DE10257673B4 - Closure device provided in the body of a vehicle opening, and corresponding vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

A closure device of an opening provided in the bodywork of an automotive vehicle, comprising a fixed part (11) in which an opening (12) is defined, and a mobile part (13) capable of closing or opening said opening (12) releasing the latter by sliding on a guide and / or support rail (14, 15) substantially parallel to the fixed part (11) (C), characterized in that said mobile part (13) consists of at least two sliding guide elements (22, 23) which are guided identically by guide means defined in at least one of said rails (14, 15) and in that it comprises an intermediate element (24) which is translationally located in at least one rail (14, 15, 21) parallel to the direction, wherein the intermediate element (24) has two openings (241, 242), in each of which a with the sliding guide elements (22, 23) connected fingers (223, 233) moves, which the mobile part (13) carries, wherein each of the openings (241, 242) comprises a first at least to a rail (14, 15, 21) parallel wings (2411, 2421) and a second oblique wing (2412, 2422), so that said mobile part (13) always remains in parallel planes, performing the following movements: - a locking / unlocking movement, which is the transition from a closed position in the plane formed by said fixed part (11) to an open position in one Opening plane which is substantially parallel to the plane formed by said fixed part (11), and vice versa, wherein the fingers (223, 233) move in the second inclined wings (2412, 2422) - a movement (x) in the said opening plane, wherein the fingers (223, 233) move in the first wings (2411, 2421).

Description

The scope of the invention is that of vehicle openings. In particular, the invention relates to closure devices of an opening provided in the body of a vehicle, having a mobile part adapted to release or close an opening.

A window arrangement with such a closure device is for example made US 5,613,323 A known.

Conventionally, to lock the opening of a vehicle, which may be an automobile, a commercial vehicle, a truck, a bus or a railway car, one uses a disc held by a connecting frame. This frame has an inner part and an outer part, which at the same time hold the edges of the discs and the opening provided in the body with a seal.

The most common technique for opening and closing automotive windows is to make them vertically movable in their own plane by inserting or removing them into the box or interior of the side doors.

This technique is common today and solutions for its automation are known. The equipment of vehicles with electric windows is very common today.

However, this technique presents numerous disadvantages. The actuation and drive means are heavy, bulky and difficult to install. The resulting doors thus occupy a large space inside the vehicle, affecting the available space inside the vehicle (width at the elbow area).

In addition, they have high manufacturing costs and conventionally have leakage problems. Maintenance is also difficult. They also impose aesthetic and ergonomic constraints.

Another technique was proposed under the name of the same applicant as for this application. This technique is mainly used in patents EP 0 778 168 B1 and EP 0 857 844 B1 described. The shutter device (hereinafter referred to as "flush opening") described in these documents consists of a fixed part and a mobile part with respect to the fixed part. The mobile part is connected to functional elements with the fixed part, which ensure the necessary mobility and are attached to the side of the fixed part, which is swept into the vehicle.

Such a flush opening can be assembled completely independently of the vehicle, and be mounted from the outside in the housing provided for them on the body. It can also be positively connected, in particular by adhering to the lower part of a door according to that in the patent EP 1 022 172 B1 described technique. This will solve most of the above problems.

As far as the aesthetics are concerned, the flush opening looks smooth and flat when viewed from the outside, as no frame is required.

The movement of the mobile part can for example be made tiltable or sliding in guides. An example of the latter case will be briefly described below.

In order to ensure sliding on guides of the mobile part, which generally consists of a transparent pane, the functional elements comprise a guide device having first and second fixed guide rails mounted on the fixed part of the opening, closed on both sides by the mobile disc , Opening. This disc is mounted on the rails to slide in a longitudinal direction, in a displacement plane between one (or more) open positions and an intermediate release position in which it is opposite the opening and released from the opening.

Tilting means ensure the connection between the disc and the guide rails to permit transverse movement of the disc between its releasing intermediate position in which it is recessed from the opening and transversely therein and its closed position in which it is enclosed in the opening. The mobile disc thus moves from the plane formed by the fixed part (closure position) to a substantially parallel displacement plane, and vice versa.

In the embodiment disclosed in the patent EP-0 857 844 is described, the disc is actuated by means of a handle which can be attached to the lower part of the disc. Several techniques have been proposed for making and applying this grip.

In some situations, however, it is not possible, or simply undesirable, to introduce such tilting devices, also called knee joints. Actually cause the Kipporgane a slight horizontal displacement during the transition from the closure plane to the opening plane.

• – einer Bewegung in x: Verschiebung (Translation) der mobilen Scheibe;
• – einer Bewegung in y: Verschluss/Öffnung
• – einer Bewegung in z: Verschiebung (im Allgemeinen nach unten, vom Gewicht bewirkt) durch das Gelenk.

This displacement corresponds to the change in the angle formed by the knee joint. The movement of the mobile disc thus consists of three components:

• A movement in x: displacement (translation) of the mobile disc;
• - a movement in y: shutter / opening
• A movement in z: displacement (generally downwards, caused by weight) through the joint.

This movement in z can have disadvantages, either by constraints associated with the vehicle or by the weight of the mobile disc which must be raised to close the opening.

In addition, the closing and opening operations of this type of closure devices are nowadays performed manually.

The automation and thus the motorization of the flush opening is of course desirable, if not necessary to equip modern vehicles. The motorization principle has thus been considered. So far, however, no effective solution has been proposed.

One of the technical causes of the problem is that the automation of successive movements (movement in x, then in y) is much more difficult to produce than moving in a single plane, as is the case when the disc is inserted into the door ,

One is therefore led to provide specific means to perform the respective movement in x and in y, which leads to complicated, costly, bulky and thus inappropriate arrangements.

The problem of bulkiness (and weight) is crucial in the case of flush openings: one can not stow all or part of the actuators in the lower box of the door which should remain closed. The essential part of the opening area is therefore visible and it is unthinkable that mechanical means (motor, linkage, ...) are visible or occupy much space or area.

In addition, the openings must be easy to manufacture, deliver and install, which is usually hardly compatible with the automation concept.

It should be noted that it has been considered to combine the two movements as a cross movement, whereafter the distal edge of the mobile part is in the end position in the opening plane (with the mobile part "obliquely" between the shutter plane and the displacement plane). The proximal edge then only needs to be returned manually to ensure the closure.

However, a fully automated closure will not be achieved unless additional means are provided, resulting in the above problems.

The invention, however, does not aim for this type of cross-motion device, as it involves many problems, particularly in terms of tightness, in that the gap between the mobile disk and the opening must be wide on the back.

The invention thus relates to devices in which the mobile disc always remains substantially parallel "to itself", or more precisely, to the plane determined by the opening. In other words, the mobile part moves between a plurality of planes, all of which are substantially parallel.

The term "substantial" means that there may be gaps, displacements, or movements that are not completely straightforward, due to the structure or shape of the opening and the vehicle, the materials, the tolerances, the wear,.. not the case of a "slanted" disc of a cross motion device.

It should also be noted that the term "plane" is to be understood in a broader sense: the plane formed by the aperture is generally curved, in one or even two directions (this may in some cases justify the term "substantial").

The invention is therefore based in particular on the object of eliminating the above-mentioned difficulties of the prior art.

More specifically, the object of the invention is to propose a closure device of an opening which encloses a mobile disc which always remains substantially parallel and in a single horizontal plane (without displacement in z), especially at the transition from the opening plane or displacement plane to the locking level, and vice versa.

Another object of the invention is, according to one embodiment, to provide such a closure device whose operation can be easily and effectively motorized.

The invention is also based on the object to provide such a closure device, which ensures the complete and simultaneous enclosure of the disc in the opening in the shutter operation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a closure device which is easy to manufacture and install in a vehicle door and which allows easy and reliable use.

• – ein ebenes ästhetisches Aussehen;
• – aerodynamische Aspekte;
• – vereinfachte und kostengünstige Herstellung;
• – vereinfachte und kostengünstigen Einbau.

Another object of the invention is to provide such a closure device for an opening which retains all the advantages of "flush opening" already developed by the applicant of the present application, and more particularly:

• - a flat aesthetic appearance;
• - aerodynamic aspects;
• - simplified and cost-effective production;
• - simplified and cost-effective installation.

These objects, such as tasks appearing later, are achieved by a closure device of an opening provided in the bodywork of an automobile vehicle according to claim 1.

Advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims.

Accordingly, according to the invention, there is no longer movement in (z), but the movement is always maintained in the parallel planes.

The said locking / unlocking movement is advantageously a rotation with a radius of less than 1 cm. The effect of the rotation
Displacement thus remains very low and, in particular concerning the tightness, is not a problem.

According to a preferred embodiment, said rail carries at least two sliding guide elements, both in two grooves
are mounted, which are formed in one of its end portions so that said sliding guide elements a rotational movement in the transition from
have the said displacement plane to the opening plane, and vice versa.

Advantageously, at least one of said sliding guide elements has a non-circular portion to prevent any rotation of the
said Gleitführungselements outside the said end portions to avoid.

Advantageously, the movement of said mobile part by a mobile drive part in parallel displacement to said rail,
which acts on at least one of said sliding guide elements actuated.

• – eine Drehbewegung für die besagte Verriegelung/Entriegelung und
• – eine Bewegung in (x) in der besagten Öffnungsebene.

The said drive part and said rail are thus advantageously designed so that the displacement movement of said mobile
Partly transformed into the following movements:

• A rotational movement for said locking / unlocking and
• A movement in (x) in said opening plane.

Preferably, said opening substantially forms a "V", of which the first wing is parallel to said planes, and the second wing forms an angle of about 135 ° to the first wing.

Advantageously, the movement of said mobile disc can be motorized.

In particular, motorizing means may be provided to set the said driving part parallel to the rail in displacement. A single displacement movement is necessary to ensure the whole kinematics of the mobile part.

• – Zahnstangen;
• – Kabel;
• – Förderschnecken;
• – Trommeln mit spiralförmigen Nuten, und Zusammenstellungen derer.

These motorizing agents may particularly affect one of the transfer means of the following group:

• - racks;
• - Electric wire;
• - screw conveyors;
• - Drums with spiral grooves, and combinations of these.

When introducing a screw conveyor is advantageously a flexible screw, especially when the closure device is not flat. The invention also relates to automotive vehicles having at least one closure device as described above.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following description of several preferred embodiments of the invention, given by way of illustration only and not by way of illustration
serve limited examples, and on the accompanying drawings, including:

1 a general view of a closure device according to the invention;

2 an exploded view of the various elements that control the mobility of the mobile disc 1 guarantee.

1 So represents a closure device for a flush opening, the structure is known per se, it has a fixed part 11 , consisting of one or more parts and which is intended to be used on an opening provided in the bodywork or the structure of a vehicle from outside the vehicle.

An opening 12 is in this fixed part 11 intended. Although it is rectangular in shape rather in a conventional manner, it may also have a different shape. In some situations, multiple openings may be provided.

A mobile disc 13 can the opening 12 close or release. She is on rails 14 and 15 , which will be further explained later, mounted. As it is illustrated, the rails can reach the edge of the fixed part 11 extend to be positively connected to the body during installation in the vehicle.

Although the rails 14 and 15 Here parallel, means may be provided so that this is not the case, so that the upper rail 15 For example, with the profile of a body runs the same.

The mobile disc 13 can thus slide along the rails (arrow C) parallel to that of the fixed part 11 certain level. It is recalled that this "plane" may be curved, inward or bulging.

You then also pass from this slide guide level to the lock level, placing it in the opening 12 is enclosed.

According to the invention, this transition from the closure plane (or perimeter plane) to the opening plane (or sliding plane) and vice versa, without the mobile disc is moved vertically (more precisely, perpendicular to the plane of the fixed part and the Gleitführungsachse), as was the case with the in the introduction described knee joint technique.

This result is achieved by providing one of the rails with a (at least) double set of guide means guiding the two support elements of the mobile disk. These guide means are adapted to apply the same movement to each of the at least two support means. As a result, these latter forces the mobile disc to always remain in parallel planes and at the same time (all edges at the same time) to be enclosed in the opening.

2 shows in exploded view an embodiment of the technique of the invention. This is the lower rail 14 , The upper rail 15 may be symmetrical (with or without actuating means, as needed).

The solid rail 21 , which is positively connected to the fixed part of the opening, thus has two sets of parallel grooves 211 . 212 and 213 . 214 on, in each of which two Gleitführungselement ~ 22 . 23 move.

These sliding guide elements both have two lower extensions 221 . 222 and 231 . 232 on, each with the grooves 211 to 214 interact, and an upper extension 223 . 233 , each with one in the edition 25 the mobile part provided opening 251 . 252 interacts.

The extensions 222 . 232 are formed as flat sliding shoes to prevent the rotation of the sliding guide elements upon displacement of the mobile disc. The corresponding grooves 212 . 214 have a circular end area 2121 . 2141 on, which allows rotation in the end position of these sliding guide elements.

The other groove 211 . 212 has an end portion formed as a circular arc 2111 . 2131 , the corresponding extensions 221 . 231 allows to accompany and guide this rotation.

These profiles of the end regions of the grooves allow the transition from the opening plane to the closure plane, and vice versa. Thereby, that the two (or more) sliding guide elements 22 and 23 perform the same movement, the mobile disc is always moved in parallel planes.

Because the extensions 221 . 222 on the one hand and on the other hand 231 . 232 in a particular embodiment, the displacement in x (according to the sliding guide axis corresponding to the distance between the extensions) in the closure is about 8 mm ,

The drive of the mobile part can be done in various ways, manually or advantageously motorized. It is possible to act directly on the mobile disk or, as suggested below, on the sliding guide elements (or at least one of the sliding guide elements).

In particular, an intermediate plate 24 , between the sliding guide elements 22 . 23 and the edition 25 be arranged for the mobile disc, which acts on the upper extensions 223 . 224 ,

This intermediate plate 24 is with two openings 241 . 242 provided in each case the upper extensions 223 . 233 be housed.

Each of these openings 241 and 242 is generally formed as a very open "V", one of which is a wing 2411 . 2421 parallel to the main axis of the intermediate plate 24 (and thus the Gleitführungsachse) runs, and the other wing 2412 . 2422 forms an angle of about 45 ° with this axis.

According to the invention, the intermediate plate moves 24 only in translation, according to the Gleitführungsachse 243 ,

The sliding movement contains the upper extensions 223 . 233 in the wing 2411 . 2421 the openings, and the Gleitführungselemente 22 . 23 move in the grooves provided for this purpose 211 . 214 ,

In the closure, when the sliding guide elements 22 and 23 reach the stop of the grooves, they perform a rotational movement (substantially a quarter turn) under the leadership of the circular openings 2121 . 2141 and the circular arcs 2111 . 2131 ,

While the intermediate element 24 always moving in shift, moves the upper extension 223 . 233 at the same time in their opening 241 . 242 and especially in the sloping wing 2412 . 2422 ,

Thus, the linear movement of the intermediate plate allows 24 it the mobile disk to apply both movements, on the one hand the shift and on the other hand the shutter or the opening.

This movement of the intermediate plate can be done manually by means of a handle (not shown) or motorized. In fact, it is easy to motorize because only a linear movement is required.

The motorized drive of this plate can be generated for example by means of a motor driven screw conveyor. A nut or bore is attached to the plate so that the screw, which is parallel to the rail, can force its rail to move.

The screw can be made of a flexible material, for example plastic, especially if the closure device is not flat.

• – Zahnstangen;
• – Kabel;
• – Förderschnecken;
• – Trommeln mit spiralförmigen Nuten.

Other forms of drive are of course conceivable. In particular, the drive can be generated by one of the following means (and the composition of these)

• - racks;
• - Electric wire;
• - screw conveyors;
• - Drums with spiral grooves.

Other embodiments, such as alternatives and improvements are conceivable.

The technique of the invention may also be incorporated by a single rail closure device as set forth in the co-pending patent entitled "Single Rail Rail Vehicle Closure Closure Device and Related Vehicle."

In particular, it is possible to provide several mobile disks; even if only one is shown.

Schließlieh additional or minor elements are not further explained (seals, locking systems safety devices, ...) which of course can be integrated into the opening of the invention.

Claims (12)

Closure device of an opening provided in the bodywork of an automotive vehicle, which is a fixed part ( 11 ), in which an opening ( 12 ) and a mobile part ( 13 ), the said opening ( 12 ) or to release the latter by being mounted on a guide rail and / or 14 . 15 ) substantially parallel to the fixed part ( 11 ) slides (C), characterized in that said mobile part ( 13 ) of at least two sliding guide elements ( 22 . 23 ), which are identical in at least one of said rails ( 14 . 15 ) certain guiding means, and in that it is an intermediate element ( 24 ), which only translationally in at least one rail ( 14 . 15 . 21 ) parallel direction, wherein the intermediate element ( 24 ) two openings ( 241 . 242 ), in each case one with the Gleitführungselementen ( 22 . 23 ) connected fingers ( 223 . 233 ), which is the mobile part ( 13 ), each of the openings ( 241 . 242 ) a first at least one rail ( 14 . 15 . 21 ) parallel Wings ( 2411 . 2421 ) and a second oblique wing ( 2412 . 2422 ), so that said mobile part ( 13 ) always remains in parallel planes, performing the following movements: - a locking / unlocking movement which marks the transition from a closed position in the fixed part ( 11 ) to an open position in an opening plane substantially parallel to that through the said fixed part (Fig. 11 ) and vice versa, whereby the fingers ( 223 . 233 ) in the second oblique wings ( 2412 . 2422 ) - a movement (x) in said opening plane, the fingers ( 223 . 233 ) in the first wings ( 2411 . 2421 ) move. Closure device according to claim 1, characterized in that said locking / unlocking movement is a rotation with a radius of less than 1 cm. Closure device according to claim 2, characterized in that said rail comprises at least two sliding guide elements ( 22 . 23 ), each in two grooves ( 2111 . 2121 . 2131 . 2141 ), of which one end region ( 211 . 212 . 213 . 214 ) is formed so that said sliding guide elements ( 22 . 23 ) have a rotational movement in the transition from said sliding plane to said shutter level, and vice versa. Closure device according to claim 3, characterized in that at least one of said sliding guide elements ( 22 . 23 ) a non-circular section ( 222 . 232 ) which prevents any rotation of the sliding guide member outside of said end portions. Closure device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the movement of said mobile part ( 13 ) in parallel displacement to said rail ( 21 ) by an intermediate element ( 24 ) carried on at least one of said sliding guide elements ( 22 . 23 ) acts. Closure device according to claim 5, characterized in that the intermediate element ( 24 ) and said rail ( 21 ) are formed so that the displacement movement of said mobile part ( 13 ) is converted into the following movements: a rotary movement to said locking / unlocking; and a movement (x) in said aperture plane. Closure device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said opening ( 241 . 242 ) substantially forms a "V", the second wing ( 2412 . 2422 ) an angle of about 135 ° to the said first wing ( 2411 . 2421 ). Closure device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the movement of said mobile part ( 13 ) is motorized. Closure device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises motorisation means for moving the intermediate element ( 24 ) in displacement, parallel to the rail drive. Closure device according to either of Claims 8 and 9, characterized in that it comprises motorisation means acting on one of the transmission means and belonging to the following group: - racks; - Electric wire; - screw conveyors; - Drums with spiral grooves. Closure device according to claim 10, characterized in that said auger is made of a flexible material. Automotive vehicle, characterized in that it comprises at least one closure device according to one of claims 1 to 11.

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