Abstract: A latch system for vehicle doors includes a powered latch including a powered actuator that is configured to unlatch the powered latch. An interior unlatch input feature such as an unlatch switch can be actuated by a user to provide an unlatch request. The system may include a controller that is operably connected to the powered actuator of the powered latch. The controller is configured such that it does not unlatch the powered latch if a vehicle speed is greater than a predefined value unless the interior latch feature is actuated at least two times according to predefined criteria.

Abstract: A vehicle door includes a latch mechanism having a fork-bolt that is configured to engage a striker and prevent opening of the vehicle door when the latch mechanism is in a latched configuration. The latch mechanism includes a lock mechanism that disconnects an exterior door handle from the latch mechanism when the latch mechanism is locked. The lock mechanism includes a lock lever having a center of mass that is spaced apart from an axis of rotation of the lock lever whereby the lock lever rotates and locks the latch mechanism in the event of a side impact.

Abstract: A locking device is provided for a motor vehicle door. The locking device includes a body having a base, a stake, a lever, a gusset and a rotational axis. A method of locking a motor vehicle door closed in response to a side impact is also provided.

Abstract: A latch system for vehicle doors includes a powered latch including a powered actuator that is configured to unlatch the powered latch. An interior unlatch input feature such as an unlatch switch can be actuated by a user to provide an unlatch request. The system may include a controller that is operably connected to the powered actuator of the powered latch. The controller is configured such that it does not unlatch the powered latch if a vehicle speed is greater than a predefined value unless the interior latch feature is actuated at least two times according to predefined criteria.

Abstract: A latch system for vehicle doors includes a powered latch including a powered actuator that is configured to unlatch the powered latch. An interior unlatch input feature such as an unlatch switch can be actuated by a user to provide an unlatch request. The system may include a controller that is operably connected to the powered actuator of the powered latch. The controller is configured such that it does not unlatch the powered latch if a vehicle speed is greater than a predefined value unless the interior latch feature is actuated at least two times according to predefined criteria.

Abstract: A vehicle door includes a latch mechanism having a fork-bolt that is configured to engage a striker and prevent opening of the vehicle door when the latch mechanism is in a latched configuration. The latch mechanism includes a lock mechanism that disconnects an exterior door handle from the latch mechanism when the latch mechanism is locked. The lock mechanism includes a lock lever having a center of mass that is spaced apart from an axis of rotation of the lock lever whereby the lock lever rotates and locks the latch mechanism in the event of a side impact.

Abstract: A vehicle door includes a latch mechanism having a fork-bolt that is configured to engage a striker and prevent opening of the vehicle door when the latch mechanism is in a latched configuration. The latch mechanism includes a lock mechanism that disconnects an exterior door handle from the latch mechanism when the latch mechanism is locked. The lock mechanism includes a lock lever having a center of mass that is spaced apart from an axis of rotation of the lock lever whereby the lock lever rotates and locks the latch mechanism in the event of a side impact.

Abstract: A locking device is provided for a door of a motor vehicle. That locking device includes a pin having a first end fixed to the door and a second end including an enlarged head. The locking device also includes a receiver on a rocker panel of the motor vehicle. When the door is subjected to a side impact the pin extends into the receiver and is captured to lock the door closed. A related method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle door latch assembly for maintaining the vehicle door in a closed position including during an angled impact to the door latch of the vehicle. The latch assembly includes a catch, a pawl, and an actuator coupled to a door latch base. The catch is movable to and from a closed position wherein the catch is configured to grasp a portion of a striker coupled to the vehicle to maintain the door closed. The catch is also movable to and from an open position wherein the catch is configured to release the striker to allow the door to open. The pawl is configured to maintain the catch in the closed position until the door handle is actuated. The latch assembly includes a blocking plate including an extension member which is deformable during an impact to align with one of or both a pawl lifter and the pawl member to prevent their rotation and thereby maintain the latch assembly and the vehicle door in a latched position during such an impact.

Abstract: A locking device is provided for a door of a motor vehicle. That locking device includes a pin having a first end fixed to the door and a second end including an enlarged head. The locking device also includes a receiver on a rocker panel of the motor vehicle. When the door is subjected to a side impact the pin extends into the receiver and is captured to lock the door closed. A related method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A locking device is provided for a motor vehicle door. The locking device includes a body having a base, a stake, a lever, a gusset and a rotational axis. A method of locking a motor vehicle door closed in response to a side impact is also provided.

Abstract: A door latch release mechanism for use in a passenger vehicle comprises at least one of a latch mechanism and a handle mechanism. The latch mechanism includes a first bellcrank with a first pivot axis and two mounting points. The handle mechanism includes a second bellcrank with a second pivot axis and two mounting points. The handle mechanism further includes a door handle having a third pivot axis, and a mechanical linkage connecting the door handle lever with the second bellcrank.

Abstract: A vehicle door latch assembly for maintaining the vehicle door in a closed position including during an angled impact to the door latch of the vehicle. The latch assembly includes a catch, a pawl, and an actuator coupled to a door latch base. The catch is movable to and from a closed position wherein the catch is configured to grasp a portion of a striker coupled to the vehicle to maintain the door closed. The catch is also movable to and from an open position wherein the catch is configured to release the striker to allow the door to open. The pawl is configured to maintain the catch in the closed position until the door handle is actuated. The latch assembly includes a blocking plate including an extension member which is deformable during an impact to align with one of or both a pawl lifter and the pawl member to prevent their rotation and thereby maintain the latch assembly and the vehicle door in a latched position during such an impact.

Abstract: A vehicle door latch assembly for maintaining the vehicle door in a closed position including during an angled impact to the door latch of the vehicle. The latch assembly includes a catch, a pawl, and an actuator coupled to a door latch base. The catch is movable to and from a closed position wherein the catch is configured to grasp a portion of a striker coupled to the vehicle to maintain the door closed. The catch is also movable to and from an open position wherein the catch is configured to release the striker to allow the door to open. The pawl is configured to maintain the catch in the closed position until the door handle is actuated. The latch assembly includes a blocking plate including an extension member which is deformable during an impact to align with one of or both a pawl lifter and the pawl member to prevent their rotation and thereby maintain the latch assembly and the vehicle door in a latched position during such an impact.

Abstract: A vehicle door includes a latch mechanism having a fork-bolt that is configured to engage a striker and prevent opening of the vehicle door when the latch mechanism is in a latched configuration. The latch mechanism includes a lock mechanism that disconnects an exterior door handle from the latch mechanism when the latch mechanism is locked. The lock mechanism includes a lock lever having a center of mass that is spaced apart from an axis of rotation of the lock lever whereby the lock lever rotates and locks the latch mechanism in the event of a side impact.

Abstract: A latch system for vehicle doors includes a powered latch including a powered actuator that is configured to unlatch the powered latch. An interior unlatch input feature such as an unlatch switch can be actuated by a user to provide an unlatch request. The system may include a controller that is operably connected to the powered actuator of the powered latch. The controller is configured such that it does not unlatch the powered latch if a vehicle speed is greater than a predefined value unless the interior latch feature is actuated at least two times according to predefined criteria.

Abstract: An exterior handle assembly for a vehicle door includes a movable handle member and a mounting structure. The mounting structure includes a predefined fracture line or line of weakening, whereby the reinforcing structure fractures along the line of weakening in the event a large external force is applied to the reinforcing structure. The handle assembly also includes a push surface that pushes against an inertia lock lever after fracture of the reinforcing structure to thereby push the inertia lock lever into a locked position to prevent unlatching of a vehicle door.

Abstract: An exterior handle assembly for a vehicle door includes a movable handle member and a mounting structure. The mounting structure includes a predefined fracture line or line of weakening, whereby the reinforcing structure fractures along the line of weakening in the event a large external force is applied to the reinforcing structure. The handle assembly also includes a push surface that pushes against an inertia lock lever after fracture of the reinforcing structure to thereby push the inertia lock lever into a locked position to prevent unlatching of a vehicle door.

Abstract: A door handle assembly for an automotive vehicle including a handle chassis and a handle strap having a lever actuator. A rotatable lever in contact with the lever actuator is mounted upon a release pivot attached to the handle chassis. A cable assembly includes a sheath having a first end which is held stationary, and a flexible core attached to the rotatable lever and to a door latch. A dimension control link maintains a predetermined distance between the first end of the cable sheath and the release pivot, so as to avoid unintentional operation of the door latch which could result from a crushing load imposed upon an outer portion of a vehicle door including the door handle assembly.

Abstract: A cable assembly having an elongate cable and a cable fitting having an elongate body with a first end, a second end, and a tubular duct extending therethrough adapted to receive the elongate cable. First and second annular rings extend substantially circumferentially around a portion of the elongate body and define an annular groove therebetween. A circumferential support has a first section that extends from the first annular ring to the first end and a second section that extends from the second annular ring to the second end, and has ribs extending radially outwardly therefrom. An outer circumference of the annular groove is less than an outer circumference of the circumferential support.