System for opening and closing moving elements of a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle

Abstract

The subject matter of this invention is a system for opening and closing moving elements of a motor vehicle that allows acting on a centered and symmetrical point of the lock in order to apply a separation force between the body and the lock body in two stages, that is, with two different modules both during the opening phase of the moving element and during its closing phase.

Description

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The object of this invention is, according to a first aspect, a system for opening and closing moving elements of a motor vehicle.

[0002] The system for opening and closing moving elements of a motor vehicle allows the application of a separation force between the body and the lock body in two stages, that is, with two different modules both during the opening phase of the moving element and during its closing phase, so that the separation force is applied sequentially.

[0003] According to a second aspect of this invention, it refers to a motor vehicle integrating an opening and closing system in any of its moving elements.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Issues associated with cold opening of tailgates without gripping areas are known in the state of the art of motor vehicles, since sometimes the handles or tailgate unlatching systems do not have an enough-large surface for the user to apply vertical force to lift the tailgate.

[0005] At other times, tailgates or hoods show bulky expelling systems that weaken adjacent elements due to the need for holes, vehicle weight reduction, and due to push actions applied in a gripping area of the moving elements.

[0006] In the state of the art, solutions such as damped springs and ejectors are known, wherein, by means of an actuator arranged on the outside of the tailgate, the tailgate is unlatched but does not show an easy gripping surface for the user to pull the tailgate upward.

[0007] Actuators located in the handle of the rear emblem of the vehicle and in the taillights are also known, allowing the lock to be unlatched. In addition, expulsion systems with passive spring systems are known, which, once the lock is unlatched, exert a force to separate the tailgate a few centimeters from the body, so that the user may lift it. Additional holes in the body and the installation of additional elements are required.

[0008] However, these known solutions show, among other drawbacks, the fact that they use a large volume and require additional fasteners or housings which weaken the body wherein they are installed, in addition to inducing torsion in the body elements because the pushers are far from the gripping areas of the tailgate or hood.

[0009] The system for opening and closing moving elements of a motor vehicle of this invention overcomes all the above drawbacks.DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The object of this invention is a system for opening and closing moving elements of a motor vehicle that applies a separation force between the vehicle body and the moving element whose module is progressive, the advantages of which are explained in more detail below.

[0011] The system for opening and closing moving elements of a motor vehicle comprises a latch striker fixed to the vehicle body and a lock fixed to the moving element, which, in turn, comprises a lock body arranged on a moving element of a motor vehicle, said lock comprising a trigger; wherein the trigger is configured to be retained in the latch striker, so as to prevent the moving element of the vehicle from moving, relative to the body in a locked position of the moving element on the vehicle body; wherein the system comprises an elastic element configured to apply a separation force between the body and the lock body, such that the elastic element tends to displace the moving element to an open position, wherein said elastic element does not exert a separation force between the body and the lock body, characterized in that said elastic element comprises: at least a first section arranged in contact or configured to come into contact with the latch striker or the vehicle body and to apply a first compression force against said latch striker or body through said contact; at least a second section arranged in contact or configured to come into contact with the lock body and to apply a second force against said lock body or latch striker through said contact; and at least a third section arranged between the first section and the second section and configured to apply a third compression force through contact; wherein the moving element may be moved between the locked position and the open position, or vice versa, and wherein: in the locked position, the separation force between the body and the lock body is exerted by the first, the second, and the third force of the elastic element; in the open position, there is no separation force between the body and the lock body; during movement between the locked and open position, or vice versa, the separation force is exerted by the first and second force of the elastic element and, during a time interval within said movement, the separation force is additionally exerted by the third compression force of the elastic element.

[0012] In this way, both in the opening and in the closing operations of the moving element, the separation force applied between the moving element and the vehicle body comprises two clearly differentiated phases, a first phase applied during a time interval whose module is clearly higher than the second phase. In said first phase, the separation force is exerted by the first, second, and third force of the elastic element. In contrast, in said second phase, the separation force is exerted only by the first and second force.

[0013] Thus, for example, during the opening operation of the moving element, it is possible to separate the first instant or first opening phase from the second instant or second opening phase, being able to control and differentiate the push forces associated with the elastic constants of the sections of the elastic element.

[0014] In addition, this allows, since the lock is the area where forces accumulate the most: performing a controlled push of the tailgate or moving element relative to the structure of the vehicle, for the user to have a support surface at the end of the tailgate to apply the opening force; integrating the system into the lock body or into the body; applying a force in two stages or phases.

[0015] Thus, during opening, a significant initial force is applied (during the first phase), and then (during the second phase) said separation force is applied progressively.

[0016] In an initial state, the aim is to detach the tailgate by applying a significant force capable of counteracting, for example, the presence of ice in the gap between the tailgate and the bumper, since gas springs exert very little force, especially in winter, and subsequently continue providing a gentler push that accompanies the tailgate opening along a longer path, up to an area close to where the gas springs begin to apply their force, facilitating the user's task of opening the tailgate.

[0017] Correspondingly, during the closing operation, the closing of said tailgate is slowed down by applying the force progressively at the beginning of the closing operation, as well as applying the force of greatest module or relevance at the end of the closing operation, thereby preventing rebounds or strong impacts and improving retention in the closed position.

[0018] These differentiated phases in the application of the separation force result mainly from the application of the third force, exerted by the contact of the third section. Said contact occurs as will be explained in greater detail in the description of the embodiments: either against the elastic element itself, due to its particular geometry; or against surrounding elements, upon deformation of the elastic element.

[0019] Optionally, the latch striker is an annular latch striker.

[0020] Optionally, the at least one second section arranged in contact or configured to come into contact with the lock body is configured to apply a second compression force against said lock body or latch striker through said contact.

[0021] In a first embodiment, the elastic element is an open elastic element. In this case, and preferably, the first section, the second section, and the third section of the elastic element are connected by a spiral-like geometry.

[0022] Thus, the third section is configured to contact an internal surface of the at least one first section, wherein the third compression force applied by said third section results from contact between said third section and the internal surface of the at least one first section. Consequently, when compression deformation of the elastic element occurs, the third section contacts an internal surface of the first section to apply said third force. Therefore, it is noted that there is a phase during compression deformation of the elastic element in which said contact does not occur, so the third force is not applied.

[0023] According to a specific embodiment of said first embodiment, the elastic element may be fixed to the lock body through the at least one second section. In this way, the elastic element may be integrated inside the lock body, applying the second force through contact with said lock body or with the moving element itself, as well as applying the first force when contact with the motor vehicle latch striker or body occurs.

[0024] According to another specific embodiment of said first embodiment, the elastic element comprises a first section, two second sections and two third sections, the first section being configured to come into contact with the latch striker or the body of the vehicle and arranged on a symmetry axis of the elastic element, forming two spirals on both sides of said first section.

[0025] More preferably, the two spirals of the elastic element are arranged symmetrically relative to the latch striker. Said symmetry ensures that no imbalance is created in the forces applied by the elastic element, which could cause deformation in the tailgate, hinges and other elements that could suffer damage or malfunction.

[0026] In a second embodiment, the elastic element may also be a closed elastic element.

[0027] In this case, the at least one third section is arranged at the side ends of the elastic element, the first section, the third section, and the second section being preferably connected by a curved geometry.

[0028] In particular, in this second embodiment, the third section is configured to apply the third compression force through contact with a surface of the motor vehicle body, wherein the compression force applied by said third section results from contact between said third section and said surface of the motor vehicle body. The geometry and arrangement of the elastic element allow the third section to contact a surface of the vehicle body when compression deformation of the elastic element occurs, in order to apply said third force. Therefore, it is noted that there is a phase during compression deformation of the elastic element in which said contact does not occur, so the third force is not applied.

[0029] Thus, according to a particular embodiment of said second embodiment, the elastic element may be fixed to the lock body through the at least one second section.

[0030] Preferably, according to said particular embodiment, the elastic element comprises two second sections and two third sections, the first section being configured to come into contact with the latch striker and the first section arranged on the symmetry axis, forming two curved geometries on both sides of said first section.

[0031] More preferably, the two spirals of the elastic element are arranged symmetrically relative to the latch striker. Said symmetry ensures that no imbalance is created in the forces applied by the elastic element, which could cause deformation in the tailgate, hinges and other elements that could suffer damage or malfunction.

[0032] Thus, the elastic element is fixed to the lock or to the moving element, wherein the third force is applied through external contact with the vehicle body, since when the elastic element is compressed, it occupies more side space and comes into contact with at least one surface of the body to create said third force.

[0033] In a third embodiment, the elastic element is also an open elastic element.

[0034] In this case, the elastic element is fixed to the body of the vehicle through the at least one first section.

[0035] In addition, the elastic element comprises a second section, two first sections and two third sections, the second section being arranged in contact or configured to come into contact with the lock body and arranged on a symmetry axis of the elastic element, forming two spirals on both sides of said second section.

[0036] More preferably, the two spirals of the elastic element are arranged symmetrically relative to the at least one first section.

[0037] Thus, the elastic element is fixed to the body of the vehicle, and the third force is applied through the internal contact of the third sections with the internal surface of the first sections.

[0038] The invention also refers to a motor vehicle comprising: vehicle body, which, in turn, comprises a latch striker fixed to said motor vehicle body; at least one moving element, which, in turn, comprises a lock body fixed to the cover of said moving element of the motor vehicle; and at least one opening and closing system as described above, each opening and closing system being configured to apply a separation force between the body and the pertinent moving element. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] According to several preferred practical embodiments of the invention, a set of drawings is included as part of this disclosure to complement the description provided and to aid in a better understanding of the characteristics thereof, in which for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented: Figure 1.- It shows a schematic representation of the system for opening and closing moving elements of a motor vehicle according to a first embodiment. Figure 2.- It shows a diagram of the forces exerted by the elastic element during the movement between the locked and open positions, or vice versa, in a position close to the open position of the moving element, for the first embodiment. Figure 3.- It shows a diagram of the forces exerted by the elastic element in the locked position of the moving element, for the first embodiment. Figure 4.- It shows a schematic representation of the system for opening and closing moving elements of a motor vehicle, as well as a diagram of the forces exerted by the elastic element during the movement between the locked and open positions, or vice versa, in a position close to the open position of the moving element, for the second embodiment. Figure 5.- It shows a schematic representation of the system for opening and closing moving elements of a motor vehicle, as well as a diagram of the forces exerted by the elastic element in the locked position of the moving element, for the second embodiment. Figure 6.- It shows a schematic representation of the system for opening and closing moving elements of a motor vehicle, as well as a diagram of the forces exerted by the elastic element in the locked position of the moving element, for the third embodiment. PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0040] The system for opening and closing moving elements (20) of a motor vehicle will now be described in detail. This system comprises an annular latch striker (1) fixed to the motor vehicle body (30) and a lock (2) fixed to the moving element (20), such as a tailgate, which, in turn, comprises a lock body (3) arranged on the moving element (20) and a trigger (4).

[0041] The moving element may be moved between a locked position, wherein the trigger (4) is configured to be retained in the latch striker (1), so as to prevent the moving element (20) of the motor vehicle from moving, relative to the vehicle body (30), and an open position.

[0042] The system comprises an elastic element (10) configured to apply a separation force between the body (30) and the lock body (3), such that the elastic element (10) tends to displace the moving element (20) to an open position, wherein said elastic element (10) does not exert a separation force between the body (30) and the lock body (3). During both the opening operation, assisting in the separation of the moving element (20) from the body (30), and the closing operation, resisting the same, the elastic element (10) exerts a separating force between the body (30) and the lock body (3).

[0043] The elastic element (10) comprises: at least a first section (11) arranged in contact or configured to come into contact with the latch striker (1) or the vehicle body (30) and to apply a first compression force (F1) against said latch striker (1) or vehicle body (30) through said contact; at least a second section (12) arranged in contact or configured to come into contact with the lock body (3) and to apply a second force (F2) against said lock body (3) or latch striker (1) through said contact; and at least a third section (13) arranged between the first section (11) and the second section (12) and configured to apply a third compression force (F3) through contact; wherein the moving element (20) may be moved between the locked position and the open position, or vice versa, and wherein: in the locked position, the separation force between the body (30) and the lock body (3) is exerted by the first (F1), the second (F2), and the third force (F3) of the elastic element (10); in the open position, there is no separation force between the body (30) and the lock body (3); during movement between the locked and open position, or vice versa, the separation force is exerted by the first (F1) and second force (F2) of the elastic element (10) and, during a time interval within said movement, the separation force is additionally exerted by the third compression force (F3) of the elastic element (10).

[0044] In a first preferred embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, the elastic element (10) is housed inside the lock body (3) and applies a separation force when it comes into contact with the annular latch striker (1). The elastic element (10) is fixed to the lock body (3) by means of at least one second section (12). Thus, the at least one second section (12) of the elastic element (10) is permanently in contact with the lock body (3) and is configured to apply a second compression force (F2) against said lock body (3) through said contact.

[0045] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the elastic element (10) is an open elastic element.

[0046] Specifically, in the non-limiting embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, the elastic element (10) comprises a first section (11), two second sections (12), and two third sections (13), the first section (11) being configured to come into contact with the latch striker (1) or vehicle body (30) and arranged on a symmetry axis (A) of the elastic element (10). Two spirals are formed on both sides of said first section (11), connecting said first section (11) with each of the second sections (12), and these, in turn, with one of the third sections (13), on each side of the symmetry axis (A).

[0047] Each of the third sections (13) is configured to contact an internal surface (14) of the first section (11), wherein the third compression forces (F3) applied by said third sections (13) result from contact between said third sections (13) and the internal surfaces (14) of the first section (11).

[0048] Figure 3 shows a compression state of the elastic element (10) close to the closing position of the moving element (20). For example, this may occur at the beginning of the opening movement of the moving element (20), when said opening movement begins after the trigger (4) is released from the latch striker (1). Or, for example, this may occur at the end of the closing movement of the moving element (20), when said closing movement of the moving element (20) concludes.

[0049] Figure 3 corresponds to the compression phase of the elastic element (10) or the time interval where the separation force is exerted by the first (F1), second (F2), and third forces (F3) of the elastic element (10). Specifically, due to the compression of the elastic element (10) and its curved spiral-like geometry, the two third sections (13) are in contact with the pertinent internal surface (14) of the first section (11), exerting said third compression force (F3).

[0050] Figure 2 shows a compression state of the elastic element (10) wherein said third compression force (F3) is not exerted. Consequently, the elastic element (10) exerts a separation force of lower magnitude than in the state shown in Figure 3. During an opening movement of the moving element (20), this compression state occurs after that shown in Figure 2. Conversely, during a closing movement of the moving element (20), this compression state occurs before that shown in Figure 2.

[0051] Figure 2 corresponds to the compression phase of the elastic element (10) wherein the separation force is exerted solely by the first (F1) and second (F2) forces of the elastic element (10), as the compression is not enough for contact to occur between the two third sections (13) and the pertinent internal surface (14) of the first section (11).

[0052] In a second preferred embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5, the elastic element (10) is a closed elastic element, which is fixed to the lock body (3) by means of at least one second section (12).

[0053] Specifically, in the non-limiting embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5, the elastic element (10) comprises two second sections (12) and two third sections (13), the first section (11) being configured to come into contact with the latch striker (1) and the first section (11) being arranged on a symmetry axis (A), forming two curved geometries on both sides of said first section (11), each third section (13) being arranged at the side ends of the elastic element (10).

[0054] As in the first preferred embodiment, the first section (11) is configured to come into contact with the latch striker (1) of the vehicle and is arranged on a symmetry axis (A) of the elastic element (10).

[0055] Figure 4 corresponds to a compression phase of the elastic element (10) analogous to that shown in Figure 2, wherein the separation force is exerted solely by the first (F1) and second (F2) forces of the elastic element (10).

[0056] Conversely, Figure 5 corresponds to a compression phase of the elastic element (10) analogous to that shown in Figure 3, wherein the separation force is exerted by the first (F1), second (F2), and third forces (F3) of the elastic element (10).

[0057] In this second embodiment, the third section (13) is configured to apply the third compression force (F3) through contact with a surface (15) of the motor vehicle body (30), wherein the compression force (F3) applied by said third section (13) results from contact between said third section (13) and said surface (15) of the vehicle body (30). The body (30) may be understood as the internal lining of the trunk or structural elements forming said trunk. Specifically, due to the compression of the elastic element (10) and its curved geometry in the side section of the elastic element (10) that connects the first section (11) with the second section (12), the two third sections (13) are in contact with pertinent surfaces of the body (30), exerting said third compression force (F3).

[0058] Preferably, the elastic element (10) is fixed to the lock body (3) by means of at least one second section (12).

[0059] In a third preferred embodiment shown in Figure 6, the elastic element (10) is fixed to the vehicle body (30) by means of at least one first section (11), and the at least one second section (12) is configured to apply a second compression force (F2) against said lock body (3) through said contact. Thus, the elastic element (10) is housed on a surface of the vehicle body (30) and applies a separation force when it comes into contact with the lock body (3). The elastic element (10) is fixed to the surface of the vehicle body (30) by means of at least one first section (11). Thus, the at least one first section (11) of the elastic element (10) is permanently in contact with the lock body (3) and is configured to apply a first compression force (F1) against said body (30) through said contact.

[0060] In this non-limiting embodiment, the elastic element (10) is an open elastic element.

[0061] In addition, the at least one first section (11), the at least one second section (12), and the at least one third section (13) of the elastic element (10) are connected by a spiral-like geometry.

[0062] As in the first embodiment, the third section (13) is configured to contact an internal surface (14) of the at least one first section (11), wherein the third compression force (F3) applied by said third section (13) results from contact between said third section (13) and the internal surface (14) of the at least one first section (11).

[0063] Specifically, in this non-limiting embodiment, the elastic element (10) comprises a second section (12), two first sections (11), and two third sections (13), the second section (12) being arranged in contact or configured to come into contact with the lock body (3) and arranged on a symmetry axis (A) of the elastic element (10), with two spirals formed on both sides of said second section (12).

[0064] Figure 6 corresponds to a compression phase of the elastic element (10) analogous to that shown in Figure 3, wherein the separation force is exerted by the first (F1), second (F2), and third forces (F3) of the elastic element (10). Specifically, due to the compression of the elastic element (10) and its curved spiral-like geometry, the two third sections (13) are in contact with the pertinent internal surface (14) of the second section (12), exerting said third compression force (F3).

Claims

1. System for opening and closing moving elements (20) of a motor vehicle, comprising a latch striker (1) fixed to the motor vehicle body (30) and a lock (2) fixed to the moving element (20), which, in turn, comprises a lock body (3) arranged on the moving element (20) and a trigger (4); and wherein the trigger (4) is configured to be retained in the latch striker (1), so as to prevent the moving element (20) of the vehicle from moving, relative to the body (30) in a locked position of the moving element (20) on the vehicle body (30); wherein the system comprises an elastic element (10) configured to apply a separation force between the body (30) and the lock body (3), such that the elastic element (10) tends to displace the moving element (20) to an open position, wherein said elastic element (10) does not exert a separation force between the body (30) and the lock body (3); characterized in that said elastic element (10) comprises: - at least a first section (11) arranged in contact or configured to come into contact with the latch striker (1) or the vehicle body (30) and to apply a first compression force (F1) against said latch striker (1) or vehicle body (30) through said contact; - at least a second section (12) arranged in contact or configured to come into contact with the lock body (3) and to apply a second force (F2) against said lock body (3) or latch striker (1) through said contact; and - at least a third section (13) arranged between the first section (11) and the second section (12) and configured to apply a third compression force (F3) through contact; wherein the moving element (20) may be moved between the locked position and the open position, or vice versa, and wherein: - in the locked position, the separation force between the body (30) and the lock body (3) is exerted by the first (F1), the second (F2), and the third force (F3) of the elastic element (10); - in the open position, there is no separation force between the body (30) and the lock body (3); - during movement between the locked and open position, or vice versa, the separation force is exerted by the first (F1) and second force (F2) of the elastic element (10) and, during a time interval within said movement, the separation force is additionally exerted by the third compression force (F3) of the elastic element (10).

2. The system of Claim 1, characterized in that the at least one second section (12) is configured to apply a second compression force (F2) against said lock body (3) or latch striker (1) through said contact.

3. The system of any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastic element (10) is an open elastic element.

4. The system of Claim 3, characterized in that the first section (11), the second section (12) and the third section (13) of the elastic element (10) are connected by a spiral-like geometry.

5. The system according to any of Claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the third section (13) is configured to contact an internal surface (14) of the at least one first section (11), wherein the third compression force (F3) applied by said third section (13) results from the contact between said third section (13) and the internal surface (14) of the at least one first section (11).

6. The system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastic element (10) is fixed to the lock body (3) through the at least one second section (12).

7. The system of Claims 4 and 6, characterized in that it comprises a first section (11), two second sections (12) and two third sections (13), the first section (11) being configured to come into contact with the latch striker (1) or the vehicle body (30) and arranged on a symmetry axis (A) of the elastic element (10), forming two spirals on both sides of said first section (11).

8. The system of any of Claims 1, 2, 4 to 7, characterized in that the elastic element (10) is a closed elastic element.

9. The system of Claim 8, characterized in that the at least one third section (13) is arranged at the side ends of the elastic element (10), the first section (11), the third section (13) and the second section (12) being connected by a curved geometry.

10. The system of Claim 9, characterized in that the third section (13) is configured to apply the third compression force (F3) through contact with a surface (15) of the motor vehicle body (30), wherein the compression force (F3) applied by said third section (13) results from contact between said third section (13) and said surface (15) of the vehicle body (30).

11. The system according to any of Claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the elastic element (10) is fixed to the lock body (3) through the at least one second section (12).

12. The system of Claim 11, characterized in that it comprises two second sections (12) and two third sections (13), the first section (11) being configured to come into contact with the latch striker (1) and the first section (11) being arranged on a symmetry axis (A), forming two curved geometries on both sides of said first section (11).

13. The system according to any of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the elastic element (10) is fixed to the vehicle body (30) through the at least one first section (11).

14. The system of Claim 13, characterized in that it comprises a second section (12), two first sections (11) and two third sections (13), the second section (12) being arranged in contact with or configured to come into contact with the lock body (3) and arranged on a symmetry axis (A) of the elastic element (10), forming two spirals on both sides of said second section (12).

15. A motor vehicle comprising: - vehicle body (30), which, in turn, comprises a latch striker (1) fixed to said motor vehicle body (30); - at least one moving element (20), which, in turn, comprises a lock body (3) fixed to a cover of said moving element (20) of the motor vehicle; and - at least one opening and closing system according to any of the preceding claims, each opening and closing system being configured to apply a separation force between the body (30) and the pertinent moving element (20).

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