Motor vehicle window opening control

Abstract

The invention relates to a control system (20) for opening a motor vehicle door. The system comprises: a support (26); a handle (22) movable from a neutral position to an unlocking position by moving it in a first direction (28), and movable in a second direction (30); an inertial locking device (32), or anti-g system, which comprises: a lever (34) driven by the handle. A locking rocker (36) pivots from a neutral orientation to a first locking orientation of the lever by first locking means (40), during a movement of the support in the second direction; and pivots from the neutral orientation to a second locking orientation of the lever by second locking means (42), during a movement of the support in the first direction, to maintain the handle in the neutral position during a collision. Figure to be published with the abstract: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Control for opening a motor vehicle door

[0001] The invention relates to the passive safety of a motor vehicle opening. The invention relates to maintaining in the closed configuration an opening control of an opening during a collision against said vehicle. The invention relates more specifically to a system for controlling the opening of a motor vehicle opening. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle.

[0002] In the event of a side impact, the doors of a motor vehicle must remain closed. This safety requirement prevents the risk of an occupant being ejected from the passenger compartment, and is imposed by different regulations depending on the country. As a reminder, a door risks opening in the event of a side impact because the inertia of its handle tends to generate an opening command. More precisely, a side impact against the door separates the mounting bracket from the handle; the latter then reaches an unlocking configuration.

[0003] Among the set of solutions implemented on a motor vehicle, there are systems in the exterior opening controls called "anti-g systems", also known by the English expression "inertia lock". Such a system makes it possible to block the handle relative to its support during impact, and therefore to prevent a pulling movement of the handle due to the inertia effect. Anti-g systems are diverse and varied depending on the supplier and each has its advantages and disadvantages.

[0004] Document US9567777B1 discloses a motor vehicle having an opening with an opening control equipped with a subset of inertial locking elements. The subset of inertial locking elements comprises an inertial locking element associated with an unlocking handle assembly frame, the locking element having a center of gravity which is offset relative to an axis of rotation, and the locking element being movable in rotation and translation between a rest position, in which the locking member does not prevent actuation of the unlocking handle, and an engaged position, in which the locking member prevents actuation of the unlocking handle.An accelerator body, mounted freely relative to the inertial locking member for rotational movement about the axis of rotation, has a center of gravity offset from both the axis of rotation and the center of gravity of the inertial locking member. Under the effect of a negative acceleration force acting on the center of gravity of the accelerator body, the accelerator body rotates about the axis of rotation and drives . the locking member to its engaged position.

[0005] In particular, the subassembly reaches a locking position during a first acceleration phase in a first direction, then in a second acceleration phase in another direction. Typically, the first acceleration phase lasts five milliseconds, and begins as soon as the vehicle comes into contact with the obstacle. However, such a solution remains complex due to the number of moving entities. Furthermore, the response time is extended since the locking member requires rotation of the stop protrusion of the acceleration body up to the contact surface. During this latency time, the actuating elbow lever is likely to pivot substantially before being held in position; which no longer meets the safety requirements.

[0006] The invention aims to address at least one of the problems or drawbacks encountered in the prior art. In particular, the invention aims to improve the safety of a motor vehicle. The invention also aims to anticipate maintaining a motor vehicle opening control device in the locked configuration. The invention aims to optimize the safety, mass, and reliability of a motor vehicle opening control device, particularly in the event of a side collision.

[0007] According to a first aspect, the invention proposes a system for controlling the opening of a motor vehicle opening comprising: a support; a handle movable relative to the support between a neutral position and an unlocking position by moving it in a first direction, and movable in a second direction opposite to the first direction; an inertial locking device for the handle, the inertial locking device comprising: a lever mounted movable in rotation relative to the support, the handle being capable of driving the lever in rotation when it moves in the first direction and in the second direction during a collision towards said opening; a locking rocker capable of pivoting relative to the support from a neutral orientation to a first locking orientation of the lever by first locking means, during a movement of the support in the second direction;remarkable in that the locking lever further comprises second locking means, and is capable of pivoting from the neutral orientation to a second locking orientation of the lever by the second locking means, during a movement of the support in the first direction, so as to maintain the handle in the neutral position during said collision.;

[0008] It will be clearly understood that the invention proposes a control system comprising a handle coupled to a lever, and a locking rocker with a double stop, acting on the lever in two directions of movement; therefore at different acceleration phases generated during a collision following the second direction.

[0009] Thus, the invention maintains the locked state despite the counter-acceleration phase. sense that occurs immediately after impact. Locking occurs quickly, which promotes safety.

[0010] Preferably, the second blocking orientation is opposite to the first blocking orientation with respect to the neutral orientation.

[0011] Preferably, the locking balance comprises an axis of rotation, the second locking means being at a distance from the first locking means along said axis of rotation.

[0012] Preferably, the locking balance comprises a main body, the first locking means and the second locking means projecting from said main body.

[0013] Preferably, in the neutral position and in the first locking orientation, the second locking means are at a distance from the lever; and / or the control system comprises an actuating link attached to the lever.

[0014] Preferably, the first blocking orientation comprises a first angular offset relative to the neutral orientation; and the second blocking orientation comprises a second angular offset relative to the neutral orientation, said second angular offset being less than the first angular offset.

[0015] Preferably, the second locking means comprise a protrusion capable of locking the lever in rotation.

[0016] Preferably, the first locking means comprise a first length, and the second locking means comprise a second length less than the first length.

[0017] Preferably, the lever comprises an outer surface with a first asperity capable of cooperating with the first locking means; and a second asperity capable of cooperating with the second locking means.

[0018] Preferably, the first asperity comprises a first cavity, and the second asperity comprises a second cavity at a distance from the first cavity.

[0019] Preferably, the control system is a side opening control system.

[0020] Preferably, the support is intended to be mounted in the opening.

[0021] Preferably, the handle is movable, moving in a first direction, from the neutral position to unlock position.

[0022] Preferably, the lever is an actuating lever.

[0023] Preferably, the lever is able to move from a rest position to a position for locking the handle when it is in the neutral position.

[0024] Preferably, the lever is able to move from a rest position to a locking position when the support moves in the first direction during said collision.

[0025] Preferably, the lever is capable of being rotated by the handle, from its neutral position to its unlocked position.

[0026] Preferably, the first locking means comprise a first eccentricity, and the second locking means comprise a second eccentricity less than the first eccentricity.

[0027] Preferably, the second locking means comprise a cam capable of locking the lever in rotation.

[0028] Preferably, the second locking means comprise a branch capable of locking the lever in rotation.

[0029] Preferably, the main body extends from the axis of rotation.

[0030] Preferably, the main body comprises a center of gravity offset by relative to the axis of rotation.

[0031] Preferably, the collision is a side collision.

[0032] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a system for controlling the opening of a motor vehicle opening comprising: a support; a handle movable relative to the support from a neutral position to an unlocking position by moving it in a first direction, and movable in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the handle being capable of moving in the first direction and in the second direction during a collision against said opening; an inertial locking device comprising: a lever capable of being rotated by the handle relative to the support; a locking rocker, comprising first locking means, and capable of pivoting in a first locking direction of the lever by first locking means, during a movement of the support in the second direction;remarkable in that the locking lever further comprises second locking means, and is capable of pivoting in a second direction of locking the lever by the second locking means, during a movement of the support in the first direction, so as to keep the handle in the neutral position during said collision. Such a control system improves safety. ;

[0033] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a system for controlling the opening of a motor vehicle opening comprising: a support; a handle movable relative to the support from a neutral position to an unlocking position by moving it in a first direction, and movable in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the handle being capable of moving in the first direction and in the second direction during a collision against said opening; an inertial locking device for the handle, the inertial locking device comprising: a locking rocker capable of pivoting relative to the support from a neutral orientation to a first locking orientation of the handle by first locking means, during a movement of the support in the second direction; remarkable in that the rocker blocker further comprises second blocking means, and is capable of pivoting from the neutral orientation to a second blocking orientation of the handle by the second blocking means, during a movement of the support in the first direction, so as to maintain the handle in the neutral position during said collision. Such a control system improves safety.

[0034] According to another aspect, the invention proposes a motor vehicle comprising an opening with an opening control system, remarkable in that the control system is in accordance with the invention.

[0035] Preferably, the opening comprises an internal face and an external face, the control system being mounted on the external face of the opening.

[0036] Preferably, the motor vehicle comprises a structure, the opening being mounted pivotally relative to said structure.

[0037] Each characteristic introduced by the expression “preferably” given in relation to one of the aspects of the invention applies to all the other aspects of the invention.

[0038] The invention will be well understood and other aspects and advantages will appear clearly on reading the description which follows, given with reference to the figures appended and listed below.

[0039] [Fig.l] is a side view of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0040] [Fig.2] shows a vehicle door opening control system at car according to the invention.

[0041] [Fig. 3] is a section of a motor vehicle opening control system according to the invention.

[0042] [Fig.4] is a section of a system for controlling the opening of a window of motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0043] In the following description, the term "comprise" is synonymous with "include" and is not limiting in that it allows the presence of other elements in the motor vehicle or the control system to which it relates. It is understood that the term "comprise" includes the terms "consist of". The terms "external" and "internal" will designate respectively that which is oriented towards the outside of the vehicle and towards the inside of the vehicle.

[0044] In the present description, the term "longitudinal", the term "longitudinally", the term "transverse", and the term "transversely" are used according to the reference frame of the vehicle, in the mounting configuration. The term "longitudinal" corresponds to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term "transverse" corresponds to a direction perpendicular to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term "front" refers to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term "rear" designates the opposite of the front of the vehicle.

[0045] The X axis represents the longitudinal direction, the Y axis represents the transverse direction, and the Z axis represents the vertical direction of the motor vehicle. These three axes define a direct trihedron.

[0046] In the present description, the term "vertical" and the term "horizontal" are not to be understood in the strict sense of the term. Indeed, they allow an inclination of at most 20°, preferably at most 10°, more preferably at most 5°, even more preferably at most 2°; compared to the strict sense of these terms.

[0047] In this description, the technical characteristics are defined in the mounting configuration of the control system, unless explicitly mentioned otherwise.

[0048] Throughout the description, the different figures use the same reference signs to designate identical or similar entities.

[0049] [Fig.l] represents a motor vehicle 10 according to the invention. The motor vehicle 10 comprises energy storage means and at least one motor (not shown) adapted to drive said motor vehicle 10.

[0050] The motor vehicle 10 comprises a structure 12. The structure 12 forms an outer body. The structure 12 delimits different compartments of the motor vehicle 10, including the passenger compartment, the rear compartment, the engine compartment (not shown). The structure 12 may be formed from an assembly of stamped sheets welded to each other.

[0051] The structure 12 forms a mounting support for the powertrain, the suspension systems, the steering system, the braking systems. The structure 12 connects different parts of the motor vehicle 10 including the openings 14. The openings 14 include side openings 16, also called doors, and providing access to the passenger compartment. The openings 14 also include a rear opening 18, generally called a tailgate. The rear opening 18 provides access to the rear compartment, and optionally to the passenger compartment. The openings 14 are pivotally mounted to the structure 12 by means of hinges; for example with vertical rotation axes.

[0052] At least one or each opening 14 comprises a control system 20 for opening said opening 14. According to one option of the invention, at least one or each opening comprises two control systems 20, including an internal control system in the passenger compartment, and an external control system locally forming the bodywork of the motor vehicle 10.

[0053] Advantageously, each control system 20, in particular for a side opening 16, comprises a handle 22 sized to be held by a user. Its material contributes to its rigidity. Thus, the dimensions and the material of the handle 22 increase the inertia of the handle 22, so that by inertia it is sus capable of opening the associated opening in the event of a collision. The opening 14 provides a passage for a hand between the handle 22 and its outer panel, also called the outer casing.

[0054] The motor vehicle may, for example, be a private motor vehicle or a utility motor vehicle.

[0055] According to an alternative of the invention, the opening is a rear opening of a rear loading space; for example of a commercial motor vehicle. In the event of a rear collision, the handle of the corresponding control system is capable of opening the rear opening.

[0056] According to an alternative of the invention, the opening control system is an interior control system; arranged on the interior face of said opening. In the event of a lateral collision against a transversely opposite opening, the control system is capable of opening said opening.

[0057] [Fig. 2] shows a control system 20 for opening a motor vehicle opening. The motor vehicle corresponds to that shown in relation to [Fig. 1]. The handle 22 is partially represented by means of an actuating branch 24. The actuating branch 24 is generally perpendicular to the opening.

[0058] The control system 20 comprises a support 26 (partially shown). The support 26 may be connected to the outer skin and / or the reinforcing lining of the opening. During a collision against the opening, an oscillation transmitted by the outer skin and / or the reinforcing lining is likely to cause an outward acceleration of the control system 20. This transient acceleration lasts for example for 5 ms. Following this sub-phase, the control system 20 is accelerated inward. At this moment, the handle 22 tends to remain stationary in a terrestrial frame of reference, while the support 26 sinks into the motor vehicle.

[0059] The handle 22 is mounted to move relative to the support 26. It is pivotable between a neutral position and an unlocking position by moving it in a first direction 28, and movable in a second direction 30 opposite to the first direction 28.

[0060] The control system 20 comprises an inertial locking device 32 for the handle 22. The inertial locking device 32 comprises a lever 34 mounted to move in rotation relative to the support 26, for example with a rod. The lever 34 and the handle 22 form a mechanical articulation. They move mutually. The handle 22 may comprise a coupling pin with the lever 34. The lever 34 is capable of moving from a rest position to a locking position for the handle 22. This movement is triggered by a shift in the first direction 28 of the support 26 during a collision.

[0061] In the event of a collision, the handle 22 rotates the lever 34. It is capable of drive it when it moves in the first direction 28 and in the second direction 30 during a collision. The lever 34 may be an actuating lever. It is also referred to as a counterweight.

[0062] The inertial locking device 32 also comprises a locking balance 36 capable of pivoting relative to the support 26 from a neutral orientation to a first locking orientation of the lever 34 by first locking means 40, in response to a movement of the support 26 relative to the handle 22 in the second direction 30. This differential movement results from an inertial effect since the handle 22 is free to move relative to the support 26. The locking balance 36 generally forms a tilting lock.

[0063] The locking lever 36 further comprises second locking means 42, for example with a stop. The locking lever 36 is capable of pivoting from the neutral orientation to a second locking orientation of the lever 34; orientation in which the lever 34 is locked by the second locking means 42. This change of orientation occurs during a movement of the support 26 relative to the handle 22 in the first direction 28. Consequently, the locking lever 36 maintains the handle 22 in the neutral position during said collision by means of the lever 34.

[0064] The locking balance 36 comprises an axis of rotation 44. The axis of rotation 44 is a first axis of rotation. It may be vertical. The second locking means 42 are at a distance from the first locking means 40 along said axis of rotation 44. The locking means may be vertically staggered.

[0065] The locking balance 36 comprises a main body 46. The main body 46 is solid. It generally forms a plate, in particular with two opposite main faces. The first locking means 40 and the second locking means 42 project from the main body 46. They project from the same main face of the main body 46.

[0066] The control system 20 further comprises an actuating link 48 attached to the lever 34. The actuating link 48 is a cable or an actuating rod. It comprises a mechanical link. When the handle 22 is moved in the first direction 28 relative to the support 26, the actuating link 48; via the lever 34; transmits the unlocking movement to a lock (not shown) of the opening.

[0067] [Fig. 3] is a section of the motor vehicle opening control system 20. The motor vehicle corresponds to that shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 2. The section is at the level of the first locking means 40. The handle is not shown for the sake of clarity.

[0068] The lever 34 is shown in the rest position. It comprises an actuating notch 38 coupled to the handle. The locking lever 36 is shown in a neutral orientation in solid lines, and in a first locking orientation in dotted lines. These orientations are angularly offset, for example by at least 30°. The lever 34 is pivotally mounted in the support 26. It is able to move to a locking position of the handle when it is in the neutral position.

[0069] The first locking means 40 comprise a first length 50. The first length 50 is measured from the axis of rotation 44. The first length 50 forms a first eccentricity. The second locking means (not shown) comprise a second eccentricity less than the first eccentricity. The first locking means 40 comprise a hook capable of locking the lever 34 in rotation. They may have a first stop capable of engaging the lever 34.

[0070] The lever 34 comprises an outer surface 52 with a first asperity 54 capable of cooperating with the first locking means 40. The outer surface 52 also has a second asperity 56 capable of cooperating with the second locking means. The first asperity 54 and the second asperity 56 are offset in the first direction 28.

[0071] According to one option, the first asperity 54 comprises a first cavity, and the second asperity 56 comprises a second cavity at a distance from the first cavity. According to an alternative of the invention, the first asperity 54 and the second asperity 56 comprise protrusions projecting from the outer surface 52.

[0072] In the first locking orientation, the first locking means 40 penetrate into the first cavity. More generally, they cooperate with the first asperity 54, and maintain the handle in the neutral position; in particular via the lever 34.

[0073] The main body 46 extends from, and along, the axis of rotation 44. The main body 46 forms a weight. It comprises a center of gravity 58 offset from the axis of rotation. This center of gravity 58 may generally correspond to that of the locking balance 36. These aspects increase the inertia around the axis of rotation 44, in particular the quadratic moment. The main body 46 is generally inclined relative to the first locking means 40. It is for example perpendicular.

[0074] [Fig.4] is a section of the control system 20 for opening the opening of the motor vehicle. The motor vehicle corresponds to that shown in relation to one of figures 1 to 3. The section is at the level of the second locking means. The handle is not shown for the sake of clarity.

[0075] The locking lever 36 is shown in neutral orientation with a solid line, in first locking orientation with dotted lines, and in second locking orientation with a mixed line. The second locking orientation is angularly opposite to the first locking orientation with respect to the neutral orientation. In second orientation, the second locking means 42 cooperate with the second asperity 56; for example they penetrate into the second cavity and come to a stop inside.

[0076] The locking lever 36 is advantageously a single piece. It is movable relative to the lever 34. The second locking means 42 comprise a second length 60 less than the first length. The second locking means 42 are shorter than the first. They are more stable, which improves the security of holding in the second locking orientation. These lengths are measured perpendicular to the axis of rotation 44. They are maximum lengths.

[0077] The second locking means 42 comprise a second eccentricity less than the first eccentricity. They may comprise a cam shape around the rotation axis 44. The cam shape is capable of locking the lever 34 in rotation. The eccentricity is formed by the second length 60. Preferably, the second locking means 42 comprise a protrusion 64, such as a branch, capable of locking the lever in rotation. Its free end forms a stop. The outgrowth forms a protrusion on the main body 46.

[0078] In the neutral position and in the first locking orientation, the second locking means 42 are at a distance from the lever 34. The control system 20 then has separation clearances 62 between the lever 34 and the second locking means 42.

[0079] According to a preferred embodiment, the locking lever and / or the lever are made of a plastic or composite material. The plastic material may comprise a thermoplastic material or a thermosetting material. According to a preferred embodiment, the plastic material is selected from the group comprising polypropylene, polyamide, polyphthalamide, polyetheretherketone, polyphenylene sulfide, polyamide-imide, polyetherimide, polyarylamide, polyepoxide, unsaturated polyester, vinylester or polyester-vinylester resins. For example, the composite material comprises a matrix of a plastic material as described above with a reinforcement. For example, the reinforcement comprises glass or carbon fibers.

[0080] The invention comprises the combination of all the embodiments shown by all the figures.

[0081] Figures 3 and 4 are isometric views. They each respect a specific scale, real angles and real proportions.

Claims

1.

2.

3. Claims Control system (20) for opening an opening (14) of a motor vehicle (10) comprising: • a support (26); • a handle (22) movable relative to the support (26) between a neutral position and an unlocking position by moving it in a first direction (28), and movable in a second direction (30) opposite to the first direction (28); • an inertial locking device (32) for the handle (22), the inertial locking device (32) comprising: • a lever (34) mounted to be movable in rotation relative to the support (26), the handle (22) being capable of driving the lever (34) in rotation when it moves in the first direction (28) and in the second direction (30) during a collision towards said opening (14); • a locking lever (36) capable of pivoting relative to the support (26) from a neutral orientation to a first locking orientation of the lever (34) by first locking means (40), during a movement of the support (26) in the second direction (30) characterized in that • the locking lever (36) further comprises second locking means (42), and is capable of pivoting from the neutral orientation to a second locking orientation of the lever (34) by the second locking means (42), during a movement of the support (26) in the first direction (28), so as to maintain the handle (22) in the neutral position during said collision. Control system (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that the second blocking orientation is opposite to the first blocking orientation with respect to the neutral orientation. Control system (20) according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the locking balance (36) comprises a shaft of rotation (44), the second locking means (42) being at a distance from the first locking means (40) along said axis of rotation (44).

4. Control system (20) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the locking rocker (36) comprises a main body (46), the first locking means (40) and the second locking means (42) projecting from said main body (46).

5. Control system (20) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that in the neutral position and in the first locking orientation, the second locking means (42) are at a distance from the lever (34); and / or the control system (20) comprises an actuating link (48) attached to the lever (34).

6. Control system (20) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first blocking orientation comprises a first angular offset relative to the neutral orientation; and the second blocking orientation comprises a second angular offset relative to the neutral orientation, said second angular offset being less than the first angular offset.

7. Control system (20) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the second locking means (42) comprise a protrusion (64) capable of locking the lever (34) in rotation.

8. Control system (20) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first locking means (40) comprise a first length (50), and the second locking means (42) comprise a second length (60) less than the first length (50).

9. Control system (20) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the lever (34) comprises an outer surface (52) with a first asperity (54) capable of cooperating with the first locking means (40); and a second asperity (56) capable of cooperating with the second locking means (42); preferably, the first asperity (54) comprises a first cavity, and the second asperity comprises a second cavity (56) at a distance from the first cavity (54).

10. Motor vehicle (10) comprising an opening (14) with an opening control system (20), characterized in that the control system (20) is in accordance with one of claims 1 to 9, preferably, the opening (14) comprises an internal face and an external face, the control system (20) being mounted on the external face of the opening (14).

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