Closure assembly having continually adjustable lateral restraint

A closure assembly includes a striker assembly and a latch mechanism. The striker assembly includes a first wedge block and a second wedge block disposed opposite each other across a path. The first wedge block rotates about a first axis and includes a first cam surface defining a continuously variable distance to the first axis for engaging the latch mechanism. The second wedge block rotates about a second axis and includes a second cam surface defining a continuously variable distance from to the second axis for engaging the latch mechanism. Abutting engagement between the latch mechanism and the first cam surface limits lateral movement of the latch mechanism relative to the path in a first direction, and abutting engagement between the latch mechanism and the second cam surface limits lateral movement of the latch mechanism relative to the path in a second direction, which is opposite the first direction.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention generally relates to a closure assembly for securing a moveable panel, such as a lift gate, a decklid, or a hatch, to a body of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Vehicles include moveable panels for sealing openings in a body of the vehicle. The moveable panels may but are not limited to a lift gate for sealing a rear opening of a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), a decklid for sealing a trunk space of a sedan, or a hatch for sealing a rear opening of a hatchback. It should be appreciated that the opening and the moveable panel may be located anywhere on the vehicle, and may be positioned in any suitable orientation.

A closure assembly secures the moveable panel relative to the body of the vehicle. The closure assembly includes a striker assembly and a latch mechanism. Typically, the striker assembly is attached to the body, and a latch mechanism is attached to and moveable with the panel. However, the relative positions of the striker assembly and the latch mechanism may be reversed. The striker assembly includes a wire striker, which generally forms a loop. The panel and the latch mechanism move along a path into and out of engagement with the striker assembly. The latch mechanism engages the wire striker of the striker assembly in interlocking engagement to secure the panel relative to the body. The interlocking engagement between the striker assembly and the latch mechanism must minimize and/or eliminate movement of the panel in a lateral direction relative to the path to prevent undesirable noise, paint chips, etc.

SUMMARY

A closure assembly for securing a moveable panel relative to a body of a vehicle is provided. The closure assembly includes a striker assembly having a base and a wire striker fixedly attached to the base. A latch mechanism is moveable along a path relative to the striker assembly. The latch mechanism includes a closed position and an open position. When in the closed position, the latch mechanism is configured for engaging the wire striker in interlocking engagement to secure the latch mechanism relative to the striker assembly. When in the open position, the latch mechanism is configured for not engaging the wire striker in interlocking engagement to allow movement along the path of the latch mechanism relative to the striker assembly. The striker assembly includes a first wedge block that is supported by and rotatably attached to the base. The first wedge block rotates about a first axis. The first wedge block includes a first cam surface that defines a variable distance between the first cam surface and the first axis. The first cam surface continuously engages the latch mechanism as the latch mechanism moves along the path to limit lateral movement of the latch mechanism in a first direction relative to the path.

A vehicle is also provided. The vehicle includes a body defining an opening, and a panel moveably attached to the body for selectively sealing the opening. A closure assembly interconnects the body and the panel for selectively securing the panel relative to the body in a closed position. The closure assembly includes a striker assembly and a latch mechanism. The striker assembly includes a base attached to the body, and a wire striker fixedly attached to the base. The latch mechanism is attached to the panel, and is moveable along a path relative to the striker assembly. The latch mechanism includes a closed position and an open position. When in the closed position, the latch mechanism is configured for engaging the wire striker in interlocking engagement to secure the latch mechanism relative to the striker assembly. When in the open position, the latch mechanism is configured for not engaging the wire striker in interlocking engagement to allow movement along the path of the latch mechanism relative to the striker assembly. The striker assembly includes a first wedge block and a second wedge block. The first wedge block is supported by and rotatably attached to the base for rotation about a first axis. The second wedge block is supported by and rotatably attached to the base for rotation about a second axis. The second wedge block is disposed opposite the first wedge block across the path. The first wedge block includes a first cam surface that defines a variable distance between the first cam surface and the first axis. The first cam surface continuously engages the latch mechanism as the latch mechanism moves along the path to limit lateral movement of the latch mechanism in a first direction relative to the path. The second wedge block includes a second cam surface that defines a variable distance between the second cam surface and the second axis. The second cam surface continuously engages the latch mechanism as the latch mechanism moves along the path to limit lateral movement of the latch mechanism in a second direction relative to the path. The second direction is opposite the first direction.

Accordingly, the first wedge block and the second wedge block limit lateral movement of the latch mechanism, thereby limiting lateral movement of the panel. Because the first wedge block and the second wedge block are rotatable independent of each other, the first cam surface and the second cam surface may each independently engage the latch mechanism to prevent lateral movement thereof even when the latch mechanism is centered on, i.e., aligned along, the path of the latch mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that terms such as “above,” “below,” “upward,” “downward,” “top,” “bottom,” etc., are used descriptively for the figures, and do not represent limitations on the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.

Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views, a vehicle is generally shown at20. Referring toFIG. 1, the vehicle20includes a body22that defines an opening24. The opening24may include, for example, a rear access to a cargo van or a sport utility vehicle20, or a trunk to a sedan. It should be appreciated that the opening24may be located and oriented in any position on the body22of the vehicle20. A panel26is moveably attached to the body22, for example, by one or more hinges. The panel26moves between a first position to allow access to the opening24, and a second position to selectively seal the opening24. The panel26may include, for example, a deck lid, a lift gate, a hatch back, a door, or some other closure panel26.

A closure assembly28secures the panel26relative to the body22in the second position, i.e., the sealed position. The closure assembly28includes a striker assembly30and a latch mechanism32. Referring toFIGS. 2 and 3, the striker assembly30includes a base34supporting a wire striker36, with the wire striker36fixedly attached to the base34. Preferably, the striker assembly30is attached to the body22, and the latch mechanism32is attached to the panel26. However, it should be appreciated that the relative positions of the striker assembly30and the latch mechanism32may be reversed, with the latch mechanism32attached to the body, and the striker assembly attached to and moveable with the panel26. The wire striker36may define a loop as is known. As shown, the latch mechanism32moves with the panel26along a path38relative to the striker assembly30, and includes an open position, shown inFIG. 2, and a closed position, shown inFIG. 3. When in the closed position, the latch mechanism32engages the wire striker36in interlocking engagement to secure the latch mechanism32relative to the striker assembly30. For example, a lock bolt40may rotate around or otherwise grasp the wire striker36. When the latch mechanism32is in the open position, the latch mechanism32does not engage the wire striker36in interlocking engagement, i.e., the latch mechanism32is disengaged from the interlocking engagement with the wire striker36, to allow movement of the latch mechanism32and the panel26relative to the striker assembly30. The latch mechanism32and wire striker36may include any suitable combination, and/or configuration known to those skilled in the art and/or capable of securely latching the panel26to the body22. Accordingly, the specifics of the wire striker36, the latch mechanism32, and the operation of the interlocking engagement therebetween are not described in detail herein.

The striker assembly30includes a first wedge block42and a second wedge block44. The first wedge block42is supported by and rotatably attached to the base34. The first wedge block42is rotatable about a first axis46. The first axis46is laterally spaced from the path38of the latch mechanism32, and is disposed on a first, i.e., a lower side, of the path38. The second wedge block44is also supported by and rotatably attached to the base34. The second wedge block44is rotatable about a second axis48. The first wedge block42is rotatable relative to the base34independently of the second wedge block44. Similarly, the second wedge block44is rotatable relative to the base34independently of the first wedge block42.

The second axis48is laterally spaced from the path38of the latch mechanism32, and is disposed on a second, i.e., an upper side, of the path38. The second wedge block44is disposed opposite the first wedge block42across the path38. Preferably, the first axis46and the second axis48are disposed equidistant from the path38on opposite sides of the path38, i.e., the first axis46is disposed on one side of the path38a pre-defined distance from the path38, and the second axis48is disposed on another side of the path38, the same pre-defined distance from the path38.

The first wedge block42includes a first cam surface50. The first cam surface50extends along a continuously curved edge surface of the first wedge block42to define a curved surface relative to the first axis46. Accordingly, the first cam surface50defines a first variable distance52between the first cam surface50and the first axis46.

The latch mechanism32includes a first engaging surface54configured for engaging the first cam surface50. The first engaging surface54may be defined, for example, by a casing or housing of the latch mechanism32. The first engaging surface54extends along a linear edge surface of the latch mechanism32to define a planar surface, i.e., a surface disposed on a plane. The first engaging surface54is angled relative to the path38of the latch mechanism32to define a first acute angle56.

The first cam surface50continuously engages the latch mechanism32as the latch mechanism32moves along the path38. More specifically, the first cam surface50engages the first engaging surface54of the latch mechanism32. It should be appreciated that the area of contact between the first engaging surface54and the first cam surface50moves relative to the first cam surface50and the first engaging surface54as the latch mechanism32moves along the path38. The first cam surface50of the first wedge block42engages the latch mechanism32to limit lateral movement of the latch mechanism32in a first direction58relative to the path38.

The second wedge block44includes a second cam surface60. The second cam surface60extends along a continuously curved edge surface of the second wedge block44to define a curved surface relative to the second axis48. Accordingly, the second cam surface60defines a second variable distance62between the second cam surface60and the second axis48.

The latch mechanism32includes a second engaging surface64configured for engaging the second cam surface60. The second engaging surface64may be defined, for example, by the casing or housing of the latch mechanism32. The second engaging surface64extends along a linear edge surface of the latch mechanism32to define a planar surface, i.e., a surface disposed on a plane. The second engaging surface64is angled relative to the path38of the latch mechanism32to define a second acute angle66.

The second cam surface60continuously engages the latch mechanism32as the latch mechanism32moves along the path38. More specifically, the second cam surface60engages the second engaging surface64of the latch mechanism32. It should be appreciated that the area of contact between the second engaging surface64and the second cam surface60moves relative to the second cam surface60and the second engaging surface64as the latch mechanism32moves along the path38. The second cam surface60of the second wedge block44engages the latch mechanism32to limit lateral movement of the latch mechanism32in a second direction68relative to the path38. The second direction68is opposite the first direction58.

As the latch mechanism32moves along the path38toward the striker assembly30, the latch mechanism32comes into abutting engagement with the first wedge block42and/or the second wedge block44, such as shown inFIG. 2. More specifically, the first engaging surface54of the latch mechanism32comes into abutting engagement with the first cam surface50of the first wedge block42, and/or the second engaging surface64of the latch mechanism32comes into abutting engagement with the second cam surface60of the second wedge block44. As the latch mechanism32continues along the path38toward the striker assembly30, such as shown inFIG. 3, frictional engagement between the first engaging surface54and the first cam surface50rotates the first wedge block42. As the first wedge block42rotates, the continuously changing first variable distance52between the first cam surface50and the first axis46interacts with the first engaging surface54disposed at the first acute angle56relative to the path38to maintain abutted engagement between the first engaging surface54and the first cam surface50. Similarly, frictional engagement between the second engaging surface64and the second cam surface60rotates the second wedge block44. As the second wedge block44rotates, the continuously changing second variable distance62between the second cam surface60and the second axis48interacts with the second engaging surface64disposed at the second acute angle relative to the path38to maintain abutted engagement between the second engaging surface64and the second cam surface60. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that the shape and/or orientation of the first cam surface50, which determines the rate of change of the first variable distance52between the first cam surface50and the first axis46, and the first acute angle56between the first engaging surface54and the path38, are designed to compliment each other. Similarly, the shape and/or orientation of the second cam surface60, which determines the rate of change of the second variable distance62between the second cam surface60and the second axis48, and the second acute angle66between the second engaging surface64and the path38, are designed to compliment each other.

The striker assembly30may further include a first biasing device70and a second biasing device72. The first biasing device70interconnects the first wedge block42and the base34. The first biasing device70biases the first wedge block42in a first rotational direction74about the first axis46into a receiving position. The receiving position of the first wedge block42, which is shown inFIG. 2, is the position of the first wedge block42when ready to initially engage the latch mechanism32. The second biasing device72interconnects the second wedge block44and the base34. The second biasing device72biases the second wedge block44in a second rotational direction76about the second axis48into a receiving position. The second rotational direction76is opposite the first rotational direction74. The receiving position of the second wedge block44, which is shown inFIG. 2, is the position of the second wedge block44when ready to initially engage the latch mechanism32. The first biasing device70and the second biasing device72may each include any device capable of rotationally biasing the first wedge block42and the second wedge block44respectively. For example, the first biasing device70and the second biasing device72may each include but are not limited to a coil spring or other similar device.

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, the latch mechanism32is aligned along the path38such that a longitudinal axis of the latch mechanism32is coaxially aligned with the path38. However, it should be appreciated that the longitudinal axis of the latch mechanism32may be offset from the path38, such as shown inFIG. 4. This may be referred to as the latch mechanism32being misaligned from the path38. Referring toFIG. 4, when the latch mechanism32is misaligned from the path38, the first wedge block42and the second wedge block44are still capable of independently engaging the latch mechanism32, and limiting lateral movement of the latch mechanism32in both the first direction58and the second direction68. It should be appreciated that the interaction between the first cam surface50and the first engaging surface54, and the relative positions therebetween may differ from the interaction between the second cam surface60and the second engaging surface64. For example, if the latch mechanism32is offset from the path38toward the first wedge block42, then the first engaging surface54contacts the first cam surface50at a location nearer the first axis46than when the latch mechanism32is aligned along the path38. Concurrently, the second engaging surface64contacts the second cam surface60at a location farther from the second axis48than when the latch mechanism32is aligned along the path38. However, once contacted, the frictional engagement between the first cam surface50and the first engaging surface54, and between the second cam surface60and the second engaging surface64, causes both the first wedge block42and the second wedge block44to rotate and maintain the abutting engagement therebetween to limit the lateral movement of the latch mechanism32.