or “hard close” striker capture position ( FIGS. 11A and 11B ), and a third or “cinched” striker capture position ( FIGS. 12A and 12B ). 
     Pawl  38  is supported for pivotal movement on a pawl pivot pin  60  which extends outwardly from frame plate  30 . Pawl  38  is configured to include a body segment  61  having an engagement surface  62  adapted, under certain conditions, to selectively and releasably engage one of first safety surface  46  and second safety latch surface  48  of ratchet  36 . Pawl  38  further includes a leg segment  64  extending outwardly from body segment  61 . A pawl biasing member, such as coil spring  66 , is provided for normally biasing pawl  38  in a first rotary direction (clockwise in  FIG. 2 ) toward a ratchet checking position. Pawl  38  is shown located in its ratchet checking position in  FIG. 2  while pawl  38  is shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B  rotated in a second rotary direction into a ratchet release position. 
       FIG. 3  is generally similar to  FIG. 2 , but further illustrates power latch assembly  18  to include a latch housing  70  and a latch release mechanism  72  installed on frame plate  30 . Latch housing  70  is configured to define a raised tunnel section  74  which overlies guide channel  42 , a first boss section  76  through which ratchet pivot pin  40  extends, a second boss section (not shown) through which pawl pivot pin  60  extends, a first guide slot  78  through which ratchet rivet  50  extends, and a second guide slot  80 . Latch housing  70  is adapted to be secured to frame plate  30  and is configured to locate latch mechanism  32  between a plate segment  82  of frame plate  30  and a plate segment  84  of latch housing  70 . 
     Latch release mechanism  72  is best shown in  FIG. 3  for engaging pawl  38  and being operable in a first latch release mode for locating pawl  38  in its ratchet checking position and in a second latch release mode for locating pawl  38  in its ratchet release position. To provide these two modes of operation, latch release mechanism  72  is shown to include a pawl lever  90  and a release lever  92 , both of which are mounted for independent pivotal movement on pawl pivot pin  60 . Pawl lever  90  includes an elongate plate segment  94  and a flange segment  96  which each define a common pivot bore (not shown) through which pawl pivot pin  60  extends. Plate segment  94  and flange segment  96  are either formed integrally or can be fixedly secured together for common pivotal movement about pawl pivot pin  60 . Plate segment  94  is configured to have a first bent end segment  98 , a second bent end segment  100 , an intermediate lug segment  102 , and a tapered cam segment  103 . Second bent end segment  100  extends through second guide slot  80  of latch housing  70  and directly engages leg segment  64  of pawl  38 . Arrow  104  indicates that pawl biasing member  66  acts to also normally bias pawl lever  90  in a first (clockwise) rotary direction based on direct engagement of leg segment  64  of panel  38  with end segment  100  of pawl lever  90 . As will be detailed, pawl lever  90  is pivotable through a range of motion defined between a first pawl lever position and a second pawl lever position. Specifically, the first pawl lever position is established when pawl  38  is located in its ratchet checking position ( FIG. 2 ) while the second pawl lever position is established when pawl  38  is located in its ratchet release position. A pair of upstanding lugs  106  and  108  are shown formed on flange segment  96  of pawl lever  90 , with a position sensing device, such as a magnet  110 , being mounted on first lug  106 . Magnet  110  and a pawl position sensor  112  work in conjunction with a controller  113  associated with a latch control system  114  ( FIG. 6 ) to detect and coordinate movement of pawl  38  and pawl lever  90 , as will be detailed hereinafter with greater specificity. 
     Release lever  92  is shown in  FIG. 3  to include a tubular body segment  116  pivotably supported on pawl pivot pin  60 , a first drive arm segment  118  and a second drive arm segment  120 . Arrows  122 A and  122 B schematically illustrate an over-center biasing member configured to normally bias release lever  92  to a “centered” non-actuated position (shown) with intermediate lug segment  102  of pawl lever  90  engaging second drive arm segment  120  of release lever  92 . As will be detailed, release lever  92  can be rotated in a first rotary direction (clockwise in  FIG. 3 ) from its central non-actuated position into a first actuated position and can be rotated in a second rotary direction (counterclockwise) to a second actuated position, both in opposition to the biasing of over-center biasing member  122 . 
       FIG. 4  is generally similar to  FIG. 3 , but shows power latch assembly  18  to further include the addition of latch cinch mechanism  130  in association with latch release mechanism  72  and latch mechanism  32 . To this end, cinch mechanism  130  is shown to generally include a cinch pivot pin  132 , a cinch lever  134 , and a cinch link lever  136 . Cinch lever  134  is shown to include a first segment  134 A pivotably mounted on cinch pivot pin  132 . A cinch lever pivot pin  138  pivotably interconnects a second segment  134 B of cinch lever  134  to a first end segment  140  of cinch link lever  136 . A second end segment  142  of cinch link lever  136  is configured to include an engagement shoulder  144  that is shown to be in engagement with ratchet rivet  50  for retaining ratchet  36  in its cinched striker capture position. A contoured follower slot  146  and an external cam surface  148  are formed on an intermediate segment  150  of cinch link lever  136 . Intermediate segment  150  of cinch link lever  136  is shown to generally overlie second bent end segment  100  and cam segment  103  of pawl lever  90 . Arrow  152  schematically represents a cinch link lever biasing member which, in  FIG. 4 , is shown to normally bias cinch link lever  136  in a first (clockwise) rotary direction. Pivot pin  132  can be rigidly mounted to latch housing  70  or a cover member (not shown). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , power latch assembly  18  is shown to further include cinch disengage mechanism  160  that is operably associated with latch cinch mechanism  130  and has a J-shaped disengage lever  162 . A first end segment  164  of disengage lever  162  is supported for pivotal movement on cinch pivot pin  132 . A second end segment  166  of disengage lever  162  has a follower  168  that is located within and selectively engages edge portions of follower slot  146  in cinch link lever  136 . A disengage lever biasing member, schematically identified by arrow  170 , is configured to normally bias disengage lever  162  in a first (clockwise) rotary direction. 
     Power latch assembly  18  is shown in  FIG. 6  to further include actuator mechanism  180  having an electric motor  182  and a gearset  184 . Gearset  184  is shown, in this non-limiting example, to include a worm  186  driven by a rotary output shaft of electric motor  182 , and a worm gear  188  in constant meshed engagement with worm  186 . Gear  188  is shown to be rotatably mounted on cinch pivot pin  132 . A cam flange  190  is fixed to, or formed integrally with, gear  188  so as to rotate in common therewith. Cam flange  190  has an edge portion configured to define a radial drive slot  192 , a recessed segment  194  and a cam segment  196 . A drive post  198 , extending outwardly from cinch lever pivot pin  138 , is retained within drive slot  192  so as to coordinate movement of cinch lever  134  and cinch link lever  136  with rotation of gear  188 . As will also be detailed, first drive arm segment  118  of release lever  92  is configured to be selectively retained within recessed segment  194  or engaged with cam segment  196  of cam flange  190  to coordinate pivotal movement of release lever  92  between its first and second actuated position with rotation of gear  188 . Rotation of worm  186  in a first rotary direction caused by actuation of electric motor  182  will cause rotation of gear  188  in a first or “cinching” direction (counterclockwise in  FIG. 6 ) while rotation of worm  186  in a second rotary direction causes rotation of gear  188  in a second or “releasing” direction (clockwise in  FIG. 6 ). A position detecting device, such as a magnet  200 , is mounted on worm gear  188  and functions in cooperation with a first cinch sensor  202  and a second cinch sensor  204  to provide controller  113  of latch control system  114  with signals indicative of the rotated position of gear  188 . Generally speaking, latch control system  114  is adapted to receive sensor input signals from pawl position sensor  112  and cinch sensors  202 ,  204  (cumulatively identified as input signals  115 ) and control actuation of electric motor  182  in response thereto. 
     Referring primarily to  FIG. 7 , power latch assembly  18  is additionally equipped with inside release mechanism  210  to provide a mechanical back-up release system operable for moving pawl  38  from its ratchet checking position into its ratchet release position so as to allow ratchet  36  to rotate to its striker released position for permitting door  16  to be manually opened. Inside release mechanism  210  is shown to include an inside release lever  212  having a first end segment  214  pivotably attached to latch housing  70  via a pivot pin  216  and a second end segment  218  adapted to be mechanically interconnected to inside handle  24  via a suitable inside connection mechanism (not shown). An inside release lever biasing device, such as spring  220 , acts between inside release lever  212  and housing  70  to normally bias inside release lever  212  in a first rotary direction (counterclockwise in  FIG. 7 ) toward a non-actuated position (shown). With inside release lever  212  in its non-actuated position, a drive tab  222  on first end segment  214  is disengaged from an engagement lug  224  formed on first bent end segment  98  of plate segment  94  of pawl lever  90 . Rotation of inside release lever  212  in a second rotary direction (clockwise in  FIG. 7 ) toward an actuated position (not shown) causes drive tab  222  to engage engagement lug  224  and forcibly pivot pawl lever  90  in a counterclockwise direction from its first pawl lever position into its second pawl lever position which, in turn, causes pawl  38  to be forcibly pivoted from its ratchet checking position into its ratchet release position due to second bent end segment  100  of pawl lever  90  engaging leg segment  64  of pawl  38 , and in opposition to the biasing of pawl spring  66 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , power latch assembly  18  is shown to further include outside release mechanism  230  operable to provide a mechanical backup release system for moving pawl from its ratchet checking position into its ratchet release position so as to allow ratchet  36  to rotate from its striker capture positions into its striker release position for permitting door  16  to be manually released and opened. Outside release mechanism  230  is shown to include an outside backup lever  232  and an outside backup link  234 . Lever  232  includes an intermediate boss segment  236  and first and second leg segments  238 ,  240  extending outwardly from boss segment  236 . Boss segment  236  includes an aperture through which ratchet pivot pin  40  extends so as to support outside backup lever  232  for pivotal movement. First leg segment  238  of lever  232  is interconnected via a rod  242  (and possibly other linkage components) to outside door handle  22  while second leg segment  240  includes a pivot post  244 . A first end segment  246  of outside backup link  234  is pivotably mounted on pivot post  244 . A second end segment  248  of outside backup link  234  includes a lost motion slot  250  within which lug  108  on flange segment  96  of pawl lever  90  extends. When pawl  38  is located in its ratchet checking position, lug  108  engages a first end of lost motion slot  250  (as shown in  FIG. 8 ). Actuation of lever  232  via outside door handle  22  causes lever  232  to rotate in a first (counterclockwise) direction such that link  234  causes pawl lever  90  to be forcibly pivoted in the counterclockwise direction which, in turn, causes pawl  38  to be forcibly pivoted from its ratchet checking position into its ratchet release position, again due to second bent segment  100  of pawl lever  90  engaging leg segment  64  of pawl  38 . It will be understood that the biasing applied by pawl spring  66  on pawl  38  and pawl lever  90  also functions to bias outside back lever  232  and outside backup link  234  to be located in the non-actuated positions shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     Another feature of the present disclosure that will be evident from the drawings and this detailed description is that a power cinching operation is employed to rotate ratchet  36  from either of the “low energy” soft close striker capture position ( FIGS. 10A, 10B  and  13 A) and the “high energy” hard close striker capture position ( FIGS. 11A, 11B and 13B ) into its fully closed/cinched striker capture position ( FIGS. 12A, 12B and 13C ). This power cinching operation is an advancement over conventional power cinching latch assemblies which only function to cinch the striker by rotating the ratchet from its initial striker capture position (equivalent to the soft close strike capture position herein) into its primary striker capture position (equivalent to the hard close striker capture position herein). Thus, power latch assembly  18  always functions to provide some perceptible amount of cinching, otherwise referred to as “perceived” cinch, that is recognizable to the vehicle operator. In this regard,  FIG. 14A  illustrates the angular travel of ratchet  36  required by the power cinching operation of power latch assembly  18  to rotate ratchet  36  from its low energy/soft close striker capture position (hard lines) to its fully closed/cinched striker capture position (phantom lines). This amount of ratchet rotation, referred to as “soft close cinch perception” is identified in  FIG. 14A  as angle “A.” Similarly,  FIG. 14B  illustrates the angular travel of ratchet  36  required by the power cinching operation to rotate ratchet  36  from its high energy/hard close striker capture position (hard lines) to the fully closed/cinched strike capture position (phantom lines). This lesser amount of ratchet rotation or the “hard close cinch perception” is identified in  FIG. 14B  as angle “B.” As noted in the Background section, conventional power cinching latch assemblies rely on the pawl to retain the ratchet in the primary striker capture position and must be configured to reset the cinching mechanism to a stand-by condition. In contrast, power latch assembly  18  of the present disclosure is configured to employ latch cinch mechanism  130  to mechanically retain ratchet  36  in its fully closed/cinched striker capture position while pawl  38  is displaced from engagement with ratchet  36 . 
       FIGS. 9A and 9B  provide elevational views of various components of power latch assembly  18  oriented to establish the released mode when door  16  is located in its open position. Specifically, ratchet  36  is shown located in its striker release position due to the normal biasing of ratchet biasing member  54 . With ratchet  36  located in its striker release position, pawl  38  is biased toward its ratchet checking position by pawl spring  66  such that pawl engagement surface  62  is in engagement with first cam edge surface  53  of ratchet  36 . In the striker release position of ratchet  36 , it is also shown that ratchet rivet  50  on arm segment  52  of ratchet  36  is in close proximity to or engages cam surface  148  on cinch link lever  136 . The coordinated biasing of ratchet biasing member  54 , cinch link lever biasing member  152 , and disengage lever biasing member  170  act to assist in maintaining engagement of ratchet rivet  50  with cam surface  148 . Also, follower  168  of disengage lever  162  is shown positioned within a dwell segment  147  of contoured follower slot  146  in cinch link lever  136 . 
       FIGS. 10A and 10B ,  FIG. 13A  and  FIG. 14A  illustrate various components of power latch assembly  18  positioned to establish the first safety latched mode when door  16  located in its first closed position. This mode is established when door  16  has been closed with a low energy closing force such that striker  20  engages an edge surface within guide channel  42  and forcibly rotates ratchet  36  from its striker release position into its first/soft close striker capture position. In this ratchet position, pawl  38  is biased into its ratchet checking position such that its engagement surface  62  engages first safety latch surface  46  of ratchet  36 , thereby preventing striker  20  from being released from capture pocket  44 . In addition, such initial rotation of ratchet  36  caused by engagement with striker  20  causes ratchet rivet  50  on ratchet  36  to move into engagement with engagement shoulder  144  of cinch link lever  136 . As will be detailed, actuation of the power cinching feature can now be initiated to cause further rotation of ratchet  36  in its latching direction for moving ratchet  36  from its first/soft close striker capture position through its second/hard close striker capture position and finally into its third/cinched striker capture position for moving door  16  from its first closed position into its third closed position. This power cinching function is operable to compress weather seal  28  from a first or soft compression state (associated with door  16  located in its first closed position) into a third or cinched compression state (associated with door  16  located in its third closed position) upon powered cinching of door  16  from its first closed position into its third closed position.  FIG. 13A  illustrates the positioning of striker  20 , ratchet  36  and pawl  38  for establishing the first safety latched mode of power latch assembly  18  when door  16  is located in its first closed position for applying a first or low compression force on weather seal  28 . Likewise,  FIG. 14A  illustrates the relative movement of the latch components from the first safety latched mode (hard lines) to the cinch latched mode (phantom lines) to illustrate the angular movement of ratchet  36  through the angle “A” associated with this power cinching operation. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 11A and 11B ,  FIG. 13B  and  FIG. 14B , the components of power latch assembly  18  are shown positioned to establish the second safety latched mode with door  16  located in its second closed position. This mode is established when door  16  has been closed with a high energy closing force such that striker  20  forcibly rotates ratchet  36  from its striker release position into its second/hard close striker capture position. In this ratchet position, pawl  38  is biased into its ratchet checking position such that its engagement surface  62  engages second safety latch surface  48  of ratchet  36  after riding along first and second cam edge surfaces  53  and  55  of ratchet  36  due to the forced rotation of ratchet  36 . Obviously, such rotation of ratchet  36  again results in ratchet rivet  50  moving into engagement with engagement shoulder  144  on cinch link lever  136 . As will be detailed, the power cinching function can now be initiated to cause latch cinch mechanism  130  to rotate ratchet  36  from its second/hard close striker capture position into its third/cinched striker capture position to move door  16  from its second closed position into its third closed position. This power cinching function is operable to compress weather seal  28  from a second or hard compression state (associated with door  16  in its second closed position) into its cinched compression state upon power cinching of door  16  from its second closed position into its third fully closed position.  FIG. 13B  illustrates the positioning of striker  20 , ratchet  36  and pawl  38  for establishing the second safety latched mode of latch assembly  18  when door  16  is located in its second closed position and as it applies a second or high compression force on weather seal  28 . Likewise,  FIG. 14B  illustrates the relative movement of the components from the second safety latched mode (hard lines) to the cinch latched mode (phantom lines) to illustrate the angular travel of ratchet  36  through angle “B” associated with this power cinching operation. 
       FIGS. 12A and 12B  and  FIG. 13C  provide various views of the components of power latch assembly  18  oriented to establish the cinch latched mode with door  16  located in its third, fully closed position. Specifically, ratchet  36  is located and held in its third/cinched striker capture position while pawl  36  is located in its ratchet checking position. As best seen in  FIGS. 12B and 13C , rotation of ratchet  36  to its third/cinched striker capture position (via the power cinching operation) acts to disengage ratchet  36  from mechanical engagement with pawl  38 . As noted, rotation of ratchet  36  from either of its first/soft close striker capture position ( FIG. 13A ) or its second/hard close striker capture position ( FIG. 13B ) into its third/cinched striker capture position ( FIG. 13C ) is accomplished solely via the power cinching function of latch assembly  18 . Thus, the first safety latched mode shown in  FIG. 13A  provides a first mechanical latching in the event that power is lost and no power cinching function is available with door  16  located in its first closed position. In such case, door  16  can be mechanically opened via inside latch release mechanism  210  or outside latch release mechanism  230  and subsequently re-closed with higher energy to place door  16  in its second closed position. 
     In accordance with the present disclosure, when the power cinching feature of power latch assembly  18  is available, the soft closed position established by low energy closure of door  16  is not intended to define a first mechanically latched position, but rather establishes a first door closure position from which the power cinching operation can be initiated. Similarly, the hard closed position of  FIG. 13B  established by high energy (i.e., slamming) closure of door  16  is not intended to define a second mechanically latched position, but rather establishes a second door closure position from which the power cinching operation can also be initiated.  FIG. 13C  illustrates the relationship of pawl  38  and ratchet  36  upon conclusion of the power cinching operation. As will be detailed, components other than pawl  38 , such as latch cinch mechanism  130 , are used to retain ratchet  36  in its third/cinched striker capture position of  FIG. 13C . However, retention of pawl  38  in its ratchet checking position when ratchet  36  is located in its cinched striker capture position provides a mechanical failsafe or the “blocking safety latching” mode since rotation of ratchet  36  in its releasing direction from its third/cinched striker capture position toward its second/hard striker capture position, in response to a vehicle collision for example, will result in mechanical (i.e., “blocking” engagement of ratchet  36  with pawl  38 , thereby preventing door  16  from being unintentionally opened. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 15 through 17 , each provides a coordinated series of sequential views for illustrating the relative movement of components of power latch assembly  18  associated with the power cinching function for moving door  16  from its first closed position to its third fully closed position. In particular,  FIGS. 15A-15K  are isometric views while FIGS.  16 A- 16 K and  FIGS. 17A-17K  are corresponding top and bottom elevational views of the components of power latch assembly  18 . The following description is intended to provide sufficient details, when considered in conjunction with these figures, to clearly disclose the interaction of components and movement thereof associated with power latch assembly  18  to provide the power cinching function. 
     Starting initially with  FIGS. 15A, 16A and 17A , the components of power latch assembly  18  are shown to establish the released mode when door  16  is opened such that ratchet  36  is biased into its striker release position and pawl  38  is held in its ratchet release position via engagement of pawl engagement surface  62  with ratchet edge surface  53 . It should also be noted that ratchet rivet  50  can be maintained in engagement with cam surface  148  on cinch link lever  136  and gear  188  is located in a “cinch start” position with magnet  200  offset from first cinch sensor  202 . With pawl  38  located in its ratchet release position, release lever  92  is maintained in its centered non-actuated position such that lug segment  102  on pivot pawl  90  is disengaged from second drive arm segment  120  of release lever  92 . 
       FIGS. 15B-15D ,  FIGS. 16B-16D , and  FIGS. 17B-17D  illustrate initial mechanical rotation of ratchet  36  due to engagement with striker  20  as door  16  moves from its open position into it first closed position ( FIGS. 15D, 16D, 17D ) whereat engagement surface  62  of pawl  38  disengages first cam edge surface  53  and engages first safety latch surface  46  of ratchet  36  such that pawl  38  is subsequently biased into its ratchet checking position. Ratchet  36  is shown located in its first/soft close striker capture position such that ratchet rivet  50  has also moved off of cam surface  148  and is now positioned against and retained by engagement shoulder  144  of cinch link lever  136 . Cinch link lever spring  152  assists in maintaining rivet  50  within engagement shoulder  144 . Movement of pawl  38  into its ratchet checking position causes concurrent clockwise rotation of pawl lever  90  such that its lug segment  120  is again engaging second drive leg segment  120  of release lever  92 . Movement of pawl  38  into its ratchet checking position also causes magnet  110  on pawl lever  90  to overlie and cooperate with pawl sensor  112  for providing an input signal to latch controller unit  113  associated with latch control system  114  that is indicative of the pawl&#39;s position and to initiate the power cinching function. Specifically, latch controller unit  113  energizes electric motor  182  and causes gear  188  to be driven in the first direction (counterclockwise) from its cinch start position. This action initiates a Cinch mode. 
       FIGS. 15E, 16E and 17E  illustrate that this initial actuation of electric motor  182  causes gear  188  to be rotatably driven in the first rotary direction, as indicated by arrow  270 , from its cinch start gear position (shown in  FIG. 15D ). In response to such gear rotation, cinch link lever  136  is caused to rotate clockwise such that it forcibly rotates ratchet  36  which, in turn, causes engagement surface  62  of pawl  38  to slide against second cam edge surface  55  on ratchet  36 . Specifically, since drive post  198  is retained within drive slot  192  of cam flange  190 , such rotation of gear  188  in the first direction from its cinch start position causes concurrent pivotal movement of cinch lever  134  about cinch pivot pin  132  which, in turn, causes pivotal and sliding movement of cinch link lever  136 . Such movement of cinch link lever  136  causes engagement shoulder  144  to drivingly engage ratchet rivet  50  and forcibly rotate ratchet  36  from its first/soft close striker capture position toward its second/hard close striker capture position. As also seen in  FIGS. 15F, 16F and 17F , first drive arm segment  118  of release lever  92  rides within recessed segment  194  of cam flange  190  so as to maintain release lever  92  in its centered position. As noted, arrow  270  indicates the rotation of gear  188  during the power cinching function. 
       FIGS. 15G, 16G and 17G  illustrate continued rotation of gear  188  in its latching direction due to continued energization if electric motor  182  until ratchet  36  has been forcibly rotated into and then past its second/hard close striker capture position (See  FIGS. 15H, 16H and 17H ). These illustrations further show the continued rotation of cinch lever  134  about cinch pivot  132  due to the interaction between drive post  198  and drive slot  192  on cam flange  190 . Release lever  92  is maintained in its centered non-actuated position with first drive arm segment  118  continuing to travel within recessed segment  194  of cam flange  190 . As noted, contact between engagement shoulder  144  on cinch link lever  136  and ratchet rivet  50  causes the continued rotation of ratchet  36  from its first striker capture position ( FIG. 17D ) into its second striker capture position (See  FIG. 11C ) and then past its second striker capture position ( FIG. 17H ) due to the movement of cinch link lever  136  resulting from rotation of gear  188 . 
       FIGS. 15I, 16I and 17I , as well as  FIGS. 15J, 16J and 17J , illustrate continued rotation of gear  188  in its cinching direction as ratchet  36  is forcibly rotated past its second/hard close striker capture position and toward its third/cinched striker capture position. This continued rotation of gear  188  has now caused first drive arm segment  118  of release lever  92  to engage cam segment  196  of cam flange  190 . Such engagement causes release lever  92  to be forcibly rotated in a clockwise direction ( FIGS. 15I, 16I ) from its central non-actuated position toward its first actuated position. Additionally, the pivotal and translational movement of cinch link lever  136  causes engagement shoulder  144  to continue to engage ratchet rivet  50  and cause the continued rotation of ratchet  36  while pawl  38  is maintained by pawl biasing member  66  in its ratchet checking position. In the ratchet position shown, pawl engagement surface  62  is disengaged from ratchet  36 . 
       FIGS. 15K, 16K and 17K  illustrate ratchet  36  completely rotated to its third/cinched striker capture position as gear  188  reaches its “cinch stop” position. As such, magnet  200  works in conjunction with second cinch sensor  204  to signal latch controller unit  113  of latch control system  114  that gear  188  has reached its cinch stop position. Latch controller unit  113  then deenergizes motor  182  and the power cinching function is completed and the Cinch mode has been established. Ratchet  36  is mechanically retained in its third/cinched striker capture position by latch cinch mechanism  130  due to engagement shoulder  144  of cinch link lever  136  engaging ratchet pin  50 . Additionally, a comparison of  FIGS. 17H through 17K  best illustrates cinch link lever  136  moving to an “over-center” position relative to cinch pivot post  132  and cinch lever  134 . In addition, release lever  92  is permitted returned to its central non-actuated position as first drive arm segment  118  moves past and disengages cam segment  196  of cam flange  190 . 
     As also noted, in the event of a collision, directional forces are applied to striker  20  (in a door opening direction), as indicated by arrow  280  and to ratchet  36  as indicated by arrow  282  in  FIG. 15L . The line of force, indicated by arrow  282 , acting through ratchet rivet  50  is oriented to forcibly rotate gear  188  in the cinching direction, as indicated by arrow  284 , which in turn causes continued rotation of cinch lever  134 . The resulting action between the linked components, particularly in view of the over-center relationship between cinch link lever  136  and cinch pivot  132  (See  FIG. 17L ), will eventually result in rotation of ratchet  36  in its releasing direction until its second safety latch surface  48  engages engagement surface  62  of pawl  38 , thereby preventing unintentional opening of door  16 . Thus, power latch assembly  18  provides a mechanical safety latched or “blocking” mode. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 18-20 , a coordinated series of sequential views are shown from multiple orientations to illustrate the relative movement of various components of power latch assembly  18  associated with the power release function and which is configured to provide an “uncinching” or “soft open” feature. In general, this soft open feature is operable to slowly and progressively release the compression forces applied to weather seal  28  prior to releasing striker  20  from latched engagement with ratchet  36  so as to eliminate or significantly reduce the audible “pop” noise associated with conventional power latch release systems. As provided in the drawings,  FIGS. 18A-18G  illustrate a series of sequential isometric view provided to clearly show the interaction of the various components of power latch assembly  18  for facilitating movement of ratchet  36  from its cinched striker capture position into its striker release position in response to power latch assembly  18  being shifted from its cinched latched mode (door  16  located in its third closed position) into its latch released mode (door  16  in its open position).  FIGS. 19A-19G  and  FIGS. 20A-20G  are top and bottom elevational views corresponding to  FIGS. 18A-18G  so as to better illustrate movement of the components during the power release operation. 
     Starting with  FIGS. 18A, 19A and 20A , the components of power latch assembly  18  are shown prior to actuation of a power release switch  117  ( FIG. 6 ) with gear  188  located in its cinch stop position, ratchet  36  held in its cinched striker capture position by cinch link lever  136 , and pawl  38  held in its ratchet checking position. Power release switch  117  can be, in accordance with non-limiting examples, associated with outside door handle  22  or a remote fob possessed by the vehicle operator. Upon actuation of power release switch  117 , motor  182  is energized to rotate gear  188  in its second or releasing rotary direction, as indicated by arrow  290 . This action initiates the “Uncinch/Release” mode. Initial rotation of gear  188  in the second direction causes cam segment  196  on drive flange  190  to engage first drive arm segment  118  of release lever  92  and begin rotating release lever  92  in a counterclockwise direction away from its central non-actuated position toward its second actuated position. Such rotation of release lever  92  causes its second drive arm segment  120  to engage lug segment  102  and forcibly pivot pawl lever  90  from its first pawl lever position toward its second pawl lever position which, in turn, forcibly pivots pawl  38  from its ratchet checking position toward its ratchet release position.  FIGS. 18B, 19B and 20B  illustrate the orientation of the components upon initial rotation of gear  188  in its releasing direction while  FIGS. 18C, 19C and 20C  illustrate the same components following continued rotation of gear  188  until pawl  38  is located in its ratchet release position. In addition, such pivotal movement of pawl lever  90  to its second pawl lever position results in its cam segment  103  engaging follower  168  and pivoting disengage lever  162  about cinch pivot pin  132  until follower  168  is in engagement with an edge portion of slot  142  in cinch link lever  136 . This engagement, in combination with pivotal movement of cinch lever  134  about cinch pivot  132  in response to rotation of gear  188 , begins to move engagement shoulder  144  on cinch link lever  136  out of engagement with ratchet rivet  50  and permits a limited amount of “uncinching” rotation of ratchet  36  out of its cinched striker capture position into a “cinch released” striker capture position, thereby establishing a “cinch released” mode for power latch assembly  18 . This limited amount of uncinching rotation of ratchet  36 , prior to complete release of ratchet rivet  50  from engagement shoulder  144 , provides the soft opening feature and functions to partially unload weather seal  28 . 
       FIGS. 18D, 19D and 20D , illustrate that the continued rotation of gear  188  causes first drive arm segment  118  to continue to engage cam segment  196  and rotate release lever  92  such that second drive arm segment  120  forcibly engages lug  102  on pawl lever  90  for pivoting and holding pawl  38  (via engagement of bent end segment  100  of pawl lever  90  and pawl leg  64 ) in its ratchet release position while ratchet rivet  50  is shown released from engagement with engagement shoulder  144  on cinch link  136 . In this position, ratchet  36  is located in a “ratchet released” position. As such, ratchet  36  is thereafter permitted to rotate from its ratchet released position into its striker release position due to ratchet biasing mechanism  54 . Rotation of gear  188  is stopped upon it reaching its cinch start position shown in  FIGS. 18G, 19G and 20G . As also shown in these views, drive arm segment  118  of release lever  92  has disengaged cam segment  196  and is permitted to return to its central non-actuated position. Also note that pawl  38  has been biased toward its ratchet checking position such that its engagement surface  62  is shown engaging edge surface  53  of ratchet  36 . 
       FIGS. 21A-21E  illustrate a sequence of isometric views showing actuation of inside release mechanism  210  via pivotal movement of inside backup lever  212  from its non-actuated position ( FIG. 21A ) into its actuated position ( FIG. 21E ) which, in turn, causes pivotal movement of pawl lever  90  from its first pawl lever position ( FIG. 21A ) into its second pawl lever position ( FIG. 21E ). As previously noted, such movement of pawl lever  90  causes concurrent movement of pawl  38  from its ratchet checking position into its ratchet release position due to engagement of second bent end segment  100  with pawl leg  64 .  FIGS. 21D and 21E  illustrate that such movement of pawl lever  90  also causes sliding and pivotal movement of cinch link lever  136  due to tapered cam segment  103  of pawl lever  90  acting on follower  168  of disengage lever  162 . Specifically, follower  168  engages edges surface of slot  146  which forcibly moves cinch link lever  136 . This movement of cinch link lever  136 , in turn, results in the release of ratchet rivet  50  from engagement with shoulder  144  of cinch link lever  136  so as to subsequently permit rotation of ratchet  36  from its ratchet released position into its striker released position. 
       FIGS. 22A through 22E  illustrate a sequence of isometric views showing actuation of outside release mechanism  230  via pivotal movement of outside backup lever  232  from its non-actuated position ( FIG. 22A ) into its actuated position ( FIG. 22D ) which, in turn, causes pivotal movement of pawl lever  90  from its first pawl lever position into its second pawl lever position. As seen, pivotal movement of backup lever  232  causes outside backup link  234  to pivot and slide such that engagement of lug  108  on pawl lever  90  with an edge of lost motion slot  250  results in coordinated movement of pawl lever  90  with backup lever  232 . Again, such movement of pawl lever  90  results in movement of pawl  38  from its ratchet checking position ( FIG. 22A ) into its ratchet release position ( FIG. 22E ). Such movement of pawl lever  90  also causes its cam segment  103  to forcibly engage follower  168  and pivot disengage lever  162  to cause sufficient movement of cinch link lever  136  to release ratchet rivet  50 , thereby releasing ratchet  36  for biased movement toward its striker release position. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 23 , an alternative version of one-motor power latch assembly  18  is now generally identified as power latch assembly  18 A. As is clear, the components of power latch assembly  18 A are substantially similar to those shown for power latch assembly  18 , and as specifically shown in  FIG. 12A , to illustrate the cinch latched mode. To this end, ratchet  36  is held in its cinched striker capture position via latch cinch mechanism  130  while pawl  38  (not shown) is located in its ratchet checking position. Cinch gear  188  is shown located in its cinch stop position with motor  182  deenergized. As seen, a mechanical end stop  400 , adapted to be rigidly secured to a structural frame portion of latch assembly  18 A, is located in close proximity to a magnet hub  402  formed on gear  188 . The force direction resulting from the seal loads or the strength condition, as indicated by arrows  404 , attempts to rotate gear  188  in the cinching direction (indicated by arrow  406 ) in opposition to the releasing direction (indicated by arrow  408 ). This arrangement prevents gear  188  from rotating in the releasing direction in the event of a collision. Sensor  204  is again used to stop motor  182  for positively locating gear  188  in its cinch stop position such that gear hub  402  engages, or is slightly displaced from, end stop  400 . Preferably, the cinch stop position is selected at a position where the forces and components create an “over-center” arrangement. This over-center arrangement and the mechanical end stop arrangement cumulatively assist in maintaining ratchet  36  in its cinched striker capture position without reliance on the gear geometry of gearset  184  or motor resistance. Those skilled in the art will recognize that this mechanical stop arrangement can likewise be integrated into power-operated cinch actuator arrangement  321  associated with two-motor power latch assembly  18 ′. 
       FIG. 24  is another alternative version of one-motor power latch assembly  18  (or two-motor power latch assembly  18 ′), and is identified as power latch assembly  18 B. This arrangement is generally similar to that shown in  FIG. 23  for power latch assembly  18 A with the exception that mechanical end stop  400  is now located to interact with cinch lever  134  instead of cinch gear  188  to provide the identical functions. 
     Each of the power latch assemblies described above is adapted to overcome acknowledged shortcomings of conventional power latch devices including the elimination of the audible “pop” sound generated upon quick release of the seal loads and use of the cinch actuator to always assist in completing the door closing function independently of the closing energy applied to the door. The cinch actuator associated with the power latch assemblies of the present disclosure is configured to drive the ratchet slowly in a release direction from its cinched striker capture position to its cinch released striker capture position to provide a predetermined amount of striker travel selected to significantly reduce the seal load prior to complete release of the ratchet. While latch control system  114  is only schematically shown in association with controller  113  and various sensors that are configured to provide input signals used to control coordinated control of electric motor  182  in the one-motor versions of power latch assembly  18 ,  18 A and  18 B, those skilled in the art will appreciate that any suitable controllers, sensors and control schemes can be used to provide the required functionality disclosed herein. 
     In addition, each of the power latch assemblies described above is adapted to provide a mechanical coupling arrangement between the ratchet and the cinch link lever that is configured to cause movement of the ratchet to its cinched striker capture position during the power cinching operation, to hold the ratchet in its cinched striker capture position, and to cause movement of the ratchet from its cinched striker capture position to its cinch released striker capture position during the soft opening power release operation. While this mechanical coupling arrangement has been disclosed to include a projection extending from the ratchet that is releasably engageable with an engagement shoulder formed on the cinch link lever, those skilled in the art will understand that the present disclosure contemplates and includes alternative mechanical coupling arrangements. For example, a projection could extend from the cinch link lever for releaseable engagement with an engagement shoulder formed on the ratchet. As a further alternative, engageable lugs can be formed on each of the ratchet and the cinch link lever that are configured to provide a releaseable mechanical coupling arrangement. Thus, the present disclosure embodies a mechanical coupling arrangement having a first engagement member associated with the cinch link lever that is releasably engageable with a second engagement member associated with the ratchet. 
     The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.