Rotary energy hatch, vehicle and method of actuating the hatch

Abstract

The invention relates to a rotating energy hatch (10) for a land vehicle and in particular a motor vehicle, the energy hatch (10) being integrated into the body of the vehicle and comprising: - a gate (12), on the one hand, movable along a translation axis, between a closed position and an open, non-deployed position, the translation axis being parallel to the normal of the plane of the gate (12), and on the other hand, movable in rotation about an axis of rotation between the open, non-deployed position and an open, deployed position, the rotation axis being parallel to the translation axis, - an opening system (20) for the gate (12) configured to actuate, the opening system (20) comprising elastic closing means (21) configured, on the one hand, to drive the gate (12) between the closed position and the open, non-deployed position, and on the other hand, to maintain the gate (12) in the closed position,and - means for rotating the gate (12) configured to rotate the gate (12) about an axis of rotation, the rotation means making it possible to move the gate (12) from its open, non-deployed position to its open, deployed position and vice versa. The invention also relates to a vehicle carrying the energy hatch and an actuation method. Figure for the abstract: Fig.1],

Description

Title of the invention: Rotary energy hatch, vehicle and method of actuating the hatch Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a rotating energy hatch for a land vehicle and in particular a motor vehicle. In particular, the energy hatch which is the subject of the present invention is a manual energy hatch, that is to say, its opening and closing are carried out by an operator, for example, the driver of the vehicle. Prior art

[0002] Conventionally, an energy hatch of an automobile comprises a gate whose external face is integrated into the body of the vehicle. The gate is also hinged to the body, in particular through a swan-neck hinge. Most of the time, the hatch comprises an opening system which includes elastic closing means. The operator must therefore apply pressure to the gate to unlock the gate and then open it by actuating the gate and the hinge around an axis of rotation which is substantially parallel to the plane of the gate. This articulation system has the disadvantage of being bulky and forces manufacturers to make a large opening in the body in order to integrate the energy hatch.

[0003] The invention aims to overcome all of these drawbacks. Statement of the invention

[0004] The invention aims to provide a compact manual power hatch.

[0005] The invention also aims to provide an energy trap which can be easily operated by an operator.

[0006] The invention relates to a rotating energy hatch, in particular a manual one, for a land vehicle and in particular a motor vehicle, the energy hatch being integrated into the bodywork of the vehicle and comprising: - a gate, on the one hand, movable in translation along a translation axis, between a closed position and an open, non-deployed position, the translation axis being parallel to the normal of the plane of the gate, and on the other hand, movable in rotation around an axis of rotation between the open, non-deployed position and an open, deployed position, the rotation axis being parallel to the translation axis, - a gate opening system configured to actuate, on the one hand, the gate between the closed position and its undeployed open position, and on the other hand, the gate from its undeployed open position to its undeployed open position open deployed and vice versa, the opening system comprising elastic closing means configured, on the one hand, to drive the gate between the closed position and the open non-deployed position, and on the other hand, to maintain the gate in the closed position, and - gate rotation means configured to rotate the gate about a rotation axis, the rotation means enabling the gate to move from its open, non-deployed position to its open, deployed position and vice versa.

[0007] The opening system allows the gate to be articulated to the bodywork and in particular to the insert of the energy hatch which is integral with the bodywork, on the one hand, along a translation axis, and on the other hand, a rotation axis parallel to the translation axis allows the dimensions of the energy hatch and therefore its footprint on the bodywork to be reduced. It is in particular the elimination of the swan-shaped articulation traditionally used to deploy the gate which allows the dimensions of the energy hatch to be reduced.

[0008] Furthermore, the energy hatch opening system allows the gate to be opened using a number of manipulations identical to the opening of a traditional energy hatch. First, the operator exerts manual pressure, along an axis parallel to the normal of the plane of the gate, on the outer face of the gate to unlock it and cause a translation of the opening mechanism, then placing it in the open, undeployed position. The operator then manually rotates the gate to its open, deployed position to access the energy hatch.

[0009] In embodiments, the translation axis and the rotation axis can merge. This makes it possible to obtain significant gains in terms of compactness and industrial design.

[0010] In embodiments, the opening system may comprise a first articulation element connected eccentrically to the internal face of the gate and a second articulation element connected directly or indirectly to the bodywork, the first articulation element and the second articulation element are mounted coaxially and movable relative to each other in translation between an engaged state in which the gate is in the closed position, and a disengaged state in which the first articulation element and the second articulation element are rotatably mounted relative to each other so as to allow rotation of the gate. This configuration makes it possible to provide a compact opening mechanism which limits the manipulations of the gate to open the energy hatch.

[0011] In embodiments, the rotation means may comprise a rotation shaft which extends along the rotation axis, the rotation shaft being mounted on a clutch portion of the second articulation element. According to these embodiments, the second element serves both as a slide between the engaged and disengaged position and as a rotation axis when the first articulation element is disengaged. This provides mechanical compactness of the opening system and improves the industrial design of the energy hatch, in particular, in terms of material used and assembly.

[0012] In embodiments, said first element may comprise a clutch cannula provided with a clutch cavity which is configured to receive the clutch portion of the second articulation element, when the clutch portion is engaged in the clutch cavity, the rotation of the gate around the rotation shaft is blocked, conversely, when the clutch portion is released from the clutch cavity, the first articulation element and the second articulation element are disengaged which allows the rotation of the gate around the rotation shaft. When the gate is in the open, non-deployed position, the complementarity between the cross-section of the clutch cavity and the cross-section of the clutch portion acts as a foolproof device to allow the transition from the disengaged state to the engaged state and vice versa, when the opening mechanism is in a determined radial position.

[0013] In embodiments, the opening system may comprise a receptacle secured to the bodywork, the second articulation element being secured to the receptacle by one end of the clutch portion, the first articulation element being mounted to move in translation relative to the receptacle and to the second articulation element, when the gate is in the closed position, the receptacle is configured to receive the clutch cannula engaged on the clutch portion. The attachment of the second articulation element to the receptacle makes it possible to set the first articulation element in motion.

[0014] In embodiments, the opening system may include a resilient member that is configured to cause the first hinge member and the second hinge member to move relative to each other so as to transition from the engaged state to the disengaged state. The resilient member improves the transition from the engaged state to the disengaged state and vice versa.

[0015] In embodiments, the resilient member may be disposed in the receptacle so as to apply resilient pressure to the first hinge member. The receptacle also acts as a guide for the resilient force exerted on the first hinge member.

[0016] In embodiments, the rotation means may comprise a radial stop mechanism which is configured to limit the rotation of the gate about its axis of rotation and define the deployed open position of the gate. Of course, the radial stop makes it possible to limit the rotation of the gate, and in addition, it improves the engagement of the opening mechanism when the gate returns from the deployed open position to the non-deployed open position. In fact, it allows the keying device of the first element to be replaced in a specific radial position to allow the translation of the opening mechanism to the engaged state which corresponds to the closed position of the gate.

[0017] In embodiments, the stop mechanism may comprise a stop rod and a radial stop, the stop rod extending along an axis perpendicular to the rotation axis, the stop rod being integral with the rotation shaft so as to be driven in rotation, the stop rod is configured to cooperate with the radial stop which is arranged at one end of the first articulation element. The arrangement of the stop rod on the second articulation element improves the compactness of the opening mechanism and the rotation means.

[0018] In embodiments, the radial stop may comprise a wall extending radially by a determined radial distance on a peripheral edge of the end of the first articulation element, the stop rod comprising a first end configured to radially run along said wall and a second end configured to abut one end of said wall. These characteristics improve the fluidity of actuation of the energy hatch while defining a precise and constant angle of rotation of the gate.

[0019] In embodiments, the rotation means may comprise a radial brake which opposes the rotation of the gate between the deployed open position and the non-deployed open position, the radial brake is configured to provide resistance to a threshold force below which the gate is held in the deployed open position or in the non-deployed open position. The radial brake makes it possible to prevent the gate from rotating unexpectedly due to a handling error or external elements such as the wind.

[0020] In embodiments, the radial brake may include a ball mounted on a spring on the first end of the stop rod, the ball being configured to cooperate with the radial wall to provide resistance to rotation of the gate between the deployed open position and the undeployed open position and vice versa. The ball allows the ball to travel smoothly along the radial wall and improve the smoothness of actuation of the energy trap.

[0021] In embodiments, the elastic closing means may comprise an actuator secured to the bodywork, the actuator comprising means for locking the gate in the closed position. In particular, the actuator may comprise a pin mounted so as to be movable according to a sliding pivot connection relative to a receptacle, the pin is movable between, on the one hand, a pushed-in position in which the locking means are activated and block the portion in the closed position, and on the other hand, a

[0022]

[0023]

[0024]

[0025]

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[0028]

[0029] deployed position in which the locking means are deactivated and allow the gate to be opened. The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a land vehicle comprising an energy hatch defined according to the invention. The invention also relates to a method of actuating the energy trap defined according to the invention, the method comprising: - applying pressure to the gate in a direction normal to the face of the gate, the gate moving from the closed position to the open, undeployed position, the gate's rotation axis then being unlocked, - the rotation of the gate in a first direction of rotation, around the axis of rotation of the gate which is parallel to the normal of the plane of the gate, the gate then passing from the open, non-deployed position to the open, deployed position, - rotation of the gate in a second direction of rotation opposite to the first direction, around said axis of rotation of the gate, the gate then passing from the open deployed position to the open non-deployed position, and - applying pressure to the gate normal to the face of the gate, the gate moving from the open, undeployed position to the closed position, the gate's rotation axis being locked. The method of actuating the energy trap has the advantage of being simple and involving the same or similar number of manipulations as traditional energy traps. Brief description of the drawings Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from reading the description which follows. This description is purely illustrative and must be read in conjunction with the appended drawings in which: [Fig.l] is a schematic representation of an energy hatch according to one embodiment of the invention, the hatch door being in the deployed open position. [Fig.2] is an exploded representation of the energy hatch opening system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. [Fig.3] is a schematic representation of a section of the opening system illustrated in [Fig.2], the opening system being in a disengaged state allowing the gate to rotate. [Fig.4] is a schematic representation of a section of the opening system illustrated in [Fig.2], the opening system being in an engaged state while the gate is closed and the rotation of the gate being locked.

[0030] [Fig.5] and [Fig.6] are representations of the articulation elements of the system opening, radial stop and radial brake according to one embodiment of the invention. Description of the embodiments

[0031] With reference to Figures 1 to 6, the invention relates to a rotating energy hatch 10 for a land vehicle and in particular a motor vehicle. Of course, the invention also relates to a vehicle which comprises an energy hatch according to the invention. The energy hatch 10 being integrated into the bodywork 11 of the vehicle.

[0032] As illustrated in [Fig.l], the energy hatch 10 comprises a gate 12 which is hinged directly or indirectly to the bodywork 11 of the vehicle. In particular, the energy hatch 10 comprises an insert 13 which is integrated into the bodywork 11 of the vehicle around the charging port in the case of an electric vehicle or the mouth of the tank in the case of a thermal vehicle. The insert 13 comprises in particular a receptacle 130 which is configured attached the gate 12 to the bodywork. Indeed, according to the invention, the gate 12 is movable in translation along a longitudinal axis AA which is parallel to the normal of the plane of the gate 12. The longitudinal axis AA is in particular shown diagrammatically in [Fig.l]. In particular, the gate 12 is movable between a closed position and an open position. Depending on the body profile, the translation stroke of the gate 12 may be different, for example, this stroke may be between 10 and 30 mm.

[0033] According to the invention, the gate 12 in the open position is rotatable between an open, non-deployed position in which the gate 12 is located in the axis of the opening 100 of the energy hatch 10 and an open, deployed position in which the gate is radially offset relative to the opening 100 of the energy hatch. The radial offset of the gate 12 in the open, deployed position is visible in FIGS. 1 and 3.

[0034] As illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, the energy hatch 10 comprises an opening system 20 of the gate 12 configured to actuate the translation of the gate 12 between the closed position and the open, non-deployed position, and vice versa, to actuate the gate 12 from the open, non-deployed position to the closed position.

[0035] For these purposes, the opening system 20 comprises in particular elastic closing means 21 configured to drive the gate between the closed position and the open, non-deployed position, but also to maintain the gate 12 in the closed position. As illustrated in [Fig.l], the closing means 21 are assembled to the insert 13 through a receptacle 131.

[0036] According to an embodiment illustrated in particular in figures 1 and 2, the means of elastic closure 21 comprise an actuator 210 secured to the bodywork through the receptacle 131. The actuator 210 comprises a rotating pin mounted in the receptacle 131 which cooperates with a return spring so as to form a sliding pivot connection. The pin is thus movable between two positions, a pushed-in position and a deployed position. The sliding pivot connection causes not only a translation of the pin but also a rotation of the latter so that the pin is radially offset between these two positions. The actuator 210 further comprises a locking member 211 which makes it possible to maintain the gate 12 in the closed position. In this example, the locking member 211 is arranged at the free end of the pin. Here, the locking member 211 comprises two radial fins opposite one another. The locking member 211 is configured to cooperate with a bayonet housing 212 which is provided on the internal face of the gate 12.as illustrated in [Fig.2]. The opening of the bayonet housing 212 allows the insertion of the actuator 210 in the deployed position while the radial offset of the locking member 211, in the depressed position, prevents the exit of the actuator 210 from the housing 212 and thus locks the gate 12 in the closed position.

[0037] According to the invention, the opening system 20 is also configured to actuate the rotation of the gate 12 between the undeployed open position and the deployed open position, and vice versa, to actuate the gate 12 in rotation between the deployed open position and the undeployed open position. The deployed open position is visible in Figures 1 and 3, the gate 12 is radially offset relative to the opening 100 of the energy hatch 10 in order to allow access to the vehicle's tank or the vehicle's battery charging connector.

[0038] In order to ensure this rotation, the energy hatch 10 comprises means for rotating the gate 12 which are configured to rotate the gate 12 around an axis of rotation parallel to the normal of a plane of the gate 12. According to an embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, the axis of rotation of the gate 12 corresponds to the axis AA along which the gate 12 moves between the closed position and the open, non-deployed position. The rotation means make it possible to open the energy hatch 10 by moving the gate 12 from its open, non-deployed position to its open, deployed position, and conversely, to close the energy hatch 10 by moving the gate 12 from its open, deployed position to its open, non-deployed position.

[0039] According to an embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, the opening system 20 comprises a first articulation element 22 and a second articulation element 23 which are assembled together, in particular, coaxially as illustrated in Figures 1 and 4. The first articulation element 22 comprises a clutch cannula 220 which fulfills the function of a barrel. The clutch cannula 220 comprises assembly clips 221 configured to assemble the first element 22 to the gate. 12. The assembly clips 221 are provided on the external face of the clutch cannula 220. As illustrated in the exploded view of [Fig.2], the gate 12 comprises a receiving cylinder 120 which is arranged on the internal face of the gate 12. The receiving cylinder 120 is eccentric relative to the center of the gate face 12. Here, the gate 12 is substantially planar and has a rectangular shape with a rounded angle. As illustrated in [Fig.2], the receiving cylinder 120 is disposed in a corner of the inner face of the gate 12. The receiving cylinder 120 comprises dimensions that are chosen to receive the clutch cannula 220 so that the outer face of the clutch cannula 220 is fitted to the inner face of the receiving cylinder 120. The receiving cylinder 120 further comprises notches 121 that are arranged and configured to cooperate with the assembly clips 221 of the clutch cannula 220.

[0040] As illustrated in [Fig. 2], the second articulation element 23 comprises a clutch portion 230 and a rotation portion 231. The clutch portion 230 is integral with the receptacle 120, thus forming the junction between the second element 23 and the insert 13. The clutch portion 230 is configured to be inserted into the clutch cavity of the clutch cannula 220 and to engage with the latter as illustrated in [Fig. 4]. In the engaged position, the clutch cannula 220 blocks the rotation of the gate 12 about its axis of rotation AA. For these purposes, the clutch portion 230 comprises a non-circular cross-section which is complementary to the cross-section of a clutch cavity which is provided in the clutch cannula 220.In this example, the cross-section of the clutch portion 230 is oval, however it can take any geometric shape which does not allow axial rotation of the clutch portion 230 when it is inserted into the clutch cavity which has a complementary internal cross-section.

[0041] The [Fig.4] illustrated engaged state of the first element 22 can relative to the second element 23 in which, on the one hand, the gate 12 is in the closed position, and on the other hand, the rotation of the first element 22 relative to the second element 23 is not possible by the engagement of the clutch cannula 220 on the clutch portion 230. The blocking of the rotation about the axis AA is illustrated schematically in [Fig.4] by two crossed-out rotation arrows.

[0042] According to an embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the first element 22 comprises a rotation cannula 222 which is complementary to the rotation portion 231 of the second element 23. The rotation cannula 222 is sized so as to allow the rotation of the rotation portion 231 while limiting the play between the articulation elements 22, 23. The rotation cannula 222 is coaxial with the clutch cannula 220. In this example, the cannulas 220, 222 are integral and form a single part whose outer face diameter is constant and which can be considered as a barrel. In the disengaged position, the rotation cannula 222 extends at least partly around the rotation portion 231 as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6. In practice, a first part of the rotation portion 231 extends into the clutch cannula 220 and a second part of the rotation portion 231 extends into the rotation cannula 222.

[0043] The rotation portion 231 coaxially extends the clutch portion 230 and comprises a circular cross-section having reduced dimensions compared to the clutch portion 230. In particular, the rotation portion 231 corresponds to the rotation shaft of the gate 12 and extends along the axis AA. In this example, the rotation portion 231 has a circular cross-section which allows axial rotation of the second element 23 around the axis AA. When the clutch portion 230 is disengaged from the clutch cannula 220, the clutch cannula 220 slides around the second element 23 to be around the rotation portion 231. The dimensions of the cross-section of the clutch cavity of the clutch cannula 220 are greater than the diameter of the circular cross-section of the rotation portion 231.In this disengaged state, the rotation portion 231 is therefore able to rotate around the rotation axis AA of the gate 12. [Fig. 3] illustrates a disengaged state, in which the second articulation element 23 is rotatably mounted relative to the first articulation element 22 in two directions of rotation. The latter are illustrated by two rotating arrows opposite each other and arranged around the axis AA.

[0044] To move from the engaged state to the disengaged state of the articulation elements 22, 23, the opening system 20 comprises an elastic member 24 which is configured to cause the movement of the first articulation element 22 and the second articulation element 23 relative to each other. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, it is the first element 22 which is mounted to move relative to the second element 23 which is fixed to it by its junction with the insert 13.

[0045] As illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the elastic member 24 is a spiral spring which is disposed in the receptacle 130 so as to apply elastic pressure to the clutch cannula 220 of the first articulation element 22. For these purposes, the elastic member applies a restoring force in the bottom of the receptacle 130 through a first end and in engagement with the clutch cannula 220 through a second end.

[0046] As illustrated in [Fig. 3], when the articulation elements 22, 23 are disengaged, the clutch cannula 220 is located around the rotation portion 231 of the second element 23 allowing the rotation of the gate 12. In this disengaged state, the elastic member 24 is deployed in the receptacle 130. Conversely, in [Fig. 4], the articulation elements 22, 23 are engaged because the clutch cannula 220 is fitted onto the clutch portion 230 of the second element 23. In this engaged state, the elastic member 24 is compressed in the receptacle 130. When the elastic member 24 is deployed, the receptacle 130, which is cylindrical in shape, guides the elastic energy so as to improve the translation of the first element 22 towards its disengaged state.

[0047] As a result, the articulation elements 22, 23 are disengaged when the gate 12 is in the open, deployed and open, non-deployed positions as can be seen in [Fig. 3]. Conversely, when the articulation elements 22, 23 are engaged, the gate 12 is in the closed position as can be seen in [Fig. 4].

[0048] Consequently, it is the elastic closing means 21 which make it possible to control the engagement and disengagement of the articulation elements 22, 23. When the actuator pin 210 moves into the depressed position, the elastic member 24 is then compressed by the clutch of the clutch cannula 220 on the clutch portion 230. The return force of the elastic member 24 is inactivated by the engagement of the actuator 210 in the bayonet housing 212 which locks the closed position of the gate 12 and exerts a reaction to the return force of the elastic member 24. When the actuator 210 is disengaged from the bayonet housing 212, the opening system 20 no longer exerts a reaction to the return force of the elastic member 24 which deploys and applies a thrust to the first element 22 in order to make it translate on the longitudinal axis AA of the second element 23, the system is then disengaged.

[0049] The invention also relates to a method for actuating the energy hatch 10. When an operator applies pressure to the outer face of the gate 12, the pressure applied to the gate 12 is in particular applied along the normal to the outer face of the gate 12. This pressure causes the actuator pin 210 to rotate, disengages the latter from the bayonet housing 212 and in particular releases the return force of the elastic member 24 which actuates the translation of the first element 22 and moves the gate 12 into the open, non-deployed position. In this position, the articulation elements 22, 23 are disengaged and the axis of rotation of the gate 12 is then unlocked.

[0050] The operator can then manually rotate the gate 12 around the rotation axis AA in a first direction of rotation in order to move the gate 12 from the open, non-deployed position to the open, deployed position.

[0051] Applying a manual rotation of the gate 12, in a second direction of rotation opposite to the first direction, causes the gate 12 to move from the deployed open position to the non-deployed open position. Finally, applying pressure to the gate 12 in the direction normal to the face of the gate 12 causes the gate to move from the open position not deployed to the closed position, locking the axis of rotation of the gate 12 by the clutch of the articulation elements 22, 23.

[0052] The energy trap 10 thus comprises axial rotation means around the axis AA. The rotation means comprise in particular a rotation shaft which corresponds to the rotation portion 231 of the second element 23.

[0053] According to an embodiment illustrated in particular in Figures 5 and 6, the rotation means also comprise a radial stop mechanism 25 which is configured to limit the rotation of the gate 12 around its axis of rotation AA and define the deployed open position of the gate. In addition, the stop mechanism 25 makes it possible to control the rotation of the first element 22 relative to the second element 23 and in particular to ensure that the clutch cannula 220 is positioned coaxially relative to the clutch portion 230 upon returning to the non-deployed open position and providing for the closure of the gate 12.

[0054] For this, the stop mechanism 25 comprises a stop rod 250 which extends along an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation AA. In this example, the stop rod 250 is mounted at the free end of the second element 23. In particular, the stop rod 250 is inserted into a bore made in the rotation portion 231 near the free end of the second element 23. Consequently, the stop rod 250 is integral with the rotation shaft so as to be driven in rotation by the latter. The stop rod 250 is configured to cooperate with a radial stop 251 which is arranged at one end of the first articulation element 22. In particular, the first articulation element is in the form of a cylinder which comprises on a first side an opening giving access to the rotation cannula 222 and on a second side, an opening giving access to the clutch cavity of the clutch cannula 220.

[0055] As illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, in its disengaged state, the rotation portion 231 comprises a projecting end of the rotation cannula 222, this end carries the stop rod 250. In addition, the cylinder of the first element 22 has on the face of the cylinder, where the rotation cannula 222 opens, the radial stop 251. This radial stop 251 comprises a wall extending radially by a determined radial distance on a peripheral edge of the end of the first element 22. The stop rod 250 comprising a first end 252 configured to radially run along said wall as illustrated in [Fig.6], and a second end 253 configured to come into abutment with one end of said wall as illustrated in [Fig.5].

[0056] For this, the stop rod 250 is arranged asymmetrically with respect to the rotation portion 231, here, the stop rod is longer on the side of the second end 253 which is configured to limit the rotation by coming into abutment with said wall at each of its ends 254, 255. The wall of the radial stop 251 extends between its two ends 254, 255 over a radial travel of between 90 and 210°, thereby allowing a possible rotation of the gate 12 at an angle of 150° to 270°.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the rotation means comprise a radial brake 256 which opposes the rotation of the gate 12 between the deployed open position and the non-deployed open position. Indeed, the radial brake 256 is configured to provide resistance to a threshold force below which the gate 12 is maintained in the deployed open position or in the non-deployed open position.

[0058] According to an embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the radial brake 256 comprises a ball mounted on a spring on the first end 252 of the stop rod 250. The ball is configured to cooperate with the radial wall in order to provide resistance to the rotation of the gate 12 between the deployed open position and the non-deployed open position and vice versa. In the situation of [Fig.5], the radial brake 256 is in abutment with the end 255 of the radial stop 251. In order to actuate the rotation of the first element 22, the operator must apply sufficient thrust in order to overcome the restoring force of the spring which keeps the brake ball deployed. Once the threshold of the thrust is exceeded, the ball retracts the radial stop 251 rotates relative to the stop rod 250 which remains fixed.During this rotation which allows the gate 12 to turn, the ball is kept retracted by the wall of the radial stop 251 which applies constant pressure to the ball as illustrated in [Fig.6]. When the rotation of the gate 12 reaches the end of its travel, the second end 253 comes into contact with one end 254, 255 of the radial stop 251 and the brake ball deploys again under the effect of the return force of its spring, the stop mechanism 25 is then in the situation shown in [Fig.5].

[0059] Furthermore, the inventors also designed this energy hatch 10 because it allows a simplified mounting process on the vehicle.

[0060] Firstly, the clutch portion 230 of the second element 23 is crimped to the bottom of the receptacle 130 of the insert 13. The elastic member 24 is inserted into the bottom of the receptacle 130 and then the first element 22 is threaded onto the second element 23 and placed in abutment on the elastic member 24. The stop rod 250 is then mounted on the rotation portion 231 of the second element 23. At this stage, the opening system 20 is mounted on the insert 13 to form an assembly which will be mechanically assembled to the body of the vehicle, the gate 12 is then clipped onto the cylinder of the first element 22 to finalize the mounting of the energy hatch 10 on the vehicle.

Claims

Claims

1. Rotating energy hatch (10) for a land vehicle and in particular a motor vehicle, the energy hatch (10) being integrated into the body of the vehicle and comprising: - a gate (12), on the one hand, movable in translation along a translation axis, between a closed position and an open, non-deployed position, the translation axis being parallel to the normal of the plane of the gate (12), and on the other hand, movable in rotation about an axis of rotation between the open, non-deployed position and an open, deployed position, the rotation axis being parallel to the translation axis, - an opening system (20) of the gate (12) configured to actuate, on the one hand, the gate (12) between the closed position and its open, non-deployed position, and on the other hand, the gate (12) from its open, non-deployed position to the open, deployed position and vice versa, the opening system (20) comprising elastic closing means (21) configured,on the one hand, to drive the gate (12) between the closed position and the open, undeployed position, and on the other hand, to maintain the gate (12) in the closed position, and - means for rotating the gate (12) configured to rotate the gate (12) around an axis of rotation, the rotation means making it possible to move the gate (12) from its open, undeployed position to its open, deployed position and vice versa.,

2. Energy trap (10) according to claim 1, in which the axis of rotation and the axis of translation merge.

3. Energy trap (10) according to one of claims 1 and 2, in which the opening system (20) comprises a first articulation element (22) connected eccentrically to the internal face of the gate (12) and a second articulation element (23) connected directly or indirectly to the bodywork, the first articulation element (22) and the second articulation element (23) are mounted coaxially and movable relative to each other in translation between an engaged state in which the gate (12) is in the closed position, and a disengaged state. wherein the first hinge element (22) and the second hinge element (23) are rotatably mounted relative to each other so as to allow rotation of the gate (12).

4. Energy trap (10) according to claim 3, wherein, the rotation means comprising a rotation shaft which extends along the rotation axis, the rotation shaft is mounted on a clutch portion (231) of the second articulation element (23), said first element (22) comprises a clutch cannula (220) provided with a clutch cavity which is configured to receive the clutch portion (231) of the second articulation element (22), when the clutch portion (231) is engaged in the clutch cavity, the rotation of the gate (12) around the rotation shaft is blocked, conversely, when the clutch portion (231) is released from the clutch cavity, the first articulation element (22) and the second articulation element (23) are disengaged which allows the rotation of the gate (12) around the rotation shaft.

5. Energy hatch (10) according to claim 4, in which the opening system (20) comprises a receptacle (130) secured to the bodywork, the second articulation element (23) being secured to the receptacle (130) by one end of the clutch portion (231), the first articulation element (22) being mounted movable in translation relative to the receptacle (130) and to the second articulation element (23), when the gate (12) is in the closed position, the receptacle (130) is configured to receive the clutch cannula (220) engaged on the clutch portion (231).

6. Energy trap (10) according to claim 5, wherein the opening system (20) comprises an elastic member (24) which is configured to cause the movement of the first articulation element (22) and the second articulation element (23) relative to each other so as to pass from the engaged state to the disengaged state, in particular, the elastic member (24) is arranged in the receptacle (130) so as to apply an elastic pressure on the first articulation element (22).

7. Energy trap (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the rotation means comprise a radial stop mechanism (25) which is configured to limit the rotation of the gate (12) around its axis of rotation and define the deployed open position of the gate (12).

8. An energy trap (10) according to claims 4 and 7, wherein the radial stop mechanism (25) comprises a stop rod (250) and a radial stop (251), the stop rod (250) extending along an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation, the stop rod (250) being integral with the rotation shaft so as to be driven in rotation, the stop rod (250) is configured to cooperate with the radial stop (251) which is arranged at one end of the first articulation element (22), preferably, the radial stop (251) comprises a wall extending radially along a determined radial distance on a peripheral edge of the end of the first articulation element (22), the stop rod (250) comprising a first end (252) configured to run radially along said wall and a second end (253) configured to abut one end of said wall.

9. Energy trap (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, the rotation means comprise a radial brake (256) which opposes the rotation of the gate (12) between the deployed open position and the non-deployed open position, the radial brake (256) is configured to provide resistance to a threshold force below which the gate is held in the deployed open position or in the non-deployed open position, preferably, the radial brake comprises a ball mounted on a spring on the first end of the stop rod, the ball being configured to cooperate with the radial wall in order to provide resistance to the rotation of the gate between the deployed open position and the non-deployed open position and vice versa.

10. Energy hatch (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the elastic closing means comprise an actuator (210) secured to the bodywork, the actuator (210) comprising locking members (211) for the gate (12) in the closed position, in particular, the actuator (210) comprises a pin mounted so as to be movable according to a sliding pivot connection relative to a receptacle (120), the pin is movable between, on the one hand, a pushed-in position in which the locking members (211) are activated and block the portion (12) in the closed position, and on the other hand, a deployed position in which the locking members (211) are deactivated and allow the gate (12) to be opened.

11. Vehicle, in particular a land vehicle, comprising an energy hatch (10) defined according to one of the preceding claims.

12. Method for actuating the energy trap (10) defined according to one of claims 1 to 10, the method comprising: applying pressure to the gate (12) along the normal to the face of the gate (12), the gate (12) passing from the closed position to the open, undeployed position, the axis of rotation of the gate (12) then being unlocked, rotating the gate (12) along a first direction of rotation, around the axis of rotation of the gate (12) which is parallel to the normal of the plane of the gate (12), the gate (12) then passing from the open, undeployed position to the open, deployed position, rotating the gate (12) in a second direction of rotation opposite to the first direction, around said axis of rotation of the gate (12), the gate (12) then passing from the deployed open position to the non-deployed open position, and applying pressure to the gate (12) in a direction normal to the face of the gate (12), the gate (12) passing from the non-deployed open position to the closed position, the axis of rotation of the gate (12) being locked.

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