DAMPER, STRIKER ASSEMBLY AND VEHICLE

Description

Technical Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an elastomeric vehicle latch damper; to a vehicle striker assembly comprising such a damper; and to a vehicle comprising such a striker assembly.

Background to the Invention

[0002] Most vehicle closures, such as doors, tailgates and boot lids, comprise a latch mechanism and striker assembly which releasably engage to hold the closure shut. The striker assembly typically includes a plate which is secured to the body of the vehicle or the closure, and a striker which projects from the striker plate to be engaged by the latch mechanism, which is mounted to the other of the closure and the body. It is necessary to allow the position of the striker assembly to be adjusted to ensure proper closing of the closure. Accordingly, the striker assembly is typically mounted using releasable fasteners, such as screws or bolts, which need to be accessible. However, it is often desirable to be able to cover at least part of the striker plate and the fasteners so that they are not visible in normal use of the vehicle.

[0003] In some known arrangements, the striker assembly is located within a recess in the vehicle body and a cover mechanism is provided which closes the opening of the recess above the striker assembly when the vehicle closure is opened, so that the striker assembly is completely enclosed out of sight. Such cover mechanisms include spring based covers which are biased closed; but which are moved apart to allow access to the striker when engaged by the latch mechanism as the vehicle closure is closed. These known cover mechanisms include arrangements in which the covers rotate or pivot (WO2004/060,720), and covers which slide (US2013/0038075).

[0004] Whilst such cover mechanisms solve the problem of covering striker assemblies and improve the appearance of the vehicle from a design point of view, they are complex and ultimately more expensive to design, manufacture and assemble. A further problem with said complex mechanisms is the possibility of malfunction, which could result in a faulty closure and may require repairing at a cost to the vehicle owner.

[0005] Other simpler known arrangements include the use of a separate mask which is fitted over the striker plate after the striker assembly has been adjusted to cover at least part of the striker plate and the fasteners. The known masks, as disclosed for example in JP S60 161630 U, are additional separate components which must be fitted and secured in place after the striker assembly has been adjusted. There are a number of problems with these types of covering arrangements. They require the use of one or more additional components, which adds to the cost of manufacture, assembly and spare part provision. They can be difficult to locate in the correct position and have a tendency to move during use as they are often contacted by the latch mechanism during opening and closing of the vehicle closure and so can be moved out of position. The use of a separate mask means that the mask may not match exactly the colour and texture of other body panels or components surrounding the striker assembly, so that the result is less aesthetically pleasing to the end user. A further problem is the need to remove the mask in order to readjust the position of the striker assembly. This can often be a complex process depending on the arrangements used to hold the mask in place.

[0006] It is also common to provide a means to dampen vibrations between the latch and the striker mechanism. Currently employed means include the use of an elastomeric damper, which is secured to the striker assembly; and therefore partially surrounds the striker. The known dampers typically define a wedge shaped recess within which the latch is received when the vehicle closure is closed. The latch contacts the damper on at least two sides when the latch is engaged with the striker, to dampen movement of the latch mechanism relative to the striker due to vibrations when the vehicle is in motion; and also on closing of the vehicle closure.

[0007] In current striker assemblies which comprise both a damping means and a cover for the striker plate, each are formed separately and are required to be fitted independently after adjustment of the striker.

[0008] JP H10 102863 A discloses a damping rubber located between a striker 7 and a vehicle body pillar 5 to act between a guide member 22 and a sliding door 1; the damper comprises a covering member integral with a damper portion 32.

[0009] It is an aim of embodiments of the invention to overcome or to mitigate at least one of the problems of the prior art described above.

Summary of the Invention

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an elastomeric vehicle latch damper for use in a vehicle striker bracket assembly, the damper comprising a latch damper portion; characterized in that the damper comprises a covering member integrally connected with the damper portion by a hinge, the covering member being rotatable about the hinge.

[0011] The damper portion (4) may comprise a pair of opposed, spaced damper sections (10, 10') interconnected at one end by a connecting portion (11), the covering member (6) being hingedly connected to an edge of the connecting portion between the opposed damper sections.

[0012] The connecting portion may comprise an inner edge which in use is located adjacent a striker plate portion of a striker bracket, the covering member being hingedly connected to said inner edge.

[0013] The opposed, spaced damper sections may comprise wedge shaped formations; while the connecting portion may be substantially planar.

[0014] The covering member may be movable at least between a first position in which it extends substantially orthogonally relative to the connecting portion; and a second position in which it is at an acute angle relative to the connecting portion.

[0015] The covering member may comprise a substantially planar peripheral portion and a raised central portion. The at least one aperture may be provided in the raised central portion. In some embodiments two spaced apertures are provided in the raised central portion; which apertures may be connected by a slit in the covering member.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle striker assembly comprising a striker bracket having a striker plate portion, the striker plate portion having a mounting region for securement onto a surface of one of a vehicle body or a closure by at least one releasable fastener; a striker projecting from the striker plate portion of the striker bracket, the striker operable in use for engagement by a latch mechanism; and an elastomeric latch mechanism damper according to the first aspect of the invention mounted to the striker bracket, the damper having a damper portion located about the striker; wherein the damper covering member is rotatable about its hinge in use with respect to the damper portion between a first position wherein the covering member at least partially covers the striker plate portion including the mounting region, and a second position in which at least a portion of the striker plate portion including the mounting region is uncovered.

[0017] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising a body having an opening; a closure for the opening movably mounted to the body for movement between an open position and a closed position; a vehicle striker assembly according to the second aspect of the invention, the striker plate portion being secured onto a surface of one of the vehicle body or the closure by at least one releasable fastener; a latch mechanism mounted to the other of the vehicle body or the closure; a striker projecting from the striker plate portion of the striker bracket, the striker operable in use for engagement by the latch mechanism to secure the closure in the closed position; wherein the elastomeric vehicle latch damper is mounted to the striker bracket, and has a damper portion located about the striker operative in use to contact the latch mechanism when the latch mechanism is engaged with the striker to reduce the movement of the latch mechanism with respect to the striker; and wherein in its first position, the damper covering member at least partially covers the at least one fastener; and wherein in the second position of the covering member, at least one fastener is uncovered.

[0018] There may be provided a securement member operable to retain the covering member in the first position. The securement member may comprise at least one panel mounted on the vehicle body or the closure to which the striker plate bracket is mounted, and which engages at least a portion of the covering member to retain the covering member in the first position.

[0019] In some embodiments the covering member comprises at least one aperture. In such embodiments the striker may project through the aperture when the covering member is in the first position.

[0020] When the covering member is in the first position, the damper portion and the covering member may substantially entirely cover the striker plate portion.

[0021] The striker bracket may include at least one damper mounting portion projecting from the striker plate portion. In such embodiments, the damper may be mounted to the at least one mounting portion. In some embodiments, the at least one mounting portion comprises a flange which may at least partially surround the striker. The damper may be mounted to the flange by means of one or more mounting lugs located thereon which are engageable in corresponding mounting apertures in the flange.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0022] In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, an embodiment thereof will now be described - by way of example only - with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Figure 1

is a perspective view of an embodiment of a vehicle latch damper of the present invention;

Figures 2A and 2B

are perspective views of an embodiment of a vehicle striker assembly of the present invention incorporating the damper of Figure 1 and showing the assembly in installation and installed configurations respectively; and

Figure 3

is a perspective view of an embodiment of the vehicle striker assembly of the present invention, shown installed on the surface of a vehicle body.

[0023] Embodiments of the vehicle latch damper, the vehicle striker assembly and the vehicle, in accordance with aspects of the present invention, are shown in the accompanying drawings. Relative directional terms such as upper and lower as used herein, refer to the orientation of the damper or striker assembly as shown in the drawings, and as shown by arrows "U" and "L" in Figure 1, and should be construed accordingly. It will be appreciated, however, that the damper and the striker assembly could be used in other orientations.

[0024] An embodiment of a vehicle latch damper 2 in accordance with an aspect of the present invention is shown in Figure 1.

[0025] The damper 2 includes a damper portion 4 and a moveable covering member 6. Moveable covering member 6 is connected to the damper portion 4 by an integral hinge 8. The damper 2 is made of an elastomeric material such as rubber and the damper portion 4 and covering member 6 are formed as a single, integral component connected by live hinge 8.

[0026] Damper portion 4 includes opposed, spaced wedge shaped buffers 10, 10' interconnected at one end by a substantially planar connecting portion in the form of a central wall 11. The buffers 10, 10' define between them a wedge shaped recess in which a vehicle closure latch is received in contact with the buffers on either side. Located on the outer surfaces of buffers 10, 10' are respective securing members in the form of mounting lugs 12, 12'. Central wall 11 includes a further securing member in the form of a central positioning lug 14. The mounting lugs 12, 12' on the buffers 10, 10' each have a head portion 16, 16' connected with the buffer by a narrower waist section 18, 18'.

[0027] Moveable covering member 6 has a substantially planar peripheral region 20 and a raised central portion 22. The peripheral region 20 includes securing tabs 24, 24' on either side at a front end of the covering member 6. Located within the raised central portion 22 are a pair of spaced circular apertures 26, 26'. The apertures 26, 26' are connected to one another by a slit 28.

[0028] The covering member 6 is in the form of a profiled flap which is connected along at least part of its inner edge to a lower or inner edge region of the central wall 11 between the buffers 10, 10'. The covering member 6 can be moved pivotally relative to the damper portion 4 about the hinge 8 between at least a first lowered or installed position in which it extends generally orthogonally relative to the plane of the central wall 11 as shown in Figure 1; and a second raised or installation position in which it extends at an acute angle relative to the plane of the central wall 11.

[0029] Figures 2A and 2B illustrate a vehicle striker assembly 100 of an embodiment of the present invention, and the vehicle latch damper 2 as illustrated in Figure 1.

[0030] Striker assembly 100 comprises striker bracket 102, which includes a generally planar striker plate portion 104 and an upstanding damper mounting flange 106 formed integrally with the striker plate portion. Striker plate portion 104 includes a raised central portion 108. A striker 110 having a U-shaped configuration is connected to and projects from the central portion 108. The mounting flange 106 is generally U shaped and is formed integrally with respective rear and side edges of the striker plate portion 104 so as to partially surround the striker 110 on three sides.

[0031] The striker plate portion 104 has lower, planar peripheral portions 111, 111' on either side of the raised central portion 108. A mounting aperture 112, 112' is provided in each of the lower peripheral portions through which releasable fasteners can be inserted to attach the striker assembly 100 to a surface of a vehicle. Apertures 112, 112' are operable to allow for striker assembly 100 to be attached to a surface of a vehicle by means of fasteners in the form of screw connections. However, it should be appreciated that other suitable means to secure the striker assembly may be employed. The lower, peripheral portions 111, 111' can be regarded as a mounting region of the striker plate portion 104 of the striker bracket.

[0032] Damper 2 is dimensioned such that it may be located within the volume defined by flange 106 of the striker bracket 102. The damper 2 is positioned within the volume enclosed by striker bracket flange 106 such that the outer surfaces of buffers 10, 10'; and the central wall 11 of damper portion 4; are located adjacent to respective inner surfaces of the mounting flange 106. Side wall regions 106A, 106B of the mounting flange 106 have opposed notches 113, 113' which are dimensioned to receive the narrow waist sections 18, 18' of the mounting lugs 12, 12' with a close fit, such that the head sections 16, 16' are located on the outside of the flange 106. A further notch 114 is provided in a rear wall section 106C of the flange, and is dimensioned to receive the central positioning lug 14 on the central wall 11 of the damper 2 with a close fit. Location of the lugs 12, 12', 14 in the notches 113, 113', 114 secures the damper 2 to the striker bracket.

[0033] It will be appreciated that other means of securing the damper 2 to the striker bracket 102 could be adopted. For example, the integral flange 106 on the striker bracket could be replaced by several discrete mounting members.

[0034] The covering member 6 is dimensioned and profiled so that when the damper 2 is mounted to the bracket 102 and the covering member 6 is lowered to the first position as shown in Figure 2B, the covering member 6 contacts and encases substantially the whole of the striker plate portion 104, or at least those parts which are not covered by the damper portion 4. Accordingly, the central portion 22 of the covering member is profiled to accommodate the raised central portion 108 of the striker plate portion 104 and the lower outer peripheral region 20 of the covering member lies over and covers the lower, peripheral portions 111, 111' of the striker plate portion. The securing tabs 24, 24' and the front edge of the covering member 6 project beyond the edges of the striker plate portion 104; and can be used to secure the covering member 6 in the lowered, first position using one or more panel members mounted to the vehicle (not shown) which trap the tabs 24, 24' and front edge against the vehicle body. When the covering member 6 is in the first position, the striker 110 projects through the covering member with its legs located in the apertures 26, 26'. The slit 28 allows the cross member of the striker 110 to pass through the covering member; but is substantially closed when the covering member is lowered into contact with the striker plate portion 104, so that the striker plate portion between the legs of the striker is also covered.

[0035] It will be noted in particular that when the covering member 6 is in the lowered first position, it covers the mounting region 111, 111' of the striker plate portion 104.

[0036] Figure 2A illustrates the vehicle striker assembly 100 in a second, installation or removal configuration. In this configuration, moveable cover 6 is raised at an acute angle α relative to the central wall 11 about hinge 8, so that it is lifted clear of the striker plate portion 104 of the striker bracket. In this position, the mounting apertures 112, 112' are exposed; so that the striker bracket assembly 100 can be attached to the vehicle body or closure using suitable fasteners introduced through the apertures 112, 112'. This arrangement is advantageous, as the damper 2 can be mounted to the striker bracket 102 to form a striker assembly 100; and the striker assembly 100 can be mounted to the vehicle effectively as a single component. Once the striker assembly 100 has been mounted and adjusted and the fasteners tightened, the covering member 6 is lowered to the first position as shown in Figure 2B where it covers the striker plate portion 104 and the fasteners, producing a neat finish.

[0037] Figure 3 shows the striker assembly 100 after mounting to a vehicle. In this embodiment, the striker assembly 100 is used in connection with a tailgate or boot lid, and is mounted to the body of the vehicle; but it will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the striker assembly in accordance with the invention could be mounted to the closure; and the latch to the vehicle body.

[0038] As illustrated in Figure 3, after the striker assembly has been fitted, the moveable cover 6 can be retained in the lowered position by an additional panel 202 of the vehicle, which acts as a securement member. Vehicle panel 202 surrounds the striker assembly, and has an aperture 204 through with a latch mechanism can be introduced to engage with the striker 110. Vehicle panel 202 includes extended portions 206, 206' which overlie extended tabs 24, 24' of the covering member 6 in order to retain the covering member 6 in its installed covering configuration after installation on the surface of a vehicle. A portion of the panel 202 also overlies the front edge of the covering member 6. This arrangement helps to secure the covering member 6 in position; and ensures that there are no exposed free edges that can get lifted or torn during use.

[0039] In other embodiments, other means of retaining the moveable cover 6 in position may be employed, such as using additional securement means to attach the moveable cover 6 directly to the striker plate portion 104 or to the vehicle body/closure. However, in preferred embodiments the moveable cover 6 is not permanently secured in the lowered, installed position. For example, in the present embodiment, the panel 202 may be releasably mounted; so that it can be removed to allow the covering member 6 to be raised to permit access to the fasteners so that the striker plate assembly 100 can be removed or adjusted.

[0040] The invention provides an arrangement for covering a striker plate in a striker plate assembly 100 incorporating a damper 2, which avoids the need for additional components. As the covering member 6 is produced integrally with the damper portion 4, it is made of the same material and so matches the damper portion in colour and texture. The covering member 6 is primarily held in its desired position by means of its attachment to the damper portion 4, which itself is firmly secured to the striker bracket; and so is less likely to be moved unintentionally during use. Where readjustment or removal of the striker assembly 100 is required, the covering member 6 can be easily raised to allow access to the fastenings securing the striker plate portion in position.

[0041] The above embodiment is described by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An elastomeric vehicle latch damper (2) for use in a vehicle striker bracket assembly (100), the damper (2) comprising a latch damper portion (4);
characterized in that:
the damper (2) comprises a covering member (6) integrally connected with the damper portion (4) by a hinge (8), the covering member (6) being rotatable about the hinge (8).

2. An elastomeric vehicle latch damper (2) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the damper portion (4) comprises a pair of opposed, spaced damper sections (10, 10') interconnected at one end by a connecting portion (11), the covering member (6) being hingedly connected to an edge of the connecting portion between the opposed damper sections.

3. An elastomeric vehicle latch damper (2) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the connecting portion (11) has an inner edge which in use is located adjacent a striker plate portion (104) of a striker bracket (102), the covering member (6) being hingedly connected to said inner edge.

4. An elastomeric vehicle latch damper (2) as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the opposed, spaced damper sections (10, 10') comprise wedge shaped formations and the connecting portion (11) is substantially planar.

5. An elastomeric vehicle latch damper (2) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the covering member (6) is movable at least between a first position in which it extends substantially orthogonally relative to the connecting portion (11) and a second position in which it is at an acute angle (α) relative to the connecting portion (11).

6. An elastomeric vehicle latch damper (2) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the covering member (6) comprises a substantially planar peripheral portion (20) and a raised central portion (22).

7. A vehicle striker assembly (100) comprising a striker bracket (102) having a striker plate portion (104), the striker plate portion having a mounting region (111, 111') for securement onto a surface of one of a vehicle body or a closure by at least one releasable fastener;
a striker (110) projecting from the striker plate portion (104) of the striker bracket (102), the striker being operable in use for engagement by a latch mechanism; and
an elastomeric vehicle latch damper (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 mounted to the striker bracket (102), the damper having a damper portion (4) located about the striker (110);
wherein the damper covering member (6) is rotatable about the hinge in use with respect to the damper portion (4) between a first position wherein the covering member (6) at least partially covers the striker plate portion (104) including the mounting region (111, 111'), and a second position in which at least a portion of the striker plate portion (104) including the mounting region (111, 111') is uncovered.

8. A vehicle comprising:

a body having an opening;

a closure for the opening movably mounted to the body for movement between an open position and a closed position;

a vehicle striker assembly (100) according to claim 7, the striker plate portion (104) being secured onto a surface of one of the vehicle body or the closure by at least one releasable fastener;

a latch mechanism mounted to the other of the vehicle body or the closure;

a striker (110) projecting from the striker plate portion (104) of the striker bracket (102), the striker operable in use for engagement by the latch mechanism to secure the closure in the closed position;

wherein the elastomeric vehicle latch damper (2) is mounted to the striker bracket (102), and has a damper portion (4) located about the striker (110) operative in use to contact the latch mechanism when the latch mechanism is engaged with the striker (110) to reduce the movement of the latch mechanism with respect to the striker (110);

and wherein in its first position,

the damper covering member (6) at least partially covers the at least one fastener; and wherein in the second position of the covering member (6), at least one fastener is uncovered.

9. A vehicle as claimed in claim 8, further comprising a securement member (202) operable to retain the covering member (6) in the first position.

10. A vehicle as claimed in claim 9, wherein the securement member (202) comprises at least one panel mounted on said one of the vehicle body or the closure to which the striker plate bracket (102) is mounted and which engages at least a portion (24, 24') of the covering member (6) to retain the covering member in the first position.

11. A vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the covering member (6) comprises at least one aperture (26).

12. A vehicle as claimed in claim 11, wherein the striker (110) projects through the aperture (26) when the covering member (6) is in the first position.

13. A vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein when the covering member (6) is in the first position, the damper portion (4) and the covering member (6) substantially entirely cover the striker plate portion (104).

14. A vehicle as claimed in any of claims 8 to 13, wherein the striker bracket (102) includes at least one damper mounting portion projecting from the striker plate portion (104), the damper (2) being mounted to the at least one mounting portion.

15. A vehicle as claimed in claim 14, wherein the at least one damper mounting portion comprises a flange (106) at least partially surrounding the striker (110), the damper (2) having one or more mounting lugs (12, 12', 14) engageable in corresponding mounting apertures (113, 113', 114) in the flange.

Ansprüche

1. Elastomerer Fahrzeugverriegelungsdämpfer (2) zur Verwendung in einer Fahrzeug-Schließblechanordnung (100), wobei der Dämpfer (2) einen Verriegelungsdämpferabschnitt (4) umfasst;
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass:
der Dämpfer (2) ein Abdeckelement (6) umfasst, das integral mit dem Dämpferabschnitt (4) durch ein Scharnier (8) verbunden ist, wobei das Abdeckelement (6) um das Scharnier (8) drehbar ist.

2. Elastomerer Fahrzeugverriegelungsdämpfer (2) nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Dämpferabschnitt (4) ein Paar gegenüberliegender, beabstandeter Dämpferabschnitte (10, 10') umfasst, die an einem Ende durch einen Verbindungsabschnitt (11) miteinander verbunden sind, wobei das Abdeckelement (6) schwenkbar mit einer Kante des Verbindungsabschnitts zwischen den gegenüberliegenden Dämpferabschnitten verbunden ist.

3. Elastomerer Fahrzeugverriegelungsdämpfer (2) nach Anspruch 2, wobei der Verbindungsabschnitt (11) eine Innenkante aufweist, die im Gebrauch angrenzend an einen Schließblechabschnitt (104) einer Schließblechhalterung (102) angeordnet ist, wobei das Abdeckelement (6) mit der Innenkante schwenkbar verbunden ist.

4. Elastomerer Fahrzeugverriegelungsdämpfer (2) nach Anspruch 2 oder Anspruch 3, wobei die gegenüberliegenden, beabstandeten Dämpferabschnitte (10, 10') keilförmige Formationen aufweisen und der Verbindungsabschnitt (11) im Wesentlichen plan ist.

5. Elastomerer Fahrzeugverriegelungsdämpfer (2) nach Anspruch 4, wobei das Abdeckelement (6) mindestens zwischen einer ersten Position, in der es sich im Wesentlichen senkrecht zum Verbindungsabschnitt (11) erstreckt, und einer zweiten Position, in der es sich in einem spitzen Winkel (α) zum Verbindungsabschnitt (11) befindet, beweglich ist.

6. Elastomerer Fahrzeugverriegelungsdämpfer (2) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, wobei das Abdeckelement (6) einen im Wesentlichen ebenen Umfangsabschnitt (20) und einen erhöhten Mittelabschnitt (22) umfasst.

7. Fahrzeug-Schließblechanordnung (100), umfassend
eine Schließblechhalterung (102) mit einem Schließblechabschnitt (104), wobei der Schließblechabschnitt einen Montagebereich (111, 111') zur Befestigung an einer Oberfläche einer Fahrzeugkarosserie oder eines Verschlusses durch mindestens ein lösbares Befestigungselement aufweist;
ein Schließblech (110), das von dem Schließblechabschnitt (104) der Schließblechhalterung (102) vorsteht, wobei das Schließblech bei Verwendung zum Eingriff durch einen Verriegelungsmechanismus betreibbar ist; und
einen elastomeren Fahrzeugverriegelungsdämpfer (2) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, der an der Schließblechhalterung (102) montiert ist, wobei der Dämpfer einen Dämpfungsabschnitt (4) aufweist, der um den Anschlag (110) angeordnet ist;
wobei das Dämpferabdeckungselement (6) bei Verwendung um das Scharnier drehbar ist in Bezug auf den Dämpferabschnitt (4) zwischen einer ersten Position, in der das Abdeckelement (6) den Schließplattenabschnitt (104) mit dem Montagebereich (111, 111') zumindest teilweise abdeckt, und einer zweiten Position, in der mindestens ein Abschnitt des Schließplattenabschnitts (104) den Montagebereich (111, 111') einschließt, aufgedeckt ist.

8. Fahrzeug, das Folgendes umfasst:

einen Körper, der eine Öffnung aufweist;

einen Verschluss für die Öffnung, der beweglich am Körper montiert ist, zur Bewegung zwischen einer offenen Position und einer geschlossenen Position;

eine Fahrzeug-Schließblechanordnung (100) nach Anspruch 7, wobei der Schließblechabschnitt (104) auf einer Oberfläche der Fahrzeugkarosserie oder des Verschlusses durch mindestens ein lösbares Befestigungselement befestigt ist;

einen Verriegelungsmechanismus, der an der anderen Seite der Fahrzeugkarosserie oder des Verschlusses montiert ist;

ein Schließblech (110), das von dem Schließblechabschnitt (104) der Schließblechhalterung (102) vorsteht, wobei das Schließblech im Gebrauch zum Eingriff mit dem Verriegelungsmechanismus betreibbar ist, um den Verschluss in der geschlossenen Position zu sichern;

wobei der elastomere Fahrzeug-Verriegelungsdämpfer (2) an der Schließblechhalterung (102) montiert ist und einen Dämpferabschnitt (4) aufweist, der um das Schließblech (110) herum angeordnet ist, der im Gebrauch wirksam ist, um den Verriegelungsmechanismus zu kontaktieren, wenn der Verriegelungsmechanismus mit dem Schließblech (110) in Eingriff ist, um die Bewegung des Verriegelungsmechanismus in Bezug auf das Schließblech (110) zu verringern;

und wobei in seiner ersten Position das Dämpferabdeckungselement (6) das mindestens eine Befestigungselement zumindest teilweise abdeckt;

und wobei in der zweiten Position des Abdeckungselements (6) zumindest ein Befestigungselement nicht abgedeckt ist.

9. Fahrzeug nach Anspruch 8, ferner umfassend ein Sicherungselement (202), das betreibbar ist, um das Abdeckelement (6) in der ersten Position zu halten.

10. Fahrzeug nach Anspruch 9, wobei das Sicherungselement (202) mindestens eine Platte umfasst, die an der Fahrzeugkarosserie oder dem Verschluss montiert ist, an dem die Schließblechhalterung (102) montiert ist und die mindestens in einen Abschnitt (24, 24') des Abdeckelements (6) eingreift, um das Abdeckelement in der ersten Position zu halten.

11. Fahrzeug nach einem der Ansprüche 8 bis 10, wobei das Abdeckelement (6) mindestens eine Öffnung (26) umfasst.

12. Fahrzeug nach Anspruch 11, wobei das Schließblech (110) durch die Öffnung (26) ragt, wenn sich das Abdeckelement (6) in der ersten Position befindet.

13. Fahrzeug nach einem der Ansprüche 8 bis 12, wobei, wenn sich das Abdeckelement (6) in der ersten Position befindet, der Dämpferabschnitt (4) und das Abdeckelement (6) den Schließblechabschnitt (104) im Wesentlichen vollständig abdecken.

14. Fahrzeug nach einem der Ansprüche 8 bis 13, wobei die Schließblechhalterung (102) mindestens einen Dämpferbefestigungsabschnitt beinhaltet, der von dem Schließblechabschnitt (104) vorsteht, wobei der Dämpfer (2) an dem mindestens einen Befestigungsabschnitt montiert ist.

15. Fahrzeug nach Anspruch 14, wobei der mindestens eine Dämpferbefestigungsabschnitt einen Flansch (106) umfasst, der das Schließblech (110) zumindest teilweise umgibt, wobei der Dämpfer (2) eine oder mehrere Befestigungslaschen (12, 12', 14) aufweist, die in entsprechende Montageöffnungen (113, 113', 114) im Flansch eingreifen können.

Revendications

1. Amortisseur élastomère de verrouillage de véhicule (2) destiné à être utilisé dans un ensemble de support de gâche de véhicule (100), l'amortisseur (2) comprenant une partie d'amortisseur de verrouillage (4) ;
caractérisé en ce que :
l'amortisseur (2) comprend un élément de recouvrement (6) relié d'un seul tenant à la partie d'amortisseur (4) par une charnière (8), l'élément de recouvrement (6) pouvant tourner autour de la charnière (8).

2. Amortisseur élastomère de verrouillage de véhicule (2) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la partie d'amortisseur (4) comprend une paire de sections d'amortisseur opposées espacées (10, 10') reliées entre elles au niveau d'une extrémité par une partie de liaison (11), l'élément de recouvrement (6) étant relié de manière articulée à un bord de la partie de liaison entre les sections d'amortisseur opposées.

3. Amortisseur élastomère de verrouillage de véhicule (2) selon la revendication 2, dans lequel la partie de liaison (11) comporte un bord interne qui, lors de l'utilisation, est situé de manière adjacente à une partie de plaque de gâche (104) d'un support de gâche (102), l'élément de recouvrement (6) étant relié de manière articulée audit bord interne.

4. Amortisseur élastomère de verrouillage de véhicule (2) selon la revendication 2 ou la revendication 3, dans lequel les sections d'amortisseur opposées espacées (10, 10') comprennent des formations en forme de coin et la partie de liaison (11) est sensiblement plane.

5. Amortisseur élastomère de verrouillage de véhicule (2) selon la revendication 4, dans lequel l'élément de recouvrement (6) est mobile au moins entre une première position dans laquelle il s'étend sensiblement orthogonalement par rapport à la partie de liaison (11) et une seconde position dans laquelle il est situé à un angle aigu (α) par rapport à la partie de liaison (11).

6. Amortisseur élastomère de verrouillage de véhicule (2) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, dans lequel l'élément de recouvrement (6) comprend une partie périphérique sensiblement plane (20) et une partie centrale surélevée (22).

7. Ensemble de gâche de véhicule (100) comprenant un support de gâche (102) comportant une partie de plaque de gâche (104), la partie de plaque de gâche ayant une région de montage (111, 111') pour la fixation sur une surface de l'un des éléments parmi une carrosserie de véhicule ou une fermeture par au moins un élément de fixation détachable ; une gâche (110) faisant saillie depuis la partie de plaque de gâche (104) du support de gâche (102), la gâche pouvant servir, lors de l'utilisation, à être mise en prise par un mécanisme de verrouillage ; et
un amortisseur élastomère de verrouillage de véhicule (2) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6, monté sur le support de gâche (102), l'amortisseur ayant une partie d'amortisseur (4) située autour de la gâche (110) ;
l'élément de recouvrement d'amortisseur (6) pouvant tourner autour de la charnière lors de l'utilisation par rapport à la partie d'amortisseur (4) entre une première position dans laquelle l'élément de recouvrement (6) recouvre au moins partiellement la partie de plaque de gâche (104) incluant la région de montage (111, 111'), et une seconde position dans laquelle au moins une partie de la partie de plaque de gâche (104) incluant la région de montage (111, 111') n'est pas recouverte.

8. Véhicule comprenant :

une carrosserie ayant une ouverture ;

une fermeture pour l'ouverture montée de manière mobile sur la carrosserie pour un mouvement entre une position ouverte et une position fermée ;

un ensemble de gâche de véhicule (100) selon la revendication 7, la partie de plaque de gâche (104) étant fixée sur une surface de l'un des éléments parmi la carrosserie de véhicule ou la fermeture par au moins un élément de fixation détachable ;

un mécanisme de verrouillage monté sur l'autre élément parmi la carrosserie de véhicule ou la fermeture ;

une gâche (110) faisant saillie depuis la partie de plaque de gâche (104) du support de gâche (102), la gâche pouvant servir, lors de l'utilisation, à être mise en prise par le mécanisme de verrouillage afin de fixer la fermeture en position fermée ;

l'amortisseur élastomère de verrouillage de véhicule (2) étant monté sur le support de gâche (102), et comportant une partie d'amortisseur (4) située autour de la gâche (110) servant, lors de l'utilisation, à entrer en contact avec le mécanisme de verrouillage lorsque celui-ci est en prise avec la gâche (110) pour réduire le mouvement du mécanisme de verrouillage par rapport à la gâche (110) ;

et dans sa première position, l'élément de recouvrement d'amortisseur (6) recouvrant au moins partiellement l'au moins un élément de fixation ; et dans la seconde position de l'élément de recouvrement (6), au moins un élément de fixation étant non recouvert.

9. Véhicule selon la revendication 8, comprenant en outre un élément de fixation (202) pouvant servir à retenir l'élément de recouvrement (6) dans la première position.

10. Véhicule selon la revendication 9, dans lequel l'élément de fixation (202) comprend au moins un panneau monté sur ledit un élément parmi la carrosserie de véhicule ou la fermeture sur laquelle le support de plaque de gâche (102) est monté et qui met en prise au moins une partie (24, 24') de l'élément de recouvrement (6) pour retenir l'élément de recouvrement dans la première position.

11. Véhicule selon l'une quelconque des revendications 8 à 10, dans lequel l'élément de recouvrement (6) comprend au moins une ouverture (26).

12. Véhicule selon la revendication 11, dans lequel la gâche (110) fait saillie à travers l'ouverture (26) lorsque l'élément de recouvrement (6) est dans la première position.

13. Véhicule selon l'une quelconque des revendications 8 à 12, dans lequel, lorsque l'élément de recouvrement (6) est dans la première position, la partie d'amortisseur (4) et l'élément de recouvrement (6) recouvrent sensiblement entièrement la partie de plaque de gâche (104).

14. Véhicule selon l'une quelconque des revendications 8 à 13, dans lequel le support de gâche (102) inclut au moins une partie de montage d'amortisseur faisant saillie depuis la partie de plaque de gâche (104), l'amortisseur (2) étant monté sur l'au moins une partie de montage.

15. Véhicule selon la revendication 14, dans lequel l'au moins une partie de montage d'amortisseur comprend une bride (106) entourant au moins partiellement la gâche (110), l'amortisseur (2) comportant une ou plusieurs pattes de montage (12, 12', 14) pouvant être mises en prise dans les ouvertures de montage correspondantes (113, 113', 114) dans la bride.

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