LATCH ACTUATOR AND METHOD OF ACTUATING A LATCH

A latch actuator comprises a motor (12), a speed reduction gearing (15-17) coupled to an output shaft of the motor (12), a spindle (11) and a motion conversion mechanism (21, 22). The spindle (11) has a threaded portion (18) in engagement with the speed reduction gearing (15-17). The spindle (11) is supported to be rotatable about an axis. The threaded portion (18) is rotationally fixed relative to the spindle (11). The motion conversion mechanism (21, 22) is configured to cause a displacement of the spindle (11) along the axis when the spindle (11) rotates.