LATCHING DEVICE, VEHICLE HINGE INCLUDING SUCH A LATCHING DEVICE, AND METHOD OF USING SUCH A LATCHING DEVICE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a ratchet device for a vehicle hinge, a vehicle hinge comprising such a ratchet device, and a method of using such a ratchet device.

[0002] The invention relates to the field of the automotive industry.

[0003] During their manufacture, motor vehicles are generally temporarily fitted with a temporary door stop fitted to the door hinges of these vehicles, in order to keep the doors in the open position during the passage of the bodies being ironed, cataphoretically treated and painted. The door stop is temporary and is then removed from the vehicle.

[0004] More specifically, a known motor vehicle hinge comprises a knuckle fixed to the vehicle body and a movable knuckle fixed to the vehicle door, the movable knuckle being pivotally mounted on the fixed knuckle by means of a hinge pivot shaft, so as to allow the door to pivot over an angular sector of approximately 70° between its closing orientation and its opening orientation. The door stop is designed to be threaded onto the pivot shaft while being fixed in rotation around this shaft on a movable knuckle. Known door stops are generally made of steel and form an elastic blade which is capable of snapping onto the fixed knuckle when the movable knuckle is oriented in the open position, so as to hold the movable knuckle and the door in this open position.A retaining nut is generally provided to hold the door stop in translation along the pivot shaft while still allowing the door stop to pivot about the pivot shaft.

[0005] FR 2 916 471 A1 describes a temporary door stop device comprising a pin, mounted on one of the hinge knuckles, and a generally flat elastic metal hooking member. The elastic hooking member is mounted on the hinge axis and is rotatably connected to the other knuckle by a bent tab. The elastic hooking member comprises an arm cooperating with the surface of the pin by a retaining notch to temporarily hold the hinge in the open position.

[0006] The known door stops have the main disadvantage of requiring heat and surface treatments of the steel from which they are made, so as to be able to withstand the mechanical stresses imposed by the hinge, as well as the various treatments carried out on the vehicle during its manufacture. In addition, the repeated snapping and unsnapping of the known door stops causes wear on the latter, which may lead to the formation of particles, namely metal filings, each time the hinge is opened and closed. The implementation of cataphoresis or electroplating on the vehicle results in the deposition of particles on the surface of the metal door stops. This wear filings and these cataphoresis particles, generally deposited on the underbody of the vehicles concerned, must be cleaned, for example by blowing, to continue the manufacture of these vehicles.

[0007] Therefore, the invention aims to solve the drawbacks of the aforementioned prior art, by proposing a new snap-on device which is particularly easy to manufacture and does not generate particles during its use.

[0008] The invention relates to a snap-on device according to claim 1.

[0009] Thanks to the invention, the manufacture of the snap-in device is facilitated, since the absence of metallic material makes it possible to avoid carrying out particular heat or surface treatments, but nevertheless leads to the production of a snap-in device which is particularly resistant to wear and has sufficient mechanical properties to be able to reliably fix the second knuckle in rotation relative to the first knuckle by snap-in. In addition, the snap-in device of the invention does not generate filings by abrasion, being free of metallic material, so that it is not necessary to clean the vehicle during or after its manufacture.

[0010] Other optional and advantageous features of the invention are defined in claims 2-4.

[0011] The invention also relates to a vehicle hinge defined in claim 5.

[0012] Other optional and advantageous features of the invention are defined in claims 6-8.

[0013] The invention also relates to a method defined in claim 9.

[0014] Other optional and advantageous features of the invention are defined in claim 10.

[0015] Optionally and advantageously, the hinge comprises a fixed assembly comprising the first knuckle, the second knuckle, the pivot shaft and the rings by means of which one of the knuckles is mounted on the pivot shaft, the detent device is symmetrical with respect to a main plane perpendicular to a mounting axis defined by the mounting hole, and the detent device can be attached to the pivot shaft, whether the fixed assembly is a left hinge assembly or a right hinge assembly symmetrical with respect to the left hinge assembly.

[0016] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely as a non-limiting example and with reference to the drawings in which: There figure 1is an exploded perspective view of a vehicle hinge equipped with a snap-in device according to a first embodiment, which does not relate to the invention; The figure 2 is a top view of the hinge of the figure 1 , represented assembled and in an opening orientation; The figure 3 is a side view along arrow III of the hinge of the figure 2 , an arrow representing the orientation of the view of the figure 2 ; There figure 4 is a view similar to the figure 3 , on which the vehicle hinge is shown in the opening orientation; The figures 5 to 8 are views similar to those of the figures 1 to 4 respectively, of a vehicle hinge according to a second embodiment, which does not concern the invention, the arrow VI visible on the figure 7 representing the orientation of the view of the figure 6 , arrow VII visible on the figure 6representing the orientation of the view of the figure 7 ; THE figures 9 to 12 are views similar to those of the figures 1 to 4 respectively, of a vehicle hinge according to a third embodiment, which does not concern the invention, the arrow X visible on the figure 11 representing the orientation of the view of the figure 10 , arrow XI visible on the figure 10 representing the orientation of the view of the figure 11 ; THE figures 13 to 16 are views similar to those of the figures 1 to 4 respectively, of a vehicle hinge according to a fourth embodiment, which does not concern the invention, the arrow XIV visible on the figure 15 representing the orientation of the view of the figure 14 , the arrow XV visible on the figure 14 representing the orientation of the figure 15 ; THE figures 17 to 20 are views similar to those of the figures 1 to 4respectively, of a vehicle hinge according to a fifth embodiment, which does not concern the invention, the arrow XVIII visible on the figure 19 representing the orientation of the view of the figure 18 , the XIX arrow visible on the figure 18 representing the orientation of the view of the figure 19 ; THE figures 21 to 24 are views similar to those of the figures 1 to 4 respectively, of a vehicle hinge according to a sixth embodiment of the invention, the arrow XXII visible on the figure 23 representing the orientation of the figure 22 , arrow XXIII visible on the figure 22 representing the orientation of the view of the figure 23 ; and The figure 25 is a perspective view of a temporary pivot shaft.

[0017] The hinge shown on the figures 1 to 4is generally designated by the reference sign 1. The hinge 1 comprises a frame knuckle 3, an opening knuckle 5, a pivot shaft 7 and a latching device 9. The opening knuckle 5 corresponds to a first knuckle, and the frame knuckle 3 to a second knuckle.

[0018] The hinge 1 is designed to equip a motor vehicle, such as a car or utility vehicle. The hinge 1 is nevertheless suitable for equipping other types of vehicle, as long as these vehicles are equipped with at least one hinged door. The hinge 1 constitutes a connecting element of a hinged door of the vehicle, such as a passenger door or tailgate, with a body of the vehicle.

[0019] In this case, the frame knuckle 3 is designed to be fixed to the vehicle body by means of fixing holes 11 provided in a support plate 13 of the frame knuckle 3. The frame knuckle 3 thus constitutes a fixed part relative to the vehicle body.

[0020] The frame knuckle 3 also comprises two branches 15 and 17 which rise from the support plate 13 in planes parallel to each other and perpendicular to a plane defined by the support plate 13. The frame knuckle 3 also comprises a stop plate 19 which connects the branches 15 and 17 and the support plate 13 to each other, extending in a plane perpendicular to both the branches 15 and 17 and the support plate 13.

[0021] Coaxial pivot holes 21 and 23 are provided respectively through the ends of the branches 15 and 16. These pivot holes 21 and 23 define a pivot axis X1 of the hinge 1. During normal use of the vehicle and during its manufacture, the axis X1 is preferably vertical, or close to vertical, relative to the ground.

[0022] The frame knuckle 3 preferably constitutes a symmetrical part with respect to an intermediate plane extending between the branches 15 and 17 perpendicular to the axis X1.

[0023] The pivot shaft 7 is mounted through the holes 21 and 23 of the frame knuckle 3 so as to be coaxial with the axis X1. The shaft 7 comprises a shoulder 25, which bears against the branch 17 opposite the branch 15 and thus constitutes an axial stop of the shaft 7 relative to the frame knuckle 3 along the axis X1, as illustrated in the figure 2 .

[0024] As can be seen in particular on the figure 1 , the opening knuckle 5 comprises a central part 27, or core, and two lateral parts 29 and 31, or wings, the lateral parts 29 and 31 extending in a common plane, while the central part 27 extends in a separate plane parallel to that of the lateral parts 29 and 31. The opening knuckle 5 also comprises two fixing orifices 33, which are respectively provided through the lateral parts 29 and 31 and by means of which the opening knuckle 5 can be fixed to the door of the vehicle.

[0025] The opening knuckle 5 comprises legs 35 and 37, the leg 35 connecting the central part 27 to the lateral part 29 and the leg 37 connecting the central part 27 to the lateral part 31. The legs 35 and 37 extend in planes parallel to each other and perpendicular to the common plane defined by the lateral parts 29 and 31. The central part 27 and the legs 35 and 37 thus form a U-shaped part of the opening knuckle 5.

[0026] As visible in particular on the figure 2 , the opening knuckle 5 also comprises a rib 39, arranged at the intersection of the central part 27 and the leg 35, as well as a rib 41 arranged at the intersection of the central part 27 and the leg 37. The ribs 39 and 41 thus contribute to the rigidity of the opening knuckle 5.

[0027] The opening hinge 5 comprises a pivot hole 43 passing through the leg 35, as well as a pivot hole 45 passing through the leg 37. The holes 43 and 45, visible in particular on the figure 1 , are coaxial, so that the opening hinge 5 can be pivotally mounted relative to the fixed hinge 3 via the pivot holes 43 and 45, as illustrated in the figures 2 to 4 .

[0028] In this case, the opening knuckle 5 is pivotally mounted on the shaft 7, around the axis X1, by means of rings 47 and 49, as visible in the figures 1 And 2 . The ring 47 is threaded onto the shaft 7 between the two branches 15 and 17. A neck 51 of the ring 47 bears axially against an inner face 55 of the branch 15, oriented in the direction of the branch 17. The ring 49 is mounted between the branches 15 and 17 by being threaded onto the shaft 7. As illustrated in the figure 2, a neck 53 of the ring 49 is axially supported against an inner face 57 of the branch 17, the inner face 57 being oriented in the direction of the branch 15. Furthermore, the rings 47 and 49 respectively comprise axial parts 59 and 61, that is to say sleeves, by means of which the rings 47 and 49 are mounted on the shaft 7. The axial parts 59 and 61 extend in the direction of each other from the necks 51 and 53 respectively. As can be seen in the figure 2 , the pivoting holes 43 and 45 of the knuckle 5 are respectively mounted on the axial parts 59 and 61 of the rings 47 and 49, so that the opening knuckle 5 is pivotable about the axis X1 on the shaft 7. The legs 35 and 37 of the opening knuckle 5 extend between the branches 15 and 17, the neck 51 being interposed between the branch 15 and the leg 35, while the neck 53 is interposed between the branch 17 and the leg 37.

[0029] The opening hinge 5 being thus pivotally mounted on the fixed hinge 3 by means of the shaft 7, this hinge 5 can move between an opening orientation, shown in the figure 4, in which the central part 27 abuts against a boss 63 of the stop plate 19, and a closing orientation, in which the opening knuckle 5 is pivoted about the axis X1 relative to the frame knuckle 3 so that the part 27 is away from the boss 63. The angular difference between the opening orientation and the closing orientation amounts to, for example, approximately 70°. The opening orientation of the hinge 1 corresponds to an opening orientation of the vehicle door, in which the door is partly moved away from the body to allow the introduction into the body of a person or an object via a passage opening of said body. The closing orientation of the hinge 1 corresponds to a closing orientation of the vehicle door, in which the vehicle door is folded back against the body so as to close the passage opening of the latter.

[0030] The fixed hinge 3, the opening hinge 5, the pivot shaft 7 and the rings 47 and 49 are preferably made of metal, and form a “permanent” assembly, remaining on the vehicle after its manufacture.

[0031] The latching device 9 constitutes a part added to the aforementioned permanent assembly of the hinge 1. The device 9 is intended to be equipped on the assembly only during the manufacture of the vehicle, in order to temporarily maintain the hinge 1 and the door in their opening orientation. During, or after, the manufacture of the vehicle, the latching device 9 is detached from the vehicle concerned. The device 9 is then optionally used for another vehicle during manufacture.

[0032] The snap-in device 9 comprises a main body 65 which extends along a main plane P9 of the device 9, visible in the figure 2 .

[0033] The snap-in device 9 comprises a mounting hole 67, which passes through the main body 65 along a mounting axis X67 perpendicular to the main plane P9. In other words, the hole 67 is coaxial with the mounting axis X67. The mounting hole 67 is configured to be threaded onto an end portion 69 of the shaft 7, the end portion 69 extending from the shoulder 25 along the axis X1, so as to protrude from the branch 17 in a direction opposite to the branch 15. The mounting hole 67 has an adjusted diameter, so as to be able to be tightly mounted on the end portion 69 of the pivot shaft 7. Thus, the latching device 9 can be threaded onto the end portion 69 via the hole 67 axially along the axis X1, so as to be retained axially along the axis X1, by adhesion, thanks to the tightening of the hole 67 on the shaft 7.When the device 9 is thus mounted, the main plane P9 is orthogonal to the axis X1. Thanks to the adjusted nature of the diameter of the mounting hole 67, the latching device 9 can advantageously be mounted without a nut on the shaft 7. Thus, any risk of loosening of a retaining nut is avoided.

[0034] Preferably, during normal use of the vehicle, the end portion 69 is oriented downwards, so as to protrude from below the hinge 1. Consequently, the end portion 69 is located outside the visual field of a user of the vehicle, thus being hidden by the knuckles 3 and 5. In this case, the latching device 9 is placed on the underside of the hinge 1. Nevertheless, the hinge 1 is functional independently of the orientation of the end portion 69. In particular, the end portion 69 can be oriented upwards.

[0035] The latching device 9 also comprises a stop surface 71, visible on the figure 1 , which is arranged on an edge of the main body 65 and extends in a plane orthogonal to the plane P9, while being parallel and distant from the axis X1. The stop 71 is provided to be in plane support against the lateral part 31 of the opening knuckle 5, so that the stop 71 cooperates with the knuckle 5 to connect in rotation about the axis X1 the latching device 9 with the knuckle 5. As can be seen on the Figures 3 and 4 , when the knuckle 5 moves from the opening orientation to the closing orientation, the latching device 9 describes the same movement around the axis X1.

[0036] Furthermore, the latching device 9 comprises a latching hook 73 visible on the figures 1 , 3 and 4. The latching hook 73 has an open contour and is arranged from an edge of the main body 65, opposite the stop 71 with respect to the orifice 67. More precisely, the hook 73 comprises a cylindrical part 75 with a circular base which extends along a latching axis X73 parallel to the axis X1 through the main body 65. The latching hook 73 also comprises a channel 77 which radially connects the cylindrical part 75 to the edge of the main body 65, the channel 77 having a width L77, measured in an orthoradial direction with respect to the axis X73, which is less than the diameter of the circular base of the cylindrical part 75. The latching hook 73 also comprises a rim 79, which extends along the cylindrical part 75 and the channel 77, as can be seen in particular on the figures 1 And 3 . The rim 79 projects on either side of the main body 65, on either side of the plane P9.

[0037] The snap hook 73 is configured to be snapped around a snap pin 81, which is fixed to the branch 17 of the frame knuckle 3, by means of an orifice 83 formed through this branch 17. In particular, the pin 81 projects from an outer face 58 of the branch 17, the outer face 58 being opposite and parallel to the inner face 57. The snap pin 81 comprises a support base 85 fixed by interlocking and cross-crimping in the orifice 83, and a snap head 87 which has a cylindrical shape with a circular base extending along an axis X81 parallel to the axis X1 and projecting from the face 58. The diameter of the snap head 87 corresponds, while being slightly smaller, to the diameter of the cylindrical part 75 of the snap hook 73. The center distance separating the axis X81 and the axis X1 is identical to the center distance separating the axis X73 and the axis X1.Consequently, when the knuckle 5 is rotated relative to the knuckle 3 around the axis X1, from the closing orientation to the opening orientation, the latching head 87 passes through the channel 77 by elastic mutual deformation of the pin 81 and the channel 77, until it is received within the cylindrical part 75 of the latching hook 73, as illustrated in the . figure 4 . In this configuration of the figure 4, the latching hook 73 is latched with the pin 81, around the head 87 of the latter, that is to say that the pin 81 is retained within the latching hook by the channel 77. The latching hook 73 can be unlatched from the pin 81 by applying a sufficiently high torque to the latching device 9 relative to the knuckle 3, so that the pin 81 can again cross, in the other direction, the channel 77, during a pivoting of the hinge 1 from the opening orientation to the closing orientation. The latching hook 73 thus constitutes a latching member configured to be latched with the knuckle 3 when the hinge is in the opening orientation. When the latch hook 73 is latched with the pin 81, the latch device 9 and the frame knuckle 3 are fixed in rotation relative to each other around the axis X1.The opening hinge 5 is therefore also fixed in rotation relative to the frame hinge 3, so that the vehicle door is latched in the opening orientation.

[0038] The snap-in of the device 9 of the figures 1 to 4 is carried out by deforming the device 9 in a direction parallel to the plane P9.

[0039] The snap-fastening device 9 is preferably symmetrical with respect to the main plane P9, so that it can be mounted on two symmetrical types of hinge assemblies. In this case, the snap-fastening device 9 can be mounted either on a left-hand hinge assembly or on a right-hand hinge assembly. This mounting is carried out indifferently on a left-hand or right-hand assembly, without modification of the shape of the device 9. Indeed, the device 9 is suitable, by its symmetrical shape, for being mounted without modification either on the right-hand assembly or on the left-hand assembly. This allows successive mounting of the device 9 on a right-hand assembly then on a left-hand assembly, then possibly on other right-hand and / or left-hand assemblies, without wear of the device 9. The permanent assembly of the hinge 1 of the figures 1 to 4is a left-hand assembly, and in particular an assembly intended to equip a left-hand front door, driver's side. A right-hand hinge assembly, not shown, is made up of parts symmetrical to those of the left-hand hinge assembly. Alternatively, the latching device 9 is at least partly symmetrical with respect to the plane of symmetry P9: at least the latching hook 73, the orifice 67, and the stop surface 71 are then symmetrical with respect to this plane P9. The symmetry of the latching device 9 facilitates its manufacture, in particular by molding or other similar processes.

[0040] Unlike the metal assembly of the hinge 1, the latching device 9 and the latching pin 81 are free of metallic material. By "free of metallic material" is meant in particular that the device 9 is not made of metal, but of another material which does not emit filings when it wears.

[0041] Preferably, the latching device 9 is made partly, preferably mainly, of plastic. By "mainly made of plastic" is meant that the main functional components subject to wear by friction are made of such a material, in particular the latching hook 73 and the mounting orifice 67. The main body 65 and the stop 71 are then optionally made of a material other than plastic. Thus, any possible wear of the latching device 9 and the pin 81 does not generate metal filings. In addition, the plastic material withstands the various operations carried out on the vehicle during its manufacture, in particular on the painting line, during baking and cataphoresis. Preferably, the latching device 9 is entirely made of plastic, for example by injection of plastic into a mold.Alternatively, the snap-in pin 81 is made of metal.

[0042] Preferably, the aforementioned plastic material is a polyamide, preferably PA4.6. This plastic material is both wear-resistant and compatible with the aforementioned treatments carried out on the vehicle.

[0043] THE figures 5 to 8 illustrate a hinge 101, according to the second embodiment. The hinge 101 comprises components similar to those of the hinge 1, but which are referenced with reference numbers increased by 100. The hinge 101 of the figures 5 to 8 comprises a fixed hinge 103, a sash hinge 105, a ring 147, a ring 149, a pivot shaft 107 and a snap-in pin 181, which are identical and mounted in the same way as those described for the embodiment of the hinge 1 of the figures 1 to 4 .

[0044] The hinge 101 also comprises a latching device 109 free of metallic material, having the same function as the latching device 9, but whose structure differs in certain aspects. Preferably, the device 109 is made at least partially, or even at least mainly, of plastic. Preferably, the device 109 is made entirely of plastic.

[0045] The latching device 109 comprises a stop surface 171 similar to the stop surface 71 described above.

[0046] The latching device 109 comprises a mounting hole 167 for the latching device 109 on the pivot shaft 107, and in particular on an end portion 169 of the latter. The hole 167 comprises four latching slots 189 and four elastic fins 191 separated by the latching slots 189. Each elastic fin 191 extends from a main body 165 of the device 9 through which the mounting hole 167 is provided. The fins 191 and the notches 189 are distributed around an axis X167, defined by the orifice 167 and coaxial with an axis X101 of the shaft 107 when the device 109 is mounted on said shaft 107. When the device 109 is mounted on the shaft 107, the notches 189 and the elastic fins 191 extend in a direction opposite to a branch 117 of the frame knuckle 103.The elastic fins 191 are designed to adopt an elastic deformation configuration when the device 109 is mounted on the shaft 107, so as to each apply a radial force directed towards the axis X167 and thus hold the device 109 axially along the axis X101 on the shaft 107 by adhesion. The fins 191 are then axially snapped onto the shaft 107.

[0047] Alternatively, the number of fins 191 and crenellations 189 is other than four, the device 109 comprising at least two fins 191 and two crenellations 189.

[0048] Two reinforcing ribs 190 respectively connect two of the fins 191 with the main body 165, radially relative to the axis X101.

[0049] The device 109 comprises a hollow part 173, in this case a through orifice closed around its periphery, visible in a broken line on the figure 6The hollow portion 173 is configured to be snapped onto a dome-shaped snap-on head 187 of the pin 181. In particular, the hollow portion 173 is formed in a hollow in a face 192 of the main body 165, which is opposite the fins 191 relative to a main plane P109 of the device 109. The hollow portion 173 defines a snap-on axis X173 parallel to the axis X167. The axis X173 defines, with the axis X167, a center distance of the same value as a center distance separating the axis X101 from an axis X181 of the pin 181. The hollow part 173 is designed to snap into place by elastic bending of the main body 165 away from the pin 181, so that the hollow part 173 covers the pin 181 in the opening orientation of the hinge 101.To initiate the bending of the main body 165, under the action of the pin 181, during the rotation of the device 109 towards its opening orientation, the device 109 comprises a starting tab 193 which extends the main body 165 from the hollow part 173, in an orthoradial direction relative to the axis X167, while being inclined relative to the plane P109. When the device 109 rotates, the pin 181 comes into sliding contact with the tab 193 so as to flex the main body 165 so that the hollow part 173 is located outside the plane P109, allowing the pin 181 to engage in the hollow part 173. The hollow part 173, the main body 165 and the tab 193 thus form a latching member of the device 109, the function of which is similar to that of the latching hook 73 of the device 9.

[0050] In this embodiment of the figures 5 to 8, the deformation of the latching device 109, to allow its latching, is carried out in a direction secant with respect to the plane P109.

[0051] THE figures 9 to 12 illustrate a hinge 201, according to the third embodiment. The hinge 201 comprises components similar to those of the hinge 1, but which are referenced with reference numbers increased by 200. The hinge 201 of the figures 9 to 12 comprises a fixed hinge 203, a sash hinge 205, a ring 247, a ring 249, a pivot shaft 207 and a snap-in pin 281, which are identical and mounted in the same way as those described for the embodiment of the hinge 1 of the figures 1 to 4 The hinges of the fixed frame 203 and the opening frame 205 define a pivot axis X201 and the snap-in pin 281 defines an axis X281.

[0052] The hinge 201 also comprises a latching device 209, free of metallic material, with the same function as the latching devices 9 and 109 described above, but whose structure differs in certain aspects. Preferably, the device 209 is made at least partially, or even at least mainly, of plastic. Preferably, the device 209 is made entirely of plastic.

[0053] The latching device 209 comprises a stop surface 271 similar to the stop surfaces 71 and 171 described above.

[0054] The latching device 209 comprises a latching hook 273, defining an open contour and being similar to the latching hook 73 of the device 9 described above. The hook 273 is however devoid of a rim 79. The latching hook 273 defines an axis X273.

[0055] The snap-in device 209 includes a mounting hole 267 similar to the mounting hole 167 of the device 109 of the figures 5 to 9 , with elastic snap-on fins 291, snap-on slots 289 and reinforcing ribs 290. The mounting hole 267 defines a mounting axis X267.

[0056] THE figures 13 to 16 illustrate a hinge 301, according to the fourth embodiment. The hinge 301 comprises components similar to those of the hinge 1, but which are referenced with reference numbers increased by 300. The hinge 301 of the figures 13 to 16 comprises a frame knuckle 303, a leaf knuckle 305, a ring 347, a ring 349 and a pivot shaft 307 which are identical and mounted in the same way as those described for the embodiment of the hinge 1 of the figures 1 to 4 .

[0057] The hinge 301 also comprises a latching device 309, free of metallic material, with the same function as the latching devices 9, 109 and 209 described above, but whose structure differs in certain aspects. Preferably, the device 309 is made at least partially, or even at least mainly, of plastic. Preferably, the device 309 is made entirely of plastic.

[0058] The latching device 309 comprises a stop surface 371 similar to the stop surface 71 described above.

[0059] The snap-in device 309 includes a mounting hole 367 similar to the mounting hole 167 of the device 109 of the figures 5 to 9, including snap-on fins 391, snap-on slots 389 and defining a mounting axis X367 perpendicular to a plane P309 of extension of a main body 365 of the device 309. A single reinforcing rib 390 is provided for the device 309, similar to one of the reinforcing ribs 190 of the device 109.

[0060] The latching device 309 comprises a latching claw 373, which projects from an edge of the main body 365, in a direction parallel to the axis X367 and opposite the fins 391. The claw 373 extends opposite the abutment surface 371 with respect to the axis X367. The claw 373 comprises a retaining surface 394 perpendicular to the plane P309 and orthoradial with respect to the axis X367 and a starting surface 393 opposite the retaining surface 394 and inclined with respect to the latter and with respect to the plane P309. When the device 309 is pivoted from its closed orientation to its open orientation, the starting surface 393 comes into sliding contact with a leg 317 of the knuckle 303, as illustrated in the figure 15, so as to elastically flex the main body 365 away from the branch 317. The branch 317 defines a snap-in edge 395, which forms an edge of the branch 317 extending in a plane defined by a stop plate 319 of the knuckle 303. When the device 309 reaches its open orientation, the retaining surface 394 crosses the snap-in edge 395, so that the main body 365 elastically returns to its initial shape, and the retaining surface 394 forms a stop against the edge 394 preventing the pivoting of the device 309, and therefore of the knuckle 305, in the opposite direction. The device 309 is therefore snapped onto the knuckle 303 by means of a snap-fastening member comprising the claw 373. Consequently, the hinge 301 is advantageously devoid of a snap-fastening pin 81.

[0061] The device 309 optionally comprises a counter-stop 396 projecting from the main body 365 parallel to and opposite the claw 373. The counter-stop 396 is configured to abut against an edge 397 of the branch 317, opposite the edge 395, when the claw 373 is snapped with the edge 395, beyond the latter. When the snap-on device 309 is snapped, the branch 317 is interposed between the claw 373 and the counter-stop 396.

[0062] THE figures 17 to 20 illustrate a hinge 401, according to the fifth embodiment. The hinge 401 comprises components similar to those of the hinge 1, but which are referenced with reference numbers increased by 400. The hinge 401 of the figures 17 to 20comprises a frame knuckle 403, a leaf knuckle 405, a ring 447, a ring 449 and a pivot shaft 407 which are identical and mounted in the same way as those described for the embodiment of the hinge 1 of the figures 1 to 4 .

[0063] The hinge 401 also comprises a latching device 409, free of metallic material, having the same function as the latching devices 9, 109, 209 and 309 described above, but whose structure differs in certain aspects. Preferably, the device 409 is made at least partially, or even at least mainly, of plastic. Preferably, the device 409 is made entirely of plastic.

[0064] The latching device 409 comprises a stop surface 471 similar to the stop surface 71 described above.

[0065] The snap-in device 409 includes a mounting hole 467 similar to the mounting hole 167 of the device 109 of the figures 5 to 9 , including resilient snap-on fins 491, snap-on slots 489 and defining a mounting axis X467 perpendicular to a plane P409 of extension of a main body 465 of the device 409. A single reinforcing rib 490 is provided for the device 409, similar to one of the reinforcing ribs 190 of the device 109.

[0066] The device 409 also includes a snap-in stud 473, visible in particular on the figure 18, which projects from the main body 465 along an axis X473 parallel to the axis X467, from a face opposite the fins 491 relative to the plane P409. The stud 473 is arranged opposite the stop surface 471 relative to the axis X467. The stud 473 is configured to be snapped into a snap-in hole 483 formed hollow in a branch 417 of the knuckle 403. The snap-in hole 483 corresponds to the hole 83 described for the hinge 1 of the figures 1 to 4, and is coaxial with an axis X481 of the knuckle 403. The axis X481 is parallel to a pivot axis X401 itself defined by a pivot orifice 423 supporting the shaft 407 and passing through the branch 417. The center distance separating the axes X473 and X467 is of the same value as the center distance separating the axes X401 and X481, so that, when the latching device 409 is pivoted from the closing orientation to the opening orientation, the stud 473 is configured to snap into the orifice 483. In particular, during this pivoting, the main body 465 is elastically bent so that the stud 473 slides against a face 458 of the branch 417. When the opening orientation is reached, the nipple 473 is snapped into the orifice 483 by elasticity of the main body 465, which returns to its initial shape. The snap-on nipple 473 thus forms a snap-on member of the device 409. In this embodiment of the figures 17 to 20, the hinge 401 is advantageously devoid of pin 81.

[0067] THE figures 21 to 24 illustrate a hinge 501, according to the sixth embodiment of the invention. The hinge 501 comprises components similar to those of the hinge 1, but which are referenced with reference numbers increased by 500. The hinge 501 of the figures 21 to 24 comprises a frame knuckle 503, a sash knuckle 505, a ring 547, a ring 549 and a pivot shaft 507 of similar function to their namesakes described for the embodiment of the hinge 1 of the figures 1 to 4 .

[0068] In this case, the knuckle 503 comprises a support plate 513 comprising a single fixing orifice 511, as well as branches 515 and 517 parallel to each other, through which are respectively provided a pivot orifice 21 and a pivot orifice 23 coaxial with a pivot axis X501.

[0069] The knuckle 505 comprises a central plate 527 through which two fixing holes 533 are provided. The knuckle 505 also comprises two legs 535 and 537 parallel to each other and connected by the plate 527, perpendicular to the legs 535 and 537. Coaxial pivot holes 543 and 545 are provided through the legs 535 and 537 respectively.

[0070] Knuckle 505 is pivotally mounted on knuckle 503 by means of rings 547 and 549, which are threaded onto shaft 507. As illustrated in the figure 22 , ring 547 passes through orifice 543 and ring 549 through orifice 545. Shaft 507 is supported by orifices 521 and 523.

[0071] The hinge 501 also comprises a latching device 509, free of metallic material, having the same function as the latching devices 9, 109, 209, 309 and 409 described above, but whose structure differs in certain aspects. Preferably, the device 509 is made at least partially, or even at least mainly, of plastic. Preferably, the device 509 is made entirely of plastic.

[0072] The ratchet device 509 comprises a main body 565 which extends along a plane of symmetry P509, with respect to which the ratchet device 509 is symmetrical.

[0073] Through the main body 565 is provided a mounting hole 567 for the device 509 on the shaft 507. The mounting hole defines a mounting axis X567 perpendicular to the plane P509 and coaxial with the pivot axis X501, when the device 509 is mounted on the shaft 507. The mounting hole 567 has a diameter adjusted so that it can be tightly mounted on the pivot shaft 507.

[0074] The device 509 comprises a rim 598 which projects from the main body 565, on either side of the plane P509, following a portion of an outer contour of the main body 565 around the axis X567. As illustrated in the figures 21 , 23 and 24, a stop surface 571 is formed along the rim 598, the stop surface 571 facing the axis X567. It is understood that another stop surface 571, not visible in the figures, symmetrical is formed on the other side of the plane P509. The non-visible stop surface has a complementary shape with an edge 599 formed on the branch 517 of the frame knuckle 503. The non-visible stop surface is thus configured to cooperate with the knuckle 503, thus rotationally connecting the latching device 509 with the knuckle 503 around the pivot shaft 507. As illustrated in the figures 23 and 24 for this embodiment, the device 509 is therefore linked in rotation with the fixed hinge 503 and not with the opening hinge 505, unlike the embodiments of figures 1 to 20 .

[0075] Furthermore, the latching device 509 comprises a latching hook 573 visible on the figures 21 , 23 and 24. The hook 573 comprises a cylindrical portion 575 with a circular base which extends along a latching axis X573 parallel to the axis X501 through the main body 565. The latching hook 573 also comprises a channel 577 which radially connects the cylindrical portion 575 to the edge of the main body 565. The latching hook 573 is configured to be latched around a latching pin 581, which is fixed on the leg 537 of the opening knuckle 505 and not on the fixed knuckle. In this case, the pin 581 is fixed by means of an orifice 583 formed through this leg 537. The snap-in pin 581 has a snap-in head 587 of cylindrical shape with a circular base extending along an axis X581 parallel to the axis X501. The diameter of the snap-in head 587 corresponds, while being slightly smaller, to the diameter of the cylindrical part 575 of the snap-in hook 573.The center distance separating the axis X581 and the axis X501 is identical to the center distance separating the axis X573 and the axis X501. Consequently, when the knuckle 505 is rotated relative to the knuckle 503 around the axis X1, from the closing orientation to the opening orientation, the latching head 587 passes through the channel 577 by elastic mutual deformation of the pin 581 and the channel 577, until it is received within the cylindrical part 575 of the latching hook 73, as illustrated in the . figure 24 . In this configuration of the figure 24, the latching hook 573 is latched with the pin 581, around the head 587 of the latter, that is to say that the pin 581 is retained within the latching hook 573 by the channel 577. The latching hook 573 can be unlatched from the pin 581 by applying a sufficiently high torque to the opening knuckle 505 relative to the fixed knuckle 503, so that the pin 581 can again cross, in the other direction, the channel 577, when the hinge 501 pivots from the opening orientation to the closing orientation. The latching hook 573 thus constitutes a latching member configured to be latched with the knuckle 503 when the hinge is in the opening orientation. When the latch hook 573 is latched with the pin 581, the latch device 509 and the knuckle 505 are fixed in rotation relative to each other around the axis X501, and thus also relative to the frame knuckle 503.The vehicle door is thus locked in the opening orientation.

[0076] Generally speaking, it is understood that the stop of the latching device cooperates with a first of the two knuckles of the hinge, while the latching member is configured to be latched with the second knuckle.

[0077] Generally, according to one aspect of the invention, the mounting hole is provided with elastic fins for axially latching the latching device on the pivot shaft.

[0078] In general, the latching device is used as follows. The latching device is first mounted on the pivot shaft of the vehicle hinge, when the vehicle is being manufactured, by rotatably connecting the latching device with the first knuckle around the pivot shaft via the stop. The latching member is then latched with the second knuckle of the hinge to fix the second knuckle and the latching device in rotation relative to each other, and thus also fix the vehicle door in the opening orientation. One or more vehicle manufacturing steps are then carried out, such as applying a layer of paint, for example by cataphoresis, or stoving.Finally, the ratchet device is removed from the pivot shaft before the vehicle is manufactured, so that the finished vehicle is used without a ratchet device.

[0079] The opening orientation of the hinge described above advantageously corresponds to a maximum opening orientation of the hinge, and of the door concerned, of the vehicle.

[0080] Advantageously, provision is also made for the implementation of a temporary pivot shaft 607, as illustrated in FIG. figure 25 . This 607 shaft can be associated with one of the hinges of the figures 1 to 24 , replacing shaft 7, 107, 207, 307, 407 or 507.

[0081] The shaft 607 is intended to form, with one of the aforementioned hinges, an offset hinge assembly for a vehicle. This offset hinge assembly comprises one of the preceding hinges, including its two knuckles intended to be mounted pivotally relative to each other about a pivot axis, by means of a pivot shaft 7, 107, 207, 307, 407 or 507, called the "final" pivot shaft of the hinge. The two knuckles can be mounted pivotally relative to each other about the pivot axis by means of the temporary pivot shaft 607, prior to the mounting of the final pivot shaft. The temporary pivot shaft 607 is in this case configured to be removed from the two knuckles, to free the latter from each other, with a view to mounting the final pivot shaft.

[0082] Shaft 607 can be used for all the above-mentioned hinges. For example, it is used for hinge 501 of figures 21 to 24 .

[0083] During the manufacture of the vehicle, the aforementioned temporary pivot shaft 607 and the ratchet device 509 are used.

[0084] The hinge 501 and the temporary pivot shaft 607 constitute an offset hinge assembly, i.e. one that can be unhinged. Indeed, the knuckles 503 and 505 can be pivotally mounted relative to each other around the axis X501 by means of the temporary pivot shaft 607, instead of the definitive pivot shaft 507. This shaft 607 can be subtracted, i.e. removed from the knuckles 503 and 505 by disassembly or destruction, which gives the “unaxable” character to the hinge 501. The subtraction of the shaft 607 results in a release or separation of the knuckles 503 and 505 from each other, i.e. the hinge 501 is in a disassembled state, and the knuckles 503 and 505 are no longer pivotally linked. The final pivot shaft 507 can then be mounted on the knuckles 503 and 505 to reassemble the hinge 501.It is preferred that the shaft 507 is not removable, or is difficult to remove, from the knuckles 503 and 505 once mounted. In this preferred case, the definitive mounting of the shaft 507 makes the hinge non-offset, i.e. non-unhingable. However, it is possible to use a shaft 507 removable from the knuckles 503 and 505, its “definitive” nature reflecting that the shaft 507 is intended to remain in place within the hinge 501 at the end of the vehicle manufacture, for at least part of the vehicle’s lifetime, preferably the entire lifetime of the vehicle. According to this option, the hinge 501 remains offset only for vehicle maintenance operations.

[0085] The manufacture of the motor vehicle is carried out according to a multi-step process. In a first step, for the part of the vehicle relating to the door in question and the body, the body, the door, and at least part of the elements of the aforementioned hinge assembly, namely at least the knuckle 503 and the knuckle 505, are provided, i.e., for example, are manufactured or purchased. A first, temporary mounting of the door on the body is then carried out by carrying out the following sub-steps, in the order most suited to the application: mounting the knuckle 505 on the body, mounting the knuckle 503 on the door, and mounting the knuckle 503 and the knuckle 505 to pivot relative to each other about the axis X501, by means of the temporary pivot shaft 607.Device 509 is placed on shaft 607, and not on shaft 507, to allow locking or indexing of the relative orientation of knuckles 503 and 505 according to one or more predetermined positions. This depends on the subsequent manufacturing steps to be carried out on the vehicle. Preferably, hinge 501 is provided in a configuration where knuckles 503 and 505 are mounted with temporary shaft 607 and optionally with device 509, which avoids carrying out this assembly on the vehicle production line.

[0086] Then, the vehicle manufacturing steps are carried out, such as applying a coat of paint, cataphoresis, or other.

[0087] Once these steps have been completed, a temporary disassembly of the door is carried out, including a temporary disassembly of the offset hinge assembly by subtracting the temporary pivot shaft 607.

[0088] Since the door is temporarily dismantled, it can be taken to a different location from the body to undergo additional manufacturing steps, such as cladding. Similarly, the body can also undergo additional manufacturing steps, including cladding.

[0089] Once these last steps have been completed, the door is finally mounted on the body, including reassembly of the offset hinge assembly. To do this, the knuckles 503 and 505 are mounted definitively, pivoting relative to each other, around a pivot axis X501, by means of the aforementioned definitive pivot shaft 507.

[0090] Optionally not shown, the device 509 can be re-mounted at this stage, temporarily, on the hinge 501, in order to maintain or index the orientation of the door in one or more predetermined orientations and thus facilitate the final stages of manufacturing the vehicle.

[0091] Once the vehicle is completed, the hinge 501 includes its final shaft 507, and is free of the shaft 607 and the device 509.

[0092] Similar manufacturing steps can be carried out in parallel in the case where the vehicle has several doors, and / or in the case where each door is mounted on the body using several hinges 501.

[0093] As illustrated on the figure 25, the temporary shaft 607 comprises two axial ends 609 and 611 defining a main axis X607 of the shaft 607. Unless otherwise stated, “axial” means an axial direction relative to the axis X607, and “radial” means a radial direction relative to the axis X607.

[0094] When the temporary shaft 607 is mounted on the hinge 501, the axes X607 and X501 are substantially coaxial.

[0095] Preferably, the shaft 607 generally has a shape of revolution about the axis X607. Preferably, only certain portions of the shaft 607 do not have a shape of revolution, such as, in the present example, the portion extending from the end 611, as described below.

[0096] The shaft 607 comprises, from the end 609 to the end 611: an end head 613, formed at the end 609, a gripping section 615, formed from the head 613, a section 617 for fixing the latching device 509, the section 617 being formed from the section 615, a section 619 for supporting the pivoting of the orifice 523, the section 619 being formed from the section 617, a section 621 for supporting the pivoting of the orifice 545, more precisely of the ring 549, the section 621 being formed from the section 619, a rod section 623, formed from the section 621, and a resilient member 625 formed at the end 611.

[0097] Depending on the application, one or more of these sections may be omitted or replaced by another section. One or more sections may also be added. All sections are preferably integral with each other, so as to form a solid assembly, without moving parts, unless explicitly stated otherwise in this description.

[0098] The shaft 607 comprises an end portion 610, extending from the end 609, which is used for handling the shaft 607 with various tools and / or manually, to enable its assembly and disassembly. This end portion 610 comprises the head 613 and the section 619.

[0099] The head 613 is coaxial with the axis X607 and extends in a plane perpendicular to the axis X607. Preferably, the head 613 is discoid in shape. In the present example, a face 612 of the head 613 is domed, on the side opposite the end 611. Preferably, the head 613 is adapted to receive axial pressure from an operator, carried out manually or using a tool, in order to allow the engagement of the shaft 607 in the orifices 521, 523, 543 and 545 at the time of temporary assembly of the door, or beforehand. The head 613 may also be adapted to receive axial shocks applied using a striking tool, such as a mallet or the like, for the same purposes. Regardless of its shape, the head 613 has the largest dimensions of the shaft 607 in the radial direction to the axis X607.

[0100] The section 619 forms a shoulder under the head, coaxial with the axis X607. The section 619 is shaped to be grasped by hand, or by a tool, of the pliers type, not illustrated, whose jaws radially grasp the section 619, on either side of this section 619. Grasping by hand or by the tool makes it possible in particular to ensure the step of subtraction of the shaft 607 mentioned above, by pulling on the shaft 607 until this shaft 607 is extracted from the orifices 521, 523, 545 and 547. Depending on the gripping method, by hand, or according to the type of tool that one wishes to grasp the section 619, the shape of the radial surface and the axial length of the section 619 are chosen. In the present example, this shape is cylindrical with a circular base. Preferably, the section 619 has a length, measured along the axis X607, greater than that of the head 613.Also preferably, the section 619 has a diameter, or a radial size, smaller than that of the head 613, so as to allow axial support of the tool against an axial surface 614 of the head 613, which is turned towards the end 611. Finally, the section 619 has a diameter greater than that of the orifice 523 against which it is intended to be in contact, so as not to be able to pass through this orifice 523. Generally, it is provided that the section 619 has a diameter greater than at least one of the pivoting orifices of the knuckles, if not all of them, so as not to pass through them by threading.

[0101] The section 617 is coaxial with the axis X607 and is configured to receive, according to a removable attachment, the device 509, via the mounting hole 567 of the latter. As illustrated in the figure 25, this section 617 preferably has a curved shape, that is to say that it has a depression or groove, surrounding the axis X607, in an intermediate part of the section 617. This curved shape allows a snap-fastening of the device 509, by fixing the latter axially along the axis X607 on the shaft 607. The orifice 567 is captured in the hollow of the curved shape. This snap-fastening is possible in particular by elasticity of the material of the shaft 607. The orifice 567 preferably has a generally cylindrical shape with a circular base, but may alternatively have a shape corresponding to that of the section 617, or any shape suitable for reinforcing the snap-fastening effect with the section 617.The section 617 has a diameter, or a radial size, smaller than that of the section 615, so that these sections 615 and 617 are separated by an axial surface 616 facing the end 611 and allowing axial abutment of the device 509 against the surface 616. The diameter of the section 617 is of a value close to or equal to that of the diameter of the orifice 567. In practice, the device 509 is threaded onto the shaft 607, via the end 611, before mounting the shaft on the knuckles 503 and 505.

[0102] Alternatively, it can be provided that the device 509 is simply threaded onto the shaft 607, without snap-fastening.

[0103] Alternatively, the section 617 may be configured in any suitable shape to allow removable axial attachment of the device 509.

[0104] Alternatively, it may be provided that the shaft 607 and the device 509 are formed in one piece, by molding the same material, or are pre-mounted permanently, for example by overmolding, welding or gluing, which avoids having to mount the device 509 on the shaft 607 during the manufacture of the vehicle.

[0105] The section 619 is coaxial with the axis X607 and is configured to receive and support the orifice 523, or, where appropriate, the ring 549. This section 619 preferably has a cylindrical shape with a circular base to allow the pivoting of the orifice 523. In practice, the diameter of the section 619 is less than or equal to the diameter of the orifice 523, or of its ring 549, where appropriate. The section 619 preferably has a diameter smaller than that of the preceding sections, in particular that of the section 617. Thus, the section 619 forms an axial stop 618, with, in the present example, the section 617. This stop 618 is turned towards the end 611, so as to axially position the knuckle 503 along the shaft 607. To form this stop 618, it is provided that the diameter of the section 617 is greater than the diameter of the orifice 523.

[0106] The section 621 has characteristics similar to the section 619, forming with the latter an axial stop 620, turned towards the end 611, to axially stop the knuckle 505. The section 621 supporting the orifice 545 or the ring which is introduced therein, it is provided in practice that the diameter of the section 621 is less than or equal to the diameter of this orifice 545 or of its ring 549. To form the stop 620, it is provided that the diameter of the section 619 is greater than the diameter of the orifice 545.

[0107] It is preferably provided that, from the head 613, the diameters of the different sections, extending over at least a first half of the shaft, are decreasing, to allow easy mounting of the shaft 607 on the hinge 501. Preferably, at least two axial stops are provided, turned in a mounting direction D1 of the shaft 607, to axially position the knuckle 503 relative to the knuckle 505. The mounting of the shaft 607 is carried out with the end 611 threaded first. This direction D1 is opposite to the end 609 and parallel to the axis X607. In the present example, the two axial stops 618 and 620 are turned towards the end 611.

[0108] Alternatively, shaft 607 includes only one of the aforementioned axial stops.

[0109] Alternatively, other axial stops are provided, depending on the application.

[0110] The rod section 623 is coaxial with the axis X607, and preferably has a cylindrical shape with a circular base. The section 623 is of sufficient length to connect the legs 535 and 537. More precisely, the section 623 extends from the section 621, through the orifices 521 and 535. The section 623 therefore has a diameter smaller than that of the orifices 521 and 535, and of any orifice through which this section must pass during the assembly of the shaft 607. There is thus preferably a radial clearance between the orifices 521, 535, 545, 547 and the section 623, to facilitate the assembly of the shaft 607. In practice, the section 623 is advantageously of axial length at least twice as great as the sections 615, 617, 619 and 621.

[0111] Optionally, the section 623 is of sufficiently small diameter to be able to be cut, if necessary, by a tool, when the temporary disassembly of the door must take place. The fact that the shaft 607 is free of metallic material, as described below, facilitates this cutting operation by a tool. This cutting causes the destruction of the shaft 607. The cut parts can then easily be extracted respectively from the orifices 521 and 543 and from the orifices 523 and 545, thanks to the radial clearance provided for the section 623.

[0112] The member 625 is resilient, that is to say it is configured to be elastic, relative to the rest of the shaft 607 intended to be relatively more rigid. In the present example, the resilient member 625 comprises two resilient legs 627. The legs 627 define between them an axial clearance notch 629, which extends in a plane extending along the axis X607. The notch 629 opens at the end 611, as well as radially. The legs 627 are therefore arranged in a U, parallel to the axis X607, as illustrated in the figure 25 . Due to the configuration of the legs 627 and the notch 629, the member 625 is configured to have a radially constricted configuration, not shown, and a radially expanded configuration, corresponding to that shown in the figure 25, and to return, by elasticity of the legs 627, to the radially extended configuration when it is put in the radially tightened configuration. The passage from the radially extended configuration to the radially tightened configuration corresponds, in the present example, to a bringing together of the legs 627 of each other, or of at least one of them towards the other, at the level of the notch 629. Thus, the free end of the legs constitutes a mobile element of the shaft 607. At most, the legs 627 are in contact with each other near the end 611.

[0113] In the radially tightened configuration, the legs 627 are oblique to the axis X607 and converge towards the end 611. Thus, in the radially tightened configuration, the outer diameter of the member 625 is slightly reduced, which allows the resilient member 625 to pass through the pivot holes 521, 523, 543 and 545. In the radially tightened configuration, the shaft 607 can be mounted on the hinge 501 by circulating axially through the holes 521, 523, 543 and 545. Preferably, the assembly is carried out until the axial stops 618 and 620 abut against the knuckles 503 and 505.

[0114] In the radially extended configuration, the resilient member forms an axial stop 631, turned in a disassembly direction D2, opposite the assembly direction D1, to thus oppose the disassembly of the shaft 607. The stop 631 prevents the shaft 607 from crossing the orifice 521 in the direction D2.

[0115] Advantageously, the knuckles 503 and 505 are axially fixed relative to each other by the axial stop 631 of the resilient member in the radially extended configuration, and by at least one of the stops 618 and 620, when the shaft 607 is mounted. Alternatively, it can be provided that the shaft 607 allows a slight axial play of the hinge 501, by adequate spacing of the stops 618, 620 and 631 along the axis X607.

[0116] As illustrated, the member 625 advantageously has a convergent shape in the direction D1 in order to facilitate the assembly of the shaft 607. However, the stop 631 has a steeper angle so as to make the disassembly of the shaft 607 more difficult, optionally to the point of requiring the use of a gripping tool such as aforementioned, or of resorting to cutting the member 625. It may also be provided that manual radial pinching, or using a tool, of the legs 627 is sufficient to move the member 625 into a radially tightened configuration, so as to allow the disassembly of the shaft 607 in the direction D2.

[0117] Any alternative embodiment of the member 625 is possible, as long as the member has both of the aforementioned configurations. For example, a number of legs other than two may be provided. Means other than legs may be provided.

[0118] Alternatively, as an alternative to the resilient member 625 provided at the end 611, a resilient member of the same function is provided at the height of the section 621. In practice, the section 621 comprises, for example, a radial through notch, which makes the section 621 sufficiently deformable to be able to move between a radially tightened configuration and a radially extended configuration. The section 621 also comprises a part which, in the radially extended configuration, is of a larger diameter than the orifice 545 or its ring 549, to allow the axial fixing of the shaft 607 in the hinge. This part, in the radially tightened configuration, is of a sufficiently small diameter to allow the introduction and removal of the temporary shaft.

[0119] It is anticipated that the shaft 607 is free of metallic material. In other words, the shaft 607 is formed from one or more non-metallic materials. Preferably, the shaft 607 is predominantly made of plastic. This plastic is preferably polyamide. For example, it is polyamide 4.6, or PA 4.6, which is particularly suitable for this specific use, in particular due to its high resistance to heat and mechanical stress, while being inexpensive. It is advantageous for the plastic to withstand the forces involved in the shaft 607 throughout the various operations carried out on the vehicle during its manufacture, in particular on the paint line, during stoving and cataphoresis. The nature of the plastic makes the shaft 607 naturally resistant to the various chemical treatments carried out on the vehicle, in particular with regard to painting.Advantageously, it is not necessary to provide a surface treatment for the shaft 607, unlike a metal shaft. The manufacturing cost of the shaft 607 is therefore reduced. The plastic material in particular prevents the accidental deposition of particles on the shaft 607 during manufacturing, in particular during cataphoresis.

[0120] The term “predominantly made of plastic” means that the main functional components of the shaft 607 subject to wear, for example by friction, are made of such a material. The other parts of the shaft 607 are then optionally made of a material other than plastic.

[0121] It can be provided that the sections 619, 621 and the resilient member 625, subject to friction during handling of the vehicle door, are made of this plastic material.

[0122] It can be provided that the section 623 is made of plastic material, which makes the section 623 sufficiently strong not to break during the manufacturing stages of the vehicle. However, since the plastic material is less hard than metal, the section 623 can more easily be cut for the purpose of dismantling the shaft 607. The shaft 607 is therefore particularly easy to use.

[0123] It can be provided that the end part 610, comprising the section 615 and the head 613, is made of plastic material.

[0124] Preferably, the shaft 607 is formed in one piece from a single material, which is the aforementioned plastic material. The shaft 607 can then be manufactured at very low cost, for example by injecting plastic material into a mold.

[0125] It is also noted that certain temporary metal axes of the prior art comprise both a metal shaft, to support the pivoting of the hinge knuckles, and various elements for axially fixing this temporary shaft on the hinge, such as elastic rings, pins, crimping elements of the rivet or rivet type, spacers. In the present example, the shaft 607 is advantageously formed in one piece and does not require added elements to be fixed on the hinge 501, so that the manufacture and use of the shaft 607 are simplified. This is made possible in particular thanks to the absence of metallic material in the shaft 607, which makes it possible to provide a resilient member, such as the aforementioned member 625, for the axial fixing of the shaft 607. Furthermore, limiting the number of elements to be added to the shaft 607 makes it possible to avoid their accidental loss on the production line.

[0126] The absence of metallic material further makes the temporary pivot shaft inexpensive and easy to manufacture, so that it can advantageously be a disposable or recyclable part, after one or more uses, on one or more vehicles.

[0127] Generally speaking, the offset hinge assembly has the following characteristics: the temporary pivot shaft (607) is free of metallic material. the temporary pivot shaft is made at least partially, preferably at least predominantly, of plastic, preferably polyamide. the temporary pivot shaft is made as a single piece from a single material. the temporary pivot shaft further comprises at least two axial stops, facing in a mounting direction of the temporary pivot shaft, for axially positioning the knuckles relative to each other when these knuckles are mounted via the temporary pivot shaft.the temporary pivot shaft further comprises a resilient member configured to have a radially contracted configuration, in which the temporary pivot shaft can be mounted on the hinge so that the knuckles are pivotally mounted therethrough; have a radially extended configuration, in which, when the temporary pivot shaft is mounted, the resilient member forms an axial stop facing in a direction of disassembly of the temporary pivot shaft, so that the resilient member opposes disassembly of the temporary pivot shaft from the knuckles; and resiliently return to the radially extended configuration when placed in the radially contracted configuration.the resilient member comprises two resilient legs defining between them an axial clearance notch opening at an axial end of the temporary pivot shaft, the transition from the radially extended configuration to the radially tightened configuration corresponding to a movement of at least one of the resilient legs towards the other at the level of the axial clearance notch.the temporary pivot shaft comprises: a rod section, of diameter smaller than pivot holes provided through the knuckles, and through which the temporary pivot shaft is received when the knuckles are pivotally mounted by its intermediary; and an end handling part, comprising an end head of generally discoid shape, as well as a gripping section extending between the end head and the rod section, the gripping section having a diameter smaller than that of the end head and greater than that of at least one of the pivot holes.the offset hinge assembly comprises a door stop device having a through mounting hole, and the temporary pivot shaft comprises a snap-fit ​​section of the door stop device on the temporary pivot shaft, for axially securing the door stop device on the temporary pivot shaft by threading the door stop device onto the snap-fit ​​section via the mounting hole.

[0128] The technical features of each embodiment may be used in the other embodiments as far as technically possible and within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A latching device (509), for a vehicle hinge (501), the latching device (509) comprising: - a mounting hole (567) for mounting the latching device on a pivot shaft (507) of the hinge, - a first abutment surface (571) configured to cooperate with a first knuckle (503) of the hinge, the first knuckle being mounted on the pivot shaft, the first abutment surface (571) thereby rotatably connecting the latching device with the first knuckle about the pivot shaft, and - a latching member (573), configured to latch with a second knuckle (505) of the hinge, the first knuckle and the second knuckle being pivotably mounted relative to each other via the pivot shaft, between an opening orientation and a closing orientation about this pivot shaft, the latching member being configured so as to be latched with the second knuckle when it is in the opening orientation, in order to thereby rotationally secure the second knuckle and the latching device relative to one another, the latching device (509) being characterised in that: - the latching device (509) is symmetrical with respect to a main plane (P509) perpendicular to a mounting axis (X567) defined by the mounting hole (567); - the latching member (573) comprising a latching hook (573), defining an open contour, being configured to be latched around a latching pin (581) of the second knuckle (505) and comprising: ∘ a cylindrical portion (575) with a circular base, which extends along a latching axis (X573) parallel to a mounting axis (X567) defined by the mounting hole (567), the cylindrical portion extending through a main body (565) of the latching device, and ∘ a channel (577), which radially connects the cylindrical part to an edge of the main body, the channel having a width (L77), measured in a direction orthoradial to the latching axis, which is less than the diameter of the circular base of the cylindrical part; and - the latching device (509) is free of metallic material and comprises a flange (598) which projects from the main body (565) on either side of the main plane (P509), which extends along the cylindrical part (575) and the channel (577), and which follows a portion of an external contour of the main body (565) about the mounting axis (X567), a second abutment surface (571) being formed along the flange (598) and facing the mounting axis (X567), the first abutment surface, symmetrical to the second abutment surface (571), being formed on the other side of the plane (P509) from the second abutment surface (571).

2. The latching device (509) according to claim 1, characterised in that the latching device is made at least partially, preferably at least predominantly, of plastic.

3. The latching device (509) as claimed in claim 2, characterised in that the latching device is made entirely of plastic.

4. The latching device (509) according to any one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the plastic of the latching device is a polyamide, preferably PA4.6.

5. A vehicle hinge (501), comprising: - a latching device (509) according to any of claims 1 to 4. - the first knuckle (503), - the second knuckle (505), - the pivot shaft (507) by means of which the first knuckle and the second knuckle are pivotably mounted relative to each other about the pivot shaft, wherein the first abutment surface (571) has a complementary shape with an edge (599) formed on a first leg (517) of the first knuckle (503).

6. The vehicle hinge (501) as claimed in claim 5, characterised in that the first knuckle (503) comprises a support plate (513) comprising a single fastening hole (511), the first leg (517) and a second leg (515), the legs (515, 517) being parallel to each other and there being respective pivoting holes (21, 23) coaxial with a pivoting axis (X501), the pivoting axis and the mounting axis being coaxial when the latching device (509) is mounted on the pivot shaft (507).

7. The hinge (501) according to any one of claims 5 or 6, characterised in that the first knuckle (503) constitutes a frame knuckle and the second knuckle (505) constitutes a leaf knuckle.

8. The vehicle hinge (501) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterised in that the mounting hole (567) has a diameter adjusted so that it can be mounted tightly on the pivot shaft (507).

9. A method for using a hinge according to any of claims 5 to 8, the method comprising the following successive steps: a) mounting the latching device (509) on the pivot shaft (507) of the hinge (501) of the vehicle, when the vehicle is being manufactured, by rotationally connecting the latching device with the first knuckle (503) about the pivot shaft via the first abutment surface (571), b) latching the latching member (573) with the second knuckle (505) of the hinge to rotationally secure the second knuckle and the latching device relative to each other, c) carrying out at least one stage in the manufacture of the vehicle, in particular applying a coat of paint, cataphoresis or drying, and d) disassembling the latching device from the pivoting shaft before the vehicle has been completed.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterised in that: - the hinge (501) comprises a fixed assembly comprising the first knuckle (503), the second knuckle (505), the pivot shaft (507) and bushings (547, 549) by means of which one of the knuckles is mounted on the pivot shaft, and - the latching device (509) can be attached to the pivot shaft, whether the fixed assembly is a left-hand hinge assembly or a right-hand hinge assembly symmetrical to the left-hand hinge assembly.