Energy dampening arrangement for vehicle latch assembly

Abstract

 A vehicle latch assembly includes a housing. Also included is a frame plate operatively coupled to the housing. Further included is a backplate operatively coupled to the housing. Yet further included is an eccentric extending from a first end to a second end, the first end disposed in close proximity to the backplate and the second end disposed in close proximity to the frame plate. Also included is a fastener fixedly connected to the eccentric and disposed between an outer surface of the eccentric and the frame plate.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to latch assemblies, and more particularly to an energy reducing arrangement for a vehicle latch assembly.

[0002] Often, consumers equate the performance and quality of vehicles and vehicle components with sound quality and minimal noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) characteristics of vehicle components including the latching mechanism of a vehicle door. Providing a vehicle door that opens and closes properly and performs each of those functions with minimal audible indication can suggest to a consumer that the overall door assembly, the door closing mechanism, and the vehicle are of high quality.

[0003] Door latch assemblies typically include multiple metallic components and the interaction of these components during latch operation may contribute to noise that is unpleasant to the consumer. Therefore, a reduction in generated noise is desired.

SUMMARY

[0004] According to one embodiment, a vehicle latch assembly includes a housing. Also included is a frame plate operatively coupled to the housing. Further included is a backplate operatively coupled to the housing. Yet further included is an eccentric extending from a first end to a second end, the first end disposed in close proximity to the backplate and the second end disposed in close proximity to the frame plate. Also included is a fastener fixedly connected to the eccentric and disposed between an outer surface of the eccentric and the frame plate.

[0005] According to another embodiment, a vehicle latch assembly includes a housing. Also included is a frame plate operatively coupled to the housing. Further included is a backplate operatively coupled to the housing. Yet further included is an eccentric extending from a first end to a second end, the first end disposed in close proximity to the backplate and the second end disposed in close proximity to the frame plate. Also included is an aperture extending through the eccentric from the first end to the second end. Further included is a pin extending through the aperture and fixedly connected to the eccentric.

[0006] According to yet another embodiment, a method of manufacturing a vehicle latch assembly is provided. The method includes forming an aperture through an eccentric. The method also includes operatively coupling a housing, a frame plate, a backplate, and the eccentric to each other. The method further includes disposing a main portion of a pin through the aperture of the eccentric. The method yet further includes riveting the pin to the eccentric to reduce axial movement of the frame plate, the backplate and the eccentric relative to each other.

[0007] These and other advantages and features will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The subject matter, which is regarded as the invention, is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0009] Referring now to the figures, which are exemplary embodiments, and wherein like elements are numbered alike:

FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a latch assembly according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the latch assembly according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of the latch assembly according to the embodiment of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the latch assembly according to yet another embodiment; and

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of manufacturing the vehicle latch assembly.

[0010] The detailed description explains embodiments of the invention, together with advantages and features, by way of example with reference to the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Referring now to FIG. 1, the reference numeral 10 generally designates a vehicle latch assembly. The vehicle latch assembly 10 is generally designed for use on a vehicle (not illustrated) having a vehicle door with a door handle. The vehicle latch assembly 10 may be installed on the driver side door, passenger side door, or rear passenger doors. Additionally, the vehicle latch assembly 10 may be installed in alternative locations of the vehicle, such as a vehicle door opening on the B-pillar or may be used in conjunction with a rear door of the vehicle, such as a liftgate, trunk or tailgate, for example.

[0012] The vehicle latch assembly 10 includes housing 12 behind a frame plate 14 that helps protect the vehicle latch assembly 10 from damage, as well as dirt and debris. The housing 12 is mounted to the vehicle door, such as with a plurality of mechanical fasteners or welding, for example. A rotatable catch (not illustrated) releasably retains a striker to hold the door (or liftgate, trunk, tailgate, etc.) in a closed position. The catch is held in the closed position by a pawl 16, which is operatively coupled to an eccentric 18. The eccentric 18 operates as a crank shaft that is operatively coupled to an inner lever 20 that allows a user to rotate the eccentric 18, thereby actuating the pawl 16 to disengage from the catch. This operation releases the striker from the catch and facilitates an opening of the vehicle door.

[0013] The eccentric 18 extends in an axial direction from a first end 22 to a second end 25. The first end 22 is operatively coupled to the inner lever 20 and is in close proximity to a backplate 24 that forms a structural boundary for the vehicle latch assembly 10, in combination with the frame plate 14. The second end 25 is disposed in close proximity to the frame plate 14. As noted above, the eccentric 18 is rotatable to work in conjunction with the pawl 16 during an opening and closing action of the vehicle door. The eccentric 18 is retained by at least one eccentric bearing 26.

[0014] To reduce or eliminate axial float between the eccentric 18 and at least the other above-described components, at least one fastener is disposed at least partially around portions of the eccentric 18. In particular, the at least one fastener is positioned in regions where metallic faces of components are prone to contact each other. The fastener may be selected from numerous fasteners, such as a washer 11 (FIG. 4) or one or more bushings, as will be described in detail below.

[0015] In a first embodiment, a first bushing 28 is fixedly connected to the eccentric 18 and disposed between an outer surface 30 of the eccentric 18 and the frame plate 14. The fixed connection between the first bushing 28 and the eccentric 18 may be accomplished in a number of contemplated attachment methods. In one embodiment, the first bushing 28 is riveted to the eccentric 18. The first bushing 28 significantly reduces potential vertical movement of the eccentric 18, as the first bushing 28 is fixed between the eccentric 18 and the frame plate 14.

[0016] In another embodiment, a second bushing 32 is included. The second bushing 32 is fixedly connected to the backplate 24 and disposed between the outer surface 30 of the eccentric 18 and the backplate 24. As with the first bushing 28, the fixed connection between the second bushing 32 and the backplate 24 may be accomplished in a number of manners, such as riveting, for example. The second bushing 32 insulates the eccentric 18 from the backplate 24 to reduce or eliminate noise generated from contact between the outer surface 30 of the eccentric and the backplate 24.

[0017] The first bushing 28 and the second bushing 32 each provide an interface between faces of components, as described above, to damp the energy transmitted through the first bushing 28 and the second bushing 32. Various structures of known bushings may be employed. In one embodiment, the first bushing 28 and/or the second bushing 32 is an annular cylinder of flexible material disposed inside a metallic casing or outer tube. The first and second bushings 28, 32 may be formed of numerous contemplated energy dampening materials. Exemplary materials include rubber, a synthetic rubber, or polyurethane, for example. The preceding list is merely illustrative and is not exhaustive. As noted above, the first and second bushings 28, 32 separate the faces of objects, while allowing a certain amount of movement. This movement allows the eccentric 18 to move freely, while reducing or eliminating transmission of noise and vibrations associated with contact between the components of the vehicle latch assembly 10.

[0018] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the vehicle latch assembly 10 according to a second embodiment is illustrated. The second embodiment of the vehicle latch assembly 10 is structurally and functionally similar in many respects to the first embodiment, such that similar reference numerals are employed wherein appropriate and duplicative description of the elements is omitted.

[0019] The eccentric 18 includes an aperture 40 extending therethrough in an axial direction from the first end 22 to the second end 25. The aperture 40 is typically a through-hole of constant diameter, however, a slot or other shape may form the aperture 40. A pin 42 is disposed within the aperture 40 and includes a head portion 44 and a main portion 46. The main portion 46 is disposed within the aperture 40 and the head portion 44 includes a diameter that is larger than a diameter of the aperture 40 to ensure disposal of the head portion 44 at a location external to the aperture 40. The head portion 44 may be a flat head or may comprise a bulbous structure, for example. Regardless of the precise geometry of the head portion 44, the pin 42 is riveted to the eccentric 18 (at the inner lever end 22). The first bushing 28 described in detail above may be included. In addition to the above-described benefits, the first bushing 28 provides a flange surface for the head portion 44 to form the rivet with the eccentric 18. Such an embodiment tightens the overall axial structure of the vehicle latch assembly 10, thereby reducing the likelihood of undesirably component contact.

[0020] A method of manufacturing a vehicle latch assembly 100 is also provided, as illustrated in FIG. 4 and with reference to FIGS. 1-3. The vehicle latch assembly 10 has been previously described and specific structural components need not be described in further detail. The method 100 includes forming 102 an aperture 40 through the eccentric 18 and operatively coupling 104 the housing 12, the frame plate 14, the backplate 24, and the eccentric 18 to each other, directly or indirectly. The main portion 46 of the pin 42 is disposed 106 through the aperture 40 of the eccentric 18 and riveted 108 to the eccentric 18 to reduce axial movement of the frame plate 14, the backplate 24 and the eccentric 18, relative to each other.

[0021] The above-described embodiments maintain vehicle door operability, while minimizing noise associated therewith. This reduction in noise appeals to consumers and allows continued optimal opening and closing operation of the vehicle door.

[0022] While the invention has been described in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the invention is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the invention can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, while various embodiments of the invention have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the invention may include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the invention is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle latch assembly comprising:

a housing;

a frame plate operatively coupled to the housing;

a backplate operatively coupled to the housing;

an eccentric extending from a first end to a second end, the first end disposed in close proximity to the backplate and the second end disposed in close proximity to the frame plate; and

a fastener fixedly connected to the eccentric and disposed between an outer surface of the eccentric and the frame plate.

2. The vehicle latch assembly of claim 1, wherein the fastener comprises a washer.

3. The vehicle latch assembly according to one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the fastener comprises a first bushing.

4. The vehicle latch assembly of claim 3, wherein the first bushing is riveted to the eccentric.

5. The vehicle latch assembly according to one of claims 3 to 4, wherein the first bushing comprises a metallic material.

6. The vehicle latch assembly according to one of claims 3 to 5, further comprising a second bushing fixedly connected to the backplate and disposed between the outer surface of the eccentric and the backplate.

7. The vehicle latch assembly of claim 6, wherein the second bushing is riveted to the eccentric.

8. The vehicle latch assembly according to one of claims 6 to 7, wherein the second bushing comprises a rubber material.

9. A vehicle latch assembly comprising:

a housing;

a frame plate operatively coupled to the housing;

a backplate operatively coupled to the housing;

an eccentric extending from a first end to a second end, the first end disposed in close proximity to the backplate and the second end disposed in close proximity to the frame plate;

an aperture extending through the eccentric from the first end to the second end; and

a pin extending through the aperture and fixedly connected to the eccentric.

10. The vehicle latch assembly of claim 9, wherein the pin comprises a main portion and a head portion, the main portion disposed within the aperture and the head portion fixedly connected to the eccentric proximate the second end.

11. The vehicle latch assembly of claim 10, wherein the head portion is riveted to the second end of the eccentric.

12. The vehicle latch assembly of claim 9, further comprising a bushing operatively coupled to the eccentric proximate the second end of the eccentric.

13. The vehicle latch assembly of claim 12, wherein the bushing is disposed between the eccentric and the frame plate.

14. A method of manufacturing a vehicle latch assembly comprising:

forming an aperture through an eccentric;

operatively coupling a housing, a frame plate, a backplate, and the eccentric to each other;

disposing a main portion of a pin through the aperture of the eccentric; and

riveting the pin to the eccentric to reduce axial movement of the frame plate, the backplate and the eccentric relative to each other.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising riveting a bushing to the eccentric proximate the second end in a location between the eccentric and the frame plate.

Drawing