Helically moving arm for a sliding vehicle door

Abstract

The invention relates to an arrangement for a vehicle comprising a body side comprising an opening (50), a side door (3) that can move from the closed position to an open position, and vice versa, an upper arm (10), a lower device (20), a means for sliding and / or rolling the upper arm (10) relative to the body side, the transfer from the closed position to the open position of the door (3), or vice versa, involving pivoting about the vertical direction of the lower device (20) causing the upper arm (10) to pivot about the vertical direction and at the same time the upper arm (10) to translate via the sliding and / or rolling means, a hinging means of the upper arm (10) comprising a means for converting the pivoting movement of the upper arm (10) into a translation movement of the upper arm (10) in the vertical direction (Z).

Description

[0001] TITLE: Helical motion arm for vehicle sliding door.

[0002] Technical field of the invention

[0003] The invention relates to an arrangement comprising in particular a sliding vehicle door and an upper door holding arm having a helical movement. The invention also relates to a body comprising at least one such arrangement. The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising such a body or at least one such arrangement. The invention also relates to a method of opening a door of such an arrangement. The invention also relates to a method of closing a door of such an arrangement.

[0004] State of the prior art

[0005] Vehicles, in particular motor vehicles of the utility, van or "MPV" type, generally comprise at least one so-called sliding door. Such a door moves between a closed position, in which it obstructs an opening made in a body side where it is arranged, and an open position, in which the door leaves free access to such an opening, and vice versa. To allow such movements, such a vehicle generally comprises a system for supporting and guiding such a sliding door. Such a system generally comprises at least one upper guide arranged at the opening near a roof and a lower device arranged at the opening near a floor.

[0006] Generally, such a guide remains visible from the start of opening such a door. In addition, the geometry of such an upper guide significantly impacts the body architecture of such a vehicle, which poses aesthetic and / or habitability constraints. In particular, such an upper guide generally extends in the longitudinal direction so as to guide such a door in this same direction. Such a guide extending longitudinally limits, or even prevents, a roof "drop", that is to say a roof lowering towards the rear. In addition, the access provided by the opening of such a sliding door is limited due to the presence of such an upper guide.

[0007] Presentation of the invention

[0008] The present invention aims to provide an arrangement that overcomes the above drawbacks. In particular, the invention allows sliding door kinematics compatible with a vehicle provided with a roof drop, while arranging such an upper guide at the roof level and masking such an upper guide during changes in position of such a sliding door.

[0009] Summary of the invention

[0010] To achieve this objective, the invention relates to an arrangement for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising:

[0011] - a body side including an opening,

[0012] - a side door capable of moving from the closed position in which the door obstructs the opening to an open position in which the door provides access to the opening and vice versa,

[0013] - an upper arm extending between the door and the body side, the upper arm comprising a first upper arm articulation means arranged between the body side and the upper arm and a second upper arm articulation means arranged between the upper arm and the door,

[0014] - a lower device extending between the door and the body side, in particular a lower device which is motorized and / or intended to drive the upper arm in movement, the lower device being articulated relative to the door and relative to the body side,

[0015] - a sliding and / or rolling means in the longitudinal direction of the upper arm relative to the body side so as to allow a translation in the longitudinal direction of the upper arm at its first articulation means, the passage from the closed position to the open position of the door comprising a pivoting about the vertical or substantially vertical direction of the lower device generating a pivoting of the upper arm about the vertical or substantially vertical direction simultaneously with a translation of the upper arm via the sliding and / or rolling means, and vice versa for the passage from the open position to the closed position, the first articulation means of the upper arm or the second articulation means of the upper arm comprising a means for transforming the pivoting of the upper arm into a translation of the upper arm in the vertical or substantially vertical direction.

[0016] The transformation means may comprise a helical shape.

[0017] The transformation means may comprise a first element, in particular a first element fixed relative to the upper arm, a helical groove being able to be provided on the first element, and the transformation means may comprise a second element, a guide axis being able to be arranged on the second element, the guide axis being able to be housed within the helical groove.

[0018] The sliding and / or rolling means may comprise a rail and a carriage, the carriage being able to cooperate with the rail to participate in the translation of the upper arm, the second element comprising the guide axis being able to be the carriage.

[0019] The transformation means may comprise a yoke provided with a pivot axis extending vertically or substantially vertically, the first element may comprise a bore receiving the pivot axis, the pivot axis may provide play within the yoke so as to allow translations of the first element along the pivot axis during passages between the closed position and the open position of the door and vice versa.

[0020] The arrangement may comprise a stretcher liner, the stretcher liner may comprise a downwardly open cavity, the rolling and / or sliding means may be arranged within the cavity.

[0021] The arrangement may include a canopy, the arrangement may include a flexible canopy liner, the flexible canopy liner being capable of closing, or substantially closing, the cavity of the stretcher liner on either side of the upper arm during movements of the upper arm.

[0022] The soft interior lining of the pavilion may be made of textile, in particular textile of natural and / or chemical origin.

[0023] The invention also relates to a vehicle body, in particular a motor vehicle, the body comprising at least one arrangement as defined previously.

[0024] The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a body as defined previously or at least one arrangement as defined previously.

[0025] The invention also relates to a method for opening, or starting to open, the door of the arrangement as defined previously, the method comprising a step of moving the door from the closed position to the open position by pivoting the upper arm around the pivot axis of the transformation means causing the upper arm to descend simultaneously with a translation of the upper arm via the sliding and / or rolling means, a first portion of the interior trim opposite the upper arm being moved downwards by contact with the upper arm during these movements.

[0026] The invention also relates to a method for closing, or ending the closing, of the door of the arrangement as defined previously, the method comprising a step of passing from the open position to the closed position of the door by pivoting the upper arm around the pivot axis of the transformation means causing the upper arm to rise simultaneously with a translation of the upper arm via the sliding and / or rolling means, a first portion of the interior trim opposite the upper arm being moved downwards by contact with the upper arm during these movements.

[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 an arrangement and of modes of execution of methods of opening and closing a sliding door of the arrangement made without limitation in relation to the attached figures among which:

[0029] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a motor vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0030] Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of a body of the vehicle according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0031] Figure 3 is a partial view of an arrangement according to one embodiment of the invention, a door being illustrated in the closed position and in the open position.

[0032] Figure 4 is a view from inside the vehicle of the arrangement according to the embodiment of the invention, the door being in the closed position.

[0033] Figure 5 is a sectional view along a vertical and transverse plane of an arrangement according to one embodiment, the door being in the open position. Figure 6 is a front view of an upper arm, a first and a second articulation means, and a movement transformation means of the arrangement according to the embodiment, in the open position of the door.

[0034] Figure 7 is a front view of the upper arm, the first and second articulation means, and the movement transformation means of the arrangement according to the embodiment, in the closed position of the door.

[0035] Figure 8 is a view of the arrangement according to the embodiment of the invention, the door occupying several positions.

[0036] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the upper arm, the first and second articulation means, and the motion transformation means of the arrangement according to the embodiment, a carriage and a yoke being mounted at the first articulation means.

[0037] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the carriage and the upper arm yoke of the arrangement according to the embodiment.

[0038] Figure 11 is a partial perspective view of a motion transformation means of the arrangement according to the embodiment.

[0039] Detailed description

[0040] The direction in which a vehicle, especially 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 backwards, Y is the transverse direction directed to 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.

[0041] As illustrated in Figure 1, a vehicle, for example a motor vehicle 1 comprises a body 6. The body 6, or the vehicle, comprises at least one arrangement 2.

[0042] The arrangement 2 comprises a body side 5. The body side 5 comprises an opening 50 illustrated in FIG. 2. The arrangement 2 comprises a side door 3, preferably a rear door. The door 3 is capable of moving from the closed position PF in which the door 3 obstructs, closes the opening 50 to an open position PO in which the door 3 provides access to the opening 50, and vice versa. Preferably, the door 3 extends substantially along the longitudinal direction X of the vehicle in the closed position PF and in the open position PO.

[0043] As illustrated in particular in Figures 2 and 3, the arrangement 2 further comprises an upper arm 10. The upper arm 10 extends between the door 3 and the body side 5 so as to participate in guiding the door during its opening and closing movements. The arrangement 2 further comprises a first articulation means 11 of the upper arm 10 arranged between the body side 5 and the upper arm 10. The arrangement 2 further comprises a second articulation means 12 of the upper arm 10 arranged between the upper arm 10 and the door 3. Preferably, as illustrated in Figure 2 in particular, the second articulation means 12 is mounted on a front upright of the rear door 3.

[0044] As illustrated in Figures 2, 3 and 4 in particular, the arrangement 2 comprises a lower device 20 extending between the door 3 and the body side 5. The lower device 20 supports, holds, and guides the door 3 during its opening and closing cycles. Preferably, the lower device 20 is motorized, in particular via a mechanism (not shown) driven by electrical energy. Advantageously, the lower device 20 is driving, that is to say that it drives the door 3 in movement relative to the body side 5. The upper arm 10 is then preferably driven, led by the lower device 20 to ensure the movements of the door 3. The lower device 20 is articulated relative to the door 3 and relative to the body side 5. For example, the lower device 20 comprises two arms or connecting rods, or even more, and / or is of the pantograph type.

[0045] The transition from the closed position PF of the door 3 to the open position PO of the door 3 comprises a pivoting about the vertical or substantially vertical direction of the upper arm 10 and the lower device 20, in a first direction. The transition from the open position PO of the door 3 to the closed position PF of the door 3 also comprises a pivoting about the vertical or substantially vertical direction of the upper arm 10 and the lower device 20, in a second direction, opposite to the first direction. In the case of a leading lower device 20, it is the lower device 20 which generates, creates, produces the pivoting about the vertical or substantially vertical direction and this pivoting is undergone, taken up, by the upper arm 10.

[0046] More precisely, the first articulation means 11 of the upper arm 10 comprises a means 30 for transforming the pivoting of the upper arm 10 into a translation of the upper arm 10 in the vertical or substantially vertical direction Z.

[0047] Alternatively, it is the second articulation means 12 of the upper arm 10 which comprises a means for transforming the pivoting of the upper arm 10 into a translation of the upper arm 10 in the vertical or substantially vertical direction Z (configuration not shown). As illustrated in FIGS. 5, 7, 9 and 11, the transformation means 30 comprises a helical shape. For example, the transformation means 30 comprises a first element 31 at the first articulation means 11. Preferably, the first element 31 is fixed relative to the upper arm 10, for example by being fixed to the upper arm 10. For example, the upper arm 10 is fixed by means of several screws to the first element 31 and / or the first element 31 is fixed by means of several screws to the upper arm 10. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the arm comprises a first end 19 fixed to the element 31.For example, the upper arm 10 comprises a second end 16. For example, the arm 10 comprises a connecting part 17 between the two ends 16, 19. For example, this connecting part 17 is tubular, for example of oval or circular section.

[0048] As illustrated in particular in Figure 11, the first element 31 is of the block or nut type. For example, the helical shape is a helical groove or groove or gouge 32 formed on or in the first element 31. Preferably, the first element 31 comprises a cylindrical external surface 38. For example, this cylindrical surface 38 has an axis A38 merged or substantially merged with a pivot axis 34 of the first element 31. The transformation means 30 also comprises a second element 35. Preferably, a guide axis 36 is arranged, fixed, on the second element 35. The guide axis 36 is housed, slides, rubs along or within the helical groove 32. In other words, the guide axis 36 cooperates with at least one of the two guide surfaces 39 of the groove 32.

[0049] As illustrated in particular in Figures 5 and 8, the arrangement 2 comprises a sliding and / or rolling means 40 in the longitudinal direction X of the upper arm 10 relative to the body side 5. This sliding and / or rolling means 40 allows a translation in the longitudinal direction X of the upper arm, more precisely of the articulation means 11 of the upper arm 10. Preferably, the sliding and / or rolling means 40 comprises an upper rail or guide 41 and a carriage or shuttle 42. The carriage 42 cooperates with the rail 41 to participate in the movement of the door 3 in the longitudinal direction. The carriage 42 moves along the rail 41, preferably between a front end stop 43 and a rear end stop 44. For example, each end stop is mounted on a respective support. Preferably, the stops 43, 44 are adjustable.The mobile carriage 42 comprises, for example, a body and a roller-holder and roller assembly. Thus, the rail 41 is arranged on the body side 5 so as to extend in the longitudinal direction. Advantageously, in this configuration, the second element 35 comprising the guide axis 36 is the carriage 42, or is part of the carriage 42, for example the body of the carriage, or is fixed to the carriage 42.

[0050] Preferably, as illustrated in particular in Figure 10, the transformation means 30 comprises a yoke 33. The yoke 33 is provided with a pivot axis 34 (not illustrated in Figure 10) extending vertically or substantially vertically. In this case, the first element 31 comprises a bore 37 receiving the pivot axis 34. The bore 37 is advantageously provided to cooperate with the pivot axis 34 in an optimal manner. Thus, the pivot axis 34 and / or the bore 37 are provided with materials suitable for sliding, for example Teflon and / or bronze or an alloy with a high bronze content, or else comprise for example a means comprising balls. As illustrated in Figure 10, the yoke 33 is for example fixed on the carriage 42 or is part of the body of the carriage.

[0051] As illustrated in particular in Figures 6 and 7, the pivot axis 34 offers a clearance J1, in the vertical or substantially vertical direction, of the first element 31 within the yoke 33. The clearance J1 allows translations of the first element 31 along the pivot axis 34 during the passages between the closed position PF and the open position PO of the door 3, and vice versa.

[0052] When the door 3 is in the closed position (figure 7), the clearance J1 is below the first element 31. In other words, in this position of the door 3, the upper arm 10 is in its high position relative to the side of the body 5 and therefore relative to the upper rail 41.

[0053] The transition from the closed position PF to the open position PO of the door 3 is done by pivoting the upper arm 10 at the first articulation means 11, more precisely around the pivot axis 34. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the pivoting is done over an angle travel p. The angle p is for example of the order of 80 degrees. By means of the movement transformation means 30, the pivoting then causes the upper arm 10 to descend. During this pivoting, the first element 31 slides downwards along the pivot axis 34. Preferably, simultaneously with this pivoting, the carriage 42 moves backwards as illustrated in FIG. 8. Thus, the upper arm pivots from the closed position PF of the door, while descending, while being driven backwards in the longitudinal direction at its first articulation means 11 via the means 40 until it reaches the open position PO of the door.

[0054] Optionally, when the door 3 is in the open position PO, the kinematics can continue by a translation via the sliding and / or rolling means 40 and move to a fully open position POT. During this phase, the pivoting of the upper arm is blocked at the angle p, or substantially at this angular level.

[0055] In the open door position PO, or between the open position PO and the fully open position POT, the clearance J1 is above the first element 31 (figure 6). In other words, in these positions of the door 3, the upper arm 10 is in its low position relative to the body side 5 and therefore relative to the upper rail 41.

[0056] As illustrated in particular in Figure 5, preferably the arrangement 2 comprises a stretcher lining 70. The stretcher lining 70 comprises a cavity 71 open downwards. The rolling and / or sliding means 40 is then arranged within the cavity 71. As a reminder, the rail 41 of the rolling and / or sliding means extends longitudinally. More preferably, the arrangement 2 comprises a roof 8. The arrangement 2 then comprises a flexible interior covering 80 of the roof 8. The flexible interior covering 80 closes, or substantially closes, the cavity 71 of the stretcher lining 70 on either side of the upper arm 10 in the longitudinal direction. Thus, when the door 3 is in the closed position PF, the upper arm 10 is in the high position. Indeed, no pivoting of the upper arm occurs, the transformation means 30 therefore does not act on the upper arm 10.In this high position of the arm, the flexible interior covering closes the cavity 71 (dotted illustration). For example, the flexible covering joins or comes into contact or substantially into contact with a seal 51 provided on the stretcher 7 and / or on the stretcher covering 9. For example, the seal 51 is arranged over the entire perimeter of the opening 50, in particular on or at the level of a rebate 52 of the opening 50.

[0057] Outside the closed position PF of the door, the upper arm 10 is pivoted around the axis 34. Due to the cooperation of the movement transformation means 30, namely the helical groove 32 formed in the first element 31 cooperating with the guide axis or pin 36 extending from the carriage 42, the arm 10 rises or falls. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the passage from the closed position PF to the open position PO of the door, which corresponds to the pivoting of the arm associated with its descent thanks to the means 30 over the range of the angle p and its translation towards the rear along the rail, comes to constrain, deform, stretch, press on a first portion 81 of the flexible interior trim 80 (hatched area from the front to the rear of the vehicle up to a border 84 illustrated in dotted lines).The passage from the open position PO to the fully open position POT of the door, which corresponds to the translation following the guide 41 (the arm remaining pivoted by the angle P) comes to constrain, deform, put under tension, press on a second portion 82 of the flexible interior trim 80 (hatched area from the border 84 illustrated in dotted lines towards the rear of the vehicle). For example, a third portion 83 of the flexible interior trim 80 (hatched area behind the upper arm in the POT position) is found stretched, deformed, constrained. The deformed portions 81, 82 are notably illustrated in FIG. 5, the door 3 then being in the open position PO or POT or between these two positions. The portions 81, 82 of the flexible interior trim 80 come in turn into contact with a lower surface 18 of the upper arm 10.Preferably, the lower surface 18 is shaped so as to limit the wear of the edge of the covering 80 at the portions 81, 82, this edge being in contact with the arm. In Figure 5, the portions 81, 82 are illustrated in dotted lines when the door is closed PF (the arm extending forward in the longitudinal direction and not interfering with the flexible interior covering - not illustrated).

[0058] For example, the flexible interior trim 80 of the roof 8 is made of textile, in particular of the fabric type, for example of textile of natural origin and / or of chemical origin. Alternatively, the flexible interior trim is obtained from another material, preferably having properties similar to fabric. Optionally, the stroke J1 is defined by taking into account the possibilities of deformation of the flexible interior trim.

[0059] A method of executing a method for opening the door 3 will now be described. The opening cycle starts from the closed position PF of the door 3. Preferably, as mentioned previously, it is a lower device 20 which drives the movement of the upper arm 10.

[0060] A step is carried out of passing from the closed position PF to the open position PO of the door 3 by pivoting the upper arm 10 around the pivot axis 34 of the transformation means 30, as illustrated by the pivoting travel of angle p in FIG. 8. Thus, one passes from the position PF partially illustrated in FIG. 7 to the open position PO partially illustrated in FIG. 6 by a pivoting of angle p. The transformation means 30 causes a descent of the upper arm 10 simultaneously, or substantially simultaneously, with this pivoting. The descent takes place over a stroke equal or substantially equal to the clearance J1 present between the first element 31 and the yoke 33. During this helical trajectory towards the bottom of the arm around the axis 34, the first portion 81 of the interior covering 80 opposite the upper arm 10 is moved downwards, folded, stressed, stretched, by contact with the lower surface 18 of the upper arm.As a reminder, simultaneously with this pivoting of angle p, the arm is translated backwards at the level of its first means of articulation 11 via the shuttle 42.

[0061] Optionally, once the open position PO is reached, the pivoting of the upper arm 10 is stopped, for example by contact of the guide pin 36 against the upper end of the groove 32. Advantageously, the pivoting is then locked in position so as to prevent any angular displacement of the upper arm 10. A step of moving from the open position PO to the fully open position POT by translation via the sliding and / or rolling means 40 is then carried out. In other words, the carriage 42 moves along the rail 41, preferably up to the rear end stop 44 (see FIG. 8). During this translation, the second portion 82 of the interior trim 80 opposite the upper arm is moved downwards, folded, stressed, stretched, by contact with the lower surface 18 of the upper arm.

[0062] A method of carrying out a method of closing door 3 will now be described.

[0063] Optionally, if the door is in the fully open position POT, a step is carried out to move from the fully open position POT to the open position PO by translation via the sliding and / or rolling means 40. The upper arm 10 does not pivot during this translation. In other words, the carriage 42 moves along the rail 41, preferably from the rear end stop 44 towards the front. During this translation, the second portion 82 of the interior trim 80 opposite the upper arm is moved downwards, folded, stressed, stretched, by contact with the lower surface 18 of the upper arm.

[0064] From the open position PO, a step of passage is carried out to the closed position PF of the door 3 by pivoting the upper arm 10 around the pivot axis 34 of the transformation means 30, as illustrated by the pivoting travel of angle p in FIG. 8. Thus, one passes from the open position PO partially illustrated in FIG. 6 to the position PF partially illustrated in FIG. 7, by a pivoting of angle p. The transformation means 30 causes the upper arm 10 to rise simultaneously, or substantially simultaneously, with this pivoting. The rise is carried out over a travel equal or substantially equal to the clearance J1 present between the first element 31 and the yoke 33.During this upward helical trajectory of the arm around the axis 34, in particular at the end of this helical stroke, the first portion 81 of the interior covering 80 opposite the upper arm 10 returns to its unfolded, unstressed, relaxed shape, in the absence of contact with the lower surface 18 of the upper arm. As a reminder, simultaneously with this pivoting of angle p, the arm is translated forward at its first articulation means 11 via the shuttle 42, preferably until it comes into contact with the end-of-travel stop 43.

[0065] As illustrated in particular in Figures 5, 6 and 7, the second articulation means 12 arranged between the arm 10 and the door 3, comprises a means for taking up play in the vertical direction. Indeed, it is appropriate not to transmit the descent or rise of the upper arm 10 during its pivoting to the door 3. Thus, for example, the second articulation means 12 comprises a yoke 13 provided with an axis 14. The end 16 of the upper arm 10 arranged within the yoke 13 leaves a play J2. Thus, during a pivoting of the upper arm 10 causing a rise of the arm, and during a pivoting of the arm causing a descent of the arm, thanks to the play J2, the door 3 remains in its position in the vertical direction. In other words, the vertical translation generated by the helical movement has no influence on the door.Advantageously, a spring 15, for example of the helical spring type arranged around the axis 14 within the yoke 13, makes it possible to facilitate the raising of the upper arm if necessary. For example, the clearances J1 and J2 are identical or substantially identical.

[0066] In summary, the solution is based on an upper arm 10 with helical pivoting, that is to say translating in the vertical direction during its pivoting movements. In addition, simultaneously with these pivoting movements, the upper arm 10 is translated in the longitudinal direction.

[0067] The solution is particularly suitable for a rear door of a particular vehicle, in particular a rear door with a frame. More precisely, the solution makes it possible to install a mechanism for holding the top of the door 3 while having a substantial roof drop and / or a prominent rebate 52. The solution is compatible with a lower mechanism which supports the door 3 and drives it in the opening and closing kinematics. Thus, the upper arm is able to follow the movements of the door imposed by the lower device 20 without creating a hard point. In other words, the upper arm 10 completed by the transformation means 30 and the sliding and / or rolling means 40 adapts to the kinematics of the lower device 20, by being a “slave”, follower, of the lower device 20. The lower device 20 can thus be motorized, in particular by an electrical system, the upper arm of the door not interfering with the kinematics.As a reminder, the lower device 20 is preferably of the pantograph type for example, or equivalent, and does not accept, or only accepts little, movement in the vertical direction of the door or pivoting around axes extending transversely.

[0068] Thanks to the solution, the upper rail or guide 41 arranged within the cavity 71 of the stretcher liner is substantially invisible, even during opening / closing of the door, in particular due to the presence of the flexible interior trim 80. For the same reasons, the rail 41 is also not visible from the interior of the vehicle. This results in an aesthetic improvement of the vehicle both from the interior and from the exterior. The upper guide 41 extends longitudinally and therefore does not impact the habitability. Indeed, the kinematics of the door include lateral movements of the door 3 although the guide 41 does not have a curved end extending within the passenger compartment. Thus, advantageously, the guide 41 extends longitudinally, without exhibiting any curvature, which is a guarantee of space saving within the passenger compartment.

[0069] The solution provides a concomitance of the pivoting of the upper arm 10 with the movement in the vertical direction of the arm and, preferably, with the translation of the arm in the longitudinal direction. This results in improved accessibility on board the vehicle, while retaining the geometry of the initial body side opening where appropriate, that is to say without reducing the access area within the vehicle. Access within the opening 50 is therefore not impacted, or is even optimal, maximized. Indeed, the solution allows the upper arm to move downwards, to lower itself relative to the upper rebate 52 of the opening 50, as illustrated in particular in FIG. 3. Thus, although this rebate extends by lowering towards the rear, in particular to follow the roof also lowering towards the rear, the arm does not interfere with the rebate and passes under it.Thus, the solution makes it possible to have a sliding rear door while the body includes a roof drop, or roof curve not parallel to the transverse and longitudinal directions, (roof lowering towards the rear of the vehicle) and / or a rear door upper edge lowering towards the rear of the vehicle. The body architecture and / or aesthetics improved by this roof drop are then compatible with a sliding rear door. Note that in the case of a lower device 20 and upper arm 10 for holding and guiding the door 3 during its opening / closing, the adjacent rear body side remains free of visible elements. This results in an aesthetic gain while the rear door is sliding. Thus, the rail extends longitudinally within the vehicle so as to obtain a movement of the door without lowering or raising, parallel to the ground, and this while having a body including a roof drop.

[0070] In other words, the solution allows sliding door kinematics including pivoting and translation compatible with a vehicle provided with a roof drop at the rear doors, while arranging the upper guide at the roof and masking the upper guide during changes in position of the sliding door. For example, the possible roof drop in terms of angle relative to the horizontal (angle a in Figure 1) is of the order of 8 degrees, or even more, for example of the order of 25 degrees.

[0071] The solution in fact makes it possible to create a clearance, a travel, a movement in the vertical direction of the upper arm 10 so as to avoid any contact, any interference, of the upper arm 10 against the rebate 52 of the opening 50 during the translation phases in particular of the door.

[0072] The solution also allows the longitudinal guide part to be arranged inside the vehicle itself, within the stretcher lining 70, behind the stretcher trim 9. This allows compatibility with a sliding door 3 with a frame while having a pronounced roof drop and limiting the intrusion into the passenger compartment of the sliding door guide system.

[0073] Note that the shape of the groove 32 conditions the start and / or the end of translation of the upper arm downwards and / or upwards. For example, a groove 32 as illustrated in FIG. 11 causes a downward translation of the upper arm from the start of door opening, that is to say from the start of pivoting of the arm, and if necessary, simultaneously with a movement of the carriage 42 along the rail 41. Indeed, a lower part 32' (dotted lines in FIG. 11) of the guide surfaces 39 of the groove 32 extends obliquely upwards. As a reminder, the kinematics is linked to the lower device 20 which is driving, in particular equipped with a pivoting pantograph system, which causes that the start of opening simultaneously causes the pivoting of the upper arm and the rearward movement of the carriage 42 in the rail 41.

[0074] Alternatively, in the case of the lower part of the groove extending in a transverse and longitudinal plane, the start of pivoting of the arm when the door begins to open does not cause vertical movement of the arm.

[0075] The upper part 32” (solid lines in Figure 11) of the guide surfaces 39 of the groove 32 extends in a transverse and longitudinal plane or substantially in such a plane. As a result, the end of pivoting of the upper arm 10 when the door is opened has no consequence in terms of movement in the vertical direction of the upper arm. Consequently, the start of pivoting of the arm, when the door is closed, has no consequence on the arm in the vertical direction.

[0076] As a note, the solution therefore achieves the desired objective of providing an arrangement comprising a sliding rear door with a frame tolerating a significant drop in the roof, without encroaching on the habitability or accessibility of such a vehicle, and has the advantage of being able to be used on other types of vehicles, namely trucks, buses, coaches and even aircraft.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Arrangement (2) for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle (1), comprising: - a body side (5) comprising an opening (50), - a side door (3) capable of moving from the closed position (PF) in which the door (3) obstructs the opening (50) to an open position (PO) in which the door (3) provides access to the opening (50) and vice versa, - an upper arm (10) extending between the door (3) and the body side (5), the upper arm (10) comprising a first articulation means (11) of the upper arm (10) arranged between the body side (5) and the upper arm (10) and a second articulation means (12) of the upper arm (10) arranged between the upper arm (10) and the door (3), - a lower device (20) extending between the door (3) and the body side (5), in particular a lower device (20) which is motorized and / or intended to drive the upper arm (10) in movement, the lower device (20) being articulated relative to the door (3) and relative to the body side (5), - a sliding and / or rolling means (40) in the longitudinal direction (X) of the upper arm (10) relative to the body side (5) so as to allow a translation in the longitudinal direction (X) of the upper arm (10) at its first articulation means (11), the passage from the closed position (PF) to the open position (PO) of the door (3) comprising a pivoting about the vertical or substantially vertical direction of the lower device (20) generating a pivoting of the upper arm (10) about the vertical or substantially vertical direction simultaneously with a translation of the upper arm (10) via the sliding and / or rolling means (40), and vice versa for the passage from the open position (PO) to the closed position (PF), characterized in that the first articulation means (11) of the upper arm (10) or the second articulation means (12) of the arm upper arm (10) comprises a means (30) for transforming the pivoting of the upper arm (10) into a translation of the upper arm (10) in the vertical or substantially vertical direction (Z).

2. Arrangement (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the transformation means (30) comprises a helical shape.

3. Arrangement (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transformation means (30) comprises a first element (31), in particular a first element (31) fixed relative to the upper arm (10), a helical groove (32) being provided on the first element (31), and in that the transformation means (30) comprises a second element (35), a guide axis (36) being arranged on the second element (35), the guide axis (36) being housed within the helical groove (32).

4. Arrangement (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the sliding and / or rolling means (40) comprises a rail (41) and a carriage (42), the carriage (42) cooperating with the rail (41) to participate in the translation of the upper arm (10), the second element (35) comprising the guide axis (36) being the carriage (42).

5. Arrangement (2) according to one of claims 1, 2 or 4 in combination with claim 3, characterized in that the transformation means (30) comprises a yoke (33) provided with a pivot axis (34) extending vertically or substantially vertically, the first element (31) comprising a bore (37) receiving the pivot axis (34), the pivot axis (34) offering a clearance (J1) within the yoke (33) so as to allow translations of the first element (31) along the pivot axis (34) during the passages between the closed position (PF) and the open position (PO) of the door (3) and vice versa.

6. Arrangement (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arrangement (2) comprises a stretcher liner (70), the stretcher liner (70) comprising a cavity (71) open downwards, the rolling and / or sliding means (40) being arranged within the cavity (71).

7. Arrangement (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the arrangement (2) comprises a roof (8), the arrangement (2) comprising a flexible interior roof covering (80), the flexible interior covering (80) closing, or substantially closing, the cavity (71) of the stretcher lining (70) on either side of the upper arm (10) during movements of the upper arm (10).

8. Arrangement (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the flexible interior covering (80) of the roof (8) is made of textile, in particular textile of natural origin and / or of chemical origin.

9. Vehicle body (6), in particular a motor vehicle (1), characterized in that the body (6) comprises at least one arrangement (2) according to one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle (1), characterized in that it comprises a body according to claim 9 or at least one arrangement (2) according to one of claims 1 to 8.

11. Method for opening, or starting to open, the door (3) of the arrangement (2) according to one of claims 7 or 8 in combination with claim 5, characterized in that it comprises a step of passing from the closed position (PF) to the open position (PO) of the door (3) by pivoting the upper arm (10) around the pivot axis (34) of the transformation means (30) causing a descent of the upper arm (10) simultaneously with a translation of the upper arm (10) via the sliding and / or rolling means (40), a first portion (81) of the interior trim (80) opposite the upper arm (10) being moved downwards by contact with the upper arm (10) during these movements.

12. Method for closing, or ending closing, the door (3) of the arrangement (2) according to one of claims 7 or 8 in combination with claim 5, characterized in that it comprises a step of passing from the open position (PO) to the closed position (PF) of the door (3) by pivoting the upper arm (10) around the pivot axis (34) of the transformation means (30) causing a rise of the upper arm (10) simultaneously with a translation of the upper arm (10) via the sliding and / or rolling means (40), a first portion (81) of the interior trim (80) opposite the upper arm (10) being moved downwards by contact with the upper arm (10) during these movements.

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