Device for installing and removing a windshield

Abstract

TITLE. Device for fitting and removing a windshield of a vehicle The invention relates to a device (1) for fitting and removing a windshield (2) of a vehicle. This device (1) comprises, on the one hand, a base (4) intended to be immobilized relative to the vehicle (3), on the other hand, a telescopic arm (5) comprising a bar (50) and a sheath (51) movable relative to the bar (50) between a folded configuration and a deployed configuration of the telescopic arm (5), on the other hand, mounting means (6) of the telescopic arm (5) relative to the base (4) in an articulated manner, on the other hand also, gripping means (7) of a windshield (2) which equip the sheath (51) and, on the other hand also, immobilization means (8) of the sheath (51) relative to the bar (50).This device (1) is characterized by the fact that the immobilization means (8) are configured to ensure immobilization of the sheath (51) relative to the bar (50) only in the folded configuration of the telescopic arm (5). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Device for installing and removing a windshield

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for installing and removing a windshield of a vehicle.

[0002] This invention relates to the field of transport and, more particularly, to the field of repair of transport vehicles, in particular the field of replacement of windshields of transport vehicles.

[0003] Without being in any way limited thereto, the present invention will find a particularly suitable application when it comes to replacing the windshield of a motor vehicle, in particular a car or a van.

[0004] Devices for installing and removing a windshield are already known. Such a device comprises a base intended to be immobilized relative to the vehicle. Such a device further comprises a telescopic arm which comprises a bar and a sheath which is movable relative to the bar, this between a folded configuration of the telescopic arm in which the bar is retracted inside the sheath and at least one deployed configuration of the telescopic arm in which the bar is at least partly deployed outside the sheath. Such a device also comprises mounting means which are configured to mount the bar of the telescopic arm on the base, this in an articulated manner. Such a device also comprises gripping means, which are configured to grip a windshield, and which equip the sheath of the telescopic arm.

[0005] When replacing a windshield, the deployment and folding of the telescopic arm must present the least possible resistance to facilitate the handling of this device and this windshield. However, apart from the replacement of such a windshield, with little or no resistance to movement, folding and, above all, deployment of the telescopic arm can occur unexpectedly during handling of the device, which is not desirable because they are likely to injure an operator or cause damage to the vehicle or its environment.

[0006] In order to overcome this drawback, a solution has been found in the form of immobilization means, which the telescopic arm comprises, and which are configured to immobilize the sheath relative to the bar.

[0007] Such immobilization means take the form of at least one joint, which is positioned inside the telescopic arm, and which is interposed between the bar and the sheath. Such immobilization means, however, have the disadvantage of ensuring braking over the entire travel of the deployment and folding of the telescopic arm, which hinders the handling of the device when replacing a windshield and is not appreciated by operators.

[0008] The present invention aims to remedy, at least in part, the drawbacks of the windshield installation and removal devices of the state of the art.

[0009] For this purpose, the invention relates to a device for installing and removing a windshield of a vehicle. This device comprises, on the one hand, a base intended to be immobilized relative to the vehicle, on the other hand, a telescopic arm which comprises a bar and a sheath which is movable relative to the bar, this between a folded configuration of the telescopic arm in which the bar is retracted inside the sheath and at least one deployed configuration of the telescopic arm in which the bar is at least partly deployed outside the sheath, on the other hand again, mounting means which are configured to mount the telescopic arm relative to the base, this in an articulated manner, on the other hand also, gripping means, which are configured to grip a windshield, and which equip the sheath of the telescopic arm and, on the other hand also, immobilization means which are configured to immobilize the sheath relative to the bar.This device is characterized by the fact that the immobilization means are configured to ensure immobilization of the sheath relative to the bar only in the folded configuration of the telescopic arm.

[0010] Another characteristic concerns the fact that the immobilization means comprise, on the one hand, at least one magnetic element which is associated with the sheath, respectively with the bar and / or with the mounting means, and, on the other hand, at least one reactive element, which is at least partly made of a material which reacts with said at least one magnetic element, and which is associated with the bar and / or with the mounting means, respectively with the sheath.

[0011] Yet another feature relates to the fact that said at least one magnetic element comprises at least one magnet and / or said at least one reactive element comprises at least one ferrous metal.

[0012] An additional feature consists in that said at least one magnetic element and / or said at least one reactive element comprises at least one ring which has a central opening which is crossed by the bar.

[0013] Thus, the device for fitting and removing a windshield according to the invention comprises immobilization means which are configured to ensure immobilization of the sheath relative to the bar only in the folded configuration of the telescopic arm. These characteristics advantageously make it possible to maintain the telescopic arm in its folded configuration, at least when this telescopic arm and the device are handled outside of an operation for replacing a windshield (in particular when fitting or removing the device, in particular when mounting or dismounting the device) which avoids, advantageously ously, an unexpected and unwanted deployment of this telescopic arm. Conversely, these immobilization means are then configured to ensure a release of the sheath relative to the bar and to thus allow free movement of this sheath relative to the bar, this outside the folded configuration (and whatever the deployed configuration) of the telescopic arm, more particularly during an operation of handling a windshield. The replacement of such a windshield is then greatly facilitated.

[0014] In this invention, the immobilization means comprise at least one magnetic element as well as at least one reactive element which make it possible to achieve such immobilization in a simple, effective, long-lasting and inexpensive manner.

[0015] In addition, said at least one magnetic element and / or said at least one reactive element comprise at least one ring which has a central opening through which the bar passes. These characteristics advantageously make it possible to use parts of simple design, common on the market, easy to implement, and inexpensive, which facilitates the manufacturing process of the device and reduces its manufacturing cost.

[0016] Other aims and advantages of the present invention will appear during the description which follows relating to embodiments which are given only as indicative and non-limiting examples.

[0017] Understanding of this description will be facilitated by referring to the attached drawings in which:

[0018] [Fig-1] represents a schematic and perspective view of a device for installing and removing a windshield according to the invention, this in the deployed configuration of the telescopic arm.

[0019] [Fig.2] represents a schematic, perspective and partial view of the device of installation and removal of a windshield illustrated [Fig.l], this in the folded configuration of the telescopic arm.

[0020] [Fig.3] represents a schematic and partial view of the telescopic arm illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, this in deployed configuration.

[0021] [Fig.4] represents a schematic and partial view of the telescopic arm illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, this in folded configuration.

[0022] With reference to the figures of the attached drawings, the present invention relates to the field of transport and, more particularly, to the field of repair of transport vehicles, in particular the field of replacement of windshields of transport vehicles.

[0023] The invention then relates to a device 1 for installing and removing a windshield 2 from a vehicle 3, more particularly a motor vehicle, in particular a car or a van.

[0024] In the remainder of the description and for reasons of simplification, such a fitting and removal device 1 will be referred to as “device 1”.

[0025] Such a device 1 comprises a base 4 intended to be immobilized relative to the vehicle 3.

[0026] According to a first type of embodiment, such a base 4 can be positioned between a wheel of the vehicle 3 and the ground, which makes it possible to immobilize this base 4 relative to the vehicle 3.

[0027] According to a second type of embodiment illustrated in the appended figures, this base 4 may comprise at least one suction cup 40 which is configured to cooperate with a window of the vehicle 3, which also makes it possible to immobilize this base 4 relative to this vehicle 3.

[0028] Such a device 1 also comprises a telescopic arm 5 which comprises a bar 50 and a sheath 51 which is movable relative to the bar 50, this between, on the one hand, a folded configuration of the telescopic arm 5 (figures 2 and 4) in which the bar 50 is retracted inside the sheath 51 and, on the other hand, at least one deployed configuration of the telescopic arm 5 (figures 1 and 3) in which the bar 50 is at least partly deployed outside the sheath 51.

[0029] In this regard, it will be observed that this telescopic arm 5 extends along an extension axis while the sheath 51, respectively the bar 50, is movable in translation (more particularly in sliding) relative to the bar 50, respectively relative to the sheath 51, this in a direction at least parallel to this extension axis.

[0030] As can be seen in the attached figures, this sheath 51 comprises, on the one hand, a tubular body 510 inside which the bar 50 extends and, on the other hand, a guide ring 511, which equips said tubular body 510 (more particularly which equips one end of this tubular body 510), which comprises a proximal end which this sheath 51 comprises, which is crossed by the bar 50, and which is configured to guide said bar 50.

[0031] Said device 1 further comprises mounting means 6 which are configured to mount the telescopic arm 5 relative to the base 4 (more particularly on the base 4), in an articulated manner, more particularly around at least one axis.

[0032] In fact, these mounting means 6 are, more particularly, configured to mount the bar 50 of this telescopic arm 5 relative to the base 4 (more particularly on the base 4), this in an articulated manner, more particularly around at least one axis.

[0033] Such mounting means 6 may comprise, on the one hand, a support 60 which is fixedly secured to the base 4, on the other hand, a rod 61 which is movable relative to the support 60, and on the other hand also, means 62 for rotating the rod 61. (more particularly of a proximal end of this rod 61) relative to the support 60 (more particularly on the support 60), this in rotation around an axis, in particular perpendicular to an axis along which the rod 61 extends.

[0034] Such mounting means 6 may also comprise means 63 for rotating the telescopic arm 5 (more particularly the bar 50 of this telescopic arm 5) relative to the rod 61 (more particularly relative to a distal end, opposite the proximal end, of this rod 65 and / or on this rod 61), this being rotating about an axis, in particular perpendicular to the axis along which the rod 61 extends.

[0035] The device 1 also comprises gripping means 7, which are configured to grip a windshield 2, and which equip the sheath 51 of the telescopic arm 5, more particularly which equip the tubular body 510 that this sheath 51 comprises. Such gripping means 7 may comprise at least one suction cup 70 configured to cooperate with the windshield 2.

[0036] Finally, the device 1 also comprises immobilization means 8 which are configured to immobilize the sheath 51 relative to the bar 50.

[0037] According to the invention, these immobilization means 8 are configured to ensure immobilization of the sheath 51 relative to the bar 50, this only in the folded configuration of the telescopic arm 5.

[0038] Conversely, these immobilization means 8 are then configured to ensure release of the sheath 51 relative to the bar 50 and to thus allow free movement (more particularly by sliding) of this sheath 51 relative to the bar 50, this outside the folded configuration of the telescopic arm 5 and whatever the deployed configuration of this telescopic arm 5.

[0039] According to another characteristic, these immobilization means 8 are of the reversible type and are configured, on the one hand, to ensure immobilization of the sheath 51 relative to the bar 50, this for a deployment force of the telescopic arm 5 (aimed at deploying this telescopic arm 5) whose intensity is less than a determined value and, on the other hand, to ensure the release of the sheath 51 relative to the bar 50, this for a deployment force of the telescopic arm 5 (aimed at deploying this telescopic arm 5) whose intensity is greater than this determined value.

[0040] In this regard, it will be observed that the determined value of the intensity of the deployment force is at least equal to the intensity of the weight of the sheath 51, or even at least equal to the cumulative intensity of the weight of the sheath 51 and the weight of the gripping means 7.

[0041] Such immobilization means 8 comprise, on the one hand, at least one magnetic element 80 and, on the other hand, at least one reactive element 81, which is at least partly made of a material which reacts with said at least one magnetic element 80 (more particularly to ensure the immobilization of the sheath 51 relative to the bar 50, this only in the folded configuration of the telescopic arm 5).

[0042] According to a first embodiment, said at least one magnetic element 80 is associated with the bar 50 and / or the mounting means 6 while said at least one reactive element 81 is associated with the sheath 51.

[0043] However, and according to a preferred embodiment illustrated in the appended figures, said at least one magnetic element 80 is associated with the sheath 51 while said at least one reactive element 81 is associated with the bar 50 and / or the mounting means 6.

[0044] According to another characteristic, said at least one magnetic element 80 comprises at least one magnet. In fact, said at least one magnetic element 80 is preferably constituted by at least one such magnet.

[0045] According to a particular characteristic, said at least one magnetic element 80 equips the sheath 51, more particularly a proximal end, which this sheath 51 comprises, and which is oriented in the direction of the mounting means 6 and / or in the direction of said at least one reactive element 81.

[0046] As mentioned above, the sheath 51 comprises a tubular body 510 as well as a guide ring 511, which equips said tubular body 510, and which comprises a proximal end that this sheath 51 comprises.

[0047] In this regard, it will be observed that this guide ring 511 is, then, interposed between the tubular body 510 and the magnetic element 80.

[0048] According to another characteristic, the tubular body 510 and / or the guide ring 511 is made of a non-magnetic material, in particular aluminum.

[0049] With regard to said at least one reactive element 81, the latter comprises at least one ferrous metal. In fact, said at least one reactive element 81 is preferably made of at least one ferrous metal.

[0050] Alternatively, said at least one reactive element 81 may comprise (or even be constituted by) at least one magnet of polarity opposite to that of said at least one magnet that said at least one magnetic element 80 comprises.

[0051] Yet another characteristic concerns the fact that said at least one reactive element 81 equips the bar 50 and / or the mounting means 6.

[0052] In this regard, it will be observed that, according to a preferred embodiment, said at least one reactive element 81 equips a proximal end, which the bar 50 comprises, and which is oriented in the direction of the mounting means 6 and / or which is integral (in particular fixedly) with these mounting means 6.

[0053] According to another characteristic, said at least one magnetic element 80 comprises at least one ring which has a central opening which is crossed by the bar 50. In fact, said at least one magnetic element 80 is, preferably, constituted by at least one such ring.

[0054] Alternatively or (and preferably) additionally, said at least one reactive element 81 comprises at least one ring which has a central opening which is crossed by the bar 50. In fact, said at least one reactive element 81 is, preferably, constituted by at least one such ring.

Claims

Claims

1. Device for fitting and removing (1) a windshield (2) of a vehicle (3), this device (1) comprises, on the one hand, a base (4) intended to be immobilized relative to the vehicle (3), on the other hand, a telescopic arm (5) which comprises a bar (50) and a sheath (51) which is movable relative to the bar (50), this between a folded configuration of the telescopic arm (5) in which the bar (50) is retracted inside the sheath (51) and at least one deployed configuration of the telescopic arm (5) in which the bar (50) is at least partly deployed outside the sheath (51), on the other hand again, mounting means (6) which are configured to mount the telescopic arm (5) relative to the base (4), this in an articulated manner, on the other hand also, gripping means (7), which are configured to grip a windshield (2), and which equip the sheath (51) of the telescopic arm (5) and, on the other hand also,immobilization means (8) which are configured to immobilize the sheath (51) relative to the bar (50), characterized in that the immobilization means (8) are configured to ensure immobilization of the sheath (51) relative to the bar (50) only in the folded configuration of the telescopic arm (5).,

2. Device for fitting and removing (1) a windshield (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the immobilizing means (8) comprise, on the one hand, at least one magnetic element (80) which is associated with the sheath (51), respectively with the bar (50) and / or with the mounting means (6), and, on the other hand, at least one reactive element (81), which is at least partly made of a material which reacts with said at least one magnetic element (80), and which is associated with the bar (50) and / or with the mounting means (60), respectively with the sheath (51).

3. Device for installing and removing (1) a windshield (2) according to claim 2, characterized in that said at least one magnetic element (80) comprises at least one magnet.

4. Device for fitting and removing (1) a windshield (2) according to any one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that said at least one magnetic element (80) equips a proximal end, which the sheath (51) comprises, and which is oriented in the direction of the mounting means (6) and / or in the direction of said at least one reactive element (81).

5. Device for fitting and removing (1) a windshield (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that said at least one reactive element (81) comprises at least one ferrous metal.

6. Device for fitting and removing (1) a windshield (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that said at least one reactive element (81) equips the bar (50) and / or the mounting means (6).

7. Device for fitting and removing (1) a windshield (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that said at least one reactive element (81) equips a proximal end, which the bar (50) comprises, and which is oriented in the direction of the mounting means (6) and / or which is integral with the mounting means (6).

8. Device for fitting and removing (1) a windshield (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that said at least one magnetic element (80) and / or said at least one reactive element (81) comprises at least one ring which has a central opening which is crossed by the bar (50).

9. Device for fitting and removing (1) a windshield (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the sheath (51) comprises, on the one hand, a tubular body (510) inside which the bar (50) extends and, on the other hand, a guide ring (511), which equips the tubular body (510), and which is interposed between the tubular body (510) and the magnetic element (80).

10. Device for fitting and removing (1) a windshield (2) according to claim 9, characterized in that the tubular body (510) and / or the guide ring (511) is made of a non-magnetic material, in particular aluminum.

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