Method for adjusting an opening leaf relative to a vehicle body

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for adjusting the clearance (J) between an opening leaf (3), in particular a non-metal opening leaf, and the body (2) of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle (1), the body (2) comprising a strike plate (10), an ejector (11) for the opening leaf (3), the strike plate (10) being attached to the body (2) by an attachment means, which method is characterised in that it comprises a step of opening the opening leaf (3), a step of fictitiously closing the opening leaf (3) so as to allow at least partial access to the attachment means, a step of adjusting the position of the strike plate (10) relative to the body (2), a step of closing the opening leaf (3) and a step of checking the adjustment of the clearances (J).

Description

[0001] TITLE: Method for adjusting an opening in relation to a vehicle body.

[0002] Technical field of the invention

[0003] The invention relates to a method for adjusting clearances between an opening leaf and a vehicle body. The invention also relates to a tool used during such a method. The invention also relates to a method for assembling a vehicle comprising such a method for adjusting clearances between an opening leaf and a vehicle body.

[0004] State of the prior art

[0005] A vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, generally comprises at least one opening leaf and a body. In order to improve the aesthetics of a vehicle, an opening leaf, in particular a trunk door, does not always include a notch on the side of its external skin. Thus, there is no passage for at least one finger of a hand between such a body and such an opening leaf to unlock the lock of such an opening leaf and allow it to be opened from the outside of such a vehicle. Such an opening leaf generally comprises a discreet control on its external skin, for example a button, while such a body comprises an ejector of the opening leaf. The activation of such a discreet control triggers the extension of such an ejector. The ejection of such an opening leaf by the ejector creates a gap between such an opening leaf and such a body so that it becomes possible to pass at least one finger to unlock the lock of the opening leaf from the outside and consequently to open the opening leaf.

[0006] At the end of the manufacture of such a vehicle, or following an intervention on such an opening, it is necessary to adjust the centering of such an opening in relation to such a body, in particular in the transverse direction for a trunk door type opening. Such an adjustment is only possible in the open position of such an opening. Only the opening of such an opening requires the ejector to be extended. Such an ejector in the extended position is hindered for the adjustment of such an opening in relation to such a body, or even makes it impossible. Such a situation is not acceptable.

[0007] Presentation of the invention

[0008] The aim of the invention is to provide an adjustment method which overcomes the above drawbacks. In particular, the invention proposes a simple, ergonomic method which can be carried out by a single operator and which is particularly suitable for adjusting a trunk door made of plastic and / or composite material.

[0009] Summary of the invention

[0010] To achieve this objective, the invention relates to a method for adjusting clearances between an opening, in particular a non-metallic opening, and a vehicle body, in particular a motor vehicle, the body comprising a striker, an ejector for the opening, the striker being fixed to the body by a fixing means, the method comprising:

[0011] - a step of opening the opening,

[0012] - a step of fictitious closing of the opening so as to allow at least partial access to the fixing means,

[0013] - a step of adjusting the position of the latch in relation to the body,

[0014] - a step of closing the opening,

[0015] - a step of checking the adjustment of the games.

[0016] The step of fictitious closing of the opening may include a sub-step of pushing the ejector and keeping the ejector in the pushed position.

[0017] The step of adjusting the position of the strike plate may include:

[0018] - a sub-step of loosening the fixing means so as to allow movement of the latch relative to the body, followed by

[0019] - a sub-step of offsetting the strike plate relative to the body, followed by

[0020] - a sub-step of tightening the fixing means so as to lock the latch in position.

[0021] The strike plate can be offset in the transverse or substantially transverse direction.

[0022] The loosening sub-step can be done by unscrewing the fixing means and the tightening sub-step can be done by screwing the fixing means.

[0023] The method may comprise, following the step of verifying the adjustment of the clearances, at least one other iteration of steps of adjusting the clearances between the opening and the body.

[0024] The sub-step of pushing and holding the ejector can be carried out using a tool simulating the opening in the closed position.

[0025] The invention also relates to a tool intended to be used to simulate a vehicle opening, in particular a motor vehicle, in the closed position at the level of a latch comprising an ejector of the opening in the method as defined previously, the tool comprising a volume capable of occupying a space occupied by the opening in the closed position.

[0026] The invention also relates to a method of assembling a vehicle comprising an opening and a body, in particular a motor vehicle, the assembly method comprising the steps of the method as defined previously for adjusting the opening relative to the body.

[0027] Presentation of figures

[0028] These objects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be explained in detail in the following description of an embodiment of a tool and an implementation of an adjustment method made without limitation in relation to the attached figures among which: Figure 1 is a schematic view of a motor vehicle.

[0029] Figure 2 is another schematic view of the motor vehicle.

[0030] Figure 3 is a partial, perspective, detailed view of the motor vehicle.

[0031] Figure 4 is a partial detail view of the vehicle body, a tool according to one embodiment being in the use position.

[0032] Figure 5 is a detail view, the tool according to the embodiment being in the position of use.

[0033] Figure 6 is a detailed perspective view, the tool according to the embodiment being in the position of use.

[0034] Figure 7 is a detail view, the tool according to the embodiment being in the position of use.

[0035] Figure 8 is a view of the tool according to the embodiment.

[0036] Figure 9 is another view of the tool according to the embodiment.

[0037] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the tool according to the embodiment.

[0038] Detailed description

[0039] The direction in which a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, moves in a straight line is defined as the longitudinal direction X. By convention, the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, located in a plane parallel to the ground, is called the transverse direction Y. The third direction, perpendicular to the other two, is called the vertical direction Z. Thus, a direct XYZ reference frame is used in which X is the longitudinal direction in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, therefore directed towards the rear, Y is the transverse direction directed towards the right and Z is the vertical direction directed upwards. The forward direction corresponds to the direction in which the vehicle usually moves in the longitudinal direction and is opposite to the rear direction. Figure 1 schematically illustrates a vehicle 1, preferably a motor vehicle. The vehicle 1 comprises a body 2.The vehicle or the body comprises openings, for example at least one front side door 6 and at least one rear side door 7. The vehicle or the body comprises a trunk door or tailgate 3 intended to close a trunk-type compartment. The body 2 or the vehicle 1 comprises an opening or access 9 to the trunk of the vehicle intended to be closed by the door 3. The door 3 pivots via pivoting means 35 with an axis extending transversely, for example of the hinge type, arranged between the door 3 and the body 2, illustrated in FIG. 2. The body 2 or the vehicle 1 further comprises a latch 10 intended to cooperate with a lock 8. The door 3 comprises the lock 8 arranged on the door 3. The cooperation between the lock 8 and the latch 10 allows the door 3 to be locked in the closed position relative to the body 2.

[0040] For aesthetic reasons in particular, the opening 3 does not include a notch or cutout or notch on the side of its skin or external face 30. Thus, there is no passage for at least one finger of a hand between the body 2 and the opening 3 to unlock the lock 8 and allow the opening 3 to be opened from outside the vehicle. The opening 3 therefore includes a discreet control 31 on its external skin 30, for example a button. The body 2 includes an ejector or pusher or movable stop 11 for shifting the opening 3. The ejector 11 preferably includes a support frame fixed to the body, at least one spring and an ejection part movable between two positions, in particular under the effect of the at least one spring. A first position is a retracted position (opening 3 closed) of the ejection part and a second position is an extended position of the ejector (opening 3 open, offset from the body and allowing the passage of fingers to unlock the lock 8).More specifically, as illustrated in Figure 3, activation of the discrete control while the door 3 is fully closed triggers the ejector 11 so as to move from the retracted position (door closed - PF) to the extended position (door open - PO). This change in position of the ejector 11 illustrated by an arrow in Figure 3 ejects, pushes, shifts, opens the opening 3 relative to the body. For example, this shift creates a gap of between 1 cm and 4 cm between the body and the opening, for example substantially 2.5 cm. Thus, it becomes possible to pass at least one finger to unlock the lock 8 of the opening 3 from the outside and open the opening 3 further, or even fully.

[0041] Preferably, the trunk door 3 is centered, or substantially centered, along the transverse direction of the body 2 of the vehicle 1. Indeed, the centering is done not only for aesthetic purposes but also to ensure optimal closing of the opening 9 by the door 3. Thus, preferably, a clearance J extends to the left between the door 3 and the opening 9 and another clearance J of the same value or substantially the same value extends to the right between the door 3 and the opening 9, as illustrated in FIG. 2 (the two dotted lines represent the ideally centered location of the door relative to the opening). The clearance J is for example between 2 mm and 8 mm, for example 5 mm or of the order of 5 mm.

[0042] After a change of door 3 or an operation on door 3 requiring it to be dismantled and then reassembled, or simply at the end of vehicle manufacture, the door is not perfectly centered in the corresponding opening 9. As illustrated in Figure 2, for example, a clearance J1 between the door and the opening is present on the left and a clearance J2 between the door and the opening is present on the right. The clearance J1, on the left, is greater than the clearance J2, on the right (case illustrated). Obviously, the clearance J1 can be less than the clearance J2 (case not illustrated).

[0043] Advantageously, the structure and / or the skin of the door or tailgate or trunk door 3 is made of plastic and / or composite materials. Preferably, the structure and / or the skin 30 of the door 3 is not made of steel sheet or aluminum sheet or aluminum alloy sheet. In any case, the door 3 tolerates recurring twisting and / or deformation without its structure and / or its interior and / or exterior aesthetic appearance degrading over time.

[0044] Alternatively, the structure and / or skin 30 of the door is made of steel sheet and / or aluminum sheet and / or aluminum alloy sheet.

[0045] A method of carrying out a method for adjusting the clearances J between the door 3 and the body 2, or centering or recentering the door, will now be described. As a reminder, the body 2 comprises the striker 10 and the ejector 11 of the door 3. The striker 10 is fixed to the body 2 by a fixing means 4. Preferably, as illustrated in particular in Figures 4 and 5, the fixing means 4 of the striker 10 on the body 2 comprises two screws.

[0046] First, the operator observes and inspects door 3 in the fully closed position on opening 9 to determine whether adjustment is required. If necessary, the operator determines whether clearance J1 on the left side is greater or less than clearance J2 on the right side (Figure 2). If necessary, the operator measures, for example with a set of suitable shims, one of clearances J1, J2, or even both clearances, depending on the transverse or substantially transverse direction. The operator deduces from this which way the strike plate needs to be offset and, if necessary, by what amount.

[0047] Firstly, a step is carried out to open the door 3. In the presence of a discrete control 31 as seen previously, the control 31 is pressed or touched, which ejects the door 3 relative to the body. Indeed, a system between the discrete control 31 and the ejector 11 causes the ejector to move from the retracted or rest position to its extended position in which a movable part of the ejector is extended so as to push on the nose of the lock 8 of the door 3. The gap or offset between the door 3 and the body 2 resulting from the translation of the ejector allows manual access to the lock and therefore to fully open the door 3.

[0048] A step of fictitious closing of the door 3 is then carried out so as to allow at least partial access to the fixing means 4. Indeed, as illustrated in Figure 3, when the ejector is in the extended position (door open - PO), it is not possible to access the fixing means 4 of the striker on the body. More precisely, the ejector in the extended position is positioned in the immediate vicinity of the fixing means 4, for example just above.

[0049] Preferably, the step of fictitious closing of the opening 3 comprises a sub-step of pushing the ejector 11 and maintaining it in the pushed position, that is to say in the retracted position of the ejector 11 (identical to the closed position of door 3 PF of figure 3).

[0050] For this purpose, for example, the ejector and / or the strike plate comprises a means for locking the ejector in the retracted position, such as a pull tab or lever or lug. The means for locking the ejector in the retracted position makes it possible to maintain, if necessary, the spring(s) of the ejector in the compressed state as is the case when the door is fully closed (embodiment not shown). The locking means is activated so as to force the ejector in the retracted position, as if the door were fully closed.

[0051] The ejector no longer hindering the fixing means 4, a step of adjusting the position of the striker 10 relative to the body 2 is then carried out. To do this, as illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 7, the screws 4 are acted upon, preferably by means of a socket 5. Advantageously, the socket 5 is mounted on a screwdriver / unscrewer. More precisely, the step of adjusting the position of the striker 10 comprises a sub-step of loosening the fixing means 4. This sub-step of loosening is preferably carried out by the operator by unscrewing the screws 4, in particular via a screwdriver / unscrewer. This loosening creates a gap between the latch 10 and the body 2. The operator then performs a sub-step of shifting the latch relative to the body on the side where the gap between the door 3 and the opening 9 is greatest, i.e. either at the level of J1 or at the level of J2.This offset is made for example according to the value measured and / or determined during the inspection of the fully closed door at the start of the process. Finally, the operator performs a sub-step of tightening the screws 4 so as to lock the latch 10 in position relative to the box 2.

[0052] Optionally, the fixing means 4 is not a screw-nut system. In this case, loosening the fixing means so as to allow an offset between the strike plate and the body is not unscrewing, and tightening after offset is not screwing.

[0053] The operator then proceeds to a step of closing the opening 3, followed by a step of checking the adjustment of the clearances J. In other words, the operator ensures that the clearances J1, J2 are equal or substantially equal, so as to obtain the same clearance J on either side of the door 3 in the transverse direction. Indeed, in this case of a trunk door or tailgate, the offset of the latch is in the transverse or substantially transverse direction, the clearances J1, J2 being in the transverse direction.

[0054] For example, following the clearance adjustment verification step, at least one further iteration of clearance adjustment steps between the opening 3 and the body 2 is carried out. In summary, the operator observes or even measures the clearances J1, J2, then opens the door, then blocks the ejector, then loosens the latch fixing means, then shifts the latch, then tightens the latch fixing means, then closes the trunk door before checking that the clearances on either side of the door are identical or substantially identical. Possibly, another iteration, or even more, are possible until a clearance J is obtained on either side of the door in the transverse direction.

[0055] Preferably, the adjustment method described above is used within a method of assembling the vehicle 1 comprising the opening 3 and the body 2 provided with the opening 9.

[0056] Preferably, the sub-step of pushing or blocking or holding the ejector in the retracted position so as to simulate the door being fully closed is carried out using a tool 20. More precisely, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the tool 20 comprises a volume 21 capable of occupying a space E occupied by the opening 3, in particular by the lock 8 of the opening, in the fully closed position of the opening. The tool 20 thus frees up space allowing the passage of the socket 5 for unscrewing and screwing the screws 4. Indeed, the tool 20 comprises a shape or volume 21 that the operator pushes into the space E to push the ejector 11 towards its retracted position. As illustrated in FIGS. 7, 8, 9 and 10, the volume

[0057] 21 preferably comprises two studs 22. For example, each stud 22 comprises a groove 25. For example, the groove 25 is rectilinear or substantially rectilinear. Preferably, the striker or a striker support or a fixed part of the ejector comprises grooves intended to cooperate with the grooves 25 so as to guide the tool 20 relative to the striker, in particular to guide the tool vertically or substantially vertically. Preferably, the grooves create contact and / or friction surfaces making it possible to promote the holding in position of the tool, maintaining the ejector in the retracted position without the risk of the ejector returning to the extended position. For example, the grooves 25 of the two studs 22 extend parallel. For example, the two pads 22 are symmetrical with respect to a plane P extending between the two pads 22. Preferably, the tool 20 comprises a connector or arc or handle 23 extending between the two pads

[0058] 22 allowing both to connect the two pads and to create a gripping area. Preferably, the tool 20 also comprises a means 24 for hanging the tool 20, for example a hook or a ring or a hole, allowing the tool to be hung outside its use phase and to facilitate its storage and the tidying up of the work space of the retouching area of ​​the trunk door in the case of a production line.

[0059] Note that during a check after adjustment of the clearances requiring at least partial closing of the door, the tool can remain in place against the ejector. Thus, if the check is not satisfactory, one can directly act on the fixing means to refine the offset of the striker without having to constrain the ejector again, the latter having remained in the retracted position thanks to the tool. Obviously, when a check of the clearances is conclusive, the trunk striker adjustment tool is removed and stored, preferably hooked so as to avoid any loss of the tool, or forgetting it within the vehicle.

[0060] Thanks to the solution, a single operator can carry out adjustments or alterations to the trunk door. Indeed, the tool 20 can easily be installed with two hands. One hand pushes the ejector 11 towards its retracted position (identical to the fully closed door 3), and the other hand positions the tool in the space E freed by the ejector. When shifting the striker, the operator holds his screwdriver / unscrewer in one hand and shifts the striker with his other hand, the ejector being retained by the tool so as to free access to the screws 4. As a result, a single operator can be assigned to this task, saving time, and consequently saving money. In addition, the tool is easily removed after adjustment, in particular thanks to its handle 23 which allows it to be removed, in particular according to the direction of the grooves. This results in improved ergonomics when retouching the trunk doors, which is then less tiring.

[0061] Note that the tool is compact, which allows adjustment shims to be positioned at the striker to facilitate adjustments despite the presence of the tool. In addition, the solution avoids disassembly of the ejector to ensure adjustment. The tool is particularly lightweight and is possibly manufactured by molding and / or 3D printing of plastic. The tool is therefore inexpensive to produce.

[0062] The adjustment method is particularly simple by exploiting the fact that the door tolerates twists and / or deformations, in particular due to its material(s). Thus, the lateral play of the door 3 is taken up without acting on the means for pivoting the door relative to the body, generally of the hinge type 35. Indeed, the play is taken up or adjusted by moving only the strike plate relative to the body despite the twists and / or deformations generated by the door, in particular in the fully closed position of the door. Thus, the door may be constrained, in contact with the strike plate or at the strike plate, to better distribute the play in the transverse direction between the door and the body. As mentioned previously, the aesthetics and functionality of the door are not altered during the opening / closing cycles, even in the case of slight recurring twists and / or deformations.The fact of not having to adjust the hinges again represents a saving of time, an economy and makes this adjustment less painful.

[0063] Thanks to the solution, although opening the opening causes the ejector to come out, which prevents access to the means for fixing the strike plate, and therefore prevents adjustment of the position of the strike plate, the adjustment becomes possible. The ejector is retracted, preferably by means of the tool 20, and does not interfere with the adjustment. This results in a simple, ergonomic, rapid process that can be carried out by a single operator. As mentioned above, the method is particularly suitable for adjusting a trunk door made of plastic and / or composite material that tolerates deformations since only the strike plate is offset to take up the play.

[0064] As a side note, the solution therefore achieves the desired objective of providing an easy adjustment process between a door and a box, and has the following advantages:

[0065] - it can be used on other types of openings using a discreet opening control associated with an ejector, and / or on trunk doors which are not of the tailgate type, - it can be used on other vehicles equipped with openings which must meet demanding aesthetic criteria.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Method for adjusting clearances (J) between an opening (3), in particular non-metallic, and a vehicle body (2), in particular a motor vehicle body (1), the body (2) comprising a strike plate (10), an ejector (11) for the opening (3), the strike plate (10) being fixed to the body (2) by a fixing means (4), characterized in that the method comprises: - a step of opening the opening (3), - a fictitious closing step of the opening (3) so as to allow at least partial access to the fastening means (4), - a step of adjusting the position of the strike plate (10) relative to the case (2), - a closing step of the opening (3), - a step to verify the game settings (J).

2. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the fictitious closing step of the opening (3) includes a substep of pushing the ejector (11) and holding the ejector (11) in the pushed position.

3. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the step of adjusting the position of the strike plate (10) comprises: - a sub-step of loosening the fastening means (4) so ​​as to allow movement of the strike plate (10) relative to the casing (2), followed by - a sub-step of offsetting the strike plate (10) relative to the case (2), followed by - a sub-step of tightening the fastening means (4) so ​​as to lock the strike plate (10) in position.

4. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the shift of the strike plate is made along the transverse or substantially transverse direction.

5. A method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the loosening substep is carried out by unscrewing the fastening means (4) and in that the tightening sub-step is done by screwing the fastening means (4).

6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises, following the check of the adjustment of the clearances (J), at least one other iteration of adjustment of clearances (J) steps between the opening (3) and the case (2).

7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the substep of pushing and holding the ejector (11) is carried out using a tool (20) simulating the opening (3) in the closed position.

8. Tool (20) intended to be used to simulate a vehicle opening (3), in particular a motor vehicle, in the closed position at the level of a latch (10) comprising an ejector (11) of the opening (3) in the method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the tool (20) comprises a volume (21) capable of occupying a space (E) occupied by the opening (3) in the closed position.

9. Method of assembling a vehicle comprising an opening (3) and a body (2), in particular a motor vehicle (1), characterized in that the assembly method comprises the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 for adjusting the opening (3) relative to the body (2).

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