Claims:We claim:
1. A stopper assembly (300) for stopping movable sliding door of a vehicle, the stopper assembly (300) comprising:
a base plate (304) defining a vertical bead (304a) substantially at middle;
a cover member (302) defining a hat shape structure with a cuboidal shape crown (302a) and flanges (302b) extending from the cuboidal shape crown (302a) corresponding to the base plate (304), wherein the cuboidal shape crown (302a) defines an opening (302f);
a helical spring (303) configured to be received in enclosure (302g) define by the cuboidal shape crown (302a) with one end (303b) facing the opening (302f) and other end (303a) rests on solid face (302d) of the cuboidal shape crown (302a);
a ramp shape structure (301) configured to be received in the opening (302f), wherein the ramp shape structure (301) rests on the one end (303b) of the helical spring (303).

2. The stopper assembly (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cuboidal shape crown (302a) include chamfered edges (302c), the chamfered edges (302c) extend towards the opening (302f) to define flanges (302h) to restrict movement of the ramp shape structure (301).

3. The stopper assembly (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ramp shape structure (301) defines an curved profile (301e) corresponding to chamfered edges (302c) of the opening (302f).

4. The stopper assembly (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ramp shape structure (301) defines a ramp profile at upper surface (301g) facing roller (400), the ram profile has one receiving face (301b) starting from the curved profile (301e) and stopping face (301c) starting from opposite curved profile (301e), wherein inclination angle (ß) of the stopping face (301c) is more than the inclination angle (a) of the receiving face (301b).

5. The stopper assembly (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein protrusions (301a) extend from opposite sides of the ramp shape structure (301).

6. The stopper assembly (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein crown face (302i) of the cuboidal shape crown (302a) has vertical bead (302e) corresponding to vertical bead (304a) of the base plate (304) to receive and guide up-down movement of the ramp shape structure (301) in the stopper assembly (300).

7. The stopper assembly (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ramp shape structure (301) defines a circular groove (301f) on bottom face (301d) to position the one end (303b) of the helical spring (303).

8. The stopper assembly (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flanges (302b) of the cover member (302) has mounting holes (302ba) corresponding to mounting holes (304b) of the base plate (304).

9. The stopper assembly (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ramp shape structure (301) engages with vertical bead (304a) of the base plate (304) and vertical bead (302e) of the cuboidal shape crown (302a) via protrusions (301a).
, Description:STOPPER ASSEMBLY FOR SLIDING DOOR
FIELD OF INVENTION:
[001] The present subject matter described herein, relates to a stopper assembly for lower channel of sliding door in vehicle, and in particular, to spring based stopper assembly for holding and stopping slide door of the vehicle.
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART:
[002] In sliding door vehicle, a flat spring based stopper/checker is used to hold/stop the slide door. Further, the flat spring based stopper restrict closing of the sliding door on inclined surface. As shown in the figure 1, when vehicle is standing on downside inclined profile 104 and slide door of the vehicle is in open condition 101, the slide door 103 tends to move in close condition. To avoid closing of the slide door, a flat spring based stopper 102 is provided on side body of the vehicle proximal to lower channel of the sliding door. Referring to figure 2, the sliding door has rollers 203 which roll over the flat spring 202 of the flat spring based stopper 200. When sliding door moves from open position X to close position Y or close position Y to open position X, the rollers 203 rolls over the flat spring 202 of the flat spring based stopper 200. In open condition, the roller 203 rolls over inclined bump of the flat spring 202 and rests behind the inclined bump of the flat spring 202 which require sufficient space for resting. Further, the flat spring 202 restrict movement of the slide door towards close position. When user applies required force on the slide door 103 to close position, the roller 203 rolls over the inclined bump of the flat spring 202 from reverse direction.
[003] Technical problem associated with existing flat spring based stopper is that these stoppers are quite big in size due to which more packaging space is required. Further, due to its size and working principle approximately 30 mm of ingress/egress is not accessible by the slide door.
[004] Another technical problem associated with the existing flat spring based stopper assembly is that it cannot be used for different sliding doors having different weight. Universal applicability is an issue in the existing structure.
[005] In the current automotive environment, automakers or vehicle makers are striving hard to introduce innovative ideas in order to reduce weight and cost of the vehicle keeping the aesthetics and performance of the vehicle unaffected. Technical problem in the existing stopper assembly is size and ingress space of slide door. In order to achieve the present objective or solution for the present technical problem, the inventor of the present invention faces the several major technical issues, such as compact size, weight, and cost. Hence, keeping the stringent weight and size targets intact the inventors of the present subject matter propose a new structure of the stopper assembly. The inventors gone through various iterations to achieve the present design and structure. The inventors have invested their labour, time, and intellect to develop the present invention to solve the above mentioned technical problem. The present design and structure of the stopper assembly helps in improving the ingress space along with size of the stopper. Further, detailed explanation is given in the drawings and detail description of the invention.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
[006] The principal objective of the present invention is to provide a stopper assembly for achieving 30mm more ingress/egress space.
[007] Another object of the present subject matter is to provide a helical spring based stopper assembly for holding sliding door.
[008] Another object of the present subject matter is to provide a helical spring based stopper assembly which can be used for holding any sliding door by changing the spring constant.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[009] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a stopper assembly for stopping movable sliding door of a vehicle. The stopper assembly comprising a base plate, a cover member, a helical spring and a ramp shape structure. The base plate defines a vertical bead substantially at middle. The cover member defines a hat shape structure with a cuboidal shape crown and flanges extending from the cuboidal shape crown corresponding to the base plate. The cuboidal shape crown defines an opening with restricting flanges. The helical spring is configured to be received in enclosure define by the cuboidal shape crown with one end facing the opening and other end rests on solid face of the cuboidal shape crown. The ramp shape structure configured to be received in the opening. The ramp shape structure rests on the other end of the helical spring.
[0010] In order to further understand the characteristics and technical contents of the present subject matter, a description relating thereto will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the drawings are illustrative only but not used to limit scope of the present subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the present subject matter and are therefore not to be considered for limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system or methods in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
[0012] Fig. 1 illustrates arrangement of vehicle over an inclined surface;
[0013] Fig. 2 illustrates structure of flat spring based stopper assembly as known in the art;
[0014] Fig. 3a and 3b illustrate exploded structure of stopper assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0015] Fig. 4 illustrates structure of ramp shape structure of the stopper assembly as shown in the figure 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter; and
[0016] Fig. 5 illustrates assembly of helical spring and ramp shape structure of the stopper assembly as shown in the figure 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0017] Fig. 6a and 6b illustrate side and top view of the ramp shape structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0018] Fig. 7 illustrates assembly of ramp shape structure, helical spring and cover member of the stopper assembly as shown in the figure 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0019] Fig. 8 illustrates rolling of roller of sliding door over the stopper assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter; and
[0020] Fig. 9 illustrates assembled view of the stopper assembly of fig 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0021] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS:
[0022] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a stopper assembly for stopping movable sliding door of a vehicle. The stopper assembly comprising a base plate, a cover member, a helical spring and a ramp shape structure. The base plate defines a vertical bead substantially at middle. The cover member defines a hat shape structure with a cuboidal shape crown and flanges extending from the cuboidal shape crown corresponding to the base plate. The cuboidal shape crown defines an opening with restricting flanges. The helical spring is configured to be received in enclosure define by the cuboidal shape crown with one end facing the opening and other end rests on solid face of the cuboidal shape crown. The ramp shape structure configured to be received in the opening. The ramp shape structure rests on the other end of the helical spring.
[0023] It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present subject matter. It should also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that by devising various arrangements that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the present subject matter and the concepts contributed by the inventor(s) to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present subject matter, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures.
[0024] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail with reference to the following figures. It should be noted that the description merely illustrates the principles of the present subject matter. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its scope.
[0025] Figure 3a and 3b illustrate exploded assembly of stopper in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The stopper assembly 300 comprises a ramp shape structure 301, cover member 302, a helical spring 303, and a base plate 304. The cover member 302 is a hat shape structure with a cuboidal shape crown 302a. The cuboidal shape crown 302a has two flanges 302b extending from two sides to define the hat shape structure. The cuboidal shape crown 302a defines an opening 302f adjacent to open face 302g of the hat shape structure. The cuboidal shape crown 302a includes chamfered edges 302c at all corners. At the opening 302f, the chamfered edges 302c extend towards the opening to define flanges 302h. The flanges 302h extend at a vertical angle from three side faces 302i. The cuboidal shape crown 302a has a vertical bead 302e substantially at middle upto the chamfered edge 302c.
[0026] As shown in the figure 3a and 7, the helical spring 303 is configured to be received in enclosure define by the cuboidal shape crown 302a. One end 303a of the helical spring 303 rests on base face 302d of the cuboidal shape crown 302a and other end 303b facing the opening 302f. Further, the other end 303b applies spring force on the ramp shape structure 301 in upward direction.
[0027] Referring to figure 3a, 4, and 6a, the ramp shape structure 301 is a rectangular structure configured to be received in the opening 302f of the cover member 302. The ramp shape structure 301 has ramp profile at upper face 301g and bottom face 301d is flat. The ramp shape structure 301 has arcuate or curved profile 301e at three sides and one side is straight. The curved profile 301e of the ramp shape structure 301 matches with the chamfered edges 302c of the cuboidal shape crown 302a. The ramp profile is provided at a distance from the curved shape profile 301e on the upper face 301g. The flanges 302h of the cuboidal shape crown 302a matches with the curved profile 301e of the ramp shape structure 301 and restrict pop-out of the ramp shape structure 301 from the cover member 302. The protrusions 301a of the ramp shape structure 301 engages with vertical bead 302e of the cuboidal shape crown 302a and vertical bead 304a (explained in later paragraphs) of the base plate 304. The cover member 302 and the base plate 304 encloses the ramp shape structure 301 restricted by the flanges 302h of the opening 302f. The engagement of the vertical beads 304a and 302e with the protrusions of the ramp shape structure 301 guides upward and downward movement of the ramp shape structure during application of force. The engagement of the vertical beads 304a and 302e with the protrusions of the ramp shape structure 301 avoids dislocation of the ramp shape structure in the stopper assembly 300 during use.
[0028] Referring to figure 4 and 5, the ramp shape structure 301 has a circular groove 301f at substantially middle to receive other end 303b of the helical spring 303. The circular groove 301f avoids slipping of the spring 303 during application of force. Figure 5 illustrates assembly of the helical spring 303 with the ramp shape structure 301 via the circular groove 301f.
[0029] Referring to figure 6a and 6b, the ramp shape structure 301 has ramp profile at upper face and flat profile at bottom face. Further, one protrusion extend from opposite sides of the ramp shape structure 301. The ramp profile has two faces one receiving face 301b to receive the roller 400 from X direction and other is stopping face 301c. The receiving face 301b has inclination angle a which is smaller than the inclination angle ß of the stopping face 301c. Further, meeting point of the receiving face 301b and the stopping face 301c defines ramp peak which holds or stops the roller 400. When the sliding door moves from close direction to open direction (X direction), the roller 400 slides or rolls over the receiving face 301b of the ramp profile and crosses the ramp peak and rests behind the stopping face 301c. The stopping face 301c do not let the sliding door to slide in forward direction while the vehicle is standing on a slope condition or while de-acceleration. To move the sliding door in close direction (Y direction) a minimum threshold force is required to move the roller 400 of the sliding door over the stopping face 301c.
[0030] Referring Fig. 7 illustrates assembly of ramp shape structure, helical spring and cover member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The cover member 302 receives the ramp shape structure 301 and the helical spring 303 in the enclosure define by the cuboidal shape crown 302a where the ramp shape structure 301 is restricted by the flanges 302h of the opening 302f. The side flanges 302b of the cuboidal shape crown 302a has atleast two mounting holes 302ba corresponding to the mounting holes 304b of the base plate 304. Due to the helical spring 303, the ramp shape structure 301 moves up and down due to spring force.
[0031] Referring to figure 3 and 8, the base plate 304 has a vertical bead structure 304a at substantially middle position corresponding to the vertical bead structure 302e of the cuboidal shape crown 302a to receive the protrusions of the ramp shape structure 301. The base plate 304 has two mounting holes 304b corresponding to mounting holes 302ba of the cover member 302. Once the ramp shape structure 301 and the helical spring 303 is assembled in the enclosure defined by the cover member 302, the base plate 304 covers the enclosure and avoid dis-alignment of the ramp shape structure 301 and the helical spring 303. The base plate 304 is mounted on the cover member 302 through inline mounting holes in the cover member 302 and the base plate 304.
[0032] Figure 9 illustrates assembled view of the stopper assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The stopper assembly 300 is mounted on vehicle side body to receive rollers of the sliding door. The ramp profile of the stopper assembly 300 receives the rollers for stopping or holding the sliding door.
[0033] Technical advantages of the present stopper assembly:
[0034] The present stopper assembly increases the ingress/egress space by 33mm for sliding door as it has small stopping face with ramp peak.
[0035] The present stopper assembly has small size which makes it easy for packaging.
[0036] The present stopper assembly can be used for different door by changing the spring constant of the helical spring.
[0037] The term “vehicle” or “Automobile” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to any moving vehicle that is capable of carrying one or more human occupants or Goods and is powered by any form of energy. The term “vehicle” is a motor vehicle which includes, but is not limited to: cars, trucks, vans, minivans, hatchback, sedan, MUVs, and SUVs.
[0038] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
[0039] It will be further appreciated that functions or structures of a plurality of components or steps may be combined into a single component or step, or the functions or structures of one-step or component may be split among plural steps or components. The present invention contemplates all of these combinations. Unless stated otherwise, dimensions and geometries of the various structures depicted herein are not intended to be restrictive of the invention, and other dimensions or geometries are possible. In addition, while a feature of the present invention may have been described in the context of only one of the illustrated embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments, for any given application. It will also be appreciated from the above that the fabrication of the unique structures herein and the operation thereof also constitute methods in accordance with the present invention. The present invention also encompasses intermediate and end products resulting from the practice of the methods herein. The use of “comprising” or “including” also contemplates embodiments that “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the recited feature.
[0040] Although embodiments for the present subject matter have been described in language specific to structural features, it is to be understood that the present subject matter is not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as embodiments for the present subject matter. Numerous modifications and adaptations of the system/component of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and thus it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and adaptations which fall within the scope of the present subject matter.