EP1867814B1 - Adjustable locking device for a vehicle hood - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (1) has a part (11) interdependent of a bonnet (2), another part with a valve bridge (12) interdependent of a striker (13), and a third part formed by a lock (14) interdependent of a body element (3). The striker is retained when the bonnet is in a closed state by the lock. A relative position of the valve bridge and the striker is adjustable according to the direction of an opening/closing axis (23) and with respect to the part (11) by a nut (150) and a screw (15) that are accessible after the assembly of a vehicle from the vehicle`s exterior (5).

Description

The invention relates to the field of locking devices of a vehicle hood, as known from the document EP 1526046 A .

The invention relates to a device for locking an adjustable vehicle hood according to at least one component of the space.

The invention also relates to a locking device of an adjustable cover after mounting the vehicle.

Vehicle hood locking devices are known whose positioning of the hood relative to the vehicle body is fixed, during assembly of the vehicle, by the height of the parts themselves and without subsequent adjustment possible.

The Applicant has for example proposed solutions of this type, the device then comprising a lock in two parts, the first part being integral with the cover, the second part being integral with another bodywork element, the first and second parts being secured. from each other when the hood is in the closed state.

In the solution more specifically proposed in FR 2861115 , the second part comprises a plate fixed to the bodywork element and arranged relative to the cover so that the distance, in the closed state, between the plate and the cover is determined during assembly and can not be adjusted thereafter .

These devices are therefore particularly rigid.

Devices are also known in which an adjustment is possible after mounting the vehicle when the hood is open.

Devices of this type exist, however, have several disadvantages, especially since the setting can only be estimated once the hood is closed. If the setting is not suitable, then open the cover again and start the adjustment operation again.

Existing devices therefore need to be improved.

An object of the invention is to provide a hood locking device whose adjustment means are accessible by an individual after mounting the vehicle.

Another object of the invention is to provide a hood locking device whose adjustment means are accessible by an individual from outside the vehicle.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a cover locking device, the device being adjustable in at least one component of the space by means accessible to open or closed hood, and to adjust the positioning of the cover.

To achieve these objectives, it is provided in the context of the present invention a locking device of a vehicle hood comprising, a first portion secured to the cover, a second portion connected to the first portion and comprising a striker intended to be restrained when the hood is in the closed state, by a lock secured to a bodywork element, the relative position of the first and second parts being adjustable, at least in the direction of the opening / closing axis, by means of adjusting means accessible after mounting of the vehicle, characterized in that the second part comprises a fixed bridge of the striker and whose relative position in the direction of the axis of opening / closing and relative to the first part is adjustable by the adjustment means.

• la position relative des première et deuxième parties est en outre réglable par les moyens de réglage dans la direction de l'axe Y orienté selon la largeur du véhicule ;
• les moyens de réglage sont réglables lorsque le capot est à l'état fermé ;
• les moyens de réglage sont accessibles par un individu depuis l'extérieur du véhicule lorsque le capot est à l'état fermé et lorsque le bouclier n'est pas monté ;
• il comprend une cale de hauteur prédéterminée disposée entre la première partie et le pontet ;
• les moyens de réglage comprennent au moins un ensemble vis/écrou, des parois de la première partie et de la deuxième partie s'étendant sensiblement perpendiculairement au capot étant disposées entre la tête de vis et l'écrou ;
• la vis présente un axe de rotation sensiblement perpendiculaire aux parois disposées entre la tête de vis et l'écrou (150) ;
• il comprend au moins trois ensembles vis/écrous disposés dans un même plan ;
• la distance d, mesurée à l'état fermé du capot et selon l'axe d'ouverture/fermeture du capot, séparant le capot de la serrure est réglable dans une gamme comprise entre quelques millimètres à quelques centimètres ;
• il est agencé de sorte qu'un mouvement de rapprochement entre la première partie et la deuxième partie, selon la direction de l'axe d'ouverture/fermeture et depuis la position relative des première et deuxième parties lorsque le capot est à l'état fermé, est exercé en cas de choc.

The device according to the invention may furthermore have at least one of the following characteristics:

• the relative position of the first and second parts is furthermore adjustable by the adjustment means in the direction of the Y axis oriented according to the width of the vehicle;
• the adjustment means are adjustable when the hood is in the closed state;
• the adjustment means are accessible by an individual from outside the vehicle when the hood is in the closed state and when the shield is not mounted;
• it comprises a wedge of predetermined height disposed between the first part and the trigger guard;
• the adjusting means comprise at least one screw / nut assembly, walls of the first portion and the second portion extending substantially perpendicularly to the cap being disposed between the screw head and the nut;
• the screw has an axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to the walls disposed between the screw head and the nut (150);
• it comprises at least three sets of screws / nuts arranged in the same plane;
• the distance d, measured in the closed state of the cover and along the axis of opening / closing of the cover, separating the cover of the lock is adjustable in a range between a few millimeters to a few centimeters;
• it is arranged so that a movement of approximation between the first part and the second part, in the direction of the opening / closing axis and from the relative position of the first and second parts when the cover is in the state closed, is exercised in case of shock.

• la figure 1 représente une vue schématique, en vue de perspective, d'une partie avant de véhicule comportant un dispositif conforme à l'invention ;
• La figure 2 représente une vue schématique, en vue de coupe, du dispositif selon l'invention ;
• La figure 3 représente une vue schématique, selon la vue de coupe partielle A-A, du dispositif de la figure 2 ;
• La figure 4 représente une vue schématique, en vue de perspective, de la partie de pontet de la figure 3 ;
• La figure 5 représente une vue schématique, selon la vue de coupe partielle B-B, du dispositif de la figure 2.

Other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, and with reference to the appended drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples and in which:

• the figure 1 is a schematic view, for perspective, of a front part of a vehicle comprising a device according to the invention;
• The figure 2 represents a schematic view, in sectional view, of the device according to the invention;
• The figure 3 represents a schematic view, according to the partial section view AA, of the device of the figure 2 ;
• The figure 4 represents a schematic perspective view of the bridge portion of the figure 3 ;
• The figure 5 represents a schematic view, according to partial sectional view BB, of the device of the figure 2 .

Throughout the following detailed description, an orthogonal reference mark XYZ formed by an axis X whose direction is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle is defined, a Y axis whose direction is parallel to the direction of the transverse axis of the vehicle. (depending on the width of the vehicle) and a Z axis whose direction is parallel to the vertical axis of the vehicle (depending on the height of the vehicle).

The hood 2 of the vehicle is opened or closed in a rotational movement represented by arrows 21 and 22, respectively. When the hood 2 and the vehicle body 4 are in the vicinity, the opening or closing action of the hood 2 enables to define an opening / closing axis 23 whose direction is substantially vertical, that is to say substantially parallel to the Z axis of the XYZ mark. The front part of the vehicle is referenced 24.

The locking device 1 according to the invention of the hood 2 of the vehicle comprises a first portion 11 secured to the hood, a second portion comprising a bridge 12 integral with a keeper 13, and a third portion 14 formed by a lock integral with a body part 3.

Typically, the first part 11 is fixed or welded to the means of tabs 111, 112 to the cover 2, but it can also be stamped in the cover 2. The striker 13 is fixed by means of welds 131, 132 on the support striker 12 and the lock 14 may be welded, or fixed by any other means to a body member 3 may for example be an upper rail of the vehicle.

Also typically, the first part 11 of the device is located inside the bridge 12 of the second part.

When the cover 2 is open and as shown on the figure 1 the latch 13 is not engaged in the lock 14. On the contrary, when the hood is closed and as shown on the figure 2 , the striker 13 is engaged in the lock 14. To enable this engagement, the lock 14 provides a housing 141 in which the striker 13, substantially section circular, is inserted, lock which is also mobile in the YZ plane (the X axis is an axis of rotation of the lock).

The parts 11, 12, 13 forming the first and second parts of the device 1 are therefore integral with the cover 2 while the lock 14 forming a third part of the device is integral with another bodywork element 3.

To adjust the positioning of the cover 2 relative to the vehicle body 4, that is to say with respect to the lock 14 of the bodywork element 3 and therefore of the vehicle body 4, it is provided with means adjusting the relative position between the first portion 11 and the second portion 12, 13 of the device.

More precisely, the first part 11, which is integral with the cover 2, can translate, slide in the second part 12, 13 in the direction of the opening / closing axis 23.

The adjustment means comprise at least one set 15, 150 screw / nut, and preferably three sets 15, 150, 16, 160, 17, 170 screws / nuts, as shown in FIG. figure 3 .

The nuts 150, 160, 170 are fixed to the first part 11, preferably by welding, so that they remain in place on this first part 11 in the case of a disengagement of the screws 15, 16, 17 in the nut. respective.

When it is desired to adjust the distance d between the cover 2 and the lock 14 in the direction of the opening / closing axis 23, the screws 15, 16, 17 are unscrewed so that a relative movement of translation, always in the direction of the axis 23, between the first portion 11 secured to the cover 2 and the second portion 12, 13 is possible.

The distance d is then adjusted by adapting the relative position between the first part and the bridge, that is to say by adapting the distance D separating the first part 11 to the bridge 12 (adjustment in Z). More precisely, the distance D corresponds to the distance separating the bottom 113 of the first part 11 and the bottom 121 of the bridge 12.

On the other hand, when the screws 15, 16, 17 are unscrewed, a positioning adjustment in the direction of the Y axis is also possible, which facilitates in particular the assembly and the engagement of the striker in the lock (adjustment in Y).

Once the adjustment has been made (in Z and, where appropriate, in Z and Y), the screws 15, 16, 17 are again acted upon to clamp the first 11 and second parts 12, 13 to one another at their respective walls, inclusive. between the screws 15, 16, 17 and the nuts 150, 160, 170.

For the adjustment in Z is possible here, it is understood that the screws must be accessible from the side of the device, and more precisely at walls 113, 122 of the first 11 and second parts 12, 13 respectively. These walls 113, 122 are located towards the front of the vehicle and extend substantially perpendicularly to the cover 2, so that screws are screwed / unscrewed about an axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to said walls 113, 122 , block / dislodge the possible translation between these parts.

The screw / nut assemblies are arranged in the same plane. When the cover is in the closed state, this plane is a plane extending substantially parallel to the XY plane, the XY plane being a horizontal plane.

A first screw / nut assembly 15, 150 is intended to be inserted at an orifice 70 of a vertical wall 122 of the bridge 12. A second assembly 16, 160 screw / nut and a third assembly 17, 170 screws / nut are arranged symmetrically with respect to an axis 7 substantially parallel to the Z axis when the cover is in the closed state.

The openings 70, 71, 72 of the bridge 12 have a height H, which defines the range of possible adjustment of the distance D and thus the distance d between the cover 2 and the lock 14.

The orifices 70, 71, 72 of the bridge 12 also have a width I, dimensioned so that a play along the Y axis is possible between the bridge 1 2 and the first part 11.

The first part 11 also provides orifices (not shown) vis-à-vis the orifices 70, 71, 72 of the bridge.

These orifices of the first part 11 of the device can be of shape and dimensions substantially identical to the orifices 70, 71, 72, but may also have other shapes, being assumed to allow the previously described Y and Z adjustment.

The device will preferably comprise three screw / nut assemblies to hold the assembly together, but two, arranged relative to one another in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of the Y axis, may be sufficient to avoid any rotation of the first and second parts relative to each other about the X axis.

The action on the adjustment means, and more precisely on the screws, is performed easily because they are oriented to be accessible by an individual from outside the vehicle, and without the need to open the hood 2.

The adjustment means are set when the hood is in the closed state.

It is also understood that the adjustment means are accessible by an individual after mounting the vehicle, and from outside the vehicle.

To allow access to the adjustment means when the cover is in the closed state, and when the shield is not mounted, there is provided one or more cones 6 to the screws 15, 16, 17 opening on the 5 outside the vehicle, the side of the front portion 24 of the vehicle.

If only one screw access cone is provided, then it must of course give access to all the screws of the adjustment means. It can however be envisaged several access cones, in particular several independent access cones for each of the screws.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, it may also be envisaged to facilitate the adjustment of the distance d between the cover 2 and the lock 14, by using a shim (not shown) of a predetermined height and disposed on the bottom 121 of the trigger guard 12.

In this variant, it is then necessary to open the cover 2, completely disengage the first 11 and second parts 12, 13 of the device to insert the shim, then re-engage the first 11 and second 12, 13 parts by screwing them with the adjustment means and finally to close the cover 2. The height of the wedge then corresponds to the distance D.

The adjustment is therefore made from outside the vehicle when the hood is open.

It is therefore not necessary in this embodiment of the invention to provide screw cone.

Unlike the known devices of the prior art, and for which the adjustment is performed when the cover is in the open state, this embodiment has the advantage of making a precise adjustment, since it is directly related to the predetermined height of the hold.

Whatever the variant envisaged, the distance d between the cover 2 of the lock 14 can be set in a range of values ranging from a few millimeters to a few centimeters.

Many other variants of the invention can be envisaged.

Among these, it can be noted that the first and second parts can be interchanged, that is to say that the first part 11 of the device can be outside while the bridge 12 is inside of the first part 11. In this case, it is understood that the bolt will be fixed to the trigger guard, and that the first part will have orifices corresponding to the orifices 70, 71, 72 presented in support of the figure 2 .

Once the adjustment is made, the distance D separating the first portion 11 and the bridge 12 of the second part when the hood is in the closed state, offers another feature.

This feature is that of a shock absorber, for example during a shock with pedestrian.

Indeed, insofar as this distance D is non-zero, a shock undergone by the cover 2 will translate in a movement of approximation, in a direction substantially parallel to that of the axis 23, the first part 11 of the device to the bottom 121 of the bridge 12 of the second part of the device. The presence of the hold can provide an additional benefit to this damping effect.

The present invention is not limited to the means described herein, but extends to any embodiment according to the claims. In particular, it is possible to envisage other means of adjustment one or more sets screw / nut, to the extent that these are accessible, and preferably in an easy manner, after mounting the vehicle.

Claims (10)

1. Device for locking a vehicle bonnet (2), having a first part (11) secured to the bonnet, and a second part (12, 13) connected to the first part (11) and comprising a strike (13) designed to be held, when the bonnet (2) is closed, by a latch (14) secured to a bodywork component (3), the relative positions of the first (11) and second (12) parts being adjustable, at least along the opening/closing axis (23), by adjustment means (15, 150) which can be accessed once the vehicle has been assembled, characterized in that the second part (12, 13) comprises a bridging piece (12) secured to the strike (13) and the relative position of which along the opening/closing axis (23) and with respect to the first part (11) can be adjusted by the adjustment means.
2. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the relative positions of the first (11) and second (12, 13) parts can also be adjusted by the adjustment means (15, 150) along the axis (Y) oriented across the width of the vehicle.
3. Device according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjustment means (15, 150) can be adjusted when the bonnet (2) is closed.
4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjustment means (15, 150) can be accessed by an individual from outside the vehicle when the bonnet (2) is closed and when the front apron is not attached.
5. Device according to either of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that it comprises a spacer of predetermined height arranged between the first part (11) and the bridging piece (12).
6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjustment means comprise at least one screw/nut assembly (15, 150), while walls (113, 122) of the first part (11) and of the second part (12, 13) that extend substantially perpendicularly to the bonnet (2) are arranged between the head of the screw (15) and the nut (150).
7. Device according to Claim 6, characterized in that the screw (15) has an axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to the walls (113, 122) that are arranged between the head of the screw (15) and the nut (150).
8. Device according to either of Claims 6 and 7, characterized in that it comprises at least three screw/nut assemblies (15, 16, 17, 150, 160, 170) arranged in a single plane.
9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distance (d) between the bonnet (2) and the latch (14), measured when the bonnet is closed and along the opening/closing axis (23) of the bonnet (2), can be adjusted within a range of several millimetres to several centimetres.
10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is positioned such that in the event of an impact the distance between the first part (11) and the second part (12, 13) along the opening/closing axis (23) becomes less, starting from the relative positions of the first (11) and second (12, 13) parts when the bonnet (2) is closed.

Images