Patent ID: 12221816

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments are provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Referring initially toFIGS.1-3, a vehicle latch testing assembly10is illustrated in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment. The vehicle latch testing assembly10includes a base12, a latch assembly14fixed to the base12, a striker assembly16configured to engage the latch assembly14, and a strain gauge18connected to the striker assembly16. An operating member20is connected to the strain gauge18and is pivotally connected to the base12. The operating member20is configured to move between a first position, as shown inFIG.1, and a second position, as shown inFIG.2, to apply a first force to the latch assembly14.

The base12includes a substantially planar surface22, as shown inFIGS.1-3. First and second walls24and26extend upwardly from opposite edges of the planar surface22. First and second tabs28and30extend inwardly toward one another from the first and second walls24and26. The first and second tabs28and30are spaced from the substantially planar surface22to define a gap G between each of the first and second tabs28and30and the substantially planar surface22.

A first receiving tab32extends outwardly from the first wall24, as shown inFIGS.1-3. A first fastener hole32A is disposed in the receiving tab32. The first fastener hole32A is disposed forward of a forward end22A of the substantially planar surface22. A second receiving tab34is spaced from and disposed parallel to the first receiving tab32. A second fastener hole34A is disposed in the second receiving tab34and aligned with the first fastener hole32A.

A receiving tube36is connected to the second wall26, as shown inFIGS.1-3. The receiving tube36is disposed proximal a rear end22B of the substantially planar surface22.

The latch assembly14is fixed to the base12, as shown mFIGS.1-3. The latch assembly14includes a conventional latch38, as shown inFIGS.11-13. The latch assembly14includes a mounting portion40configured to mount to the base12. The mounting portion40includes a mounting tab40A having a plurality of fastener holes140B (FIG.8) configured to receive fasteners42, as shown inFIGS.1-3. The mounting portion40is connected to the latch38in any suitable manner.

The latch38of the latch assembly14includes an opening44disposed in a latch plate46configured to receive the striker assembly16, as shown inFIGS.11-13. A ratchet48is pivotally connected to the latch plate46. The ratchet48rotates about a first rotation axis A1. A locking pawl50is pivotally connected to the latch plate46on an opposite side of the opening44from the ratchet48. The locking pawl50rotates about a second rotation axis A2.

A switch52is connected to the latch plate46, as shown inFIGS.11-13. The locking pawl50is configured to contact the switch52when the latch assembly14receives the striker assembly16to indicate a latched position, as shown inFIG.12. The switch52indicates an unlatched position when the latch assembly14does not receive the striker assembly16, as shown inFIG.11. The switch52includes a first indicator52A to indicate the unlatched position, and a second indictor52B to indicate the latched position. The first indicator52A is electrically connected to the switch52of the latch assembly14and is configured to indicate an unlatched position between the striker assembly16and the latch assembly14, as shown inFIG.11. The second indictor light52B is electrically connected to the switch52of the latch assembly14and is configured to indicate a latched position between the striker assembly16and the latch assembly, as shown inFIG.12. The first and second indicators52A and52B can be any suitable indicators, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

The vehicle door is in an unlatched position when a striker54of the striker assembly16is not received by the latch38of the latch assembly14, as shown inFIG.11. When the latch38receives the striker54, as shown inFIG.12, the locking pawl50contacts the switch52to trigger the second indicator52B to indicate the latch assembly14is in the latched position.

The striker54is received in the latch opening44and contacts a first arm48A of the ratchet48, as shown inFIG.11. Further movement of the striker54into the opening44causes the ratchet48to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction about the first rotation axis A1. A cam50A of the locking pawl50contacts the ratchet48when the latch assembly14is in the unlatched position, as shown inFIG.11. The striker54continues to rotate the ratchet48about the first rotational axis A1until the striker54is received in a recess48C between the first arm48A and a second arm48B of the ratchet48, as shown inFIG.12.

The cam50A is received in the recess48C between the first and second arms48A and48B of the ratchet48, as shown inFIG.12. The locking pawl50is biased toward the latched position, as shown inFIG.12. The ratchet48maintains the locking pawl50in the unlatched position, as shown inFIG.11. Rotation of the ratchet48to the latched position shown inFIG.12causes the locking pawl50to rotate in the counter-clockwise direction about the second rotation axis A2. The rotation of the locking pawl50causes a contact end50B of the locking pawl50to contact a contact52C of the switch52to illuminate the second indicator52B. When the contact52C is not engaged by the locking pawl50, as shown inFIG.11, the first indicator52A is illuminated.

The striker assembly16includes a support member56connected to a base, or plate,58, as shown inFIGS.1-3. The support56includes a first support wall56A extending substantially perpendicularly from the base58. A second support wall56B extends substantially perpendicularly from the first support wall56A. The second support wall56B is preferably substantially parallel to the base58. The first support wall56A is connected to the base58in any suitable manner, such as by welding. The striker54is connected to the base58and to the second support wall56B. The striker54is a U-shaped member. The legs of the striker54are connected to the base58in any suitable manner, such as by welding. A portion of the striker54is connected to the second support wall56B in any suitable manner, such as by welding. A recess56C is disposed in the first support wall56A, as shown inFIG.3.

The strain gauge18is connected to a base62, as shown inFIGS.1-3. A projection62A extends outwardly from a lower surface of the base62and is configured to be received by the operating member20. A connecting member64is connected to the strain gauge18and is configured to be received by the recess56C in the support member56of the striker assembly16. A notch64A in the connecting member64is received by the recess56C. The connecting member64is disposed on opposite sides of the first support wall56A to substantially prevent movement of the strain gauge relative to the support member56of the striker assembly16.

The operating member20includes a handle20A connected to a main portion20B, as shown inFIGS.1-3. A socket20C is disposed at a first end of the main portion20B. The socket20C includes an opening configured to receive a fastener66. The opening in the socket20C preferably extends entirely through the socket20C. The socket20C is disposed at a first end of the operating member20. The handle20A is disposed at a second end of the operating member20. In other words, the handle20A and the socket20C are disposed at opposite ends of the operating member20. A boss20D extends outwardly from the main portion20B of the operating member20. The boss20D includes an opening to receive the projection62A of the strain gauge base62.

A handle68is connected to the base12, as shown inFIGS.1-3. The handle68is configured to be received by the receiving tube36, as shown inFIGS.1-3. The handle68includes a first portion68A configured to be received by the receiving tube36. A second portion68B of the handle68is disposed externally of the receiving tube36. The second portion68B has a larger diameter than the first portion68A such that a shoulder68C is formed therebetween. The shoulder68C engages the receiving tube36to limit an insertion depth of the handle68. The handle68is non-movably connected to the base12such that the handle68does not move relative to the base12during movement of the operating member20.

A latch position indicator70is electrically connected to the latch assembly14, as shown inFIGS.1and2. The latch position indicator70includes first and second indicators70A and70B that indicate a position of the latch assembly14. The latch position indicator70is electrically connected to the switch52of the latch assembly14. The first indicator70A of the latch position indicator70is illuminated when the first indicator52A of the switch52is illuminated. The first indicator70A of the latch position indicator70illuminates to indicate an unlatched position (FIG.11) of the latch assembly14. The second indicator70B of the latch position indicator70is illuminated when the second indicator52B of the switch52is illuminated. The second indicator70B of the latch position indicator70illuminates to indicate a latched position (FIG.12) of the latch assembly14.

The vehicle latch testing assembly10is shown assembled inFIGS.1and2and unassembled inFIG.3. The latch assembly14is mounted to the base12, and is secured thereto by fasteners42. A mounting portion40of the latch assembly14receives the rear end22B of the substantially planar surface22, such that a portion of the mounting portion is disposed on a lower side of the substantially planar surface22. The fasteners42rigidly fix the latch assembly14to the base12. The handle68is inserted in the receiving tube36. The latch position indicator70is electrically connected to the switch52(FIGS.11-13) of the latch assembly14. The latch assembly14is currently in an unlatched position (FIG.11) such that the first indicator70A of the latch position indicator is illuminated to indicate an unlatched position of the latch assembly14.

The operating member20is connected to the base12, as shown inFIGS.1and2. The socket20C of the operating member20is disposed between the first and second receiving tabs32and34such that the socket20C is aligned with the first and second fastener holes32A and34A. The fastener66is inserted through the first fastener hole32A, the socket20C and the second fastener hole34A to pivotally connect the operating member20to the base12. The fastener66received by the first fastener hole32A in the first receiving tab32, the socket20C of the operating member20, and the second fastener hole34A in the second receiving tab34defines a first pivot point P1of the operating member20. The socket20C disposed at the first end of the operating member20is pivotally connected to the base12. The handle20A disposed at the second end of the operating member20facilitates operation of the operating member20.

The strain gauge18is connected to the striker assembly16and to the operating member20. The projection62A of the strain gauge base62is received by the boss20D of the operating member20, as shown inFIGS.1and2. The connecting member64connected to the strain gauge18is connected to the support member56fixed to the base58of the striker assembly16. The connecting member64is slid into the recess56C disposed in the first support wall56A of the support member56. The notch64A in the connecting member64receives the first support wall56A, thereby substantially prevent longitudinal movement of the strain gauge relative to the striker assembly16.

The base58of the striker assembly16is inserted in the gap G formed between the first and second28and30and the substantially planar surface22of the base12, as shown inFIGS.1and2. The base58of the striker assembly16is configured to be movably disposed on the surface22of the base12. A first length D1of the base, or plate,58of the striker assembly16is less than a second length D2of the base12, as shown inFIG.3, to accommodate movement of the operating member20. A first width si of the base, or plate,58of the striker assembly16is less than a second width of the surface22of the base12to accommodate movement of the operating member20. The operating member20is pivoted about the first pivot point P1to move the striker assembly16longitudinally toward or away from the latch assembly14. The projection62A of the strain gauge base62allows the striker assembly14to move substantially longitudinally without lateral movement during pivotal movement of the operating member20.

The operating member20is pivoted in a counter-clockwise direction to engage the striker54of the striker assembly16with the latch assembly14, as shown inFIGS.11and12. The handle68can be held to facilitate operation of the operating member20. The counter-clockwise pivotal movement of the operating member20moves the striker54into engagement with the ratchet48, such that the latch assembly14is in the latched position shown inFIG.12. Once the latch assembly14is in the latched position shown inFIG.12, the operating member20is pivoted in the counter-clockwise direction to impart force F1on the ratchet48of the latch assembly14, as shown inFIG.12. The operating member20is pivoted in the clockwise direction to impart force F2on the ratchet48of the latch assembly14. The forces, or loads, F1and F2correspond to tension and compression forces applied to the latch assembly14. The operating member20is pivotally connected to the strain gauge18such that the strain gauge18moves substantially longitudinally along a longitudinal axis L1of the strain gauge18when the operating member20moves between the first and second positions to impart a force on the latch assembly14. The projection62A of the base62of the strain gauge18is received by the boss20D of the operating handle20to allow for substantially longitudinal movement of the strain gauge18along the longitudinal axis L1as the operating member20is pivoted about the first pivot point P1.

When a force, such as force F1or F2, exerted on the ratchet48of the latch assembly14causes rotation of the locking pawl50about the second rotation axis A2such that the contact end50B of the locking pawl50no longer contacts the contact52C of the switch52, the force determined by the strain gauge18is measured and recorded. The second indicator52B of the switch52is illuminated, and a signal is transmitted to the latch position indicator70to illuminate the second indicator70B to indicate an unlatched position, as shown inFIG.13, of the latch assembly14. The transition of the latch position indicator from the second indicator70B being illuminated to the first indicator70A being illuminated provides a visual indication to a test operator of a force being applied to the latch assembly14causing the unlatched position ofFIG.13.

The unlatched position illustrated inFIG.13is different from the unlatched position illustrated inFIG.11. InFIG.11, the striker54is not received by the latch assembly14. InFIG.13, the striker54remains engaged by the ratchet48of the latch assembly14. The force exerted on the pawl48by the striker54causes rotational movement of the locking pawl50about the second rotational axis A2such that the contact end50B of the locking pawl50is moved out of contact with the contact52C of the switch52. The indicator52B indicates an unlatched position while the striker54remains engaged with the ratchet48of the latch assembly14.

The operating member20can be rotated in both the counter-clockwise and clockwise directions to determine the forces F1and F2required to illuminate the second indicator lights52B of the switch to trigger an unlatched position.

A tool71can be connected to the base12, as shown inFIG.3, to facilitate unlatching the latch assembly14from the latched position (FIG.12). When the latch assembly14is unlatched, the striker54disengages the ratchet48and the striker assembly16can be disconnected from the latch assembly14. The first indicator70A of the latch position indicator70indicates that the latch assembly14is in the unlatched position. The latch assembly14can be removed from the base12and another latch assembly can be connected to the base12for testing.

Another exemplary embodiment of the vehicle latch testing assembly110is shown inFIGS.4-10. The features of the vehicle latch testing assembly110ofFIGS.4-10that are substantially similar to the features of the vehicle latch testing assembly10ofFIGS.1-3are provided the same reference numerals as the features of the vehicle latch testing assembly10except in the100series (i.e., lxx). Moreover, the descriptions of the parts of the vehicle latch testing assembly110ofFIGS.4-10that are identical to the vehicle latch testing assembly10ofFIGS.1-3are omitted for the sake of brevity.

The base112includes a third receiving tab172extending outwardly from the first wall124, as shown inFIGS.4-6. The third receiving tab172is disposed above first and second receiving tabs132and134. A fastener174pivotally connects the operating member120to the first and third receiving tabs132and172. The fastener174defines a second pivot point P2that is spaced from the first pivot point P1.

The support156of the striker assembly116includes a second recess156E disposed in a third support wall156D, as shown inFIGS.8-10. The third support wall156D extends substantially vertically from the second support wall156B. The second recess156E extends substantially perpendicularly to the first recess156C in the first support wall156A. The first recess156C extends in a lateral direction of the base158of the striker assembly116. The second recess156E extends in a longitudinal direction of the base158.

As shown inFIGS.4and5, the strain gauge118is connected to the first support wall156A of the striker assembly116such that the operating member120moves between a first position and a second position. The operating member120is configured to pivot about the first pivot point P1to move between the first and second positions. The striker assembly116and the strain gauge118are configured to move along a first longitudinal line L1when the operating member120moves between the first and second positions. The movement of the operating member120between the first and second positions imparts forces F1and F2on the ratchet48, as shown inFIGS.12and13. The strain gauge118is connected to the first support wall156A, or a first side of the striker assembly116, and the operating member120is connected to the first pivot point P1of the base112such that the forces F1and F2imparted by the striker154on the ratchet48(FIGS.12and13) are applied along the first longitudinal axis LL.

As shown inFIGS.6and7, the strain gauge118is connected to the third support wall156DA of the striker assembly116such that the operating member120moves between a third position and a fourth position. The operating member120is configured to pivot about the second pivot point P2to move between the third and fourth positions. The striker assembly116and the strain gauge118are configured to move along a second longitudinal line L2when the operating member120moves between the third and fourth positions. The movement of the operating member120between the third and fourth positions imparts forces F3and F4on the ratchet48, as shown inFIGS.12and13. The strain gauge118is connected to the third support wall156D, or a second side of the striker assembly116, and the operating member120is connected to the second pivot point P2of the base112such that the forces F3and F4imparted by the striker154on the ratchet48(FIGS.12and13) are applied along the second longitudinal axis L2. The second longitudinal axis L2is preferably substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis L1. The forces, or loads, F3and F4correspond to lateral, or cross-car, loads applied to the latch assembly114.

The vehicle latch testing assembly110, as shown inFIGS.4-10, is configured to pivot the operating member120about the first pivot point P1to apply a first force in a first direction to the latch assembly114and to pivot the operating member120about the second pivot point P2to apply a second force in a second direction to the latch assembly114. The first direction is along the first longitudinal axis L1. The second direction is along the second longitudinal axis L2. Preferably, the second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

Operation of the vehicle latch testing assembly110shown inFIGS.4-10is substantially similar to the vehicle latch testing assembly10shown inFIGS.1-3. The operating handle120is connected to the first pivot point P1of the base112as shown inFIGS.4and5. The fastener166is received by the fastener openings in the first and second receiving tabs132and134and the socket of the operating member120to pivotally connect the operating member120to the base112. The operating handle120is operated similarly as described above with reference toFIGS.1-3to impart the force along the first longitudinal axis L1to the latch assembly114.

To apply a force to the latch assembly114along the second longitudinal axis L2, as shown inFIGS.6and7, the operating member120is disconnected from the first pivot point P1. The connecting member164of the strain gauge118is disconnected from the support member156of the striker assembly116. The striker assembly116is not disengaged from the latch assembly114. The latch assembly114remains in a latched position, as shown inFIG.12, while the operating member120is disconnected from the first pivot point P1and connected to the second pivot point P2.

The connecting member164of the strain gauge118is engaged with the second recess156E in the third support wall156D, as shown inFIGS.6and7. The operating member120is connected to the second pivot point P2by disposing the socket between the first and third receiving tabs132and172. The fastener174is received by the socket of the operating member120and fastener openings in the first and third receiving tabs132and172to pivotally connect the operating member120to the base112. The boss of the operating member120receives the protrusion of the strain gauge base162to pivotally connect the operating member120to the strain gauge118such that operation of the operating member120maintains an orientation between the striker assembly116and the latch assembly114. In other words, movement of the operating member120about the second pivot axis P2moves the striker assembly116and the strain gauge118substantially along the second longitudinal axis L2.

As shown inFIGS.6and7, the operating member120is pivoted about the second pivot point P2to apply a second force in the second direction to the latch assembly114. Pivoting the operating member120in a clockwise direction imparts a force F3on the ratchet48of the latch assembly as shown inFIGS.12and13. Pivoting the operating member120in a counter-clockwise direction imparts a force F4on the ratchet48of the latch assembly as shown inFIGS.12and13.

Similarly to the vehicle latch testing assembly10ofFIGS.1-3, the vehicle latch testing assembly110ofFIGS.4-10tests the latch assembly114connected to the base112to determine when a force causes the unlatched position illustrated inFIG.13. The vehicle latch testing assembly110ofFIGS.4-10allows forces F1to F4to be applied to the latch assembly114without disengaging the striker assembly116from the latch assembly114. The handle168facilitates manipulation of the operating member120during testing of the latch assembly114. The length D1and the width W1of the base, or plate, of the striker assembly being less than the length D2and the width W2of the surface22of the base112, as shown inFIGS.3and8, allows the striker assembly116to move relative to the latch assembly114on the surface of the base112such that the forces F1to F4can be imparted to the latch assembly114by the striker assembly116by movement of the operating member120. The vehicle latch testing assembly110is configured to apply forces, or loads, in four different directions. The latch position indicator170indicates when the latch assembly114transitions from the latched position ofFIG.12to the latched position ofFIG.13in which an unlatched indication is indicated.

A tool171, as shown inFIG.5, can be connected to the base112and used to position the latch assembly114in the unlatched position such that the striker assembly116can be disconnected from the latch assembly114. The latch position indicator170indicates the latch assembly114is in the unlatched position. The fasteners142can be removed from the fastener holes140B in the mounting tab140A of the latch assembly114and the base112such that the latch assembly114can be removed from the base112. Another latch assembly can then be connected to the base112for testing.

GENERAL INTERPRETATION OF TERMS

In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term “comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms, “including”, “having” and their derivatives. Also, the terms “part,” “section.” “portion,” “member” or “element” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts. Also as used herein to describe the above embodiment(s), the following directional terms “forward”, “rearward”, “above”, “downward”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “below” and “transverse” as well as any other similar directional terms refer to those directions of a vehicle equipped with the vehicle latch testing assembly.

The terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, the size, shape, location or orientation of the various components can be changed as needed and/or desired. Components that are shown directly connected or contacting each other can have intermediate structures disposed between them. The functions of one element can be performed by two, and vice versa. The structures and functions of one embodiment can be adopted in another embodiment. It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in a particular embodiment at the same time. Every feature which is unique from the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, also should be considered a separate description of further inventions by the applicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts embodied by such feature(s). Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.