GB2523257A - Latch assembly for a door of a vehicle - Google Patents

Latch assembly for a door of a vehicle Download PDF

Info

Publication number
GB2523257A
GB2523257A GB1501319.6A GB201501319A GB2523257A GB 2523257 A GB2523257 A GB 2523257A GB 201501319 A GB201501319 A GB 201501319A GB 2523257 A GB2523257 A GB 2523257A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
latch
door
link
rod
handle
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB1501319.6A
Other versions
GB201501319D0 (en
Inventor
John Koch
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Mercedes Benz Group AG
Original Assignee
Daimler AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Daimler AG filed Critical Daimler AG
Priority to GB1501319.6A priority Critical patent/GB2523257A/en
Publication of GB201501319D0 publication Critical patent/GB201501319D0/en
Publication of GB2523257A publication Critical patent/GB2523257A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60J—WINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
    • B60J5/00—Doors
    • B60J5/04—Doors arranged at the vehicle sides
    • B60J5/0412—Lower door structure
    • B60J5/0416—Assembly panels to be installed in doors as a module with components, e.g. lock or window lifter, attached thereto
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B79/00—Mounting or connecting vehicle locks or parts thereof
    • E05B79/10—Connections between movable lock parts
    • E05B79/12—Connections between movable lock parts using connecting rods
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B7/00—Connections of rods or tubes, e.g. of non-circular section, mutually, including resilient connections
    • F16B7/04—Clamping or clipping connections
    • F16B7/0433—Clamping or clipping connections for rods or tubes being in parallel relationship

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)

Abstract

A latch assembly 10 for a door of a vehicle comprising at least one latch 14 movable between at least one latched position for keeping the door in a closed position, and at least one unlatched position for releasing the door. At least one handle 12 movable between at least one neutral position and at least one release position is provided and a coupling device 16 configured to connect the latch 14 with the handle 12 so as to move the latch 14 from the latched position into the unlatched position by moving the handle 12. The coupling device 16 having at least one first inherently stable coupling element, which may be a rod 18 connected to the latch 14 and at least one second inherently stable coupling element, which may be a rod 20 connected to the handle 12. The coupling device 16 is configured to allow a translational movement of the latch 14 and the first coupling element 18 in relation to the handle 12 and the second coupling element 20.

Description

Latch Assembly for a Door of a Vehicle The invention relates to a latch assembly for a door of a vehicle.
A door or door module for a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, can be found in US 2006/0086049 Al. The door comprises at least one handle by means of which a latch of the door can be moved so as to unlatch the door in order to open it. The latch is used to keep the door in a closed position.
It is desirable to design the door as a door module comprising the latch and the handle so that the door module can be installed on a door structure in a particularly time-and cost-effective way. In other words, manufacturing plants prefer full door module assemblies that can be installed into door structures with little assembly by the plant. However, with the addition of a full side window it is difficult to install the door module with the latch already in its installed position.
Hence, it is an object of the present invention to provide a latch assembly by means of which a particularly easy installation of a door module comprising the latch assembly can be realized.
This is object is solved by a latch assembly having the features of patent claim 1.
Advantageous embodiments with expedient developments of the invention are indicated in the other patent claims.
According to the present invention a latch assembly for a door or door module of a vehicle comprises at least one latch movable between at least one latched position and at least one unlatched position. The latched position is configured to keep the door in a closed position. The unlatched position is configured to release the door so as to open it.
The latch assembly further comprises at least one handle which is movable between at least one neutral position and at least one release position. Moreover, the latch assembly comprises a coupling device which is configured to connect the latch with the handle so as to move the latch from the latched position into the unlatched position by moving the handle from the neutral position into the release position. The coupling device comprises at least one first coupling element which is inherently stable, the first coupling element being connected to the latch. Additionally, the coupling device comprises at least one second coupling element which is inherently stable, the second coupling element being connected to the handle.
The coupling device is configured to allow a translational movement of the latch and the first coupling element in relation to the handle and the second coupling element. Thus, for example, the latch and the first coupling element can be slid to the front of the vehicle to get the latch out the way when installing the door or door module on a corresponding door structure of the vehicle. This means the coupling device allows the latch to slide a sufficient amount to be stowed into an envelope of the door module so that the door module can be presented to the door structure without the latch interfering. Thus, by means of the present invention time required to install the door module on the door structure, in particular in a door opening, can be greatly reduced, while at the same time, greatly reducing the risk of latch damage during shipping and plant handling that can cause an entire expensive door module to be scrapped.
The invention also will help service to adjust doors that might not be unlatching from an inside release handle by allowing a service technician to adjust the inside release handle.
The latch assembly according to the present invention is also very cost effective since, for example, a link configured to connect the coupling elements can be designed as a single moulded nylon component. For example, the link can have a set screw to allow said translational movement. However, preferably, the first coupling element is a first rod, the second coupling element is a second rod, and the coupling device comprises a link configured to connect the rods with each other, wherein one of the rods is slidably connected to the link and the other rod is connected to the link in a translationally fixed manner, in particular by means of respective threads of the rod and the link.
Further advantages, features, and details of the invention derive from the following description of preferred embodiments as well as from the drawing. The features and feature combinations previously mentioned in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned in the following description of the figures and/or shown in the figures alone can be employed not only in the respective indicated combination but also in any other combination or taken alone without leaving the scope of the invention.
The drawing shows in: Fig. 1 a schematic and perspective side view of a first embodiment of a latch assembly for a door module of a vehicle; Fig. 2 a schematic and perspective side view of a second embodiment of the latch assembly; Fig. 3 part of a schematic and perspective side view of a third embodiment of the latch assembly; Fig. 4 part of a schematic and perspective side view of a fourth embodiment of the latch assembly; and Fig. 5 part of a schematic and perspective side view of a fifth embodiment of the latch assembly.
In the figures the same elements or elements having the same functions are indicated by the same reference signs.
Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a latch assembly 10 for a door or door module of a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle such as a truck. The latch assembly 10 comprises at least one latch 14 which is movable between at least one latched position and at least one unlatched position. With respect to the completely assembled state of the door module the latch assembly 10 is arranged on, for example, a carrier of the door module. The door module is installed on a door structure of the vehicle so that, in the completely assembled state of the vehicle, the door is movably held on the door structure.
For example, the door is pivotably arranged on the door structure between a closed position and at least one open position. For example, a locking element such as a striker is arranged on the door structure so that the door module can be held in the closed position by means of the striker as will be explained in the following.
The latch assembly 10 comprises at least one handle 12 which is movable between a neutral position and at least one release position. The latch assembly 10 comprises at least one latch 14 which is movable between at least one latched position for keeping the door in the closed position, and at least one unlatched position for releasing the door. In the closed position of the door and in the latched position of the latch 14 the latch 14 can interact with said striker thereby keeping the door in the closed position. For example, in the latched position, the latch 14 engages the striker.
The latch assembly 10 further comprises a coupling device 16 configured to connect the latch 14 with the handle 12 so as to move the latch 14 from the latched position into the unlatched position by moving the handle 12 from the neutral position into the release position.
The coupling device 16 comprises a first inherently stable coupling element 18 which is configured as a first rod. Moreover, the coupling device 16 comprises a second inherently stable coupling element 20 which is configured as a second rod. Moreover, the coupling device 16 is configured to allow a translational movement of the latch 14 and the first coupling element 18 in relation to the handle 12 and the second coupling element 20. In the first embodiment the coupling device 16 comprises a link 22 configured to connect the rods with each other. In the first embodiment the link 22 is configured as a slip link.
Therein, the first rod (first coupling element 18) is slidably connected to the link 22 and the second rod (second coupling element 20) is connected to the link 22 in a translationally fixed manner by means of respective threads of the second rod and the link 22.
As can be seen from Fig. 1, the link 22 comprises a first receptacle in which a portion of the first rod is slidably arranged so that the first rod can be translationally moved, i.e. slid in relation to the link 22 and, thus, the second rod and the handle 12. Said portion of the first rod is a first portion 24 of the first rod which comprises a second portion 26 abutting the first portion 24. As can be seen from Fig. 1, the second portion 26 extends angularly, in particular perpendicularly, to the first portion 24 so that a translational movement of the first rod away from the handle 12 can be limited by the second portion 26 since the second portion 26 can be moved into contact with the link 22 by moving the first rod away from the handle 12 and, thus, the second rod and the link 22. Thus, the first rod cannot be pulled out of the corresponding first receptacle of the link 22.
Moreover, the link 22 comprises a second receptacle in which a portion of the second rod can be arranged. The second rod comprises a threaded portion 28 having an external thread. The second receptacle has an internal thread corresponding to the external thread so that the second rod can be screwed to the link 22 by means of the internal and external threads. Thus, by rotating the link 22 in relation to the second rod about the second rod the rotational movements of the link 22 are converted into translational movements of the link 22 in relation to and along the second rod. Thus, a translational position of the link 22 in relation to the second rod can be adjusted so that a distance between the link 22 and the latch 14 can be adjusted. Thus, the link 22 is designed as an adjustable slip link for a door module latching system in form of the latch assembly 10.
Since the first rod is slidably arranged in the first receptacle the first rod and, thus, the latch 14 can be slid in relation to the link 22 and the handle 12 towards and away from the handle 12. For example, the door module has a full side window which, conventionally, makes it difficult to install the door module with the latch 14 already in its installed position. Because of this, it is necessary to slide the latch 14 to the front of the vehicle to get it out the way when installing the door module. The sliding movement can be realized by the link 22 that allows said sliding movement but also provides adjustment to allow the door module to be opened by the handle 12 which is, for example, an inside release handle.
The coupling device 16 allows the latch 14 to slide a sufficient amount to be stowed in an envelope of the door module so that the door module can be presented to the door structure without the latch 14 interfering. The latch assembly 10 also provides a means in form of the link 22 to adjust the length of an inside release rod to take out any adverse system tolerance stack up that might make the handle 12 not capable of unlatching the door module.
Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of the latch assembly 10. In the second embodiment a button head upset 30 is arranged on the first rod being a slip rod, the button head upset limiting said sliding movement of the first rod and, thus, the latch 14 in relation to the second rod and the handle 12. Said threaded portion 28 allows for system adjustment, wherein the threaded portion 28 can be self-threading. The sliding movement of the first rod and the latch 14 allows the latch 14 to be stowed inside of the door module for shipping an installation so that damages can be avoided. Preferably, the link 22 is made of a plastic material. For example, the link 22 is a single moulded nylon component.
Fig. 3 shows a third embodiment of the latch assembly 10. In the third embodiment the link 22 is configured as a crimped metal link with an adjustment screw 32. Thus, in the third embodiment, the link 22 is configured to be connected to the rods by respective frictional connections since two parts of the link 22 can be clamped together by means of the screw 32, wherein the rods are arranged between said parts so that the link 22 and the rods can be clamped together. Thus, a particularly rigid and self-adjusting connection can be realized so that the rods can be firmly connected with each other, wherein threaded rods can be avoided.
Fig. 4 shows a fourth embodiment of the latch assembly 10. In the fourth embodiment the first rod is configured as a loose rod, wherein the second coupling element 20 is configured as a swing clip which is pivotably arranged on the handle 12 and configured to be connected to the first coupling element 18 by means of, for example, a form-fit connection.
Fig. 5 shows a fifth embodiment of the latch assembly 10. In the fifth embodiment, the second coupling element 20 is configured as a threaded end cup which is connected to the handle 12. Moreover, the first coupling element 18 is configured as a loose rod with a threaded end 34 which can be screwed to said threaded end cup.
List of reference signs latch assembly 12 handle 14 latch 16 coupling device 18 first coupling element second coupling element 22 link 24 first portion 26 second portion 28 threaded portion button head upsed 32 screw 34 threaded end

Claims (6)

  1. Claims A latch assembly (10) for a door of a vehicle, the latch assembly (10) comprising: -at least one latch (14) movable between at least one latched position for keeping the door in a closed position, and at least one unlatched position for releasing the door; -at least one handle (12) movable between at least one neutral position and at least one release position; and -a coupling device (16) configured to connect the latch (14) with the handle (12) so as to move the latch (14) from the latched position into the unlatched position by moving the handle (12) from the neutral position into the release position, the coupling device (16) having: o at least one first inherently stable coupling element (18) connected to the latch (14); and o at least one second inherently stable coupling element (20) connected to the handle (12); wherein the coupling device (16) is configured to allow a translational movement of the latch (14) and the first coupling element (18) in relation to the handle (12) and the second coupling element (20).
  2. 2. The latch assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein: -the first coupling element (18) is a first rod; -the second coupling element (20) is a second rod; and -the coupling device (16) comprises a link (22) configured to connect the rods with each other.
  3. 3. The latch assembly (10) according to claim 2, wherein one of the rods is slidably connected to the link (22) and the other rod is connected to the link (22) in a translationally fixed manner.
  4. 4. The latch assembly (10) according to claim 3, wherein the other rod is connected to the link (22) by means of respective threads of the other rod and the link (22).
  5. 5. The latch assembly (10) according to claim 2, wherein the link (22) is configured to be connected to the rods by respective frictional connections.
  6. 6. A door for a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, the door comprising at least on latch assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.
GB1501319.6A 2015-01-27 2015-01-27 Latch assembly for a door of a vehicle Withdrawn GB2523257A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1501319.6A GB2523257A (en) 2015-01-27 2015-01-27 Latch assembly for a door of a vehicle

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1501319.6A GB2523257A (en) 2015-01-27 2015-01-27 Latch assembly for a door of a vehicle

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB201501319D0 GB201501319D0 (en) 2015-03-11
GB2523257A true GB2523257A (en) 2015-08-19

Family

ID=52673980

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB1501319.6A Withdrawn GB2523257A (en) 2015-01-27 2015-01-27 Latch assembly for a door of a vehicle

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2523257A (en)

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2004027557A (en) * 2002-06-24 2004-01-29 Aisin Seiki Co Ltd Door connecting device
JP2004162440A (en) * 2002-11-14 2004-06-10 Kia Motors Corp Vehicle tail gate locking device

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2004027557A (en) * 2002-06-24 2004-01-29 Aisin Seiki Co Ltd Door connecting device
JP2004162440A (en) * 2002-11-14 2004-06-10 Kia Motors Corp Vehicle tail gate locking device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB201501319D0 (en) 2015-03-11

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20130175419A1 (en) Internal locking mechanism for a hold open rod
US9382733B2 (en) Latch alignment jig
US8919829B2 (en) Pressure relief latch, high repeatability
CA2992095C (en) Adjustable pressure relief latch
US9969249B2 (en) Tonneau cover system with side rail mounted latches and a rear header mounted release actuator
CN108868417B (en) Control arm with settable length
DE102009017977A1 (en) Holding device for mounted within a fuselage attachments
AU2014203284B2 (en) A lighting device
CN104675221A (en) Apparatus and method for providing a bypass feature in a latch
US9677312B2 (en) Window regulator guide rail
DE102014102596A1 (en) Blow-by facility
US9097039B2 (en) Escape window assembly and mechanism therefor
CN110603366A (en) Furniture hinge
CN105735783A (en) Integrated Rod Feature For Sill Button Interface In A Vehicle Latch
GB2523257A (en) Latch assembly for a door of a vehicle
EP3786467A1 (en) Ergonomic box nut retainer
US20140117682A1 (en) Vehicle locking system
US10093239B2 (en) Retention feature for snap-in attachments
FR2959770A1 (en) LOCKING CONTROL DEVICE FOR VANTAIL
US10444692B2 (en) Assembling apparatus and multicomponent structure using the same
CN105775103B (en) Door for closing an opening in a structure and aircraft
US9177732B2 (en) Flexible cable assembly with improved manufacturability
US20200277812A1 (en) Door handle assembly for a motor vehicle
US10704312B2 (en) Door alignment systems and methods
US8015667B2 (en) Controlled rigging

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)