Stiffener for locking a vehicle opening

Abstract

Title of the invention: Stiffener for locking a vehicle opening. The present invention relates to a stiffener (14) comprising a first fixing portion (16) and a second fixing portion (20) aligned with respect to each other along a connecting axis (28), the stiffener (14) comprising a central zone (30) extending between the first fixing portion (16) and the second fixing portion (20), the stiffener (14) comprising a locking portion (32) disposed between one of the fixing portions (16, 20) and the central zone (30), the locking portion (32) being configured to lock a door opening (2), at least a part of said central zone (30) being at a distance from the connecting axis (28). (Figure 1)

Description

Title of the invention: Stiffener for locking a vehicle opening

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of openings, particularly those fitted to vehicles. More specifically, the present invention relates to a stiffener disposed within the opening and enabling the opening to be maintained in a closed position during an impact against it.

[0002] Openings are devices widely used on vehicles, particularly motor vehicles, that allow a vehicle's passenger compartment to be closed while remaining hinged to allow access for users or goods. Such openings commonly consist of a frame defining the periphery of the opening, an outer panel attached to the frame to form the exterior face of the opening, and an inner panel also attached to the frame to form the interior face of the opening. This design of the opening creates a volume between the outer and inner panels.

[0003] It is known to have a stiffener placed across the opening to prevent deformation of the outer panel when a force is exerted on the outer panel in the direction of said volume interposed between the inner panel and the outer panel.

[0004] Furthermore, in order to comply with safety measures, in the event of an impact striking the opening, for example in a collision with another vehicle that strikes the opening laterally, the latter must remain closed to prevent the occupants or goods transported by the vehicle from being ejected.

[0005] It is known to implement locking systems for the opening mechanism designed to ensure that the opening remains in a locked position during a collision. However, such systems have numerous drawbacks, notably the complexity of the mechanisms involved, which are commonly associated with a lock on the opening mechanism. Furthermore, such locking systems are typically compatible with only one type of lock, which severely limits their versatility.

[0006] The present invention falls within this context and aims to overcome at least some of the drawbacks of the prior art. In particular, the present invention aims to provide a stiffener capable of simultaneously protecting the outer panel from deformation and locking the opening in the event of a collision with said outer panel.

[0007] Thus, the present invention relates to a stiffener intended to be disposed between an outer panel and an inner panel of a vehicle opening, the stiffener comprising a first fixing portion disposed at a first end of the stiffener and configured to be secured to a first upright of a frame of the opening and a second fixing portion disposed at a second end of the stiffener and configured to be secured to a second upright of said frame, the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion being aligned with each other along a connection axis, the stiffener comprising a central zone extending between the first end and the second end, the stiffener comprising a locking portion disposed between one of the fixing portions and the central zone, the locking portion being configured to lock a lock of the opening,at least part of said central zone being at a distance from the axis of solidarity.

[0008] The stiffener is a component of the opening designed to prevent deformation of the outer panel when pressure is applied to it. To this end, the stiffener extends across the opening, being attached to two opposing frame members, thus ensuring the rigidity of the outer panel along its entire length. It is understood that the first end of the stiffener is positioned opposite the second end to allow the stiffener to be attached to two opposing members.

[0009] The connection axis is defined within a band formed between the first and second fixing portions. This band is delimited by the width of the first and second fixing portions. It is understood that there are multiple connection axes passing through the first and second fixing portions. However, all the connection axes within this band are parallel to each other. More precisely, each connection axis is parallel to a median of said band.

[0010] It is understood that the central zone is at a distance from the axis of attachment in that the central zone is offset from the axis of attachment such that there is a non-zero distance between at least a part of the central zone and the axis of attachment. This arrangement allows the central zone to rotate so that it mechanically interferes with the lock of the opening in the event of an impact against the opening panel.

[0011] According to a feature of the invention, the part of the central zone extends along a principal elongation direction secant to the axis of attachment.

[0012] The central zone extends along a principal elongation direction that is distinct from the axis of attachment. In other words, the elongation direction The main axis of the central zone is not the same as the axis of attachment. This inclination of the main elongation direction of the central zone relative to the axis of attachment generates a significant lever arm at the locking portion of the stiffener, allowing it to mechanically interfere with the lock in the event of an impact against the outer panel of the opening.

[0013] More specifically, the main elongation direction of the central zone forms an angle with the connection axis of between 5° and 20°. With such an angle between the main elongation direction and the connection axis, it is ensured that, in the event of an impact against the outer panel deforming the stiffener, the blocking portion is the portion of the stiffener that undergoes the greatest amplitude of deformation in order to constrain the lock of the opening.

[0014] According to a feature of the invention, the central area is configured so that the main elongation direction and the bonding axis are in a first plane, said first plane being configured to be parallel to a second plane in which the outer panel extends.

[0015] The axis of attachment and the principal elongation direction are superimposed with respect to each other. This arrangement allows for the generation of a deformation of the central zone and, by extension, of the locking portion, so that the latter comes into contact with the lock of the opening during an impact against the outer panel.

[0016] According to a feature of the invention, the blocking portion extends in the foreground.

[0017] According to a feature of the invention, the part of the central zone disposed at a distance from the axis of attachment represents at least 80% of the central zone.

[0018] As mentioned, the central zone extends from the second fixing portion to the locking portion adjacent to the first fixing portion. This proportion of the central zone, positioned at a distance from the axis of attachment, allows for deformation of the stiffener upon impact against the central panel, thereby bringing the locking portion against the lock.

[0019] According to a feature of the invention, the part of the central zone disposed at a distance from the axis of attachment is configured to tilt relative to the fixing portion adjoining the blocking portion around a tilting axis which passes through the blocking portion and which extends between the central zone and the axis of attachment.

[0020] This tilting action is generated during an impact against the outer panel. When the force of the impact exceeds a predetermined value, the stiffener deforms, causing it to tilt around its axis of rotation. This tilting action positions the blocking portion against the lock, thus preventing the door from opening.

[0021] According to a feature of the invention, the fixing portion adjoining the blocking portion extends in a plane intersecting a plane in which the blocking portion extends.

[0022] According to one feature of the invention, the blocking portion includes a boss configured to mechanically interfere with the lock.

[0023] This interference pattern allows the lock to be held in a configuration in which it prevents the door from opening upon impact with the outer panel. This boss advantageously has a shape complementary to an element of the lock, such that this element constrains the lock to hold the door open.

[0024] The invention also relates to an opening comprising a frame, an inner panel, an outer panel and a stiffener conforming to any one of the characteristics previously mentioned, the opening being able to take a closed position in which the opening is configured to close a vehicle opening and an open position in which the opening is configured to be offset from said vehicle opening, the opening comprising an opening device including a lock configured to allow or prohibit the passage of the opening from its closed position to its open position, the lock comprising an actuating lever able to take a first position in which the lock allows the passage of the opening from its closed position to its open position and a second position in which the lock prohibits the passage of the opening from its open position to its closed position.

[0025] According to one feature of the invention, at least a part of the stiffener is disposed directly opposite the actuating lever of the lock.

[0026] This arrangement of a part of the stiffener directly opposite the actuating lever, i.e. without an element being interposed between the stiffener and the actuating lever, allows, when the stiffener is tilted around its tilting axis, to come directly into contact with the actuating lever to hold it in its second position to allow the lock to block the opening in its closed position.

[0027] According to a feature of the invention, the part of the central area of ​​the stiffener extending between the first end and the second end, being at a distance from the axis of attachment, is in contact with an inner face of the outer panel.

[0028] It should be noted that there may be, for example, a strip of adhesive between the outer panel and the central area of ​​the stiffener. However, the forces are directly transferred from the outer panel to the stiffener.

[0029] According to one feature of the invention, the stiffener is configured to assume a nominal position in which the locking portion is at a distance from the lever actuation and a collision position in which the blocking portion is in contact with the actuation lever, the actuation lever being held in its second position by the blocking portion when the stiffener is in its collision position.

[0030] The blocking portion includes a boss forming the part of the blocking portion closest to the actuating lever, the boss having a shape complementary to the actuating lever configured to prohibit the passage of the actuating lever from its second position to its first position in the collision position of the stiffener.

[0031] Other features, details and advantages of the invention will become clearer upon reading the following description on the one hand, and the illustrative and non-limiting examples of embodiments given with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0032] [Fig. 1] schematically represents a general view of an opening comprising a stiffener according to the present invention attached to a frame of the opening;

[0033] [Fig.2] schematically represents a detailed view of a lock on a device opening at the level of a blocking portion of the stiffener visible on the [Fig.l] when the stiffener is in a nominal position;

[0034] [Fig.3] schematically represents a detailed view of the device's lock visible opening on [Fig.2] when the stiffener is in a collision position.

[0035] The features, variants, and different embodiments of the invention can be combined in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may include only a selection of features, described hereafter in isolation from the other described features, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0036] In the figures, the elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0037] In the detailed description that follows, the terms "longitudinal," "transverse," and "vertical" refer to the orientation of a motor vehicle equipped with the stiffener. A longitudinal direction corresponds to a direction of forward movement of said vehicle, this longitudinal direction being parallel to a longitudinal axis L of a frame of reference L, V, T illustrated in the figures. A transverse direction corresponds to a direction perpendicular, in a plane parallel to the road on which said motor vehicle is traveling, to the direction of forward movement of the vehicle. automobile, this transverse direction being parallel to the transverse axis T of the L, V, T frame and this transverse axis T being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. Finally, a vertical direction corresponds to a direction parallel to a vertical axis V of the L, V, T frame, this vertical axis V being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L and to the transverse axis T.

[0038] Fig. 1 illustrates an opening 2 intended to be fitted to a motor vehicle. This opening 2 helps to delimit a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle and is capable of assuming a closed position in which the opening 2 is configured to close off an opening in the vehicle and an open position in which the opening 2 is configured to be offset from said opening in the vehicle so that access to the passenger compartment of the vehicle is permitted.

[0039] The opening 2 comprises a rigid frame 4 delimiting the perimeter of the opening 2, an outer panel, not shown here, and an inner panel 6. In the closed position of the opening 2, the outer panel forms the element of the opening 2 disposed in contact with the environment outside the motor vehicle and the inner panel 6 forms the element of the motor vehicle in contact with the environment inside the motor vehicle, i.e. the passenger compartment.

[0040] The outer panel and the inner panel 6 are attached to the frame 4 so that the inner panel 6 is at a distance from the outer panel equal to at least the thickness of the frame 4. It is thus understood that the inner panel 6 and the outer panel are attached on two opposite faces of the frame 4 so that the frame 4 is interposed between the inner panel 6 and the outer panel.

[0041] To allow the opening and closing of the door 2, the door 2 includes an opening device 8 consisting of at least one handle 10 and a lock 12, visible in Figures 2 and 3, configured to allow or prevent the door from moving from its closed position to its open position. An action by a user on the handle 10 of the opening device 8 actuates, for example, a rod or cable connected to the lock 12, thus allowing the opening or closing of the door 2. It should be noted that the operation of the lock 12 will be described in more detail in the following description with reference to Figures 2 and 3.

[0042] Furthermore, according to the invention, the opening 2 comprises a stiffener 14. This stiffener 14 is attached to the frame 4 by being interposed between the inner panel 6 and the outer panel. More specifically, in the embodiment shown, the frame 4 is formed of two uprights extending primarily vertically, that is, parallel to the vertical axis V, and two crossbars extending primarily longitudinally, that is, parallel to the longitudinal axis L, and joining each of the uprights. The stiffener 14 is attached to the frame 4 so as to be positioned transversely across the frame 4 by being attached to each of said uprights.

[0043] The arrangement of the stiffener 14 within the opening 2 is such that the stiffener 14 is in contact with the frame 4 on one side and with the outer panel on the other. More specifically, the stiffener 14 is directly in contact with an inner face of the outer panel located opposite the inner panel 6. This arrangement allows the stiffener 14 to prevent deformation of the outer panel towards the inner panel 6. It is understood that the stiffener 8 prevents deformation of the outer panel when a force from the outer panel towards the inner panel 6 is exerted on said outer panel.

[0044] Indeed, the forces exerted against the outer panel are directly absorbed by the stiffener, which prevents deformation of the outer panel. It should be noted that, for example, a strip of adhesive can be placed between the outer panel and the stiffener 14 without preventing direct contact between the stiffener 14 and the outer panel.

[0045] To ensure the attachment of the stiffener 14 to the frame 4, the stiffener 14 comprises a first fixing portion 16 disposed at a first end 18 of the stiffener 14 and a second fixing portion 20 disposed at a second end 22 of the stiffener 14. The first end 18 of the stiffener 14 is opposite the second end 22 so that, as mentioned previously, the first fixing portion 16 is attached to a first upright 24 of the frame 4 and the second fixing portion 20 is attached to a second upright 26 of the frame 4, the first upright 24 being opposite the second upright 26.

[0046] More specifically, the first fixing portion 16 and the second fixing portion 20 are, in the embodiment shown, each formed of a flat portion providing a flat support respectively against the first upright 24 and the second upright 26. Also, in this embodiment, the connection between the uprights 24, 26 and the fixing portions 16, 20 is achieved by a weld which secures the entire flat support to the uprights 24, 26. Alternatively, the first fixing portion 16 and the second fixing portion 20 can be secured to the first upright 24 and the second upright 26 by a spot weld, for example by two juxtaposed spots.

[0047] Furthermore, the first fixing portion 16 and the second fixing portion 20 are aligned with respect to each other along a fastening axis 28. More specifically, this fastening axis 28 lies within a strip extending in a fastening plane extending vertically and longitudinally, that is to say, in which the vertical axis V and the longitudinal axis L are inscribed, and joining the first fixing portion 16 to the second fixing portion 20. This strip is defined by the width of the first fixing portion 16 and the second fixing portion 20 and comprises a plurality of fastening axes 28 parallel to each other. to the others. We understand from the above that each axis of solidification 28 extends parallel to a median of said strip, that is to say a straight line separating the first portion of fixing 16 and the second portion of fixing 20 into two parts of the same dimensions.

[0048] As mentioned previously, the first fixing portion 16 and the second fixing portion 20 are arranged respectively at a first end 18 and at a second end 22. Between the first end 18 and the second end 22, the stiffener 14 includes a central zone 30. This central zone 30 forms the part of the stiffener 14 intended to come directly into contact with the outer panel, that is to say, to bear against said outer panel, so as to prevent the risk of deformation of the latter previously mentioned.

[0049] This central zone 30 is inclined with respect to the axis of attachment 28. More specifically, the central zone 30 extends along a main elongation direction from the second fixing portion 20 to a blocking portion 32 disposed between the central zone 30 and the first fixing portion 16.

[0050] The locking portion 32 is offset vertically, i.e. parallel to the vertical axis V, relative to the first fixing portion 16 so that the central zone 30 extends from the second fixing portion 20 to the locking portion 32 along the principal elongation direction secant to the axis of attachment 28. Indeed, the principal elongation direction of the central zone 30 and the axis of attachment form an angle between 5° and 20°.

[0051] It follows from this inclination of the central zone 30 with respect to the axis of attachment 28 that at least a part of said central zone 30 is at a distance from the axis of attachment 28. More specifically, the at least part of said central zone 30 which is disposed at a distance from the axis of attachment 28 represents at least 50% of the central zone 30, preferably at least 80%.

[0052] It should be noted that the principal elongation direction of the central zone 30 and the fastening axis 28 lie in a first plane that is parallel to a second plane in which the outer panel extends primarily. Also, in the embodiment shown, the vertical axis V and the longitudinal axis L lie in the first and second planes, respectively. It is thus understood that the principal elongation direction of the central zone 30 and the fastening axis 28 are superimposed with respect to each other in said first plane.

[0053] Furthermore, the stiffener 14 is configured to maintain the opening 2 in its closed position during an impact against the outer panel exceeding a force of a predetermined value. To this end, during an impact exceeding a predetermined value, the central zone 30 is configured to pivot relative to the fixing portion adjoining the locking portion 32, here the first fixing portion 16, around an axis of tilting 33 which passes through the blocking portion 32 extending between the central zone 30 and the axis of solidification 28.

[0054] The predetermined value, beyond which an impact against the outer panel causes the stiffener 14 to tip over, is defined, in the embodiment shown, by ribs 35, visible in Figures 2 and 3, which allow the stiffener 14 to prevent deformation of the outer panel when the force exerted against the outer panel is less than the stiffness conferred on the stiffener 14 by the ribs 35. Conversely, when the force exerted against the outer panel is greater than the stiffness conferred on the stiffener 14 by the ribs 35, the stiffener 14 is caused to tip over about its tilting axis 33.

[0055] As will be described in more detail in relation to [Fig.3], the inclination of the central zone 30 with respect to the axis of attachment 28 allows, when tilting the stiffener 14, to generate a greater lever movement at the level of the blocking portion 32, i.e. at the level of the first end 18, than at the level of the second end 22.

[0056] As can be seen in more detail in Figures 2 and 3, the blocking portion 32 is configured to block the lock 12 of the opening 2 so that in the event of an impact against the outer panel with a force greater than the predetermined value, the opening 2 is held in its closed position by the stiffener 14. For this purpose, the blocking portion 32 which extends in the first plane includes a boss 34 which, when the opening 2 is assembled, is arranged opposite the lock 12.

[0057] This boss 34 is formed, in the embodiment shown, by a stamping process which allows the portion of the boss 34 closest to the lock 12 to be positioned opposite an actuation lever 36 of said lock 12.

[0058] The actuating lever 36 is an element of the lock 12 capable of taking a first position in which the lock 12 allows the opening 2 to pass from its closed position to its open position and a second position, visible in figures 2 and 3, in which the lock 12 prohibits the opening 2 from passing from its open position to its closed position.

[0059] The actuating lever 36 is intended to be mechanically connected by a cable or by a rod to the handle 10 in such a way that the actuation of the handle 10 by a user allows the actuating lever 36 to move from its second position to its first position.

[0060] In a nominal position of the stiffener 14, visible in [Fig. 2], the locking portion 32, and more particularly the boss 34, is at a distance from the actuating lever 36 such that there is no mechanical interference between the boss 34 and the actuating lever 36. In a collision position of the stiffener 14, visible in [Fig. 3], that is to say, a position in which the central zone 30 has tilted around the tilting axis 33 as a result of an external force exerted against the outer panel, the blocking portion 32, and more particularly the boss 34, comes into mechanical interference with the actuating lever 36 of the lock 12.

[0061] This mechanical interference between the locking portion 32 and the actuating lever 36 makes it possible to maintain the actuating lever 36 in its second position, in which the lock 12 prevents the opening from moving from its closed position to its open position. Thus, in the event of an impact against the outer panel, the stiffener 14 ensures that the opening 2 remains in its closed position, protecting the occupants of the motor vehicle against the risk of ejection.

[0062] The present invention achieves its objective by proposing a stiffener that, on the one hand, prevents deformation of an outer panel as a result of forces exerted against said outer panel and, on the other hand, prevents the opening of an opening equipped with the stiffener during a shock against the outer panel of the opening whose force exceeds a predetermined value.

[0063] The present invention is not limited to the means and configurations described and illustrated herein and also extends to any equivalent means and configuration as well as to any technically operative combination of such means.

Claims

Demands

1. A stiffener (14) intended to be disposed between an outer panel and an inner panel (6) of an opening (2) of a vehicle, the stiffener (14) comprising a first fastening portion (16) disposed at a first end (18) of the stiffener (14) and configured to be attached to a first upright (24) of a frame (4) of the opening (2), and a second fastening portion (20) disposed at a second end (22) of the stiffener (14) and configured to be attached to a second upright (26) of said frame (4), the first fastening portion (16) and the second fastening portion (20) being aligned with each other along a fastening axis (28), the stiffener (14) comprising a central zone (30) extending between the first end (18) and the second end (22), the stiffener (14) comprising a portion blocking (32) disposed between one of the fixing portions (16, 20) and the central zone (30),the blocking portion (32) being configured to block a lock (12) of the opening (2), characterized in that at least a part of said central zone (30) is at a distance from the axis of attachment (28).

2. Stiffener (14) according to claim 1, wherein the part of the central zone (30) extends along a principal elongation direction secant to the axis of attachment (28).

3. Stiffener (14) according to claim 2, wherein said part of the central zone (30) is configured so that the principal elongation direction and the tie axis (28) lie in a first plane, said first plane being configured to be parallel to a second plane in which the outer panel extends.

4. Stiffener (14) according to claim 3, wherein the blocking portion (32) extends in the first plane.

5. Stiffener (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the portion of the central zone (30) disposed at a distance from the connection axis (28) represents at least 80% of the central zone (30).

6. Stiffener (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the portion of the central zone (30) disposed at a distance from the fastening axis (28) is configured to tilt relative to the fixing portion (16) adjoining the locking portion (32) around of a tilting axis (33) which passes through the blocking portion (32) and which extends between the central zone (30) and the joining axis (28).

7. Stiffener (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fixing portion (16) adjoining the blocking portion (32) extends in a plane intersecting a plane in which the blocking portion (32) extends.

8. Stiffener (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the locking portion (32) includes a boss (34) configured to mechanically interfere with the lock (12).

9. Opening (2) comprising a frame (4), an inner panel (6), an outer panel and a stiffener (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the opening (2) being capable of assuming a closed position in which the opening (2) is configured to close a vehicle opening and an open position in which the opening is configured to be offset from said vehicle opening, the opening comprising an opening device (8) comprising a lock (12) configured to permit or prohibit the passage of the opening (2) from its closed position to its open position, the lock (12) comprising an actuating lever (36) capable of assuming a first position in which the lock (12) permits the passage of the opening (2) from its closed position to its open position and a second position in which the lock (12) prohibits the passage of the opening (2) from its open position to its closed position.

10. Opening (2) according to claim 9, wherein at least a portion of the stiffener (14) is disposed directly opposite the actuating lever (36) of the lock (12).

11. Opening (2) according to any one of claims 9 and 10, wherein the part of the central area (30) of the stiffener extending between the first end (18) and the second end (22) while being at a distance from the axis of attachment (28) is in contact with an inner face of the outer panel.

12. Opening (2) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the stiffener (14) is configured to assume a nominal position in which the blocking portion (32) is at a distance from the actuating lever (36) and a collision position in which the blocking portion (32) is in contact with the actuating lever (36), the actuating lever (36) being held in its second position by the blocking portion (32) when the stiffener (14) is in its collision position.

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