LIMITED DEFORMATION LOCKING DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE SIDE DOOR OPENING MECHANISM

Abstract

A blocking device (DB) equips an opening mechanism (MO) of a vehicle side door comprising a handle (PM) having a first end (E1) rotatably mounted on a bracket (EM) and a second end (E2), and comprises: - a counterweight (CM) movably mounted in the bracket (EM) while being coupled to the second end (E2), - a blocking part (PB) rotatably mounted in the bracket (EM) and, in the event of a side impact, passing into a blocking position in which it blocks the counterweight (CM) to prevent rotation of the handle (PM), - a deformable blade (LD) deforming during the side impact to block the blocking part (PB) in its blocking position, and - a limiting part fixedly secured in the bracket (EM) in a position limiting the deformation of the deformable blade (LD) during the side impact. Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: LIMITED DEFORMATION LOCKING DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE SIDE DOOR OPENING MECHANISM Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to opening mechanisms which are intended to equip side doors of vehicles, and more precisely to blocking devices which are intended to equip such opening mechanisms. State of the art

[0002] Certain vehicles, generally of the automobile type, comprise at least one side door (or gate) comprising an opening mechanism comprising a handle having a first end rotatably mounted on a bracket and a second end, and a blocking device responsible for preventing the handle from rotating in the event of a side impact suffered by the vehicle, to prevent the opening of this side door.

[0003] Here, the term "lateral impact" means an impact suffered by a vehicle on one of its two lateral (or longitudinal) sides and therefore in a direction which has a non-zero transverse component.

[0004] Some of these locking devices include:

[0005] - a counterweight movably mounted in the stirrup while being coupled to the second end,

[0006] - a locking part mounted to rotate in the caliper, and, in the event of a side impact by the vehicle, passing into a locking position in which it locks the counterweight to prevent rotation of the handle, and

[0007] - a deformable blade deforming during a side impact to block the part of lock in its locking position.

[0008] It will be understood that in the absence of a lateral impact the locking part is in an initial position which allows free mobility of the counterweight and therefore the rotational drive of the handle to open its side door. In addition, in the absence of a lateral impact the deformable blade is placed in a constrained position (slightly curved) by the locking part which is placed in its initial position.

[0009] As is known to those skilled in the art, during a lateral impact the deformable blade is subject to vibration. However, it may happen that this vibration is too great, and therefore when the blocking part returns from its blocking position to its initial position the deformable blade may find itself too deformed to have time to "catch" the blocking part before it is again in its initial position. Consequently, in this situation the locking part can no longer perform its function and therefore allows the counterweight to move and the handle to open.

[0010] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention

[0011] It proposes in particular for this purpose a locking device, on the one hand, suitable for equipping a mechanism for opening a side door of a vehicle comprising a handle having a first end mounted for rotation on a bracket and a second end, and, on the other hand, comprising:

[0012] - a counterweight suitable for being mounted movably in the stirrup while being coupled to the second end,

[0013] - a locking part suitable for being mounted to rotate in the stirrup, and, in the event of an impact lateral movement suffered by the vehicle, to move into a locking position in which it blocks the counterweight to prevent rotation of the handle, and

[0014] - a deformable blade capable of deforming during a side impact to block the part locking in its locking position.

[0015] This locking device is characterized by the fact that it also comprises a limiting part suitable for being fixedly secured in the stirrup in a position making it possible to limit the deformation of the deformable blade during a side impact.

[0016] Thanks to this limitation of the maximum deformation of the deformable blade during a lateral impact, the deformable blade has time to catch up with the blocking part well before it reaches its initial position, which allows it to be blocked so that it performs its function, namely preventing the counterweight from moving and therefore allowing the handle to be opened.

[0017] The locking device according to the invention may include other characteristics which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

[0018] - its limiting part can define a stop limiting a deformation amplitude of the deformable blade;

[0019] - its limiting part can be a rigid blade suitable for being installed above of a portion of the deformable blade by having at least one portion spaced from the latter so as to allow the latter to deform;

[0020] - in the presence of the last option, the rigid blade can be installed parallel to the deformable blade in the absence of stress undergone by the latter;

[0021] - also in the presence of the last option, the rigid blade can extend over a length which is strictly less than a length of the deformable blade and may include a free end defining the stop;

[0022] - also in the presence of the last option, it can include a spacer fixedly installed between the deformable blade and the rigid blade;

[0023] - in the presence of the last sub-option, the spacer can be part of one end of the rigid blade which is opposite its free end and which is suitable for being fixedly secured to the stirrup;

[0024] - also in the presence of the last option, the rigid blade can comprise at least at least one longitudinal rib extending over at least part of its length;

[0025] - also in the presence of the last option, the rigid blade can be made in a rigid plastic material.

[0026] The invention also proposes an opening mechanism suitable for equipping a side door of a vehicle, possibly of the automobile type, and comprising, on the one hand, a handle having a first end rotatably mounted on a bracket and a second end, and a locking device of the type presented above.

[0027] The invention also proposes a side door suitable for equipping a vehicle, possibly of the automobile type, and comprising an opening mechanism of the type presented above. Brief description of the figures

[0028] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the attached drawings (obtained in CAD / CAM (“Computer Aided Design / Computer Aided Drawing”)), in which:

[0029] [Fig-1] schematically illustrates, in a sectional view in a horizontal plane, a part of an exemplary embodiment of an opening mechanism intended to equip a vehicle side door and comprising an exemplary embodiment of a blocking device according to the invention,

[0030] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates, in a sectional view in a horizontal plane, a part of the opening mechanism of [Fig.l], and

[0031] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view, part of the opening mechanism of [Fig.l]. Detailed description of the invention

[0032] The invention aims in particular to propose a blocking device DB, suitable for equipping an opening mechanism MO which itself has to equip a side door of a vehicle, and whose capacity to ensure its blocking function in the event of a side impact is guaranteed (except in the event of part breakage).

[0033] It is considered in the following, by way of non-limiting example, that the opening mechanism MO is intended to equip a side door (or door) of a motor vehicle, such as for example a car. But the invention is not limited to this type of vehicle. Indeed, an opening mechanism MO (comprising a blocking device DB according to the invention) can equip the side door of any vehicle which may be subject to a side impact.

[0034] [Fig. 1] schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an opening mechanism MO comprising an exemplary embodiment of a blocking device DB according to the invention and before it is fitted to a side door of a vehicle.

[0035] As illustrated, in addition to its locking device DB, the opening mechanism MO also comprises a handle PM having a first end El, rotatably mounted on a bracket EM intended to be fixedly secured to a side door, and a second end E2, opposite its first end El.

[0036] As illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, a blocking device DB, according to the invention, comprises a counterweight CM, a blocking part PB, a deformable blade LD, and a limiting part PL.

[0037] The counterweight CM is suitable for being mounted movably in the stirrup EM by being coupled to the second end E2 of the handle PM.

[0038] The locking part PB is suitable for being mounted to rotate in the caliper EM. At rest, and therefore in the absence of a lateral impact suffered by its vehicle, it is placed in an initial position shown in Figures 1 to 3 and which allows free mobility of the counterweight CM and therefore the rotational drive of the handle PM to open its side door. On the other hand, in the event of a lateral impact suffered by the vehicle, the locking part PB is suitable for leaving its initial position to move into a locking position in which it blocks the counterweight CM to prevent rotation of the handle PM.

[0039] The deformable blade LD is capable of deforming during a side impact to lock the locking part PB in its locking position. It will be noted that in the absence of a side impact (and therefore when the locking part is placed in its initial position), the deformable blade LD is placed by the locking part PB in a constrained position (slightly curved towards the outside of the vehicle), shown in Figures 1 to 3.

[0040] The limiting part PL is suitable for being fixedly secured in the stirrup EM in a position which allows it to limit the deformation of the deformable blade LD during a lateral impact. This fixed securing can, for example, be done by means of at least one screw VS, as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 to 3. But it could also be done by gluing, for example.

[0041] Thus, if the deformable blade is subject to significant vibration during a lateral impact, its maximum deformation cannot exceed that permitted by the limiting part PL. Consequently, when the blocking part PB returns from its blocking position to its initial position during the end of the impact, the deformable blade LD has time to catch up with it well before it reaches this initial position, which allows it to be blocked so that it performs its function, namely preventing the counterweight CM from moving and therefore allowing the handle PM to open. It will be noted that the part PL limitation not only limits the maximum deformation of the deformable blade LD but also reduces the duration of the latter's vibrations (LD).

[0042] For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 to 3, the limiting part PL can define a stop which limits the amplitude of deformation of the deformable blade LD (here following the transverse direction of the vehicle (which is perpendicular to the lateral sides and therefore to the side door concerned)).

[0043] In this embodiment, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 to 3, the limiting part PL may be a rigid blade which is suitable for being installed above a portion of the deformable blade LD by having at least one portion spaced from the latter (LD) so as to allow the latter (LD) to deform. It will be understood that the rigid blade PL being spaced from the deformable blade LD, it defines a stop at a predefined distance from a portion of the latter (LD) and therefore limits its deformation so that it can prevent the blocking part PB from returning to its initial position at the end of the impact.

[0044] For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 to 3, the rigid blade PL may be suitable for being installed parallel to the deformable blade LD in the absence of stress undergone by the latter (LD), and therefore when the deformable blade LD is not, or no longer, stressed (or curved) by the blocking part PB. But in a variant embodiment not illustrated, the rigid blade PL could be installed inclined relative to the deformable blade LD, when the latter (LD) is not stressed by the blocking part PB.

[0045] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 to 3, the rigid blade PL can, for example, be held fixedly relative to the stirrup EM by means of the (each) screw VS also ensuring the fixed holding of the deformable blade LD relative to the stirrup EM. This is particularly advantageous because it makes it possible to start from a locking device of the prior art to transform it into a locking device DB according to the invention by adding at least one limiting part PL, and without it being necessary to rebalance and / or recalibrate the existing mechanical assembly.It is therefore possible to adapt blocking devices which are already installed in vehicles because the moving masses are not modified, the stiffness of the mechanical elements (LD deformable blade (and associated return springs)) and the contact forces are not modified, and compliance with the specifications concerning the activation of the DB blocking device under different accelerations is always guaranteed.

[0046] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 to 3, the rigid blade PL may extend over a length which is strictly less than the length of the deformable blade LD, and may comprise a free end EL which defines the stop restricting the maximum deformation of the deformable blade LD. It will be understood that the greater the difference in length between the rigid blade PL and the blade deformable LD is important the greater the maximum authorized deformation of the rigid blade PL can be.

[0047] It will also be noted, as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 to 3, that the locking device DB can also comprise a spacer ED fixedly installed between the deformable blade LD and the rigid blade PL in order to space them apart from each other. But in an alternative embodiment not shown, it would be possible to do without a spacer and use a rigid blade PL having at least one curvature or a sub-part inclined relative to another flat sub-part parallel to a part of the deformable blade LD.

[0048] It will be understood that the greater the height of the spacer ED, the greater the spacing between the deformable blade LD and the rigid blade PL and therefore the greater the maximum authorized deformation of the rigid blade PL can be. In the presence of a spacer ED, it is therefore possible to play both on the height of the latter (ED) and on the difference in length between the deformable blade LD and the rigid blade PL to define the maximum authorized deformation of the rigid blade PL.

[0049] Such a spacer ED may be an added part or may be an integral part of an end EF of the rigid blade PL which is opposite its free end EL and suitable for being fixedly secured to the stirrup EM. When it is an added part, it may, for example, be held fixedly relative to the stirrup EM by means of the (each) screw VS also ensuring the fixed holding of the deformable blade LD and the rigid blade PL relative to the stirrup EM, which is particularly advantageous.

[0050] It will also be noted that the rigidity of the rigid blade PL may result from its thickness and / or the material from which it is made and / or its geometry (and in particular the presence of at least one longitudinal rib extending over at least part of its length).

[0051] It will also be noted that the rigid blade PL can be made from a rigid plastic material or from a rigid metal, possibly by molding and / or by machining.

[0052] It will also be noted that the deformable blade LD can be made of a plastic material or a deformable metal (for example flexible).

Claims

Claims

1. A locking device (DB) suitable for equipping an opening mechanism (MO) of a vehicle side door comprising a handle (PM) having a first end (El) rotatably mounted on a bracket (EM) and a second end (E2), said locking device (DB) comprising i) a counterweight (CM) suitable for being movably mounted in said bracket (EM) while being coupled to said second end (E2), ii) a locking part (PB) suitable for being rotatably mounted in said bracket (EM) and, in the event of a side impact suffered by said vehicle, for moving into a locking position in which it blocks said counterweight (CM) to prevent rotation of said handle (PM), and iii) a deformable blade (LD) suitable for deforming during said side impact to block said locking part (PB) in its locking position,Said blocking device (DB) further comprising a limiting part (PL) suitable for being fixedly secured in said stirrup (EM) in a position making it possible to limit said deformation of the deformable blade (LD) during said lateral impact, said limiting part (PL) defining a stop limiting an amplitude of deformation of said deformable blade (LD), characterized in that said limiting part (PL) is a rigid blade (PL) suitable for being installed above a part of said deformable blade (LD) by having at least one part spaced from the latter (LD) so as to allow the latter (LD) to deform.,

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said rigid blade (PL) extends over a length strictly less than a length of said deformable blade (LD) and comprises a free end (EL) defining said stop.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a spacer (ED) fixedly installed between said deformable blade (LD) and said rigid blade (PL).

4. Device according to the combination of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that said spacer (ED) forms part of one end (EF) of said rigid blade (PL) opposite said free end (EL) and suitable for being fixedly secured to said stirrup (EM).

5.

6.

7.

8. Device according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that said rigid blade (PL) comprises at least one longitudinal rib extending over at least part of its length. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said rigid blade (PL) is made of a rigid plastic material. Opening mechanism (MO) suitable for equipping a side door of a vehicle and comprising a handle (PM) having a first end (El) rotatably mounted on a bracket (EM) and a second end (E2), characterized in that it further comprises a locking device (DB) according to one of claims 1 to 6. Side door suitable for equipping a vehicle, characterized in that it comprises an opening mechanism (MO) according to claim 7.

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