EP1921234A1 - Locking device with deformable handle for sliding panel, corresponding concealing device and automobile. - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has bolts (22, 23) co-operating with strikes provided on a fixed structure. A deformable unlocking handle (15) is connected to the bolts, and occupies rest and deformed states, where the handle is made of shape memory and elastic material. The bolts are in locked position when the handle is in the rest state, and are displaced to an unlocking position when the handle occupies the deformed state due to an effort exerted on the handle by a user.

Description

1. Field of the invention

The field of the invention is that of automotive bays. More specifically, the invention relates to closure devices of an array formed in the bodywork of a vehicle, or in a door of the vehicle, and comprising a movable sliding part, capable of releasing or closing an opening in these devices.

2. Solutions of the prior art

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 secured, 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.

3. Disadvantages of prior art

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 carry out a force, for example clamping or rotation, to obtain locking and / or unlocking.

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 guide elements is provided, the latch having at least one ramp, so that the passage of a locked position at 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, because the displacement of the bolt is perpendicular to the sliding axis, which presupposes easy handling (clamping force, rotation). This is even more true in the case where two bolts are provided.

4. Objectives of the invention

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

More specifically, the invention aims to provide a locking device of a movable 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 device for closing a bay that allows a locking, unlocking and sliding reliable and effortless, and which therefore has good ergonomic qualities.

Thus, a particular object of the invention is to provide such a device, which allows to easily control the sliding of the movable panel, whatever the direction of movement (opening or closing).

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 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.

5. Presentation of the invention

These objectives, as well as others which 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 between at least one position of shutter and a release position of an opening in said fixed structure, said device comprising at least one bolt capable of cooperating with at least one additional locking element provided for this purpose on said fixed structure.

• un état de repos dans lequel le ou lesdits pênes sont dans une position verrouillée dans laquelle ils coopèrent avec un desdits éléments de verrouillage complémentaires ;
• un état déformé, pris lorsqu'un utilisateur exerce un effort sur ladite poignée déformable, dans lequel le ou lesdits pênes sont déplacés dans une position déverrouillée.

According to the invention, such a device comprises gripping means at least partially deformable secured to said or each of said bolts, and can take at least two states:

• a state of rest in which the one or more bolts are in a locked position in which they cooperate with one of said complementary locking elements;
• a deformed state, taken when a user exerts a force on said deformable handle, wherein the one or more bolts are moved to an unlocked position.

Thus, the invention is based on a completely new and inventive approach according to which a user exerts a force on a deformable unlocking handle so as to change it from a state of rest to a deformed state in which it acts on bolts so that the sliding panel is unlocked and little slide.

According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the gripping means can be configured so that the effort exerted by a user is oriented in a direction substantially parallel to the sliding axis of the sliding panel.

Thus, a user can act on the gripping means, for example in the direction and direction of sliding of the sliding panel so as to obtain, in a single gesture, its unlocking and sliding.

According to another advantageous approach, the gripping means can be configured so that the effort exerted by a user is oriented in a direction substantially perpendicular to the sliding axis of the sliding panel.

This approach therefore allows a user to unlock and slide a sliding panel easily and simply.

According to an advantageous characteristic, the locking device according to the invention comprises means for connecting said or each of said bolts to said gripping means belonging to the group comprising the cables and the rods.

This approach makes it possible to effectively and simply connect the bolts to the gripping means and thus to easily control their passage from the locked position to the unlocked position.

Preferably, the locking device according to the invention comprises biasing means tending to return the one or more bolts in said locked position.

Thus, the bolts automatically go into the locked position when no user is acting on the gripping means. This aspect thus makes it possible in particular to reinforce the safety of the occupants of a vehicle by automatically immobilizing the sliding panel.

Advantageously, said biasing means act on said gripping means and / or said connecting means and / or said bolt or bolts.

According to a preferred approach, the locking device according to the invention comprises two bolts distributed on either side of said gripping means, and two connecting means respectively associated with one and the other of said bolts, so that said gripping means act simultaneously and symmetrically on said bolts.

This approach makes it possible to ensure a good locking of the sliding panel both at the top and at the bottom. It also allows facilitate the handling of a locking device according to the invention and increase its ergonomic qualities.

Preferably, said gripping means comprise a deformable handle and the locking device comprises means for guiding at least one end of said deformable handle.

Such a deformable handle allows easy passage from its state of rest to its deformed state. The implementation of guiding means of at least one end of the handle facilitates in particular its return to its state of rest.

According to an advantageous characteristic, said deformable handle is at least partially made of an elastic material so as to provide a return function tending to return said at least one bolt in said locked position.

According to this approach, the handle alone can provide a return function so as to bring the bolts in the locked position, without any other means of recall is implemented. This approach therefore simplifies the architecture of the locking device according to the invention, and in particular to limit the number of parts and therefore the cost. This approach also makes it easier to maintain such a locking device.

According to another advantageous characteristic, said deformable handle is at least partially made of a shape memory material.

The implementation of such a shape memory material facilitates the return of the handle in its state of rest. This may in particular make it possible to avoid the use of the implementation of return means, the handle filling, at least in part, this function.

The invention also relates to a device for closing the windows of motor vehicles, and motor vehicles which implement a locking device according to the invention.

6. List of figures

• la figure 1 présente un exemple de mode de réalisation d'un dispositif d'obturation d'une baie ménagée dans la carrosserie d'un véhicule, mettant en oeuvre un dispositif de verrouillage selon l'invention ;
• la figure 2 est une vue éclatée du dispositif d'obturation illustré à la figure 1;
• la figure 3a illustre un dispositif de verrouillage selon l'invention dans lequel une poignée déformable de déverrouillage est en position de repos et des pênes sont en position verrouillée et coopèrent avec des éléments de verrouillage complémentaires ménagés dans des rails de guidage ;
• les figures 3b et 3c illustrent deux vues du dispositif de verrouillage représenté à la figure 3a, dans lesquelles la poignée déformable de déverrouillage est dans un état déformé et les pênes sont dans une position déverrouillée;
• la figure 4 illustre une vue éclatée d'un autre exemple de mode de réalisation d'un dispositif de verrouillage selon l'invention ;
• la figure 5 est une représentation d'un assemblage du dispositif de verrouillage illustré à la figure 4 ;
• la figure 6 est une vue du dispositif de verrouillage illustré aux figures 4 et 5 dans lequel des enjoliveurs permettent de dissimuler la plupart des éléments qui le constituent.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the following description of an embodiment. preferred, given as a simple illustrative and nonlimiting example, and the appended drawings, among which:

• FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a shutter device for a bay formed in the bodywork of a vehicle, implementing a locking device according to the invention;
• Figure 2 is an exploded view of the closure device shown in Figure 1;
• FIG. 3a illustrates a locking device according to the invention in which a deformable unlocking handle is in the rest position and bolts are in the locked position and cooperate with complementary locking elements formed in guide rails;
• Figures 3b and 3c illustrate two views of the locking device shown in Figure 3a, wherein the deformable unlocking handle is in a deformed state and the bolts are in an unlocked position;
• FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of another exemplary embodiment of a locking device according to the invention;
• Figure 5 is a representation of an assembly of the locking device shown in Figure 4;
• Figure 6 is a view of the locking device shown in Figures 4 and 5 wherein hubcaps conceal most of the elements that constitute it.

7. Description of an embodiment of the invention 7.1. Principle of the invention

The general principle of the invention is based on the implementation of a deformable handle, whose deformation, for example under the effect of a force applied by a user, causes the unlocking of bolts capable of cooperating with elements of complementary locking, so as to allow sliding of the sliding panel.

The invention therefore proposes a novel and inventive technique enabling a user to exert a force, for example in a direction substantially parallel to the sliding axis of the sliding panel, advantageously in the sliding direction of the sliding panel, on a handful of deformable release to unlock the sliding panel and slide it.

This approach thus confers on the locking device according to the invention, good qualities especially on an ergonomic level because it allows the unlocking and sliding of the sliding panel in a single gesture.

According to another approach, the technique according to the invention allows a user to exert a force, for example in a direction substantially perpendicular to the sliding axis of the sliding panel, on a deformable unlocking handle in order to unlock the sliding panel. then exerting a force in a direction substantially parallel to the sliding panel, in the sliding direction of the sliding panel, so as to slide.

Thus, a user can easily unlock and slide a sliding panel without easy maneuvering (clamping force, rotational force ...).

7.2. Example of a first architecture of a locking device according to the invention

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a device for closing a bay formed in the bodywork of a vehicle, implementing a locking device according to the invention. It comprises a fixed assembly 11 on which is mounted a sliding panel 12, slidable along rails 13 and 14 mounted in the upper part and in the lower part of the fixed assembly 11. These rails 13, 14 are attached to the face turned towards the inside of the vehicle of the fixed assembly 11.

Guiding means (not shown) guide the sliding panel 12 along the rails 13, 14. They can for example implement skates, rollers, or any other element capable of guiding and facilitating the sliding of the sliding panel 12 along the rails 13, 14.

The sliding panel 12, illustrated in FIG. 1, is in a closed position in which it completely closes an opening 21 formed in the fixed assembly 11. This opening 21 appears more clearly in FIG.

A deformable unlocking handle 15, integral with the sliding panel 12, ensures its unlocking and sliding along the guide rails 13, 14.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the closure device represented in FIG.

• une position verrouillée dans laquelle ils coopèrent avec des éléments de verrouillage complémentaires formés dans les rails de guidage 13, 14 afin de maintenir le panneau coulissant 12 dans la position d'obturation, ou dans une position d'obturation intermédiaire prédéterminée, et d'empêcher son coulissement ;
• une position déverrouillée dans laquelle ils ne coopèrent pas avec les éléments de verrouillage complémentaires de façon à permettre le coulissement du panneau coulissant 12.

Two bolts 22, 23 are distributed on either side of the deformable handle 15. These bolts 22, 23 can take two positions:

• a locked position in which they cooperate with complementary locking elements formed in the guide rails 13, 14 to maintain the sliding panel 12 in the closed position, or in a predetermined intermediate sealing position, and to prevent its sliding;
• an unlocked position in which they do not cooperate with the complementary locking elements so as to allow sliding of the sliding panel 12.

The complementary locking elements may for example be strikes 131, 141 formed in the guide rails 13, 14 (see Figures 3a, 3b and 3c). It is possible to provide several strikes distributed in each of the rails 13, 14 so as to correspond to intermediate shutter positions.

Each of the bolts 22, 23 is connected to the deformable handle 15 via connecting means. These connecting means may for example be rods 24, 25 each having one end connected to one of the bolts 22, 23 and another end connected to the deformable handle 15. As will be explained later, the implementation of these means connections allows the deformable handle 15 to act simultaneously and symmetrically on the bolts 22, 23.

Reminder means tend to return the bolts in their locked position. These recall means can act indifferently on the bolts 22, 23, on the rods 24, 25 or on the deformable handle 15. It may in particular be compression springs 31, 32 (FIGS. 3a, 3b, 3c) compress when the bolts 22, 23 move from their locked position to their unlocked position.

The deformable handle 15 is preferably made of a flexible material so as to be easily deformed under the effect of a force applied for example by a user.

The operation of this particular embodiment of the locking device according to the invention will now be explained.

7.2.1. Principle of operation 7.2.1.1. Release of the bay

FIG. 3a illustrates a view of the locking device according to the invention in which the deformable handle 15 is in a state of rest in which the bolts 22, 23 are in a locking position. They therefore cooperate with strikers 131, 141 formed in the rails 13, 14. The sliding panel 12 is thus locked in its closed position, or in one of its intermediate shutter positions so that it can not not slide. In its rest position, the deformable handle 15 has a length "D" along an axis marked Y.

In order to unlock the sliding panel 12, a user can exert a force on the deformable handle 15 in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of sliding of the sliding panel 12. This force is applied in the direction in which the user wishes to make slide the sliding panel 12. Thus, if the user wishes to slide the sliding panel 12 so as to release the opening 21, it will apply a force A on the deformable handle 15.

Under the effect of the force A, the deformable handle 15 goes into a deformed state illustrated in Figure 3b. During its deformation, the length along the Y axis of the deformable handle 15 goes from the length "D" it has in its state of rest to a length "d" shorter.

Under the effect of the deformation of the deformable handle 15, each of its ends acts simultaneously and symmetrically on a rod 24, 25 so that the rods 24, 25 are respectively translated according to the arrows C and E, and that the bolts 22 23, connected to the rods 24, 25, pass into their unlocked position in which they do not cooperate with the latches 131, 141. The compression springs 31, 32 are compressed under the effect of the displacement of the bolts 22, 23. After have been unlocked, the sliding panel 12 can slide under the effect of the force A applied to the deformable handle 15 so as to release the opening 21.

This technique, which consists in deforming the deformable handle 15 according to the direction and direction of sliding of the sliding panel 12 so as to obtain its unlocking and sliding, is particularly easy to handle. In addition, it gives the locking device according to the invention good qualities on an ergonomic level, in particular compared to the techniques of the prior art. Indeed, these impose to act simultaneously on an unlocking handle along an axis perpendicular to the sliding axis of the sliding panel to obtain its unlocking and along an axis parallel to the sliding axis of the sliding panel to to slide it. The techniques of the prior art therefore require a user to exert two forces simultaneously, along two perpendicular axes, or more generally a clamping force or rotation and a translational force, to unlock and slide the sliding panel while the technique according to the invention makes it possible to obtain the unlocking and the sliding of the sliding panel in a single gesture.

In order to lock the sliding panel 12 in an intermediate sealing position, or in a position in which the opening 21 is totally released, the user can release the deformable handle 15 so that it takes its state of rest in which the bolts 22, 23 are in their locked position and cooperate with latches 131, 141.

As soon as the user releases the deformable handle 15, the compression springs 31, 32 act on the bolts 22, 23 so that they pass into their locked position. The rods 24, 25 are respectively translated according to the arrows G and F, and the deformable handle 15 resumes its state of rest as shown in Figure 3a. The sliding panel 12 is then maintained and can not be slid.

7.2.1.2. Obturation of the bay

If the user wishes to slide the sliding panel 12 so as to close the opening 21, he can apply a force B to the deformable handle 15. Under the effect of the force B, the deformable handle 15 goes into a deformed state illustrated in Figure 3c. During its deformation, each of the ends of the deformable handle 15 acts on a rod 24, 25 so that they translate respectively according to the arrows C and E. The bolts 22, 23 go into their unlocked position in which they do not move. do not cooperate with the latches 131, 141 and compress the springs 31, 32. After being unlocked, the sliding panel 12 can slide under the effect of the force B so as to close the opening 21.

Once in the closed position, or in an intermediate shutter position, the user can release the deformable handle 15 so that it goes into its rest state in which the bolts 22, 23 are in their locked position as shown in Figure 3a. The sliding panel 12 is then held in position and can no longer slide.

7.3. Example of a second architecture of a locking device according to the invention

Figures 4 to 6 illustrate another embodiment of a sliding panel 12 equipped with an unlocking device according to the invention.

In this particular embodiment, each rod 24, 25 is guided in translation relative to the sliding panel 12 by means of two bearings 41, 42. As it appears more clearly in FIG. 5, the bearings 41, 42 are intended for cooperate with the receptacles 43, 44 formed on the frame of the sliding panel 12.

The compression springs 31, 32 are mounted sliding along the rods 24, 25 and abut against the bolts 23, 22 and the bearings 42 so that when the deformable handle 15 goes into its deformed state, the springs 31, 32 are compressed between the bolts 22, 23 and the pads 42.

The ends of the handle 15 are guided relative to the sliding panel 12 by means of two needles 45. These needles 45 cooperate with housings 46 provided for this purpose in the frame of the sliding panel 12.

Advantageously, the needles 45 are rotatable about their axis so as to facilitate the passage of the handle 15 in its deformed state, and its return to its state of rest.

Two hubcaps 47 are intended to be attached and secured to the frame of the sliding panel 12, for example by clipping, in order to conceal most of the functional elements of the locking device according to the invention, and to ensure continuity within the scope of the invention. sliding panel 12. These give the device according to the invention good aesthetic qualities by ensuring its proper integration inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle. They also make it possible to reinforce the security of the system, in particular by reducing the risks of a user pinching himself by manipulating the handle 15.

In this embodiment, the principle of unlocking and opening or closing the bay 21 varies slightly from that of the embodiment described above. Indeed, so as to move the handle 15 in its deformed state and thus to unlock the sliding panel 12, a user can exert a force on the handle 15 according to the arrow H, that is to say in a perpendicular direction to the sliding direction of the sliding panel 12. Then, it can slide the sliding panel 12 by exerting a force on the handle 15 according to the arrow I or J, according to whether it wishes to close or release the bay 21. In order to lock the sliding panel 12, the user releases the handle 15 which resumes its state of rest under the action of the springs 31 , 32.

This approach is simpler to handle and more ergonomic than the techniques of the prior art because a user does not have to exert a tightening force or rotation but a simple pulling effort to unlock the sliding panel 12.

7.4. Other variants and advantages

Alternatively, the deformable handle 15 may be made of a shape memory material so that it automatically resume its state of rest after a user releases it. Thus, the deformable handle 15 can, by its elasticity, be sufficient to bring the bolts 22, 23 in their locked position, without any other return means is then necessary.

In this case, the handle may for example extend to the bolts which will then be secured to each end of the handle. No means of connection between the handle and the bolts, such as the rods, is then necessary.

In this case, it may further be provided that the handle has, substantially in the middle, a shape, for example curved towards the interior of the passenger compartment, facilitating its grip by a user. Otherwise, it can still be envisaged that a space is provided in the frame of the sliding panel, so as to allow the passage of a hand, or at least one or more fingers, between the frame of the sliding panel and the handle.

The deformable handle 15 may for example be made, at least in part, in a shape memory polymer, elastomer ... or any other suitable material.

According to another variant, the deformable handle 15 may comprise a leaf spring tending, when a user exerts no effort, to bring it back to its state of rest and bring the bolts 22, 23 in their locked position.

The various return means described above can of course be combined.

In another variant of the invention, it is also possible for the bolts 22, 23 and / or the strikers 131, 141 to have profiles chosen so as to facilitate the unlocking / locking and the sliding of the sliding panel 12. The bolts 22 , 23 and the latches 131, 141 may for example have inclined fields so that the sliding of the sliding panel 12 is initiated gradually when the bolts 22, 23 move from their locked position to their unlocked position, and facilitate the return bolts in locked position.

In the exemplary embodiments described above, two bolts are provided to lock the sliding panel in high and low parts. However, it can be envisaged to implement only one bolt at the top or bottom.

Claims (10)

Device for locking a sliding panel (12) of a motor vehicle movable with respect to a fixed structure (11) between at least one closed position and a position for disengaging an opening (21) formed in said fixed structure (11), said device comprising at least one bolt (22, 23) capable of cooperating with at least one complementary locking element (131, 141) provided for this purpose on said fixed structure (11),
characterized in that it comprises at least partially deformable gripping means secured to said or each of said bolts (22,23) and capable of taking at least two states: - A state of rest in which the one or more bolts (22, 23) are in a locked position in which they cooperate with one of said complementary locking elements (131, 141); - A deformed state, taken when a user exerts effort on said gripping means, wherein the one or more bolts (22, 23) are moved to an unlocked position. Locking device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises connecting means (24, 25) of said or each of said bolts (22, 23) to said gripping means belonging to the group comprising the cables and the rods. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that it comprises return means (31, 32) tending to bring the said bolt or bolts (22, 23) in said locked position. Device according to Claim 3, characterized in that the said return means (31, 32) act on the said gripping means and / or the said connecting means (24, 25) and / or the said bolt or bolts (22, 23). Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises two bolts (22, 23) distributed on either side of said gripping means, and two connecting means (24, 25) associated respectively with to one and the other of said bolts (22, 23), so that said gripping means act simultaneously and symmetrically on said bolts (22, 23). Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said gripping means comprise a deformable handle (15) and in that it comprises guide means (45) of at least one end of said handle deformable (15). Device according to claim 6, characterized in that said deformable handle (15) is at least partially made of a resilient material so as to provide a return function tending to return said at least one bolt (22, 23) in said locked position. Device according to any one of claims 6 to 7, characterized in that said deformable handle (15) is at least partially made of a shape memory material. Device for closing a bay of a motor vehicle, comprising at least one sliding panel (12) movable with respect to a fixed structure (11) between at least one shut-off position and a release position of a opening (21) formed in said fixed structure (11), characterized in that it comprises a locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 8. Motor vehicle comprising at least one shutter device for a bay of a motor vehicle comprising at least one sliding panel (12) movable relative to a fixed structure (11) between at least one shut-off position and a position disengaging an opening (21) formed in said fixed structure (11), characterized in that said sliding panel (12) carries a locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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