Arrangement comprising a device for guiding a sliding door of a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an arrangement (1) for holding and guiding a sliding opening element (3) relative to a body (2) of a vehicle (100) comprising a device (5) for guiding the opening element (3) comprising a rail and a movement means (6) that engages with the rail (51), the arrangement (1) further comprising a headliner trim element (8), configured to be mounted on the vehicle (100), and a movable headliner flap (9), configured to be mounted pivotably relative to the trim element (8), the movable flap (9) comprising a guide element (93) that runs parallel to the main direction (500) and is configured to engage with the movement means (6) so as to move the movable flap (9) relative to the trim element (8) and vary a degree of opening of the movable flap (9).

Description

[0001] TITLE: Arrangement comprising a device for guiding a sliding opening of a motor vehicle

[0002] The invention relates to an arrangement comprising a device for guiding a sliding vehicle opening. The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising such an arrangement. The invention finally relates to a method of operating such an arrangement.

[0003] In the automotive sector, vehicles, in particular utility, van or "minivan" type motor vehicles, may comprise at least one sliding door. Such a door may be moved between a closed position, in which it obstructs an opening of the vehicle, and an open position, in which the door extends facing one side of the vehicle body to allow free access to the opening. In order to allow such movement, the vehicle conventionally comprises a support and / or guide system for the sliding door comprising at least one upper guide arranged in the door opening near a roof and a lower guide arranged in the door opening near a floor.

[0004] In known solutions, the upper guides used are conventionally concealed by a door frame and placed inside the vehicle. As a result, the geometry of the upper guide significantly impacts the vehicle body architecture and poses aesthetic and habitability constraints. In particular, the geometry of conventional upper guides limits the possibilities of roof drop and door entries to reduced values, in particular of the order of 8° and proves unsuitable for vehicles with a significant roof drop, for example of the order of 25°.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide an arrangement comprising a device for guiding a sliding opening which overcomes the above drawbacks and improves the devices of the prior art. In particular, the invention makes it possible to produce a simple, reliable and compact arrangement making it possible to conceal an upper guide of a sliding door, in particular a door having rotational and translational kinematics without distorting the roof trim.

[0006] The invention relates to an arrangement intended to hold and guide a sliding opening relative to a vehicle body, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a device for guiding a sliding opening comprising a rail extending along a main direction and a movement means cooperating with the rail so as to slide relative to it, characterized in that the arrangement further comprises:

[0007] - a roof trim trim, configured to be mounted on the vehicle; and

[0008] - a movable roof trim flap, configured to be pivotally mounted relative to the trim, the movable flap comprising a guide element extending parallel to the main direction and configured to cooperate with the movement means so as to move the movable flap relative to the trim and vary a degree of opening of the movable flap.

[0009] The moving means may comprise a movable carriage, the movable carriage carrying a guide member, such as a roller, configured to cooperate with the guide element of the movable shutter.

[0010] The guide element may have a variation in dimension along at least one transverse direction, in particular orthogonal, to the main direction so as to vary the degree of opening of the movable shutter relative to the trim.

[0011] Furthermore :

[0012] - the guide element may be a rib or a groove; and / or

[0013] - the guide element and at least one wall of the movable shutter may be made in one piece or the guide element may be attached to a wall of the movable shutter; and / or

[0014] - the movable shutter may comprise members for reinforcing the guide element, extending transversely, in particular orthogonally to the main direction. The arrangement may further comprise an articulated arm connected to the movement means at a first end, and a connecting member carried by a second end of the articulated arm, opposite the first end and configured to be connected to the sliding opening, the movable shutter comprising at least one recess and / or a location configured to receive at least in part the articulated arm.

[0015] The moving means may be configured to be moved between an extreme opening configuration and an extreme closing configuration, the arrangement further comprising at least one locking means, in particular a spring, arranged at an extreme portion of the movable shutter along the main direction configured to maintain the movable shutter in the extreme closing configuration.

[0016] Also, the arrangement may include:

[0017] - a box with an opening, in particular a side opening; and

[0018] - an opening sliding relative to the body, in particular a side door, the sliding opening being able to move between a closed position in which the sliding opening prevents access through the opening and an open position in which the sliding opening is offset from the opening.

[0019] In particular, the arrangement may comprise at least one mechanism for guiding the sliding opening, one of the guiding device or the guiding mechanism being configured to cooperate with an upper portion of the sliding opening and the other of the guiding device or the guiding mechanism being configured to cooperate with a lower portion of said opening, the arrangement further comprising a means for driving one of the guiding device or the guiding mechanism.

[0020] The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising an arrangement according to the invention. The invention finally relates to a method of operating an arrangement as set out above, comprising the opening and / or closing of the sliding opening, the movement of the movement means relative to the rail, in particular according to a translational movement, and the simultaneous movement of the movement means relative to the guide element so as to move the movable shutter relative to the trim and vary a degree of opening of the movable shutter.

[0021] Other details, characteristics and advantages will emerge more clearly on reading the detailed description given below, for informational and non-limiting purposes, in relation to the various examples of embodiment illustrated in the following figure:

[0022] Figure 1 is a simplified schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle equipped with an arrangement comprising a device for guiding a sliding opening.

[0023] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective representation of part of the arrangement.

[0024] Figure 3 is an exploded view of the portion of the arrangement shown in Figure 2.

[0025] Figure 4 is a simplified representation of a trim and a movable flap of the arrangement.

[0026] Figure 5 is a schematic representation of the arrangement in a first configuration.

[0027] Figure 6 is a schematic representation of the arrangement in a second configuration.

[0028] Figure 7 is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of the movable shutter.

[0029] Figure 8 is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of the movable shutter.

[0030] Figure 9 is a simplified representation of the cooperation between a means of movement and the mobile shutter.

[0031] Figure 10 is a simplified sectional representation of the cooperation between the moving means and the movable flap illustrated in Figure 9.

[0032] Figure 11 is a simplified sectional representation of the arrangement. Figure 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle 100, in particular a motor vehicle. The vehicle 100 in question may, for example, be a private vehicle or a utility vehicle. Preferably, the vehicle 100 is of the van or “minivan” type.

[0033] Figures 1 to 10 illustrate different examples and embodiments of the vehicle 100 according to the invention. By convention in the description below, the direction in which the motor vehicle 100 moves in a straight line is defined as being the longitudinal direction X. The direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and located in a plane parallel to the ground is called the transverse direction Y. The direction perpendicular to the directions X and Y is called the vertical direction Z. Thus, a direct reference frame XYZ is defined, conventionally implemented in the automotive environment. The terms “top” and “bottom” or “upper” and “lower” are understood in their general sense, the terms “bottom” and “lower” designating a greater proximity to the ground. The same applies to the terms “front” and “rear”.Also, the terms “first” and “second” are intended to distinguish similar elements and not to define a hierarchy within said elements.

[0034] The vehicle 100 comprises an arrangement 1 for holding and guiding a sliding opening relative to a body 2 of the vehicle 100. The arrangement 1 may in particular comprise the body 2 of the vehicle 100, provided with an opening 21, and at least one sliding opening 3 mounted movably relative to said body 2. The term "sliding" means that the opening is capable of being moved along a trajectory at least partially defined by a translational movement. In particular, the opening may be moved according to a helical movement, combining a movement according to a translational movement and at least one movement according to a rotational movement, as further explained below.

[0035] In this case, the arrangement 1 illustrated is represented at a lateral opening 21 of the body 2, the opening 3 considered being a rear side door. It is understood that the opening 3 can be arranged, in a non-limiting manner, on the driver's side and / or the passenger's side. Also, the arrangement 1 can extend to a trunk opening 21 and a trunk door. Additionally, the vehicle 100 can comprise a plurality of sliding openings 3.

[0036] Thus, the opening 3 is able to be moved by sliding relative to the body 2 between a closed position in which the opening 3 obstructs, for example completely, access through the opening 21 and an open position 21 in which the opening 3 allows access, for example complete access to the opening 21, and by extension to a passenger compartment of the vehicle 100. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, preferably, the opening 3 is moved in a translational movement along an axis parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction X. It is understood that the opening 3 can also be moved along one or more intermediate positions, between the closed position and the open position, an intermediate position corresponding to an intermediate open position in which the opening 3 is partially offset relative to the opening 21.

[0037] The arrangement 1 comprises in particular a guide device 5 for the sliding opening 3. The arrangement 1 may, in addition, comprise at least one guide mechanism 41 for the sliding opening 3. In particular, the guide device 5 and the guide mechanism 41 are configured to be arranged inside the vehicle 100, that is to say in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 100. One of the guide device 5 or the guide mechanism 41 is configured to cooperate with an upper portion of the sliding opening 3 and the other of the guide device 5 or the guide mechanism 41 is configured to cooperate with a lower portion of said opening 3. The same applies to at least a portion of the body 2 surrounding the opening 21, in particular surrounding a frame delimiting the opening 21. The arrangement may further comprise a drive means, not shown, of one of the guide device 5 or the guide mechanism 41.As a result, one of the guide device 5 or the guide mechanism 41, cooperating with the drive means, is driving while the other is driven. In this case and preferably, the guide device 5 is arranged on the body 2 at the upper level of the opening 21 while the guide mechanism 41 is arranged at the lower level of the opening 21, for example inside the hollow space of a flap zone. In the example also illustrated, the lower guide mechanism 41 cooperates with the drive means so that it is driving while the guide device 5 according to the invention is driven. It is understood that such a representation is in no way limiting.

[0038] As illustrated, the guide device 5 comprises a rail 51, or guide, extending along a main direction 500. Preferably, the rail 51 is at least partly rectilinear or substantially rectilinear, or even essentially rectilinear. Here, “essentially” is understood to mean that at least 50% of a length of the rail 51, defined along the main direction 500, is rectilinear. The rail 51 may in particular be configured to be directly or indirectly fixed to the body structure 2, for example by means of at least one fixing means 52, such as screws or a screw / nut assembly.

[0039] The guide device 5 also comprises a movement means 6 cooperating with the rail 51 so as to slide relative to the latter. According to a preferred embodiment, the movement means 6 comprises a movable carriage 61. The movement means 6 is also configured to be connected, directly or indirectly, to the sliding opening 3. In particular, the arrangement 1 may further comprise an articulated arm 7, or a connecting rod, connecting the movement means 6 to the opening 3 so as to transmit a movement of the opening 3 to the guide device 5 or vice versa, depending on whether the guide device 5 is driven or driving respectively. For example, an assembly comprising the movable carriage 61 and a shuttle may be provided with sliding elements of the bearing type, tangent buffer, Teflon pad or any other sliding element known to those skilled in the art.Preferably, these sliding elements are made of a material with a low coefficient of friction allowing non-destructive sliding over time. For example, the articulated arm 7 is connected to the displacement means 6 at a first end. The articulated arm comprises in particular an axis 71 configured to be connected to the displacement means 6 so that the arm is pivotally mounted about an axis of rotation, in particular orthogonal to the main direction 500, relative to the displacement means 6. The articulated arm 7 comprises at least one joint. A second end of the articulated arm 7, opposite the first end, can be connected to the opening 3 directly or by means of a connecting member, not shown, for example carried by the opening 3.

[0040] The displacement means 6 is thus configured to be displaced along all or part of the length of the rail 51, between an extreme rear position, corresponding for example to a position of the displacement means 6 on the rail in which the opening 3 connected to it is arranged in its open position, and an extreme rear position, corresponding for example to a position of the displacement means on the rail in which the opening 3 connected to it is arranged in its closed position. Note that the extreme positions of the displacement means 6 relative to the rail 51 are representative of an extreme of the travel, that is to say of the displacement of the displacement means 6. These positions can be arranged at one end of the rail 51 along the length thereof or can have an intermediate position, as illustrated in FIG. 5 for the extreme closing configuration.It is understood that the extreme positions delimiting the travel of the illustrated displacement means 6 are in no way limiting and may be reversed or modified without altering the invention.

[0041] The arrangement 1 further comprises a roof trim trim 8, configured to be mounted on the vehicle 100, and a movable roof trim flap 9, configured to be pivotally mounted relative to the trim trim 8.

[0042] The trim 8 is configured to be mounted in the vehicle 100, in particular on the body 2 of the vehicle 100. The trim 8 is also configured to cooperate with the rail 51, in particular in order to receive said rail 51 so as to hide it at least partially from the view of an occupant of the vehicle 100. The trim 8 has an elongated structure at least partly complementary to the shape of the rail 51. For example, the trim 8 may extend, when the arrangement 1 is assembled, along the main direction 500. The trim 8 may thus be at least partly rectilinear. In particular, in a non-limiting manner, the trim 8 comprises two end flanks 81, delimiting the trim 8 along the main direction 500. The trim 8 illustrated also comprises at least one lateral flank 82, connecting the end flanks 81 together. The trim 8 is open on at least one side so as to receive the rail 51 and to allow the movement of the movable shutter 9.The hubcap 8 can be mounted in the vehicle 100 via at least one of the sides. In this sense, the lateral side 82 and / or at least one of the end sides 81 can, for example, comprise an orifice capable of receiving a fixing means 52 as explained previously.

[0043] Optionally, as illustrated in Figure 2, the arrangement 1 may further comprise a trim housing 54. The housing 54 and the trim 8 may be two separate parts, mounted fixed relative to each other. Alternatively, as illustrated, the trim 8 and the housing 54 may be a common part, for example made in one piece, in order to simplify the assembly of the arrangement 1. In this sense, the characteristics relating to the trim 8 may apply mutatis mutandis to the housing 54. In particular, the fixing of at least a portion of the arrangement 1, for example at the guide device 5, in the vehicle may be carried out by means of at least one fixing means 52 at the housing 54 and / or the trim 8.

[0044] The movable flap 9 is pivotally mounted relative to the trim 8. The movable flap 9 comprises two end walls 91, each configured to extend opposite one of the end flanks 81 of the trim 8 when the arrangement 1 is assembled, and at least one intermediate wall 92, connecting the end walls 91 together. In order to allow the movement of the movable flap 9 by pivoting, the arrangement 1 comprises connecting means 53 forming a pivot connection centered on a pivot axis 900 of the movable flap 9. In particular, the pivot axis 900 extends parallel or substantially parallel to the main direction 500. According to exemplary embodiments, the end flanks 81 and end walls 91 may comprise a hole capable of receiving an axle and / or a screw, as illustrated, centered on a pivot axis 900 of the movable flap 9.Alternatively, the end flanks 81 and end walls 91 may comprise connecting means 53 of complementary shapes, male and female.

[0045] The movable shutter 9 according to the invention advantageously comprises a guide element 93 extending parallel to the main direction 500. The guide element 93 is arranged so that, when the displacement means 6 is moved along the rail 51, the latter is configured to cooperate with the guide element 93 so as to pivot the movable shutter 9 around the pivot axis 900, that is to say, and in particular so as to vary a degree of opening of the movable shutter 9 relative to the trim 8.

[0046] Preferably, the movement means 6, in particular the movable carriage 61, comprises a guide member 62 configured to cooperate with the guide element 93 of the movable flap 9 when the arrangement 1 is assembled. In particular, according to an exemplary embodiment, the guide member 62 is a roller. The guide member 62 and the guide element 93 can cooperate in shape and material so as to ensure the longevity of the arrangement 1.

[0047] The guide member 62 may be carried, within the displacement means 6, by a yoke or a lug, for example added. For example, such a yoke or lug may be mounted on the carriage 61 of the displacement means 6. The guide member 62 has an offset position relative to the rail 51 and / or to the carriage 61 along at least one direction. In this case, the guide member 62 has an offset position relative to the rail 51 and / or to the carriage 61 along the vertical direction Z and along the transverse direction Y. The guide member 62 thus extends opposite the guide element 93 along at least one direction. Thus, in the example illustrated, the roller of the guide member 62 rolls against an upper surface of the guide element 93 simultaneously with the movement of the displacement means 6 along the rail 51.Figures 2 to 8 illustrate different non-limiting examples of embodiment of the guide element 93 and the cooperation between said guide element 93 and the guide member 62.

[0048] Preferably, the guide element 93 is a rib or a groove. In this case, in the examples illustrated, the guide element 93 is a rib extending in projection from an internal surface 901 of the movable flap 9, here facing a ceiling of the vehicle 100, in particular facing in the direction of the movement means 6. In this case, the guide element 93 extends in projection from the intermediate wall 92.

[0049] The movable flap 9 may be made of a plastic material or a metallic material, such as polypropylene, polymethyl methacrylate, also known as PMMA, or any derivatives of biological materials. According to an exemplary embodiment, the guide element 93 and at least one of the walls of the movable flap 9 are integrally formed, that is to say they form a single-piece assembly. By “integrally formed” is meant that they cannot be separated from each other without resulting in the degradation of the movable flap 9. In this case, at least the intermediate wall 92 and the guide element 93 are integrally formed. Alternatively, the guide element 93 may be attached to one of the walls of the movable flap 9 and fixed, for example by gluing or by means of any fixing means 52 known to those skilled in the art. The guide element 93 and the flap may then be made of separate materials.Optionally, the guide element 93 may comprise a metal part, whether attached or not, in particular an insert, configured to limit any wear resulting from cooperation with the movement means 6. Optionally, the guide element 93 may be removable.

[0050] Advantageously, the guide element 93 may have a variation of a dimension 90 measured along at least one transverse direction, in particular orthogonal, to the main direction 500 relative to the internal surface 901 of the movable flap 9 so as to vary the degree of opening of the movable flap 9 relative to the trim 8. The term “variation of a dimension” is understood in particular to mean a variation of a height of the rib of the guide element 93, as illustrated in FIG. 8. Alternatively, according to an exemplary embodiment not shown, the “variation of dimension” may be representative of a variation in the depth of a groove of the guide element 93.

[0051] In this way, when the movement means 6 moves along the path defined by the rail 51, the guide member 62, here the roller, moves concomitantly along the guide element 93, here the rib. The movement means 6 moves without exhibiting any variation in height relative to the rail 51. The movable flap 9, on the other hand, moves around the pivot axis 900 as a function of the cooperation between the guide element 93 and the guide member 62.

[0052] In the example illustrated, the greater the height of the guide element 93, the more the guide member 62 will lower the movable shutter 9. In other words, the intermediate wall 92, particularly an edge furthest from the intermediate wall 92 relative to the rail 51 and / or the trim 8, will be pivoted and lowered more. The degree of opening of the shutter relative to the trim 8 will then be greater. Conversely, when the height of the guide element 93 is low, the guide member 62 lowers the movable shutter 9 little, or not at all, depending on the desired adjustment. The intermediate wall 92 then pivots little, or not at all, relative to the rail 51 and / or the trim 8.The degree of opening of the movable shutter 9 relative to the trim 8 thus varies between a “nominal” or “closed” configuration in which the movable shutter 9 is not moved, here obtained at the lowest, or low, height of the guide element 93, and a “tilted” or “open” configuration obtained at the highest, or high, height of the guide element 93. An exemplary embodiment of the movable shutter 9 in the “nominal” configuration is shown in solid lines in FIG. 11, while the movable shutter 9 pivoted in the “tilted” configuration is illustrated in this same figure in dotted lines. Such a variation in the degree of opening of the movable shutter 9 notably allows the passage of the articulated arm 7 when the opening is moved between its “closed” position and its “open” position.In particular, such a variation is configured to be adapted to an architecture of the opening, in particular a shape of the opening 21 and / or a drop of the roof.

[0053] The movable flap 9 can also be moved into one or more intermediate configuration(s), obtained when a point of the guide element 93 cooperating with the displacement means 6, selected along the length thereof, has a height between the lowest height and the highest height relative to the internal surface 901 of the movable flap 9. An inverse principle applies mutatis mutandis to a guide element 93 comprising a groove.

[0054] Optionally, as illustrated in Figure 11, the arrangement 1 according to the invention may also comprise a sealing and / or damping member 11, such as a seal, configured to cooperate with a free end of the movable flap 9. The sealing and / or damping member 11 may, for example, be fixed on or around the opening 21 of the body 2. For example, it may be carried by a clamp 12 carrying a door entry seal bordering the opening 21.

[0055] Optionally, the movable flap 9 may comprise reinforcing members 94 of the guide element 93. The reinforcing members 94 may be distributed along all or part of the length of the guide element 93. The reinforcing members 94 extend transversely, in particular orthogonally to the guide element 93 and to the main direction 500. Advantageously, when the guide element is removable and / or attached, the reinforcing members 94 also have the function of holding the guide element 93.

[0056] Optionally but preferably, the movable shutter 9 may comprise at least one recess 95 and / or at least one location 95' configured to receive at least in part the articulated arm 7. The recess 95 may in particular be configured so as to receive the articulated arm 7 when the latter, connected to the movement means 6, is in at least one of the extreme front or rear positions described previously along the rail 51, corresponding to the open or closed position of the sliding opening 3 relative to the body 2.

[0057] In the illustrated example, the intermediate wall 92 of the movable shutter 9 comprises a first recess 95a, configured to receive the articulated arm 7 when the opening 3 is arranged in the open position. The intermediate wall 92 of the movable shutter 9 also comprises a second recess 95b, located opposite the first recess 95a along the main direction 500 and the rail 51, configured to receive the articulated arm 7 when the opening 3 is arranged in the closed position. A depth of the recess 95 considered may depend on the variation of the dimension 90 considered of the guide element 93 as previously explained, for example, the greater the dimension 90 considered, the smaller the depth of the recess 95, and vice versa. Alternatively, the recess 95 may be replaced by a cutout delimiting a location 95' capable of at least partially receiving the articulated arm 7.The illustrated movable flap 9 also represents an alternative example of location 95' capable of receiving the arm, at which the reinforcing members 94 are arranged so as to allow the positioning of a part of the articulated arm 7 parallel, or substantially parallel, to the guide element 93 and / or to the rail 51 in one of the aforementioned positions.

[0058] Optionally but preferably, the arrangement 1 further comprises at least one locking means 96 arranged at an end portion, along the main direction 500, of the movable shutter 9, configured to maintain the movable shutter 9 in the extreme closed configuration. In particular, the locking means 96 may be one or more springs. In the example illustrated, a spring is arranged at the opposite end portions of the movable shutter 9 so as to extend between one of the end flanks 81 of the trim 8 and one of the end walls 91 of the movable shutter 9. The locking means 96 makes it possible to return the movable shutter 9 to the “nominal” or “closed” configuration when the guide member 62 does not lower the guide element 93. The invention also extends to a method of operating the arrangement 1 according to the invention.Such a method can also be likened to a method of using the arrangement 1 or a vehicle 100 equipped with an arrangement 1 according to the invention.

[0059] The method comprises the opening 21 and / or the closing of the sliding opening 3 and the movement of the movement means 6 relative to the rail 51. Indeed, in the example illustrated, when the opening 3 is open or closed, the articulated arm 7 connected to the opening 3 is driven and the same applies to the movement means 6, connected to said arm. As explained previously, the movement means 6 can in particular evolve according to a translation movement T 1 . The method also comprises the simultaneous movement of the movement means 6, in particular by means of the guide member 62 such as at least one roller, relative to the guide element 93 so as to move the movable shutter 9 relative to the trim 8 and vary a degree of opening of the movable shutter 9.The trajectory of the guide member 62 is parallel, or substantially parallel to the trajectory defined by the rail 51 and it is the cooperation of the displacement means 6 with the guide element 93, by means of the guide member 62, which allows the displacement of the movable shutter 9, in particular the pivoting P1 of the shutter around the pivot axis 900, as described above.

[0060] The present invention thus proposes an arrangement comprising a device for guiding a sliding opening of a motor vehicle, advantageously making it possible to conceal the operation of said device, in particular the rail allowing the opening to move. The aesthetics of the motor vehicle, in particular the aesthetics of the body side, are thus optimized. In particular, when the opening is closed, the rail is invisible and covered by the movable flap of the device.

[0061] The invention is advantageously suited to a wide variety of vehicles equipped with at least one sliding door, such as for example heavy goods vehicles, buses, trains, or even airplanes, and to a wide variety of sliding opening architectures, in particular roof drop, while limiting the intrusion of the device. For example, the invention is suited to more or less large opening openings. Also, the invention allows the use of conventional rails, in particular rectilinear ones, integrating perfectly into a conventional body side geometry. The arrangement, in particular the guide device, can easily be integrated inside the vehicle, in the passenger compartment, for example behind a stretcher trim, so that it allows a framed opening and a desired roof drop to be retained while limiting the intrusion of the device.The present invention cannot, however, be limited to the means and methods described and illustrated here and it also extends to any equivalent means or method and to any technically effective combination of such means insofar as they ultimately fulfill the functionalities described and illustrated in the present document.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Arrangement (1) intended to hold and guide a sliding opening (3) relative to a body (2) of a vehicle (100), in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a guide device (5) for a sliding opening (3) comprising a rail (51) extending along a main direction (500) and a displacement means (6) cooperating with the rail (51) so as to slide relative thereto, characterized in that the arrangement (1) further comprises: - a roof trim trim (8), configured to be mounted on the vehicle (100); and - a movable roof trim flap (9), configured to be pivotally mounted relative to the trim (8), the movable flap (9) comprising a guide element (93) extending parallel to the main direction (500) and configured to cooperate with the movement means (6) so as to move the movable flap (9) relative to the trim (8) and vary a degree of opening of the movable flap (9).

2. Arrangement (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the movement means (6) comprises a movable carriage (61), the movable carriage (61) carrying a guide member (62), such as a roller, configured to cooperate with the guide element (93) of the movable shutter (9).

3. Arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the guide element (93) has a variation in dimension (90) along at least one transverse direction, in particular orthogonal, to the main direction (500) so as to vary the degree of opening of the movable flap (9) relative to the trim (8).

4. Arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which - the guide element (93) is a rib or a groove; and / or - the guide element (93) and at least one wall of the movable shutter (9) are made in one piece or the guide element (93) is attached to a wall of the movable shutter (9); and / or - the movable flap (9) comprises reinforcing members (94) of the guide element (93), extending transversely, in particular orthogonally to the main direction (500).

5. Arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising an articulated arm (7) connected to the movement means (6) at a first end, and a connecting member carried by a second end of the articulated arm (7), opposite the first end and configured to be connected to the sliding opening (3), the movable shutter (9) comprising at least one recess (95) and / or a location (95') configured to receive at least in part the articulated arm (7).

6. Arrangement (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the moving means (6) is configured to be moved between an extreme opening configuration and an extreme closing configuration, the arrangement (1) further comprising at least one locking means (96), in particular a spring, arranged at an extreme portion of the movable flap (9) along the main direction (500) configured to maintain the movable flap (9) in the extreme closing configuration.

7. Arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: - a box (2) provided with an opening (21), in particular a lateral opening (21); and - an opening (3) sliding relative to the body (2), in particular a side door, the sliding opening (3) being able to move between a closed position in which the sliding opening (3) prevents access through the opening (21) and an open position in which the sliding opening (3) is offset from the opening (21).

8. Arrangement (1) according to the preceding claim, comprising at least one guide mechanism (41) for the sliding opening (3), one of the guide device (5) or the guide mechanism (41) being configured to cooperate with an upper portion of the sliding opening (3) and the other of the guide device (5) or the guide mechanism (41) being configured to cooperate with a lower portion of said opening (3), the arrangement (1) further comprising a means for driving one of the guide device (5) or the guide mechanism (41). Vehicle (100), in particular a motor vehicle (100), comprising an arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims.Method of operating an arrangement (1) according to claim 7 or 8, comprising opening and / or closing the sliding opening (3), moving the moving means (6) relative to the rail (51), in particular in a translational movement, and simultaneously moving the moving means (6) relative to the guide element (93) so as to move the movable shutter (9) relative to the trim (8) and vary a degree of opening of the movable shutter (9).

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