VEHICLE INTERIOR DOOR LOCKING DEVICE
A vehicle door locking device with a seat belt hook attachment provides enhanced security and flexibility, addressing installation and emergency release issues, ensuring robust protection and insurance compliance.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2022001082
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2022-02-08
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-20
- Estimated Expiration
- 2042-02-08
AI Technical Summary
Existing vehicle door locks in heavy goods vehicles are cumbersome to install, offer no flexibility in emergency situations, and lack certification, leading to potential theft and insurance issues.
A door locking device utilizing a mechanical link with a seat belt locking hook, allowing attachment to a standardized seat belt anchor, providing high resistance and flexibility, and featuring adjustable tension and attachment methods for secure and rapid deployment.
The device ensures robust door security, allows quick release in emergencies, and prevents forced entry, while being certified for insurance compliance.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: VEHICLE CABIN DOOR LOCKING DEVICE Technical field of the invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle interior door locking device. The present invention is applicable, in particular, to the field of transport and, more specifically, to the field of heavy goods vehicles and motorhomes. State of the art
[0002] Truck and motorhome drivers are increasingly becoming victims of assailants who force their way into their vehicles, in their presence, using a crowbar to rip out a door lock. These drivers are then extorted and, possibly, their vehicles are stolen.
[0003] For heavy goods vehicles, door locks have been proposed, one end of which is fixed in the door lock and the other, in the form of a hook, is fixed inside to the grab bar for entering the cab. To secure the hook to the grab bar, a threaded shaft connecting the two ends and a nut that moves the hook are provided.
[0004] These systems have many drawbacks. Firstly, their installation is lengthy and tedious. Secondly, in the event of a vehicle fire, the cab occupant may not have time to loosen the nut and thus free the door before suffering burns. Finally, these devices are not certified, and insurance problems may arise in the event of an accident or injury. Presentation of the invention
[0005] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of these drawbacks.
[0006] To this end, the present invention relates to a device for locking a door of a vehicle, device which includes a mechanical link having two ends and: - at one end of this connection, a means of attachment to the vehicle door and - at a second end of this connection, a seat belt locking hook.
[0007] Thanks to these provisions, the door can be mechanically connected to a standardized and approved seat belt anchor by inserting the locking hook (also called the attachment) into the receiving ratchet of a seat belt buckle. The resistance of this seat belt connection corresponds to more than 10,000 Newtons (i.e., the weight of one tonne), which prevents the door from being forcibly opened. The door is protected. Furthermore, the user is familiar with the operation of such a seatbelt lock. In the event of a fire, they can release the door with a simple press of a finger on the lock's release mechanism. Finally, a seatbelt lock is generally mounted at the end of an arm connected to the vehicle's body, and this arm has a degree of flexibility. The door latch therefore also has a degree of flexibility, preventing it from being forced open by a crowbar.
[0008] In some embodiments, the mechanical linkage includes at least one strap. The device is thus lightweight and flexible.
[0009] In some embodiments, the mechanical link comprises at least one cable, rope, or cord. The device is thus particularly resistant to wear and tensile stress.
[0010] In some embodiments, the mechanical linkage includes a cam loop.
[0011] The user can thus adjust the usable length of the strap and the tension exerted by the device on the door when the door is not moving. The strap is therefore pre-tensioned to a level chosen by the user.
[0012] In some embodiments, the mechanical link includes a banana loop.
[0013] The user can thus separate a part that remains attached to the vehicle door and a part that remains connected to the locking mechanism.
[0014] In embodiments, the means for attaching to the vehicle door includes a part having lights configured to retain screws penetrating the metal frame of the door.
[0015] The fixing is thus permanent and particularly rigid and solid.
[0016] In embodiments, the means for attaching to a vehicle door includes a loop configured to surround part of a door handle or elbow rest.
[0017] In embodiments, the means for attaching to a vehicle door includes a hook configured to surround part of a door handle or elbow rest.
[0018] These embodiments are particularly suited to occasional use of the device. Brief description of the figures
[0019] Other advantages, purposes and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, given for explanatory purposes and in no way limiting the effect of the accompanying drawing, in which:
[0020] [Fig. 1] represents, in perspective, a first particular embodiment of a means of attaching a device of the invention to a vehicle door,
[0021] [Fig.2] shows, in cross-section, the fastening means illustrated in [Fig.1] mounted on a vehicle door,
[0022] [Fig.3] represents, in perspective, a second particular embodiment of a means of attaching a device, the object of the invention, to a vehicle door,
[0023] [Fig.4] shows, in top view, the fastening means illustrated in [Fig.3] mounted on a vehicle door,
[0024] [Fig. 5] represents, in top view, a third particular embodiment of a means of attaching a device, the object of the invention, to a vehicle door, mounted on a vehicle door,
[0025] [Fig.6] shows, in top view, a particular embodiment of a device object of the invention, and
[0026] [Fig.7] represents, in the form of a flowchart, the steps of a process of manufacturing and use of a device that is the subject of the invention. Description of the implementation methods
[0027] The present description is given by way of non-limiting grammar, each feature of an embodiment being able to be advantageously combined with any other feature of any other embodiment.
[0028] It should be noted from the outset that the vehicle doors and seat are not to scale in figures 1 to 6.
[0029] Throughout the description, "top view" means a view taken vertically, from top to bottom, when the vehicle is in a parked configuration.
[0030] Figures 1 and 2 show a fastening means 10, which includes a portion 11 having slots 14 and 15 configured to retain screws 17 and 18 penetrating the metal frame of a vehicle door 20. For example, the slots 14 and 15 have a surface area of eight mm by 14 mm. It should be noted that many vehicles have locks held in place by (generally three) screws to the door frame. The screws 17 and 18 are these screws: to install the fastening means 10, the user removes two of the retaining screws from the door lock, positions the portion 11 so that the slots 14 and 15 overlap the bores of the removed screws, and then replaces the screws 17 and 18. The screws 17 and 18 then have the dual function of retaining the lock in position and retaining the fastening means 10 in position.If the removed screws are too short to perform both functions, they are replaced with longer screws of the same diameter and pitch.
[0031] The fastening means 10 also includes a free end 13 provided with an opening 16 for the passage of a strap 19. This opening has a surface area of, for example, five mm by 26 mm. Between part 11 and part 13, the fastening means 10 includes an intermediate part 12, here in the shape of a “V” to avoid its resting on the driver’s or passenger’s seat of the vehicle.
[0032] The fixing means consists of a stamped metal plate, to cut its contours and openings, and bent to give it its visible profile in [Fig.2]. For example, its thickness is three mm and its maximum extension, from one end to the other, is on the order of 115 to 130 mm.
[0033] The second embodiment, illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, is similar to the first. The fastening means 30 comprises a first portion 31 having slots 34 and 35 configured to retain screws 37 and 38 penetrating the metal frame of a vehicle door 20. The free portion 33 has a slot 36 similar to the slot 16. The intermediate portion 32 is, in this case, planar. It can be observed that the slots 14 and 15 are in a plane of symmetry of the fastening means 10, whereas the fastening means 30 does not have a plane of symmetry. Nevertheless, its portions 33 and 34 have a plane of symmetry, and the slot 34 lies on this plane of symmetry. In contrast, the slot 35 is offset from this plane of symmetry. The fixing means 30 is thus adapted to other types of vehicle doors and, in particular, to the positions of the threads of their lock.
[0034] In [Fig.5], a third embodiment of a fastening means 40 is observed, the parts of which 42 and 43 are identical to parts 12 and 13 of the fastening means 10. The first part 41 comprises, in this third embodiment, a hook for fastening in the metal frame of the vehicle door 20.
[0035] In [Fig. 6], a device 50 for locking a door 20 of a vehicle is observed, a device which includes a mechanical link 19, 54, 55, 56, 57 having two ends and: - at one end (at the bottom in [Fig.6]) of this connection, a means of fixing 51, 52, 53 to the door 20 of the vehicle and - at a second end of this connection, a male 58 seat belt locking hook.
[0036] The fastening means 51, 52, 53 may consist of one of the fastening means 10, 30 or 40 shown above or of another type of fastening means to the door 20 of a vehicle. For example, this fastening means 51, 52, 53 is configured to attach to the handle and / or an armrest of the door 20. This particular embodiment of the fastening means is not shown but is easily made by those skilled in the art, for example on the basis of a hook that catches in the handle / armrest and a slot for a strap 19, as described opposite Figures 1 to 5.
[0037] The strap 19 is preferably woven and sewn onto itself after forming a loop in the light of the fastening means 51, 52, 53, in the same way as the strap of a safety belt.
[0038] In the embodiment shown in [Fig. 6], the strap 19 is connected to a banana loop 54 which allows the rest of the device 50 to be attached or detached from the loop 19. This banana loop 54 is particularly suitable when the fastening means 51, 5, and 53 are permanently fixed to the door frame 20, for example, by screwing as described opposite the fastening means 10 and 30. When the attachment to the door frame 20 is temporary, such as when it is a hook attached by hand in less than five seconds to the handle / elbow rest and removed just as quickly, the banana loop 54 is less useful. The banana loop 54 is connected, in its portion not attached to the strap 19, to a strap 55 of similar construction to the strap 19.The strap 55, or the strap 19 if the banana buckle 54 is absent, is connected to a cam buckle 56 which allows the tension of all the straps of the device 50 to be adjusted by pulling on the free part 59 of one of the straps that connect to it. The cam buckle 56 is also connected to a strap 57 of similar construction to the strap 19. The strap 57 has a male hook (also called a buckle) 58 for locking the seat belt. It should be noted that a seat belt hook is the moving male part of the seat belt lock that engages in a female locking ratchet, or latch, 22 anchored in the vehicle's chassis.
[0039] The arrow shown in [Fig.6] illustrates the movement of the hook 58 engaging in the lock 22. The backrest 21 of the driver's or passenger's seat is also shown in [Fig.6].
[0040] As can be understood from the preceding description, the door 20 can be mechanically connected to a standardized and approved seat belt anchor 22 by inserting the locking hook 58 into the receiving latch of a seat belt latch 22. The resistance of this seat belt connection corresponds to more than 10,000 Newtons (i.e., the weight of one tonne), which prevents the door 20, thus protected, from being forcibly opened. Furthermore, the user is familiar with the operation of such a seat belt latch. In an emergency, for example, an immediate danger such as a fire, the user can thus release the door 20 by simply pressing the release mechanism of the seat belt latch. Finally, a seat belt latch is generally mounted at the end of an arm connected to the vehicle body, this arm having a certain degree of flexibility.The door latch also has a certain degree of flexibility, which prevents any part from breaking under the action of a crowbar.
[0041] Thanks to the use of woven straps, the device is lightweight and flexible. In embodiments not shown, at least one strap is replaced by a cable, rope or cord, for example with a metal core surrounded by a plastic sheath, such as those used in bicycle and other two-wheeler locks.
[0042] In embodiments such as the one illustrated in [Fig. 6], the mechanical linkage includes a cam loop 56 between two flexible connecting pieces, for example, straps. The user can thus adjust the usable length of the strap and the tension exerted by the device on the door 20 when the door 20 is not moving. The connection between the door 20 and the seat belt anchor is thus pre-tensioned to a level selected by the user.
[0043] In embodiments such as the one illustrated in [Fig.6], the mechanical link includes a banana loop 54. The user can thus separate a part which remains attached to the vehicle door and a part which remains attached to the locking hook.
[0044] In embodiments such as those partially shown in figures 1 to 4, the means for attaching to a door 20 of the vehicle comprises a part having lights 14, 15, 34 and 35, configured to retain screws 17, 18, 37, 38 penetrating the metal frame of the door 20. The attachment is thus particularly rigid and strong.
[0045] In some embodiments (not shown), the means for attaching to the vehicle door 20 comprises a hook or loop closed by a cam loop, configured to surround a door handle. These embodiments are particularly suited to occasional use of the device.
[0046] As illustrated in [Fig.7], to manufacture and use the device that is the subject of the invention, the following steps of a process 60 can be carried out: - a step 61 of punching and bending a metal part to form a means of attachment to the chassis of a vehicle door, - a step 62 of sewing straps onto the fastening means, a banana buckle, a cam buckle and a seat belt hook.
[0047] For the purpose of securing the vehicle, the method may include the following steps: - a step 63 of securing the fastening means to the door 20, - a step 64, engaging the hook in the ratchet of the seat belt lock, and - a step 65 of adjusting the tension applied from the seat belt anchor to the door frame.
[0048] In an emergency, the user performs step 66, which involves detaching the belt hook from the belt anchor. The door can then be opened by operating the handle provided for this purpose in the vehicle.
[0049] Nomenclature: 10 - means of fastening (first embodiment) 11 - part attached to the door 20 12 - intermediate part of the fastening means 10 13 - free part of the fastening means 10 14 - light from the first part 11 15 - Light from the first part 11 16 - Light from the third part 13 17 - screws 18 - screws 19 - strap 20 - door 21 - vehicle seat back 22 - female part of the seat belt lock 30 - means of fastening (second embodiment) 31 - part attached to the door 20 32 - intermediate part of the fastening means 30 33 - free part of the fastening means 30 34 - light from the first part 31 35 - light from the first part 31 36 - light from the third part 33 37 - screws 38 - screws 40 - means of fastening (third embodiment) 41 - part attached to the door 20 42 - intermediate part of the fastening means 40 43 - free part of the fastening means 40 46 - light from the third part 43 50 - Door locking device 20 of a vehicle 51, 52, 53 - means of attachment to the door 20 54 - banana loop 55 - strap 56 - cam loop 57 - strap 58 - male part of the lock or seat belt hook 59 - free part of one of the straps 55 or 57 60 - manufacturing and usage process 61 - Punching and bending stage of a metal part 62 - Step 62 of sewing the straps 63 - Step of securing the fastening device to the door 20 64 - Step of engaging the hook in the belt lock ratchet 65 - Voltage adjustment step 66 - in case of emergency, step of detaching the belt hook.
Claims
Demands
1. A device (50) for locking a vehicle door (20), comprising a mechanical linkage (19, 54, 55, 56, 57) having two ends, characterized in that it comprises: - at a first end of this linkage, a means for fixing (10, 30, 40, 51, 52, 53) to the vehicle door - at a second end of this linkage, a male safety belt locking hook (58) and in which the means for fixing (10, 30, 40, 51, 52, 53) to the vehicle door (20) is bent relative to the male hook and comprises a part (11, 31) having slots (14, 15, 34, 35), on the part bent relative to the male hook, configured to retain screws (17, 18, 37, 38) of a lock inserted into the metal frame, the screws penetrating the metal frame of the door, the bent part being positioned against the lock.
2. Device (50) according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical linkage (19, 54, 55, 56, 57) comprises at least one strap (19, 55, 57).
3. Device (50) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the mechanical link comprises at least one cable, rope or cord.
4. Device (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the mechanical linkage comprises a cam loop (56).
5. Device (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the mechanical linkage comprises a banana loop (54).
6. Device (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the means for attaching to a vehicle door comprises a loop configured to surround a part of a door handle or elbow rest.
7. Device (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the means for attaching to a vehicle door comprises a hook configured to surround a part of a door handle or elbow rest.