Opening panel device for a vehicle and operating method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a hinge device (D) for an opening panel (P) of a vehicle (V), characterized in that it comprises an articulated structure with a first kinematic sub-assembly (100) guiding a translational movement of the opening panel (P) so as to move away for partial opening and to move closer for closing, the first kinematic sub-assembly (100) guiding in rotation a second kinematic sub-assembly (300), the rotation being maintained over a defined length of the translational travel, the movement guided by this second sub-assembly (300) reaching, by rotation, the open position in which the desired opening angle has been reached or else, during closing, reaching, from the raised open position, the position reached after translation of the opening panel (P), the translation being maintained over a defined angular range of the rotational travel. The invention also relates to a method for operating such a device.

Description

VEHICLE OPENING DEVICE AND ITS OPERATING METHOD

[0001] SCOPE OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of door hinges and in particular to adaptations of door hinges for vehicles allowing an opening derived from that known as "elytra".

[0003] DESCRIPTION OF EARLIER ART

[0004] In the motor vehicle market, some cars offer doors with so-called "elytra" opening, which open by rotation in a vertical, or almost vertical, plane.

[0005] When opened, the door pivots towards the front of the vehicle, and slides upwards.

[0006] This feature, particularly widespread in the sports car segment, addresses in particular the issue of perceived product quality.

[0007] Other market segments, such as urban mobility, also use gullwing doors. In this context, the primary objective is to address space constraints, enabling easy door opening even in areas with limited lateral space, typical of urban environments.

[0008] Since a classic elytra opening mechanism typically only works with a single rotational movement, it is difficult to design a bodywork compatible with this mechanism.

[0009] Often, the movable section must incorporate a portion of the vehicle's roof to facilitate upward movement of the opening mechanism and prevent collisions with fixed body panels. The interface between the opening mechanism and the vehicle's fixed parts, passing through the roof, is then exposed to the elements. Sealing issues must therefore be addressed during the design phase.

[0010] In some cases, to circumvent this problem, manufacturers choose to angle the door's rotation plane, causing it to swing outwards from the vehicle while opening upwards. However, this negates the compact advantage of the gullwing door design, which then consumes more lateral space.

[0011] This is a problem in the urban mobility segment in particular, where lateral congestion is an issue.

[0012] The US10662687 standard, intended for equipping motor vehicle doors, proposes an approach to resolving this problem. This hinge, when opened, generates a movement of the door panel through two simultaneous compound movements: a forward rotation of the door panel, and a translation of the door panel outwards from the vehicle.

[0013] However, with this hinge, it is not possible to independently adjust the limit switches of the two movements, nor to completely separate them during the opening sequence: rotation begins as soon as the translation starts. Furthermore, this design uses relatively complex mechanical parts, including a system of gears.

[0014] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Based on this observation, the applicant conducted research aimed at finding an alternative to existing hinges, respecting in particular the criteria of compactness and sealing.

[0016] This research led to the design of a hinge device for a vehicle opening,

[0017] the vehicle comprising a passenger compartment to which said opening is articulated by means of an articulated kinematic structure to move from a closed position to an open position and vice versa,

[0018] This device is remarkable in that the said articulated structure comprises:

[0019] a first kinematic sub-assembly guiding a translational movement of the opening relative to the passenger compartment so as to move away for partial opening and towards each other for closing,

[0020] said first kinematic sub-assembly supporting a second kinematic sub-assembly by further guiding in rotation a rotation shaft associated with the opening and constituting said second kinematic sub-assembly, the rotation being retained over a defined length of the translational stroke,

[0021] The movement guided by this second sub-assembly leads to a change in the angular position of the opening, starting, during opening, from that reached after translation and reaching by rotation the opening position where the desired opening angle has been reached or, during closing, from the opening position to that reached after translation of the opening, the translation being held over a defined angular range of the rotational stroke.

[0022] By opening, we mean a door or tailgate of said vehicle.

[0023] Decomposing the system into two kinematic subsets allows for simplified implementation and the ability to manage the parameters of each movement separately. For example, the positioning of the pivot point is more flexible compared to prior art designs.

[0024] The first (during opening) and last (during closing) translational movement avoids the drawbacks of existing systems regarding weatherproofing by eliminating the need to integrate a portion of the roof. Furthermore, weatherproofing can then be achieved simply by resting the door against the door frame.

[0025] This movement also helps to avoid any risk of collision between the opening and the bodywork during the lifting movement of the opening.

[0026] The second kinematic subset is simplified and can be limited to a simple rotational movement.

[0027] Each movement can have its stroke adjusted using appropriate limit switches. This allows the translational stroke to be very short, simply ensuring that there is no obstruction to the rotation of the opening. The advantage of compactness associated with a gull-wing opening is therefore maintained.

[0028] Each movement can be motorized, assisted, or accompanied by any means.

[0029] Such a device makes it possible to design an original operating method for this type of opening. This method, which constitutes another object of the invention, is remarkable in that it includes

[0030] For the purpose of opening, the following operations:

[0031] - Translation of the opening for the purpose of partial opening,

[0032] - Rotation is blocked until the end of the first sub-assembly's stroke.

[0033] - Unlocking the rotation,

[0034] - Rotation of the opening for the purpose of opening and blocking of the first sub-assembly from the start of the rotation and maintaining the blockage at the end of the rotation stroke;

[0035] And

[0036] For closure purposes, the following operations:

[0037] - Rotation of the opening for the purpose of returning it to position,

[0038] - Unlocking the first subset,

[0039] - Translation of the opening for the purpose of closing and blocking rotation.

[0040] This sequential operation with non-simultaneous movements makes it easier for the user to understand how it works and enhances their safety.

[0041] The translational movement of the first kinematic subset can be implemented by rectilinear, curvilinear or circular translation.

[0042] According to another particularly advantageous feature of the invention, the device is remarkable in that the first kinematic sub-assembly takes the form of a parallelogram articulated with two arms pivoting at one end relative to the passenger compartment and supporting at their second end a plate which supports a guide sleeve for the rotation shaft fixed to the opening,

[0043] The first kinematic subset moves the opening from a closed position to a half-open position parallel to the closed position and vice versa.

[0044] The second kinematic subset supported by the first moves the opening from a half-open position to an open position and vice versa.

[0045] Implementing a circular translation using a parallelogram allows us to achieve the rigidity necessary to support the pivot joint on which the stresses of an opening whose mass is eccentric with respect to its axis of rotation are exerted.

[0046] It also serves as a basis for implementing the positioning of one sub-assembly while the other is operating.

[0047] To this end, according to another particularly advantageous feature of the invention, the device is remarkable in that said rotation shaft fixed to the opening is equipped with a rotation stop means cooperating with a support module fixed to one of the movable arms of the parallelogram,

[0048] for the purpose of stopping the second kinematic subset during the movement of the first kinematic subset,

[0049] for the purpose of stopping the first kinematic subset during the movement of the second kinematic subset.

[0050] According to another particularly advantageous feature of the invention, the stopping means is equipped with two stopping surfaces cooperating with two support surfaces respectively equipping the support module,

[0051] A first sliding stopping surface on a first support surface of the support module when the first kinematic subassembly is in motion, for the purpose of holding the second kinematic subassembly in position.

[0052] A second sliding stopping surface on a second support surface of the support module when the second kinematic subassembly is in motion, for the purpose of holding the first kinematic subassembly in position.

[0053] The transition from cooperation between first surfaces to cooperation between second surfaces is achieved at the end of the translational stroke for opening and at the end of the rotational stroke during closing.

[0054] the first support surface being dimensioned so that it is no longer in contact with the first stopping surface at the end of the translational stroke, thus allowing the shaft to rotate,

[0055] The second stopping surface is dimensioned so that it is no longer in contact with the second support surface at the end of the closing rotation stroke in order to allow translation.

[0056] The present invention thus allows an opening and closing with two purely sequential, non-simultaneous movements, and a definition of the limits of these two movements composed independently of each other.

[0057] According to another particularly advantageous feature of the invention, the parallelogram arm positioned closest to the exterior of the vehicle's passenger compartment is angled. This configuration prevents collision between the arm and the passenger compartment frame housing the opening.

[0058] According to another particularly advantageous feature of the invention, the angled arm supports the support module, which is fixed to it by means of a fastener allowing adjustment of its angular position. The support module is thus kinematically connected to the arm, which is pivotally mounted.

[0059] According to another particularly advantageous feature of the invention, the support module is a flat profile having a circular arc at one end. The upper face of this end constitutes the first support surface, and the edge starting at the chord of the circular arc constitutes the second support surface, positioned perpendicular to the first. The rotational stroke of the arm brings the first support surface of the support module into an angular position where the edge is overshot and the first support surface is no longer opposite the first stopping surface.

[0060] According to another particularly advantageous feature of the invention, said stopping means is a solid cylinder with a flat side fixed coaxially on said shaft and having a flat lateral face, the flat side constituting said first stopping surface, the flat lateral face constituting said second stopping surface positioned perpendicular to the first.

[0061] The device can be equipped with locking solutions, mechanical, magnetic or of other kinds, installed between different elements, moving relative to each other.

[0062] The invention also relates to the vehicle housing one or more devices conforming to the invention.

[0063] The fundamental concepts of the invention having been set forth above in their most elementary form, other details and characteristics will become clearer upon reading the description that follows and in view of the attached drawings, giving by way of non-limiting example, an embodiment of a device according to the invention.

[0064] is a schematic drawing of a perspective view of an embodiment of an urban vehicle whose opening here is the door in the closed position and is equipped with the device of the invention;

[0065] illustrates, from the same point of view, the half-open door of the vehicle;

[0066] illustrates, from the same point of view, the final opening of the vehicle door;

[0067] The images are partial perspective views of the vehicle without its door of an embodiment of the device of the invention respectively in the closed, half-open and open positions;

[0068] is a schematic drawing of an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of the device appearing in figures 4, 5, 6;

[0069] is a schematic drawing of a perspective view of the device in the closed position;

[0070] is a schematic drawing of a perspective view of the device in a partially open position;

[0071] is a schematic drawing of a partial view from below of the device in the closed position;

[0072] is a schematic drawing of a partial view from below of the device in a partially open position;

[0073] is a schematic drawing of a partial top view of the device in a partially open position;

[0074] is a schematic drawing of a partial side view of the device in closed and partially open positions;

[0075] is a schematic drawing of a partial side view of the device in the open position.

[0076] DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED METHOD OF IMPLEMENTATION

[0077] As illustrated by the sequence of figures 1, 2, and 3, the vehicle referenced V as a whole is a compact, motorized, four-wheeled vehicle with a passenger compartment H and at least one door referenced P that opens by tilting upwards and forwards. The closing mechanism is illustrated by the reverse sequence of figures.

[0078] This opening and closing are implemented by a device referenced as a whole, shown in figures 4, 5 and 6. This device breaks down the opening and closing into two movements:

[0079] - a translation (arrow F1) and a rotation (arrow F2) of the door P for opening;

[0080] – a rotation (arrow F3) and a translation (arrow F4) for closing.

[0081] During opening, the translation along arrow F1 moves the door P away from the passenger compartment so as to reach a half-open position (and 5) from which it can pivot along arrow F2.

[0082] The sealing is implemented once the door P is in contact with the passenger compartment H by means of seals fitted to the door frame defined in the passenger compartment H or to the door P itself.

[0083] According to the preferred but non-limiting embodiment shown, on the upper part of the passenger compartment, a lip covers the upper edge of the door P.

[0084] The details of the constituent elements of device D are illustrated by figures 7 to 14.

[0085] As illustrated by the diagram, the device D includes a first kinematic sub-assembly 100 which takes the configuration of an articulated parallelogram with two arms 110 and 120 pivoting at one end on two vertical shafts fixed to the housing H represented here by a flat fixing profile.

[0086] At their second end, the two arms 110 and 120 support a plate 200 which, equipped for this purpose with two vertical shafts spaced the same distance apart as those fixed to the passenger compartment, will follow in a horizontal plane the circular translational movement proposed by the arms 110 and 120 of the parallelogram and represented by arrow F1 from this starting position which corresponds to the closed position. The plate 200 is part of the first kinematic sub-assembly 100.

[0087] This movement is triggered by user action.

[0088] As illustrated, arm 120 is angled.

[0089] The plate 200 is equipped with a guide sleeve 210 along a horizontal axis of a rotation shaft 310 fixed to one end of an arm 320 fixed to the door P constituting the second kinematic sub-assembly 300. This kinematic sub-assembly has a rotational movement around the axis of the shaft 310 and represented by the arrow F2 from this starting position for the purpose of opening the door P. This movement is, according to the non-limiting embodiment illustrated, accompanied by the spring 400, one end of which is pivotally fixed to the plate 200 and the other end of which is pivotally fixed to the arm 320.

[0090] Thus, the first kinematic subset 100 drives in translation the second 200 which has an independent rotation but which, according to the invention, can only be implemented in a defined position of the first subset 100.

[0091] Thus, to do this, the said rotation shaft 310 is equipped with a rotation stop means 330 cooperating with a support module 130 attached to the angled mobile arm 120 of the parallelogram.

[0092] This stopping means 330 is a solid cylinder with a flat fixed coaxially on said shaft 310 and having a flat lateral face, the flat constituting said first stopping surface 331, the flat lateral face constituting said second stopping surface 332 positioned perpendicular to the first.

[0093] The support module 130 is a horizontal plane profile which has at one end a circular arc profile, the upper face of said end constituting the first support surface 131, the edge starting at the chord of said circular arc constituting the second support surface 132 positioned perpendicular to the first.

[0094] This support module 130 is fixed to the mobile arm 120 by means of an angularly adjustable fixing in order to position it precisely.

[0095] To facilitate support and sliding between the first stopping surface 331 and the bearing surface 131, the latter is coated with a sliding material such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

[0096] As illustrated, adjustable stops B are positioned on the device D to precisely adjust the end positions of each sub-assembly. This is particularly important when the door is pressed against the passenger compartment; this pressure must not only ensure a tight seal but also protect the door's components, including the glazed section, which may be in direct contact with the passenger compartment.

[0097] To explain the operation we start from the closed position corresponding to that illustrated by figures 8, 10, and 13 and by figures 1 and 4. The first stopping surface 331 of the stopping means 330 is then in contact with the first bearing surface 131 of the support module 130. The rotational movement along arrow F2 is prevented.

[0098] When, by action of the user, the arms 110 and 120 pivot in such a way as to cause in translation the plate 200 and the sub-assembly 300 according to the arrow F1, the support module 130 follows the pivoting movement of the arm 120 symbolized by the arrow F5 and slides under the stop surface 331 which is in support.

[0099] This sliding is continued until the position illustrated by figures 9, 11, 12 and 13 is reached where the different parts are dimensioned so that the surface 331 is no longer in contact with the surface 131. It corresponds to the half-open position illustrated by figures 2 and 5 where the door P is away from the cabin H.

[0100] Rotation is no longer prevented: under the action of spring 400a, rotation will be allowed according to arrow F2 of arm 320 and therefore of the door.

[0101] During this rotation, the second stopping surface 332 of the stopping module, which rotates with the shaft 310 and the arm 320, slides on the second support surface 132 throughout the rotation. The support is maintained at the end of the rotation, thus holding the parallelogram in position. According to the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, a chamfer 133 formed between surfaces 131 and 132 facilitates the change of position of the second kinematic subassembly.

[0102] The open position is illustrated by figures 3, 6 and 14.

[0103] To close door P from this position, translational movement is not possible because it is prevented by the support between the second stop surfaces 332 and the support surface 132. Rotation along arrow F3 is possible. This reverse rotation returns the second stop surface 332 to a position where it is no longer in contact with the second support surface 132 at the end of the closing rotation stroke, thus returning to the position illustrated in Figures 9, 11, 12, and 13, and allowing translation along arrow F4 so that the first stop surfaces 331 and the support surface 131 are in contact again.

[0104] It is understood that the device described and illustrated above was done so for the purpose of disclosure rather than limitation. Of course, various adjustments, modifications, and improvements may be made to the examples above without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

Hinge device (D) for a vehicle (V) opening (P), the vehicle (V) comprising a passenger compartment (H) relative to which said opening (P) is articulated by means of an articulated kinematic structure to move from a closed position to an open position and vice versa, CHARACTERIZED BY THE FACT THAT said articulated structure comprises: a first kinematic sub-assembly (100) guiding a translational movement of the opening (P) relative to the passenger compartment so as to move away for the purpose of partial opening and to move towards the purpose of closing, said first kinematic sub-assembly (100) supporting a second kinematic sub-assembly (300) by further guiding in rotation a rotation shaft (310) associated with the opening (P) and constituting said second kinematic sub-assembly, the rotation being restricted over a defined length of the translational stroke,the movement guided by this second sub-assembly (300) leading to a change in the angular position of the opening (P) starting, during opening, from the position reached after translation and reaching by rotation the opening position where the desired opening angle has been reached or, during closing, from the opening position to that reached after translation of the opening (P), the translation being retained over a defined angular range of the rotational stroke. Device (D) according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED BY THE FACT THAT the first kinematic sub-assembly (100) takes the configuration of a parallelogram articulated with two arms (110, 120) pivoting at a first end relative to the housing (H) and supporting at their second end a plate (200) which supports a sleeve (210) for guiding the rotation shaft (310) fixed to the opening (P), the first kinematic sub-assembly (100) moving the opening from a closed position to a half-open position parallel to the closed position and vice versa. the second kinematic assembly (300) supported by the first moving the opening (P) from the half-open position to an open position and vice versa. [Device (D) according to claim 2, CHARACTERIZED BY THE FACT THAT said rotation shaft (310) fixed to the opening (P) is equipped with a rotation stop means (330) cooperating with a support module (130) fixed to one of the movable arms of the parallelogram, for the purpose of stopping the second kinematic sub-assembly (300) during the movement of the first kinematic sub-assembly (100), for the purpose of stopping the first kinematic sub-assembly (100) during the movement of the second kinematic sub-assembly (100). Device (D) according to claim 3, characterized in that the stopping means (330) is equipped with two stopping surfaces (331, 332) cooperating respectively with two support surfaces (131, 132) equipping the support module (130), a first stopping surface (331) sliding on a first support surface (131) of the support module (130) when the first kinematic subassembly (100) is in motion for the purpose of holding the second kinematic subassembly (300) in position, a second stopping surface (332) sliding on a second support surface (132) of the support module (130) when the second kinematic subassembly (300) is in motion for the purpose of holding the first kinematic subassembly (100) in position, the transition from cooperation between first surfaces (131, 331) to cooperation between second surfaces (132, 332) being carried out at the end of the translational stroke for opening and at the end of the rotational stroke during closing,the first bearing surface (131) being dimensioned so as not to bear against the first stopping surface (331) at the end of the translational stroke in order to allow the rotation of the shaft (310), the second stopping surface (332) being dimensioned so as not to bear against the second bearing surface (132) at the end of the closing rotational stroke in order to allow translation. Device (D) according to claim 4, CHARACTERIZED BY THE FACT THAT said support module (130) is a flat profile which has at one end a circular arc profile, the upper face of said end constituting the first support surface (131), the edge starting at the chord of said circular arc constituting the second support surface (132) positioned perpendicular to the first. Device (D) according to claim 5, CHARACTERIZED BY THE FACT THAT said stopping means (330) is a solid cylinder with a flat fixed coaxially on said shaft and having a flat lateral face, the flat constituting said first stopping surface (331), the flat lateral face constituting said second stopping surface (332) positioned perpendicular to the first. Device (D) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, CHARACTERIZED BY THE FACT THAT the arm (120) of the parallelogram positioned closest to the outside of the passenger compartment (H) of the vehicle (V) is bent. Device (D) according to claim 7, CHARACTERIZED BY THE FACT THAT said angled arm (120) supports the support module (130) which is fixed thereto by means of a fixing allowing adjustment of its angular position. A method of operating the device (D) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises, for the purposes of opening, the following operations: - Translation of the opening (P) for the purposes of partial opening, - Blocking of rotation until the end of the stroke of the first sub-assembly (100), - Unblocking of rotation, - Rotation of the opening (P) for the purposes of opening and blocking of the first sub-assembly (100) from the start of rotation and maintaining the blocking of the first sub-assembly (100) at the end of the rotation stroke; and, for the purposes of closing, the following operations: - Rotation of the opening (P) for the purposes of returning to position, - Unblocking of the first sub-assembly (100), - Translation of the opening (P) for the purposes of closing and blocking of rotation.

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