EP1916364A1 - Zip locking device for a sliding panel of an automobile, corresponding blocking device and automobile. - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a bolt cooperating with a complementary locking element provided on a fixed structure. The bolt is displaced along a locking axis for passing from an unlocked state, in which a sliding panel is slid, to a locked state, in which the bolt cooperates with the locking element for preventing the sliding of the panel, and vice versa. The bolt is integrated to toothed bars (21, 22) driven in translation by a toothed wheel (20) that is driven in rotation by an actuating handle (1).

Description

The field of the invention is that of automotive bays. More specifically, the invention relates to shutter devices, using at least one glass wall, an array formed in the bodywork of a vehicle, or in a door of the vehicle, and comprising a moving part. sliding, likely to release or close an opening in these devices.

Conventionally, to seal the bay of a vehicle, be it an automobile, a commercial vehicle, a truck, a bus or a railway car, there is a report window, maintained by a connecting frame. The latter has an inner part and an outer part, which simultaneously pinch the edges of the ice and the opening in the body, with a seal.

The most commonly used technique for opening and closing the door windows is to make it movable vertically in its own plane, by making it enter or leave the box or the door trim. Sliding panels are also known horizontally along rails formed in a frame.

Another technique has been proposed by the holder of the present patent application. This technique is described in particular in patent documents EP - 0 778 168 and EP - 0 857 844 . The shutter device (hereinafter referred to as "flush bay") presented in these documents comprises a fixed assembly and a moving part relative to this fixed assembly. The movable part is connected to the fixed assembly by functional elements which provide the required mobility and which are reported on the face of the fixed part facing the interior of the vehicle.

Such a "flush" bay can be mounted completely independently of the vehicle, and reported from the outside, in the housing defined for this purpose on the vehicle body. It can also be linked, in particular by bonding to the lower part of a door, according to the technique described in the patent document EP - 1 022 172 .

From an aesthetic point of view, the "flush" bay presents, from the outside, a smooth appearance, flush with the bodywork, because no frame is necessary.

To ensure a sliding of the movable part, generally constituted by a transparent panel, there is provided for example a guiding device comprising a first and a second guide rails fixedly mounted on the fixed assembly of the bay (or fixed structure), both sides of the opening closed by the movable panel. It is mounted on the rails, to slide for example in a longitudinal direction, in a sliding plane between one (or more) open position and an intermediate release position in which it is facing the bay and cleared of it.

The invention relates more particularly to this type of shutter device called "flush bay", its variants and improvements. However, the invention may more broadly apply to all shutter devices whose kinematic opening and / or closing includes a displacement (in y) between an open position and an intermediate position of release , in a plane parallel to the plane of the fixed assembly, and a displacement (in x) in this parallel plane, but also more generally to any type of opening composed of a closure system comprising at least one bolt.

Several solutions have been proposed for locking the movable panel in the closed position, and optionally in selected opening positions. They are often not very ergonomic and / or practical, and require in particular to make an effort, for example clamping, to obtain the lock.

Among these, one knows a technique presented in the document EP-1,659,247 , according to which at least one latch cooperating with a latch formed in one of the support and / or guiding elements is provided, the latch having at least one ramp, so that the passage of a locked position to an unlocked position of the locking means causes the passage of the movable panel from a first plane to a second plane, and vice versa. Two bolts can be provided, to effectively lock the movable panel in high and low parts.

This approach is functionally efficient. However, it remains uncomfortable, since the displacement of the bolt is perpendicular to the axis of sliding, which presupposes easy handling. This is even more true in the case where two bolts are provided.

The invention particularly aims to overcome these disadvantages of the prior art.

More specifically, the invention aims to provide a locking device of a sliding panel of a bay, simplifying the opening and closing operations of this panel, and the locking thereof in the closed position, and if necessary in the open position.

The invention also aims to provide such a closure device of a bay that allows locking, unlocking and sliding reliably and effortlessly.

Thus, a particular object of the invention is to provide such a device, which makes it possible to easily control the sliding of the movable panel, whatever the direction of movement (opening or closing), while maintaining safety in its handling, by a toddler for example.

The invention also aims to provide such a closure device of a bay that remains simple to achieve, to mount on a door or on the body of a vehicle.

• aspect esthétique affleurant ;
• aspects aérodynamiques ;
• facilité et coût réduit de fabrication ;
• facilité et coût réduit de montage.

Another object of the invention is to provide such a closure device of a bay which retains all the advantages of "flush bays" already developed by the holder of the present application, and in particular:

• flush aesthetic appearance;
• aerodynamic aspects;
• ease and reduced cost of manufacture;
• ease and reduced cost of assembly.

These objectives, as well as others that will appear later, are achieved by means of a locking device of a sliding panel of a motor vehicle, movable relative to a fixed structure, said device comprising at least a bolt cooperating with at least one additional locking element provided for this purpose on said fixed structure, and able to move along a locking axis to move from an unlocked state allowing said sliding panel to slide to a locked state in which it cooperates with one of said complementary locking elements to prevent said sliding, and vice versa, each of said bolts being integral with a rack driven in translation by at least one toothed wheel itself driven in rotation by means of a handle of actuation.

According to the invention, said actuating handle can assume a rest position, corresponding to a locked state of said at least one bolt, and two unlocking positions that are symmetrical with respect to said rest position, and corresponding to an unlocked state of said one or more bolts.

Thus, it transforms a rotational movement of the actuating handle in a translational movement of the bolts through the mechanism associating rack and gear. The handle implemented in this locking device is advantageously operable in either direction to lock or unlock the sliding panel and move it, in one direction or the other, by exerting a simple push on the handle.

In other words, the handle can be actuated quite symmetrically around the rest position.

On the other hand, it is accepted that the implementation of a mechanism by rack and gear provides a guarantee in terms of robustness and reliability, and order accuracy.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, such a locking device comprises two racks mounted vis-a-vis with respect to a single toothed wheel, so as to act simultaneously on two bolts, respectively mounted on opposite edges of said sliding panel.

Thus, the sliding panel is symmetrically and therefore effectively locked on at least two of its opposite edges by actuating a single element (toothed wheel).

Advantageously, each of said racks is connected to one of said bolts by at least one of the elements belonging to the group comprising rods, cables and rods.

Advantageously, each of said elements connecting each of said racks to one of said bolts cooperates with play catching means.

Thus, it avoids the movement of these elements that can prevent the return of the actuating handle in the rest position, corresponding to a locked state of said bolt or bolts.

Also advantageously, each of said bolts cooperates with return means, tending to return it to a locked state.

Thus, as soon as the operating handle is released, the bolts are pushed into the recesses defined in the complementary locking elements, so as to automatically maintain the sliding panel in the locked position.

Preferably, said actuating handle is rotatable about an axis corresponding to that of said toothed wheel.

Thus, the rotational movement of the handle can be transmitted directly to the toothed wheel.

According to another advantageous aspect, the locking devices as described above comprise means for locking said actuating handle.

Thus, one can block if necessary the sliding panel in the locked position, which allows in particular to prevent young children can open themselves the sliding panel.

Preferably, said blocking means comprise a button integrated with said actuating handle, blocking rotation of said actuating handle when not actuated.

Thus, the safety control (it is necessary to press the button to be able to actuate the handle) is integrated in a simple and aesthetic way to the handle.

The invention also relates to a device for closing a bay of a motor vehicle, comprising at least one movable sliding panel relative to a fixed structure using a locking device as described above.

The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising at least one such closure device of an aforementioned bay.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un dispositif d'obturation selon l'invention ;
• la figure 2 est une vue en perspective du dispositif selon l'invention, depuis l'intérieur du véhicule, laissant apparaître le mécanisme mis en oeuvre ;
• les figures 3A à 3C illustrent le dispositif de la figure 2 dans trois positions :

• figure 3A : dispositif verrouillé, position de repos ;
• figure 3B : dispositif déverrouillé, rotation de la poignée dans le sens horaire ;
• figure 3C : dispositif déverrouillé, rotation de la poignée dans le sens trigonométrique.

Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, given by way of illustrative and nonlimiting example, and drawings in which:

• Figure 1 is a perspective view of a closure device according to the invention;
• Figure 2 is a perspective view of the device according to the invention, from inside the vehicle, revealing the mechanism implemented;
• FIGS. 3A to 3C illustrate the device of FIG. 2 in three positions:

• Figure 3A: locked device, rest position;
• Figure 3B: unlocked device, rotation of the handle clockwise;
• Figure 3C: unlocked device, rotation of the handle in the trigonometric direction.

As already indicated, the general principle of the invention is based in particular on the implementation of a rotary handle, preferably operable indifferently in two directions, to unlock, by acting on one or more racks, then move in sliding, in one direction or the other, a movable panel.

Figure 1 illustrates in a perspective view a closure device comprising a locking device according to an embodiment of the invention in locked position. The actuating handle 1 is mounted on a housing 2 from which two rods 3 and 4 emerge, the ends (not shown) opposite the handle 1 are secured to the bolts. In another embodiment, these rods may be replaced by, or combined with, other connecting means, such as cables or rods.

A locking button 5, integrated in the handle 1, prevents the rotation of the handle 1 about its axis, in its default position. Thus, it secures the operation of the handle 1: it must act on the blocking button 5 to move the handle rotation, and thus open the closure device.

Many designs can be envisaged for this rotating handle, as needed. In particular, it is possible to provide zones that make it easier to grip.

When the button 5 is depressed, the handle 1 can therefore be operated in any direction in rotation in the directions indicated by the arrows A or B, so as to unlock the system. Arrow A corresponds to the case represented by FIG. 3B, whereas arrow B corresponds to the case represented by FIG. 3C.

The locking device is mounted so that the locking / unlocking movement of each bolt is in a plane substantially parallel to that of the movable panel, and in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of sliding.

Figure 2 shows the device of Figure 1, seen from behind, that is to say the side facing inwards. It distinguishes the actuating mechanism linking the handle 1 to the rods 3 and 4.

A toothed wheel 20 is integral with the handle 1, whose axis of rotation it shares, so as to transmit the rotational movement of the handle to the gear wheel 20. This gear 20 meshes with two racks 21 and 22 inserted into "U" -shaped pieces, movable relative to the housing 2. Thus, a rotation of the toothed wheel 20 causes a translation of the racks substantially parallel to the axis of the rods 3 and 4 and in opposite directions. The heads of the rods 23 and 24 are driven by the racks 21 and 22 by respectively bearing on a leg of the parts in "U" and / or by any suitable means.

• la figure 3A montre le dispositif en position verrouillée : la poignée 1 est centrée (et s'étend parallèlement à l'axe de déplacement des pênes), les crémaillères 21 et 22 également. Dans cette position verrouillée, les tiges 3 et 4 sont séparées de l'axe de rotation de la roue dentée 20 par une distance maximale, et les pênes (non représentés) sont dans un état verrouillé, c'est-à-dire logés dans des logements de verrouillage prévus à cet effet ;
• la figure 3B montre le cas où la poignée 1 est déplacée dans le sens horaire. La crémaillère 21 est alors entraînée vers la droite, entraînant également la tige 3 vers la droite et la rapprochant ainsi de l'axe de rotation de la roue dentée 20. La crémaillère 22 est quant à elle entraînée vers la gauche, rapprochant ainsi la tige 4 de l'axe de rotation de la roue dentée 20. Les deux tiges sont alors rapprochées de l'axe de rotation de la roue dentée 20, permettant ainsi de rapprocher les pênes, et donc de les libérer de leur logement, pour passer dans un état déverrouillé. Sans modifier la rotation de la poignée 1, il est alors possible d'imprimer sur celle-ci une poussée qui permet de faire coulisser le panneau mobile (non représenté);
• la figure 3C illustre le cas symétrique, dans lequel la poignée 1 est déplacée dans le sens trigonométrique. Les rôles sont alors inversés entre les crémaillères 21 et 22, mais le résultat est le même : les tiges 3 et 4 sont rapprochées de l'axe de rotation de la roue dentée 20, libérant les pênes, et passant ainsi également dans la position déverrouillée. Il est alors possible de déplacer le panneau coulissant (non représenté) dans l'autre sens.

FIGS. 3A to 3C illustrate the kinematics of the device, in three possible positions of the handle 1:

• Figure 3A shows the device in the locked position: the handle 1 is centered (and extends parallel to the axis of movement of the bolts), the racks 21 and 22 also. In this locked position, the rods 3 and 4 are separated from the axis of rotation of the toothed wheel 20 by a maximum distance, and the bolts (not shown) are in a locked state, that is to say housed in Locking housings provided for this purpose;
• Figure 3B shows the case where the handle 1 is moved clockwise. The rack 21 is then driven to the right, also driving the rod 3 to the right and thus bringing it closer to the axis of rotation of the toothed wheel 20. The rack 22 is driven towards the left, thus bringing the rod 4 of the axis of rotation of the toothed wheel 20. The two rods are then close to the axis of rotation of the toothed wheel 20, thus allowing the bolts to be brought closer together, and thus to free them from their housing, to pass into an unlocked state. Without changing the rotation of the handle 1, it is then possible to print on it a thrust that allows to slide the movable panel (not shown);
• FIG. 3C illustrates the symmetrical case, in which the handle 1 is moved in the trigonometrical direction. The roles are then reversed between the racks 21 and 22, but the result is the same: the rods 3 and 4 are brought closer to the axis of rotation of the toothed wheel 20, releasing the bolts, and thus also passing into the unlocked position. It is then possible to move the sliding panel (not shown) in the other direction.

As soon as the user releases the handle 1, return means (not shown) tend to return the bolt or bolts in the locked state of Figure 3A. Depending on the case, these return means can act directly on the handle 1 and / or on the bolts. Play compensating means, implemented for example by means of a spring, can also be provided to compensate for the lateral displacement of the two rods 3 and 4, which can prevent the return of the handle 1 in its original position.

Different adaptations and modifications can of course be made. In a simplified embodiment, it is thus possible to provide a single bolt. The shape and the method of operating the handle can also be modified. A plurality of locking housings may be provided to permit locking of the movable panel not only in a closed position, but also in one or more predetermined open positions.

The shutter device according to the invention can equip a vehicle door, a body side panel, a door or a rear panel, a roof, etc. The vehicle may especially be a passenger vehicle, a commercial vehicle, a coach ... Such a vehicle may include one or more shutter devices.

Claims (10)

Device for locking a sliding panel of a motor vehicle, mobile with respect to a fixed structure, said device comprising at least one bolt cooperating with at least one additional locking element provided for this purpose on said fixed structure, and which can be moving along a locking axis to move from an unlocked state allowing sliding of said sliding panel to a locked state in which it cooperates with one of said complementary locking elements to prevent said sliding, and vice versa,
each of said bolts being integral with a rack (21, 22) driven in translation by at least one toothed wheel (20) itself driven in rotation by means of an actuating handle (1), and
characterized in that said actuating handle (1) can assume a rest position, corresponding to a locked state of said one or more bolts, and two unlocking positions that are symmetrical with respect to said rest position, and corresponding to an unlocked state of the or said bolts. Locking device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises two racks (21, 22) mounted opposite one single toothed wheel (20), so as to act simultaneously on two bolts, mounted respectively on opposite edges of said sliding panel. Locking device according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that each of said racks (21, 22) is connected to one of said bolts by at least one of the elements belonging to the group comprising the rods (3, 4), the cables and the rods. Locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized each of said elements connecting each of said racks to one of said bolts cooperates with play catching means. Locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each of said bolts cooperates with biasing means, tending to return it to a locked state. Locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said actuating handle (1) is rotatable about an axis corresponding to that of said gear wheel (20). Locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises means for locking said actuating handle (1). Locking device according to claim 7, characterized in that said locking means comprise a button (5) integrated in said actuating handle, blocking the rotation of said actuating handle (1) when it is not actuated . Device for closing a bay of a motor vehicle, comprising at least one movable sliding panel with respect to a fixed structure, characterized in that it comprises a locking device according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, comprising at least one bolt cooperating with at least one complementary locking element provided for this purpose on said fixed structure, and being able to move along a locking axis to move from an unlocked state allowing sliding of said sliding panel to a locked state in which it cooperates with one of said complementary locking elements to prevent said sliding, and vice versa,
each of said bolts being integral with a rack (21, 22) driven in translation by at least one toothed wheel (20) itself driven in rotation by means of an actuating handle (1), and
said actuating handle (1) being able to assume a rest position, corresponding to a locked state of said at least one bolt, and two unlocking positions that are symmetrical with respect to said rest position, and corresponding to an unlocked state of said at least one bolt. Motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises at least one device for closing a bay of a motor vehicle comprising at least one movable sliding panel relative to a fixed structure, said movable panel carrying a locking device according to the invention. any of the claims 1 to 8, comprising at least one bolt cooperating with at least one additional locking element provided for this purpose on said fixed structure, and being able to move along a locking axis to pass from an unlocked state allowing sliding of said sliding panel in a locked state in which it cooperates with one of said complementary locking elements to prevent said sliding, and vice versa,
each of said bolts being integral with a rack (21, 22) driven in translation by at least one toothed wheel (20) itself driven in rotation by means of an actuating handle (1), and
said actuating handle (1) being able to assume a rest position, corresponding to a locked state of said at least one bolt, and two unlocking positions that are symmetrical with respect to said rest position, and corresponding to an unlocked state of said at least one bolt.

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