Drainage system for a vehicle opening frame

Abstract

The invention relates to a drainage system (1) for a frame (23) of a window or door (22) of a motor vehicle (2), the drainage system (1) comprising a base housing at least one lug configured to assume a folded configuration in which at least one lug is housed within the base and a deployed configuration in which at least one lug is retracted out of the base. The drainage system (1) is controlled by a control unit which, via a water sensor, activates the deployment of the lugs upon detection of water on the motor vehicle (2) in order to ensure the free future flow of water into the openings in the lower section (24) of the window or door (22) or its frame (23). Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 3

Description

Title of the invention: Drainage system for a frame of a motor vehicle opening

[0001] The technical context of the present invention is that of the structural elements of motor vehicles, and in particular, those associated with water runoff management on such motor vehicles. More specifically, the invention relates to a drainage system for a motor vehicle opening.

[0002] In the prior art, drainage holes are known to be formed on the lower parts of door frames of motor vehicles. Such drainage holes are provided at the lowest points of the door frames to allow water to drain away by simple gravity flow. Indeed, in rainy weather, when washing a motor vehicle, or when using a windshield cleaning system, water runs down the body of the motor vehicle and seeps into the vehicle's body structure, particularly at the doors.

[0003] A known disadvantage of these water drainage devices is that these orifices can be easily obstructed by impurities present in the water, such as particles, dust or other debris.

[0004] Consequently, when these drainage holes are blocked, the water accumulated inside the body structure, and in particular the side door frame structures, can cause several problems. First, the accumulation of water can lead to corrosion of the metal components of the body structure, thus reducing their service life and the long-term safety of the motor vehicle.

[0005] In addition, stagnant water in the body structure of the motor vehicle can create unwanted noises when braking or accelerating the motor vehicle, resulting in noise that is disturbing to the occupants.

[0006] Finally, existing prior art solutions for managing runoff water in motor vehicles require human intervention to unblock clogged orifices and ensure functional drainage. These human interventions are tedious, impractical, and undesirable for motor vehicle users.

[0007] The present invention aims to propose a new drainage system, in order to address at least largely the previous problems and to lead, in addition, to other advantages.

[0008] Another object of the invention is to prevent the accumulation of stagnant water in an opening or its frame of a motor vehicle

[0009] Another object of the invention is to eliminate the need for human intervention to remove water contained in the door frames of motor vehicles, and more generally, to facilitate maintenance and improve the durability of the structural elements of such motor vehicles.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the invention, at least one of the aforementioned objectives is achieved with a drainage system for an opening or an opening frame of a motor vehicle, the drainage system comprising a base housing at least one lug configured to take a folded configuration in which at least one lug is housed in the base and a deployed configuration in which at least one lug is retracted out of the base, the drainage system comprising a device for controlling the configuration of at least one lug between its deployed configuration and its folded configuration.

[0011] The drainage system according to the first aspect of the invention can be mounted either on the frame of the opening or on the opening itself. In both cases, the drainage system allows water retained in a hollow structural element forming the opening or the frame to be evacuated through holes provided opposite and below said hollow structural element of said opening or of said frame of the opening. More generally, the drainage system can be associated with any structural element forming a hollow body and capable of retaining water inside said hollow body.

[0012] In the context of the present invention, the opening of the motor vehicle is of the type of a side door, a rear door or a tailgate. More generally, the opening is a movable panel – in translation or rotation – that can be configured either open or closed relative to the opening delimited by the frame.

[0013] In the context of the present invention, the frame is a structural element of the motor vehicle defining a door or trunk outline, for example. The frame thus defines a large opening in the motor vehicle, said opening being either closed or accessible depending on the configuration of the opening, respectively closed or open. The frame comprises one or more supports defining a closed outline complementary to the shape and dimensions of the opening.

[0014] In the context of the present invention, the base of the drainage system forms a fixing point for the drainage system on the frame of the opening or on the opening itself, depending on the integration chosen. The base also houses at least one lug when the latter is in its folded configuration.

[0015] In the context of the present invention, each lug forms a prismatic bearing surface that is mounted to move in translation relative to the base. Each lug is Thus configured to be able to be engaged in a corresponding opening located opposite it on the frame or the sash, so as to be able to unblock it if any particles partially or totally obstruct the downward opening for water drainage into a lower section of the frame or the sash. Each lug is intended to be positioned directly above and opposite a corresponding opening made on the frame or the sash.

[0016] Thus, the drainage system according to the first aspect of the invention solves the technical problem by making it possible to clear the openings provided in the frame of a door, for example, or on the door itself, without human intervention. This clearing is achieved by the movement of at least one lug through at least one opening located opposite it, thereby carrying away any particles that might have been trapped in or across said opening.

[0017] Thus, the drainage system conforming to the first aspect of the invention makes it possible to improve the reliability of motor vehicles equipped with such a drainage system and also reduce maintenance costs.

[0018] The drainage system according to the first aspect of the invention advantageously comprises at least one of the following improvements, the technical characteristics forming these improvements being able to be taken alone or in combination:

[0019] - the drainage system comprises a plurality of lugs, all the lugs unfolding out of the base in the same direction of extension. This advantageous configuration improves drainage of the opening frame or the opening itself, and facilitates its unblocking;

[0020] - each lug takes the form of a straight elongation span. The span forming each lug is delimited by a circular, ovoid or polygonal contour, preferably hexagonal;

[0021] - at least one lug is formed of a plastic material, such as for example polyurethane. This advantageous configuration reduces manufacturing costs and also improves the sliding of at least one lug through at least one hole in the frame or the opening;

[0022] - according to a first embodiment, the control device of at least one The lug is of the pneumatic or hydraulic type, allowing control of the pressure level of a channel at the end of which at least one lug extends. Alternatively, according to a second embodiment, the control device is of the electrical actuator type controlling the deployment position of at least one lug.

[0023] According to a second aspect of the invention, an opening arrangement for a motor vehicle is proposed, the opening arrangement comprising:

[0024] - a frame delimiting an opening;

[0025] - an opening forming a wall mounted in a movable manner relative to the frame, so that the opening can be configured in an open configuration in which the opening is located at a distance from the opening and a closed configuration in which the opening at least partially closes the opening;

[0026] - a plurality of openings arranged along a lower span of the frame of the opening or of the opening itself;

[0027] - a drainage system conforming to the first aspect of the invention or according to one of the any of its improvements, the drainage system being configured so that at least one lug extends through at least one opening when said at least one lug is configured in its deployed configuration.

[0028] In the context of the present invention, the frame is formed by at least one prismatic bearing surface delimiting a hollow body to which the drainage system may be associated. In the case where the drainage system is associated with the opening itself, then it is more particularly associated with a prismatic bearing surface forming a structural element of the opening and delimiting a hollow body.

[0029] If the drainage system is integrated into the frame of the opening, then the lower span defines a lower edge of the opening. If the drainage system is integrated into the opening itself, then the lower span defines a lower edge of the opening.

[0030] The opening arrangement according to the second aspect of the invention advantageously comprises at least one of the improvements below, the technical characteristics forming these improvements being able to be taken alone or in combination:

[0031] - the opening arrangement comprises a plate having at least one light, The plate is connected to the lower bearing surface so that each opening in the plate is simultaneously coaxial with at least one hole and at least one lug of the drainage system. The plate is, for example, made of a plastic material to reduce manufacturing costs. The plate is located opposite the base;

[0032] - a dimension and a shape of at least one lug, of at least one hole and of the at least one light is such that the at least one lug slides through the at least one light and / or the at least one opening with a lateral clearance of less than 100pm. This configuration ensures optimal extraction of particles retained in the at least one opening and / or in the at least one light;

[0033] - the arrangement includes a control module configured to control the a drainage system such that at least one lug is configured in its deployed or folded position. In the context of the present invention, the control module comprises a microcontroller and / or a printed circuit board and / or a microprocessor. Optionally, the control module also includes memory. The control module is preferably an electronic control unit for the motor vehicle;

[0034] - the arrangement includes a rain detector, the control module being configured to activate at least one lug in its deployed position if water is detected. In the context of the present invention, the rain sensor includes, for example, a humidity sensor or a water sensor. This advantageous configuration allows the drainage system, and in particular the extraction of at least one lug, to be triggered if water is detected on the motor vehicle.

[0035] According to a third aspect of the invention, a motor vehicle is proposed comprising at least one opening arrangement conforming to the second aspect of the invention or to any one of its improvements, the opening arrangement being associated with a side door and / or a rear door and / or a rear tailgate of the motor vehicle.

[0036] Of course, as previously indicated, the drainage system is associated with a lower part of the frame or the opening, near a low point at which the evacuation of water retained in the body structure of the motor vehicle, and in particular at the level of the frame of the openings or the openings themselves, is carried out.

[0037] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a method for checking an opening arrangement is proposed according to the second aspect of the invention or according to any one of its improvements, the checking method comprising the following steps:

[0038] - a step for detecting the presence of water;

[0039] - a step of activating the drainage system, so as to configure at least one ergot in its deployed configuration;

[0040] - a step of retracting at least one lug into its folded configuration.

[0041] The control method according to the fourth aspect of the invention is implemented via the control module.

[0042] The control method according to the fourth aspect of the invention advantageously comprises at least one of the improvements below, the technical characteristics forming these improvements being able to be taken alone or in combination:

[0043] - the water presence detection step is implemented by a detector Rain. The rain detector is, for example, a type of water sensor. The water sensor is configured to detect the presence of rainwater or water from washing a windshield, for example;

[0044] - the activation step allows at least one lug to be deployed through at least an opening and / or at least one light. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to remove any obstacle, i.e. any particle or residue that might be lodged through the at least one opening and / or at least one light, in order to guarantee a free flow of water through said at least one opening and / or at least one light. Thus, the water flows freely through the at least one opening and / or at least one light, and the drainage system thus allows the evacuation of all the water accumulated inside the frame of the opening or the opening itself of the motor vehicle;

[0045] - the retraction step allows at least one lug to be returned to its position initial, that is to say its folded configuration. The retraction step is carried out once the rain or wash cycle is finished, in order to free up at least one hole and / or at least one opening to allow water to pass through.

[0046] Various embodiments of the invention are provided, incorporating, according to all their possible combinations, the different optional features set out here.

[0047] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description on the one hand, and from several illustrative and non-limiting examples of embodiments given with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0048] [Fig-1] illustrates a three-dimensional view of an example embodiment of a system drainage conforming to the first aspect of the invention and whose lugs are configured in their folded configuration;

[0049] [Fig.2] illustrates a three-dimensional view of the drainage system shown on the [Fig.1] and whose lugs are configured in their deployed configuration;

[0050] [Fig.3] illustrates a schematic view of a vehicle opening arrangement automobile conforming to the second aspect of the invention;

[0051] [Fig.4] illustrates a synoptic diagram of the control process conforming to the fourth aspect of the invention.

[0052] Of course, 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 be imagined comprising only a selection of features, which will be described hereafter in isolation from the others. characteristics described, if this selection of characteristics is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0053] In particular, all the variants and all the embodiments described are combinable with each other, if nothing prevents this combination from a technical point of view.

[0054] In the figures, the elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0055] With reference to FIGURES 1 to 3, the invention addresses a drainage system 1 for an opening 22 or a frame 23 for an opening 22 of a motor vehicle 2, the drainage system 1 comprising a base 11 housing at least one lug 111 configured to take a folded configuration in which at least one lug 111 is housed in the base 11 and a deployed configuration in which at least one lug 111 is retracted out of the base 11, the drainage system 1 comprising a device for controlling the configuration of at least one lug 111 between its deployed configuration and its folded configuration.

[0056] The drainage system 1 is configured to be installed, for example, in a side door of a motor vehicle 2, or in a side door frame 23 of said motor vehicle 2. The side door frame 23 is the structural arch delimiting the opening 21 closed by the side door. In either case, the drainage system 1 according to the invention is configured to be installed on a lower span 24, since it is at the level of said lower span 24 that water can be retained, by gravity flow, in the structural elements of the opening 22 – i.e., the side door, for example – or of its frame 23.

[0057] In [Fig.3], the integration of such a drainage system 1 into the door frame 23 and into the side door forming the opening 22 has been schematically represented.

[0058] With reference to FIGURES 1 and 2, the drainage system 1 forms a small device positioned opposite openings provided in the lower span 24 to allow water to be evacuated from said lower span 24. The invention thus provides for associating with these openings an actuable device for removing any debris or particles that might remain trapped across the openings. The drainage system 1 thus allows the particles obstructing the openings to be pushed out of said openings by inserting a lug 111 into the openings to expel said particles.

[0059] In [Fig. 1], the drainage system 1 is shown in a retracted configuration, i.e., the lugs 111 are folded into the base 11 of the protection system, so that the openings in the lower door are free, i.e., not occupied by the lugs 111. In contrast, in [Fig. 2], the drainage system 1 is illustrated in a deployed configuration, i.e. that the lugs 111 are unfolded out of the base 11 of the protection system, so that the lugs 111 extend into the holes provided on the lower door.

[0060] The drainage system 1 comprises a plurality of lugs 111, all of which extend from the base 11 in the same direction, perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the lower support 24 located opposite it. The lugs 111 are actuated by any means, including pneumatic, hydraulic, or electrical. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2, the drainage system 1 is controlled by electrical cables 10 that supply power to an actuator housed in the base 11 and control the extension of the lugs 111.

[0061] Each lug 111 takes the form of a straight elongation bearing surface made of a plastic material, such as polyurethane. Furthermore, the shape of the lugs 111 is complementary to the shape of the holes provided in the lower bearing surface 24.

[0062] In the embodiment illustrated in the FIGURES, the drainage system 1 is associated with a plate 13 which is itself associated with the lower bearing surface 24 of the sash 22 or of the frame 23. The plate 13 has as many slots 131 as there are lugs 111 for the drainage system 1 and holes for the lower bearing surface 24 of the sash 22 or of its frame 23. For proper operation, each lug 111 is mounted coaxially with respect to one of the holes and one of the slots 131 of the plate 13.

[0063] The drainage system 1 is controlled by a control module and takes into account the presence of water. For this purpose, the drainage system 1 is advantageously combined with a rain sensor. If the rain sensor detects water, the drainage system 1 is activated to ensure that the openings in the lower span 24 are kept clear.

[0064] To this end, with reference to [Fig.4], the invention addresses a control method comprising the following steps:

[0065] - a step for detecting the presence of water implemented by the rain detector configured for example to determine if there is water on the windshield of motor vehicle 2;

[0066] - an activation step of the drainage system 1, so as to configure at least one lug 111 in its deployed configuration and through at least one opening in the lower span 24 and, possibly, through at least one light 131 in the plate 13. The objective here is to ensure that the openings in the lower span 24 are free of debris or particles which would prevent the proper flow of water which will seep into the opening 22 or into the frame 23;

[0067] - a step of retracting at least one lug 111 into its folded configuration in order to return at least one tab 111 to its initial position, i.e., its folded configuration. The retraction step is carried out once the rain cycle or windshield washing is complete, in order to free at least one hole and / or at least one opening 131 to allow water to pass through.

[0068] In summary, the invention addresses a drainage system 1 for a frame 23 of an opening 22 or an opening 22 of a motor vehicle 2, the drainage system 1 comprising a base 11 housing at least one lug 111 configured to assume a folded configuration in which at least one lug 111 is housed in the base 11 and a deployed configuration in which at least one lug 111 is retracted out of the base 11. The drainage system 1 is controlled by a control unit which, via a water sensor, activates the deployment of the lugs 111 in the event of water detection on the motor vehicle 2 in order to guarantee the free future flow of water into the openings of the lower span 24 of the opening 22 or its frame 23.

[0069] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples just described, and many modifications can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the various features, forms, variants, and embodiments of the invention can be combined with one another in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, all the variants and embodiments described above are combinable.

Claims

Demands

1. Drainage system (1) for a frame (23) of an opening (22) or an opening (22) of a motor vehicle (2), the drainage system (1) comprising a base (11) housing at least one lug (111) configured to take a folded configuration in which the at least one lug (111) is housed in the base (11) and a deployed configuration in which the at least one lug (111) is retracted out of the base (11), the drainage system (1) comprising a device for controlling the configuration of the at least one lug (111) between its deployed configuration and its folded configuration.

2. Drainage system (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the drainage system (1) comprises a plurality of lugs (111), all the lugs (111) unfolding out of the base (11) in the same direction of extension.

3. Drainage system (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the control device of at least one lug (111) is of the type of a pneumatic or hydraulic device for controlling a pressure level of a channel at the end of which each at least one lug (111) extends.

4. Drainage system (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the control device is of the type of an electric actuator controlling a deployment position of at least one lug (111).

5. Opening arrangement (22) for a motor vehicle (2), the arrangement comprising: - a frame (23) delimiting an opening (21); - an opening (22) forming a wall mounted movably relative to the frame (23), so that the opening (22) can be configured in an open configuration in which the opening (22) is located at a distance from the opening (21) and a closed configuration in which the opening (22) at least partially closes the opening (21); - a plurality of holes arranged along a lower span (24) of the frame (23) of the opening (22) or of the opening (22) itself; - a drainage system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the drainage system (1) being configured so that at least one lug (111) extends through at least one opening when said at least one lug (111) is configured in its deployed configuration.

6. Opening arrangement (22) according to the preceding claim, wherein the opening arrangement (22) comprises a plate (13) having at least one light (131), the plate (13) being associated with the lower bearing (24) such that each light (131) of the plate (13) is simultaneously coaxial with at least one hole and at least one lug (111) of the drainage system (1).

7. Opening arrangement (22) according to any one of claims 5 or 6, wherein the arrangement includes a control module configured to drive the drainage system (1) so as to configure at least one lug (111) in its deployed configuration or in its folded configuration.

8. Opening arrangement (22) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the arrangement includes a rain detector, the control module being configured to drive at least one lug (111) in its deployed configuration if water is detected.

9. Motor vehicle (2) comprising at least one opening arrangement (22) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, said opening arrangement (22) being associated with a side door and / or a rear door and / or a rear tailgate of the motor vehicle (2).

10. A method for controlling an opening arrangement (22) according to claim 8, the control method comprising the following steps: - a step of detecting the presence of water; - a step of activating the drainage system (1), so as to configure at least one lug (111) in its deployed configuration; - a step of retracting at least one lug (111) into its folded configuration.

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