VEHICLE ROOF LOCKING DEVICE WITH RETAINING STRAP(S)
The adaptable strap and coupling system for motor vehicle roofs allows multiple shutter positions, addressing noise and aesthetic issues by securing the folding canvas in desired configurations.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2023005336
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-05-30
- Publication Date
- 2025-04-18
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-05-30
AI Technical Summary
Existing motor vehicle roof shutter systems with folding canvases allow only a single partial shutter position, preventing intermediate positions and causing noise and aesthetic issues when fully closed.
A strap with adaptable length and coupling elements allows multiple shutter positions, secured by Velcro® or zipper mechanisms, ensuring the folding canvas can be fixed in desired positions, reducing noise and improving aesthetics.
Enables practical and aesthetically pleasing multiple shutter positions, reducing noise and enhancing user convenience and vehicle appearance.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: CLOSING DEVICE WITH RETAINING STRAP(S) FOR A ROOF OF A MOTOR VEHICLE Technical field of the invention
[0001] The invention relates to motor vehicles comprising a roof provided with an opening, and more precisely to the closing devices allowing the partial or total closing of such openings. State of the art
[0002] Certain motor vehicles include a so-called "opening" roof because it is provided with an opening placed above their passenger compartment and equipped with a closing device.
[0003] In some of these vehicles (automobiles), the closing device comprises a folding canvas which has a total closing position, in which it completely closes at least a predefined part of the roof opening, and a partial closing position, in which it partially closes a selected sub-part of this predefined part. In order to maintain the folding canvas in its single partial closing position (in which it is folded), the vehicle comprises at least one small strap which is installed in the passenger compartment, surrounds the folded canvas and cooperates with a fixing means located outside the vehicle (for example on the bodywork of the roof).Generally, the fastening means is a metal loop provided with a rod mounted to rotate and intended to pass through a through hole defined in the small strap, but it can also be a first clipping element cooperating by clipping with a second clipping element which comprises the free end of the small strap.
[0004] A first disadvantage of such an arrangement lies in the fact that the small strap only allows a single partial closing position of the folding canvas, which is not very practical and above all prevents any intermediate closing position, for example to protect from the sun. A second disadvantage of such an arrangement lies in the fact that, when the folding canvas is in its total closing position, the small strap hangs in the passenger compartment, which can generate noise by clashing and is not aesthetic, and therefore harms the quality image of the vehicle.
[0005] The invention therefore aims in particular to remedy all or part of the aforementioned drawbacks. Presentation of the invention
[0006] It proposes in particular for this purpose a closure device, on the one hand, intended to equipping a motor vehicle comprising a roof provided with a first opening placed above a passenger compartment, and, on the other hand, comprising a folding canvas having a total closure position, in which it is capable of completely closing at least a predefined part of this first opening by having a first face oriented towards the passenger compartment, and at least one partial closure position, in which it is capable of partially closing a chosen sub-part of this predefined part.
[0007] This closing device is characterized by the fact that its folding canvas comprises on a first face, intended to be oriented towards the passenger compartment in the total closing position, at least one strap having a length adaptable to a chosen partial closing position and provided with a first coupling element suitable, once the length has been adapted, for cooperating with a second coupling element, located outside the motor vehicle, to maintain a folded part of the folding canvas as a function of this chosen partial closing position.
[0008] Thus, the user can advantageously choose the partial closure position of the folding canvas which suits him at the moment in question.
[0009] The closure device according to the invention may include other characteristics which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:
[0010] - the first face of its folding canvas can comprise two parallel straps between they ;
[0011] - it may comprise an interface part having a peripheral zone suitable for being fixedly secured to the roof around the first opening, in which a second opening is defined, suitable for constituting the predefined part of the first opening, and to which the folding canvas is secured;
[0012] - in the presence of the last option, its interface part can be made in a same material as its folding canvas;
[0013] - also in the presence of the last option, it can include a closure to slide, on the one hand, comprising a first toothed strip fixedly secured to an outer face of the interface piece, intended to be oriented towards the outside of the passenger compartment, around the second opening, and a second toothed strip fixedly secured to the periphery of the folding canvas, and, on the other hand, suitable for securing the folding canvas to the interface piece either entirely in the total closure position, or partially in a partial closure position;
[0014] - also in the presence of the last option, it can include, on the one hand, at at least a first portion of Velcro® strip fixedly secured to an outer face of the interface piece, intended to be oriented towards the outside of the passenger compartment, around the second opening, and, on the other hand, at least a second portion of Velcro® strip fixedly secured to the first face of the folding canvas at a peripheral edge of the folding canvas, and complementary to a first portion of corresponding Velcro® strip to secure the folding canvas to the interface piece either fully in the fully closed position or partially in a partially closed position;
[0015] - each second coupling element can be fixedly secured to a face ex interior of the interface part which is intended to be oriented towards the exterior of the passenger compartment;
[0016] - the interface part may comprise an inner face, intended to be oriented towards the passenger compartment, and to which is fixedly secured at least one third coupling element capable of cooperating with a first corresponding coupling element when the folding canvas is in its fully closed position, to keep the corresponding strap substantially pressed against this first face;
[0017] - each first coupling element can constitute its own clipping element to cooperate by clipping with another clipping element constituted by a second or third coupling element.
[0018] The invention also provides a motor vehicle comprising, on the one hand, a roof provided with a first opening placed above a passenger compartment, and, on the other hand, a closing device of the type presented above and fixedly secured to the roof around the first opening. Brief description of the figures
[0019] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the appended drawings, in which:
[0020] [Fig.l] schematically and functionally illustrates, in a perspective view from above and from the right side, a part of an example of a motor vehicle sunroof equipped with an example of an embodiment of a closing device according to the invention placed in a first partially folded state,
[0021] [Fig.2] schematically and functionally illustrates, in a perspective view from above and on the right side, the rear part of the sunroof of [Fig.l], with its closing device placed in a second partially folded state (more folded than the first partially folded state), and
[0022] [Fig.3] schematically and functionally illustrates, in a view from below and from the left side, a portion of the left part of the shutter device of [Fig.l] placed in a state of total shuttering (or closed). Detailed description of the invention
[0023] The invention aims in particular to propose a closing device DO intended to equip a sunroof TV of a motor vehicle V, and with retaining strap(s) Sj allowing multiple closing positions of its folding canvas TR.
[0024] In the following, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the vehicle at tomobile V is a car. But the invention is not limited to this type of motor vehicle. It concerns any motor vehicle comprising a roof equipped with an opening that must be closed in a controllable manner and therefore constituting a sunroof.
[0025] Figures 1 and 2 schematically illustrate part of an example of a sunroof TV of a motor vehicle V equipped with an example embodiment of a closing device DO according to the invention.
[0026] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 1 and 2, the sunroof TV comprises a first opening 01 which is placed above a passenger compartment H delimited by the structure of the (automobile) vehicle V, and the closing device DO comprises at least one folding canvas TR having a total closing position and partial closing positions which can be chosen by a user of the vehicle V.
[0027] In the fully closed (or closed) position, illustrated in [Fig. 3], the folding canvas TR is capable of fully closing at least a predefined part of the first opening 01. It will be noted that in this fully closed position the folding canvas TR comprises a first face F1 which is entirely oriented towards the passenger compartment H (in this case, its second face, opposite this first face F1, is entirely oriented towards the outside.
[0028] In each partial closure position, illustrated in [Fig.l] or 2, the folding canvas TR is capable of partially closing a chosen sub-part of the predefined part of the first opening 01.
[0029] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 1 to 3, the folding canvas TR comprises on its first face F1 at least one (holding) strap Sj which has an adaptable length and is provided with a first coupling element EC1. The latter (EC1) is suitable, once the length has been adapted to the partial closure position chosen by the user, for cooperating with a second coupling element EC2 which is located outside the vehicle V (see Figures 1 and 2). This cooperation is intended to maintain a folded part of the folding canvas TR which is a function of this chosen partial closure position.
[0030] It will be understood that once the user considers that he has sufficiently folded the folding canvas TR, he adapts the length of each strap Sj in order to freeze the state in which he has just placed the folding canvas TR and which defines the chosen partial closure position.
[0031] The use of this (these) strap(s) Sj with adaptable length advantageously allows the user to choose the partial closure position of the folding canvas TR which suits him at the moment in question, which is very practical, for example to protect himself from the sun depending on his position in the sky.
[0032] It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 and 2 the The sealing device DO comprises on its first face Fl two (holding) straps SI (j = 1) and S2 (j = 2). But the number of straps Sj can take any value greater than or equal to one.
[0033] It will also be noted that when the closure device DO comprises on its first face F1 two straps Sj, the latter (Sj) are preferably parallel to each other. But this is not an obligation.
[0034] It will also be noted that each strap Sj may be slightly elastic.
[0035] For example, each strap Sj may include a slide allowing its length to be adjusted.
[0036] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 to 3, the closing device DO may comprise an interface part PI having a peripheral zone ZP which is suitable for being fixedly secured to the sunroof TV around the first opening 01. This interface part PI comprises a second opening 02 which is suitable for constituting the predefined part of the first opening 01 (to be closed), and to which the folding fabric TR is secured.
[0037] It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 and 2, the folding canvas TR is an integral part of the interface part PI (and therefore constitutes a sub-part of the latter (PI) which can be folded relative to it). But this is not an obligation. Indeed, the folding canvas TR could be attached to the interface part PI. It will also be noted that the interface part PI can possibly be produced by joining together at least two sub-parts, for example by sewing and / or gluing or welding.
[0038] For example, this interface part PI can be made of the same material as the folding canvas TR. This is particularly the case, although not exhaustively, when the folding canvas TR is an integral part of the interface part PI. But, when the folding canvas TR is attached to the interface part PI, they can be made of different materials.
[0039] Also for example, the material, common to the interface part PI and folding canvas TR, can be a waterproof and deformable plastic (or synthetic) material. Alternatively, it could be treated leather, in particular so as to be waterproof.
[0040] It will be noted that the interface part PI can possibly be secured to a rigid supporting structure which is itself fixedly secured to the wall of the vehicle V which defines the sunroof TV.
[0041] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 to 3, the closure device DO may comprise a zipper FG comprising first and second toothed strips coupled by a shuttle (or a slider) not shown and making it possible to engage (or separate) the teeth. The first toothed strip is fixedly secured to an outer face FP of the interface part PI, which is intended to be oriented towards the outside of the passenger compartment H, around the second opening 02. The second toothed strip is fixedly secured to the periphery of the folding canvas TR. Furthermore, this zipper FG is suitable for securing the folding canvas TR to the interface part PI either completely in the total closure position, or partially in a chosen partial closure position.
[0042] For example, this FG zipper can be a Fermeture Eclair®.
[0043] The use of an FG zipper not only allows for a fluid tightness around the second opening 02, but also to prevent the folding canvas TR from continuing to fold once it has been folded into a chosen partial closure position and the length of each strap Sj has been adapted (or adjusted).
[0044] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 and 2, the closure device DO may comprise first(s) PI and second(s) P2 portions of Velcro® strip. The (each) first portion PI of Velcro® strip is fixedly secured to the outer face FP of the interface piece PI around the second opening 02. The (each) second portion P2 of Velcro® strip is fixedly secured to the first face F1 at a peripheral edge BP of the folding fabric TR. Each second portion P2 of Velcro® strip is complementary to a corresponding first portion PI of Velcro® strip in order to secure the folding fabric TR to the interface piece PI either entirely in the total closure position ([Fig. 3]), or partially in a chosen partial closure position ([Fig. 1] or 2).
[0045] It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 and 2, the closure device DO comprises several first portions PI of Velcro® strip and several second portions P2 of Velcro® strip. However, the number of first portions PI can take any value greater than or equal to one, and the number of second portions P2 can take any value greater than or equal to one.
[0046] The use of first PI and second P2 portion(s) of Velcro® strip not only makes it possible to firmly press the peripheral edge BP of the folding fabric TR against the outer face FP of the interface part PI, but also to further improve the fluid tightness around the second opening 02 while helping to prevent the folding fabric TR from continuing to fold once it has been folded into a chosen partial closure position and the length of each strap Sj has been adapted (or adjusted).
[0047] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 and 2, each second coupling element EC2 can be fixedly secured to the outer face FP of the interface part PI. This fixed securing is preferably made after the transverse end of the folding canvas TR which is secured to the interface piece PI and which defines the folding limit of this folding canvas TR. But this is not an obligation. Indeed, each second coupling element EC2 could be fixedly secured to the second (external) face of the folding canvas TR, near its transverse end secured to the interface piece PI.
[0048] Also for example, each second coupling element EC2 can be fixedly secured to a very short strip which is itself fixedly secured to the outer face FP of the interface part PI (or to the second (outer) face of the folding fabric TR). In this case, this latter fixed securing can be done by sewing and / or gluing or welding.
[0049] Preferably, each very short strip is non-elastic. But this is not a requirement.
[0050] Also for example, and as illustrated very schematically in Figures 1 to 3, each first coupling element EC1 can constitute a clipping element which is capable of cooperating by clipping with another clipping element constituted by the corresponding second coupling element EC2. For example, each first clipping element EC1 can be of the male type and each second clipping element EC2 can be of the female type, or each first clipping element EC1 can be of the female type and each second clipping element EC2 can be of the male type. But other coupling modes can be envisaged, and in particular a coupling by anchoring a hook in a closed loop.
[0051] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 3], the interface part PI may comprise an inner face (opposite its outer face FP and therefore oriented towards the passenger compartment H) to which is fixedly secured at least one third coupling element EC3 which is capable of cooperating with a corresponding first coupling element EC1 when the folding canvas TR is in its fully closed position. This advantageously makes it possible to keep the (each) corresponding strap Sj substantially pressed against the first face F1 in the fully closed position, and thus to avoid the generation of slamming or rubbing noises.
[0052] Also for example, and as illustrated very schematically in [Fig.3], when each first coupling element EC1 constitutes a clipping element, each corresponding third coupling element EC3 is another clipping element.
[0053] Also for example, each third coupling element EC3 can be fixedly secured to a very short strip which is itself fixedly secured to the inner face of the interface part PI. In this case, this latter fixed securing can be done by sewing and / or gluing or welding.
[0054] Preferably, each very short strip is non-elastic. But this is not a requirement.
[0055] Furthermore, each very short strip can be fixedly secured to the inner face of the interface piece PI opposite the transverse end of the folding fabric TR which is secured to the interface piece PI and which defines the folding limit of this folding fabric TR.
Claims
Claims
1. Closing device (DO) for a motor vehicle (V) comprising a roof (TV) provided with a first opening (01) placed above a passenger compartment (H), said closing device (DO) comprising a folding canvas (TR) having a total closing position, in which it is capable of completely closing at least a predefined part of said first opening (01) by having a first face (Fl) oriented towards said passenger compartment (H), and at least one partial closing position, in which it is capable of partially closing a selected sub-part of said predefined part, characterized in that said folding canvas (TR) comprises on said first face (Fl) at least one strap (Sj) having a length adaptable to a selected partial closing position and provided with a first coupling element (EC1) capable, once said length has been adapted, of cooperating with a second coupling element (EC2),located outside said motor vehicle (V), to maintain a folded part of said folding canvas (TR) depending on this chosen partial closure position.,
2. Sealing device according to claim 1, characterized in that said first face (Fl) comprises two straps (Sj) parallel to each other.
3. Closure device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises an interface part (PI) having a peripheral zone (ZP) suitable for being fixedly secured to said roof (TV) around said first opening (01), in which is defined a second opening (02) suitable for constituting said predefined part of the first opening (01), and to which said folding canvas (TR) is secured.
4. Sealing device according to claim 3, characterized in that said interface part (PI) is made of the same material as said folding canvas (TR).
5. Closure device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that it comprises a slide fastener (FG), on the one hand, comprising i) a first toothed strip fixedly secured to an outer face (FP) of said interface piece (PI), intended to be oriented towards the outside of said passenger compartment (H), around said second opening (02), and ii) a second toothed strip fixedly secured to the periphery of said folding canvas (TR), and, on the other hand, suitable for securing said folding canvas (TR) to said interface piece (PI) either entirely in said total closure position, or partially in a partial closure position.
6. Closure device according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that it comprises i) at least a first portion of Velcro® strip fixedly secured to an outer face (FP) of said interface piece (PI), intended to be oriented towards the outside of said passenger compartment (H), around said second opening (02), and ii) at least a second portion (P2) of Velcro® strip fixedly secured to said first face (Fl) at a peripheral edge (BP) of said folding canvas (TR), and complementary to a first portion of corresponding Velcro® strip in order to secure said folding canvas (TR) to said interface piece (PI) either entirely in said total closure position, or partially in a partial closure position.
7. Closure device according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that each second coupling element (EC2) is fixedly secured to an outer face (FP) of said interface part (PI) intended to be oriented towards the outside of said passenger compartment (H).
8. Closure device according to one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that said interface part (PI) comprises an inner face intended to be oriented towards said passenger compartment (H) and to which is fixedly secured at least one third coupling element (EC3) capable of cooperating with a corresponding first coupling element (EC1) when said folding canvas (TR) is in its fully closed position, to keep said corresponding strap (Sj) substantially pressed against said first face (Fl).
9. Closure device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that each first coupling element (EC1) constitutes a clipping element capable of cooperating by clipping with another clipping element constituted by a second coupling element (EC2).
10. Motor vehicle (V) comprising a roof (TV) provided with a first opening (01) placed above a passenger compartment (H), characterized in that it further comprises a closing device (DO) according to one of claims 1 to 9, fixedly secured to said roof (TV) around said first opening (01).