EP3980616A1

EP3980616A1 - Vehicle door lock with anti-noise system

Info

Publication number: EP3980616A1
Application number: EP20730031.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Eugenio Guglielmo D'URSO; Simone DI CORI
Original assignee: Cebi Italy SpA
Current assignee: Cebi Italy SpA
Priority date: 2019-06-05
Filing date: 2020-06-03
Publication date: 2022-04-13
Anticipated expiration: 2040-06-03
Also published as: WO2020245222A1; PL3980616T3; EP3980616B1

Abstract

The lock (100) comprises: a catch (3) and a pawl (4) hinged to an intermediate plate (1), and inserts (6) made of anti-noise material that is different from the material of the intermediate plate, disposed in the intermediate plate (1) around a first hole (F1) and a second hole (F2) of the intermediate plate. The inserts (6) are provided with an end (60) that 5 protrudes from a first side (1a) of the intermediate place to come in contact with the catch (3) and with the pawl (4), in such a way that, during their movement, the catch (3) and the pawl (4) slide on the ends (60) of the inserts, minimizing the noise.

Description

VEHICLE DOOR LOCK WITH ANTI-NOISE SYSTEM

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a vehicle door lock with anti noise system.

Several types of vehicle door locks are available on the market. Said locks generally comprises a catch that fastens a striker. A pawl locks the catch in closing position. By moving the pawl, the catch is released, it being pushed by a spring to the opening position wherein it releases the striker in such a way to open the door.

The catch and the pawl are disposed and hinged inside a box. Said type of lock is impaired by some drawbacks that are mainly due to noise caused by the sliding movement of the catch and of the pawl inside the box of the lock.

Moreover, the catch and the pawl may be inclined during their movements and may get jammed.

The use of sensors for detecting the position of the catch is known. However, it is difficult to arrange said sensors in the box mainly because of the passage of the electric cable connected to the sensor, which usually interferes with the spring that pushes the pawl.

EP0331832 discloses a lock according to the preamble of claim

1 .

US5328219, US2010/050418, US2013/049379 and

US2003/222462 disclose examples of vehicle door locks according to the prior art.

The purpose of the present invention is to eliminate the drawbacks of the prior art by disclosing a vehicle door lock that is noiseless, reliable and capable of perfectly and precisely guiding the catch and the pawl. Another purpose is to disclose such a lock that is provided with a sensor to detect the position of the catch.

An additional purpose is to disclose such a lock that is versatile and easy to make and install.

These purposes are achieved according to the invention with the characteristics of the independent claim 1.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention appear from the dependent claims.

The lock according to the invention is defined in claim 1.

Additional features of the invention will be manifest from the following description, which refers to a merely illustrative, not limiting embodiment, as shown in the appended figures, wherein:

Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the lock according to the invention;

Fig. 1 A is an enlarged view of a portion of Fig. 1 , which illustrates an intermediate plate;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the lock of Fig. 1 seen from a different angle;

Fig. 2A is an enlarged view of a portion of Fig. 2, which shows the intermediate plate;

Fig. 2B is an enlarged view of a portion of Fig. 2, which shows the catch and the pawl;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the lock of the invention in assembled condition, without closure plates, covers and spring of the catch;

Fig. 4 is a top view of the lock of Fig. 3 with the spring of the catch;

Fig. 5 is a bottom view of the lock of Fig. 3;

Figs. 6 and 7 are two exploded sectional views of an anti-noise insert, respectively taken along the planes VI-VI and VII-VII of Fig. 5; Fig. 8 is a perspective view that shows the spring of the catch mounted on the intermediate plate, before the catch is assembled;

Fig. 9 is the same perspective view as Fig. 8, after the catch is assembled.

With reference to the Figures, a lock according to the invention is disclosed, which is generally indicated with reference numeral (100).

With reference to Figs. 1 and 2, the lock (100) comprises an intermediate plate (1 ) disposed between a first closure plate (2a) and a second closure plate (2b) that define a box in order to house the parts of the lock. Covers (2c, 2d) may be disposed on the closure plates (2a, 2b).

The intermediate plate (1 ) has a U-shaped slot (10) disposed in register with U-shaped slots (20) of the closure plates (2a, 2b) and of the covers (2c, 2d). A striker (not shown in the figures) is fixed to the chassis of the vehicle and penetrates the slots (10, 20) of the intermediate plate (1 ), of the closure plates (2a, 2b) and of the covers (2c, 2d).

A shank (1 1 ) is disposed at one end of the intermediate plate (1 ) and receives a pin (22) with two ends (22a, 22b) that are respectively engaged in holes (23) of the closure plates (2a, 2b) and of the covers (2c, 2d).

The parts of the lock comprise a catch (3) hinged to the intermediate plate (1 ) by means of a first pin (P1 ), and a pawl (4) hinged to the intermediate plate (1 ) by means of a second pin (P2) in parallel position to the first pin (P1 ).

The catch (3) has a U-shaped fastening slot (31 ) disposed in opposite position relative to the slot (10) of the intermediate plate in order to receive the striker. The pawl (4) interacts with the catch (3) to lock the catch in a closing position, as shown in Fig. 5. To that end, the pawl (4) is provided with a locking tooth (42) that engages a seat (32) of the catch.

A first spring (M1 ) pushes the catch (3) to an opening position wherein the striker is released; a second spring (M2) pushes the pawl (4) to a locking position wherein the catch is locked.

Actuation means (5) are connected to the pawl (4) to move the pawl (4) to an unlocking position, wherein the catch (3) is unlocked. The actuation means (5) may comprise a Bowden cable comprising a cable (50) with a rounded head (51 ) that is slidingly mounted in an external covering (52). To that end, the pawl (4) has a cylindrical cable housing (43) to receive an end of the cable (50) with the rounded head (51 ) and the intermediate plate (1 ) has a cable housing (12) to receive the external covering (52) of the Bowden cable. The cable housing (12) of the intermediate plate is disposed at one end of the intermediate plate in distal position relative to the shank (1 1 ).

The intermediate plate (1 ) has a first side (1 a) that is directed towards the first closure plate (2a), and a second side (1 b) that is directed towards the second closure plate (2b).

The catch (3) and the pawl (4) are mounted on the first side (1 a) of the intermediate plate.

With reference to Fig. 1 A, the intermediate plate (1 ) has a first hole (F1 ) and a second hole (F2) to receive the first pin (P1 ) and the second pin (P2), respectively. The first hole (F1 ) is proximal to the slot (10).

With reference to Figs. 6 and 7, inserts (6) of anti-noise material are disposed in the intermediate plate (1 ) around the first hole (F1 ) and the second hole (F2), in such a way that an end (60) of each insert protrudes from the first side (1 a) of the intermediate plate in order to go in contact with the catch (3) and with the pawl (4). In view of the above, while moving, the catch (3) and the pawl (4) slide on the end (60) of the inserts, without sliding on the first side (1 a) of the intermediate plate. In this way, the sliding noise is avoided and the movement of the catch (3) and of the pawl (4) is guided by the inserts (6).

The inserts (6) can be made of any anti-noise material that is different from the material of the intermediate plate (1 ). The inserts (6) may be made of rubber, preferably soft rubber, and may be also made of Teflon or other material suitable for minimizing the sliding friction with the catch (3) and the pawl (4).

Each insert (6) is disposed in a through hole (15) of the intermediate plate. To that end, each insert (6) has a body (61 ) that penetrates the through hole (15) of the intermediate plate, and a head (62) that is enlarged with respect to the body and is locked in the second side (1 b) of the intermediate plate.

The inserts (6) are disposed around the respective holes (F1 , F2) that are equally angularly spaced. For instance, three inserts (6) that are equally angularly spaced by 120° may be provided around each hole (F1 , F2).

Advantageously, the inserts (6) are arranged in the intermediate plate (1 ) by means of co-molding. Otherwise said, the intermediate plate is arranged in a mold with cavity in correspondence of the holes (15) of the intermediate plate, wherein the plastic material used for the inserts (6) is injected.

Still with reference to Fig. 1 A, an opening (13) shaped like an arc of circle is obtained around the first hole (F1 ) in the intermediate plate (1 ). The opening (13) extends for an angle of approximately 170-200°.

Around the first hole (F1 ), the intermediate plate (1 ) forms an annular flange (14) that extends between the first hole (F1 ) and the opening (13) and between the first hole (F1 ) and the slot (10). It must be noted that the inserts (60) are disposed in said annular flange (14). With reference to Fig. 2B, the catch (3) has a body (30) that is shaped like a plate with a central hole (33) wherein the first pin (P1 ) is fitted.

A cam (34) protrudes from the body (30) of the catch. The cam (34) is shaped like an arc of circle with center in the hole (33) and subtended by an angle of approximately 60-100°. The thickness of the cam (34) is lower than the width of the opening (13) of the intermediate plate (1 ). In this way, the cam (34) can be arranged in the opening (13) of the intermediate plate in such a way to protrude from the second side (1 b) of the intermediate plate. Moreover, given that the opening (13) of the intermediate plate is longer than the cam (34) of the catch, the cam (34) can rotate inside said opening (13).

With reference to Figs. 1 and 2, the first spring (M1 ) has a first ending arm (70) and a second ending arm (71 ). The first spring (M1 ) is a helical spring. The first ending arm (71 ) tangentially protrudes from the first turn of the spring. The second ending arm (71 ) tangentially protrudes from the last turn of the spring and is bent downwards at right angle.

The first spring (M1 ) is disposed on the second side (1 b) of the intermediate plate, around the first pin (P1 ).

With reference to Fig. 2A, the intermediate plate (1 ) has a lateral wall (16) that extends from the second side (1 b). A spring housing (17) is obtained in the lateral wall (16) near the first hole (F1 ) to receive the first ending arm (70) of the first spring (M1 ).

With reference to Fig. 1 A, a slot (18) is peripherally obtained in the flange (14) to receive the second ending arm (71 ) of the first spring. In view of the above, the second ending arm (71 ) of the first spring penetrates the opening (13) of the intermediate plate, and the end of the second ending arm protrudes from the first side (1 a) of the intermediate plate. A stop tooth (18a) that extends towards the second side (1 b) of the intermediate plate and retains the second ending arm (71 ) of the spring is provided on the slot (18).

With reference to Fig. 8, the slot (18) of the flange (14) is only used for the pre-mounting of the first spring (M1 ), wherein the first spring (M1 ) is pre-loaded when the second ending arm (72) of the first spring fastens the slot (18).

With reference to Fig. 9, when the catch (3) is mounted on the first side (1 a) of the intermediate plate, the catch (3) pushes the second ending arm (71 ) of the first spring upwards, and said second ending arm (71 ) passes beyond the stop tooth (18a). Therefore, the first spring (M1 ) is unloaded and the second ending arm (71 ) of the first spring is stopped against a retention tooth (37) that protrudes inwards from the cam (34) of the catch. In view of the above, the catch (3) is pushed in to its opening position in the direction of the arrow (F).

When the catch (3) is in the closing position, fastening the striker, the first spring (M1 ) is loaded and pushes the catch (3) to the opening position.

Still with reference to Fig. 2B, the pawl (4) has a cylindrical body (40) with a hole (41 ) wherein the second pin (P2) is fitted. An arm (44) radially protrudes from the body (40) of the pawl. The end of the arm (44) forms the tooth (42) that retains the catch (3).

The cable housing (43) of the pawl is connected to the body (40), in such a way that the axis of the cable housing (43) is disposed tangentially relative to the body (40).

It must be noted that the surfaces of the bodies (30, 40) of the catch and of the pawl are smooth and planar around the holes (33, 41 ) in order to slide on the ends (60) of the inserts (6).

With reference to Figs. 1 and 2, the second spring (M2) has a first ending arm (80) and a second ending arm (81 ). The second spring (M2) is a helical spring. The two ending arms (80, 81 ) radially protrude from the first turn and from the last turn of the spring and are disposed in orthogonal position. The second ending arm (81 ) is longer than the first ending arm (80).

With reference to Fig. 2A, the intermediate plate (1 ) has a partition wall (19) that protrudes from the second side (1 b) of the intermediate plate, in proximal position to the second hole (F2). A second spring housing (1 19) is obtained in the partition wall (19) to receive the first ending arm (80) of the second spring.

With reference to Fig. 2B, the pawl (4) comprises a spring housing (45) that is peripherally connected to the body (40) of the pawl to receive the second ending arm (81 ) of the second spring (M2). The spring housing (45) of the pawl has a channel that extends in parallel direction to the axis of the hole (41 ) of the pawl and in orthogonal direction to the axis of the cable housing (43) of the pawl.

When the pawl (4) is mounted on the first side (1 a) of the intermediate plate, the cable housing (43) of the pawl is disposed in correspondence of the cable housing (12) of the intermediate plate, and the spring housing (45) of the pawl is disposed on the outside of the intermediate plate in order to be engaged by the second ending arm (81 ) of the second spring (M2).

As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the second spring (M2) is disposed on the second side (1 b) of the intermediate plate, around the second pin (P2). The first ending arm (80) of the second spring is disposed in the second spring housing (1 19) of the intermediate plate, and the second ending arm (81 ) of the second spring is disposed in the spring housing (45) of the pawl. In this way, when the pawl (4) is in locking position, the second spring (M2) is loaded and pushes the pawl to the unlocking position. With reference to Figs. 1 and 2, the lock (100) comprises a microswitch (9) that cooperates with the cam (34) of the catch to detect the position of the catch.

The microswitch (9) comprises a body (90) and a tab (91 ) that protrudes from the body (90).

With reference to Fig. 3 and 4, the microswitch (9) is disposed on the second side (1 b) of the intermediate plate, in such a position that when the catch (3) is in closing position, the cam (34) of the catch does not interfere with the tab (91 ) of the microswitch. Instead, when the catch goes from the closing position to the opening position, the cam (34) of the catch is moved in the opening (13) of the intermediate plate and pushes the tab (91 ), changing the status of the microswitch (9).

The microswitch (9) is connected to an electric cable (92). For example, the electric cable (92) may be connected to a protection box (93) fixed to the body (90) of the microswitch (9).

With reference to Fig. 2A, two wings (120) protrude from the second side (1 b) of the intermediate plate (1 ), said wings (120) being provided with stop teeth to retain the body (90) of the microswitch.

The lateral wall of the intermediate plate (1 ) has an opening (121 ) disposed in proximal position to the cable housing (12) to pass the electric cable (92) of the microswitch. The opening (121 ) continues with an S-shaped path (122) defined by a first partition wall (123) and a second partition wall (124) with arched shape disposed around the second hole (F2) of the intermediate plate.

In this way, the electric cable (92) turns around the second partition wall (124) and passes above the second end (81 ) of the second spring (M2).

With reference to Fig. 1 A, the intermediate plate (1 ) has openings (124) disposed in peripheral position between the second hole (F2) and the cable housing (12). The openings (124) define a second path for an alternative/optional connection because, in case of a microswitch with resistances, the cable comes out laterally from the body of the microswitches (90) along an alternative path.

With reference to Fig. 2B, the catch (3) has a second housing (35) wherein the tooth (42) of the pawl is stopped for partially closing the catch. The second housing (35) of the catch continues with an arched surface (36) in the perimeter edge of the catch, and the end of the catch acts as end-of-travel stop.

Numerous equivalent variations and modifications, which are within the reach of an expert of the field and fall in any case within the scope of the invention as disclosed by the appended claims, can be made to the present embodiment of the invention.

Claims

1. Vehicle door lock (100), comprising:

- an intermediate plate (1 ) disposed between a first closure plate (2a) and a second closure plate (2b) in such a way to form a box; said intermediate plate having a first side (1 a) directed towards the first closure plate (2a), and a second side (1 b) directed towards the second closure plate (2b),

- a catch (3) disposed on the first side (1 a) of the intermediate plate and hinged to the intermediate plate by means of a first pin (P1 ) disposed in a first hole (F1 ) of the intermediate plate; said catch having a fastening slot (31 ) to receive a striker and close the lock;

- a pawl (4) disposed on the first side (1 a) of the intermediate plate and hinged to the intermediate plate by means of a second pin (P2) disposed in a second hole (F2) of the intermediate plate; said pawl (4) having a tooth (42) that is engaged in a housing (32) of the catch to lock the catch in a closing position,

- a first spring (M1 ) that pushes the catch (3) to an opening position, wherein the striker is released,

- a second spring (M2) that pushes the pawl (4) to a locking position, wherein it locks the catch in the closing position,

- activation means (5) connected to the pawl (4) to move the pawl (4) from the locking position to a unlocking position, wherein the catch (3) is released, and

- inserts (6) made of anti-noise material, which is different from the material of the intermediate plate, disposed in said intermediate plate (1 ) around said first hole (F1 ) and second hole (F2) of the intermediate plate; said inserts (6) being provided with an end (60) that protrudes from the first side (1 a) of the intermediate plate in order to come in contact with said catch (3) and with said pawl (4), in such a way that, during their movement, the catch (3) and the pawl (4) slide on the ends (60) of the inserts, minimizing the noise,

characterized in that

the inserts (6) are disposed in through holes (13) (15) of the intermediate plate and the inserts (6) have a body (61 ) that penetrates the through holes (15) of the intermediate plate and a head (62) that is enlarged with respect to the body (61 ) and is locked in the second side (1 b) of the intermediate plate.

2. The lock (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inserts (6) are equally angularly spaced around the first hole (F1 ) of the intermediate plate, and equally angularly spaced around the second hole (F2) of the intermediate plate.

3. The lock (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inserts (6) are co-molded with the intermediate plate (1 ).

4. The lock (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inserts (6) are made of soft rubber.

5. The lock (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said catch (3) and said pawl (4) have bodies (30, 40) with holes (33, 41 ) wherein said first and second pin (P1 , P2) are fitted, and the surfaces of the bodies of the catch and pawl are smooth and planar around the holes (33, 41 ) to slide on said ends (60) of the inserts.

6. The lock (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first spring (M1 ) and the second spring (M2) are disposed on said second side (1 b) of the intermediate plate, respectively around the first pin (P1 ) and the second pin (P2).

7. The lock (100) of any one of the preceding claims, comprising a microswitch (9) disposed on said second side (1 b) of the intermediate plate to detect a position of said catch (3), wherein said catch (3) comprises a cam (34) that protrudes from the catch and penetrates an opening (13) of said intermediate plate in order to protrude from the second side (1 b) of the intermediate plate and actuate said microswitch (9).

8. The lock (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said actuation means (5) comprise a Bowden cable comprising a cable (50) with a rounded head (51 ) mounted in an external covering (52); the pawl (4) has a cylindrical cable housing (43) to receive an end of the cable (50) with the rounded head (51 ) and

the intermediate plate (1 ) has an empty housing (12) to receive the external covering (52) of the Bowden cable.