Access hatch module for a power or charging interface of a motor vehicle.

Abstract

The mechanism (20) is configured to articulate in rotation the flap (12) to a structural element (14) of the motor vehicle (100) between a closed position and an open position, the mechanism (20) comprises first (22) and second (24) levers configured to be rotatably mounted by respective proximal ends (22P, 24P) on the flap (12) on the one hand and by respective distal ends (22D, 24D) on the structural element (14) on the other hand. In particular, the levers (22, 24) comprise main branches (26, 28) crossed in a scissor manner in a rotatable manner relative to each other by a common articulation (30) and arranged in such a way that the main branches (26, 28) perform, during the opening of the hatch (10), a scissor opening movement during which the angle (b) of the scissors increases when the mechanism (20) passes from a retracted configuration to a deployed configuration. Figure 4_

Description

Title of the invention: Access hatch module for a power or charging interface of a motor vehicle.

[0001] The technical field of the invention is that of mechanisms for articulating flaps for access hatches to a supply or charging interface of a motor vehicle. It applies more particularly but not exclusively to a flap for an access hatch to a hydrogen supply of a motor vehicle and to its mechanism for articulating the flap on the hatch. Description of the invention

[0002] In the present description, the term "hatch flap" means the movable panel of the bodywork which provides access to an opening of the hatch from the exterior of the vehicle.

[0003] In particular, the flap allows the closing of a hatch which gives access to a filling head (or orifice) connected to a filling pipe of a fuel, washing, cooling, urea, etc. tank or to an electrical charging socket. Generally, the motor vehicle comprises a structure provided with the filling orifice arranged on a rear lateral surface of the motor vehicle. The motor vehicle may be of the heavy-duty type.

[0004] The supply interface may be, for example, an interface for a fuel filling supply such as gasoline for a gasoline-powered motor vehicle or hydrogen for a fuel cell vehicle. The charging interface may be formed by a socket for an electrical supply. The charging interface may also be formed by an auxiliary source. Such an auxiliary source may be, for example, a fluid such as a urea-based solution or a fuel additive.

[0005] The shutter is essentially constituted by an articulated panel, by its means of articulation on an element of the structure of the motor vehicle around a geometric axis substantially parallel to the plane of the panel.

[0006] Many designs of such a shutter are known in which the hinge mechanism of the shutter is particularly bulky and difficult to mount. Existing mechanisms aimed at simplifying mounting and assembly operations require very significant depths in the bodywork to accommodate the hinge mechanism of the hatch.

[0007] The aim of the present invention is to propose a new design of an articulation mechanism for a closing flap of a hatch which makes it possible to overcome the drawbacks which have just been mentioned above.

[0008] For this purpose, the invention relates to an articulation mechanism for pivoting a flap for closing or opening an access hatch to a loading and / or fueling interface of a motor vehicle or motor vehicle, in which the mechanism being configured to articulate in rotation the flap to a structural element of the motor vehicle between a closing position and an opening position, the mechanism comprises first and second levers configured to be rotatably mounted by respective proximal ends on the flap on the one hand and by respective distal ends on the structural element on the other hand, characterized in that the levers comprise main branches crossed in a scissor manner in a rotatable manner relative to each other by a common articulation and arranged in such a way that the main branches perform, during the opening of the hatch,a scissor opening movement in which the angle of the scissors increases as the mechanism moves from a retracted configuration to a deployed configuration.

[0009] Thanks to the invention, the articulation mechanism has the advantage of allowing the mechanism to fold back on itself thanks to the scissor articulation.

[0010] A hinge mechanism according to the invention may further comprise one or more of the following characteristics.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, each main branch is extended by at least one secondary branch which is hinged to the main branch by a hinge point such that the levers are flexed in the retracted configuration and extended in the deployed configuration around their respective hinge point.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, in the retracted configuration, the main branches partially overlap to form a substantially zero angle and the secondary branches are folded substantially towards the main branches on either side of the main branches.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the main branches of the first and second levers are connected respectively to the flap and to the hatch and the secondary branches of the first and second levers are connected respectively to the hatch and to the shutter.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, in the deployed configuration, the main branches form an angle greater than 90° between them.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, in the retracted configuration, the main branches extend substantially in an oblique orientation relative to the plane of the shutter.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, in the deployed configuration, the levers extend in a generally arcuate shape between their proximal and respective distal with a concavity facing the articulation of the flap to the structural element.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the branches have a general shape of an annular sector, for example in the form of a curved plate.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, one of the main branches is mounted across the other of the main branches to form the lever crossing.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, one of the main branches has a general shape of a two-armed fork in order to define two substantially parallel lateral cheeks between which the other of the main branches is pivotally received.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the main branches have complementary shapes capable of being fitted into one another by embedding.

[0021] The invention also relates to a module for an access hatch to a loading and / or fuel filling interface of a motor vehicle comprising a structural element and a flap mounted articulated on the structural element by an articulation mechanism according to the invention.

[0022] The invention finally relates to a motor vehicle equipped with such a hatch module.

[0023] The invention will be better understood and its advantages will appear better on reading the detailed description which follows, of embodiments shown as non-limiting examples. The description refers to the appended drawings in which:

[0024] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a partial and perspective view according to the invention of a motor vehicle provided with a hatch module according to the invention comprising a flap in a position for closing the hatch (figure 1A) and in an open position for access to the hatch (figure 1B).

[0025] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a partial perspective view of a hinge mechanism of the hatch module connecting the flap to a structural element of the vehicle according to the invention.

[0026] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a perspective and exploded view of the mechanism of [Fig.2].

[0027] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of a variant of the hatch module comprising the mechanism of the invention in a fully open (4A) and intermediate (4B) position of the shutter.

[0028] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a perspective and sectional view of the hatch module of [Fig.4] in an intermediate opening position.

[0029] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a perspective and sectional view of the hatch module of [Fig.4] in a fully open position.

[0030] [Fig.7]] [Fig.7] is a schematic view of the articulation mechanism of the invention in the closed position.

[0031] [Fig-8] [Fig.8] is a schematic view of the articulation mechanism of the invention in the open position. Detailed description of the invention

[0032] Figures 1 to 8 show an access hatch to an electrical charging and / or fueling interface of a motor vehicle. In the remainder of the description, the access hatch is designated by the general reference 10.

[0033] An orthonormal reference frame is indicated in [Fig. 1]. It defines a first direction which corresponds to a longitudinal axis X of the vehicle, oriented positively from the front to the rear of the vehicle, a second direction which corresponds to a transverse axis Y of the vehicle and a third direction which corresponds to a vertical axis Z of the vehicle.

[0034] [Fig.l] illustrates the hatch 10 mounted on a bodywork part 102 of the motor vehicle 100. The hatch module 10 according to the present invention is in particular, although not exclusively, intended to be mounted on a bodywork part, for example rear, of the motor vehicle 10.

[0035] For example, the hatch 10 is adapted to be housed in a cutout or recess in the exterior panel of the vehicle forming an opening 104.

[0036] The hatch 10 comprises a flap 12 movable between a retracted position (FIG. 1A) and a deployed position (FIG. 1B). In the retracted position of [Fig. 1], the flap 12 closes the opening 104 made in the bodywork 102 and is aligned with the bodywork panel located around the opening 104. When the flap 12 is in the deployed position, it protrudes from the bodywork, on the outside of the motor vehicle 100 in order to free access to the fuel loading or filling interface.

[0037] In the example illustrated in [Fig.l], the flap 12 has a generally oblong shape extending in its longitudinal direction along the X axis with a hinge axis A1 extending transversely relative to its longitudinal direction. In Figures 2 to 8, as a variant, the flap 12 has a hinge axis extending in its longitudinal direction.

[0038] As can be seen in particular in [Fig.2], the hatch 10 also comprises a structural support element 14 configured to be attached and fixed to the structure of the vehicle 100.

[0039] In the example illustrated in [Fig.4], the element 14 is presented as a charging or fueling interface base which has a first compartment 16 in the form of a cavity open on the side of its outer face. This first compartment 16 defines, in this example, a receptacle for an electrical charging connector or a fuel gun.

[0040] Preferably, the flap 12 is essentially constituted by an articulated panel whose outer skin is constituted by a substantially flat covering element whose shape (and / or color) is complementary to the part of the bodywork.

[0041] In order to be able to pivot between the open position and the closed position, the flap 12 is mounted articulated around a geometric axis A1 which, as will be easily understood later, is not fixed relative to the structure of the vehicle but remains, in the different positions likely to be occupied by the flap 12, substantially parallel to the general plane of the panel, that is to say parallel to the plane of the trim element.

[0042] In order to achieve the articulation of the flap 12 and the structural element 14, the hatch module 10 further comprises an articulation mechanism 20 of the flap 12 on the base 14. For this purpose, the base 14 preferably comprises, in the extension of the loading or filling receptacle 16, a compartment 18 for receiving the articulation mechanism 20 in its retracted configuration. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 8, the base 14 has a generally oblong shape in a longitudinal direction and the receptacle 16 and the compartment 18 are arranged adjacently in this longitudinal direction.

[0043] We will now describe the articulation mechanism 20 according to the invention of the flap 12 relative to the hatch 10 with reference to figures 2 and 3.

[0044] The mechanism 20 is configured to connect in rotation the shutter 12 to the structural element 14 of the motor vehicle between a closed position and an open position.

[0045] In particular, the mechanism 20 comprises first 22 and second 24 levers configured to be pivotally attached by respective proximal ends 22P, 24P to the flap 12 on the one hand and by respective distal ends 22D, 24D to the structural element 14 on the other hand. For example, in the illustrated example, the compartment 18 has a side wall on which the proximal ends 22P and 24P are pivotally mounted.

[0046] In the present description, an element will be described as proximal or distal depending on whether it is axially close to or distant from the structural element 14.

[0047] Preferably, the proximal 22P, 24P and distal 22D, 24D portions of each lever 22, 24 are rotatably connected respectively to the base 14 and to the flap 12. For example, in order to achieve the rotatable connection, a hinge portion is formed in one piece at the end of the levers 22, 24 and is oriented transversely relative to the longitudinal direction of the corresponding lever 22, 24.

[0048] Furthermore, in the illustrated example, corresponding support means are provided on the flap 12 and on the structural element 14 for pivotally fixing each of the hinge parts of each of the levers 22 and 24. Of course, other Hinge or articulation systems may be used alternatively without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, preferably, the mounting points of the first lever 22 and the second lever 24 on the base 14 are spaced from each other. The same preferably applies to the mounting points of the first lever 22 and the second lever 24 on the flap 12.

[0049] More specifically, according to the invention, the levers 22, 24 comprise main branches 26, 28 which are pivotally connected to each other in a scissor-like manner. The main branches 26, 28 are thus crossed in a scissor-like manner and rotatably connected to each other by a common joint 30.

[0050] The two main branches 26, 28 are arranged such that the main branches 26, 28 perform, during the opening of the flap 12, a scissor opening movement during which the angle b of the scissors increases to move the mechanism 20 from a retracted configuration to a deployed configuration. As can be seen in [Fig.8], the apex of the angle b is located on the articulation 30 and the sides pass through the proximal end 22P of the first lever 22 and through the distal end 24D of the second lever 24.

[0051] Furthermore, one 28 of the main branches is mounted through the other 26 of the main branches to achieve the crossing of the levers 22, 24. Here, the shape of the main branch 26 of the first lever 22 has a general shape of a two-armed fork in order to define two substantially parallel lateral cheeks between which the main branch 28 of the second lever 24 is pivotally received. As illustrated in [Fig.3], the two arms of the fork are connected by a crosspiece.

[0052] As can be seen in Figures 7 and 8, in the deployed configuration, the main branches 26, 28 form an angle greater than 90° with each other. In the retracted configuration, the main branches 26, 28 extend in an oblique orientation relative to the plane of the flap 12. Furthermore, in the retracted configuration, the main branches 26, 28 are partially superimposed. Indeed, each main branch 26, 28 is bent at the location of the common articulation 30 so as to form two superimposable parts and two parts which diverge from each other like closed scissors.

[0053] Furthermore, preferably, in order to make the mechanism 20 even more compact in the retracted configuration, each main branch 26, 28 is extended by at least one secondary branch 26S, 28S which is articulated on the main branch 26, 28 by a respective articulation point 261, 281.

[0054] Thanks to these secondary articulations, the levers 22, 24 can be flexed in the retracted configuration and extended in the deployed configuration according to their respective articulation point 261, 281.

[0055] In the example of schematic representation of the mechanism 20 of [Fig.7] and [Fig.8], the levers 22 and 24 are mounted in a cross so that the main branches 26, 28 of the first and second levers 22, 24 are connected respectively to the flap 12 and to the hatch 14 and the secondary branches 26S, 28S of the first 22 and second 24 levers are connected respectively to the hatch 14 and to the flap 12. As can be seen in the figures, the levers 22 and 24 form an arrangement which generally has a plane of axial symmetry sharing the angle b of the scissors.

[0056] Preferably, the branches (secondary and / or main) of the levers 22, 24 have a general shape of an annular sector, for example in the form of a substantially curved plate which extends substantially in an arc of a circle. In the mounting position in the hatch module, the branches have in this example a concavity facing towards the articulation of the flap 12 to the structural element 14.

[0057] Preferably, the main branches 26 and 28 have complementary shapes capable of being fitted into one another by embedding during their relative pivoting.

[0058] For example, the main branch 28 has a general shape of an annular sector having an inner surface and an outer surface defined relative to the general curvature of the branch 28. As has already been described previously, the inner surface is bent at the level of the common articulation 30. The outer surface has a part with a curved profile 32 with a step in the circumferential direction delimiting a step with a recessed part 34 forming a hollow.

[0059] In the deployed configuration of the mechanism 20, as illustrated in [Fig. 6], the crosspiece of the main branch 26 is housed in the hollow of the recessed part 34. Thus, the external surfaces of the two main branches 26, 28 are in surface continuity in the deployed configuration of the mechanism 20.

[0060] In the deployed configuration, the levers 22, 24 extend in a generally arcuate, or even curved, shape between their respective proximal 22P, 24P and distal 22D, 24D ends with a concavity facing towards the axis of articulation A1 of the flap 12 to the structural element 14. Preferably, the compartment 18 provided to house the articulated mechanism 20 comprises a curved wall for guiding the levers 22, 24.

[0061] The base 14 of the hatch module 10 forms a body delimiting the external dimensions of the hatch module 10. The mechanism 20 in its retracted configuration is housed in the compartment 18 inside the volume contained in the external dimensions of the hatch module 10.

[0062] The main operating aspects of a trapdoor module according to the invention will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 8.

[0063] The hatch module 10 operates in the following manner: in the closed position of the flap 12 of the hatch, the mechanism 20 is in its folded configuration, retracted inside the receptacle compartment 18 of the interface base 14. Thanks to the secondary branches folded along the main branches and the main branches superimposed on each other in the manner of scissors, the mechanism 20 is very compact.

[0064] The opening of the flap 12 is carried out, from the position illustrated in [Fig.7] by exerting traction on it. The movement of the flap 12 towards its open position causes the deployment of the mechanism 20. The scissor arms open and the secondary branches pivot around their secondary articulations with the main branches. Once unfolded, the levers 22 and 24 form a curvilinear profile.

[0065] For example, all of the components of the hatch module 10 can be produced in the form of molded plastic parts giving certain parts of these elements the elasticity necessary for assembly operations.

[0066] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments previously described. Other embodiments within the reach of those skilled in the art may also be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the claims below.

Claims

Claims

1. Hinge mechanism (20) for pivoting a flap (12) for closing or opening a hatch (10) for access to a loading and / or fueling interface of a motor vehicle, wherein the mechanism (20) being configured to articulate in rotation the flap (12) to a structural element (14) of the motor vehicle (100) between a closing position and an opening position, the mechanism (20) comprises first (22) and second (24) levers configured to be rotatably mounted by respective proximal ends (22P, 24P) on the flap (12) on the one hand and by respective distal ends (22D, 24D) on the structural element (14) on the other hand, characterized in that the levers (22, 24) comprise main branches (26, 28) crossed in a scissor-like manner in a rotatable manner relative to each other by a common articulation (30) and arranged in such a way that the main branches (26, 28) perform,during the opening of the hatch (10), a scissor opening movement during which the angle (b) of the scissors increases when the mechanism (20) passes from a retracted configuration to a deployed configuration.,

2. Mechanism (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which each main branch (26, 28) is extended by at least one secondary branch (26S, 28S) which is articulated on the main branch (26, 28) by an articulation point (261, 281) such that the levers (22, 24) are flexed in the retracted configuration and extended in the deployed configuration around their respective articulation point (261, 281).

3. Mechanism (20) according to claim 2, in which in the retracted configuration, the main branches (26, 28) partially overlap to form an angle (b) substantially zero and the secondary branches (26S, 28S) are folded substantially towards the main branches (26, 28) on either side of the main branches (26, 28).

4. Mechanism (20) according to the preceding claim, in which the main branches (26, 28) of the first and second levers (22, 24) are connected respectively to the flap (12) and to the hatch (14) and the secondary branches of the first (22) and second (24) levers are connected respectively to the hatch (14) and to the flap (12).

5. Mechanism (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the deployed configuration, the main branches (26, 28) form between them an angle greater than 90°.

6. A mechanism (20) according to any preceding claim, wherein in the retracted configuration the main branches (26, 28) extend substantially in an oblique orientation relative to the plane of the flap (12).

7. Mechanism (20) according to the preceding claim, wherein in the deployed configuration, the levers (22, 24) extend in a generally arcuate shape between their respective proximal (22P, 24P) and distal (22D, 24D) ends with a concavity facing towards the side of the articulation axis (Al) of the flap (12) to the structural element (14).

8. Mechanism (20) according to the preceding claim, in which the branches (26, 28; 26S, 28S) have a general shape of an annular sector, for example in the form of a curved plate.

9. A mechanism (20) according to any preceding claim, wherein one (28) of the main legs (26, 28) is mounted across the other (26) of the main legs (26, 28) to form the crossing of the levers (22, 24).

10. Mechanism (20) according to the preceding claim, in which one (26) of the main branches (26, 28) has a general shape of a two-armed fork in order to define two substantially parallel lateral cheeks between which the other of the main branches (26, 28) is pivotally received.

11. Mechanism (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the main branches (26, 28) have complementary shapes capable of being fitted into one another by embedding.

12. Module (10) for an access hatch to a loading and / or fueling interface of a motor vehicle comprising a structural element (14) and a flap (12) mounted articulated on the structural element (14) by an articulation mechanism (20) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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