In a vehicle door latch apparatus, a one-motion operation can be allowed. Switching element is in a double unlocked state when it is in the connected position and is in a double locked state when it is in the disconnected position. The double unlocked state enables a one-motion operation, in which switching element is linked to the release operation of first inside lever in order to switch the locking mechanism from the locked state to the unlocked state and in which the release operation of first inside lever is transmitted to second inside lever in order to open the door, and in the double locked state, switching element is not linked to the release operation of first inside lever, prevents the release operation of first inside lever from being transmitted to second inside lever and prevents the locking mechanism from being switched from the locked state to the unlocked state.

In a vehicle door latch apparatus, a one-motion operation can be allowed. Switching element is in a double unlocked state when it is in the connected position and is in a double locked state when it is in the disconnected position. The double unlocked state enables a one-motion operation, in which switching element is linked to the release operation of first inside lever in order to switch the locking mechanism from the locked state to the unlocked state and in which the release operation of first inside lever is transmitted to second inside lever in order to open the door, and in the double locked state, switching element is not linked to the release operation of first inside lever, prevents the release operation of first inside lever from being transmitted to second inside lever and prevents the locking mechanism from being switched from the locked state to the unlocked state.

A vehicle door lock apparatus has a first housing superimposed on a second housing that includes a base wall, a first concave wall projecting from the base wall, an engaging part formed in or on the first concave wall, and an opening that provides a path from the outside into an inner housing chamber. A transmission cable includes an inner cable slidably housed in an outer cable. A portion of the inner cable is exposed from a first end of the outer cable, passes through the opening, and is coupled to a rotatable element disposed in the inner housing chamber via a linkage. A casing cap that surrounds an end of the outer cable has a contact part that contacts the first concave wall in a second direction and an engaged part that engages with the engaging part in the second direction when the contact part contacts the first concave wall.

A method of deactivating a secondary lock feature of a vehicle includes sensing a movement of an interior door handle, and determining a status of the secondary lock feature to ascertain whether the secondary lock feature is active. The method includes starting a timer to measure an elapsed time since sensing the movement of the interior door handle, sensing an environmental condition of an interior passenger compartment of the vehicle with a sensor, and setting an unlock delay time based on the environmental condition. When the secondary lock feature is disposed in an active state and the elapsed time period is greater than or equal to the unlock delay time, the method includes automatically generating a control signal to thereby deactivate the secondary lock feature.

A motor vehicle lock, in particular a motor vehicle door lock, comprising a locking mechanism consisting essentially of a rotary latch and a pawl, further comprising an actuation lever chain for the locking mechanism, and comprising a locking element, at least one securing element, and exactly one spring element that cooperates with both the locking element and the securing element. The actuation lever chain can be controlled via the locking element to be put at least into the functional states “unlocked” and “locked” and can be additionally controlled via the securing element to be put into the functional states “non-secured” and “secured.” According to the invention, the spring element additionally cooperates with the actuation lever chain.

A motor vehicle lock, in particular a motor vehicle door lock, comprising a locking mechanism consisting essentially of a rotary latch and a pawl, further comprising an actuation lever chain for the locking mechanism, and comprising a locking element, at least one securing element, and exactly one spring element that cooperates with both the locking element and the securing element. The actuation lever chain can be controlled via the locking element to be put at least into the functional states “unlocked” and “locked” and can be additionally controlled via the securing element to be put into the functional states “non-secured” and “secured.” According to the invention, the spring element additionally cooperates with the actuation lever chain.

A door latch device includes a latch mechanism, an inner lever having a connection lever and an actuation lever, and a lock mechanism switching between unlocked and locked state. The lock mechanism includes a connection member capable of transmitting operation of the connection lever to the actuation lever, a first rotating lever rotated by a motor to first and second working positions, a second rotating lever rotatable to a first rotation position where the connection member is moved to an unlock position and a second rotation position where the connection member is moved to a lock position, a connection spring connecting the first rotating lever and the second rotating lever while allowing relative rotation of them, and a holding spring having a biasing force stronger than a biasing force of the connection spring and holds the first rotating lever at the first and second working positions.

A door lock cable and trim panel assembly for a motor vehicle includes a door lock cable and a trim panel assembly. The door lock cable includes a sheath assembly having a sheath tube and a cable core, a casing cap attached to an upper end of the sheath tube and an end insert element affixed to the cable core. The end insert element is inserted into an inside blind bore of a lock knob. In addition, the trim panel assembly includes a knob hole and a trim-interface slot transversely protruded from an inner surface of the trim panel assembly. The trim-interface slot has an upper and lower portion being engaged with the casing cap of the door lock cable.

A motor vehicle latch, in particular a motor vehicle door latch, is equipped with a locking mechanism consisting substantially of a catch and a pawl. An electromotive drive for a coupling lever is further provided as part of a power locking unit. In addition, a first operating lever is provided, wherein in the “unlocked” position of the power locking unit, said first operating lever works on the coupling lever that is then engaged in order to open the locking mechanism, and wherein in the “locked” position of the power locking unit, said first operating lever performs an idle stroke relative to the coupling lever that is then disengaged. According to the invention, the electromotive drive works with a linear thrust member on the coupling lever, wherein the linear thrust member is held in at least one position with the aid of a blocking levers).

A motor vehicle latch, in particular a motor vehicle door latch, is equipped with a locking mechanism consisting substantially of a catch and a pawl. An electromotive drive for a coupling lever is further provided as part of a power locking unit. In addition, a first operating lever is provided, wherein in the “unlocked” position of the power locking unit, said first operating lever works on the coupling lever that is then engaged in order to open the locking mechanism, and wherein in the “locked” position of the power locking unit, said first operating lever performs an idle stroke relative to the coupling lever that is then disengaged. According to the invention, the electromotive drive works with a linear thrust member on the coupling lever, wherein the linear thrust member is held in at least one position with the aid of a blocking levers).