Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
and
THE PATENTS RULE, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10, rule 13)
1. TITLE OF THE INVENTION
A MECHANISM TO PREVENT INERTIA-INDUCED RELEASE OF A VEHICLE DOOR LOCK
2. APPLICANT
(a) Name (b) Nationality (c) Address
Minda Vast Access Systems Pvt. Ltd. An Indian Company B21, MIDC Chakan, Pune, Maharashtra, India

3.PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
PROVISIONAL
The following specification describes the invention
COMPLETE
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to locking mechanisms and more particularly, relates to a mechanism to prevent inertia-induced release of a vehicle door lock that is designed to stop the door lock from accidentally disengaging due to the forces of inertia.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Inertia can be defined as an inherent property of an object that makes it oppose any force that would cause changes in its state or a tendency of an object to resist changes in its state of motion. In the context of a vehicles, a sudden stop, collision, or accelerations may cause the members of a door lock mechanism to move unintentionally and may cause severe damage and greater risk of injury to the occupants. Hence, the need for a mechanism that prevents inertia-induced release of vehicle door locks arises from several safety and practical considerations. These include enhancing the confidence of both drivers and passengers in the vehicle's safety and reliability, helping manufacturers comply with safety standards, and preventing unauthorized access by ensuring the door locks remain engaged under inertial forces when the vehicle is parked on an incline or subjected to vibrations.
JPH0972140A discloses a preventive mechanism against inertia rotation of open lever in a door lock device for vehicle. The mechanism includes an open lever connected to the door's opening handle. When the handle is operated to open the door, the open lever rotates around the support shaft, separating a ratchet from a latch. To counteract inertia forces, an upper inertia force canceling lever and a lower inertia force canceling lever are pivoted at the support shaft and can rotate freely. These levers fit against the open lever when rotated in the opposite direction of the door-opening rotation. The upper and lower inertia force canceling levers generate opposing inertia forces due to impulses acting on the vehicle body, thereby preventing unintended rotation of the open lever. The mechanism is designed with a plurality of components which may make the overall door lock mechanism bulky.
Accordingly, there exists a need for a mechanism to prevent inertia-induced release of a vehicle door lock, ensuring the door remains securely locked even under unexpected conditions such as abrupt braking, collisions, or accelerations, thereby preventing the door from opening accidentally due to inertial forces.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
An objective of the present invention is to ensure safety of the passengers of a vehicle thus avoiding risk of injury to the occupants by unexpected door opening due to abrupt braking, collision, or accelerations.
Another objective of the present invention is to comply with the safety standards and regulations of a region that require vehicle manufacturers to implement measures preventing doors from opening due to inertial forces.
Yet, another objective of the present invention is to prevent unauthorized access to the vehicle when driving on rough terrain causing inertia-induced forces that might disengage a door lock.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a smaller size and cost-effective inertia unit that can handle inertia-induced forces which may disengage a door lock.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide an inertia mechanism that can act on higher acceleration / gravitational (g) value during crash.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide an inertia mechanism suitable for both frame handle as well as frameless handle of vehicle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A mechanism to prevent inertia-induced release of a vehicle door lock mounted on a vehicle door handle comprises a cap attached to the door handle; a handle lever attached to a body grip of the door handle; and a bell crank pivotally attached to the cap body. The bell crank holds a latch interface at a first end and an inertia assembly at the second end of the arm.
The handle lever is detachably locked within the cap when the door handle is in the closed position by means of a latch interface. This allows the pivotally mounted bell crank to swing when the handle lever enters and leaves the cap.
The bell crank that holds the inertia assembly includes an inertia lever and an energy absorbent member that can absorb energy from the inertia force experienced by the bell crank during unexpected conditions such as abrupt braking, collisions, or accelerations. Thus, the energy absorbent member restricts the motion of the bell crank and locks the inertia lever and thereby the handle lever within the cap by blocking the rotation of the bell crank. This prevents accidental door openings due to inertial forces. The energy absorbent member further releases the inertia lever back to the initial position upon the inertia force dies out.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The objectives and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description read in accordance with the accompanying drawing wherein,
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a vehicle door handle with a mechanism to prevent inertia-induced release of a vehicle door lock, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of a vehicle door handle with the mechanism to prevent inertia-induced release of a vehicle door lock, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3 illustrates a closer view of the mechanism to prevent inertia-induced release of a vehicle door lock, mounted on a door handle cap in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4 illustrates a closer view of the mechanism to prevent inertia-induced release of a vehicle door lock mounted on a door handle cap, in normal position, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 5 illustrates a closer view of the mechanism to prevent inertia-induced release of a vehicle door lock mounted on a door handle cap, with handle in open position in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and
Figure 6 illustrates a closer view of the mechanism to prevent inertia-induced release of a vehicle door lock mounted on a door handle cap, with handle in blocked position from opening due to inertial force in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The foregoing objects of the present invention are accomplished and the problems and shortcomings associated with the prior art, techniques and approaches are overcome by the present invention as described below in the preferred embodiment.
The present invention provides a cost effective smaller sized mechanism that prevents inertia-induced release of a vehicle door lock. The mechanism ensures that the door remains securely locked under unexpected conditions such as abrupt braking, collisions, or accelerations, thereby preventing accidental door openings due to inertial forces.
In the following description, for the purpose of explanation, specific details are set forth in order to provide understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these details. One skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments of the present invention, some of which are described below, may be incorporated into a number of systems.
Furthermore, connections between components and/or modules within the figures are not intended to be limited to direct connections. Rather, these components and modules may be modified, re-formatted or otherwise changed by intermediary components and modules.
Throughout this application, with respect to all reasonable derivatives of such terms, and unless otherwise specified (and/or unless the particular context clearly dictates otherwise), each usage of:
“a” or “an” is meant to read as “at least one.”
“the” is meant to be read as “the at least one.”
References in the present invention to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” mean that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one of the embodiments” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.
If the specification states a component or feature "may' can", "could", or "might" be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.
As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of "a, an," and "the" includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. These embodiments are provided so that this invention will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those of ordinary skilled in the art. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure).
While embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the invention is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention, as described in the claim.
In an aspect of the present disclosure, mechanism that prevents inertia-induced release of a vehicle door lock is disclosed. The mechanism ensures that the door remains securely locked inside the cap even under unexpected situations such as abrupt braking, collisions, or accelerations, thereby preventing accidental door opening due to inertial forces. Thus, the mechanism offers a solution for such crucial challenge for maintaining safety, security, and reliability in a vehicle design, ensuring door lock functionality under all conditions.
In an aspect of the present disclosure, a cost effective and a smaller mechanism that can be encapsulated within the cap of a door handle without requiring additional support is disclosed. The components that handle the inertia forces within the mechanism are smaller in size, hence the overall package size of handle assembly is smaller.
In an aspect of the present disclosure, a mechanism capable of withstanding high acceleration and gravitational forces, suitable for both framed and frameless handles is disclosed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The mechanism comprises a bell crank pivotally secured inside a door handle cap, configured with a latch interface at a first end and an inertia assembly fitted at the second end of the bell crank arm. The bell crank is configured to swing through an angle with respect to a pivot pin in response to the handle lever movements. The inertia assembly includes and an inertia lever and an energy absorbent member that allows to swing the inertia member for a predefined angle in response to the inertia force and thereby locks the handle lever in the cap. This is made by the energy absorbent member that absorbs the inertia force experienced by the bell crank and applies torsion force on the bell crank. This allows the inertia lever to move for a preset angular distance gets blocked within the blocker. This locks the handle lever within the cap for a period till the energy absorbent member releases the bell crank and the inertia lever back to the initial position upon the inertia force died out.
Referring to the figure 1&2, the mechanism to prevent inertia-induced release of a vehicle door lock (100) mounted on a vehicle door handle (10) is illustrated in accordance with one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The door handle comprises a cover grip (11), a body grip (12) and a cap (13) to mount the handle on a door panel. The cover grip and body grip (11,12) are the members for gripping the handle assembly on the vehicle door panel. The door handle (10) further includes a rear bracket (14) and a sealing assembly to avoid water ingress and providing dampening effect to the assembly inside the door handle (10). The cap (13) houses a latch mechanism (not shown), bell crank (14) coupled to a latch interface (12) that actuates the latch mechanism and an inertia assembly at the opposite ends of the arm.
In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the sealing assembly includes a plurality of gaskets (15) a rubber pad (17).
The inertia assembly comprises an inertia lever (25) and an energy absorbent member (26) specifically, a spring (26) (“inertia spring (26)” herein after) mounted at a first end of the bell crank (24).
In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the mounting bracket is fitted on the door handle (10) by means of a pin (18).
In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the cover grip (11) and body grip (12) are connected together by means of a screw (19) particularly an M4 screw.
In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the cap (13) is mounted on a vehicle door panel by means of a cap insert (28).
In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the cap (13) holds the bell crank (24) by means of a pivot pin (21) attached to a cap body. The bell crank (24) is attached to the cap body via a pivotal joint made by the pivot pin (21) and is configured to change the motion by swinging through an angle. The bell crank position is changed in response to the insertion/ withdrawal of the handle lever (20) into/from the cap (13) when closing the door or released from the cap (13) for closing/opening the door. The bell crank (24) movement is also controlled by the inertia assembly during the presence of inertia force, and the inertia lever (25) moves in accordance with the inertia spring (26) and gets blocked by a blocker (27) arranged on the cap body.
In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the blocker (27) is integrated with the cap body.
Referring to the figure 3, the cap (13) holding bell crank (14) and inertia assembly is illustrated in accordance with the present disclosure. The inertia assembly with the inertia lever (25) configured in a first position during closed condition of the door handle (10) as shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The figure indicates a closed position of the door handle (10) wherein the bell crank (24) being pushed upward by the handle lever (20) and allows the inertia lever in upward a position perpendicular to the bell crank (24).
In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the bell crank (24) is connected with a latch through a bracket joint and a link rod. The bracket joint is mounted on the bell crank (24) by a snap fit connection, while the link rod at a first end is connected to the bracket joint and to bell crank (24) and a second end is connected to the latch.
Referring to the figure 4, the cap (13) holding the bell crank (24) and inertia assembly is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The figure indicates an open position of the door handle (10), wherein the handle lever (20) is released from the cap (13). In this position, the bell crank (24) swings in a downward direction to keep the inertia assembly in a lowered position. In this position the inertia lever (25) rests on a blocker (27).
Referring to the figure 5, a back side view of the cap (13) holding the bell crank (24) and inertia assembly is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The figure indicates position of the bell crank (24) and the inertia assembly when experienced with an inertia force. The inertia spring (26) which is torsion spring absorbs the inertia force by swinging the inertia lever (25) for a preset angle and blocks the inertia lever (25) and its further movements by the the blocker (27). This spring action also restricts further swinging motion of the bell crank (24) and locks the handle lever (20) within the cap (13). This keeps the door handle (10) in closed position and denies sudden release of the handle lever (20) from the latch interface (22) due to the inertia force.
ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
1. The mechanism (100) provides a cost effective and a smaller assembly for handling the inertia force that can be mounted within the door handle cap (13) without any additional support.
2. The mechanism (100) makes the overall package size of handle assembly smaller.
3. The mechanism (100) acts on lower acceleration / gravitational (g) value during crash. Thus, sensitivity to crash detection is better than ordinary inertia mechanisms. Thus, the mechanism (100) is well suitable for Frameless handles
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Component List

Component Name Component Number Component Name Component Number
mechanism to prevent inertia-induced release of a vehicle door lock 100 latch interface 20
Door handle 10 Pin for Bell Crank 21
Cover Grip 11 Latch Interface 22
body grip 12 Torsion spring 23
Cap 13 bell crank 24
Rear Bracket 14 Inertia Lever 25
Gasket Large 15 Inertia Spring 26
Gasket Small 16 Blocker 27
Rubber Pad 17 Cap Insert 28
Pivot Pin 18
Screw 19
, Claims:We claim:
1. A mechanism to prevent inertia-induced release of a vehicle door lock (100) mounted on a vehicle door handle (10), the mechanism (100) comprises
a cap (13) attached to the door handle (10);
a handle lever (20) attached to a body grip (12) of the door handle (10), the handle lever (20) detachably locked within the cap (13) by means of the latch interface (12);
a bell crank (24) pivotally attached to the cap (13), the bell crank (24) configured with a latch interface (22) at a first end; and
an inertia assembly fitted at the second end of the bell crank (24), the inertia assembly includes and an inertia lever (25) and an energy absorbent member (26);
wherein the bell crank (24) is configured to swing through an angle in response to the handle lever (20) movements and locks the handle lever (20) in the cap (13) through the inertia assembly that blocks the movements thereof in response to inertia force.
2. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the energy absorbent member (26) includes a spring (26) fitted at the second end of the bell crank (24).
3. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the inertia lever (25) and the inertia spring (26) are push fitted at the second end of the bell crank (24).
4. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the energy absorbent member (26) is configured to:
absorb the inertia force experienced by the bell crank (24) and allow the inertia lever (25) for a preset angular movement to get blocked within the blocker (27) thus blocking further rotation of the bell crank (24) and locking of the handle lever (20) within the cap (13), and
release the inertia lever (25) back to the initial position upon the inertia force dies out.
4. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the blocker (27) is a member integrated with the cap (13).
5. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the inertia spring (26) is a torsion spring fitted at the second end of the bell crank (24) with a first and a second end mounted at the cap body.
6. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the latch interface (22) is attached to the first end of bell crank (24) via a torsion spring (23).
7. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the handle lever (20) is locked within the cap (13), by means of the latch interface (22).
8. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cap (13) is mounted on a vehicle door panel by means of a cap insert (28).
9. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bell crank (24) is pivotally attached to the cap (13) by means of a pivot pin (21) and is configured to change the motion by swinging through an angle.
Dated this on 25th day of June 2024

Ragitha K
(Agent for Applicant) IN-PA/2832