Door latch for closing a door of a motor vehicle

Abstract

An door latch (1) for a door of a motor vehicle comprising a driving lever (7) being configured to rotate a claw (2) from a closed position at a first catch (3) to a second catch (4) and along a closing over-stroke, the door latch (1) comprising an over-stroke stopper (8), which is mobile between an activated position wherein the over-stroke stopper (8) is projecting on the closing over-stroke of the claw (2) at least when the claw (2) is driven by a striker (5) associated to the door to limit the pivoting of the claw (2) beyond the closed position at the second catch (4) and a deactivated position wherein the over-stroke stopper (8) is positioned out of the closing over-stroke of the claw (2) when the claw (2) is driven by the driving lever (7).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a door latch for closing a door of a motor vehicle, particularly a side door or a trunk lid or similar.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Door latches are mechanical commodities that allow the door retention on the vehicle body, but also which act during the closure kinematics. When closing a door, an amount of kinetic energy (slamming speed and weight) is dissipated on a very short stroke usually named the closing over-stroke. A part of the energy is absorbed through the door seals, another through friction (hinges) and a main quantity is absorbed by the latch bumpers.

[0003] These latches bumpers help to dissipate energy when slamming but also help to immobilize the door on the vehicle body through the striker / claw connection, limiting the micro movements of the door when the vehicle moves. Indeed, vehicle is subjected to vibrations when driving, the door can slightly move, and the latches bumpers help limiting those door movements. These are thus important elements for the door stability of the moving vehicle that also have an influence directly on other comfort settings such as acoustic comfort.

[0004] In assisted closure kinematics, the problem is different. The latch motion during the closure beyond the first catch associated with a first closed position, is coming from a motorized claw. In that case, the claw must not be stopped during the closing over-stroke, beyond the second catch associated with a second closed position in which the claw is rotated further than in the first closed position. On the contrary, the claw should let be easily driven, allowing the pawl to drop down behind the claw.

[0005] This assisted kinematics system requires therefore that there are not bumpers on the way of the claw during the closing phase.

[0006] Current solutions offer latches without stabilizing bumpers but with higher door seals reaction to limit the movements of the latch on the vehicle body and stabilize the door. However, this is not as efficient as the latch bumpers.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The purpose of the invention is therefore to provide a door latch for closing a door of a motor vehicle which improves the movements limitation of the door when the vehicle moves.

[0008] Thus, the present invention refers to a door latch for closing a door of a motor vehicle, particularly a side door or a trunk lid or similar, comprising: a claw comprising a first catch and a second catch, said claw being configured to rotate between an open position, a closed position at the first catch and a closed position at the second catch, a pivoting pawl configured to interact with said claw to prevent a rotation of said claw in the closed position at the first catch and in the closed position at the second catch, a driving lever being configured to rotate said claw from the closed position at the first catch to the closed position at the second catch and beyond the closed position at the second catch along a closing over-stroke, wherein the door latch further comprises an over-stroke stopper, which is mobile between: an activated position wherein the over-stroke stopper is projecting on the closing over-stroke of the claw at least when the claw is driven by a striker associated to the door to limit the pivoting of the claw beyond the closed position at the second catch, and a deactivated position wherein the over-stroke stopper is positioned out of the closing over-stroke of the claw when the claw is driven by the driving lever.

[0009] Thus, during manual closure of the door latch, the over-stroke stopper interacts with the claw on the closing over-stroke of the claw to stop the claw and thus to limit the pivoting of the claw beyond the closed position at the second catch while the vehicle is driving. The over-stroke stopper helps thus limiting the movements of the door when the vehicle moves. This allows to better immobilize the claw. During assisted closure, the over-stroke stopper is inhibited and let the claw be driven to rotate over the entire closing over-stroke of the claw.

[0010] The door latch can also comprise one or more of the features which are described hereinbelow, taken alone or in combination.

[0011] The over-stroke stopper in deactivated position may be configured to return to the activated position when the claw has been driven in rotation by the driving lever beyond the closed position at the second catch along the closing over-stroke.

[0012] The over-stroke stopper may be subjected to an elastic return force which pushes it in the activated position.

[0013] The motion of the driving lever from the closed position at the first catch to the closed position at the second catch may cause the motion of the over-stroke stopper from the activated position to the deactivated position.

[0014] The motion of the driving lever from the closed position at the second catch to a rest position may cause the motion of the over-stroke stopper from the deactivated position to the activated position.

[0015] The status of the door latch being in manual closure or in assisted closure can thus be detected by the driving lever. In manual closure, the driving lever is deactivated, and the over-stroke stopper is activated to limit the closing over-stroke of the claw. The driving lever is only activated during the assisted closing of the door latch. Therefore, when the door latch is assisted to close, the driving lever may deactivate the over-stroke stopper.

[0016] Moreover, the driving lever may release the over-stroke stopper in the activated position when it returns to the rest position. The over-stroke stopper can thus be activated autonomously whether the closure is manual or assisted. The driving lever thus allows to adapt the command.

[0017] The over-stroke stopper may be a pivoting lever being subjected to an elastic return force which pushes it against the driving lever, a first end of which cooperating with the driving lever and a second end of which being configured to abut the claw to limit the pivoting of the claw beyond the closed position at the second catch in the activated position.

[0018] The driving lever may have a rounded profile configured to cooperate with the first end of the pivoting lever of the over-stroke stopper, the pivoting of the driving lever in a first rotation direction pushing the over-stroke stopper in an opposite second rotation direction and the pivoting of the driving lever in the opposite second rotation direction releasing the pivoting of the over-stroke stopper in the first rotation direction.

[0019] The over-stroke stopper may comprise a bumper configured to contact the claw in the activated position.

[0020] The invention will be better understood in view of the following description, referring to the annexed figures in which: [Fig.1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a door latch for closing a door of a motor vehicle in a closed position at the first catch. [Fig.2A], [Fig.2B], [Fig.2C], [Fig.2D], [Fig.2E] Figure 2A, figure 2B, figure 2C, figure 2D and figure 2E are successive view of an assisted closure of the door latch of figure 1 from the closed position at the first catch to the closed position at the second catch. [Fig.3A], [Fig.3B] Figure 3A and Figure 3B are successive view of a manual closure of the door latch of figure 1 from the closed position at the first catch to the closed position at the second catch. [Fig.4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the door latch of figure 1 in open position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The following achievements are examples. Although the specification refers to one or several embodiments, it does not imply that each reference refers to the same embodiment or that the features apply only to a single embodiment. Simple features of different embodiments can also be combined to provide other embodiments.

[0022] Figure 1 represents a door latch 1 for closing a door of a motor vehicle, particularly a side door or a trunk lid or similar.

[0023] The door latch 1 comprises a rotating claw 2 comprising a first catch 3 and a second catch 4, said claw 2 interacting with a striker 5 associated to the door of the vehicle.

[0024] This claw 2 is configured to rotate between an open position (figure 4), a closed position at the first catch 3 (figures 1, 2A, 3A) and a closed position at the second catch 4 (figures 2E, 3B).

[0025] The door latch 1 also comprises a pivoting pawl 6 configured to interact with said claw 2 to prevent a rotation of said claw 2 in the closed position at the first catch 3 and in the closed position at the second catch 4. For example, the catches 3, 4 are designed to interact with an end of the pawl 6 configured to prevent the claw 2 from rotating. For example, the pawl 6 is subjected to an elastic return force which pushes it toward the claw 2. The pawl 6 is designed to be secured to a driver itself operated by an actuator for opening the door latch 1.

[0026] In the closed position at the first catch 3 (figures 1, 2A, 3A), the pawl 6 rests against the first catch 3. In this way, the striker 5 is trapped in a recess 10 of the claw 2, holding the vehicle door in the closed state.

[0027] In the closed position at the second catch 4 (figures 2E, 3B), the pawl 6 rests against the second catch 4 of the claw 2. The striker 5 is still trapped in the recess 10 of the claw 2, holding the vehicle door in the closed state. In the closed position at the second catch 4, the claw 2 is rotated further than in the closed position at the first catch 3.

[0028] To rotate the claw 2 from the closed position at the first catch 3 to the closed position at the second catch 4, and beyond the closed position at the second catch 4 along a closing over-stroke, the door latch 1 further comprises a driving lever 7. This driving lever 7 can rotate the claw 2, for example by pushing a tooth of the claw 2 and is pivoted by an electric actuator.

[0029] The door latch 1 further comprises an over-stroke stopper 8, which is mobile between an activated position (figures 2A, 2B, 2E; figures 3A, 3B) and a deactivated position (figures 2C, 2D).

[0030] In the activated position (figures 2A, 2B, 2E; figures 3A, 3B), the over-stroke stopper 8 is projecting on the closing over-stroke of the claw 2 at least when the claw 2 is driven by the striker 5, to limit the pivoting of the claw 2 beyond the closed position at the second catch 4.

[0031] In the deactivated position (figures 2C, 2D), the over-stroke stopper 8 is positioned out of the closing over-stroke of the claw 2 when the claw 2 is driven by the driving lever 7.

[0032] The over-stroke stopper 8 in deactivated position when the claw 2 is driven by the driving lever 7 can be temporary. The over-stroke stopper 8 in deactivated position can be configured to return to the activated position at the end of the assisted closure, when the claw 2 has been driven in rotation by the driving lever 7 beyond the closed position at the second catch 4 along the closing over-stroke.

[0033] The over-stroke stopper 8 can be subjected to an elastic return force which pushes it in the activated position. In this case, the activated position is thus the rest position of the over-stroke stopper 8.

[0034] The door latch 1 may comprise a spring 9 that have an end attached to the over-stroke stopper 8 and an end attached to a latch housing. Therefore, the priority can be given to activate the over-stroke stopper 8. It is ensured that the over-stroke stopper 8 will be activated or remain activated.

[0035] The motion of the driving lever 7 from the closed position at the first catch 3 to the closed position at the second catch 4 may cause the motion of the over-stroke stopper 8 from the activated position to the deactivated position.

[0036] The motion of the driving lever 7 from the closed position at the second catch 4 to a rest position may cause the motion of the over-stroke stopper 8 from the deactivated position to the activated position.

[0037] The status of the door latch 1 being in manual closure or in assisted closure can thus be detected by the driving lever 7. In manual closure, the driving lever 7 is deactivated and the over-stroke stopper 8 is activated to limit the closing over-stroke of the claw 2. The driving lever 7 is only activated during the assisted closing of the door latch 1. Therefore, when the door latch 1 is assisted to close, the driving lever 7 may deactivate the over-stroke stopper 8.

[0038] Moreover, the driving lever 7 may release the over-stroke stopper 8 in the activated position when it returns to the rest position. The over-stroke stopper 8 can thus be activated autonomously whether the closure is manual or assisted. The driving lever 7 thus allows to adapt the command.

[0039] According to an embodiment, the over-stroke stopper 8 is a pivoting lever being subjected to an elastic return force which pushes it against the driving lever 7. A first end 8a of the pivoting lever of the over-stroke stopper 8 cooperates with the driving lever 7 and a second end 8b of the pivoting lever may be configured to abut the claw 2 to limit the pivoting of the claw 2 beyond the closed position at the second catch 4 in the activated position.

[0040] According to an embodiment, the driving lever 7 has a rounded profile configured to cooperate with the first end 8a of the pivoting lever of the over-stroke stopper 8. The pivoting of the driving lever 7 in a first rotation direction pushes the over-stroke stopper 8 in an opposite second rotation direction and the pivoting of the driving lever 7 in the opposite second rotation direction release the pivoting of the over-stroke stopper 8 in the first rotation direction.

[0041] An over-stroke stopper 8 being a pivoting lever activated by the driving lever 7 may thus fit easily inside a conventional latch retention packaging.

[0042] The over-stroke stopper 8 may comprise a bumper to absorb mechanical vibrations, for example arranged at the second end of the pivoting lever configured to contact the claw 2 in the activated position.

[0043] Figures 2A to 2E show a first sequence of an assisted closing of the door latch of figure 1 from the closed position at the first catch 3 to the closed position at the second catch 4.

[0044] In figure 2A, the door latch 1 is closed at the first catch 3. The pawl 6 rests against the first catch 3. The striker 5 is trapped in the recess 10 of the claw 2, holding the vehicle door in the closed state. The over-stroke stopper 8 is in the activated position. The driving lever 7 is in rest position.

[0045] In following figure 2B, the driving lever 7 is starting to rotate, driving the rotating of the claw 2.

[0046] In following figure 2C, the driving lever 7 has rotated the claw 2 to the closed position at the second catch 4 and starts to rotate the claw 2 beyond the second catch 4, along the closing over-stroke. The motion of the driving lever 7 has also causes the motion of the over-stroke stopper 8 from the activated position to the deactivated position. Thus, the over-stroke stopper 8 is fully positioning out of the closing over-stroke of the claw 2 as the claw 2 rotates (deactivated).

[0047] In figure 2D, the driving lever 7 has reach its maximum stroke. It has rotated the claw 2 along the closing over-stroke, allowing the pawl 6 to drop down behind the claw 2.

[0048] in figure 2E, the driving lever 7 is disengaged from the claw 2 that has pivoted back against the pawl 6. The door latch 1 is thus closed at the second catch 4, the pawl 6 resting against the second catch 4 of the claw 2. The striker 5 is trapped in the recess 10 of the claw 2, holding the vehicle door in the closed state.

[0049] As the driving lever 7 was returning in the rest position, the motion of the driving lever 7 from the closed position at the second catch 4 has driven back the over-stroke stopper 8 to the activated position. In this activated position, the over-stroke stopper 8 is projecting on the closing over-stroke of the claw 2 to limit the pivoting of the claw 2 beyond the closed position at the second catch 4 in driving.

[0050] Figure 3A and figure 3B show a second sequence for a manual closure of the door latch 1.

[0051] In figure 3A, as in figure 2A, the door latch 1 is closed at the first catch 3. The pawl 6 rests against the first catch 3. The striker 5 is trapped in the recess 10 of the claw 2, holding the vehicle door in the closed state. The over-stroke stopper 8 is in the activated position. The driving lever 7 is in the rest position.

[0052] In figure 3B, the claw 2 has being driven manually in rotation via the striker 5 associated to the door from the closed position at the first catch 3 to the closed position at the second catch 4. The driving lever 7 has not moved from the rest position. Therefore, as the driving lever 7 did not move, the over-stroke stopper 8 has stayed in activated position. In this activated position, the over-stroke stopper 8 is projecting on the closing over-stroke of the claw 2 to limit the pivoting of the claw 2 beyond the closed position at the second catch 4 while the vehicle is driving.

[0053] Thus, during manual closure of the door latch 1, the over-stroke stopper 8 interacts with the claw 2 on the closing over-stroke of the claw 2 to stop the claw 2 and thus to limit the pivoting of the claw 2 beyond the closed position at the second catch 4 while the vehicle is driving. The over-stroke stopper 8 helps thus limiting the movements of the door when the vehicle moves. This allows to better immobilize the claw 2. During assisted closure, the over-stroke stopper 8 is inhibited and let the claw 2 be driven to rotate over the entire closing over-stroke of the claw 2.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0021]The following achievements are examples. Although the specification refers to one or several embodiments, it does not imply that each reference refers to the same embodiment or that the features apply only to a single embodiment. Simple features of different embodiments can also be combined to provide other embodiments.

[0022]Figure 1 represents a door latch 1 for closing a door of a motor vehicle, particularly a side door or a trunk lid or similar.

[0023]The door latch 1 comprises a rotating claw 2 comprising a first catch 3 and a second catch 4, said claw 2 interacting with a striker 5 associated to the door of the vehicle.

[0024]This claw 2 is configured to rotate between an open position (figure 4), a closed position at the first catch 3 (figures 1, 2A, 3A) and a closed position at the second catch 4 (figures 2E, 3B).

[0025]The door latch 1 also comprises a pivoting pawl 6 configured to interact with said claw 2 to prevent a rotation of said claw 2 in the closed position at th...

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a door latch for closing a door of a motor vehicle, particularly a side door or a trunk lid or similar.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Door latches are mechanical commodities that allow the door retention on the vehicle body, but also which act during the closure kinematics. When closing a door, an amount of kinetic energy (slamming speed and weight) is dissipated on a very short stroke usually named the closing over-stroke. A part of the energy is absorbed through the door seals, another through friction (hinges) and a main quantity is absorbed by the latch bumpers.

[0003] These latches bumpers help to dissipate energy when slamming but also help to immobilize the door on the vehicle body through the striker / claw connection, limiting the micro movements of the door when the vehicle moves. Indeed, vehicle is subjected to vibrations when driving, the door can slightly move, and the latches bumpers help limiting those door movements. These are thus important elements for the door stability of the moving vehicle that also have an influence directly on other comfort settings such as acoustic comfort.

[0004] In assisted closure kinematics, the problem is different. The latch motion during the closure beyond the first catch associated with a first closed position, is coming from a motorized claw. In that case, the claw must not be stopped during the closing over-stroke, beyond the second catch associated with a second closed position in which the claw is rotated further than in the first closed position. On the contrary, the claw should let be easily driven, allowing the pawl to drop down behind the claw.

[0005] This assisted kinematics system requires therefore that there are not bumpers on the way of the claw during the closing phase.

[0006] Current solutions offer latches without stabilizing bumpers but with higher door seals reaction to limit the movements of the latch on the vehicle body and stabilize the door. However, this is not as efficient as the latch bumpers.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The purpose of the invention is therefore to provide a door latch for closing a door of a motor vehicle which improves the movements limitation of the door when the vehicle moves.

[0008] Thus, the present invention refers to a door latch for closing a door of a motor vehicle, particularly a side door or a trunk lid or similar, comprising: a claw comprising a first catch and a second catch, said claw being configured to rotate between an open position, a closed position at the first catch and a closed position at the second catch, a pivoting pawl configured to interact with said claw to prevent a rotation of said claw in the closed position at the first catch and in the closed position at the second catch, a driving lever being configured to rotate said claw from the closed position at the first catch to the closed position at the second catch and beyond the closed position at the second catch along a closing over-stroke, wherein the door latch further comprises an over-stroke stopper, which is mobile between: an activated position wherein the over-stroke stopper is projecting on the closing over-stroke of the claw at least when the claw is driven by a striker associated to the door to limit the pivoting of the claw beyond the closed position at the second catch, and a deactivated position wherein the over-stroke stopper is positioned out of the closing over-stroke of the claw when the claw is driven by the driving lever.

[0009] Thus, during manual closure of the door latch, the over-stroke stopper interacts with the claw on the closing over-stroke of the claw to stop the claw and thus to limit the pivoting of the claw beyond the closed position at the second catch while the vehicle is driving. The over-stroke stopper helps thus limiting the movements of the door when the vehicle moves. This allows to better immobilize the claw. During assisted closure, the over-stroke stopper is inhibited and let the claw be driven to rotate over the entire closing over-stroke of the claw.

[0010] The door latch can also comprise one or more of the features which are described hereinbelow, taken alone or in combination.

[0011] The over-stroke stopper in deactivated position may be configured to return to the activated position when the claw has been driven in rotation by the driving lever beyond the closed position at the second catch along the closing over-stroke.

[0012] The over-stroke stopper may be subjected to an elastic return force which pushes it in the activated position.

[0013] The motion of the driving lever from the closed position at the first catch to the closed position at the second catch may cause the motion of the over-stroke stopper from the activated position to the deactivated position.

[0014] The motion of the driving lever from the closed position at the second catch to a rest position may cause the motion of the over-stroke stopper from the deactivated position to the activated position.

[0015] The status of the door latch being in manual closure or in assisted closure can thus be detected by the driving lever. In manual closure, the driving lever is deactivated, and the over-stroke stopper is activated to limit the closing over-stroke of the claw. The driving lever is only activated during the assisted closing of the door latch. Therefore, when the door latch is assisted to close, the driving lever may deactivate the over-stroke stopper.

[0016] Moreover, the driving lever may release the over-stroke stopper in the activated position when it returns to the rest position. The over-stroke stopper can thus be activated autonomously whether the closure is manual or assisted. The driving lever thus allows to adapt the command.

[0017] The over-stroke stopper may be a pivoting lever being subjected to an elastic return force which pushes it against the driving lever, a first end of which cooperating with the driving lever and a second end of which being configured to abut the claw to limit the pivoting of the claw beyond the closed position at the second catch in the activated position.

[0018] The driving lever may have a rounded profile configured to cooperate with the first end of the pivoting lever of the over-stroke stopper, the pivoting of the driving lever in a first rotation direction pushing the over-stroke stopper in an opposite second rotation direction and the pivoting of the driving lever in the opposite second rotation direction releasing the pivoting of the over-stroke stopper in the first rotation direction.

[0019] The over-stroke stopper may comprise a bumper configured to contact the claw in the activated position.

[0020] The invention will be better understood in view of the following description, referring to the annexed figures in which: [Fig.1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a door latch for closing a door of a motor vehicle in a closed position at the first catch. [Fig.2A], [Fig.2B], [Fig.2C], [Fig.2D], [Fig.2E] Figure 2A, figure 2B, figure 2C, figure 2D and figure 2E are successive view of an assisted closure of the door latch of figure 1 from the closed position at the first catch to the closed position at the second catch. [Fig.3A], [Fig.3B] Figure 3A and Figure 3B are successive view of a manual closure of the door latch of figure 1 from the closed position at the first catch to the closed position at the second catch. [Fig.4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the door latch of figure 1 in open position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The following achievements are examples. Although the specification refers to one or several embodiments, it does not imply that each reference refers to the same embodiment or that the features apply only to a single embodiment. Simple features of different embodiments can also be combined to provide other embodiments.

[0022] Figure 1 represents a door latch 1 for closing a door of a motor vehicle, particularly a side door or a trunk lid or similar.

[0023] The door latch 1 comprises a rotating claw 2 comprising a first catch 3 and a second catch 4, said claw 2 interacting with a striker 5 associated to the door of the vehicle.

[0024] This claw 2 is configured to rotate between an open position (figure 4), a closed position at the first catch 3 (figures 1, 2A, 3A) and a closed position at the second catch 4 (figures 2E, 3B).

[0025] The door latch 1 also comprises a pivoting pawl 6 configured to interact with said claw 2 to prevent a rotation of said claw 2 in the closed position at the first catch 3 and in the closed position at the second catch 4. For example, the catches 3, 4 are designed to interact with an end of the pawl 6 configured to prevent the claw 2 from rotating. For example, the pawl 6 is subjected to an elastic return force which pushes it toward the claw 2. The pawl 6 is designed to be secured to a driver itself operated by an actuator for opening the door latch 1.

[0026] In the closed position at the first catch 3 (figures 1, 2A, 3A), the pawl 6 rests against the first catch 3. In this way, the striker 5 is trapped in a recess 10 of the claw 2, holding the vehicle door in the closed state.

[0027] In the closed position at the second catch 4 (figures 2E, 3B), the pawl 6 rests against the second catch 4 of the claw 2. The striker 5 is still trapped in the recess 10 of the claw 2, holding the vehicle door in the closed state. In the closed position at the second catch 4, the claw 2 is rotated further than in the closed position at the first catch 3.

[0028] To rotate the claw 2 from the closed position at the first catch 3 to the closed position at the second catch 4, and beyond the closed position at the second catch 4 along a closing over-stroke, the door latch 1 further comprises a driving lever 7. This driving lever 7 can rotate the claw 2, for example by pushing a tooth of the claw 2 and is pivoted by an electric actuator.

[0029] The door latch 1 further comprises an over-stroke stopper 8, which is mobile between an activated position (figures 2A, 2B, 2E; figures 3A, 3B) and a deactivated position (figures 2C, 2D).

[0030] In the activated position (figures 2A, 2B, 2E; figures 3A, 3B), the over-stroke stopper 8 is projecting on the closing over-stroke of the claw 2 at least when the claw 2 is driven by the striker 5, to limit the pivoting of the claw 2 beyond the closed position at the second catch 4.

[0031] In the deactivated position (figures 2C, 2D), the over-stroke stopper 8 is positioned out of the closing over-stroke of the claw 2 when the claw 2 is driven by the driving lever 7.

[0032] The over-stroke stopper 8 in deactivated position when the claw 2 is driven by the driving lever 7 can be temporary. The over-stroke stopper 8 in deactivated position can be configured to return to the activated position at the end of the assisted closure, when the claw 2 has been driven in rotation by the driving lever 7 beyond the closed position at the second catch 4 along the closing over-stroke.

[0033] The over-stroke stopper 8 can be subjected to an elastic return force which pushes it in the activated position. In this case, the activated position is thus the rest position of the over-stroke stopper 8.

[0034] The door latch 1 may comprise a spring 9 that have an end attached to the over-stroke stopper 8 and an end attached to a latch housing. Therefore, the priority can be given to activate the over-stroke stopper 8. It is ensured that the over-stroke stopper 8 will be activated or remain activated.

[0035] The motion of the driving lever 7 from the closed position at the first catch 3 to the closed position at the second catch 4 may cause the motion of the over-stroke stopper 8 from the activated position to the deactivated position.

[0036] The motion of the driving lever 7 from the closed position at the second catch 4 to a rest position may cause the motion of the over-stroke stopper 8 from the deactivated position to the activated position.

[0037] The status of the door latch 1 being in manual closure or in assisted closure can thus be detected by the driving lever 7. In manual closure, the driving lever 7 is deactivated and the over-stroke stopper 8 is activated to limit the closing over-stroke of the claw 2. The driving lever 7 is only activated during the assisted closing of the door latch 1. Therefore, when the door latch 1 is assisted to close, the driving lever 7 may deactivate the over-stroke stopper 8.

[0038] Moreover, the driving lever 7 may release the over-stroke stopper 8 in the activated position when it returns to the rest position. The over-stroke stopper 8 can thus be activated autonomously whether the closure is manual or assisted. The driving lever 7 thus allows to adapt the command.

[0039] According to an embodiment, the over-stroke stopper 8 is a pivoting lever being subjected to an elastic return force which pushes it against the driving lever 7. A first end 8a of the pivoting lever of the over-stroke stopper 8 cooperates with the driving lever 7 and a second end 8b of the pivoting lever may be configured to abut the claw 2 to limit the pivoting of the claw 2 beyond the closed position at the second catch 4 in the activated position.

[0040] According to an embodiment, the driving lever 7 has a rounded profile configured to cooperate with the first end 8a of the pivoting lever of the over-stroke stopper 8. The pivoting of the driving lever 7 in a first rotation direction pushes the over-stroke stopper 8 in an opposite second rotation direction and the pivoting of the driving lever 7 in the opposite second rotation direction release the pivoting of the over-stroke stopper 8 in the first rotation direction.

[0041] An over-stroke stopper 8 being a pivoting lever activated by the driving lever 7 may thus fit easily inside a conventional latch retention packaging.

[0042] The over-stroke stopper 8 may comprise a bumper to absorb mechanical vibrations, for example arranged at the second end of the pivoting lever configured to contact the claw 2 in the activated position.

[0043] Figures 2A to 2E show a first sequence of an assisted closing of the door latch of figure 1 from the closed position at the first catch 3 to the closed position at the second catch 4.

[0044] In figure 2A, the door latch 1 is closed at the first catch 3. The pawl 6 rests against the first catch 3. The striker 5 is trapped in the recess 10 of the claw 2, holding the vehicle door in the closed state. The over-stroke stopper 8 is in the activated position. The driving lever 7 is in rest position.

[0045] In following figure 2B, the driving lever 7 is starting to rotate, driving the rotating of the claw 2.

[0046] In following figure 2C, the driving lever 7 has rotated the claw 2 to the closed position at the second catch 4 and starts to rotate the claw 2 beyond the second catch 4, along the closing over-stroke. The motion of the driving lever 7 has also causes the motion of the over-stroke stopper 8 from the activated position to the deactivated position. Thus, the over-stroke stopper 8 is fully positioning out of the closing over-stroke of the claw 2 as the claw 2 rotates (deactivated).

[0047] In figure 2D, the driving lever 7 has reach its maximum stroke. It has rotated the claw 2 along the closing over-stroke, allowing the pawl 6 to drop down behind the claw 2.

[0048] in figure 2E, the driving lever 7 is disengaged from the claw 2 that has pivoted back against the pawl 6. The door latch 1 is thus closed at the second catch 4, the pawl 6 resting against the second catch 4 of the claw 2. The striker 5 is trapped in the recess 10 of the claw 2, holding the vehicle door in the closed state.

[0049] As the driving lever 7 was returning in the rest position, the motion of the driving lever 7 from the closed position at the second catch 4 has driven back the over-stroke stopper 8 to the activated position. In this activated position, the over-stroke stopper 8 is projecting on the closing over-stroke of the claw 2 to limit the pivoting of the claw 2 beyond the closed position at the second catch 4 in driving.

[0050] Figure 3A and figure 3B show a second sequence for a manual closure of the door latch 1.

[0051] In figure 3A, as in figure 2A, the door latch 1 is closed at the first catch 3. The pawl 6 rests against the first catch 3. The striker 5 is trapped in the recess 10 of the claw 2, holding the vehicle door in the closed state. The over-stroke stopper 8 is in the activated position. The driving lever 7 is in the rest position.

[0052] In figure 3B, the claw 2 has being driven manually in rotation via the striker 5 associated to the door from the closed position at the first catch 3 to the closed position at the second catch 4. The driving lever 7 has not moved from the rest position. Therefore, as the driving lever 7 did not move, the over-stroke stopper 8 has stayed in activated position. In this activated position, the over-stroke stopper 8 is projecting on the closing over-stroke of the claw 2 to limit the pivoting of the claw 2 beyond the closed position at the second catch 4 while the vehicle is driving.

[0053] Thus, during manual closure of the door latch 1, the over-stroke stopper 8 interacts with the claw 2 on the closing over-stroke of the claw 2 to stop the claw 2 and thus to limit the pivoting of the claw 2 beyond the closed position at the second catch 4 while the vehicle is driving. The over-stroke stopper 8 helps thus limiting the movements of the door when the vehicle moves. This allows to better immobilize the claw 2. During assisted closure, the over-stroke stopper 8 is inhibited and let the claw 2 be driven to rotate over the entire closing over-stroke of the claw 2.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0021]The following achievements are examples. Although the specification refers to one or several embodiments, it does not imply that each reference refers to the same embodiment or that the features apply only to a single embodiment. Simple features of different embodiments can also be combined to provide other embodiments.

[0022]Figure 1 represents a door latch 1 for closing a door of a motor vehicle, particularly a side door or a trunk lid or similar.

[0023]The door latch 1 comprises a rotating claw 2 comprising a first catch 3 and a second catch 4, said claw 2 interacting with a striker 5 associated to the door of the vehicle.

[0024]This claw 2 is configured to rotate between an open position (figure 4), a closed position at the first catch 3 (figures 1, 2A, 3A) and a closed position at the second catch 4 (figures 2E, 3B).

[0025]The door latch 1 also comprises a pivoting pawl 6 configured to interact with said claw 2 to prevent a rotation of said claw 2 in the closed position at th...

Claims

1. An door latch (1) for closing a door of a motor vehicle comprising: - a claw (2) comprising a first catch (3) and a second catch (4), said claw (2) being configured to rotate between an open position, a closed position at the first catch (3) and a closed position at the second catch (4), - a pivoting pawl (6) configured to interact with said claw (2) to prevent a rotation of said claw (2) in the closed position at the first catch (3) and in the closed position at the second catch (4), - a driving lever (7) being configured to rotate said claw (2) from the closed position at the first catch (3) to the closed position at the second catch (4) and beyond the closed position at the second catch (4) along a closing over-stroke, wherein the door latch (1) further comprises an over-stroke stopper (8), which is mobile between: - an activated position wherein the over-stroke stopper (8) is projecting on the closing over-stroke of the claw (2) at least when the claw (2) is driven by a striker (5) associated to the door to limit the pivoting of the claw (2) beyond the closed position at the second catch (4), and - a deactivated position wherein the over-stroke stopper (8) is positioned out of the closing over-stroke of the claw (2) when the claw (2) is driven by the driving lever (7).

2. Door latch (1) according to claim 1, wherein the over-stroke stopper (8) in deactivated position is configured to return to the activated position when the claw (2) has been driven in rotation by the driving lever (7) beyond the closed position at the second catch (4) along the closing over-stroke.

3. Door latch (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the over-stroke stopper (8) is subjected to an elastic return force which pushes it in the activated position.

4. Door latch (1) according to one of the previous claims, wherein the motion of the driving lever (7) from the closed position at the first catch (3) to the closed position at the second catch (4) causes the motion of the over-stroke stopper (8) from the activated position to the deactivated position.

5. Door latch (1) according to one of the previous claims, wherein the motion of the driving lever (7) from the closed position at the second catch (4) to a rest position causes the motion of the over-stroke stopper (8) from the deactivated position to the activated position.

6. Door latch (1) according to one of the previous claims, wherein the over-stroke stopper (8) is a pivoting lever being subjected to an elastic return force which pushes it against the driving lever (7), a first end (8a) of which cooperating with the driving lever (7) and a second end (8b) of which being configured to abut the claw (2) to limit the pivoting of the claw (2) beyond the closed position at the second catch (4) in the activated position.

7. Door latch (1) according to the previous claim, wherein the driving lever (7) has a rounded profile configured to cooperate with the first end (8a) of the pivoting lever of the over-stroke stopper (8), the pivoting of the driving lever (7) in a first rotation direction pushing the over-stroke stopper (8) in an opposite second rotation direction and the pivoting of the driving lever (7) in the opposite second rotation direction releasing the pivoting of the over-stroke stopper (8) in the first rotation direction.

8. Door latch (1) according to one of the previous claims, wherein the over-stroke stopper (8) comprises a bumper configured to contact the claw (2) in the activated position.

Images