System and method for measuring a lock position of a motor vehicle opening leaf

Abstract

The invention relates to a measurement system (26) for measuring the misalignment between a bolt and a striker for a motor vehicle opening leaf. The measurement system comprises a measurement base (24) attached to a motor vehicle structure, an element that is movable between a reference position and a correction position, and a positioning protrusion (30) connected to the movable element. The measurement base comprises first means for positioning in first positioning holes formed in the structure. The measurement system comprises a reference plate (62) which is attached to the opening leaf and which includes second means (64) for positioning in second positioning holes (66) in the opening leaf. The reference plate (62) comprises an indexing surface (68) that bears against the positioning protrusion in the correction position when the opening leaf is in the closed position. The invention also proposes a method for positioning the positioning holes of a lock system.

Description

Description Title of the invention: System and method for measuring the position of a vehicle door lock

[0001] The present invention claims priority from French application 2502572 filed on March 14, 2025, the content of which (text, drawings, and claims) is incorporated herein by reference. The invention relates to adjusting the position of elements of a vehicle door lock. The invention concerns the position adjustment of stamping tools for vehicle doors during the development and validation phase. More specifically, the invention relates to a system for measuring the misalignment of parts of a vehicle door lock. The invention also relates to a method for indexing the position between a bolt and a strike plate for a vehicle door lock.

[0002] A motor vehicle has several openings equipped with locks. A locking system primarily secures the associated opening, but also contributes to its precise positioning. This positioning determines the vehicle's weatherproofing, ease of operation, and aesthetics. Aesthetics depend on controlling the gaps around the opening and ensuring it is flush when closed.

[0003] The positioning accuracy of a lock relies, among other things, on the precise indexing of the strike plate relative to the bolt. Since the strike plate and bolt are standard components, indexing requires pre-drilling precise fixing and positioning holes to mount the strike plate and bolt in the required locations. During production, deviations in centering of manufacturing dimensions are observed. The cumulative centering deviations move the parts away from their theoretically optimal positions, resulting in functional misalignment.

[0004] To compensate for this phenomenon, it becomes necessary to correct the misalignment. This typically requires several iterations of fine-tuning between the stamping and body-in-white workshops. These adjustment iterations demand progressive adaptations of the stamping tools. The iterations consume time and immobilize the production lines. These factors impact costs even before the first vehicle is produced.

[0005] Document FR2935729B 1 describes a device for facilitating the installation of a rear hatch on a motor vehicle and adjusting the position of this hatch in the rear opening of the vehicle body. The hatch includes a dummy strike plate adapted to be removably fixed to the lower edge of said rear opening in the location of the actual strike plate. This dummy strike plate has a rigid base that can be fixed to the lower edge of said rear opening by means of indexing holes and a portion projecting in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of fixing of the base to said lower edge. This portion can engage substantially without play in a hole made near the lower edge of the rear hatch, which is normally provided for the lock of this hatch, so as to define a predetermined geometric position of the hatch relative to the vehicle body.

[0006] Document FR2995866B1 describes a device for measuring the height of a door on a motor vehicle body. The device comprises a generally flat body with two main, opposing faces, positioning and fixing means on one face, and sensing means on the other. The device is intended to be placed on the body after it has been fitted with the hardware, at the area where the door lock strike plate is fixed. The door is then closed so that the sensing means engage with the window in the door lining designed to receive the strike plate. The door is then reopened, and the position of the sensing means represents the position of the door relative to the body.

[0007] The engagement of fingers in the hole allows for a predetermined and precise geometric position of the flap relative to the vehicle body. This hole is normally intended to later accommodate the flap lock. An elongated bracket also includes two oblong holes and a countersink corresponding to each oblong hole, allowing the heads of the guide screws to be recessed. Tightening the guide screws allows free movement of the finger and the elongated bracket relative to the body while ensuring that they maintain their position after movement.

[0008] However, the positioning accuracy achieved assumes that the indexing holes are already reliably positioned. There is a need to further improve the clearances and flushness around an opening.

[0009] The invention aims to address at least one of the problems or drawbacks encountered in the prior art. In particular, the invention aims to improve the positioning accuracy of the components of a locking system for a motor vehicle door or window, relative to each other. The invention also aims to improve the positioning accuracy of a door or window in the closed position in a motor vehicle.

[0010] According to a first aspect, the invention proposes a system for measuring misalignment between a bolt and a strike plate for an opening of a motor vehicle; the measuring system comprising a measuring base intended to be fixed to a structure of a motor vehicle, a movable element mounted movable on the measuring base between a reference position and at least one correction position, a positioning protrusion connected to the movable element and protruding relative to the measuring base; the measuring base comprising first positioning means adapted to cooperate with first positioning holes formed in the structure of the motor vehicle;remarkable in that the measurement system comprises a reference plate intended to be fixed to a motor vehicle opening and comprising second positioning means capable of cooperating with second positioning orifices formed in said opening, the reference plate comprising an indexing surface capable of cooperating with the positioning protrusion in the correction position when the opening is in the closed position.

[0011] The invention provides a plate with a functional surface whose position is indexed by the same positioning points as those used by the actual strike plate. Thus, the contact with the adjustment protrusion, which acts as the strike plate during closing, more closely resembles real-world conditions. The positioning of the dummy strike plate relative to the dummy bolt is more representative of the positioning of the actual parts.

[0012] Preferably, the moving element is a first moving element, the measuring system includes a second moving element which is mounted movably on the first moving element, the positioning protrusion being integral with the second moving element.

[0013] Preferably, the measuring base includes a first slide; the first moving element includes a first portion guided by the first slide, a second portion with a second slide transverse to the first slide; the second moving element being mounted in the second slide.

[0014] Preferably, the measuring base includes a fixing hole, a clearance communicating with the fixing hole; the moving element is mounted movable in said clearance; and / or the reference plate includes a notch intended to fit a lock groove formed in the opening, the indexing surface being formed in said notch.

[0015] Preferably, the reference plate includes a fixing portion with a first thickness intended to be fixed to the opening; a positioning portion with a second thickness less than the first thickness, the indexing surface being formed by the positioning portion.

[0016] Preferably, the indexing surface includes a positioning notch configured to fit the positioning protrusion in order to retain the opening relative to the structure in the closed position.

[0017] Preferably, the reference plate includes a fixing surface intended to be fixed against the opening, a direction perpendicular to said fixing surface, the indexing surface being at a distance from the fixing surface along the perpendicular direction.

[0018] Preferably, the measuring base includes a fixing zone, a positioning zone, the positioning protrusion includes a cylindrical rod in the positioning zone and at a distance from the fixing zone.

[0019] Preferably, the positioning protrusion is perpendicular to the measuring base.

[0020] Preferably, the moving element is moving in translation.

[0021] Preferably, the first moving element includes a guide rail for the second moving element.

[0022] Preferably, the measuring base includes a first groove for guiding the moving element.

[0023] Preferably, the first moving element includes a second guide groove for the second moving element.

[0024] Preferably, the reference plate includes means for guiding the positioning protrusion relative to the measuring base.

[0025] Preferably, the system includes a second sliding element relative to the first sliding element along a second adjustment direction inclined relative to a first adjustment direction of the first moving element; the strike plate being rigidly linked to the second sliding element.

[0026] Preferably, the measuring system includes reversible clamping means capable of locking the first sliding element in position relative to the plate.

[0027] Preferably, the measuring base includes clamping means configured to block the positioning protrusion relative to said measuring base.

[0028] According to another aspect, the invention proposes a system for measuring the misalignment between a bolt and a strike plate for a motor vehicle opening; the measuring system comprising a measuring base intended to be fixed to a motor vehicle structure, a first movable element mounted on the measuring base between a reference position and at least one adjustment position, a positioning protrusion projecting from the measuring base and adapted to cooperate with the opening in the closed position relative to the structure in order to position the opening relative to the structure; the measuring base comprising first positioning means adapted to cooperate with first positioning holes formed in the structure of the motor vehicle; notable in that the measuring system comprises a second movable element mounted on the first movable element, the positioning protrusion being linked to the second movable element.

[0029] According to another aspect, the invention proposes a system for measuring misalignment between a bolt and a strike plate for a motor vehicle opening; the measuring system comprising a measuring base intended to be fixed to a motor vehicle structure, a movable element mounted movable on the measuring base between a reference position and at least one adjustment position, a positioning protrusion linked to the movable element and projecting from the measuring base and being able to cooperate with the opening in the closed position relative to the structure in order to position the opening relative to the structure; the measuring base comprising first positioning means able to cooperate with first positioning holes formed in the structure of the motor vehicle; notable in that the measuring system comprises reversible clamping means configured to lock the movable element relative to the measuring base.

[0030] According to another aspect, the invention proposes a method for positioning positioning holes for a motor vehicle door lock system; the positioning method comprising a step of: fixing a measuring base in an opening in the structure of a motor vehicle, said opening comprising first positioning holes, the measuring base comprising a movable element mounted movable relative to said measuring base; a positioning protrusion connected to the movable element and projecting relative to the measuring base; the measuring base comprising first positioning means cooperating with the first positioning holes;remarkable in that the opening includes second positioning holes and the positioning process includes the steps: mounting a reference plate to the motor vehicle opening and including second positioning means cooperating with second positioning holes, the reference plate including an indexing surface, the opening being previously in the open position; test closure of the opening in the opening of the structure so that the positioning protrusion cooperates with the indexing surface; identification of a position deviation from a prescribed position of the opening in the opening; opening the opening; displacement of the moving element into a correction position in order to reduce the position deviation; measurement of the displacement of the moving element between the correction position and a reference position;position adjustment of a drilling tool for a stamping press according to said displacement, the drilling tool being capable of drilling at least one of the first positioning holes or the second positioning holes.;

[0031] Preferably, the method includes a repetition of the closing and testing steps and the movement of the moving element; and / or the measuring base includes reversible clamping means configured to lock the positioning protrusion in position relative to the measuring base; at the fixing step the reversible clamping means are tightened, and at the movement step the reversible clamping means are loosened.

[0032] Preferably, the measuring base and the reference plate form a measuring system according to the invention.

[0033] Preferably, the opening is a side door of a motor vehicle.

[0034] Preferably, the positioning process also includes a control closing step of the opening to validate the correction position of the moving element.

[0035] According to another aspect, the invention proposes a method for measuring the misalignment between a bolt and a strike plate for a motor vehicle door; the method comprising a step of:

[0036] fixing a measuring base in an opening of a motor vehicle structure, said opening comprising first positioning holes, the measuring base comprising a movable element mounted movable relative to said measuring base; a positioning protrusion connected to the movable element and projecting relative to the measuring base; the measuring base comprising first positioning means cooperating with the first positioning holes; notable in that the opening comprises second positioning holes and the measuring method comprises the steps: mounting a reference plate to the motor vehicle opening and comprising second positioning means cooperating with second positioning holes, the reference plate comprising an indexing surface, the opening being previously in the open position;closing the opening in the structure so that the positioning protrusion cooperates with the indexing surface; identifying a positional deviation from a prescribed position of the opening in the opening; opening the opening; moving the moving element into a correction position to reduce the positional deviation; measuring the displacement of the moving element between the correction position and a reference position.

[0037] Each feature introduced by the expression "preferably" given in relation to one aspect of the invention applies to all other aspects of the invention.

[0038] The invention will be well understood and other aspects and advantages will become clear upon reading the following description, given with reference to the attached figures listed below.

[0039] Figure 1 is a side view of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0040] Figure 2 shows in plan view a measuring face of a measuring base of a misalignment measuring system according to the invention.

[0041] Figure 3 represents a second face of a measuring base of an offset measurement system according to the invention.

[0042] Figure 4 shows a mounting surface for a reference plate of a misalignment measurement system according to the invention.

[0043] Figure 5 is a diagram of a positioning orifice method according to the invention.

[0044] In the following description, the term "include" is synonymous with "include" and is not restrictive in that it permits the presence of other elements in the motor vehicle or other steps in the positioning process to which it relates. It is understood that the term "include" includes the terms "consist of." The terms "external" and "internal" will refer, respectively, to what is oriented outward from the vehicle and inward from the vehicle.

[0045] In this description, the terms "longitudinal," "longitudinally," "transverse," and "transversely" are used in relation to the vehicle's frame of reference and mounting configuration. "Longitudinal" refers to the vehicle's principal direction of travel. "Transverse" refers to a direction perpendicular to the vehicle's principal direction of travel. "Front" refers to the vehicle's principal direction of travel. "Rear" refers to the opposite of the front of the vehicle.

[0046] In this description, the terms "vertical" and "horizontal" are not to be understood in their strict sense. Indeed, they allow an inclination of at most 20°, preferably at most 10°, more preferably at most 5°, and even more preferably at most 2°; compared to the strict meaning of these terms.

[0047] In this description, the technical characteristics are defined in the system mounting configuration in the motor vehicle when the opening is in the closed position, unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0048] Throughout the description, the different figures use the same reference signs to designate identical or similar entities.

[0049] Figure 1 represents a motor vehicle 10, according to an embodiment of the invention. The motor vehicle 10 comprises energy storage means and at least one motor (not shown) adapted to drive said motor vehicle 10.

[0050] The motor vehicle 10 comprises a structure 12. The structure 12 forms an outer body. The structure 12 delineates different compartments of the motor vehicle 10, including the passenger compartment, the rear compartment, and the engine compartment (not shown). The structure 12 may be formed from an assembly of stamped and welded sheet metal parts.

[0051] Structure 12 forms a mounting support for the powertrain, suspension systems, steering system, and braking systems. Structure 12 connects various parts of the motor vehicle 10, including the openings 14. The openings 14 include side openings 16, also called side doors, which provide access to the passenger compartment. The openings 14 also include a rear hatch (shown as a dashed line in the open position), commonly referred to as the "trunk."

[0052] The structure 12 includes at least one opening 18. Each opening 18 provides access to a compartment. Each opening 18 is associated with a door 14. In the closed position, the door 14 closes the opening 18. The openings 18 include side openings closed by side doors, communicating with the passenger compartment. One opening 18 allows entry for a passenger.

[0053] At least one or each opening 14, such as each side opening 16, includes a locking system 20. According to one option of the invention, at least one or each opening 14 includes two handle systems, including an internal handle system in the passenger compartment, and an external handle system 22 forming locally the body of the motor vehicle 10. The internal handle system and the external handle system 22 are each connected to the locking system 20.

[0054] A typical lock system 20 generally comprises a strike plate attached to the frame 12, and a bolt attached to the door 14. The bolt is a moving part that engages the strike plate. When locked, the bolt remains in position within the strike plate, thus keeping the door 14 closed. The bolt is usually made of metal. The strike plate is commonly a bent wire. The strike plate forms a rectangular loop with a vertical opening. The strike plate includes a mounting base from which the wire protrudes.

[0055] The motor vehicle can, for example, be a private motor vehicle or a commercial motor vehicle.

[0056] Figure 2 shows a measuring base 24 of a measuring system 26 (partially shown) for estimating the misalignment between a bolt and a strike plate for a motor vehicle door, according to an embodiment of the invention. The motor vehicle may correspond to the one shown in relation to Figure 1. This view shows the measuring face, or the visible face, of the measuring base 24.

[0057] The measuring base 24 is intended to be fixed to a motor vehicle structure. The measuring base 24 is designed to be mounted in an opening, specifically on an inner edge of the opening. The measuring system 26 also includes at least one movable element 28, movably mounted on the measuring base 24 between a reference position and at least one correction position (not shown). The measuring base 24 comprises a plate-shaped body.

[0058] The measuring system 26 includes a positioning protrusion 30 connected to the moving element 28 and projecting from the measuring base 24. The measuring base 24 includes first positioning means (not shown) adapted to cooperate with first positioning holes formed in the structure of the motor vehicle. Thus, the first positioning means allow the position of the positioning protrusion 30 to be defined relative to the first positioning holes in the structure. The measuring base 24 forms a dummy strike plate. It simulates the position of a real strike plate, as manufactured and assembled in series.

[0059] The measuring base 24 includes at least one mounting hole 32, in this case two mounting holes 32. Each mounting hole 32 passes through the measuring base 24. In one embodiment, the mounting holes 32 are conical to receive conical screw heads. The measuring base 24 includes a recess 34. The recess 34 forms a recess. It is formed on a portion of the thickness of the measuring base 24. The recess 34 communicates with at least one or each of the mounting holes 32. The movable element 28 is mounted freely within the recess 34. This feature optimizes the compactness of the measuring base 24 and the range of movement of the movable element 28.

[0060] The moving element 28 is a first moving element 36. It is a first sliding element. The measuring system 26 includes a second moving element 38 which is movably mounted on the first moving element 36. The second moving element 38 is a second sliding element. The positioning protrusion 30 is fixed to the second moving element 38. The double moving element configuration extends the stroke of the positioning protrusion 30. It also optimizes compactness.

[0061] The measuring base 24 includes a first slide 40. The first slide 40 is formed by the clearance 34. It directly guides the first movable element 36. The first movable element 36 comprises a first portion 42 guided by the first slide 40, and a second portion 44. These are movable within the clearance 34. The second portion 44 extends from the first portion 42. The first movable element 36 generally describes the letter "T".

[0062] The second portion 44 includes a second slide 46. The second slide 46 is transverse to the first slide 40. They are perpendicular. The second portion 44 is outside the second slide 46. The second movable element 38 is mounted in the second slide 46. Thus, the guidance is more precise. The positioning protrusion 30 is held more securely.

[0063] The measuring base 24 includes a fixing area 48, a positioning area 50. The fixing area 48 extends over at least half of the measuring base 24. The positioning protrusion 30 includes a cylindrical rod in the positioning area 50, and at a distance from the fixing area 48. The positioning protrusion 30 is perpendicular to the measuring base 24. It is also perpendicular to the sliding directions of the slides.

[0064] In general, the measuring system 26 comprises a second sliding element relative to the first sliding element. It slides along a second measuring direction inclined relative to a first measuring direction. The positioning protrusion 30 is rigidly connected to the second sliding element.

[0065] The measuring system 26 includes reversible clamping means 52. The reversible clamping means 52 include screws. They include threaded shafts engaged in the measuring base 24 or in the first movable element 36. The screw heads are in contact with the first movable element 36 and the second movable element 38. Thus, the reversible clamping means 52 are able to lock the first sliding element in position relative to the measuring base 24. The movable elements include counterbores receiving the reversible clamping means 52.

[0066] In general, the measuring base 24 includes clamping means configured to block the positioning protrusion 30 relative to said measuring base 24.

[0067] Thus, the invention ensures that the positioning protrusion 30 remains firmly in place when the opening is closed. The adjustment position retained after setting the positioning protrusion 30 does not change during handling of the opening. This improves the accuracy and reliability of the measurement system 26.

[0068] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the moving element is rotationally mobile. Preferably, the first moving element and the second moving element are rotationally mobile.

[0069] Figure 3 shows a measuring base 24 of a measuring system 26 (partially shown) according to one embodiment of the invention. The measuring system 26 may correspond to that shown in relation to Figure 2. The present face of the measuring base 24 is intended to be pressed against the structure of the motor vehicle.

[0070] The measuring base 24 includes first positioning means 54 adapted to cooperate with first positioning holes 56 (shown as dashed lines) formed in the structure of the motor vehicle. The first positioning means 54 are inserted into the first positioning holes 56. The first positioning means 54 include protruding studs on the mounting surface of the measuring base 24. The first positioning holes 56 are those used by the actual strike plate of the standard locking system.

[0071] Fixing screws 58, intended to be attached to the structure, are also shown. The fixing screws 58 protrude away from the first movable element 36 and the second movable element 38. The second movable element 38 is fitted into the first movable element 36.

[0072] The measuring base 24 has a centering hole 60. The centering hole allows the positioning protrusion to be returned to its reference position. The first moving element 36 and the second moving element 38 also have centering holes. In the reference position of the positioning protrusion, the centering holes coincide. Therefore, an operator can return the measuring base 24 to its configuration by pushing an alignment tool into each centering hole 60.

[0073] Generally, the moving element 28, particularly the first moving element 36, is translationally movable. It is capable of sliding in a straight line against the measuring base 24. To this end, the measuring base 24 has a first guide groove for the moving element 28. Preferably, the first moving element 36 includes a guide rail for the second moving element 38. For this purpose, the first moving element 36 includes a second guide groove for the second moving element 38. This adds a sliding direction for the positioning protrusion. Thus, the latter can sweep across an entire plane, and not just a single axis. Position measurement is possible in two distinct dimensions. The invention provides extensive measurement and correction capabilities.

[0074] Figure 4 shows a measuring system 26 for measuring the offset between a bolt and a strike plate for a motor vehicle door, according to an embodiment of the invention. In particular, the measuring system 26 has a reference plate 62 shown above in solid lines, and a measuring base 24 below, shown in dashed lines. The measuring system 26 may correspond to that shown in relation to one of Figures 2 to 3.

[0075] The reference plate 62 is designed to be attached to a vehicle door or window, replacing a real lock mechanism. The reference plate 62 replicates the shape of a lock system housing, simulating its presence. It is referred to as a "dummy bolt," although it does not necessarily include a bolt.

[0076] The reference plate 62 includes secondary positioning means 64 adapted to cooperate with secondary positioning holes 66 (shown in dashed lines) formed in the opening. The secondary positioning holes 66 correspond to those in which the positioning means of the lock housing are engaged. The reference plate 62 includes an indexing surface 68 adapted to cooperate with the positioning protrusion 30 in the correction position when the opening is in the closed position relative to the structure. In the measurement configuration, the indexing surface 68 is horizontal. The indexing surface 68 is a measurement surface.

[0077] The reference plate 62 comprises: a fixing portion 70 with a first thickness, intended to be fixed to the opening; and a positioning portion 72 with a second thickness less than the first. The indexing surface 68 is formed by the positioning portion 72. This configuration stiffens the fixing portion 70 and reduces friction against the indexing surface 68, simplifying handling.

[0078] The indexing surface 68 includes a positioning notch 74 configured to fit the positioning protrusion 30 in order to retain the sash relative to the structure in the closed position. The positioning notch 74 has a shape complementary to the positioning protrusion 30. The positioning notch 74 is located at a stop at the end of the indexing surface 68. The positioning protrusion 30 is cylindrical, and the positioning notch 74 is arched. Thus, the sash remains stably in the closed position when brought into it. This also allows for precise control of the closed position.

[0079] The reference plate 62 includes a fixing surface 76 intended to be fixed against the opening, and a direction 78 perpendicular to said fixing surface 76. The indexing surface 68 is at a distance from the fixing surface 76 along the perpendicular direction 78. Several assembly screws 82 are present on the side of the fixing surface 76. They are intended to be fixed to the reinforcing lining sheet of the opening.

[0080] The reference plate 62 includes means for guiding the positioning protrusion 30 relative to the measuring base. These guiding means include the indexing surface 68. The indexing surface accompanies the positioning protrusion 30 up to the positioning notch 74.

[0081] The reference plate 62 includes a notch 80 designed to fit a lock groove formed in the door leaf, specifically in its lining plate. The indexing surface 68 is formed in said notch 80. The positioning protrusion 30 is perpendicular to the measuring base 24. The positioning protrusion 30 fits into the notch 80 in the closed position.

[0082] The reference plate 62 includes an indexing surface 68 designed to cooperate with the positioning protrusion 30 as the opening moves towards, and then reaches, its closed position within the structure. It is understood that the position of the positioning protrusion 30 relative to the reference plate 62 is fixed. However, the positioning protrusion 30 is movable within the measuring base 24. The relative displacement is adjusted to achieve a satisfactory closed position of the opening. This correction position is measured and then recorded to correct the position of the tools used to drill positioning holes, preferably the positions of the first positioning holes. In this way, the stamping tools are directly adjusted. They allow for the correction of variations related to the dimensional chains of the openings, hinges, and structure.The invention allows control of the compression of the sealing joints; optionally by acting on a controlled deformation of the curve of the opening.

[0083] Figure 5 shows a diagram of a method for positioning the positioning holes of a locking system for a motor vehicle door, according to an embodiment of the invention. The motor vehicle may correspond to the one shown in relation to Figures 1 to 4. A measuring system is used in this method. It may correspond to the one described in relation to Figures 2 to 4.

[0084] The orifice positioning process includes the following steps, notably executed in the following order:

[0085] fixing 100 of a measuring base in an opening of the structure of a motor vehicle, said opening comprising first positioning orifices; the measuring base comprising: a movable element mounted movable relative to said measuring base, a positioning protrusion connected to the movable element and projecting relative to the measuring base; the measuring base comprising first positioning means cooperating with the first positioning orifices;

[0086] assembly 102 of a reference plate against the opening, the positioning plate comprising second positioning means cooperating with second positioning orifices of the opening, the reference plate comprising an indexing surface, the opening being previously in the open position;

[0087] test closure 104 of the opening in the opening of the structure so that the positioning protrusion comes to rest against the indexing surface;

[0088] identification 106 of a positional deviation from a prescribed position of the opening in the opening;

[0089] open 108 the opening, by moving it away from the structure and disengaging the positioning protrusion of the adjustment surface; and therefore more generally of the reference plate;

[0090] displacement 110 of the moving element into a correction position in order to reduce the positional gap;

[0091] control closure 112 of the opening in order to validate the correction position of the moving element;

[0092] measurement 114 of a displacement of the moving element between the correction position and a reference position;

[0093] adjustment 116 of position of a drilling tool for stamping press according to said displacement, the drilling tool being able to drill at least one of the first positioning holes or the second positioning holes.

[0094] The positioning process involves repeating a sequence of steps. This sequence begins with the test closing step 104 and ends with the moving element displacement step 110. This repetition allows for gradual convergence to a suitable position for the positioning protrusion, and therefore for the opening.

[0095] The 106 gap identification step is a gap detection step. It includes the detection, for example visually by an operator, of areas where the gaps around the opening are irregular.

[0096] The movement step 110 of the moving element is performed based on the operator's observations. The operator may attempt to move the moving element to lower one side of the opening, or to lower it. The operator may also move at least one moving element to move the opening inward or outward relative to the structure.

[0097] During measurement step 114, an operator can read graduations formed on the measuring base. Alternatively, they can measure the position of a moving element relative to a reference dimension using calipers.

[0098] The measuring base includes reversible clamping means configured to lock the positioning protrusion in position relative to the measuring base. At the fixing step 100, the reversible clamping means are tightened, and at the displacement step 110, the reversible clamping means are loosened.

[0099] The execution of the positioning process from the fixing step 100 to the measuring step 114 forms a method for measuring misalignment between a bolt and a strike plate for an opening of a motor vehicle.

[0100] The invention comprises a combination of all the embodiments illustrated by all the figures.

[0101] Figures 2 to 4 are isometric views. Each one respects a specific scale, real angles and real proportions.

Claims

Demands

1. A system for measuring the misalignment between a bolt and a strike plate for an opening (14) of a motor vehicle (10); the measuring system (26) comprising a measuring base (24) intended to be fixed to a structure (12) of a motor vehicle (10), a movable element (28) movably mounted on the measuring base (24) between a reference position and at least one correction position, a positioning protrusion (30) connected to the movable element (28) and projecting from the measuring base (24); the measuring base (24) comprising first positioning means (54) adapted to cooperate with first positioning holes (56) formed in the structure (12) of the motor vehicle (10);characterized in that the measuring system (26) comprises a reference plate (62) intended to be fixed to an opening (14) of a motor vehicle (10) and comprising second positioning means (64) adapted to cooperate with second positioning orifices (66) formed in said opening (14), the reference plate (62) comprising an indexing surface (68) adapted to cooperate with the positioning protrusion (30) in the correction position when the opening (14) is in the closed position.

2. Measurement system (26) according to claim 1, characterized in that the moving element (28) is a first moving element (36), the measurement system (26) comprises a second moving element (38) which is movably mounted on the first moving element (36), the positioning protrusion (30) being integral with the second moving element (38).

3. Measuring system (26) according to claim 2, characterized in that the measuring base (24) comprises a first slide (40); the first movable element (36) comprises a first portion (42) guided by the first slide (40), a second portion (44) with a second slide (46) transverse to the first slide (40); the second movable element (38) being mounted in the second slide (46).

4. A measuring system (26) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the measuring base (24) comprises a fixing hole (32), a clearance (34) communicating with the fixing hole (32); the movable element (28) is movablely mounted in said clearance (34); and / or the reference plate (62) comprises a notch (80) intended to fit a lock groove formed in the opening (14), the indexing surface (68) being formed in said notch.

5. A measuring system (26) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the reference plate (62) comprises a fixing portion (70) having a first thickness and intended to be fixed to the opening (14); a positioning portion (72) having a second thickness less than the first thickness, the indexing surface (68) being formed by the positioning portion (72).

6. A measuring system (26) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the indexing surface (68) comprises a positioning notch (74) configured to fit the positioning protrusion (30) in order to retain the opening (14) relative to the structure (12) in the closed position.

7. Measurement system (26) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the reference plate (62) comprises a fixing surface (76) intended to be fixed against the opening (14), a direction perpendicular (78) to said fixing surface (76), the indexing surface (68) being at a distance from the fixing surface (76) along the perpendicular direction (78).

8. A measuring system (26) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the measuring base (24) comprises a fixing zone (48), a positioning zone (50), the positioning protrusion (30) comprises a cylindrical rod in the positioning zone (50) and at a distance from the fixing zone (48); preferably, the positioning protrusion (30) is perpendicular to the measuring base (24).

9. A method for positioning positioning holes for a locking system (20) of a motor vehicle (10) door (14); the positioning method comprising a step of: • fixing (100) of a measuring base (24) in an opening (18) of the structure (12) of a motor vehicle (10), said opening (18) comprising first positioning holes (56), the measuring base (24) comprising a movable element (28) mounted movable relative to said measuring base (24); a positioning protrusion (30) connected to the movable element (28) and projecting relative to the measuring base (24); the measuring base (24) comprising first positioning means (54) cooperating with the first positioning holes (56); characterized in that the opening (14) comprises second positioning ports (66) and the positioning method comprises the steps: • mounting (102) of a reference plate (62) to the opening (14) of a motor vehicle (10) and comprising second positioning means (64) cooperating with second positioning orifices (66), the reference plate (62) comprising an indexing surface (68), the opening being previously in the open position; • test closure (104) of the opening (14) in the opening (18) of the structure (12) so that the positioning protrusion (30) cooperates with the indexing surface (68); • identification (106) of a positional deviation from a prescribed position of the opening (14) in the opening (18); opening (108) the opening (14); • displacement (110) of the movable element (28) into a correction position in order to reduce the positional gap; • measurement (114) of displacement of the moving element (28) between the correction position and a reference position; • adjustment (116) of position of a drilling tool for stamping press as a function of said displacement, the drilling tool being able to drill at least one of the first positioning holes (56) or the second positioning holes (66).

10. Positioning method according to claim 9, characterized in that the method comprises a repetition of the closing and testing (104) and displacement (110) steps of the moving element (28); and / or the measuring base comprises reversible clamping means (52) configured to lock the positioning protrusion (30) in position relative to the measuring base; at the fixing step (100) the reversible clamping means (52) are clamped, and at the displacement step (110) the reversible clamping means (52) are loosened.

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