Dummy hinge for sliding vehicle side door.

Abstract

The invention relates to a false hinge for temporarily connecting, in vertical rotation, a side opening (3) of a vehicle with a front edge (3a) to a structure (2) of the latter, comprising a first piece or hinge (4) provided with a first articulation element (5) and a plate (6) for its attachment to the structure (2), offset from this first element (5), and a second piece or hinge (7) provided with a second articulation element (8) adapted to cover or receive the first (5) and a plate (9) for its attachment to the opening (3), offset from this second element (8), characterized in that the first articulation element (5) is carried by a connecting rod (10) pivotally mounted on the first hinge (4) while the second articulation element (8) is carried by the second hinge (7), and in that the first (4) and second (7) hinges have coupling means (11, 12) such that the operation the opening (3) imposes on the connecting rod,Therefore, at the first articulation point (5), a movement around its pivot leads to a rotation of the opening (3) around a virtually fixed vertical axis. FIGURE IN ABRIDGED FORM: Fig 1,

Description

Title of the invention: False hinge for sliding vehicle side door.

[0001] The present invention relates to a temporary connection means interposed between the chassis of a motor vehicle and a door which, in particular but not exclusively, will be permanently mounted sliding on this vehicle. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This connecting means is temporary; it is used mainly during surface treatments of the vehicle bodywork (cataphoresis and / or painting for example); it allows, on the one hand, the door to be kept in its closed state and, on the other hand, the door to be moved away from the vehicle chassis.

[0003] This type of organ is well known in the field of automobile bodywork. It is called a false hinge or false hinge. It allows the car body and the door temporarily attached to it to be treated at the same time before it is permanently mounted to slide or pivot. However, the final assembly can only be carried out after the treatment; a final assembly prior to these operations makes the door (particularly sliding) an obstacle to their proper execution.

[0004] In general, the temporary articulation of a door on the structure of the vehicle is carried out around an axis whose position relative to the bodywork is such that the door does not come into conflict, when opening and closing the door, with the bodywork elements already in place such as the front door. To solve this problem, known tools of the spreader type are used which allow a pivoting movement of the door preceded or followed by a displacement of the latter parallel to itself towards the outside or the inside of the vehicle and in the longitudinal direction of the latter, towards the rear or the front of the latter, depending on whether it is the opening or closing of the door. This kinematics, implemented by heavy and complex tools, requires having an immediate environment of the vehicle in which the "uncoupling" of the door takes place before or after its pivoting, sufficiently free.However, this type of tool is not always usable.

[0005] It was therefore necessary to abandon the principle of spacers in order to use false hinges with ball joints, the technique of which is known and interesting in that it allows rapid unhinging. SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0006] An aim of the invention is to allow a more widespread use of false hinges. BRIEF STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0007] To this end, the invention relates to a false hinge for temporarily connecting in rotation about a first substantially vertical axis a side opening of a vehicle to a structure of the latter, comprising a first hinge part comprising a first articulation element and a first plate spaced from the first articulation element and arranged for its attachment to the structure of the vehicle, and a second hinge part comprising a second articulation element capable of covering or receiving the first articulation element and a second plate spaced from this second articulation element and arranged for its attachment to the opening.The first hinge part comprises a primary connecting rod which carries the first articulation element and which is pivotally mounted around a second axis which is substantially vertical relative to the first hinge part and in that the first hinge part and the second hinge part have coupling means such that the operation of the opening imposes on the connecting rod, and therefore on the first articulation element, a movement around the second axis which leads to a rotation of the opening around a third axis, virtual, vertical and substantially fixed.

[0008] Preferably, the aforementioned coupling means are determined so that the virtual axis of rotation of the opening is substantially coincident with a front edge of the latter.

[0009] Preferably, the aforementioned coupling means are determined so that the virtual axis of rotation of the opening is substantially coincident with a rear edge of the latter.

[0010] In a first embodiment, the means for coupling the first hinge part to the second hinge part are constituted by a slot provided in the first hinge part and capable of slidingly receiving a finger secured to the second hinge part.

[0011] In a second embodiment, the coupling means of the two hinge parts are constituted by a secondary connecting rod articulated to each of them.

[0012] Other characteristics and advantages will emerge from the description given below of exemplary embodiments of the invention. Brief description of the drawings

[0013] Reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, among which:

[0014] [Fig-1] [Fig. 1] is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a false hinge installed between an opening and a vehicle body leg,

[0015] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a diagram illustrating in top view the kinematics of this first embodiment, the false hinge being in a closed state,

[0016] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a false hinge installed between an opening and a vehicle body leg,

[0017] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a diagram illustrating in top view the kinematics of this second embodiment, the false hinge being in a closed state,

[0018] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a perspective view of a variant of the first embodiment in the closed position,

[0019] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a perspective view of this variant of the first embodiment in the open position,

[0020] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a perspective view of this variant of the first mode of execution in open position, from a different viewing angle, in a disassembled state,

[0021] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a perspective view of a variant of the second embodiment in the closed position,

[0022] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a perspective view of this variant of the second mode of realization in open position,

[0023] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] is a perspective view of this variant of the second embodiment in the open position, from a different viewing angle, in a disassembled state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] It will be recalled in the preamble that a vehicle side opening concerned by the invention is supported by two false hinges, one high and the other low, which implement in a known manner ball joints which allow, in particular, among other advantages, their easy unhinging. It is therefore sufficient to lift the opening to separate it from the structure on which it was temporarily articulated. Only one of these false hinges is illustrated in the following.

[0025] It will also be indicated that the structure of the vehicle to which the opening is attached is formed by a central leg which is partly covered by the rear edge of the front door of the vehicle and partly by the front edge of the sliding side door.

[0026] In Figures 1 and 2, the rear edge of the front door 1 of the vehicle, in the closed position, is noted 1a. The central leg of the bodywork bears the reference 2 while the sliding opening and concerned by the false hinges is noted 3 with a front edge 3a.

[0027] The false hinge according to the invention comprises a first hinge part 4 and a second hinge part 7. The first hinge part comprises a first articulation element, here a spherical ball joint 5, and a first plate 6 spaced from the ball joint 5 and arranged for its attachment to the structure, here to the central foot 2. The second hinge part 7 comprises a second articulation element, here a conical housing 8 capable of covering the ball joint 5 to define at least a first substantially vertical axis of rotation, and a second plate 9 spaced from this housing 8 and arranged for its attachment to the opening. It should be noted that it is not outside the scope of the invention to reverse the articulation elements, namely to have the ball joint carried by the second part of the hinge and to provide the housing in the first part of the hinge.

[0028] It can be seen in these figures that the ball joint 5 is not directly carried by the first plate 6 but by a connecting rod 10 which is pivotally mounted by its end 10a opposite the ball joint 5 on the first plate 6 around a second substantially vertical axis of rotation. The first hinge part 4 and the second hinge part 7 are therefore articulated to each other by the ball joint, the position of the axis of rotation of which is not controlled. According to the invention, the two hinge parts 4 and 7 have coupling means which impose on the connecting rod 10, and therefore on the ball joint 5, a movement around the second axis of rotation which leads to a rotation of the opening around a third substantially fixed vertical virtual axis. In the case of [Fig.l], these means comprise a light 11 arranged in the first hinge part 4 in a direction here substantially parallel to the plane of the front door 1, in front of the foot 2 and a fixed finger 12, carried by the second hinge part 7 and capable of sliding in the light 11. It is noted that these coupling means are separated from each other when the opening is unhinged by lifting it.

[0029] This combination of means makes it possible, by determining the geometry and dimensions of the different parts which constitute it, to obtain an opening movement of the opening 3 around a virtual vertical axis which can be constrained to be located only in a restricted cylindrical space, and preferably in the vicinity of the edge 3a of the opening 3 so that it is thus possible to control the movement of this front edge and keep it as close as possible to the rear edge 1a of the door 1 without there being contact between them during the rotation of the temporarily articulated opening.

[0030] This confinement zone is indicated at 13 in [Fig. 2] which is a diagram of the plan in which the movements of the different components of this false hinge take place and on which the elements already described have been reported with the same references. Of course, the construction constraints, the shape and the kinematics of the moving parts may not allow this confinement to be ensured for the entire movement of the opening. It is sufficient, for the purposes of the invention, that this confinement is ensured for the rotation (for example 30 degrees) of the opening in the zone of proximity to the front door 1. The position of the opening (and the state of the hinge) corresponding to the position and state of [Fig. 1] have been shown in thin lines in this diagram. The references of the elements are assigned an apostrophe (or "prime").

[0031] In this embodiment, the ends of the light 1 form lateral stops, namely a lateral stop at the opening making it possible to limit the amplitude opening of the false hinge and a lateral stop on closing allowing to limit the amplitude of closing of the false hinge when the finger 12 comes into abutment against these ends. The lateral stop on closing is particularly interesting because it allows to prevent contact of the opening with the bodywork.

[0032] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a second embodiment. They include elements already described with the same references. In this figure, the ball joint 5 is carried by the end of an arm 14, articulated on the connecting rod 10. The axis 10b of this articulation is coincident with the axis of the ball joint 5 so that the latter describes, as in the previous embodiment, a movement around the pivot of the connecting rod 10. The other end of the arm 14 is capable of receiving a fixed finger 12a similar to that described previously, carried by the second hinge part 7 which therefore allows its operation when the opening 3 carrying the second hinge part 7 is manipulated. This arm 14 is furthermore articulated at the end of a secondary connecting rod 15, the other end of which is pivotally mounted on the first hinge part 4. The articulation axis 15a of the arm 14 on the secondary connecting rod 15 is located between the finger 12a and the axis 10b of the ball joint.The geometry of this connecting rod is, as previously, calculated or determined according to the desired movement of the front edge 3a of the opening 3 circumscribed in the confinement zone.

[0033] [Fig.4] is a diagram similar to that of [Fig.2], illustrating the plan view configuration of the false hinge of [Fig.3]. The elements already described therein bear the same references. In this diagram, the state of the false hinge corresponding to the state shown in [Fig.3] is shown in thin lines. The references of the elements in this position bear an apostrophe or "prime" sign.

[0034] It will be noted that the presence of the intermediate arm 14 between the hinge 7 and the connecting rods 10 and 15 is only due to manufacturing considerations. Indeed, the same operating kinematics can be obtained in the absence of this arm, the hinge 7 directly covering the ball joint 5, the connecting rod 15 being directly articulated at 15a on the second part of the hinge 7. This is the diagram shown in [Fig.4].

[0035] In both embodiments, the false hinge is said to be detachable because the housing 8 is devoid of any stop opposing the extraction of the ball joint 5 from the housing 8. This stop may be a ring mounted at the entrance to the housing 8 after insertion of the ball joint 5 to oppose the extraction of the ball joint 5.

[0036] In the variant of Figures 5 to 7, relating to the first embodiment, an upper stop 20 is provided on the first hinge part 4 under which a portion of the second hinge part 7 passes when the false hinge is in its closed state or in a state close to this closed state ([Fig.5]). The upper stop 20 then opposes an upward movement of the second hinge part 7 and therefore an unhinging of the false hinge. When the false hinge is in its open state or in a state close to the open state ([Fig.6]), the second hinge part 7 escapes the upper stop 20 which no longer opposes an upward movement of the second hinge part 7 and therefore allows the false hinge to be unhinged ([Fig.7]). The upper stop 20 is here the free bent end of a finger extending vertically from the first hinge part 4. The upper stop 20 therefore allows the false hinge to be unhinged over part of the travel of the second hinge part 7.

[0037] In this variant, lateral stops 21 and 22 are also provided, namely a lateral stop at the opening 21 making it possible to limit the opening amplitude of the false hinge and a lateral stop at the closing making it possible to limit the closing amplitude of the false hinge. The lateral stops 21, 22 are fixed on the first hinge part 4 to come into contact with the link 10 in the two extreme positions of the second hinge part 7. The lateral stop at the closing 22 is particularly interesting because it makes it possible to prevent contact between the opening and the bodywork.

[0038] In the variant of Figures 8 to 10, relating to the second embodiment, an upper stop 20 is provided on the first hinge part 4 under which a portion of the second hinge part 7 passes when the false hinge is in its closed state or in a state close to this closed state ([Fig. 8]). The upper stop 20 then opposes an upward movement of the second hinge part 7 and therefore an unhinging of the false hinge. When the false hinge is in its open state or in a state close to the open state ([Fig. 9]), the second hinge part 7 escapes the upper stop 20 which no longer opposes an upward movement of the second hinge part 7 and therefore allows the unhinging of the false hinge ([Fig. 10]). The upper stop 20 is here the bent free end of a finger extending vertically from the first hinge part 4.The upper stop 20 therefore allows the false hinge to be unhinged over part of the travel of the second hinge part 7.

[0039] In this variant, a lateral stop is also provided at the opening 21 to limit the opening amplitude of the false hinge. The lateral stop 21 is fixed to the first hinge part 4 to come into contact with the connecting rod 10 in the extreme opening position of the second hinge part 7.

[0040] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described but applies to any variant falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0041] In the case where two false hinges are used (one upper and one lower), the second hinge part can be supported on the first hinge part either on one or the other of the two false hinges, or on both false hinges. hinges.

[0042] In the case of vehicles with opposing doors (bodywork without a foot), it is possible to arrange the false hinge to fix the false hinge to the rear of the bodywork and have a virtual axis on the side of the rear edge of the opening.

[0043] The invention applies to false hinges that can be unhinged or unhinged.

[0044] The invention is applicable to vehicles with an apparent central leg or to vehicles without a leg (antagonistic doors and articulation at the rear edge of the rear door).

Claims

Claims

1. False hinge for temporarily connecting in rotation about a substantially vertical axis a side opening (3) of a vehicle to a structure (2) of the latter, comprising a first hinge part (4) comprising a first articulation element (5) and a first plate (6) spaced from the first articulation element (5) and arranged for its attachment to the structure (2), and a second hinge part (7) comprising a second articulation element (8) capable of covering or receiving the first articulation element (5) and a second plate (9) spaced from the second articulation element (8) and arranged for its attachment to the opening (3),characterized in that the first hinge part (4) comprises a connecting rod (10) which carries the first articulation element (5) and which is pivotally mounted around an axis substantially vertical relative to the first plate and in that the first hinge part (4) and the second hinge part (7) have coupling means (11, 12, 12a, 15) such that the operation of the opening (3) imposes on the connecting rod, therefore on the first articulation element (5), a movement around its pivot which leads to a rotation of the opening (3) around a substantially fixed vertical virtual axis (13).,

2. False hinge according to claim 1, in which the aforementioned coupling means (11, 12, 12a, 15) are determined so that the virtual axis (13) of rotation of the opening (3) is substantially merged with a front edge (3a) of the latter.

3. False hinge according to claim 1, in which the aforementioned coupling means (11, 12, 12a, 15) are determined so that the virtual axis (13) of rotation of the opening (3) is substantially merged with a rear edge of the latter.

4. False hinge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the coupling means (11, 12) of the first hinge part (4) to the second hinge part (7) are constituted by a light (11) formed in the first hinge part (4) capable of slidably receiving a finger (12) secured to the second hinge part (7).

5. False hinge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the means for coupling the two hinge parts (4, 7) consist of a secondary connecting rod (15) articulated, by its ends, to each of the two hinge parts.

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