Heavy-duty device for temporarily holding an opening element in an ajar position

Abstract

Device (1, 21, 31, 41, 51, 616, 71, 810, 91, 100) for temporarily holding an opening element (52) in an ajar position relative to a stationary element (51) of a body of a vehicle, comprising a body (14, 414, 614) provided with at least one mounting means (2, 11), and a retaining means (15, 415, 615) comprising a tab (6, 46, 66) a first end (63) of which is designed to cooperate with a first flange (53a) of a housing (53) and a second end (61, 461, 661) of which provides a junction with the body (14, 414, 614), characterised in that the tab (6, 46, 66) comprises, between the first end (63) and the second end (61, 461, 661), an intermediate area (62, 462, 662) comprising at least one section configured to distribute stresses applied to the tab (6, 46, 66) when the device is moved to the ajar position or the fully open position (1, 21, 31, 41, 51, 616, 71, 810, 91, 100).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the field of devices used during the assembly of a motor vehicle and more particularly a temporary device for holding an opening element in a half-open position relative to a fixed element of a motor vehicle body.

[0002] In an assembly line, opening parts of a motor vehicle, such as doors, are assembled to fixed parts, such as the vehicle's body pillars, thus forming the vehicle's body. The body is then painted in a paint line.

[0003] Opening components, not yet equipped with a locking mechanism or locks, tend, due to their weight and the stresses and impacts exerted by the assembly line during crate movements, to shift into an open position relative to the fixed component. However, both for optimizing the size of the assembly line and for optimal painting, opening components must be kept in a slightly open position relative to the fixed component.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to put in place temporary support measures.

[0005] There is a known solution described in patent document EP1893832 and shown on the figures 1 à 4 , featuring a device 1' comprising a body 2' equipped with mounting means 3', a retaining means comprising a tab 5', a first end 51' of which is designed to cooperate with a first edge of the housing, and a second end 52' of which provides a connection to the body 2', and a stop 4' intended to cooperate with a second edge of a housing. The body 2' is extended, in a zone located substantially at the level of the second end 52' of the tab 5', by a plate 6' suspended above a recessed zone, the plate 6' and the tab 5' being connected by an arch 7' providing a flexible connection.

[0006] The body 2' of the device is a non-deformable element of the device.

[0007] The temporary device 1' includes a mounting means 3' for attaching said device 1' to the opening element or to the fixed element of the vehicle body. More specifically, the mounting means 3' includes a base and fastening means.

[0008] Device 1' cooperates with a housing positioned directly on the vehicle body element that does not include device 1'. In other words, when device 1' is fixed to the opening element, or the fixed element respectively, the housing or the second part of device 1' is positioned on the fixed element, or the opening element respectively. Thus, the housing is positioned directly on the fixed element or on the opening element.

[0009] The device 1' is designed to be positioned on the opening element or the fixed element so that when the opening element is brought closer to the fixed element, the opening element exerts forces on the retaining means. Thus, stresses, resulting from the forces induced in the retaining means, are exerted on the retaining means. Under the effect of the forces exerted by the opening element, the retaining means deforms elastically under the action of the stresses and then retracts so that the device 1' is inserted into the housing. The retaining means then elastically returns to its initial position. Thus, the device 1' is inserted into the housing and the device 1' holds the opening element in a partially open position relative to the fixed element. In this position, and due to functional clearance, the device 1' can be in three situations: only the stop 4' is in contact with the second rim of the housing; only the retaining means is in contact with the first rim; neither the stop 4' nor the retaining means are in contact with the housing.

[0010] The partially open position is reached when device 1' is inserted into the housing. The fully open position is reached when there is no mechanical connection between device 1' and the housing.

[0011] More specifically, the figure 1 illustrates three kinematic views of device 1' according to the state of the art when an opening element is brought close to a fixed element so as to be placed in a partially open position, that is to say when the opening element moves from an open position to a partially open position. figure 1a shows a hook EO representing the opening element and subsequently named the opening element, before contact with the tab 5' of the device 1' which is therefore in an open position, then the figures 1b et 1c illustrate the deformation of the state-of-the-art device 1' when the opening element EO is positioned in the half-open position.

[0012] There figure 3 illustrates four kinematic views of device 1' according to the state of the art when the opening element EO is moved away from the fixed element so as to be placed in an open position. figure 3a shows the opening element EO in the ajar position, then the figures 3b, 3c et 3d illustrate the deformation of the state-of-the-art device 1' when the opening element EO moves from the half-open position to the open position.

[0013] The device 1' described effectively holds an opening element of a vehicle in a partially open position relative to a fixed element. However, with repeated use, device 1' degrades and breaks. Therefore, manufacturers are seeking to improve the lifespan of device 1'.

[0014] A study of the constraints applied to state-of-the-art devices 1' when placed in a partially open position, as illustrated in figure 2 , and when placed in the open position, as illustrated in figure 4 , shows three main stress concentration zones, that is to say zones in which the stress levels are the highest.

[0015] A first stress concentration zone 8' is located at the junction of the second end 52' of the tongue 5' and the body 2', precisely at the junction edge formed between the second end 52' and the body 2'. Indeed, the tongue 5' and the body 2' form an angle at which the stresses are concentrated.

[0016] A second stress concentration zone 9' is positioned at the junction of the plate 6' and the body 2', precisely at the junction edge formed between the plate 6' and the body 2'. Indeed, the plate 6' and the body 2' form an angle at which the stresses are concentrated.

[0017] Finally, a third stress concentration zone 10' appears at the junction between the tongue 5' and the arch 7'. Indeed, the arch 7' and the tongue 5' form an angle at which the stresses are concentrated.

[0018] During prolonged use of a device 1' according to the state of the art, a break or in other words a fatigue crack may appear at the level of one of the three stress concentration zones 8', 9', 10'.

[0019] Furthermore, the device 1' has connection angles between the plate 6', the arch 7' and the tab 5' which tend to retain paint and project it during subsequent handling of the device 1'. Thus, a projection of paint droplets can create surface defects when the opening element moves from an open position to a partially open position, or vice versa.

[0020] Finally, an obstruction of device 1' can generate a shadow effect on the surface to be painted, thus creating an appearance defect.

[0021] The invention aims to extend the service life of a device by proposing a temporary device for holding an opening element in a half-open position relative to a fixed element of a vehicle body, comprising a body equipped with at least one mounting means, and a retaining means comprising a tab, a first end of which is designed to cooperate with a first edge of a housing and a second end of which provides a connection to the body, characterized in that the tab comprises, disposed between the first end and the second end, an intermediate zone comprising at least one section configured to distribute stresses applied to the tab when the device is placed in a half-open or open position.

[0022] According to the invention, the housing can be directly integrated onto the opening element or the fixed element of the bodywork or be positioned on an interface which will itself be fixed onto the bodywork.

[0023] When the device is placed in a partially open or fully open position, forces are exerted on it. More specifically, the tab is subjected to stresses that cause it to deform elastically. In other words, the tab absorbs some of the stress.

[0024] The stresses absorbed by the tongue are applied primarily along the length of the section, rather than mainly to a corner or a joining edge as in previous designs. Therefore, the stresses applied to the second end are reduced, as they are distributed over the entire length of the section, thus limiting the risk of breakage.

[0025] It should be noted that the stresses are applied over a large portion of the section's surface. In other words, the section comprises a large area for stress application, ultimately allowing it to absorb and distribute a significant portion of the forces exerted on the device. Consequently, the stresses applied to the section are distributed across the entire application surface, such that the maximum stress level applied to the section is reduced and cannot cause the device to break.

[0026] It should be noted that, because the section is separate from the second end, the device exhibits a separation of stress concentration zones to be absorbed by the tab. Indeed, the stresses required to hold the tab onto the body are exerted at the junction of the body and the second end, while the stresses related to the elastic deformation of the tab are exerted at the section. Each of these stress concentration zones receives a portion of the stresses absorbed by the tab. The stresses are therefore distributed more homogeneously within the tab than in previous designs, thus limiting the risk of breakage that could occur at the different stress concentration zones.

[0027] Finally, the intermediate zone is designed so that the stresses absorbed by the tab when the device is in a partially open or fully open position are primarily exerted on the section that is separated from the other end. This section is designed to receive and absorb most of the stresses absorbed by the tab.

[0028] The presence of an intermediate zone in the device reduces the level of stress applied to the tongue compared to state-of-the-art designs by modifying, and more specifically by shifting and distributing, the stresses absorbed by the tongue. In this way, fatigue, which occurs when the device is repeatedly subjected to high stress levels, appears later than in a state-of-the-art device, or even not at all.

[0029] This extends the lifespan of the device.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the device includes a stop designed to cooperate with a second edge of the housing.

[0031] Thus, the device includes a stop which limits the closing movement of the opening element.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the stop can be connected to the body.

[0033] According to another embodiment, the device comprises a first component including the retaining element and a second component including the stop, the first component being independent of the second component.

[0034] Thus, the first organ limits the opening movement of the opening element, while the second organ limits the closing movement of the opening element.

[0035] The independence of the first organ from the second organ allows each to be positioned independently.

[0036] According to one feature of the invention, the section has a curved shape.

[0037] The curved shape increases the application surface of the section's stresses in order to better distribute the stresses absorbed by the tongue and thus improve the device's lifespan.

[0038] In this way, fatigue occurs later, or not at all. The device's lifespan is extended.

[0039] According to one feature of the invention, the section has a concave shape with respect to a plane in which the tongue extends.

[0040] In other words, the section has a concave shape in relation to the stop.

[0041] Thus, the section is particularly suitable for concentrating and absorbing stresses when the device is placed in a partially open position.

[0042] According to one feature of the invention, the section has a convex shape with respect to a plane in which the tongue extends.

[0043] In other words, the section has a protrusion opposite the abutment.

[0044] Thus, the section is particularly suitable for distributing and absorbing stresses when the device is put into the opening position.

[0045] According to one feature of the invention, the second end is oriented along an axis of elongation of the stop.

[0046] The axis of elongation of the stop is the axis along which a force is exerted on the stop. Thus, the second end is optimally oriented in order to distribute the stresses exerted on the device according to the invention.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the second end of the tongue is connected to the body so as to extend a plane of the latter.

[0048] Thus, the tongue is connected to the body without any angle or edge at the junction that could concentrate stresses. There is no sharp demarcation between the body and the tongue.

[0049] According to one feature of the invention, the device further comprises at least one elastic deformation element which is connected to the tongue and the body.

[0050] When the device is placed in a partially open or fully open position, forces are exerted on it. More specifically, the tab and the elastic deformation element are subjected to stresses that cause them to deform elastically. In other words, the tab and the elastic deformation element absorb some of the stresses.

[0051] According to one embodiment, a fillet connecting the elastic deformation element to the tongue includes a radius of curvature of at least 2mm.

[0052] According to one embodiment2, a fillet connecting the elastic deformation element to the body includes a radius of curvature of at least 2mm.

[0053] Thus, the constituent elements of the device are sufficiently far apart from each other to eliminate paint retention or accumulation.

[0054] According to one feature of the invention, the elastic deformation element comprises at least one curved element configured to absorb part of the stresses applied to the elastic deformation element when the device is placed in a half-open or open position.

[0055] The stresses absorbed by the elastic deformation element are applied across several areas, including the area formed by the curved element. Thus, the device presents at least one more stress application area than the state-of-the-art device. This results in a better distribution of stresses and a reduction in the stresses applied at the junction between the body and the elastic deformation element, and at the junction between the tab and the elastic deformation element. There is no longer a risk of breakage.

[0056] In addition, the curved shape increases the application surface of stresses in order to better distribute the stresses absorbed by the elastic deformation element and thus improve the lifespan of the device.

[0057] The presence of a curved element reduces the level of stresses applied to the elastic deformation element compared to the state of the art by modifying, and more specifically by shifting and distributing, the stresses absorbed by the elastic deformation element.

[0058] The curved element also allows the constituent elements of the device, and more particularly the tongue from the body, to be moved away so as to eliminate paint retention which can cause paint to be projected when the opening element moves from an open position to a half-open position, or vice versa.

[0059] The curved element also helps to reduce the size of the device compared to a state-of-the-art device, thus avoiding an aesthetic defect.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the curved element includes a radius of curvature of at least 2mm.

[0061] Thus, the constituent elements of the device are sufficiently far apart from each other to eliminate paint retention or accumulation.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the curved element is positioned between the junction of the body and the elastic deformation element, and the junction of the tongue and the elastic deformation element.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the curved element is positioned between a first segment and a second segment so as to form a clamp.

[0064] In this way the elastic deformation element is configured to deform in the manner of a clamp, the two segments moving closer together or further apart depending on whether the device is in a half-open position or, on the contrary, in an open position.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the curved element comprises at least an alternation of a concave element and a convex element with respect to a plane in which the curved element extends.

[0066] In this way, the curved element acts like a spring by absorbing the stresses exerted on the elastic deformation element.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the curved element comprises a plurality of concave and convex elements.

[0068] According to one feature of the invention, the elastic deformation element is connected to the body at a distance from the junction between the second end of the tab and the body. Thus, there is not a concentration of stresses in one area of ​​the device but a distribution thereof.

[0069] According to one feature of the invention, the elastic deformation element, the body and the tongue define a contour of a closed hollow surface.

[0070] Thus, the stresses exerted on the device when placed in a half-open or open position will be distributed over the entire contour of the surface in such a way as to deform the surface.

[0071] The invention also relates to a vehicle equipped with at least one device according to the invention.

[0072] The invention will be better understood from the following description, which relates to several embodiments of the present invention, given by way of non-limiting examples and explained with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which: [ Fig. 1 ] is a kinematic view of a device according to the state of the art when placed in a partially open position; [ Fig. 2 ] is a view of the constraints according to Von's criteria, expressed in MPa, exerted on the state-of-the-art device during a partially open position; [ Fig. 3 ] is a state-of-the-art kinematic view of the device when placed in the open position; [ Fig. 4 ] is a view of the constraints according to Von's criteria, expressed in MPa, exerted on the state-of-the-art device when placed in the open position; [ Fig. 5 ] is a perspective representation of a first embodiment of a device according to the invention; [ Fig. 6 ] is a lateral representation of the device according to the first embodiment; [ Fig. 7 ] is a representation of the device according to the first embodiment positioned on a fixed element of a vehicle; [ Fig. 8 [ ] is a view of the device according to the first embodiment fixed to the vehicle's fixed element while an opening element is in a partially open position, with the outer trim panel of the opening element not shown. Fig. 9 ] is a lateral representation of a second embodiment of a device according to the invention; [ Fig. 10 ] is a perspective representation of a third embodiment of a device according to the invention; [ Fig. 11 ] is a perspective representation of a fourth embodiment of a device according to the invention; [ Fig. 12 ] is a lateral representation of a fifth embodiment of a device according to the invention; [ Fig. 13 ] is a lateral representation of a sixth embodiment of a device according to the invention; [ Fig. 14 ] is a perspective representation of a seventh embodiment of a device according to the invention; [ Fig. 15 ] is a perspective representation of an eighth embodiment of a device according to the invention; [ Fig. 16 ] is a perspective representation of a ninth embodiment of a device according to the invention; [ Fig. 17 ] is a lateral representation of one-tenth embodiment of a device according to the invention; [ Fig. 18 ] is a kinematic view of the device according to the first embodiment when placed in a partially open position; [ Fig. 19 ] is a view of the constraints, according to Von Mises' criteria, in MPa acting on the device according to the first embodiment when placed in a partially open position; [ Fig. 20 ] is a kinematic view of the device according to the first embodiment when placed in the open position; [ Fig. 21 ] is a view of the constraints, according to Von Mises criteria, in MPa exerted on the device according to the first embodiment when placed in the open position;

[0073] THE figures 1 à 4 present a device 1' according to the state of the art and are described in the introductory section.

[0074] In the following, identical elements of different embodiments bear identical numbers.

[0075] THE figures 5 et 6 represent a device 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention comprising a body 14 provided on the one hand with a base 3 and on the other hand with a junction part 5.

[0076] The base 3 of the body 14 has a substantially flat shape and includes mounting means which are fastening means such as a screw 11 and a centering pin 2.

[0077] The connecting portion 5 extends in a plane substantially perpendicular to the base 3 of the body 14 and substantially at its midpoint. The connecting portion 5 is extended by an elastic deformation element 13, a retaining means 15, and a stop 4. The stop 4 has a substantially rectangular shape and exhibits elastic properties. The stop 4 extends in the plane of the connecting portion 5 at a distance from it.

[0078] According to one feature of the invention, the stop 4 has an arbitrary shape which promotes its elastic properties.

[0079] The retention means 15 comprises a tab 6 and an extension 7.

[0080] The extension 7 has a substantially triangular shape, one side of which is in contact with the tongue 6, one vertex of the extension 7 is opposite a first end 63 of the tongue 6, and a second vertex is opposite the stop 4. The extension 7 forms a ramp 71 from the first end 63 of the tongue 6 and joins the tongue 6 substantially at its midpoint via a curved shape with a radius of curvature of at least 2 mm. Thus, a third vertex of the extension 7 is substantially at the midpoint of the tongue 6.

[0081] The first end 63 of the tongue 6 is designed to cooperate with a first rim 53a of a housing 53. The tongue 6 further includes an intermediate zone 62 and a second end 61 ensuring a junction of the tongue 6 to the body 14 at the level of the junction part 5 such that the second end 61 extends a plane of the junction part 5.

[0082] The intermediate zone 62 includes a section configured to distribute stresses applied to the tongue 6 when the device 1 is in a half-open or open position. The section has a curved shape concave with respect to a plane in which the tongue 6 extends.

[0083] The tongue 6 is extended substantially in the middle, at the base of the extension 7, by the elastic deformation element 13. The elastic deformation element 13 is connected on one side to the tongue 6 by two fillets 81, that is to say, by a rounded joint at the intersection of two flat surfaces, having a radius of curvature greater than 2 mm, and on the other side to the body 14 by two fillets 12 having a radius of curvature greater than 2 mm. The elastic deformation element 13 is connected to the body 14 at a distance from the junction between the second end 61 of the tongue 6 and the body 14.

[0084] The deformation element 13 includes a curved element 9 configured to distribute a portion of the stresses applied to the elastic deformation element 13 when the device 1 is in a partially open or fully open position. The curved element 9 is positioned between a first segment 8 and a second segment 10 to form a clamp. The curved element has a radius of curvature of at least 2 mm.

[0085] The tongue 6, the elastic deformation element 13, the stop 4 and the joining part 5 extend in a first plane substantially perpendicular to the plane in which the base 3 of the body 14 extends.

[0086] The tab 6, the elastic deformation element 13, and the joining part 5 define a contour of a closed hollow surface.

[0087] There figure 7 represents the device 1 fixed to a fixed element 51 of a vehicle. For this purpose, the centering pin 2 of the base 3 has been inserted into a threaded hole and the screw 11 allows the device 1 to be held against the fixed element 51.

[0088] By defining that an interior part of the vehicle corresponds to the volume delimited by the vehicle body and that an exterior part corresponds to the environment surrounding the body, the device 1 is positioned so that the stop 4 is opposite the exterior part of the vehicle.

[0089] An opening element 52 of the vehicle includes the housing 53.

[0090] When the opening element 52 is brought closer to the fixed element 51, the opening element 52, via the first lip 53a of the housing 53, comes into contact with the extension 7 and exerts stresses, less than the elastic limit of the device 1, on the retaining means 15, which deforms elastically. The retaining means 15 retracts so that the device 1 is inserted into the housing 53, and then the retaining means elastically returns to its initial position. Thus, the device 1 is inserted into the housing 53 as shown in figure 8 In this position and due to a functional play, device 1 can be in three situations: only the stop 4 is in contact with a second rim 53b of the housing 53; only the retaining means 15 is in contact with the first rim 53a; neither the stop 4 nor the retaining means 15 are in contact with the housing 53.

[0091] There figure 9 presents a device 21 according to a second embodiment. The device 21 has a body 14, a stop 4 and a retaining means 15 identical to device 1. Only the elastic deformation element 213 differs from device 1.

[0092] The elastic deformation element 213 is connected on one side to the tongue 6 by two fillets 81, and on the other side to the body 14 and more precisely to the base 3 of the body 14.

[0093] The deformation element 213 includes a curved element 29 configured to absorb part of the stresses applied to the elastic deformation element 213 when the device 21 is in a half-open or open position. The curved element 29 is positioned between a first segment 28 and a curved part 210.

[0094] There figure 10 is a perspective representation of a third embodiment of a device 31 according to the invention. The device 31 has a body 14, a stop 4 and a retaining means 15 identical to device 1. Only the elastic deformation element 313 differs from device 1.

[0095] The elastic deformation element 313 is connected on one side to the tab 6 by two fillets 81, and on the other side to the body 14 in two zones. The first zone is located on the base 3 of the body 14, the second zone is located at the intersection between the base 3 and the joining part 5.

[0096] The deformation element 313 includes a curved element 39 configured to distribute part of the stresses applied to the elastic deformation element 313 when the device 31 is in a half-open or open position. The curved element 39 is positioned between a first segment 38 and a curved element 310. An extension 311 connects the curved element 39 to the second zone.

[0097] There figure 11 presents a device 41 according to a fourth embodiment. The device 41 has a body 414 comprising a base 43 and a connecting part 45. The connecting part 45 is extended by a stop 44 and a retaining means 415.

[0098] The stop 44 exhibits elastic properties. The stop 44 extends in the plane of the joining part 45 at a distance from it.

[0099] According to one feature of the invention, the stop 44 has an arbitrary shape which promotes its elastic properties.

[0100] The retention means 415 comprises a tongue 46, an extension 7 and a support element 416.

[0101] The extension 7 has a substantially triangular shape, one side of which is in contact with the tongue 46, one vertex of the extension 7 is opposite a first end 63 of the tongue 46, and a second vertex is opposite the stop 44. The extension 7 forms a ramp 71 from the first end 63 of the tongue 6 and joins the tongue 46 substantially at its midpoint via a curved shape. Thus, a third vertex of the extension 7 is substantially at the midpoint of the tongue 46.

[0102] The first end 63 of the tongue 46 is designed to cooperate with a first rim 53a of a housing 53. The tongue 46 further includes an intermediate zone 462 and a second end 461 ensuring a junction of the tongue 46 to the body 414 at the level of the junction part 45 such that the second end 461 extends a plane of the junction part 45.

[0103] The intermediate zone 462 includes a section configured to distribute stresses applied to the tongue 46 when the device 41 is in a half-open or open position.

[0104] According to one feature of the invention, the section of the intermediate zone 462 is made of a different material than that of the tongue 46.

[0105] The section has a convex curved shape relative to a plane in which the tongue 46 extends.

[0106] The support element 416 is attached to the connecting part 45. It extends perpendicularly to the connecting part 45 so that the tongue 46 comes into contact with it when the tongue 46 is in the open position. The support element 416 absorbs, by contact, a portion of the stresses applied to the tongue 46 when it is in the open position.

[0107] The tongue 46 is extended substantially in the middle, and at the base of the extension 7, by the elastic deformation element 413. The elastic deformation element 413 is connected on one side to the tongue 46, and on the other side to the base 43.

[0108] The deformation element 413 includes a curved element 49 configured to absorb part of the stresses applied to the elastic deformation element 413 when the device 41 is in a partially open or fully open position. The curved element 49 comprises an alternation of a concave element and a convex element with respect to a plane in which the curved element 49 extends. The curved element 49 forms a spring.

[0109] The tongue 46, the elastic deformation element 413, the stop 44 and the joining part 45 extend in a first plane substantially perpendicular to the plane in which the base 43 of the body 414 extends.

[0110] The tongue 46, the elastic deformation element 413, the base 43 and the joining part 45 define a contour of a closed hollow surface.

[0111] There figure 12 is a lateral representation of a fifth embodiment of a device 51 according to the invention. The device 51 has a stop 4 and a retention means 15 identical to the device 1. Only the body 514 and the elastic deformation element 513 differ from the device 1.

[0112] The body 514 has a base 3 and a connecting part 55 which extends perpendicularly to the base 3. The connecting part 55 includes a first elongation 551 to which the stop 4 and the tongue 15 are attached, and a second elongation 552 to which the elastic deformation element 513 is attached.

[0113] The elastic deformation element 513 is connected on one side to the tab 6, and on the other side to the second elongation 552.

[0114] The deformation element 513 includes a curved element 59 configured to distribute a portion of the stresses applied to the elastic deformation element 513 when the device 51 is in a partially open or fully open position. The curved element 59 comprises an alternation of a plurality of concave and convex elements with respect to a plane in which the curved element 59 extends. The curved element 59 forms a spring.

[0115] The tongue 6, the elastic deformation element 513, and the joining part 55 define a contour of a closed hollow surface.

[0116] There figure 13 is a lateral representation of a sixth embodiment of a device 616 according to the invention. The device 616 has a body 614 comprising a base 633 and a connecting portion 65. The connecting portion 65 is extended by a stop 4 and an elastic deformation element 613 on which a retaining means 615 is fixed.

[0117] The retention means 615 includes a tab 66, and an extension 7.

[0118] The first end 63 of the tongue 66 is designed to cooperate with a first rim 53a of a housing 53. The tongue 66 further includes an intermediate zone 662 and a second end 661 providing a connection between the tongue 66 and the body 614 at the junction portion 65. The intermediate zone 662 includes a section having a convex curved shape relative to the plane in which the tongue extends. The section is configured to distribute stresses applied to the tongue 66 when the device 616 is in a partially open or fully open position.

[0119] The elastic deformation element 613 is connected on one side to the tab 66, and on the other side to the body 614.

[0120] The deformation element 613 includes a curved element 69 configured to distribute a portion of the stresses applied to the elastic deformation element 613 when the device 616 is in a half-open or open position. The curved element 69 is positioned at each end of a first segment 68 and a second segment 610 so as to form a clamp at each end of the segments.

[0121] The tongue 66, the elastic deformation element 613, the stop 4 and the joining part 65 extend in a first plane substantially perpendicular to the plane in which the base 633 of the body 614 extends.

[0122] The elastic deformation element 613 and the intermediate zone 662 define a contour of a closed hollow surface.

[0123] There figure 14 is a perspective representation of a seventh embodiment of a device 71 according to the invention. The device 71 has a body 14, a stop 4 and a retaining means 15 identical to device 1. Only the elastic deformation element 713 differs from device 1.

[0124] The elastic deformation element 713 is connected on one side to the tongue 6 by two fillets 81, and on the other side to the body 14 and more precisely to the base 3 of the body 14 by two fillets 12.

[0125] The deformation element 713 includes a curved element 79 configured to distribute a portion of the stresses applied to the elastic deformation element 713 when the device 71 is in a partially open or fully open position. The curved element 79 is positioned between the tab 6 and a segment 710. The curved element 79 comprises an alternation of a plurality of concave and convex elements with respect to a plane in which the curved element 79 extends. The curved element 79 forms a spring.

[0126] There figure 15 is a perspective representation of an eighth embodiment of a device 810 according to the invention. The device 810 has a body 14, a stop 4 and a retaining means 15 identical to device 1. Only the elastic deformation element 813 differs from device 1.

[0127] The elastic deformation element 813 is connected on one side to the tab 6 by two fillets 81, and on the other side to the body 14 in two zones. The first zone is located on the base 3 of the body 14, the second zone is located at the intersection between the base 3 and the joining part 5.

[0128] The deformation element 813 comprises a first curved element 89' and a second curved element 89" configured to distribute a portion of the stresses applied to the elastic deformation element 813 when the device 810 is in a partially open or fully open position. The curved elements 89' and 89" are positioned between a segment 89 and the second zone. The curved elements 89' and 89" comprise an alternation of a plurality of concave and convex elements with respect to a plane in which the considered curved element 89' and 89" extends. Each of the curved elements 89' and 89" forms a spring.

[0129] There figure 16 is a perspective representation of a ninth embodiment of a device 91 according to the invention. The device 91 differs from the device 41 by the deformation element 913.

[0130] The deformation element 913 is formed entirely by a curved element 99 configured to distribute a portion of the stresses applied to the elastic deformation element 913 when the device 91 is in a partially open or fully open position. The curved element 99 comprises an alternation of a plurality of concave and convex elements with respect to a plane in which the curved element 99 extends. The curved element 99 forms a spring.

[0131] There figure 17 is a lateral representation of a tenth embodiment of a device 100 according to the invention. The device 100 differs from the device 21 by the deformation element 113.

[0132] The deformation element 113 includes a curved element 19 configured to distribute a portion of the stresses applied to the elastic deformation element 113 when the device 100 is in a partially open or fully open position. The curved element 19 is positioned between a first segment 108 and the base 3. The curved element 19 comprises an alternation of a plurality of concave and convex elements with respect to a plane in which the curved element 19 extends. The curved element 19 forms a spring.

[0133] There figure 18 illustrates three kinematic views of device 1 according to the invention when a hook EO representing the opening element and hereafter referred to as the opening element EO is brought close to a fixed element so as to be placed in a partially open position, that is to say when the opening element moves from an open position to a partially open position. figure 18a shows the opening element EO before contact with the tab 6 of device 1, which is therefore in an open position, then the figures 18b et 18c illustrate the deformation of device 1 when the opening element EO is positioned in the half-open position.

[0134] There figure 20 illustrates four kinematic views of device 1 when the opening element EO is moved away from the fixed element so as to be placed in an open position. figure 20a shows the opening element EO in the ajar position, then the figures 20b, 20c et 20d illustrate the deformation of device 1 when the opening element EO moves from the half-open position to the open position.

[0135] THE figures 19 And 21represent the constraints (according to Von Mises criteria) in MPa exerted on device 1 during a simulation representative of a half-open position and during an open position, corresponding to a determined displacement, of the tab 6 of device 1.

[0136] During the elastic deformation associated with the half-open position, the tongue 6 bends at the intermediate zone 62 so as to move away from the stop 4. During this movement, the elastic deformation element 13 deforms so that the first segment 8 moves closer to the second segment 10, the curved element 9 distributing part of the stresses applied to the elastic deformation element 13.

[0137] For example, for a given displacement of the tongue, as shown in figures 19 And 21The stress level remains below 90 MPa throughout device 1, whereas it was between 90 and 120 MPa in the prior art device 1' subjected to the same predetermined tongue displacement. More precisely, the maximum stress level is reached in the intermediate zone 62 section and at the curved element. The stresses are distributed more homogeneously in device 1.

[0138] The opening element 52, by abutting against the stop 4 of the device 1, cannot therefore assume a fully closed position, and the retaining means prevents it from assuming a fully open position. The opening element 52 is thus in a partially open position.

[0139] During the elastic deformation associated with the opening position, the tab 6 bends at the intermediate zone 62 to approach the stop 4. During this movement, the elastic deformation element deforms so that the first segment 8 moves away from the second segment 10, with the curved element 9 distributing some of the stresses applied to the elastic deformation element 13. The stress level remains below 90 MPa throughout device 1, whereas it was between 90 and 120 MPa in the prior art device 1'. More precisely, the maximum stress level is reached in the intermediate zone 62 and at the curved element. The stresses are distributed more homogeneously in device 1.

[0140] The stresses applied to the section and to the elastic deformation element are distributed so that the maximum level of stress applied to device 1 is reduced and cannot cause breakage of device 1.

[0141] A geometry of device 1 optimizes and homogenizes the distribution of energy in device 1 so as to minimize the probability of occurrence of a fatigue crack at the second end 61 of the tongue 6 at the junction with the body 14 and at the junction of the elastic deformation element 13 and the body 14.

[0142] A fatigue phenomenon, appearing when device 1 is repeatedly subjected to a high level of stress, appears later than in a state-of-the-art device 1', or does not appear at all.

[0143] This extends the lifespan of the device.

[0144] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown in the accompanying figures. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the composition of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention, as defined by the attached claims.

Claims

1. A temporary device (1, 21, 31, 41, 51, 616, 71, 810, 91, 100) for holding a door leaf element (52) in a half-open position relative to a fixed element (51) of a vehicle body, comprising a body (14, 414, 514, 614) provided with at least one mounting means (2, 11), and a retaining means (15, 415, 615) comprising a tab (6, 46, 66) whose first end (63) is designed to cooperate with a first edge (53a) of a housing (53), said housing being directly integrated onto the door leaf element or the fixed element of the vehicle body, or being positioned on an interface which is itself fastened to the vehicle body, the tab (6, 46, 66) comprising a second end (61, 461, 661) which provides a connection to the body (14, 414, 514, 614), the tab (6, 46, 66) comprising, arranged between the first end (63) and the second end (61, 461, 661), an intermediate area (62, 462, 662) comprising at least one section configured to distribute stresses applied to the tab (6, 46, 66) when the device (1, 21, 31, 41, 51, 616, 71, 810, 91, 100) is placed in a half-open or in an open position, characterized in that said section is designed to receive and absorb most of the stresses absorbed by the tab.

2. The temporary holding device (1, 21, 31, 41, 51, 616, 71, 810, 91, 100) according to claim 1, wherein the section has a curved shape.

3. The temporary holding device (1, 21, 31, 51, 71, 810, 100) according to claim 2, wherein the section has a concave shape with respect to a plane in which the tab (6) extends.

4. The temporary holding device (41, 616, 91) according to claim 2, wherein the section has a convex shape with respect to a plane in which the tab (46, 66) extends.

5. The temporary holding device (1, 21, 31, 51, 71, 810, 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second end (61, 461) of the tab (6, 46) is connected to the body (14, 414) such that the second end (61) is oriented along an elongation axis of a stop (4) intended to cooperate with a second edge of the housing.

6. The temporary holding device (1, 21, 31, 41, 51, 616, 71, 810, 91, 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one elastic deformation element (13, 213, 313, 413, 513, 613, 713, 813, 913, 113) which is connected to the tab (6, 46, 66) and to the body (14, 414, 614).

7. The temporary holding device (1, 21, 31, 41, 51, 616, 71, 810, 91, 100) according to claim 6, wherein the elastic deformation element (13, 213, 313, 413, 513, 613, 713, 813, 913, 113) comprises at least one curved element (9, 29, 39, 49, 59, 69, 79, 89', 89", 99, 19) configured to absorb a portion of the stresses applied to the elastic deformation element (13, 213, 313, 413, 513, 613, 713, 813, 913, 113) when the device (1, 21, 31, 41, 51, 616, 71, 810, 91, 100) is placed in a half-open position or in an open position.

8. The temporary holding device (1, 616) according to claim 7, wherein the curved element (9, 69) is positioned between a first segment (8, 68) and a second segment (10, 610) so as to form a clamp.

9. The temporary holding device (41, 51, 71, 810, 91, 100) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the curved element (49, 59, 79, 89', 89", 99, 19) comprises at least one alternation of a concave element and a convex element with respect to a plane in which the curved element (49, 59, 79, 89', 89", 99, 19) extends.

10. The temporary holding device (1, 21, 31, 41, 51, 616, 71, 810, 91, 100) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the elastic deformation element (13, 213, 313, 413, 513, 613, 713, 813, 913, 113) is connected to the body (14, 414, 614) at a distance from the connection between the second end (61, 461, 661) of the tab (6, 46, 66) and the body (14, 414, 614).

11. The temporary holding device (1, 21, 31, 41, 51, 71, 810, 91, 100) according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the elastic deformation element (13, 213, 313, 413, 513, 713, 813, 913, 113), the body (14, 414), and the tab (6, 46) define an outline of a recessed closed surface.

12. A vehicle provided with at least one device according to any one of the preceding claims.

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