Guide device for a sliding door of a motor vehicle

Abstract

Sliding door system (1) for a vehicle (V), in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a body element (2), a door (4) sliding relative to the body element between an open position and a closed position, and a guide device (5) for guiding the door with respect to the body element, characterized in that the guide device comprises: - a first arm (11) fixed to the body element via a first pivot connection means (12), - a second arm (13) fixed to the first arm via a first sliding connection means (14), and - a shuttle (15) fixed, on the one hand, to the second arm via a second pivot connection means (16) and fixed, on the other hand, to the door by a second sliding connection means (17).

Description

[0001] TITLE: Guiding device for a sliding door of a motor vehicle

[0002] Technical field of the invention

[0003] The invention relates to a sliding door system for a motor vehicle, the sliding door system comprising a device for guiding the door between its open position and its closed position. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising such a sliding door system.

[0004] State of the prior art

[0005] To access the passenger compartment or a loading space of a motor vehicle, the use of sliding doors is known. The integration of sliding doors into a motor vehicle requires a guide device capable of guiding the door between its closed position and its open position. The guide device must in particular prevent the door from becoming detached during its movement, and then when it is in the open position. In particular, the guide device must allow longitudinal locking of the door at the end of its travel. It must also prevent the door from sagging vertically, or from being torn off in the transverse direction. In addition, such a guide device must be sufficiently robust to withstand a large number of openings and closings of the door during the vehicle's service life.Finally, such a guidance device must also guarantee risk-free use for users, particularly without the risk of pinching or trapping fingers.

[0006] For this purpose, motor vehicles equipped with sliding doors comprise at least one external rail, extending longitudinally substantially halfway up the vehicle body. This external rail cooperates with rollers secured to the door to form the guide device. However, the presence of the external rail detracts from the exterior aesthetic appearance of the vehicle.

[0007] Presentation of the invention

[0008] The aim of the invention is to provide a sliding door system which overcomes the above drawbacks and improves the sliding door systems known from the prior art.

[0009] More specifically, an object of the invention is a sliding door system without external rail which is at the same time reliable, safe to use, and compact.

[0010] Summary of the invention

[0011] The invention relates to a sliding door system for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, the sliding door system comprising a body element, a door sliding relative to the body element between an open position and a closed position, and a device for guiding the door relative to the body element, the guiding device comprising:

[0012] - a first arm fixed to the body element by means of a first pivot connection means,

[0013] - a second arm fixed to the first arm by means of a first sliding connection means, and

[0014] - a shuttle fixed on the one hand to the second arm by means of a second pivot connection means, and fixed on the other hand to the door by a second slide connection means.

[0015] The door may comprise a guide rail extending longitudinally along an inner face of the door, the shuttle cooperating with the guide rail according to said second sliding connection. The door may comprise a trim fitting at least partially masking the guide rail, the trim fitting comprising a longitudinal slot through which the second arm extends. The guide device may comprise a trim element attached to the first arm.

[0016] The first pivot connection means may comprise a first return means tending to pivot the first arm relative to the body element in a direction promoting the opening of the door. The first slide connection means may comprise a second return means tending to slide the second arm relative to the first arm in a direction promoting the opening of the door.

[0017] The first arm and the second arm can form a telescopic assembly.

[0018] The second arm may be formed by a plate extending substantially perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the first pivot connection means and the second pivot connection means.

[0019] The guide device may comprise means for locking the orientation of the first arm relative to the body element and the position of the second arm relative to the first arm when the door is in the open position.

[0020] The second arm may be slidable within the first arm, the first arm comprising an opening, the second arm comprising a notch positioned substantially opposite the opening when the door is in the open position, and the locking means may comprise an indexing finger extending through the opening and cooperating with the notch when the door is in the open position.

[0021] The guide device may comprise a means for damping the opening movement of the sliding door.

[0022] The sliding door system may further comprise a main door guide device comprising means for automatically opening and closing the door.

[0023] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle, comprising a sliding door system as defined previously.

[0024] Presentation of figures

[0025] These objects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be explained in detail in the following description of a particular embodiment made without limitation in relation to the attached figures among which:

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a motor vehicle equipped with a sliding door system according to one embodiment of the invention, the door being in the closed position.

[0027] Figure 2 is a schematic view of the vehicle, the door being in a first intermediate position between its closed position and its open position.

[0028] Figure 3 is a schematic view of the vehicle with the door in a second intermediate position between its closed position and its open position, the door being closer to the open position than in Figure 2.

[0029] Figure 4 is a view from inside the vehicle of the sliding door system. Figure 5 is a perspective view of an exploded view of a guide device of the sliding door system.

[0030] Figure 6 is a view from inside the vehicle of a vehicle door and the guidance device.

[0031] Figure 7 is a sectional view in a first transverse and vertical plane of the vehicle door.

[0032] Figure 8 is a sectional view in a second transverse and vertical plane of the vehicle door.

[0033] Figure 9 is a sectional view in a third transverse and vertical plane of the vehicle door.

[0034] Figure 10 is a top view of a portion of the guide device with the door in the closed position.

[0035] Figure 11 is a top view of a portion of the guide device with the door in the open position.

[0036] Figure 12 is a longitudinal sectional view of the guide device with the door in the closed position.

[0037] Figure 13 is a longitudinal sectional view of the guide device with the door in the open position.

[0038] Detailed description

[0039] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a vehicle V, in particular of the automobile type, comprising a sliding door system 1 according to one embodiment of the invention. The vehicle V may in particular be a private vehicle, a utility vehicle, a truck or even a bus. It comprises a body forming a rigid structure of the vehicle, and defining an interior volume of the vehicle. This interior volume may be a passenger compartment or a loading space of the vehicle. The vehicle V comprises at least one body element 2 provided with an opening, or embrasure 3, and a door 4 sliding reversibly relative to the body element 2 between an open position and a closed position. In Figure 1, the door 4 is shown in the closed position. In Figure 2, the door 4 is shown in a first intermediate position between its closed position and its open position.Finally, in Figure 3, door 4 is shown in a second intermediate position between its closed position and its open position, the door being more open than in Figure 2. In particular, door 4 is a side door and it moves generally towards the rear of the vehicle when it passes from its closed position to its open position.

[0040] In this document, the X axis refers to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle V. When moving forward and in a straight line, the vehicle moves from rear to front in a direction parallel to its longitudinal axis. The X axis is oriented from the front to the rear of the vehicle, i.e., in the direction of reverse travel. The Y axis refers to the transverse axis of the vehicle. The Y axis is oriented from left to right, with left and right being defined according to the point of view of a vehicle driver. The Z axis refers to the axis perpendicular to the X axis and the Y axis. The vehicle is considered to be resting on horizontal ground. The Z axis is a vertical axis, oriented from bottom to top. The X, Y and Z axes form an orthogonal coordinate system.

[0041] The enumeration adjectives ("first", "second", etc.) appearing in this document do not characterize any order relationship between the different objects to which they relate. They are simply intended to distinguish and identify these different objects.

[0042] The vehicle V comprises a guide device 5 capable of guiding the movement of the door 4 relative to the body element 2 during its movement between its closed position and its open position. The guide device 5 also makes it possible to hold the door 4 when it is in the open position. The guide device 5 is arranged substantially halfway up the door 4. It comprises a first end 6 fixed to the door, for example below a window 7 integrated into the door. It also comprises a second end 8 fixed to the body element

[0043] 2, in particular halfway up a rear edge 9 of the doorway 3.

[0044] Preferably, the guide device 5 is used in addition to at least one main guide device (not shown). The main guide device may be arranged below the doorway 3 in a lower part of the body. The main guide device may comprise a guide rail extending longitudinally in the lower part of the body. Due to its location, this guide rail does not penalize the aesthetics of the vehicle. The main guide device may be able to withstand the vertical forces generated by the weight of the door. However, it is insufficient on its own to ensure guidance and robust support of the door during its movement between its closed position and its open position, and when it is in the open position.In particular, in the event that a force is applied to the top of the door in the transverse direction and towards the outside of the vehicle, the guide device would not be sufficient to prevent the door from being torn off. In addition, the main guide device may also comprise a means for automatically opening and closing the automatic door, such as for example an electric motor.

[0045] The door 4 can be movable from its closed position to its open position according to a movement comprising a first phase followed by a second phase. The first phase of the movement can comprise a transverse displacement of the door relative to the body element 2 by means of an articulated arm mechanism, or pantograph. This articulated arm mechanism can in particular be integrated into the main guide device. During this first phase of the movement, the door can be inclined by a first rotational movement about a vertical axis forming an opening between the rear of the door and the rear of the doorway 3. The first rotational movement is followed by a second rotational movement about a vertical axis, in a direction opposite to the first rotational movement, so that the door adopts an orientation substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.The second phase of the movement may include a longitudinal translation of the door towards the rear relative to the body element. The orientation of the door in the open position and in the closed position may be substantially identical and parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0046] The guide device 5 will now be described in more detail in relation to Figures 4 and 5. The guide device 5 comprises:

[0047] - a first arm 11 fixed to the body element 2 by means of a first pivot connection means 12,

[0048] - a second arm 13 fixed to the first arm by means of a first sliding connection means 14, and

[0049] - a shuttle 15 fixed on the one hand to the second arm 13 by means of a second pivot connection means 16, and fixed on the other hand to the door 4 by a second slide connection means 17.

[0050] The first sliding connection means 14 allows the second arm 13 to slide relative to the first arm 11 parallel to a substantially horizontal axis H1. In particular, the first arm 11 and the second arm 13 form a telescopic assembly, that is to say that one of the two arms 11, 13 is able to slide inside the other of the two arms 11, 13. In particular, the first arm 11 comprises an opening 18 inside which the second arm is inserted according to a sliding connection. The first arm 11 generally comprises the elongated shape with a square or rectangular section. The second arm 13 is formed by a plate extending substantially horizontally.

[0051] The first pivot connection means 12 comprises a base 19 fixed to the body element 2. For this purpose, the base 19 comprises one or more fixing holes. The base 19 comprises a bearing supporting an axis 21 extending parallel to a first vertical Z1. The axis 21 passes through an opening 22 formed at a first end of the first arm 11. The first arm 11 is thus able to pivot about the first vertical axis Z1 by an angle approximately equal to 90° when the door passes from its open position to its closed position. A second end of the first arm, opposite its first end, receives the second arm 13 to form said first slide connection means 14.

[0052] The second pivot connection means 16 is formed by an axis 23 cooperating with a hole 24 formed at a first end of the second arm 13 and with a hole 25 formed on a fixing plate 26 of the shuttle 15. The axis 23 extends parallel to a second vertical axis Z2, distinct from the first vertical axis Z1. The first end of the second arm is opposite a second end of the second arm, which is inserted into the opening 18 of the first arm.

[0053] The shuttle 25 comprises a set of rollers 27 each movable in rotation about an axis parallel to the vertical axis. These rollers 27 are held by the fixing plate 26. The rollers 27 of the shuttle 25 cooperate with a guide rail 28 extending longitudinally along an inner face of the door 4 to form said second slide connection means 17. The axis H2 along which the guide rail 28 extends forms the axis of the second slide connection means 17. The axis H2 is parallel to the longitudinal axis when the door is in the open position and in the closed position. The axis H2 can be inclined relative to the longitudinal axis during the first phase of the door opening movement, while remaining horizontal. The axis H2 is perpendicular to the first and second vertical axes Z1 and Z2. The guide device 5 thus forms an articulation connecting the body element 2 to an inner face of the door 4.This articulation comprises only two pivot connection means 12, 16 around two distinct vertical axes Z1, Z2 and two slide connection means 14, 17 along two distinct horizontal axes H1 and H2. The articulation does not comprise other degrees of freedom. This articulation therefore forms a connection means between the body element 2 and the door 4 which prevents a risk of the door being torn off following a transverse force on it.

[0054] Figures 6 to 9 respectively illustrate a part of the door in front view from inside the vehicle, and in section along three section planes parallel to the vertical axis and the transverse axis, AA, BB and CC identified in Figure 6. The door comprises a box 29 surmounted by the window 7. The door comprises an exterior trim panel 60 overlapping the box 29 on which this panel 60 is fixed. The window 7 is preferably a fixed window. Thus the box 29 benefits from a large volume to house the guide rail 28. The box 29 comprises a housing 30, or recess, inside which the guide rail 28 is arranged. The housing 30 extends longitudinally to a rear edge of the door. The housing 30 comprises a substantially U-shaped section. The housing 30 is open to the interior of the vehicle. The housing 30 is covered by a trim 31 covering the guide rail 28.The trim 31 comprises a longitudinal slot 32 through which the second arm 13 extends. Advantageously, since the second arm is in the form of a plate, the slot 32 has a relatively small width. The width of the slot 32 may be slightly greater than the thickness of the plate forming the second arm 13, so as to allow the movement of the second arm 13 without friction with the trim 31. This slot therefore remains discreet. On the one hand, the aesthetics of the interior of the vehicle are only very slightly impacted. On the other hand, the narrowness of the slot prevents any risk of insertion of the fingers of a user or of any object which could block the mechanism.

[0055] In addition, the guide device 5 also comprises a covering element 34 fixed to the first arm 11. Advantageously, this covering element 34 covers an interface 35 (clearly visible in FIG. 12) where the second arm 13 fits inside the first arm, which reduces the risk of pinching fingers. As shown in the figures, this covering element 34 may further comprise an angled shape intended to match the shape of the covering trim 31 when the door is in the closed position.

[0056] According to another aspect of the invention, the first pivot connection means 12 may comprise a first return means tending to pivot the first arm relative to the body element in the direction of opening of the door. In this case, the first return means, clearly visible in Figures 10 and 11, is formed by a torsion spring 36 comprising a first end bearing against the base 19 and a second end bearing against the first arm 11, in particular by means of pins 33 fixed to the base 19. The torsion spring may, for example, comprise one or more sets of turns arranged around the first axis of rotation Z1.

[0057] The first sliding connection means 14 comprises a second return means tending to slide the second arm relative to the first arm also in the direction of opening of the door. In this case, the second return means comprises two tension springs 37, which are intended to exert a tensile force to bring the second arm 13 out of the first arm 11. The tension springs 37 extend parallel to each other inside the first arm 11. The two tension springs 37 each comprise a first end fixed to a first pin 38. The first pin 38 is fixed in a hole 39 of the second arm 13 and free to slide in a groove 40 of the first arm 11. The two tension springs 37 each comprise a second end fixed to the first arm 11 by means of two second pins 41 locked in position in the first arm through holes provided for this purpose.The guide device 5 further comprises a third pin 42 intended to guide the sliding of the second arm 13 relative to the first arm 11. The third pin 42 is fixed in a hole 43 of the first arm 11 and free to slide in a groove 44 formed in the second arm 13.

[0058] The first return means and the second return means make it possible to keep the entire guide device 5 under tension. This prevents floating or oscillating movements of an element of the guide device. The return means make it possible to accompany the movements of the different elements of the guide device, which limits the risk of them becoming jammed. Alternatively, the return means could be arranged differently. The guide device could comprise a single return means from among the first return means and the second return means presented. It could also comprise a third return means arranged at the second pivot connection means 16 and / or at the second slide connection means 17.As a note, the return means are not configured to open the door automatically, the opening being controlled by automatic means integrated into the main guide device, but only to put the guide device 5 under tension.

[0059] In relation to Figures 10 to 13, it is observed that the guide device 5 also comprises a means 45 for locking the orientation of the first arm relative to the body element and the position of the second arm relative to the first arm when the door is in the open position. The locking means 45 makes it possible to stabilize a particular position of the guide device 5 and forms a stop means preventing excessive deployment of the door, beyond its open position. In particular, the locking means 45 may comprise an indexing yoke 46 provided with an indexing finger 47. The indexing yoke 46 is fixed to the base 19 by means of screws 48 provided for this purpose. The indexing yoke 46 may be a single-piece element made of sheet metal. The indexing yoke 46 further comprises a support element 54 bearing on the base 19 so as to prevent the indexing yoke 46 from pivoting when the first arm 11 bears on the indexing finger 47.The indexing finger 47 is locked in position relative to the base so as to cooperate with the first arm when the door is in the open position. When the door is in the closed position, the indexing finger is not in contact with the first arm 11.

[0060] The first arm 11 comprises an opening 49 and the second arm comprises a notch 50 positioned substantially opposite the opening 49 when the door is in the open position. The notch 50 may be formed on an edge of the second arm 13, substantially between the hole 39 and the groove 44 of the second arm 13. It may substantially comprise the shape of a V. The indexing finger 47 extends through the opening 49 and cooperates with the notch 50 when the door is in the open position. The sliding of the second arm relative to the first arm is thus prevented, which has the effect of blocking any transverse movement of the door relative to the body element. The blocking means thus makes the guide device more robust with regard to transverse forces exerted on the door once it is in the open position.

[0061] Finally, the guide device also comprises a means for damping the opening movement of the sliding door. In particular, this damping means may be formed by an elastic element 51 configured to bear on the first arm when the door is in the open position. The damping means thus makes it possible to gradually brake the door 4 when it approaches its open position and thus to avoid too great an impact when the door reaches the stop defining the open position. The elastic element 51 may be in the form of a steel wire. It may be held against the indexing yoke 46 by means of a flange 52 and a fixing screw 53. As can be seen in FIGS. 11 and 13, the elastic element may extend around the indexing finger 47 and bear on the first arm above its opening 49.

[0062] Initially, when the door is in the closed position, the guide device 5 adopts a position in which the first arm and the second arm extend parallel to the guide rail 28. During the opening movement, the first arm 11 pivots approximately 90° towards the rear of the vehicle. Similarly, the shuttle 15 pivots approximately 90° relative to the second arm. During the first phase of the opening movement, no sliding or only slight sliding occurs between the first arm 11 and the second arm 13. The first slide connection means is therefore not stressed. During the second phase of the opening movement, the second arm 13 gradually retracts inside the first arm 11. Similarly, the shuttle 15 slides little or not at all relative to the guide rail 28 during the first phase of the opening movement, then more clearly during the second phase of the opening movement.

[0063] The invention provides a sliding door guide device that is completely invisible from the outside of the vehicle. The exterior aesthetic appearance of the vehicle is thus completely preserved. The guide device provides a robust hold for the door, preventing it from being torn off by a force directed transversely towards the outside of the vehicle. The guide device allows for smooth, wobble-free movement, particularly for frequencies below 20 Hz. Finally, the guide device allows for safe use without the risk of pinching or trapping the user's fingers.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Sliding door system (1) for a vehicle (V), in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a body element (2), a door (4) sliding relative to the body element between an open position and a closed position, and a device (5) for guiding the door relative to the body element, characterized in that the guiding device comprises: - a first arm (11) fixed to the body element by means of a first pivot connection means (12), - a second arm (13) fixed to the first arm by means of a first sliding connection means (14), and - a shuttle (15) fixed on the one hand to the second arm by means of a second pivot connection means (16), and fixed on the other hand to the door by a second slide connection means (17).

2. Sliding door system (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the door (4) comprises a guide rail (28) extending longitudinally along an inner face of the door, the shuttle (15) cooperating with the guide rail according to said second sliding connection.

3. Sliding door system (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the door (4) comprises a covering trim (31) at least partially masking the guide rail, the covering trim comprising a longitudinal slot (32) through which the second arm (13) extends, and / or in that the guide device (5) comprises a covering element (34) fixed to the first arm (13).

4. Sliding door system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first pivot connection means (12) comprises a first return means (36) tending to pivot the first arm relative to the body element in a direction promoting the opening of the door, and / or in that the first sliding connection means (14) comprises a second return means (37) tending to slide the second arm (13) relative to the first arm (11) in a direction promoting the opening of the door (4).

5. Sliding door system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first arm (11) and the second arm (13) forms a telescopic assembly.

6. Sliding door system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second arm (13) is formed by a plate extending substantially perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the first pivot connection means (12) and of the second pivot connection means (16).

7. Sliding door system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide device (5) comprises a means (45) for locking the orientation of the first arm (11) relative to the body element (2) and the position of the second arm (13) relative to the first arm (11) when the door is in the open position.

8. Sliding door system (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the second arm (13) is capable of sliding inside the first arm (11), the first arm comprising an opening (49), the second arm comprising a notch (50) positioned substantially opposite the opening (49) when the door is in the open position, and in that the locking means comprises an indexing finger (47) extending through the opening and cooperating with the notch when the door is in the open position. Sliding door system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide device (5) comprises a means (51) for damping the opening movement of the sliding door. Sliding door system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a main guide device for the door comprising a means for automatically opening and closing the door. Motor vehicle (V), characterized in that it comprises a sliding door system (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

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