Actuator apparatus and related methods for use with vehicle locks are disclosed. A disclosed locking system for a vehicle includes a movable component of the vehicle and a lock operatively coupled to the movable component. The locking system also includes an actuator assembly. The actuator assembly includes a housing coupled to a vehicle body, an actuator supported by the housing, and a linkage mechanism connecting the actuator to the lock. The locking system also includes an input device supported by the housing. Activation of the input device causes the actuator to change a state of the lock.

An actuating device for a movable part, in particular a cover of a vehicle body opening, including at least one actuator and at least one electromechanical switching element. The electromechanical switching element is changeable between a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the electromechanical switching element senses an actuation by the actuator and in the second mode, the electromechanical switching element releases the actuator such that the actuator can be moved toward the movable part. The electromechanical switching element has an electroactive polymer and/or a piezoelectric element.

An actuating device for a movable part, in particular a cover of a vehicle body opening, including at least one actuator and at least one electromechanical switching element. The electromechanical switching element is changeable between a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the electromechanical switching element senses an actuation by the actuator and in the second mode, the electromechanical switching element releases the actuator such that the actuator can be moved toward the movable part. The electromechanical switching element has an electroactive polymer and/or a piezoelectric element.

A latch actuator comprises a motor, a speed reduction gearing coupled to an output shaft of the motor, a spindle, and a motion conversion mechanism. The spindle has a threaded portion in engagement with the speed reduction gearing. The spindle is supported to be rotatable about an axis. The threaded portion is rotationally fixed relative to the spindle. The motion conversion mechanism is configured to cause a displacement of the spindle along the axis when the spindle rotates.

A latch actuator comprises a motor, a speed reduction gearing coupled to an output shaft of the motor, a spindle, and a motion conversion mechanism. The spindle has a threaded portion in engagement with the speed reduction gearing. The spindle is supported to be rotatable about an axis. The threaded portion is rotationally fixed relative to the spindle. The motion conversion mechanism is configured to cause a displacement of the spindle along the axis when the spindle rotates.

An actuator for a latch is provided, the actuator having: a motor operatively coupled to a gear train; and a sector gear pivotally mounted to the actuator and operatively coupled to the gear train, wherein rotational movement of the sector gear is translated into linear movement of a link operatively coupled to the sector gear and wherein linear movement of the link causes a linear movement of a portion of a lock lever operatively coupled to the actuator.

Coupler-actuator assembly for a powered latch system of a hatch lid of a storage compartment of a vehicle, the coupler-actuator assembly including: a housing adapted to be disposed partially or wholly within and coupled to the hatch lid of the storage compartment or the storage compartment itself; a motor disposed partially or wholly within and coupled to the housing; an actuation mechanism disposed within the housing and coupled to the motor; and one or more slider racks disposed partially or wholly within the housing and coupled to the actuation mechanism. The coupler-actuator assembly also includes one or more connecting rods coupled to the one or more slider racks. The coupler-actuator assembly further includes one or more latch assemblies coupled to the one or more connecting rods, wherein, when actuated, the one or more latch assemblies are adapted to release the hatch lid from/secure the hatch lid to the storage compartment.

Coupler-actuator assembly for a powered latch system of a hatch lid of a storage compartment of a vehicle, the coupler-actuator assembly including: a housing adapted to be disposed partially or wholly within and coupled to the hatch lid of the storage compartment or the storage compartment itself; a motor disposed partially or wholly within and coupled to the housing; an actuation mechanism disposed within the housing and coupled to the motor; and one or more slider racks disposed partially or wholly within the housing and coupled to the actuation mechanism. The coupler-actuator assembly also includes one or more connecting rods coupled to the one or more slider racks. The coupler-actuator assembly further includes one or more latch assemblies coupled to the one or more connecting rods, wherein, when actuated, the one or more latch assemblies are adapted to release the hatch lid from/secure the hatch lid to the storage compartment.

An activation device for at least two spatially separated motor vehicle closure units, for example for a tailgate latch on the one hand and a fuel filler door latch on the other hand. The activation device possesses a linear drive with a linear actuator. Dependent on its activation direction, the linear drive impinges either the first motor vehicle closure unit or the other second motor vehicle closure unit. According to the invention, dependent on its actuating direction, the linear actuator impinges at least a pivotable activation lever to interact with either the first motor vehicle closure unit or the other second motor vehicle closure unit.

An activation device for at least two spatially separated motor vehicle closure units, for example for a tailgate latch on the one hand and a fuel filler door latch on the other hand. The activation device possesses a linear drive with a linear actuator. Dependent on its activation direction, the linear drive impinges either the first motor vehicle closure unit or the other second motor vehicle closure unit. According to the invention, dependent on its actuating direction, the linear actuator impinges at least a pivotable activation lever to interact with either the first motor vehicle closure unit or the other second motor vehicle closure unit.