GB2411206A

GB2411206A - Door check with restraining mechanism integral with casing

Info

Publication number: GB2411206A
Application number: GB0503384A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter John Cresswell; Colin Jeffrey Taylor
Original assignee: Bloxwich Engineering Ltd
Current assignee: Bloxwich Engineering Ltd
Priority date: 2004-02-18
Filing date: 2005-02-18
Publication date: 2005-08-24
Anticipated expiration: 2025-02-18
Also published as: GB2411206B; GB0503384D0; GB0403563D0; ZA200501449B

Abstract

A vehicle door check in which a strap in the form of a link 5 adapted to be pivotally connected to one of a door frame and door is withdrawn through a case 4 mounted on the other of the door and door frame against a restraining force applied to the link 5 by a restraining mechanism. At least part of the restraining mechanism is an integral part of the check case 4, for example the restraining mechanism may include one or more sliders 19, 20 or roller carriers connected to the case by integral webs. The sliders may be biased by rubber springs 21, 22 or coil springs. The sliders 19, 20 may be made of the same plastics material as the casing 4. Alternatively, the sliders 19, 20 may be made of a different plastics material, for example produced by twin-shot moulding. The case 4 may be formed from a body 11, a base or wear plate 12 and a cover plate 13. The body 11 and base plate 12 may be hinged together, and may be secured by clips 15.

Description

241 1 206

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO DOOR CHECKS

This invention concerns improvements in or relating to door checks for vehicles. In particular, the invention concerns door checks for vehicles of the kind in which a strap in the form of a link adapted to be pivotally connected to one of a door frame and door is withdrawn through a case mounted on the other of the door and door frame against a restraining force applied to the link by a restraining mechanism housed within the case. Such door checks will hereinafter be referred to as of the kind set forth.

Traditionally, door checks of the kind set forth have employed a link which is profiled to control opening movement and/or is adapted to hold the door in one or more intermediate open positions by engagement with the restraining mechanism. The forces required to hold the door in any given position are generated by engagement of a retainer member with the link under the biasing of a spring. The retainer member and the spring are often contained within a metal or plastic case. Two retainer members and associated springs may be employed to act on opposite sides of the link.

Such door checks have a high number of component parts, often using a case, a cover plate, two retainer members and two or more springs.

Threaded studs may also be employed, to facilitate fixing of the check to the vehicle. The high number of component parts and their need to be assembled into the finished product results in a comparatively high product cost.

The present invention has been made from a consideration of these problems and seeks to reduce them.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a door check of the kind set forth wherein at least part of the restraining mechanism is an integral part of the check case.

By providing part of the restraining mechanism as an integral part of the check case, manufacture of the door check can be simplified and assembly time may be reduced.

In one arrangement, the restraining mechanism comprises one or more sliders formed integrally with the case. In another arrangement, the restraining mechanism comprises one or more roller carriers formed integrally with the case.

Preferably, the slider(s) or roller carrier(s) is/are made of the same material as the case. For example, a moulding of plastics material such as Acetal. However, as required, it is possible to utilise a "twin-shot moulding" technique in order to mould the slider(s) / roller carrier(s) and the case from different plastics materials to achieve the desired properties. For example, the case may be made of a harder plastics material such as Polyamide to withstand the loads in use with the slider(s) or roller carrier(s) made of a softer plastics material such as Acetal to facilitate movement of the slider(s) or roller carrier(s) within the check case.

In one arrangement, the slider(s) or roller carrier(s) is/are formed with one or more flexible webs which connect them to the case in their working position. The number of webs is not important but their position should allow for the other components in the completed assembly.

Preferably, the slider(s) or roller carrier(s) are connected to the case using two webs on each slider or roller carrier that hold them in their The webs may provide a pocket to receive biasing means for urging the associated slider or roller carrier towards a link extending through the case. This allows minimal assembly time. The biasing means may comprise solid rubber springs or coil springs. Alternatively, the biasing force may be wholly or partly provided by the or each web connecting the slider(s) or roller carrier(s) to the check case.

In an alternative arrangement, the slider(s) or roller carrier(s) is/are formed with one or more webs which connect them to the case but not in their working position. In this arrangement, the webs would be arranged to act as hinges, allowing the slider(s) or roller carrier(s) to be hinged into their working position during the assembly process.

By these means, the slider(s) or roller carrier(s) could be moulded with additional features which may not be possible if they are moulded in their working position. For example, such additional features may comprise a cavity and provision for a roller and suitable axle in the roller carrier(s) or a particular surface finish on the wearable portions of the slider(s).

In one construction, the slider(s) or roller carrier(s) is/are formed as part of a check case body and the check case includes a wear plate arranged to close the check case on one side of the body. Typically, the wear plate would be located against the inside face of a vehicle door, providing a flat, wear resistant surface on which the slider(s) or roller carrier(s) can operate.

Advantageously, the wear plate is made of plastics material and is formed as an integral part of the check case body. For example, the wear plate may be connected to the check case body by means of a flexible web that allows the wear plate to be hinged into the correct position for closing the check case during the assembly process. The wear plate and body may be made of the same or different plastics materials.

Preferably, the wear plate and check case body are provided with interlocking formations to secure the wear plate in position to close the check case on one side of the body. For example, the wear plate may incorporate clips which cooperate with corresponding formations in the check case body.

Advantageously, the check case includes a cover plate arranged to close the check case on the other side of the body part. Typically, the cover plate is made of metal, for example steel, and has various functions. The first function is to act as a closer plate for the check case and retain the internal components in place. The second function is to act a "spreader plate", spreading the forces generated by the means of fixing the case to the door over a large area of the case, thus preventing localised damage.

The third function is to act as a means of retention for captive fixing studs, screw or the like employed to attach the check case to the vehicle frame. Preferably, the cover plate incorporates side flanges which support the sides of the check case and prevent deformation during use.

In an alternative arrangement, the cover plate could be made of plastics material and may be formed as an integral part of the check case body.

For example, the cover plate may be connected to the check case body by means of a flexible web that allows the cover plate to be hinged into the correct position for closing the check case during the assembly process.

The cover plate and body may be made of the same or different plastics materials.

The cover plate and check case body may be provided with interlocking formations to secure the cover plate in position to close the check case on the other side of the body. For example, the cover plate may incorporate clips which cooperate with corresponding formations in the check case body as described above for the wear plate.

In another construction, the slider(s) or roller carrier(s) may be formed as part of the wear plate or cover plate and be attached to these by means of flexible webs as already described. In this way, the slider(s) or roller carrier(s) could be hinged into their working position during the assembly operation.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a door check case comprising providing at least part of a restraining mechanism for applying a restraining force to a link extending through the check case as an integral part of the check case.

According to a still further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a door check case with a restraining mechanism for applying a restraining force to a link extending through the check case, wherein part of the restraining mechanism is integral with the check case.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided in or for a door check, a door check case having a restraining mechanism for applying a restraining force to a link extending through the check case, wherein the check case comprises a body part for housing the restraining mechanism and a closure part for securing to the body part, and integral hinge means connecting the body part and closure part for relative movement between open and closed positions.

By connecting the body part and the closure part with integral hinge means, the parts can be formed in one piece. For example, the parts may comprise a unitary plastics moulding thereby reducing the number of separate parts for assembly of the check case. The closure part may close the body part on one side of the check case. The body part may be closed on the other side by a wall integral with the body part.

Alternatively, a further closure part may be provided to close the body part on the other side. The further closure part may be formed separately for securing to the body part. More preferably, the further closure part is connected to the body part by integral hinge means for relative movement between open and closed positions. In this way, the body part and both closure parts may be formed integrally in one piece. For example the parts may comprise a unitary plastics moulding with flexible webs for hinging the closure parts to close the body part on both sides of the check case.

All or part of the restraining mechanism may be formed integrally with the check case, thereby further reducing the number of separate parts for assembly of the check case as described previously for the other aspects of the invention. Alternatively, the restraining mechanism may be formed separately from the check case for assembly therewith.

Various other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description later herein of an exemplary embodiment of the invented door check.

The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 is a part section through a door assembly for a vehicle showing operation of a door check embodying the invention; Figure 2 is an isometric view of the check case shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is an isometric view of the vehicle door check case of Figure 2 with the base plate open to show the restraining mechanism; and Figure 4 is an isometric view of the vehicle door check case of Figure 3 with the springs and cover plate removed.

Referring first to Figure 1 of the drawings, there is shown a vehicle door 2 hingedly connected to a door frame 3 for pivotal movement about a substantially vertical axis between open and closed positions. A door check 1 comprising a check case 4 and a link 5 is provided for controlling opening/closing movement of the door 2.

The check case 4 is mounted on the inner side of a panel or skin of the door 2, and the link 5 is pivotally connected at one end to the door frame 3 and is adapted to be withdrawn in opposite directions through the check case 4 against a force applied to it by a restraining mechanism to be described later that is housed within the check case 4.

The other end of the link 5 carries a stop 6 for engagement with the check case 4 to define the fully open position of the door 2. The link 5 is shown in solid lines in the closed position of the door 2 and in broken lines in the open position of the door 2.

Referring now also to Figures 2 to 4 of the accompanying drawings the door check case 4 comprises a body 11, a base or wear plate 12 and a cover plate 13. The body 11 and base plate 12 are made of plastics material, for example Acetal, by moulding and the cover plate 13 is made of metal, for example steel, by pressing.

In this embodiment, the check case 4 is of hexagonal shape in plan view and the body 11 is located between the base plate 12 and cover plate 13.

It will be understood that the check case 4 may have other shapes, for

example rectangular.

The body 11 and base plate 12 are connected together at one end of the case 4 by a flexible web 14 for assembly of the check case 4. This is not essential, however, and they could be separate parts. During assembly of the check case 4, the base plate 12 is secured to the body 11 to close one side of the check case 4 by engagement of interlocking formations.

In this embodiment, the formations are provided by clips 15 on the base plate 12 that are inserted and retained in openings 16 in the body 11 by latching engagement of hooked ends 15a of the clips 15 within the openings 16. Any other formations may be employed to secure the base plate 12 to the body 11.

The cover plate 13 is attached to the body 11 to close the other side of the check case 4 by a pair of studs 17, one at each end of the check case 4, that are used to attach the check case 4 to the door 2. The studs 17 are inserted through aligned holes in the cover plate 13, base plate 12 and body 11 and are an interference fit to maintain the assembled condition of the check case 4 for transportation, storage and installation of the check case 4. Other methods of connecting the cover plate 13 to the body 11 may be employed.

The base plate 12 and cover plate 13 are provided with square apertures 12a, 13a that are aligned in the assembled condition for passage of the link 5. In use, when a vehicle door to which the door check is attached is opened and closed, the link 5 moves backwards and forwards through the door check case 4 against a force applied to the link 5 by a restraining mechanism 18 housed within the check case 4.

The restraining mechanism 18 comprises a pair of sliders 19,20 biased by rubber springs 21,22 to engage opposite sides of the link 5 and apply a frictional force to restrain movement of the link 5 backwards and forwards through the check case 4 as the door is opened and closed.

The sliders 19,20 are formed integrally with the body 11 of the check case 4 and are connected to opposite ends of the body 11 by flexible connecting webs 23,24 that define pockets 25,26 in which the rubber springs 21,22 are received and retained by the base plate 12 and cover plate 13.

It will be understood that the rubber springs 21,22 may be replaced by any other suitable springs or means for biasing the sliders 19,20 to apply a restraining force to the link. It is also possible that the webs 23,24 may also act as springs, either in place of or as a supplement to separate springs 21,22.

The sliders 19,20 may be made of the same plastics material as the body 11. Alternatively, the sliders 19,20 may be made of a different plastics material. For example, the body 11 and sliders 19,20 may be produced by twin-shot moulding. In this case, the sliders 19,20 could be produced from, for example, lubricated Acetal to facilitate sliding movement and the body 11 could be made from, for example, reinforced Polyamide to withstand the loads in use.

The link 5 may be profiled to control opening movement by varying the frictional force applied to the link 5 by the sliders 19,20. For example, the link 5 may be of variable thickness in the direction of its length such that, as the door opens, the sliders 19,20 are urged apart thereby compressing the rubber springs 21,22 and increasing the frictional force applied to the link 5.

The link 5 may be provided on one or both sides with one or more recesses intermediate the ends in which one or both sliders 19,20 may be received to hold the door 2 in an intermediate open position between the closed and fully open positions.

The sliders 19,20 are guided for movement towards and away from each other by dependent flanges 27,28 on the underside of the base plate 12 that locate between the sliders 19,20 and the sidewalls of the body 11 in the assembled condition. The flanges 27,28 are also provided with opposed lugs 29,30 that locate the sliders 19,20 to define a clearance gap for insertion of the link 5 during assembly and installation.

The base plate 12 provides a low friction surface to facilitate sliding movement of the sliders 19,20 and to reduce wear and noise in use. The cover plate 13 is provided with flanges 31 (one only shown) that overlie and reinforce the sides of the check case 4 to prevent deformation under the loads arising in use.

As will be appreciated, by forming the sliders 19,20 integrally with the body 11 of the check case 4, the number of components for manufacture and assembly can be reduced leading to potential cost savings.

It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiment above-described. Thus, the sliders may be replaced by any other suitable means for applying a restraining force to one or both sides of the link.

For example, the sliders may be replaced by rollers located and retained in a roller carrier formed integrally with the body of the door check case.

The restraining mechanism may be arranged to apply a restraining force to one side of the link only. Other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A door check of the kind set forth wherein at least part of the restraining mechanism is an integral part of the check case.

2. A door check according to claim 1 wherein, the restraining mechanism comprises one or more sliders or roller carriers formed integrally with the case.

3. A door check according to claim 2 wherein, the or each slider or roller carrier and the case are made of the same material.

4. A door check according to claim 2 A door check wherein, the or each slider or roller carrier and the case are made of different materials.

5. A door check according to claim 4 wherein, the plastics material of the case is harder than the plastics material of the or each slider or roller carrier.

6. A door check according to claim 5 wherein the case is made of polyamide.

7. A door check according to claim 5 or claim 6 wherein the or each slider or roller carrier is made of acetal.

8. A door check according to any one of claims 2 to 7 wherein, the or each slider or roller carrier is formed with one or more flexible webs which connect them to the case in their working position.

9. A door check according to claim 8 wherein, the or each slider or roller carrier is connected to the case using two webs on each slider or roller carrier that hold them in their working position.

10. A door check according to claim 9 wherein, the webs provide a pocket to receive biasing means for urging the associated slider or roller carrier towards a link extending through the case.

11. A door check according to claim 10 wherein, the biasing means comprises solid rubber springs or coil springs.

12. A door check according to claim 10 wherein, the biasing force is wholly or partly provided by the or each web connecting the associated slider or roller carrier to the check case.

13. A door check according to any one of claims 2 to 7 wherein, the or each slider or roller carrier is formed with one or more webs which connect them to the case but not in their working position.

14. A door check according to claim 13 wherein, the or each web are arranged to act as hinges, allowing the associated slider or roller carrier to be hinged into their working position during the assembly process.

15. A door check according to any of claims 2 to 14 wherein, the or each slider or roller carrier is formed as part of a check case body and the check case includes a wear plate arranged to close the check case on one side of the body.

16. A door check according to claim 15 wherein, the wear plate is located, in use, against the inside face of a vehicle door, providing a flat, wear resistant surface on which the associated slider or roller carrier can operate.

17. A door check according to claim 15 or claim 16 wherein, the wear plate is made of plastics material and is formed as an integral part of the check case body.

18. A door check according to claim 17 wherein, the wear plate is connected to the check case body by means of a flexible web that allows the wear plate to be hinged into the correct position for closing the check case during the assembly process.

19. A door check according to any one of claims 15 to 18 wherein the wear plate and body are made of the same plastics materials.

20. A door check according to any one of claims 15 to 18 wherein the wear plate and body are made of different plastics materials.

21. A door check according to any one of claims 15 to 20 wherein, the wear plate and check case body are provided with interlocking formations to secure the wear plate in position.

22. A door check according to any one of claims 15 to 21 wherein, the wear plate incorporates clips, which cooperate with corresponding formations in the check case body.

23. A door check according to any one of claims 15 to 22 wherein, the check case includes a cover plate arranged to close the check case on the other side of the body part.

24. A door check according to claim 23 wherein, the cover plate is made of metal.

25. A door check according to claim 23 or claim 24 wherein, the cover plate incorporates side flanges, which support the sides of the check, case and prevent deformation during use.

26. A door check according to claim 23 wherein, the cover plate is made of plastics material.

27. A door check according to claim 26 wherein the cover plate is formed as an integral part of the check case body.

28. A door check according to claim 27 wherein, the cover plate is connected to the check case body by means of a flexible web that allows the cover plate to be hinged into the correct position for closing the check case during the assembly process.

29. A door check according to any of claims 26 to 28 wherein the cover plate and body are made of the same plastics materials.

30. A door check according to any of claims 26 to 28 wherein the cover plate and body are made of different plastics materials.

31. A door check according to any of claims 23 to 30 wherein the cover plate and check case body are provided with interlocking formations to secure the cover plate in position.

32. A door check according to claim 31 wherein, the cover plate incorporates clips, which cooperate with corresponding formations in the check, case body.

33. A door check according to claim 1 wherein the restraining mechanism comprises one or more sliders or roller carriers formed as part of a wear plate or cover plate of the check case.

34. A door check of the kind set forth substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawings.

35. A method of manufacturing a door check case comprising providing at least part of a restraining mechanism for applying a restraining force to a link extending through the check case as an integral part of the check case.

36. A method of manufacturing a door check case substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawings.

37. A door check case with a restraining mechanism for applying a restraining force to a link extending through the check case, wherein part of the restraining mechanism is integral with the check case.

38. A door check case substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawings.

39. In or for a door check, a door check case having a restraining mechanism for applying a restraining force to a link extending through the check case, wherein the check case comprises a body part for housing the restraining mechanism and a closure part for securing to the body part, and integral hinge means connecting the body part and closure part for relative movement between open and closed positions.

40. In or for a door check according to claim 39 wherein, the body part and the closure part are connected with integral hinge means.

41. In or for a door check according to claim 40 wherein, the parts comprise a unitary plastics moulding.

42. In or for a door check according to claim 41 wherein, the closure part closes the body part on one side of the check case.

43. In or for a door check according to claim 42 wherein the body part is closed on the other side by a wall integral with the body part.

44. In or for a door check according to claim 42 wherein, a further closure part is provided to close the body part on the other side.

45. In or for a door check according to claim 44 wherein, the further closure part is formed separately for securing to the body part.

46. In or for a door check according to claim 44 wherein, the further I closure part is connected to the body part by integral hinge means for relative movement between open and closed positions.

47. In or for a door check according to any of claims 39 to 46 wherein all or part of the restraining mechanism is formed integrally with the check case

48. In or for a door check according to any of claims 39 to 46 wherein, the restraining mechanism is formed separately from the check case.