Door connection unit and vehicle door

Abstract

The present invention relates to a door connection unit (1) comprising a support plate (2); a door lock connection member (10) extending in a first plane (P1); an outside handle member (20) extending in a second plane (P2); an outside lock member (30) extending in the second plane (P2); and an outside lock link member (40) extending in a third plane (P3). The outside lock link member (40) comprises a first pin member (41) extending from the third plane, through an elongated opening (21) of the outside handle member (20) in the second plane (P2), to the first plane (P1). In an open state of the door connection unit, the second pin member (41) is positioned at a second position in the elongated opening (21) of the outside handle member (20). Rotational movement of the outside handle member (20) in the open state of the door connection unit causes the first pin member to engage with the door lock connection member (10) and cause rotational movement of the door lock connection member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a door connection unit, and especially to an arrangement comprising parts connectable to different functions of a door, such as a vehicle door.Background

[0002] A vehicle door may be locked and opened both from the outside and the inside in various ways. For safety reasons there are different requirements on how the lock and open functions should operate. To provide such functions, a door connection unit is arranged inside the vehicle door, to connect inside and outside locks and handles to each other and to a door lock which may lock the vehicle door to a body of the vehicle.

[0003] There are many functions of the vehicle door that need to share the space within the vehicle door with the door connection unit, such as an openable window, speakers, insulation and compartments. The space within the vehicle door is limited and it is thereby necessary that the door connection unit is space efficient and enables flexibility in placement of the door connection unit inside the vehicle door.Summary

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved solution that alleviates the mentioned drawbacks with present devices. Furthermore, it is an object to provide a door connection unit that is compact such that it can be placed at any suitable location within a door.

[0005] The invention is defined by the appended independent claims, with embodiments being set forth in the appended dependent claims, in the following description and in the drawings.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the invention a door connection unit is provided, comprising a support plate; a door lock connection member extending in a first plane, and is rotatable around a first axis, wherein the door lock connection member is configured to be connected to a door lock member of a door and by rotation of the door lock connection member to open the door lock member; an outside handle member extending in a second plane, and is rotatable around a second axis, wherein the outside handle member is configured to be connected to an outside handle of a door; an outside lock member extending in the second plane, and is rotatable around a third axis, wherein the outside lock member is configured to control whether the outside handle member can cause rotation of the door lock connection member or not, and wherein the outside lock member is configured to be connected to an outside lock of a door; and an outside lock link member extending in a third plane, and is rotatable around a fourth axis, wherein the outside lock link member is rotatably coupled to the outside lock member. The first, second and third planes are in parallel with the support plate. The first, second, third, and fourth axis each extend substantially perpendicular to the support plate. The outside handle member comprises an elongated opening. The outside lock link member comprises a first pin member extending from the third plane, through the elongated opening of the outside handle member in the second plane, to the first plane, wherein the first pin member is engaged with the elongated opening such that rotational movement of the outside handle member around the second axis causes rotational movement of the outside lock link member around the fourth axis. In a locked state of the door connection unit, the outside lock member is in a first position, causing the outside lock link member to be in a first position such that the first pin member is positioned at a first position in the elongated opening of the outside handle member. In an open state of the door connection unit, the outside lock member is in a second position, causing the outside lock link member to be in a second position such that the second pin member is positioned at a second position in the elongated opening of the outside handle member. Rotational movement of the outside handle member around the second axis in the open state of the door connection unit causes the first pin member to engage with a first portion of the door lock connection member in the first plane and cause rotational movement of the door lock connection member around the first axis. Rotational movement of the outside handle member around the second axis in the locked state of the door connection unit causes movement of the first pin member not engaging with the door lock connection member.

[0007] The door connection unit may provide a compact and space efficient solution to provide the connection functions between handle and lock functions in a door, such as a vehicle door. This may further provide that when arranged in e.g. a vehicle door, there is an increased freedom in where to place the door connection unit within the door. Due to the compact configuration, it may be less limitations on where to place the door connection unit, making it more flexible in use. It may further provide a more universal use of the door connection unit, enable for instance to use identical door connection units for both a left and a right door on a vehicle. The configuration of the members of the door connection unit according to the present invention may further provide a reduced risk of members, following condensation and low temperature, freezing to each other, causing malfunction of the door connection unit. This may be relevant for any door arranged in an outdoor environment.

[0008] The door lock connection member, the outside handle member, the outside lock member and the outside lock link member may each have a substantially flat shape extending in the respective planes. The members may, when necessary, comprise portions, such as the first pin member of the outside lock link member, which extend in a transversal manner between the planes to provide interaction between members. Otherwise the flat shaped members extending in different planes may move independent of each other. The outside lock link member may, besides the first pin member, extend only in the third plane. The outside handle member may extend only in the second plane. The outside lock member may extend only in the second plane. The door lock connection member may extend only in the first plane. By extending only in respective planes, it may be meant excluding any shaft to which the member may be arranged to rotate relative to, which shaft may be coupled to the support plate and / or another member. It may further be meant excluding any connection portion configured to be used for connection of the member to a respective component of a door in which the door connection unit is arranged.

[0009] The door may comprise a door lock member configured to provide lock function of locking the door to e.g. a body of a vehicle or door frame. The door lock connection member may be configured to be connected to the door lock member to control opening operation of the door lock member and thereby enable opening of the door.

[0010] The door may comprise an outside handle configured to enable a user to operate the outside handle member. The outside handle member may be configured to be connected to the outside handle such that operation of the outside handle is translated into movement of the outside handle member. The operation of the outside handle may affect operation of the door lock member via the door lock connection member depending on the state of the door connection unit. The configuration of the door connection unit may provide that the outside handle may always be operated (e.g. between open and closed position) and thereby always cause movement of the outside handle member, but may only cause movement of the door lock connection member if the door connection unit is in the open state.

[0011] The door may comprise an outside lock. The outside lock may, from the outside of the door, enable user control to lock or open the door. This may mean control of the state of the door connection unit between the locked state and the open state. The control of the outside lock may be via a mechanical key or tool operated lock, or via an electrical motor using for instance a remote control. The control may also be via a combination of key and electrical motor operation. The outside lock member may be configured to be connected to the outside lock via a connection to e.g. a key lock or electrical motor. The operation of the outside lock by a user may then affect the movement of the outside lock member.

[0012] Each of the door lock connection member, the outside handle member and the outside lock member may comprise connection component that may be configured to be attached to a wire or rod for connection to a door lock member, an outside handle and an outside lock, respectively.

[0013] At the first, second and third axis there may be a corresponding first, second and third shaft arranged, respectively. The door lock connection member may be arranged to a first shaft and rotatable around the first shaft. The first shaft may be attached to the support plate and extend along the first axis. The outside handle member may be arranged to a second shaft and rotatable around the second shaft. The second shaft may be attached to the support plate and extend along the second axis. The outside lock member may be arranged to a third shaft and rotatable around the third shaft. The third shaft may be attached to the support plate and extend along the third axis.

[0014] The outside lock link member is configured to rotate around the fourth axis. At the fourth axis there may be arranged a fourth shaft connecting the outside lock link member to the outside lock member, and making the outside lock link member rotatable relative to the outside lock member. The fourth shaft may extend from the outside lock member in the second plant to the outside lock link member in the third plane. The fourth shaft may extend along the fourth axis. The fourth shaft may be moveable relative to the support plate, following the movement of the outside lock member.

[0015] The first pin member may extend in a direction in parallel to the first axis, or in a direction transversal to the support plate. The first pin member may be configured to, in the open state of the door connection member, push on the first portion of the door lock connection member. The first portion of the door lock connection member may be an end portion located at a distance from the rotation point at the first axis such that the pushing on the first portion by the first pin member may cause rotation of the door lock connection member around the first axis. The end portion may be a surface facing in a direction in parallel with the first plane. The first portion may also be at a distance from a connection portion at which the door lock connection member is configured to be connected to the door lock member. The connection portion may further be at a distance from the rotation point at the first axis. Seen from the rotation point at the first axis, the first portion may be located at an angle distance of between 30 and 100 degrees, preferably between 45 and 90 degrees, to the connection portion. The distance between the connection portion and the rotation point may be larger than the distance between the first portion and the rotation point. The first portion may be an end portion of a first arm section of the door lock connection member. The connection portion may be an end portion of a second arm section of the door lock connection member.

[0016] When the first pin member is in the first position, thereby not engaging with the first portion of the door lock connection member when the outside handle member is rotated, the first pin member may be closer to the rotation point at the first axis of the door lock connection member than when in the second position. The first pin member may when in the first position, at least when the outside handle member is rotated, be located between the first portion and the rotation point of the door lock connection member. At the location where the first pin member is when in the first position, the door lock connection member may comprise a recess, providing that no engagement occurs between the first pin member and the door lock connection member when the outside handle member is rotated.

[0017] The outside lock member may comprise a connection point for connection to the outside lock of a door. The connection point may be at an end portion of the outside lock member. The outside lock member may extend in a substantially straight direction between a rotation point at the third axis and the end portion. Along the straight direction between the rotation point and the end portion the rotatable connection to the outside lock link member may be provided between the rotation point and the end portion.

[0018] The door connection unit may further comprise an inside handle member extending in the third plane, and may be rotatable around a fifth axis. The inside handle member may be configured to be connected to an inside handle of a door. The inside handle member may comprise a first portion configured to, when rotated around the fifth axis and irrespective of the door connection unit being in the open state or the locked state, engage with a second portion of the door lock connection member and may cause rotational movement of the door lock connection member around the first axis.

[0019] The inside handle member may provide a function wherein a user may, when the inside handle member is connected to an inside handle of a door, operate the inside handle and thereby cause rotation of the door lock connection member, and thereby opening of a rotary lock that may be connected thereto, irrespective of the state of the door connection unit. Consequently, the door lock connection member may always be caused to rotate by means of the inside handle member. This may be a common functionality in door connection units. In this embodiment, it may be provided in a compact manner with the inside handle member extending in the third plane and being rotatable around the fifth axis.

[0020] At the fifth axis there may be provided a fifth shaft to which the inside handle member may be rotatably arranged. The fifth shaft may extend along the fifth axis, and may be attached to the support plate.

[0021] The first portion of the inside handle member may be an end portion of a first arm section of the inside handle member. The first portion may be located at a distance from a rotation point at the fifth axis. The inside handle member may comprise a connection portion at which the inside handle member may be connected to an inside handle of a door. The connection portion may be an end portion of a second arm section of the inside handle member. The connection portion may be located at a distance from the rotation point at the fifth axis. The first portion may be located at a distance from the connection portion. Seen from the rotation point at the fifth axis, the first portion of the inside handle member may be located at an angle distance of between 30 and 120 degrees, preferably between 60 and 110 degrees, from the connection portion.

[0022] The second portion of the door lock connection member may be an end portion of a third arm section of the door lock connection member. The second portion may be located at a distance from the rotation point at the first axis, the first portion of the door lock connection member, and / or the connection portion of the door lock connection member. Seen from the rotation point at the first axis, the second portion of the door lock connection member may be located at an angle distance of between 90 and 220 degrees, preferably between 120 and 200 degrees, from the connection portion of the door lock connection member.

[0023] The inside handle member may have a substantially flat shape extending in the third plane. The inside handle member may extend only in the third plane, excluding the connection portion.

[0024] The second portion of the door lock connection member may comprise a transversal member extending from the first plane to the third plane. Beside the transversal member, the door connection member may extend only in the first plane.

[0025] The flat door lock connection member and inside handle member may extend in the first and the third planes, respectively. The transversal member at the second portion of the door lock connection member may provide that engagement between the door lock connection member and the inside handle member may occur when the inside handle member is rotated. Alternatively, the inside handle member may comprise a transversal member that may extend from the third plane to the first plane, instead of a transversal of the door lock connection member.

[0026] The door connection unit may further comprise an inside lock member extending in the third plane, and may be rotatable around a sixth axis. The inside lock member may be configured to be connected to an inside lock of the door. The inside lock member may be configured to be in a first position when the door connection unit is in the locked state and in a second position when the door connection unit is in the open state. The inside lock member may be rotatably connected to the outside lock member such that rotation of the outside lock member to the first position or the second position may cause rotation of the inside lock member to the first position or the second position, and vice versa.

[0027] The inside lock member may, from the inside of the door, enable user control to lock or unlock the door. This may mean control of the state of the door connection unit between the locked state and the open state. The control of the inside lock may be via a mechanical switch, or via an electrical motor using for instance a remote control. The control may also be via a combination of switch and electrical motor operation. The inside lock member may be configured to be connected to the inside lock via a connection to e.g. a switch or electrical motor. The operation of the inside lock by a user may then affect the movement of the inside lock member.

[0028] At the sixth axis there may be provided a sixth shaft to which the inside lock member may be rotatably arranged. The sixth shaft may extend along the sixth axis, and may be attached to the support plate.

[0029] A movement of the inside lock member to the first position or the second position may cause corresponding movement to the outside lock member. The inside lock member may comprise a second pin member extending in parallel to the sixth axis. The second pin member may extend from the third plane into the second plane where it may engage with an opening in the outside lock member. Alternatively, the outside lock member may comprise the second pin member which may extend into an opening in the inside lock member. The opening may be an elongated opening thereby enabling side movement of the second pin member in the elongated opening in combination with the rotational movement therebetween. The second pin member on the inside lock member may be located at a distance to a rotation point of the inside lock member at the sixth axis. The second pin member may be located on a first arm section of the inside lock member.

[0030] The inside lock member may comprise a connection portion at which the inside lock member may be connected to an inside lock of a door. The connection portion may be an end portion of a second arm section of the inside lock member. The connection portion may be located at a distance from the rotation point at the sixth axis. The second pin member may be located at a distance from the connection portion. Seen from the rotation point at the sixth axis, the second pin member may be located at an angle distance of between 90 and 180 degrees from the connection portion of the inside lock member.

[0031] The inside lock member may have a substantially flat shape extending in the third plane. The inside lock member may extend only in the third plane. By extending only in the third plane it may be meant excluding the connection portion and / or the second pin member.

[0032] A second portion of the inside handle member may be configured to engage, when the inside handle member is rotated around the fifth axis to engage with the door lock connection member, with a first portion of the inside lock member which may cause rotation of the inside lock member to the second position

[0033] The inside handle member may be configured to cause rotation of the door lock connection member by engagement between the inside handle member and the door lock connection member irrespective of whether the door connection unit is in the closed state or in the open state. The second portion of the inside handle member engaging with the first portion of the inside lock member may cause that if the inside lock member is in the first position, corresponding to the door connection unit being in the closed state, when the inside handle member is rotated to engage with the door lock connection member, the inside lock member may be moved to the second position, corresponding to the door connection unit being in the open state. Due to the connection between the inside lock member and the outside lock member may the movement of the inside lock member from the first to the second position further cause the outside lock member to move from its first position to its second position, which in turn may cause the first pin member of the outside lock link member to move to its second position. The state of the door connection unit is thereby changed from closed state to open state following the inside handle member being moved to engage with the door lock connection member.

[0034] The second portion of the inside handle member may be an end portion of a third arm section of the inside handle member. The second portion may be located at a distance from the rotation point at the fifth axis. The second portion may be located at a distance to the first portion and / or the connection portion of the inside handle member. Seen from the rotation point at the fifth axis, the second portion of the inside handle member may be located at an angle distance of between 30 and 100 degrees, preferably between 60 and 80 degrees, from the first portion of the inside handle member. Seen from the rotation point at the fifth axis, the second portion of the inside handle member may be located at an angle distance of between 120 and 180 degrees, preferably about 180 degrees, from the connection portion of the inside handle member.

[0035] The second portion of the inside lock member may be located on a first arm section of the inside lock member. On the first arm section the second pin member may further be located. The second portion of the inside lock member may be an end portion of the first arm section of the inside lock member. The first arm section of the inside lock member may, from the rotation point at the sixth axis, have a bent extension, first extending in a first part in a first direction, followed by a second part extending in a second direction. The first and second directions may differ by between 70-120 degrees, preferably between 80-90 degrees. The second pin member may be located at an intersection between the first and second part of the first arm section. Seen from the rotation point at the sixth axis, the second portion of the inside lock member may be located at an angle distance of between 90 and 180 degrees, preferable between 90 and 120 degrees, from the connection portion of the inside lock member.

[0036] The inside lock member may comprise a third arm section extending from the rotation point at the sixth axis. At an end portion of the third arm section the inside lock member may be configured for connection to a motor driven lock control device. Such motor driven lock control device may be configured to control the movement of the inside lock member between its first and second position, and thereby also control of the state of the door connection unit. Seen from the rotation point at the sixth axis, the third arm section may be located at an angle distance of between 70-120 degrees, preferably between 80 and 100 degrees, from the connection portion of the inside lock member and / or from at least the first part of the first arm section of the inside lock member.

[0037] The first and the second axis may be the same. The outside handle member and the door lock connection member may have a common rotation point. The outside handle member and the door lock connection member may be independently rotatable around the first axis. The outside handle member extending in the second plane and the door lock connection member extending in the first plane may rotate in the parallel planes next to each other around the common first axis. The rotation around the first axis may be provided by a common first shaft extending along the first axis. The above mentioned second shaft may be the same as the first shaft. When the door connection unit is in the open state such that the first pin member is located to engage with the door lock connection member when the outside handle member is rotated around the first axis, the outside handle member and the door lock connection member may commonly rotate around the first axis.

[0038] In a resting state of the outside handle member, i.e. when it, in the open state of the door connection unit, is not moved to cause rotation of the door lock connection member, the first axis may be located between the fourth axis and the first pin member. By located between it may be meant that the first axis may be located substantially along a line between the fourth axis and the first pin member. This imaginary line may extend perpendicular between the fourth axis and the first pin member to the extension direction of both the fourth axis and the first pin member. The line may substantially intersect with the first axis. The outside lock link member may have a curved shape to extend between the fourth axis and the first pin member, circumventing the first axis.

[0039] The first, third and fourth axes may be separate axes. The first, third and fourth axes may extend in parallel at a distance from each other. The first, third and fourth shafts may thereby be located at a distance from each other. In embodiments comprising the fifth axis and the sixth axis, the first, third, fourth, fifth and sixth axes may be separate axes extending in parallel at a distance from each other. The arrangement of the relevant members being configured to rotate around axes being separate from each other may further enable a compact configuration of the door connection unit.

[0040] The first pin member may extend in parallel with the first axis. The outside lock link member may be flat and extend in the third plane between the fourth axis and an end portion of the outside lock link member where the first pin member may be located. The first pin member may extend in a direction perpendicular to the third plane to extend from the third plane to the second plane and the first plane. Such direction may be in parallel with the first axis.

[0041] The door connection unit may further comprise an open state lock member configured to, in a first position block the first pin member of the outside lock link member from being moved to the first position, preventing the first pin member from moving out of engagement with the door lock connection member.

[0042] In some situations it may be desirable that the door connection unit may be prevented from changing to the locked state. The door may for instance be open, and it may be desired to prevent it from being unintentionally locked if closed. The open state lock member is configured to prevent the door connection unit to move from the open state to the locked state. This may be provided by blocking the first pin member from moving from the second position to the first position. In a first position of the open state lock member it may be located at a position next to the first pin member and corresponding to a position of the first pin member in the first position, thereby preventing the first pin member from moving to the first position. The open state lock member may be substantially flat and may extend in the first plane. The open state lock member may thereby not interfere with the outside handle member's movement around the first axis and the engagement between the first pin member and the door lock connection member during such movement of the outside handle member. The open state lock member may in a second position be moved out of way for the first pin member to move to the first position. The open state lock member may move linearly along a seventh axis when being moved between the first and second positions. The seventh axis may be in parallel with the first plane. Alternatively, the seventh axis may extend perpendicular to the first plane and the open state lock member may be rotated around the seventh axis when being moved between the first and second positions.

[0043] The outside lock link member may be rotatably arranged to the outside lock member at the fourth axis. The fourth axis may not have a fixed position in relation to the support plate, but may be fixed in relation to the outside lock member. Rotation of the outside lock link member around the fourth axis may thereby be a rotation in relation to the outside lock member. The position of the fourth axis may follow the position of the outside lock member. The fourth shaft extending along the fourth axis may extend between the outside lock member in the second plane and the outside lock link member in the third plane. The fourth axis may not extend to the support plate.

[0044] Flat portions of a member extending in one of the planes may have a thickness of between 1-10 mm, preferably between 3-6 mm. Each of the door lock connection member, the outside handle member, the outside lock member and the outside lock link member may extend in a flat manner substantially in one of the planes. The portions of the members extending in such flat manner may have a thickness of between 1-10 mm, or preferably between 3-6 mm. In one embodiment, the thickness may be about 4 mm. The same may apply to flat portions of the optional inside handle member and the inside lock member. One or more of the members may comprise a transversal member extending in a direction perpendicular to the planes, for instance to extend from one plane to another. At such transversal member the thickness of the respective member may be larger, such as between 8-15 mm. Example of such transversal member may be the first pin member, the second pin member or the transversal member at the second portion of the door lock connection member. Members may comprise a transversal member for stability reasons. For instance, one or both of the outside lock member and the door lock connection member extending in the second plane and the first plane, respectively, may each comprise a transversal stability member extending to the third plane and configured to abut the support plate. When the respective member is moved, the transversal stability member may glide along a surface of the support plate and prevent tilting motion of the respective member.

[0045] The door connection unit may be a vehicle door connection unit configured to be arranged inside a vehicle door. The door lock connection member may be a rotary connection member configured to be connected to a rotary lock of a vehicle door.

[0046] According to a second aspect of the invention, a door is provided, the door comprising an outside handle, an outside lock, a door lock and a door connection unit according to any one of the embodiments described herein. The door may further comprise an inside handle and an inside lock. The door may be a vehicle door. The door lock may be a rotary lock of a vehicle door.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0047] The invention will in the following be described in more detail with reference to the enclosed drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 shows a side view of a door connection unit according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2 shows a side view of a door connection unit according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 3 shows a side view of a door connection unit according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 4 shows a side view of a door connection unit according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 5 shows a side view of a door connection unit according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 6 shows a side view of a door connection unit according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of a door connection unit according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of a door connection unit according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 9 shows a side view of a door connection unit according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 10 shows an outside side view of a vehicle door comprising a door connection unit according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 11 shows an inside side view of a vehicle door comprising a door connection unit according to an embodiment of the invention. Description of Embodiments

[0048] The present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.

[0049] Fig. 1 illustrates a door connection unit 1 comprising a door lock connection member 10, an outside handle member 20, an outside lock member 30, an outside lock link member 40, an inside handle member 50 and an inside lock member 60. The embodiments of the door connection unit 1 will be illustrated and discussed in relation to a vehicle door 100, but the door connection unit 1 may be equally applicable to another kind of door.

[0050] The door lock connection member 10 is rotatable around a first axis A1. The door lock connection member 10 is configured to be connected to a door lock member 110 of a vehicle door 100 and by rotation of the door lock connection member 10 to open the door lock member 110 to open the vehicle door 100. A vehicle door 100 is illustrated in figs. 10 and 11.

[0051] The outside handle member 20 is rotatable around a second axis. The outside handle member 20 is configured to be connected to an outside handle 120 of a vehicle door 100.

[0052] The outside lock member 30 is rotatable around a third axis A3. The outside lock member 30 is configured to control whether the outside handle member 20 can cause rotation of the door lock connection member 10 or not. The outside lock member 30 is configured to be connected to an outside lock 130 of a vehicle door 100.

[0053] The outside lock link member 40 is rotatable around a fourth axis A4. The outside lock link member 40 is rotatably coupled to the outside lock member 30.

[0054] The inside handle member 50 is rotatable around a fifth axis A5. The inside handle member 50 is configured to be connected to an inside handle 150 of a vehicle door 100.

[0055] The inside lock member 60 is rotatable around a sixth axis A6. The inside lock member 60 is configured to be connected to an inside lock 160 of the vehicle door 100.

[0056] The door lock connection member 10, the outside handle member 20, the outside lock member 30, the outside lock link member 40, the inside handle member 50 and the inside lock member 60 are rotatably arranged to a support plate 2. The first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth axis A1, A3, A4, A5, A6 each extend substantially perpendicular to the support plate 2. In the illustrated embodiment the second axis is the same as the first axis A1. In other embodiments, the second axis may be separated from the first axis A1.

[0057] As is further illustrated in fig. 9, the rotatable members 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 are each substantially flat and extend in three separate planes P1, P2, P3. The door lock connection member 10 extends in a first plane P1. The outside handle member 20 extends in a second plane P2. The outside lock member 30 extends in the second plane P2. The outside lock link member 40 extends in a third plane P3. The inside handle member 50 extends in the third plane P3. The inside lock member 60 extends in the third plane P3. The first, second and third planes are in parallel with the support plate 2. The third plane P3 may be closest to the support plate 2, followed by the second plane P2 and the first plane P1.

[0058] The outside handle member 20 comprises an elongated opening 21. The outside lock link member 40 comprises a first pin member 41 extending from the third plane P3, through the elongated opening 21 of the outside handle member 20 in the second plane P2, to the first plane P1. The first pin member 41 is engaged with the elongated opening 21 such that rotational movement of the outside handle member 20 around the second axis causes rotational movement of the outside lock link member 40 around the fourth axis A4.

[0059] Fig. 1 illustrates the door connection unit 1 in an open state. In the open state the outside lock member 30 is in a second position P32, causing the outside lock link member 40 to be in a second position such that the second pin member 41 is positioned at a second position P42 in the elongated opening 21 of the outside handle member 20. Rotational movement of the outside handle member 20 around the second axis in the open state of the door connection unit 1 causes the first pin member 41 to engage with a first portion 11 of the door lock connection member 10 in the first plane P1 and cause rotational movement of the door lock connection member 10 around the first axis A1. A door lock member 110 to which the door lock connection member 10 may be connected may thereby be opened. This operation is further illustrated in fig. 3, where it may be seen how rotation of the door lock connection member around axis A1 is caused by rotation of the outside handle member 20 when the first pin member 41 of the outside lock link member 40 is in the second position P42.

[0060] A spring member 90 may be arranged to the support plate 2 and configured to act on the outside lock member 30. The spring member 90 may be configured to bias the outside lock member 30 to either of the end positions, i.e. either the first position P31 when the door connection unit 1 is in the locked state, or the second position P32 when the door connection unit 1 is in the open state.

[0061] Fig. 2 illustrates the door connection unit 1 in a locked state. In the locked state the outside lock member 30 is in a first position P31, causing the outside lock link member 40 to be in a first position such that the first pin member 41 is positioned at a first position P41 in the elongated opening 21 of the outside handle member 20. Rotational movement of the outside handle member 20 around the second axis in the locked state of the door connection unit 1 causes movement of the first pin member 41 not engaging with the door lock connection member 10. This is further illustrated in fig. 4 where it may be seen how rotation of the outside handle member 20, with the first pin member 41 in the first position P41 does not cause rotation of the door lock connection member 10. The door lock connection member 10 may be formed with a recess or opening 14 at a location of the first pin member 41 in its first position P41. The door lock connection member 10 may thereby not be affected by the rotation of the outside handle member 20 even though the first pin member 41 extends into the first plane P1. When the outside handle member 20 is rotated, the first pin member 41 may move into the recess 14 of the door lock connection member 10.

[0062] The inside lock member 60 may be configured to be in a first position P61 when the door connection unit 1 is in the locked state and in a second position P62 when the door connection unit 1 is in the open state. The inside lock member 60 is rotatably connected to the outside lock member 30 such that rotation of the outside lock member 30 to the first position P31 causes rotation of the inside lock member 60 to the first position P61, and vice versa. In the same way causes rotation of the outside lock member 30 to the second position P32 rotation of the inside lock member 60 to the second position P62, and vice versa. The connection between the outside lock member 30 and the inside lock member 60 may be provided by the outside lock member 30, extending in the second plane P2, comprising an opening, and the inside lock member 60, extending in the third plane P3, comprises a second pin member 62 extending into the second plane P2 and the opening of the outside lock member 30. The opening may be elongated.

[0063] The inside handle member 50 comprises a first portion 51 configured to, when rotated around the fifth axis A5, engage with a second portion 12 of the door lock connection member 10 and cause rotational movement of the door lock connection member 10 around the first axis A1. The inside handle member 50 may engage with the door lock connection member 10 and cause rotation of the door lock connection member 10 irrespective of whether the door connection unit 1 is in the open state or the locked state. The door lock connection member 10 may thereby always be moved by means of the inside handle member 50.

[0064] The inside handle member 50 may further comprise a second portion 52 configured to engage, when the inside handle member 50 is rotated around the fifth axis A5 to engage with the door lock connection member 10, with a first portion 61 of the inside lock member 60 causing rotation of the inside lock member 60 to the second position P62. If the door connection unit 1 is in the locked state, with the inside lock member 60, and thereby also the outside lock member 30, in their first positions P31, P32, rotation of the inside handle member 50 to cause rotation of the door lock connection member 10 may also cause rotation of the inside and outside lock members 60, 30 to their second positions P62, P32. The first pin member 41 of the outside lock link member 40 may also be moved to its second position P42. This may also cause the door connection unit 1 to be changed into the open state.

[0065] Each of the door lock connection member 10, the outside handle member 20, the outside lock member 30, the inside handle member 50 and the inside lock member 60 may comprise respective connection portions 13, 22, 31, 53, 64, which may each be configured for connection to respective parts of a vehicle door 100. The door lock connection member 10 may at its connection portion 13 be configured to be connected to a rotary lock 110 of a vehicle door 100. The outside handle member 20 may at its connection portion 22 be configured to be connected to outside handle 120 of a vehicle door 100. The outside lock member 30 may at its connection portion 31 be configured to be connected to an outside lock 130 of a vehicle door 100. The inside handle member 50 may at its connection portion 53 be configured to be connected to an inside handle 150 of a vehicle door 100. The outside lock member 10 may at its connection portion 64 be configured to be connected to an outside lock 160 of a vehicle door 100. The connections between the connection portions 13, 22, 31, 53, 64 and the respective parts of the vehicle door 100 may be provided by wires or rods.

[0066] Fig. 5 illustrates such situation where the inside handle member 50 is rotated to engage with the door lock connection member 10. At the same time, the second portion 52 of the inside handle member 50 engages with the first portion 61 of the inside lock member 60 causing movement of the inside and outside lock member 60, 30 to their second positions P62, P32. Operation of the inside handle member 50 thereby causes a transition of the door connection unit from the locked state to the open state.

[0067] As illustrated in fig. 6, the door connection unit 1 may comprise an open state lock member 70. The open state lock member 70 may configured to, in a first position P71 block the first pin member 41 of the outside lock link member 40 and prevent it from moving to the first position P41. The open state lock member 70 may thereby lock the door connection unit 1 in the open state. The first pin member 41 may be locked in the second position P42, in engagement position with the first portion 11 of the door lock connection member 10 upon rotation of the outside handle member 20. This functionality may be used to prevent the vehicle door to unintentionally being locked when being closed. The open state lock member 70 may be moved to a second position to enable movement of the first pin member 41 to the first position P41. In the illustrated embodiment the open state lock member 70 may move linearly along a seventh axis A7. The seventh axis A7 extends in parallel with the first, second, and / or third planes P1, P2, P3. In another embodiment, the open state lock member 70 may be rotated between the first position P71 and the second position. The open state lock member 70 may extend in the first plane P1.

[0068] As seen in fig. 7, the second portion 12 of the door lock connection member 10 may comprise a transversal member 12a extending into the third plane P3 such that the inside door member 50 may, when rotated into engagement with the transversal member 12a, cause rotation of the door lock connection member 10.

[0069] The door connection unit 1 may further comprise a spring member 80 arranged to the support plate 2. The spring member 80 may in a first end be fixed to the support plate 2, and in a second end be coupled to the outside handle member 20. The spring member 80 may be configured to bias the outside handle member 20 towards a position in which the outside handle member 20, in at least the open state of the door connection unit, do not cause movement of the door lock connection member 10.

[0070] As illustrated in fig. 8, the door connection unit 1 may further comprise a housing 3 configured to at least partly enclose the door lock connection member 10, the outside handle member 20, the outside lock member 30, the outside lock link member 40, the inside handle member 50 and the inside lock member 60. The housing 3 may be attached to the support plate 2. The housing 3 may comprise a top wall extending in parallel with the support plate 2, and side walls extending between the top wall and the support plate 2. The housing 3 may comprise openings in the side walls for connection portions 13, 22, 31, 53, 64 of the door lock connection member 10, the outside handle member 20, the outside lock member 30, the inside handle member 50 and the inside lock member 60.

[0071] A first block member 15 may be arranged to the support plate 2 and extending into the first, second and third planes P1, P2, P3. The first block member 15 may be configured to act on the door lock connection member 10 and / or the outside handle member 20. The first block member 15 may be configured to prevent the door lock connection member 10 and / or the outside handle member 20 to rotate passed the position at which it rests when not being operated. This may mean that the first block member 15 prevents further rotation in a direction opposite to the direction in which the door lock connection member 10 and / or the outside handle member 20 is rotated when being rotated for operation of the door lock and / or outside handle.

[0072] A second block member 54 may be arranged to the support plate 2 and extending into at least the third plane P3. The second block member 54 may be configured to act on the inside handle member 50. The second block member 54 may be configured to prevent the inside handle member 50 to rotate passed an end position in which it is not in engagement with the door lock connection member 10. This may mean that the second block member 54 prevents further rotation in a direction opposite to the direction in which the inside handle member 50 is rotated into engagement with the door lock connection member 10.

[0073] Figs. 10 and 11 illustrate a vehicle door 100 according to an embodiment, wherein the vehicle door 100 comprises a door connection unit 1. The door connection unit 1 may be connected to a rotary lock 110, an outside handle 120, an outside lock 130, an inside handle 150 and an inside lock 160. The rotary lock 110 may be configured to lock the vehicle door 100 to a body of a vehicle when the vehicle door 100 is closed. The door connection unit 1 may be placed at a suitable place within the vehicle door 100. The door connection unit 1 may be connected to the respective parts of the vehicle door 1 via wires or rods.

[0074] In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed preferred embodiments and examples of the invention and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purpose of limitation, the scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0048]The present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.

[0049]Fig. 1 illustrates a door connection unit 1 comprising a door lock connection member 10, an outside handle member 20, an outside lock member 30, an outside lock link member 40, an inside handle member 50 and an inside lock member 60. The embodiments of the door connection unit 1 will be illustrated and discussed in relation to a vehicle door 100, but the door connection unit 1 may be equally applicable to another kind of door.

[0050]The door lock co...

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a door connection unit, and especially to an arrangement comprising parts connectable to different functions of a door, such as a vehicle door.Background

[0002] A vehicle door may be locked and opened both from the outside and the inside in various ways. For safety reasons there are different requirements on how the lock and open functions should operate. To provide such functions, a door connection unit is arranged inside the vehicle door, to connect inside and outside locks and handles to each other and to a door lock which may lock the vehicle door to a body of the vehicle.

[0003] There are many functions of the vehicle door that need to share the space within the vehicle door with the door connection unit, such as an openable window, speakers, insulation and compartments. The space within the vehicle door is limited and it is thereby necessary that the door connection unit is space efficient and enables flexibility in placement of the door connection unit inside the vehicle door.Summary

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved solution that alleviates the mentioned drawbacks with present devices. Furthermore, it is an object to provide a door connection unit that is compact such that it can be placed at any suitable location within a door.

[0005] The invention is defined by the appended independent claims, with embodiments being set forth in the appended dependent claims, in the following description and in the drawings.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the invention a door connection unit is provided, comprising a support plate; a door lock connection member extending in a first plane, and is rotatable around a first axis, wherein the door lock connection member is configured to be connected to a door lock member of a door and by rotation of the door lock connection member to open the door lock member; an outside handle member extending in a second plane, and is rotatable around a second axis, wherein the outside handle member is configured to be connected to an outside handle of a door; an outside lock member extending in the second plane, and is rotatable around a third axis, wherein the outside lock member is configured to control whether the outside handle member can cause rotation of the door lock connection member or not, and wherein the outside lock member is configured to be connected to an outside lock of a door; and an outside lock link member extending in a third plane, and is rotatable around a fourth axis, wherein the outside lock link member is rotatably coupled to the outside lock member. The first, second and third planes are in parallel with the support plate. The first, second, third, and fourth axis each extend substantially perpendicular to the support plate. The outside handle member comprises an elongated opening. The outside lock link member comprises a first pin member extending from the third plane, through the elongated opening of the outside handle member in the second plane, to the first plane, wherein the first pin member is engaged with the elongated opening such that rotational movement of the outside handle member around the second axis causes rotational movement of the outside lock link member around the fourth axis. In a locked state of the door connection unit, the outside lock member is in a first position, causing the outside lock link member to be in a first position such that the first pin member is positioned at a first position in the elongated opening of the outside handle member. In an open state of the door connection unit, the outside lock member is in a second position, causing the outside lock link member to be in a second position such that the second pin member is positioned at a second position in the elongated opening of the outside handle member. Rotational movement of the outside handle member around the second axis in the open state of the door connection unit causes the first pin member to engage with a first portion of the door lock connection member in the first plane and cause rotational movement of the door lock connection member around the first axis. Rotational movement of the outside handle member around the second axis in the locked state of the door connection unit causes movement of the first pin member not engaging with the door lock connection member.

[0007] The door connection unit may provide a compact and space efficient solution to provide the connection functions between handle and lock functions in a door, such as a vehicle door. This may further provide that when arranged in e.g. a vehicle door, there is an increased freedom in where to place the door connection unit within the door. Due to the compact configuration, it may be less limitations on where to place the door connection unit, making it more flexible in use. It may further provide a more universal use of the door connection unit, enable for instance to use identical door connection units for both a left and a right door on a vehicle. The configuration of the members of the door connection unit according to the present invention may further provide a reduced risk of members, following condensation and low temperature, freezing to each other, causing malfunction of the door connection unit. This may be relevant for any door arranged in an outdoor environment.

[0008] The door lock connection member, the outside handle member, the outside lock member and the outside lock link member may each have a substantially flat shape extending in the respective planes. The members may, when necessary, comprise portions, such as the first pin member of the outside lock link member, which extend in a transversal manner between the planes to provide interaction between members. Otherwise the flat shaped members extending in different planes may move independent of each other. The outside lock link member may, besides the first pin member, extend only in the third plane. The outside handle member may extend only in the second plane. The outside lock member may extend only in the second plane. The door lock connection member may extend only in the first plane. By extending only in respective planes, it may be meant excluding any shaft to which the member may be arranged to rotate relative to, which shaft may be coupled to the support plate and / or another member. It may further be meant excluding any connection portion configured to be used for connection of the member to a respective component of a door in which the door connection unit is arranged.

[0009] The door may comprise a door lock member configured to provide lock function of locking the door to e.g. a body of a vehicle or door frame. The door lock connection member may be configured to be connected to the door lock member to control opening operation of the door lock member and thereby enable opening of the door.

[0010] The door may comprise an outside handle configured to enable a user to operate the outside handle member. The outside handle member may be configured to be connected to the outside handle such that operation of the outside handle is translated into movement of the outside handle member. The operation of the outside handle may affect operation of the door lock member via the door lock connection member depending on the state of the door connection unit. The configuration of the door connection unit may provide that the outside handle may always be operated (e.g. between open and closed position) and thereby always cause movement of the outside handle member, but may only cause movement of the door lock connection member if the door connection unit is in the open state.

[0011] The door may comprise an outside lock. The outside lock may, from the outside of the door, enable user control to lock or open the door. This may mean control of the state of the door connection unit between the locked state and the open state. The control of the outside lock may be via a mechanical key or tool operated lock, or via an electrical motor using for instance a remote control. The control may also be via a combination of key and electrical motor operation. The outside lock member may be configured to be connected to the outside lock via a connection to e.g. a key lock or electrical motor. The operation of the outside lock by a user may then affect the movement of the outside lock member.

[0012] Each of the door lock connection member, the outside handle member and the outside lock member may comprise connection component that may be configured to be attached to a wire or rod for connection to a door lock member, an outside handle and an outside lock, respectively.

[0013] At the first, second and third axis there may be a corresponding first, second and third shaft arranged, respectively. The door lock connection member may be arranged to a first shaft and rotatable around the first shaft. The first shaft may be attached to the support plate and extend along the first axis. The outside handle member may be arranged to a second shaft and rotatable around the second shaft. The second shaft may be attached to the support plate and extend along the second axis. The outside lock member may be arranged to a third shaft and rotatable around the third shaft. The third shaft may be attached to the support plate and extend along the third axis.

[0014] The outside lock link member is configured to rotate around the fourth axis. At the fourth axis there may be arranged a fourth shaft connecting the outside lock link member to the outside lock member, and making the outside lock link member rotatable relative to the outside lock member. The fourth shaft may extend from the outside lock member in the second plant to the outside lock link member in the third plane. The fourth shaft may extend along the fourth axis. The fourth shaft may be moveable relative to the support plate, following the movement of the outside lock member.

[0015] The first pin member may extend in a direction in parallel to the first axis, or in a direction transversal to the support plate. The first pin member may be configured to, in the open state of the door connection member, push on the first portion of the door lock connection member. The first portion of the door lock connection member may be an end portion located at a distance from the rotation point at the first axis such that the pushing on the first portion by the first pin member may cause rotation of the door lock connection member around the first axis. The end portion may be a surface facing in a direction in parallel with the first plane. The first portion may also be at a distance from a connection portion at which the door lock connection member is configured to be connected to the door lock member. The connection portion may further be at a distance from the rotation point at the first axis. Seen from the rotation point at the first axis, the first portion may be located at an angle distance of between 30 and 100 degrees, preferably between 45 and 90 degrees, to the connection portion. The distance between the connection portion and the rotation point may be larger than the distance between the first portion and the rotation point. The first portion may be an end portion of a first arm section of the door lock connection member. The connection portion may be an end portion of a second arm section of the door lock connection member.

[0016] When the first pin member is in the first position, thereby not engaging with the first portion of the door lock connection member when the outside handle member is rotated, the first pin member may be closer to the rotation point at the first axis of the door lock connection member than when in the second position. The first pin member may when in the first position, at least when the outside handle member is rotated, be located between the first portion and the rotation point of the door lock connection member. At the location where the first pin member is when in the first position, the door lock connection member may comprise a recess, providing that no engagement occurs between the first pin member and the door lock connection member when the outside handle member is rotated.

[0017] The outside lock member may comprise a connection point for connection to the outside lock of a door. The connection point may be at an end portion of the outside lock member. The outside lock member may extend in a substantially straight direction between a rotation point at the third axis and the end portion. Along the straight direction between the rotation point and the end portion the rotatable connection to the outside lock link member may be provided between the rotation point and the end portion.

[0018] The door connection unit may further comprise an inside handle member extending in the third plane, and may be rotatable around a fifth axis. The inside handle member may be configured to be connected to an inside handle of a door. The inside handle member may comprise a first portion configured to, when rotated around the fifth axis and irrespective of the door connection unit being in the open state or the locked state, engage with a second portion of the door lock connection member and may cause rotational movement of the door lock connection member around the first axis.

[0019] The inside handle member may provide a function wherein a user may, when the inside handle member is connected to an inside handle of a door, operate the inside handle and thereby cause rotation of the door lock connection member, and thereby opening of a rotary lock that may be connected thereto, irrespective of the state of the door connection unit. Consequently, the door lock connection member may always be caused to rotate by means of the inside handle member. This may be a common functionality in door connection units. In this embodiment, it may be provided in a compact manner with the inside handle member extending in the third plane and being rotatable around the fifth axis.

[0020] At the fifth axis there may be provided a fifth shaft to which the inside handle member may be rotatably arranged. The fifth shaft may extend along the fifth axis, and may be attached to the support plate.

[0021] The first portion of the inside handle member may be an end portion of a first arm section of the inside handle member. The first portion may be located at a distance from a rotation point at the fifth axis. The inside handle member may comprise a connection portion at which the inside handle member may be connected to an inside handle of a door. The connection portion may be an end portion of a second arm section of the inside handle member. The connection portion may be located at a distance from the rotation point at the fifth axis. The first portion may be located at a distance from the connection portion. Seen from the rotation point at the fifth axis, the first portion of the inside handle member may be located at an angle distance of between 30 and 120 degrees, preferably between 60 and 110 degrees, from the connection portion.

[0022] The second portion of the door lock connection member may be an end portion of a third arm section of the door lock connection member. The second portion may be located at a distance from the rotation point at the first axis, the first portion of the door lock connection member, and / or the connection portion of the door lock connection member. Seen from the rotation point at the first axis, the second portion of the door lock connection member may be located at an angle distance of between 90 and 220 degrees, preferably between 120 and 200 degrees, from the connection portion of the door lock connection member.

[0023] The inside handle member may have a substantially flat shape extending in the third plane. The inside handle member may extend only in the third plane, excluding the connection portion.

[0024] The second portion of the door lock connection member may comprise a transversal member extending from the first plane to the third plane. Beside the transversal member, the door connection member may extend only in the first plane.

[0025] The flat door lock connection member and inside handle member may extend in the first and the third planes, respectively. The transversal member at the second portion of the door lock connection member may provide that engagement between the door lock connection member and the inside handle member may occur when the inside handle member is rotated. Alternatively, the inside handle member may comprise a transversal member that may extend from the third plane to the first plane, instead of a transversal of the door lock connection member.

[0026] The door connection unit may further comprise an inside lock member extending in the third plane, and may be rotatable around a sixth axis. The inside lock member may be configured to be connected to an inside lock of the door. The inside lock member may be configured to be in a first position when the door connection unit is in the locked state and in a second position when the door connection unit is in the open state. The inside lock member may be rotatably connected to the outside lock member such that rotation of the outside lock member to the first position or the second position may cause rotation of the inside lock member to the first position or the second position, and vice versa.

[0027] The inside lock member may, from the inside of the door, enable user control to lock or unlock the door. This may mean control of the state of the door connection unit between the locked state and the open state. The control of the inside lock may be via a mechanical switch, or via an electrical motor using for instance a remote control. The control may also be via a combination of switch and electrical motor operation. The inside lock member may be configured to be connected to the inside lock via a connection to e.g. a switch or electrical motor. The operation of the inside lock by a user may then affect the movement of the inside lock member.

[0028] At the sixth axis there may be provided a sixth shaft to which the inside lock member may be rotatably arranged. The sixth shaft may extend along the sixth axis, and may be attached to the support plate.

[0029] A movement of the inside lock member to the first position or the second position may cause corresponding movement to the outside lock member. The inside lock member may comprise a second pin member extending in parallel to the sixth axis. The second pin member may extend from the third plane into the second plane where it may engage with an opening in the outside lock member. Alternatively, the outside lock member may comprise the second pin member which may extend into an opening in the inside lock member. The opening may be an elongated opening thereby enabling side movement of the second pin member in the elongated opening in combination with the rotational movement therebetween. The second pin member on the inside lock member may be located at a distance to a rotation point of the inside lock member at the sixth axis. The second pin member may be located on a first arm section of the inside lock member.

[0030] The inside lock member may comprise a connection portion at which the inside lock member may be connected to an inside lock of a door. The connection portion may be an end portion of a second arm section of the inside lock member. The connection portion may be located at a distance from the rotation point at the sixth axis. The second pin member may be located at a distance from the connection portion. Seen from the rotation point at the sixth axis, the second pin member may be located at an angle distance of between 90 and 180 degrees from the connection portion of the inside lock member.

[0031] The inside lock member may have a substantially flat shape extending in the third plane. The inside lock member may extend only in the third plane. By extending only in the third plane it may be meant excluding the connection portion and / or the second pin member.

[0032] A second portion of the inside handle member may be configured to engage, when the inside handle member is rotated around the fifth axis to engage with the door lock connection member, with a first portion of the inside lock member which may cause rotation of the inside lock member to the second position

[0033] The inside handle member may be configured to cause rotation of the door lock connection member by engagement between the inside handle member and the door lock connection member irrespective of whether the door connection unit is in the closed state or in the open state. The second portion of the inside handle member engaging with the first portion of the inside lock member may cause that if the inside lock member is in the first position, corresponding to the door connection unit being in the closed state, when the inside handle member is rotated to engage with the door lock connection member, the inside lock member may be moved to the second position, corresponding to the door connection unit being in the open state. Due to the connection between the inside lock member and the outside lock member may the movement of the inside lock member from the first to the second position further cause the outside lock member to move from its first position to its second position, which in turn may cause the first pin member of the outside lock link member to move to its second position. The state of the door connection unit is thereby changed from closed state to open state following the inside handle member being moved to engage with the door lock connection member.

[0034] The second portion of the inside handle member may be an end portion of a third arm section of the inside handle member. The second portion may be located at a distance from the rotation point at the fifth axis. The second portion may be located at a distance to the first portion and / or the connection portion of the inside handle member. Seen from the rotation point at the fifth axis, the second portion of the inside handle member may be located at an angle distance of between 30 and 100 degrees, preferably between 60 and 80 degrees, from the first portion of the inside handle member. Seen from the rotation point at the fifth axis, the second portion of the inside handle member may be located at an angle distance of between 120 and 180 degrees, preferably about 180 degrees, from the connection portion of the inside handle member.

[0035] The second portion of the inside lock member may be located on a first arm section of the inside lock member. On the first arm section the second pin member may further be located. The second portion of the inside lock member may be an end portion of the first arm section of the inside lock member. The first arm section of the inside lock member may, from the rotation point at the sixth axis, have a bent extension, first extending in a first part in a first direction, followed by a second part extending in a second direction. The first and second directions may differ by between 70-120 degrees, preferably between 80-90 degrees. The second pin member may be located at an intersection between the first and second part of the first arm section. Seen from the rotation point at the sixth axis, the second portion of the inside lock member may be located at an angle distance of between 90 and 180 degrees, preferable between 90 and 120 degrees, from the connection portion of the inside lock member.

[0036] The inside lock member may comprise a third arm section extending from the rotation point at the sixth axis. At an end portion of the third arm section the inside lock member may be configured for connection to a motor driven lock control device. Such motor driven lock control device may be configured to control the movement of the inside lock member between its first and second position, and thereby also control of the state of the door connection unit. Seen from the rotation point at the sixth axis, the third arm section may be located at an angle distance of between 70-120 degrees, preferably between 80 and 100 degrees, from the connection portion of the inside lock member and / or from at least the first part of the first arm section of the inside lock member.

[0037] The first and the second axis may be the same. The outside handle member and the door lock connection member may have a common rotation point. The outside handle member and the door lock connection member may be independently rotatable around the first axis. The outside handle member extending in the second plane and the door lock connection member extending in the first plane may rotate in the parallel planes next to each other around the common first axis. The rotation around the first axis may be provided by a common first shaft extending along the first axis. The above mentioned second shaft may be the same as the first shaft. When the door connection unit is in the open state such that the first pin member is located to engage with the door lock connection member when the outside handle member is rotated around the first axis, the outside handle member and the door lock connection member may commonly rotate around the first axis.

[0038] In a resting state of the outside handle member, i.e. when it, in the open state of the door connection unit, is not moved to cause rotation of the door lock connection member, the first axis may be located between the fourth axis and the first pin member. By located between it may be meant that the first axis may be located substantially along a line between the fourth axis and the first pin member. This imaginary line may extend perpendicular between the fourth axis and the first pin member to the extension direction of both the fourth axis and the first pin member. The line may substantially intersect with the first axis. The outside lock link member may have a curved shape to extend between the fourth axis and the first pin member, circumventing the first axis.

[0039] The first, third and fourth axes may be separate axes. The first, third and fourth axes may extend in parallel at a distance from each other. The first, third and fourth shafts may thereby be located at a distance from each other. In embodiments comprising the fifth axis and the sixth axis, the first, third, fourth, fifth and sixth axes may be separate axes extending in parallel at a distance from each other. The arrangement of the relevant members being configured to rotate around axes being separate from each other may further enable a compact configuration of the door connection unit.

[0040] The first pin member may extend in parallel with the first axis. The outside lock link member may be flat and extend in the third plane between the fourth axis and an end portion of the outside lock link member where the first pin member may be located. The first pin member may extend in a direction perpendicular to the third plane to extend from the third plane to the second plane and the first plane. Such direction may be in parallel with the first axis.

[0041] The door connection unit may further comprise an open state lock member configured to, in a first position block the first pin member of the outside lock link member from being moved to the first position, preventing the first pin member from moving out of engagement with the door lock connection member.

[0042] In some situations it may be desirable that the door connection unit may be prevented from changing to the locked state. The door may for instance be open, and it may be desired to prevent it from being unintentionally locked if closed. The open state lock member is configured to prevent the door connection unit to move from the open state to the locked state. This may be provided by blocking the first pin member from moving from the second position to the first position. In a first position of the open state lock member it may be located at a position next to the first pin member and corresponding to a position of the first pin member in the first position, thereby preventing the first pin member from moving to the first position. The open state lock member may be substantially flat and may extend in the first plane. The open state lock member may thereby not interfere with the outside handle member's movement around the first axis and the engagement between the first pin member and the door lock connection member during such movement of the outside handle member. The open state lock member may in a second position be moved out of way for the first pin member to move to the first position. The open state lock member may move linearly along a seventh axis when being moved between the first and second positions. The seventh axis may be in parallel with the first plane. Alternatively, the seventh axis may extend perpendicular to the first plane and the open state lock member may be rotated around the seventh axis when being moved between the first and second positions.

[0043] The outside lock link member may be rotatably arranged to the outside lock member at the fourth axis. The fourth axis may not have a fixed position in relation to the support plate, but may be fixed in relation to the outside lock member. Rotation of the outside lock link member around the fourth axis may thereby be a rotation in relation to the outside lock member. The position of the fourth axis may follow the position of the outside lock member. The fourth shaft extending along the fourth axis may extend between the outside lock member in the second plane and the outside lock link member in the third plane. The fourth axis may not extend to the support plate.

[0044] Flat portions of a member extending in one of the planes may have a thickness of between 1-10 mm, preferably between 3-6 mm. Each of the door lock connection member, the outside handle member, the outside lock member and the outside lock link member may extend in a flat manner substantially in one of the planes. The portions of the members extending in such flat manner may have a thickness of between 1-10 mm, or preferably between 3-6 mm. In one embodiment, the thickness may be about 4 mm. The same may apply to flat portions of the optional inside handle member and the inside lock member. One or more of the members may comprise a transversal member extending in a direction perpendicular to the planes, for instance to extend from one plane to another. At such transversal member the thickness of the respective member may be larger, such as between 8-15 mm. Example of such transversal member may be the first pin member, the second pin member or the transversal member at the second portion of the door lock connection member. Members may comprise a transversal member for stability reasons. For instance, one or both of the outside lock member and the door lock connection member extending in the second plane and the first plane, respectively, may each comprise a transversal stability member extending to the third plane and configured to abut the support plate. When the respective member is moved, the transversal stability member may glide along a surface of the support plate and prevent tilting motion of the respective member.

[0045] The door connection unit may be a vehicle door connection unit configured to be arranged inside a vehicle door. The door lock connection member may be a rotary connection member configured to be connected to a rotary lock of a vehicle door.

[0046] According to a second aspect of the invention, a door is provided, the door comprising an outside handle, an outside lock, a door lock and a door connection unit according to any one of the embodiments described herein. The door may further comprise an inside handle and an inside lock. The door may be a vehicle door. The door lock may be a rotary lock of a vehicle door.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0047] The invention will in the following be described in more detail with reference to the enclosed drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 shows a side view of a door connection unit according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2 shows a side view of a door connection unit according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 3 shows a side view of a door connection unit according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 4 shows a side view of a door connection unit according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 5 shows a side view of a door connection unit according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 6 shows a side view of a door connection unit according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of a door connection unit according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of a door connection unit according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 9 shows a side view of a door connection unit according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 10 shows an outside side view of a vehicle door comprising a door connection unit according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 11 shows an inside side view of a vehicle door comprising a door connection unit according to an embodiment of the invention. Description of Embodiments

[0048] The present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.

[0049] Fig. 1 illustrates a door connection unit 1 comprising a door lock connection member 10, an outside handle member 20, an outside lock member 30, an outside lock link member 40, an inside handle member 50 and an inside lock member 60. The embodiments of the door connection unit 1 will be illustrated and discussed in relation to a vehicle door 100, but the door connection unit 1 may be equally applicable to another kind of door.

[0050] The door lock connection member 10 is rotatable around a first axis A1. The door lock connection member 10 is configured to be connected to a door lock member 110 of a vehicle door 100 and by rotation of the door lock connection member 10 to open the door lock member 110 to open the vehicle door 100. A vehicle door 100 is illustrated in figs. 10 and 11.

[0051] The outside handle member 20 is rotatable around a second axis. The outside handle member 20 is configured to be connected to an outside handle 120 of a vehicle door 100.

[0052] The outside lock member 30 is rotatable around a third axis A3. The outside lock member 30 is configured to control whether the outside handle member 20 can cause rotation of the door lock connection member 10 or not. The outside lock member 30 is configured to be connected to an outside lock 130 of a vehicle door 100.

[0053] The outside lock link member 40 is rotatable around a fourth axis A4. The outside lock link member 40 is rotatably coupled to the outside lock member 30.

[0054] The inside handle member 50 is rotatable around a fifth axis A5. The inside handle member 50 is configured to be connected to an inside handle 150 of a vehicle door 100.

[0055] The inside lock member 60 is rotatable around a sixth axis A6. The inside lock member 60 is configured to be connected to an inside lock 160 of the vehicle door 100.

[0056] The door lock connection member 10, the outside handle member 20, the outside lock member 30, the outside lock link member 40, the inside handle member 50 and the inside lock member 60 are rotatably arranged to a support plate 2. The first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth axis A1, A3, A4, A5, A6 each extend substantially perpendicular to the support plate 2. In the illustrated embodiment the second axis is the same as the first axis A1. In other embodiments, the second axis may be separated from the first axis A1.

[0057] As is further illustrated in fig. 9, the rotatable members 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 are each substantially flat and extend in three separate planes P1, P2, P3. The door lock connection member 10 extends in a first plane P1. The outside handle member 20 extends in a second plane P2. The outside lock member 30 extends in the second plane P2. The outside lock link member 40 extends in a third plane P3. The inside handle member 50 extends in the third plane P3. The inside lock member 60 extends in the third plane P3. The first, second and third planes are in parallel with the support plate 2. The third plane P3 may be closest to the support plate 2, followed by the second plane P2 and the first plane P1.

[0058] The outside handle member 20 comprises an elongated opening 21. The outside lock link member 40 comprises a first pin member 41 extending from the third plane P3, through the elongated opening 21 of the outside handle member 20 in the second plane P2, to the first plane P1. The first pin member 41 is engaged with the elongated opening 21 such that rotational movement of the outside handle member 20 around the second axis causes rotational movement of the outside lock link member 40 around the fourth axis A4.

[0059] Fig. 1 illustrates the door connection unit 1 in an open state. In the open state the outside lock member 30 is in a second position P32, causing the outside lock link member 40 to be in a second position such that the second pin member 41 is positioned at a second position P42 in the elongated opening 21 of the outside handle member 20. Rotational movement of the outside handle member 20 around the second axis in the open state of the door connection unit 1 causes the first pin member 41 to engage with a first portion 11 of the door lock connection member 10 in the first plane P1 and cause rotational movement of the door lock connection member 10 around the first axis A1. A door lock member 110 to which the door lock connection member 10 may be connected may thereby be opened. This operation is further illustrated in fig. 3, where it may be seen how rotation of the door lock connection member around axis A1 is caused by rotation of the outside handle member 20 when the first pin member 41 of the outside lock link member 40 is in the second position P42.

[0060] A spring member 90 may be arranged to the support plate 2 and configured to act on the outside lock member 30. The spring member 90 may be configured to bias the outside lock member 30 to either of the end positions, i.e. either the first position P31 when the door connection unit 1 is in the locked state, or the second position P32 when the door connection unit 1 is in the open state.

[0061] Fig. 2 illustrates the door connection unit 1 in a locked state. In the locked state the outside lock member 30 is in a first position P31, causing the outside lock link member 40 to be in a first position such that the first pin member 41 is positioned at a first position P41 in the elongated opening 21 of the outside handle member 20. Rotational movement of the outside handle member 20 around the second axis in the locked state of the door connection unit 1 causes movement of the first pin member 41 not engaging with the door lock connection member 10. This is further illustrated in fig. 4 where it may be seen how rotation of the outside handle member 20, with the first pin member 41 in the first position P41 does not cause rotation of the door lock connection member 10. The door lock connection member 10 may be formed with a recess or opening 14 at a location of the first pin member 41 in its first position P41. The door lock connection member 10 may thereby not be affected by the rotation of the outside handle member 20 even though the first pin member 41 extends into the first plane P1. When the outside handle member 20 is rotated, the first pin member 41 may move into the recess 14 of the door lock connection member 10.

[0062] The inside lock member 60 may be configured to be in a first position P61 when the door connection unit 1 is in the locked state and in a second position P62 when the door connection unit 1 is in the open state. The inside lock member 60 is rotatably connected to the outside lock member 30 such that rotation of the outside lock member 30 to the first position P31 causes rotation of the inside lock member 60 to the first position P61, and vice versa. In the same way causes rotation of the outside lock member 30 to the second position P32 rotation of the inside lock member 60 to the second position P62, and vice versa. The connection between the outside lock member 30 and the inside lock member 60 may be provided by the outside lock member 30, extending in the second plane P2, comprising an opening, and the inside lock member 60, extending in the third plane P3, comprises a second pin member 62 extending into the second plane P2 and the opening of the outside lock member 30. The opening may be elongated.

[0063] The inside handle member 50 comprises a first portion 51 configured to, when rotated around the fifth axis A5, engage with a second portion 12 of the door lock connection member 10 and cause rotational movement of the door lock connection member 10 around the first axis A1. The inside handle member 50 may engage with the door lock connection member 10 and cause rotation of the door lock connection member 10 irrespective of whether the door connection unit 1 is in the open state or the locked state. The door lock connection member 10 may thereby always be moved by means of the inside handle member 50.

[0064] The inside handle member 50 may further comprise a second portion 52 configured to engage, when the inside handle member 50 is rotated around the fifth axis A5 to engage with the door lock connection member 10, with a first portion 61 of the inside lock member 60 causing rotation of the inside lock member 60 to the second position P62. If the door connection unit 1 is in the locked state, with the inside lock member 60, and thereby also the outside lock member 30, in their first positions P31, P32, rotation of the inside handle member 50 to cause rotation of the door lock connection member 10 may also cause rotation of the inside and outside lock members 60, 30 to their second positions P62, P32. The first pin member 41 of the outside lock link member 40 may also be moved to its second position P42. This may also cause the door connection unit 1 to be changed into the open state.

[0065] Each of the door lock connection member 10, the outside handle member 20, the outside lock member 30, the inside handle member 50 and the inside lock member 60 may comprise respective connection portions 13, 22, 31, 53, 64, which may each be configured for connection to respective parts of a vehicle door 100. The door lock connection member 10 may at its connection portion 13 be configured to be connected to a rotary lock 110 of a vehicle door 100. The outside handle member 20 may at its connection portion 22 be configured to be connected to outside handle 120 of a vehicle door 100. The outside lock member 30 may at its connection portion 31 be configured to be connected to an outside lock 130 of a vehicle door 100. The inside handle member 50 may at its connection portion 53 be configured to be connected to an inside handle 150 of a vehicle door 100. The outside lock member 10 may at its connection portion 64 be configured to be connected to an outside lock 160 of a vehicle door 100. The connections between the connection portions 13, 22, 31, 53, 64 and the respective parts of the vehicle door 100 may be provided by wires or rods.

[0066] Fig. 5 illustrates such situation where the inside handle member 50 is rotated to engage with the door lock connection member 10. At the same time, the second portion 52 of the inside handle member 50 engages with the first portion 61 of the inside lock member 60 causing movement of the inside and outside lock member 60, 30 to their second positions P62, P32. Operation of the inside handle member 50 thereby causes a transition of the door connection unit from the locked state to the open state.

[0067] As illustrated in fig. 6, the door connection unit 1 may comprise an open state lock member 70. The open state lock member 70 may configured to, in a first position P71 block the first pin member 41 of the outside lock link member 40 and prevent it from moving to the first position P41. The open state lock member 70 may thereby lock the door connection unit 1 in the open state. The first pin member 41 may be locked in the second position P42, in engagement position with the first portion 11 of the door lock connection member 10 upon rotation of the outside handle member 20. This functionality may be used to prevent the vehicle door to unintentionally being locked when being closed. The open state lock member 70 may be moved to a second position to enable movement of the first pin member 41 to the first position P41. In the illustrated embodiment the open state lock member 70 may move linearly along a seventh axis A7. The seventh axis A7 extends in parallel with the first, second, and / or third planes P1, P2, P3. In another embodiment, the open state lock member 70 may be rotated between the first position P71 and the second position. The open state lock member 70 may extend in the first plane P1.

[0068] As seen in fig. 7, the second portion 12 of the door lock connection member 10 may comprise a transversal member 12a extending into the third plane P3 such that the inside door member 50 may, when rotated into engagement with the transversal member 12a, cause rotation of the door lock connection member 10.

[0069] The door connection unit 1 may further comprise a spring member 80 arranged to the support plate 2. The spring member 80 may in a first end be fixed to the support plate 2, and in a second end be coupled to the outside handle member 20. The spring member 80 may be configured to bias the outside handle member 20 towards a position in which the outside handle member 20, in at least the open state of the door connection unit, do not cause movement of the door lock connection member 10.

[0070] As illustrated in fig. 8, the door connection unit 1 may further comprise a housing 3 configured to at least partly enclose the door lock connection member 10, the outside handle member 20, the outside lock member 30, the outside lock link member 40, the inside handle member 50 and the inside lock member 60. The housing 3 may be attached to the support plate 2. The housing 3 may comprise a top wall extending in parallel with the support plate 2, and side walls extending between the top wall and the support plate 2. The housing 3 may comprise openings in the side walls for connection portions 13, 22, 31, 53, 64 of the door lock connection member 10, the outside handle member 20, the outside lock member 30, the inside handle member 50 and the inside lock member 60.

[0071] A first block member 15 may be arranged to the support plate 2 and extending into the first, second and third planes P1, P2, P3. The first block member 15 may be configured to act on the door lock connection member 10 and / or the outside handle member 20. The first block member 15 may be configured to prevent the door lock connection member 10 and / or the outside handle member 20 to rotate passed the position at which it rests when not being operated. This may mean that the first block member 15 prevents further rotation in a direction opposite to the direction in which the door lock connection member 10 and / or the outside handle member 20 is rotated when being rotated for operation of the door lock and / or outside handle.

[0072] A second block member 54 may be arranged to the support plate 2 and extending into at least the third plane P3. The second block member 54 may be configured to act on the inside handle member 50. The second block member 54 may be configured to prevent the inside handle member 50 to rotate passed an end position in which it is not in engagement with the door lock connection member 10. This may mean that the second block member 54 prevents further rotation in a direction opposite to the direction in which the inside handle member 50 is rotated into engagement with the door lock connection member 10.

[0073] Figs. 10 and 11 illustrate a vehicle door 100 according to an embodiment, wherein the vehicle door 100 comprises a door connection unit 1. The door connection unit 1 may be connected to a rotary lock 110, an outside handle 120, an outside lock 130, an inside handle 150 and an inside lock 160. The rotary lock 110 may be configured to lock the vehicle door 100 to a body of a vehicle when the vehicle door 100 is closed. The door connection unit 1 may be placed at a suitable place within the vehicle door 100. The door connection unit 1 may be connected to the respective parts of the vehicle door 1 via wires or rods.

[0074] In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed preferred embodiments and examples of the invention and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purpose of limitation, the scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0048]The present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.

[0049]Fig. 1 illustrates a door connection unit 1 comprising a door lock connection member 10, an outside handle member 20, an outside lock member 30, an outside lock link member 40, an inside handle member 50 and an inside lock member 60. The embodiments of the door connection unit 1 will be illustrated and discussed in relation to a vehicle door 100, but the door connection unit 1 may be equally applicable to another kind of door.

[0050]The door lock co...

Claims

1. A door connection unit (1), comprising a support plate (2); a door lock connection member (10) extending in a first plane (P1), and is rotatable around a first axis (A1), wherein the door lock connection member is configured to be connected to a door lock of a door (100) and by rotation of the door lock connection member (10) to open the door lock member; an outside handle member (20) extending in a second plane (P2), and is rotatable around a second axis, wherein the outside handle member (20) is configured to be connected to an outside handle of a vehicle door; an outside lock member (30) extending in the second plane (P2), and is rotatable around a third axis (A3), wherein the outside lock member is configured to control whether the outside handle member (20) can cause rotation of the door lock connection member (10) or not, and wherein the outside lock member is configured to be connected to an outside lock of a door; an outside lock link member (40) extending in a third plane (P3), and is rotatable around a fourth axis (A4), wherein the outside lock link member is rotatably coupled to the outside lock member (30); wherein the first, second and third planes (P1, P2, P3) are in parallel with the support plate (2); wherein the first, second, third, and fourth axis (A1, A3, A4) each extend substantially perpendicular to the support plate; wherein the outside handle member (20) comprises an elongated opening (21); wherein the outside lock link member (40) comprises a first pin member (41) extending from the third plane, through the elongated opening (21) of the outside handle member (20) in the second plane, to the first plane, wherein the first pin member (41) is engaged with the elongated opening (21) such that rotational movement of the outside handle member (20) around the second axis causes rotational movement of the outside lock link member (40) around the fourth axis (A4); wherein in a locked state of the door connection unit, the outside lock member (30) is in a first position (P31), causing the outside lock link member (40) to be in a first position such that the first pin member (41) is positioned at a first position (P41) in the elongated opening (21) of the outside handle member (20); wherein in an open state of the door connection unit, the outside lock member (30) is in a second position (P32), causing the outside lock link member (40) to be in a second position such that the second pin member (41) is positioned at a second position (P42) in the elongated opening (21) of the outside handle member (20); wherein rotational movement of the outside handle member (20) around the second axis in the open state of the door connection unit causes the first pin member (41) to engage with a first portion (11) of the door lock connection member (10) in the first plane and cause rotational movement of the door lock connection member (10) around the first axis (A1); wherein rotational movement of the outside handle member (20) around the second axis in the locked state of the door connection unit causes movement of the first pin member (41) not engaging with the door lock connection member (10).

2. The door connection unit according to claim 1, further comprising an inside handle member (50) extending in the third plane (P3), and is rotatable around a fifth axis (A5), wherein the inside handle member (50) is configured to be connected to an inside handle (150) of a door (100), wherein the inside handle member (50) comprises a first portion (51) configured to, when rotated around the fifth axis (A5) and irrespective of the door connection unit being in the open state or the locked state, engage with a second portion (12) of the door lock connection member (10) and cause rotational movement of the door lock connection member (10) around the first axis (A1).

3. The door connection unit according to claim 2, wherein the second portion (12) of the door lock connection member (10) comprises a transversal member (12a) extending from the first plane (P1) to the third plane (P3).

4. The door connection unit according to any one of claims 1-3, further comprising an inside lock member (60) extending in the third plane, and is rotatable around a sixth axis (A6), wherein the inside lock member is configured to be connected to an inside lock of the door, wherein the inside lock member (60) is configured to be in a first position (P61) when the door connection unit (1) is in the locked state and in a second position (P62) when the door connection unit (1) is in the open state, wherein the inside lock member (60) is rotatably connected to the outside lock member (30) such that rotation of the outside lock member (30) to the first position (P31) or the second position (P32) causes rotation of the inside lock member (60) to the first position (P61) or the second position (P62), and vice versa.

5. The door connection unit according to claim 4 when dependent on claim 2 or 3, wherein a second portion (52) of the inside handle member (50) is configured to engage, when the inside handle member (50) is rotated around the fifth axis (A5) to engage with the door lock connection member (10), with a first portion (61) of the inside lock member (60) causing rotation of the inside lock member (60) to the second position (P62).

6. The door connection unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first (A1) and the second axis are the same.

7. The door connection unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first, third and fourth axes (A1, A3, A4) are separate axes.

8. The door connection unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first pin member (41) extends in parallel with the first axis (A1).

9. The door connection unit according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an open state lock member (70) configured to, in a first position (P71) block the first pin member (41) of the outside lock link member (40) from being moved to the first position (P41), preventing the first pin member (41) from moving out of engagement with the door lock connection member (10).

10. The door connection unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outside lock link member (40) is rotatably arranged to the outside lock member (30) at the fourth axis (A4).

11. The door connection unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein flat portions of a member (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60) extending in one of the planes (P1, P2, P3) have a thickness of between 1-10 mm, preferably between 3-6 mm.

12. The door connection unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the door connection unit is a vehicle door connection unit, and the door lock connection member (10) is a rotary connection member configured to be connected to a rotary lock member of a vehicle door.

13. A door (100) comprising a door connection unit (1) according to any one of claims 1-12, an outside handle (120), an outside lock (130) and a door lock (110).

14. The door (100) according to claim 13, wherein the door is a vehicle door, and the door lock (110) is a rotary lock in the vehicle door.

Images