Patent ID: 12196002

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings and particularly toFIG.1there is shown therein a latch of an exemplary arrangement generally indicated10. Latch10includes a housing12. The exemplary housing is comprised of two laterally disposed side plates14with a space in between that houses latch components.

The housing includes a recess in each side plate that bound a U-shaped housing recess16. A jaw18is movable relative to the recess16. Exemplary jaw18is rotatably movable relative to the housing and includes a notch20. The latch further includes a pair of posts22,24. The exemplary posts22,24extend intermediate of the side plates14and hold the latch components in engaged relation. In the exemplary arrangement the posts22,24include openings therethrough that are usable for extending fasteners or other items therethrough for purposes of mounting the latch10. The exemplary latch further includes an actuating end26of a rotatable pawl28(seeFIG.4). The exemplary actuating end26extends outside the housing and includes a cable engaging recess30that operates in a manner like that hereafter discussed.

As shown inFIG.2, in the latched position of the jaw18the notch20and recess16are configured to engage a striker32. The exemplary striker32is in fixed attached engagement with a closure member34. In an exemplary arrangement the closure member may comprise a door or other device that is held in position by the latch when the jaw18is in the latched position. Also as shown inFIG.2andFIG.2A, the actuating end26of an exemplary pawl is in operative attached connection with a cable36. In the exemplary arrangement the cable36is in attached connection with an enlarged cylindrical end38. The cylindrical end38is configured to engage the recess30. In the exemplary arrangement the actuating end26includes a pair of disposed fork portions through which the exemplary cable36extends. Of course it should be understood that this configuration is exemplary and in other arrangements other approaches and members may be used.

As shown inFIG.4, the exemplary jaw18is rotatably movably mounted in operative connection with the housing. The exemplary jaw18is rotatably movable about the post22and an axis42which is in centered relation relative to the post22. Axis42is alternatively referred to herein as a jaw pivot. The exemplary pawl28is rotatably movably mounted in operative connection with the housing. The pawl28is rotatable about the post24and an axis44which is in centered relation relative to the post24. Axis44is alternatively referred to herein as a pawl pivot.

In this exemplary arrangement the jaw18is substantially L-shaped and includes an inner end46. The inner end of the jaw is disposed on an opposed side of the jaw pivot from the notch20. As better shown inFIG.7the inner end46of jaw18includes a plurality of jaw engagement projections48,50,52and a plurality of jaw engagement recesses54,56. While in the exemplary arrangement the inner end of jaw18includes three jaw engagement projections and two jaw engagement recesses, this configuration is merely exemplary and in other arrangements other numbers of projections, recesses or other engaging features may be used.

In the exemplary arrangement the pawl28includes a first arm portion58. The first arm portion58radially extends relative to the pawl pivot44. First arm portion58terminates radially outward at a distal end60. As better shown inFIG.7, distal end60includes pawl engagement projections62,64and pawl engagement recesses66,68. Of course it should be understood that this arrangement comprising two engagement projections and engagement recesses is exemplary and in other arrangements different types and numbers of engaging structures configured for engaging the distal end of the pawl and the inner end of the jaw may be used.

The exemplary pawl28further includes a second arm portion70. The second arm portion70extends radially away from the pawl pivot44and terminates outwardly at the actuating end26. In the exemplary arrangement the distal end of the first arm portion58is angularly disposed from the actuating end of second arm portion70relative to the pivot, at an acute angle AA (seeFIG.11). Of course it should be understood that this arrangement is exemplary and in other arrangements other configurations may be used.

In the exemplary arrangement the first arm portion58includes an opening72that is alternatively referred to herein as an arm slot. The arm slot72is positioned radially intermediate of the pawl pivot44and the distal end60. The exemplary arm slot72extends through the pawl and is bounded by an arm slot side wall74. In the exemplary arrangement the arm slot72is arcuately elongated relative to the pivot and linearly elongated and has an elongated and widened generally oval-shape for reasons that are later discussed. However in other arrangements other configurations may be used.

The exemplary housing12includes an arm portion opening76. The second arm portion70of the pawl28extends through the arm portion opening76such that the actuating end26of the second arm portion movably extends outside the housing. In the exemplary arrangement the arm portion opening76is bounded by pawl stop78. In the exemplary arrangement the pawl stop78bounds one side of the arm portion opening76and serves to limit rotation of the pawl in the counterclockwise direction as shown, to the engaged position of the pawl in which the distal end60of the pawl is in engagement with the inner end46of the jaw. Of course this configuration is exemplary and in other arrangements other forms of stops or structures for limiting movement of the pawl may be used.

In the exemplary arrangement of the latch, the jaw18is in operative connection with a jaw spring schematically indicated80. In the exemplary arrangement the jaw spring80is operative to bias the jaw18so as to urge the jaw to rotate in a clockwise direction about the jaw pivot42as shown. In some exemplary arrangements the jaw spring comprises a torsion spring that extends in surrounding relation of the post22. Of course it should be understood that this configuration is exemplary and in other arrangements other types of jaws, springs and spring configurations may be used.

In this exemplary arrangement of the latch, the pawl28is in operative connection with a pawl spring which is schematically indicated82. In this exemplary arrangement the pawl spring82is operative to rotationally bias the pawl28in a counterclockwise direction relative to the pawl pivot44as shown. The exemplary pawl spring82is operative to bias the distal end60of the first arm portion of the pawl28into engagement with the inner end46of the jaw18. In such engaged position of the pawl and in the latched position of the jaw as shown inFIGS.4and5, the pawl is operative to hold the jaw in the latched position as shown. In the exemplary arrangement the pawl spring comprises a torsion spring that extends in surrounding relation of the post24. However in other exemplary arrangements other types of spring arrangements and configurations may be used.

The exemplary latch further includes an electric actuator84. Electric actuator84extends in the housing12. The electric actuator is in connection with wires or other electrical conductors (not shown) through which electrical signals are received. The exemplary actuator84includes a case86which houses internal components of the actuator which are later described in detail. A tie rod88extends outside the case. The tie rod88is selectively movable linearly straight in the direction of Arrow A. The tie rod88is connected to a pin90. The pin90extends transversely in the arm slot72.

As shown in detail inFIGS.11-13the actuator84includes a motor92which is positioned inside the case86. The motor includes an output shaft94. The output shaft94of the motor is selectively rotatable in either rotational direction. The output shaft94of the motor is operative to rotate a plurality of gears that are included in a gearbox96. The gearbox96includes an output shaft that is in operative connection with a pinion98. The gearbox96is operative to step down the speed from the output shaft94of the motor so that the pinion98rotates at a lower speed than the output shaft of the motor.

In the exemplary arrangement a rack100is in operative connection with the pinion98. The rack100includes rack gear teeth102thereon that are in meshing engagement with the gear teeth on the pinion. The rack is guided to move within a track104within the case86so that the rack is caused to move linearly straight and selectively inward and outward from an opening in the case. The tie rod88is operatively connected to the rack100such that rotation of the pinion98causes movement of the tie rod88and the pin90.

In the exemplary arrangement the rack100is in operative connection with a bumper106. In the exemplary arrangement the bumper106is operative to limit movement of the rack in a direction away from the pinion98as well as toward the pinion98. As represented inFIG.12movement of the rack100away from the pinion98is limited by engagement of the bumper106with inward extending stops108which extend at the opening to the track104. As shown inFIG.13the bumper106limits inward travel of the rack100by engagement with the pinion98. Of course it should be understood that this approach to limiting travel of the rack is exemplary and in other arrangements other approaches may be used.

In the exemplary arrangement an electrical switch110is positioned within the housing12. The exemplary switch110includes a resilient lever112. The switch110includes a plunger114. The exemplary switch changes its electrical condition responsive to movement of the resilient lever112as the lever112engages and moves the plunger114.

The exemplary jaw18includes a jaw switch projection116. The jaw switch projection116is configured to operatively engage the resilient lever112and to cause movement and positioning of the resilient lever so as to change the electrical condition of the switch110. For example as shown inFIG.4, in the latched position of the jaw18the jaw switch projection engages the lever112and causes movement thereof so that the plunger114is depressed. This causes switch110to be in a first electrical condition which is indicative that the jaw is in the latched position.

When the jaw18moves to the unlatched position such as is shown inFIG.7, the jaw switch projection116moves away from the resilient lever112. The lever112moves away from the plunger114which causes the switch110to be in a second electrical condition that is different from the first electrical condition. In this way it can be detected that the jaw18is in the latched or unlatched position. Of course it should be understood that this configuration is exemplary and in other arrangements other approaches may be utilized to indicate the position of the jaw and/or the condition of the latch.

In operation of the latch when the jaw18is in the latched position and the pawl28is in the engaged position as shown inFIGS.4,5and6, the jaw engagement projections and jaw engagement recesses are interengaged with respective pawl engagement recesses and projections. Such interengagement of the corresponding projections and recesses on the distal end60of the pawl and the inner end46of the jaw are operative to hold the jaw in the latched position. As can be appreciated when the striker is engaged in the notch20of the jaw and in the recess16of the housing, such as is shown inFIG.2, the striker is prevented from disengaging from the jaw and the recess. The forces applied to the jaw by jaw spring80and the pawl by pawl spring82are operative to hold the jaw and the pawl in engaged relation such that forces that may be applied by the striker and that attempt to rotate the jaw toward the unlatched position are resisted by the pawl.

When the jaw is desired to be moved to the unlatched position such as is shown inFIGS.7and8through operation of the electrical actuator84, electrical power is applied to the motor92. Rotation of the motor92, the output shaft94and the gears in the gearbox96are operative to cause the pinion98to rotate, causing the rack100to move from the position shown inFIG.12to the position shown inFIG.13. Such movement of the rack100causes the tie rod88to move toward the actuator in the direction of Arrow U shown inFIG.7. Such movement causes the pin90to move linearly within the slot72and engage the arm slot sidewall74which bounds the slot. Movement of the pin90in engagement with the side wall is operative to cause the pawl28to move in a clockwise direction as shown about the pawl pivot44against the force of the pawl spring82. Such movement of the pin90causes the distal end60of the pawl to move from the engaged position to the disengaged position shown inFIGS.7and8. Such movement of the pawl enables the jaw to rotate about the jaw pivot42assisted by the force applied by the jaw spring80as indicated by Arrow B. The jaw moves rotationally from the latched position to the unlatched position shown inFIGS.7and8so that the striker32may move out of and disengage from the notch20and the housing recess16.

As represented inFIG.8, the movement of the jaw18to the unlatched position causes the jaw switch projection116to disengage from the lever112such that the switch110changes its electrical condition. Further in the exemplary arrangement the actuating end26of the second arm portion70of the pawl28moves within the opening76in the housing12. In the exemplary arrangement such movement is accommodated by the cable36flexing or otherwise accommodating the slack that results from the movement of the actuating end26. Of course these approaches are exemplary and in other arrangements other approaches may be used.

In the exemplary arrangement the actuator is operated to enable the pawl28to rotate to return to a position in which the pawl can again engage the jaw when the jaw is moved from the unlatched position toward the latched position. In the exemplary arrangement this is done by the motor of the actuator operating in an opposite rotational direction from the direction of rotation when the actuator unlatches the pawl. The actuator operates to cause the tie rod88and the pin90to return to the positions shown inFIGS.9and11. In exemplary arrangements the bumper106assures that the actuator returns to the proper position. In this position the pawl28is biased by the pawl spring82to rotate in a counterclockwise direction about the pawl pivot44. In the exemplary arrangement the pawl28rotates counterclockwise as shown responsive to the spring until the second arm portion engages the pawl stop78that bounds the pawl opening76.

When the closure member is to be closed, the striker32is again engaged with the jaw18by movement into the notch20. This is represented inFIG.9by Arrow C. Movement of the striker32into the notch20and the recess16in the housing is operative to cause the jaw18to move from the unlatched position and to rotate counterclockwise as shown in the direction of Arrow I about the jaw pivot42. In the exemplary arrangement the inner end46of the jaw18engages the distal end60of the first arm portion58of the pawl28. In this secondary latched position of jaw18shown inFIG.9, the interengaging pawl and jaw engagement projections and recesses are operative to engage and act as a ratchet so that the jaw is prevented from moving by the pawl engagement from the secondary latched position shown inFIG.9to the jaw unlatched position. However the jaw is enabled to rotationally move from the secondary latched position to the latched position shown inFIG.11so as to fully position the striker32within the notch11and the recess. Such movement of the jaw18is enabled by the capability of the distal end60of the pawl to move in biased engagement with the inner end46of the jaw such that the respective projections and recesses thereon are fully engaged.

As can be appreciated fromFIGS.9and11for example, as the jaw and pawl move as the jaw moves from the secondary latched position to the latched position of the jaw and the engaged position of the pawl respectively, the pin90remains stationary. The arm slot72moves relative to the pin90as the pawl28rotates about the pawl pivot44as the distal end60of the pawl and the inner end46of the jaw relatively move in engaged relation. Further as shown inFIG.11, when the jaw18moves to return to the latched position, the jaw switch projection116engages with and causes movement of the lever112in the direction of Arrow L so that the electrical condition of switch110is changed to indicate that the jaw is in the latched position. Of course it should be understood that this arrangement is exemplary and in other arrangements other approaches may be used.

FIGS.14and15further demonstrate how the exemplary latch10may be changed from having the jaw18in the latched position to having the jaw in the unlatched position responsive to movement of the actuating end of the pawl28. With the jaw18in the latched position as shown and the pawl28in the engaged position with the jaw as shown inFIG.14, the jaw is held in the latched position. In this position the tie rod88is positioned by the actuator84so that the pin90extends in the arm slot72and is disposed away from the arm slot sidewall74that bounds the arm slot. In this position, movement of the cable36in the direction of Arrow O causes the actuating end26to move in the opening76of the housing12. The actuating end moves until the second arm portion70is in engagement with a transverse wall118that bounds opening76. This movement causes the pawl28to rotate in a clockwise direction as shown about the pawl pivot44.

In the exemplary arrangement because the pin90is sufficiently disposed both radially and linearly away from the arm slot sidewall74, the arm slot72is enabled to move relative to the pin unimpeded by engagement of the pin and the side wall. The pin90remains stationary as the pawl28rotates responsive to movement of the actuating end26and the arm slot72moves relative to the pin. Movement of the pawl28to the disengaged position shown inFIG.15, causes the distal end60of the first arm portion58to disengage from the inner end46of the jaw18. This causes the jaw to move responsive to the force of the jaw spring and rotate to the unlatched position.

As can be appreciated, once the cable36and the actuating end26of the pawl28are allowed to move responsive to the force of the pawl spring back toward the position where the second arm portion70of the pawl is engaged with the stop78, the latch is ready to be again engaged with the striker. As the striker is engaged in the notch of the jaw and the jaw returns to the latched position, the latch can again be changed to release the striker and the associated closure member either by the electrical actuator84in response to electrical signals or alternatively through mechanical movement of the cable36. Of course it should be understood that this latch configuration is exemplary and in other arrangements other configurations and structures utilizing the principles discussed herein may be utilized.

FIGS.16-28show an alternative arrangement of a latch generally indicated120. Latch120is generally similar to latch10previously described except as noted. Latch120includes a housing122. Housing122is generally similar to housing12previously discussed and in an exemplary arrangement includes side plates which have a recess therein similar to recess16previously discussed.

Within the housing120is a jaw124. Jaw124includes a notch126that is sized for engaging a striker128which is shown in phantom inFIG.17. The jaw124is rotatable about a post130and a central axis thereof. A pawl132that is generally similar to pawl28is rotatably movable within the housing about a post134and a central axis thereof. Pawl132includes a first arm portion136and a second arm portion138. Second arm portion138extends through an arm portion opening140in the housing and terminates outside the housing at an actuating end142. The actuating end may include a cable engaging recess or other configuration for engaging an actuating member.

Jaw124includes an inner end144. The exemplary jaw inner end includes a pair of jaw engagement projections146with an intermediate jaw engagement recess148. The first arm portion136of the pawl includes a pawl engagement projection150. In the latched position of the jaw124and the engaged position of the pawl132as shown inFIG.16, the pawl engagement projection150is engaged in the jaw engagement recess148. Such engagement is operative to hold the jaw in the latched position. Further in the exemplary arrangement the jaw is in operative connection with a jaw spring similar to jaw spring80of the previously discussed arrangement which is operative to bias the jaw toward the unlatched position. A pawl spring similar to spring82is operative to bias the first arm portion136of the pawl toward the engaged position as shown inFIG.16.

It should be appreciated that the exemplary arrangement shown inFIG.16is a latch that is of a single stage type that only has conditions in which the jaw is either in the fully latched position or the unlatched position. In this exemplary arrangement there is no intermediate position in which the jaw is held. However it should be understood that other arrangements may include an arrangement of jaw projections and recesses and pawl projections and recesses that are operable to enable holding the jaw in an intermediate position in engagement with the striker in a manner like that previously discussed.

Latch120includes an electric actuator152. Electrical connector154is in operative connection with the electric actuator and extends outside the housing122. The actuator includes a case156. The exemplary actuator includes a cam follower as later discussed, that operatively extends outside the housing and is operatively connected to a pin158. Similar to pin90, pin158is selectively movable along a linearly straight actuating direction responsive to operation of the actuator152.

Arm portion136of pawl132includes an arm slot or opening160. Arm slot160is positioned radially intermediate of the axis of the post134about which the pawl rotates and the distal end of first arm portion136. Opening/arm slot160is bounded by arm slot sidewall162. Arm slot160is elongated both in the linear actuating direction of travel of pin158responsive to the actuator152, as well as transversely of the actuating direction of pin travel. This enables the pawl132to be rotatably moved responsive to movement of the actuating end142without pin160interfering with such pawl movement.

As shown inFIG.17latch120further includes a plunger164. Plunger164includes a plunger body166that is movable along a linear direction in guided relation within a plunger guide168. The plunger164further includes a compression spring170. The compression spring biases the plunger body166outwardly relative to the recess in the housing122.

In the exemplary arrangement the plunger body166is in adjacent relation to the jaw124. When the jaw124is in the latched position and in engagement with the striker128, the plunger body is in abutting engagement with the striker. As shown inFIG.20when the pawl132rotates to enable the jaw124to move to the unlatched position, the plunger body166moves outward responsive to the biasing force of the spring170and helps to urge the striker128to disengage from the jaw124and the latch120. As can be appreciated the plunger164acts to supplement the biasing force provided by the jaw spring to assist in releasing the striker when the pawl disengages the jaw and the latch is opened. When the striker is to be again engaged with the jaw124, the striker engages the plunger body166as the jaw is moved from the unlatched position shown inFIG.20toward the latched position shown inFIG.16. The plunger body166is moved against the force of the compression spring170through engagement with the striker so as to return the plunger to the initial position shown inFIGS.16and17. Of course it should be understood that this configuration is exemplary and other arrangements other approaches may be used.

The exemplary case156of the electric actuator152also includes an integral electrical switch that is operative to electrically indicate the position of the jaw124. As shown inFIGS.21-28a movable lever piece172extends outside the case156. As shown inFIGS.25-28lever piece172includes a stem174and an enlarged head176. The stem174is movable in an opening that extends through the case. The stem includes an inner end178. The inner end178engages a movable actuator plate180. The actuator plate is biased by springs182or other biasing members to urge the stem174and the lever piece172to extend outward from the case.

A switch185is positioned within the case156. The switch184includes an actuator which moves and changes the electrical condition of the switch responsive to the position of the lever piece and the actuator plate180.FIGS.25and26show the lever piece172disposed inwardly on the case against the biasing force of the springs182.FIGS.27and28show the lever piece182disposed at a position extending outward on the case. Of course it should be understood that this configuration is exemplary and in other arrangements other approaches may be used.

As shown inFIG.17in the exemplary arrangement the jaw124includes a jaw switch projection184that extends from a surface thereof. In the latched position of the jaw124the jaw switch projection184engages the lever piece172and causes the lever piece to be disposed inwardly on the case156of the actuator152. This causes the switch185to be in a first electrical condition. When the jaw124moves to the unlatched position as shown inFIG.20, the jaw switch projection184is disposed away from the lever piece172. The lever piece172moves and extends further outwardly on the case156and causes a change in the electrical condition of the switch185. This enables the switch185to provide electrical signals that are indicative of the position of the jaw124as well as whether the latch is in the latched or unlatched condition. Of course it should be understood that this arrangement is exemplary and other arrangements for sensing the condition of the latch may be used.

The exemplary actuator152includes within the case thereof an electric motor186. The electric motor186includes an output shaft or similar rotating member that rotates when electrical power is supplied to the electric motor. The exemplary electric motor is in operative connection with a gearbox188. The gearbox operates to receive rotational motion via an output shaft of the motor or other rotating member at the speed provided by the electric motor and to provide rotational motion of an output shaft or other output member of the gearbox at a speed that is lower than the input speed provided by the motor.

The gearbox188is in operative connection with a rotatable cam190. Cam190includes an eccentric cam lobe192. The cam190rotates responsive to rotational motion from the motor that is transmitted through the gearbox. As the cam rotates the lobe moves rotationally with the cam. A cam follower194is movable in operative engagement with the cam lobe192. The cam follower194is operatively connected to the pin158. The cam follower194is positioned within the case so that it is guided to move linearly along a straight line in the actuation direction back-and-forth responsive to the position of the cam lobe192.

As represented inFIGS.25and26with the cam lobe192positioned as shown, the pin158is positioned at the furthest outward extent of its travel relative to the case156of the electric actuator. As the cam90rotates responsive to the electric motor and the gearbox, the cam lobe192moves to the position shown inFIGS.27and28. In this position the pin158is retracted to the furthest inward extent of travel along the actuation direction relative to the case. Thus as can be appreciated, operation of the motor186causes the pin to move linearly straight along the actuation direction inward and outward relative to the case of the actuator152. As a result in this exemplary arrangement the pin may be moved between the extended and retracted positions through movement of the motor in only one rotational direction. This avoids the need to reverse the direction of the motor as is done to move the rack in the previously described arrangement. The use of the exemplary cam arrangement may also avoid the need for bumpers or other structures to limit the extremes of travel of the structures which operatively move the pin. Of course it should be understood that the arrangements described herein are exemplary and in other arrangements other configurations may be used.

An exemplary arrangement of latch120is shown inFIGS.16and17with the jaw124in the latched position in engagement with the striker128. In this position a closure member that is in operative connection with the striker is held in a fixed position in response to the engagement of the striker with the latch. To change the latch so the jaw124is movable to the unlatched position, the pawl132is rotated such that the distal end of the first arm portion136is disengaged from the jaw inner end144.FIG.18shows the pawl rotated to disengage from the jaw124by movement of the actuating end142in the arm portion opening140of the housing122of the latch. The disengagement of the pawl with the jaw causes the jaw to rotate to the unlatched position as shown inFIG.18. The plunger body166also moves responsive to the biasing force of the compression spring170to help to disengage the striker from the notch126of the jaw.

Also as shown inFIG.18, as the jaw124moves from the latched position to the unlatched position the lever piece172is enabled to move outward on the actuator case156so that the change in the condition of the latch can be indicated by the switch185. Also as represented inFIG.18the pin158remains stationary while the arm slot160and the pawl132relatively move with respect to the pin. As a result the pin158does not interfere with the movement of the pawl132to unlatched the latch responsive to movement of the actuating end142.

FIG.19shows the manner in which the condition of the latch120may be changed from the latched condition to the unlatched condition responsive to the electric actuator152. As shown inFIG.19, the pin158is moved by the cam follower194to engage the wall of the slot160and to rotate the pawl132. Such movement causes the distal end of the first arm portion136to disengage from the jaw inner end144. Jaw124is enabled to rotate from the latched position shown inFIG.16to the unlatched position shown inFIG.19so that the striker can be disengaged from the jaw. The plunger body166of the plunger164biasingly extends to further urge the striker out of the notch in the jaw and the recess in the housing of the latch so that the striker can be disengaged from the latch. The extension of the plunger body166is further shown inFIG.20.

Also in the exemplary arrangement, the jaw124includes a stop projection196. The stop projection196is configured to engage the extended plunger body166so as to limit the rotational movement of the jaw124to the unlatched position. The exemplary plunger body166further includes a step198to further facilitate the engagement of the stop projection with the plunger body and limit the extent of rotational travel of the jaw. Of course this approach is exemplary and in other arrangements other approaches may be used. Also as represented inFIGS.19and20the lever piece172is enabled to extend further outward on the case156in response to the jaw switch projection184moving so as to be disposed away therefrom. As a result the change in the condition of the latch from the latched condition to the unlatched condition is enabled to be detected by the change in the electrical condition of the switch185.

The alternative latch120includes an integrated actuator and electrical switch. The actuator can be operated to change the condition of the latch from the latched condition to the unlatched condition responsive to the delivery of electrical power thereto, and also provide an electrical indication of the change in the latch condition. The exemplary latch further enables the latch to be changed from the latched condition to the unlatched condition without using the electric actuator, by mechanical movement of the pawl via the actuating end which extends outside the housing of the latch. This further provides the alternative of unlatching the latch through a mechanical connection. Of course it should be understood that these configurations and components that make up the exemplary latch may be used in other latch arrangements, including those that may provide for only electrical control of the latch or only mechanical control of the latch. In addition the features described may be implemented in connection with latches that use other structures for engaging a striker or a similar latching member that is selectively held and released through operation of the latch.

FIGS.29through34show an alternative exemplary arrangement of a latch200. The exemplary latch200is similar to latch120except as otherwise described. Latch200includes a housing202that houses a jaw204which is rotatable about a central axis of a post206. The jaw includes a notch208that is configured for engaging a striker210in the latched position as shown inFIG.31. The exemplary jaw is biased by a jaw spring212toward the unlatched position.

Latch200further includes a pawl214. Pawl214is rotatable about a central axis of a post216. Pawl214includes a first arm portion218and a second arm portion220. The first arm portion and the second arm portion are angularly spaced apart. In this alternative arrangement the second arm portion220extends at an obtuse angle OA (seeFIG.31) relative to the first arm portion. The housing includes an arm portion opening222through which an actuating end224of the pawl214extends. Actuating end224may be configured to engage a cable. As used herein a cable shall be deemed to include a cable, a rod, a lever or other suitable actuating member. Pawl214is in operative connection with a pawl spring226. Pawl spring226is operative to bias the pawl214in a rotational direction that is opposite to the rotational direction in which the jaw204is biased by the jaw spring212.

Similar to the pawl of latch120, pawl214includes a pawl engagement projection228. The pawl engagement projection is configured to engage a jaw engagement recess230of the jaw. Engagement of the pawl engagement projection228and the jaw engagement recess230is operative to hold the jaw204in the latched position. The exemplary latch further includes a spring-loaded plunger232that is mounted in movable biased engagement with a plunger body234. The plunger operates in a manner similar to plunger164described in connection with latch120to further bias the striker to disengage from the jaw when the jaw is moved from the latched position shown inFIG.29to the unlatched position as shown inFIGS.32and34.

Latch200further includes an electrical actuator236. Electrical actuator236may be similar to the electrical actuators152or84that have been previously described. The electrical actuator includes an electrical connector238that extends outside the housing202and is configured to be in connection with an electrical wiring harness. Similar to the other actuators, actuator236includes a linearly movable tie rod240or similar structure that is selectively movable inward and outward from the actuator236responsive to operation thereof. The exemplary tie rod is in operative connection with a transversely extending pin242. The pin is engaged in an opening244that extends in the arm portion218. The opening244is alternatively referred to herein as an arm slot. The exemplary arm slot244is configured so as to enable the pawl214to rotate about the pawl pivot that is centered at the axis of post216in a clockwise direction from the position shown inFIG.29while the pin242remains stationary within the slot. This enables the latch to be unlatched responsive to either the actuator or movement of the actuating end of the pawl.

In the exemplary arrangement of latch200in which the pawl214includes a second arm portion220that is disposed at an obtuse angle from the first arm portion218, the actuating end224of the pawl extends from the housing on a different side of the housing from the actuating ends of the pawls in the previously described arrangements. Thus as shown for example inFIG.31, a cable246or other actuating mechanism may be engaged with the actuating end224in a different location relative to the housing202compared to the other exemplary arrangements. Further as can be appreciated fromFIG.32, the movement of the cable246may be in a direction that is substantially transverse to the direction of movement of the cable or other actuating structure that moves the actuating end of the pawl in other described latch arrangements. This exemplary configuration provides additional types of mechanical actuating options for the latch200compared to the other exemplary latch arrangements.

As can be appreciated, from the latched position of the jaw204shown in engagement with the striker210inFIG.31, movement of the cable246in the direction of Arrow R inFIG.32rotates pawl214in a clockwise direction about the pawl pivot and the post216. Such movement by the first arm portion218of the pawl disengages the pawl engagement projection228and the jaw engagement recess230. This causes the jaw204to rotate in a clockwise direction about the jaw pivot and the post206which releases the striker210from the notch208. Disengagement of the striker and the notch is further assisted by the outward biasing force applied by the plunger232. As can be appreciated as the pawl214is rotated by the movement of the cable246the pin242remains stationary as the arm slot244moves relative thereto. Of course the movement of the cable246back to the position shown inFIG.29enables the latch to again engage the striker and the jaw204to hold the striker in the latched position.

Similar to the previously described arrangements, the latch may be changed from the latched condition to the unlatched condition by movement of the tie rod240of the actuator236to the right as shown inFIG.31. Such movement of the tie rod by the actuator causes the pin242to engage the wall bounding the arm slot244and rotate the pawl214about the post216. This causes the pawl engagement projection228to disengage from the jaw engagement recess230, enabling the jaw204to move and disengage from the striker. Further as can be appreciated when the actuator236operates to return the pin242to the initial condition, the pawl214is again enabled to rotate to engage the pawl engagement projection228with the jaw engagement recess230as the striker moves to engage the notch208of the jaw. Of course it should be understood that these approaches are exemplary and in other arrangements other approaches may be used.

Thus the exemplary arrangements achieve improved operation, eliminate difficulties encountered in the use of prior latch apparatus and attain the useful results described herein.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clarity and understanding. However, no one necessary limitations are to be implied therefrom because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover the descriptions and illustrations herein are by way of examples and the new and useful concepts and features are not limited to the exact features shown and described.

Having described the features, discoveries and principles of the exemplary arrangements, the manner in which they are constructed and operated, and the advantages and useful results attained, the new and useful features, devices, elements, arrangements, parts, combinations, systems, equipment, operations, methods, processes and relationships are set forth in the appended claims.