Stepped-rail window-aperture closing-off device, and corresponding vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates in particular to a device (1) for closing off a window aperture made in a structure, comprising a fixed part (11), in which an opening is defined, and at least one sliding movable panel (12) guided along two guiding and / or guiding-maintaining elements (114, 115) mounted on one face of said fixed panel (11), between a closed position, closing off said opening, in a first plane defined by said fixed panel (11), referred to as closing-off plane, and at least one open position, in a second plane, referred to as sliding plane, substantially parallel to said closing-off plane, at least a first of said guiding and / or guiding-maintaining elements (115) comprising two offset portions (1151, 1152) each having at least one guiding groove cooperating with at least one slider secured to said movable panel.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: Device for closing a bay with a stepped rail, and corresponding vehicle.

[0003] 1. Field of the invention

[0004] The field of the invention is that of the equipment of bays, used in particular in motor vehicles.

[0005] More specifically, the invention relates to devices for closing a bay provided in a structural element, for example in the bodywork of a vehicle, or in a door of the vehicle, and comprising a sliding movable part capable of releasing or closing an opening while offering a flush appearance, seen from the outside.

[0006] The invention can in particular be fitted to different types of structures, such as caravans, motorhomes, coaches and buses, minibuses, trucks, vans, boats, etc.

[0007] Such devices, developed over several years by the holder of this application, are known in particular under the term "flush bay".

[0008] In other words, these devices are designed so as to present, seen from the outside, a flush or almost flush appearance between the bodywork, or more generally the wall or structure, and the fixed panel of the device.

[0009] 2. Prior art

[0010] The general principle of this technique is described in particular in patent documents EP-0778 168 and EP-0857 844.

[0011] The shutter device (hereinafter called "flush bay") comprises a fixed part and a part that moves relative to this fixed part, or sliding panel.

[0012] The moving part is connected to the fixed assembly by functional elements which ensure the required mobility and which are attached to the face of the fixed part facing the interior of the vehicle.

[0013] These functional elements, also called rails, provide a guiding and holding function for the movable panel. They are placed on the face facing the interior of the vehicle, sufficiently far from the edges, or the periphery, of the fixed part so that this periphery can be secured directly to the edges of the opening, without the rails interfering. This eliminates the need for a connecting frame between the edges of the opening and the fixed part.

[0014] This fixed part can be made of one or more elements (placed next to each other in the same plane), for example in glass or polycarbonate.

[0015] Such a flush bay can thus be mounted entirely independently of the vehicle, and fitted, from the outside, into the housing defined for this purpose by the bay, or the housing, defined in the bodywork, or more generally in the wall.

[0016] The edges of the fixed part are secured, for example using a bead of glue, to the edges of the bay, without any other intermediate connecting element.

[0017] Aesthetically, the flush bay window has a smooth, flush appearance from the outside, as no frame is required around the edge of the opening formed in the fixed assembly.

[0018] To ensure the movement of the movable part, generally consisting of a transparent panel, a guide device is therefore provided comprising a first and a second guide rail mounted fixedly on the fixed part (or fixed structure) of the bay, on either side of the opening closed by the movable panel.

[0019] The movable panel carries a frame equipped with guide elements each circulating in a track provided in the rails, to slide for example in a longitudinal direction, in a sliding plane between one (or more) open position and a closed position, in which it closes the opening.

[0020] To maximize the flush appearance, it may be provided that, in the closed position, the movable panel fits into the plane of the fixed part, passing from an intermediate release position, in the sliding plane, opposite the opening and clear of it to the closed position.

[0021] It should be noted that the term "plan" must here be understood in a broader sense: the plan formed by the bay is sometimes curved, in one or even two directions to adapt to the shape of the structure (this also justifies the term "substantially" used in the description and the claims).

[0022] The movable panel can be moved manually or using an electric motor. In the latter case, suitable means of actuation (motorization, transmission, etc.) are provided.

[0023] The two rails are generally parallel to ensure efficient sliding guidance. This technique is very effective in many situations, particularly when the bays have a large surface area and / or a substantially rectangular shape.

[0024] However, in many vehicles, the bays (openings in the bodywork) are not rectangular, but trapezoidal in shape, or have at least one rounded or sloping edge, or more generally any shape, adapted to the vehicle, depending on aesthetic or aerodynamic criteria for example. Internal elements of the vehicle may also, in some cases, interfere with the location of the rails.

[0025] In this case, the space between the rails is limited by the short side(s) of the bay. This is not acceptable for a modern vehicle.

[0026] Furthermore, the rails are usually mounted close to the edges of the fixed part, so that they can be hidden, for example by screen printing applied to the fixed part. When the window is not rectangular in shape, at least part of one of the rails may be visible, unless the majority of the glass is screen printed, which is of course not desirable: it is generally desired to maximize the clear view of the window.

[0027] It has been considered to implement non-parallel rails, in an attempt to adapt to a substantially trapezoidal shape. This makes it possible, in theory, to increase the window clearance. However, in practice, this approach is complex to implement, because it is necessary to use pins, or similar connecting elements between the rails and the movable panel, the length of which varies according to the movement of the movable panel. These elements require many parts, and are therefore expensive, fragile and poorly suited to use in the automotive sector. They also risk getting stuck, or at the very least disrupting sliding, or even breaking.

[0028] The invention aims in particular to overcome at least some of these drawbacks of the state of the art.

[0029] More specifically, an objective of the invention is to provide a technique for closing a motor vehicle bay using a sliding movable panel, which is suitable for non-rectangular bays, of various shapes, and in particular truncated on one or more sides, for example trapezoidal or partially trapezoidal, and more generally having opposite edges of different dimensions.

[0030] Another objective of the invention is to provide such a technique for closing a bay, which makes it possible to provide significant clear space in the bay, whatever the general shape of the bay.

[0031] There is also a need to provide, at low cost, such a technique that is reliable, and simple to manufacture, assemble and / or maintain.

[0032] 3. Summary of the invention

[0033] The technique of the invention makes it possible to resolve at least some of the drawbacks raised by the prior art. More specifically, the proposed technique relates to a device for closing a bay provided in a structure, comprising a fixed part, in which an opening is defined, and at least one sliding movable panel guided along two guide and / or guide-holding elements mounted on one face of said fixed panel, between a closed position, closing said opening, in a first plane defined by said fixed panel, called the closing plane, and at least one open position, in a second plane, called the sliding plane, substantially parallel to said closing plane.

[0034] According to the invention, at least a first of said guide and / or guide holding elements comprises two offset portions each having at least one guide groove cooperating with at least one slide secured to said movable panel.

[0035] Such a stepped rail allows effective adaptation to a non-rectangular bay, and / or to other constraints, in particular to obtain greater bay clearance.

[0036] Preferably, said offset portions extend in parallel directions. Advantageously, said offset portions of said first guide and / or holding element extend substantially parallel to the second of said guide and / or holding elements.

[0037] The expression "substantially parallel" means that a slight deviation from parallelism may exist, for example less than 2°, and preferably less than 1°, to take into account manufacturing and / or assembly constraints and / or tolerances. This angle must remain small to avoid the risk of jamming.

[0038] Thus: said offset portions extend in substantially parallel directions, forming a first angle between them of between 0 and 2°, preferably less than 1°; said offset portions of said first guide and / or holding element extend substantially parallel to the second of said guide and / or holding elements, forming a second angle of between 0 and 2°, preferably less than 1°.

[0039] According to this approach to the invention, the difficulties inherent in non-parallel rails, requiring means of compensating for the absence of parallelism, are overcome.

[0040] According to a particular embodiment, a first of said portions of said first guide and / or holding element being at a first distance DI from the second of said guide and / or holding elements and a second of said portions of said first guide and / or holding element being at a second distance D2, greater than said first distance D1, from the second of said guide and / or holding elements, said movable panel carries a substantially rectangular frame, two sides of which are perpendicular to a sliding axis and of length defined by said first distance.

[0041] In this case, said frame carries, on its edge cooperating with said second portion, an extension for connection with said second portion.

[0042] In particular, according to a particular embodiment, said edge carries opening control means, controlling at least one bolt cooperating with a strike plate formed in said second portion. According to another optional aspect, said first guide and / or holding element has an intermediate part connecting said first and second portions.

[0043] This intermediate part may in particular form a stop cooperating with said connecting extension, in said closed position.

[0044] It may also have an intermediate groove connecting the guide grooves formed in said first and second portions.

[0045] According to a variant of the invention, said first and second portions are elements distinct from one another.

[0046] The invention also relates to motor vehicles comprising at least one closing device as described above and below.

[0047] 4. List of Figures

[0048] The proposed technique, as well as the various advantages it presents, will be more easily understood, in the light of the following description of two illustrative and non-limiting embodiments thereof, and the appended drawings among which:

[0049] - [Fig 1] illustrates an example of a closing device according to the invention, in the closed position, seen from inside a vehicle;

[0050] - [Fig 2] illustrates the shutter device of figure 1, seen from outside the vehicle;

[0051] - [Fig 3] illustrates the closing device of figures 1 and 2, seen from three-quarters, interior side of the vehicle;

[0052] - [Fig 4] illustrates the shutter device of the previous figures, in the open position, seen from inside a vehicle;

[0053] - [Fig 5] illustrates the shutter device of figure 4, seen from outside the vehicle;

[0054] - [Fig 6] illustrates the closing device of figures 4 and 5, seen from three-quarters, interior side of the vehicle;

[0055] - [Fig 7] is an enlarged view of Figure 6, showing the lower rail and the part of the movable panel with which it cooperates;

[0056] - [Fig 8] is an isolated view of the bottom rail of Figure 7;

[0057] - [Fig 9] illustrates a variant of the invention, according to which the lower rail is made in two separate parts. 5. Detailed description of the invention

[0058] An embodiment of the technique of the invention is illustrated below, given as a simple illustrative, and non-limiting, example, using figures 1 to 7 showing a closure device for a side wall of a motor vehicle.

[0059] The proposed technique can be applied in the same way to other structures having a wall in which a bay is defined, for example a caravan or a motorhome. In particular, the bay can be formed in a side wall of the vehicle (for example for utility vehicles, MPVs, station wagons, etc.), in a wall facing the rear of the vehicle (for example for "pick-ups"), or even in a door. It can also be a separation bay of a vehicle.

[0060] The proposed technique is therefore not limited to the embodiment described, and those skilled in the art will directly identify various modifications, alternative forms and other variants within the framework of the present invention, in particular depending on the shape of the bay and the particular constraints, for example in terms of security, sealing, maintenance, assembly, etc.

[0061] A closing device 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figures 1 to 8. It comprises a fixed panel 11, for example made of glass or polycarbonate, the edges of which are defined to coincide with the edges of a corresponding opening (not shown), provided in the bodywork or in a door of a vehicle, or more generally of a mobile structure.

[0062] In some cases, this fixed part 11 is not rectangular, or substantially rectangular, for example depending on constraints imposed by aesthetics, the dimensions of the vehicle and / or aerodynamics. Thus, in the example illustrated, the lower edge has a truncated portion 112. This prevents the use of a conventional, straight rail, along the axis A1. Thus, according to the known approach, the rail should extend along the axis A2. This has the disadvantage of imposing a reduced bay clear, which can only extend between the two rails.

[0063] To avoid this drawback, the invention proposes the implementation of a stepped rail 115, having two offset portions 1151, 1152. In the illustrated embodiment, the rail 115 is the lower rail. However, the same approach could be implemented on the upper rail 114, or even on both rails, depending on the needs. Furthermore, the movement of the movable panel is here horizontal, but it could also be vertical, or inclined.

[0064] Thus, the device of the invention comprises a movable panel 12, movable in sliding in the direction C to release (figures 3 to 6) or close an opening 41 made in the fixed panel. The movable panel can also move perpendicular to the fixed panel, at the start of the opening, to disengage from the opening 41, and at the time of closing, to fit into this opening 41, according to techniques known per se.

[0065] The two offset portions 1151 and 1152 extend respectively along the axes A2 and A1. They are parallel to each other and to the second rail 114, as well as to the sliding axis C, according to the illustrated embodiment. This avoids the disadvantages of non-parallel rails. However, due to the offset between the two portions, it is possible to have a window clear 111 extending between the portion 1152 and the upper rail, over a distance D2, and not only over the distance DI (corresponding substantially to the height of the frame 121 of the movable panel), less than D2, between the first portion 1151 and the upper rail 114. In other words, the invention makes it possible to increase the height of the window clear 111 from D2-D1.

[0066] It should be noted that, in certain embodiments, the axes A1 and A2 may not be perfectly parallel to each other, and / or perfectly parallel with the second rail and / or the sliding axis C, to adapt to certain constraints and / or take into account tolerance requirements. In particular, the axes A1 and A2 may form a first angle of less than 2°, and preferably less than 1°. Similarly, each of these axes may form a second angle of less than 2°, and preferably less than 1° with the direction of the second rail. This angle must remain small, to avoid the risk of jamming.

[0067] The implementation of the invention requires an adaptation of the frame 121 and the elements ensuring guidance in the rail 115. Indeed, according to the prior art, these guide elements, conventionally guide pins, are mounted so as to extend under the lower edge of the frame 121, and they each slide in a groove extending along the axis of the rail. According to the invention, the guide elements must be offset to cooperate respectively with one or the other of the portions. The distal pin (not shown) present on the right side of the frame (in FIG. 1) cooperates with the first portion 1151 in a conventional manner per se. The term “distal” is used here to designate the side “close to the edge of the fixed part” and the term “proximal” to designate the side “close to the middle of the device”, in the closed position.

[0068] The proximal pin (not shown) present on the left side of the frame (in figure 1) must however be offset. For this, the corresponding edge 124 of the frame 12 carries an extension 122, connecting the lower part of this frame to the second portion 1152.

[0069] In this way, as appears in particular in figures 2 and 5, it is possible to have a bay window 111 of a height greater than that of the opening 12, without the rail 115 being visible from the outside.

[0070] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of Figure 6, showing the lower rail 115. Figure 8 is a view of the rail 115 of Figure 7, with the fixed and movable panels removed, so as to better distinguish the upper surface of this rail.

[0071] The first portion 1151 carries a guide groove 71, the distal end of which has an inclined portion 711 for controlling the swaying of the movable panel during opening and closing. The second portion 1152 also carries a guide groove 72, the proximal end of which has a curved portion 721 for controlling the swaying of the movable panel during opening and closing as well as locking.

[0072] Indeed, in this embodiment, the locking of the movable panel in the closed position is ensured by the insertion of the pin, forming a bolt, into a housing, forming a striker, at the end of the curved part 721. A bolt and a similar striker can also be provided at the level of the upper rail. An actuating handle 123 in the edge 124 of the frame here makes it possible to extract the bolts from their respective striker, and to control the sliding of the movable panel.

[0073] The groove 71 can extend towards the groove 72, via an intermediate groove portion 73 formed in an intermediate portion 1153 of the rail 115, connecting the two portions 1151 and 1152, in particular to allow the evacuation of water running down the inner side of the device, from the first portion towards the second portion, then towards the outside of the vehicle, using suitable means.

[0074] The surface of this intermediate portion 1153 may be slightly inclined, relative to the vertical, and be adapted to coincide with the corresponding part 1221 of the extension 122, in the closed position, so as to form a stop and, if necessary, participate in the guidance, for the swaying during closing and / or opening.

[0075] Figure 9 illustrates a variant of the invention in which the two rail portions 91 and 92 are separate elements, not linked together by an intermediate portion. The other constituent elements of the device are identical or similar to the solution previously described.

[0076] According to other variants, and depending on the design requirements of the vehicle, the guide and / or holding element having two offset portions may be the upper rail, or a side rail, if the movement of the movable panel is vertical. It may also be provided that the two rails have offset portions.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Device (1) for closing a bay provided in a structure, comprising a fixed part (11), in which an opening is defined, and at least one movable panel (12) sliding guided along two guide and / or holding elements (114, 115) mounted on one face of said fixed panel (11), between a closed position, closing said opening, in a first plane defined by said fixed panel (11), called the closing plane, and at least one open position, in a second plane, called the sliding plane, substantially parallel to said closing plane, characterized in that at least a first of said guide and / or holding elements (115) comprises two offset portions (1151, 1152) each having at least one guide groove (71, 72) cooperating with at least one slide secured to said movable panel.

2. Closure device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said offset portions extend in substantially parallel directions, forming a first angle between them of between 0 and 2°.

3. Closure device (1) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that said offset portions of said first guide and / or holding element extend substantially parallel to the second of said guide and / or holding elements, forming a second angle of between 0 and 2°.

4. Closure device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, a first of said portions of said first guide and / or holding element being at a first distance (D1) from the second of said guide and / or holding elements and a second of said portions of said first guide and / or holding element being at a second distance (D2), greater than said first distance (D1), from the second of said guide and / or holding elements, said movable panel carries a substantially rectangular frame, two sides of which are perpendicular to a sliding axis and of length defined by said first distance (Dl).

5. Closure device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that said frame carries, on its edge cooperating with said second portion (1152), a connecting extension (122) with said second portion.

6. Closing device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that said edge carries opening control means, controlling at least one bolt cooperating with a striker formed in said second portion (1152).

7. Closure device (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 6, characterized in that said first guide and / or holding element has an intermediate part (1153) connecting said first and second portions.

8. Closure device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that said intermediate part (1153) forms a stop, cooperating with said connecting extension, in said closed position.

9. A sealing device (1) according to any one of claims 7 and 8, characterized in that said intermediate portion (1153) has an intermediate groove (73) connecting the guide grooves (71, 72) formed in said first and second portions.

10. Closure device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said first and second portions are elements distinct from one another.

11. Motor vehicle comprising at least one closing device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10.

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