WO2002014829A1

WO2002014829A1 - Vehicle door lock closure testing apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2002014829A1
Application number: PCT/CA2001/000499
Authority: WO
Inventors: Timothy Stieler; Carl Gifford; Jurek Bekieszczuk; Duane Drew; Peter Cheung
Original assignee: Atoma International Corp.
Priority date: 2000-08-11
Filing date: 2001-04-12
Publication date: 2002-02-21
Also published as: AU2001248194A1

Abstract

A mobile testing apparatus (10) has a frame (22) on which a simulation assembly (100) is mounted. The simulation assembly (100) has an actuator assembly for effecting a repetitive movement thereof and a sensor producing a telemetry signal. A control cabinet (55) is mounted to the frame (22) so as to be movable therewith. The control cabinet has an electrical input connection (44), a fluid input coupling (46) and an output data transmission connection (47). The control cabinet also has a plurality of fluid output couplings (48), control connections (49), and input data transmission connections (51). The simulation assembly (100) is connectable to the plurality of fluid output connections and the control output connections. The sensor (57) is connectable to the input data transmission connections. The fluid input coupling is in fluid communication with the plurality of fluid output couplings. A programmable central processor (55) is mounted within the control cabinet. The central processor (55) is electrical connected with each of the input data transmission connections and with the output data transmission connection and operable to receive and retransmit the telemerty signal. The central processor (55) is operably connectable through the control output connections to control of the simulation assembly (100). An inlet (42) in the control receives a conduit (45) communicating air to maintain an operating environment within the control cabinet. The simulation assembly (100) can be installed and calibrated prior to the testing apparatus being transported into a climate controlled chamber (50) for testing.

Description

VEHICLE DOOR LOCK CLOSURE TESTING APPARATUS

Field Of The Invention

This invention relates generally to the testing of automotive components and more particularly to a mobile testing apparatus for testing parts, including vehicle door lock closures by repeated actuation.

Background Of The Invention

Performance testing is part of the design and development process of vehicle door lock closures, which include latching and lock assemblies. This is customarily carried out by mounting the closure components to an automated test apparatus which repeatedly manipulates the closure and/or locking components through operational sequences.

A typical test sequence might include the following steps:

I) key unlock 2) actuate outside handle

3) open

4) release outside handle

5) slam

6) inside lock 7) unlock - power actuated

8) actuate inside handle

9) open

10) release inside handle

I I) slam 12) outside lock

The actual sequence will depend on variations in specific devices being tested such as, for example, whether a power lock or a key lock is fitted.

The components of typical latch and lock assemblies may be affected by temperature. For example, the flow characteristics of lubricants and whether a material acts in a ductile or a brittle manner are temperature related. The vehicles to which such assemblies are fitted need to perform over a rather wide temperature spectrum, including high and low temperature extremes, typically at +40°C.

In order to test at extreme temperatures, the test apparatus is placed within a climate controlled chamber. As operation of such chambers tend to be relatively expensive, non-utilization time of the chamber is preferably minimized when possible. The cycling time of the apparatus is generally rather constant, typically six cycles per minute for 100,000 cycles are required for a standard test. Accordingly, to minimize chamber time, every effort must be made to reduce set-up and changeover time.

Prior test apparatus required considerable chamber time for set-up and removal. This was attributable largely to the large number of connections that had to be made between the test apparatus in the chamber and an associated control cabinet outside of the chamber. Each of the sequential operational steps set out above in the description of a typical test sequence requires apparatus to perform the step, control apparatus and monitoring apparatus. Typically, many of the steps are performed with the aid of respective pneumatic cylinders on the apparatus. Each pneumatic cylinder will have at least one associated air line and control valve requiring hook up between the control cabinet and the pneumatic cylinder.

In view of the broad temperature range associated with the testing, the control cabinet has in the past been kept outside of the test chamber. The components in the control cabinet are temperature sensitive and become unreliable at the extremes of the temperature range in the chamber. This has in the past necessitated a lengthy hook up time, typically on the order of four hours, to connect the control cabinet to the apparatus. A typical set up could involve routing and connecting on the order of 50 to 100 pneumatic lines as well as electrical supply and monitoring cables. As the chamber is usually at either temperature extreme, the conditions are far from comfortable for the technician carrying out the set-up which may result in some poor connections leading to interrupted tests.

Another drawback to prior test apparatus is the difficulty associated with changeover to test different closure and lock assemblies. Each assembly requires a unique mounting fixture. The fixture is designed to substantially mimic the door for which it is designed and therefore has its own requirements for such things swing radius and mass. In the past, the fixtures have been at least semi-permanently mounted to a welded steel frame having horizontal and vertical struts. To change from fixture assembly to another usually required the cutting and re- welding of the frame to suit the new configuration. This was inefficient and labor intensive. In the prior testing apparatus, the actuator for opening and slamming the movable fixture simulating the "door" was typically mounted to a sub-frame welded to the main frame. Accordingly, reconfiguration to accept a different fixture assembly often required cutting, repositioning and rewelding of parts of the frame. Furthermore, the components of the actuator were individually mounted and had to be realigned as part of the reconfiguration process.

Summary Of The Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a testing apparatus that minimizes set-up and dismantle time in a climate control chamber. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a testing apparatus that may be easily reconfigured to test different closures and components.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a testing apparatus having an actuator capable of slamming a variety of door fixture assemblies.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a mobile testing apparatus has a reconfigurable frame on which a simulation assembly is mounted and pre-installed. A control cabinet is mounted to the frame so as to be movable therewith. The control cabinet has an electrical input connection, a fluid input coupling and an output data transmission connection. The control cabinet also has a plurality of fluid output couplings, control output connections, and input data transmission connections. The simulation assembly is connectable to the plurality of fluid output connections and the control output connections. A sensor generating telemetry signals is connectable to the input data transmission connections. The fluid input coupling is in fluid communication with the plurality of fluid output couplings. A programmable central processor is mounted within the control cabinet. The central processor is electrically connected with each of the input data transmission connections and with the output data transmission connection and operable to receive and retransmit the telemetry signal. The central processor is operably connectable through the control output connections to control operation of the simulation assembly. An inlet in the control cabinet receives a conduit communicating air to maintain an operating environment within the control cabinet. The simulation assembly can be installed and calibrated prior to the testing apparatus being transported into a climate controlled chamber for testing.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a simulation assembly having a stationary fixture and a movable fixture mounted for reciprocating movement relative to the stationary fixture. The movable fixture engages an actuator assembly effecting the reciprocating movement. A test subject is mounted on either of the stationary fixture and the movable fixture wherein the reciprocating movement effects an operational sequence of the test subject through an operating cycle. A closure spring is mounted between the movable fixture and the stationary fixture. The actuator assembly is operable to move the movable fixture against the closure spring in a first half cycle of the reciprocating movement. A triggering assembly is mounted on the actuator assembly and has an abutment movable between an engaging position and a retracted position. An actuator effects the abutment movement. When in the engaging position the abutment engages the movable fixture enabling the movable fixture to move against the closure spring. When in the retracted position the abutment disengages from the movable fixture allowing the movable fixture to move in a second half cycle of the reciprocating movement.

Description Of Drawings

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a testing apparatus according to the present invention relative to a climate controlled chamber;

Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating a testing apparatus according to the present invention; Figure 2 A is a schematic view of a testing apparatus of Figure

1; Figure 3 is an exploded view illustrating portions of a frame of a testing apparatus according to the present invention; Figure 4 is an exploded view illustrating door closure simulation assembly of a testing apparatus according to the present invention; Figure 5 is an exploded view illustrating a door closure simulation assembly and an actuator assembly of a testing apparatus according to the present invention;

Figures 6 A through 6F illustrate a latching and release sequence of the actuator assembly of Figure 5; Figure 7 is an end elevation illustrating an actuator assembly of a testing apparatus according to the present invention; Figure 8A is an end elevation illustrating a striker plate support and simulation assembly according to the present invention moving toward a latched configuration; Figure 8B is corresponding to Figure 8 A but illustrating the latched configuration; and

Figure 9 is a plan view illustrating a door closure simulation assembly and an actuator assembly of 2 testing apparatus according to the present invention for use in testing sliding type doors.

Description Of Preferred Embodiments

A vehicle door lock closure testing apparatus is generally indicated by reference 20 in the accompanying drawings.

The apparatus 20 includes a frame 22. As best illustrated in Figure 3, the frame 22 may be made up of horizontally and vertically repositionable elements in the form of struts 60 and brackets 62. The struts 60 include channels 64 that slidably receive fasteners 66 for securing the brackets 62 to the struts 60. The brackets 62 may be slid along the struts 60 and secured at any desirable location by tightening the fasteners 66. In this manner, unlike the welded construction of prior art frames, the frame 22 of the present invention may be easily reconfigured to adapt to and accept different simulation assemblies. The brackets 62 and fasteners 66 act in conjunction with the channels 64 in the struts 60 as clamping members for securing the repositionable elements in any selected configuration.

A simulation assembly 100 generally comprises a movable fixture 24 and a stationary fixture 30. Both fixtures are mounted on the frame 22 as shown in Figures 4 and 5. A plurality of simulation assemblies 100 would typically be mounted to the frame 22. The total number of simulation assemblies mounted on the frame 22 will depend on the respective size of each. The respective size will in turn depend on the particular test subject being tested which should follow a path in testing which closely mimics the path it would follow if mounted to the door for which the test subject is intended to simulate. A control cabinet 40 is removably mounted to the frame 22. The control cabinet

40 is movable with the frame 22, the latter being provided with wheels 41 to facilitate movement.

Referring to Figure 2A, the control cabinet 40 has an electrical input connection 44, a fluid input coupling 46 and an output data transmission connection 47. The control cabinet 40 also has a plurality of fluid output couplings 48, control output connections 49, and input data transmission connections 51. Each of the fluid output couplings 48 has an associated control valve 53. Each of the control valves 53 is electrically connected to the programmable central processor 55. Central processor 55 is programmable in a conventional manner to selectively operate each of the control valves 53 to regulate fluid flow therethrough. Each of the fluid output couplings 48 have a coupler 52 for receiving hoses that connect to the simulation assembly 30.

The fluid input coupling 46 is in fluid communication with each of the fluid output couplings 48 via a header 145. The pressurized fluid output couplings 48 provide pressurized fluid, typically air but possibly hydraulic fluid, to fluid operable cylinders associated with the simulation assembly 30. Preferably, the fluid output couplings 48 are arranged in an array and labeled for ease of reference when making connections thereto.

The central processor 55 is operably connected with the electrical input connection 44. The electrical input connection 44 provides a source of electricity to the central processor 55. Central processor 55 has a plurality of control output connections 49. Central processor 55 is programmable to generate a series of control signals that are transmitted via the control output connections 49 to the simulation assembly to control the operation thereof.

Central processor 55 has a plurality of input data transmission connections 51 and an output data transmission connection 47. Sensors 57 mounted on the simulation assembly 100 generate control and telemetry signals. The control and telemetry signals are transmitted along cables to input transmission connections 51 to the central processor 55. Central processor 55 collects the telemetry signals and then re-transmits the telemetry signals to a computer external of the climate controlled chamber 50. The external computer processes the data for subsequent evaluation. As illustrated in Figure 1 , the testing apparatus 20 would typically be placed in a climate controlled chamber 50 to enable testing to be carried out at different temperatures, which may typically range from -40°C to +40°C.

The operating temperature range of the climate controlled chamber 50 is generally beyond the range within which the components in the control cabinet 40 will operate reliably.

The control cabinet 40 has provision for varying its internal temperature from that of the ambient environment surrounding the testing apparatus 20. The control cabinet 40 receives air at a predetermined temperature (heated or cooled) from a conduit 45 outside of the control cabinet 40. Figure 1 illustrates a heat exchanger 54 that provides heated or cooled air to the conduit 45. A blower 56 may be mounted to control cabinet 40 to augment air flow into the cabinet 40 and promote circulation within the cabinet. If a blower 56 is used, it may not be necessary to provide the heat exchanger 54, as long as the air outside of the climate controlled chamber 50 is of a suitable temperature and humidity for direct use. An advantage to the present invention is that while the number of connections between the control cabinet 40 and the balance of the testing apparatus 20 is not significantly changed as compared to the prior art, only a few connections need to be made between the control cabinet 40 and an exterior of the climate controlled chamber 50, namely a fluid input, an electrical input, a data output and a climate control. Accordingly, hook up time to change from one testing apparatus 20 to another (i.e. climate controlled chamber down time) is reduced to minutes rather than hours. One embodiment of a simulator assembly 100 and one aspect of its operation will now be described in more detail with reference to Figures 5 and 6 A through 6F.

The movable fixture 24 is typically releasably mounted by any suitable means, such as pin 25 and socket 27, to the frame 22 to allow for substitution of one such a movable fixture 24 for another. The movable fixture 24 supports a test subject such as a door latch 26 and guides its movement relative to a striker 28 between latched and unlatched configurations to simulate opening and closing of a vehicle door. The movable fixture 24 is provided with a pair of follower wheels 94 mounted to opposite sides thereof for interfacing with the triggering assembly 76 and slamming assembly 90 in a low friction and wear manner. The follower wheels 94 also transmit force and motion from the first pneumatic cylinder 72 to the slamming assembly 90. Test subject, such as a latch 26 is mounted on the movable fixture 24.

A manipulator in the form of a cable 170 operably connected to a cable pull 172 is provided to unlatch and thereby release the door latch 26 in response to a suitable signal generated by the central processor 55. The signal may be a pulse of pressurized fluid, such as air which travels through a conduit 74 to operate a suitable pneumatically activated system within the cable pull 72. Alternatively, the signal may be an electronic signal to operate a solenoid connected within the cable pull 172.

The manipulator 170, 172 in Figure 4 is illustrated as operating one latch on the movable fixture 24. The manipulator may include further devices for actuating inside and outside locks, automatic locks, inside and outside handles and other associated hardware. The stationary fixture 30 has a base platform 70 releasably mounted to the frame 22 by brackets 62 to allow relatively simple replacement and repositioning. The stationary fixture 30 has a first, longitudinally acting pneumatic cylinder 72, and a second, transversely acting pneumatic cylinder 74, both of which control movement of a triggering assembly 76. The triggering assembly 76 is longitudinally slidable relative to the base 70 along a linear slide bearing 78. The triggering assembly 76 is laterally slidable relative to the base 70 along a dovetail 80. Alternate slidable connection will no doubt occur to persons skilled in such devices. Across from the triggering assembly 76 is an energy storage and release assembly, or slamming assembly 90. The slamming assembly 90 is longitudinally movable relative to the base 70 and may be mounted to the base 70 by the linear slide bearing 78. In general, the slamming assembly 90 receives energy from the first pneumatic cylinder 72 and stores it in a spring 92 for sudden release upon release of the triggering assembly 76. Figures 6A through 6F illustrate a typical series of steps in a test cycle. In Figure

6A, the triggering assembly 76 is in a retracted position and the slamming assembly 90 is in a rest position.

Figure 6B illustrates the triggering assembly 76 having been moved by the second pneumatic cylinder 74 in the direction of arrow 96 to an engaging position. In the engaging position, the triggering assembly 76 will engage or abut the adjacent wheel 94 connected to the movable fixture 24 as the triggering assembly is moved in the direction of arrow 98 in Figure 6C by the first pneumatic cylinder 72. The triggering assembly 76 acts against the spring 92 through the movable fixture 24.

As illustrated in Figure 6D, the first pneumatic cylinder 72 will continue to move the triggering assembly 76, movable fixture 24 and the slamming assembly 90 to the right completing a first half cycle as illustrated by arrows 98, 100 and 102 respectively, until the spring 92 of the slamming assembly 90 is compressed.

Figure 6E illustrates a cocked position at the limit of movement of the triggering assembly 76, movable fixture 24 and slamming assembly 90. In order to simulate slamming of a door, the triggering assembly 76 is returned to its retracted position in the direction of arrow 104 by the second pneumatic cylinder 74, typically in response to a signal from the central processor 40. This disengages the adjacent follower wheel 94 and the movable fixture 24 thereby releasing the spring 92 and allowing the spring 92 to extend and cause a closing motion completing a second half cycle in the movable fixture 24 through the respectively adjacent follower wheel 94. Arrow 106 illustrates the direction of the closing motion.

Figure 6F illustrates a movement of the movable fixture 24 toward its latched configuration and return of the first pneumatic cylinder 72 to a retracted position.

Figure 7 is an end elevation illustrating the stationary fixture 30 relative to the movable fixture 24. A spring actuated plunger 108 may be used to move the movable fixture 24 toward its unlatched configuration as the door latch is released. The plunger 108 receives an input from the motion of the movable fixture 24 as it moves toward its latched configuration. In order for this to be the case, the plunger 108 will typically have a spring 110 that is weaker than the spring 92. Additional spring actuated plungers 112 may be provided as illustrated in Figures 8 A and 8B which act against the movable fixture 24 to simulate the force exerted on a typical vehicle door fixture 26 by a resilient seal extending about the door or its opening.

As is apparent to those skilled in the art, each of the pneumatic cylinders are preferably pilot cylinders and must be connected to the control cabinet 40 via the fluid output couplings 48 and control output connections 49. Additionally, sensors 57 are required to be mounted about the simulation assembly 100 to ensure that each step of the process is properly undertaken. Certain of sensors 57 generate a control signal that must be communicated to the central processor 55 via cabling to the input data transmission connections 51. Other sensors 57 are required to obtain the requisite telemetry information, such as ambient temperature, slamming force, cycle count and any other desired information available during the test cycling. These sensors are also connected to the input data transmission connections 51.

All of the requisite connections between the simulation assemblies 100 and the control cabinet 40 can be undertaken before the test apparatus is wheeled into the climate controlled chamber. The testing apparatus 10 is connected with an electrical input 114, a source of pressurized fluid 112, a data output to an external computer 116 and a conduit 45 for supplying air to the interior of the control cabinet 40. Once connected, the simulation assemblies 100 are calibrated and ready for cycle testing.

A feature of the stationary fixture 30 of the present invention is that it can be readily adapted not only to guidance assemblies of a different size, but also for testing a door fixture 26 for a sliding door as illustrated in Figure 9. The stationary fixture 30 in Figure 9 acts on the movable fixture 24 through a lever arm 120 to translate lateral movement of the actuator assembly into a combined lateral and transverse movement of the movable fixture 24. A second lever arm 122 is also mounted between the frame strut 60 and the movable fixture 24 to guide movement of the movable fixture 24. The above description is intended in an illustrated mater than a restrictive sense.

Variations to the exact embodiments described may be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art without departing from the scope of the present invention which is defined in the claims set out below.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A mobile testing apparatus comprising: a frame to which is releasably mountable at least one simulation assembly, said simulation assembly including at least one an actuator assembly for effecting a repetitive movement thereof and at least one sensor producing a telemetry signal; a control cabinet mounted to said frame so as to be movable therewith, said control cabinet having an electrical input connection, a fluid input coupling and an output data transmission connection, said control cabinet having a plurality of fluid output couplings, control output connections, and input data transmission connections, said at least one simulation assembly being connectable to at least one of said plurality of fluid output connections and said control output connection, said at least one sensor being connectable to at least one of said input data transmission connections, said fluid input coupling in fluid communication with said plurality of fluid output couplings, each of said fluid output couplings having an actuable control valve for selectively opening and closing each of said fluid output couplings; a programmable central processor mounted within said control cabinet and electrically connected with said electrical input, said central processor operably connected with each of said actuable control valves for effecting said selective opening and closing thereof, said central processor electrically connected with each of said input data transmission connections and with said output data transmission connection and operable to receive and retransmit said telemetry signal, said central processor electrically connected with each of said control output connections, said central processor being operably connectable through said control output connections to control operation of said at least one simulation assembly, and an inlet in the control cabinet operable to receive a conduit communicating air to maintain an operating environment within said control cabinet.

2. A testing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said frame includes horizontally repositionable and vertically repositionable elements for reconfiguring said frame to accept different of said guide assemblies and clamping members for securing said vertically repositionable and said horizontally repositionable elements into a selected configuration.

3. A testing apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein said climate control unit comprises an inlet into said control cabinet for registering with and receiving pressurized air at a predetermined temperature from an air conduit.

4. A testing apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein a blower is mounted to said inlet for augmenting airflow from said inlet into said cabinet and promoting air circulation within said cabinet.

5. A testing apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein said apparatus further includes a heat exchanger in fluid communication with said inlet through a conduit for supplying said pressurized air.

6. A testing apparatus as claimed in claims 1 to 5, further comprising said at least one simulation assembly mounted to the frame.

7. A testing apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein each said at least one simulation assembly includes: a stationary fixture; a movable fixture mounted for reciprocating movement relative to said stationary fixture, said movable fixture operably engaging said actuator assembly; a test subject mounted on one of said stationary fixture and said movable fixture wherein said reciprocating movement effects an operational sequence of said test subject through an operating cycle.

8. A testing apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein said simulation assembly further comprises: a closure spring mounted between the movable fixture and the frame, said actuator assembly operable in response to a return signal from said central processor to move said movable fixture against said closure spring; and, a triggering assembly mounted between the movable fixture and the frame, said triggering assembly having a releasable latch for holding the movable fixture after the movable fixture has moved against the closure spring, said releasable latch releasing said movable fixture in response to a release signal from said central processor.

9. A testing apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein said test subject is selected from a group consisting of a latch, a control cable, a control rod, a lock, an inside handle, and outside handle and a key cylinder.

10. A simulation assembly comprising: a stationary fixture; a movable fixture mounted for reciprocating movement relative to said stationary fixture, said movable fixture operably engaging an actuator assembly effecting said reciprocating movement; a test subject mounted on one of said stationary fixture and said movable fixture wherein said reciprocating movement effects an operational sequence of said test subject through an operating cycle; a closure spring mounted between the movable fixture and the stationary fixture, said actuator assembly operable to move said movable fixture against said closure spring a first half portion of said reciprocating movement; and, a triggering assembly mounted on said actuator assembly, said triggering assembly having an abutment movable between an engaging position and a retracted position and an actuator effecting said abutment movement, when in said engaging position said abutment abutting said movable fixture enabling the movable fixture to move against the closure spring, when in said retracted position said abutment disengages from said movable fixture allowing said movable fixture to move in a second half portion of said reciprocating movement.

11. A simulation assembly as claimed in claim 10 wherein said test subject is selected from a group consisting of a latch, a control cable, a control rod, a lock, an inside handle, and outside handle and a key cylinder.