EP1925764B1

EP1925764B1 - Handle for vehicle doors, handle and tool as well as processes for assembling or disassembling this handle

Info

Publication number: EP1925764B1
Application number: EP07120821.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Guillaume Lesueur; Fiorenzo Savant
Original assignee: U Shin Italia SpA
Current assignee: Minebea AccessSolutions Italia SpA
Priority date: 2006-11-24
Filing date: 2007-11-15
Publication date: 2018-11-07
Anticipated expiration: 2027-11-15
Also published as: EP1925764A3; EP1925764A2; ITMI20062252A1

Description

The present invention relates to a handle for vehicle doors, and in particular to a handle provided with a secondary body which can contain a lock or other means for locking a door. The present invention also relates to a combination of a handle and a tool as well as processes for assembling or disassembling said handle.
EP 1099817 discloses a handle comprising a main body which is suitable to be fastened to a vehicle door and is provided with a seat for a secondary body which can contain the lock of this door, wherein a locking member is rotated in the main body for preventing the sliding of the secondary body in the seat by means of a ring provided with a central opening in which a functional portion of the secondary body can be inserted. The locking member is rotated manually by means of a lever protruding outside the main body, so as to simplify the assembling and disassembling processes of the handle, for example during its manufacturing, repair or maintenance.
Since said lever is easily accessible, a thief could disassemble the lock by operating from the outside with suitable tools for opening the door of a vehicle.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a handle free from said disadvantage. Said object is achieved with a handle, a handle and a tool, an assembling process and a disassembling process, whose main features are disclosed in claims 1, 23, 30 and 34, respectively, while other features defining preferred embodiments are disclosed in the remaining claims.
Thanks to its particular locking member and to its particular main body, the handle according to the present invention cannot be easily disassembled without employing a particular tool, in any case only by operating from the inside of the door.
Furthermore, the assembling process of this handle is simpler than the disassembling process, especially if said tool is employed, so that the assembling difficulty is not increased with respect to the known handles.
According to a particular preferred embodiment of the invention, the main body and/or the locking member are provided with a snap connection enclosed entirely in the main body for preventing the rotation of the locking member, so as to make the disassembly of the secondary body even harder if a particular tool is not used.
According to another particular preferred embodiment of the invention, the main body is provided with a guide system preferably comprising an elastic tongue, a slit, grooves and/or protrusions for simplifying the assembling process and ensuring the perfect assembly of the handle.
Further advantages and features of the handle, of the handle and the tool and of the processes according to the present invention will become clear to those skilled in the art from the following detailed and non-limiting description of an embodiment thereof with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:

figure 1 shows an exploded view of the handle;
figure 2 shows a bottom view of the handle of figure 1 and of the tool;
figures 3 and 4 show views sectioned along plane III-III of figure 2 during two steps of the assembling process;
figure 5 shows detail V of figure 4;
figure 6 shows a perspective view of the handle of figure 1 and of the tool; and
figures 7 to 9 show three partial sectioned views of the handle of figure 1 during three steps of the disassembling process.

Referring to figure 1, it is seen that the handle according to the present invention comprises in a known way at least one main body 1 suitable to be fastened inside a vehicle door. A lever (not shown in the figures) is pivoted to the main body 1 for opening said door. The main body 1 is provided with a seat 2 for at least one secondary body 3 which can contain the lock for locking said door. The secondary body 3 can be inserted partially into seat 2 of the main body 1 along a first axis A substantially perpendicular to the outer surface of said door. A gasket 4 can be comprised between an outer surface of the main body 1 and an inner surface of the secondary body 3. A locking member 5 can rotate in the main body 1 around the first axis A for locking or unlocking the secondary body 3, i.e. for preventing or allowing its sliding in seat 2. For this purpose, the locking member 5 comprises a ring 6 provided with a central opening 7 in which a functional portion 8, substantially cylindrical, of the secondary body 3 is inserted. The functional portion 8 is provided with one or more protrusions 9 which can slide in corresponding grooves made in seat 2 of the main body 1. Ring 6 of the locking member 5 is provided with inner notches 10 in which protrusions 9 of the functional portion 8 of the secondary body 3 can slide, so that by rotating the locking member 5 when the secondary body 3 is inserted in seat 2 of the main body 1 protrusions 9 engage with ring 6 and prevent the sliding of the secondary body 3 along the first axis A. In the present embodiment, the functional portion 8 of the secondary body 3 comprises three pairs of protrusions 9 aligned along axes parallel to the first axis A and separated by a gap in which ring 6 can rotate. The locking member 5 is inserted into the main body 1 along a second axis B substantially perpendicular to the first axis A through a side opening 11 made in the main body 1.
Referring also to figure 2, it is seen that the locking member 5 is suitably provided with at least one extension 12 which can be pulled or pushed for rotating ring 6 in seat 2 around the functional portion 8 of the secondary body 3. Extension 12 of the locking member 5 comprises a socket 13 shaped for being coupled with head 14 of a tool 15 for pulling and/or pushing extension 12, so as to rotate the locking member 5. In particular, head 14 of tool 15 can be introduced into the main body 1 along the second axis B through the side opening 11 thanks to a guide system which comprises a first groove 16 in which at least one first pin 17 protruding transversely from head 14 can slide. A shank 18 connects a handle 19 to head 14 of tool 15, so that head 14 can be easily rotated around the longitudinal axis of shank 18 when it is arranged in the main body 1. The longitudinal axes of shank 18 and handle 19 are substantially perpendicular to each other. Head 14 further comprises one or more second pins 20 protruding transversely from head 14, for engaging the latter with socket 13. The second pins 20 are closer to the point of head 14 with respect to the first pin 17. The longitudinal axes of the first pin 17 and of the second pins 20 are substantially parallel to the first axis A when head 14 of tool 15 is introduced into the main body 1. Said guide system is provided also with a second groove 21 in which one of the two second pins 20 protruding from the opposite side of head 14 with respect to the first pin 17 can slide. The second groove 21 is arranged in front of the first groove 16, which is in turn made in an elastic tongue 22 provided with a slit 23 connected to the first groove 16, so that when head 14 of tool 15 is introduced into the main body, the first pin 17 slides in the first groove 16, thereby bending the elastic tongue 22 outwards, after which it penetrates into slit 23, thereby sliding along the latter and guiding head 14 toward socket 13. The longitudinal axes of the first groove 16, of the second groove 21, of the elastic tongue 22 and/or of slit 23 are substantially parallel to axis B along which head 14 of tool 15 is introduced into the main body 1. When the first pin 17 penetrates into slit 23, the elastic tongue 22, preferably made of a single piece of a plastic material with the main body 1, goes back to its non-bent position. However, the lateral surface of socket 13 of extension 12 is provided with one or more protrusions 24 suitable for bending the elastic tongue 22 outwards again at the end of the rotation of ring 6. During the rotation of ring 6, socket 13 or preferably the whole locking member 5 are enclosed in the main body 1.
Referring to figures 3 and 4, it is seen that head 14 of tool 15 penetrates into socket 13 and pushes extension 12 when it is introduced into the main body 1, so as to rotate ring 6 with an angle a comprised between 20° and 40° and to lock the functional portion 8 of the secondary body 3 in seat 2 by means of the locking member 5.
Referring also to figure 5, it is seen that a wedge 26 is elastically connected, for example through a flexible plate 27, to the main body 1, so that when the locking member 5 is rotated by tool 15 for locking the secondary body 3 the outer surface of socket 13 of extension 12 pushes wedge 26, thereby moving the latter away from ring 6. At the end of the rotation, wedge 26 goes back to its initial position and engages with a tooth 28 made in extension 12 close to socket 13, thereby forming a snap connection which prevents the inverse rotation of the locking member 5. At the same time protrusions 24 of extension 12 bend the elastic tongue 22 outwards, thereby releasing head 14 of tool 15 for extracting it from the main body 1. As a matter of fact, during the rotation of the locking member 5, head 14 of tool 15 is retained in the main body 1 by said guide system, in particular by slit 23 of the elastic tongue 21. Wedge 26 and the flexible plate 27 are entirely enclosed in the main body 1 and are preferably made of a single piece of a plastic material with it.
Figure 6 shows the handle assembled at the end of the above mentioned assembling process, wherein tool 15 is extracted from the main body 1 along the second axis B. The side opening 11 can be easily closed with a cover (not shown in the figure), for improving the safety of the handle.
Referring to figure 7, it is seen that in the disassembling process of the handle according to the present invention tool 15 is introduced into the main body 1 along the second axis B until its head 14 penetrates into socket 13 of extension 12 of the locking member 5, as in the assembling process, after which head 14 is rotated around an axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis A with an angle b substantially equal to 90°, so that the longitudinal axis of the first pin 17 is substantially perpendicular to the first axis A and urges wedge 26, thereby moving it away from tooth 28 and bending the flexible plate 27.
Referring to figure 8, it is seen that after said rotation of tool 15 the second pins 20 of head 14 are engaged in socket 13, so that extension 12 can be pulled along the second axis B together with head 14 of tool 15. In this intermediate position of the locking member 5 the outer surface of socket 13 of extension 12 urges wedge 26.
Referring to figure 9, it is seen that when extension 12 is completely pulled, so as to unlock the secondary body 3, head 14 is rotated again with an angle b substantially equal to 90°, so that the longitudinal axis of the first pin 17 is again substantially parallel to the first axis A. Therefore, the second pins 20 of head 14 are not engaged anymore in socket 13 and tool 15 can be completely extracted from the main body 1.
Possible modifications and/or additions may be made by those skilled in the art to the hereinabove described and illustrated embodiment of the invention while remaining within the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

Handle comprising at least one main body (1) which is suitable to be fastened to a vehicle door and is provided with a seat (2) for at least one secondary body (3) which can contain the lock of this door, wherein a locking member (5) can rotate in the main body (1) around a first axis (A) for preventing the sliding of the secondary body (3) in the seat (2) by means of a ring (6) provided with a central opening (7) in which a functional portion (8) of the secondary body (3) can be inserted, characterized in that the locking member (5) is provided with an extension (12) comprising a socket (13) shaped for being coupled with the head (14) of at least one tool (15) for pulling and/or pushing the extension (12), so as to rotate the locking member (5).
Handle according to the previous claim, characterized in that the socket (13) is enclosed in the main body (1) during the rotation of the locking member (5).
Handle according to the previous claim, characterized in that the whole locking member (5) is enclosed in the main body (1) during the rotation thereof.
Handle according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the locking member (5) is inserted into the main body (1) along a second axis (B) substantially perpendicular to the first axis (A) through a side opening (11) made in the main body (1).
Handle according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the tool (15) is inserted into the main body (1) along a second axis (B) substantially perpendicular to the first axis (A) through a side opening (11) made in the main body (1).
Handle according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the locking member (5) and the tool (15) are inserted into the main body (1) through a same side opening (11) made in the main body (1).
Handle according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the main body (1) is provided with a guide system (16, 21, 22, 23) for guiding the head (14) of the tool (15) in the main body (1).
Handle according to the previous claim, characterized in that said guide system (16, 21, 22, 23) retains the head (14) of the tool (15) in the main body (1) during the rotation of the locking member (5).
Handle according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that said guide system (16, 21, 22, 23) comprises an elastic tongue (22) suitable for being bent outwards by the head (14) of the tool (15).
Handle according to the previous claim, characterized in that said elastic tongue (22) is provided with at least one first groove (16) in which a portion (17) of the head (14) of the tool (15) can slide.
Handle according to the previous claim, characterized in that said elastic tongue (22) is provided with a slit (23) connected to the first groove (16).
Handle according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that said elastic tongue (22) is made of a single piece of a plastic material with the main body (1).
Handle according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that said guide system (16, 21, 22, 23) comprises a second groove (21) which is arranged in front of the first groove (16) and in which another portion (20) of the head (14) of the tool (15) can slide.
Handle according to one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the longitudinal axes of the first groove (16), of the second groove (21), of the elastic tongue (22) and/or of the slit (23) are substantially parallel to the axis (B) along which the head (14) of the tool (15) is introduced into the main body (1).
Handle according to one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that the extension (12) of the locking member (5) is provided with one or more protrusions (24) suitable for bending outwards the elastic tongue (22) during the rotation of the locking member (5).
Handle according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the functional portion (8) of the secondary body (3) comprises three pairs of protrusions (9) aligned along axes parallel to the first axis (A) and separated by a gap in which the ring (6) can rotate.
Handle according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the main body (1) and/or the locking member (5) are provided with a snap connection (26, 27, 28) for preventing the rotation of the locking member (5), when the latter locks the secondary body (3).
Handle according to the previous claim, characterized in that a wedge (26) is elastically connected to the main body (1).
Handle according to the previous claim, characterized in that the wedge (26) engages with a tooth (28) made in the locking member (5), when the latter locks the secondary body (3).
Handle according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the wedge (26) is elastically connected to the main body (1) through a flexible plate (27).
Handle according to the previous claim, characterized in that the wedge (26) and the flexible plate (27) are enclosed in the main body (1).
Handle according to the previous claim, characterized in that the wedge (26) and the flexible tongue (27) are made of a single piece of a plastic material with the main body (1).
Handle and tool (15) for assembling and/or disassembling the handle, said handle comprising at least one main body (1) which is suitable to be fastened to a vehicle door and is provided with a seat (2) for at least one secondary body (3) which can contain the lock of this door, wherein a locking member (5) can rotate in the main body (1) around a first axis (A) for preventing the sliding of the secondary body (3) in the seat (2) by means of a ring (6) provided with a central opening (7) in which a functional portion (8) of the secondary body (3) can be inserted, characterized in that said tool (15) comprises a head (14) suitable for being coupled with a socket (13) made in an extension (12) of the locking member (5) for pulling and/or pushing the extension (12), so as to rotate the locking member (5).
Handle and tool (15) according to the previous claim, characterized in that the head (14) is connected through a shank (18) to a handle (19) for rotating the head (14) around the longitudinal axis of the shank (18).
Handle and tool (15) according to the previous claim, characterized in that the longitudinal axes of the shank (18) and of the handle (19) are substantially perpendicular to each other.
Handle and tool (15) according to one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that at least one first pin (17) protrudes transversely from the head (14).
Handle and tool (15) according to one of claims 23 to 26, characterized in that one or more second pins (20) protrude transversely from the head (14).
Handle and tool (15) according to the previous claim, characterized in that the second pins (20) are closer to the point of the head (14) than the first pin (17).
Handle and tool (15) according to claim 27 or 28, characterized in that the longitudinal axes of the first pin (17) and of the second pins (20) are substantially parallel to each other.
Process for assembling a handle comprising at least one main body (1) which is suitable to be fastened to a vehicle door and is provided with a seat (2) for at least one secondary body (3) which can contain the lock of this door, wherein a locking member (5) can rotate in the main body (1) around a first axis (A) for preventing the sliding of the secondary body (3) in the seat (2) by means of a ring (6) provided with a central opening (7) in which a functional portion (8) of the secondary body (3) can be inserted, characterized by comprising the following operating steps:
- introducing the head (14) of a tool (15) into the main body (1);

- coupling said head (14) with a socket (13) made in an extension (12) of the locking member (5);

- pushing said head (14), so as to rotate the locking member (5);

- extracting said head (14) from the main body (1).
Process according to the previous claim, characterized in that after said rotation of the locking member (5) a snap connection (26, 27, 28) prevents the rotation of the locking member (5).
Process according to claim 30 or 31, characterized in that the head (14) of the tool (15) is guided toward the socket (13) of the locking member (5) by a guide system (16, 21, 22, 23) when it is introduced into the main body (1).
Process according to the previous claim, characterized in that said guide system (16, 21, 22, 23) retains the head (14) of the tool (15) in the main body (1) during the rotation of the locking member (5).
Process for disassembling a handle comprising at least one main body (1) which is suitable to be fastened to a vehicle door and is provided with a seat (2) for at least one secondary body (3) which can contain the lock of this door, wherein a locking member (5) can rotate in the main body (1) around a first axis (A) for preventing the sliding of the secondary body (3) in the seat (2) by means of a ring (6) provided with a central opening (7) in which a functional portion (8) of the secondary body (3) can be inserted, characterized by comprising the following operating steps:
- introducing the head (14) of a tool (15) into the main body (1);

- coupling said head (14) with a socket (13) made in an extension (12) of the locking member (5);

- rotating said head (14), so as to engage it with said socket (13);

- pulling said head (14), so as to rotate the locking member (5);

- rotating said head (14), so as to disengage it from said socket (13);

- extracting said head (14) from the main body (1).
Process according to the previous claim, characterized in that when said head (14) is rotated for being engaged with said socket (13), the tool (15) disconnects a snap connection (25, 27, 28) which prevents the rotation of the locking member (5).
Process according to claim 34 or 35, characterized in that said head (14) is rotated with an angle (b) substantially equal to 90° for being engaged with said socket (13).
Process according to one of claims 34 to 36, characterized in that said head (14) is rotated with an angle (b) substantially equal to 90° for being disengaged from said socket (13).
Process according to one of claims 34 to 37, characterized in that said head (14) is rotated around an axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis (A).
Process according to one of claims 30 to 38, characterized in that the head (14) of the tool (15) is introduced into the main body (1) and/or extracted from the main body (1) along a second axis (B) substantially perpendicular to the first axis (A).
Process according to one of claims 30 to 39, characterized in that said handle is an handle according to one of claims 1 to 22.
Process according to one of claims 30 to 40, characterized in that said tool (15) is a tool according to one of claims 23 to 29.
Process according to the previous claim, characterized in that the longitudinal axis of the first pin (17) and/or of the second pins (20) of the tool (15) is substantially parallel to the first axis (A) when the head (14) of the tool (15) is introduced into the main body (1) and/or extracted from the main body (1).